The sun had set long before Daryl arrived back at the prison. He hadn't come back straight away, he'd wandered aimlessly through the woods, often pausing to shoot a squirrel or a bird. When he finally arrived back at the prison, Sasha opened the gate for him.
"Mmm, look's like we're gettin' a good dinner tomorrow." She smiled openly, closing the gate behind him, "Rick wants to see you. He's been lookin' for you." Daryl grunted and nodded hollowly. He pushed into the cell block and dumped his gains on one of the empty tables. He rummaged around in the storage area and found an empty bucket and a tray. He grimaced and picked it up, heading towards the stairs, slinging his belt of squirrels over his shoulder. He sat on his step, the bucket on the lower step and got to work, skinning the squirrels and getting rid of the organs.
He worked quickly and with great amount of precision. His hands were soon covered in scraps of fur and blood. A young Woodbury girl came over to him and watched him for a few minutes before squeaking, "Did you kill the fluffy rat?"
Daryl looked up startled, somehow the little girl had snuck up on him, "Uh...I killed it so we can eat it."
"I don't want to eat it."
"Go hungry then." Daryl snapped. This kid was getting on his nerves. The girl looked shocked at the venom in his voice and rushed away to be comforted by someone. Daryl sighed, a pang of guilt shooting through him. He ground his teeth together and got back to work, swallowing the guilt. It wasn't like he even knew the kid and he didn't want to know her.
Once he had finished, the squirrel carcasses on the tray and the blood, fur and guts in the bucket, he stood up. He put the tray on the counter next to the stove and went outside with the bucket of guts. He hid the bucket behind the cars, he'd dispose of it properly later. He stood and turned to leave but Rick blocked his way. He jumped.
"I'm seriously off my game today," Daryl muttered bitterly to himself, "Two people." He spat and crossed his arms across his chest.
"Daryl, I need you to go on a run. Check further out, we're runnin' low on supplies. Maggie's goin' with you. It's so we can set up for the weddin' and Maggie needs a dress." Rick stated, hands on his hips.
"You want me to go dress shoppin'?" Daryl snorted, chuckling lightly. Rick couldn't actually be serious, could he? He studied Rick's expression and knew that he wasn't joking.
"Pack for a coupla days. Take the Jeep." Rick stated and yawned, wobbling on his feet. Daryl caught his arm and steadied him.
"You're serious?" Daryl raised his eyebrow and Rick nodded, "Fine. I'll go dress shoppin', might find somethin' that suits me." He chuckled.
"I'd think you'd look good in pink. Y'know, wash off all the blood and squeeze into a pink dress. You'd make a very pretty girl, Darlina." Rick cracked a grin and Daryl forced a weak laugh. Merle used to call him Darlina.
"Oh Darlina not strong enough?"
"Did that hurt? Baby Girl Darlina got a booboo?"
"Grow a pair of balls Darlina."
Daryl grinned greenly at the memories, even though Merle had been mocking and taunting him, those were the days. He cleared his throat, "You think? I'm not sure pink's my colour."
"Aw sure man, if you wore a pink dress and make-up. Even I might be tempted." Rick joked. It had been a long time since Rick had laughed, or even smiled, so Daryl was glad he could be there for it.
"You'd think we'd be good together?" Daryl raised an eyebrow, an amused grin tugging at his lips. Rick batted his eyelashes and stepped closer to Daryl. He laid his head on the hunter's shoulder. Daryl tensed up slightly, unsure of the touch.
"We'd be the best couple in the world." Rick fawned, batting his eyelashes and twirling his finger in his hair. Daryl smirked and pushed him away. Rick pointed at his mouth, rolling his finger, "You wanna try makin' out? Just to see how it feels?" He started sniggering, laughing wickedly. Daryl grinned and pushed Rick against the wall, leaning in close.
He stopped when he was inches away from Rick's face, "You ain't my type." He recoiled and started walking towards the tower, leaving Rick leaning against the wall, laughing.
"I'll take watch tonight, I've been sleepin' a lot lately. You could do with sleep." Daryl yelled over his shoulder. He could still hear Rick's guffaws.
"Next time you take a shower; don't drop the soap!" Rick called after him, still laughing to himself. Daryl waved him, grinning and jogged up into the guard tower. He settled in the seat, then jumped up, sure something was wrong. He looked around anxiously. His eyes lingered on the other guard tower and then it hit him. No one was on watch there, so no one was watching Dexter. Daryl sighed to himself but left his post after a quick scan of the yard.
He jogged over to the other guard tower and took the stairs two at a time. He paused outside the door and loaded his crossbow. He could hear grunting behind the door. Daryl's foot smashed into the door, kicking it open. He burst inside. Sasha was lying on the floor, unconscious and Dexter had struggled to his feet, holding Sasha's rifle. He was leaning heavily on the control panels but had somehow managed to free his hands.
