Archive of Our Own

He looks like he works with his hands and smells like Marlboro Reds 

If Y/N knew one thing for certain it was that the Georgia summers weren't for the weak. It didn't matter how many layers you shed the humidity stuck to you like a wet rag. Add onto that the blaring sun that rose high in the sky and beat down on you relentlessly.

She had just barely stepped out of the prison and she was already sweating. She wasn't sure if she'd ever fully get used to it. Even as a kid growing up she spent most of her summers hidden behind the counter of her parents' general store with her nose in a book under the a/c. Now she didn't exactly have much choice but to adapt.

“Mornin’,” a chipper voice greeted her from somewhere in the breakfast crowd and she smiled slightly in their general direction.

It had been months, but sharing the prison with outsiders was still something she was learning to get used to. For so long it had just been their group, ever since the Greene farm, and she had grown leary of new people. But one thing to surprisingly come of all of this was her growing closer to one person in particular.

Daryl Dixon was the most hot headed and abrasive person she had ever met, back when they were still at the Atlanta camp. She didn't like him, and she especially didn't like his brother. Merle would spend half of his time instigating people and Daryl would jump to his defense whether he thought he was right or wrong.

After Merle disappeared on that rooftop Y/N thought good riddance, even if she was too polite to say it. She expected Daryl to leave in a similar fashion, cut and run maybe, but he didn't. When Sophia went missing she began to see him in an entirely different light, even more so when he stepped up more for the group.

Hell, she'd even say they were becoming friends in the time they wandered together before the prison. He was trying, trying to be a member of the group, and Y/N decided to let bygones be bygones. Even if his remakes could still carry with them a deep bite when he wanted them to.

It wasn't until Merle came back and he left with him that she realized she had grown used to his presence. Daryl always provided a sense of security, she had come to feel safe when he was around. When he chose to come back it finally solidified that he was a part of this mismatched family they had become.

She supposed that's why she gravitated towards him more when the Woodbury people moved in. They were a part of them now, but not in the way that made them family, at least not to Y/N. She had learned to move past the stuff with the Governor, he was manipulating all of them too, but she still kept her distance.

Daryl did the same, and she got the feeling that was more due to the fact that the people they found after Woodbury on the road treated him like their savior. He wasn't good with attention, especially when it was positive. He looked like a trapped animal every time someone made a show of telling how he had brought them in.

“Hey Y/N,” her head snapped towards the young voice she recognized instantly, to see Carl jogging towards her. “Are you going on the run today?”

“Yeah, it's been awhile, don't want to get rusty,” she nodded, giving him a knowing look. “Why? You want something in particular?”

“If you see any candy bars, Big Cats, could you grab a couple?”

“Carl, that sort of stuff is bound to be pushing the expiration date by now.”

“Please?” He pressed hopefully. “Michonne should be coming back any day, I wanted to surprise her, she's always bringing back stuff for me.”

“Alright, alright, I'll see what I can do,” Y/N smiled slightly, flicking the brim of his hat. “You better go help your dad in the garden before he has a heatstroke.”

“Fine, but don't forget,” he grumbled as he adjusted his hat. “And don't let them melt on Daryl's bike.”

Honestly she didn't know when things had switched from her and Daryl, to her and Daryl. Everyone just started assuming telling one meant telling the other. And she supposed that was fair, she spent an abnormal amount of hours ducked out behind the cars while Daryl worked on something that didn't really need fixing.

Sometimes they didn't even talk. She'd nod his way and he'd give her a grunt in acknowledgement before they settled into their own worlds. It worked for them, she hated being interrupted while reading, Daryl hated pointless small talk.

When they did finally speak it was awkward at first. She got the feeling he wasn't used to talking to women, and certainly not about himself. It didn't help that when they first met he took her for stuck up, since she had gone to college, had a nice job before all of this.

When he found out she was actually swimming in student loan debt and her parents were far from rich it seemed to level the playing field. He would tell her stories about Merle doing dumb shit and him inevitably getting him out of it. And she'd tell him about having to stop shoplifting middle schoolers during summer break.

“What's wrong with it now?” Y/N called as she neared the popped up hood of the silver truck.

“Jus’ checkin’ the oil,” Daryl replied, voice muffled slightly.

She realized why a second later when he came into sight. A cigarette was hanging from his lips as he stuck the dipstick back in. There was already a smear of grease on his forearm, he couldn't do anything without getting dirty.

“I thought you did that yesterday,” she commented as she leaned against the car next to him.

“Never hurts t'be sure.”

He looked natural like this. Leaned under the hood, his hair stuck messily to his forehead, the tan skin of his arms shining from sweat. She didn't understand how he wore black in this weather. But right now it was easy to picture him before all of this. He had told her once he had worked odd jobs, including as a mechanic.

“Didn't want to get caught in the breakfast rush either, hm?” She hummed knowingly, watching the ash from his cigarette hit the concrete.

“Can't eat when everyone wants t'talk to ya,” he sniffed in mild annoyance as he shut the hood.

“It'll blow over eventually.”

Except it hadn't, it had been months and everyone was still overly nice to them. People were always trying to make accommodations, offering them extra food. It's one thing that still set them apart in Y/N mind, for their group things were always equal, she didn't need special treatment.

“C'mon,” Daryl nodded to his bike. “Need yer’ help with somethin’.”

“With what?” 

“Was workin’ on it this mornin’ and lost a nut,” he explained. “Can't reach it and y'have little hands.”

“I do not have little hands.”

“Y'do.”

“My hands are very average.”

“Fine, smaller than mine, that better?” he shot back irritably, it was still fun to annoy him on occasion.

“Much.”

“Now would y'use yer’ average hands and get it out?” 

“I didn't hear a please.”

“Woman.”

She ducked her head to hide her silent laughter as she crouched down beside the bike. One reason she enjoyed annoying him so much was that it loosened him up, made him talk. It skipped the awkward back and forth they'd have before actually falling into a conversation.

“Did y'find it?” 

“Would you relax?” She shook her head as her fingers felt around blindly. “Trust me, we have plenty of time.”

“What makes y'say that?”

“Maggie and Glenn were up in the guards tower last night on watch,” that was all the explanation she needed to give before he snorted in amusement.

“They're not watchin’ shit.”

“Better than having to hear it in the cell block,” Y/N gave him a knowing look.

She was happy for them, she really was. But what she wouldn't give to have her cell far, far, away from theirs. And by the way Daryl awkwardly scratched his jaw he was thinking the same thing.

“They haven't even come down yet, God knows what they're doing,” she continued as her fingers finally landed on the loose nut. “Ah-ha!”

“Get it?” Daryl was suddenly crouched next to her, eyes narrowed on her hand that was fighting its way out.

“You're welcome,” Y/N smiled triumphantly, raising the small nut between them.

“Thanks,” he replied gruffly as he took it from her, nodding for her to scoot.

She got to her feet with an amused roll of her eyes. He took better care of the bike than he did himself. But she wasn't complaining, riding on the back of it was one of the few things that made the heat bearable.

She still remembers the first time she rode on it. Rick wanted to take some of the new people out, let them pull their weight. When it was time to go Y/N was stuck outside reluctantly looking at the passenger seat. It was going to be hours of small talk.

Where's your family from?

What did you do before all of this?

What do you miss most?

They were questions that didn't really matter anymore. Her family was dead, her job was soul-sucking, and she had learned quickly it was pointless to miss things she couldn't have. 

Rick was looking at her expectantly from the driver's seat when Daryl whistled her over. He asked if she wanted to ride with him in as few words as possible. His eyes never fully met hers as his hands shifted almost nervously on the handlebars.

For a moment she was so dumb struck he'd even ask all she could say in return was ‘huh?’. To which he gave her an annoyed look for having to repeat himself after struggling through it the first time before asking if she was getting on or not.

After that it just sort of happened again and again. The first few times it was like she was holding onto a statue, his body was so tense she was worried he was going to strain something. She kept her hands respectfully at his sides and slowly he began to relax more.

