Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead or any of its characters.

Thank you for the reviews, I know this is just over two weeks late and I couldn't be any sorrier.

I'm skipping over most of the CDC scenes.

Anyway, here's chapter 11. Enjoy and please leave a review.

Danny's POV

The sound of a car door slamming is what wakes me up this morning. I'm alone once again. I'm always the last one up and I'm not even getting up that late, how do I never hear them get up. How do they survive on so little sleep, it boggles my mind.

I change into a clean dress, which I'm not pleased about because other than a quick wipe with a flannel I haven't managed to wash properly. Four days of no hair washing and my hair is clearly showing it, so I throw it up into a bun. I really need to find some more hair ties, this is my only one and I was lucky it was thrown into the bottom of my bag.

I step out of the tent and do a double take because in the place of their beat up blue Chevy is a surprisingly clean four door truck.

Merle waves his hand in front of it. "What ya think Squirt?"

My first thought is more room, "Well at least I won't have to be squashed between the two of you anymore".

"See Sweet cheeks, I thought that was what ya liked 'bout our journeys".

I scoff "In your dreams".

"Always".

I roll my eyes at him, "I do have one question though, where did you get it". I know the answer, Daryl went out alone but I just want to hear him say it. "Actually no Two questions, what about your other truck?"

"Daryl went out this mornin', found a dealership. Took it from there". Well that explains why it looks so new, because other than the thin layer of dust it's really clean. "The other truck weren't ours. Found it a couple days 'fore we met ya".

Daryl walks out from behind the truck, I halfheartedly glare at him. "I don't wanna sound all mumsy but, well, I'm gonna. You can't go off on your own".

He falters in his advance, "Weren't gone long".

"So if I'd gone out alone, you're telling me you wouldn't have ripped me a new one?". and that's how I catch him. He opens his mouth but closes it instantly when he realises he would have had a go at me.

Merle laughs "Oh shit".

I'm not gonna argue with him or tell him off. I just want Daryl to know that it's the same thing.

"At least tell me before you go next time".

He nods, "I can do that". Well at least he didn't try and tell me it's different, good to know he's not sexist or misogynistic.

"Are you fuckin' kiddin' me. Shit, doll face you'd have chewed me a new arse hole if I'd done that". Merle's not wrong, I probably would have. More to just get on his nerves really.

"Of course I would have", I follow that with a smirk. He fake glares at me and after casting a look at his brother he walks off mumbling a 'fuck you'.

I watch him go before turning back to Daryl, he's moved so much closer. How is he so silent?

"I'm sorry", his voice his low, only just loud enough for me to hear. "You were asleep and I didn't think. I've gotta get used to havin' someone else in the family". I can feel my cheeks warm up at him calling me family. He wraps his hand around my bicep and tugs me forward a step. "I didn't want ya to worry".

"Nothing you can do about the worrying part. You're stuck with me so I'm gonna worry every time you go out". I shuffle closer, trying not to be too obvious. "Or I could just follow you everywhere then I wouldn't have to worry".

I can see the smile that's playing on his lips. "I'm fine havin' ya watch my back". He then closes the last inch of space between us and puts his lips against mine.

It's quick, when he steps back I smirk at him. "You only did that to change the subject". The chuckle he gives me is very quiet and comes from the back of his throat.

He fully moves away and picks up the bags he dropped at his feet. "You gonna help me pack all this shit up?"

...

I'm just making sure all my belongings are stuffed into both of my bags when the sound of retching reaches my ears. I clamber out of the tent and search around until I spot Merle behind the tent, throwing up. I rush to his side and place a hand against his back, he's hot. It's hard to tell if it's because of the weather or from a fever.

I stand in silence until he's done. He stands up straight and uses his top to wipe his mouth. "I'm fine"

"Clearly". I definitely don't mean for that to come out as snarky as it did. "I'm worried about you, you're supposed to be resting whether you think you need it or not".

"I'll be fine, if you just stop pesterin' me".

"I'm not pestering you. You cut your fucking hand off two days ago. If you get infected there's not much we can do but watch you die. But if that's what you want then fine, be my guest. I'll leave you to it". I don't wait for him to gather his thoughts, I just walk away.

Daryl steps in my way but I side step him, I am not interested in talking to him because I can't have him telling me I'm wrong to have said any of that.

It's stupid, Merle's trying to act all tough and manly and I'm sick of it. This is not something he can pretend didn't happen, because it did and it's a big thing.

I don't really have a destination in mind, well until I spot Glenn. He's taking down his tent.

Glenn looks up at me as I stop beside his dismantled tent. "You alright?"

"Yes". Even I cringe internally at the sharpness of that answer.

He fully stops what he's doing and stands up straight. "Not sure I believe that".

"It's nothing, it'll be okay. I Just wanna help you pack up". I make sure to keep my voice calm and steady.

