Drowned Words

7

"Hey," a pat on my arm woke me up instantly, "we are almost there." Daryls hand shot away as soon as my eyes were open, "Jesus how long was I asleep?"
"Doesnt matter. The others are getting their things together."
"Okay," I sat up and let out a short yawn, "why didnt you wake me up?" It was night out, "I could've taken over."
"Ain't nobody driving my truck."
I rolled my eyes, looking out the window and noticing the buildings around us. We seemed to get deeper into the city and deeper into walker territory. "I dont like this," I mumbled. He only nodded as we followed behind Shane's car, it wasnt long before we came to a stop. A large building was in view, it was surrounded by old cement blocks and barricades.

When I stepped out the truck, Glenn already had my bag out for me. Smiling I took it, "Thanks."
"Dont thank him yet," Daryl said while loading his crossbow. Looking around I could see the slow stumble of walkers that started coming around. The commotion of vehicles that showed up must've drawn them near.

Rick already took action and brought us all to the entrance, killing the occasional walker that got too close for comfort. "LET US IN!" he screamed. That caused more to wander our way, it's as if we rang the dinner bell. I reloaded my shotgun and got to work, protecting the kids next to Lori and Carol. Rick continued to bang on the front entrance, hollering for help. My confidence in the CDC sunk as silence continued to follow.

My eyes met with Daryl, both of us seeming to look back at our conversation earlier today. He was right... no where is safe-
"THE CAMERA!"
I looked back, "Rick come on!"
"IT MOVED!" hope builtup within me.
"must be shutting down," Shane grabbed Rick's shoulder, "Come on man."
I ran over, "HEY!" slamming my hand against the doors, "PLEASE! YOURE KILLING US!"
Rick seemed to have given up, joining Shane to try and pull me away but he was right. The camera moved again and this time we got more of a response. The door opened and we were blinded by a bright light.
...
...
...
I stared in awe as the scientist led us through the facility. Explaining some of the things and that we could stay. The man welcomed us with open arms, it was hard to believe.
"-hot water-"
I didnt manage to hear the rest of it as I turned to look behind me, sending the man a I told you so look. Daryl rolled his eyes and pushed forward, passing me. Andrea wobbled a bit, "Whoa there." Carol grabbed onto her hand. Rick sighed, "She hasnt eaten in a while..." Lori nodded along and added, "None of us have." Now that they mention it, I was absolutely starving. My stomach panged as if conversing with the scientist. The kids looked to the ground, they did their best to hide the discomfort due to hunger but we all knew.

He smiled, "Get yourselves cleaned up, we have plenty of food."

The group scattered, taking items to their rooms and heading to the shower hall. The men and womens weren't really seperated but I dont think anyone minded.

I stepped into the shower hall, hearing small groans of appreciation and giggles from others. Ignoring some of them I stripped down, using the stall door to block me. It wasnt long before they were all gone and I was alone, that's when I finally turned on the faucet. The water wouldve burnt me if it was a few months ago but now... it felt like bliss. As if a layer of skin that was infected with grime and dirt was finally melting away. The bandanas were finally off my hands and I was able to inspect the area, it looked crusted and gross but no sign of infection.

"Dont use up all the hot water," a voice echoed through the room. It startled me enough to almost make me slip, "Christ!" He chuckled a bit, first time I've heard it so clearly other than from my joke last night. I scoffed, the worry seeming to roll off my shoulders in a millisecond, "If I slipped and hurt myself, you would have been responsible!"
"Wouldnt have been the first time," he said from the stall next to mine. I could see some of his items drop to the floor, couldnt stop myself from wondering the sight beyond the stalls wall. Shaking my head, I faced the shower head in silence, the small thought was silly. All this luxury was already getting to my head.

After a few moments I decided I was done, grabbing the towel I dried myself off and got dressed. Using the bag I brought in and put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. My hand seared as I accidentally caught the zipper, "Shit."
"You alright?" He asked, his shower turning off.
I nodded but then answered, "uh yea.." Grabbing my bag, I left the stall and made my way to the counter. Setting my bag down I noticed the first aid kid that was above the mirror. Before i could reach up a hand came into view, once again Daryl. I looked up at him and sighed, "Its my hands." "Lemme see," he opened the kit and started taking a few items out. I held my hands out and he took them, taking a good look before nodding, "Seems to be healing fine." I watched silently as he took out some ointment, a few pads, and gauze.

As he wrapped my hand I couldnt help but simply look at him. His hair was wet and slightly hung off his face as he looked down, Daryl chewed on his cheek while concentrating. His cheek bones were quite pronounced and fit perfectly along his face. As if noticing I was staring he looked back to me from my hands, his blue eyes capturing mine- jesus what was i thinking? I looked away trying to hide the sudden flush in my cheeks. When did my thoughts about Daryl start sounding so... hot? I nearly choked on air as the thought popped into my mind, "Stop squirming so much." He said.

Embarrassed even more I just held my breath, looking down at our hands. His hands are nice.
My eyes only widened at the thought.

"Okay, I'm done."
I nodded, grabbing the bandanas from the counter. During my shower I washed them out, "Once they dry I will give them back."
"Don' worry about it," he tossed the trash away and started to walk out. Quickly picking up my items and tossing them into a bin, I rushed to follow behind. Everyone was already in the kitchen and getting food started.

As I walked behind Daryl to the table, my eyes met with Carol who only smiled. I sent her a questioning look only for her to look between us. Luckily Daryl didnt notice her odd behavior and sat down, myself coming to sit by her.
"What?" I whispered.
She shrugged and smirked, "Oh... nothing."
Glenn sat on the other side of her and leant so I could see, "She is wondering about you two."
"I- what do you mean?"
She sighed and rolled her eyes, "Only curious. Last two to take a shower and both leave together... one will start to wonder..."
Air got caught in my throat just thinking about what she was implying, "Carol!"
Glenn snickered and I sent him a warning glare, "Not you too!"
"Well we didnt know," he smiled and crossed his arms, "you guys-"
"-shut up and drink!" Daryl hollered across the table, he handed Shane a bottle with smiles. His interruption caused me to heat up so I covered my face against the table, taking deep breaths to try and forget about their words.

Carol gave a short laugh, "Pass a glass! Sure (Y/n) needs some."