"You shoot and we both go down." Dexter warned, fumbling with the rifle. His hands were shaking and he was sweating heavily. Daryl sighed to himself, the last thing he needed was a fight with a kid.
Daryl growled, "You think you can kill me? I'd like to see you try." He stepped towards Dexter. Dexter paled and pointed the rifle at Daryl's chest.
"Don't come any closer. I mean it."
"Watch me." Daryl snarled, taking a deliberate step closer. Dexter raised the rifle and took aim. Daryl lunged forward as Dexter pulled the trigger. His body tensed, waiting for searing pain, a bullet piercing his body but nothing happened. His arms wrapped around Dexter's waist, tackling him backwards. They crashed over the console and out the window, landing on the balcony in a shower of glass shards.
Daryl rolled away from Dexter and groaned. He got to his feet woozily and yanked Dexter to his feet. His hands wrapped around Dexter's throat and he squeezed. Dexter's hands clawed at his throat, weakly trying to break Daryl's hold. Daryl released him, shoving him to the floor in disgust. His leg swung back and smashed into Dexter's face. Teeth and blood flew through the air. Daryl ground his teeth together and stamped down hard on the boy's skull. Dexter's eyes fluttered and a gasp left his lips before he went stil, breathing raggedly.
Daryl went into the guard tower and found the belts that had once tied Dexter up. He grabbed them and went back out to the balcony. He bound Dexter's wrists together and tied one belt around the railing. He looped the other end around Dexter's throat.
Daryl slapped the boy's cheek, bringing him into consciousness. Dexter spluttered and wriggled but Daryl wasn't worried. Daryl watched as the boy burst into tears, realising his pathetic attempts at escape were futile.
Daryl punched Dexter in the stomach before wrapping his arms around Dexter's legs and hoisting him over the railing. The belt went taunt and strained as it dangled Dexter's full weight. There was a crunching sound and a choking noise before a tranquility washed over Daryl. The deed was finally done.
He peered over the edge of the railing, making sure Dexter was dead before going over to Sasha and giving her a once over. She had no obvious head wounds but was unresponsive. Daryl rolled her eyelids back and gently slapped her cheeks but nothing could wake her. Daryl sighed and gripped Sasha under her arms. He hoisted her onto his shoulder and was surprised by how light she was. He carried her down from the guard tower, strode across the yard and into the cell block.
Tyreese's eyes widened when he saw his sister but Daryl ignored him and put her in a cell, sending Carl to go get Hershel. Daryl rolled his neck and mumbled to no one in particular, "I better get back on watch."
His eyes flickered to Carol briefly who was cradling Judith. Judith's breath hitched and she coughed before starting to cry. Carol rocked her back and forth, murmuring comforts while Hershel tended to Sasha. Tyreese was glancing from Daryl to Carol to Sasha and back again. Daryl stepped up to Carol and scooped Judith out of her arms. Her cries were beginning to give him a headache.
He bounced the baby up and down and rubbed her back, cooing softly, not meeting Carol's gaze. He could feel her eyes on him, a smile on her lips. Judith's cries died to gurgles before stopping altogether. Daryl handed her back to Carol quickly, his rough hands brushing against hers. His eyes met Carol's before darting away again. He stalked briskly across the room and left the cell block.
Carol hastily handed Judith over to Beth and followed Daryl. They needed to talk. She needed to tell him that she hadn't meant what she'd said earlier. She needed to apologise. Tyreese had already left the cell block, chasing after Daryl, rage rippling through him.
Daryl was almost at the guard tower when a strong hand gripped his arm and tugged him round. A fist connected with his face. Blood and spit sprayed the air as Daryl sunk to the ground. Whoever had hit him was a powerful motherfucker. He looked around blearily, his vision out of focus. He saw Tyreese and blinked, his sight clearing.
"What did you do to my sister?" Tyreese yelled. Daryl shook his head and forced himself to his feet, staggering slightly.
"What the fuck you talkin' bout?" Daryl spat a mouthful of blood on the concrete.
"What did you do to my sister?" Tyreese roared again, raising a fist. Daryl scoffed and dragged his wrist across his face, wiping away the blood.
"You think I hurt your sister?" Daryl scoffed, "I don't hit women." Tyreese grabbed him by the shirt and shoved him against the wall. He was stronger than he looked. Daryl kicked out, his boot hitting Tyreese's shin. Tyreese dropped him and Daryl shoved him away.
"Stop! Stop it! The pair of you are acting like kids!" Carol's voice rang out. She barged in between the posturing men, resting a hand on each of their chests. Daryl shrugged out of her touch. He wasn't ready to talk to her, or even see her. He blinked and wiped his mouth.
"He did somethin' to Sasha, I'm sure of it." Tyreese yelled and lunged at Daryl again, stepping around Carol. Tyreese tried to tackle Daryl. Sighing to himself, Daryl brought his knee up and it connected with Tyreese's head, stunning him. Tyreese sprawled to the ground.
