It Could Be Worse [Lewd Misconduct and randomname98766789]

The word “safe haven” was just a myth to Daryl Dixon after what had just happened. It was just too much for him to take in at one time. Loss, devastation, turmoil… all of these words described what had just transpired. Firstly, seeing that Randall had become a walker without being bitten or scratched was unnerving. It did not make the slightest bit of sense, but, when did anything make sense now? Recalling the final events at the farmhouse, there must have been thousands of the walking dead roaming around the place. Rick and Carl did not understand what they had brought upon the group with one single gunshot. The situation was made even worse when the old man at the farm, Hershel Greene, seemed to dissent their idea of leaving and claimed that it was his farm and that he would die on it. Daryl was the only one who could stay calm enough to think. He was happy with that attribute he had- the ability to stay calm in a volatile situation.

The first order of business was rescuing Carl and Rick from the barn. Daryl led on his motorcycle and saw that the barn had went up in flames. It was definitely something of Rick’s doings. Even worse, Daryl felt like Jimmy’s death was on his head. He sent the young boy into Dale’s RV to try and save Rick but the sheriff and his son were able to jump on top of the RV and into the hunter Otis’ truck. Jimmy did not have the same fate, however, as the walkers broke through and killed the poor boy.

Daryl can’t quite recall how many different vehicles were used to escape the farm and he wasn’t even sure who had made it off until a while down the road. Carol had hitched a ride with him on his motorcycle and Daryl wasn’t hesitant at all on leaving the farm. Everything seemed so corrupt now and there were so many questions to be answered. Hell, he didn’t know if they had answers at all. Survival was the only thing that was important now, though, and the need to survive has driven him so far and it’s worked.

The reunion of the group somewhere along the highway was rather bittersweet. He found out that Shane, Jimmy, and Patricia were no longer alive. Carol, however, did say that there’s a chance that Andrea was alive. Even though that Daryl was probably the most distant member of the group, he was the first to volunteer to go look for her but Rick stopped him, telling him there was no way to find her. Reluctantly, he did not go because he knew that the man was right.

Later on, down some old country rode, the caravan was out of gas. Acting as the leader still, Rick said that they’d camp out along the road and scavenge in the morning. After some arguing – they always argue over something – it was finally agreed to do just that. A deep, dark secret though was revealed when Randall turning without being bitten or scratched was brought up. At the CDC, Dr. Jenner had told Rick that everyone is infected and everyone will turn unless the brain is destroyed.

That news about put Daryl over the edge. Even worse, Rick had not told anyone and the results could have been worse. Around the campfire, questions about Rick’s leadership lead to more arguments and hostility. Carol wanted Daryl to lead them as a “man of honor” but Daryl knew he was no leader, he just did his own thing, normally. Another secret was shown to the group, having heard that Shane staged the incident with Randall in an attempt to kill Rick, therefore, the sheriff had no choice. Following that, (surprise), more arguments, shouting, and just hostility in the group was seen on display. The group was in such turmoil. Rick offered anyone who wanted to leave to go on ahead and do so but there were no takers. After claiming that it was no longer a democracy, Rick walked off to do whatever it is that Rick does in his alone time. A bit later, Rick called Daryl over. Shane was dead now and that meant Rick needed another right-hand man. Daryl was the best suited for this job and gave him a curt nod. Rick confided in him that a structure was looming in the distance, a prison it seemed. It could be beneficial but before he moved his people, he wanted Daryl to check out the surroundings in the woods. It was just about to get dark so he needed to hurry and make sure they were not being watched.

Daryl soon started walking, deeper and deeper into the woods. He got a head count of everyone in his mind, just to keep track of everything and everyone. It was him, Rick, Lori, Carl, Glenn, Carol, T-Dog, Maggie, Hershel, and Beth. Ten survivors. Maybe eleven, Andrea was pending. It seemed like so much less though, it was a very difficult time for them.

Personally, he hated doing this but it was for the best. If there was some threat, he could warn his group. Like it had been noted by everyone, Daryl was the most distant person of the entire group of ten people, but he probably cared the most about every single person. He felt awful about the loss of the four, perhaps five people they suffered earlier that day. He did not know a couple of them for long at all, it had only been over a week since arriving to the farm.

The crunches of leaves and branches on his way was annoying him, thinking of how easy he could be spotted. Thankfully, he took slow and careful steps and was able to hear a commotion before anyone noticed him. Crouching against a tree that hid him with its limbs, he was able to see such a terrible sight. A blonde woman was laying on the ground with her hands tied and her feet tied. Her shirt was ripped open and she appeared to be bleeding around her face. He watched as one of the three men straddled her and pulled down her pants after seeing him unzip his own pants.

Daryl wanted to find a way out of this and help the woman. He noted the only weapon that was visible was a machete that was on the ground. The men were paying no attention to it though, all too focused on the sick “fun” they were having. Surprisingly selfless, Daryl would never leave a stranger to this kind of harm. He had to be one of the nicest people around the world now it seemed. People did awful things when faced with the task of survival.

Slowly moving to the edge of the tree line that hid him, he angled it perfectly and quickly stepped out right at the machete, stomping his foot on it so no one other than himself could retrieve it. His crossbow was loaded and aimed at the man’s skull whom was on the woman.
“You’ve got three seconds to get out of here or I will put an arrow in between your eyes.”

