Daryl snapped awake his heart pounding and steadied his breathing while trying to get his bearings. He could feel Carol pressed into him her breath fanning over his throat and her arm tight around his torso. Beyond that he could even hear Sophia's deep breathing. Letting his body fully relax he focused on the house. He wasn't sure what woke him but his gut told him it wasn't just a weird dream.
Daryl looked around the room and glared into the dark. Eyes lingering on the door his glare intensified and he started working Carol's arm from around him. Each inch he gained on getting free she took three more and sunk her nails into him. Giving up he huffed and just flopped back down on the bed. It was the second his head met the pillow again that he heard it. It was faint but years of straining his hearing while out hunting to pick out the slightest shift of weight and displacement of the environment had his body tensing.
Dislodging Carol from him he smiled slightly as he rolled over and wrapped around Sophia. The second he was free he slipped from the room barely stopping in time to slide his knife free from the sheath. Padding silently down the steps he stopped at the bottom of the stairs the hair on the back of his neck prickling. The house was dead silent. Even Andrea was asleep for once and he was starting to think of her a ghost that haunted the house at night. She kept as odd of hours as Merle did.
Still he couldn't push the feeling away that something was off. He knew when he went to bed last night he shut the bedroom would've woke up if Carol or Sophia either one got out of the bed. Carol would have woken up if Sophia budged an inch. Andrea, Mac, Brian and Merle never just walked into his room now when he was in there and they damn sure wouldn't knowing that Sophia was in there with her mom. They had more respect for those two then they did him.
Stepping around the corner his eyes sweeping it in the dark. Moving with slow and measured steps he was at Brian's door. Turning the knob he leaned around the frame and found his nephew sprawled over the blankets. He wasn't even covered up and somehow he had a fucking weird ass cat pillow too. No doubt that was Sophia's doing; in fact he was pretty sure that was hers. Only her and Mac had those.
Shutting his door he turned at the slight sound behind him. A hand gripped his wrist and jerked him sideways. Daryl grunted but a hand slapped over his mouth and he was met with furious eyes. Mac's chest was heaving hard enough to brush his own and Daryl had a moment to realize what exactly it looked like. Here he was standing at Brian's door with a knife in the middle of the night. It didn't look good.
Mac brought his finger up to his lips and cut his eyes down the hall. Matching sets of eyes turned towards the darkened hall where it opened into the livingroom and foyer. It was just there again. The slight shifting of weight and a light exhale. Mac's eyes came back to his and he let go of him.
Moving completely in sync together they were silent. Not a sound escaped their movements as they neared whoever was in the house. Mac took the hall opposite him that would loop around and come back through the kitchen. Daryl was coming from behind whoever it was and Mac would come out in the front cutting of the front door. Whoever wanted out would have to go through either of them.
"These people."
Daryl paused forcing himself to listen over the pounding in his heart. That wasn't either of his brothers voices. Dread flooded through him and he thought about his cracked bedroom door. He thought about how whoever it was clearly came up there. He should have cut the lights on and checked on his girls. He should have woke Carol up and made her watch over Sophia while he checked everything out. He should have walked in there and checked to make sure Brian was okay. His thoughts were like a tidal wave and adrenaline was crashing through his system.
He turned hearing Mac's soft hoot and stepped into the room them. The second he did the man turned towards Mac. Mac's entry wasn't a bit subtle and he commanded his attention. Daryl swallowed and knew this night would end with someone dead. Renewing his grip on the knife he silently moved keeping himself behind the man. He was so cocky he didn't even know Daryl was there and only had eyes for his brother.
Brian snapped awake at the sound of his dad's harsh voice. He swallowed and hoped his dad and Daryl weren't fighting over what he'd said. It was stupid but he'd been pissed and they were breathing down his neck. Swinging his legs around he heard that sharp voice again that carried more than a threat and Brian stalled.