But still, even now, every time she climbed on he'd lock up. She'd watch as he'd roll his shoulders, cracking his neck, all in an effort to loosen up. At first she worried she was doing something wrong and he just wouldn't tell her what it was. But the realization dawned on her that if she suspected he wasn't used to talking to women, she highly doubted many of them had rode with him before, if any.

“S'fine now,” Daryl grunted as he stood, wiping his dirty hands on his pants.

“I've always wanted to learn how to ride,” Y/N commented casually, climbing onto the bike like she had seen him do so many times. “You could teach me, you know?”

“Hell no,” he replied without even thinking about it.

“Why not?”

“‘Cause I've seen y'drive, las’ thing y'need is to be on two wheels.”

“Very funny,” she shot back sarcastically as she folded her hands on the fuel tank and rested her chin on top of them.

She supposed he had a point, she liked riding with him better anyways. But it never hurts to ask. 

Daryl's eyes kept darting her way as she remained seated on his bike. This wasn't the first time she had done it, as a matter of fact it made a pretty comfortable reading spot, better than the concrete ground. But she'd always catch him watching her before he'd duck his head and pretend he hadn't been.

He was very particular about his bike, yet he'd never tell her to move.

“Christ, it's getting close to ten, what are they doing?” Y/N finally huffed, looking up at the guard tower. “One of us is going to have to get them.”

“I ain't goin’ up there,” Daryl looked at her like she was crazy for suggesting it.

“Oh come on.”

“M'not walkin’ in on that,” he tossed his hands haphazardly towards the tower.

“Well what do you suggest then?” She fixed him with an expectant look as she leaned back on the bike.

She watched him debate their options, chewing on his cheek. Finally he squinted his eyes up to the sky and cupped his hand around his mouth.

“Glenn! Get yer' ass down here! Stop fuckin’ around!”

Everyone that had lingered behind from breakfast turned their heads at the shouting. Y/N discreetly covered her mouth with her hand to stop herself from laughing when she saw two shadows stumbling around in the tower.

“Sorry!” Glenn stuck his head out, even from this distance Y/N could see how red he was from embarrassment as he shoved his arm through his shirt. “We uh… overslept!”

“Told y’they're not watchin’ shit,” Daryl shook his head as Glenn disappeared back inside.

Y/N couldn't stop herself from laughing that time. Catching the way his mouth twitched at the sound.

                              *   )  *  (   *

“Ugh, what's that smell?”

Considering the state of the world and the dead walking Glenn's question was usually self-explanatory. But as Y/N stepped into the store the old familiar smell slapped her in the face as well.

“Produce has gone bad,” she replied as she covered her nose.

She remembered the random times her parents would get spoiled shipments. The smell of rotting cabbage nearly made her hurl when she opened the crates. Now it was only ten times worse in here, add onto that the smell of rotting meat from the freezers that had stopped running a long time ago.

This stuff had been here untouched for over a year, in the Georgia heat. Somehow it was worse than the walkers.

“S'good sign,” Daryl commented, completely unbothered as he kept his crossbow raised. “Maybe no one else has been through here.”

“That's one way to look at it,” Y/N replied, voice muffled by her hand.

Sometimes she really envied his iron stomach. Or iron nose more like it. 

“Better get started,” Maggie nodded towards the aisles, a disgusted cough on the edge of her voice. “The sooner we're done here the better.”

Y/N had no protests to that as she snagged one of the plastic baskets by the entrance. She was in charge of the meds list, and luckily the little pharmacy was on the other side of the store.

Maggie was on food detail, Glenn on other basic supplies and requests. Daryl was… well Daryl was there to make sure shit didn't hit the fan.

“Head up,” he bumped her shoulder, making her look up from the list she had been studying. “Goin’ t'get yourself into trouble not payin’ attention.”

“Why do I need to do that when you're watching like a hawk over my shoulder?” she shot back, keeping her hand on her knife nonetheless.

“Smartass.”

She only grinned at that as she glanced down at the list once more. Noticing Carol's neat handwriting where she had scribbled ‘cold medicine (liquid preferably)’. She found it easy enough at the end of the aisle with the rest of the decongestants.

“S'that for?” Daryl questioned as she started stacking it in her basket. “It's the middle of summer.”

“Haven't you ever been around kids? They're like little petri dishes with legs,” she replied as she grabbed more than they probably needed. “Carol said some of the kids have the sniffles.”

“That stuff actually work?”

“Hope so, my mom used to give me enough of it to kill a horse when I was sick as a kid,” Y/N smiled softly at the memory before quirking a brow. “What did your mom give you?”

“Shot of whiskey,” he shrugged like it was natural, but Y/N look told him it was anything but. “What? It worked.”

She shook her head with amusement as she looked back at the list. Her eyes narrowed in on something scribbled in the corner that wasn't there before.

“What?” Daryl noticed her expression.

“Looks like we're stocking up on all the essentials.”

His confusion only grew as she scanned the shelves. Realization finally dawned on him when she held up a box of condoms.

“The hell put that on there?” He was amused like she was.

“I'll give you two guesses,” she grinned. “Want to see something funny?”

He jerked his chin in reply, telling her to go ahead. The light coming in through the dirty windows was barely enough to illuminate the place. But even then she was able to see the top of Glenn's head over the short shelves.

“Hey Romeo,” she called. “Special requests were your thing.”

She launched the box his way, intending to only make it land in the same aisle he was in. But her aim had either improved or gotten worse because the next thing she knew it bounced off his head.

“What the hell, Y/N?” Glenn hissed.

Daryl snorted loudly next to her as she ducked her head behind the shelf, covering her mouth to hide her embarrassed laugh. She looked up at him, trying to convey that wasn't her intention, but his crooked grin told her he found that even funnier.

“What happened?” Maggie called from the other side of the store.

By her cackle a few seconds later she assumed Glenn had shown her the box. And Y/N pieced together by the sound she had found the culprit of who put it on the list.

“At least they're being safe,” Y/N offered weakly after the excitement had subsided.

“Surprisin’ly,” Daryl grunted as he slung his crossbow onto his shoulder. They had created enough racket to draw any walker out.

“What about you, huh?” She grinned slightly as she picked up another box. “You being safe?”

“Real funny,” he shot back, but his expression said he found it anything but as he snatched it from her and put it back on the shelf.

Her eyes widened slightly at his annoyance but she didn't say anything, fearing she had crossed a line. It was a part of him that intrigued her. Whenever they were out on a run or he was tracking something in the forest he carried himself with a certain confidence, certainty. But if she ever made a suggestive comment, even in jest, it all went away.

Even now he avoided her eyes as he adjusted the bow on his shoulder. Twisting the strap as he chewed on his cheek.

“Pain meds should be next,” she said quietly, trying to cut the awkward tension. 

But just when she thought they might have actually hit the jackpot with this place someone had to jerk the rug out from underneath them. The shelf was completely empty, minus a few bottles that had tipped over as someone raked them off the shelf.

“Oh come on,” she huffed.

“S'all gone?” Daryl scanned the shelf himself, like it would magically appear.

“Not just that, look,” she pointed to the shelf over where the bandages would have been. Except all that was left now was a torn box of gauze. “Who would just take the bandages and the pain meds?”

“S’not just that,” Maggie suddenly joined them. “Most of the canned goods are gone too.”

“Stuff's missing over here too,” Glenn added.

Great,” Daryl grumbled. “S'now what?”

“Guess just grab what we can,” Y/N shrugged in defeat. “We still need some antibiotics, maybe whoever raided this place left some in the back of the pharmacy.”

“I managed t’gather up some food,” Maggie offered in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“I'll help you load it,” Glenn offered, nodding for her to lead the way. “Meet you guys up front?”

“Yeah,” Y/N agreed and they went their separate ways again.

“Knew this place was too good t'be true,” Daryl sniffed.

