Just Hold On - Daryl Dixon (TWD)

30.

*Lucia's POV*

"They're back!" Sasha yelled from the watch post.

I lifted my head up from the seat, letting go of Daryl's hand. I hadn't realized that our hands had been entwined the whole time, but I didn't mind it.

Rick pulled the RV up next to Sasha and Aaron. He rolled down his window and spoke to the two of them.

"Get Olivia. She should inventory what we have. We'll meet her at the pantry."

"You have food," Sasha announced.

Michonne opened the door to the RV, making her way outside to meet with the others.

"Yeah... Enough for another month," Michonne said to Sasha, looking slightly anxious.

"I need everybody in the church in an hour," Rick demanded with a heavy voice.

I watched through the window as more people kept showing up. A few people furrowed their brows at Rick's demand. He only spoke like that when something was happening. And so far, a lot has been happening in Alexandria.

"We'll talk about it," he waved Sasha off.

The woman looked at Rick with an offended look as he started the engine up once again.

Carol took Sasha's spot as she walked away.

"Rick... What's going on?"

He gave her a solemn look before answering, "we're gonna have to fight."

***

Daryl and I had been the last two off the RV. He held out his hand to help me down. I took it and used it to steady myself.

"Mom!" Ava and Jackson yelled, running towards me with open arms.

I knelt down slightly, ready for the two of them. They both crashed into me, but Daryl put his arm on my back to keep me upright.

"Hello, you two," I laughed, giving them both a quick hug.

"I saw you guys this morning. Why are you so excited?" I asked them, still chuckling.

"We just missed you. Is that a crime now?" Ava chuckled back.

They both gave me quick hugs again before separating.

"Mom! What happened to your neck?" Jackson asked, looking upset.

I was about to answer, but surprisingly, Daryl beat me to it.

"Nothing to worry your little head about, big man. Just got into a little tussle with the community we had to go to today. Everything's fine now," he said, reaching down pushing Jackson's curls out of his face.

Jackson looked up at Daryl with his big, innocent blue eyes. Before I could register what was happening, Jackson ran up to Daryl and wrapped his arms around the hunters waist. Ava quickly followed suit, giving Daryl a quick hug as well.

I looked at Daryl, about to apologize for them since I know he's not one for physical touch. But as soon as I went to say anything, I noticed him giving the kids a hug back.

"Nothing to worry about. I'll always protect your mom," he said, looking up at me with a smirk.

I had to look away for a second as a stupid smile crossed my face. I could feel the blush crawling up my neck and into my round cheeks.

Looking back, I noticed Daryl still looking at me with a small smirk, while Ava and Jackson looked at me with gigantic smiles.

After a moment of silence, Jackson piped in.