Daryl stabbed at his food with more force than necessary. It had been hours since they'd gotten back from the run and he still hadn't seen her.

Carol had come out of the room with tears in her eyes and that certainly didn't sit well with him.

Maggie and Beth had gone to see her and Carol had made it clear to all of them that the family was to be left alone. She made sure to give Daryl a stern look as she spoke, knowing just how desperate he was.

He was going crazy just sitting there listening to the conversations around him. He couldn't understand how people could just act like nothing happened. It didn't make any sense to him, did they not see the state Rhiannon was in? Were they not freaking out like he is?

He almost jumped across the table to tackle Rick when he asked him to go out for a hunt tomorrow.

Daryl looked up eagerly as those closed doors that had been mocking him for hours finally opened. His hope quickly dwindled and he frowned deeply as he saw Maggie, Beth and Hershel step out of the room with somber expressions, the girls even looked like they'd been crying.

"What's going on?" Rick asked, his brow furrowing with worry.

"She's asleep now." Maggie said, feigning a smile. The last couple of hours had been a whirlwind on her emotions and she was sure no one was buying her fake smile.

No one asked any questions. They were all curious but they knew it wasn't their place to pry, especially after the day Rhiannon had. That poor girl needed some space.

"Is her back ok?" Carol asked, giving Hershel a look that no one else but Maggie and Beth knew how deep it really was.

"Yeah. We used that muscle cream we found upstairs. She said it felt better."

Daryl could feel himself relax, just slightly, at hearing that. He was still very much on edge though. He still hadn't seen her and now her family wasn't making him feel much better about it. They were all acting strange.

"Someone needs to be taking watch in that front room" Rick reminded them.

Maggie and Beth's eyes widened and they shared looks of fear before turning to their father for help. Hershel was just as helpless, he didn't know what to tell Rick.

"I'll go." Daryl spoke up causing all heads turn towards him. He shifted in his seat under their gaze.

Hershel looked like he wanted to object but he sighed after a few seconds, giving him a tired smile and a simple nod. He didn't want to make that decision for Rhiannon, god knows the universe had taken the control from her today, but he knew Daryl was special to her. He knew Rhiannon trusted him and that the two of them had a bond he'd never seen his daughter have with anyone before.

"Daddy." Beth reprimanded him, looking shocked that he even considered letting someone see her sister like that. "I don't think Rhiannon wants anyone seeing her right now."

Daryl held in a scoff. He couldn't help but feel hurt by her words.

"I think don't think Rhiannon would mind his company." Hershel told Beth and his eyes moved over to Daryl giving him a reassuring nod.

Daryl felt his cheeks heat up and he quickly looked back down at the food in front of him. He finished eating and soon enough everyone was heading upstairs to their rooms.

The Greene's stayed close together, barely giving a convincing 'goodnight' as they left.

Daryl stood and grabbed his crossbow to sling over his shoulder as Carol moved past him to get to the stairs but she stopped abruptly.

She turned, looking at Daryl like she wanted to say something but she stayed quiet. The look on her face was soft and sad, like she was feeling sorry for him.

Daryl narrowed his eyes at her in confusion and before he could ask she was scurrying away.

Carol cursed under her breath as she walked up the stairs. She wanted to warn him in some way, wanted to tell him to be ready. She couldn't even imagine the onslaught of emotions that came with finding out someone you care about so deeply had been hurt so bad. She just hoped Daryl could keep it together and not lose his temper on a man he didn't even know.

Once Daryl was alone, he finally felt like he could take in a deep, calming breath. He was nervous and he didn't know why. He'd spent enough time with Rhiannon in the past month to feel comfortable around her. But this was different. Sure, he'd seen her hurt before, had been there for the aftermath of Shane, but something in his head was telling him this was different.

He felt a strange clenching in his stomach. Fear, he thought it was. But he didn't know what there was to be afraid of.

Maybe he was just scared that he couldn't comfort her the way she needed. Daryl had never been one for emotions and he knew Rhiannon deserved someone leagues ahead of him, but for some reason she saw it differently. He would never understand her logic in picking him, but he was grateful, nonetheless.

He sighed deeply and opened the door slowly, stepping into the dark room as quietly as possible. His lips twitched into a brief smile when he saw her figure laying on the couch. It was like he could finally breathe again after seeing her relaxed and unharmed.