“Well, we still managed to find some stuff.”

“Yeah, cold medicine and condoms,” he shot back as he lifted the pharmacy counter gate for them to walk through.

“Aren't you just a ray of sunshine…,” Y/N mumbled, annoyed by it all herself. 

Her eyes scanned behind the counter, reading over med names she had no idea what they meant. She just knew they weren't the ones Hershel had written down. Daryl was leaning against the counter, growing more antsy with each bottle she passed up.

“Nothin’?” He finally asked.

“Nothing,” she sighed, glancing towards the door she knew most likely led to where most of the meds were kept. “Maybe in the back?”

“Jus’ hope it's unlocked,” he grunted as he pushed away from the counter.

“Got to have at least one thing go our w-.”

She froze when he grabbed her wrist as she reached for the door handle. She looked at him in confusion before he pressed his finger to his lips and then pointed at the door.

Carefully she leaned in, listening. On the other side she could hear a light thumping, that soon turned into a garbled moan she knew all too well.

“The hell is one of them doing in there?” She whispered.

“Got trapped,” Daryl shrugged, but it was clear he wasn't sure either.

“I've got it,” Y/N nodded, pulling out her knife.

“Y'sure?”

“Would you stop coddling me and open the damn door?”

He relented at that, but he still rested his hand on his knife as he grabbed the handle. Y/N took a couple precautionary steps back as she gripped her blade. His eyes met hers and she gave him a quick and certain nod.

He swung the door open quickly, sending the walker stumbling out. It seemed confused at first until its sunken eyes landed on Y/N. She caught it by the neck with one hand as it dumbly grabbed for her, jaws snapping. She pushed it back until it hit the wall, driving her knife down into its skull.

“See,” Y/N huffed with a grin as it crumpled to the ground. “Piece of cake.”

Daryl only shook his head as he moved to step into the room but he froze in the doorway. Curiously she stepped over the walker to see what had caught him so off guard.

“Looks like this is our lucky day after all,” her grin only widened.

“Glenn! Maggie!” Daryl yelled to the other side of the store, his tone lighter again.

Inside the room were piles of boxes and plastic shopping baskets full of meds and food. Whoever that walker was had obviously planned on holding up in here for awhile. It was everything missing from the store and even more it looked like.

“What's going-... whoa,” Glenn's eyes widened as the couple appeared around the corner.

“There's enough stuff here we won't have t’go on a run for at least a month,” Maggie commented, excited at the prospect.

“How do you think he turned?” Y/N nodded to the walker as she shuffled through a box of pain meds. “It's not like he could starve to death in here.”

“Maybe it happened naturally,” Glenn offered.

“Nah,” Daryl shook his head from where he had crouched down next to the walker. “Was bit.”

Y/N and Glenn leaned closer to see where he had pushed up the walker's pants leg. A large piece of gauze was taped against its calf, when Daryl pulled it back some of the rotting flesh came with it, making Y/N cringe. But he was right, there was a clear bite mark underneath.

“I could've told you that,” Maggie grabbed their attention as she held up a roll of toilet paper that had been written on. “Got bit. Congrats t'the lucky bastard that finds my supplies.”

“Guess we're the lucky bastards,” Daryl nodded to the boxes. “C'mon let's get this stuff loaded.”

Spirits were noticeably higher as they packed the supplies out to the truck, even the heat couldn't dampen the mood. Especially for Y/N and Maggie, who happily allowed the other two to pack the heavier boxes. The guys did it more out of pride than anything.

They were nearly loaded when Y/N remembered her promise to Carl. She passed her basket to Maggie as she headed for the register. Her expectations for finding it fully stocked behind the counter were soon squashed, it was empty.

She couldn't believe her eyes, of all the things to take, candy. It could still be here though, she rationalized as she headed for the back of the store again. There were still a few boxes they hadn't grabbed.

“Whoa, what's your rush?” Glenn questioned as she nearly crashed into him as he was coming out of the room, box in hand.

“I just remembered something,” she waved off having to give the full explanation. “Have you seen any candy?”

“Yeah sure, what's left of it anyway,” he nodded to a box they had set to the side.

Y/N slipped past him quickly to peek inside. All that greeted her was a pile of crumpled and empty wrappers. It was all gone.

“You've got to be fucking kidding me,” she gave the box a kick.

“What's wrong?” Daryl was back after taking another box to the truck.

“That glutton ate all the candy,” Y/N tossed an annoyed hand towards the walker. 

“Makes sense,” Glenn shrugged, receiving a look from both of them. “I mean if you're dying, might as well eat as much as you want.”

“What's it matter anyways?” Daryl questioned as he picked up one of the last two boxes.

“It matters because I made a promise to Carl,” Y/N sighed as she picked up the other one. “His last meal made sure that wasn't happening.”

“Find some another time,” he shrugged, looking almost apologetic. “C'mon, should be headin’ back.”

She followed after him with a sigh, kicking the door shut behind them. She didn't like disappointing Carl, any of the kids really, it wasn't like they had anything to look forward to anymore. Life was one bleak tunnel of survival now. When they should be learning about long division, instead they were learning the easiest way to stab a walker.

Y/N had just slid the last box into the back of the truck when a thought hit her. It was a long shot, a very long shot, that required all small general store owners to operate under the same mindset. Still it never hurts to try.

“Hey,” she tapped Daryl's arm gently. “I need your help with something.”

“What?” He narrowed his eyes slightly. “Can't hang around here all day.”

“Come on, I helped you this morning, time to repay the favor… It'll only take a second.”

With her promise he nodded to Glenn that they'd be right back. She made a beeline for the register again and he followed behind.

“Y'gonna tell me what this is all about?” he finally asked as she headed for the door behind the counter.

“My dad used to keep a special stash of stuff my mom didn't want him to have in his office, including candy,” Y/N explained as she jiggled the handle, locked. “Thought it was worth a look… And the door's sort of locked and that's more your thing.”

He gave her a look that said ‘you really made me come back inside to hunt for candy bars?’. But instead of actually saying it he grabbed his knife and started wiggling the blade in the doorframe. Knowing he'd get out of this faster if he went along with her than to protest.

Y/N grinned when the door finally swung open. It was dark inside, whoever owned the place had drawn the blinds. 

“Do you still keep that flashlight on you?” She questioned, looking back at him as she stepped inside.

She never got her answer as a hand grabbed her ankle, tripping her up. She would have fallen on her ass except Daryl grabbed her arm and half dragged, half carried her back to her feet as he yanked her from the walker's grasp. He had his crossbow raised in the other hand and shot it instantly through the head.

They both just stood there dumb struck as they took in the walker that had gotten stuck under a toppled over filing cabinet. The light from the open door illuminated its gray and sunken skin.

“I guess we know how the other one got bit,” Y/N offered weakly.

“Y'alright?” Daryl released the death grip he had on her arm as he looked her over. 

“I'm fine,” she assured quickly. “You'd think he might have left this in his note too…”

Daryl only shook his head at her as he moved to the blinds, yanking them open with a jerk. Y/N stilled her racing heart as she hurried to the desk, knowing not to press his patience after that.

Quickly she started pulling drawers open. Memories came flooding back of hurrying into her dad's office after school to show him her report card. Knowing good grades meant she got a treat from his secret stash before dinner that mom never found out about.

When she reached the last drawer she found it had been locked. This time she pulled her own knife as Daryl watched her from the center of the room. His expression was unreadable but she got the sense he wasn't exactly happy after what just happened.

But it was worth it she rationalized as soon as she popped the drawer open and was greeted by what was inside. Three candy bars were laying there neatly, and by some dumb luck one of them just happened to be a Big Cat. Daryl shook his head again when she held it up triumphantly for him to see.

“C'mon,” he grunted, already heading for the door. “Stop fuckin’ around.”

Quickly she shoved them in her bag, knowing if she didn't hurry he was going to make her ride in the truck. But before she stood something else in the drawer caught her eye. 

