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25: Fighting

"Wake up," I felt something hit my face. I sat up slowly, "We're going hunting."

I fell back onto the pillow, "But it's cold." Something else fell on me. I just wanted to stay in bed for a few more minutes, or hours. Heck, let's just make a day of it.

"You still have a few things you need to learn." Damn. He had a point.

I sat up once more, finally noticing the pile of clothes on me. "Fine, just give me a second." I got out of bed and started putting everything on. "Will there even be anything out there worth hunting?"

"Only one way to find out," I looked over to find him putting on his shoes, I couldn't help but smile.

-o0o-

It isn't that I don't enjoy cold weather. Cold weather is fine. Without cold weather, coziness would be impossible. But here's the thing, cold weather is only good when you're inside. I walked a few strides behind Daryl, keeping a look out for animals, but only noticing the scenery. The ground had a slight covering of snow. Against the dark bark of the trees it was beautiful. I hadn't seen much snow growing up, but this stuff looked like heaven. If only it wasn't so fucking cold.

"I'm not seeing anything, are you?" the cold constricted my voice.

"Not a thing," he turned around. The cold had made his face pink and brought a childish look to him that I hadn't seen before. A laugh burst out accidentally from my mouth. "What's funny?"

"So glad we did this. Totally worth it," I laughed more. I could feel my side beginning to hurt, so I leaned against a nearby tree. "You look like a child."

"No I don't," he started walking back.

Then an idea struck me.

I reached towards the ground, slinging the bow around my shoulder so I could pick up some snow. Pack, pack, throw. The snowball hit him in the back of the head. "Direct hit, ten points," I chuckled.

When he turned around I expected retaliation, "Let's just get back."

"Why?" I bent down once more. Pack, pack, throw. This one hit him in the chest, "Afraid?"

He started to laugh, "Like you could beat me, little girl."

I threw another, harder this time, "You really shouldn't have said that." He reached down, but I was faster. The white ball flew. "Right in the face, too." I laughed, hunching over once again. He threw one at me, but it missed by a hair. Then it was war. Snowballs went flying every which way, and I couldn't stop the giggles that bubbled up as I ran around, dodging enemy fire. Occasionally I wasn't fast enough, but he wasn't so lucky. After a few minutes I decided there was only one way to stop this and win once and for all. I ran at him and tackled him to the ground.

"Ouch," he whined.

I sat on top of him, "Victory is mine!"

"You cheated."

I shook my head, "I'd never dream of cheating." I set my bow on the ground beside us; the adrenaline was coursing through my veins as the cold air pumped in and out of my lungs.

"We should get back," he patted my leg as if to as me to get off.

"Yeah," I was still panting, "We should, huh?" I sent him my most mischievous smile. "Or…" I leaned over and kissed his neck, "We could stay here for a little bit." I moved over to his lips, getting the distinct feeling of a smile there as I began to kiss them. My heart was still pumping at full capacity as our lips began to move, and I couldn't help but wish this could last. I took off my gloves and ran my fingers into his hair where heat was radiating off of him, I could feel his arms pulling me closer, our mouths remaining connected the whole while. I can't remember ever feeling like this. I was legitimately happy. Elated in every sense of the word. Yes, I wished things were different, like the world hadn't ended, less death, or there were less clothes involved in this moment, but I couldn't care less about those things. I could deal with all that, I would handle all of that, just as long as I had this. As long as I had him. I wanted this moment, and several more like this, for as long as humanly possible. His lips trailed to my neck, where he pulled down my scarf so he could reach the skin, and I took it as a chance to catch my breath. Regaining a level head was impossible though. I think… I might even be sure about it… I was in… Annie, you can't feel that. He's leaving soon, you know this. His lips persisted against my skin. Wait, who cares? Who cares what I should do? Who cares what's safe? I sure as hell don't. I knew how I felt. I wouldn't let fucked up circumstances stop me from feeling this. Finally something good. Love.

The crack of twigs mixed with a gargling noise broke our embrace. In an instant the bow was in my hand once more, arrow poised to shoot. In the corner of my eye I saw Daryl, still flat on his back under me, pointing his crossbow as well. Click, dling. Our arrows flew and hit the wandering walker simultaneously. I sighed and slid my gloves back on, "I guess we should head out." We stood up, brushing the snow from our clothes, and I started towards the corpse to collect the arrows, but he stopped me. Our lips were together once more, but only briefly. I loved him.

"You're something else, Annie."

I walked over, pulled out the arrows, and wiped them on the dead guy's clothes before handing Daryl his back. "So are you," I smiled at him, "Now, let's get going."

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