Daryl stepped towards her, he wanted to move the strand of blonde hair that had fallen in front of her face, he wanted to plant a soft kiss to her forehead like he'd done earlier, he wanted to do anything to give her the relief she deserved, the assurance that he was there for her.

The moonlight filtered into the room, the only light that he had, and it wasn't until he was closer to her that he had noticed what exactly it had been illuminating.

Daryl went stiff as stone, his whole body felt cold like he'd just jumped into a freezing lake. He squeezed his eyes shut, wondering if they were playing tricks on him. When he opened them again his breaths stuttered and he let out a helpless, soft noise that could have been a gasp, it could have even been a whimper, he didn't know.

It wasn't the faint bruises he had expected to see that had shaken him. It was the burns and the scarred initial that was etched into her skin. It caused a wave of emotions to wash over him, making him feel like he was about to be knocked over.

He took a step backwards, almost stumbling on his own feet and his grip on his bow loosened, causing it to fall to the floor carelessly.

Rhiannon jerked awake, the clatter of the weapon on the hardwood floor startling her. She breathed deeply to calm herself, but she could feel eyes on her. She knew what they were seeing and her body stayed tense and unmoving.

They stayed silent, both of their minds running a mile a minute as each agonizing, tense second passed.

Daryl's eyes began to swim with tears, something that felt foreign to him. He ran a hand over his tired face and pressed the heel of his hands into his eyes, trying to stop them from watering.

He couldn't comprehend what he was feeling. All his life he felt worthless and used because of what he carried on his back. The scars his dad gave him were a constant reminder that he was nothing, they told him that he didn't deserve her.

But seeing those vile marks on her own body, the body he found himself fantasizing about on a daily basis, the one he imagined with perfect, soft skin - it changed everything.

After Rhiannon had seen his scars that night he'd been injured, he figured she'd turn her back on him, that she'd rather spend her time with someone less damaged.

He thought back to her words that night. A lot of people have scars they're ashamed of. He remembered thinking there was a deeper meaning to her words, but he never would have guessed that this was what she meant.

It had always blown Daryl away that Rhiannon could understand him so well. She always said the right thing and knew exactly how to bring him down from his unpredictable temper. She had confided in him about feeling like an outcast in her family and had unknowingly made Daryl feel better that he had felt that way his whole life.

But knowing she had scars, had no doubt felt the same shame that had been plaguing him all his life, it was too overwhelming to think about.

Daryl silently walked past her, trying his best to keep his eyes off of the marks on her lower back. He took a seat on the windowsill, turning his body so he was facing away from her. He didn't want to look at her right now. After she'd seen his scars, all he wanted was to disappear, to pull the blankets over his head and hide until she left.

He knew the shame she was feeling right now and he didn't want to pressure her with the millions of questions he had.

Rhiannon's eyes followed Daryl's tense form as he stalked over to the other side of the room. She tried not to feel rejected as he didn't spare a glance at her, she knew he was overwhelmed and that she shouldn't take it personally.

Daryl unclenched his fists when they began to feel sore, he hadn't even realized how tight his own grip was. The rage inside of him bubbled below the surface, ready to explode like a geyser. Knowing that someone had hurt her sent him into a tizzy. He wanted to strangle the man that dared to put his hands on her that way, wanted to put a bullet between his eyes and smile while he did.

It was bad enough seeing her so distraught at the barn, and then when she'd been bleeding and traumatized after Shane. But this, this was so much worse. She would always have that constant reminder on her skin and it made Daryl furious.

He knew how awful it was for him. He hated that she had to go through that too.

Rhiannon pushed against the cushion below her, forcing herself to sit up. She let out a small noise of pain, causing Daryl's eyes to snap over to her in worry.

They both swallowed nervously as their gazes met. Rhiannon's breathing hitched as she noticed the expression on his face. He looked devastated, she'd never seen him look so broken down before.

She knew he didn't want to talk about his scars, he never brought them up again after she'd seen them and she hated that this was making him think about them again. Though, if he's anything like me, he probably never stops thinking about them.

"You should stay layin' down." His gruff voice broke the silence, causing her heart to jump. Even his voice was laced with sadness, she couldn't stand it.

"You're not gonna ask about them?" She said quietly.

Daryl shrugged. "A lotta people have scars they're ashamed of. 'M not gonna make you relive it." He said, mimicking what she had said to him the night she'd seen them, word for word.

Rhiannon's face creased as she tried hard not to cry, feeling touched at his words. She let out a shaking breath and furiously wiped away the tear that had managed to fall.

