A/N: Hi guys! I'm back with chapter 2! There was such a favorable response for chapter 1 that it gave me a boost of energy and I'm thrilled to continue this story! Thanks so much for everyone who reviewed, favorited and followed this story so far!

Now to Eve, who I couldn't respond to before in a PM: Thanks so much, you're such a sweetie! I'm so glad that you read my last walking dead story and to have you reading this one too! Thanks for your lovely compliments! :)

So as usual, I don't know any of the characters nor the original story of the series. It's the property of AMC. I don't make money out of this.

So that's pretty much it! I'll see you at the end!


My Angel, my Savior

Chapter 2: Slice of happiness

Waking up the next morning, I was at peace for the first time in a long time. I felt incredibly warm, and my mind seemed to be all foggy, groggy even. I couldn't remember why it was I felt so warm and most of all, content. I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was a mop of brown locks only an inch away from my face. I didn't need more of a hint to realize who was currently sleeping in my arms as my memory came back in a rush.

Daryl. I slept with Daryl last night.

My mind was suddenly assaulted with the memories. I remembered the sheer heat and passion as we moved together towards completion, the way Daryl came undone under me, the way his burning skin came alive under my touch, the soft whispers and sighs he uttered against my skin, his addictive scent that wrapped around me like a blanket, his delightful body in which I lost myself completely and without regret…

Just thinking about it made me crave more. I realized I was completely addicted. Now that I looked at things in the harsh light of day, I knew that last night wasn't just a fleeting moment of madness. It had awoken in me a burning desire that I wasn't sure could be satisfied one day. I had felt complete, at peace, at home.

I didn't regret what happened for one second. But would Daryl?

A deep fear gripped my heart at the thought. Even though Daryl proved to me last night that he wanted the closeness I offered, would he want this – whatever this was that we had – to go on? I knew I did, but would he?

I tried to smother that gut-wrenching fear. Daryl wasn't awake yet – or at least he didn't seem to be if his deep breathing was any indication – so there was no need to panic until then. With that in mind, I gently pressed Daryl closer to me and buried my face in his neck, breathing in his addictive scent and hoping time could freeze right then.

I froze when I felt Daryl slowly rouse in my arms. It was now or never, I realized. For the first few seconds, the hunter didn't seem to realize I was holding him. However, when he did realize, I wasn't ready for his reaction. His entire body tensed and before I could anticipate it, he trashed around violently, trying to get free from my embrace.

I was too stunned to react, and because of it, I didn't release him in time. Daryl made a noise much like the hiss of a trapped animal. It was feral, fearful and dangerous. He twisted in my arms and his elbow harshly met with my nose.

I hissed in pain and finally released Daryl to hold my sore nose. My heart squeezed painfully in my chest when I saw Daryl recoil as far away from me as he could on the small cot. Daryl's back pressed against the wall and he clutched the sheets tightly against his chest. His wide, panicked eyes were staring right at me, through me, staring at a ghost of his past.

I felt a deep rage coil in my stomach at the thought that someone hurt Daryl so deeply that he'd react that way to being held and touched. I took no offense at Daryl's reaction, though. I knew that whatever – whoever – Daryl was seeing right now wasn't me. I pushed my pain and my rage away for now, knowing that calming my hunter and pulling him away from wherever he was now was the priority.

"Hey, Daryl, I'm not going to hurt you. It's me, Rick. You're safe here," I whispered in a gentle, caring tone, hiding my worry skillfully.

Daryl was breathing hard, and he kept staring through me with those panicked eyes. Now I felt truly worried. I had to snap him out of there before he had a heart attack. What I was about to do was risky to say the least, but I had no other choice since my voice didn't seem to reach him.

I hastily grabbed Daryl's forearms and before he had the time to react, I yanked him closer until our faces were merely an inch apart. He struggled even harder than before, but I wasn't about to let him go. I searched for his panicked eyes and when I could not make eye contact with him, I tightened my hold on his forearms and shook him harshly.

