Something in the Orange, a walking dead fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to The Walking Dead nor am I making any money from the writing of this story. The song is "Something in the Orange" by Zach Bryan. Listen to it while you read it! Rated M for language and sexual situations throughout. Spoilers for The Walking Dead eventually. Please review!

It'll be fine by dusk light I'm telling you, baby. These things eat at your bones and drive your young mind crazy, but when you place your head between my collar and jaw, I don't know much - but there's no weight at all.

He only felt alive when he was with her - only felt anything surrounded by a wild mane of blond curls and the intoxicating smell of vanilla. It consumed him and his every waking thought. The girl with the brightest blue eyes he'd ever known and a smile that could stop a train. The only person who ever gave a shit about him.

It was hard to think about when they'd first met - nearly fifteen years ago - especially with her sitting half naked on his lap now.

Merle had always told him that Dixon men - real men - showed no emotion but he was eight years old and paralyzed with fear; watching the flames eat away at the worn wood as his house burned to the ground with his mother still inside. Merle and his dad had left to hunt early that morning but the neighbors all gathered around gossiping about his mother; ignoring him like they always did. Casey however stood beside him letting him squeeze her hand as tightly as he could as fear, worry and sorrow gripped at his insides. She would never know how much he needed her that night. They'd been inseparable after that; she helped him learn how to read and made sure he was fed. Years later he taught her how to drive and gave her her first taste of alcohol. She was the only girl he had ever kissed - the only person he had ever loved.

"Daryl," Casey moaned; nipping at his earlobe as her hands traveled down his chest - picking at one of the buttons on his flannel shirt. "You know that's cheatin', girl." His chest rattled with his deep voice as his hands slid up her back and into her hair - pulling her into another long kiss.

Despite the close quarters of his F150 he lifted her off his lap with ease and laid her on her back - hovering over her as she stared up at him with eyes that could see into the darkest pits of his soul. She knew everything about him - every beating he'd ever got; every scrape or bruise - she was the only one to ever celebrate his birthday or make him a Christmas present.

Daryl shook the bleak thoughts quickly - breaking their gaze he slid his rough hands up her thighs; pushing her skirt around her waist as he unclasped his belt. Casey reach for him - leaning up to meet his parted lips as he deepened their kiss with a groan. His heart was beating hard against his chest when she pulled away; his own blue eyes searching her pretty face - looking for any sign of uncertainty.

"What is it?" Casey whispered between them; running her fingers against the stubble on his jaw. Daryl leaned into her - burying his face in the bend of her neck as his lips grazed her jugular. "I love you, Casey." He said suddenly with that low rough voice that caused her heart to nearly stop. She didn't know if he had ever spoke those words to anyone before.

"I love you too."

He grunted a response; his back going ridged at her words. A lifetime of emotional neglect made it hard to accept it but he knew she wasn't lying. He felt the love she had for him every single day. Casey turned her head to him; searching his eyes in the dark as she kissed him - a groan passing between them as he sank into her. He would never get enough of her - the feel of her alone was nearly his undoing. His name left her lips in a moan as he began to move; slowly at first until she was all but begging him.

"You're gonna be the death of me, girl." Daryl finally said with a groan as she wrapped her legs around his back and pulled him closer - crying out as he thrust into her over and over until her back arched and he lost him inside her. He collapsed on her heaving chest a moment later as she kissed his eyebrow then his cheek; running her fingers into his damp hair. "I love you, Daryl. I always have." She assured him against his temple as he wrapped him arms around her and pulled her into his chest.

Something in the orange tells me we're not done.

Eight years later.

"The fuck you doin' down this way, baby brother?"

Daryl turned his head slightly as he sat on a worn tree stump deep in the Georgia woods. He watched his brother stumble into the clearing, closing his fist on the small diamond ring in his palm.

"Where'd you steal that from?" Merle asked with a laugh; shoving Daryl hard on the shoulder before leaning against the rotting tree beside him and lighting a cigarette. Daryl made him no comment; he was a man of few words - especially around his asshole of a brother. Merle wouldn't rest until he got the answer he wanted. "Come on, fucker! I'm not gonna rat you out! You get it in town or from somewhere around here? Tiny thing like that won't be missed by no one."

"It's for Casey."

Merle's eyes went wide at the thought. "You gotta be shittin' me, boy." He said as Daryl opened his palm and began studying the ring again. He had traded the only thing he owned worth anything for the diamond - his motorcycle and Merle was going to kill him.

"We was gonna ride the country side together boy! What the fuck are you thinking?!" Daryl watched silently as Merle kicked the dirt and spun around; flailing his arms in the air like an idiot. "This girl must have a pussy made of gold to make you give up your bike for that piece of shit ring!"

Narrowing his eyes Daryl stood from the stump; glaring at Merle. "Watch your fuckin' mouth." He threatened; studying the older Dixon brother carefully. Anytime he mouthed off to him he usually got a beating for his trouble but what kind of man would he be if he let someone talk about Casey like that? Merle ran a hand over his face and laughed; shaking his head. "Alright, boy. So what's your plan? She pregnant?"

"What? Fuck if I know." Daryl turned back the way Merle has just came; shaking his head in disbelief. "Hey! Don't turn your back on me, boy." Daryl stopped walking but kept his back to Merle. "You ain't really thinkin' about marrying that girl are you?" His only response was the tightening of the muscles in Daryl's back. He hadn't won a fight against Merle yet but if he didn't shut the fuck up he was going to die trying right now. "I mean she's a fine piece of ass but a girl like that ain't never gonna bed you, boy. I see types like her all the time - she's got her gaze set on a bigger picture. You're just a pastime till the real deal comes along."

Daryl turned to his brother quickly; a look of pure rage on his face as he stalked towards him. "You don't know shit about her! Mind yer fuckin' business." Merle took a step towards him; his fist raised to strike but for once Daryl didn't back down. "Damn, baby brother's finally becoming a man."

Merle laughed and the tension eased between them but Daryl's eyes never fell. "I get you like this girl but she ain't for you. You belong with me - living off the land; a different girl every night. Dixon men don't settle down with one broad. Daddy sure as hell didn't."

"Whatever." Daryl muttered; shoving Casey's ring into his pocket as he turned and stormed out of the woods without another word.

"Don't make the biggest mistake of your life boy!" Merle yelled after him.

"Hey sexy."

Daryl stared down into the hood of his truck until Casey rounded the corner; a million dollar smile on her beautiful face. Every time he saw her she took his breath away leaving an ache in the center of his chest. Merle didn't know what the fuck he was talking about. He nodded his head, muttering an inaudible greeting as she stood on her toes beside him and peered into the hood.

"What's wrong?"

They'd known each other since before they could form complete sentences - it didn't take much to know when something was bothering him.

"Think the fuel filters clogged. It's crankin' but won't fire every time." Casey pulled her attention away from the truck motor and laughed. "Not with the truck. What's got you pissed off?"

Daryl narrowed his eyes at the thought. "Merle."

That was all the explanation she needed. The oldest Dixon brother was an acquired taste for sure but he'd always been nice enough to her - Daryl on the other hand had to endure Merle's bullshit on a daily basis. "You wanna talk about it?" Casey asked softly; moving closer to him. "No." He grunted, keeping his eyes glued to the motor; his knuckles going white as he clutched the edge of the truck. Fucking Merle and all his loud mouth bullshit.

Casey slipped between him and the truck - causing his eyes to finally meet hers as she looked up at him with an innocent smile. "You want me to kick his ass?"

Daryl grinned at the thought; shaking his head - the thought of her anywhere near Merle enraged him further. "I don't want you anywhere near him. You're mine."

Casey laughed; leaning in close to him as he pressed his chest to hers and bent his neck down so their lips were almost touching. "I belong to you, huh?" Daryl nodded slightly - pulling her closer as she leaned back denying him access to her mouth. "What parts belong to you?" She teased as a yelp escaped her when he pulled her even closer - his fast growing erection pressed firmly against her belly.

