THEN

It was Daryl's birthday. There was no way in hell Katie wasn't going to celebrate today. No one had ever made a big deal over his birthday before and she was going to fix that. That man deserved to be celebrated. There was a good chance he was going to hem and haw and act like he didn't care- but he would have to get over it. Daryl Dixon was getting a birthday whether he liked it or not.

It had taken a bit of stealthy work, but she'd formulated a plan. For weeks, she had been casually asking for hints.

Between kisses, she'd ask: "What's your favorite food?" Steak. No. Maybe macaroni and cheese.

Wrapped up in each other while lying in bed: "What's your favorite flavor cake?" Chocolate.

While sharing a smoke outside: "Do you like ice cream?" Who fucking doesn't?

The best part was the gift. She'd almost squealed with glee when she stumbled upon it in a thrift store. It was the most perfect thing she'd ever seen and practically had Daryl's name written all over it. And of course, there would be plenty of birthday sex.

She couldn't wait to surprise him.

After her morning shift, she headed to the market for supplies. Grabbing a cart, she filled it with the essentials: steak, potatoes, elbow macaroni, blocks of cheese, chocolate cake, cookies and cream ice cream, birthday candles, and plenty of booze.

Before heading home, she drove across the street to fill her gas tank and grab a few packs of Marlboro Red's. Daryl still consistently gave her a hard time about bumming his smokes. Even though he was teasing, she planned to stock him up for his birthday.

After picking up 5 packs of smokes and a few lottery scratch offs, she sent Daryl a quick text.

Hey Dare. I'm heading home, come over whenever you want. I've got a surprise!

Two hours later, her small apartment smelled delicious, like piping hot mac and cheese and chocolate cake. Daryl's gift was wrapped and waiting on the kitchen counter. She had even vacuumed and lit a candle.

And Daryl hadn't still hadn't shown up. Or texted back.

Katie checked her phone again, just to be sure. Nothing. She stared at the screen and debated on sending another text.

Daryl rarely had his phone on him, but it wasn't like him to not show up when she got home from work. Some days he beat her home. She loved when he was waiting outside her door with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.

She tapped the screen of her phone, thinking. Instead of texting Daryl, she called the one person who always knew best.

"Sis!" Joe picked up on the second ring.

"Hey Joe."

Nothing escaped him. "Uh oh. You sound glum."

She choked out a laugh. "Glum? What are you? Eighty?"

The smile in his voice was evident. "Just an old soul. So, what's up?"

Katie sighed. "I think I got stood up tonight."

Joe hummed. "Daryl?"

"Yeah. It's his birthday, and I had this huge surprise dinner planned. I cooked, Joe. I actually read a recipe and turned on my stove."

Her brother's warm laugh comforted her from the other end of the phone.

"And he didn't show. No text. No call."

"I'm sure he has a good reason."

"It's not his usual MO."

Joe had always been the logical one. "Maybe he got held up somewhere?"

"Maybe? What should I do?"

Joe hummed in thought. "Did he know you had all this planned?"

"No, it was a surprise. He doesn't even know I know it's his birthday. I had to sneak a peek at his drivers license."

Joe hummed again. "You really like this guy, huh?"

"Yeah. I mean, I don't know." She stuttered. "It's different. He's different."

Joe laughed. "You've never made dinner for a guy before."

"Yeah. I told you. He's different."

Joe's voice was warm and encouraging. "What do you want to do?"

"Eat this delicious smelling macaroni and cheese until I'm so full I can't breathe."

He laughed. "I'm sure he has a good reason, kiddo."

Katie sighed. "You're probably right. Enough about me. How are you? How's the new dude? Kevin?"

"Jonah! God, Katie."

"Sorry! It's hard to keep tracking them all!"

"Jonah and Kevin aren't even close to being similar."

Joe's conversation was a good distraction, but as soon as they hung up all thoughts returned to Daryl. She only knew one place where he could possibly be. Before she could stop herself, she grabbed her keys and headed out.

Jake's was quiet. But, sure enough, there his fine ass was, sitting at the bar. Although she wanted to be angry, Katie held off deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt. She took the empty stool next to him. "Hey."

He slowly took a pull off his beer before answering. "Hey."

She ordered her own beer and waited for it to come before speaking. "Your ass wasn't waiting for me when I got home."

His blue eyes met hers. She couldn't read them. She leaned over, bumping his shoulder with her own.

He huffed. "Ya miss me?"

Before she could answer, a large ruckus erupted near the pool tables in the back of the bar. Daryl turned and gestured his beer in the direction of the laughter. "Merle got out."

Oh. That explained everything.

"Daryl!" Merle hollered. "Get yer white ass over here."

Daryl acknowledged his brother with a lift of his chin and turned back to Katie. When he spoke his voice was low and stern. "Go home, Peach."

He stood. Katie grabbed for his arm, and he shook her off before heading to the back of the bar. Katie watched him walk away, allowing anger to finally creep into the corners of her heart. That shit stung.

Around the pool table stood a few guys she recognized from the night they went to the bonfire. One of them slapped Daryl on the back and handed him a stick. Daryl threw one more glance her way and nodded his head towards the exit when their eyes met.

Oh, hell no.

