Little Dixon (Daryl Dixon)

Promises

(( Daryl's POV ))

I couldn't believe it. I was going to be a father. I was going to be the father of Avery's child.

I couldn't stop smiling as I strolled into camp next to Avery. I held her hand tightly, not caring what Merle would say. He could kiss my ass. I just found out I was going to be a father, and I wasn't gonna listen to his smart ass remarks.

As Avery and I walked into camp, I noticed Carol staring at us expectantly. Avery nodded and Carol smiled. I could tell she knew.

"Who all knows?" I questioned Avery quietly.

She thought for a moment, "Hershel, Glenn, Maggie, Carol, Beth, Cathy and Mary.

I scoffed, "So all those people know and yer just now tellin' me?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"I only told Hershel, Glenn and Carol," Avery defended. I sighed and nodded. My heart felt... weird. I don't know what it was. I never felt it before.

That was the first time I actually smiled in a long time. I actually smiled a real smile. I bet I looked like a damn idiot.

I pulled away from Avery, my hand brushing her belly as I walked past her. I could see her smiling and that made me smile. I felt horrible that I made her think I didn't want this baby. I just didn't know how to react to things like this.

I wasn't just happy; I was terrified. After what happened to Lori... what if it happens to Avery? I couldn't bare to loose her... and without her here, the baby would be helpless. I had no idea how to take care of a child, and I was it's father!

I made my way over to Merle, who was leaning against a truck overlooking the group. Michonne and Rick stood nearby, talking quietly amongst themselves.

"Hey, baby brother!" Merle greeted me, slapping me on the back. "Where have you and brownie been?"

"Talkin'," I said simply. I didn't wanna tell him anything until it was time. Plus, I didn't really wanna hear his smartass remarks for 7 months.

Merle licked his lips, looking unconvinced, "Mhm, sure."

I opened my mouth to say something, but Rick cut me off.

"Daryl, can you come here for a second?"

I shot one last glare at my brother before walking over to Rick. Merle gave me a smirk of satisfaction, but I ignored it.

"We need to find a safe place to stay, soon." Rick said almost immediately. "We can't just live on the road. We're low on gas."

"Why are ya tellin' me this?" I asked.

"Because you're the second man in charge. I need you to know these things," Rick retorted. "We're leaving tomorrow morning and heading towards a nature reserve that Michonne told me about."

For the rest of the day, I practically stayed right by Avery's side. Occasionally, my hand would brush against her belly. I claimed it was on accident, but I could tell she knew it wasn't.

As the sun began to set, Rick ordered us to pack our things.

"Why?" Carol questioned.

"We're heading towards that nature reserve down on 185." Rick explained.

"I thought we were leaving tomorrow," I said. Rick rolled his eyes impatiently.

"I changed my mind," he muttered before walking off to his tent. I sighed and walked over to where Avery was beginning to pack our things. She went to pick up a bag, but I stopped her.

"I'll do it," I said softly. Avery smiled weakly, "I'm pregnant, not disabled." she whispered.

"Yeah, well ya need to rest. Go sit in the truck," I ordered. Avery shook her head stubbornly, "I wanna help you."

"I'll get Carl to help me," I told her. Avery sighed and reluctantly walked away. She popped into the truck and slammed the door loudly, shooting me a glare before turning around.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed our bags, carrying them over to our truck. I loaded them into the back, along with my motorcycle. Carl walked over carrying his own bags.

"Can I ride with you again?" He asked. "Sure, bud," I told him. Carl smiled and loaded his bags into the truck before hopping in the passenger side.

I looked around the camp, making sure we didn't leave anything important. Everyone had already gone to their vehicles and were waiting on me. Finding nothing important, I hopped into the driver's seat and turned on the engine. Avery was asleep next to me and Carl was looking out the window.

"Hey, Carl," I said softly.

"Hm?"

"Once we get to the nature reserve, I'll teach ya how to shoot a crossbow, okay?" I said.

Carl looked at me with shining eyes, "You remember the promise?" he asked excitedly.

"Of course," I smiled slightly.

"Thanks, Daryl." Carl said and smiled. I patted his shoulder and began to drive as Rick led the caravan.

Within a while, Carl had fallen asleep with Avery. It was totally dark out by then, the only light were the headlights on the road. It was quiet except for the roar of the engines. Rick led us down twisting roads, and sometimes I wondered if he knew where he was going.

Suddenly, I began to hear some growls. I knew it was walkers, but it was making me uneasy. We haven't seen a walker for days now, and I guess I got used to it. The growls became louder and louder and Rick slowed his car down, stopping the caravan.

I looked out the window to see something that made my heart lurch; walkers. Hundreds of them.

A/n: sorry this chapter was kinda short guys! I have to get ready for school xD

Anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying this story! please comment your feedback/concerns. It'll mean a lot (: