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Chapter Three

Unfortunate Events

I awoke the next morning, the sun blinding me for a few moments. What time was it? Certainly I hadn't slept in for that long? I sniffed, smelling something very good emerging from the end of my bed. I squinted, looking eagerly noticing a plate of fish and berries. I leaned forward onto my belly, looking at a thin piece of parchment that read :

Sleepin Beauty

Brought you some breakfast

D.D

I smiled, biting my lip as I melted beside the food. Daryl had brought me breakfast- I had doubted he cared, but I realized then he did, more than he would ever admit,

I took a bit of fish, sighing happily as I devoured my food in a matter of minutes. I stood, walking beyond my tent and placing my dish at the fire. I realized then that everyone else had fewer fish than I- had Daryl spared me his? I shook my head, sitting down on a log, watching the fire dully.

Daryl was out hunting- lord only knew when he'd be back. When we were children he could be gone for days and no one would care- except me. I supposed that's how it was now too, no one seemed to be bothered by the disappearance of Daryl. I frowned, looking at the sky. I listened tentatively to Merle and Shane's conversation- something about going to Atlanta, scavenging up supplies. Andrea, T-Dog and Glen volunteered instantly. I watched as Jacqui also stood and decided to go. I stood duly, walking towards them.

"I want to go too!" I interjected into their conversation. Everyone looked at me worriedly, "Erm, I don't think that would be best." Jacqui replied, looking me up and down.

"Why? Because y'all don't trust me?" I glared around at them, sparing Glen since he was already silent and looking away from me.

"'Dats exactly wha' they' thinkin', Darlin'." Merle added, laughing his stupid asshole, redneck laugh. I glared at him, wishing he'd just dissapear.

"Now you know it ain't like that, Tasha." Shane began, "You've been injured and still need to-"

"-Rest?! I've been resting! You know what, fuck you, Shane! I can take care of myself."

With that I turned around, walking deep into the forest. I was pissed, unable to control my anger I hit a tree, falling back to the ground. I yelped as I realized my wrist was red and blue- bruising far too quickly.

I stood, looking around slowly. I was alone. Good. I thought weakly, I didn't need them for protection, and I certainly did not need Daryl for protection either. I could take care of myself. I didn't need anyone else for protection, just me, myself and I.

I walked through the forest, venturing further and further out. I lost balance and fell down, struggling to get up. I felt arms grab me, pushing me back to the ground. It was then I realized I hadn't fallen- I was pushed, forcefully thrown onto the ground.

I was flipped onto my back, my eyesight blurred. I could feel blood dripping down my face. Shit. I was screwed. As my eyesight slowy became clear again I noticed a man- he didn't seem much older than I was. His hands were on my waist and his eyes were lust filled. Rapist!

"Let me go!" I yelped, squirming under his weight. He laughed, pushing my head back with his free hand.

"You shouldn't struggle- a pretty face like yours doesn't need to be turned ugly." He sneered, ripping off my shirt. I tried to scream, only to be slapped across the face and shushed up.

"You shut up!" The man hollered, ripping off his shirt and jeans, climbing back ontop of me. I shook my head. No, this isn't happening.

But it was, I laid there helpless, my hands now tied above my head, my legs spread apart as he tore off my jeans, touching my thighs harshly.

The man began to pull down his underwear, but was struck aside, falling to the ground. I looked disorientedly up, noticing nothing but the trees ahead. Someone had saved me, someone must've heard my screams.

I couldn't move, my body bruised, aching and tied up. I heard the man beg for his life, only to be silenced by gut-wrenching grunt. I managed to look up, seeing an arrow through the mans head.

Daryl.

I felt hands grasp my face, holding me up slightly. Daryl's eyes were dark, cold. No light to them. I watched painfully as he undid the rope that bound me, my teeth digging into my lips.

Once I was freed, I wasted no time. I fell into Daryl's arms, sobbing and crying. My tears fell onto his shirt, my lips pressed against his shirt covered chest. He had rescued me- again. Daryl- bloody - Dixon had rescued me.

Daryl went ridged, "'sokay. Yer safe now."

Slowly Daryl touched my back, rubbing my bare skin slowly. I deflated at the touch, sobbing harder than I was before.

"Th-thank you, Daryl." I whispered, kissing his chest slowly. Daryl held me tighter, burrowing his lips into my hair.

"Shh." He replied, lifting me into his arms.

I stared into his eyes, his beautiful blue eyes. Daryl leaned foward, brushing his lips against mine slowly. To my surprise he didn't retreat, Daryl pushed his lips against mine harder, making me gasp for breath. I moved my lips against his slowly, uncertain what was on his mind. Slowly Daryl pulled away, holding me tighter to him.

"You bes' be more careful." He muttered, carrying me slowly back to camp. "I can't always be ther' to protect yer' ass."

I nodded, chewing on my bottom lip as he carried me. The only thing I could think of was the kiss, not my near- rape experience, but the kiss. The way Daryl's harsh lips moved against mine- the way his lips made me feel safe.

