- Back at camp -
Daryl moved quietly through the dense forest, his keen eyes scanning for any signs of danger. In his arms, his one-year-old sister, Y/N, clung to him, her tiny hands gripping his shirt. She looked up at him with wide, trusting eyes, her attempts to say his name coming out as "Dary."
"Hold on tight, lil' one," Daryl murmured, his voice softening as he glanced down at her. Despite the harshness of the world around them, Y/N's innocent smile always managed to bring a sense of peace to his weary heart.
The group—Daryl, Rick, Maggie, Glenn, Carol, and Michonne—moved cautiously, their weapons ready. They were on the hunt for supplies and a safe place to rest. Rick noticed Daryl's tender interaction with Y/N and gave him a reassuring nod. "We'll find a safe spot soon," Rick assured him.
As they approached a clearing, the group spread out to scout the area. Daryl found a relatively secure spot beneath a large tree and gently set Y/N down on a blanket. She giggled, reaching up for him. "Dary," she babbled, her small fingers grasping at his hand.
Daryl couldn't help but smile. "Stay here, okay? Dary's gonna make sure everything's safe." He kissed her forehead and handed her a small toy to keep her occupied.
the group settled down for the night. Rick and the others set up a perimeter, while Daryl stayed close to Y/N, making sure she was comfortable. Carol approached, her face lighting up at the sight of the little girl.
"She's such a sweetheart," Carol said, kneeling down beside Y/N. "You take good care of her, Daryl."
Daryl shrugged, a rare hint of emotion showing in his eyes. "She's all I got left," he said simply, his voice tinged with both determination and love.
As night fell, the group gathered around a small fire. Y/N sat on Daryl's lap, her head resting against his chest. Glenn handed Daryl a bowl of food, and Daryl carefully fed his sister, making sure she got enough to eat.
"Dary," Y/N mumbled sleepily, her eyelids drooping.