Us Chapter 1: Us Part One, a walking dead fanfic

Title: Us

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to the walking dead or any characters associated with the show. I am not making any money from the writing of this fanfic. Rated M for strong language, graphic deaths and sexual content in later chapters. Spoilers for Season 5 and on.

Summary: Starts when Daryl goes into the woods alone in the episode "Them" (Season 5, Ep. 10) Defeated by the death of Beth Daryl considers letting a walker have its way with him but he's saved by a lone stranger. This is their story. Daryl/OC

A/N: This is a rewriting of my fanfic "Up", enjoy!

Please review! x

Daryl pressed the cigarette deep into his flesh - watching the smoking hole as tears began to blur his vision. He had failed her - Beth who had never failed anyone; who looked after Judith when she wasn't obligated to and gave their group hope in the darkest hours. She was dead and she took whatever hope he had with her.

Low moans and feet dragging through dirt were at his back - possibly three feet away but he made no attempt to avoid the annoying creature. Just let the damn thing come and put him out of his misery already. What was the point of fighting the inevitable anymore? Food and water were almost impossible to find; another week and they'd all be dead anyway.

What the fucks wrong with you, boy?! It ain't in Dixon blood to give up! Get off yer ass and fight!

His brothers rough voice was always somewhere in his head - some days louder than another's but he didn't have it in him to fight today. If this was how we was meant to die so be it - Merle could kick his ass when they meet again.

Daryl focused on the ragged groans of his attacker - the scraping sound of his slow moving feet against the earth; idly wondering if it would hurt or if Rick would be the one to find him and end his suffering like he'd found Merle. What if he turned quickly and attacked the group? What if he hurt one of them?

Images of Carol or Carl or Judith dying by his zombified hand caused his stomach to flop - he reach for his bow just as the walker fell lifeless to his knees; a knife in his skull. Daryl looked up in surprise at his savior; a girl a few years younger than him wearing a black hoody three sizes to big for her and ripped blue jeans. She placed her foot on the walkers back and pulled her knife from its skull; meeting Daryl's large eyes. Hers were the color of a summer sky - bright and alert and she said nothing as she wiped the blade against her boot and turned her back to him. It wasn't often he was caught off guard but this girl had appeared out of thin air and saved his life.

Once she began walking away he came to life - scrambling to his feet and closing the distance between them. "Hey! Th… thank you. I was uh, ready to give up back there." Daryl muttered - watching as she pulled the hood off her head and shook out a mane of unruly brown hair before turning to him slowly. "Yeah. I noticed. Maybe don't squat in a roamer infested forest next time you feel the need to do some soul searching."

Daryl opened his mouth to reply to her smart comment but closed it again quickly as he watched her - she was sizing him up; possibly regretting helping him. The girl held his gaze another minute before turning back towards the barn a few feet away. A low grumble of thunder rattled off in the distance bringing him back to the here and now. "Do you have any water you could spare? My group - their on the main road and…" She kept moving; ignoring him. She didn't help people - she shouldn't have helped him. People complicate things. Get in the way. "They have a baby."

Daryl watched as she stopped in her tracks - her shoulders falling in defeat as she turned back to him once again. "A baby?" He nodded. "They're good people - I know Rick would be grateful. Maybe we could do a trade…" He watched as she pulled her backpack off and unzipped the top quickly - never taking her eyes off him as she fumbled in the bag and pulled out a plastic bottle of spring water. She looked at the bottle longingly before tossing it to him and finding her footing. "Go, before I change my mind."

Daryl studied her for another minute before turning back to the road and the others; breaking the tree line quickly. They looked as miserable as he felt; truly defeated but Rick perked up when he saw what he was carrying.

"Where'd you get that?"

"A girl… in the woods. She may have saved my life and when I told her about Judith she gave me this." Daryl muttered quietly handing the unopened bottle of water to Rick. Their leader looked down at the gift in his hand - bewildered as said girl emerged from the tree line; clutching the knife that had saved Daryl's life tightly in her fist. She hadn't expected to meet a group this big; assuming it was just the soul searcher. "Seals not broken." He added, nodding to baby Judith who seemed to need the water most of all.

"Thank you!" Rick called to the girl before opening the bottle and placing it to Judith's eager lips. Daryl could only watch as the newcomer sized them up; keeping her distance. She'd out ran a group this size before but she hadn't been nearly as tired or hungry - and they had guns. Lots of guns.

"I just had to see for myself there was in fact a baby and this guy wasn't an asshole." She called back; retreating to the woods once again. "What's your name?" Rick called as she stopped in her tracks and turned back to them - mentally kicking herself.

When would she learn to stop helping people? To stay hidden like Brandon had taught her. Baby or not the way the world was now you had to protect yourself - the living were way more dangerous than the dead.

"Your kindness will get you killed, kid." It was the last thing her brother had said to her before he turned into a roamer and her kindness - shooting him moments later; hadn't failed her yet.

MShe studied the group carefully; finally letting the grip on her knife ease. "Ava." She answered; meeting Daryl's gray eyes. She stood half a foot shorter than him and despite the dark hair she reminded him of Beth. No matter how much of a badass she tried to be he could see the good in her. Even if she couldn't anymore.

"Thank you, Ava. Judith here is in your debt. I'm afraid we don't have much to offer you but if you don't have your own group you're welcome to join ours. Safety in numbers." Rick offered; bouncing Judith slightly as he spoke.

She didn't answer him. They were offering her a spot in the group? She could definitely use one of those guns - her own was cold against her spine and only carried one bullet for a special occasion. Ava glanced up at the sky as the clouds began to turn gray. She didn't need them but they needed her. How much could happen in one night?

Without answering his question she nodded behind herself. "There's a barn just past these trees. Looks like a storms blowing in - you may want to get the little one inside before the sky opens up."

Rick looked at Daryl who nodded; affirming the location of the barn.

"You'll at least stay with us until morning?" Rick asked as the others stood to their feet. Seriously? She found the barn - it was her barn! They were staying with HER. Ugh, men. Always taking credit. "Sure." She replied softly as they followed her through the trees.

"Hey you guys haven't seen my dogs running around here have you?"

Once the space was cleared of roamers and the barn was secured to the best of their ability the rain really started to pour. Rick found Ava near the back of the barn by herself; rummaging through her backpack. Once the space was closed between them she met his eyes and handed him two cans of beef stew.

"This is all I can spare." Adding; searching his genuine face for a moment before she turned her eyes back to her bag. A crack of lightening jolted the barn but she never flinched; looking up at him again as the thunder rolled above them.

"Can I ask you a few questions?"

"Y-yeah…"

MShe looked away; catching soul searcher watching her carefully. She couldn't tell if he was skeptical of her - seriously? She gave their love child her last bottle of fresh water for fucks sake - or if he was in awe of her - I mean; she gave their love child the last of her water. A smile spread to her lips before he looked away quickly.

"How many walkers have you killed?"

Ava's head snapped back to Rick's question. "What? Walkers?" That was a dumb question. "The dead? How many?"

"I've never kept count. As many as I've had to."

Rick nodded; accepting that answer. He glanced over at Carl who was holding a sleeping Judith then to Daryl who was sitting a few feet away watching his hands - listening to their every word.

"How many people have you killed?"

MIt wasn't quite fair to ask that question now after meeting up with Gareth. Rick couldn't even give the exact number of people he'd killed anymore.

Wow. People? That one's easy.

"None."

"Why?"

Rick waited for her response. He watched the gears behind her eyes turn as she replayed the past year and a half in her mind.

"Because I ran track in high school?"

A quiet laugh escaped Daryl's throat as a genuine smile spread across his face. He kept his eyes on his idle hands as Ava turned to him. His smile lit up his face causing little lines to form around his mouth. His shaggy hair falling down into his eyes as he shook his head causing her to swallow hard before turning back to Rick.

"I'm a runner. When the going gets tough the tough gets going. Whenever I sense things are going south with the living I bolt - never to be seen again."