I buried my head against his chest, closing my eyes, listening to the beat of his heart. Why did that kiss mean so much I me? Why did Daryl's lips against mine make me want more? I frowned, hiding my face against his chest as we neared the camp, he set me on the ground lightly.

"'ere." He mumbled, pulling off his shirt and slipping it over my head. I stared at him, gawking at his shirtless body. Daryl's cheeks went pink as he lifted me up again, holding me gently in his arms.

"I'd give you my pants- but that' be awkward." He muttered, chuckling slightly. I smiled, hiding my face against his bare chest. My lips were against his chest, moving slowly back and forth. I hears him gasp, mumbling something, whatever it was I didn't hear. As we got to camp I stopped, hiding my face deeper within him.

Daryl carried me to the RV, I heard muffled gasps and pleas of agony. My body wasn't too bruised but it sure ached like a mother fucker! Daryl laid me back on the bed, frowning at my body. I sat up, beginning to take off his shirt.

"Here-"

"Yer keepin' it, should keep ya warm." He muttered, leaning against the wall as Jacqui came in.

"What happened to her?!" She asked frantically,

"'m fine." I muttered, resting upon my elbows. Daryl glared at me as he spoke, "She ain't fine, she practically got raped!"

My face contorted at the word, I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to forget what had happened today, everything except one minor detail. I froze when I felt Daryl touch my hand, making me flinch. I sighed deeply, opening my eyes and looking at Jacqui.

"'was walking through the forest, I was mad... I fell, or got tripped or some shit and... The next thing I knew there was a man and he was-" I froze, staring at nothing infront of me. I could see it, the way his hands touched my body, how he tried forcing me to- I began to shake, tears in my eyes.

"'was about to force her until I killed the sonabitch." Daryl finished, holding my hand tightly. "Her clothes were ripped so I have her my shirt." He added, looking at my from the corner of his eye. I didn't look back, I stared at my bruised legs, chewing my lip harshly. All I could think about now wasif Daryl hadn't found me, I'd probably be dead. Laying lifeles on the ground of the forest, bewing eaten by walkers most likely.

I gripped his hand, curling my legs up and hiding my face. I wasn't in pain, but I was scared. I had been so close to being raped- what would the man had done after? Would he have left me there to die, or would he have killed me right there. I shivered at the thoughts that ran through my mind, gripping Daryl's hand as if my life depended on it.

An hour later I was still laid in the RV, Staring at the ceiling. I had a minor fever and I was exhausted, but other than that my injuries were minimal. I watched dully as Jacqui examined a small cut on my arm, obviously worried I got scratched by a walker.

"I haven't been scratched," I reminded her, "I just fell against the ground- I'll be fine."

I felt alone without Daryl by my side- what had that kiss meant to him? What did that kiss fucking mean to ME? I shook my head, frowning at the wall. Daryl had gone hunting and I was left alone- great. Merle, T-Dog, Jacqui, Glen , Morale and Andrea had left to scavenge supplies in Atlanta, Dale was on watch up top, Shane, Lori and Carl were out front. Yes, I was truly alone now.

I wasn't sure how I felt about Daryl- or how he felt about me. I stated at the ceiling of the RV, my lips in a tight line. What had the kiss meant to Daryl, and why had it been such a huge deal to me? I sighed deepy, closing my eyes. I never knew what would happen between Daryl and I- but I hoped the kiss would happen again.

I awoke to roars of happiness and laughter emerging from the outside. I stood warily, stepping out of the RV to join the others. I watched awkwardly as a sherif hugged Carl and Lori. It must be Lori's husband. I watched them embrace, feeling jealousy arise within me. I frowned, looking away quickly towards my tent, not wanting to bring down everyones good mood.. I zipped my tent quickly, falling onto my back as tears stained my face.

They had left Merle- he has become a 'threat', was what I overheard Lori's husband say. I hit the ground with my fist, crying harder. Merle may be an asshole, jerk, butthead, so many bad things- but Merle was like a brother to me. It hurt that he was left behind- chained to a fucking roof! Sure he was safe from walkers but he would die from thirst, or even hunger.

I shivered, turning over and staring at the ceiling. Daryl. I thought numbly, he'd be so angry... So hurt. I froze, chewing my lip hard. Daryl would pull away again, this time for good. I slammed my eyes shut, trying to remove the thoughts that surrounded Daryl, but everytime I tried to stop or tried to think of something else- Daryl's name would pop into my head and I'd melt into tears. I felt like a child- crying over something I never even had.

I began to drift off, though I still could hear the very faint voices of the others. Lori's husband- Rick is his name, I could tell he was a good person, just a bit delusional. I could tell the reluctance in his voice when speaking about leaving Merle on the roof- a man like that would definitely go back for him.

As I drifted into a dreamless sleep, my thoughts went to Daryl. I wondered if he was cold, If he was okay all alone in the woods. Did he find something to eat? Or did something eat him? I smiled as I fell asleep, realizing he'd be okay- he always was. Daryl Dixon had always been a hothead, and a jerk- but he knew his hunting, he'd be okay; I was sure of it.