A half full carton of Marlboro Reds was hidden under the candy bars. She glanced towards the door to make sure he was gone before she snatched the remaining packs. They were certainly one way to get back into Daryl Dixon's good graces.

She shoved them into her bag as she headed for the door. Giving the walker one last long look before stepping over it and deciding to put it behind her.

                              *   )  *  (   *

“Never thought I'd be grateful for canned soup.”

“We're going to be set for a while.”

“I forgot how nice it was actually getting to choose what I ate.”

Y/N only smiled awkwardly at the thanks as people patted her shoulder in appreciation, offering her first choice at dinner. Glenn and Maggie had long since gotten used to the attention, learning to handle it gracefully. Daryl had grabbed his bowl and disappeared before anyone could catch him, if she was smart she would have done the same.

But she had things she needed to attend to first. She spotted Carl easily enough in the crowd, the hat was hard to miss. He was currently sitting with Judith on his knee as he ate his dinner.

When she slid into the seat across from him his expression lit up slightly. Even Judith made excited grabby hands towards her.

“I trust you stayed out of trouble while I was gone?” Y/N hummed, letting the little girl grab her index finger.

“Did you?” Carl shot back and she raised an eyebrow.

“Touché.”

Apparently her close encounter was getting around. She was sure she was going to get a lecture from Rick about it later. Something she would be avoiding for as long as possible.

“Brave tone to put on when I have something you want,” Y/N stated casually as she made a funny face at Judith, earning a giggle.

“You found something?” Carl perked up as he let his spoon clink against the bowl.

“Maybe.”

“Y/N come on.”

“Magic word?”

“Please.”

“Alright then,” she grinned, grabbing the candy from her bag before setting it between them on the table. “Three slightly expired candy bars just for you… If you get food poisoning you tell your dad you don't know where they came from.”

“Deal,” he nodded, grabbing them and shoving them in the pocket of his shirt. “You probably deserve one as compensation.”

“Trying to see if I'll get sick first?”

“Come on, I'm serious,” he grinned slightly.

“Keep them, I got something for myself out of it,” she assured, tapping her bag where she knew the cigarettes were.

“Thanks,” he bounced Judith slightly and she clapped her hands.

"I better turn this in before I get dish duty,” Y/N tapped her empty bowl before she stood.

Carl nodded goodbye as she began to weave her way back through the dinner crowd. Receiving several more ‘thank you's’ as she did. To which she smiled and nodded awkwardly again.

One of the little girls that she noticed Carol teaching in the afternoons even ran up and hugged her. Which had the effect of making her heart melt and her feel more shitty all at once.

She wasn't used to the spotlight, she had spent most of her life watching from the sidelines. But now people looked to her, looked up to her, and truthfully the last thing she wanted to do was disappoint them. So maybe not getting close to them would mean it would hurt less when she inevitably did.

“You lasted the entire meal for once before cutting out,” Carol suddenly grabbed her attention as she set her bowl next to hers. “I'd say that's progress.”

“I had to give something to Carl,” Y/N explained with a shrug. “Did the medicine we found for the kids help?”

“You should have asked her yourself, that was one of them.”

Y/N hummed at that, nodding slowly. It explained the hug at least. 

“You're spending too much time with him, you're even starting to act like him.”

She narrowed her eyes at the grin Carol always wore when she knew her teasing had the desired effect. It only widened at the sour look on Y/N's face and she knew her expression was only proving her point further.

“Accept everyone's gratitude,” the other woman continued, squeezing her shoulder. “You deserve it.”

“I do accept it,” Y/N shot back with a very unconvincing tone.

“No, you look like you're being held at gunpoint,” Carol replied in the matter-of-fact tone she used when one of the kids were getting smart with her. “You do a lot for people, Daryl told me what you did for Carl today.”

“You mean nearly getting bit? Which I'm about ninety-nine percent sure he's pissed at me about.”

“He is.”

“One hundred percent.”

“He'll get over it,” Carol assured. “The point is, you're willing to do whatever it takes for people. So let them do some for you… Who knows, you might even grow to like them.”

“I like them,” Y/N defended begrudgingly.

“Oh good, some of the kids are playing kickball after dinner, you can give their parents a break.”

“Now wait a min-.”

“And it's not just good for you,” Carol continued unbothered. “Seeing you try will loosen Daryl up some around these people.”

Y/N gave her a disbelieving look. It was going to take a lot more than her to make him more sociable. And maybe a small part of her didn't want to change how things were, because she liked when it was just the two of them.

Which was selfish, she knew. But being around him gave her a little thrill because it was genuine. Daryl spent time with her because he wanted to spend time with her, if he didn't he'd certainly let her know. 

In the last few months he had told her things about himself she was sure he never told anyone else. She wanted to learn everything about him she could because no one else had ever interested her quite like him.

“Oh look, they're starting,” Carol shoved her in the direction of the kids' laughter so quickly she didn't have time to process what she was thinking.

“I'm getting you back for this,” Y/N shot back, stumbling from the shove as she followed Carol's wishes anyways. She knew better than to argue with her.

“Don't cheat!”

Y/N rolled her eyes good naturedly at that as she headed towards the excited voices. She had to admit the laughter was a nice sound, for a long time it didn't come easy to anyone. 

When all of it started she was in Atlanta, she watched as the military became overrun. Sometimes when she closed her eyes she could still hear the screaming all around her as she escaped the city. The last she had heard of her parents they were supposed to meet her there, and she waited, she waited for weeks.

When the camp started getting overrun from the city and it was time to move on she almost stayed behind. But she knew as she looked out over Atlanta she was alone in this world, her parents were dead, everything she knew was gone. If it wasn't for this group, her new family, she probably wouldn't be here now.

“Where are you going?” Carl's voice pulled her back suddenly. 

She noticed him sitting on top of one of the metal tables. It gave him a better vantage point over the heads of the adults that had gathered around to watch the kids play.

“I'm going to see if I still know how to have fun,” she shrugged towards the game, her eyes narrowing on him thoughtfully. “Why aren't you playing?”

“That's kid stuff,” he sighed, as if the answer was obvious.

“Oh really,” Y/N hummed, fighting the urge to smile. “You're kind of short for a grown up.”

“So are you.”

“Alright smartass.”

He seemed very proud of himself for that retort as he grinned. She knew it must be hard for him, trying to balance out his dad's wishes for him to be a kid, while also facing the fact that he had dealt with things boys his age never should. He deserved to have some semblance of a childhood.

“Come on,” she tapped his shoulder for him to get up. “You're on my team.”

“Y/N, I don't want to play.”

“Tough shit, you called me short, get up.”

With a reluctant huff he did just that, adjusting his hat as he stood. She clapped both hands on his shoulder as she pushed in through the crowd.

All this socializing would be good for him. And, she rationalized, if she was doing this for Carl maybe she could suffer through it too.

                              *   )  *  (   *

It was late, Y/N knew, she didn't even have to look at her watch. The moon was shining enough through the windows facing their cells that she didn't need a light, but she could still see the stars.

She had fun with the kids, she'd admit that much. Despite the long day she still managed to play until way after the sun went down. Carl hadn't smiled like he did out there in a long, long time. 

But even through the mayhem of several young screaming voices Y/N couldn't help but to look for one person in the crowd. When she finally spotted Daryl she pretended that she hadn't been looking for him in the first place. He was up in one of the guard towers, arms rested casually on the railing, and leaning next to him was Rick.

She was sure he was getting the full debrief of the day. The thought made her miss the ball completely as it went rolling by.

But that had been hours ago since she had seen them, and since Rick had passed her cell for his own. Daryl was still out there, he must have volunteered for watch tonight, much to her chagrin. If she wanted to find out just how annoyed he was with her she was going to have to go find him.

And she might as well do it now, she wasn't sleeping anyway. With a huff she sat up, not bothering to change out of her sleep tank and pants, it was too hot anyways. She reached into her bag and snatched one of the packs of cigarettes, knowing it was better to be safe than sorry.

