Rise Up

Chapter 25

We got to the room that we had stayed in the night before and took our place on the bed. I rested my head on Daryl's arm.

“Carol’s all right. Not that I ever doubted she wouldn't be. She's tough as hell,” I said.

“Yeah. She is. She deserves to know though,” he said.

“Yeah. I know. But, we need to give her time. I'm sure she'll come around. She's a fighter too,” I said.

“I'm real sorry about all the stuff I said,” he whispered.  

“It's forgotten,” I said.

I then moved and sat on top of him.

“So, you gonna actually talk to Maggie when we get to Hilltop?” I asked grabbing his hands and intertwining our fingers.

“I already told you,” he started.

“I know. But she is going to notice you not speaking to her,” I said.

“Well if that happens, I'll figure it out then,” he said.

I leaned in and kissed him.

“Okay. Just don't push me away. Promise,” I said when we parted.

Our foreheads were pressed together.

“I promise,” he whispered.

He wrapped his arms around me and laid me on my back. I smiled up at him.

“We should get some sleep,” I whispered.

“Yeah. We're taking off early tomorrow,” he said.

“Yeah we are,” I said.

I kissed his forehead. He laid back down and pulled me closer. He moved some of my hair behind my ear.

“I love you,” he whispered.

I looked up at him.

“I love you more,” I said.

I kissed him once more and then rested my head against his chest. The steady beat of his heart slowly lulled me to sleep. The next morning, we were up and ready to head to Hilltop.

“You got everything?” Daryl asked before leaving the room we were in.

“Yeah. So I never got the chance to comment on the fact that you got yourself another crossbow,” I said.

“You surprised?” he retorted.

“Not really. I’m sure you were itching to get your hands on one,” I said.

“I guess,” he said.

“You know it’s really gonna be hard keeping my hands to myself with that thing around,” I teased.

“Thought you said all that was bullshit,” he retorted.

“Well, you do look sexy when you work with one, Daryl,” I said.

“Stop,” he said.

“Okay. But just know, every time you reload one of your arrows, I’m gonna be tempted to have my way with you,” I said winking at him.

“Okay. That’s it. We’re leaving,” he said.

“You gonna have your way with me?” I joked.

“No. We’ve got other things to think about...and then I’ll have my way with you,” he said grabbing my hand and leading me out.

We made our way to the gate. Morgan was there to see us out. I went up to him and gave him a hug.