Unbreakable threads

Chaper One Hundred and One; You are my person.

As Daryl and Alyssa walked through the quiet street, the faint hum of laughter and music from Deanna's house grew louder with each step. Daryl stuck close to Alyssa, his presence a steadying force as the noise ahead reminded her of where they were expected to be.

Alyssa sighed, stuffing her hands into her pockets. She knew they should go back to the party, even if it was just for a minute. She was the deputy now—Deanna had given her a role of responsibility, and her absence might've already been noticed. And Daryl... well, he hadn't shown his face at all yet, and Aaron's words about making an effort still lingered in her mind.

"We should probably go back," she said reluctantly, glancing at Daryl.

Daryl grunted in response, his face set in its usual stoic expression. "Don't see the point," he muttered.

Alyssa smirked faintly. "Yeah, me neither. But I guess it's part of the job now. Deputy Grimes," she said mockingly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Gotta keep up appearances."

Daryl side-eyed her, his lips twitching slightly. "Ain't like you to care 'bout appearances."

Alyssa snorted, nudging him with her elbow. "Yeah, well, it's not like you've shown up at all. Don't think that's gone unnoticed."

Daryl shrugged, his hands stuffed into his pockets. "Ain't my scene."

"Not mine either," Alyssa admitted. "But Deanna's watching. Always watching." Her voice dropped into a conspiratorial tone, and Daryl couldn't help the soft chuckle that escaped him.

They walked in silence for a few moments, the light from Deanna's house now spilling onto the street ahead of them. Alyssa slowed her pace, glancing at Daryl. "You gonna come in with me? Just for a second?"

Daryl hesitated, his jaw tightening slightly. He didn't do parties, didn't like crowds, but he could see the way Alyssa was looking at him—almost pleading, though she'd never say it out loud.

"Yeah, alright," he muttered, his voice low. "Just for a second."

Alyssa smiled, relief flickering in her eyes. "Thanks," she said softly, bumping his arm lightly as they made their way up the steps to the party.

As Alyssa and Daryl stepped inside, the party was in full swing. The room was warm, crowded with Alexandria residents mingling with their group, laughter and conversation filling the air. Alyssa's sharp eyes darted around, cataloging everyone's positions instinctively.

Eugene, Rosita, and Abraham stood by the drinks table, Eugene already deep into some long-winded explanation that Rosita and Abraham were clearly ignoring. Tara and Noah were chatting in the corner, their smiles wide and easy. Maggie and Glenn were curled up together on the couch, looking more at home than anyone else from the group. Carol, as always, was moving through the room, handing out food with that perfect mask of innocence.

Gabriel was deep in conversation with a group of older women, his polite tone carrying faintly through the crowd. Across the room, Michonne was engaged in what seemed to be an intense discussion with Deanna, their heads tilted close as they spoke. Carl was with Enid and Ron, the three of them huddled together, laughing quietly about something.

Then there was Rick.

Alyssa's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of him, standing just a little too close to Jessie, his posture relaxed in a way that made her immediately suspicious. She felt a flash of irritation but shoved it aside.

The room was too crowded, too noisy for her or Daryl's liking. It was suffocating in a way they weren't used to, but they'd made a commitment by walking in. Alyssa exhaled slowly, trying to keep her cool.