In all his years of hearing them fight, and there'd been a lot, he'd never heard that voice come from his dad aimed at Daryl. Brian stood quickly not bothering with shit and threw his door open. Stepping into the hall he stepped into the foyer and felt his chest tighten and a growl building in his throat. Mac's eyes were on him suddenly and Brian looked for Daryl. Before he could do much though Mac's voice barked and his eyes snapped back over.
"Go check on Andrea then go upstairs and check on Carol and Sophia." Mac ordered. "Make Andrea go with you."
"Yes be a good little boy and listen to your daddy." That smarmy voice dismissed, "Let the grownups talk. They'll be plenty of time to handle you later."
Brian felt a sneer curl his lip and he spit on the floor at the man, "Fuck you."
"I see you've raised your son just as much an embarrassment as you."
Mac's face went from enraged to cold in an instant. Brian swallowed at the look. Mac was always like fire. He burned hot and he'd seen it himself when he was mad but this was something else. Everything about him chilled him to the bone and he started countering the man movements constantly blocking his way to the door.
"Brian go." Mac snarled.
Brian walked over to the stairs and felt eyes on him. Not bothering to look he took the first step but felt himself jerked backwards. His father's voice was all he heard before he felt something sharp at his throat. Everything happened so fast that he was still stumbling when he felt it. It was a wet gasp with a sucking breath that sounded like it was trapped under water. Looking down at his chest wide eyed he felt his chest heave watching as blood poured over.
Being forcible jerked away he was spun and met with his dad's frantic eyes. His jaw caught in a rough grip and turned upwards. Mac's hand went over his throat stopping the blood. There was a thud to his right and he tried to turn his head but Mac was holding him completely still. The pressure he was putting on his throat was starting to hurt and he recoiled from it. Taking a step back he felt something wet at his feet and before he could right himself he went down hard.
A groan ripped from his throat as his back connected with the ground and he felt pain shoot through his head. The house came alive with the sound of the fight. His dad was over him completely ignoring everything else. The pressure on his throat never let up and he tried to bat his hands away but he beared down on him. Brian groaned again and turned his head as much as he could. Daryl was on his knees a knife in his hands soaked in blood from the center of his chest and to his knees. All three of them were in the puddling blood of a dying man.
"Is he okay?" Daryl's voice was low and as cold as his dad's was earlier.
All at once the room exploded in activity as Andrea hit her knees next to him and wrenched Mac's hands back. He whined low in his throat but hissed as he felt a sting.
"Hold still." She soothed.
His dad snapped bloody fingers in front of his eyes and got his attention, "Don't fight her, let her clean you up."
Thundering was all around him and voices but all he was seeing was blonde hair hanging around him. He could hear his dad talking, he could hear both his uncles and even more people but his head was hurting and he felt light headed. There was a ringing starting in his ears and he felt like he was going to puke.
Blinking slowly his eyes made it to Andrea's. She was smiling at him and he felt his own lips lift slightly. Why couldn't his own mom be like her? It was a painful thought and he closed his eyes against it but felt his world spin. Groaning he felt bile rushing up his throat and he was rolled before he could do anything else.
"What's wrong with him?"
Andrea's hand was on his back where she was still on her knees at his hips. "Carol can you come here? I think he has a concussion. Brian did you hit your head?"
He groaned and fell back to his back but she never stopped trying to soothe him. He felt her hand on his chest now rubbing small circles even as she talked to his dad. He grimaced knowing he was soaked in blood, blood that wasn't even his. Opening his eyes he turned his head and looked over to the man that was on the ground. His eyes were still open and Brian stared in the cold dead eyes of Philip Blake.
"Mac did you see if he hit his head?" Carol questioned.
"He did." Daryl's voice was still off.