The hick looked quite intimidating to the man as he stood in the shadows. His hair was getting longer and his gruff beard was starting to show in patches on his face. Daryl was serious about this, too, and the look in his eyes showed it.

Of course, he didn’t want to kill anyone, but anyone who thinks raping is okay to do if there’s no laws stopping them deserved to be shot in his opinion. What if it was one of his members in the same situation? He would want someone to help.

“Who the hell is this?”

The fatter man snapped and looked at Daryl as the skinniest man that was pinning down the woman had now stood up. To show that there was no playing going on here, Daryl turned his crossbow on the fatter man and released it, hitting him in his left shoulder, right where he aimed it. His accuracy with that weapon was so deadly.

“What the fuck?!”

He shouted, doubled over in pain.

“I’m being generous. Leave now or the next one goes into your skull. All of you.”
Daryl spat back at them and watched them slowly back away, hands up as to show they had no weapons. Soon enough, the men disappeared into the trees and the shadows and the night engulfed them. Daryl stood there cautiously another few moments to make sure that they didn’t try anything slick or try to come back.

Once that was taken care of, he looked at the woman and laid down his crossbow.

“I’m not going to hurt you…”

The hick said in a surprising soft, caressing voice. That voice is something that no one would normally suspect to come from him. It was at the opposite end of the spectrum compared to the tone he just had with the men. Slowly, to show that he wasn’t going to hurt her, he knelt by the woman and took out his knife, cutting the ropes at her hands and then at her feet. He watched her for a moment before removing his own shirt and holding it out to her.

“Here…”

He commented simply, seeing that her shirt was ruined and knowing she would want to be covered, especially after this that just happened.

Immediately, Daryl could recognize the hint of skepticism in her body language when it came to trusting him. Honestly, he couldn’t blame her. He knew that she has no knowledge of who he is or what his intentions were, but he hoped that he could convince her that his intentions were nothing but good and honest. Daryl thought about offering to help her get the shirt onto her body, button it, and pull up her jeans but he figured she wouldn’t want any physical touch now. The poor woman must be scared to death still. Just as before, nothing in his actions, expressions, or words suggested any hostile intent or any reason for her to fear him.

In his mind, he tried to make note of all the injuries she had- her face, her wrist, and her ribs. Hershel could surely tend to these if they ran upon the supplies. When she spoke to him, somehow he felt his heart clench and fought back a frown. She sounded so defeated, disheartened, sad… but he couldn’t blame her.

Something strange tingled inside him before he answered. He wanted to help her, he wanted to see what her smile looked like. Not that he could ever figure out how to voice these wants but he sure thought it would make his day better with seeing her in good health and with being happy.

“I know that I didn’t.” He began. “But I did. I am not going to stand by and let some innocent woman get raped. I know it doesn’t seem like it sometimes but there are people that exist whom have standards and morals.”

With a nod, he tried to give her a weak little smile but Daryl Dixon was never the best at comforting anyone. Daryl found it even more confusing when she offered to give him medical supplies. It was such a sweet act, even though she needed them, she offered them to this stranger.

“No, I don’t want your supplies. You are hurt, you need them more than I do.”

With a sigh, he took a moment and paused before speaking again.

“You know, it’s not safe to be alone. My group is just up the road. There’s ten of us all together and they’re all good people. Men, women, and children too. You’re more than welcome to come back with me. We have a doctor too. Since you have supplies I’m sure he’d be happy to help you with your injuries. If you don’t want to join us, please at least come back and let him take a look at you.”

Daryl hoped sincerely that she would come back with him and join the group. He hoped that telling her about having a doctor and that there were men, women, and children as well would be enough to show her that they were good people and she could feel relaxed with them. He also hoped he earned a bit of her trust by saving her life and scaring off those men.

Before she could answer though, he heard some male voices deeper in the woods. His eyebrows furrowed as he raised up his bow and arrow towards the sound. It had to be humans, walkers didn’t talk. He thought it would be those men again and in fact, it was.

“Shit, get down!” He quickly whispered to the woman whom he didn’t even know the name of yet.

Pushing her to crouch behind the bush, he saw the first man walk back out, the one that had her pinned down and was about to be the first to rape her. Daryl’s eyes narrowed. They were coming back for her, they hoped that Daryl just left her and didn’t hang around.

“Where did that bitch go?” The skinny man muttered.

“I don’t know, but, I see her shirt. She’s still running around with her tits hanging out for us boys.” The fatter man piped up and they all laughed.

The skinny man reached down to pick up the shirt and was about to make a remark but Daryl had enough. He shot an arrow and let it fly, hitting the man right in the head. If it weren’t for the fact that him turning into a walker could possibly come back to haunt them if he sneaked up on them, he would have shot him in the heart because he didn’t deserve the mercy of not having to come back as the undead.

After the man fell, a couple panicked shouts from his two brothers erupted as they took cover quickly. In that split second, Daryl knew he and the woman had to make an escape.

“Go! Go!” He whisper-shouted and just grabbed her by the hand, running down a little path down beside them disappearing deep into the woods since it was getting pitch black outside now.

It was terribly cold that night, surely below twenty degrees- maybe less- and Daryl was freezing without a shirt on. He knew that he could grab some in his backpack with the group but first was getting himself and the woman out alive.

