Chapter 2: Boots

A sharp chill had settled into the hallways of the prison. If there was a system for reinforcing some insulation in the building, someone was going to have to think of it soon. The cold was manageable now. However, the true winter months might turn miserable if they weren't more proactive about climate control.

As Daryl walked from one cell block to the next, he saw more people milling around than usual. Nobody wanted to be outside if they didn't have to be. Breakfast had been crowded this morning too as a result. A few kids came running down the stairs from the upper level to rush past him to the mess hall. Daryl grinned at the youngest of the bunch who narrowly missed ramming into him following after the others. Hopefully, there was still some left for the young stragglers who'd slept in.

Picking up his pace, he simply nodded a greeting at Hershel. The elder man was making his way towards the exit, no doubt doing his morning rounds with the crop preparation and livestock areas. A prison yard was a sad replacement for a farm but Hershel and Rick were making a good go of it. Daryl was pretty impressed even if he had been skeptical about the idea at first.

As he slowed past one of the cells used for storage, he saw a few heaping piles of material overflowing off the cot and onto the floor. That was probably from Carol cataloguing the last of the winter gear. At the very least, there would be an abundance of coats, blankets, socks, hats and gloves thanks to a well-coordinated run a few days back. If it came down to confining people indoors and giving everyone five layers to wear, then so be it. Right now, as long as everyone was accounted for in the supply numbers it seemed manageable. There was no telling how mentally prepared people were for the weather though.

The core group of survivors from Atlanta remembered what it was like being on the move during the cold months, not always sure they'd find shelter that would keep out the worst of the weather. They set the tone for everyone else in keeping spirits up about their winter survival. Like the former residents of Woodbury, Tyrese and Sasha had still been in their former gated community for most of the winter so their months of surviving on the road hadn't prepared them for what was to come. Probably the person who had it the worst was Michonne being on the move with only Andrea for company and protection, and for the latter part of their travels, pretty sick to boot. But if she was feeling either nervous or optimistic about the upcoming cold weather, she was keeping it to herself like she did most things.

He didn't linger at the storage cache, even though he knew Carol was around and would be looking for him later. She and Beth wanted him to help carry some of that stuff from the storage cell to wherever it needed to go. He'd put it off yesterday but promised to meet them later and take care of it. Carol could always get him to do annoying tasks like this that nobody else wanted to do so he made sure he'd been grumpy about agreeing to the errand. But he was happy to help out when it was needed—and Carol was probably wise to that fact too. He couldn't have everyone knowing that though or he'd get stuck doing all kinds of bullshit jobs. There had been enough of that back in the days when Rick and Shane had been running the show.

So Daryl kept on walking, not bothering to look for Carol. He was on watch later that afternoon but there were a few projects around the prison, including hers, that he thought he might get to before then. And he needed to make a stop right now and it wasn't clear how much time it would occupy in his loose schedule.

Rounding the corner, he could hear the noise on the block fade out. Not many people came down this way, both because there wasn't much important in this direction and because the people occupying the cells tended to be the night owls of the group and were resting at this hour of the day.

And one particular night owl was on his mind.

Michonne had come off of overnight watch about an hour ago. It wasn't unusual for them to miss each other at breakfast but he hadn't shared a meal with her all week and had gotten up early to catch her before she went to sleep. When she didn't show up, he got curious about what she'd gotten into. Rick reported at breakfast that the walkers had bunched up along the edge of the southern fence line. It hadn't been anything he and Michonne couldn't handle but it had involved more work than the usual guard duty. Daryl hoped she hadn't gone poking around the grounds after her shift to suss out any more security problems. She did stuff like that sometimes: went of by herself to handle some kind of trouble or group business. He didn't used to mind as much but things had changed lately.

A few weeks had passed since their trip out in the woods. They'd come back with a deer, a slew of squirrels and rabbits and an entirely new relationship with each other.

It had been a surprise when she came on to him but it was one that he'd pretty quickly figured out was the good kind. Leaving the prison that morning, he hadn't thought much about the company he was keeping. He didn't mind having the kids underfoot because it gave them a chance to learn something useful. And he was finding that he didn't mind teaching them since it would help the group if the young ones learned more about surviving. As for Michonne, he was used to going on runs with her from time to time although she'd never asked for him personally before. They had done pretty well as a small group that day.