Brian looked up from staring at Phillip and was met with the cold fury in Daryl's eyes. His eyes barely shifted when he met his nephews. Brian looked at Phillip again and then at the knife that was still gripped in Daryl's hands. When his eyes came back to Daryl's he tried to set up. Daryl saved him. If it wasn't for him he'd have his throat cut right now. His dad would have to bury him. Would have to drive a fucking knife through his head to keep him from coming back. It was sickening and he forced himself upright again.
Merle came back into the room then with Martinez and both men had the same cold fury coming off them in waves. Merle caught Daryl under his arm and hauled him up. When he stood to his full height Brian watched as blood puddled at his feet. His sleep pants were soaked. Brian grimaced and started trying to stand. His dad was there then catching him under his arms and hauling him up with ease.
Forcing his eyes to focus despite the ringing in his ears and how foggy he felt. Carol was there now and looking at him.
"Brian sweetie look at me." Carol smiled, "How does your head feel?"
Brian raised his hand to his throat and felt the stitches that set at the base. Andrea caught his wrist and tutted at him. His dad was still standing flush against his side and supporting his full weight.
"Hurts." He grumbled as he yawned.
Carol nodded at him and shined a light into his eyes, "I know sweetie and you can't go to sleep yet."
Brian scowled at her feeling fatigue hitting him. His dad spun him and started leading him out of the room as Merle done Daryl the same. His eyes swept the room and he was met with Sophia's wide eyes from the stairs. She was looking from him to Daryl and he grimaced. He was a dick. He was a piece of shit and knew he'd made her cry. Looking away he let his dad pull him into his bedroom and pushing him into the bathroom.
Brian caught the sink and balanced himself and huffed as his boxers were unceremoniously pulled down his legs. With his dad balancing him he stepped out of them and into the shower. He growled low in his throat but his dad ignored him leaning against the sink and giving him a pointed look.
"I'm not walking out there. " His voice was stern but Brian heard the worry underneath. "You aint got shit I ain't seen boy. I changed your shitty diapers now get your ass cleaned up or I'll do it for you." He smiled at him then and Brian stepped in not trusting that smile, "That or I could tell Carol and Andrea out there you're in need of help and won't let me. It's them or Merle." He leaned back against the sink ignoring the blood soaking his own legs and boxers, "Pick your poison."
"Dick." He muttered.
Mac chuckled darkly outside of the shower and Brian flipped him off while stepping into the water. He hissed but watched as blood swirled and rushed down the drain.
Mac swallowed listening as Brian grunted and hissed in pain as he cleaned up. His chest had such a deep ache settled into it that he was sure he was going to stroke the fuck out. Maybe he already died and he just didn't fucking know it. Sixth sense type shit happening to him right now. Now wouldn't that be a shame. Him die before he ever got to see his son grow up, see Sophia grow up, see Merle grow up, fuck. Rubbing his face it'd been some bullshit if he died before he could fuck Andrea.
"Towel." Brian mumbled.
Mac stepped over and handed him steadying him as he stepped out. He wrapped the towel around his waist and set heavily on the toilet lid. Mac looked down at him and grimaced seeing the faint tinge of pink still clinging to his skin. It wasn't right for a man to see his son laid on his back soaked in blood. He wasn't even sure what Daryl done Blake but he felt like it wasn't enough. It'd never be enough knowing that motherfucker almost killed his son. If Daryl hadn't been shadowing him then Brian would be dead.
"I want to sleep." Brian bitched.
"Carol said no." Mac shook his head opening the bathroom door, "Where do you keep your shit in here."
Brian was scowling at him. Goddamn he could look like Daryl sometimes. Brian crossed his arms over his chest as he stood. The towel was barely hanging around his hips and Mac felt a challenge coming on. He grinned to himself. If Brian was feeling good enough to be a dick head then he'd be okay.
"I can dress myself." At Mac's nod Brian's eyes flashed.
"You do that then."
"If you don't leave I'm just gonna stand here dick hanging out." Brian snapped. "I want to be alone!" To punctuate his threat he let the towel drop and crossed his arms over his chest sucking his teeth.