Rick smiled; it was the most honest answer he'd heard yet.

"Fair enough. Do you have any questions for us?"

Ava thought carefully for a moment; she did have questions - mostly out of curiosity as she had no intentions of staying with his group. They had no real direction - headed to DC? DC was a wasteland but who was she to spoil their plans. Maybe they'd find peace there.

"Is Judith your kid? You guys aren't baby snatchers, right?"

"She's my daughter. Her mother died in child birth." Rick nodded to a half asleep Carl. "My son, Carl."

"Sorry." She mumbled glancing over at the two. Judith was lucky to be here… or unlucky as hell - she wasn't sure anymore.

"…and him?"

Rick glanced over at Daryl who's head was laid back; eyes closed but Rick knew he wasn't asleep. When he turned back to Ava she was caught staring at Daryl intently.

"Daryl. My brother. I trust him with my life. He's proven time after time his loyalty."

Ok so soul searcher was a good guy. She'd known it from the start.

"What did you do before the world started burning?"

"I was a Sheriff. I got shot and woke up in hell."

It was Ava's turn to look down at her hands; idly wondering if Rick Grimes was a good cop or a bad one? Looking at him now she couldn't quite tell. When he asked her the same question their eyes met again.

"I was a nobody. A nameless bartender in New York - one of the first cities to turn. All I had was my older brother - our parents were… just awful from the start. He got me as far as Atlanta and it's been just me since."

Daryl listened carefully as she told his own story; meeting her gaze from across the barn - lightening illuminating her face in the dark.

"We'll, you've earned your place with us Ava. Or maybe I should ask if we've earned our place with you?"

Ava finally let Daryl's gaze fall as she looked up at Rick. "Let's take it day by day, ok?"

Rick grinned, nodding his head. "Thank you again for the supplies and sharing the barn. We'll see what tomorrow brings."

Ava

Tomorrow brings broken promises and far fetched dreams. I push myself out of the crowded barn the second the rain stops - sloshing through the wet grass as the sun begins to brighten the sky. Rick's group has decided to go with Aaron to his magical city filled with rainbows and unicorns. There's no way in hell I'm stepping foot inside that gated community. I take in deep lungfuls of needed fresh air and survey my surroundings. Soul searcher is leaned against the barn with a cigarette between his lips - watching me carefully. His hair falls down in his eyes again and it takes every ounce of self control I have not to close the space between us and brush it from his face. Somehow I dont think the gesture will be welcomed.

"You don't have to go." He mutters; his voice is so low I have to move closer to hear him. "Rick's one of the good ones. Hell protect you."

I scoff and roll my eyes. My barn. My beef stew. Who's protecting who?

"I've made it this far without Rick Grimes." I assure with a smile; stopping just a foot away from the soul searcher who gives nothing away - just stares at me intensely as he smokes his cigarette. "I don't do well behind walls. Aaron's community sounds to good to be true." I wonder if I'm trying to convince him or myself? To say Daryl doesn't intrigue me is a lie. I'd love to dig into his layers and find out what's at the center of him. What really matters to him. The thought scares the shit out of me. I've barely said ten words to him but his eyes tell me everything his mouth doesn't.

"I wish you all the best. If it's legit… Judith deserves a place like that to grow up." It would be more than either of them ever had.

"If it's not what he says it is we'll leave. You go your way and we go ours. Can't hurt to look."

I watch Daryl take a long pull from the cigarette; holding the smoke in his lungs as he adds "you deserve a place like that, too."

My eyes narrow.

"You don't know me. Just because I haven't killed people doesn't mean my hands are clean. There's been plenty of people I didn't help."

"I know you helped a group of strangers who could have easily out numbered you and asked nothing in return." His voice rumbled in his chest as she took in his words; glancing over to see Rick loading his people up into a car. Carl's holding Judith. I could help protect them - safety in numbers and all that bullshit.

"Alright. Just to the gate. Maybe a hot shower and a decent meal for my trouble then it's back to being a lone wolf, got it?"

Daryl rewarded her with a smile before flicking his cigarette to the ground and turning to the others. "I bet they have toothpaste!"

"You're riding in the back."

They took our weapons. My lone bullet locked away in some makeshift basement armory. I tilt my head back and let the steady stream of water cover me in warmth; washing the dirt and grime down the drain. What a stupid rule! At least Rick's group seemed as skeptical as me.

Once the water runs clear I turn off the shower and grab an oversized fluffy white towel; wrapping it around my thin body quickly. It feels like I'm in some kind of five star luxury suite. It's the nicest room I've ever seen. Someone has brought an outfit and laid it out on the bed; fresh underwear and blue jeans in my size and a nice floral blouse.

I cringe.

The hell if I'm wearing that. I hope they wash our clothes we showed up in and give them back because that's my favorite hoody. My only hoody but still. I glance around spotting a closet and open the doors; picking out a simple baggy green shirt instead. Turning back to the massive bathroom I find the complimentary hair and tooth brush and go to work - brushing until my scalp tingles and my gums ache. The mint freshness makes me feel like tearing up. I can't get used to this.

This place will fall just like all the others.

After another long look at myself; the same dark blue eyes staring back at me I head downstairs surprised to see Rick and his group gathered in the large living room. They seem happy and relaxed. Like a real family. I've never felt so alone. I spot Daryl against the window seal but his face doesn't match the others carefree expressions. He's still wary of this place.

He looks up and meets my gaze; taken back that I don't quite look like myself anymore. Unnoticed by any one else I step out onto the front porch; the sun is fading and the air is cooler. I wrap my arms around myself and sit on the top step; glancing around this suburban nightmare.

A minute later the front door opens and heavy boots move towards me. I turn my head to the right and find my company sitting on the side railing; staring down at the crossbow in his hand.

"How'd you keep that?"

He looks at me carefully before answering.

"Told em I used it for hunting food."

I spot the opossum at the edge of the yard and nod slightly. Somehow I think he's had opossum before. Probably a delicacy where he's from.

"Why haven't you showered yet?"

He just shrugs a shoulder and returns to the crossbow. Maybe he's making a statement. Deanna and her dumbass sheep can't control us! I get that but he should totally take a shower. Now that everyone else has he's really the odd man out.

"Nobody wants to sit with the smelly kid."

Daryl stops his task and looks down at me; a glint of humor in his eyes.

"Yeah?"

I cover my nose for full affect. "Yeah."

Daryl watches me; dumbfounded that I'm openly offending him before going back to the task at hand. "I'll think about it." He mutters; stealing another glance my way as I laugh.

I'm still sitting on the front porch step when Daryl leaves and then returns after a while. I glance up at him and it's my turn to gape. He's clean and fresh and his hair is brushed back from his face - two intense blue eyes staring down at me. After a beat he fills the vacant spot to my right - our shoulders nearly touching.

He smells like Irish Spring soap - the woodsy one and cigarettes but somehow it works for him.

"Better?" He mumbles; looking down at his hands. "Much. You clean up nice." I say, because it's true and he looks over at me carefully but says nothing. "Shouldn't you be getting some sleep? The red headed dudes on watch - obviously doesn't think I'm capable of doing it myself."

"Nah." Is all he says.

"Nah?"

"I don't sleep."

"Ever?" Not that I get much of it myself. Sleep is overrated; especially when you usually wake up screaming. Daryl just shakes his head. "Can't remember a time when I just closed my eyes and let sleep fully take over."

It's my turn to sit quietly for a minute.

"Do you think this place is legit?" I ask.

He looks down the deserted street; considering her question for a long moment. "Nah." He finally repeats his earlier statement glancing over at me. "Yeah, me either."

We let the comfortable silence take over; listening to Abe's heavy footsteps as he patrols the street.

"What did you do before the world ended?" I ask after a long minute; watching as Daryl continues looking down at his hands. At first I don't think he's going to answer me but then his deep voice breaks the silence and I smile.