"I'm sorry I kept it from you." Her small voice whispered.

Daryl shook his head firmly, clenching his jaw. She shouldn't be the one apologizing. "Don't." He told her, trying not to get angry. He hated that she always took the blame, that she always felt responsible for everyone else's problems.

"No, it was shitty of me to keep it to myself after I saw yours. I know how they can make you feel so alone and worthless, I should've told you so you didn't have to feel that way."

"Ain't your job to make me feel better."

"I wouldn't mind if it was." Rhiannon told him, bravely looking him in the eye. She watched as he blinked in surprise at her words. Even in the darkness of the room, she could see his blush.

"You shouldn't feel guilty." He told her, his voice quiet.

Rhiannon nodded, surprised that she actually felt relieved at his words. Usually when people told you not to feel guilty it was like telling a person with depression to 'cheer up', it was just plain stupid. But when Daryl told her she believed it wholeheartedly. He wasn't one to spout bullshit, at least not when he wasn't angry.

The two of them sat in silence, a million thoughts and explanations hanging over them heavily. Daryl fidgeted with his fingers in his lap. He thought over her words. I know how they can make you feel so alone and worthless. Daryl felt his heart constrict, she knew exactly what he'd felt all his life. It was just one more thing that made her so damn perfect to him.

I should've told you so you didn't feel alone.

Daryl felt his palms beginning to sweat and he swallowed the lump in his throat. "They're from my dad." He said bluntly.

Rhiannon looked up at him in shock. Was he really going to tell her? She couldn't help but start to feel guilty again, like she'd forced him into opening up.

"Daryl, you don-"

"I want to. I trust you, shoulda told you awhile ago." Daryl said honestly. The touched look on Rhiannon's face warmed him in a way that was slowly becoming familiar to him with her around.

"He was a mean drunk. Got worse after my ma died. Merle got most of it but he got sent to juvie, then prison, and then it was just me."

"Did you leave?"

Daryl nodded. "Merle came back an' we got the fuck outta there. Just spent our days travelling 'round, doin' nothin' important."

"What happened to your dad?"

"Dunno. Doubt he's still alive, liver prolly quit on him years ago."

"Good." That one word made Daryl's inside clench in a way that it usually did with her around. He nodded slowly, reveling in the light feeling in his chest that was so unfamiliar to him.

Daryl let out a slow breath and leaned against the wooden window frame. She was the only person he'd ever told and he was glad he did.

The two of them sat in silence. It was slowly becoming more comfortable like it usually was between them.

Rhiannon felt like her brain was short circuiting, she had too many things to say to him. She sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Daryl frowned, noticing her agitation. "You don't gotta say anythin' just cause I did." He told her.

"I trust you." She said simply, referring back to his words to her. She sighed and leaned her head back against the couch. "His name was Alex."

That explained the jagged 'a' carved into her skin. Just that simple detail made his rage return in full force. Daryl clenched his fists and breathed deeply, reminding himself that he needed to stay calm as she spoke. His anger wouldn't help her.

"We had the same group of friends so us getting together was pretty much inevitable." She stopped, taking in a deep breath as she bit at her bottom lip. She hadn't spoken about Alex in a long time, even her closest friends in New York had no idea the real reason their relationship had ended.

"He was really sweet at first. We even moved in together. It was the first time I was smart in a relationship, first time that I took it seriously." She laughed bitterly, shaking her head.

"Rhiannon-" Daryl spoke up, noticing the tear that ran down her cheek. He didn't want her to push herself. He didn't want her to open up old wounds just to reciprocate for him.

She shook her head. She needed to do this, she needed to finally talk about him. "He got into the wrong crowd, started doing drugs. I didn't think anything of it at first, he would just come home in the middle of the night completely wasted and high. But it started getting worse. We fought a lot, I told him I was gonna leave if he kept doing it."

Daryl frowned, he knew all about that. He had threatened Merle too many times to count but for some reason he still stayed beside his brother and carried him out of the gutter each time.

"One night, Alex came home and I knew it was different. It wasn't like when he was stoned or coked out of his head, it was worse. I think it was meth, I'm not really sure. We started fighting again and then it got physical. It was the first time he hit me and I was ready to walk out that door, but he just kept going."

Daryl felt his whole body twitch in anger. He couldn't believe that someone had hurt her, that some idiot had her trust and blew it. The rage that consumed him slowly gave way to his sadness as he heard her sniffle and saw her wipe her tears.

