Daryl's Precious Gem (Daryl Dixon FanFiction)

30: Fight or Flight

Scenes from last night played through my mind as I woke up a bit sore. A smile set onto my face as it had been the first time I was able to properly rest since Daryl had left for the quarry. Finally a night that didn't consist of nightmares. I frowned when I reached across the bed and found that it was empty. Groaning I sat up on the queen sized bed and checked to see if Daryls gear was gone. Sure enough his bow and vest were no where to be seen.

The sun was starting to shine over the horizon as birds chirped and sang little tunes outside. I yawned as I dressed into one of Daryls long sleeved shirts and zipped on my jeans before heading downstairs. I pulled my hair into a ponytail before tying on my boots and heading outside to check on Daryl.

"Good morning." I smirked as I leaned over the porch railing. Daryl was working on the motorcycle I had found.

"Mornin'." He muttered back.

"Sleep well?"

"Slept a little." Daryl eyed me. "You?"

"That's the most rest I've gotten since you left."

"No nightmares?"

"None that I can remember." My head tilted to the side as I wondered what he was getting at. "Did I talk in my sleep or something?"

Daryl wiped his hands off on a rag before eyeing me. "You kept sputtering out random words that I couldn't quite make out."

"Like what?"

"The only sentence I could fully make out was 'he's comin'."

I shook my head, "I don't know why I would be saying that."

Daryl made his way up the porch steps and over to me. "Carol told me how ya killed most of the wolves and took down more walkers than she could count. Rick told me how Owen punched ya and held a gun to yer head. He also explained that you've been distant from everyone since."

Daryl rubbed my shoulders as I leaned my back against the railing. My eyes searched his as glimpses of the past week made their way into my mind. I hadn't realized how traumatized I had been because of it. My breathing picked up as well as my heart rate. My fight mode had been activated ever since that night and it was slowly eating bits of me away.

My lips trembled. "I thought I was going to die that night Daryl and I was honestly ready to if it meant everyone else lived."

"Ruby," Daryl started.

"I'm ready to fight and take out this other threat! Even if I die trying." I cut him off.

"How can ya say that?"

My eyes narrowed at Daryl, "I'd gladly die for anyone here. Especially you!"

Daryl shook his head as he gave me a sharp look, "What happened to ya?"

"This past week made me realize I don't want to lose anyone else. It was my wake up call that I need to do more for everyone here."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I'll do whatever it takes to eliminate this threat!" I snapped at Daryl. We were both fuming as we stood on the porch. Our eyes battled it out while we glared at each other.

"Ya have a god damn death wish." Daryl shook his head as he stormed away from me and went back to working on the bike. Anger bubbled in me as I marched back into the house and up to the bedroom. I slammed the door behind me and screamed into a pillow until it turned into sobs. Laying on the bed I allowed my emotions to pour out. Daryl had just returned and here I was picking fights and driving him away. What was wrong with me?