"I was a nobody. Like you. Following my brother around like a lost dog."

Wow. We're not so different he and I.

"I doubt you were a nobody. You seem like the kinda guy that helped your neighbors and stopped to fix cars on the side of the road."

"Nah. Merle would rather rob those people and leave them stranded. I just tagged along."

I look up at him quickly. "I thought Rick was your brother?" Not that I see the family resemblance. Daryl watches me for a long minute before answering - chewing on wether he should trust me or not. "Nah. Not blood. Merle was my brother but he's gone now."

His confession makes me think of my own brother. Two years older and a foot taller. Brandon thought he knew everything. I roll my eyes at the thought and look down at my own hands. "It was just me and my brother too; for a little while. He was an arrogant prick most of the time and didn't last long once the shit hit the fan."

"Sounds like Merle. I thought he'd be the last man standing. Toughest son of a bitch I ever met. When we met Rick he ran off at the mouth like he always did and Rick handcuffed him to a rooftop. The crazy bastard cut off his own hand to escape."

My eyes go wide at the thought and Daryl retreats back to his own mind again.

"We'll, Merle sounds like a real bad ass if you ask me."

That caused a smile to escape him as he turned his head and looked at me. "Yeah," he started with a laugh. "He definitely was."

Damn these people and their never ending supply of vegan jerky. A year ago I would have rather died than eat this meatless stick but it's been a while since I've had anything other than a few spoonfuls of expired beef stew so as far as I know there's nothing in the world more delicious.

This place is going to make me weak. I should probably go for a run - keep my stamina up. I know someone who could help keep my stamina up but he's keeping me in the friend zone for sure. As Daryl appears in my peripheral vision I push my dark thoughts away and smile. I wonder if he'll appear every time I'm thinking of him? The thought is a little thrilling.

"What are you eating?" He asks gruffly; eyeing the greenish yellow stick I hold between my teeth like a cigar. "I'd rather not know." I answer honestly receiving a smile from my company as I take another bite and chew quickly. I watch as he pulls a cigarette from his pocket and lights it; taking a long drawl but never taking his eyes off me.

The way he looks at me sometimes melts my bones.

"Your lungs only function at fifty percent when you smoke those you know. Plus with our modern medicines and technology there's no way there's treatment for cancer anymore." I state by means of conversation but Daryl just holds the smoke in his lungs longer.

"Now you're my mother? Not that she ever gave a shit." His voice is so low it's barely audible but the hint of amusement in his voice causes me to smile. "Whatever. Not my lungs - just don't come crying to me when you're forced to do some real cardio." He takes another deep; spiteful drag from the smoke before throwing it to the ground and reaching behind his back - producing two things I've missed dearly in the month we've been here. My gun and the knife I used to kill the walker that almost ended him.

My eyes go wide with wonder as I take the gifts; opening the guns chamber to check for my lifeline. My lone bullet waits patiently.

"How'd you get these back?"

He rakes his foot across the glowing half cigarette but doesn't look at me.

"Carol. She said you may run soon and didn't want you out there without protection."

I owe the den mother one. She seems to look out for everyone in the group but she's only fooling the locals. It's a vipers den and Carol is a stone cold killer.

"I can get you some more ammo. They've got a whole roomful."

"No." I say to quickly. "I uh… this one is all I need." Our eyes meet again and he instantly knows why I only carry one shot. I'm saving it for myself. He nods his head and turns back on he way he came but I stop him with his name; he keeps his back to me.

"What about yours?"

Surely he doesn't just carry that bulky crossbow with him everywhere he goes?

"Carol and Rick have theirs. Now you. It's better if I don't have one. People get killed to easily."

I watch him for a long moment waiting for him to say something else - just the rise and fall of his shoulders assuring me he's still breathing.

"Maggie told me what happened to Beth. That's why you were out there in the trees that day. You know it's not your fault, right?"

I watch his back for another minute before he moves; leaving me without another word.

I don't see him again until long after the others have all gone to bed. They've finally allowed me to keep watch for a few hours when they realized I really don't sleep. The front door opens quietly and heavy boots fill the silence around me as he takes his usual spot to my right. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't fantasizing about a lone roamer entering the Cul-de-sac just to stir up some fun. This place is dreadfully boring but I guess that means it's safe enough.

"Hey. About earlier… I didn't mean to bring up…"

"It's alright." Daryl assures with his deep voice; sending a shiver down my spine. He follows my line of sight down the deserted street but says nothing else. "Just ain't much for talking about the ones we've lost. There's been to many. To many I could have saved if I was smarter or moved quicker."

I watch as he shakes his head; his shoulders falling in defeat.

"Daryl, we're only human. I'm sure you tried your best… I'm sure the ones you've lost know you tried your best."

He continues to stare at his fingers; unmoving and his voice startled me when he speaks again.

"It don't matter no ways. What's done is done. Merle and Beth… they're the ones I regret most. I should have been by my brothers side… but that would have meant leaving Rick's and I believe in Rick and what he stands for. My brother never stood for shit…"

"I think we had the same brother. Sounds like me and you aren't much different."

His shoulders go stiff again and he turns to me; glaring. "Ain't nothing the same about me and you. I've killed people, Ava. A lot of fucking people. Some deserved it, some didn't. Don't ever compare yourself to me."

I gape at him; a frown forming on my lips.

"When all this started I was just some punk tagging along with big brother. Now…." He paused for a long minute. "…now I'm not sure what I am."

With that said he stands beside me to take his leave. "I'm gonna circle the block a few times. It's almost dawn. You gonna be alright?"

I lift my shirt exposing a bit of my spine to show him my guns been returned to its rightful place. "I'm packing again; thanks to you and Carol." I assure forcing a smile as he watches me a minute longer and disappears down the steps.

"Daryl?"

He turns to look up at me slowly. "I'm glad I found you." I say and it sounds stupid as hell but I don't care - it earns me a genuine smile before he takes off around the block without another word.

Daryl

We've been here a little over a month. Getting accustomed to being among the living again - getting jobs assigned to us - belonging to a community. It's to quiet here. No groans from the dead. No mindless talking from the group. Judith doesn't even cry much anymore - her belly full and happy. Everyone's gone to Deanna's welcoming party; Rick and the others dressing up like assholes to rub elbows with the sheep.

I find myself sitting on the front porch of our borrowed home idly wondering where Ava is. Surely she's not with the others pretending to trust these people. My eyes roll at the thought as I run a hand over my face; stopping at my mouth as I see the girl in question come into view down the street. She's alone - stumbling on her feet as she lifts a bottle to her lips and drinks heavily before letting it fall to her side again.

She's drunk or half way there at least.

Ava stops walking as a street light turns on above her - looking up into the device as it bathes her in a warm glow and for some reason I find it hard to swallow. Her hair is down; loose around her shoulders and she's traded in her baggy clothes for a pale blue dress that shows off the curve of her hips. I let my gaze fall quickly as she turns her head and spots me in our usual spot; the smile that spreads across her face opens up my chest and exposes my heart - filling me with an unfamiliar warmth.

"Hey, you." Ava says as she makes it to the bottom of the steps - glancing around to see if were truly alone. Everyone on this side of town is at the party she just left. "You didn't come to the party." It's not a question just a statement and her bottom lip pouts out for a moment before a soft giggle escapes her. My exposed heart twists in my chest at the sound and I grunt in response.

"Nah. Had dinner with Aaron and… uh, Eric. Spaghetti."

She giggles again and my breath catches in my throat. "I love spaghetti! Well, I used to? I wish I would have went with you." She assures before lifting the bottle of Jack Daniels to her lips once again. I can only watch as she tilts her head back and fills her mouth with the dark liquid; her exposed neck flexing as she swallows hard. When she looks at me again there's something primal in her eyes and its my turn to swallow.

