FALLING APART daryl dixon

FIFTY THREE - ABOUT FAMILY

It was a new day, that was certain. Alycia woke feeling more rested than she had in months. She felt safe, at peace. That was all thanks to Daryl Dixon.

As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was him watching her, a smirk playing on his lips.

- Good mornin' - Alycia murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. - You should've woken me up so we could switch.

Daryl felt his heart skip as he looked into her tired, yet beautiful blue eyes. He could get lost in her, and for a moment, he forgot about everything else.

- Didn't wanna wake ya - He replied softly, leaning down to give her a quick kiss. - Looked like you needed the sleep.

Daryl was already fully dressed, and she realized she was still in her tank top and leggings, the clothes she wore every time it was her turn on guard duty. Before she could say anything else, the door flew open, slamming against the wall.

Rick stood in the doorway, fury etched into every line of his face. His eyes swept over the scene—the mattress on the floor, the way Daryl was sitting close to her, and that kiss he'd just seen. His gaze hardened as he took it all in.

- Get dressed - He snapped, his voice a low hiss.

Alycia raised an eyebrow, standing up.

- I am dressed.

Daryl straightened beside her, his eyes fixed on Rick. But Rick wasn't looking at Alycia—his glare was directed solely at Daryl.

- Tell me, Daryl, is this your way of making up for leaving us behind? Or for your brother kidnapping my daughter? I'm curious...how exactly did you two 'make up' if you don't mind me asking? - Rick's words dripped with venom.

Alycia froze, stunned. This wasn't like her father. She knew he was angry, but she'd never seen him this intense, this accusatory. She could see Daryl tense up beside her, his shoulders squared as if he were preparing for a fight. She wanted to stay calm, but her pulse was racing.

Rick began pacing the room, his eyes darting around as he took in the remnants of last night. When he reached the desk, he slammed his fists against it with a loud bang, making Alycia jump.

- Is this what you do in your spare time, Dixon? Fucking my daughter? - Rick's voice thundered as he glared at Daryl.

- Rick, it's not like that— Daryl tried, his tone steady, but Alycia could see the frustration simmering beneath.

But her own anger flared now, and she couldn't stay quiet any longer.

- I'm sorry, is that all you think he's doing? Just fucking your daughter? Is that the only way you see me?

She stepped between the two men, her jaw set, challenging Rick to look her in the eyes.

- This is disgusting - Rick growled, refusing to back down.

- Why? Why is it disgusting? - Alycia demanded. - Explain it to me, because I sure don't get it!

- With him? Alycia, he's old enough to be your father. And you're sneaking around behind my back, thinking I wouldn't find out?

- He isn't old enough to be my dad, Rick, and I wasn't hiding anything. It just happened! - Alycia fired back.

Rick scoffed. - He's as old as me.

- Maybe that's because you had me at fifteen, Dad! I'm an adult now, I make my own choices, and you don't get to question that just because you're my father.

Rick's face hardened further.

- I won't allow this.

Alycia stared at him, shock spreading across her face.