Dark World(Daryl Dixon x Reader)

PART 2 - The Search for Sophia

(Picture above is what I imagine Gin would look like)

Yawning, I stretched out my arms, my muscles still tired with sleep. I pulled back the thin sheet flaps at the entrance of the tent and bent down, making my way out. I was instantly greeted by some of the others in the group. "Good Morning Gin! It's good to see you up and rested, you slept for quite a while." Carol chuckled while carrying a basket full of laundry.

"Oh- What time is it??" I asked, surprised that I even slept long.

Carol hummed in thought for a minute. "Probably around noon time I would assume. She laughed at my shocked expression before adding, "I was just about to wash some clothes, would you like to join me?"

I nodded eagerly. "Anything to earn my keep here."

She motioned for me to follow her. "This way, there's a creek not too far off from here, might want to bring your weapon with you too."

Carol picked up a small pistol from the main picnic table and slid it into a holster resting on her hip. I followed suit and grabbed my bow along with the quiver, slinging both over my shoulder.

It was just as sunny as it had been the day Daryl brought me to the camp, the forest just as beautiful as ever. For some reason, being with another person had set me at ease, I was actually enjoying the day which was a first. Normally I just looked at the world in fear or disgust, but this morning I had a bright smile on my face and was relishing the sights and sounds of the birds above us. Carol stopped and placed the basket down on the leaf covered ground and started pulling some clothes out. I looked up to see that it was the same creek that Daryl had found me at the day before, apparently not too far off from the camp. Carol took a seat on one of the bigger rocks next to the creek and started to scrub the soiled clothes with a small bar of soap. I took a seat next to her on a slightly smaller rock and copied her actions. We chatted about random things, y'know like, usual small talk conversations. She told me about her daughter Sophia, who they had lost recently and were still searching for. She got a bit teary eyed and I offered her comfort and asked her questions about her daughter such as her favorite things, funny memories. This seemed to help bring a smile to her face as she laughed at the happy memories she shared with me. I rested a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring look. "I'll help in the search for your daughter, it's the least I can do."

She gave me a sad smile but also a grateful one. "Thank you Gin."

I just gave her a small pat on the shoulder and helped her fold up the rest of the now clean laundry. "We should get bac-" I stopped as a loud crack could be heard from behind us. Carol started to get up too, her hand drifting to her gun on her hip. I quickly grabbed my bow and notched an arrow, in perfect time too because a walker was making its way towards us. One of his arms was completely chewed off and his left eye was oozing lord only knows what. "Disgusting." I mumble before sending the arrow straight into the middle of his forehead.

Carol sighs in relief and I pick up the basket with the clean clothes off of the forest floor.

"Thanks for that, I'm still not the best shot, I guess it was a good thing to bring you along. Normally I would ask Daryl to come out with me but he's out on a run at the moment."

Carol steadies herself against a slim oak tree, closing her eyes for a brief second.

I offer her my hand and she takes it, allowing me to help lead her back to camp.

"Just glad I was able to help."

We made it back to the camp, setting the basket down onto the picnic table and informed the others to come grab their clothes. As the others grab their newly washed clothes I spot Daryl sitting at the front of the tent I slept in last night, whittling away at some sticks. I hesitate for a moment but decide to go over and sit next to him, watching him work. "Thanks for yesterday, for bringing me here, and I'm sorry for trying to y'know...kill you." I gave him a half hearted laugh.