"Where'd you get the booze?" I ask as she ascends up the few steps and stands in front of me swaying slightly; her pale blue dress stopping mid thigh. I try to keep my eyes on hers and my hands to myself as she smiles again - lighting up the darkness. My eyes fall to her parted lips as she leans in close to me and whispers, "I stole it."

Her tongue darts out inadvertently; wetting her lips and distracting me as she suddenly straddles my lap and takes the air from my lungs. "Ava…" My half-hearted attempt at a protest is cut off by her mouth on mine and I'm lost; gripping the back of her neck as I hold her to me and her tongue slides against my own; she taste like whiskey and mint and heaven I'd imagine if it had a taste. A deep groan escapes my throat as her hands move up my chest and to my neck; raking her fingers into the back of my hair.

We stay like this until she finally pulls away just enough to take in a needed gasp of air - searching my face for a short moment before kissing me again. The past minute has my dick fully hard between us and if she doesn't stop I'll fuck her right here in her pretty little dress - neighbors be damned. The thought causes another groan to leave me as I finally release the hold on the nape of her neck and put some space between us - receiving another pout from her.

"What the hells gotten into you, girl?"

Her slow smile returns as she lifts up the bottle of Jack; her hips rotating slightly on my lap causing my hand to move to her waist to stop the torment. "Half a bottle of…" I can only watch as Ava's eyes go wide and she drops the bottle beside us; using my shoulders as leverage as she hoists herself up and leans over the banisters - projectile vomiting into the previous owners rose bushes. She heaves until the contents of her stomach empty and then dry heaves some more as I get to my feet beside her and place my hand on her arched back - watching helplessly as she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and turns to look up at me with wide blue eyes.

"Shit, Daryl…" Despite the past few seconds the way my name rolls off her tongue stirs something deep inside of me. I open my mouth to respond but nothing comes out and in the next second her eyes close and I catch her as she falls back into my arms; the half bottle of Jack Daniels winning this round. A quiet laugh escapes me as I lift her slack body up against my chest and turn to the house; pushing through the front door. It's just as quiet inside as I take her upstairs and place her on the unused bed that was assigned to me - looking down at her for a long minute. I swallow back whatever foreign feelings I'm having and turn to the ridiculously large bathroom; wetting a wash rag with warm water before returning to the bed.

She hasn't moved - her chest rising and falling peacefully as I sit beside her and decide what to do next. It's not the first time I've cleaned someone up who's had to much to drink - my piece of shit mother used to nearly drown in her own vomit nightly and there was never anyone home to take care of her but me back then. Pushing the thought aside I go to work removing the soiled dress - adverting my eyes as I go to the equally large closet and take out an oversized white t-shirt; returning to Ava and placing it over her exposed body quickly before laying her back onto the bed. I take the rag and clean her up the best I can before she turns on her side and pulls a pillow to her chest; falling into a deep sleep.

I watch her for a few minutes making sure she isn't going to get sick again before I push myself from the bed and return to the bathroom; glancing up at myself in the mirror. What the hell just happened?

Ava

Fear rips through me as I run; faster than I ever have before. My brother is dead. Really dead. Two bullets were left in our dads gun and now one is logged in the back of Brandon's brain just as he turned into… into one of those things. I don't think I'll ever unhear the snarl of his breath as he lunged towards me. Not him but whatever he became.

I open my eyes with a start as I swallow the scream in my throat; looking up into Daryl's worried face. I'm not used to company and I scramble away from him - falling out of the bed. "Hey - it's alright. You're safe." Daryl assures - his hands out as I lift my head up and glare at him from the floor. Why are we in bed together? Oh god, the whiskey. I look at him and then down at myself; noting the white shirt covering my body.

"Oh god, Daryl. Did we?"

"What?"

"Have sex?"

"What do you take me for some kinda asshole? You were out cold."

"What? No I don't think you're an asshole. I'm the asshole." I assure; pulling myself back up on the bed beside him. He's fully clothed in different clothes then I remember seeing him in yesterday and my blue dress is nowhere to be found. "I'm so sorry. That party was boring as hell - people pretending like the world isn't falling to shit outside of these walls. When no one was looking I snatched one of the many bottles of booze from a table and came to find you."

I found you alright and then shoved my tongue down your throat. A groan escapes me as I place my splitting head in my hands. "I've ruined everything."

Daryl doesn't move; watching me carefully as I finally find the courage to look up at him. "You got drunk. Hell, I don't blame you. I'm just glad you passed out before I embarrassed us both on that front porch. Who the hell knows what the others would have come home too." His grin causes my own to escape and he assures me I haven't ruined anything.

"You took off my dress?" I only ask because knowing me I took it off myself and paraded across said porch in just my underwear for however long before the liquor finally consumed me.

"You showed up with that wicked tongue of yours then threw up - everywhere. No way those flowers are still alive."

I laugh and his smile widens.

"You passed out a minute later and I brought you up here and got you out of that ruined dress. Cleaned you up the best I could and took a… really cold shower. Four hours later you woke up screaming."

My smile fades. "Yeah, I usually do. That's why I try not to sleep much." He only grunts in response. We sit in our comfortable silence for a few minutes; each lost in our own thoughts. I hope he's thinking about what an amazing kisser I am and forgets about the projectile barfing forever. "I'm sorry." I say again.

"For what?"

I look up at him slowly.

"I'm not sure." For kissing him? For throwing up in his immediate proximity? "I'm not sure." I repeat and stand up quickly. "Thank you tho, for… cleaning me up and… not being an asshole. I should go take a shower."

Daryl watches me carefully - taking in all of my rambling as I move closer to the door. "I'll see you later, ok?" Silently praying he wont avoid me for the rest of our time together. Maybe I should just go find pants and take off now - saving myself from any more embarrassment. The thought is unsettling. "Yeah. Later." He answers quietly and I dart out of the room. It's still night - or at least, not quite morning and the hallway is empty. I cross the space unseen by anyone and close the door to my own room; pressing my back against the wood and breathing in deeply as if I've just ran a marathon.

I close my eyes and try to forget the way Daryl's lips felt on mine or how he held his rough hand against the back of my neck as he kissed me just as desperately. I swallow hard and move towards the luxurious bathroom - turning the shower on to the coolest setting.

Once it's a more acceptable time and I hear the others moving around downstairs I descend down the steps; wearing my usual causal attire - jeans and a baggy shirt.

Carl greets me and offers toast as the others talk among themselves; paying me no mind. The front door opens and Daryl steps inside - meeting my eyes from across the room quickly. I smile but he doesn't respond; turning to answer one of the others questions in the living room. I haven't learned everyone's name yet and it's probably for the best. I don't think I should stick around much longer. Not after nearly fucking the second in command on the front porch last night. I take a bite of toast and glance up; spotting the den mothers glare.

Carol is watching me carefully. I know her and Daryl are close but how close? Maybe to close and she's going to murder me right here right now. I never got a girlfriend vibe from her when she's talked to Daryl - more like a stern maternal figure but what do I know?

I advert my eyes; studying the piece of toast like it contains the news. When I look up again Carol is gone but I still feel someone's eyes on me. Glancing at Judith in Carl's arms she's staring down at her own toast. She doesn't even have teeth? Ok not the kid. I turn my eyes to the living room and see Daryl staring at me while Eugene is droning on and on about something no one truly cares about. It's like he can see through me to all my cracked pieces and he's trying to figure out if he wants to work the puzzle. What an analogy. I stand from the table and thank Carl for the bread before finding my hair tie in my pocket and slip my mess into a tight pony tail. I make it my business to not look at Daryl again as I walk out the front door and jog down the steps before changing into a full sprint as far away from this house as I can get.

The friendly community members wave and greet me as I jog past them; over and over again feeling trapped like a rat in a cage. I don't stop running until I see Daryl again - coming through the front gate dragging a mid sized buck behind him. The townspeople clap and praise him but he only has eyes for me.

To say he looks rugged in this moment is an understatement. He's sweaty and dirty and feeding these people with his expertise hunting and gathering tactics. It takes everything I have not to jump on him in the street and finish what we started yesterday.