Daryl lost a bit of his direction now as he just blindly began to run off with her to try and lose the men. After running for a good five minutes, Daryl stopped and looked around to try and figure out where they were. His breath showed in the air after each exhale of his pants from running.

He glanced up at the moon on the cloudless night and saw it to be East from where they were. It was also in the east from their little campfire as he recalled looking into the sky. The hick actually loved watching the night sky, it was so serene- but he’d never admit that he did.

Another problem occurred though as he thought about what to do, if he went right to his group’s campfire, the men could follow him. It would be eleven on two but the men may be armed and could possibly kill or injure at least a couple of his friends if they tried. Daryl wasn’t loosing anyone tonight- not after the farm and not even this woman would be lost. It seemed like she would be coming with him now regardless. She was in no shape to be on her own.

Lost in thought, Daryl didn’t even notice the walker come up from his side and grab his arm. He swore loudly and couldn’t turn his crossbow to shoot it, so he grabbed an arrow and just stabbed it through the undead woman’s head manually. However, in the scuffle, his crossbow was strewn over ten yards away and as if on cue, the two men were still hot on the pursuit of Daryl and Nora.

Before being spotted, Daryl dove down behind some large rocks and brought the woman with her. He brought the woman down as well, keeping her head down and watching the men intently. They had a backpack of supplies, it must have been the woman’s that they picked up because he didn’t see them with it before.

“Oh, Blondie? Where are you?” The man smirked looking back and forth.

Daryl knew there was no way out that was going to be easy so he took out his tactical knife that he picked up along the way and turned to her, leaning close to her ear and whispering ever so softly, having to be so close that his lips brushed her ear and said.

“When I jump up and attack them, you keep running east towards the road. Once you get there, head north, down the highway and find the group I was telling you about. They’ll have a fire going and let them know that Daryl sent you. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Not giving her a chance to argue even if she was going to, he jumped up and charged the two men whom had their back turned and was able to stab one in the side of the neck and another scuffle ensued. He didn’t get a chance to see if the woman ran but he hoped that she did.

After Daryl had killed the other man, he ensued in a scuffle with the last guy. Probably on any other typical day, this fight would not have been close at all. Daryl was by far the more muscular one here but he’d been so tired from escaping the farm that he barely had every energy left. The man left a few good punches along his face, busting his lip and making his nose bleed a bit, but Daryl hit him back just as many times, causing more damage to the scum’s face than his own. But soon enough, the taller man had him pinned and all of a sudden, he let out a bloodcurdling scream and Daryl rolled quickly away from him to see the woman had stabbed him.

He was relieved that she didn’t run now. Perhaps it would give her some means of closure. He simply nodded when she said to leave him and then walked over to grab his crossbow. He was only able to retrieve a couple of the arrows that he used but that was okay. He had more in his backpack with the group. Once she got her backpack and he got his crossbow, he began to lead her back to the road.

“Thanks… I am Daryl by the way.” The man said, extending his hand to the woman for her to introduce herself as well and then shook her hand.

Night had fallen in totality over the state of Georgia and Daryl kicked himself mentally for not bringing along a flashlight like he knew that he should have done. They could barely see in front of them but the pavement was still distinguishable from the grass and the forest.

“They are along this highway right here, we’ll get to them in a bit.” Daryl nodded slowly and walked right beside of her. He shivered every once in a while when the wind picked up, pounding his bare chest and back. That was still okay with him, she needed the shirt more than he did and it didn’t really bother him. Finally after a few more minutes of walking, he saw the fire that his group was gathered around.

“There…” He pointed and once they were close enough, Rick looked up to them and so did the rest of the group.

The group seemed divided, some expression gave a look of worry and concern over a stranger but some wanted to hear out what the situation was.

“Who is she?” Rick asked, hand on his gun as he prepares for some attack that wasn’t coming. He had lost it completely, it seemed. He was also curious as to why she was wearing Daryl’s shirt and why Daryl was bleeding. The look said it all and then the hick finally spoke up.

“This is Nora. She was being attacked by some men in the woods. They are taken care of now. She’s hurt though but has medical supplies.” Daryl commented and glanced to Hershel hopefully and then he nodded.

Gently, Daryl reached up to touch her arm and walk her over to the old farmer. “Just tell him what your injuries are and he should be able to fix you right back up.” He told her with a warm smile before leaving him to work on Nora.

After this, Daryl went straight to his bags and pulled out a long-sleeved, black t-shirt to pull on. He had a nice, warm leather jacket as well but decided to save that for Nora once Hershel was done with her. Everyone went back to doing their own thing as Daryl leaned up against his backpack. Now being Rick’s right hand man, Rick approached him and was skeptical about this woman. Daryl assured him that she was okay and told him that she saved his life when the man pinned him down. Despite all that happened, Daryl had morals- sometimes it seemed he had the most morals out of their group. After getting that argument squared away, Rick was allowing her to stay and that made Daryl smile slightly but it was too dark for anyone except him to know. Next, Rick explained that while he was gone, they spotted a prison up in the distance and that the next few days they would work their way up slowly and clear out the yard to be able to reach the prison. It had fences, maybe it would have some food and weapons too. It was a roof over head and they could defend it easily- or so it seemed.