She tried to be extra quiet as she padded through the prison. The place was always so full of life in the day, but when night came it was filled with the sounds of sleep. Someone shifting under the sheets, a snore here and there, a random cough in-between. 

When the warm night air hit her she sighed with relief as she silently slid the metal door closed behind her. The night outside the prison always left her nervous. There was only the moon to light the yard. In the distance she could hear the crickets and frogs singing from the woods, but even closer she could hear the walkers that had gathered at the fence.

She tried not to think about them as she cut across the yard, heading for the guard tower. She really wished she had brought a flashlight now when the door shut behind her and she was forced to traverse the stairs in pitch black darkness. Stubbing her toe more times that she wanted to admit as she clung to the railing.

When she finally reached the ladder to the hatch she was so relieved to see light again she nearly forgot why she had come in the first place. But she soon remembered as her eyes landed on Daryl sitting by the corner of the railing, his back leaned against one side as his arm rested on his knee. He looked surprised to see her, but he didn't say anything, instead he only arched a brow.

“Hey,” she greeted as she climbed the rest of the way out, the sound of the hatch slamming shut making her jump.

“Y'should be asleep,” he nodded in greeting, looking back down at the walkers below.

“You'd think after all that running around,” she smiled weakly, settling into the spot in front of him, her legs dangling over the side as her arms rested on the railing. “You should have let someone else take watch.”

“M'not tired,” he hummed, simply enough.

They sat there in silence for a good long minute. But in situations like this she could hear Daryl's silence. And it was currently very disappointed.

“I should have checked my corners, I know,” Y/N finally admitted. “And I shouldn't have just walked into a dark room.”

“Was stupid,” Daryl confirmed.

“I'm sorry, okay?” She sighed. “I can't afford to make mistakes.”

“‘Specially over some damn candy bars.”

“Hey, it wasn't just candy bars,” she defended, reaching into her pocket then and pulling out the pack of cigarettes. “...Truce?”

Daryl looked at them long and hard before studying her. Obviously he was weighing his options until finally he took them. He jerked his chin in agreement and suddenly that was that.

It was something she appreciated about him, she didn't need to make some big speech. She just had to mean what she said and he accepted that.

“S'that all y'found?” He questioned as he placed one between his lips.

“There might be more…,” she shrugged vaguely, tilting her head as she watched him light the cigarette and flip his lighter closed. “I never know when I might have to apologize again.”

“Y'didn't have t’apologize,” he grumbled around a puff of smoke. “Jus’ want y'to be careful next time.”

“In that case I'll take those back.”

She made to grab them but he held the pack out of her reach. His mouth twitched slightly as he shoved it in his pocket and she grinned at dragging that out of him. He settled back into his spot and she did too as she leaned her head back to look at the stars.

“I guess I just got too comfortable being in there,” Y/N admitted. “It reminded me of home.”

“Y'ever think of goin’ back?”

“There's nothing there for me but a bunch of ghosts,” she replied quietly. “What about you?”

“Nah…,” he shook his head, chewing on his cheek. “Wouldn't g'back even if all of this was over.”

She nodded silently at that, he had told her enough about his childhood that she understood. And being around Merle told her everything she needed to know about how he was treated.

She found herself doing what she did a lot, imagining him before all of this. Picturing all the trouble his brother got him into, he used to be so hot headed back in Atlanta, always on the defense. 

He told her before that he used to spend his free time hunting, fishing, working on some old heap. It seemed like he was always alone and that was the way he preferred it. Sometimes she wondered if he ever had someone, a girlfriend, a lover, but she found it hard to picture.

She got the feeling before this group he never opened up to anyone. Never felt like he was a part of something, valued. The thought made her frown as she remembered how his walls came up at her joke back at the store.

“I am sorry about the other thing,” she spoke up suddenly, glancing at him quickly. “The condoms… I shouldn't have said that.”

“S'fine,” he sniffed, but she could see him shifting awkwardly.

“It's none of my business,” she continued. “I'm sure you're being safe… I mean, with the state of everything who wouldn't be?... B-But that's not my place to say, you know…”

Jesus, what was she even trying to say?

“Y'don't have t’worry about that,” he saved her from her rambling.

“Oh?”

“M'not…,” he trailed off, waving his arm that was resting on his knee like that was enough explanation.

She knew it.

“Why not?” She should really stop herself but her curiosity got the best of her.

“Are you?” He shot back.

“No…,” she shrugged, knowing he had a point. “I mean, I could…”

She knew some of the men were overly nice to her. It wasn't like there were that many options left anymore. But something about just being someone's choice just from circumstances put her right off.

“You could too,” she added quickly. “I know some of the women here look at you."

She also knew this to be true, because Carol made a point of telling her that. It would always make her scoff to herself in private, it took her months to get close to him, he wouldn't just sleep with someone. She knew all of this, and yet she was pressing him on the matter now.

But it was for different reasons. She got the feeling he didn't know he had options. Or at the very least anyone was looking at him. And by the way he shook his head with a huff it only confirmed that.

“It's true,” she smiled slightly. “I don't know why that's so hard to believe… You're nice looking.”

His eyes darted away from her, and suddenly she felt like maybe the night had grown warmer. She never told him that, but she believed it, it was something she had come to realize. 

He was handsome in his own way. Rough around the edges and even covered in dirt he still looked good. She found herself watching him more and more while he worked on one of the cars or his bike, the way his face hardened in concentration. But sometimes when she caught him relaxing, when she managed to drag a smile out of him, it was one of the nicest things she had ever seen.

“M'not,” he shook his head finally, hair falling into his eyes as a shield.

“You are,” Y/N looked at him from the corner of her eye, debating if she should continue, but curiosity got the best of her. “Have you ever had a girlfriend?”

“Nah…,” he replied after a long drag from his cigarette, he wouldn't look at her, but she could tell he was slightly embarrassed. “Never met one who was interested.”

“Never?” Her genuine surprise made his eyes dart to her quickly and then away. 

“Never gave ‘em much of a chance,” he explained. “And then Merle would open his big mouth.”

She could picture it easily enough. Merle making a scene in whatever bar or joint they were in. Daryl hanging back like he always did until his brother stirred up enough trouble he'd jump in to defend him.

“Figured it was pointless,” he added with a shrug. “M'not someone y'pick.”

“Why? Because your brother was an asshole?” Y/N tilted her head at that as she studied him. “I like being around you, even if you made it extremely difficult in the beginning.”

“S'different,” he looked down as he flicked the ash off his cigarette. “Y'had t'be around me.”

“I've never had to do anything,” she shot back. “Besides, do you think I started spending so much time with you for shits and giggles? I could have easily found a spot by myself.”

That realization dawned on her then as it did on him too. The place was big enough, she could have found a secluded little corner and been content. Instead she spent most of her days out in the blaring sun waiting for a crumb of information about him she could file away.

“Fine,” he relented. “Still don't understand why y'would.”

“I don't know, once you get past the rough exterior and abrasiveness you're actually nice to be around. Although it's a lot to get past.”

He narrowed his eyes slightly and she grinned, the tension in the air seemed to ease. She got the feeling he was worried she'd think something of him for never dating someone.

“What about you?” He nodded as he lit another cigarette. “Y'have a boyfriend before all of this?”

“No, I hadn't had one since college,” she admitted. “Guess I was so busy with work I forgot that was something I was supposed to be focusing on too.”

“Jus’ one?”

“A few, one in high school and a couple in college,” she continued, none of them had managed to stick with her other than faded memories. “They were fine… I think I just dated them so I wouldn't be alone.”

Daryl nodded slowly at that. Y/N tried to imagine what he would have thought about her if they had met back then. He'd probably laugh at her preppy clothes she bought wanting so desperately not to stick out. She'd probably scoff at his cut off sleeves and motorcycle.