He hands the deer over to one of the towns people and says "the kids eat first" before making his way to me. My chest rises quickly and it has nothing to do with my hour of cardio.

When we're standing face to face his glare makes me stop breathing and his words cut through my chest making my knees weak.

"Don't look at me like that, Ava."

"Like what?" I whisper - mesmerized by this man. If Rick would have killed a deer he would have demanded his people ate first but Daryl demanded the meat go to the children - not just Carl and Judith. I swallow the lump that forms in my throat.

"Like I'm some kind of fucking hero."

His voice vibrates in my chest and I swallow again. What the hell is wrong with me? The first guy I meet in this ruined world has to be someone like Daryl. Broody but kind; quiet and sweet. Something I've never known before. I've got to get the fuck out of this place. The gates right there - no one would stop me and I'd leave with more than I came with. A full belly and clean clothes plus a travel size container of toothpaste I carry with me every time I leave the house; just in case it's time to go.

Daryl is still staring at me intensely; waiting for my rebuttal. "I… I wasn't." I assure him as he pushes past me and never looks back. I turn to stare at his retreating back and shake the fog from my head - turning back to the closing gate. Missed my opportunity. Guess I'm staying for now.

A/N: For the sake of wanting to write this part this way let's say it's October near the end of season 5 and while all of the things that happened in Season 5 happened maybe they didn't happen as quickly as it seems. There had to be a few episodes Daryl wasn't a part of? This is what he was doing instead. Enjoy! Please review!

One month later.

Ava

I blink; focusing my eyes to adjust to the harsh orange paper in my hand. Across the page is hazardous black writing with promises of treat trails and pumpkin carving.

"Is this serious?" I ask Carl who can only stand before me dumbfounded. "These people are seriously hosting a Halloween party? Halloween?!" I turn to look at the others - Eugene, Abe, Carol and Rick all stare back at me sharing Carl's confused expression. "Every day is fucking Halloween. These people are idiots. Just walk outside these walls any day of the week - Halloween." I mumble handing the flyer back to the boy. I catch Rick's grin and watch him shake his head. "It'll be fun for the kids. I guess. Just keep an eye out around here, ok? That asshole Pete may try to snoop around when we're not here." I nod; waving him off as Carl dashes up the stairs to find something to wear.

Hopefully for his sake Enid is going as a sexy cat or some shit.

"Halloween." I repeat to no one and go back to the crossword puzzle in my hand. The others slowly disperse into town to mingle with the community but I wouldn't be caught dead at another one of Deanna's famous parties. Memories of the first one still lingering in my head more often than I care to admit.

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I haven't allowed myself to get close to Daryl since the day he brought in the deer meat and I know he noticed when I refused any - giving my part to Carl without question.

Don't look at me like I'm a fucking hero.

I roll my eyes at the thought and place a word into a few boxes on the page.

Maybe I'm the hero. I gave Carl my meal. I rock Judith when Maggie's exhausted or wants to spend some time with Glenn. I make sure everyone's laundry is clean.

"I'm the fucking hero." I mutter to myself; placing another word quickly.

"Talking to yourself now?" My eyes shoot up and meet Daryl's amused expression as he stands in the doorway of the kitchen; a hand on each side of the frame. I take in a slow breath and wonder how we've got here. Although I've tried to stay away from him physically for my own sanity there's nothing I haven't told this man. He knows the life story of Ava Mariah Baxter forward and backward but hasn't gave up much of his own.

The night Daryl brought the deer in changed my perspective of him. He wasn't just a pretty face in the apocalypse - he had many different layers and I want to expose every one of them until I get to the center of who he really is.

He came to me like he did every night since we arrived - slumping down beside me on the top step of the porch; shoulders barely touching.

"Come to cuss at me some more?" I snap - glaring at him. Like always it takes him a few minutes to get started.

"I'm sorry about earlier. You just… confuse the hell out of me. When I walked in that gate and saw the way you were lookin' at me… like I was something I'm not… you just confuse the hell out of me." He repeated - keeping his eyes cast downward.

"Daryl. If I look at you like you're a hero that means you're a fucking hero."

I turn my body to face him; mad as hell. Daryl looks up at me slowly; cupping my face with a rough hand as his mouth finds mine and he kisses me causing a groan to escape my throat. I'm confusing? Daryl Dixon you my friend are confusing but he kissed like his life depends on it and I lost myself in his embrace. When he finally pulled away I was contemplating how quickly we could get up the stairs without alarming the others but there was turmoil in his dark eyes.

"We shouldn't… do this. Nothing good'll come from it. One of us'll get killed one day. It ain't worth it."

I searched his face for a moment; trying to find out who hurt him so badly in the past. A few nights later I would find out everyone he ever cared about fucked him over in some way or form. Everyone but Rick and that was why he was so loyal to him.

After failing at figuring him out I could only lean back into his parted lips; licking my own before whispering "I'm worth it." That seemed to be his undoing and we spent the next hour making out on the deserted front porch without a care in the world. I often fantasize about how far we'd of went that night if heavy foot steps coming down the stairs inside hadn't drug him away from me.

I stare at him now - standing in the threshold with a shit eating grin on his face.

"I knew you'd be the first to crack." He teases; glancing around the house quickly. "Where's the others?"

"Halloween party." I mutter; closing the book of crossword puzzles in defeat. "Halloween party." Daryl repeats and I look at him again. "I know right? I told them Halloween is every day outside of these gates but of course these people want to party. Rick said it was good for the kids. Abe said it gave the adults a reason to drink."

"You're not going? I'm sure they've replenished the Jack by now."

Daryl's full of himself tonight. "Har. Har. No I'm not going. You?"

The thought of him doing the Monster Mash with someone else strikes a nerve. He must sense my jealously because his smile widens even further but his reply is simple. "Nah."

I can only watch as he closes the space between us and takes a seat at the table across from me; producing a deck of playing cards from the inside of his vest.

"You play cards?"

Do I ever. When you grow up with no toys you make due and the only thing my mom ever did with me was play rummy on the weekends.

I only nod in response as he deals out seven cards and we being to play.

An hour later I've won every game and my smile is addictive.

"How about black jack?" Daryl asks quietly; shuffling the deck between his fingers. I shrug; indifferent as he lays two cards in front of me and then himself. "Let's make this more interesting, shall we?" I ask and his eyebrow raises.

"If I win you have to answer a question about yourself."

Daryl doesn't let my gaze fall. "…and if I win?"

I give him my most dazzling smile. "Dealer's choice."

He lifts his cards quickly and thinks for a second before matching my smile. "I'll stay."

I glance at my cars. "Hit me." He produces a five and I smile; nodding for him to flip his cards over. Nineteen. I flip mine, twenty-one.

"Shit…"

"What's your best memory of before the virus?"

Daryl can only stare at me. Maybe he's trying to pick the best one? After a moment he shakes his head no and deals out two more cards.

"Can't think of one good time."

My heart twists in my chest but that's fair. It would take me days to think of a good time before the world went to hell and even then I don't know if I could.

"Fair enough. I'll stay."

He flips his cards over. Sixteen. I flip mine - twenty and I find my smile.

"When's your birthday?"

That's a simple one, right?

Daryl doesn't take his eyes off his cards. "Hell if I know."

I try to mask the shock on my face. He can't be serious. No one ever celebrated the day he came into this world? It makes me want to dig up his parents and kill them again. I open my mouth to tell him just that but he continues quietly.

"Merle told me I was born in 1978… four years after him. He didn't know the month or day. Never found no paperwork…"

"Nobody ever celebrated…?"

Daryl just shook his head no; dealing out another hand. "Nah. Never."

"Daryl… that's really shitty. Even my cracked out mom baked me a cake every few years."

"Don't matter no way. Don't worry about it. I don't."

He looks at his cards; his mom barely ever spoke to him let alone celebrated a birthday on his behalf. Merle never got one either as far as he knew.

