*I Don't Own Any Characters Or The Walking Dead*

A Candlelight In The Darkness

Chapter One

Burning that shack was special, not only did it help us realize we were more then our pasts, we moved on from them. We were allowed to escape our demons and be free for once. But I knew it was more then that to Daryl. I would never know exactly why he smiled when he walked away, or why I had to coax him into flipping that old hovel the bird. But I didn't need to know, no madder how long that question blazed inside me, days, weeks, months, I wouldn't ask. I wasn't going to press to hard anymore, but I wasn't going to be soft. I was going to be me.

The next day was hard. We both had huge hangovers. Daryl was being an ass, complaining about a headache and the lack of medicine to soothe it.

"Maybe you should of taken your own advice, Mr. Dickson," I mocked, referring to the night earlier where had informed me of drinking lots of water. He turned to look at me, glaring down at me. I took a step forward, glaring right back up at the redneck. I had told him that I wasn't Carol, Maggie, or Michonne. But I was me, and I sure as hell wasn't going to back down from Daryl, the guy I had to comfort not even a full day ago. Not that I would bring that up. I knew it was sanative, more sensitive then it probably should be but that's Daryl. He's the redneck who doesn't open up, but he did. Under the influence of alcohol though.

"Watch it Greene," he threatened, and I let out a small snort. I was so scared! God, Daryl was annoying sometimes. I marched off, looking up at the sky to see the sun make it's way, almost unnoticeable, to the west side, getting ready to sleep for the night.

"We should find a place to camp," I muttered, not even sure Daryl heard, let alone if he was actually following me. A grunt was all I got in return. Huffing, I turned and followed the thinning trees with extreme caution. Trees were our friends these days. They kept us dry and keep us, mostly, hidden from walkers. Though some do tend to stumble onto us. Lucky we haven't encountered many, yet anyway. Looking out into the small plain, I noticed a sturdy oak tree, supporting a moderate sized tree house. It wasn't a house, but it was high and we would be just fine up there. I took a cautious step out into the open grassland and looked right and left for walkers. Relaxing at the sight of none, I stepped out and hurried along, still not wanting to dally about and get attacked by some stray walker I didn't see. As I stood at the base of the huge oak tree, I grabbed hold of the flimsy ladder and began to climb up, wobbling a couple times until I made it up. I stopped and took a quick look around. It was smaller then it looked but both Daryl and me would be fine. There was just a blanket and then a tattered up sleeping bag. It was big enough for Daryl to sleep in, and for me to sleep in, but not together. I'd probably take it, sense Daryl seemed to think he was such a bad-ass and could cope with the smallest things.

Jumping as I heard Daryl curse as he scrambled up. I snorted and sat down, looking at my knife as Daryl sat in the other corner, scolding at the dark wood floor.

"No more damn tree houses," he growled at me. I rolled me eyes and walked to the small window and just watched until I heard Daryl shuffle around, when I turned around he had set up the blanket and the sleeping bag and was now under the blanket, either asleep or pretending to be. I sighed and slipped into the sleeping bag, and while in it I slipped off my pants so I would just be sleeping in my long t-shirt and my panties. I hated sleeping in pants, they annoyed the shit out of me.

I fell asleep thinking about our group, my father, and Maggie. i missed them all so much.

Author's Note: My first every fanfiction on this site. I know this chapter is small, the nest will be a lot longer with more action, and not just boring stuff. Feel free to give me advise or idea, maybe try to figure out what's going to happen if you like!

This obviously is right after this latest episode, Still/ I wont be following the episodes anymore, just doing what i think should happen.