my angel ➶ ➶ daryl dixon

t h i r t y f o u r

Aspen's POV:
When I finished my mini speech, I walked away from the group so I could try to collect my thoughts. I grabbed a cup of water and made my way outside. It helped to feel the cool afternoon breeze on my face. I could tell winter would soon be upon us and felt so blessed to be safe and sound with my group in the prison.

I walked into the field, glancing behind me to make sure no one had followed me. I didn't see anyone, but I still continued further out.

Once I was almost to the outer gate, I brought myself to a stop. I sat down on the warm grass and thought about how much had changed in just a few days.

I was on my own, thinking I would never see any of my group again, yet here I am. Once again with everyone I loved.

Well, not everyone. Thomas was still freaking me out. After the incident at the farm, I didn't know what to think about him. He was so sweet before, and then it was like he just snapped. And Daryl... He was the most complicated one out of all of them.

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I sat by myself for a while, watching the sunset. It was like a watercolor painting. The reds mixed with the oranges and yellows so perfectly, it didn't seem like nature could create something so pretty after everything that happened.

It baffled me that even though the world is screwed, I could see a view like this. It seemed like a cruel trick.

Just as I was about to head in, I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, seeing Thomas a few paces away from me. I began to jump up, but my body wasn't fully healed yet and all that I succeeded in doing was giving myself a pounding headache and falling back down on my butt.

"Stop! Aspen, I just want to talk to you!"

"Well I don't want to talk to you!" I screamed at him, trying to gain my balance as I stood up.

"Aspen, stop!" He grabbed my arm and I was too weak to pull away. "Just let me explain."

"Fine Thomas! Explain your actions back at the farm."

He finally let go of my arm and sighed. "Listen, I was so worried about the herd, I didn't want you to get hurt. I know I was a little bit rough, but I wanted you to stay safe." I had to look away from his eyes because they made me start to believe his story. I couldn't. It was all a lie. Or was it?

I found myself starting to forgive him more and more as he spoke. He talked about how hard it was for him to handle this apocalypse and lose so many of his loved ones. He looked genuinely troubled by his experiences and I found myself even begin to tear up.

"I'm sorry Thomas, I didn't know you had gone through so much." He just nodded his head, and I wrapped him in a hug.

"Do you forgive me?" He asked.

I paused. Did I forgive him? Did I believe enough of what he said that I could try to forget about what happened? "I forgive you." I whispered. I don't think I could ever be one hundred percent comfortable around Thomas ever again, but I could try.

He smiled, happy with my answer. "Sit, let's talk a while." Thomas sat down, patting the grass beside him, motioning for me to sit beside him.

I caved, and he wrapped his arm around me. I wanted to push it off, but the air had a bite to it, and it kept me warm.

We talked about our past, from school to family. I found out many things I never even cared to think about. He was very open and I felt like I was beginning to see a whole other side of this person I thought I already knew so much of.

Finally the sun set and I began to shake even with Thomas' arm around me. "Cold?" He asked.

"Y-y-yes." I stammered, my teeth chattering.

He smiled and got up, extending his hand for mine. I accepted it and he pulled me up.

He glanced towards the door of the prison, but before I could see what he was looking at, he roughly pulled me into him and pressed his lips to mine. I gasped with surprise and he took that as an invitation for him to shove his tongue down my throat.

I could barely breath and all I could feel was his wet tongue. I pushed him away and slapped him. "What the hell Thomas?!"

He had a crooked grin on his face. "Sorry, just wanted to put on a show for a certain someone." I spun around to look at the prison door and saw a certain angel vest retreating inside.

I spun around and slapped him again before taking off after Daryl. I needed to explain myself.

However, when I entered the cell block, he was nowhere to be found. I searched every nook and cranny, but couldn't find one hint of where he had gone.

I finally stormed up to my room and broke down into tears.

And then I heard the footsteps outside of my door...

And they didn't sound friendly.