"Daryl!" I exclaimed strongly, and finally, those panicked blue eyes met my calm ones.

Daryl grew insanely rigid in my arms and he flinched as if he expected me to hit him. It tore apart at my heart, but I forced myself to ignore it.

"Daryl, it's me, Rick. It's Rick…" I whispered softly, my eyes pleading for my hunter to recognize me.

It took a long time, but eventually, the fear that was so potent in Daryl's eyes morphed into recognition and then guilt.

"Rick?" Daryl uttered my name with uncertainty, like he still didn't believe I was real.

I smiled weakly at him, and finally released my hold on his arms.

"Yeah, it's me. It's okay now. You're with me," I said in a gentle, calming tone.

Daryl's eyes searched in mine and finally, he relaxed and exhaled a soft shaking sigh of relief. Then, he resumed avoiding my eyes and his hands gripped harder the sheet covering his nudity.

"Sorry 'bout that," he muttered quietly with a hoarse voice.

I shook my head and sought his eyes. When I couldn't find them, I carefully lifted my hand and cupped Daryl's cheek gently, turning his face towards me. Daryl still didn't look at me and it worried me.

"Hey, Daryl, look at me," I pleaded softly.

Those lovely blue eyes were soon on me and I could read shame in them, and it scared me. What was Daryl ashamed of? Of his reaction just now, or of the night we just spent together?

"You don't need to be sorry for anything. You did nothing wrong, Daryl," I tried to reassure him that I took no offense in his panic attack just now.

I didn't inquire about it; I figured if Daryl wanted to speak about it, he would in due time. I didn't want to push my luck and I was the first to know that some things are too painful or shameful to be told.

Some things took time and I was ready to give Daryl all the time he needed.

Daryl slowly nodded and looked away again. His hands nervously played with the sheet and I had to stop the urge to take those hands in my own and stop their fidgeting. I felt nervous as hell too, but I did my hardest to hide it.

Daryl looked nervous enough for us both.

I knew we couldn't avoid talking about last night and what it meant, even if I might not like what would result of that talk. We couldn't just sleep with each other and act like nothing happened. I wouldn't let it, not when it mattered so much to me.

But before I had the time to start the conversation, Daryl cleared his throat awkwardly.

"So… it wasn't a dream," he said flatly, and so quietly that I almost missed it.

I stayed silent then, taking in Daryl's words for a moment and their meaning. I was relieved that Daryl wasn't going to act like nothing happened between us, but the tone of his voice had me worried. I had no idea what he was thinking in that head of his and I needed to know where we stood.

It was with a heart pounding madly against my ribcage that I asked; "Do you wish that it was?"

I mentally congratulated myself on how steady and calm my voice sounded. It showed nothing of the anxiety I felt, waiting for an answer that would either fill me with happiness or mercilessly crush me.

Silence answered me, and for a few seconds that felt like an eternity, none of us moved or said anything. My question was heavy in the air, smothering me. Then finally, Daryl met my eyes again and slowly shook his head.

"No. I just... I just have a hard time takin' it in, is all," he answered awkwardly, and it was obvious Daryl didn't really want to talk about what happened.

I let out a relieved sigh. At least Daryl didn't wish that it never happened. But now, I needed to know where we would be going from here. No matter how uncomfortable the subject made Daryl feel, I needed to know.

I smiled shakily at my hunter, trying to put him at ease. I slowly reached for him and his eyes quickly darted on my advancing hand, but he didn't move. Taking it as my cue, I gently took one of his hands in mine, prying it away from the sheet slowly.

"Daryl. I know you probably could do without this right now, but before we go back to the others, I need to know where we stand. If last night was just a one-time thing, or if you want this to go on," I finally asked what has been weighting on my heart, holding his gaze steadily.

Daryl bit his lip nervously and his eyes shifted for a moment on our joined hands before returning on my face.

"What 'bout ya?" He finally asked in a nervous tone.

