Daryl was workin' on Merle's bike like always after school let out. Same damn thing every day. At least it kept his hands busy. He heard footsteps and glanced up, expecting to see his sorry excuse for a brother.

Instead he found his neighbor girl walkin' down the street. Daryl ducked his head back down quick, fixatin' his gaze real hard on the parts in his hands. Didn't want her to think he was starin' or nothin'.

He knew he must look a damn mess. Hair was always sweaty and dirty after wrenchin' on machinery all afternoon. Tank was stained with grease. Wasn't like he cared much what anyone thought of him, but there was somethin' about her that made him feel odd. Like he wanted her to think better of him.

Daryl wiped his brow with the back of his forearm, smearing more grime. He chanced another glance up through his shaggy bangs, taking in her bright colors and soft curves. Rare sight around these parts. Girl like that wouldn't give him a second look, he was sure.

But maybe, just maybe if he cleaned up some, talked to her instead of ignorin' like always, she'd see there was more to him than meets the eye. See he wasn't as mean as his damn no good brother. Daryl pretended to focus real hard on the bike, waiting to see if she'd say hey. Hoped she would.