Quick summary: Daryl faces depression. Find out who hostages are. Some flashbacks. Tune in!
Desolate
The group was all reunited, all except for Merle. Daryl remembered how having Merle around reminded him of who he was. Why was he with these people? Not if them would truly accept him around then if this never happened. Back at Shane's camp he was despised and came down to blows with the cops even when walkers arrived and there was no law. He was a drunkard smoking tough asshole redneck, so why would he change for these people? Daryl should've been happy for Sophia, finally finding her. But what was his purpose with this group? He'd lost his brother because of two of them and he helped the same two through this shit wreck.
Maybe Daryl didn't belong there. 'Maybe I don't belong' he thought. Daryl just felt so desolate. Yes, he was lonely and sad. He lost his kin and now he's protecting this group that wouldn't look in his direction if it weren't for the apocalypse. Sure he was a muscular man and good looking too. He'd had quite the lady getter and he was always loyal. Maybe the most loyal man in Tennessee. He missed Tennessee, he'd been homesick for 3 years now being in Atlanta.
Maggie did have something for Daryl, he wasn't blind enough to miss that. But if it weren't for this, she'd probably be with one of the jocks that Daryl would beat the shit out of. Maybe he needed to forget her too.
Daryl only wanted Merle.
This all came to thought as Daryl walked out in his own camp outside in his vest and coat looking into the night's sky and grass field in front of him. He would be staying in his camp again, even through this damn cold winter. He was a man, he didn't need the damn showers outside when he had a working tap outside. He climbed inside of his tent feeling hollow, his skin growing pale and felt a bit cool himself. He shook it off as he started to fall asleep.
Carol was still squeezing Sophia, warming up the room. Who knew? The mind of a hunter a cop and his deputy. A delivery boy and two anonymous people got a little girl back alive from a gang. Maggie smiled watching Carol nuzzling her little girl. Beth seemed eager to play around with the two.
Rick walked over to the cups still not washed, noticing one at the end which was thin, Lori's didn't have the scent of alcohol. 'Water you faker' Rick smiled. The baby was definitely a short way to go, Lori was a very thin woman. But her stomach now looked like a basketball. He knew Daryl, his trusted wingman would be there for him to keep her safe through it. Shane had grown cold but he wouldn't dare to do anything to these people ever again. Carol Patricia and Hershel knew what they would have to do for procedure so it had to be okay.
Shane had been with Maggie and Beth in the kitchen table, chowing down on easy made macaroni. They made sure there was at least three packs stored for the others, "Where's Daryl?" Beth asked looking around. "I think he went down to his own camp, seemed a little weird all of a sudden" Shane answered motioning. Andrea walked into scene. "Yeah, he looked mad?" She asked confused looking at Shane. "Well he can't be out there, it's freezing and he'll catch a cold so I'm gonna bring him in now" Maggie mothered angrily.
"Woah, slow down. Let me check on him first" Shane stood up and walked out. He leaned in the tent and called, "Daryl, you alright?" He opened the tent. "Whatcha want?" Daryl asked irritated. "What's goin' on with ya? We got Sophia back and now you're mad?" Shane tried reasoning.
Daryl locked eyes, his outlined blue eyes were a bit glossy, watery. But all Shane saw was fire and raw anger in them. "It don't matter, cause I don't matter. So leave me be" Daryl requested, no he forced. There wasn't much Shane could say, the two didn't have the best relationship so he walked out back into the house.
"He is an angry man at the moment, I say we leave him alone for now." He looked at Maggie. "Not happenin'" Maggie walked outside to Daryl's tent.
"Daryl" Maggie called sternly before entering . Daryl huffed, "What, what do you want now?" He hissed. He did sound pissed. " What's wrong? Why won't you just come in? Seriously" Maggie said exasperated. Daryl growled and looked her in the eye, this time his eyes were a bit red rimmed and still glossy. But the fire intensified. "I wanna be alone" He said dismissively. Maggie couldn't help but fall prey to the look and throw her hands up. "Fine, whatever" she said and left. Daryl felt like an ass for being rough but he shook it off as he rolled over, slipping a single tear.
Maggie walked in a bit mad and sat on the couch, arms crossed over her chest. "What happened? Is he okay?" Patricia walked in. "Yeah he is, but his attitude isn't" Maggie vented. Hershel came into the room, "Maggie, you know how he is. You've got to leave the man to himself sometimes. Now I know what happened with him and his brother so I can understand his feelings at the moment right now" Hershel explained. Maggie unfolded her armed and tensed down a bit.
Rick had fell asleep already, Lori and Carl with him and he had no time to thank Daryl yet. First thing in the morning.