This made my smile widen and I chuckled quietly. Confusion shone in Daryl's blue eyes. I tightened my hold around my hunter's hand.

"You always do what the others want, what I want. You never question any orders I give you, even if sometimes you should. I admire that in you, but sometimes it's okay to do what you want. So I want to know what you want. This isn't about me; it's about us. If you don't want a relationship with me, I'll walk away and never ask again. But I need to know," I pleaded softly, and waited for the moment of truth, the moment that would decide everything.

I didn't have to wait long for an answer this time. Daryl leaned forward without any warning and he landed a quick kiss on my lips. I was so stunned that I didn't return it, but I wouldn't have any time to do so anyway since my hunter was already backing away.

"That enough of an answer?" he said quietly, meeting my eyes with embarrassment to let me know how sincere he was.

And I couldn't help my reaction after that. A huge grin appeared on my face and I gathered Daryl into a strong embrace. He didn't flinch away this time, nor did he try to fight me off. He merely let me do as I pleased, and hesitantly returned the embrace after a moment.

I felt a happiness that I rarely felt before fill me. I knew that simple kiss was Daryl's way to say he shared my feelings. It meant more coming from him than any "I love you" that I knew I probably would never hear from him. But it didn't matter. I knew how he felt, because Daryl would never let anyone in if he could help it. But now, he'd given me all the keys to his heart and body.

It was all I needed.

When I finally released Daryl, I kissed him gently, lovingly. He accepted my kiss, and returned it with a soft sigh that got lost between our lips. When we reluctantly parted, I gently pressed our foreheads together and sighed happily. I didn't remember the last time I felt so content, so at peace. Right now, it was easy to forget everything that was looming over us; the governor, the walkers, the end of the world...

Daryl was making it so easy to forget everything but him.

Daryl softly called my name and I opened my eyes to stare into his worried ones. That made me frown and I slowly parted from him to see his face more easily.

"What's the matter Daryl?" I asked, feeling worry creep into me.

The hunter hesitated a moment, but he finally got the heart to say what was on his mind.

"Could we just keep this a secret from the others? It's just..." he began, but didn't seem able to finish his thought.

It didn't matter, because I understood what he wanted to say and I finished for him; "Because Merle won't like it, won't he?"

Daryl's silence and the way he guiltily avoided my eyes were an answer enough. I couldn't blame Daryl for wanting to keep our relationship secret. Merle was bound to react violently if he knew his brother was dating a guy, let alone me, who was responsible for him losing his hand.

No, I couldn't blame Daryl, and I had to admit I feared the reaction of some of the group's members too, namely Carl and Carol.

It was best if we kept this a secret for as long as possible, even if it meant we would have to always hide to get some intimacy.

I smiled gently at Daryl and brushed away a strand of his rebellious hair sticking to his forehead.

"Okay, then. It might be best that way," I answered.

Daryl visibly relaxed. He then looked at the barred window in the hallway. I followed his gaze and realized the sun was already up for a couple of hours. The thought worried me, because I knew that the others were surely searching for us right now. We had a lot to discuss, after the governor's attack, Daryl's return and Merle's presence with us.

"It's already late. Ya should probably go 'head. It's best if we don't show up together," Daryl suggested.

I nodded and reluctantly pulled away from my hunter to search for my clothes. I dressed up in silence, feeling depressed about leaving Daryl, part of me thinking that I'd never go back to what we shared even if Daryl assured me we would.

When I finished dressing up, I turned around to face Daryl, to see him still watching me intently. He didn't move from his place covered by the bed sheets, and I understood he wanted me to go before dressing up himself. I respected his need for intimacy, even if part of me thought there was no need for that since I'd seen every part of him last night. But I understood that for Daryl, being bare in front of me in broad daylight was completely different than under the darkness's veil.

I understood and I respected that.

I leaned forward and stole a last kiss from my hunter's lips. When we parted, I smiled at him and was glad to see Daryl half-return my smile with one of his own.

"See you later then," I whispered and after I received a nod in return, I slowly left the cell and Daryl to return to the others.

