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Jo

That night I was in the cell block. It was late and cold and I knew I needed to get cleaned up and go out to the guard tower. But I was tired and feeling raw and I didn't want to be alone. I sat out on the steps while everyone was getting ready for bed. Daryl gave me a sad smile and made his way to Beth's cell. I had asked him if he wanted me to tell her, but he only shook his head.

I could see them talking from here, though they were speaking in hushed voices. Beth looked at him impassively as he told her. She nodded her head and looked down at her journal, carefully setting her pen down. Her movements took on a jerky tension as she moved deeper into her cell. Than she gave him a sad smile and returned to her bed, rolling onto her side to face the wall. I felt bad. She had really cared about Zack.

Daryl stepped out into the dimly lit cell block. Seeing me on the stairs he made his way over.

"Hey," I said in a gentle voice, though I didn't look up from my bloody hands. They burned something awful and I was sure I had shards of glass in them from when I went down. I let out a shaky breath as that memory went over me. I really thought my luck had run out today.I looked up at him.

"Hey." He replied. He frowned down at me then and very gently took my wrist in his hand, lifting my hand closer for inspection. I tensed, it already hurt. He glanced once at my face but I couldn't read his expression. Then he tugged lightly on my wrist pulling me to my feet. I stood hesitantly, I was sore and didn't want to move. But when Daryl pulled me up the stairs I followed willingly. He brought me into his cell.

He reached over and lit a small lantern. I hadn't been back up in Daryl's cell in months. It was the same it always was. Neat, but not necessary tidy. There were extra weapons piled up here and there, and arrows tucked into a homemade quiver hanging off the top of the bed. He motioned for me to sit on his bed. Then he turned back to the door and fumbled with a bit of rope before the sheet that covered the cell doors dropped into place, giving us privacy. Then he turned back to his shelves across from the bed and pulled out a familiar flannel shirt and some shorts. He tossed them on the bed beside me.

"Put those on, you smell like a liquor store. I'm gonna get some stuff to clean your hands." And he left me alone in his cell.

I gingerly unzipped my jacket and pulled it off. The leather had protected most of my hide from the broken glass and had absorbed most of the wine. I began the slow process of unbuckling my shoulder rig and taking it and my belt off. I set my knives and gun in a pile beside his old ones. My t-shit was still alright but I had sweat in it. Honestly, once I saw the flannel shirt, my flannel shirt, I just wanted to curl up in it. I pulled off my boots, dropping them on the floor and shimmied out of my soaking, sticky jeans.

I sucked in a breath as the fabric grazed my thigh. Kicking them aside I looked down to see a small gash on the outside of my thigh. I hadn't noticed though thinking back I was pretty sure it was where I landed when I hit the ground. I tried to get a good look at it but couldn't. I was going to have to have someone check it to make sure there wasn't any broken glass. I heard Daryl's nearly silent tread on the steps and quickly snatched up the flannel pulling it on over my bra and underwear. I was just buttoning the last button when Daryl stepped back in. He quickly looked away, a blush climbing its way up his neck.

"Sorry," he said quickly.

"It's fine," I promised him. "You can look."

He turned back to me, still looking uncomfortable. I stood in the middle of his cell wearing nothing but his flannel shirt which came down to mid-thigh. He motioned to his bed and I arched a brow, smirking at him.

"Stop," he snapped, his patience wearing thin.

I chuckled but sat, careful to keep my knees together.

He had a bowl of water, a few clean rags and a bottle of peroxide and a bottle of water. He set them on the shelves across from the bed and pulled his extra chair over so he was sitting in front of me, his knees grazing mine. His eyes flickered to the shorts on the bed next to me.

"I have a cut on my leg," I said. "I need either you or Hershel to make sure there's no glass in it."

He nodded then and took a breath as though the knowledge helped him focus.

With gentle hands he took my wrist and turned my hands over so he could see the palms. He frowned down at them. They were so covered in crusted blood it made it hard to tell what there was. He reached behind him and set the bowl of water in his lap. Then he took my hands and submerged them.

I sucked in a breath and tightened but didn't pull away. He seemed to be entirely focused on his work but his thumb moved in soothing circles on the soft skin of my wrist. Then he set about pulling the shards out. It hurt like fire, but Daryl was careful and his hands were surprisingly gentle. By the end there had only been five pieces that had to be pulled out. The rest were dozens of small nicks and cuts. He poured a small amount of peroxide on them. I gritted my teeth as it foamed and he looped a couple layers of gauze around them. "Just until they close. You can probably pull it off tomorrow." He instructed.

