Hey everyone just an FWI I follow the series so whatever happens in the show will correspond in the chapters. I just like going with the flow and not having to make so many changes.

OOOOO

Kayla woke up the next morning before the sun came up and found herself in a different tent than her own. Then she realized her head was rested on something hard, but still comfortable instead of her soft pillow. Picking her head up she saw Daryl's sleeping face and that he had an arm wrapped around her holding her close to him. At first she was a little confused until she remembered last night's events after Dale died.

FLASHBACK

Rick and Shane carried Dale's dead body back to the camp where Hershel allowed them to place him in the barn until the next morning. Andrea was hysterical and trying to be consoled by Carol and Carl was being comforted by Lori. Kayla was crying as well, but tried to remain calm. Dale was the one who invited her to stay with the group and accepted her. He was the one she could talk to nonstop about anything and not have to worry about being judged. And now he was gone. Walking back to the camp she had trouble controlling the tears and was caught off guard when an arm wrapped around her shoulders. She looked to her side and saw it was Daryl. His face was stoic, but Kayla could clearly see the sadness playing on his face. She looked at him with tear filled eyes and stopped walking. "I was just talking to him a couple of hours ago." She sobbed. "And now he's dead… and I couldn't save him… I was supposed to be able to save people and I couldn't save him." Daryl wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his frame.

"There was nothing you could have done." He told her. "No one could have done anything." Kayla put her face in his shoulder and hugged him back. "Come on let's get back to camp and out of the cold." He said quietly. She nodded and pulled away from him, exposing tear streaks down just gave him an her face. Daryl wiped the tears away with his hands gently and tucked the loose hair behind her ears. He put an arm around her and walked back towards the camp, seeing Rick looking his way. Daryl gave him an assuring look before leading Kayla back to the camp.

Arriving back at the camp, Kayla pulled away from Daryl to go to her tent, but he grabbed her wrist gently to stop her. She looked at him for a moment with red, puffy eyes in confusion. "Come with me." he said quietly as he jerked his head towards his tent. Kayla followed him into his tent where he pulled out a small pack of tissues. He pulled on out and handed it to her. She gladly accepted it and wiped her eyes and nose. "Thank you." She sniffled. Daryl simply nodded and sat down on his cot.

"I'm gonna go to bed." Kayla said quietly fighting back the tears. Daryl instantly stood up. "Why don't you stay here tonight?" he insisted. Kayla looked at him in surprise. "I mean…after what happened I figured you wouldn't want to be alone…" Daryl said less sure of himself.

"I won't if you are uncomfortable with it." Kayla replied.

"No, it's fine really." Daryl assured her.

"Alright."

Daryl kicked his boots off before lying back on his cot while Kayla slipped her sweatshirt off and kicked her shoes off. Daryl moved over a little to give her room next to him. She was hesitate on crawling in next to him, but when she did she felt secure. She rested her head on his chest and released a breath she didn't know she was holding. Once she relaxed and was comfortable, a smile formed on her face. "Thank you." She whispered.

"Don't mention it." Daryl's rough voice replied. Kayla closed her eyes and drifted off to an empty sleep with the help of Daryl's heartbeat.

END OF FLASHBACK

Now here she was still next to him with his arm around her as he slept soundly. She allowed a small smile to form on her face before getting up carefully, trying not to wake him up. She sat on the ground next to the bed and pulled her boots on, lacing them up when Daryl began to stir. He rubbed his eyes and looked over to see Kayla there tying her shoes. "Hey." He greeted roughly as he moved down next to her. "You okay?" She looked at him and nodded assuringly. "Yeah." She said quietly. Daryl watched her as she tied her shoes, her hands shaking slightly and eyes watering a little. He put a hand on hers and stopped her. She let out a shaky breath which Daryl responded with putting an arm across her shoulders. "It's okay." he whispered. She leaned into him and rested her head on his chest. He tightened his hold and put his chin on the top of her head as she tried to calm herself down. She gripped the fabric of Daryl's shirt and inhaled his scent and found herself more relaxed. The comfort he was providing made her feel safe and protected from the outside world which is a feeling she never experienced.

After a couple of minutes Kayla pulled away from Daryl and he looked at her. "You alright?" he asked. She nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Yeah." She told him, sounding surer of herself. Daryl helped her up and kept his eyes on her face, looking for any traces of sadness. It was there, but lessened from last night.

The sound of unzipping tents and footsteps caught the pairs' attention signaling the group was getting up. "I'm gonna go help Lori with breakfast." Kayla said pulling her hoodie on. Daryl simply nodded and watched as she zipped her sweatshirt up. "Thank you for letting me stay with you." Kayla thanked him. "It meant a lot."

"You're welcome." He replied. She gave him a small smile and kissed his cheek. Daryl tensed a little at the sensation, but also enjoyed the feeling of her lips on his skin. He gave her a sort of smile as she walked around him and out to the group.

So I just watched the 4th season mid-season finale and OMG! I was freaking out.! When Daryl almost died I FREAKED! THANK GOD HE MADE IT OUT!