Die For You

Previously…

"Hey, come in." Aaron suggested, stepping forward. "Have some dinner." Daryl and I exchanged a look. "C'mon you guys, it's some pretty serious spaghetti." With that he turned and went back inside, leaving the door open.

I frowned good naturedly and shrugged. Daryl scoffed. "C'mon." I urged, playfully knocking our elbows together. I slipped back on my heels and he followed me up the steps. Once we were inside, I shut the door behind us.

Chapter 8

Alexandria

"In here!" Aaron called. I could hear the scraping of china; he must be setting out extra plates.

We entered the eat in kitchen, to find Eric already at the table, broken ankle propped up. "Hello again," Eric greeted us from where he sat. "Sit," he motioned to the two steaming plates across from each other. "You look lovely." Eric smiled, motioning to my dress. I could feel Daryl's eyes on me, so I just nodded. He continued, "I like your hair down, suits you." Aaron poured us each a glass of red wine before sitting down across from Eric and picking up his fork.

As we dug in, Eric and Aaron shared a silent chuckle. Daryl didn't have the best table manners. I just gave the two men an apologetic shrug and a lopsided grin. I found even Daryl's noodle slurping to be endearing. I was kinda head over heels for the man, even after all we'd been through.

"Thanks." Daryl nodded at the two men gruffly. I smiled. Even if he did slurp, he was still polite.

Eric turned to Daryl, "Mmmm, while you're out there, on your travels, if you happen to be at a store or something, uh, Mrs. Neudermyer is really looking for a pasta maker." He scoffed, "And we're all really trying to get her to shut up about it." Daryl took a sip of his wine. I shared a confused look with Aaron. Travels? "I mean, we have crates of dried pasta in here, but she wants to make her own or something." Eric shrugged, "I really think she just wants something to talk about so…." He trailed off for a moment, Aaron minutely shook his head, trying to get Eric's attention. "Well, if you see one, out on your travels, it would go a long way to…." He finally caught Aaron's gaze across the table. Eric pushed at the spaghetti on his plate and sighed. "I thought it was done." He looked at Aaron sheepishly. "You didn't ask him already." Aaron shook his head to confirm.

"Ask me what?" Daryl asked, wiping his hands on his napkin.

"I think I better show you something first." Aaron concluded. "Let's finish eating, then I'll show you the garage." I immediately knew what Aaron was going to ask Daryl. Given that his partner, Eric, was incapacitated, and had a history of danger-proneness, I was betting he wanted to ask Daryl to be the second recruiter of Alexandria.

Daryl glanced between the two men, then locked eyes with me. I nodded encouragingly. "A'right." He shrugged, glancing down at his plate.

We settled into an awkward silence. Aaron broke first. "Deanna give you a job yet?" He asked me.

I immediately swallowed the spaghetti I was chewing, almost lodging it in my throat. I hadn't even had a chance to tell Daryl yet. "I was given a choice." I explained, clearing my throat before taking a sip of wine. "I can be a constable with Rick and Michonne, go on supply runs with Aiden and Glenn, or bounce between the two." I shrugged again, sharing a look with Daryl. He was watching me, face unreadable. "I haven't decided." I added before loading up my fork again.

Eric nodded. "You have a law enforcement background like Rick?"

I barked a laugh, "Sort of." I sniffed. Rick said to try, right? Well, here went nothing. "I was a fighter pilot out of college, then a corrections officer for a year before the world went to Hell."

"Wow." Aaron exclaimed softly, "I figured you were at least a cop like Rick, maybe a detective or something." He smirked, "But a fighter pilot? How cool."

Daryl had finished his plate and was staring at me with what looked like pride in his eyes. He and I had discussed my wariness of telling people I was a former fighter pilot. People usually pegged me as some kinda war hero which translated somehow to me being a badass now that the world went to shit. He knew it took a lot for me to be completely honest with people. More often than not I'd just say I was a prison guard and leave out the rest. I wasn't truly a prison guard though, I was an aviator through and through. I couldn't hide that part of myself, definitely not from Daryl.

"Not much use now." I scoffed after swallowing a mouthful.

"Wouldn't say that." Daryl chimed in picking up his almost empty glass. He was right, my basic military training had kept me alive and helped me keep others alive, too.

Eric leaned back from his finished plate. "Do you miss it?" Aaron shot him a disapproving look.