Daryl wanted nothing more than to storm over to her. He longed to wipe her tears and wrap his arms around her. He liked when she rested her head on his chest, it made him feel like her protector.

"I left in the middle of the night while he was sleeping. The whole week after he tried to call me but he got the hint pretty fast and stopped trying."

"He still alive?" Daryl asked, his grip on his bow tightening. Part of him hoped the asshole died a painful death, but another part of him wished he was still around so Daryl could have the honour of ending him. No one that hurts a woman deserves to live, especially one that hurt her.

"I have no idea. I'd rather not find out." She shrugged.

"If he is, he better hope I never cross his path." Daryl growled causing a shiver to run down Rhiannon's spine.

A sigh left Rhiannon's lips and this time it wasn't out of despair and stress, this was more relief. Although she did still have scars, physically and emotionally, she felt a thousand times better than she had just that morning.

The events of the day ran through her mind. They would definitely haunt her for awhile, maybe forever. She had killed someone, had been groped and humiliated, had been forced to reveal her darkest secret, but yet, she was hopeful.

She felt closer to her father and her sisters. Maggie and Beth had been empathetic. Rhiannon was so worried Maggie would freak out at her again for keeping a secret but Maggie knew her sister and she knew not to take it personally. Rhiannon just didn't know how to deal with these deep emotional scars and Maggie had never been through something like that so she knew she had no right to judge how Rhiannon decided to deal with it.

Maggie was just so happy that Rhiannon had confided in her.

And Daryl. He had a way of making her see the light on her darkest days. She'd had her fair share of shitty days since the outbreak had started and Daryl had managed to be there for her for almost all of them. The ones that he wasn't there for he had given her his ear and shoulder to lean on when she talked about them.

"Come here." She said softly, patting the spot next to her.

"Gotta keep watch." Daryl said shyly.

"Your back's been facing the window this whole time. We'll be fine." She told him with a smirk.

The mischievous glint was back in her eyes and it made Daryl feel nothing but relief. He got up without complaint and made his way to sit at her side. Rhiannon immediately grabbed his hand and laced their fingers together.

"You're really special to me, you know that?" Daryl blushed fiercely at her words and his heart began to beat wildly in his chest. "It means a lot that you told me about them." She said quietly.

Daryl sighed, recognizing the guilt in her voice again. "Stop. You didn't force me to do anythin'. 'M glad I told you."

Rhiannon nuzzled herself into him, resting her head against his chest as he placed an arm around her.

"I'm glad I told you too." She whispered against his shirt.

Rhiannon felt him place a kiss to the top of her head and she smiled, butterflies erupting in her stomach.

"You know this doesn't change anything, right? Your scars, your past, it doesn't change how I feel."

Daryl nodded, slightly stunned by her words. It was like she was in his head, she always knew exactly what to say to soothe his anxiety. "I know, it's the same for me." He said, his grip on her tightening. "Strongest girl I ever met." He mumbled against her hair before placing another kiss to her head.

"'M sorry 'bout today." Daryl spoke up again. "I was a dick this mornin'. I know you can handle yourself out there, just scares the shit outta me thinkin' 'bout you in danger."

"You were right though. I shouldn't have gone today."

Daryl frowned. She was right in some way, Daryl hated that she'd been hurt but he couldn't keep her locked up forever.

"Would you really feel better knowing that happened to us while you were here?"

Rhiannon sighed and shook her head wordlessly. He was right, no matter how she looked at it, the way it had happened was best case scenario. No one got hurt, Maggie stayed untouched, the bastards were dead, and that was all she could hope for.

"You handled it, you did the right thing. You always do." He told her reassuringly.

Rhiannon tilted her head to look up at him. "You're the best you know that? You've been like this since day one, always making me feel better about everything."

Daryl let out a noise of disbelief. "I was an asshole on day one. And day two, and three."

Rhiannon smiled. "But you always came back, you always apologized."

"That's cause you wouldn't leave me alone."

Rhiannon snorted and buried her face in his chest again. "I had to. I knew I needed to lock you down before someone else came along."

Daryl scoffed in amusement. The thought was too absurd to even comprehend. The thought of anyone else even trying to be who she was to him was laughable.

"Does this make you uncomfortable?" She asked, suddenly realizing how open and deep they'd been with each other and as history would show, Daryl wasn't always so great with that.