In the meantime, Hershel had soon finished up with doing all he could for Nora. He told her that she should be fine, maybe she had some cracked ribs and a sprained wrist but it’s nothing to fret over. After seeing Hershel get up and leave the woman, Daryl took his leather jacket in his hands and approached her, kneeling down beside her and laying it on her lap in case she would have denied it with him just holding it out to her. He wanted her to feel nice and warm.

“I hope you plan on stayin’ with us.” He said and then moved to a sitting position, his knees bent as he looked at her.

“Are you doin’ alright? I hope it’s nothing too serious.” He added with a nod about her injuries, hoping he was able to get to her in time before anything major could be done.

Daryl frowned slightly when Nora said that she didn’t think anyone else welcomed her to the group other than himself and Hershel. Given time, he knew that they would warm up to her. That’s how it happened for him. “Just wait… they will come around. They let me in and I know they will let you in.” He commented and took out his knife to absently clean under his fingernails as he spoke to the woman sitting beside of him.

He was about to tell her not to worry about his face but he already felt the stinging sensation on his face with the alcohol and the cloth. “Shit…” He hissed in surprise and then hissed the same word, biting on the inside of his cheek when she reached it under his eyes. Once she moved it, he opened his eye to look at her, a gruff chuckle coming from his lips. “Thanks for the warning.” He told her in a teasing manner.

Daryl listened to the blonde haired woman speak about her skepticism about staying with a group. Once she had said her part, he spoke up. “You are right. We do have good and honest people here. Everyone is. We were holed up in a farm back up the road while Rick’s boy, Carl, healed up. It got overrun and we lost a few people so that’s why everyone is really quiet and distant, don’t take it to heart. It’s not you. Plus, it isn’t something to worry about with relying on each other. Strength in numbers. Really, we’re a family and a strong family at that. I think that you would be a great addition.”

After this, she spoke and finally said she wanted to stay until she was healed. Daryl nodded as Rick had already told him that she could stay with them and join the group if she wanted. He also noticed everyone turning in and was feeling rather tired himself. “Well, we would love to have you stay with us for as long as you need. Personally, I want you to stay permanently with us.” He informed her and shrugged having some hope that since he was wanting her to stay would sway her decision somehow in his favor. It was strange but something about this woman made him dread the moment she left. Again, Daryl Dixon was never any good with feelings but that usually meant he felt something good about a person.

A few more minutes passed and after making sure that Nora was well-fed and had plenty to drink, he grabbed his sleeping bag and laid it out for her on the ground. After bidding her a good night, Daryl walked on over with his crossbow and flashlight, mounting the top of the caravan to take watch. Usually, the rotations went from him, to Rick, to Glenn, and then T-Dog would finish out the rounds. It was not until the early morning hours until Daryl woke Rick for a shift change and it would be the same here tonight.

As he stood on top of the caravan, there was little to no action. He downed a couple walkers down the road here and there but it was rather quiet and peaceful. During this time, he thought to himself about the prison that he and Rick were speaking about. Everyone seemed to be on board with the idea but the biggest problem is clearing out the place with all the undead. The prison exterior is overrun and the prison yard is no better. Plus, the horde that overran the farm was still lurking miles away. Sometime in the future, they would eventually all end up towards the prison.

Rick and the hick had deducted a plan of staying in some rural houses along the way, sending a few people out each day to kill what walkers they could around the exterior first. Once that was clear, they could move in on the prison and have that much of it taken. A few others would go along and try to pick off some of the walkers that could linger in the horde. It may be months, perhaps longer, before securing the prison but it would be worth it, hopefully.

It was around one or two in the morning Daryl thought, and his eyes were getting heavy. He didn’t sleep for his own need of sleep, but because he couldn’t protect his group- his family- if he wasn’t fully awake and coherent. With that in mind, the hunter woke up the sheriff and once Rick was settled in with his gun, Daryl lay down in the grass. He had no sleeping bag now since he let Nora use it, but the grass was nice and comfortable for the hick.

He didn’t stay awake long as sleep took over and he fell off and drifted into a peaceful slumber. It remained like this until early the next morning when a few people were awake. Daryl didn’t waste any time and took off into the woods once he had wiped the sleep away from his eyes, crossbow in hand.

He was gone for a bit, maybe an hour or two but returned with a few squirrels and a rabbit. They would be eating decently for breakfast. Himself, Rick, Glenn, T-Dog, and Maggie were all helping skin the animals and cook them over the fire that they built back up from last night. Once the meat was done, everyone got passed an equal amount and were eating.

Some chatting was finally going on, but mainly about survival and their plans ahead. There is a street just a mile down the road that they plan to search later today. Maybe find a place to stay for a few days and keep on the move until they get the prison cleared. It wouldn’t make since to send everyone to attack the prison at one time. They could get overrun and trapped easily. They literally had all the time in the world and sacrificing a few months for something that can hopefully last forever would be fine.

As they ate the meal, Daryl finally sat down on one of the logs where the last seat was open, beside Nora whom was beside Beth. After swallowing a big bite, he looked to the blonde woman that he hoped would stay with them. “How you feelin’?” He asked.

Lewd Misconduct said:

The respect and loyalty Daryl had towards his group was reassuring to her. Nora wanted to believe what he said was true and she knew regardless, she was still useful to them for the time being. At the heart of it all, she just couldn’t understand why Daryl wanted her to stay, why he accepted a stranger so easily. Unfortunately, she’d have to wait until tomorrow to figure out the reality of her situation. Darryl stood as their conversation came to an end and she offered her gratitude once more. “Whatever happens, I’m just glad you found me.”

