Last One Standing ~ TWD Daryl Dixon

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Jo

I woke the next morning to someone gently shaking me awake. I rolled over, mumbling when the hand closed around my upper arm and I jerked awake. Rick was bent over me, but he didn't pull away. He was making sure I was okay. He waited for me to see it was him and make eye contact before he nodded and stepped away. I blinked a few times and looked at the sky. It was barely dawn.

"We should get going before it gets too hot," he said gently.

I sat up slowly and nodded, scrubbing at my face with the heels of my hands. "Alright," I replied and he moved on to rouse the rest of the group.

It was more obvious today exactly how much more exhausted everyone was. The little food and lack of water was definitely wearing on everyone.

"Dad," Carl called. I snapped my head in his direction, but he was looking ahead down the road. "Look."

I followed his gaze to see a half a dozen cars that had crashed together blocking the road.

Daryl and Rick stopped side by side, they shared a long look.

"Imma head out in the woods, circle back," Daryl rasped. Rick nodded, his focus on the cars in front of us. The windows were all covered in dirt and grime obscuring the interiors.

"Alright everyone, be careful, no risks. See what we can find," Rick called to the group. They all stepped forward towards the cars.

They wouldn't need me here, there were thirteen people to search just six cars. I might as well go with Daryl and be useful. I turned to follow him but he rounded on me. His shoulders were tight and he glared down at me. "Just me," he growled.

I let out a shaky sigh as he stalked off. I stood and watched him go. I was torn between stomping after him and shoving him up against a tree, and just leaving him be. Someone bumped my shoulder. I turned to see Rick standing beside me. I grit my teeth for a second. That was something Daryl had done and I resented Rick for reminding me of times when things were better between us.

"He'll be okay," Rick promised me.

I swallowed hard but nodded because that was what would make Rick feel better.

"Hey," Rick said turning towards me.

I glanced back at him and suddenly realized my eyes were burning with the effort to hold back tears. I felt like an idiot. I turned away and drew my kukri, fully intending to stomp off towards the cars. Rick caught my arm and pulled me into a hug. I stiffened for a moment and then let myself relax into the comfort he was offering. He rested his cheek on top of my head.

"Things are gonna get better, we just gotta keep moving."

I nodded and pulled back and Rick let me go. I swiped at my eyes and sniffled.

"You okay?" Rick asked, tilting his head so he could try to catch my eye.

I chuckled once, humorlessly "Gotta be," I said resolutely. I took a deep breath to steady myself and turned to search a car. When I looked up Daryl was standing at the edge of the trees watching me. We stood there for what felt like a long time before I shook my head and turned and walked away. He could go back to being a surly loner if he wanted but I wasn't going to let him take me down with him. I was done with that.