I waved his concern away. "Yeah." I smiled wistfully, picking up my glass of wine in a mock toast. "Only every damn day."

Aaron talked with Daryl in the garage while I helped clean up the meal. "I don't mind," I insisted, drawing some hot water for the dishes. Eric hobbled over to the sink on his crutches. "Really, dishes sort of relax me. Plus, you guys cooked, so I get to clean up." I began rinsing plates. "Now, go put that ankle up before Aaron comes back and scolds us both."

I finished the dishes and wiped down the table and counter tops. Feeling satisfied with my work, I poured another glass of wine and stalked over to the garage, hoping to catch whatever was going on between the two men. I was hopeful, Aaron and Eric both knew what it was like to be an outsider. I had a feeling we were going to become great friends with them.

"The main reason I want you to help me recruit, is you do know the difference between a good person and a bad person." Aaron told Daryl.

My heart pounded in my chest. I knew it. As much as I didn't want Daryl going off outside the walls, I knew he was good at it. If anyone could survive out there, it was him.

"Got nothing else to do." Daryl drawled with a shrug. I settled against the door frame, catching his eye. "Thanks." He gave Aaron a nod.

"Yeah." Aaron nodded with a smile.

"I'll catch ya some rabbits." Daryl quipped, causing Aaron to laugh.

"Great." Aaron grinned.

We took our leave a half hour later. Aaron showed us out. "I'm looking at heading out the first part of next week." He looked between the two of us. "You okay with that?" His eyes settled on me.

I felt my cheeks heat. "Oh, we're not, um. We're not actually, uh…t-together..." I stammered, looking to Daryl for help. He looked about as speechless as I was. People always assumed we were together, but this was the first time we'd ever stepped out in a public setting like this.

Aaron's eyes widened and he smiled a knowing smile. "Ah. my mistake." He murmured apologetically. He turned to Daryl, eyebrows raised.

"Yeah." Daryl nodded once, "I'll take a look at the bike in tha mornin'."

Aaron smiled. "Sounds like a plan. You two have a great night." He waved once and shut the door.

I slipped my heels back on so Daryl didn't have to carry me back to the house. We shared a cigarette as we strolled under the streetlights, hands brushing as we passed it back and forth. When we arrived back to our new bedroom, I kicked the heels off and launched them deep into the walk in closet.

"Good riddance." I scoffed, putting back the pearl earrings I'd found in the dresser while I was getting ready.

Daryl shrugged off his leather vest and hung it up on the back of the chair that I'd laid my weapons belt on. It made me smile to see our things hanging up together.

"You're good out there." I said suddenly, turning to face him. "But you don't belong out there."

Daryl snorted softly, "That's what Aaron said." He murmured as he finished unbuttoning his shirt.

"Well, he was right." I stepped closer to him, holding my hand out for the used shirt.

He handed it to me, "You're not mad?" He asked, looking at me through the hair that had fallen in his eyes.

My brow furrowed, "Should I be?" I tossed it into the hamper by the door. "Would that make you feel better?" I murmured, locking eyes with him for a moment, feeling my cheeks heat.

Daryl scoffed, shaking his head. "Nah." He shrugged. "Maybe." He whispered with a snort.

I stood in front of him, my hands resting gently on his bare shoulders, my insides growing warm at the skin to skin contact. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned." I sighed, "I care about you, Daryl Dixon." I bit my lip, "But angry? Nah. This is who you are. If I truly care about you, I can accept that."

"A'right." Daryl murmured, eyes focusing on my lips, jaw clenching.

"Thanks for going with me tonight." I whispered, slowly sliding my arms around his neck. He grunted, looking unconvinced. "I'm serious," I insisted, wrinkling my nose. "I wouldn't have gone without you." I murmured quietly as one of his hands gripped my hip, the other wound itself into my hair, cradling the back of my head. The rush of his nearness was like a drug. I wanted him closer, as close as I could get him. Here we were, tucked in nice and safe behind giant metal walls. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and take our relationship to the next level. If I'd been reading him right all night, he was still on the fence.

"Roz." He murmured my name, almost like he was asking permission. I smoothed my hands down his chest, leveling my gaze with his. I was first struck by the doubt I saw, then I realized he was just unsure of what to do next. So I took control, or at least he gave me the illusion of control. I stretched up on my toes and touched my lips to his. That was all it took. His grip in my hair tightened and his lips slanted over mine, a growl rumbling deep in his chest. I whimpered at his forcefulness, my grip on his shirt tightening.