"Well, by the power vested in me I proclaim today is officially your birthday Daryl Dixon. You're going to Disney world." A smile sneaks past his lips as he looks up at me and I turn over my cards showing him the Ace and Queen.

"Twenty-one."

He flips his over without adding anymore. A two and a seven and I know exactly what my next question will be.

"What do you want for your birthday?"

Daryl's eyes darken as they meet my lighter hues and I smile innocently; watching as he taps the cards against the table and thinks.

"You." He finally mutters in that deep; gravely voice and that's all the encouragement I need. I shift my elbows on to the table and place my knees in the chair - leaning across to his parted lips. He never takes his eyes from mine but I can hear his breath deepening; see his hands clutching the playing cards tightly.

"Who am I to deny a man on his birthday?" I whisper softly and he strikes like the cobra he is - grabbing my upper arms and pulling me across the table until I'm straddling his lap and his tongue is in my mouth. A deep groan rattles his chest as his hands snake up my back and into my hair - holding me at the base of my neck. I feel my insides melting into liquid fire as I match his intensity and he stands; knocking his chair over and placing my ass firmly on the table; leaning into me without breaking our kiss.

We stay like this until my lungs are begging for air and then we kiss some more; my fingers raking into the back of his hair as inhuman sounds escape him. Finally I pull away just enough to take in some oxygen and his mouth moves to my cheek and then down my neck; his hands rough against my waist - fingers digging into my softest spots as if he's a man unhinged.

"Daryl…" I groan as his tongue moves up my jugular and towards my ear. "…yeah?" God, that grainy voice - one word is nearly my undoing. "Take me upstairs?" I ask and he retracts his tongue - chest heaving with desire but he doesn't look up at me - keeping his face buried in the bend of my neck.

For a moment I feel my heart drop into my stomach. He's said before we should do this - nothing good will come from it - but that hasn't stopped him yet.

Daryl lifts his head slowly; pulling back just enough to search my heated eyes. There's so much emotion trapped behind his that I can't look away. "Ok…" He whispers between us before putting his arms around me and lifting me up from the table. I wrap my legs around his waist and find his eager mouth again as he turns and begins the slow climb to his borrowed bedroom.

He opens the door carefully and steps inside; closing it with his foot as he groans - my fingers raking through his hair. A minute later I'm on my back on the bed and he's standing between my legs staring down at me with a look that melts my insides. I don't give him time to doubt this and slip my thumbs in my jeans - pushing them down and kicking them off before sliding my hands back up my stomach taking my shirt with me. Im afraid he's stopped breathing as I sit up and go to work on his belt; unzipping his pants before he comes alive again and captures my mouth with his - pushing me on my back slowly as he climbs over me.

This is it. I'm going to have sex - finally. With some random guy I met in a barn. I push those thoughts away; Daryl's not a random guy he's sweet and sensitive and thinks about others before himself and he kisses like his fucking life depends on it and his… oh my god.

His rough hands move slowly up my calf and then my thigh; finding my soaked center like he has his own road map. A second later my back is arched and his thumb is circling my clit while the other digits beckon inside of me. "Ohhh goddd…." I cry as the slow burn starts to consume me and Daryl moves back up my neck; breathing heavily against my tingling skin. His skilled assault between my legs doesn't slow and I detonate around his fingers as he grumbles low in my ear.

Despite my orgasm and shaking legs he never wavers; slow and steadily building the fire back up in my belly. "Daryl," His name comes out like a prayer - so softly I don't even know if he's heard me but his fingers quicken their pace and I fist his shirt with one hand and the bed sheets with another - closing my eyes tightly as another wave of pleasure explodes inside of me. I am a prisoner to his pleasure and it takes longer than I want before my senses start working again. When I finally open my eyes he's looking down at me in wonder; his hair falling into his eyes just like I like it. A whimper escapes me as I reach up and brush the hair from his eyes feeling as drunk as I must look.

"You sure this is what you want?" He's asking me this now? After sending me to another dimension with only his fingers? I can only nod my head yes and lose myself in his eyes. This is all I ever want for the rest of my life. Ugh, that must be the orgasm talking. "Please." I whisper and he kisses me again - trailing his hands up my sides and across my breasts before he leans up on his arms and kicks his pants off then his shirt. In one gentle move he fills me completely and it's the most amazing feeling I've ever felt. He must like it too because his arms nearly buckle as he buries his face in my neck and groans deeply.

"Fucking hell Ava…"

Daryl buries his face in the bend of my neck again; breathing softly against my skin as I adjust to him. I'm silently thankful for his patience because although I'd never admit it - congratulations Mr. Dixon - you get my V card and I think by the sounds escaping him it's not a secret.

"You're so fucking tight… fuck,… a-are you ok?"

His rough voice causes my eyes to roll back into my head as his words wash over me and I nod; placing my hands into the back of his hair when he finally starts to move; groaning obscenities against my neck.

You'd think I'd be spent after two amazing orgasms but there's something about this man and it's a little unnerving how skillful he is in the sack. Maybe he's had a lot of practice fucking in the apocalypse but for some reason I don't think that's it. I just think he's good at everything he does. A groan escapes me as he quickens his pace - sliding a strong arm under my hips as I meet him trust for trust and that sensational fire begins to blaze again.

"Oh my god Daryl…" I whisper - looking up into his serious expression as he hits just the right spot and my core tightens further around him; bringing on his own release a moment later as he pulls out of me. I watch with lazy eyes as he clutches his impressive dick and grunts again before leaning down to my parted lips; kissing me hard; pulling what little air I have from my lungs. "My name and God's don't belong in the same sentence." He mutters before putting some space between us.

At first I think he's going to leave and my heart sinks but he grabs my discarded shirt and throws it at me while he pulls on half of his own clothes. A minute later he's beside me in the bed looking up at the ceiling.

I turn on my side, sliding my hand over his stomach and he tenses for a second before relaxing. He looks over at me but says nothing.

If anything Daryl is a man of few words.

I turn on my stomach; my shirt riding up to expose my bare ass and I know he's looking.

"That was really… really good." I assure him and he grunts but doesn't look away. He's replaying the past twenty minutes in his head and a grin spreads across his face. "Fuck yeah it was."

I smile up at him; pushing myself up so my face is over his and I kiss him gently; whispering "Happy Birthday" against his lips. "

"When's your birthday?" He mutters and my smile widens. "Tomorrow." Daryl pulls me down to his chest with a laugh and kisses the top of my head. His steady heart beat lulls me as my eyes get heavy and sleep finds me for the first time in a long time.

When I open them again the mid morning sun has flooded the room and Daryl is sound asleep under me; his left arm secured around my hips. I push myself up on my arms and look around. This isn't good. He's not going to be happy that we've slept the morning away.

Why hasn't someone came looking for him? There's always someone looking for him.

"Hey. Daryl…" I whisper and his eyes open slowly; searching my face for a long minute before his lips find mine and he's giving me one of those earth shattering kisses. Fuck everyone else. They can disappear off the face of the earth as long as he keeps kissing me like this. I slide a leg over his hips and straddle him; still naked under my shirt as his hands slide up the curve of my ass and over my back before bring me down onto his chest.

"It's probably noon." I finally say; rotating my hips on his quick growing erection as he takes in a shallow breath. "So?"

His nonchalant attitude is amusing. I may not have known him long but I know him better than some here and he doesn't sleep in or waste daylight. I tell him as much and he grins. "Never had a reason to before." He assures and my heart soars.

"Your groups probably wondering where the hell you are."

Daryl sits up suddenly with me in his lap and holds my hips still; moving his mouth just over mine. "They're not my keepers and this is the last place they'd look." I can only smile in response as his mouth finds mine again.

An hour later I follow Daryl down the stairs and into the living room where most of his group is gathered sans Rick. "Where the hell have you been?" Abe asks quickly - noticing me standing behind him. "Busy." Daryl growls in response and glances at Carol.