It was like fate really, she never imagined their worlds would collide and yet somehow here they were. Thrown together by circumstance and survival, and yet she had grown to believe he knew her better than anyone ever had. And a part of her believed the feeling was mutual.

“There's never been one girl?” Y/N pressed after a beat of silence. 

“Nah…”

“So… you've never done it before?” She asked carefully, looking awkward herself.

“What?” He huffed the smoke through his nose in surprise at the question.

“You know, slept with some-.”

“I know what y'meant,” he shot back.

“I just figured since you said there was never-.”

“I have,” he broke in again, eyes narrowed and Y/N bit her lip with an apologetic look. 

She really was worried she had crossed a line this time as her eyes stared down at her fidgeting hands. Finally she heard him huff, shifting to sit up straighter.

“For m’birthday one year Merle got the bright idea t'pay a couple of girls t'come over,” Daryl began, scratching his jaw awkwardly. “Didn't want t'do it, knew if I didn't I'd never hear the end of it. Jus’ went along with it until it was over.”

Y/N's expression softened sadly at the thought. It wasn't hard for her to believe Merle would do something like that, and like always Daryl would do what his brother told him. That wasn't any way to lose your virginity.

She thought hers was bad, cramped in the backseat of her ex's car. But his made hers sound like a dream. It made her hate Merle even more.

“Your brother's an asshole,” she finally replied, hoping it carried with it the venom she felt.

Daryl huffed slightly at that, he couldn't disagree. It wasn't any wonder he never talked about this stuff. If the act itself wasn't bad enough, she knew Merle more than likely held his inexperience over his head.

“Was that the only…,” she trailed off quietly.

“Yeah,” he sniffed, putting the end of his cigarette out on the concrete.

“You need a do-over.”

“S'not really how it works.”

“It can,” she pulled her legs back from where they had once been hanging over the edge, wrapping her arms around her knees. “You just have to want it to be.”

Daryl shrugged at that, like he didn't really believe her but he didn't want to argue. It only made her frown more. He deserved to do it right, to be appreciated.

She wished he could see himself like she saw him. All the things that fascinated her about him. The way dragging a smile out of him felt like her greatest accomplishment of the day, how good he looked leaned under the hood of a car, hell even the way he smoked made her eyes linger on him. How when she rode on the back of his bike she could smell the woods and cigarette smoke still clinging to him, mixed in with something mechanical.

Well shit.

The realization hit her like a punch to the gut. All this time she had been too stubborn and oblivious to admit it to herself, but she was falling for him. If she could even call it falling, it felt more like a thousand foot drop into straight concrete. Her heart was hammering in her ears and it was a good thing she was sitting down because she suddenly felt dizzy.

Daryl seemed to notice her sudden shift in demeanor, because of course he did. He leaned forward slightly to see her better and Y/N looked away.

An idea hit her, an absolutely insane idea she probably wouldn't be having if it wasn't so late and she had actually slept. But they were up here alone, and this was the type of conversation she didn't know if she'd ever find herself in with him again.

She took a deep steadying breath as she waited for her heart to stop rattling her head. She wanted to take care of him, to make him feel wanted. And by God she did want him, she couldn't believe it took her this long to realize it.

“Daryl?” She began, voice shaking slightly but she bit her lip hard to pull herself together.

“Y'alright?” it was obvious by his tone he was afraid she was about to faint.

“Mm-hmm,” she hummed, releasing the death grip she had around her legs as she scooted closer. “Can I try something?”

“Sure,” he nodded, concern still in his eyes.

Carefully she reached for him, he flinched slightly at the gesture before he stilled. Her hand cupped his cheek, stubble tickling her palm. He was completely frozen under her touch, she wasn't entirely sure if he was even breathing.

Her thumb brushed his cheek bone and slowly he began to relax, leaning into her hand ever so slightly. The moon cast him in an entirely different light than the sun, everything about him seemed softer.

His eyes never quite met hers, but she'd catch him checking to see if she was still looking at him. Slowly she leaned in, her heart beat picking up again as she paused just before their lips could touch.

“Is this okay?” She asked softly, wanting him to be sure.

He hummed in reply, nodding ever so slightly. That was all she needed to hear, closing the distance between them. Her lips brushed his gently as he remained completely still. For a moment she thought she had misinterpreted what he meant, then slowly he began to kiss her back.

He was unsure, the confidence he had for everything else was gone. She took it slow, allowing him to learn as her other hand came up to cup his face as well. She felt his fingers wrapping around her forearms to anchor her there.

Carefully her tongue swiped across his lip and he hummed against her in surprise. She smiled slightly at that as her fingers brushed against his jaw, encouraging him to part his lips and he did. He tasted like cigarette smoke and something sweet that lingered behind, probably something Carol had baked.

His tongue brushed hers shyly and she hummed in encouragement, scooting closer to him on the concrete. His hand slid up her arm slowly, his touch feather light as he gently cupped the back of her head.

When Y/N finally pulled back she didn't stray far, her nose brushed his between soft pecks. He leaned in this time and she let him take the lead. It was tender and soft, words in the past she'd never think to use for him, but now she was practically melting against him.

Hesitantly he mimicked her actions, tongue swiping her bottom lip. She let him in eagerly, feeling him groan quietly as he tasted her. Slowly he pulled back and she chased him before breaking away herself.

They were still holding each other as they leaned back enough for their eyes to meet. The night sounds came rushing back suddenly as she realized she had been so enveloped in him it had all just faded away.

“S'that what y'call a do-over?” His chest was heaving slightly and so was hers.

“Something like that,” she smiled almost coyly before biting her lip. “Did it feel like it?”

“Say so,” he huffed in mild amusement, his fingers flexing where they had ended up tangled in her hair.

“Daryl?”

“Hmm?”

“I really do like you,” she admitted quietly.

“Like y'too,” his eyes avoided hers again, and she could swear she saw heat creeping up his neck.

“I have for a while… guess I was just too stupid to realize.”

“Nah…,” he shook his head, his other hand tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Liked y'for a while too, jus’ didn't want to let myself.”

“Why?”

He shrugged at that, but she realized their previous conversation explained it all. Her thumbs brushed his cheeks softly, his eyes met hers again and there was a vulnerability there she had never seen from him before.

She bit her lip as she took in their surroundings, they were hidden from most of the prison, but if someone were to walk far enough out into the yard they could see them. Not to mention the sound of the walkers below didn't exactly set the mood.

“What're y'thinkin’ about?” Daryl asked, noticing the way her brows drew in concentration.

“Glenn and Maggie,” she replied, glancing back towards the inside of the guard tower. “Maybe they had the right idea all along.”

She watched the realization of what she was insinuating wash over him. His hand squeezed the back of her neck absently as he shifted under her touch. She could tell by the way he studied her that he couldn't believe she meant that.

“‘Sposed t'be on watch,” he tilted his head half-heartedly to the ground below.

“Yeah, so we're Glenn and Maggie,” Y/N smiled slightly before her expression went serious. “But if you don't want to-.”

“S'not that,” he shook his head and her hands fell to his collar. “Jus’... do you want to?”

“I wouldn't have said it if I didn't,” she replied, matter-of-fact, her fingertips running across her shoulders. “And believe me, I want to.”

“M'not… I don't-.”

“I know,” Y/N leaned forward, bumping her forehead against his. “Let me take care of you.”

“‘Sposed t'be the other way around,” he mumbled gruffly.

“You'll get your chance,” she smiled suggestively. “But I want to make you feel good.”

“Y'already have.”

“Mm, but I can make you feel better,” Y/N hummed, leaning forward to kiss his jaw. He stiffened slightly at the action before tilting his head without even thinking.

“Alright, y'win,” he grunted and she huffed out a laugh against his skin. 

Awkwardly she got to her feet, her knees cried out in relief as her legs tingled from sitting too long. Her hand had caught Daryl's on the way up and remained in his as he stood as well.