The food he offered came as a surprise but she easily accepted it, glad to have something other than the chips and peas she’d been eating. While she was curious about the meat, she found she didn’t really care since her body craved the protein. After finishing her meal she settled down in Daryl’s sleeping bag since he’d ignored her offer to sleep without it. It took a while for her to find a position comfortable enough to allow her to sleep and even then her mind was still processing everything that happened. In an effort to relax she tried to focus on the sounds of the forest, the crickets, the feel of being mildly warm for the first time in a while. There were probably walkers nearby, they were never too far away, but their absence now made her feel a little peace as sleep finally overcame her. 

 “Nora.” The feel of someone tapping their fingers on her back brought a frown to her face as she slowly opened her bleary eyes and turned over to see the small blonde girl kneeling in front of her with a small smile. She cleared her throat but didn’t say anything as she tried to sit up. God everything hurts. She grimaced at the cramping in her stomach and the stiffness in her back.

“I’m sorry to wake you up, but we have some things to do before it gets dark and could use an extra set of hands if you’re feeling up for it.” After another second the girl held out her hand. “I’m Beth, Hershel’s daughter.” Nodding, she took clasped on to the girl’s hand, noting that they were softer than her own. She’d been too much of a tomboy as she kid and it had some lasting effects no matter how much lotion and exfoliating she did back before everything went to shit.

“Nice to meet you.” Standing up, she tried to assess just how much she could move. The first few hours would suck but she’d be fine.

“If you can make do with one hand then we’re golden.” Smiling Beth led her over to two other women who were introduced as Maggie and Lori. The short brunette seemed friendly enough, it was clear they shared their father’s warmth. Lori was polite enough but didn’t seem like she was willing to share anything other than her name. Nora chose not to read too much into it. She didn’t assume everyone would like her off the bat and beyond the medical supplies and clothes she’d brought, she hadn’t done much to prove herself.

They gave her what chores she could handle and the work helped loosen her muscles up a bit. She was introduced to Glenn and T-Dog as the day passed and had a moment to speak with Rick, which was stressful to say the least. He told her about their plans to get to the prison, but also his care about his group remaining safe, and made it clear that anyone who jeopardized their lives would have theirs by the end of the night.

“Well I hope it never has to come to that then.” Nora didn’t take being threatened very well, especially when she’d done nothing to deserve it, but she knew not to push buttons. She was a stranger, and armed with knives and makeshift weapons no one was really harmless these days. Her eyes focused on the movement behind Rick as she recognized Daryl’s familiar frame coming back to the camp. She frowned when she saw the rabbit and what looked like a squirrel. Rick turned to see what held her attention before heading over to him, T-Dog and the couple not too far behind.

“Looks like we’ll be eating soon.” Nora’s eyes narrowed as she turned to Beth, the reality of what she was saying finally sinking in.

“You’re telling me I ate squirrel last night?” The lack of emotion in her voice didn’t do much to hide the disgust reflecting in her eyes and Beth laughed.

“I think it’s better if I don’t tell you. It didn’t taste bad did it?” She shook her head.

“Then just don’t think about it and you’ll be fine.” She’d definitely eaten squirrel last night. Roast beef, chicken, bacon – it was all too good for this world. Beth bit her lip to keep the laughter in but Nora still saw her amusement.

“Hmm laugh all you want, that’s why I’m not sharing my last bag of skittles with you.” Beth’s gasp of horror brought a smile on a smile of her own as the finished up their duties before eating. While others were grabbing cans of chicken of the sea (Nora did too, of course), she was in the candy aisle stocking up on family size variety packs of candy and chocolate covered coffee beans. They served her sweet tooth well.

By the time they finished, Nora found that the smell of cooked meat overpowered her aversion to the knowledge of what it was and her growling stomach certainly didn’t mind. She was glad Daryl decided to sit next to since they’d get to talk a bit. Pursing her lips in though, she shrugged at his question.

“I feel pretty good considering. I have a lot more energy now that I’ve eaten an actual meal.” Nodding to Beth she continued on. “Blondie here said I looked like death. I think she like teasing strangers a little too much.” All teasing aside, the swelling in her face had gone down a lot since she slept on the cold ground and for that she was thankful. Smiling was still too much of a chore and stretching hurt but at least the throbbing pain in her ribs was more of a quiet ache. She and Beth managed to strike up a fast friendship. It was nice to have someone to talk to about things not related to walkers and death.

“What about you? It seems like hunting the little quitters worked up an appetite.” She teased. “I heard you might be going ahead of us to the prison?” She turned to him a bit more, her eyes searching his face before she spoke her mind, but kept her voice low.  

“I know I have no right to suggest anything, but it seems like sending people out on their own might be more dangerous than it’s worth. If something happens out there, how will we know? More than walkers live in these woods. We saw that yesterday. Wouldn’t it be better for you to go as a group?” Nora didn’t like the thought of them going off on their own. Yes they had a destination and a plan, but anything could happen and she didn’t want Daryl to be a part of that.

