The Walking Dead Preferences and Imagines

[Carl One Shot] Daryl's Tee (Slightly Smutty Fluff)

This is set back in the prison.

"Daryl, (y/n)! You're both going on a run today." Rick announces.
You look over to Daryl and he nods at you in response. As you look back from Daryl to Rick you notice Carl looking at you. He instantly looks down to the ground and then back to Rick. He seemed almost flustered and you can't help but shoot him a confused look before looking back to Rick. After the meeting, you walk back to your cell to gather your things for the run. You quickly change your clothes into a loose tshirt and denim shorts. You're sitting on your bed, lacing up your boots when Carl appears in the doorway. You glance up and see his bright eyes looking at you, his soft chocolate waves falling over his forehead.
"Hey," you say, distracted by your laces.
Carl doesn't speak at first, leaving an awkward silence. Carl was a little younger than you, but only by a year. You had your 17th birthday just weeks before Carl had his 16th. The age gap wasn't much but you felt it still divided you. You had never really spoken to him much and he always seemed shy and preoccupied with his sister.

You finish lacing your boots and stand up so that you can adjust them on your feet. You look up to Carl expectantly and see that he is watching you intently.
"Oh, I just wanted to- um, I wanted to give you this." He stutters, extending his hand and holding out a pocket knife. "I found this the last time I was on a run. Maybe it'll be more useful to you." You remember how Rick became a lot more protective of Carl since his mother died and stopped letting him go on runs. You smile at his kindness and take the knife, examining the blade.
"Thanks, Carl" You say, and he smiles back before leaving.
A few minutes later, Daryl appears in the doorway.
"You ready?" He asks, and you both leave for the run.

Getting to the location runs smoothly and there is still some supplies at the small shop. You and Daryl hadn't really spoken about much other than general topics. Daryl was a nice guy and you felt safe going on runs with him. Daryl breaks your thought process with a question you weren't expecting.

"So, what do you think of Carl?"
You suddenly become aware of the deafening silence, which is usually a good thing.
"What do you mean?" You managed to ask.
"Well, what do you think of him?" He shrugs as he says it to indicate he doesn't know how else to word it.
"I don't really know him." You try to dismiss the conversation.
"Don't give me that bull."
"I haven't had a full conversation with him, he seems nice." Your hand brushes over the knife in your pocket.
"Hmm." Is all Daryl replies.
"Why do you ask?" You try to sound nonchalant but your intrigue takes over.
"Look, missy. I ain't the type to hide things from people so I'm just gunna tell you how it is." Daryl stops and sits on the counter in the store. You stop too and lean against the counter, eager to hear what he has to say.
"Well, young Carl has a lil' bit of a crush on ya, (y/n)."
You snap your head to face Daryl.
"You sure?" You ask, stunned. You weren't going to lie, you'd always thought he was cute and kind-hearted but you'd never thought of him fancying you.
"He didn't tell me straight up, but he practically did. He came askin' me all these questions about 'how do you know if a girl likes you?' and 'how can I make a girl notice me?' And there ain't any other girls his age, so I just put 2 and 2 together."
"It could be Beth?" You ask, trying to clear all angles before believing what Daryl has revealed.
"Nah, I don't think she's his type. I'm sure it's you."
"But you don't know for sure."
"(Y/n). I heard him in his cell the other day, he was practicin' revealing his feelings to you. Saying crazy stuff like 'I've liked you since you joined us at the farm'. Heck, he even practiced saying your name in different ways. He likes you, (y/n)."
"Why are you telling me?" You ask.
"He ain't had much in this life, and he's going through a rough time. I thought I'd try to find out if you like him. That way, if you don't, I can stop him from gettin' hurt anymore."
"And if I do?"
"Well, then I'll leave it between you both."
"Thanks for letting me know, Daryl. I'll talk to him when we get back."
"Thanks, kid." Daryl smiles, standing up and patting your shoulder.