His thumb brushed the back of her hand absently, as if to settle his own nerves. She thought it was sweet, seeing him so soft and awkward. If she told herself back in Atlanta that this was the same man she knew then she would have laughed in her own face.

Silently Daryl shut the tower door behind them and most of the outside noise went with it. There was just enough moonlight coming through that she could see him clearly but it didn't illuminate the space completely. Not that there was much to illuminate.

In one corner was a stack of books that more than likely came from the prison library, and next to it was a battery powered lamp. In the opposite corner was a stack of cushions and blankets that made for a makeshift bed if needed. It was definitely needed.

“Cozy,” Y/N smiled slightly as she turned to face him.

He was already watching her, his hair hanging messily in his eyes. Slowly she ran her hands up his chest until she reached his neck. He didn't protest when she pulled him the rest of the distance, meeting his lips.

This time he kissed her back instantly, already more comfortable than he was before. He just seemed to lean into her, hands hovering near her waist but never making contact.

“You can touch me,” she assured as her mouth moved to his jaw, stubble scratching her cheek.

Hesitantly his hands found her waist, planting themselves there as she moved down his jaw. A low sound rumbled in his chest as she kissed where his neck and jaw met, fingers flexing against her. She made sure not to mark him, knowing he wouldn't want to explain a hickey to someone like Carol or Rick, he was already awkward enough about this stuff.

“Can I?” She asked softly against his neck as her fingers found the buttons of his shirt.

He hummed quietly for her to go ahead as his fingers grazed the strip of skin from her tank top riding up. The feeling of his calloused fingertips made heat pool between her legs.

She began to unbutton his shirt, trying to keep her hands steady and calm. But in truth she wanted to be able to touch as much of his skin as possible. There was something sacred to him letting her in like this.

“Goddamn you're warm,” Y/N mumbled as she freed the last button, his shirt now hanging loose from his shoulders.

“Summer,” he replied, like the answer was obvious.

“No, naturally warm,” she hummed as her hands ran over his stomach, his body tensing. “I'm sneaking into your cell this winter.”

“Y'ain't got t'sneak.”

She quirked a brow at that and she leaned back to look at him. Even in the dim light she swore she could see the tips of his ears go pink.

“Jus’ meant-.”

“I'm not letting you take that back,” she grinned as her hands fisted in his shirt and she began to walk backwards. 

She stopped near the pile of cushions, her back hitting the wall. The light was brighter here by the windows and she could see him even clearer now. The moon painted him in such a pale glow she almost forgot how tan he was, but it suited him.

“What?” He asked awkwardly, ducking his head slightly at her long stare.

“You're nice looking,” she repeated her words from earlier and he huffed in disbelief, and maybe a little shyness. “Even when you're hiding behind your hair.”

She lifted her hand at that, pushing it back from his forehead with a grin, his own mouth quirked slightly at that. It seemed like every time she touched him he'd lean into it, making sure it was real, that she meant it.

She let his hair fall back down into place before she started urging his shirt from his shoulders. He obliged her silent request, letting go of her long enough to take it off.

He was fit, that much she had assumed from seeing the tight muscles of his back draw up as he raised his crossbow. He was built in a way that told her he knew how to work, strong arms, sturdy shoulders, the slight definition of his stomach that would peek through when he tensed at her touch.

Gently she began to guide him exactly where she wanted him. Her hands pushed on his shoulders as they reached the cushions and he got down. First on his knees, and that sight alone was enough to make her squeeze her legs together. Then he finally sat down, back pressed against the wall and knees bent awkwardly.

She stood over him and he gazed up at her curiously. Her leg went over him before she slowly lowered herself onto his lap. Again he froze, but it didn't last as his hands gripped her waist. 

He was getting more comfortable, and that's all she wanted. Her lips found his again as her fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck. He kissed her more eagerly, and she had to admit he was a fast learner.

They stayed like that for a while, she didn't want to rush this. Especially when he started kissing her with a growing fever. There wasn't a battle for dominance, she let him have it gladly, opening herself up even more to him as his tongue tasted her eagerly.

That's when she felt him growing harder underneath her. Her hips jerked slightly at the realization and she swore she heard him whimper into her mouth. So she did it again, this time more gentle, and that earned her a quiet groan as his hands flexed at her waist.

“Fuck,” Daryl hissed as she started rolling her hips against him, letting his head fall back.

But she got his attention again as she grabbed his wrists and guided them under her tank, urging the material up. His eyes met hers for conformation and she nodded quickly, lifting her arms enough for him to pull it over her head.

Something low rumbled in his throat when he realized she wasn't wearing a bra. He gripped her bare waist again like a lifeline. She was still rocking her hips into the growing strain in his pants when her hands covered his.

“When I said you can touch me I meant it,” she whispered against his ear as she slid his hands up, cupping her breasts with them.

“Goddammit woman,” he groaned roughly, hips bucking ever so slightly.

Her hands still covered his as he kneaded the tender flesh. It was her turn to moan softly as she grinded down against him, looking for some relief herself.

Her hands went to his belt suddenly, fighting the worn leather. She needed more, desperation was clawing at her from the inside. Reluctantly his hands left her breasts to help her with the buckle, freeing it with the casual practice he had gotten used to every day.

“You're sure you want this?” Y/N asked as she made him pause unbuttoning his pants.

“Y'serious?” He looked at her through narrowed eyes filled with disbelief.

She needed him to be sure.

“I just want you to want this.”

Hearing her say that softened something inside of him once again. She wanted him to know this was for him, she wanted him to be comfortable. 

“M'sure,” he hummed, nodding slowly.

She smiled at that, kissing him softly before she got to her feet again. His eyes narrowed curiously at her until she started slipping out of the rest of her clothes. Perhaps she was making a show of it, but she liked the way he looked at her.

Biting her lip she jerked her chin like he always did, telling him to do the same. He didn't bother getting up, instead unbuttoning his jeans and raising his hips to pull them off. He fumbled with his boots and Y/N tried not to grin because she knew he was cussing himself out in his head.

All that was left was his boxers and she stopped him before he could add them to the pile of clothes. She got the feeling when his eyes dodged hers awkwardly he had done it on purpose. Unsure of what she would think of him.

She lowered herself between his legs, kissing him in a way that was becoming natural. Her fingers hooked in the band of his boxers, pulling them down slowly. His hand tangled in her hair again as her lips never once left his in the awkward fumble to rid him of the thin garment.

When she did finally look down her breath caught. He was large, that much was obvious in the dim light. She swallowed thickly as white hot need shot straight through her.

He shifted awkwardly under her gaze, looking at her carefully through his hair as he tried to read her. Her hand slid up his thigh and she felt him tense up immediately, chewing his cheek to calm himself as she delicately wrapped her hand around his base.

Saliva was pooling in her mouth but she didn't know if he would be able to last both her mouth and her fucking him. Instead she leaned down and spit carefully on his tip. It was downright filthy, she heard his breath falter as he sucked in air through gritted teeth.

She smeared it across him with her thumb, using it to pump him slowly with her hand. His head fell back as he squeezed his eyes shut tightly, quiet and desperate sounds left him that were somewhere between a groan and a whine. It was music to her ears as she ground down on her heel for some relief herself.

She was so caught up in watching him she jumped when he grabbed her wrist. The strain of keeping himself together was written across his face as his other hand fisted the blanket next to him. She smiled sheepishly at that, getting carried away.

“Sorry,” Y/N whispered, letting her hand fall away.

“I think yer’ gonna kill me,” he huffed out shakily and she bit her lip to suppress her laugh.

“Don't die on me yet,” she replied playfully as she straddled him once again on her knees.

His hands went to her waist on instinct as he looked up at her, swallowing thickly. She leaned in, kissing him softly as her hand slipped between them, lining him up. 

She lowered herself slowly, gasping against him at the way he stretched her. Admittedly it had been awhile for her too, hands gripping his shoulders tightly. Daryl broke the kiss with a quiet moan as his head fell into the crook of her neck.

