Chapter Seven

I flitted in and out of consciousness for I don't know how long, before I was aware of the world around me again. I'd hear Rick's voice, and catch foggy glimpses Maggie's face, brows furrowed with concern. I succumbed over and over to darkness, welcoming the peace and quiet of my mental prison. When I finally opened my eyes, they burned and my head felt like a powder keg ready to blow.

When I finally came to, it was dark in the block. I became vaguely aware of my limbs, and the cell walls around me. Rays of pale moonlight stretched across my hallway outside the door.

My stomach lurched again and I groped around in the darkness for the toilet bowl. Hauling my body up to it, I convulsed as my brain punched the eject button again and again.

"Whoa, easy…" I felt hands on my face, gathering my hair and holding it back. I dry heaved for another minute or two then turned over, resting my back on the cold metal bowl. I exhaled slowly. I'd been relieved at how much better I was feeling - still dizzy and nauseous, with a stabbing headache, but completely aware of my surroundings.

Glenn smiled as I turned to focus on his face, letting out a sigh of relief. He handed me an open water bottle and I sucked back the liquid with a satisfied groan. My stomach echoed the sound.

"Let's get you back into that bunk, and I'll go find you something to eat."

I nodded gratefully and let him help me to sit back down on the bunk. As he strode out of the cell, he bumped into Rick, who rushed in and wrapped his arms around me. The embrace lingered a longer than I was comfortable with, so I patted him on the back to shorten the moment. As he pulled back I noticed the dark circles under his eyes, the puffy skin around them bright red. A feeling of dread crept under my skin,

"What happened?" I searched his features unsuccessfully, "Is everyone alright?" He looked confused for a moment, before sitting down next to me.

"They are now." His palm found my knee in the dark, giving it a light squeeze. "Not a bad shot, huh?" he grinned. It occurred to me then that his worry-ridden features had been inspired by my injury.

"Listen, Rick I'm,"

"-Don't." He cut me off before I could utter my apology. "You saved my life." I dropped my head, feeling my eyes fill with tears.

"It was the least I could do." I replied, looking up. "Your people saved mine."

Glenn returned with Maggie, who embraced me tightly before handing me a bowl of ramen noodles. As I shoved spoonfuls in my mouth, she giggled. My table manners had all but left me since I'd arrived, and it soon had me laughing out loud.

The joyous noise attracted Hershel, who gave me a quick once over, pronouncing that I was much improved, but should really get more rest.

"Where's Daryl?" I questioned the small gathering. They looked at each other nervously; silently decided that it was Rick who should answer.

"He's splitting wood out in the yard." Rick ventured. I glanced confusedly around the cell and out into the block.

"It's the middle of the night, isn't it?" I worried for a moment that my vision was failing me.

"Yeah, he's been out there all day." Silence hung heavy in the dark cell. I scoffed, pushing myself off of the bed. Hershel stopped me.

"Where are you going?" his hand rested on my arm.

"Someone has to bring that idiot in before he invites all of the walkers in Georgia to a human breakfast buffet." I pulled my arm away and continued out of the cell.

The air was cool, but the soft breeze felt amazing against my cheeks, as I struggled out into the yard. My balance wasn't completely restored, and my steps were a little unsteady. I could hear him before I could see him, the sound of the axe coming down on the dry wood and snapping the fibers that had once helped it to stand tall. His skin and hair were slick with sweat, and dark patches dotted his typical sleeveless attire.

He noticed my approach as he was struggling to dislodge his axe from a half split specimen.

"Glad yer awake." He let the axe rest.

"What are you doing out here?" I scolded, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Just needed to clear my head." He examined his hands a little too carefully, avoiding my obvious disapproval.

"Maybe you could clear it a little more quietly." I suggested, feeling bad for the man-child standing before me.

"Yes ma'am." He plopped down on a log, pulling a package of cigarettes from his shirt-pocket and lighting it slowly. The hot tobacco burned red as he inhaled deeply, eyes closed.

I fell in next to him and he offered the pack silently to me. Sliding one thin stick out of the wrapper and placing it between my lips, he held the match up to it.

It had been ages since I'd bothered to smoke, but the familiar taste calmed my unsteady nerves. The end of the world had proved a worthy enough distraction to forget an old habit. The night was silent, save for the distant growls of hungry bodies beyond the wire fences. I could feel the discomfort in my companion's condition as I blew smoke circles into the night air.

"You want to fool around?" I joked, smiling.

"You-what?" he sputtered, bewildered. I chuckled, letting my hand rest on his arm. For a minute he looked confused, and then morphed immediately into anger. Throwing his arm up, he severed the contact and lumbered to his feet.

"I don't need this shit." He turned to stomp off in the direction I'd come. He's embarrassed, I realized, and was thinking that I was mocking him.

"Daryl, wait." I pleaded, pulling myself to my feet. He hesitated for a second, not looking back. I placed myself directly in front of him. His eyes were cast down at his feet, his jaw clenched in agitation.

Before I could even think about what I was doing, I placed my hands on his rough cheeks, and stretched to press my lips to his. At first, it was like kissing a mannequin; his body tense and completely still, lips pressed tightly together.

Just as regret started to wash over me, he relaxed slightly, letting out a deep breath. He moved his lips slowly, seeming unsure of the act. I leaned into him a little, letting my hands fall to his chest. He was radiating heat, and I could feel his heart pounding.

He stepped back, severing all contact again, and I stumbled forward. When I opened my eyes he was already treading toward the dark building. This time, I didn't stop him. Rain started to fall lightly and a cold drop landed on my shoulder.

I stood in shock a moment, both at my own actions, and his bizarre rejection. I had felt his excitement in the palms of my hands, and he'd just stepped away without a word.

With my own heart thudding violently in my chest, I headed back inside out of the rain.

I