"Every fuckin' part." Daryl growled low in his throat as his lips found hers and his fingers slid up her chest - resting at the base of her neck. Casey deepened their kiss quickly - pulling him in closer as he wrapped his other arm around her - grabbing her ass roughly. "Are you gonna fuck me in your truck like you used to?" She asked with a laugh - pulling away from him just enough to take in a needed breath. Before she could protest Daryl lifted her into his arms and moved towards the house. "I'm gonna fuck you in Merle's bed." He muttered causing another laugh to escape her.

Two days later.

"Damn girl."

Casey looked up from the stove quickly as Daryl stepped into her kitchen; brushing his hair from his eyes as he grinned at her. Her grandmothers red apron hung loosely on her hips and her white cut off shorts left little to the imagination.

"Hey! You're early!" She said with a frown, kissing him quickly before returning her attention to a pot and giving it a quick stir. Brown beans, kraut and weenies, fried squash and to his delight - corn bread was all waiting for him. His stomach growled in anticipation. They never kept any real food at the Dixon house - light bread, bologna and beer was about as good as it got but Casey took care of him; she always did.

"What's all this for?" He asked, taking a seat at the head of the small kitchen table as Casey moved around him skillfully. She'd been waiting tables at a small diner in town for years while she went to night school to become a nurse. Now that she worked at the local express care the diner wasn't nearly as busy and Daryl got to keep her all to himself. When she was seventeen one of the locals at the diner had gotten a little too grabby for his liking and Merle had to drag him off the poor bastard before he killed him. He smiled at the thought and glanced up at Casey.

"They say the fastest way to a man's heart in through his stomach. Is Merle coming to eat?"

Despite his brother being a grade A asshole most of the time Casey took care of him too - often inviting him over when she cooked so he could have a hot meal every now and then. Most of the time Daryl just took home left overs.

"Nah. Ain't seen him in a few days and you already got my heart." He assured as she sat a plate of food in front of him and smiled. Daryl took her hand and placed it over the slow beating organ in his chest. Casey smiled at him - leaning down to place her lips to his before she sat beside him at the table and glanced down into her own plate. "There's something I need to tell you."

Daryl looked up to met her eyes. "Eat. While it's hot." She assured; taking a quick bite of food. She knew tonight wouldn't end well. She knew him. Daryl took a few bites before glancing her way again; watching as she picked at a fried potato.

"Tell me." He wasn't asking - his voice lower than usual. Was she pregnant? So what? He was surprised that hadn't already happened the way they fucked like rabbits. Casey kept quiet - stabbing at the potato again. He wasn't going to like this. A feeling of dread washed over him.

"You pregnant?"

"What?" She met his gaze quickly. "No! I'm on the pill."

"Then what is it?"

Her silence was maddening. Daryl watched as she returned her assault to the potatoes. "Damnit, Casey - just tell me."

"They offered me a job at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Head nurse. I'd be making twice as much as I am now." The sentence came out in one long breath and she worried Daryl hadn't understood. He started at her for a long unsettling moment before suddenly pushing himself away from the table.

"Daryl."

"I need a cigarette." He growled, moving past her and out the back door quickly - letting it slam behind him. Casey sighed deeply and stood from the table; removing her apron and throwing it on the table as she followed him outside. He stood on the opposite side of his truck bed running a hand through his hair as he took a long drag from a cigarette.

Damn, he was sexy and angry. Really angry. Two things that would make for great sex but in her heart she knew things were about to go very south between them. Daryl didn't like change.

"I haven't took the job yet. I wanted to talk to you first."

"Yet? He asked, narrowing his eyes at the thought. "You just gonna leave me? Run off to fuckin' Atlanta where people get killed every five minutes?!"

Daryl slammed his fist into the truck bed causing a dent to form in the metal as he glared at her.

"You can come with me. We can get a place in the city."

He laughed loudly; shaking his head. "Do I look like I belong in a fucking city?"

"You belong with me."

She had never seen him so angry. "You belong here, Casey! Not five hours away! Not in fucking Atlanta! Fuck!" He punched the truck again yelling another obscenity as he took a long pull from his smoke.

"I just wanted to talk to you about it! I'll tell them no and I'll stay here in this shit town making shit money while you fuck off with your asshole brother everyday! Is that what you want?"

Every muscle in Daryl's body tensed as he looked up at her. He loved her - more than anything in this whole fucking world and the next words that would leave his mouth would ruin everything.

"I don't give a fuck what you do."

His answer was like a slap in the face; causing Casey to step back on her heels as he opened the truck door and got inside - slamming it hard before he cranked the engine and pulled out of her driveway without another word.

Casey let out the breath she'd been holding; wiping the tears that began to fall down her cheeks as she turned and went back into her house.

"Where the fuck you been, boy?" Merle muttered as Daryl walked into the house a week later. "That blondes been beating the door down looking for you all week. Told you those married type bitches are crazy."

Daryl threw his keys on the counter and opened the fridge; grabbing a beer and drinking it down in one long gulp. His eyes were blood shot from lack of sleep - head throbbing from consuming only alcohol for the last six days.

"She left you a note over there. Y'all having a lovers spat or something?" Merle asked with a laugh; nodding to the TV stand. "Fuck you Merle." Daryl growled, leaning on the counter for support as he made his way to the TV and snatched the letter quickly. "Boy, remember who you're talking to." Merle muttered; returning his attention to the western on the screen. His brother was obviously going through some shit so he'd let his smart mouth slide for now.

Daryl opened the envelope quickly trying to focus on Casey's neat handwriting.

Daryl,

I never meant to hurt you. I just want… more. I guess. Something of our own. I took the job in Atlanta. I'll miss you every day. I love you.

Casey

Daryl slammed his fist onto the counter before turning and throwing the beer bottle against the door frame; exploding glass everywhere. "What the fuck, Daryl?!" He ignored Merle's protest as he stormed out of the house as quickly as he came - crunching glass under his boots.

"Where the hell you goin' now?!" Merle yelled after him but he never stopped - spraying gravel everywhere as he sped down the dirt road to Casey's house.

Casey closed the door tightly making sure it latched. There wasn't much left of value in the old house but the thought of someone breaking in and destroying her grandmothers home didn't sit well with her. She said a silent prayer that no one would mess with it - turning her head quickly as Daryl's truck came barreling down the road.

"Shit." She didn't want to fight with him. She'd hopped he would stay away until she left. She didn't want to say goodbye to him.

Daryl slammed the truck in park and stumbled out - shutting the door aggressively before closing the space between them. He could only be functioning on pure adrenaline now because he looked like death warmed over. Casey flinched as he grabbed the small box in her arms and threw it on the porch - glass breaking beneath them as he wrapped his hands around her slender arms and shoved her back against the door.

"Why are you doing this to me? I fucking love you!" He yelled as tears began to pool in his eyes. "I fucking love you…"

"I can't keep doing this with you, Daryl! I need more…" Her own tears spilled down her cheeks as Daryl fell to his knees before her - searching his pockets desperately before finding the small black box that held the answer to all of this. He should have asked her to marry him years ago - he should have given her the world.

"Is this more?" Daryl asked - the rage inside him replaced with complete hopelessness. He was a broken man before her - holding up a tiny diamond ring that cost him his motorcycle. "Please, Casey…"

She sank down to her knees in front of him; placing her hands on either side of his face as she silently pleaded with him to come with her. His eyes closed at her touch - tears spilling down his face.

"Please don't leave me…"

"Daryl, just come with me. We can figure this all out together."

Daryl let his head fall in defeat. Nothing he did or said would keep her here and nothing she said would make him leave Merle. "I can't… leave him. I'm all he's got left."

Casey sat back on her heels and sighed; fucking Merle. "I have to go. Take care of yourself Daryl." She whispered as he reach for her - standing quickly as he pulled her into his arms. "Casey. I love you."

She looked up at him slowly; fresh tears threatening to fall. "I love you too." She assured - kissing him gently as she turned to her car. Daryl could only watch her leave; defeated.

To you I'm just a man, to me you're all I am. Where the hell am I supposed to go? I poisoned myself again - something in the orange tells me you're never coming home.

