Five months since the town has had their guard up. Three months with Daryl. Almost two years of living in Alexandria for Rowan. Life for the community members was strong and prosperous. Everyone had a role, everyone was happy. Maggie and Glenn were expecting a child. Michonne and Rick formed a relationship. Judith was growing. Abraham and Rosita's relationship was blooming. Everyone was happy.
Daryl moved in with Rowan. They shared their own home together and life seemed to be on the right path. Rowan was happy, Daryl was happy. He's become kinder, but still hasn't lost his survival tactics. He talks more, says hello to people walking down the street. Rowan and him had a good life ahead.
Things changed.
______
It was another sunny day. Rowan woke up intertwined with Daryl. He was awake too. She could tell because when she moved slightly he pulled her back to his bare chest and held her tight. "Not yet." He whispered. Rowan agreed and laid with Daryl. About twenty minutes later, she lightly kissed him on his nose, as he drifted back to sleep earlier. He smirked at her gesture and finally decided to wake up. It was only 8:30 in the morning, but they both knew they needed to get up for the day. Daryl wanted to go on a run with Abraham and Sasha today. He'd gone on plenty of runs since Rick and Deanna determined it safe to do so but for some reason, Rowan felt different about it today.
They were both at the kitchen counter. Rowan drinking coffee and Daryl watching her.
"You'll be back by the night right? This isn't one of your week long trips?" Rowan asked.
"No later than nightfall. I promise. Why are you so worried today?" Daryl asked, moving around the counter to place his arms around Rowan.
"I don't know. Maybe because all of the places near are getting more and more empty because we're taking the supplies. We were getting dry the last few months because we weren't doing runs. Now you have to go farther to get supplies." She explained to him.
"Don't worry. I'll be back tonight. We'll have so much stuff a run won't be needed for awhile after this one." Daryl bent down and kissed Rowan passionately. "I'll miss you, hurry back." It's something she always said to him before he left.
"I love you, Rowan." Daryl said. This is the first time he said those words to her. She couldn't help but smile. She wanted to hear that for so long.
"I love you." With that, he kissed her once more and left the house. She watched the gates open from the window as Abraham, Daryl, and Sasha disappeared. She smiled to herself. She knew they'd be okay.