"Okay," I agreed.

He shifted a little uncomfortably in his chair. "Do you want me to look at your leg or do you want me to get Hershel?"

I smiled at him and shook my head. "You can, it's fine. You seem to know what you're doing," I teased gently, trying to ease some of the tension.

I stood, so I was facing the light and lifted the hem of his shirt. I watched his face while I did it. He closed his eyes briefly and swallowed. He reached out to touch me, and pulled back once before laying gentle fingers on the edge of the cut. He gently probed it then pulled back, reaching for the bottle of water and a fresh rag. "I don't see any glass in it." He said and he finished cleaning it. He tied off the gauze around my leg and reached up, his hand closing over mine holding the shirt up and lowered it.

"All done," He said, and he stood, shoving his chair back and turned to put the medical things away.

"Thanks."

When I spoke he turned back to me. He looked tired and tense. I wanted so badly to help him. He was taking Zack's death harder than I would have thought.

I frowned up at him as he stared down at me. "Are you okay?" I asked.

His tightened for a moment and he may have shook his head, but it was such a small motion I couldn't be sure. "Just tired of losing people. It's all," He replied honestly. His voice rasped more than usual and I could see he blamed himself.

I moved quickly before I lost my nerve. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed my cheek against his chest, holding him in a tight hug. He flinched at my first move and shifted uncomfortably but when I didn't let go he reached up and let one hand rest on my back and the other on my arm that held him. I could feel his chin graze the top of my head.

"He was a good kid," I mumbled into his shirt. "I'll miss him," I said quietly. I was horrible at saying the right thing to make people feel better but was surprised to find I was telling the truth. I would miss Zack.

"Me too," Daryl said into my hair. I pulled back just enough to look up into his face but still keep my arms around him. I was surprised to find him so close. He looked down and his brow furrowed. "When ya fell today-" he stopped and shook his head. "I thought-" then he closed his eyes and pulled me back against his chest, wrapping his arms around me tightly.

"I did too," I confessed. I laid my head over his heart, closed my eyes and let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. I let myself sink into this moment. This quiet moment when both of us were safe. How many times had I wanted to do this very thing but held myself back? I felt like I had been waiting forever for Daryl.

"I'm okay though," I said quietly into his shirt. "You scared me too you know."

He grunted but didn't respond. He just kept holding me like he would never let go.

"I thought Bob was going to get you both killed when he was laying on the ground yelling his head off."

I felt Daryl lay his cheek against the top of my head and gave me a squeeze. We stood like that for a long time. I don't know how long, but a yawn finally forced its way out.

Daryl pulled back and looked down at me. He glanced at his bed and then back at me with a slightly sheepish expression. I snorted and without further invitation climbed onto the narrow mattress, squeezing myself as tightly against the wall as I could.

Daryl watched me in what may have been amazement, shook his head and blew out the lantern plunging the cell into darkness. I heard his belt and boots hit the ground then the mattress dipped as he lay down next to me. He pulled the blanket up over the two of us. I don't know how he managed on the narrow bed but somehow there was still space between us. I rolled onto my side to face him and I could feel his warmth even if he wasn't touching me.

"Good night Daryl," I said quietly into the darkness.

"Good night Jo," then I felt his lips brush against my forehead before he settled back against the mattress to sleep.

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Daryl

I woke at dawn like normal. It took me a second to figure out why I was so hot. When I looked down, Jo was plastered up against my side. Her head was resting on my shoulder, one of her arms was thrown across my chest and our legs were tangled together.

I still couldn't believe she was actually here. In the past, we both worked hard to keep some distance between us. After everything she had been through with The Governor the last thing I would ever do is push her. Not to mention I still didn't know how to tell her about myself. But last night neither one of us could stay away. I had been so sure I was going to lose her on the floor of that store. Seeing her fall and that herd attack would haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life. Zack saved her life.

I closed my eyes, Zack. It had been over a month since we lost anybody. We would have to organize a memorial. I needed to get moving as badly as I wanted to just lay here and hold onto her. To be honest I was surprised Jo was still sleeping, she was usually up before me most mornings.

