Karen was going to be ok. She had lost an awful lot of blood, but the infection from the bite didn't spread. She was hooked up to an IV, and was sleeping peacefully thanks to the morphine.

''How'd you know that cutting it off would work?'', I asked Daryl that night as we were all sitting down eating.

''Done it before'', he shrugged, shoveling some cooked rabbit into his mouth. I gingerly ate mine. Unfortunately, being a vegetarian in this world was a big no no.

I watched the group as they interacted with each other, and minded each other. They really were like a big family.

As everyone was settling down to get some sleep, I helped Rick board up the front door. The windows were covered as usual, but I couldn't help but feel jumpy after today. As I tugged on a piece of wood to ensure it wouldn't budge, I made eye contact with Daryl and smiled. He was settled at his usual post, keeping a watchful eye over everyone. I decided to go and say goodnight to him.

'' Hey'', I greeted him as I sat up on the windowsill beside him. He nodded.

'You ok after today?'', he asked me quietly.

''Yeah. Bit shaken to be honest, but I'll live'', I laughed.

'' You know what?'', i asked him, wrapping my arms around my knees. He made eye contact to let me know he was listening.

'' When I first met you, I was pissed at you. You had found me when I didn't want to be found. Then you started prying, and annoying me. But now, I get it. You're like…. the protector of the group. You just want everyone to be ok. You're a bit of a lone wolf. You keep to yourself and all that,but You need this group.'', I told him.

''I don't need anyone '', he answered defensively, glaring at me.

'' Yes you do. You need them'', i told him, gesturing at the group. '' You don't need them to survive, you'd be fine by yourself, you don't need anyone looking out for you. What I mean is, you need them because you need something to do. You need a project to keep you moving. You're close to the group, like you'd do anything for them. But as soon as anyone tries to talk to you, or get to know you, you snap back.'' I told him, avoiding his glaring eyes.

''Not true.'', he answered, with an undertone of anger.

''Then why're you getting defensive over it?'', I challenged him. His mouth hung open as he tried to find an answer. I raised my eyebrow at him, smiling.

''Ok, so what? I don't want to have a fucking heart to heart with strangers'', he huffed, fumbling with his crossbow.

'' You have no problem talking to me'', I pointed out.

''Yeah well..'' he trailed off.

''Ok. Look, I didn't want to embarrass of offend you- '' , I began but was interrupted by ''Well, you didn't '', in a rather angry southern tone.

I had to fight back a smile.

''I was just trying to say… I like you. You seem like a genuine guy, And I trust you. I'm a friend. You saved my ass, which I didn't appreciate at first, but now I do. I'm here for you'', i told him as I stood up. He eyed me warily, as I moved to stand in front of him.

'' Goodnight'', I said quietly, placing a light kiss on the top of his head. I felt him shrink away from me, and looked at him questionably.

''Night'', he said, turning away from me. I made my way across the room, and felt fatigue creep over me.

I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow…which is a figure of speech considering I didn't actually have a pillow.