Being with Daryl, the shitstorm that ravaged our world faded. Time slipped away and was replaced with the rhythm of him moving against me, with me. The sensation of his skin, silk over steel, was enough to get my blood pumping. Paired with his hot mouth and adventurous hands, I was lost. I hadn't been with anyone in so long I'd forgotten the delicious satisfaction it provided. Then again, I'd really never known a feeling like this. Sure, it was awkward as hell, but we were in this together. That was what mattered, against all odds, we were here together. He was rough, but there was a determination and focus in the way he touched me, like he was trying to be at least a little tender. I found tears pricking the back of my eyes at the thought of Daryl being tender on purpose with me. Sure, he was tender with baby Judith, Carol, and with me when I was hurt, but this was different.

I silently thanked Maggie for insisting I take a few foil packets from her and Glenn's stash when we'd all spread out. I was a little shy when I first produced the packet, but his eagerness melted that away. I learned he liked to be bitten just above his left collarbone. He discovered sinking his teeth into the juncture of my neck and shoulder had blissful consequences. I was suddenly thankful everyone else was at the party as his hand came up to muffle my scream of release. I didn't remember being a screamer before.

After, he lay flat on his back, staring at the ceiling, breathing slowly returning to normal. I leaned up on an elbow to look at him, tracing lazy circles on his chest. "Thank you." I whispered, not quite sure I'd said it aloud. The look of disbelief on his face told me I definitely did. "What?" I scoffed holding back my idiot smile by biting my lip.

"Never had a woman thank me for fuckin' 'er before." Daryl mused with a snort.

"Never?" I purred, plopping down next to him, not quite cuddling. His fingers played with my hair.

"Never." He murmured, voice thick.

Sanctuary

"Wow." Negan breathed. "It's like a damn romance novel." I scoffed, I'd heard that line before. "No, really!" He insisted, "This is great stuff. You should probably write it down or something."

I frowned, "Yeah, and who would read it?" I crossed my arms.

"I would." Negan smirked. "You're a great storyteller, Roz." He sighed, "I thought things never got really freaky between the two of you."

I blushed, averting my eyes. "Well, I meant that we weren't fucking like rabbits with the world collapsing around us." I relaxed a little, twirling the end of my braid. "We were safe behind the walls of Alexandria, that's why it even happened."

"Are you saying you don't think it's love?" Negan questioned, eyebrows raised. "Cause from where I sit, this thing between you and dear Daryl is definitely more than just friends with benefits." He nodded pointedly to my chair as if to say, 'you're here right now, aren't you?'

I bit my lip. What, was Negan now my therapist? "Maybe." I murmured, averting my eyes, taking a sip of wine.

"Well, Alexandria sounds like a real sweet place." Negan smiled, setting down his fork. "Idyllic, even."

I scoffed. "Yeah, it's perfectly peachy."

"Trouble in paradise?" Negan questioned, cocking an eyebrow.

"You could say that." I smirked. "The people who were there when we arrived had been inside the walls from the very beginning."

Negan barked a laugh. "Jesus." I smirked. "Bunch a lightweight pussies, eh?"

"Exactly." I agreed, "We didn't have the easiest time coexisting at first." I sighed. "Deanna, the woman who was the leader when we arrived, interviewed each of us, even videotaped it." I scoffed, "She had no idea what was really out there." I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair. "She assigned each of us a job, so we could contribute to the community."

"Hmmm." Negan smirked. "Sounds familiar, eh?" He chuckled. He took a quick breath, "What was your job?"

I leaned back in my chair, "I went on supply runs with Glenn."

Megan's brow furrowed. "No shit." He sighed, "Now I know why you were so upset."

I swallowed against the lump in my throat. "Glenn and I were close. Trusted that man with my life. Saved my ass more times than I can count." I said softly. "I'm not sure I'll ever forgive you."

Negan regarded me carefully. "Hmmm." He mused, "that's fair." He took another bite of chocolate cake. "So how did Rick emerge as the 'grand poobah' of The Promised Land?"

I bit my lip. I was tired. Definitely needed sleep if we were going to go to Alexandria tomorrow. I wanted to be ready to spring into action if Rick needed me to. "That might be a story better heard straight from the horse's mouth." I suggested around the last of my chocolate cake.

