Kiddo- Daryl Dixon/OC

Chapter 7- long journey ahead

I shot up in my bed breathing heavily and in a cold sweat. I had just had the worst nightmare I could ever have imagined. Daryl and I were on a raid and he got bit trying to protect me from a walker. His last words were me instructing him to shoot him in the head before he turned. Even remembering that made tears well up in the corner of my eyes; I sniffled and rubbed the tears away before they could fall. I looked over to see Daryl fast asleep in his bed, sprawled out over the covers and snoring softly. It brought me comfort to see him laying there clearly comfortable, as I sat there I watched his chest rise and fall in the pattern of his deep breathing. I managed to get my breathing under control and my sweats to stop. The dream felt so real it shook me to the core; Daryl was all I had left in this hell of a world. I didn't even want to think those thoughts of losing him. No he was strong; I knew he was smart enough to not get himself killed. I lay back down and pulled the blanket over my head. If Daryl wasn't even awake yet I knew it wasn't anywhere near time to wake up and start getting ready. I heard him grunt, mumble something in his sleep and roll over. I tried to close my eyes and fall back asleep but I couldn't get those images out of my head and each time it scared me. After several minutes of tossing and turning I gave up on the idea of falling back asleep. I knew someone had to be awake at this time for watch work. I quietly got out of bed and slipped my boots on. I laced them up then put on my heavy coat, early in the morning it could get really cold and I couldn't afford to get sick, the camp would run too low on supplies. Granted Daryl could probably go on his own or even take Rick or Michonne but I didn't like that idea; he promised me that wherever he went he would take me with him. I quietly unzipped the tent and snuck out, carefully zipping it back up making as little noise as possible. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and walked towards the middle of the camp. It seemed peaceful this morning, I could hear birds chirp and crickets make their songs. It really helped put my mind at ease. In the distance I could see someone siting on top the RV with a gun in their lap, I could make out the shape of Dale's hat. I walked over and climbed up the latter.

"Can I sit with you?" I asked as he turned around to look at me.

"What are you doing up so early?" he questioned.

"I couldn't sleep." I looked down to see a lit cigarette in between his fingers. "You smoke?"

"In secret, I was supposed to give this up years ago but it brings me too much comfort, don't tell anyone?" he looked at me with pleading eyes.

"Yea sure, your secret is safe with me." I sat down beside him and crossed my legs Indian style, it kept me decently warm.

"I don't know if you do or not but here." I looked over to see Dale extending me his pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I took one out of the pack, placed it in my mouth and lit it. I thanked him as I took a few puffs, savoring the taste of the smoke.

"So you and Daryl going out on a raid today?"

I blew smoke out of my nose before answering him, "Yea, Rick found a shopping center about twenty miles away."

"Be careful out there, I mean It." he looked at me with heartfelt eyes.

I smiled at him, "I will be."

We sat in silence for a few minutes before I put out my cigarette and flicked it on the ground. I hugged my knees to my chest to try and maintain body heat. As I started to shiver Dale looked over at me seeing I was curled up.

"Cold?"

I nodded yes as I rubbed my arms. He handing me a rolled up blanket he was holding in his lap.

"Thank you." I said un rolling it and wrapping myself tightly in it.

"Are you up here every night?"