THETRUEFATHER

Daryl moved silently thru the woods, walking quickly away from his home. His mind had been such a mess yesterday, he hadn't caught anything. Travis gave Daryl a black eye for that, not to mention he was still hungry. He needed to ignore everything and just hunt.

"i saw some fresh deer tracks this way."

Daryl froze and turned. Leaning against a tree was Buck, with a large crossbow over his shoulder. Buck walked over and stood in front of Daryl.

"What do ya say you track, I shoot. You take home whatever we catch."

Daryl turned away, but then looked back at Buck. That was an expensive crossbow on his back, a good brand too. For Buck to have that, he had to know what he was doing with crossbows: a weapon Daryl had always wanted, but never had the money to buy. Daryl felt his stomach rumble, fresh venison did sound good, plus it would keep Travis off his back.

Daryl nodded lightly and Buck pointed off to the right and lead the way, Daryl following. They went a ways, before Buck pointed to the ground. Daryl easily picked up the trail and walked on, Buck following. It wasn't long before Daryl stopped and pointed. Up ahead were 3 deer, one small Buck and doe, and one large doe. Buck nodded and crept forward a few feet. Daryl watched as he expertly lined up the shot, and loosed the bolt. A moment later the large doe crumbled to the ground and the smaller pair dashed off into the forest. Buck and Daryl stood and walked up to the fallen doe. Daryl watched as Buck pulled the bolt out of the center of the doe's head.

"ya know what your doin' with that bow."

Buck nodded. "i prefer it in huntin'. No reason to disturb the forest when I can use a silent weapon with reusable ammo."

Daryl nodded as Buck wrapped a piece of rope he took out of his pocket around the deers neck and carried it over to the tree. Daryl helped Buck tie off the rope and they set about dressing the deer. Buck handed Daryl a knife to start the process, a much better one then what Daryl had. Daryl turned the knife over in his hand, testing the razor sharp blade before he used it.

Buck looked up at Daryl as they gutted the deer. "you have Hope's eyes, so does Merle."

Daryl tossed the bloody organs down, as Buck scooped more out.

"that's what I first noticed about her. We were both 16, met in school when her family moved to town. I fell head over heels for her. i called her bluebird because of her eyes. First time I saw Merle I knew he was her son. Lookin' at ya now, same damn thing."

Buck eyed Daryl as he was stoically quiet, ignoring Buck as he worked.

"you can stay mum all ya want, it won't stop me."

Daryl sighed as he looked at Buck. "What the fuck am I supposed to say?"

Buck shrugged. "What ever you want. Ya want to scream at me, go ahead. Ya want to talk, I'm up for that too. I'm here for you Daryl, I'm not leavin' with out my sons. I'm not givin' up."

Daryl eyed Buck. "Why do you keep sayin' sons?"

Buck met Daryl's look. "that short time I had with Hope before prison, not only were you created, but I was gettin' close with Merle. I had every intention then of adoptin' him, and I still do. He may be an adult, but fuck it Merle was supposed to be my son, not Travis'. I want to be Merle's father as well as yours. But I started with you, because I know how Merle is goin' to react. But I ain't here ta take just you Daryl. I want both of you, and I ain't leavin' with out you both."

Daryl chewed his lip, shacking his head. "he wont go for it, Merle's all about blood."

Buck shook his head. "i don't care how long it takes, or what I have to do. I will do anythin' for you and Merle. I'll go back to prison, fuck I will die for you. If it takes me a while to convince Merle of it so be it. But for now, its about you. What are you thinkin'. Talk to me."

Daryl was silent as he looked at the deer, shaking his head. "i need to get home."

Buck growled. "back to the fucker that gave ya a black eye? Daryl I can protect you, I want you to come with me."

Daryl shook his head. "i met you yesterday, now your askin' me to move in? Ya sound like a creeper."

Buck scoffed. "Daryl ya know damn well why I am here and what I am doin'. Fight this all you want, I'm not leavin' ya. I will be here in the woods every damn day. I will hunt with you every damn day. I will keep this up."

Daryl bit his lip, before speaking quietly. "give me some time."

Buck watched as Daryl looked away. "i gotta get my head wrapped around this, I need some time."

Buck was silent before he nodded. "alright. I'll give ya that. I've had several years to figure this out, I can give you some time. Just do me a favor, keep the knife and takes these."

Daryl looked up as Buck handed him a phone and a wallet. Daryl took them, flipping them over in his hand.

"What's this?"

Buck held up his own phone. "my number's in there, if ya ever need me, I'm just a phone call, a text away. Ya have any questions, just want to talk, need someone to listen, I'm here for you."

Daryl palmed the phone as he opened the wallet. There was 2 cards and over 300$ in cash.

