Little Dixon (Daryl Dixon)

I'm Yours

((Daryl's POV))

She was alive. Avery was alive. I honestly didn't think she would make it... She was unconscious for a week, without any food or water. It's a surprise she woke up... But she's alive now, and that's all that matters. She's alive and I can hold her in my arms again. I would keep her safe. I had to.

When I walked into that room and saw her limp body laying on the ground with Brice standing over it, for the first time in my life, i didn't know why to do. My whole world flipped, and all I cared about was getting her home safely. That was all that mattered to me. And now, she's the only thing that matters. That's how it's gonna be now.

That's why I killed Brice. If I hadn't, he would have killed her or Judith or anyone else. I couldn't allow that to happen. I did the right thing. His wife was in hysterics, but she understood that I did the right thing. She saw that her husband was changing, and she knew it was for the best that he was killed. Now, Avery's awake and everything's back to normal. And that's all that mattered.

It was Avery's first time outside since she woke up, and everyone was cheering her on. She was popular amongst the group, and she would've been a great loss. We needed her nowadays.

She was walking slowly, still not used to being on her feet. I stood right next to her, ready to catch her if she fell.

The whole group probably thought that I was turning soft, but they were wrong. I was turning soft for Avery, but no one else. If anyone messed with me or Avery or the group, they'd wish they hadn't. And the group soon realized that, and they stopped calling me soft.

But I guess they did have a reason to call me "soft". The whole time Avery was unconscious, I stayed right by her side, not going on any patrols or anything. The group didn't mind though. They stated that they knew how much she meant to me. I guess they knew I loved her before I even did.

"Way to go, A!" Glenn called from the picnic table. He sat there with Lily and Maggie, Judith playing in the grass next to them.

I glanced at Avery beside me to make sure she was doing alright, and of course she was. I'll tell ya something, she's one tough son of a bitch. She reminded me somewhat of a chick version of my brother, Merle. Nothing could kill Avery but herself.

Rick looked up from where he was gardening with Hershel, Carl and Beth.

"Hey, it's Avery!" Carl exclaimed. He dropped the shovel and ran up to her, embracing her in a tight hug.

"You just saw me ten minutes ago," Avery pointed out, laughing.

"Yeah, but I didn't get to hug you." Carl retorted. "I was scared I was gonna loose you too."

I felt bad for the kid. Days before Avery disappeared, he lost his mother. Since then, he looked to Avery as a mother figure. And then after she disappeared, he had no one. His father had just come back from wherever the hell he was and he was taking care of Judith. That's when Carl and I got close. The kid probably felt like I was the only person he could come to. Both of us care deeply for Avery, and he felt like I would understand. Which I did.

-

Within a few hours of slowly walking around, Avery was as quick and nimble as she was before. She began a lot more talkative, socializing with the group and asking about things.

It was a beautiful spring day. It was warm out, probably around 80°, and we spent the whole day outside. Axel and Oscar joined us soon after. We finally accepted the prisoners, and I think they deserved it.

Avery and I were walking around the edge of the fence, checking for any weak spots. The sun was just beginning to set, and the air was cooling down.

"Ya feelin' okay?" I asked her. Though it was probably the millionth time.

"Same as I did ten minutes ago," Avery retorted, glancing at me playfully. Her beautiful dark brown eyes shone with laughter. I missed lookin' into her eyes...

"I just worry about ya," I defended. Avery laughed a little, shaking her head.

"Yeah, I know." She agreed softly. As we walked along the fence, any walkers that were there began to follow us, trying to bite us through the metal. I pulled out my hunting knife and stabbed one in the head, making it fall limp to the ground. Avery began to do the same, though her hands were a little shaky. Before, she had amazing accuracy and aim, now she missed easy shots. I'd have to teach her again.

"Dammit," She muttered under her breath as she stabbed a walker in the throat.

"Take yer time," I instructed. "Remember how ya used to do it."

Before long, all the walkers were dead. I huffed and put my knife back into its sheath. Avery sighed in frustration and did the same.

"You'll get the hang of it again," I assured her softly. "It'll just take some time."

"Yeah, okay." She muttered and began to stalk away. I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.

"What's wrong?" I questioned, gazing into her eyes.

"Nothin'," She said simply. I rolled my eyes, "Somethin's wrong," I insisted. Avery shook her head stubbornly. I licked my lips and stared at her intently.

"I'm just getting frustrated. I'm no use to the group now," She finally admitted. I let go of her arm and took a step back.

"I'll teach ya how to use a knife and gun again. The hit to yer head must've done somethin'..." I said quietly. "Fer now, ya can help take care of Judith."

"I guess I can... I do owe Lori that anyway..." She agreed. She turned around to leave, but I held her back again.

"I need to talk to ya," I told her. Avery turned around and stared at me expectantly. I sighed and thought of how I was gonna say this...

"I need to know somethin'..." I started awkwardly. I didn't know how to say this; I never loved anyone before...

"Go on," Avery pressed, looking up at me.

"I need to know that yer mine. I need to know that ya won't leave me fer someone else," I said.

"I won't leave you for someone else," She told me. I stared down at her seriously, "Are ya sure about that?" I questioned. Avery stared at me like I grew two heads. I know I might've sounded crazy, but I needed to know. I may have seemed like a total heartless badass, but when it came to her, I was a softy.

"I'm pretty sure," Avery said, looking at me suspiciously.

"What if someone closer to yer age comes into the group? And y'all become close..." I asked. Avery scoffed, looking away.

"I won't leave you, I promise." She said intently. I nodded, "I'll remember that when ya leave me fer someone else. I'll remind ya of yer promise."

Avery took a step closer to me and gazed into my eyes. "I'm yours, Daryl." She whispered. I smiled and leaned in to kiss her. As our lips met, I realized she was right. She was mine. And no one was gonna take her.