I mentally braced myself for the difficult day that was sure to await me.


When I arrived at the communal area, everyone else was already up and eating in a tense silence. As soon as I entered, every pair of eyes were on me. It made me self-conscious, and I thought for a second that they all knew what I'd done during the night with Daryl.

Then I mentally called myself paranoid. There was no way they could know. The only reason they watched me like that was because they expected me to have all the answers concerning what we should do now after the governor's attack. But I wasn't ready to deal with that for now, at least until I ate something first.

So I ignored the stares and merely muttered a good morning to the group before going to serve myself some food. I was in the midst of doing just that when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned around in time to see Daryl enter the room. I watched him intently and didn't miss the way he fidgeted under the curious gazes staring at him. He muttered a quick good morning and quickly made his way to my side to serve himself some food too.

When we locked gazes, I threw him a small, secretive smile that Daryl half returned before turning his attention on the food.

I felt a heavy gaze on me then, burning a hole through my skull. I turned my head around and my eyes met the cold gaze of Merle Dixon. He was staring at me from his place leaning against the far wall of the room, his blue eyes creased with suspicion and distrust. I returned it with a fierce glare of my own, making it clear to Merle that he wasn't intimidating me. It was obvious he hated having me anywhere near his brother.

Well, I wasn't about to let him have his way.

Just like I expected, the day was hectic to say the least. Between having to assign more guard shifts, having to calm Glenn down when he made a fuss about Merle being with us, and Andrea coming by to ask us to stop this war that we didn't begin, I thought I would go even more crazy than I already felt.

So I really didn't need it when Glenn started a fight with Merle when the latter made another snide remark about him and Maggie. It's probably why I blew up like I did. Luckily, Daryl wasn't there to see what followed since he had taken the latest guard shift.

My fist violently met with Merle's nose, sending him sprawling to the floor. Before he had the time to recover, I lifted him up and with Glenn's help, threw him in the nearest cell. As soon as the sound of the lock was heard, Merle was up and roaring, banging against the bars of the cell that separated us.

"You best let me out, pig!" He roared angrily.

I merely stood a feet away from the cell to make sure that he wouldn't touch me and glared coldly at him.

"Or what? You seem to forget that you're here only because I said so. Now you keep trying to pick up fights and we're gonna have ourselves a problem," I threatened him, but even so, I knew there wasn't much I could do. I knew I couldn't kick him out; Daryl could be leaving with Merle if I did, so it wasn't an option. But I could at least make Merle's life in the prison a living hell if he kept it on.

Merle snorted and smiled maliciously.

"And what exactly are ya gonna do, officer friendly? I think ye're forgettin' my brother already left ya for me once," he insinuated with malice.

A hint of fear filled me at the thought. I didn't need Merle to remind me of that fact. Daryl loved his brother so much that he was ready to abandon us for him, even if he was the biggest prick I ever landed my eyes on. But that was before. Now I wondered if Daryl would still have the heart to leave us, to leave me, now that we were in a relationship.

My heart throbbed painfully at the sole thought.

I hid my uncertainty and snickered at Merle, which seemed to make him angrier.

"But he came back. We are his real family, and he knows that," I replied coldly, victoriously.

Then, without waiting for any kind of answer, I turned around and began to walk away, Glenn on my trail.

However, I stopped dead in my tracks when I heard Merle's voice resounding from behind me; "What ya doin' to my baby brother? He's not the same anymore!"

There was accusation in that angry voice, but there was also a hint of worry and fear that Merle had probably wanted to hide, but it showed through. Despite everything he was, despite being the big bag of dirt that he was, Merle sincerely cared for his brother. I knew that, and it was the sole reason why I wasn't beating the shit out of him for treating Daryl like he did.

I signaled to Glenn to go on ahead and once he hesitantly did, I turned back around and made my way back to Merle's cell. I stood in front of it and defiantly met the redneck's blue eyes, the only trait he had in common with his younger brother.