"I told you; I don't hit women." Daryl spat, "Even if their brother is an annoyin' fuck. I don't turn on our own."
"Daryl wouldn't hit Sasha." Carol murmured softly. Daryl folded his arms over his chest, jaw clenched. Carol gave him a small smile but he turned away and started to walk towards the guard tower.
"Daryl, you have glass in your shoulder." Carol called after him. Daryl paused, reached blindly and felt around his shoulder. His fingers felt the glass shard protruding from his skin and yanked it free, tossing it to the ground.
"Not anymore."
"Why did you have glass in your shoulder?" Carol asked, "Let me get somethin' for the cut."
Daryl sighed but pointed at the dark shape dangling from the railing of the other guard tower, "Go see for yourselves. I'm done with this shit." He disappeared into the guard tower, leaving Carol and Tyreese to confirm what they already knew.
Carol's hand covered her mouth as she swallowed the lump in her throat. Beside her, Tyreese was muttering softly, "Fuck. I never actually thought Daryl was capable...of murder? Or execution?"
"Different words, same meaning." Carol murmured back, her eyes meeting Tyreese's for a brief moment. Carol had always known Daryl would do the best for the group, she just never thought he'd single handedly murder a kid. A warm hand slithered into her own and she felt a light pressure. She forced her eyes off the dark, hanging silhouette and looked at her hand, intertwined with Tyreese's. She squeezed back gently before pulling her hand free.
"I better go talk to him."
"Yeah. I'll...y'know. Inform the group." Tyreese strode briskly across the courtyard. Carol took her time going up the guard tower, thinking through what she was going to say.
"You killed him."
"Are you happy? You took your anger out on a kid, yet again."
"Why? Daryl, why?"
"If you wanted to hit someone, you shoulda hit me, not some kid."
Instead it was Daryl that broke the silence with a soft, "He'll turn soon."
He was hunched in a chair, his head in his hands, gripping fistfuls of his hair. He didn't even look up to know Carol was there. His crossbow was sitting on the control panel. Carol licked her lips and swallowed before asking, "How did we get here?"
"I don't know about you but I walked." Daryl sat up, shoulder's tensed and jaw clenched. The muscle in his cheek was ticking away and his eyes had the feral quality of an animal.
"No. How did we get here? You...killing a kid and me...hurting you." Carol swallowed, her eyes bearing down on Daryl. His whole form tensed up at her words and his eyes locked with hers before he blinked, the animal quality dissolving.
"I did what was best for the group. He'd woulda hurt more people if he got the chance." Daryl shook his head and scratched the back of his neck, "I couldn't take the risk."
"I know you did. You're always doin' what's best for the group. But you don't need to do everythin'. You kill walkers', you take extra watch shifts, you hunt and you go on runs. You should let someone else take a turn on watch, or a turn goin' on runs."Carol whispered softly.
"I think there's a sayin' that goes somethin' like this: If a job's worth doin', it's worth doin' right." Daryl muttered, "I'll only rest when I know the job is done properly. And I don't trust the Woodbury group. They've never lived like we have, they haven't had to check fences or go on runs so they miss things. And missin' things get you killed."
"There's somethin' else Daryl. I can see it." Carol whispered, stepping forward. She could see that the stuff about the Woodburians was a lie. She could see the truth hiding in his eyes.
Daryl swallowed as Carol slowly proceeded to come closer to him. Her hand reached out and laid on his cheek. Daryl pulled back slightly, just out of her reach. The truth was hanging on his tongue, waiting to be spoken. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, kiss her and tell her she was everything he wanted. That she made him feel things that he'd never felt before.
"I know you work yourself like a slave because it takes your mind off him." Carol whispered, her fingers caressing Daryl's cheek, "I know it takes your mind off Merle."
Daryl stood up so fast his chair shoot backwards into the wall. He stepped out of Carol's reach, his fingers wrapping around his crossbow. He faked a yawn and a stretch, "I better hit the sack. Got a long coupla days comin'."
"Doin' what?" Carol had stepped back, taken by surprise from Daryl's sudden movement.
Daryl stepped towards the door, opened it and muttered, "Dress shoppin'." Before disappearing into the gloom of the staircase.
A/N: I'm so sorry for the late update, but my computer broke and I lost all my work so I had to re-write everything and set up a new computer. My wifi dropped out due to storms and I've had poor signal since. It got fixed today though :)
I've also had a bad case of writer's block. But I should get back to updating every few days or at least once a few.
Review, comment, praise or constructive critique is all excepted as usual. No hate.
A big thanks to everyone who has taken the time to review previous chapters, even if it was just one chapter or numerous ones, I'm grateful for you guys taking the time to read this fic.
Drop a review below! :)