Him (TWD//Merle//)

Chapter 11

( A/N at the end pls read )

Sunlight streaming through the zipper of the tent slowly brought me out of my sleepy state.

I opened my eyes and let them adjust to my surroundings. I was still in Merle's tent! We must've fallen asleep last ight.

The space where Merle layed beside me is cold and empty. This disappoints me a bit. Maybe he had to go hunting? Gosh I hope I don't become too clingy. I feel like I deserve a free pass this time though. It's not everyday that some asshole beats the sh-

A loud snore rattles the ground around me and pulls me away from my thoughts.

Daryl Dixon lays across from me, sleeping like a baby. His brown hair is tussled beyond belief, as if he recently had a run-in with a bear. His face though, almost looks at peace, which is a pretty hard thing to come by during the apocalypse.

I wish we could partake in normal day-to-day activities again, I thought bitterly. Unfortunely, we don't get that luxury anymore.

I slowly peel my comforter from my body, and touch my feet to the ground. My head still dully aches from yesterday's events. Although on the bright side, it seems that a full nights rest really helped my body adjust to the trauma it had endured.

Eventually I'm able to stand, so I make my way out of the tent.

Once outside, I attempt to look up to the sun and realize first light must've only broken under an hour ago. It mustve been 6:30? 7:00 a.m? Light was barely peaking through the trees surrounding our little camp.

Carol seems to be the only one up. Everyone elses tents were closed and silent. Not talking to Carol wouldn't help my situation at all, so I walk over to the breakfast table where she's preparing the groups first meal.

"Need any help?" I question, looking up at her.

Her eyes widen and then zone in on my face. What is she looki- ohhhh. She's looking at my injured face.

Ed must've done a number on me because her face fills with regret, "Oh Amy, I am so so sorry," she whispers as if she's in pain.

I open my mouth to respond, but a hand snakes its way around my waist from behind me and pulls me back about a foot. I look down and see a pair of tanned calloused fingers holding onto my hip.

Slightly I tilt my head up and find a very furious Merle, glaring down at Carol. He looks as if he's about to snap. He presses his chest against the backside of my body, almost in warning.

"I reckon' it be best to keep yer' distance from mah girl, Carol," he manages to growl out.

His girl. I'm immediately lost in a trance.

I snap out of it and my mind floods with confusion, "Oh no, Merle, I approached her," I try to explain but one look from his icy gaze has me shutting my mouth.

In a split second, he starts dragging me toward an old blue pick-up truck on the far side of camp. I let him guide me without complaint. As we near the back of the car, he unlatches the tail and pulls it down in one fluid motion.

That was kinda hot.

Merle lifts me up onto it so that im sitting on the edge, and then takes a step back.

He starts studying my face, no doubt analyzing all my unjuries. I take the time to study him as well. He looks much better than yesterday, he must've showered Ed's blood off because there isn't a trace left on his skin nor his clothes.

I move my attention to his face and realize that his bright blue eyes are gazing into mine intently.

He furrows his brow , showing me how upset he is, " Ya lookin' like hell sugar."

I want to ease his mind at once. There's no need to upset him any further, " I'm fine, Merle. Honestly, it's worse than it looks."

I go to smooth my hair back from my face and wince as my fingers graze my left cheek.

Dammit.

As he stares at me with unbelieving eyes, I decide to come clean, " Okay, my pain is at about a 4 now and it's a bit difficult to stand for too long. But I can feel my body healing. Last night's rest really helped," I peaked up at him earnestly.

He stares at me for a moment and then grunts.

I hate when men do that. It's very obvious that we're in the 21st century, so why act like a caveman? But as i began to think about it, it became clear that this was how Merle was. In a way, i appreciated him more for it.

" I never thanked you for saving me," The words rush out of my mouth and my cheeks become stained a bright pink immediately.

It's silent for a few moments. Merle continues to stare at the ground in a trance. Steadily he saunters toward me and makes his way inbetween my legs.

What he does next, surprises me in every way possible.

The burly man i have come to know in less than 72 hours, takes my face into his hands, looks straight into my eyes, and says the sweetest thing I could've every imagined to come out of his mouth, " Angel, I'll always protect you. While I'm around, nothin' like that'll ever happen again."

(A/N: Hey everyone, it's been quite a while since I've been gone. I apologize for not being on Wattpad for a bit. I definitely needed a little bit of time to better my lifestyle along with my writing as well. I fully intend on continuing "Him" starting now! I'll try and update daily from now on. Thank you for taking the time to re-submerge into this book if you've done so! See ya guys tomorrow *smiles*)