Too Far Gone // D. Dixon

chapter twenty-four

It was safe to say that Alexandria had changed.

After that night when Rick killed Pete, things had changed. Rick Grimes had finally talked some sense into the group. After the events of the meeting, most people realized that he was right, and had been right the entire time. Rick had slowly begun to take control of Alexandria, helping to teach people how to really fight.

Things like that take time, but Rick knew it would be worth it. After all, people are their greatest asset.

And so, Maren Smith finally awoke from her disturbed slumber in the only place she ever longed to be; she was in the arms of her hunter, her very own Daryl Dixon. As her eyes had opened, she found herself wrapped in the strong arms of Daryl Dixon, his ever-steady breaths and the soft beating of his heart providing a comforting rhythm against her.

With a snarky smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Maren shifted in Daryl's embrace, relishing the intimate moment they shared. Times like this were few and far between in the unforgiving world they lived in, but for all of those treacherous moments there were also moments like this. She had once wondered if she'd ever be able to do this again, if she could stand for someone to touch her like this or even get close to her. Yet again, Daryl had been the one to make her feel safe, protected...like she belonged here.

As the reality of the day ahead seeped into her consciousness, Maren very reluctantly extricated herself from Daryl's grasp, his sleepy eyes reluctantly opening to meet hers. She couldn't help but run her fingers through his tousled hair, savoring the sensation as she leaned in to press a soft kiss against his lips.

"Where ya goin'?" Daryl's morning husky voice filled her ears, the sound beckoning her back to her place beside of him.

"I wish I could stay, but you know I've got that shift at the watchtower," Maren whispered against Daryl's mouth, her voice tinged with a mix of longing and responsibility.

Daryl's grip tightened slightly, his voice husky with a hint of reluctance, "I don't want ya to go, Maren. It ain't safe out there-"

A mischievous sparkle danced in Maren's eyes as she leaned back, her hands resting lightly on Daryl's chest, "You know I can handle myself, Dixon. Besides, I promised Rick I'd pull my weight around here."

Daryl's brow furrowed, concern etched across his rugged features, "I know you're tough as nails, but that don't mean I gotta like it when you're away from me."

Maren's heart swelled with affection for the man before her. Daryl's gruff exterior concealed a deep well of love and protectiveness that had captured her heart. She leaned in, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss, their emotions mingling in the intimate exchange.

Reluctantly, Maren pulled away, her gaze locking with Daryl's, "I promise I'll be careful, Daryl. We've faced worse shit than watch duty. I'll see you later."

Daryl's eyes softened, his voice a hoarse whisper, "Just come back to me, Maren. S'all I ask of ya."

A trace of a smile graced Maren's lips as she pressed a final kiss against Daryl's forehead, "Always, Dixon. I'll always come back to you."

With a lingering touch, Maren slipped out of bed, retrieving her clothes from the nearby chair. She dressed swiftly, her movements purposeful and efficient as she felt lingering eyes on her as she did so. As she looked back at Daryl one last time before leaving the room, she couldn't help but feel a pang of longing.

Yet, duty called, and she would answer.

Exiting the house, Maren made her way through the bustling streets of Alexandria. The peaceful facade of the community belied the dangers lurking beyond its walls, dangers that Maren had become all too familiar with. Her watchtower shift awaited, a vantage point from which she would guard her family with unwavering determination.

As Maren ascended the watchtower steps, her thoughts lingered on Daryl. The once very much guarded man had been so stubborn and silent, until she showed up. It was as if the world shifted ever so slightly that day, as if Daryl could finally see what he'd been denied of his entire life; the strength and ever-persistent love of Maren Smith. She knew that their bond was unbreakable, forged through shared hardships and a fierce devotion to each other's survival.

Settling into her post for the day, Maren's gaze swept across the horizon, her senses acutely attuned to any sign of danger. The moments with Daryl replayed in her mind, his passionate embrace still lingering on her lips.

The more she stared off into the road leading to Alexandria, the less she thought of right now and the more it reminded her of her time on the road leading her here, the more it reminded her of her home.

Her thoughts were taken over by thoughts of home. She missed her family more than anything, and being in Virginia had made her miss them even more. She had been through figurative and literal hell trying to get here and here she was. So close to the finish line yet she'd been so distracted with everything else.

What was she even waiting for?

She knew, in that moment, she needed to go home. She needed to be sure.

Gripping the railing of the watchtower, Maren steeled her resolve. She had come too far to give up now. If there was even a sliver of chance that her family was waiting for her, she knew that she would do whatever it took to get back to them, even if it meant leaving the safety and comfort of Alexandria behind.

With a deep breath, she started planning her journey, her heart filled with a mix of longing and purpose.

- TOO FAR GONE -

As Maren's morning shift at the watchtower drew to a close, she was met by Sasha, who had come to relieve her. 

"Your shift is done, I'll take it from here," Sasha said, her sniper rifle slung securely across her body.

Maren smiled at the woman, "Thanks, Sasha. See you tonight?" Sasha nodded in response, settling into her position atop the tower. With that, Maren began her descent, her heart and mind heavy with thoughts of her impending journey.

She knew this would be the last time she wondered about what had happened back home. No matter what she found, she would finally have the truth - whether that knowledge would bring her comfort or further anguish, she could only imagine. The not knowing had been a burden, but Maren feared that the reality could be even worse.

Sighing, she made her way back to the house. She had only climbed one step up onto the porch when Daryl's voice greeted her, "You're back early," he observed, a warm smile crossing his face as he moved closer.

Maren returned the smile, though hers held a hint of something unspoken, "Sasha came early. I told you I'd be back, didn't I?"

Daryl nodded, "You sure did." There was a brief pause, and Maren could see the concern in Daryl's eyes. He knew her well enough to recognize when something was weighing heavily on her mind.

"You got somethin' on your mind?" he asked, his voice gentle. Maren sighed, unsure of how to broach the subject.

"I have to go back," she admitted.

Daryl stilled, brow furrowed, "Go back where?"

"Home," Maren responded simply, her gaze drifting out to the street before them. Daryl was quick to interject.

"This is home. You belong here," He spoke to her, adding, "With me."

Maren looked back at him, resolve in her eyes, "I mean, I want to go home. It's what I left Georgia for...it's why I'm here." Daryl was silent for a moment, joining Maren in her contemplative gaze outward.

"What if ya don't like what you find?" he asked, the concern evident in his tone. She knew that was a big possibility. But she couldn't keep thinking about the what-ifs, she needed to see it for herself. 

Maren drew a weary breath, "Then at least I'll know, Daryl. I have to know...I have to at least try." Daryl knew there was no talking her out of this decision. But he could offer her something else.

"Alright..." He started, standing a bit taller than before, "If you're so hell bent on goin', at least let me come with ya. It ain't good for you to be out there alone. I made you a promise, remember? I ain't gonna let nobody hurt ya."

Maren beamed at him, though she still hesitated, "Are you sure? You don't have to-"

Daryl interrupted her, gently grasping her shoulders and meeting her gaze intently, "I want to." Maren and Daryl held each other's eyes for a long moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

This journey would not be an easy one, but with Daryl by her side, Maren knew she had a steadfast companion to face whatever awaited her back home. Perhaps, together, they could find the closure she so desperately sought.