But when he came across the promise of some fresh meat, it was game on. His instincts kicked in and it had been only a minor concern that he'd be stuck outside of the prison with the most mysterious member of their group. As the day closed and time crept by, he realized that he kind of enjoyed her companionship. She didn't talk unnecessarily but was still good company; she made him feel like he wasn't out there alone trying to prove himself. They were in it together.

He got them settled in their tree and as the sky darkened and the night approached, he occupied his thoughts with keeping alert for signs of animals and enemies alike. Only occasionally did he wonder about the woman above him. He had observed repeatedly that she could take care of herself.

And then out of nowhere she was sitting in his lap, hand across his chest and triggering all kinds of fears and pleasures he hadn't had to deal with in a long time.

It's not like he hadn't thought about her like that before. He welcomed her directness and courage; he'd noticed her moments of softness, usually when she was with Carl or on the rare occasion someone mentioned Andrea. That respect and admiration he felt for her was appealing; the strength he sensed in her was a pull towards what he saw as the best parts of himself. He didn't understand it at the time but it was the start of his attraction to her. She was a survivor like he was. He wouldn't put money on anyone else in the prison lasting out there in the wild, now crawling with walkers. Yet he'd never bet against Michonne.

But at the time, Daryl hadn't thought much of those sort of feelings. He wasn't the kind of guy to go around looking for love or even sex. All that shit did was get you worked up and play with your mind. It could get you killed. He could admit that he cared about his new family, would look out for Hershel and Beth, fight alongside Glenn and Maggie, treat Rick and his family as if they were his own. The relationship that had grown between himself and Carol was kind of complicated but he loved her in his own way. Losing her would be as bad as losing Merle because she'd given a damn about him when no one else had. They'd been through a lot together with looking for Sophia and him thinking she was dead those few early days in the prison. So he vowed to make sure she was never in harms way again.

Even all the new folks, Tyreese and his sister, the people from Woodbury, he'd watch out for them too because that's the kind of man he was now. He protected people.

Michonne was hard to pin down though. She didn't need his protection. Hell, she'd take any man or walker out before he even know they were there. So if she didn't look to him for protection, he'd back her up the best way he could. And after their time alone together, he discovered how much more that was turning out to be.

It wasn't him looking to be close to someone; it was her asking if he wouldn't mind sharing something with her. He liked it now that he'd gotten a taste of her.

As Daryl got closer to his destination, he confirmed that the few cells along her row were empty. He hadn't expected anyone to be around but he checked anyway. They weren't going at it hot and heavy or anything but neither liked having an audience when they were together. Their "relationship" was mainly company during mealtimes most days and a few mildly intimate encounters from time to time. They'd learned that a more secure prison had a few nooks they could make use of if they found a convenient excuse to sneak away together for a minute or two. They talked some too, not about the past because neither was too keen on that subject. But he learned a lot more about who she was now and became more comfortable talking about himself too. He liked being close to her in a way that was different than everyone else. There wasn't a lot of pressure or expectation when they were together. Maybe that's what he was anticipating as he made his way to see her. They tried to be rather private about the whole thing. Yet they weren't casual enough to bypass the teasing that had already started, especially from Carol and Glenn who became the most likely to catch them in a compromising state. Carol's jibes tended to be more wary of Michonne being as protective as she was of him. But Glenn was getting a bit of revenge for how much grief he and Maggie took over their courtship.

When he at last stepped into her cell, Michonne was already on her cot, covers loosely draped across her. It looked like all she'd gotten into was some sleep after an eventful watch. He stopped just inside the entrance to lean against the bars. Not for the first time since the'd started with each other, Daryl had to decide whether he should go in further or turn around and retreat.

He watched over her, disappointed because he had hoped to catch her still awake so they could catch up. There was a brief impulse to steal a kiss at least before leaving but he was afraid of waking her. She did look tired and he had things he could be doing elsewhere. It would have been nice to spend some time together but it would have to wait a little longer. Pushing himself away from against the cell bars, he glanced over at her again and sighed.

"Did you come all the way down here to stare at me for a while before sneaking off."

He should have known he couldn't get this near without tripping her instincts.

"Didn't see ya at breakfast. Thought I'd check on ya." Daryl shifted around a little not knowing what else he could say to justify his silent presence in her cell.