"both those cards go to my accounts. Use them for what ever ya need, there's over 80 grand in each."

Daryl looked up at Buck. "i can't take this."

Buck shook his head. "if you won't let me take you home with me, then I'm at least goin' to do what I can to provide for you. I'll be out here every day, helpin' ya hunt. I'll teach ya how to use the bow, fuck I'll give you this one or buy you what ever you want. Take the money, get what you need, what Merle needs."

Daryl held the wallet and phone in his hand before tucking them away in his pocket.

"I've never texted before."

Buck shrugged. "its pretty easy. There's a button that takes ya to the messages, then make a new one and select me as the contact. I have my phone on me 24/7, don't hesitate to text or call."

Daryl nodded, before gesturing back to the deer. "you want some?"

Buck shook his head. "Take it home, make Merle and ya a good meal, enjoy it."

Daryl nodded slight, before he slung the deer over his shoulder. Buck walked beside Daryl as they went thru the forest. As they approached the Anderson home, Buck stopped and turned to Daryl.

"if Travis starts in on ya, call me. I'm close by."

Daryl bit his lip, looking thru the last bit of forest to the light off in the distance. Buck looked with him.

"you can still go with me."

Daryl shook his head. "i need to get home."

Buck sighed as he nodded. "alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night Daryl, I love you."

Buck turned and walked off into the forest, and Daryl continued on with the deer. He needed to get dinner going.

THE TRUE FATHER

Daryl smirked as Merle patted him on the back.

"That was damn good baby brother, ya brought home some good eats tonight."

Daryl shrugged. "luck I guess."

Merle stabbed at another piece of meat, before shrugging. "well find what ever lucky charm ya had today and use it again, cause this is damn good."

Daryl looked at Merle, knowing his brother had no idea about Buck. But Daryl wasn't ready to say anything yet, it was all too new and confusing.

Daryl stood up and dumped his plate in the sink.

"I'm gonna crash for the night."

Merle nodded from where he was eating. "fine, see ya tomorrow."

Daryl nodded back and walked down the hallway. Passing the living room, Travis growled from where he sat in front of the TV with a 5th of whiskey.

"ya overcooked a the damned steak. Watch it next time mother fucker."

Daryl gritted his teeth as he moved up the stairs and into his room. He went thru the motions, changing shirts and boxers before unloading his pants pockets. Daryl eyed the new knife, wallet and phone, before putting the knife and wallet under his pillow. Daryl tossed his jeans in the corner before he laid down in bed and picked up the phone. He spent a few minutes playing around with it, figuring out how to turn off the volume before he typed out a text.

D- thanks for dinner. Was damn good.

The phone hadn't even turn to black before the response came back.

B- no problem. Merle got plenty?

Daryl snorted as he texted back.

D-on his 3rd helping.

B-good. You both could stand to gain some weight.

Daryl frowned as he responded.

D- how long have you been watching

B-got out of prison 4 days ago. Had everything set up before I got out, planned out. Took one day to get everything settled, watched you for one day, talked to you yesterday.

Daryl thought over that for a minute. Buck had told him the truth straight out, no anger or anything. Much different then Travis, who turned violent over the stupidest questions. But there was still a lot Daryl didn't know about Buck.

D-where did you get all your money from?

B- robbing. Kept it hidden all over the place, don't trust banks for obvious reasons. FBI never found most of my money, I have a few million stashed away in cash, more in jewelry and gems.

Daryl blinked at that. That was a lot of money, a life changing about of money.

D-damn. Bank robbing is profitable.

B-not worth what I lost. I would have been here 16 years ago if I hadn't been in the business. Hell you would have been born in Mexico.

Daryl raised an eyebrow at that.

D-Mexico?

B-Hope wanted to move to Puerto Escondido. She wanted to live someplace warm, wanted a new start as a family.

Daryl made a mental note to look on a map at school tomorrow.

B-some day I'll take you and Merle there. I'd rather you finish school here.

Daryl scoffed at that.

D-i hate school, I'd rather just be done with it.

B-school sucks, but it's useful. You need help with anything I'm worthless in English but math I can do.

D-that's something that's not genetic then.

B- it takes time. Does Mrs. Lewis still teach there?

D-the super old bitch? Yeah I have her this year.

B-god damn the old lizard is still alive. Fuck she must be 100 by now at least.

D- i think she's a vampire.

B-would make sense. She always did have a soul sucking way to her.

Daryl found himself chuckling as he was texting Buck. He hadn't expected to enjoy it, but this was an easy no pressure way to talk to Buck, get to know him. Buck was easy to talk to, unlike most people were for Daryl.

D-this texting thing is working out.

B-I'm glad. Just don't get caught with it in school.

