I'll Always Find You (A Daryl Dixon X Reader)

CHAPTER 2: An Old Friend

Shortly after the fall of the world, we had formed a group. The Atlanta Survivor's. Shane and I, with Charlotte. Lori and Carl we had rescued too. We met Carol and Sophia Pelletier on the road, along with her shitty excuse of a husband Ed. My Dad, Dale Horvath, we fortunately met on the road as well in his RV since he had been traveling and on his way home. He had met and managed to pick up and save two young women, named Andrea and Amy. Glenn Rhee, a kind and sweet Asian boy. Jacqui, Jim and a few others to name just a few.

But the most notable was when we came across a couple of hicks along the highway. Heading towards the mountains as my Dad suggested since the safe haven that was meant to be in Atlanta had been napalmed by the government. We had little hope left, but then here were these two scrubby looking guys. They were scavenging abandoned cars, siphoning gas for their truck that had a motorcycle sitting in the back of it. Strength was in numbers now, so as long as they weren't total weirdos they could come with us. Shane had pulled over our vehicle and got out to talk with the men.

He told me to stay in the car, but of course, I didn't listen. I could barely see the guy. I could tell he was a bit older, wore a lot of leather, and his hair was cut short. As I moved forward and got around Shane who was blocking the view...

"No fucking way." I gasped.

"Y/n." Shane hissed as I approached giving me a dirty look.

"Well, holy shit. If it ain't little miss, Y/n L/n. It's been a hot minute since I seen ya'll around." Merle Dixon chuckled as he moved forward towards me. Shane tried to stand in the way, seemingly confused and annoyed, but we moved quick.

"Merle Dixon, you giant dick. I never thought in a millions years that I'd ever see your face again." I laughed as I hugged him.

"You've grown up nice, girl. All pretty looking and shit. Filled out real nice too." Merle said and I rolled my eyes as he visibly looked up and down my body.

"Ahem." Shane scoffed even more irritated.

"Oh. Uhm, Shane this is Merle. Merle Dixon, this is my husband, Shane Walsh. Previous Deputy for Kings County." I explained. Shane pulled an arm around my waist and out stretched his other hand to Merle giving him a handshake.

Merle was quick to notice the move and I could see him chuckle because of it. Knowing he got under Shane's skin. Same old Merle. I was quick to notice he was alone, which made me really upset. If there was anything I could wish for it would be to have a glimpse of Daryl Dixon's face again. Just once. Not seeing him led me to believe maybe he was already gone and I missed my chance. But another voice made my ears perk up in disbelief. I should have known he wouldn't be killed.

"Merle!" The voice called out from behind us a ways. "I found some stuff. Medicine bags, first aid kits, nothing real heavy but some 800's. It ain't much but..." His voice trailed off as he saw us.

Those deep blue eyes stared right into my very soul. I unraveled myself from Shane's grip and began to walk forward without even thinking. It seemed as though he had the same thoughts. The bags fell from his hands and we began to walk faster towards each other, until it turned into a full out run. I ran straight into his arms and laughed wrapping my arms around his neck. He was so much bigger now. Stronger. Those strong arms wrapped around me and lifted me off the ground into a twirling hug.

"Daryl!" I laughed.

"Y/n!" He chuckled and then set me on my feet. "Wow, it's, it's been a damn long time. Damn, you're just as beautiful as the last..."

"Y/n, who's this?" Shane asked as he walked over, staring angrily at Daryl's hands that were low on my hips.

I pulled myself away and coughed lightly in awkwardness.