It felt like years had passed before he moved off that porch and found his way home. His insides were a hollow ache forming in the center of his chest - making it hard to breathe; hard to move. His legs felt like they weighed a ton - every step to the half burned shack he called home was agony.

Merle was still sitting in his arm chair watching Gunsmoke - eyebrow raising when Daryl pushed open the door and stepped inside.

"You alright?" He muttered; their eyes meeting for a brief second before Daryl pushed past him. For the first time since he was a boy Merle actually seemed concerned. He looked like a shell of a man. "I jus' need a shower and some sleep." He muttered as he disappeared through the house - closing the bathroom door behind him.

He stood with his hands on the small sink; fingers gripping the edge as he stared at himself in the dirty mirror. He had fucked everything up and Casey was gone. Really fucking gone. Turning the faucet on he splashed some water onto his face and met his blood shot eyes again. He spotted Merle's clippers to his left - glancing back up to his unruly appearance in the mirror. Without a second thought he grabbed the device and turned it on; running it over his head quickly as his dark hair fell into the sink.

Six months later.

Merle leaned forward in the worn arm chair as alerts flashed across the small television screen.

GEORGIA OFFICIALLY IN A STATE OF LOCK DOWN following several other southern states in the state of emergency protocol. There is no northbound access or southbound entrance into Atlanta. Everyone is advised to stay in their homes until this situation is under control. Do not interact with anyone appearing sick or disorderly. Do not seek help at local hospitals. Stay in your homes until further notice.*

Daryl stood in the threshold of the kitchen; watching the chaos unfold on the news channel. Atlanta was on fire - people looting and dying in the streets then… reanimating into stronger, disoriented versions of themselves. It was like something straight out of a horror movie. His heart sank further into his chest. "Talk to me brother." Merle muttered as he glanced up at Daryl.

A few locals had dropped dead in the street's earlier in the week and then… came back as something else entirely. They'd watched a police officer empty his clip into the mailman who never missed a beat as he ripped the officers throat out. They could still hear his haunting screams as they made their way back to the house.

Piedmont Hospital in downtown Atlanta is now officially on lock down. Do not seek help at local hospitals - their resources are maxed out. Please stay in your homes until authorities and rescue teams can get this under control.*

Merle watched as Daryl slammed his fist into the door frame and turned down the hall; disappearing into his bedroom without a word. He found him a minute later loading a duffel bag with their dads rifles and pistols. "What's going on in that head of yours, boy?"

"I'm going to get her." Daryl muttered, his voice deep and dead serious. Merle knew not to fight him on this but he was thinking with his heart and not his head. Shit like that got you killed. "You can't get in the city. It's locked up tighter than a nuns pussy."

"Don't care." He watched as Daryl checked a magazine before shoving it into a pistol. Merle sighed, running his hand over his face - knowing Daryl was going to do everything in his power to bring that girl home; even if they didn't have a home to come back to. "Alright - you're gonna need some expert tracking if you're looking for a needle in a haystack. That girl could be anywhere."

"She's at the hospital. She'd be there - helping people. We've got to go now."

Merle nodded; surprising Daryl as he moved back through the small damaged house. "I'll grab the canned food and load my bike up in the back of your truck. Go get daddy's twelve gauge under my bed!"

Daryl finished shoving weapons into the bag as Merle's muffled voice filled the house. "Shells are in my sock drawer and grab my pills!"

Ten minutes later they were driving down the highway towards Atlanta - eyes wide at the people shuffling through the streets. They all looked like the could drop dead at any second.

"Whatever you do - don't stop." Merle whispered - placing the shot gun on the dash. "There's no help for these people now."

Atlanta, GA.

"Mr. Jones? Please have a seat. I promise you we are doing everything we can to help your wife."

Casey glanced up from her own patient as another nurse tried to calm the elderly man who paced the narrow hallway. His wife of sixty-five years was laying on a gurney coughing up blood. She had never seen anything like this before - otherwise healthy people dying every hour on the hour and then coming back. Once their hearts stopped they had to strap them to their beds to keep them from attacking everyone else in the hospital. It was something nightmares were made of. Casey sighed at the thought; silently wishing Daryl was with her. He would know what to do.

He would keep her safe.

The power blinked suddenly causing the equipment to go into backup mode and cast an eerie glow through the hallway. The moans of people in pain and dying sounded even more haunting in the dark. Casey didn't know how much more she could take - every instinct she had said to run but when she saw people like Mr. Jones - completely helpless - she couldn't abandon them, no matter how scared she was.

"Casey! The door is jammed from the backups - throw me your badge so I can open the emergency lock. I left mine downstairs." Casey glanced up at Jemma; another head nurse on call that was her doppelgänger - her white blond hair and blue eyes uncanny as Casey threw her badge across the hall.

The moans on the opposite side of the emergency door were more like snarls. "Jemma. Maybe you shouldn't…" Jemma swiped the card quickly turning to look at Joe, the hospital maintenance administrator as he emerged from a side room warning her against opening the door. He was too late. A hoard of undead pushed their way through the emergency door knocking Jemma to the ground - her screams muffled by the swarm of undead as they ripped her apart.

"We gotta get out of here." Joe was beside Casey suddenly; turning her away from the carnage as Jemma's screams filled the small space. Casey was frozen in fear; watching Joe as he frantically tried to make her move with no luck. He stood almost a foot taller than her and a few years older with deep brown eyes and matching hair. "Unless you wanna end up like that we gotta move - now!"

She met his worried eyes - searching his face for a moment as the walkers ascended upon them - only momentarily distracted by what was left of Jemma. "I can't leave them." She finally whispered - looking to Mr. Jones who was at a loss as his wife began coughing and gasping uncontrollably. "What kind of person would I be?"

"You'll be just like them if you stay." Joe assured; pulling her attention back to him. She met his eyes again - Joe was her friend. He brought her muffins her second day at the hospital and helped her change the oil in her car when it started smoking last month. He befriended her in a city when she knew no one and he would help her get out of this mess.

"Casey. This isn't how you go out. If you don't move I'll throw you over my shoulder."

She turned to Mr. Jones who had accepted his fate - holding his now silent wife's hand. "Save yourself. There's no help for us now." The old man assured with a cough as Joe grabbed her arm and pulled her down the hallway. "What about Mr. Jones?" She pleaded; trying to look over Joe's shoulder as he continued them down the narrow hall. "He won't leave his wife. Keep moving!"

She'd been working at the hospital nonstop for two weeks; trying her best to save the hopeless. There was no use. Whatever was happening was coming to fast and to strong. As they finally burst through the hospital doors the scene before her stopped her in her tracks. Everything was on fire - people screaming in terror and agony in the streets. Joe placed her protectively behind his back as they made their way to his truck a few feet away; unseen by the roaming dead.

"You got someone looking for you? Somewhere you need me to take you?"

Casey turned to him as she clasped the seatbelt over her chest; pretty blue eyes too wide for her face. Daryl wouldn't answer her calls. He hadn't even tried to contact her in months. As far as she knew he'd moved on from her by now. The girls in town all stopped what they were doing when he drove by. It wouldn't take long for him to find someone else to keep his bed warm. "No. I don't have anyone…" She whispered - looking out the window as people… who weren't people anymore… shuffled out of the hospital - mesmerized by the fiery city.

"You do now." Joe assured; pulling the truck into reverse and looked behind them. "Wait! It's Mr. Jones!" Casey yelled; pointing as the elderly man shuffled among the others into the night. "He changed his mind! We have to go back for him." Joe continued to back out of the parking spot - his expression somber. "Joe! Please. We can't leave him." Casey pleaded; tapping her palm on the window as a few of the dead turned their attention on them.

"Casey. Sweetheart…"

"Please, Joe. We can't leave him."

The truck stopped moving as Joe turned to his company; searching her heart broken eyes. It caused his own heart to twist in his chest. "It's too late for him, Casey. He's one of them now." Joe assured - nodding to the small group of walkers that moved towards them now. Joe was in the center of the small herd - eyes vacant and teeth exposed. There was nothing left of the sweet, gentle man she'd gotten to know in the past few weeks.