The curtain covering my door swirled. "Daryl I-" Carol froze as she poked her head in. Her eyes flew from Jo to me and back again several times before a slow smile crept across her face.

I knew exactly what she saw. Jo had thrown aside her blankets last night so Carol could clearly see Jo was wearing nothing but my flannel shirt with her leg thrown across mine Jo's black underwear were clearly visible. I scowled at Carol, which only made her smile wider. Then she pulled the curtain closed behind her. I really needed to get up now.

I slowly slid sideways out from under Jo, freezing once when she adjusted, humming in the back of her throat. Once I managed to slip out of bed I reached down and pulled the blanket up around her, tucking it around her shoulders. I didn't want anyone else who might happen by to see her. I pulled out a new shirt and facing her, just in case she woke, I pulled the old one off and changed. I moved as silently as possible but as I was strapping on my belt I heard Jo stirring. I glanced over at her but her eyes were still closed. I had no idea how to act or what to say to her after sleeping side by side. It felt so peaceful at the time but now...things were changing and I had no idea how to react. Snatching up my jacket I slipped out of the cell before she woke. I was a coward.

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Jo

I rolled over and the absence of Daryl's warmth woke me. I was alone. I pushed myself up feeling groggy. I haven't slept that hard in a long, long time. The light on the other side of the white sheet made me think it was still early. I wondered when Daryl had left. I bolted up. Daryl was gone. I looked around his cell and didn't see any of his stuff. His boots, jacket and crossbow were all gone.

Stupid, stupid, stupid

This was all my fault. I knew Daryl wasn't comfortable with intimacy. And I didn't just mean sex, he wasn't comfortable with the platonic type either. He didn't even like people to touch him. He had been more than clear that he had no designs what so ever on expanding our friendship. But last night I had pushed. He had said absolutely nothing to make me think he had wanted me there. I had just assumed based on his looks and obviously I had been wrong and he had been too much of a gentleman to throw me out.

I felt sick at the idea of screwing up my friendship with Daryl. I needed Daryl, I depended on Daryl, and now I may have risked all that because I had a moment of vulnerability. I shoved my way out of his bed. I quickly made the bed behind me and looked around. I snatched up my jeans but they had lay in a pile on the cement floor all night. They were still sopping wet and reeked like a vineyard. There was no way I was going to be able to put them back on. I picked up the shorts Daryl had offered me and slid into them.

Out in the cell block I could hear people starting to move around. I closed my eyes in mortification. I hadn't had to do a walk of shame since college. And nothing had even happened. I scooped my clothes and all my weapons up in my arms and headed for the door. I froze for a moment as I considered the fact that I would have to go through the entire cell block C and cross the court yard. For the barest instant I considered going through the tombs and coming out closer to my guard tower. But fighting walkers just to save face was stupid. It was also a sure fire way to get Daryl even more mad at me if he wasn't already.

I practically ran out of Daryl's cell. It was still early enough that there weren't as many people awake as I thought. I didn't make eye contact with anyone and just kept moving. I saw Beth holding Judith out of the corner of my eye. When she saw me a grin crossed her face. I walked even faster. I heard Michonne say something as she came out of her cell but didn't look. I knew I would owe her an explanation later. When I moved through the C block mess area Rick and Carl both seemed surprised to see me. My face burned in embarrassment but I didn't hesitate. When I came to the door I struggled to shift my armload of stuff into one hand so I could slide it open. Just as I was about to it slide open and I came face to face with Daryl.

I felt my eyes widen in horror and I stumbled back a step away from him.

He was instantly uncomfortable and stepped out of my way.

"I..." I started to say but my mind was completely blank.

He shifted his weight and scratched at the back of his neck. "Memorial for Zack after breakfast," his voice was sharp and I flinched.

"Okay," my voice came out softer than I meant.

He dipped his chin once and stepped out of my way. I practically tripped over my feet to get away.

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Jo

I showered in D to get the last of the wine off. I normally used the facilities in C but I was to humiliated to show my face. I was sore today, but all the small cuts on my hands had scabbed over so I tossed the gauze. The cut on my leg was still painful but at least I didn't limp. By the time I was done and changed Carol was already cleaning up breakfast.

"Morning! I saved you some," She said brightly, there was a mischievous gleam in her eye and I groaned out loud as I sat down on a stool near the grill.

She chuckled to herself. "Get much sleep?" She teased setting a plate of fried veggies and meat in front of me.

