Protection (Rick Grimes)

Chapter Forty Five

Danielle's POV

"Whoa, what are you doing?" I ask the teenage boy in front of me.

"Holding the gun." He shrugs as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. I roll my eyes and correct him.

"You don't hold the gun the way it came out of the box, bud. Hold it up straight. Keep a firm grip. Keep your balance." I instruct and help him fix his problems. He gives me a smile before looking ahead.

"Okay. So, first things first." I start but a woman, who seems to be in her early thirties, stops me.

"Are you going to tell us to stay calm? Cause I seriously don't think that we'll be able to when flesh eating freaks are on our ass."

"Well, you're right about one thing. You won't be able to stay completely calm. But as long as you keep a level head and be able to control your nerves, you'll be fine." I tell her. She nods and waits for me to continue.

"As I was saying, don't try to take on a whole hoard by yourself. It won't be pretty in the end if you do. Use knife an only shoot if you have to." I instruct and continue informing them the basics of surviving outside the walls.

~●~

After teaching the people about the basics, I begin walking through the community towards the house. So far, today has been a success. I had a few people make a couple of mistakes, but it was an easy fix.

I feel someone tap my shoulder, catching my attention. I turn around and see the teenage boy that I was just with. The one who was holding the gun wrong.

"Hey, you. What's up?" I ask him with a smile.

"I just wanted to thank you for helping us. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes. 'Cause I want to be able to help these people. I want to be able to defend myself." He explains.

I smile, "You'll be a good asset to these people soon. Just keep up the good work." I praise him and pat his shoulder before turning and walking to the house.

When I get to the house, I lay down on the couch and sigh when my back pops. I close my eyes and hear the door open.

"Dani?" I hear Daryl's voice. I hum in response.

"Come on. We're going on a run." He says and ruffles my hair. I groan and open my eyes, looking up at him.

"Can't you take Chels? Or Rick?" I complain.

"I could. But I asked you." He smirks. I roll my eyes playfully and stand up. I go and get my crossbow and knife before following Daryl.

I get into one of the cars and watch the gates open before Daryl drives through the gates and towards town. Most of the drive there is quiet until I start to speak up.

"Maybe this place could be our home. Like...permanently." I suggest and look over at him. Daryl, with one hand on the wheel, looks over at me and looks into my eyes.

"I don't know." He mumbles and looks back at the road.

"This place might be good for us. You never know."

"We'll see."

I sigh and drop the conversation.

~●~

Daryl pulls into the parking lot of a convenient store and gets out of the car. I do the same and make sure I have everything I need before trudging along behind my older brother.

The closer we get to the store, the faster my heart rate gets. Daryl looks back at me and motions for me to stay outside while he goes inside.

Knowing that it's better if I don't argue, I nod and stay put while he walks inside the door. I lower my crossbow and shift my weight to one foot while I wait on Daryl.