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Carl kept his forehead pressed gently against Raven's, breath uneven. Her hand rested over his heart, steady and warm, grounding him in a way nothing else could.
For a moment, it was just them. Just this. Just honesty.
But the world hadn't stopped moving.
Daryl Walks Away — And Runs into Maggie
Daryl made his way toward the armory, boots crunching on gravel, his shoulders tense. He wasn't angry—he didn't let himself be—but something had settled heavy in his chest.
Maggie leaned against the wall outside the storage room, arms crossed like she was waiting for him.
"You good?" she asked.
"Peachy," Daryl muttered.
Maggie gave him a look—sharp and too knowing. She'd always been good at reading what people tried to hide.
"You've been spending a lot of time with Raven lately."
Daryl didn't answer.
"Offering to do sweeps with her... talking to her more than usual..." Maggie paused. "Looks like you care."
Daryl's jaw flexed. "Didn't say I didn't."
"But she's with Carl."
He glanced away. "I know."
Maggie stepped beside him, voice softer.
"You're not trying to take her, Daryl. I know that. But... it still hurts, doesn't it?"
Daryl leaned both hands on the table inside the armory, head down.
"It ain't like that," he muttered. "She ain't mine."
"No," Maggie said gently, "but that doesn't mean you don't feel something."
Daryl didn't deny it. He didn't have to.
Carl & Raven — The Truth Moment
Carl stepped back slightly, just enough to look into Raven's eyes. He brushed his thumb across her cheek, expression torn between relief and guilt.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have acted jealous."
Raven shook her head.
"You're human, Carl. And you care. That doesn't make you wrong."
He swallowed.
"I just don't wanna lose you."
"You won't."
She said it without hesitation. Without doubt.
Carl exhaled in relief, but there was still one question burning behind his eyes.
