Untouchable

The warmth of her tiny body against mine was unlike anything I had ever known. The moment our daughter latched onto me, an instinctual pull between us, my heart clenched so tightly I thought it might burst. I could feel Daryl behind me, his arms locked around both of us, anchoring me in this new, overwhelming reality. His breath was warm against the back of my neck, steady and strong.

I could’ve stayed like that forever - wrapped in his arms, our daughter safe in mine, the three of us bound together in a moment so pure it felt untouchable. The world outside didn’t exist. It was just us, our little family, breathing together in perfect harmony.

Then, a sharp pull in my lower body reminded me that I wasn’t done. The familiar ache brought me back to reality, and before I could question it, Siddiq’s voice broke through the peaceful haze.

“You’re gonna need some stitches, Athena.” His tone was gentle but firm. “It’d be best if you handed baby to Daddy for a little while.”

I hesitated. The thought of letting go of her, even for a moment, made something inside me panic. But then I glanced up at Daryl. His eyes, still bleary, were locked on our daughter like she was the most unbelievable thing he had ever seen.

I swallowed hard, my arms reluctant as he shuffled out from behind me, and I shifted her small weight toward him. He knelt at my side, his hands, calloused and steady, reached for her, and when he took her into his arms, it was as if the entire world stilled.

He barely breathed, like moving too fast might shatter the moment. His fingers, trembling just slightly, brushed over the dark wisps of hair on her head before settling beneath her, cradling her with a gentleness that made my chest ache.

“She’s so small,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with awe.

I watched, spellbound, as he adjusted his grip, pressing her closer to his chest. She made a soft sound, a tiny sigh, and nestled into him like she already knew she was safe there.

Daryl inhaled sharply, his throat bobbing as he swallowed thickly. I could see it all play out in his expression - every wall he had ever built around himself crumbling in an instant, every fear and doubt silenced by the weight of his daughter in his arms.

I reached out, running my fingers over the tension in his forearm. “She’s yours, Daryl.”

His blue eyes flickered to mine, still wide with disbelief, before dropping back to the baby in his arms. He exhaled shakily, his lips parting, but no words came out. He didn’t need them. Everything he felt - love, pride, devotion - was there, plain as day, in the way he held her.

And I knew, without a doubt, that this baby girl would never spend a single second of her life wondering if she was loved. Not with a father like Daryl Dixon.

Siddiq worked quickly, stitching me up, but I barely noticed. My focus was on them. On Daryl, sitting there, lost in her. His fingers traced her tiny hand, marvelling at how small she was, at how her dark hair contrasted with the piercing blue of his own eyes staring back at him.

When Siddiq finished, Daryl looked at me like he thought he should hand her back, but he didn’t move. “Don’t wanna let her go,” he admitted, voice thick.

I reached for him instead, curling into his side. “You don’t have to.”

He let out a shaky breath, then settled in beside me, wrapping his arm around us both. He pressed a kiss into my hair, his voice barely above a whisper. “My two girls.”

Before we could get lost in each other again, a voice broke through.

“Can we come see her now?” Tara’s voice was impatient, barely contained excitement in every word.

“Please,” Glenn added, practically bouncing on his feet.

Daryl and I shared a look before nodding. They crowded in, their faces lighting up at the sight of her. Tara was grinning ear to ear, Glenn looking like he might tear up.

“We were meant to be coming to see your baby,” I chuckled to Glenn, “Not you meeting ours.”

But then, suddenly -

The sound of the dead.

The moment shattered.

The bubble of warmth, of safety - it was gone in an instant. A deep, guttural moan carried through the air, followed by another, then another. My blood ran cold. I had almost forgotten they existed. Almost.

Daryl went rigid, his whole body locking up behind me. I had seen him face hordes before, had watched him take on the dead with nothing but his knife and that fierce determination - but I had never seen him look like this.

Terrified.

Because now, he had something else, something more precious than he could ever comprehend, to lose.

He jumped to his feet, hauling me up with him.

“Get around ‘em,” he ordered to the others, his voice sharp, urgent. “Now.”

Tara, Siddiq and Glenn didn’t hesitate, moving instantly to form a barrier around me and the baby. Daryl pressed his forehead against mine for half a second - a silent promise - then turned, blade in hand.

He moved fast, cutting down the first walker with practised ease. The others joined him.

But more were coming. Too many.

“Gotta move!” Daryl called.