Joe watched as Casey wiped away a tear that slid down her cheek and nodded; allowing him to continue their escape from the hospital.

They drove in silence - thankful the further away from the cities center they got. Eventually they were alone on the dirt road headed to his house. "It's just me and my dog Bruce. My sister and her two kids live a few houses down from me. I need to get to them and get us some supplies. Is that alright with you?"

Casey turned to him and nodded. "I don't know if we can get back into the city. Isn't that where you stay?"

"Y-yeah." Her voice was rough with neglect as she nodded again. "It's okay though. Not worth the risk to circle back."

"I'm sure Felicia has some stuff you can use. Everything will be alright we just need to get out of the city until they can get this shit figured out. Once FEMA steps in they'll get everything in order."

Casey returned her attention to the window; silently praying he was right.

They made it to his house without any trouble; parking beside the run down trailer quickly. Casey stepped out of the truck and followed Joe up the driveway. "Sorry it ain't much." He apologized as they made their way to the door and a large yellow Labrador began to bark; greeting them excitedly as he pushed past Joe to inspect Casey. "Bruce! Calm down!" Joe called; surprised that his sister and nieces were in the kitchen bagging up any food they could scavenge.

"Joe! Jesus Ive been trying to call you for an hour!" Felicia, Casey assumed, hugged her brother tightly before turning to his company. "Oh. Sorry, Hi! I'm Felicia. Joe's sister."

Casey shook her hand; noticing the resemblance instantly.

"This is Casey. She's with us now." Joe muttered, pushing past them and disappearing into the house. They heard a shot gun rack a moment later. The girls said hello to Casey briefly before returning to their tasks - fear in their eyes.

"Thank you guys for letting me tag along. I just moved here and don't really know the area. They've had me working so much. Plus from the main road it looks like downtown Atlanta is up in flames."

Felicia frowned, glancing toward her children.

"Ive never seen anything like this." She whispered, watching the youngest girl hand her mother the last bag of canned food from the cabinet. "We won't be able to take the main roads back into town. I know a few roads that may not be blocked off yet but it won't take them long. Get this stuff in the truck while I get the rest of the guns." Joe instructed; handing Felicia the shot gun carefully.

"Joe. I don't know about having guns around the girls."

"The fucking worlds ending out there, Felicia - were taking the guns."

Casey watched quietly as Felicia rolled her eyes and took the weapon; disappearing outside with a few bags of food. "Do you have a problem with guns?" Joe asked as Casey came alive; helping the girls gather the heavy bags. "No." Daryl had taught her how to shoot when she was eight. "Good. Take this and use it on anything that gets in your way." He said, handing over a small hand gun quickly. "Bruce! Truck."

Casey watched as the dog appeared out of nowhere and took off to the bed of the truck.

Outside of the city Daryl watched as Merle fell out of the passengers side door to his knees and kissed the earth - glaring at his brother. "I'm driving from now on, boy! You're a maniac! My damn bike better still be back there!"

"Get up." Daryl growled; grabbing the shot gun from the dash before joining his brother outside of the truck. They had made good time - stopping for nothing on their way to the burning city. "Get a gun." He added; placing a smaller pistol behind his back as he racked the twelve gauge.

They took to the wooded area surrounding Atlanta - the interstate blocked with abandoned vehicles; people leaving on foot to escape the chaos in the city. "Piedmont should be about eight blocks east once we breakthrough these trees." Merle muttered; taking off ahead of his brother as they made their way to find Casey.

Two and a half years later.

"This place is full of ghosts." Daryl muttered quietly as Rick placed his hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze before leaving him to the preppy streets of Alexandria. Rick believed in this place - they were well fed; given a place to sleep and a hot shower. Things none of them had seen in a long time. Daryl watched as several locals spoke among themselves - glancing his way and smiling brightly.

Sheep for the slaughter.

He had never seen a community like this. Even before the dead started walking.

A small group of children came running from a house a moment later; laughing and squealing as they all made their way to one particular person. A woman, around his age with pale blond hair pulled back in a high pony tail. When the girl turned to greet the kids his heart nearly stopped beating. There was no denying her - he would know Casey in complete darkness - in another lifetime entirely.

"Casey?"

His voice sounded foreign to him; full of hope. An emotion he'd lost long ago.

Casey looked up from the group of kids slowly; her smile faltering as she peered at the man that had called her name. He stood ten feet away from her just past the row of houses - wonder and fear and uncertainty washing over her as her legs began to move.

Daryl was five years old again - paralyzed with fear; unable to move as he watched her close the space between them - blue eyes shiny with tears. This had to be a joke - a sick fucking joke or his mind playing tricks on him again. It wouldn't be the first time he'd imagined Casey standing before him. A moment later her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck - causing his grip on his crossbow to fail as the machine hit the dirt and his own arms wrapped tightly around her middle.

"Daryl?" When she spoke he knew he wasn't dreaming. No one could say his name like she could - unmanning him with two syllables. Daryl pulled her into his chest; burying his face in her hair. "I thought…" His voice cracked with emotion - bringing her to arms length again as he searched her tear rimmed eyes. "I tried to find you…" He whispered - his heart twisting with pain at the thought of her being out in this world all this time without him. Casey smiled; bringing light back into his dark world as he pulled her into his embrace again. "I tried to find you in Atlanta." He assured her as she hugged him tighter. "Your name badge… I thought they got you. I couldn't bring myself to check…"

He was rambling now; his face buried in her neck as he tried to assure her he hadn't abandoned her when all this started. "I thought you were dead…"

The night she left Atlanta came rushing back to her; the emergency door - Jemma being devoured by walkers still clutching her name badge. Daryl had made it to the hospital only to find her doppelgänger lifeless on the ground.

Shit. Merle's voice filled the now silent hallway - watching his brother as he raked his fingers through his hair pacing in front of the doorway where the girl he loved laid; half eaten by these undead fucks. "Daryl. We need to move."

Merle watched as his brother knelt in front of the corpse - burying his head in his hands as an inhuman wail left his lungs. "You're gonna get more of those goons back in here with that shit. Suck it up and let's go. Nothing left for us here." Daryl pulled the pistol from his back and stood to his feet - pointing it at Merle suddenly.

"This is all your fault! I fucking picked YOU over her!" Daryl yelled; the pistol shaking in his hand as he watched Merle's eyes go wide. "I'm your brother! The only thing you got left in this fucked up world and you're pointing a gun at me?!"

"I should have been here with her! I should have protected her!"

"Well you fucked up, didn't you? Now what are you going to do about it? Shoot me because you chose wrong? Fuck off, Daryl. Give me the fucking gun - say your goodbyes and let's get the fuck out of here."

Daryl stood shaking before him for another long moment. He couldn't shoot Merle. He really was all he had left. He sure as fuck couldn't survive this on his own - he wouldn't even make it back through the trees without getting lost. "Listen to me, boy. I know you love her. I see that now but she made her choice and now she's gone. You can either die here with her or move your ass before those fucking - things - come back here and kill us both."

Daryl lowered the gun; hanging his head as grief washed over him. "Good choice." Merle assured; slapping his face gently as they turned back the way they came and headed away from the anarchy. Daryl never looked back as Merle snatched the gun from his grasp and stalked off ahead.

"Daryl," Casey whispered - bringing him out of his memories as their eyes met again. She was really here in his arms; alive and well. "I'm so sorry… for everything. I shouldn't have left you."

"None of that shit matters now. You're here. That's all I care about."

Casey touched his cheek; searching his battered face. It was obvious he had more demons now than when she'd seen him last. Two years in hell would do that to a man. "I've missed you so much." She whispered; her words barely audible as she looked up and noticed Joe barreling down the pathway to them.

"Who the fuck are you?" He demanded; not even getting so much as a reaction from Daryl - who continued to stare at Casey; memorizing her features incase she disappeared again. "Hey! Asshole. Who the fuck are you?"