Pissed off, she downed her beer and slammed the empty bottle on the bar. She should listen to him and just leave. But she was in no mood to be obedient. She was in the mood to poke the bear.

Merle's eyes landed on Katie as she made her way to the pool table. He grinned. "Well, hello."

"Hi, Merle." She replied.

Merle hooted and threw an arm around Daryl's shoulders. "Where'd you find this one, baby brother? She my welcome home present?"

Daryl shrugged Merle off and didn't answer, choosing to rack up the balls instead. Merle was unfazed.

"You know my name, but I don't know you. Don't seem very fair. What's your name sweetheart?"

"Katie. And we've met before."

He studied her, trying to work out if she was right but then let out a big laugh. "Naw. I'd remember a pretty thing like you."

Katie's gaze flicked to Daryl, but he didn't meet her eyes. She frowned and then pointed to the table. "Mind if I join?"

"I'd be disappointed if ya didn't." Merle answered and gestured to the table. "Ladies, first."

Katie grabbed her stick and walked around Daryl, who still seemed intent on ignoring her presence. Asshole.

"Let me help ya sweetheart." Merle came up behind her placing a large hand on her hip.

She pulled away. "I'm good."

He laughed. "Sure. Let ole Merle teach ya a thing or two."

"I said I'm good. She looked over to Daryl for his reaction, but he still wouldn't meet her eyes.

Fine. He wanted to act like he didn't give a shit about her? Two could play at this game.

"Actually, Merle. I think I could use some help."

There. That made Daryl's eyes flick towards her.

A smile spread across Merle's face. Katie let him slide up behind her and get cozy, she tried not to grimace when his dick pressed into her ass. He leaned into her and his breath hit her ear as he spoke. "Let me show you how to line it up there, girly."

Katie let Merle guide her shot, but her eyes were on Daryl the whole time. She watched as his jaw twitched and his right fist opened and closed. But he said nothing about his brother grinding into her ass.

"Nice work." Merle said as the shot scattered the balls.

"Thanks." She mumbled.

Katie felt Daryl's hawk gaze on her as he rounded the pool table to take his own turn. She placed her elbows on a nearby high back table, letting the front of her shirt fall just enough to expose his favorite part of her. When his eyes flicked downward to her cleavage she raised an eyebrow. A frown took over Daryl's lips before he looked away to take his shot. It was a poor one and Merle guffawed loudly.

"Move over, Darylina." The older brother winked at her. "Let a real man play."

While Merle took his shot, Katie slid up to Daryl and discreetly touched his arm. He flinched.

"What's your deal?" Katie asked.

He shook his head. "Told ya. Don't expect any romantic shit from me."

She kept her voice low. "I didn't realize that just acting like someone exists is considered romantic."

Daryl's jaw tightened.

"I get it," she whispered. "It's Merle."

"You don't get nothin'." He hissed back.

"You're a real asshole."

"Never said I wasn't."

Katie's eyes narrowed. She didn't know this Daryl, but if this was how he acted when his beloved brother was around she wanted no part in it. She was out.

"Happy birthday, Daryl." she spat before turning on her heel and walking out of the bar. She didn't wait around to see his reaction.

"Hey! Where ya going?" Merle called after her. "We just got started!" She kept on walking out the doors and into the humid summer night.

NOW

Night had fallen, and all around her people slept, but all Katie could do was stare into the stars. The clear sky always reminded her of nights spent at the hunting cabin with Daryl.

Daryl.

He was consuming her.

Across the camp, a small group had gathered. Katie perched up on an elbow to get a better look. Through squinted eyes, she could make out the outlines of Beta and Henry. Beta had Henry in a headlock.

Shit. What the hell was going on?

Before she could get a better look, screams erupted all around her.

"Guardians!" Someone yelled.

Scrambling to her feet, she grabbed her mask and hastily threw it on. Whipping her head around wildly, she took in the scene around her. It was chaos. Guardians latched onto anyone who was maskless and she watched as her fellow group members were torn limb by limb.

Despite all the confusion and mayhem, Katie knew that this was her moment and she needed to take it.

But she needed Henry. He was her ticket into Hilltop. Squinting her eyes into the dark, she looked for the boy's blond hair among the bedlam. She couldn't find him.

"Shit," she swore softly. She had to go. Any more hesitation spent looking for the boy was costing her precious minutes. Beside her, a guardian approached, it's teeth snapping, and she sleathly sliced her knife through its temple, silencing it.

And then she ran. She stopped to grab nothing. No food, no water. Her legs just carried her faster than she knew possible.

She hadn't anticipated making this trek in the dark. It was going to be much harder to follow the trail she'd marked, but she had no choice. The moon was just enough to light the way.

Once the screams and yells of her group faded behind her Katie slowed, doubling over with hands on her knees. She fought for breath, in through her nose and out the mouth, deep steadying breaths until her heart rate slowed.

She felt guilty leaving Henry behind. But what else could she have done? Trying to save him would have been a lost cause. But now she had leverage with his people. Hopefully sharing her inside information on where he was would help her in gaining their trust.

She glanced up at the moon, there was still a few hours until daylight. If she kept going and didn't rest she would be there by sun up.

I'm coming, Daryl.