"Ricks nearly beat a man to death in the streets this morning." She says quietly; also noticing me standing close behind him. "What? Why?" My eyes go wide at the thought. If Rick pisses these people off they'll kick us out and goodbye running water and vegan jerky. "Go ask him yourself."

Daryl turns to look at me and I nod; silently assuring him he should go talk some sense into their fearless leader. I don't think anyone wants to go back into the horror that waits outside these walls.

Abe follows Daryl outside and I find myself alone with Carol; who's creepy mother hen vibe has returned and makes my skin crawl.

"Daryl's different with you." Is all she says before smiling brightly and following the men onto the porch. I turn to Carl in the kitchen who's burdened with feeding Judith. I reach for her and he thanks me; going to be with his dad who seems to be on the brink of a breakdown. After a perfect night and even better morning I find myself alone in the kitchen holding Judith as she drinks from a bottle eagerly.

"I think I like you the best, kiddo."

Daryl

Michonne and Abe are pissed that I'm taking Rick's side. I'm not taking his side but if he wants to to kill a wife beating asshole who am I to stand in his way? I idly picture Ava in that situation - some asshole hurting her for YEARS while everyone just sits back quietly hoping it will stop. The thought flashes white hot rage through my body and I turn to go back toward the house just to make sure she's ok.

Carol is standing on the porch looking ridiculous in her happy homemaker outfit.

"Dial back the smile." I say as she beams at me. "You look like a serial killer."

"We need to talk."

"'bout what?"

Carol doesn't move to let me ascend the stairs and I narrow my eyes at her. "You know what about. I've never seen you like this before. You like this girl."

"What girl?" Playing stupid has gotten me far in life and it's none of Carol's fucking business. Her creepy ass smile just gets wider. "Don't play dumb with me, Daryl. I saw the way you looked at her in the barn. The way you look at her now."

I open my mouth to say "we'll you should see the way she looks at me when I fuck her" but instead I inquire quietly about her job as crazy cookie lady. Carol laughs and waves me off; coming down the steps finally.

"All I'm saying is don't let this," She points to my head; "Ruin this." She finishes as she points to my chest and I grunt a smart ass response disappearing into the house. Rick and the others are out trying to make nice with Deanna so I find Ava alone in the upstairs hallway as she gathers clothes from the floor.

"Teenagers." She assures ; tossing Carl's underwear into a basket as I close the space between us and capture her waiting mouth with my own; dropping my crossbow against the wall as she wraps her body around mine and I push her back into a bedroom door.

This is a mistake - getting distracted by this girl will get us all killed but she feels to fucking good to quit. For once in my miserable existence I've found joy and I'm to damn selfish to end it so soon.

"Has Rick killed that asshole yet?" She whispers against my mouth as I move my hands up her sides and into her baggy shirt; groaning in response as her own hands work her jeans open. "Nah. I don't think so."

"I know I'm not a killer but he seems like he'd be a good place to start." She mumbles; mostly to herself as I hold her against my chest and open the door behind us - thankful it's the room she's been staying in. Not that anyone else's could stop me right now.

Ava lifts her shirt up over her head quickly as her dark hair falls down around her shoulders and she looks up at me with those big blue eyes. My dick is so fucking hard it's almost painful as I look down at her - lost in this girl that showed up out of nowhere and cracked open my chest with her kindness.

I've never allowed myself to get close to anyone but I can't seem to help myself when it comes to Ava. She brings out something I've never felt before and it's as terrifying as it is thrilling. In one quick move she's in my arms and then laying on her back before me on the bed. I get to work pulling her jeans down her perfect legs; kneeling before her to remove them completely. Her breath catches in her throat as I kiss the inside of her calf and then her knee; trailing my tongue up her thigh until I make it to my destination.

"Daryl…." My tongue finds her soaked center as my name rolls off her own and I slip my hand up her other leg quickly. Ava fists the my hair as her back arches in pleasure and a groan escapes me; vibrating against her clit causing her to nearly sit up on the bed as she holds my head between her legs and cries out; clamping a hand over her mouth as waves of pleasure pass through her.

I feel like I'm about to explode; every muscle in my body tight but she's to sweet to stop now and I lay her back on the bed licking deeper. My name on her lips; her fingers tangled in my hair and legs shaking cause me to groan and when she starts pleading with me I know it's time to move on. Once I've finally had my fill of her I kiss my way up her stomach - taking my time with each nipple and her head falls back on the bed with a cry. I kiss her collar bone then her neck; finally placing myself between her spent legs.

"You are… so fucking sweet Ava." I growl against her cheek as she finds my mouth and kisses me hard - forcing her tongue against mine as her fingers claw at my back - quietly begging me to be inside of her. The way she wants me - pleads with me to fill her causes my chest to tighten; what the fuck is this girl doing to me?

A moment later I answer her request and I'm nearly undone; cussing through my teeth as she begins to grind her hips into mine - eager and perfect and the feel of her makes it hard to concentrate. Not wanting this to end just yet I pull away from her enough to flip her on her stomach and bring her ass up; entering her again but slower causing my name to fall from her lips again.

"Fucking hell…" Her pussy is to damn good and I lose myself in her; thrusting over and over as she clutches the sheets in her fists and tightens around me as my own release nears. I pull out of her quickly - because despite knowing I'd kill for this girl I don't want to get her pregnant and possibly lose her like Rick lost Lori.

Ava flattens out on the bed and whimpers; still shaking from her orgasm - eyes closed and chest heaving. "Why are you so good at this?" She finally asks quietly as I pull my pants back on. I have no idea. I've had less than a handful of girls - all friends of Merle's friends who showed up at the house late at night and I never fucked any of them twice.

"I think you bring it out of me…"

She brings a lot out in me. The desire to share my life with her - to seek her out when I should be providing for the community - when I should be watching out for my own people. Rick is about to get us kicked out of this place or at least get himself exiled and I've been to busy with Ava to even care. Rick's saved my life more time than I can count - he deserves my loyalty.

Could I chose him over Ava? Fuck no - and the thought of that scares the shit out of me.

"I gotta go. Gotta meet up with Aaron and do some scouting."

Ava turns to me quickly; surprised at my quick departure. All I want is to climb in this bed with her until the walkers tear this place down around us but my head is telling me to go. I can't keep my people safe while I'm lost in her every day.

"Daryl… I…"

"This is a mistake." I cut her off with a grumble; disappearing out the door before she can finish.

Ava

Daryl stays outside of the gates for four whole days and I've never felt more alone. I busy myself with laundry and even tried my hand at cooking but no one was to impressed and I find myself alone at the kitchen table most days. Today I'm shuffling cards trying my damndest not to think about the last time I saw these cards.

Daryl's decided for us both that it's better if he stays away. This is a mistake. His earlier words come back to me and knock me on my ass. I felt like somebody when we were together and now I'm back to being a nobody.

Carol walks into the lonely kitchen not even noticing me at the table until she turns around; eyes wide. I must look like I feel - broken-hearted. Ugh what a stupid, stupid girl. Take some advice kids don't sleep with the first guy who gives you a second of their time. NOT worth it.

"Hey, you."

Carol's fake smile falls into place and I roll my eyes; tired of the act. I may not be one of them but she doesn't have to bullshit a bullshitter. "You don't have to pretend like you're not a stone cold killer around me, Carol. I know we don't know each other but your secrets safe with me."

She dials down the grin a few notches but doesn't go back to whatever she was planning on doing. "Don't give up on him, ok?"

Please tell me she's not talking about Daryl. The man who fucks like a champ then leaves without a trace. I'm supposed to be the runner and I idly wonder why I'm still here. I open my mouth to reply - maybe to tell her to send a message to her friend that reads go fuck yourself but she continues before I can figure out what to say.

"Daryl doesn't think he's worthy of anything. Especially love. You just have to give him time to figure out his feelings…"

I'm still at a loss for words. Deadly Carol is giving me love advice? Daryl must have fucked me into the twilight zone and left me there.

