My Only Weakness

Chapter Six

Beads of sweat dripped from my brow as I ran through the woods, panting out short breaths. My legs burned from the overuse, but I continued to push forward. I could hear the walkers' low, guttural groans behind me, but I kept my eyes glued to Daryl's back.

"There's somethin' up ahead!" he called back to me, and I squinted my eyes, the outline of what looked to be a small shed coming into view. We sprinted the rest of the way, and by the time I reached it Daryl had the door open waiting for me. I gasped in relief as he closed the door behind me, blocking the entrance.

"You think they'll move on?" I asked quietly, and he turned to look at me. With a shrug, he set our supplies down. I watched him, realizing that we were alone, stuck here together until who knew when. The groans slowly faded, every now as then we would hear a faint moan. Daryl watched me as I held my side, eyes narrowed. "You get bit?" I shook my head quickly and he stepped towards me, his large frame towering over my petite figure.

"Show me, Phoebe." he demanded and I flinched back at his tone. I shook my head blushing. With a grunt he clutched my shirt pulling it up. There, just below my rib cage, was a nasty gash. "I think it happened when we climbed out that store window. It's fine, really."

I lied about the last part, not wanting it to slow us down. We had been sent out on a run, and just as we were finishing up a small horde found us, trapping us so that the only way out was through a broken window.

He touched it lightly and I shivered. We made eye contact, and time seemed to stand still as blue eyes met brown. I couldn't hide the feelings that started to stir inside me over the past few months, and I knew he was just as confused. "Daryl?" He blinked looking away.

I sighed softly, reaching out and placing a hand on his chest. This caused a reaction, as his head immediately jerked forward, his eyes capturing mine once again. I was oblivious of what was happening until my back was pressed against the wall, Daryl's chest against mine as he studied my face. "Daryl...what are you doing?" my voice was barely a whisper as I asked.

His eyes traveled over my face before he backed up. "Nuthin." He looked out the dusty window, grunting. "We need to get the supplies back to the prison."
I nodded even though he wasn't paying attention.

I remembered when we first got to the prison, how everything had been peaceful once it was cleared, but then a large horde found their way in. We lost T- Dog, and Lori died giving birth; Carl had to shoot her.

"She needs food soon or she's not going to make it," Hershel had said as he took the baby from Maggie, and Daryl lost it. "No, not her too. We aren't losing anyone else. I'll go on a run." I looked at him before looking down at the baby, "I'll go too."

And now we were here, trapped with the baby food and other things she needed. "Ye might as well get comfortable, not leavin' anytime soon."
I sighed sliding down the wall until I landed on the floor. This could be a long night.