He grabbed my arm, supporting me as we started for the truck. He didn’t stop fighting, striking down anything that got too close, his grip steady on me the entire time as I cradled our baby as tight as I could.

By the time we reached the vehicle, I was exhausted, my body screaming at me to stop. He lifted me up, helping us into the back seat, then moved around the vehicle and climbed in immediately after, pressing close, his arms wrapping around us again.

“Your bike?” I asked, breathless.

He shook his head, eyes still scanning the tree line. “Ain’t leavin’ yur side.”

“You love that bike.”

His gaze finally met mine. “Don’t matter.”

Tara smirked from outside the truck. “I’ll bring it back.”

I hesitated. “Uhhh-”

She grinned. “Please. I’ve been dying to take it for a spin.”

Daryl growled under his breath, but it was softened by the way he pulled me closer. He pressed a kiss to our baby’s forehead, then to mine, his grip tightening.

Glenn and Siddiq jumped into the front of the truck, and we were moving. Daryl didn’t let go of me the whole journey, his other hand constantly stroking our baby girl's hair, running his fingers softly across her tiny cheeks and nose.

As the truck rumbled through the Hilltop gates, Maggie, Enid, and Jesus were waiting anxiously beside them. Glenn barely had time to shift into park before Maggie rushed forward, eyes wide with relief and excitement.

“Oh my God,” she breathed, reaching for me as soon as Daryl helped me out of the truck. Her hands landed gently on my shoulders, then slid down to touch the swaddled bundle in my arms. “I’m so glad you’re all okay... congratulations.”

“We were supposed to be coming to meet Hershel.” I laughed.

“You will, soon,” she smiled. “That looks like a baby girl..?”

“Yeah.” Daryl beamed. “She’s a girl.”

“Maybe her and Hershel can get married one day.” Enid chuckled. “Dramatic entrance, hey?”

I nodded. “Just a bit.”

Jesus, standing a few feet away with his usual composed expression, broke into a wide grin. “She’s beautiful,” he said, stepping closer.

A few Hilltop residents noticed our arrival and began making their way over.

Daryl’s hand was on my back, steadying me. He could sense how overwhelmed I was with all the attention. More people were gathering, murmuring in awe, excitement buzzing around us.

He must have decided I’d had enough because he tugged me gently toward the medical trailer. “C’mon,” he murmured, nodding for Siddiq to follow. Enid trailed behind eagerly. Maggie gave me one last reassuring squeeze before letting me go. “I’ll come by soon,” she promised, wiping a tear from her cheek.

Inside, the quiet was a relief. Daryl didn’t waste time, turning to Siddiq. “She weren’t meant to be here for another month,” he said, his voice tight. “She okay?”

Siddiq offered a reassuring smile as he carefully took her from me, unwrapping her just enough to check her over. Daryl’s grip on my shoulder didn’t loosen while we both waited, watching every move Siddiq made.

“She’s perfect,” Siddiq finally announced, wrapping her back up. “A little early, yeah, but she’s strong. No signs of distress. Healthy as can be.”

The breath Daryl let out was almost shaky. He nodded, swallowing hard, and I could feel some of the tension ease from his body. But he wasn’t done.

“And Ath? Is she gonna be okay?”

Siddiq turned to me. “You lost a lot of blood,” His eyes searched mine. “and you had a nasty tear, but I don’t have any concerns right now... How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” I admitted. “Sore. But… good.” I glanced down at my daughter, back nestled safely in my arms. “Really good.”

Daryl smiled at me, looking relieved, then turned his gaze by to Siddiq. “Thank you,” He said with a small smile. “For takin’ care of my girls.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Siddiq beamed back.

Enid had been quiet through Siddiq’s assessment, but the second he stepped back, she was hovering again. “Can I see her properly?” she asked hesitantly, looking at Daryl more than me for permission.

He nodded.

Enid let out a soft gasp, stroking baby girl’s tiny hand. “She’s so tiny. Hi, little one.” She grinned up at me. “She has your nose, Athena. But those are definitely Daryl’s eyes.”

Daryl grunted, but I saw the way his lips twitched like he was holding back a smile.

Jesus appeared from nowhere, leaning in beside Enid and studying our baby again with a look of pure wonder. “What’s her name?”

Daryl and I exchanged a glance. We’d spoken about names for weeks, but now, it didn’t seem like any of the girl names we’d picked fit her properly.

“Lil’ badass, for now.” He smirked.