He nods his head a couple of times. "Okay then, you can help me roll this tent up because I don't understand how it's supposed to fit back inside it's bag".

"Me either but I can try".

...

He manages to not bring up why I came over here for about twenty minutes. Long enough for us to manage to pack the tent away.

"I'm assuming this Stony attitude has something to do with Merle?"

"And you knew that how?" I am a little confused.

"As you were walking over I could see them arguing about something, they kept pointing in your direction".

I actually smile a little at him although it's gone just as quickly. "Merle won't listen to me and it's infuriating because this is serious".

"I get it, but you've met Merle right? He cut off his own hand, somehow managed to not bleed out, cauterised it and made it all the way back to camp by himself." So he's not on my side, nice to know. "He's going to be fine plus I've seen you angry and if anyone can get through to him it will be you".

"Well he hasn't listened so far," I lower my voice in slight embarrassment, "And I may have just really pissed him off by saying something pretty childish".

"I'm sure he'll get over it pretty quickly." Glenn shrugs, "or, if you want my opinion, you could apologise."

" Well I didn't ask", I say it snarkily although I keep the hint of a smile so he knows I'm joking. "and of course I'm going to apologise but I'm thinking I'll let him stew for a bit and he might come to his senses". I hesitate, "maybe, probably not".

That makes him laugh, even if it was a quick one.

I point towards the growing pile of things we've packed up. "What are we packing these in to?"

He lifts the tent bag up onto his shoulder. "T-Dogs van".

...

An hour and everyone has everything packed up and ready to go. I haven't gone back to the Dixon's but I did see them putting Merle's bike into the back of the new truck with the help of Morales.

Another ten minutes later and the Dixon's truck finally pulls up to join the rest of the cars. I walk over to them and pull open the passenger side door where I then proceed to make myself comfy as I wait for the Sheriff to say we're leaving.

A snore comes from the back seat so I glance over to see that Merle is finally resting. I wonder how long this will last?

Daryl has appeared and is now leaning up against my open door, chewing on his thumb. Every word that is spoken from the Sheriff has Daryl huffing louder and louder. I touch is lower back with the tip of my boot. He slowly looks over his shoulder at me, he's wearing his scowl although when he see's that I'm smiling at him his face does relax.

"You alrigh'?" He keeps his voice very low and quiet so as not to be heard by the group.

"I am, especially because he's", I jerk my head in Merle's direction, "asleep".

"He passed out as soon as he got in the truck". Good. He looks back at the group for a second before casting me another look over his shoulder. "He's a Dick and he knows that. He ain't ever listened to what's best for him but ya words stung him a little".

"I didn't mean it, I... It just annoys me that he's not taking any of this seriously".

"He's takin' his meds and I'm keepin' it clean. Two outta three ain't bad". I get what he's saying and I am glad it's clean but it's still annoying that he's pushing himself. We're about to go out on the road with a Merle who is not at full strength, and I am not looking forward to it.

Morales and his family announce they aren't coming with us so after watching the other group bid them farewell I can finally shut my door. Daryl's quick to get into the drivers seat and then we're following after the other vehicles.

I'm fiddling with the air-con when I spot the USB charging point on the dash. I can't help the surge of happiness that runs through me as I snatch my bag up off the floor. I have to dig right to the bottom until I find the felt bag I have stuffed in here. I pull out my IPod and it's charger.

I've always loved escaping into my music, I could pretend everything was okay even though it wasn't. My IPod died after two days alone but I never had the strength to just throw it away, even though I had no possible way of ever charging it again; But here we are. As soon as I plug the USB in Daryl scoffs but I ignore him, I'm too happy to care, and as soon as it's charged enough I have the ear buds in.

The cars ahead all stop, we've only been travelling a max of half an hour there's no way we're anywhere close to CDC yet.

I yank out a bud, "You know what's happening?" He's seeing the same thing as I am but maybe he knows about a planned stop that I didn't.

"RV's fucked", Daryl guesses. He's probably right. He opens his door but gives me a look before he climbs out. "Stay here". I salute him mockingly and slide down further in my seat although I do make sure to keep an eye out for anything that could cause trouble.

He's walking back over barely two minutes later so I lean my head out the window and smile. "So...?"

"RV's fucked". Well he called it.

"What's happening?" Are we leaving it or are we staying here until they can get it taped back together again.

"Shane and T-Dog are goin' out, they can see somethin' down the hill." He rests his arm against my door and peers behind me. I follow his gaze but Merle's still out of it. "You happy now?"

"I've never been happier at the sound of snoring".

He nods and finally looks back down at me. "Ya wanna get on the back and keep watch, can use Merle's rifle". He hesitates before the corner of his mouth lifts in the hint of a smile. "Well I guess it's yours, he ain't even gonna use it again".

