Healing Broken Wings [Daryl Dixon] The Walking Dead

Twelve| When The Horse Bucks

🌱Kristina🌱

I watch Daryl, he's resting in his tent. He had an altercation with Carol this morning when she tried to stop him from leaving. He's hurt and he almost died the last time he went out. I head for the stables, Daryl nearly risked his life to find that girl and I'll help in any way I can. Rick has told the group not to go out alone but I didn't want anyone telling me I couldn't go out just because I need to stay and fold laundry.

I make soft noises and walk up to Nelly's stall. "Hey, girl, ready to go out?" I ask stroking her muzzle. I pull her bridle on and saddle. "You're not supposed to go out alone," a voice says, making me freeze. "You're supposed to be resting."

"Well, it's kind of hard when someone's sneaking off," he says almost.... jokingly? I tighten the saddle. "You know I won't let you go alone right? Either I go with you or I find a way to make you stay. And please don't choose the latter because running to the house won't be good for me and my stitches." I chuckle a little and turn to face him, crossing my arms.

"You really won't let this go?"

"I really really won't let this go. I'm a stubborn jackass that way."

"Well, at least I know you're truthful," I say airing out my resentment towards him. "I deserved that. Now am I going with you?"

"What if you overexert yourself?"

"I have a doctor by my side, I'll be fine." I turn to him with a serious look. "Daryl, I went to med school for a year and I was halfway through my second year when the world ended I'm not that professional."

He shrugs and I sigh. "Okay, let's go then." I pull myself up on Nelly and Daryl saddles up a horse as well. I stay close to him in case anything happened. "Why were you sneaking off anyway?" I look forward as we leave the farm behind. "I heard about your argument with Carol."

"She really likes to gossip, doesn't she?" I look at him sideways and he shakes his head. "Anyway, you risked your life just to bring back this small piece of evidence and I didn't want it to be for nothing."

"You're really something," he whispers to himself and I mess with the reins. "Daryl, um, can I ask you a question?"

"You just did," he says a little humorously and I don't really trust his good mood, afraid it might change at any moment if I ask the wrong question. "I'm serious," I say softly, looking at him and he gets a serious look before nodding. "Why?"

He looks at me and I continue my voice breaking, "Why did you do this to me? Why.... why did you act like I was a complete stranger? Did you do it out of anger?" He shakes his head, his eyes sad and guilty. "The only person I was angry with was myself. And as for my reasons you'll only hate me more." I laugh and shake my head.

"Damn it, I know I should already. Especially, after all you've put me through but I never hated you. I was only confused and really sad. So, just spit it out. I deserve that at least." He nods, adjusting his crossbow. "Yeah, you deserve a lot of things. I told you about my parents and what they were like, so I hope you understand what I'm about to say."

I nod and listen quietly. "Growing up, I never felt loved, not at all. And I never knew what it felt like and never fell in love, until you. When you told me, you loved me, all these feelings confused me and I didn't know what to do with them. What I usually do in estranged conflict is I instinctively pull away and withdraw, pushing others away from me so I don't have to deal with it."

"And that's why? You were trying to distance yourself from me because I told you I loved you? Then why'd you kiss me and not pull away? Why'd you let it go farther?"