Negan nodded, "You're probably right Roz." He sighed, glancing at the clock. "Oh baby, look at the time. Probably should let you get some beauty sleep." He winked. I stood up from the table, and shuffled towards the door. He followed.

I yawned, turning to face him. "What time we heading for Alexandria tomorrow?"

Negan smirked, "We bug out early, get home in time for lunch." He leaned against the door jamb.

I sighed. "Sounds like a plan." I bit my lip,"Thanks for dinner and dessert."

"Anytime, sweet cheeks, anytime." Negan purred, his fingers tucking my hair behind my ear. Suddenly he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. I held my breath, waiting for him to pull back. He straightened away from me, "Night, Roz."

"G'night." I whispered spinning away from him, willing myself not to sprint down the hall.

When I reached my room, I closed the door behind me and locked it. I leaned against it for a moment, trying to catch my breath. That was too close. I know I wanted to let him in close to me so I could eventually slit his throat, but after seeing Daryl tonight we had to get out of here. I didn't have the assurance that our relationship would survive me letting Negan get closer. I didn't want to fuck things up with Daryl, he was messed up enough by being in that cell.

The morning found me bleary eyed and haunted. I spent the night tossing and turning as I dreamed of hunting Negan with Daryl. I shook the restless thoughts away and got dressed. After securing my weapons belt I headed to the mess hall. Sherry pressed another hot mug of coffee into my hands. I was definitely going to have to look for some coffee on our next supply run and hide it. She gave me a look that said we needed to talk. I followed her into the nearest stairwell.

"Daryl either has to give in, or he has to escape." Sherry whispered once we were alone.

My eyes flew wide. "The hell?" I scoffed. "Why do you care?"

"He's messing with Dwight's head." She sighed, biting her lip. Ah. I knew that look. Women like us were extremely aware of how our men behaved. We understood their honor code and did our best to uphold it. Sounded like to me Dwight was once more like Daryl than he wanted to admit. Probably why he paraded around in Daryl's vest with his crossbow and road his bike. Things were definitely clicking into place.

"We'll have to wait until Negan leaves the compound," Sherry continued, "He always takes a security detail with him-"

"So it will be easier to slip out unnoticed." I finished for her, picking up what she was laying down. "We just need a signal."

Sherry pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "I'll come see you at the infirmary." She smirked, "I'll ask for help getting back to my room so you'll have an excuse to leave."

It could work. If she got me out of the infirmary, I would be able to help clear an escape route for Daryl when she sprung him from his cell. Then I could leave with Daryl and ensure a clear escape. I nodded. "I wish we could do it today, but I'm sure Negan's taking Daryl with him to ensure Rick cooperates."

Sherry placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Patience." She murmured. "Just be ready to move when I come to you." She released my shoulder. "Go up one floor and out the side door. I'll head back downstairs so it won't look like we were together."

"Thank you." I murmured. She was really good at this shit.

"No, thank you." She smiled at me then disappeared down the stairs.

I made it outside in time to see Negan and a platoon of Saviors emerge from the mess hall on ground level.

"Good Morning, Roz!" He waved to me, "Come on down, we're about to get this show on the road."

I returned his wave. "Sounds good." I answered, making my way down the steps.

When I reached the bottom, Negan threw his arm around my shoulders and escorted me to his truck. Simon was again our pilot while Negan and I took the back. Dwight was a new addition this time, riding shotgun.

"You get Daryl all loaded up?" Negan asked once Dwight had settled in the passenger seat.

"All set." He answered, locking eyes with him in the rearview mirror.

Negan pursed his lips. "Good." He smirked and turned to me as we got rolling. "Excited to go home?"

I shrugged, returning his gaze. I hadn't eaten anything, just had a mug of coffee. My stomach was a mess. Usually I could compartmentalize my nervousness, but I was having a hard time holding on to my training in the face of this new enemy. "It will be good to see everyone." I murmured, careful to remove the emotion from my voice. He didn't need to know that I was ready to puke all over his shoes.

"Yes, it will." Negan chuckled, turning his gaze to the window. "I'm sure Rick will be ecstatic."

Dearest Readers,

Gah! We're getting closer! I'm excited to get Roz and Daryl back out into the world and into the fight against the Saviors. I'm looking forward to visiting the Kingdom and writing Ezekiel. He's one of my favorite characters.

I'm currently working on getting the next chapter done, so we can keep up our once a week update pace going!

Thank you again for all your support. Y'all rock!

xoxo

Lumora The White