~

As soon as the door closed behind us, leaving us alone in the bedroom, exhaustion dragged at my limbs. My body felt foreign, sore and stretched in ways I didn’t think possible. But more than anything, I needed to wash away the sweat and blood dried on my body.

“I desperately need a shower,” I said, pushing my hair back from my face.

Daryl looked at me, concern flickering in his eyes. “Ya gonna be okay?”

“Yeah, I got this.”

The shower was blissful and brutal all at once. The hot water cascaded over my aching muscles, and I braced my hands against the wall, letting it soothe my body. But every inch of me felt raw. The simple act of standing was exhausting. Still, I savored the moment, watching as the water swirled red down the drain, washing away the remnants of birth. A new start, in more ways than one.

By the time I finished, my legs trembled with weakness, but I felt lighter, cleaner, more human. I towelled off, pulling on the fresh clothes Maggie left for me - soft and comforting against my skin. I did my best not to focus on the elephant-sized pad and the unflattering underwear, knowing practicality outweighed dignity at that point.

When I stepped back into the bedroom, the sight before me stole my breath.

Daryl stood by the window, cradling our daughter in his arms, swaying gently. The moonlight cast a soft glow over them, illuminating the sheer awe on his face. He looked utterly lost in her, in this tiny little person we created.

My heart swelled, so full I thought it might explode.

I moved toward them, and as soon as I settled onto the bed, Daryl joined me, sitting close, his arm brushing against mine. Our baby stirred, a tiny whimper escaping her lips.

Daryl tensed immediately. “She need feedin’ again?” I nodded, adjusting my shirt and guiding her toward me. The moment she latched on, my body relaxed, instinct taking over. Daryl watched, enraptured, his arm looping around me, pulling both of us into his warmth.

He exhaled deeply, his lips brushing against my temple. “Ain’t never been prouder of nobody my whole damn life.” His voice was thick, filled with something so raw it made my throat tighten. “Didn’t think I could love ya more than I already did… but every time I look at ya holdin’ her, I fall for ya even more.”

Tears pricked my eyes. I turned to face him, brushing my free hand against his cheek. “I feel the same way,” I whispered. “Watching you with her… I didn’t think my heart could take it.”

He smiled, glancing down at our daughter. “Reckon she’s got me wrapped 'round her tiny little finger already.”

“That was always going to happen.”

He scoffed knowingly. “Yeah... Jus'... God, love her so much... Still can’t believe she’s here. Our little girl.”

“Me too.” I smiled, giggling as I remembered what Daryl called her to Enid. “Our lil’ badass.”

Daryl laughed. “Yeah... Judith already took Lil’ Asskicker.”

“She did,” I murmured, watching as her little fingers flexed against my skin. “This little lady needs a proper name, though. None of the ones we talked about feel right anymore."

Daryl nodded, his cheek brushing the top of my head. “Nah... they ain’t.”

I exhaled a quiet laugh. “I feel like she should have a name connected to the woods… since that’s where she was born.” I turned my head slightly to look up at him. “And because you're her dad.”

A smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth, but there was something thoughtful in his eyes as he gazed down at her. “Yeah… somethin’ wild 'n' strong.” He paused, then asked, “Did ya notice the Briars out in those woods?”

I shook my head, confused. “No. What are they?”

Daryl shifted slightly, adjusting his grip on me so he could stroke a finger over our daughter’s tiny hand. “It’s a kinda thorny plant. Tough. Grows anywhere, don’t need much to survive. Keeps other things out, protects what’s underneath.” He gave a small chuckle, glancing at me. “S'real pretty, too.”

I turned the name over in my mind, looking down at her. It fit. She was already strong, already tough - born in the dirt, surrounded by danger, but protected by the people who loved her.

“Briar,” I murmured, testing it aloud. I glanced up at Daryl and smiled. “That’s it. That’s her name.”

Daryl let out a soft breath, like the weight of finding the right name had been lifted. He pressed his lips to my temple, then looked down at our daughter, brushing his fingers lightly over her dark hair. “Briar,” he whispered, like he was making it real.

It was perfect.

A/N: Hope you like Baby Dixon's name! I felt like it needed to be something nature based – it is Daryl’s child, after all.

It’s pronounced Bry-er. Like rhymes with fire, I guess. 😂

Thanks so much for reading. ❤️

P.S. I've started publishing a different Daryl story that I've been working on in the background. It's called Solace if you'd like to check it out. 😍