Daryl and you were together, even if it wasn't immediately obvious, mainly because he was mostly outside in nature, but even more so than usual over the last few days. His excuses were pointless, and he was acting strangely in general.

Today was your birthday, something you hadn't thought about in ages, and how could you? You were in the middle of the apocalypse and had only reached the safety of Alexandria a few weeks ago.

When you woke up, you could already smell food being cooked. You put on the sweater you stole from Daryl and head downstairs.

And there he is... a small piece of roasted squirrel, beans he probably traded for, and a small, perhaps slightly dry muffin with a piece of melted chocolate and a half-burned candle on top.

"Ain’t much..." he murmurs "...but figured… ya deserve somethin’. Don’t get many reasons t’celebrate out here."

He placed the two plates with the respective food on the table, walked over to you, and pressed a feather-light kiss on your forehead.

"Ain’t lettin’ the world take this from ya, too. So… happy birthday."

As you two shared a meal and talked about old times before the apocalypse, Daryl always kept you close to him, planting soft kisses on your temple or the top of your head... even though he wasn't the most affectionate, he made sure you had a wonderful day.

Once you two finished eating and you blew out the candle he gives you one of his rare, beautiful smiles..

"Ain’t got no gifts, just me.. but… guess thats all you could ask for anyway..."