After another disrespectful minute Daryl finally looked up at the taller; slimmer man. "Joe. This is Daryl. We grew up together in Georgia… he found me." Casey assured trying to keep the peace between the two men. Joe stood dangerously still - taking this information in with narrowed eyes. "Took you long enough." He spat, turning his attention back to Casey. "The kids are waiting for you." Adding before storming off towards the row of houses.

Daryl watched him leave silently.

"I have to go," He finally looked at her when she touched his arm. "…but I'll find you soon. Okay?"

He could only stare at her - taking in her words as she leaned into him and kissed his cheek; turning towards the herd of small children as she guided them towards what looked like a makeshift school building.

Daryl didn't know how long he had stood where Casey left him; long enough for Rick to meet with the leader of this community and decide for the group that they could trust her. He looked up slowly meeting his eyes.

"You listening? Deanna's ready to talk to you now. I think this place is going to work out for us."

Daryl let his gaze fall as he looked in the direction Casey had went. "Hey? Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." Rick teased; mentioning their earlier conversation as Daryl shook his thoughts from his head. "Naw. I'm good." He grunted; moving past Rick to go meet Alexandria's leader.

The water was hot, to hot really but he couldn't bring himself to turn the handle. Casey didn't seem to mind - kissing him passionately as her back hit the shower wall; steam enveloping them in a thick fog. They were in their own world - lost in each other as he trust into her deeply causing quiet moans to escape her. Fuck, he loved this woman with every ounce of his being and he was going to marry her. Fuck Merle and that piece of shit motorcycle.

"Daryl..." The way she said his name - so quiet and sexy against his neck as he hit the perfect spot inside of her was nearly his undoing. His own groan leaving him as her soaked center tightened - bringing him over the edge as his mouth found her's again.

"Daryl!"

Merle banged his fist on the bathroom door causing Casey to giggle against his lips. "I thought he was to drunk to find us." She whispered as Daryl kissed her again. "God damnit Daryl! Ya'll gonna run out all my hot water! Take that shit to the bedroom!" Casey placed her hand over her mouth trying to muffle her laugh. "He'll give up in a minute." Daryl assured with a grin - losing himself in her once again.

"Hey, Daryl?"

Daryl opened his eyes quickly; staring down as the hot water hit just below his neck - soothing his aching muscles. "Yeah? Almost done!" He finally answered pushing thoughts of Casey from his head. She was probably with that dickhead - what did she call him? Joe? Fucking prick.

He turned off the water and grabbed a towel; drying off quickly - pulling on clean jeans and a simple black shirt before running his fingers through his long hair - jerking the bathroom door open.

"Someone's asking for you out back." Carl muttered from the bed; engrossed in a comic book as Daryl moved past him without a word.

"Hey." Casey smiled as he rounded the corner of the elaborate house - stopping a few inches away from her. His thoughts from the shower were fresh in his head. Daryl nodded in way of a greeting - glancing around to see if they were alone.

Casey was as beautiful as he remembered - her hair a bit longer; pulled back from her pretty face and those eyes - they could still see depths of his soul no one else had ever known. She handed him a small padded envelope without a word; watching as he eyed the gift carefully.

"What's this?"

"After Atlanta fell we headed north. Joe took me in and helped me survive… this." She motioned to the nothing around them. "I would be dead… or worse if it wasn't for him."

Daryl made her no comment; his fists clenching at his sides as the thought of someone else protecting her. That was his job. Since they were five - he protected her.

"We made it home - to our town but it was too late. You and Merle were long gone - I had no idea where you would have went or if you even wanted me to find you. For all I knew you were riding off into the sunset with Tabatha McCallister."

Daryl narrowed his eyes. Who the fuck was Tabatha McCallister?

"She had a massive crush on you in fourth grade. Whatever. There was no sign of you or Merle so I grabbed a few things I thought you might want if I ever got to see you again." She nodded to the gift in his hands; watching carefully as Daryl glanced inside the envelope. His eyes went wide as he pulled out a half empty pack of Marlboro Red's, glancing up at her as she shrugged.

"I figured you'd need one… even if they are stale." Daryl grinned at the thought. She hated when he smoked - often lecturing him about how much harm it caused the human body. The next item was two small photos folded up and crinkled from the journey. The first one was of his mother - just after she had Merle; all smiles and full of life. He never remembered her like that; the second one was of him and Merle when they were kids. Merle looked angry but Daryl was smiling - oblivious to the life he'd been dealt. He stared at the pictures for a long time before finally looking up at Casey.

"Thank you."

"I couldn't find anything I thought Merle would want. A few beers in the fridge but I'm pretty sure I drank them a few weeks later."

Casey watched as the muscles in Daryl's shoulders tensed at the mention of his brother. "Where is he anyway? Figured he'd wake up the whole town when y'all showed up."

"Merle… didn't make it." He muttered; finally as their eyes met again. Casey looked genuinely heartbroken at the thought. "Merle never was perfect but when the world fell to shit he didn't give going to find you a second thought. Then after… when I thought… I wanted to kill anything moving after that and he helped me keep my head."

"Daryl. I'm so sorry."

Casey closed the space between them as he opened his arms to her and pulled her into his chest; placing his lips against the crown of her head as she hugged him tightly.

"I never should have left you." She whispered suddenly as he held her closer. "I told you none of that shit matters now. Shit happened the way it was supposed to happen and I still found you. I'll be damned if I ever let you out of my sight again."

Daryl slid his hand up her chest; resting his fingers at the base of her throat like he had so many times before - narrowing his eyes as she leaned up to kiss him. After a moment his hand slipped around her neck; fingers clutching the back of her hair as he tilted her head back further to look into her eyes.

"Are you with him now, Casey?" His deep voice sent a shiver through her as she shook her head slightly. "No... he asks me every now and then if we could be more but it's never gonna happen."

Daryl leaned down to her; his rough words whisper quiet between them. "Why?"

Casey put enough space between them so their lips were inches apart. "…you know why, Daryl."

Daryl took a step back from her suddenly; breaking their intense moment as she looked at him. He let her gaze fall. If he kissed her right now he may never stop - embarrassing them both. "I should probably get home."

He came alive again. "Don't go. I just got you back…" Pleading as he closed the space between them again. "Joe's been a good friend to me since all this started. His niece lost her mom and sister… I can't just forget about him because you're back. I need to talk to him."

"At least come inside and meet Rick and the others. They've been a better family to me than my own ever was."

Casey glanced up to the house; noticing the curtains move inside. They had an audience. She agreed quietly as they turned towards the house.

When they walked into the house everyone stopped talking and turned their attention to Daryl and his new company. Surprised to see him holding her hand protectively. Despite how close they all were he never talked about his life before the apocalypse.

There was Daryl and there was Merle - that was the most of it.

"This is Casey. She grew up with me and Merle; moved away a few months before the world started burning and I thought she was dead." He stated, matter of fact, as she stood awkwardly in the threshold of the living room. Casey lifted her hand in a small wave - searching the worn faces of her company. Definitely a bunch of psychopaths.

Rick introduced himself first and a few others said hello and shook her hand. Carol was kind, surprised that she knew Daryl so well.

"I can't believe after all this time we never knew about you. It explains so much." She assured with a kind, terrifying smile.

Casey returned the smile and glanced out the door. "I'm so glad to have met you all and so thankful you've taken care of each other. I never thought I would see Daryl again." She assured quietly with emotion cracking in her words. "I really need to get home though. You all need the rest. I'm sure Deanna will have you up early to give you your jobs."

"Jobs?" Maggie asked.

"When she sees potential in people she gives them jobs around the community. I teach the pre-school to second grade kids. Aaron is the scout who goes looking for people. Joe helps with the maintenance around here. He usually sees Deanna first thing every morning. I'll send a message to let you get settled in before she starts on you."

Casey said her goodbyes as Daryl walked her outside, standing alone with her on the porch.

"Don't leave." He pleaded quietly, glancing behind himself as the others made their way to their rooms. There was enough room in the house that only Carl and a few others had to share.

