Between Arrows and Hearts - Daryl Dixon

Straight to hell

Cass was in a very good mood.

She had tried to convince herself it was because they finally weren't on the run, that they'd all managed a full night's sleep on actual beds, that the baby could be born in a safe place, and that they didn't have to worry about walkers for once.

But the truth? It was the blue-eyed hunter she'd woken up snuggled against.

Daryl had got up first, his movements careful and gentle so as not to wake her. She'd stirred briefly as he left, catching a glimpse of his retreating figure before falling back asleep. Apparently he had joined Rick and T-Dog for an early sweep of the prison, and their morning venture had been fruitful, as the group was now equipping themselves with body armour, helmets and even smoke grenades.

Cass kept her private giggles and affectionate glances to herself, but the brightness in her mood was hard to miss. As the group began preparing for the next part of the prison sweep, she moved through the room with an ease she hadn't felt in weeks, joking with Maggie as she helped Hershel adjust his bulletproof vest.

"You look like—" Cass started to tease, laughing at how odd Hershel looked in tactical gear, but the words cut off as something heavy blocked her view.

Before she could react, a vest was being pulled over her head.

"What the hell are you doing?" She asked, craning her neck to glare at Daryl. He ignored her protests, focused on tightening the straps with swift, practiced hands.

"This thing is uncomfortable," Cass grumbled, tugging at the stiff fabric. "And it's too big for me."

"They don't come in child sizes." T-Dog quipped, deadpan as he adjusted Glenn's vest.

Laughter rippled through the group, and Cass shot T-Dog a look, crossing her arms awkwardly over the bulky vest. "Funny. Did you have a clown for breakfast?"

"Why don't we let T-Dog use it?" She added, glancing over her shoulder at Daryl, who was still fiddling with the straps as if ignoring her would make her quiet down. "I might get confused today and shoot him."

"Pfft," T-Dog snorted, smirking. "You wouldn't survive without me. You'd be back to cryin' and babblin' like when I met you."

More laughter erupted, and Cass huffed. She turned as Daryl gave her a firm tug to straighten the vest and ensure it was secure.

"Happy now?" She grumbled, her tone teasing.

Daryl just grunted in response, stepping back giving her a once-over before turning to load an arrow into his crossbow.

As Cass readjusted the straps herself, she caught a look from the second floor. Lori was leaning against the railing, watching her with a knowing smile. Cass narrowed her eyes at her, trying to hide a smile, but Lori's attention shifted before she could say anything, her gaze landing on Carl.

The boy was fiddling with one of the police helmets, adjusting it like he was about to lead the charge.

Rick was quick to intervene, striding over and plucking the helmet off his head. "You won't be needing that. I need you to stay put."

"You're kidding." Carl said, his tone incredulous.

"We don't know what's in there," Rick replied evenly. "Something goes wrong, you could be the last man standing. I need you to handle things here."

That seemed to work. Carl's face shifted, and he straightened, nodding firmly. "Sure."

Cass grinned, leaning against the wall a little awkwardly because of the vest. "Big brother, Carl. Last man standing, Carl. You're taking all the good names, kiddo."