Mac bit back his retort at his son acting like Merle and made sure his face was completely passive. It'd do no good to lose his shit on his son. It wasn't his fault. None of this was. Nodding his head he walked to the door as Brian set heavily on the bed. Stepping out he was met with Sophia wide eyed and worried.
"Is he okay? Can I see him?"
Mac shook his head, "Nope."
Hurt flashed across Sophia's face and bled into her eyes, "He's still mad at me?" Her lip quivered and then she nodded.
"No he's just refusing to put anything on and is naked." Mac shrugged trying to keep her from crying on him. He wasn't letting her walk in there with his son naked. Sure that is exactly what he needed- Daryl to come along and finish cutting his throat.
Mac walked into his own room and straight into the bathroom. He ignored the sounds of the house around him and starting running over everything that motherfucker said. This wasn't over. Sure Philip was dead but he didn't do this on a whim. He knew what was behind it and he knew Daryl did too. They'd both heard the same shit. Phillip came here intent but didn't get what he wanted. Sure the floor would be stained with his blood but to him it'd be a happy memory.
Stripping out of his blood stained boxers he climbed into the shower and cut the water up as high as he could. It stung as it rained down his back. Fog swirled around him as images of Blake grabbing Brian and that knife coming up to his throat. Of see Daryl lunge from the darkness and snatch Blake up. Of Seeing the way Daryl drove that knife in a sharp upward thrust straight into his lung causing the man to start drowning in his own blood. It wasn't enough though. It wasn't even enough when Daryl wrenched Blake's head back when the knife fell away from Brian and he slit his fucking throat. It'd never be enough when his son was in danger.
He ignored the sound of someone talking to him and instead turned his back towards the door. He hissed through his teeth when cold air bit at his over heated body and looked over his shoulder ready cuss his brothers. Instead he was met with pale green eyes that were wide and worried. Turning back to the water he let it run over his head and huffed.
He heard her moving around and then was shoved into the cold tiles of the wall. Before he could say anything when he turned her mouth crashed into his. Andrea's hand came up tangling in his hair and he groaned lifting her with ease from the shower floor. Pinning her between him and the wall her legs came up wrapping around his waist. She jerked his head back roughly and so far he felt his neck strain.
"You scared me to death! You both did." She kept her eyes locked with his, "Walk into the room to see Brian soaked in blood and you! Daryl soaked in blood and a dead man!"
Mac couldn't even so much as nod her grip was so tight. She shifted her body against his own and he felt his blood rushing south despite himself and everything that happened tonight. It was hard to focus with her pressed completely against him with both of them naked and soaked. He hissed through his teeth though when he felt her hand close around his cock.
Andrea's mouth crashed into his the same time she rolled her hips and he sunk into her. He groaned and she released her hold on him. There was nothing gentle between them. Andrea was egging him on though and he poured his anger into her as his hips snapped into her over and over driving her into the wall. When he felt her orgasm hit he tried to hold on but with the way she was gripping him there was no hope and he groaned burying his face in her neck.
Andrea was breathing heavily and rubbing his back where he leaned into her and still she stayed pinned to the wall. She chuckled and he grunted something but wasn't even sure himself what it was. She pushed his shoulder and he stepped back untangling herself from him. Mac stood in the water letting it burn across his body as she took over his shower. He grimaced at the amount of bubbles around him suddenly.
"I knew I was right." Andrea said with a devious smirk.
Mac watched her and just leaned into the wall watching her. He wasn't concerned with her catching where his eyes were straying. Not that he was really before but fuck it. He'd just fucked this woman and wasn't about to avert his eyes. She came into his shower anyways.
"About?" He asked lazily.
"You would be a good fuck."
Mac met her eyes and snorted. He knew what she was doing and was thankful for it. Distraction was what he needed. He knew the second he seen his brothers and his son again he was going to be ready to kill but for now...for now she was what he needed.