D- I'll be careful. Should get some sleep.

B- I'll be waiting in the woods tomorrow. I love you. Good night son.

D-good night Buck.

Daryl fretted before he sent the message, finally hitting send. He wasn't to the point yet, but part of Daryl really wanted him to change Buck to dad. That's what he was. Buck was here, and he wasn't going any where. And Daryl was beginning to see that that could be a very good thing.

THETRUEFATHER

The next day Daryl headed out to the forest, slipping quietly away while Travis was watching TV. Daryl spotted Buck as soon as he crossed the tree line. Buck walked over and gave Daryl a smile.

"seen lots of rabbits already today, we should get a good catch."

Daryl smirked. "good, cause I'm fuckin' hungry."

Buck chuckled as he patted Daryl on the back. "come on, let's get ya some dinner."

the pair walked thru the forest, Buck almost immediately catching a rabbit. As he tied it to his belt, Daryl looked up at Buck.

"You were in the military?"

Buck nodded. "Force recon. Did the shit ya see in video games, just a fuck ton worse in the real world."

Daryl smirked. "ever done somethin' crazy out there?"

Buck smirked. "carried a friend off the field on my back, had ta run 5 miles with him bleedin' out. He lost his legs, but he's alive, good man too. Reset some separated shoulders, jumped out of planes, ya know shit like that. Was in that for a few years, but got out and turned ta crime."

Daryl raised an eyebrow. "so...ya really were a bank robber?"

Buck nodded. "banks and museums, that sort of shit. Did it for 7 years, right up until I got arrested."

Daryl smirked. "any idea how many places you robbed?"

Buck snorted. "lost count a long time ago. At least 2 dozen banks, lots of museums."

Daryl chuckled. "did you have a favorite?"

Buck smirked and nodded.

"this one time, we were gettin' into a storage unit outside of NYC, housin' some old museum displays. It was some jewelery shit we were after, doesn't really matter because what else we found trumped the mark. We came in thru the back, and walked into a time capsule. There was jewelry everywhere, massive paintings, antiques. It was a robbers paradise. We all looked at each other, grabbed the mark, and we went after the shit we found. We took out 6 truck-fulls, sold it all on the black market. In the end we each walked away millionaires, and they never even noticed the missing stuff from the back. The newspapers only reported about the mark, nothin' else even though we made way more on the other shit. Moral of the story: sometimes its the quiet ones in the back, that are the most important."

Daryl smirked. "damn, ya really hit the money!"

Buck nodded. "i had a connection bring me some when I got out, and some I actually hid here in Winthrop, picked it up the other night. Got lots more hidden around."

Daryl looked out at the forest before speaking. "did ya...i mean...fuck never mind."

Buck frowned before he stopped and looked at Daryl. "don't ever be afraid ta ask me a question son. I ain't Travis, ya won't get in any trouble for it."

Daryl bit his lip before he looked up at Buck. "did ya ever kill anyone?"

Buck was silent for a moment before he nodded.

"there were people that didn't survive meetin' me."

Daryl blinked. "you're a murderer?"

Buck sighed as he pointed to a rock outcropping on the river.

"come on, lets sit down. We gotta talk this out."

Daryl was silent as he sat with Buck on the rocks. Buck looked down the river before he looked over at Daryl.

"i was a bad guy Daryl, I've done a lot of bad shit in my time. You're right, I have killed people. I don't know how many in the marines, but 6 after I got out. 3 were men on my crews, tryin' ta fuck me over. Another 2 were people that got in the way durin' my hits. Killed one in prison, was ruled self defense, but really I just wanted that motherfucker dead. I wasn't a good man Daryl, I wasn't until I found out about you."

Daryl bit his lip before he looked over at Buck.

"why ya tellin' me this? Ain't ya worried I'll say somethin'?"

Buck shook his head lightly. "if ya wanna talk, go ahead. They ain't got no evidence on me, believe me, they've tried. Greene, this FBI agent, I made his fuckin' career when he took me down. They had damn near nothin', but he made it stick. But that ain't important."

Buck rubbed Daryl's shoulder as he looked at the river.

"I trust ya Daryl. I know ya don't know me well, but I wanna change that. We're father and son, I love ya kid. Have since the moment I found out you existed. I love Merle too. I know me comin' into your life like this is strange. But I care about ya Daryl, I love ya to fuckin' death. I'd die to protect you, and no matter what ya do, even if ya go to the cops, I ain't gonna stop lovin' ya. If I need to spend more time in prison ta prove that to ya then so be it."