"What we did? We began treating him like a human being, like his own person. He found his worth in this group. He's earned his place," I replied with pride at the thought of the long way my hunter came from.

He had truly earned his place, both in my group and my heart, and I would be damned if I let Merle destroy that.

The latter snarled dangerously at me and threw me daggers with his eyes as he banged his hands once more against the bars.

"He's following ya like a lapdog. He lost his goddamn spine! And look at him! He's become so skinny! Bet ye're giving him the scraps of yer plates, huh?" He accused me aggressively.

His allusion made anger quickly rise in me. How dare he insinuate that we treated Daryl like a dog! He knew nothing about us, so how dare he!

I banged my fist against the metal bars and looked straight into Merle's accusing eyes.

"Shut your damn trap, Merle! You know nothing! All those years, you thought you knew your brother, but you didn't. You were always there to smother him, to prevent him from finding who he truly was. But now he found it. He's happy with us! And if I see you trying to get in the way of that, I will destroy you. Have I made myself clear?" I seethed dangerously, knowing Merle would understand the death threat shining in my eyes.

I didn't wait for an answer. I hastily left Merle alone, and this time, only silence accompanied my retreat towards the rest of the group.


The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. I avoided being near Merle again, because I knew I'd probably get into another fight with him and I didn't want to do it for fear of upsetting Daryl. That was the last thing I wanted to do.

Late in the evening, while Beth sang one of her beautiful songs, I joined Daryl and Hershel while holding Judith in my arms. I didn't get to spend much time with Daryl since this morning and I longed to be close to him. It was crazy how much I wanted to be in his presence now.

Daryl didn't seem to mind, though. He was throwing me quite a lot of quick glances that went unnoticed by Hershel. Even though Daryl was trying to keep it discreet, I could see them and what I saw in those eyes moved me; fondness, gentleness and longing.

It made me feel inexplicably giddy.

For the second time that day, I felt a heavy gaze settle on me. I turned my face and met Merle's gaze, who was standing in the open doorway to the communal area. He was glaring darkly at both me and Daryl, and I felt a chill run down my spine at the intensity of that gaze. Now I was sure of one thing; I wasn't the only one who noticed Daryl's glances and Merle was definitely onto something.

We had to be more careful.

I ignored Merle the best I could and announced to both Daryl and Hershel that I'd go on a run tomorrow to get some weapons and ammunition. We were running low and we had to get something to defend ourselves against that crazy governor.

As soon as I told them of my intention, Daryl suggested to accompany me, but I shot him down quickly. I didn't miss the slight glint of betrayal and deception in his eyes and it tore at my heart, but I quickly explained to him why I didn't want him to come. He had to keep an eye on Merle. I didn't trust him not to raise hell while Daryl and I would be gone.

Daryl seemed to understand and he begrudgingly agreed. I told him I'd take Michonne and Carl instead and worry filled my hunter's gaze at that. He didn't trust Michonne, that was easy to guess. But I wanted to give her at least a chance. She seemed capable, and we could use her against the governor.

After that conversation, it wasn't long before everyone retired to sleep except for Maggie on watch. I was to relieve her in a couple of hours. Still, I couldn't find sleep that night. Too many thoughts were swirling in my head and were preventing me from finding sleep.

I was watching my daughter sleep in her makeshift crib when a soft knock was heard against the bars of my cell. I lifted my gaze and smiled fondly when my eyes met Daryl's. The hunter half-returned my smile and gazed awkwardly around.

"I thought I was the only one that ain't getting' any sleep," he muttered quietly.

I chuckled softly in return.

"No, you're not. Getting some decent sleep seems to be a luxury these days," I commented quietly.

Daryl hummed in response, and he stilled, watching me with his piercing eyes. I thought I understood what he wanted but that he didn't seem to find the courage to ask. I decided to help him.

"Do you want to come in?" I asked in a gentle tone.

Daryl nodded and entered my cell. He silently took a seat beside me on the cot. I observed him carefully and up close, I could finally see the worried line crossing his forehead. It worried me.