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Daryl was glad that Nora could be feeling a little better. He couldn’t imagine how long it had been since she had a rather nice meal. Of course, they really couldn’t offer a luxurious, full on meal but it was nice since they had so many contributing to the cause of food. As she spoke about her connection with Beth, he was glad that she was making good friends with someone else in the group as well. Hopefully that connection would help influence her to stay with them. He knew the rest of the group would come around eventually- they always have and they always will. “Well, you look better- not to say that you didn’t look good even before.” He offered with a slight smile, going back to cleaning up one of his arrows. She really was a nice looking woman and Daryl thought she should know. Also, he hoped it would help her recover from her tragic run in with those men the other night. He didn’t see her as some sexual object as they did, he saw her as a nice, beautiful woman and that was very rare these days.

He laughed at her teasing and simply nodded wordlessly but then looked back into her eyes at her next statement about going on the run to the prison and back. He knew that she had very good and valid arguments about not needing to go alone and that going as a group would be better, but they had a system, basically. With a sigh, he just shrugged before answering. “Well, maybe you’re right but we have done it this way for a while. I usually go out on my own to search around and I’m always alright. I’m smart about what I do and I don’t ever go that far away.” He said softly and gave her a reassuring smile. He thought it was kind of sweet that she was seeming to worry about him going off on his own. “Don’t preoccupy yourself, it’ll be fine.” He assured her again with that smile.

After the meal was over and Daryl had stomped out the fire, he stretched out a bit and took his crossbow. “I’ll see you in a bit.” He told Nora before walking off towards Rick and talking to him for a brief moment before setting off. The prison was about a mile, maybe two miles away now. As one may think that all they needed to do was go right to the prison and take it over and they would be done- that was not the case at all. The horde that ran them off the Greene Family Farm was still behind them and would all eventually close in on the prison and one point in time. To do this effectively, they would basically have to make circuits around for months, trying to clear away all the area before doing too much with the prison. Now Daryl was set out to hike up to the prison to assess the situation. It was about a thirty minute brisk walk, Daryl now having a light sweat over his body when he reached the outside of the prison. On the outside, it was fairly desolate and inactive but inside was a completely different story. Guards and prisoners were all dead and walking around, looking for flesh to eat.

Closing in, Daryl took out his knife and entered through the little entrance that himself, Rick, and Glenn had created on their first visit to the prison. It was held together by some wire. After entering, Daryl took out his knife and took down a few walkers near him and worked his way up slowly. Of course, he couldn’t clear out the entire place but he got a good look. Once about a dozen were down, he slipped back out before he could get closed in. He would come back tomorrow when the horde was separated a bit and then do the same thing. He closed up the hole in the fence and then started back towards where the group was on the highway. He returned after about an hour and half in total and every one was about to move out and look for a house to stay in for the night and too scavenge for supplies.
Daryl returned and greeted everyone with a nod, kneeling down and rolling up his sleeping bag and sliding it in his backpack. He figured to just let Nora have it for good now no matter what but she really had nothing to carry it in so he took it for the time being. As they began walking, the hick and the sheriff assumed the front of the pack as they walked down the highway. A neighbor hood was just down the block and that’s where they would start looking.

Once to the street, they split up into three groups. Daryl, Rick, and Carl were the first group and everyone else sorted out into fours. The three males had the first three houses on the street. They really didn’t find all that much, just a bit of food and water, nothing ridiculous or miraculous. Its really just about what you would expect in the apocalypse. The group of eleven all met up again in the middle. All houses were searched and all walkers were downed in the neighborhood. They then went to the largest house on the street and ran one more sweep over the house and called it their home for the night. It was now later on into the afternoon and it was getting close to time to eat again. In one house, they found things to make sandwiches with if the bread wasn’t rotten, but it was, so they would have to settle for that and just some granola bars. Some members gathered around the table and others gathered around the couches and arm chairs and love seats. Daryl took a seat beside his new friend Nora on the couch with his food and bottle of water. “Hey, are you holding up okay?” he asked, his voice gruff but so caring and considerate all the same. It ha been a busy day and he hadn’t got a chance to check up on her and see how she and her injuries were faring.

Time skip: 8 months

Eight months had passed since the Greene Family Farm had burned down. The group had been on the run from house to house in rural Georgia while fleeing from the horde that came through. Finally, it seemed like the problems were resolved and things were relatively quiet around the group. Carl has now become more proficient with firearms. Daryl seems to have officially replaced Shane Walsh as Rick's right hand man and Lori's pregnancy is near term. All the group has really done for the past eight months was run in circles and get nowhere. However, that was about to change. After camping out along the highway, they all decided to make a move on the prison.

Rick, Glenn, and Daryl entered where the fence was cut and then tied back the opening once they were inside the exterior of the prison. They split up around the exterior into three sections of the fields on each side and started to take down the walkers. No one got overwhelmed and it was rather effective. The next order of business was moving them out and clearing out some space. It was time consuming and a bit difficult but it was done nonetheless. The next task was a bit more daunting… the entire prison yard was full of walkers and that’s where they needed to go.

They stood at the gates and although Glenn offered to make the run, Rick insisted that he would do it himself. Once everyone had piled into the exterior once it was safe, Rick informed Glenn, T-Dog, Beth, Nora and Maggie to distract the walkers and kill them through the fence with their knives or some other blunt weapon. Meanwhile, Daryl, Carol, Hershel, and Carl were instructed to climb up the guard tower and shoot the walkers from there. If everyone worked effectively and worked together, they might take the prison yard by the time nightfall came.

