Unbreakable threads

Chapter one Hundred and Twenty Two: Journey to Hilltop.

As the group began gathering supplies and loading up the RV, Alyssa casually stuck close to Jesus, her curiosity about him growing.

"I love the hair," she said, her tone surprisingly genuine, not teasing for once.

Jesus smirked, running a hand through his long locks. "Thanks," he replied, clearly amused by her comment.

Alyssa tilted her head slightly, a grin tugging at her lips. "Is that why you got the nickname?" she asked, folding her arms and watching him closely.

Jesus chuckled, his eyes lighting up with humor. "Partly. The beard helps, too," he said, gesturing to his scruffy facial hair. "It's a look, I guess."

Alyssa laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Well, it suits you. Let's just hope you're not all talk, 'Messiah.'" She gave him a playful nudge with her elbow.

Jesus raised an eyebrow, grinning. "You'll see. I always deliver on my promises."

Rick and Abraham were busy packing up the RV, double-checking the supplies and ensuring everything was accounted for. Glenn and Maggie were already inside, getting settled and discussing the route they'd be taking. The quiet hum of preparation filled the air.

Daryl, however, stood near the RV, filling the tank with fuel. His eyes kept flickering over to Alyssa and Jesus. He couldn't help but scowl slightly at the way they were interacting. Alyssa was smiling too much, standing too close, and making small talk in a way Daryl rarely saw her do. It wasn't that she didn't have a sense of humor or charm—he knew she did—but she didn't let her guard down so easily. Not with strangers.

It reminded him too much of when they first met Aaron. Alyssa had been the only one to trust Aaron right away, and Daryl hadn't liked it then either. He'd thought it was reckless. Dangerous. But, over time, he'd grown to respect Aaron, especially after learning he was gay and no threat to Alyssa's focus—or Daryl's protective instincts.

But this Jesus guy? Daryl wasn't sure. He didn't like how natural their banter was. Didn't like how Jesus made her laugh. Didn't like how Alyssa's walls seemed to come down so easily around him. It gnawed at something inside him.

Alyssa threw her head back, laughing at something Jesus said, and Daryl's jaw tightened. He looked back down at the fuel pump, muttering to himself, "Ain't even funny."

Rick glanced over, catching Daryl's sour expression. "You alright over there?" Rick asked, tossing a bag into the RV.

Daryl grunted, not looking up. "Yeah. Fine."

But Rick didn't buy it. He followed Daryl's gaze and smirked when he saw Alyssa and Jesus. "You keep an eye on him," Rick said, his tone low and serious. "We don't know him yet."

"Damn right I will," Daryl muttered, his voice gruffer than usual. He finished filling the tank, capped the fuel line, and stalked toward the RV.

"Let's just get this over with," he growled under his breath, shooting one last glance toward Alyssa and Jesus.

Alyssa crouched down in front of Carl, who was holding Judith snugly in his arms. She smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

"Y'all be safe, okay? I'll be back before you know it. Stay with Carol," she said gently but firmly.

Carol stepped forward, placing a hand on Carl's shoulder. "I'll keep them safe. Not that Carl here needs much looking after nowadays anyway," she said with a playful smile.

Alyssa chuckled, glancing at Carl. "Yeah, and no bringing Enid inside just because Dad and I aren't here," she teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.