Inside These Prison Walls(TWD fanfic)

Chapter Seven

2 WEEKS LATER......

August 24

It's been two weeks since Daryl left. Everyone else has given up hope. Maggie came up to me this morning and said she was sorry. I asked what for and she just gave me this look. A look of pity. A part of me wants to give up and just let myself grieve, another part wants to keep holding on to the hope that he's still alive and coming back to me. Last night I was thinking of the day that he took a picture of me with Glenn's old camera that he found. One of those print out ones. I searched the entire cell last night to find it, just because it was something of him. I couldn't find it anywhere. It probably got lost in a shirt or something somewhere. That's another piece of him I've lost. To be honest, I don't even know why I try.

I throw the journal away from, feeling the familiar tears welling up again. I stare at the field from my little haven up in the guard tower. Since my talk with Carl, I've spent more time here than anywhere else.

I stand up and lean my elbows against the railing. I've decided to give up and let myself grieve. Over the last two weeks, we've seen it get worse. Rick won't let us go out for runs anymore unless it was completely necessary. There's no way one person could've survived two weeks out there alone with only so many arrows. Part of my wants to disagree, but a larger part agrees.

I hang my head down and sigh. Tiredness seeps through my body, causing everything to ache. I've lost weight and have stopped eating, I can't sleep, but I drive myself insane by staying awake. I can't handle looking at the walkers, for fear that I might see him. I can't even say his name to the others without wanting to cry. But I can't cry because I'm too angry at him and myself. Him for leaving me, myself for not going after him or doing something.

A low rumble comes from close by and I look up. The sky is perfectly clear except for a cloud or two, so it can't be thunder. The rumbling gets louder and it's too constant to be anything other than a......

Motorcycle!

The familiar motorcycle appears at the end of the tree line. I laugh and run down the stairs of the guard tower as fast as I can. Carol, who was standing by the gate on watch, laughs too and begins unlocking it. Carl runs to open it up.

Daryl and another person, who must be Merle, ride up. Before the motorcycle even stops, Daryl is jumping off and running to me. I meet him halfway and meet him in a hug. He picks me up and spins me around in his arm.

"Don't ever do that again." I say into the crook of his neck. "Don't ever leave me again, promise?"

He sets me down again. "Promise."

I kiss him long and hard, not wanting to let go. We eventually separate, breathless. I grab his hand, never wanting to leave his side.

"Taylor," he says. "This is Merle."

Merle's eyes travel up and down my body, making me uncomfortable, but I try not to show it. I look down, realizing I'm wearing the short shorts Daryl got me.

"Ah, so this is the girl you've been banging? Good job, little brother."

My eyes widen at his comment.

"Merle, shut up."

I lean into Daryl, loving his protectiveness. Rick walks out and hush falls on everybody. I know a little bit about their past and what happened on the rooftop in Atlanta.

"Why, well if it ain't Officer Friendly!" Merle jeers.

"Hello Merle. Nice to have you back Daryl."

He shakes Daryl's hand, but has to shake the other one, because I refuse to let go of the one I'm holding.

"It's good to be back. I missed everyone."

He looks down at me for the last line and smiles. I smile back at him, feeling extremely happy and worry free for the first time in two weeks.

"Some more than others, I see." Rick says, laughing.

"Yes, definitely. How's Lil' Asskicker?"

"Growing big and eating like a horse."

Daryl smiles, but I can see an impatience in him.

"Why don't we all go inside and get something to eat?" I suggest. "I for one am starving and I'm sure Daryl and Merle are too."

"Won't disagree with that."

I start walking with the rest of the group, but Daryl pulls on my hand, stopping me.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my brow furrowed.

"Nothing. I just wanted to do this."

He kisses me. Softly, but also filled with passion.

"A proper kiss."

I smile as our lips meet again.

"You're not mad?" He asks as we break apart.

I shrug. "I was for about thirty seconds, then I just began worrying."

His smile fades. "I wanted to tell you, but it was easier for me just to write that note in case anything happened. I'm sorry."

I run my fingers through his hair. "But nothing did happen, so it's fine."

I begin walking, grabbing his hand.

"You look tired." Daryl says, his brow furrowing.

"I am, but I'll be fine. Especially now knowing your back." I smile to reassure him.

He pulls me close again and plays with my hair. "Tonight you can fall asleep next to me, and you won't have to get up early tomorrow. We'll sleep in as late as we want."

I laugh. "That sounds perfect to me."

He kisses me again. "Now, why don't we got get some food. I'm starving."

"Yes, please!"

We walk over to his motorcycle to grab his bags.

"Oh, I shot some squirrels on the way here to eat."

"Yes! Meat! I'm tired of eating nothing but beans just so my hair won't fall out! Can you believe I used to be a vegetarian?" I laugh.

Daryl just laughs as we walk, our joined hangs swinging.

"Although," He says, "it would be funny to see you without any hair."

"Um, yeah no."

We laugh and continue to walk. 

"I missed you." I say quietly.

"I missed you too."

"I'm glad your back."

"Me too."

"But I'm more glad you brought food!"

"Wow!"

I laugh and snatch the bag carrying the squirrels.

"Race you inside!" I yell, taking off. I laugh, feeling more care free than I have in my life. Little did I know just how quickly things could change.