The Odd One Out ~A Daryl Dixon X Reader~

Chapter 31

Alright, Alright, fine. Here. Love me. You guys aren't getting an update next week, I hope you understand that *mom glare* this is an early update. 

 Confessing my feelings to a Dixon: Bad move.

Getting slapped: Bad move.

Running the freak away in a freaking apocalypse: Bad move is an understatement.

But I did. I ran away, sobbing as I tripped over branches and brambles tugged at my clothing. My chest squeezed tightly and the throb in my heart hurt worse than the bruise I was positive was forming on my cheek.

It hurt so bad. Daryl had hit me. I knew I was crossing a line, but he had full on smacked me. The anger in his eyes almost hurt worse than the strike itself. I had thought he loved me. I had thought I could actually tell him stuff but I couldn't.

"(Y/n)! Wait!" I heard a call but I didn't care. I just kept running.

My legs burned and it became near impossible to breathe in. I finally tripped over a root, twisting my foot and slamming painfully on the ground. I curled up in a ball of tears and held my knees close to my chest.

It was really dark outside still, since the sun still hadn't risen. It was freezing cold and mud and wet leaves pressed against my bare skin and soaked me with cold. I began to shiver violently, crying softly.

I couldn't hear anything except a tweet of a bird now and again and the soft rustling of leaves as the wind stroked them, as well as my skin, with slender, cold fingers. I slowly stopped crying and just lay there, staring into the dark trunk of a tree and hugging myself.

I wiped my tears off my cheeks and hissed in pain as the back of my hand brushed the right one. It hurt like heck. He had hit me hard. The black started to turn to grey as I lie in the mud, wondering what I was supposed to do.

I knew it was stupid to love him. To tell him anything. I knew it was dumb and childish and would only lead to horrible consequences. I began to think bitterly, depressed. I began to loathe my love for him and hate my stupid decisions.

I sat up and leaned back against that tree I had been staring at. I watched as two little swifts flew up into the sky, black silhouettes against the grey-blue sky. They sang to each other and flew about in little circles and figure eights.

I sighed. The little birds were so free. Free and in love and-- crack. I started, sitting up straight. Soft footsteps treaded on the ground, like a cat stepping through the leaves and undergrowth.

I peered through the darkness and thought I saw a figure. I slowly got to my feet, leaning heavily on the tree, but the person came from a completely different part of the darkness. So much for my instinct.

"(Y/n)..." Daryl's voice was husky.

"No." I growled, taking a step back as he melted from the shadows. "Go away."

"(Y/n) please..." He begged, his voice pleading.

"Don't talk to me, you stupid redneck."

He walked closer to me so I could see him and I backed up a couple more feet. "I'm sorry."

"Keep your sorries." I growled. "I don't need them." He took a step closer and reached out for me. "No! Don't touch me!" I squeaked, stumbling backwards. He stared at me for a moment before grabbing out for me.

I screamed as he grabbed my arm and roughly pulled me to him. "NO! STOP! Let me go! Go away! I hate you! Stop!"

"SHUT UP!" He snarled. I shook and went silent, trying to shy away from him. He jerked me close, his face not inches away from his. I stared up at him, terrified he was going to hit me again. He glared down at me and I stammered to say something.

Suddenly butterflies flew through my lips and my face and into my heart. Warmth filled my body and I froze, but not from fear. His lips pushed roughly against mine and he pulled back gently, a light little butterfly kiss.

"Shut up."