Home Is Your Heartbeat ('Home Is' Book Two - Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 66 - Have You Ever Seen The Rain (CCR)

NATE

I felt the weight of Negan's eyes on me for the entire journey. But I never let mine leave a pin of light opposite me, shining through a bullet hole in the van's panel.

While I retained a tight hold of an unconscious Daryl in my arms.

Somehow knew that if I did? I might give myself away.

So I kept the shaking sobs and vacuous stares going for the duration. The grieving widow. It wasn't an act, believe me.

Eventually, we start slowing down. I hear the sounds of gates being rolled back and we draw to a final stop.

"Home sweet home, darlin"  Negan announced gaily as he and Dwight leapt out.

I take probably my last opportunity to quickly lean down to Daryl's face and lay my lips on his.

"Yours. No one else's....ever. Love you infinity. I'm sorry."

The rear doors swing open and I'm tugged out. Grimacing as the full sunlight glares into my swollen eyes. Daryl came to with a piteous moan when he was manhandled as well. Held upright between two hulking Neanderthals.

As my eyes focus, I quickly glance around. Taking in the fact that we're now standing in something resembling a factory courtyard. My eyes rise up and up until they reach the top of what looks like a huge derelict plant?

This building sure as hell didn't make the tour of the countryside that Daryl took me on. But then again, going by the distance we've travelled over the last twenty-four hours? We must be at least fifty miles if not more from Alexandria.

No....most of it was spent zig-zagging trying to get through the Saviors roadblocks and then in the back of a van. So I really have no idea of the mileage or direction even  ☹️

"Strip him down, boys. Make sure he's not concealing."

Dwight ripped Daryl's vest and shirt away. I wince seeing the bullet hole just under his right collarbone. But when they spin him around, I realise it's a through and through just like my injury had been.

I start praying that Negan will stick to his word and let his doctor tend to the wound. Because it looks awful. But then, so does Daryl.

"Well, this old dog has had himself a fair few whippings in the past. Obviously slow to learn his lessons. Go ahead, D. He's quite the catch....and you've earned it."

Negan nodded like a benevolent father and Dwight quickly donned Daryl's vest. Preening slightly as he pirouetted.

My man is now standing on his own. Shaking and naked in front of the assembled group who began laughing and jeering. Negan looked him up and down. Clicking his tongue as his eyebrows rose in admiration.

"Take a good look, Natalie. Now tell me, was your old man hung like my Daryl? Hell, I'd be jealous myself if I wasn't built like a....well shit. What do we have here? Damn! "

He did that little, theatrical pelvic thrust of his again. This time holding up whatever Dwight handed to him. Shook the piece of cloth out until it fluttered in the slight breeze.

"Looky, looky. My Daryl's been getting himself some nooky! "

This brought on more sniggers from the assembled group. As Negan held up the tiny red G-string I'd worn for Daryl that night. After he came home from his day out with Rick, when they came across Jesus.

He'd shoved them in his jeans pocket the morning after. And I'll always remember the look on his face as he did so.

"Mmmm, smells like Tide washing powder and nectar from the Gods"  Negan cackled.