They set out on foot the next day to continue on their journey, because of the bridge being washed out, even though they had found a car they had to travel down the blocked road ways and back roads. That took longer than if the road was clear, plus they had been running in the opposite direction when the dead drove them away; the two of them could only move blocking cars so fast.
It was exhausting work, as everything was in this new world, but they worked as a team, side by side and they didn't see any other people. That was how Daryl wanted to keep it, the less trouble they encountered the better.
They stopped for the night in an old hotel on the side of the road before it got dark because Daryl was adamant that they not travel at night. He didn't want headlights to let the whole world know where he and his girl were. Being apart from their large group never bothered him until now, he was never worried about himself. If he got jumped by a gang out on the road, well he would take his licks fight till the death.
But that was before Lucy. Now he had something to lose, it was a hefty burden but he had broad shoulders. He would be more careful now, because of her, to protect her, and to keep her with him.
Already he was attached and normally that would have sent him over the edge, but being with her settled him in a way he had never been settled before. It was unfamiliar to him, but something he was rapidly getting used to. It was something he had longed for all of his life and didn't know it. He would die for her, without question.
There was an old rain barrel on the side of the building and they actually got to wash up a bit, they showered outside together with the hand pump apparatus connected to the barrel. Towels and soap from the hotel came in handy and in another life they could have been a couple on a vacation.
In the store next to the hotel they got clean clothes and some food. They talked and got to know each other more, discussing likes and dislikes without judgement. Lucy gave fuck all who he was or had been before the turn, she made him feel ten feet tall.
Just a few days ago they had been at each other's throats, now it was as if they had always been together. They worked well as a team, and as lovers.
"Listen, I only like crunchy cheetos…" Lucy revealed as they looked through the junk food aisle which was loaded with candy and chips. She had found regular ones but wasn't interested in them.
She had a handful of slim jims though and a warm Fresca, some things would be there long after the apocalypse was over.
"You're a psychopath, you know that?" Daryl remarked with a twizzler dangling out of his mouth, it was sexy as fuck, just like when he dangled a cigarette the same way. There was something about his manner that was sensual, and a little dark, Lucy was charmed by him, in a way she had never been charmed by a man before.
"You're calling me a psychopath? You?" She laughed, as she walked closer to him, "I don't know Daryl are you sure about that?"
"Yup," He answered as he chewed the licorice, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Do you wish to reconsider that?"
"No, I stand behind it."
She laughed and continued looking for treats and anything they could find for dinner on the road. It was so easy between them now, she found herself smiling for no reason and looking at him with new eyes.
"Here," Lucy turned and smiled as he tossed her a bag of the crunchy cheetos she was looking for.
That night they made love in a bed in a cheesy honeymoon suite and Lucy woke up crying almost at dawn. Daryl woke up immediately after and held her, reassuring her as he pushed her hair out of her face.
"Merle's got her," He promised as he kissed her forehead, "We'll be there tomorrow by noon at the latest."
"Can we go now?" She asked, "Please?"
"Can't drive with lights on honey," He explained, "Two more hours ok?"
Lucy shook her head, "No, I want to go now." She started to get out of the bed, feeling guilty for being there with Daryl when her sister was out there without her. He was so paranoid about traveling at night and being exposed, but Lucy wasn't thinking that way.
Daryl pulled her back, "We can't risk it, and they'll wait till we get there."
"I hate when you're right…" Lucy sighed.
"Yeah well, get used to it." He teased, trying to cheer her up and she smiled then, "Let's try and sleep a little more."
He helped her turn over then rubbed her back gently until she fell asleep.
/
The morning was uneventful, but hotter than hell, they walked along the highway when they couldn't get past the blocked cars. At nine am they could finally see the Atlanta skyline coming into closer view. They would be there soon. They hoped Merle and the rest of the group had gotten there safe, but neither of them spoke it out loud.
It was about ten am and they had stopped to rest and look for a car to take because they were close to the main highway now. They could actually drive the rest of the way if they found a car that ran. The sun was beating down on them and they were exhausted. Lucy had not had a good night sleep since she was separated from Marylee.
As they walked by all the empty cars a hand reached out, grabbed Lucy's ankle and yanked her down before she could do anything. All Daryl heard was her screech and then she was down
They thought it was a dead one, it wasn't. Daryl had his crossbow out and on the man before he stood up with Lucy but to Daryl's horror he had a gun to her head. This was his worst fear, in broad daylight.
Traveling in the day was as dangerous as traveling in the night.
"Hmmmm, what do we have here…" The man crooned, he was dirty and gross and he was hurting Lucy.
"Get your hands off of her," Daryl growled as he raised his crossbow a fraction to make his point.
"Put that down or I'll put a bullet in her head right now," The man stated and yanked Lucy backwards against the side of the car.
"Shoot him Daryl," Lucy yelled, "Don't worry about me, shoot this motherfucker."
His hands shook for the first time ever. He'd always had such a steady stance, he was unshakable always, but his whole world was imploding before his eyes. The person who meant the most to him was in grave danger, it was what he had been most afraid of.
"Ain't got a clear shot Lucy," He stammered, "Might hit ya."
"I don't give a fuck! Shoot him!" Lucy yelled, "Shoot him."
The stranger pawed at Lucy's breasts and Daryl snarled, narrowing his eyes like an animal. He was prepared to fight for the death for her.
"Leave her alone before I put a bolt in your head." Daryl warned.
"Put it down and I won't make you watch what I'm gonna do to her," The man pulled Lucy's hair and tried to lick her neck, and that infuriated her. While the guy was busy trying to feel her up, and hold the gun, and her at the same time, she took her chance.
Stomping on his foot, Lucy ducked down as the man released her and Daryl shot the man right between the eyes. The relief he felt knowing that she was safe again was obvious in his demeanor and the breath he pulled in as he closed the distance between them.
"You ok?"
"Next time take the shot," Lucy said simply as they began walking again, she didn't let him hug her to show his relief and he knew she was right. He had let his heart overrule his head. This was also something he had been afraid of and a reason he didn't want to become involved with her. But it was too late now, he was all in. Lucy was his whole world now and had been for some time.
Eventually, after another hour went by with no talking and when they were farther down the road Lucy let herself feel it and sobbed in his arms, "Next time take the shot."
"I will," He reassured her, although he wasn't so sure he could keep that promise if he ever saw a gun to her head again. That moment had wrecked him in an instant and if it had turned out differently and she was hurt, it would be his own head he'd shoot with the bolt.
"They always said to beware of parked cars," Lucy joked as they finally stepped on the clear road to Atlanta. They stood there for a minute and he took her hand.
"It's an hour walk, maybe two, we're almost there."