Morning had hit about 7 and Daryl was the first to be awake. He noticed it was more than silent around him. No walkers, no people. Just the peace and quiet of the sun deciding it would stay down. The only noises were the soft ones of callings of the wilderness. Daryl sighed and got up, since no one was up he could shower by the stables.
Daryl had gotten into his every day apparel and slung his crossbow pacing for what to do. He'd decided to go on a hunt. Daryl heard a couple dishes clatter and early morning voices. He decided to rush a little further and entered the woods. His getaway.
The two hostages had made it throughout an alley by a coffee shop 6 blocks from the shootout by the lot. They took turns unhooking their tied wrists, finally getting up and scavenging quietly. "Back to the camp Dave, we still got Roger and Jeff" The fat tall man said. "Alright, and Tony Randall said a farm. Assholes are deadbeats" Dave said cracking a twig.
Maggie was making coffee and Patricia was just in time to help her. Rick and Dale had shown up with a sleepy Sophia. "You ever have coffee Sophia?" Rick asked playing with her arms. Carol came in, "No she hasn't but she will" Carol ruffled her hair. "Finally" Sophia muttered and Dale laughed. "Anyone seen Daryl, had to speak with him" Rick looked around. Maggie had seen him rush down the woods, she saw him clearly through the window in front of the counter. "Yeah he ran along through the woods" Maggie answered.
"Man's been acting weird lately, I hope I ain't the only one who sees that" Rick looked at everyone. "You're not" Dale and Carol said together. "Well, he usually was closed off so I guess we should let him be until he decides to speak" Carol preferred.
Beth woke up to the sound of Glenn coughing in his sleep. They were in Beth's bed. Why the fuck was he there? "Glenn, Glenn get up! You're not suppose to be here!" Beth pushed him off until he stood up. Glenn groaned cracking his neck, "Aw man my neck hurts" He said stepping close and placing his lips on hers. Glenn walked out downstairs adjusting his hat.
Daryl walked deep into the woods enough to be surely alone. Maybe. He'd never been here but he'd already found his way through all his routes by the signs around him. There had to be many animals running around this area. Daryl noticed three squirrels in a triangle of three trees in front of him. His hunting skills were swift now, it had been a bit easy. He'd shot an arrow through the squirrels and they were all dead stuck to the trees. Daryl had unstuck them and placed his arrows into the quiver of his crossbow. Tying the three squirrels, he walked back over. He sat on the dirt with his back leaning against a very tall green tree. The sun didn't help the weather which was sending shivers up his torso. He couldn't really feel much of it though.
Daryl thought of Merle and how he lost him . The way it happened.
Coming back from a hunt meeting a sheriff, that was one of the people who had him stuck up there. Daryl was clearly the toughest after Rick. He'd heard the news and attacked Rick, of course the cop dodged and Shane tackled Daryl and they rolled over. Daryl stood again and Shane did too. Rick and Shane always worked together and Shane was a little pest annoying Daryl by sneaking behind him. Daryl faked a punch at Rick and backed up as Shane came at Daryl. This time Daryl out smarted Shane and had the advantage. As Shane stopped almost slipping, Daryl threw a killer right punch well prepared. His hardened fist smashed Shane's face, close lining him and having Shane fall flat on his back sprawling.
The fire was about all in that one punch and Daryl dropped his unsheathed knife. He wiped at his eye remembering what fired him up. "Hell wit' all ya'" he cried. The worst part was going back to see Merle gone. But how? Without a trace, no blood. Not even the handcuffs. Daryl was bewildered.
To this day Daryl was still bewildered. He couldn't forget of the events that came to play two years ago, now closing to three. He used to have shorter and lighter hair, with a smaller and blonder beard. Now his hair and facial hair was going a darker brown. Daryl was able to feel the bags under his eyes starting to show more stress. But he knew from the labor he'd been pulling, his arms had been growing in muscle as well as his body.
Daryl hadn't felt pain, actual emotional pain since the outbreak. But today thinking of Merle brought Daryl to drop his head in the hour of shame. His shoulders dropped and he let go of the arrow he was playing with. He coughed out and let a couple of tears slip out of his eyes, his face began falling into his hands. He couldn't even show the wilderness how he felt, no one could. No one would ever truly feel the pain Daryl experienced and that made him even more closed off. Daryl's cries began to come aloud and he raised his head to stare at the sun. He thought he'd seen his mother. The woman he'd loved more than anyone. She reminded him of Maggie and Merle. Tough, protective, beautiful, and accepting. Maybe that's why he was so deep in thought for someone other than his brother. Maggie.