I over exaggerate my gasp. "Oh no. Too soon Daryl, too soon". I then open the door forcing him to jump back to avoid being hit. I drop my still charging IPod onto the seat and grab my bat and slip it into it's holder on my back.

He helps me clamber onto the truck bed and then hands me Merle's rifle. "Whistle if ya hear anything".

"Will do". He then heads back to the small huddle of people that are congregated around the RV. I take a seat on the roof of the cab with the rifle across my lap.

...

I stayed put, even when Shane and T-Dog returned, even when they all placed Jim under the tree and especially when they all said their goodbyes.

He's an honourable man. He's accepted he isn't going to make it and wants to go in peace. Even though I didn't know him I still don't think I could have stood there and listened to him without my eyes stinging.

Daryl reappeared meaning I could get back in the truck, and as we drove past I refused to look out the window. Does that make me a horrible person? Maybe.

As we were driving and I had music flowing through my ears I allowed myself to sleep but a hand against my bare thigh is what wakes me up.

I'm not sure how long we've been driving for but the sun is beginning to disappear and I can see the CDC ahead.

As soon as Daryl stops I'm climbing out and swinging my back pack onto my back. I have some clothes stuffed into it along with all my emergency essentials.

The smell hits me instantly and it's absolutely horrid, it's worse than anything I've had to endure before. There are hundreds of bodies strewn all over the place and not just uniformed people, civilians to. What happened? Actually no I think I can guess. It was probably the same thing that happened to me at the Atlanta safe zone. They were executed.

Merle is swearing as he climbs out the back. "That's fuckin' rancid".

"It smells like you when you don't wash". I know I shouldn't but I'm trying to keep my mind away from the sight.

"Fuck you princess, I smell like a fuckin' man. Draws the women in".

"And did you usually pay for those women?" My response is quick and it clearly shocks him.

The laugh that comes out of him is clearly unintentional because as soon as he does it he casts a quick look around him, as do I.

"You two just gonna stand there?" When we both look at Daryl he tilts his head towards where the others are already running towards the CDC. I whisper a sorry and then follow him, sticking close to his side with my bat in hand.

Disappointment is unavoidable when we get to the doors and find they are locked. This was a waste of a trip and now we are in the city with the sun barely brushing the horizon. We are screwed.

I know Daryl and Shane are arguing behind me and I can hear the kids whimpers but I keep my back to them all. I have my eyes clued to our surroundings, we cannot be cornered.

Merle brushes up beside me. "We are gettin' outta 'ere". I'm not gonna disagree but we aren't going anywhere without Daryl. I glance behind me to see where he is, he's only stood a few feet away. His head suddenly turns in my direction but he's not looking at me.

"Walkers". His warning causes everyone to stop moving but he's quick to fire off a bolt, he sends it collapsing to the ground. "We ain't stayin'". He rushes towards me but a bright light suddenly shines out from behind him. The doors have opened.

...

I think I'm still in shock. I am currently sat on a bed inside the room Daryl has claimed for the two of us. He's not here but I think he's gone off to find some more drink. I lean back against the pillows with a sigh, I haven't felt this full in a very long time. I also haven't had alcohol in a long time so it didn't take a lot to affect me, but I have limits and have cut myself off. I think I'm probably the most sober out of everyone, I also think Jenner is regretting giving us free of his kitchen.

After Jenner, the only doctor left here, allowed some of us to go and get some belongings he took us down to get our blood test. A price of admission, a fair price. It did take a little convincing to get him to allow us in because of Merle's severed limb but he finally relented and is now satisfied with our story.

We were then led to the kitchen where a few bottles of wine and whiskey were opened. It was nice seeing everyone getting along so well. All of us celebrating this safe reprieve.

However that happiness was short lived thanks to Shane. He demanded to know what had happened here, why was Jenner the only one left?

The Doctor claimed that a lot of the staff left to be with their families, but those that stayed bolted when the military got over run. A few people even opt'd out. The meal was then finished in silence.

We were then shown to where we could rest and clean up. We have hot water. I have yet to shower but I am possibly the cleanest out of everyone so I said I could wait for the others to have theirs first.

I grab my jumper out of my bag, I regretfully don't have my joggers because they're still in the truck with my other clothes but I don't really need trousers to sleep.

I'm moving towards the door when it swings open rather forcefully. Daryl steps in and then kicks it shut with his booted foot. He's showered, his hair is still wet and I'm stood so close that I can actually smell the soap he's used.

His hands cup my cheeks as he gently pulls me in, I can smell the whisky on his breath but I'm sure he can smell it on me to. The kiss is hungry, I drop my belongings to grip him behind the neck, forcing him closer. He pulls my bottom lip between his teeth and lifts me up off my feet. I wrap my legs around his waist and bury my hands into his hair as he forces me up against the door. I pull back slightly to catch my breath but he doesn't stop. He slowly works his way down my neck, leaving a burning trail against my skin.