Michonne turned from lying on her back to her side and scrutinized her guest. She wasn't mad. If anything she was amused at how nervous he would get when put on the spot. He was shuffling from one foot to the other and his gaze wavered from her face to everywhere but.

Surprising him, a foot poked out from under her blanket and nudged the chair at the foot of her bed in his direction. "You've already woken me up; you may as well stay for a while."

"Didn't mean to wake ya up," Daryl said, making no move towards the chair. "I heard ya had a rough night and was seein' if you was alright."

When she smiled it finally caught his attention enough to focus his gaze on her face again. "You're checking on me, huh?" Daryl swiveled around, now leaning a shoulder against the bars enclosing them. A muffled clink reverberated in the cell as his crossbow hit the steel of the entryway. He shrugged and looked down but still didn't take the seat offered. "That's kind of nice, actually." Michonne nudged the chair again with her foot, moving it even closer to where Daryl was standing. "It's been a while since anyone came checking on me and it wasn't for suspicious reasons."

If this was his signal that she was up for entertaining, he wasn't going to turn her down. It's what he wanted when he set out to find her. Daryl removed himself from the cell frame and took a few steps towards her before taking a seat. He twisted off his crossbow and lay it beside the chair. Finally, he crossed his legs and grinned at her in that way he knew Michonne loved. "Wouldn't say I aint suspicious."

From where he sat, he was close enough to see her face but was also mostly blocked from the view of anyone passing by because of the drapery that obscured the side of the cell that she slept in. With her nocturnal schedule, it was useful for keeping the light out and it helped with privacy too. If they were going to have moments like they were having right now, relaxed and sparking with an intimate energy, they sure as hell didn't want other people privy to it.

"You are alright, aint'cha?" Daryl asked trying to be as casual as possible.

Michonne raised an eyebrow at his concern and he chuckled. Of course she was alright.

"You wanna check me over for scratches? Neither Rick or I noticed anything but a second opinion might not hurt."

It was Daryl's turn to fix her with a surprised expression. "Rick, huh? He get a good look at'cha, did he?"

This time it was Michonne who shrugged from underneath her blanket. She didn't offer any further explanation though.

"Knowin' Rick, I'm sure he took good care 'a ya." Daryl wouldn't admit it to her but he liked the teasing between them. He probably wouldn't enjoy her giving him a hard time all the time. But to have her challenge him every once in a while was kind of exciting. There wasn't anything going on between Michonne and Rick, of course. That rumor had spread around a while back and he had definitely brought it up a few times to get underneath her skin. He couldn't blame her for turning it around on him for once.

Michonne's foot poked out from underneath her blanket again and she placed it on his knee. She was wearing thick socks, probably two pair judging by the weight against his leg. Her boots were sitting towards the head of the bed, ready for her to slip back on in an emergency. It wasn't until recently that she slept without wearing them underneath the covers like he did. But it was a testament to how much better she felt being a part of the group that she allowed herself the luxury.

"I wouldn't say that he took good care of me, but we made sure neither of us would be turnin' come sun up."

Daryl gently grasped Michonne's ankle and made to peek into the pants leg that he'd untucked from her sock. "Glad to hear it." A small smile played across his lips. Instead of inspecting her for walker scratches, he tickled her shin before resting his fingers against the skin there.

They sat like that for a while, listening to the faint sounds of prison life around them. Tyreese and a couple other people were repairing some of the barriers a group of walkers had broken a few days ago. They heard Carol and Beth across the block leading a group of kids to the upper level for their daily lessons. A half a dozen cells away, an occasional snore would reach their ears, probably Lillian, another member of the night watch group.

Daryl glanced over to the top of Michonne's bed; she was resting her head against her folded arm watching him intently as he massaged her calf. While her eyes were alert, he could see that she was tired. Pulling his hand away, Daryl put Michonne's foot back on the bed and covered it up.

"Didn't mean to mess up your sleepin'. I'm 'a get up outta here."

Michonne shot her foot out again, lightning fast, and pressed it against his knee to stop him from rising. "You're not messing up my sleep." Her other foot revealed itself and she wrapped both around his leg coaxing it towards her. "Why don't you stay a while, make yourself comfortable?"

