My Only Weakness

Chapter Twenty

I watched as Daryl got out of the car, his expression solemn as he moved to the trunk. I looked around at the others that followed; Bob, Sasha, Michonne...but one was missing.

"Daryl, where's Zach? He was supposed to go on the run with you, right?" I asked as I leaned against the back end of the car. He glanced up quickly before averting his eyes. "He ain't coming back."

I let out a sad sigh as he told me this. Zach had started pulling his weight almost immediately after he arrived, and soon became an asset. "Are you going to tell Beth?" He gave me a nod and I threw him a small smile in return.

"I'll never get over it," I stated looking around. He slammed the trunk shut before looking in my direction. "What?" I met his gaze, "Losing people." He went silent, and I reached out to brush his dark, greasy hair from his face. "I'm glad you're back."

A faint smile spread across his lips as he moved forward, looking around to make sure no one would see, before kissing my forehead. "Me too."

He tossed one of the bags over his shoulder and gently pushed passed me, heading towards the prison. I smiled to myself as I watched him go, only wishing I could pull him back to me.

He still had yet to say anything about my little 'I love you' a few days before, and I was kind of thankful for that. I didn't know what I would say if he brought it up, and I feared I would only mess things up.

"Daryl isn't used to people caring for him," Carol told me as we folded clothes later that day after I had expressed my feelings, "Everyone he's ever gotten close to has either left him behind or died. He was always on his own if he wasn't with Merle before all this, and even then his brother wasn't what you'd call loving."

I sighed remembering the few interactions I had with Merle Dixon, and how rude he was to everyone, especially Daryl. I didn't have much growing up either.

"I can't blame him for feeling that way, but don't plan on leaving...and I sure as hell won't be dying anytime soon." I stated quickly, and Carol laughed shaking her head.

"I think he knows that...he's just been pushing people away for so long I don't think he's used to what you guys have." I grinned as she laughed once more, and continued folding the pants currently in my lap.

That's when we heard the gunshots coming from inside the prison, both of us quickly standing up, but as I started to move she stopped me. "No, go find Carl and keep him out!" I nodded and she started to run towards the sound of gunshots.

I scanned the prison yard, finding him with Rick and Hershel near the garden and made a dash for them, not stopping until my body collided with Rick's. He held my arms to steady me as I panted, pointing back at the prison. "T- they need you! You better...better hurry," I explained through panted breaths, and the two of them left Carl and I standing there wide eyed.

Moments later I heard a loud cry and turned to the sound, finding Michonne on the ground fighting off walkers as Maggie tried to open the gate. "Go help them!" I ordered, my tone coming off snappy, and he nods running in their direction. I looked to the prison, hearing more gunshots, and I took a deep breath before sprinting up the hill.

By the time I got there I saw both Rick and Daryl coming out of the prison, blood splattered over their faces and clothes. I turned my head to see Carl and Maggie dragging an injured Michonne through the gate, now only a few feet behind me.

Carl ran to Rick who held up his hands, "N...no, don't-" he was interrupted as his son embraced him with tear stained eyes.

"What happened?" I asked quickly once I caught up with Daryl's retreating form, and he backed away from me, causing me to frown. "People were sick, died and turned into walkers in the middle of the night," Rick explained as Daryl turned to look at him, "Anyone who was in there has been exposed."

I met Daryl's gaze, and for a quick moment I could see pain and sadness, but he soon turned and I watched him disappear into one of the guard towers with a sigh.