Crossbow Lovers

Catching Feels?

Tegan and Daryl found an old home goods store that was just about empty besides a few cans of soup and a blanket. They laid out the blanket and each ate a can of soup.

"Daryl," Tegan started, but was interrupted.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"Sorry for what? Daryl, you saved me," she said placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Is that what you call it? I should've killed them all as soon as they walked in!" He threw his can of soup across the room. Tegan didn't flinch or say a word. Daryl got up and walked over to the window, looking up at the dark blue sky. His body twitched when he felt a pair of small arms wrap around his waist.

"Thank you, Daryl," the small voice came from behind him. He didn't turn to hug her back, but he didn't push her away either. Truth be told he liked the feeling of her against him. The warmth she radiated.

After a few moments of Tegan hanging on to him, he finally turned around.

"We should get some rest. I'll take first shift," he grumbled walking towards the blanket and sitting back against the wall. Tegan followed the redneck and sat next to him, her back against the wall.

"I'm not tired," she lied. Truth be told, she was exhausted. Her eyes fought to stay open, but soon her head was rested on Daryl's shoulder. He glanced down at the girl sleeping on him. He should've done more. How could he let them touch her like that?

It wasn't long until he started drifting off. Laying his head on hers. He wasn't asleep long when he felt Tegan start squirming. She had her head on his legs now and she was curled up against him. Words were coming through her parted lips, but he couldn't understand them. Then she started screaming.

"Tegan! Tegan! Wake up!" Daryl yelled shaking the young girl awake. Sweat poured down her face and her eyes were dark.

"Daryl," she whispered crawling up closer into his chest. She was completely on top of him now. Her legs curled close against her and her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Its alright. I got ya," Daryl sighed, trying to comfort her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered into his chest, silent tears spilling out her eyes.

"Don't worry about it. Go back to sleep," he said taking a hand and rubbing it through her hair. It wasn't long until he heard her breathing change.

The next morning she woke up, still on Daryl's lap. His head was pressed back against the wall, eyes closed. She tried sneaking off his lap, but his eyes flung open and he gripped tighter on her thigh.

"Sorry, I didnt mean to wake you," she said sliding off of him when his grip loosened.

"Its aight," he said rubbing his eyes.

"Sorry about last night," Tegan said standing up and wiping her legs off. "I guess I had a nightmare."

"What bout?" Daryl asked, fearing it was from those men.

"Can't remember," she lied through a smile. Only Aaron and Eric know the truth, for they have caught her having nightmares plenty of times.

"Hm," Daryl huffed getting on his feet.

"Let's try to find a car," Tegan said throwing her backpack and crossbow on. Daryl followed her lead. They searched through each vehicle trying them all. Finally after what felt like hours Daryl got one to start. They loaded it up with a few things they found in the other stores and headed home. "Hey, can you not tell anyone about what happened yesterday? Especially Aaron and Eric. They will flip." Daryl grunted in response.