"I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you, Ava. Don't give up on him."

I open my mouth and close it; shaking my head. "No point in falling in love in the apocalypse. I'll probably be dead by the end of the week anyway." I stand up from the table and take my leave; disappearing out the front door quickly.

After stopping by to chat with a few locals about the gossip going around I go to the lookout tower on the south side of town. No one is concerned with what happens outside of these walls; to much days of our lives going on inside with Rick, Pete and Jessie. I shake my head at the thought and watch a small pack of roamer stumble around a few yards away.

Daryl's out there somewhere among the dead; maybe hunting or finding new people to join in the fun. I should go now - hop across the fence and shimmy down - disappearing without a trace.

Maybe he'd miss me for a day. Wish things could have been different. The realization that he probably wouldn't even know I was gone makes my heart sink further into the pit of my stomach.

Someone's coming up the steps to the look out and I turn quickly - surprised to see a guy around my age who looks just as surprised to see me.

"Sorry. I didn't know someone was already here. My mom told me to take post on the south lookout. Is it time for your break?"

He's tall and handsome but talks way to much for my liking.

"No. I mean. I didn't know they used this look out. I was just getting some air."

"You're with Rick's group, right?"

"No." I say quickly because I should have never agreed to come to this god forsaken place. "Oh, an orphan then." The look on my face must tell him that my parents were killed in a nasty zombie invasion; ripped limb from limb while they clutched their children tightly when in fact they both overdosed in the front yard one summer night when I was sixteen. Way before the world turned to hell. "Shit. Sorry. Bad joke."

I force a smile realizing it's best if this guy thinks he's an asshole.

"I'm Spencer. My mom is Deanna - she runs this place."

Like I give a shit.

"I'm Ava." I say instead. "Ava? That's a really pretty name. I didn't see you at the welcoming party? There were so many new people maybe I missed you."

"Yeah, must have."

I push the thought of that night away too. Damn you Daryl.

"I should go so you can get to work. There's a small pack of roamers about a mile out."

As if on cue I see Daryl break through the trees line and kill the four zombies easily. Once he's alone in the field he looks up at the tower and sees me; causing all the feelings I've been having to rise in my throat. At least this time he's not carrying a damn deer with him.

He stares at me intensely and I can't help but frown; turning to leave the tower.

Spencer smiles brightly. "Don't be a stranger, Ava." He assures setting up his sniper rifle as I leave without a goodbye. Maybe if I stick to the inside of town I wont run into Daryl and his accusations. The way he was looking at me and Spencer just now would make for another great episode of the soap opera surrounding us.

"Hey!"

Fuck. He's faster than I thought. Daryl is stalking towards me and I wonder if I should run. I could out run him easily but I don't have anywhere to go. I stop walking and turn to him; failing at hiding the hurt he's caused. I didn't ask for this. I was minding my own business when he sat down in that forest with tears in his eyes.

"Don't talk to that asshole. He's no good for you."

The hurt in my eyes narrow. "Oh now YOU'RE my mother?" I snap an earlier conversation back at him and cross my arms over my chest.

"He's a fuckin' prick, Ava."

"Takes one to know one I guess." I snap again and he steps back on his heels. "Watch your mouth." He mutters and it just fuels my rage. "Or what?! You've been gone for four days! I don't deserve that. I didn't ask for any of this shit!" I growl and push past him ready to run. Daryl grabs my arm as I shove him out of the way but he's stronger than me and despite my attempts I don't get far.

"Let me go…" I whisper; biting down on my tongue as tears burn my eyes. When's the last time I cried? Not even when Brandon died. Daryl drops my arm as if it burned him - his expression changing quickly as I wipe at the silent tears spilling down my cheeks. When I'm finally free from his grasp I turn towards the gates silently cussing myself for not grabbing that damn toothpaste. I step towards the only exit in Alexandria just as he reaches for me again; softer this time. "Ava…"

I try to hold myself together; looking everywhere but at him. Daryl grabs my face gently forcing me to look up into his eyes. "I'm sorry…" He whispers his deep voice barely audible. "You make me feel shit I've never felt before - for anyone. The last few days have been hell not seeing you. We were tracking this horse named Buttons… then a pack of walkers got 'em. We couldn't find anything to hunt out there and all I could think about was you."

I shake my head. It doesn't matter. He said this will never work between us. "You said I was a mistake…" I mentally cuss the tremble in my voice. Put me out of my misery already. Daryl finally let's my gaze fall; hanging his head as his hair falls down in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Ava. You deserve someone better than me but it ain't him." He nods towards Spencer perched on top of the look out reading a magazine.

I open my mouth to assure him I would never give Spencer a second glance that no one could compare to him in my eyes but he turns away from me and heads into town without another word.

Daryl

I walk into our borrowed house and throw my crossbow on the floor beside the door; turning to the kitchen quickly. Grabbing one or Carol's many cookies - who the fuck knew she was Martha Stewart before the world turned to shit - I open the fridge and pull out one of Abraham's beers. Fuck him.

When I close the refrigerator door Carl is standing beside me and I jump - causing a laugh to escape her.

"Jesus, you're psycho you know that?"

She waste no time telling me what I already know. "Poor Ava looked heart broken this morning, Daryl. You can't just up and leave for almost a week without checking in. It's not fair to her."

"Last I checked I could do whatever the fuck I want."

Carol just gives me her disappointed look and I roll my eyes like a teenager; drinking the beer down quickly. I open the refrigerator again and pull out another beer turning to the stairs. For all I know Ava's gone and I'll never see her again.

"Daryl. Don't sabotage this. It's good for you,.. Ava is good for you."

I slam the fridge door and glare at my oldest friend who's quickly starting to annoy me.

"You need to get out of here for a while. Go shoot something or someone, shit."

"Daryl…" She reaches for me and I jerk my arm away; opening the beer quickly. "Drop it, alright?" Carol frowns and nods allowing me to storm up the stairs and into my room. Ignoring the bed I turn into the luxurious bathroom and shut the door - looking at myself in the large mirror. I feel like I've aged a hundred years in the past month. Is this what women do to you? Suck the fucking life out of you? I turn to the shower with a groan.

Ava

I enter our borrowed house fifteen minutes after Daryl; spotting Carol in the kitchen. She's standing at the counter mixing something in a bowl.

"Hey. Is Daryl back yet?" I ask quietly. It's time to go and I don't want to run into him again.

"No. I haven't seen him." She lies and I nod; making my way up the stairs quickly. I open the door to his bedroom and slip inside - grabbing my discarded jeans from earlier in the week. Rummaging through the pockets I grab the small tube of toothpaste and stand; eyes going wide as the bathroom door opens and Daryl steps out with damp hair and unbuttoned blue jeans. Fucking Carol. I knew she was a killer but a liar too?

He stares at me with those intense blue eyes waiting for my next move. I don't know weather to run from him or to him. Finally I decide to put the toothpaste in my pocket but my legs won't guide me out the door just yet.

"Don't go…" He finally whispers and the hurt in his voice makes my knees weak. "I'm sorry I left… whatever this is…" He motions between us. "Scares the shit out of me."

"I don't want to be a distraction for you Daryl. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."

In three quick steps he's standing in front of me smelling like pine and smoke and Daryl. My shoulders fall in defeat. "If you leave I'll never forgive myself. I'll never stop thinking about where you are or if you're alright." His voice is still whisper quiet; causing my bottom lip to pout out. I don't want to hurt this man - I want to love him and show him that he deserves to be loved.

"Daryl…"

He closes the space between us; grabbing my face in his hands as I look up at him.

"I don't know how to love someone… but I'll try for you. Just don't leave me."

I place my hands on either side of his face bringing him down to kiss him hard; causing a groan to pass his lips. When I pull away I nod and simply say; "Okay. I won't."

Daryl pulls me to his chest and we're lost in each other yet again.

TBC - please review!