Daryl looked at Buck, before watching the river in silence for several minutes. Daryl kept thinking, his head was full of thoughts. He was sitting with a murderer, but this wasn't just any murderer. This was his father. Not just by blood. Travis thought he was Daryl's father by blood, but he didn't love him. Or Merle. But Buck was here, Buck loved both him and Merle, even though Merle wasn't his blood. Buck wanted them.

Daryl looked over at Buck and shook his head. "naw, I ain't gonna say nothin'...just don't go back to prison okay."

Buck smiled lightly and nodded. "you're a good kid Daryl, don't let no one tell ya different."

Daryl bit his lip before he looked up at Buck, speaking quietly.

"since we're, ya know, family, I guess...maybe we should...get ta know each other."

Buck chuckled as he nodded. "sounds like a damn good idea to me. What do ya wanna know?"

Daryl shrugged. "chocolate or vanilla?"

Buck laughed. "chocolate. You?"

Daryl smirked lightly. "chocolate."

Buck nodded. "favorite food?"

Daryl shrugged. "we don't get much other then what we catch, but Merle brought home Chinese once and sneaked it past Travis. That was good."

Buck chuckled. "I'll bring ya some Thai food sometime. That shits great. Ya mind spicy food?"

Daryl shook his head. "nope, but I can't do what Merle does. He puts hot sauce on everythin'. That's his revenge when I beat him in somethin', he spikes my food."

Buck threw his head back laughing. Daryl chuckled and ended up laughing with him, glad that they were getting along.

Buck was still chuckling as he looked at Daryl. "favorite sport?"

Daryl answered immediately. "football."

Buck smirked. "good boy, what team?"

Daryl smirked at Buck. "bronco's."

Buck scoffed. "bullshit, seahawks all the way."

Daryl snorted. "come on, bronco's can kick their ass any day!"

Buck eyed Daryl. "alright, next time they play, wanna bet?"

Daryl nodded. "what are we bettin'?"

Buck thought for a moment before smirking. "i win, you have to do 50 push ups."

Daryl groaned before nodding. "and if I win?"

Buck chuckled. "I'll get ya a car."

Daryl looked up at Buck startled. "ya serious?!"

Buck nodded. "no pansy shit though. You're gettin' somethin' classic and American."

Daryl smiled. "i can't say no to that."

Buck chuckled. "favorite color?"

Daryl smirked. "black. You?"

Buck nodded. "black. Band?"

Daryl leaned back on the rock as he looked at Buck. "red hot chili peppers."

Buck chuckled. "guns n roses."

Daryl smiled. "they're a close second."

Buck smirked as he leaned back next to Daryl. "what are ya thinkin' about once ya graduate?"

Daryl snorted. "if I graduate."

Buck eyed Daryl. "ya gonna. Keep bringin' ya homework out here, we'll work on it together. Ya stuck in the American education system, once it seems like ya drownin' no one cares enough ta truly help. But ya got me now, and we're gonna get your grades up. Now come on, what do ya wanna do with ya life?"

Daryl was silent before he looked over at Buck. "i...i don't really wanna leave town. I don't like big cities, I'm better out here, in the woods. I don't wanna be some super successful business prick, I just...i guess I just wanna be happy."

Buck smiled as he nodded. "that's a good plan. There's plenty to do around here."

Daryl bit his lip before he nodded. "Merle, he knows a lot about cars, been teachin' me. I like workin' on cars, they make sense to me. I know Merle wants ta open his own shop someday, I'd like ta work with him."

Buck chuckled. "alright, I can help with that. Got a good friend, owns his own shop. I'll talk to him, get some info on how to start our own shop. Sound good?"

Daryl smiled as he nodded. "yeah. Merle, he's real good with cars. He knows what he's doin'. Works at the same shop as Travis used ta, before he got fired."

Buck scoffed. "let me guess, Merle works more then Travis?"

Daryl nodded. "always has. Merle, he works his ass off."

Buck smiled. "he's a good man your brother."

Daryl smirked. "don't tell him that, his ego can't get much bigger."

Buck chuckled. "i can handle that. Well, it's gettin' dark, we need ta get ya home."

Daryl nodded and stood with Buck and they walked thru the forest. As they approached the tree line, Buck patted Daryl on the back.

"ya usin' that cash I gave ya?"

Daryl shook his head. "holdin' on to it for now, in case of emergencies."

Buck chuckled. "son those cards are for emergencies. Use the cash, get ya self what ya need."

Daryl nodded. "will do. You'll be out here tomorrow?"

Buck nodded. "always will be. "

Daryl smirked as he nodded. "bye Buck."

Buck smiled as Daryl walked off. "Ya have a good night Daryl, I'll see ya tomorrow. I love you."

Daryl smiled to himself as he crossed the field up to Travis' house. He still wasn't used to hearing I love you, but it felt better each time Buck said it.