Rick strapped a rifle to his back and was handed some chains as Lori manned the fence. Rick headed towards the gate and killed a few walkers along the way before securing it and entering one of the towers inside the main gates. The members along the fence that were to take care of the walkers through the fence were doing so and the members manning the guns on top the other tower were doing fine as well. Daryl was pleased and impressed with Carl’s ability now to shoot, he was doing a fine job. Carol was becoming quite a nice shot as well.

Rick, with the help of the rest of the group, were able to shoot and take care of the remaining walkers in the prison yard. Once it was all cleared out, Daryl high-fived the young boy and then followed the others down the ladder. This place could be an absolute miracle if they get a nice system going. It was rather secluded and not too many walkers were nearby other than what were already inside and it would be basically impossible to attack. There were plenty of guard towers and there was plenty of space.

“Looks like you’re becoming quite the sharpshooter.” Daryl teased to Carol on their way down the stairs.

“Yeah, soon I’ll be better than you and I’ll have to hunt for the group.” She shot back with a light-hearted smile.

Again, Daryl being the very selfless and caring person, walked a bit slower for Hershel as he walked down the steps behind the hick. He didn’t want the farmer to fall or have anything bad happen.

“Are you alright, old man?” Daryl grinned, feeling in a rather happy mood now. Things were finally looking up for the group and this might be a permanent home.

“Worry about yourself. I’m fine.” Hershel said when they finally reached the bottom. He let out a breathless laugh, old age not doing him so well going down the large number of steps but he was in good spirits nonetheless.

Night time was quickly closing in over the prison and everyone- mostly everyone- was in a mood to celebrate. Rick was still hurriedly pacing around the fence, making two or three rotations around and still going. Daryl was stationed out to watch the main gate with Nora for a bit. They talked a bit about the prison and how it could be something amazing if they are able to take the interior. Rick came around and relieved them to go sit down with the rest of the group. They were having a fireside meal in the grass and the Greene sisters were singing some old Irish drinking song that Hershel requested them to sing.

After it was over, Daryl took the meat on the stick from some animals he scrounged up earlier and began to eat. He sat beside Nora now and they have become rather close in the past few months. They talked a lot every day and got to know each other more and more. It seemed like she was closest with him than anyone else and the same for Daryl.That wasn’t a bad thing at all as Daryl just loved having her around and having her presence around him.

“Doesn’t rabbit taste great?” Daryl asked her in a teasing manner, recalling their first night when she didn’t even realize what she was eating. They had come a long way since then.

With Nora’s serious look and teasing to him about losing his touch, Daryl couldn’t help but let out a gruff chuckle when he saw that nice smile across Nora’s face. Her happiness really directly correlated with his happiness now. If she was having a rough day, he couldn’t help but feel down. As the months went on, he felt his feelings for Nora grow and grow. He didn’t try to fight them, he only embraced them with open arms. Now that they would finally have a chance to rest and just take it easy, Daryl decided that now would be the best time for him to try and take things further with the blonde woman. Survival had been such a focal part the past year that he hadn’t got a real chance to try to talk to her about anything, but now that was going to change. “No, I’m not losing my touch. I will never lose my touch. You’re just losing your taste.” He teased back to her with a chuckle, now leaning back against his large backpack, propping up on his elbows in a comfortable way. He loved their teasing that they got in every day. It brought them closer and was a way to relax and let off some stress, just sharing a laugh and a joke.

Next, Nora’s rapid fire of questions stumped him for a second. Before answering, he just chuckled and shook his head. He didn’t know why she waited so long to ask but she just kept asking question after question, but Daryl didn’t mind at all. He went over the questions again to try and make sure that he answered them all for her and then began his reply. “Well…” He started. “I lived in the mountains in Northern Georgia… I lived with my older brother Merle. Our parents… weren’t that great. They were all drunk all the time and neglectful so my childhood wasn’t that great.” He explained with a shrug. It was true but he didn’t dwell on it. It only toughened him up and it showed in the apocalypse. It was also a main reason he was so caring. Everyone should be cared for and Daryl understood that even if he hadn’t had someone care for him in his life.

“Mom died in a house fire when I was young, just learning to ride a bicycle. My brother, Merle, wasn’t around that often either, he got into a lot of trouble. He taught me to be tough and to be a man but it was usually just me alone.” He added with a nod. He was often left to fend for himself when Merle wasn’t around. “That’s why I learned to hunt and track and be good with navigating. I’d go off into the woods to hunt for food and track down animals and have to find my way back so I didn’t get stuck outside. It happened when I was twelve, I got lost for nine days, had to eat wild berries and use posion oak as a substitute for toilet paper. Merle was in juvenile detention and my father was still drunk off his ass, didn’t notice I was gone so I just wlaked in the back door and made a sandwich.” He said with a little laugh. It could be comical in a way to him. Instead of being mad about it, that’s how he dealt with his shitty childhood. “After I got older, I tried to make a life but it was hard. I usually just drifted around and followed my brother but that wasn’t always the best. I wasn’t married, didn’t have any kids. I had a few girlfriends but nothing was ever that serious.” He admitted with a nod. It was strange to most whenthey thought about it. Daryl had lived a life full of sadness, agony, and negligence. However he was the most caring, kind, and loyal person you would ever meet in the modern day world with the apocalypse going on. It was odd how a man whom has never known love, true love, or had anyone to care about him could show so much passion to others. Daryl was truly a special man but he was humble, he didn’t think he was anything that special.