After pulling himself together, Daryl stood up to stalk out of the woods. He walked down the grass field with his squirrels. He made amends in his mind with Maggie, because he knew why he opened up in the first place. Rick was sitting on the rocking chair and saw him return with a stored lunch. He stopped on the first step as Rick was by the door.
"Hey. Daryl, I just wanted to thank you again. We needed you, you pulled yourself to lead this group. And I..I just wanted to say thank you" Rick found the words to thank him. "Was all you Rick, just there to back you up is all" Daryl complimented. Rick and Daryl entered squirrels off and walking back off to the porch.
Maggie was happy to see Daryl return but sad he never said hi to her. Was he mad at her for something? Could he handle sex or love?
Daryl went outside to see Andrea with Shane and Carl teasing with Sophia. They were cute kids. Daryl probably wouldn't mind them around. He chuckled. "What's so funny?" Rick asked amused. Daryl cleared his throat, "Nothin' just kids is all" they both looked over to the children. "And then that new addition a couple weeks, days from now" Daryl hopefully grinned at Rick.
Daryl liked Rick, he truly owned up. He was a kind but stern leader which was exactly what they needed. Daryl made sure Rick had been alive to lead this group because Daryl couldn't carry their weight to the point Rick had. He also knew Rick needed him. Shane too. But he was glad to have recruiters like T-Dog and Glenn with Dale who would eventually step up when needed. And Andrea along with Maggie had potential, eventually they would all and become warriors. But maybe, maybe if Merle came back.
"Alright these assholes are gonna pay for it! You're the leader so what say you?" The man they called Jeff asked. "Well they've got people, and we only have four of us. We surprise and take as much as we can while hiding" Dave plotted. "All I know is one of them is gonna die" Tony promised. Roger the last man, had packed their weapons and a map leading from their shelter to the farm's road.
"Can we watch a movie?" Sophia looked at her momma then to Shane. Carol looked at Shane wondering if it was worth it. Shane chuckled, "Of course we can" Shane patted her head. "I mean all of us" Sophia looked at Carl. "Yeah that'd be great!" Carl squealed in excitement. "I'll try" Shane smiled. Man he was gonna have a hard time, he already thought of what they were gonna say when he asked. He ran a hand through his hair and walked towards the house.
"Guys for the kids, wanna watch a movie?" Shane asked closing his eyes waiting to get slapped. Beth was with Andrea and Glenn in the living room. Patricia and Hershel were around to hear. "Sure, I'd actually wanna do that" Beth admitted and got a nod from Andrea and Patricia. "I guess I will but don't mind my snoring" Hershel said and Shane started laughing surprised.
Glenn was all in. 'Yes' Shane thought as he already knew Lori would and all that was left was Rick and uh Daryl. Daryl, shit. Shane walked over to the kitchen and saw Maggie talking to Lori about the baby. "Hi uh the kids were asking if you guys would like to watch a movie" Shane almost stated. "Yes, of course" Maggie smiled and Lori nodded. Well that's down to two. Dale and T-Dog already wanted a good movie so he walked out.
Daryl and Rick were talking about families. Well Daryl was just listening to Rick's bullshit. "One family held up a basketball court. Four, a dad an uncle and two of the dad's sons." Rick remembered. Daryl actually was into that, "Wha' happened wit em'" Daryl forced. "Well my force and I had both doors closed off and Rodney, one of my deputies noticed one of the damn guns were plastic and the others were air soft guns" Daryl snorted and Rick laughed remembering their faces. "They didn't do a good job at covering the Orange tip" They said between chuckles.
Shane approached the steps, "Gotta minute?" He asked the two. "What's up?" Rick looked over his shoulder. "Kids were asking, in for a movie tonight?" Rick nodded smiling and Daryl was quiet. They both looked over, "C'mon, you might like it" Rick cheered. "Ah maybe" Daryl shrugged honestly. Shane felt accomplished and walked inside.
Maggie Glenn and Beth walked over to the chicken coop to pick up fresh eggs. Talking like a happy family Maggie put her head down to get one and Glenn took the moment to kiss Beth's lips and smile. Daryl and Rick caught that, the laughed a bit.
"So what's up with you and Maggie?" Rick wondered. Daryl tensed a bit, "Nothin' really, friends is all" Daryl said. "Bullshit, better look for a ring now" Rick laughed. "Why's that?" Daryl leaned forward. "She'll be expecting it in a year" Rick said and they both looked around taking a mental picture of now.