"It was not what you think," I assured her.

She laughed again. "I know exactly what it looked like."

"Did it look like I threw myself at Daryl and chased him out of his bed? Cause that's what happened," I snapped bitterly, shoveling a fork full of food in my mouth. I hadn't realized how hungry I was. Thinking back I missed dinner last night.

Carol gave me an appraising look. Then she frowned and seemed to think. "Was Daryl gone when you woke?"

I nodded and spoke around a mouthful of food. "Scared away by needy moi."

Carol giggled then and shook her head. "You two, I don't know how..." she glanced at me and started giggling again when I scowled at her. "You're so much alike and being so careful of the other person and terrified to boot. It's amazing you've made it this far." She took a glass and walked over to our water barrel before bringing it back and setting it in front of me.

When I didn't say anything she only sighed, the exasperation clear in her eyes. "When I popped my head in to tell Daryl we were running low on meat for dinner tonight he was lounging in bed with you draped across his chest looking pretty pleased with himself. So you two didn't...?

I froze, the food lodging in my throat. I coughed and hacked, trying to clear it and finally Carol came around and forced me to lift my arms above my head. Finally it cleared and I was left coughing and my eyes watering.

Several people must have stopped and looked because Carol waved at them, smiling. "She's alright, wrong tube is all. Had a bit of a fright."

"No," I hissed between coughs. I coughed for a few more minutes, taking small sips of water to soothe my burning throat. My mind was racing over this entirely new reality where Daryl was completely okay with me having stayed with him. Where Daryl might feel the same way about me as I did about him...

"Jo?" I looked up at the sound of Daryl's tentative voice. Daryl was never tentative. Unless I had been acting insane all morning and avoiding him.

I turned to him, he was standing near Carol holding my backpack in his hand. "You forgot this," he held it out to me. He looked uncertain and I felt like a complete ass. I jumped off my stool and approached him, taking the bag.

"Thanks," I said with a small smile.

The smile seemed to reassure him and he reached up to hold onto the strap of his crossbow. "Did you end up getting anything on the list?" He asked jerking his chin towards the pack.

I shook my head grimly, "no, just personal stuff."

He nodded his lips pinched, "anything good?" He seemed to be making a serious effort at small talk. Why were things suddenly so incredibly awkward. We didn't do anything.

I shrugged. "Maybe...its sort of a surprise...if it works."

He nodded glancing around uncomfortably.

"They're about to start Zack's memorial. Why don't the two of you head over together," Carol's suggestion practically exploded our of her as though she couldn't take it anymore.

Daryl and I both turned to face her. She flashed us a cheery smile and motioned towards the cemetery. I sighed and nodded.

Daryl and I walked side by side in silence. A small group had gathered in the field and looked like they had already started. Beth was standing in front, as far as I knew Zack didn't have any family and had been alone when Daryl brought him in.

Tyreese was speaking. There were tears sparkling in the large man's eyes and Karen stood beside him, holding his hand and hugging his arm. His large size made her seem so incredibly small, but his fragility made it seem as though it was her that lent him her strength.

"Used to be you had acquaintances, people you would see on the road sometimes or at work. Now, the handful of people you know. Might as well be the only people left in the world," Tyreese sniffled and nodded. He swiped at his face with his free hand and looked straight at Beth.

"Zack, Zack was a good kid...he was a good man," Tyreese corrected himself after a moment. "He cared about people. He cared about the group. He cared about you," he told Beth with a wistful smile. "He was brave. He saved me, he saved Bob, he saved Daryl, and he saved Jo. Without Zack being there a lot more of us wouldn't have come home. He was home free, but instead of running for the door, he stayed and fought. He was a good man."

I closed my eyes. Zack died because he saved me. He died because I was stupid and fell.

I felt this one. I mean really felt it. It might even have been the first death since Kate that I let myself feel. I didn't realize tears had run down my face, but Daryl did. He reached out and took my hand, entwining our fingers. I glanced up at him but he was facing Tyreese. His jaw was clenched and his face grim. Everyone would be looking to him and he had to hold it together for the group. But he felt this one too. I gave his hand a squeeze so he would know I was there for him. That he didn't have to be strong for me, like Karen was for Tyreese. We could be strong together.

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Thank you for reading! I really hope you are enjoying! Things are really rolling now for our ever awkward hero and heroine.
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