"What's wrong, Daryl?" I asked softly.

Daryl stayed silent for a moment, biting his lower lip in a nervous gesture. He finally lifted his troubled eyes on my face.

"I don't like it. Lettin' ya go out there without me," Daryl muttered, slightly embarrassed in admitting it.

I was touched that he was worried like that about me. It showed how much he cared for me and I was grateful that he trusted me enough to show it to me.

I smiled mirthlessly at my hunter.

"I'm more worried about you being in here, what with that crazy governor after us. I'll be much safer out," I argued.

My answer didn't please Daryl. He frowned and was about to argue, but I cut him up with a kiss. His surprised gasp was drunk by my greedy lips. His tense body relaxed after a moment and Daryl let himself go against me, his hands clutching at my shirt.

The same feeling of home overwhelmed me then. Daryl's scent filled my nostrils and it immediately calmed some of my fears. Daryl was right here with me, and he would still be when I'd come back. He had to be.

I pulled apart when we needed to breathe. My hand carefully cupped my hunter's cheek as if he was made of glass; a fragile, beautiful glass doll. I smiled at Daryl when I saw the worry still present in his blue eyes.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful. And if anything happens while I'm gone – " I began, but Daryl didn't let me finish.

"I'll protect 'em all. Nothin' will happen to 'em," he said fiercely, with a protectiveness that made me wonder again on how far he came within this group.

I smiled sadly at Daryl and softly caressed his cheek.

"I know. That's what's worrying me. Knowing that you'd put yourself in danger to protect the others. If anything was to happen to you… I'm going crazy just thinking about it," I admitted quietly.

My words troubled Daryl deeply. I saw it in the way he tensed and how he avoided my eyes to hide the emotions that clouded his own. He seemed at a loss for words and I almost felt bad for making him so uncomfortable.

To my surprise Daryl was quick to recover and he snorted, trying to hide his reaction.

"Ye're already crazy, Rick," he merely stated and it was so blunt and so honest that I was left speechless by it. Before I could place a word, Daryl showed me one of his rare smiles that always made my heart beat faster.

"But I'm crazy too. Why else I'd go out with ya?" he muttered with slight embarrassment.

I couldn't help my reaction then. I laughed quietly, and soon enough, Daryl was laughing along with me. I was grateful to Daryl for how carefree he made me feel sometimes. It was something I lacked cruelly in this new world.

Without giving any warning, I grabbed Daryl by the hips and let myself fall backwards on the cot, bringing him with me in my fall. Daryl landed on me with a surprised yelp. He tried to lift himself back up, but I tightened my hold around his waist and kept him close to my chest. I felt Daryl stiffen, probably hating feeling trapped. I moved my lips to his ear and whispered pleadingly;

"Stay with me until my guard shift. Please."

Daryl stopped moving at once and after a few seconds, he relaxed and let me hold him like I wanted to. I had a small secretive smile as I thought of my hunter as a stray cat; he was wild and ferocious, but once you caught him, took care of him, he was yours forever.

I dared think Daryl was mine alone and that he'd stay that way as long as we'd both live.

Daryl settled more comfortably against me and muttered words that made me smile like an idiot.

"Clingy idiot cop…"

There was no malice behind the words, and I began to understand that it was Daryl's way to hide his emotions behind a tough façade. He wasn't fooling me, though, and that's why I didn't release him and merely held him tighter against me, not wanting to let go of this little slice of happiness.

I wasn't hearing Daryl complaining.


A/N: Here goes for chapter 2!

I hope it was to you guys' liking! I'm still trying to keep the characters as much IC as possible, so bear with me if it's not perfect ^^' I'm putting them in situations that we've yet to see, so... yeah, not always easy ^^'

So, I'd love to know what you guys thought of this chapter! Thank you for supporting me!

Take care and see you in the next chapter! I don't know how long this story will be, but for what I have in mind, it will be quite a couple of chapters ^^

Rose