When he finally bottomed out she had never felt so full. Her legs were shaking slightly at the intrusion and she was forced to put all of her weight on him as she adjusted. Daryl was a mess, his hands coming to splay against her back, as his breath came short and quick.

“You okay?” She asked shakily.

“Y'feel good,” he hummed, not raising his head. “Fuck, y'feel good.”

Heat creeped up her neck at that, fighting the urge to moan at his words. She gave him, and admittedly herself, another moment before she started to move. Raising up ever so slightly before going back down.

He groaned deeply at that and slowly she started to form a rhythm. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she used them for leverage. She was more than likely leaving behind little crescents but his shirt would cover them.

Not that she thought he cared at the moment as he groaned at the feeling. Arms tightened around her as she moved faster. His head fell back against the wall and she enjoyed the way pleasure contorted his face.

“Fuck we should have done this sooner,” she gasped breathlessly. “You're perfect, filling me up so good.”

She knew her praise would get him worked up, a low whiny growl leaving him as his hips bucked up suddenly. She nearly cried at the feeling as he hit a spot in her that blurred her vision around the edges.

“Do that again,” she panted.

Moaning loudly when he did just as she said. Her lips found his and it was sloppy and desperate. Muffling the needy sounds they were both making.

Her legs shook slightly the higher she rose before falling back down. All that running earlier had taken more out of her than she realized. But she didn't want to stop, it felt too good.

His hands gripped her hips so tightly she was sure she'd see bruises tomorrow. Like a ghostly reminder of his fingertips.

He could tell she was struggling as her legs only shook more. Finally it felt like his hands were lifting her more than she was.

“Fuck Daryl,” she hissed reluctantly, hips stilling.

“I got ya,” he promised, hair sticking to his forehead from sweat. “Let me.”

“I wanted to make you feel good.”

“Y'have,” he nodded slowly. “Let's m'take care of you.”

Reluctantly she nodded this time, raising up enough for him to pull out. As soon as he did his arm wrapped around her, hand splaying between her shoulder blades. He laid her straight back, her arms wrapping around his shoulders as her back fell gently against the cushions.

“You sure?” She asked quietly as he hovered over her.

“M'sure,” he hummed, lining himself up this time.

He entered her in one slow thrust. She stretched around him easily again, yet she swore she could feel him deeper. He wasted no time in setting a pace, it was rough and fast.

His arms hooked under hers, calloused fingers gripping her shoulders. It kept her in place as she moaned desperately, head falling back. Daryl's head hung low next to hers and he grunted in exertion, groaning quietly by her ear.

Her hands ran across his back and she could feel the telltale rise of long scars there. She didn't have to wonder where they came from, she knew enough about him to piece it together. She didn't let her touch linger, instead wrapping her arms around him as she clung to him desperately.

“You feel so good,” she praised breathlessly again. “Fucking ruining me.”

“C'mon,” he gritted out, fingers digging into her skin. “Wanna feel ya.”

He was getting close, she could tell by the desperate way his hips met hers. She was surprised he had lasted this long, but she could tell he was doing everything to keep it together.

The sounds that filled the guard tower were absolutely obscene. The heat only made it worse as their bodies shone with sweat, hair damp, and skin sticking together.

He managed to find that spot inside of her again and she choked out a sob at the feeling. Clenching around him so tight he turned into a cursing, moaning mess. Quickly her hand shot between them, arm pressed tightly against her as she found her clit.

She circled it quickly, desperately chasing her release. It was the final push she needed before she came, hard. Daryl suddenly untangled himself from her to plant his arms at her sides, ducking his head as she spasmed around him.

Her legs shook and her hands grabbed at him dumbly as she sobbed out his name. Daryl tried to ease her through it but his hips stuttered so much he could barely move. Finally after one last desperate thrust he pulled out, his release hitting her stomach.

His head fell against her shoulder and he moaned something that sounded suspiciously like her name against her skin. He rutted against her desperately, his release coating her skin.

When they both finally came back down from their high neither of them moved. Daryl's face was still buried in her shoulder as she stared up in disbelief at the ceiling.

She just had sex with Daryl Dixon.

Finally her hand brushed his back before rubbing it in soothing circles. He sighed in contentment at that before raising his head enough to meet her eyes in the dim light.

“M'sorry,” he hummed, nodding down to her stomach awkwardly.

“Those condoms are looking pretty good right about now,” she teased, making him duck his head in embarrassment. She cupped his cheek, making him meet her eyes. “I was joking.”

He pulled back suddenly reaching for something behind him. Her brows knit in confusion before she saw the rag he always carried in his back pocket in his hand. He started wiping up the mess he had made, making her smile slightly at how gentle he was being.

“Thanks,” she quietly hummed.

“Y'don't have t'thank me,” he shrugged, chewing his cheek as he stared down at her.

It was obvious he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do now. If he should lay back down, get up and get dressed, offer her clothes back to her. Y/N settled the matter for him as she pulled on his arm and he laid back next to her.

“You just fucked me, you have a problem with cuddling?” She grinned at the way his eyes narrowed, ears going pink at her blunt tone.

“Yer’ mouth's gonna get y'in trouble one day,” he shook his head, stretching his arm out as an open invitation and she accepted, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Funny, seeing how it got me here.”

“Exactly.”

She rolled her eyes with amusement as she let herself sink further against him, wrapping her arms around his torso. He really was warm, but it was a warmth she wanted to cling to, unlike the heat that perforated the room.

Daryl shifted awkwardly under her, trying not to disturb her as he grabbed something behind her. She watched him settle back in with the pack of cigarettes, eyes lazily following his every move as he placed one between his lips. The flame from his lighter illuminated his face before he flicked it close, she filed that image away in her mind.

He glanced at her, not expecting her to be watching him, before he looked back up at the ceiling again. There was a shyness to him still, even as she felt his fingertips brush lightly up and down her arm, like it was natural.

“S'that a do-over then?” He asked, watching the smoke he blew out drift towards the ceiling.

“Depends, how did it make you feel?”

“Never felt like that before,” he admitted, flicking his hair out of his eyes.

“Then yeah, that's a do-over,” she smiled almost proudly into his skin. 

“Did y'mean what y'said earlier?”

“Which part?”

“That y'like me?”

“No Daryl, I made all of that up just to sleep with you,” she replied sarcastically, earning another one of his narrowed looks as he tilted his head to look at her. She relented with a soft look. “I meant every word of it.”

“Good,” he nodded slowly, his hand absently settling more firmer against her arm, like that was all he needed to hear.

“And…” she trailed off, kissing lightly against his chest as her finger traced the tattoo on the other side. “I've got a lot to show you still.”

She nipped at his skin and he jumped, the cigarette between his lips nearly falling out.

“Y'really are gonna kill me woman,” she laughed and he grinned slightly at the sound. “Y'should be asleep.”

“So should you,” Y/N shot back, knowing he was exhausted after everything too.

“Can't,” he huffed around another drag from his cigarette. “M'on watch.”

“You're leaving?” She frowned slightly, scooting closer without thinking.

“Nah… I've got ears.”

“I'm pretty sure Glenn uses that excuse too.”

“If it works,” Daryl shrugged and she laughed again.

There was something giddy bubbling inside of her. Like even her body knew this was the start of something new, something good. She never imagined she'd find herself in this position with him, but she wouldn't trade it for anything.

“Said y'had more of these?” Daryl pulled her back from her thoughts as he held up the cigarette in his hands.

“Mm-hmm,” she hummed sleepily. “Play your cards right and you'll see.”

“S'that supposed t'mean?”

“Means we're going to be taking more night watches together.”

He snorted at that and she grinned, enjoying how easy the sound came. The room smelled like Marlboro Reds, sex, and summers heat as she started to drift off. She knew he'd still be there when she woke up, and that thought was comforting alone.

She had found the eye of his storm, and if she had her way she'd stay there forever.