Last One Standing ~ TWD Daryl Dixon

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Jo

We traveled all through the day, only stopping to refill our water bottles. It was a big group to have moving through the woods like this. We had next to nothing for supplies. I wish we did. I scavenged everything I could as we went. I didn't know where we were going but it was going to take a lot to support this large of a group.

I kept to myself as we moved, sticking to the back of the group. Rick, Glenn and Maggie led mostly. Daryl ranged on his own, going off into the woods and reappearing to walk with Carol then disappearing again. I kept my eye on Abraham. I wasn't sure why he was still with us, but I didn't like the way he watched us. There was something calculating in his gaze.

I was bending down near a stream when someone appeared at my side. He crouched down and submerged his water bottle. Once it was full he held it up to the light and scoffed. It was full of sediment.

"You're keeping to yourself," Daryl muttered quiet enough so no one around us would hear. His voice was soft and cautious, like he wasn't certain of how I was going to react.

I nodded, but didn't look at him. "Guess it's just habit now," I replied.

Daryl reached out like he was going to touch me but stopped and pulled his hand back. "Not anymore," he said firmly. "Not again."

I only nodded, uncertain of what to say. "How's Carol?" I couldn't help asking. As hard as I tried to fight it there was a definite tone in my voice.

Daryl noticed and frowned at me, looking confused. "She's good. Glad to be back."

I nodded and straightened, spinning the cap on my water bottle. "That's good, it's good that everyone is happy." And I walked away.

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Daryl

The group traveled until almost sundown. I found us a small clearing and motioned for Rick that it would be a good place to stop. I had done some hunting early in the day but I was distracted after my talk with Jo. I couldn't figure out what was going on in that girl's head. I couldn't tell if I should leave her alone or shove her up against a tree and kiss her. Either way a wrong move would probably get me punched in the face.

Carol and I took watch that night. Jo stood outside the circle of fire and I saw her face when we volunteered. Her eyes were hard and shuttered. Then she turned away and found a small space away from everyone else to curl up and sleep. I thought back to the train car when I held her and couldn't think of what had changed since. I rubbed my forehead. I was damn awful at this kind of thing. When had things gotten so complicated between us, they had always been easy. Us being together had been as easy as breathing. I thought back to that morning down in the tombs with the coffee, and how she had felt in my arms.  I wanted that back but didn't know how to get there.

Carol and I sat together, back away from the fire so it wouldn't mess with our night vision. At least that's what I told myself. If I was totally honest it was also because Jo was sleeping out here by herself and I wasn't willing to sit where I couldn't keep an eye on her.