“What about you?” He asked, tilting his head at Nora with a smile. “Did you have anyone before the apocalypse?” he asked curiously. Maybe now would be the best time to try and quicken things between them, he thought.

Daryl listened to Nora speak and nodded along with her. She really did seem like a really nice woman and he was glad to be around her. He felt comfort and safeness just in her presence. It was something that Daryl couldn’t put into words or describe at all. The past few months had just been so hectic, he hadn’t gotten a chance to really talk to her about things. Now, however, here they were, laying around the campfire in front of the prison gates. The distant sounds of snarling filled the air but that was okay, they were safe now. Tomorrow, they would take the front of the prison, clear out a cell block, and then call it home. Finally, there would be some stability and hope for everyone. It was something Daryl looked forward to having.

Daryl’s feelings about the blonde woman in front of him weren’t really known to anyone. Actually, the only person outside of himself who knew that he felt something for her was Carol. He had a little chat with her a while ago because Daryl wasn’t exactly the gushy, romantic type and wasn’t quite sure how to talk to Nora about how he felt. What happened to Daryl was really the reverse of everyone else in the world it seemed. The apocalypse didn’t make him build up a shell to push everyone away, he had that before the apocalypse, now he was more caring and inviting because he realized that love and friendship is all they had now and this group was his family. He loved them all but he felt a special way about Nora.

The last thing that Nora said made Daryl feel sad in a way. To know that she felt like it was impossible to find someone whom would care for her in that way made his chest ache. She really was an amazing woman and she deserved something great- something Daryl wanted to give her. Everyone was clearing out now, spreading out to sleep as Daryl lay propped on his elbows, glancing down at her. What better time to talk to her about it than now? He wondered. He wasn’t nervous, he wasn’t shy about it, he didn’t see any point of holding back positive feelings in a time where they are scarce.

“Actually, it is one hundred percent possible, Nora.” He began right after she finished speaking and gave her a smile. “One thing I learned is never giving up hope. It’s how we came this far. We’ve all stayed together because we had that hope and that we had each other.” He paused with a little sigh, smiling down at her. “You can find something like that… maybe even tonight with the hick that’s right in front of you.” He said, now reaching his hand to move some hair out of her face before continuing. “You’re a special woman and I feel so privileged to have met you. My quality of life has been so much better since you were involved in it and I feel something deeper for you than I’ve ever felt for anyone my entire life and I don’t want to go any longer with you knowing.” After saying this, he smiled once more and then leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her cheek- far too gentle to come from a man whom once seemed so gruff and distant- but it was true, his hard and rough exterior isn’t something he had on the inside. He was the most caring man anyone could know and he did care deeply for Nora and getting It off his chest relieved him. Now he just hoped she reciprocated the feelings which he had a pretty good feeling that she would.

Daryl was frightened now. He never got scared or intimidated but he felt his chest aching when she first spoke. He wasn’t scared of finding love during this time or afraid of losing her but out of all the things he could possibly be scared of, the hick was afraid of being rejected. From the sound of what Nora was saying, things didn’t seem too good for him at that moment. Even though he should worry about survival and how to get the next meal, he was worrying about what Nora thinks about him, but he knew that was okay.

The frown was actually quite heavy on his face and it was clear that he was disgruntled and confused. “Well, first off, I really don’t think us feeling this way is because that any day could be our last. I’ve been near plenty of women in the past year, some passed in and out of our group, some we met along the way, and I haven’t felt an attachment to them. I haven’t care about them but it’s different for you. As I am sure that there were plenty of men in your camp too but you probably didn’t feel a particular way about them.” He added first with a nod, debunking her first worry.

“Then how do I know if you are really what I want? I just know. You’re special, Nora. You’re beautiful, you’re smart, you’re fun to be around, you make me smile and you are the only person that could make me blush.” He pointed out with a chuckle because it was true. Daryl never blushed or did anything of the manner but Nora could work special ways on him. “Don’t you doubt if you aren’t really what I want. I know that you are and no matter who comes along or what we go through, it will never, ever change.” He said firmly, moving a hand to stroke through her hair after getting rid of her second worry.

The last worry that she expressed was a bit rougher though and for that, he sighed softly. “If something happens and one of us don’t make it… then we will just have to go on.” He said with a shrug. “Yes, I know that it’s possible and I know how hard it could be but that doesn’t matter. Love is something that is special to the world and it’s one of the only pure things that we still have now… why should we just throw all that away just because we face the possibility of death? I don’t see that as a valid reason to decide and not be together… even before the apocalypse, death was still a problem. Two people could claim their love and then one could easily get killed in a car crash or have a heart attack or something the next day. But people still let their love show, why be different now?” He questioned and shrugged though felt like he made a good case and just hoped Nora would feel the same as he.

After she spoke again, a smile came to his face. He found it rather adorable with the last part she talked about, coming to look for him and it was clear that she did care for him too. He moved to wrap his arms around her body and he pulled close to her and then gave her a little nod. “Okay, I will tell you if something is bothering me but just know that my feeling won’t change… and I will be careful, I promise.” He said with a nod, gazing down into her eyes, tightening his grip on her even more. Everyone else was asleep by now so it was quiet and they were just enjoying the moment together as he stared down into her eyes.