When the dead roam - (Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 118 ~ Ready for battle

Louise sat in the medical trailer, feet barely touching the floor beneath the examination table as Siddiq checked her over. Somehow, even the small room managed to smell like a hospital in the hell that was the new world. Last time she was there, he'd given her cough suppressants that didn't work. That was before half of their friends died from 'walker' infected weapons.

Now, she was kicking her legs aimlessly whilst waiting for him to give her good news.

There was nothing she hated more than being a patient. The very idea of needing to depend on other people rather than choosing too filled her with dread, so, as she glared at the doctor that was shuffling through his medical inventory in an annongly slow pace she had to resist the urge to throw something at him.

"C'mon Doc, it's been almost 48 hours. I'm clear, right?" She asked, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Siddiq sighed as straightened up, walking towards her and handed her a small bottle of pills. "One a day, with food, should help get rid of the residual cough but yes, I'd say you're in the clear"

"And to think, I'd said all my goodbyes"

"You're not funny" he said, though he couldn't hide the small smirk that played on his lips. "I'm glad you're still alive, Lou"

She nodded. "Me too"

"Don't take this the wrong way but I really hope I don't see you again any time soon"

"Feelings mutual"

She jumped down off the table and left the medic trailer behind her, relishing in the cool air that hit her skin as she stepped outside. Yesterday she didn't think she had a today. And today, she has the opportunity for a tomorrow. Maybe miracles did happen.

Even after her conversation with Negan, people were still preparing for the next part of the war. The Saviours had their bullet maker so ammunition wasn't a problem for them but for the people of Hilltop, Alexandria and the Kingdom involved, they had barely enough bullets to take on the walkers outside the wall. If the Saviours attacked again...they'd have more chance retreating than fighting.

Daryl wasn't happy that she'd snuck off alone to deliver Carl's letter. The moment he couldn't find her inside the walls he'd almost sent out a search party. As far as he was aware she was infected and he didn't want her to die outside, alone.

Lucky for her, he was waiting for her by the doors of Barrington House when she arrived, a grin on her face.

"Yer took 'bout as long as a month'a Sunday's in there" he grumbled as he stood up from the step and walking towards her. "Wha' did he say?"

"I'm clear" she exhaled sharply before he pulled her body towards his and held as her close as he possibly could.

"I'm clear" she said again into his ear.

He didn't say anything. He didn't have to. The way he was clinging to her like she was a life raft in the open water was confirmation enough about how he was feeling. Lou kissed his neck briefly and smiled into his shoulder.

When he pulled away his blue orbs looked darker, glassier. He placed a hand on either side of her face, pressed his lips to hers and then wiped the tears from her waterline.

"Don't ya ever do tha' to me again, yeah?"

She smiled. "You'd miss me so bad Daryl Dixon"

"Shut up" he made a 'pfft' sound before they both made their way down towards the gates.

"You know this means Dwight shot me with a clean arrow"

Daryl's face crumpled and he shook his head. "Nah just means you got lucky"