Daryl, Merle, Randall, T-Dog, Glenn and Rick had gone to get a few Christmas trees and the presents on everyone's lists. They themselves were overjoyed, the holiday meant sexy lingerie and nights of drinking and family. It would be their first real Christmas since this whole mess began and spirits were sky high. They'd found a U-Haul and were planning to load it up with gifts and trees before returning it home.

" Everyone got their lists? Everyone ready?" Daryl grinned, having his own ideas on presents, a special tree for his women and plenty of ornaments. He'd make this day something special even if it killed him. When everyone gave the okay he got in the truck with T-Dog and Randall, wishing he turn the radio quiet enough to listen to. It was one of the things he missed most, music.

" What ya gettin' man?" Daryl asked, lighting a cigarette and glancing to T-Dog.

" Man, I'm gettin' me a tree and lots of alcohol. I don't wanna spend all night with you people who all got someone to get friendly with. Maybe I'll watch Jude and invite Dale over for some eggnog." He gave a little laugh and a slightly lonely sigh.

" I don think Carol would mind if you spent the night with Sophia, Carl, Rick the gang and me. S'gonna be lots of people." He gave a laugh and glanced to the black man before returning his attention to the road.

" Nah man, s'fine. Dale and I got this. It's a'ight." He laughed and rubbed his bald head, glancing in the back at Merle then back at Daryl. " What're you two doing, getting some sweet goochie?" He laughed and Merle gave him a knowing look.

" Damn right, my woman is gonna make me some sweeeet music." He winked and cackled, but his voice was full of love. Maggie was his world. " I'm gettin' my old lady a necklace and a pretty little Santa costume for me if you know what I mean." He gave a wink and stretched his arms.

" I'm gettin' Carol some new earin's and a pup or two. A good dawg is jus' wha' we need 'round the house. Train it up to fight them walkers." Daryl nodded to the beat playing in his head and turned onto the highway, making sure he was still being followed.

The store they found was rich with fake trees, though they had to dig through the back room to find them, the Christmas decorations they found in an abandoned hobby lobby were expensive, but classic, and with no need for money, none were spared. Practically everything was cleared, bedding and glues, tools and such. Anything they could use in this life.

" Daryl! C'mere little brother, I got whatcha need." Merle was practically crowing and Daryl came rushing, pausing at the sounds of yips and whines. " Their momma was eaten by a biter and all but two died. We can't leave the last one, maybe Mags can take it. A girl and a boy." Merle was holding two small husky pups in his lap and Daryl picked up the boy by the scruff of his neck.

" He looks good, once he gets good and big he'll be able to protect Carol. He's a good one." Daryl tucked the pup into his jacket, pulling up the hood. Merle took the other and they were off to finish shopping.

By sundown the cars and trucks were packed with presents and wrapping paper, the girls having already made the run for the men's presents. They were heading back, Merle upfront with Daryl.

" So little brother, you and the mouse huh?" Merle spoke kindly, but attempted to add an edge to his voice. He was stroking the puppy in his lap that he'd gotten for Maggie.

" S'always been her Merle, even when all them broads was free flying. She, I dunno man. She's diff'rnt." He lit another cigarette, his second of the day, blowing smoke out of his nose before passing it to Merle.

His brother gave a serious nod, licking his lips slightly. " I know what you mean little brother. Maggie is my last girl. I swear it." The pup was nursing a bottle with little suckling noises.

Daryl hoped he could make this special for Carol. He'd gotten the puppy all kinds of precautions and it hadn't barked at any of the walkers yet, so he figured maybe it wouldn't be so bad. With a lighter heart then he'd had in a while he started home.

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