"I can't," She whispered as Daryl took her arm; pulling her into him. "I just got you back." His voice was rough, vibrating in his chest as she hugged him suddenly. "I need to talk to Joe. Explain everything to him. He's a good guy." She assured softly - leaning back to look at Daryl.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She whispered quietly, pulling herself from his grasp. Daryl could only stare after her as she jogged down the steps and down the street out of view.

Casey opened the door to the home she shared with Joe and his niece Megan; glancing around the quiet living room. "You with them now?"

She jumped in her skin; turning to her friend as he stood at the bottom of the staircase glaring at her. "You scared the shit out of me."

"…are you with him now?" He muttered; ignoring her as she sighed and ran a hand over her tired eyes. "I've known Daryl since I was five years old, Joe. Before today I thought he was dead - you can't be mad at me over this."

"I fucking love you Casey! I've taken care of you since day one! I've killed people to keep you safe. You can't just… abandon me because he's back."

Casey narrowed her eyes. "I'm here, aren't I?" Joe closed the space between them quickly - placing his hands on her arms - a look of desperation on his handsome face. He wasn't lying when he said he'd taken care of her all these years. Without him she wouldn't have made it that first day. "Why can't you see how much I care about you? Why won't you let me in?" He whispered between them as she looked away.

It would be easy to love Joe - he was a good person capable of giving her anything in his power but she didn't see him that way. Her heart had always belonged to Daryl and now that he was back her chest cracked open with emotions she hadn't allowed herself to feel since she left for Atlanta. "Joe. You know I care about you and Megan. I love you both… I just…"

"Don't." Joe snapped - tightening his hold on her as she winced and tried to pull away from him. "I should have left you in that fucking hospital." Tears rimmed Casey's lashes as Joe held her tighter - watching as she struggled against his grasp. "Casey.. I didn't mean…"

"Let go of me!" She yelled; stumbling backward as he finally did as he was told - watching her retreat back to the front door. Megan stood at the top of the stairs now; shaking her head as it slammed behind him.

"You just ruined any chance you ever had with her." She muttered; turning back to her room. Joe raked his fingers through his hair; muttering obscenities as he disappeared down the hall.

He was hungry. Stomach aching from lack of food as the bed groaned beneath his weight. He could feel every spring in the shitty mattress; most of them poking through the worn material.

Daryl growled, trying to mimic the sounds of his insides as he forced his eyes shut - silently begging for sleep. Couldn't be hungry if you were unconscious. The shitty shack of a house was hot; the open window barely stirring the warm air around. What a miserable place.

Merle was gone again - done got himself locked up for the third time this month. He could still hear their dad screaming as the cops came and cuffed him - dragging him off to jail roughly.

He wouldn't be back for a while.

The tiniest tap on the window caused his eyes to pop open; watching as Casey climbed through the small opening - all arms and legs and unruly blond hair. He watched her silently as she climbed across him on the bed and settled in - brushing curls from her bright blue eyes.

"What you doin' here?"

She wasn't supposed to come over when his dad was home. He had drilled that into her head a million times. Luckily for them Will Dixon was passed out drunk downstairs; Gunsmoke blasting through the small television.

"To hot. Grandma wont let me open the windows at night. Says some kinda animal may crawl in." Casey muttered; making a face as her body adjusted to the uncomfortable padding of the mattress.

"Why didn't you come for dinner today? She made cornbread."

Daryl sighed, laying his head back on the mattress before closing his eyes again. "Cops got Merle again. Somehow that's my fault. He kicked my ass and told me if he saw me anymore tonight he'd kill me. So I've just been in here since."

His eyes opened quickly as Casey's fingertips brushed against his forehead; moving his shaggy hair away from his face so she could see the damage. It was bad enough the way she made him feel everyday without touching him - like he was on fire and she was pure fucking gasoline - now if hunger didn't keep him awake at night the feel of her hand sure was fuck would. Casey protested quietly as he tried to move from her touch; letting her fingers trail the dried up gash on his brow. "Goddammit, Casey." He groaned; finally putting some space between them. The right side of his face was black and blue; his eye nearly swollen shut as he winced at her touch.

What kind of piece of shit father did this to a fourteen year old.

"You're hurt bad, Daryl. I'm gonna tell grandma. She told me to tell her if you got hurt."

Daryl sat up quickly, grabbing her hand before she could run off. "No. You ain't gonna tell nobody alright?" Casey looked at him with wide eyes; the outside lights casting an eerie shadow on his damaged face. Her frown deepened.

"Daryl, I..."

"You can't, Casey. They'll take me away if you tell."

Casey sat up straight; unable to lose her frown as she nodded. She knew she couldn't tell anyone Daryl's dad was an abusive asshole - they would take him away and Will Dixon would stop getting his check's in the mail. Then he'd get really angry. She wouldn't do that to Daryl and the thought of not seeing him everyday caused an ache to form in her chest.

"I'll go get you some food and something out of the freezer for that eye." She whispered before moving towards the window. Daryl frowned, knowing that was the only way he'd get to eat today. He was lucky to have someone like Casey.

"Hey," She turned back to him - meeting his gaze in the dark. "Thanks."

Daryl stared out the open window of his borrowed home; curtains blowing around him with the cool Virginia air. This room alone was like nothing he had ever seen before - the bed was bigger than his whole room as a kid. Everything was soft and comfortable and to quiet.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually slept. Probably the last time Casey was in his bed. After she moved to Atlanta he nearly drank himself to death; turning into a version of himself he didn't like - someone worse than Merle even on his good days. Then the world went to hell and sleep was a luxury you couldn't afford when everything was trying to kill you.

Alexandria would make them all soft.

Daryl turned from the window; sinking into the soft mattress as he bowed his head - running his hands over his tired eyes. For two years he'd prayed to any God that would listen that Casey would come back to him somehow and now she was here - safe and sound and in another man's house.

Fuck.

He had failed her in every way possible. She deserved someone like Joe - someone who would protect her and put her above everything else. He couldn't blame her for leaving him again. He'd broke her heart when she left for Atlanta without him.

Daryl looked up as Casey came into view - pulling herself into the window like she had so many times when they were kids. She stood before him with tears in her eyes - moving to him quickly as he opened his arms as she fell into his embrace; straddling his lap as she wrapped herself around him.

"You okay?" Daryl whispered against her neck; breathing her in as she shook her head slightly and tightened her arms around him. A moment passed before she turned her head to him - placing her palm on his jaw as she found his mouth in the dark - brushing her tongue against his lips for access as a groan escaped him and his hands clutched her tighter - kissing her with years of longing.

Casey wasted no time; pulling her shirt over her head before finding his mouth again - running her fingers into the back of his hair as he lifted her up and turned to lay her down on the bed advancing on top of her quickly. "Casey…" His husky voice causing goosebumps to form on her skin as she pulled him down to her and continued their kiss. "Are you alright?" Daryl demanded - pulling away from her quickly as she stared up at him breathing hard.

"Y-yeah." She whispered; wiping at the tears that threatened to fall down her cheeks. Daryl's eyes adjusted to the darkness around them as he searched her face - eyes finally falling to the dark bruises on her upper arms and shoulders. Fresh and deep purple. "Did he hurt you?" He whispered; his once sexy voice now deadly.

"It's alright. He was just angry. People say and do stupid shit when they're angry."

Daryl would never bruise her; despite his flaws Merle Dixon would have killed him but his words - when he used them - went to the bone. The night she told him about the job at Piedmont was still fresh in her memories.

I don't give a fuck what you do.

Daryl trailed his fingers across the thumb sized bruise near her collarbone; pushing himself off the bed quickly. Casey sat up - watching the muscles in his back tense as he moved to the window and peered out into the night. Alexandria was eerily quiet - just a low grunt of a sound as he jumped down onto the covered porch and then to the ground - taking off down the street quickly.

Shit.