I'm now completely sober and I don't let him stop.

...

The events of the last hour were surprising but definitely not unwanted. I hadn't expected him to come into our room with so much confidence, I hadn't expected the events that unfolded because of his loosened mind. The sex was amazing.

If this is how he acts with a few glasses in him then he needs to drink more often, because I like it; But I also like the shy, reserved man that kisses me out of the blue.

He's also allowed me to see the most intimate secret he has. The scars on his back. I felt them when my hands grazed his back. His body tensed under the initial graze but when I kept going he slowly relaxed under my fingers. I could see that he was also so hesitant to stand up to get dressed but I know he doesn't want to talk about them so I respected him and talked about something else. It's not hard to imagine where they came from because I've seen the same scars on Merle's back.

I break out of my thoughts and turn off the shower, and with a fluffy towel wrapped around me I wipe away the condensation on the mirror. The giant scar on my forehead is the first thing I notice. I haven't really looked at myself in a mirror since before it happened. Just the occasional glance in the trucks window. It doesn't affect me like it would have done back in the old days but it's still something I wish I didn't have.

I quickly get dressed and after doing my teeth for a very long time I slowly make my way through the halls.

I manage to find the rec room and as I push open the door I sigh in relief, the room is empty. Everyone must be back in their rooms. I let my eyes fall straight onto the book shelves that are lining the far wall.

My finger slides across each and every book in turn as I search for something to read. It's not an amazing collection, in fact there isn't many well known books here but I'm all for trying something new. It's not like I have many other options.

I hear the door behind me squeak as it's pushed open gently. With my head slightly turned I can make out the persons who's interrupting me, Daryl. He's leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I figured ya'd got lost. Ya've been gone for ages."

"Sorry I'm trying to find something to read". I keep scanning the books.

"Well I'm knackered so I'm goin' to bed". I snatch a random book off the shelf, that'll do. Sleep sounds good, especially if that means he's actually going to get a full nights rest for the first time since I've met him.

As we arrive at our door I peer down the corridor and the sight makes me stop moving. I even do a double take because I'm not entirely sure I believe what I'm seeing. There, stood side by side whispering to one another, is Carol and Merle.

Daryl chuckles from beside me and then is arm is around my stomach and my feet are no longer on the ground. He doesn't put me down until our door is shut. I gesture to the door, speechless, I can't actually think of anything to say.

He chuckles again and raises an eyebrow. "What?"

"He's talking to Carol, you saw that right?"

He scoffs. "He's allowed to talk to people".

"Yeah but Carol, he's not exactly sensitive".

He doesn't answer me, instead he pushes me on the stomach causing me to drop down onto the cot. Oh I am definitely going to talk to Merle tomorrow.

...

When we woke up this morning we thought it would be a good day but boy were we wrong. It went downhill so fast.

We are all now locked in the main room, Jenner decided now was the time to drop the bombshell. This place is going to implode and we have no way to escape.

I'm currently gripping Glenn's hand so tight in my own as Daryl relentlessly tries to break down the door. We all know it's absolutely pointless but he just keeps trying. Merle's with him, not to help but to keep him away from Jenner because Daryl's already lost his temper twice; Nearly killed Jenner in the process.

"I told you, topsides locked down. I can't open those". My brain doesn't fully process Jenner's words until the doors slide open. Merle is suddenly in front of me, he grabs up my back pack that was sat beside my feet. "We gotta go". Glenn pulls me along beside him as we follow Merle without any hesitation.

We make it up top without any problems but the main doors won't open. I'm stood in the middle of the room just watching as people try so many different things, none of them working but it's not unexpected. This place is a fortress. A small hand slides into my own causing my head to snap down to the offender. Sophia stands there, her doll cradled to her chest and her other hand gripping mine so tight.

I look around for Carol but she's hurrying over to the Sheriff. I can't tell what she hands him until she rushes away and I see what he is holding in his palm. Where on earth did she find a grenade?

I do not wait to be told what to do. I scoop Sophia up with one hand and quickly scamper back before dropping us both to the floor. I curl over her as another body curls around me, Daryl's hand wraps around my head as he places his own into the crook of my neck.

I still flinch as the grenade goes off and my ears start ringing but there's no time to recover as Daryl is instantly pulling me to my feet. Carol pulls Sophia away from me so I take out my bat.

As soon as my feet touch the pavement I'm running, we don't have much time. The walkers are closing in and that clock is running down.

As a group we run towards the cars, dodging walkers and taking out those that get too close. The cars seem so far away but we finally make it. I yank open my door and clamber in, Daryl instantly following after me where he forces my body down onto the seat.

When that clock runs out it leaves nothing behind.