-A Time Before Now-

-WeGotUsARunner-

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THIRD PERSON POV

They didn't converse anymore than that, and as Daryl waited for her to get ready for bed. Which consisted of her changing into a pair of shorts and a long-sleeved shirt, he caught her glancing over to him again.

With the same questionable look, always calculating.

He's seen sparks of Blake return, but not for long. And not active enough to tell Denise about, but he'd make a constant remark on showing her the photo album and if anything.

"C-can you stay?" She pipped up, almost as if she lost any hope. The fact that she asked meant she was starting to trust Daryl, and for that, he smiled.
Until he came tumbling down with a frown.

"I dunno hun...I want ya to sleep. I'm gonna be a distraction." The shutdown was quick and she sighed, nodding along as he came close. About to kiss her did he suddenly remember.

That it might not end well.
So instead did he go for a subtle hug, and a small kiss on the top of her head as it was all he could offer without her struggling any more than that.

Once he left, with one last goodnight to her and Denise both, did the smirk on Blake's face never subside as he forgot one thing in the room.
The pistol.

On the walk home did he come across a few given people who's only concern were food and Blake. But mostly Blake. He'd have to go hunting soon, but he was apposed to leaving now that she's awake and something could happen without his knowledge.

He wish he could stay, but even then is it big call.

Daryl was downright exhausted, and with that...He recalled something even more important: Addie.

She had run away back to the house with Maggie and Glenn to comfort her after their discussion with Daryl went so poorly. The man was freaking out and didn't want to leave Blake alone at the time, especially considering that when he returned...
She started to cry.

"How is she?" The young girl spoke on up, rising from the position she had with Maggie on the couch. He ushered out a sigh before coming further into the house to see that it wasn't just the couple. It was Rosita, Carl, and Rick as well. Even Carol stood in the corner.

"She doesn't remember much...Barely knew her own damn name, Denise said that we give her time and space. She'll come 'ound." He barely spoke above a whisper, and everyone present in the room gave their nods and condolences as they left.

Claiming a goodnight and leaving Addie alone with her father.

"How is she really...?" Once more did he freeze, he's not used to this whole cautious vibe now that it's his daughter. Not just Blake's.

"Not that good...when 'verybody came to visit she had a freak out, started cryin'...She 'members how to use a gun tho." Him avoiding eye contact was just Daryl being Daryl, but Addie sought it out as him avoiding the topic entirely.

"...Is...Is that why you didn't come back?" She questioned, and it was obvious that she felt misplaced in the situation. Daryl focused too much on Blake and not enough on Addie when she ran off.

"Hun I'm sorry that I didn't go and check on ya...But I don't think ya should see her 'til—"
"You don't want me to see mom?! Are you crazy?" He huffed, not liking at all the fact that he's getting yelled at.
Especially by her.

"Would ya breath for a second, christ...I ain't built for this type a shit. Look. Ya ma needs to get used to wakin' up. Too many people and too many faces are gonna make it harder for her to understand everythin'." After a silent few seconds, Addie's head fell in understanding, as it turns out her lashing was completely unnecessary on her part.