When she found him again Daryl was beating his fist against Joe's front door - screaming for him to come outside. Several neighbors were on their own suburban porches and she guessed Daryl had knocked on every door in town in search of Joe. She had never heard his voice so full of rage - gasping as Joe jerked the door open and stepped onto the porch; shoving his finger in the shorter man's face.

"You don't know who you're fucking with, boy!" Joe yelled and any rational thought Daryl may of had left was lost to him - memories of Merle and all of his bullshit and his dad with the beatings suddenly flooded his senses. The next few seconds played out like a movie - Daryl grabbing Joe by the shirt collar and slinging him into yard like a rag doll.

"Daryl! Please don't hurt him!" She tried to plea; wincing as his fist connected with Joe's face. "You like to beat on women?! Bruise them up?!" Daryl growled - hitting him again. "I'll fucking kill you!"

"Daryl!"

Casey wrapped her arms around herself as she turned to see Rick running full force down the street; grabbing Daryl by his shoulders and pulling him off of Joe quickly. Joe and Daryl both scrambled to their feet - closing the space between them as they sized each other up.

"I've killed people for her!" Joe snapped, pointing in Casey's general direction. "What did you ever do for her? Abandon her in Atlanta?"

Daryl narrowed his eyes at the thought.

"You fucking left her - in a dead city! I found her and I kept her safe!" Joe turned his head to find Casey in the dark; his anger dissolving into sorrow as she stood a few feet away clutching her arm where he'd marked her with his jealously. Daryl moved closer to him so his words were for him and him only.

"If you ever put your fucking hands on her again I'll kill you." He promised; ready to strike again. Joe caught a glimpse of Casey as she moved towards them; taking a step back from Daryl.

"Casey. I'm sorry…" Joe said suddenly; pushing past Daryl to go to her. "I would never hurt you. You know that? Right?" She nodded slightly; wrapping her arms tighter around herself. Joe had saved her enough times that one mistake didn't change anything. "I love you. You're the only good thing that's been in my life in a long fucking time. You kept me sane in this… fucked up world."

Daryl looked between the two of them; seeing the love and devotion on Joe's face as he pleaded with Casey.

"When I saw the way you looked at him today…" Joe ran a hand over his face; shaking his head. "I've been waiting for you to look at me like thay for two years."

Casey could only frown; silent tears falling down her cheeks. She would never have those feelings for him but she didn't want to hurt him and didn't know how to make him see that Daryl had her heart - she could only stare at Joe; wordless. Daryl jerked himself away from Rick's grasp suddenly and turned away from the scene before him; stalking back down the way he'd came.

"What the hells going on, Rick?" Deanna demanded as she hurried down the steps of her porch - pulling her robe around her front tightly. "Just a misunderstanding, Deanna. Everything's fine." Joe assured her - giving Casey one last look as he moved towards the leader of Alexandria.

"This place needs someone like Rick Grimes but I can't have them disrupting the community in the middle of the night. Are you sure everything's alright?"

She wanted to hear it from Rick, who glanced at Joe - noticing the slight nod of his head.

"Everything's fine." Rick repeated; forcing a smile as they watched Casey turn to follow Daryl down the street quickly.

"You know you never could out run me."

Daryl stopped walking once he made it to the steps of the house Deanna had gifted them; pulling the pack of cigarettes out of his pocket as he sat down on the steps - glancing up at her.

"You should give him a chance." He muttered suddenly causing her arms to fall to her sides. "What?"

"I had my chance with you, Casey and I blew it. He's kept you safe and I know he cares about you because like he said… he looks at you the way I look at you."

"You just beat his ass for putting a bruise on me?"

"People say and do stupid shit when they're angry." He grumbled her earlier words; lighting the cigarette and taking a long drawl - never letting her eyes fall from his. "You should give him a chance."

Casey narrowed her eyes at his sudden indifference - crossing her arms in front of her. "Okay. Fine. I'll just go nurse him back to health - make sure you didn't knock any of his teeth out." She snapped turning back to the street. Daryl stood suddenly - grabbing her elbow gently as he turned her back to him. "I said you should - not that I'll let you. You're mine, Casey. You remember that?"

Her hurt faded as a slow smile spread across her face. "What parts?" She whispered as he leaned into her - kissing her passionately.

Casey looked up from the charred piece of deer meat in her fingers; meeting Joe's eyes across the fire. He was staring at her intensely - watching the shadows dance across her beautiful face.

Megan was asleep in the cab of his truck; Felicia and Emily were… gone.

"I don't think I ever thanked you…" She whispered; almost to herself as she took another bite of food. "…for helping me that day… and every day since then." Casey let her eyes fall to her hands - the first real food she'd had in weeks. "I would be dead if it wasn't for you."

"You're stronger than you think, Case…" Joe assured; chewing his own piece of meat as he let her gaze fall. Images of Felicia and Emily played before him; their terror filled eyes as the herd moved in. Casey had no idea how much she had helped him keep his head after they were gone - how much she helps Megan get through this world everyday.

"How come no one ever snatched you up? Any girl would be lucky to have you, Joe."

He shook his head; forcing a laugh at the thought. "There were girls. None of them stayed to long. Never wanted to settle down. Hell, one ran off with my best friend… pretty sure they're divorced now… or dead."

Casey grinned; covering her mouth as a giggle escaped her. It sounded like heaven to Joe.

"I don't consider myself a lucky man… but forcing you out of that hospital that night was the best thing I've ever done with my life. You bring light into this dark world Casey." Joe muttered; his voice rough with emotion as she studied him. He was a good man - strong, kind and handsome. He hadn't let her down yet.

Casey took in a quick breath as Joe closed the space between them - stopping just inches from her parted lips as he placed his hand in her hair.

" Casey …" He would be easy to love - so why did her heart skip a beat when the unmistakable sound of a motorcycle nearing their makeshift campsite echoed off the trees. Joe cussed under his breath; glancing up as headlights broke the tree line.

"Wait in the truck." He growled before putting some space between them. "Lay down in the seat and keep Megan quiet. If this goes south drive north and don't stop for anyone."

"Joe…" Casey protested as he stood to greet their company - nodding to the truck where Megan was now peering out the window. She did as instructed - trying to stay hidden as she slipped into the passenger's side and laid beside the young girl - placing her finger to her lips as the motorcycle geared down and stopped a few feet from Joe.

"Nice set up ya got here, brother." A gruff voice assured as a second person whistled loudly. "Real nice set up. You got room for two more?"

Curiosity burned in Casey's stomach as she lifted her head to peer out of the window; ignoring Megan's protests. She squinted trying to focusing on the two unfamiliar men standing before Joe. Her heart sank at the thought.

"Afraid not, gotta hit the road but you're welcome to the fire and what's left of the deer." Joe muttered; shrugging towards the flames as he took a step back towards the truck.

"How about what you got in that truck? Are we welcome to that too?"

Casey watched as Joe's back went stiff at the newcomers words; his fists clutching at his sides. "I mean - you're such a nice guy. Sharing your food and your fire. Why not your woman too?"

"Over my dead fucking body." Joe assured quietly; narrowing his eyes as the talkative biker took a slow step forward. "Hey. That can be arranged." He said with a laugh; his partner moving in on his right. "Much rather you watch us fuck your bitch before you die tho."

Joe raked his foot across the base of the fire suddenly - kicking bits of ember and ash into the mute bikers face. Distracted by the sudden outburst the mouthier biker cried out as Joe pulled a flaming log from the campfire and swung it at his head - connecting with the side of his face as the wood splintered and seared; sending the loud mouth bastard to the ground.

"Mother fucker!" The once quiet biker scrambled to his feet quickly; tackling Joe to the ground with a grunt. Underestimating the taller man's strength he could only yell in protest as Joe heaved them backward into the fire - kicking his partner in the chest as he tried to advance on top of them. "You crazy son of a bitch!"

Joe wasted no time with words or threats; grabbing another longer log from the fire. The burning wood seared his already burnt hand but he was running on pure adrenaline now - unable to feel anything but the need to stop this threat. He would die a hundred times before he let these two assholes touch Casey or Megan.

