The Dead World

Twenty Nine ~ Attacked

What felt like moments later for Phoebe she opened her eyes but when she saw Daryl she knew it couldn't be real "Have i died?" she whispered scared she'd ruin this beautiful vison that greeted her allowing her eyes to fill with warm tears "I was meant to hold on"

"You did, you did so well! You haven't died Phoebe" The vision of Daryl leant closer it wasn't until she felt his warm lips brush her forehead she realised it was real, they were back.

"You scared me there for a moment" Hershel spoke up standing by the pair.

"I'm sorry, I was trying" Phoebe apologised but she couldn't look away from Daryl and he stroked her cheek softly.

"I know you were, you did so well Phoebe, I couldn't have done this without you" Hershel moved forward patting her hand before he left them alone going to check on Glenn instead.

"You shouldn't be in here" She grunted looking back at Daryl with narrowed eyes.

"I gave my own promise didn't I? I'm not leaving your side again" He whispered back and she grinned at him weakly.

"You're sweet Dare" she turned her head as she coughed and he frowned seeing the blood that now laid on her lips.

He knew how close he'd come to losing her and it was making him crazy, he wanted to tell her everything, he wanted her to know how he felt and he just hoped it didn't ruin their friendship.

"Phoebe I..." he wanted too...But he just couldn't "I need to go help the others clear the yard, we had a break in last night so i need to help fix the gate"

"Is everyone okay?" She moved to sit up and he helped trying not to wince at the heat her body permitted, one thing about Phoebe was she was always cold so to feel her so warm was not a welcome feeling.

"Everyone is fine just rest up, we've got this" he answered and she nodded allowing him to stand.

"Dare?" she called and he froze when her fingers brushed his making him look down at her "Thank you"

"Wasn't just me" he whispered gently down to her.

"It was, the promise you made me make? It kept me going Dare, don't know how i would've done without it" she smiled weakly.

"You would've held out for the others" he shook his head, she didn't mean he was the reason she held on, it was the promise she'd made him.

"Well thank you anyway" she whispered and he nodded before leaving, if he stayed any longer he'd snap and tell her everything.

It wasn't long before Merle convinced the others she needed fresh air and they allowed her to leave the cell block, he was basically carrying her as he helped her out in to the yard smirking when she let her head fall back with a content sigh when the sun hit her skin.

"Didn't think i'd live long enough to feel the sun again" she admitted and it was true, she felt how close she'd came, it was almost like death himself was stood over her and she couldn't help but remember what Dale had said, had she cheated Death?

"Well you did so come on there's a few people who want to see you" Merle smirked but quickly frowned when she froze.

"I can't see the kids yet Merle, i won't chance it" she took a deep breath when she was hit by another dizzy spell but was comforted when Merle gripped her tightly.

"Not them Doll, i ain't stupid" he chuckled and helped her move into the libary where Oscar and Big Tiny were sat, both men jolt to their feet when they see her walk in with Merle.

"You look..." Oscar winced slightly stepping forward and Merle laughing jostled her harshly at how his body shook causing Oscar to move forward gripping her to keep her stable.