All Out War

Chapter 44

"That was a hell of a punch you gave that prick," Daryl said once we had taken our seat.

"He deserved so much more," I retorted.

"There's no way you're sitting tomorrow out, is there?" he asked suddenly.

"Were you hoping I would?" I retorted.

"I was," he said.

"How come?" I asked.

"Eugene is making bullets for them. What if we go tomorrow and then something goes down? How would I live with myself if something happened to ya?" he said.

I reached for his hand and held it.

"Something could have gone wrong today. I know what I'm risking, Daryl. The chance of putting an end to Negan and the Saviors is a chance that we have to take. And if risking my life so that my family could have the chance to live the way they want is what it takes, then I'm okay with that," I said.

"But I'm not," he said leaning back.

"Well I'm not letting you go by yourself. We're partners remember? Look, Rick and Maggie are coming up with a plan. I trust them. We're gonna be extra cautious going out there. We're gonna have to be," I said.

"Why are you so keen in seeing this through?" he asked.

"Because I love you, Daryl. I love Rick and Carl. Judith, Maggie, Michonne...my family. And the baby that grows inside me with each passing day. I have to fight. I have to make that future Carl was talking about, a reality. He deserves that. We all do. A point in time where there's no killing, where we could get back somewhat of a normal existence before all this shit happened. A safe place to be...I want that almost as much as I want to see the day our kid is born. So I'm going tomorrow because I know what it's gonna be for. That it isn't for nothing," I said.

He sighed and came over to sit next to me.

"I wouldn't have met you if all this shit hadn't happened, you know," he said.

"I can't even picture that. Shit hit the ceiling and well, here we are. Shit hitting that ceiling was the best thing that could have happened cause amongst all the sorrow and suffering, I found you. And now that I found you, I ain't ever letting you go," I said pressing my forehead against his.

"You're the only one that could talk me outta shit, you know that don't ya?" he said.

"And so are you. See. We make a great team," I said smiling at him.

He kissed me.

"I want you safe," he whispered while he embraced me.

"Letting me go out there is the safest thing you could do. I only feel safe whenever I'm around you," I whispered back.

"Everything okay?" Carl asked while he carried over a plate of grilled cheeses.

Daryl and I parted.

"Yeah. Everything's good," Daryl said.

"Good. Michonne asked me to bring these to you. Charlie sends you her best. She would have brought them herself but she's making some things for the others. But don't worry, I gave her one of the sandwiches and watched her take a few bites," he said setting the plate down.

"That was very thoughtful of you. Sit down. Have a few. You too, Daryl," I said.

Carl sat across from us while we each took a sandwich and ate.

"So. Do you know what you want now?" I asked Carl after my third sandwich.

"I was talking with dad earlier," he said.