With an inhuman yell Joe slammed the log into his opponent's face; holding it against his cheek as his eyes flashed wild with rage. The quieter biker found his footing once again; blackened and burned from the soot and flames. He moved to attack Joe from behind again only to watch with wide eyes as Joe pulled his Ruger revolver from his back; sliding his thumb against the hammer before firing once - into the center of his chest.

The thug slumped to the ground; dead.

Now facing a fair fight Joe turned his attention back to the man before him; still screaming in pain as he pulled the log away from his face and tossed it behind them. A second later his gun was placed roughly against the man's adam's apple - causing the once confident asshole to snivel and softly beg for his life. "We was just fucking around! I swear! We… we… wouldn't have hurt nobody. Please!"

Joe pulled the hammer back on the gun again causing the man's eyes to close; tears forming in the corners as Joe spoke. "You fucked with the wrong one today, asshole." He growled, ears ringing as the shot went off and the second asshole of the night fell from his grasp.

Joe glanced at the carnage around him before tossing the gun to the ground; slumping on his ass as he reach for what was left of the deer meat - inspecting it for a second before taking a bite. Casey jumped out of the truck demanding Megan lock the door behind her and stay put; she was on her knees in front of him a moment later - eyes wide and full of worry.

"Are you okay?" She asked; touching his forehead were a small cut bled over his eye. He jerked his face away and nodded - taking another bite. His face was fine; his hand however hurt like hell but he wasn't about to lose his masculinity by mentioning it.

Casey's fingers moved gracefully against his eyebrow and cheek; moving down to inspect his shoulders then his forearms until he turned his left palm up to her - trying to ignore the way her touch made him feel. He had just killed two assholes for having those same thoughts about her.

"Joe…" Casey took his hand in hers; inspecting the damage. His fingers and palm were blistered bright red but he clutched his fist and pulled it away from her quickly. "It's fine. We need to get moving before the dead show up." Casey watched as he stood to his feet; grabbing his gun as he turned towards the truck. The back of his shirt was torn at the shoulder; exposing a piece of burnt skin. "Hey."

He stopped walking but kept his back to her; closing his eyes as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Thank you." Casey whispered; unsure of what else to say. Someone like Joe didn't take killing people easily. Tonight would leave a scar.

"I would never let anyone hurt you, Casey." Joe muttered; glancing over at her before nodding to the truck. She didn't even flinch as he put another bullet in the second thugs head; following him in silence.

Casey walked down the silent morning streets of Alexandria; pulling her thin cardigan around herself as she spotted Joe sitting on the top step of his porch lost in thought. His eyes were cast down staring at his hands and she knew he was beating himself up over their bleak situation.

A moment later she climbed the steps and sat beside him; their shoulders touching. Joe continued to look down - unable to meet her concerned eyes. "I'm sorry for hurting you, Case. I never should have grabbed you like that. I've killed men for less…"

Casey turned to him on the steps; reaching out to touch his cheek as he jerked his head away from her. "It's fine." He snapped; still unable to look at her as she studied the dark bruise around his right eye. "Your boyfriend hits like a bitch."

She didn't know how to respond so she sat beside him in silence; placing her hand on his back gently. "Why didn't you tell me about him? If I knew your heart belonged to someone else I…" Joe stopped his words; shaking his head. Even if he knew about Daryl he would have loved her anyway.

"I never meant to keep anything from you. Daryl and I had a falling out before I moved to Atlanta. He wouldn't return my calls. I figured he'd moved on with his life… or worse. It hurt to bad to talk about him."

Joe finally turned to her; searching her eyes for a long moment before he spoke again. "So why let him back into your life now? He wasn't there for you when the world fell apart - I was. There's nothing I won't do for you Casey…"

It was her turn to look away; unable to explain the connection she had to Daryl. She loved him. It was that simple yet unimaginably complex. "I'm sorry Joe…" Was all she could say.

Joe took in a deep breath and nodded; putting some space between them. "I'm headed to Hilltop later on today. They've got some issues going on with the water filtering systems. Megan's going with me… something about a boy she met last time we went."

Casey frowned; feeling her heart rip in two. She didn't want Joe to leave but she didn't know how him and Daryl could coexist in Alexandria right now. "I don't want you to leave." She whispered; looking back up at him slowly.

"I won't be gone but a few weeks. You know I can't stand that bastard Gregory for too long."

That said Joe stood to his feet; taking Casey's hand as she joined him. "Please come back?" She asked; holding back tears that stung her throat. If something happened to him she would never forgive herself. "I always do. Maybe by then you'll be tired of lover boy and give me a real chance." Joe teased; pulling her into his chest in a tight hug.

Daryl glanced up from his hands as Casey pulled herself into the open window of his room; hair still wet from his recent shower.

"Pretty sure this place has a front door…" He muttered; grinning up at her as she closed the space between them. She'd been climbing through his bedroom window for as long as he could remember; first to take care of him when they were kids and a few years later so he could take care of her. He idly wondered what type of visit this would be.

"Joe's going to Hilltop for a few weeks to work on some of their stuff. So he says."

Daryl nodded his head slightly; returning his attention to his fingers. "He also said you hit like a bitch." This caused him to laugh slightly; looking up to meet her amused eyes.

For two years he'd dreamt of looking into those ocean eyes and now she was really here beside him. Alive and well; and he only had Joe to thank for that. "I'm sorry 'bout last night… and every night before that. I should have been with you when this shit started."

"Hindsight is twenty-twenty, right?" She shrugged; sitting beside him on the bed as he laid her head over on his shoulder. "I think Joe needed me as much as I needed him and Merle needed you. He probably would have torched all of Northern Georgia had you not been there to talk some sense into him."

Daryl laughed at the thought; shaking his head. "Merle was the one who kept me in line. After you left…" His voice trailed off at the memories of those months after Casey left for Atlanta. The anger and pain consumed him. He barely ate; nearly drank himself to death - punched anyone who mentioned her name to him. "I was a mess. After we found… what I thought was you in Atlanta… it was like I left my heart in that hospital."

Daryl turned his head to her slowly; her lips inches from his as he hesitated for only a second before losing himself in her kiss as her fingers found his hair and pulled him closer. They kissed until their lungs were burning for needed air - pulling away just enough to take in a quick breath before he kissed her again; pushing her back on the bed and advancing on top of her gently.

His name on her lips caused a groan to escape him; no one would ever say it like she did - like a prayer. Like he was the only thing that mattered in her life even after all this time. "You know that's cheatin'…" He muttered against her mouth as a smile spread across her face and she pulled him down to her again.

At noon Casey stood near the front gate of Alexandria as a handful of people gathered crates and supplies for the trip to Hilltop. Daryl was a few feet away knelt down rubbing Bruce's belly as the excited Labrador twisted in the dirt.

"Bruce! Not you too!" Joe yelled; appearing from one of the storage buildings as his dog flipped over to his feet and came running. Daryl stood slowly as the taller man closed the space between them - extending his hand to shake. Daryl was cautious but placed his palm in Joe's. "Protect her - over everything. Even a jealous asshole who lets his emotions get the best of him."

Daryl nodded; shaking Joe's hand. "Thank you… for keeping her safe." He said in a low grumble as Joe slapped his shoulder and tossed his bag into the cart behind the horses.

"It's your turn now. Over everything."

Casey hugged Joe tightly then Megan; assuring her that she would be right there waiting for her return. "He's really cute." The thirteen year old said in a whisper; glancing over at Daryl as a giggle escaped her. Casey laughed and nodded; hugging her again.

"Please come back." She whispered to Joe; hugging him one last time. Somehow in the pit of her stomach this felt like goodbye. "I always do." He assured; kissing the top of her head before turning to the horses and climbing into the cart. Casey watched quietly as they finished packing everything up and someone rolled the gate open.

Megan waved to her but Joe never looked back.

"You okay?" Daryl asked quietly; now by her side causing her to turn to him and force a pained smile. "That felt like goodbye."

"It always does."

To you I'm just a man, to me you're all I am. Where the hell am I supposed to go?

Something in the orange tells me you're never coming home.