"Not anymore." He said honestly. He wasn't uncomfortable, just overwhelmed with how he felt for her but he knew it was a good thing. Shying away wouldn't do him any good.

Rhiannon blushed and looked up at him, placing a gentle kiss on his jaw causing Daryl to shiver. He leaned down and swiftly captured her lips with his. He'd been wanting to since he sat next to her but he didn't want to push her limits after what had happened that day. He was just glad she was ok.

It amazed him that no matter how hard she got knocked down, she always got back up.

Daryl paced his hand on the back of her neck, holding her close to him as they kissed. Rhiannon's head spun at how gentle and passionate he was. He always left her feeling tingly and giddy, like it was her first kiss. She ran her hands through his hair and felt pure satisfaction at the noise he made in the back of his throat. She moved her leg to straddle him but felt the pull in her back stop her.

She pulled away with a pained gasp. Daryl moved his hands to her waist, keeping her steady as he laid her back down on the couch. Rhiannon smiled shyly causing a blush to spread on Daryl's cheeks as it always did after they kissed.

"Thank you." She whispered.

The simple words held so much meaning to the couple that had found a new understanding of each other. All the horrible shit that had happened that day only served to solidify their bond and they knew they would be there for each other for the next inevitable tragedy.

Daryl threw the bag of guns and ammo they'd found on a run the day before into the trunk and slammed it closed. It was finally time for more gun training. Rick, Daryl and Rhiannon were going out with Carol, Beth and Carl, much to Lori's displeasure which was why Daryl had come out early to pack up the car. He had to get away from the yelling.

Soon enough, Rick walked out with his hand on Carl's shoulder who looked thrilled that he was finally getting out of the house. Beth followed who was excitedly talking Carol's ear off.

Daryl tensed in surprise as the young girl greeted him with a warm smile before getting into the backseat. Carol gave him a small smile as she passed, which was refreshing because she was almost always giving him that teasing smile she gave whenever he and Rhiannon so much as sat next to each other.

Daryl looked up and smirked as Rhiannon glided down the stairs. It had only been a couple of days since the incident in the store but she wasn't letting it slow her down. She still had her moments of weakness when she thought back to the man she'd killed, but Daryl was always there for her when she did.

Rhiannon moved to cram herself into the backseat that was only meant to fit three people but Daryl gently grabbed her arm, stopping her. She looked up at him with furrowed brows. She was on edge now, is he really gonna try and stop me from going?

"You're with me." He told her, walking them to the passenger seat.

Rhiannon's eyes widened and she stared at him in shock. Was he really going to let her sit on his lap? In front of people?

"Are you serious?" She asked with a laugh, still not sure if this was his version of a joke.

Before he could answer, Rick had gotten into the driver's seat and started the car. It was then that Rhiannon noticed all eyes on her. She tried not to blush as Carol and Beth giggled quietly to each other like school girls.

Daryl sat down and raised his eyebrows at her, giving her an impatient look. His barely contained smirk made her laugh in disbelief. Why is he not freaking out about this?, she thought to herself. She reluctantly got into the car and perched herself right onto Daryl's lap.

Rick snickered from his spot beside them causing the couple to turn their heads and give him identical glares, which only served to make him let out a full bellied laugh.

Despite being the butt of his laughter, Rhiannon smiled endearingly. She hadn't seen Rick smile in weeks. He'd been playing the uptight leader for so long, he hadn't allowed himself to just relax and smile.

"Ok, any music suggestions?" Rhiannon asked aloud, grabbing her ipod from the cupholder. "Let me guess, Johnny Cash?" She said to Rick before he could open his mouth.

Rick chuckled and sent her an eager nod. That had been his only request when she drove him and Glenn into town to get her Dad.

Johnny Cash played as they drove away from the house. They didn't know exactly where they were going, just as long as it was far enough away that they didn't draw any walkers close to where they were staying.

Daryl kept his arm firmly around Rhiannon's waist, making sure she didn't lose her balance at every turn. He knew that Carol was sure to tease him later but he honestly didn't care at this point. He wanted her close and he didn't care what other people said.

She twisted her hips on top of him to turn to talk to Beth, involuntarily grinding herself against him. Daryl clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on her waist. He breathed deeply through his nose, trying to calm himself down. Now was not the time to get aroused. Not when Rick was beside him and the people that tease him the most were behind him.

Rhiannon felt his grip tightening and she looked down at him. She smiled cheekily when she noticed his flushed cheeks and clenched jaw. She bit her lip teasingly causing him to glower at her. Don't you dare, he silently told her.

