Something Missing [Daryl Dixon Love Story]

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

(Dakota’s POV)

It wasn’t until I reached the ground clutching my side that I realized how much of a mistake climbing had been.  I shot of pain sent me to my knees.

                “Shit…” I whispered. “I forgot about the goddamn stitches.”

                Aaron didn’t miss a beat. He was on his knees by my side almost as soon as I went down.  “Dakota!” The panic in his voice made me feel dread. “What is it?”

                I sucked in a breath. “I—I’ve got something I have to tell you about.” He sat me against the tree and nodded. “Well, yesterday I went out into the woods with Beck…” He nodded again as to tell me to “go on”. I swallowed. “The woods Daryl told us not to go into alone.” He gave me a look that instantly made me feel like I betrayed him. “When I was out there I came across some people…and I guess I must’ve startled them because…” my voice lowered. “Because one of them shot me and Beck…” I kept my eyes on the ground. I didn’t want to see his face. I didn’t want to see the look that was sure to make me feel stupid for ever going out on my own.

                He was silent for a while but then he said, “Can I see it?” I looked at him.

                “It’s going to be gross…”

                “I don’t care, Dakota. Show me.” I swallowed and grabbed them hem of my shirt. As I pulled I could tell that the stitches definitely broke. My shirt was sticking to it.

                I watched his face carefully as I showed him the place where I was shot. His face wrinkled into a grimace and then turned sad. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here… I could’ve—I…” He stopped realizing he didn’t have anything to say.

                “Aaron…” It’s all I can manage.

                “I could have protected you…. Could’ve made sure you never went out there by yourself.” He put his face in his hands. “I’m such a…fucking idiot.” He didn’t swear often. I could only stare at him. “I’m so sorry, Dakota…”

                There was no reason he should be apologizing right now. This was my fault, not his. I got back to my feet ignoring the pain and walked over to him. I grabbed his hands from his face and pulled him to his feet. I could see the tears forming in his eyes that he was trying to hide from me. “Aaron…stop.” I closed the distance between us and put my lips against his. Kissing was still a foreign idea between us, but I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t want to see him upset about something he had no control over. It was my fault that I got shot, not his. There’s nothing he could have done.

                He responded to the kiss and put one of his hands lightly on my waists and the other against my cheek.  At this moment I came to a realization that subconsciously I think I’ve known for a while, but confirming it felt amazing. It ended and I laid my forehead against his. “I love you, Aaron.”

                His eyes widened. “What—are you sure?” he asked taken off guard.

                I closed my eyes and gave him another quick kiss. “Yes, I’m sure. In fact, I’ll say it again. I love you.” I smiled. “You’re the only perfect thing in this messed up life and you make me so unbelievably happy. There are not enough words to describe the way I feel.”

                He swallowed and nodded. “I—I love you too…” His cheeks reddened again.

                I grinned, “You’re so adorable.”