Chapter 1: Nicole

Daryl wheezed as the woman pushed her boot down harder on his throat. He struggled to stay conscious with the massive blood loss from his side while being painfully aware of the machete that was pointed directly between his eyes.

"I'm going to ask you again," The olive-skinned woman's eyes darkened with rage. "What. Are. You. Doing here?"

"I-I c-can't..." Daryl coughed. He was enraged now. There was no way this short bitch was going to get the best of him. "I CAN'T BREATHE!"

She finally released his neck only to sit on his stomach and hold the machete to his throat. "Try one thing, and I'll slit your jugular." She whispered. Her black hair fell over her eyes, masking the fact that she was slightly scared that he could easily flip her on her back and end it all.

"My name is Daryl Dixon," His Southern accent was thick with contempt. "and I didn't think there was any one else alive at this camp."

"You were mistaken. I'm the only one left. I need all of these supplies." She breathed heavily on top of him. "Empty that bag and give me back all of my things."

"Much obliged." He said through gritted teeth. "I'm going to need you to stop straddling me for that to happen."

She took one more look at him before swiftly climbing off.

Daryl stood up and grabbed his fallen crossbow. He held back a groan. She gave his side quite the slice. He then rubbed his neck where her foot had been not two minutes ago, scoffing at the woman in front of him. He walked towards the bag with intent on emptying it, when they both heard rustling coming from the woods.

As if on reflex, both held their weapons at the ready. Daryl looked behind him and found the woman ready to pounce on whatever has made their way to her campsite. Their eyes met, and a mutual understanding was found.

The woman nodded and met him at his side. They waited as the noise got closer. Daryl kept his finger at the trigger, ready to pull. The rustling got louder. Their muscles tightened.

Emerging from the foliage was a handsome man in a Deputy uniform and a small boy. The Deputy eyed the woman and shot a questioning look to Daryl. Daryl lowered his weapon.

"Put it down." He commanded the woman softly. Before replying, she saw the fear in the little boy's eyes. She followed suit.

"My name is Rick. Rick Grimes" He stepped a couple of feet forward to shake her hand. She reached hers out and shook it. "This is my son, Carl."

"Hello Rick. Carl."

"I see our friend Daryl tried raiding your campsite. Our apologies. We didn't think anyone resided here."

"They don't anymore. I'm the last one here."

Rick's friendly face suddenly turned into one of concern. "You're by yourself?"

"I have been for a week now. That is, before your friend here decided to try and take all of my supplies."

"Now wait one goddamn second-" Daryl started. A pain shot through his side and he fell forward. The woman walked off as Rick and Carl rushed to his aid.

"What happened?" Rick demanded.

"A machete." He groaned.

The woman walked back with bandages and a bottle of alcohol. She kneeled down next to him. Rick and Carl watched her from Daryl's other side.

"What in the hell are you doing?"

"Helping you. Now don't move." She undid his sleeveless shirt and poured some of the alcohol into his open wound. Daryl squirmed and groaned through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry for hurting one of your people. He's covered in blood and dirt, more so than anyone else I've seen, I mistook him for a walker."

"You have pretty terrible aim if you were tryin' to kill a walk-UGHHHHH!" Daryl groaned as the woman pressed harder than she should have on his wound.

"Is that too tight?" She asked with fake concern.

"Are you headed anywhere?" Rick ignored the whining coming from Daryl. The woman concentrated on nursing the wound before a simple, "No."

"You're more than welcome to join us. We have plenty of provisions along with transportation. With the looks of your site here...you may not have much of a choice."

Daryl looked from the woman to Rick, helpless.

"We'll need you. You may need us as well."

As she finished up wrapping his bandage, she sighed. "It would be nice to have other people to talk to, other than myself."

"Then it's settled. Let's help pack your things up. Our camp is just about 2 miles North of here." Rick pat Daryl's bare stomach, drawing out a flinch. "Once you're all patched up, maybe you can help...uh...I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."

"Nicole. Nicole Ramos."

A/N: I do realize how SHORT this chapter is, I apologize, but I do hope you all review! I'll be posting a new chapter sometime tonight, just because starting a story is the worst thing for me. The second chapter will be longer, I promise.