Rick went back inside and Glenn and Beth ditched Maggie out of the stables. "Ugh, jerks" Maggie mumbled trying to carry more work. Daryl walked down to the stable, "Nah, they ain't cause I got it" Daryl realized knowing they tried to set them together. "Oh? That's funny, thought you'd rather be alone?" Maggie was a bit mad. He decided to make amends now. Even if it made him look like a fool. They had went through enough already. "Why would I do that when I could be here with ya'?" Daryl asked. Maggie laughed and took his offer. Together they got work done faster and walked back.
"I'm gonna rinse off in the shower, cause once night hits they wanna watch a movie" Maggie said as if it wasn't the end of the world. "Yeah, I heard. I'll be in jammies" Daryl confessed jokingly. Maggie would love to see him in those with her in bed again. Or just naked. She laughed.
The two brushed shoulders, occasionally bumping shoulders purposely laughing. "Be there for tonight, or I'll be bored to death" Maggie warned. "Fine" Daryl cursed under his breath. Later.
Daryl went to his tent and tried to sleep off the rest of the day. He'd dreamt about the green grassfields that were endless and the windmills around him in Tennessee. Being isolated but filled with happiness.
Maggie showered off and threw on a plain white T shirt with black jeans, as she walked down to the kitchen and almost everyone was hanging out. Safely. This place was a haven compared to the outside world. There was food, water, electricity, and a big family.
Night had hit, the clock saying 9 P.M and everyone except for Daryl was in the basement. Maggie made more than enough space on an empty couch for Daryl. To her left was Lori and Andrea. There were three other sofas, Dale, T-Dog and Carol took the closest one to the T.V. Carol liked being with those two. They were kind of her best friends. On the third couch was Shane Hershel and Patricia. Rick sat on a rocking chair next to Lori. Beth Glenn Sophia and Carl were sitting on the floor staring deep into the screen when Shane found The Wizard of Oz. He said it was a classic so everyone decided Carl and Sophia had to see it. In order to fulfill their childhood.
After about an hour, Daryl stepped off the RV from watch and took a walk around the house to make sure there were no people or walkers around. It was clear. He walked towards the basement window to see the big happy family. All of them watching and he felt a warm feel looking at them. He let a crooked smile cross his lips. And then the screen door opened. Sophia was on the front step looking at Daryl as he walked up the four steps. "What's up Sophia? Scared o' the movie?" Daryl teased patting her head. Sophia smiled, "I was wondering if you'd come watch the movie?" Sophia made puppy dog eyes. "Too cute to say no so yea' " Daryl answered. Sophia led Daryl inside and they made their way to the basement.
Daryl had shown up and instinctively sat next to Maggie. He looked embarrassed and his face flushed. Maggie nudged him and shot a cheeky grin, he could only look forward. "Saw this when I was 11, creeped the shot outta me" Daryl admitted. Andrea and Maggie chuckled when he made an audible 'Ugh'.
The movie ended and everyone whistled at the never getting old movie. It truly was one of the greatest movies and eat made in the late thirties. Quite the movie. Rick was already half asleep and Lori and Andrea were wide awake. Shane had been gone asleep as were Hershel and Patricia in their own rooms. Beth and Glenn were in the basement bathroom making out. Carl and Sophia were wide awake and kept talking about the hanging munchkin they spotted. Dale and T-Dog went upstairs and Carol fell asleep on the couch.
Beth and Glenn walked out happily and sweaty. "Guys that movie was great!" Carl squealed. "We should watch it again!" Sophia laughed. "Well, it's eleven do you really wanna?" Beth asked. "Why not, we barely even watched, so why not?" Glenn asked reminding her they spent the hour hooking up. The four went back and replayed the movie. "I missed all of it, I'll watch.." Rick was cut off when seeing Maggie cuddling with Daryl on the end of the couch.
"Someone get the camera?" Rick asked smiling. Glenn grabbed the camera and gave it to Rick and Rick stood up pointing it to Daryl and Maggie. 'Click' Rick put it away before Daryl awoke. "S' over?" Daryl yawned and noticed Maggie pressed on him. He rubbed her shoulder uncomfortable of why they were cuddling in front of everyone. "Gotta get up" he whispered frustrated. The other five that were awake laughed at the display. Maggie snarled and kept asleep. Daryl sighed and stood up. He put one arm under Maggie's thigh and the other under her shoulders. He lifted her and she gasped, Daryl chuckled and the others snickered as he carried her up the stairs. "Night'" he said leaving.
The others laughed as they gathered around Rick who took out the new photograph."I didn't know Daryl was with Maggie, they're so cute, like they've been married or something" Sophia giggled as well as the others. "I'm not sure they're ready to admit that, but movies on" Glenn replied. They averted their attention to the movie again and stared into the screen.
Next time on the walking dead: Awesomeness! Enjoy!