All too soon for both of their likings, Rick stopped the car on the side of the road. Rhiannon got out of the car, making sure to brush her hips against his once more. She heard a low growl leave him, which only served to widen her smile.

Daryl could barely concentrate. He'd been trying to keep his focus on Carol, who he was supposed to be teaching how to shoot, but every once couple of seconds his gaze would move to Rhiannon.

"I'm out of ammo." Carol told him, taking out the empty clip and holding it our for Daryl to take. She didn't hear a response so she turned to face him. She had to stifle her laugh when she noticed his gaze locked firmly on the blonde a few yards away.

Rhiannon's laugh rang out amongst the gunshots and Carol watched with admiration as a small smile cracked Daryl's usually hard features at the sound.

"Daryl."

He blinked and snapped his head back toward her, his eyes wide as he realized he'd been caught.

"I need more ammo." Carol told him, though what she really wanted to tell him was how absolutely adorable he was but she doubted he'd appreciate that.

Daryl quickly reached into his pockets and pulled out an extra clip with fumbling hands. Carol was thoroughly amused. Back at their old camp at the quarry, Daryl was always high strung and abrasive. Now, he was like a teenager with a crush, stuttering nervously and blushing every time someone caught them holding hands or even sitting close to each other.

Rhiannon was oblivious to Daryl's gaze. She really was oblivious to how smitten he was with her, she hardly ever noticed the soft smile Daryl gave her or the look of contentment on his face as he watched her speak or do anything really.

She helped Beth with her stance and her grip on the weapon. "Alright, whenever you're ready." She said, taking a step back.

Beth nodded, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she took a deep breath. After a couple of seconds, she fired, the loud noise caused her to close her eyes, it wasn't something she was used to.

"What the fuck?"

Beth opened her eyes at her sister's astonished voice and looked at the old billboard they were using as a target. She let out a delighted laugh when she saw she had hit the man in the ad right in the eye, she had hit her target. Beth squealed excitedly and dropped her gun to wrap Rhiannon in a hug who still had her jaw hung open in shock.

"Woah." Carl said, smiling over at Beth.

"I'd say she's got the hang of it." Rick said, flashing Beth a smile. "Guess you're a good teacher."

"I didn't do anything. How the hell did you do that?" Rhiannon asked, still thoroughly shocked. She hadn't expected her innocent baby sister to be such a sharp shot.

"I'm a natural." Beth flounced dramatically causing Rhiannon to roll her eyes.

"Lucky shot. Try again, hit the other eye."

Beth nodded and straightened her stance again. She pulled this trigger again, this time missing the target completely.

"Ok, that makes more sense." Rhiannon mused.

Beth nudged her with her shoulder. "Shut up and help me."

Daryl chuckled at the sisters and tried to turn his attention back to Carol who was also watching them with a smile. She looked up at Daryl and something in her eyes made him relax, there was no teasing glint or mischief that he was so used to seeing from her.

"She seems to be doing well." Carol said. She'd been so worried that Rhiannon would close up and push people away after she was assaulted on the run and forced to talk about her scars. She was so glad to see that she was still acting like the same old Rhiannon, that she was keeping the light in the group alive.

Daryl bit his lip, he always felt slightly uncomfortable when other people talked to him about her. He was fine talking to her about pretty much anything and that was just about all he could handle.

"Yeah, she's strong." Was all he said. "Come on, try again." He told her, trying to get the conversation back to the gun training to spare his anxiety.

As Carol put her attention back to the target in front of them, Daryl allowed himself to turn his head back to the woman who was constantly running through his head.

Rhiannon looked up and their eyes met. She smiled and sent him a wink. Daryl bit his lip and shook his head, turning his head back to Carol. With her around he was surprised he got anything done.

He thought back to Carol's words and found himself feeling lighter. That day had made him feel like he had hit rock bottom, it made him feel helpless, like he couldn't protect her.

But seeing her laugh like she didn't have a care in the world made all the difference. She was ok and that was all he needed to be ok too.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I tried not to make it too heavy and depressing. I think I've put my OC through enough (for now) so happy times ahead *cough* smut *cough*

A huge thank you to RHatch89, addicted2memories, brittneyangel, Dawnie-7, devoncarman, .2017, Heaven In A Rage, amd LJH for reviewing on the last chapter. You guys are so awesome! xx