Looking around to buy himself some time, Daryl noticed just how dim it was in the cell. He could make out Michonne lying on her cot but she was mostly in shadow. He had a fondness for seeing her that way, maybe because he had to concentrate to read her expression or because, in shadow, he knew he could hide his own vulnerable response to her. Or maybe he liked it because that's how she had looked to him the first time they'd kissed.

Still, he wasn't sure what he could gain by sticking around now. He wanted to be with her and it was difficult to know what move to make now that he'd admit to that desire. And she had offered knowing that taking things to the next level wasn't ever going to be his strong suit. As much as he liked her, it was also a little scary to be alone with her like this—secluded and unlikely to be disturbed for a while. Considering the things he wanted to do with her, his next move was a lot to process. She said to make himself comfortable but did that mean kick up his feet and hang out? Or did it mean crawling into the bed next to her, which is what his hormones were screaming for him to do.

Better to play it safe. He had no interest in getting his ass kicked for being too fresh with her. "Wouldn't wanna get your blanket all dirty wit' my boots."

Michonne narrowed her eyes at him as if questioning his words. It made him so uncomfortable, he had to look away.

"I can guarantee you that my blanket's seen worse. But if you're worried about it, you can take your boots off."

She wanted him to take his boots off. Just like that, she wanted him to kick back and pretend like the world wasn't raging in madness beyond the fences of their prison home. He couldn't could he? He didn't do that kind of thing.

Daryl stared down at Michonne's boots resting about a foot away from where he sat. It was strange that she would find enough peace to cross that barrier. She's the last one he would have suspected.

And if she could do it …

Daryl reached down and unlatched the top of his left boot, feeling Michonne's feet brush against his arm as they retreated back to her bunk. Pulling apart the weathered leather, he slowly loosened this standard outer covering, considering and reconsidering what he was about to do with this woman. He pulled the boot from his foot and felt the instant rush of cool air surround it. It's not like it was an unfamiliar sensation. He washed and changed his clothes and cleaned his shoes as much as the next person in this post-civilized world. But it was always a temporary thing, a quick change until he could get back into his routine. He placed his lone boot next to hers, facing the opposite direction and barely touching, sole to sole. Reaching down to loosen the other boot, it sunk in what this meant for the two of them, this trust and closeness and willingness to accommodate a request sincerely expressed. The second boot met the other, more quickly discarded than the first.

When he met Michonne's eyes again, they were a little more hooded in exhaustion than before but brighter, more relaxed. Daryl propped his feet up onto her bunk and worked his toes underneath her covers to meet the rough material of her thick pants and socks. When his feet found their target, he laughed as she grabbed them in between her calves and pinned him to her. He wasn't going to protest.

"Get some sleep, will ya." Michonne smiled at his playful order and closed her eyes briefly. She rubbed their legs together under the cover and he leaned over to adjust the blanket so that none of the cold air could creep in from where his body extended from the bed.

She followed his every move, tracking him silently. When he was done adjusting to their new position, she sighed. "You could have joined me up here, you know."

The admission surprised Daryl. He'd thought playing it safe had been the way to go. Now there was a small tinge of regret at his caution. He was comfortable though, and she looked it too so maybe it was fine. He wondered if she had read the doubt in his body language. Knowing her, probably and then some.

"Should'a said somethin' then, woman. I aint no mind-reader." Michonne pretended to hate it when he called her 'woman' which was why he said it all the time now. And despite his harsh words, she was chuckling at his reaction to her admission. "Don't chu worry none. Next time, I'll be on ya. You won't even have to ask twice." There was humor in his words but also a seriousness as he met her gaze square and steady.

In reply, her satisfied expression spoke of promises to keep. Her eyes drifted close.

Daryl picked up his crossbow and lay it across his lap. With the sound of her breathing as company, he grabbed his stash of arrows to give them a past due cleaning. He had been meaning to check each mechanism on the weapon for any sluggishness. Now was as good a time as any.

"Daryl?"

His head popped up at the sound of her voice but her eyes remained closed when he looked her way.

"Yeah, babe?" When he saw her smile at the endearment, it brought one to his face too.

She shifted underneath the covers, running her foot across his ankle in a soft caress. "Thanks for checking on me."

Daryl returned her caress with one of his own wool-covered feet. "Anytime."

Like he could ever stay away now.