Blue eyes flitted to gaze at a rugged hand where a black and blue butterfly folded and unfolded it's wings.
The man drew in a deep breath, the smell of cedar and earth filling his senses, he held it all in as he watched the fragile, beautiful creature rest on his hand.
His eyes grew soft with emotions, his heart pounding harder as his gaze slid down to his shoulder where his love, his fearless leader, Rick Grimes slept.
His head was resting on Daryl's shoulder in a rare show of vulnerability and trust in his romantic partner as he let down his guard in front of the group, snuggling up to Daryl all night, under the trees.
Daryl softly smiled, leaning ever so slightly over to place a gentle kiss in Rick's curly hair.
Daryl's eyes flitted back, to stare once more at the butterfly, it's colorful wings fluttering and he thought to himself, 'You're beautiful but you will only last for a little while.' The butterfly flew away, almost like it was offended at his silent thoughts.
Daryl smirked as he watched it fly away. His blue eyes sparkled as he turned to stare at Rick. He whispered, "You're beautiful and I swear, that you will last. As long as I live, I'll protect you."
He woke his true love with a kiss under the watchful gaze of the cedar trees and one fluttering butterfly.
