Safety Net
Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader.
You never needed to ask Daryl to have your back, it was his primal instinct to care and watch over you. Ever since the apocalypse, he finally felt needed, like the piece that he was missing finally clicked into place. How could he explain that to the others?
You huddled around the small burning fire, the black smoke smoothly blending into the night sky. You gave a half smile to the group, "Today was good," Rick let's out a small chuckle, "You know she is right. Today is the first of many hard days. Together, we'll get through it as a group." You flash a smile, nodding at his words. Glenn joins in, "We will mourn the ones we've lost, living for them." You glance over, noticing the sour look on Daryl's face. You frown, knowing how close he was to finding Sophia, and all he wanted was to ease Carols anxieties. The group breaks off, small chatter immerging between them. You let out a soft sigh, "I think I'm going to rest up, need to recharge." You gently stood up, walking through the group, saying goodnight to Rick and Carol. Glenns hand hovered on your shoulder, "Well get through this." You thank him, "I know we will. We always do."
The darkness swallows your surroundings, too far from the fire by this point, to be able to even see a foot in front of you. You hum softly, making your way to your tent. Despite your protests, your tent was at the very far end of the camp. Daryl vouched for you, but no one was willing to make the switch with you. "Hey, slow down." You halted, waiting for him to approach. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his lips were in a line. "What I say about walking off alone?" You glance around, "I've been looking out, I can protect myself." He grabs your wrist, shaking his head firmly. "Just cause' you can protect yourself, doesn't mean you should have too." You could not resist, all the emotion you had been holding onto for weeks cracked through your walls. You forcibly wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him close to your side. Strings of tears soaked his jacket and all he could do was hold you tighter. "Never feel like you're alone." You shake uncontrollably, your breath staggered, "I try. I really try to be strong, but it becomes too much sometimes." His arms stayed snaked around your waist, but you had slightly pulled away. Your face mere inches away from his, "Let me take you to your tent, that way we don't have to watch our backs." His hand led you to your tent, he unzipped it for you, following after you.
He quickly zipped it back up, turning the portable lamp on, a small glow illuminating your face. His heart pounding at your sight, the wet eyes, the streaks from your tears, your lips were puffy from anxiously biting them. "My poor girl, come here." He opened himself up, giving you room to sit in his lap, his arms wrapped securely around you. Daryl had always been your sanctuary. Ever since you met him, you had searched for him first before anyone else even flashed your mind. His fingers rubbed your hair gently, his other hand gripping you tight. You were special to Daryl, in the end, if all he had left was you, he could live with it. Knowing he has protected you this long has made him confident, on top of the fact you are able to defend yourself as well.
"So many people die. Daryl, it's to the point where I expect it." Your soft eyes meet his, and for a second, he lets his guard down. His mouth hangs open, his eyes closing softly. He leans his forehead against yours, and your hands find their way to his hair. You play with it, hoping to ease some of the emotion dwelling inside of you. "I don't want to feel like it's for nothing..." You hesitate. "Jacqui.. maybe she had the right idea. She's at peace." His body stiffens due to your confession, and his blood starts boiling. "Don't." You sigh again, "I'm sorry, it's just how long do we have to keep going through this? Nowhere is truly ever safe." He looks deep into your eyes, "I'm safe, when you're with me I will protect you." You shake your head, "Youve always done that for me." You crack a half smile, "I could never repay you for how many times you have saved my life." You look away but he grabs your chin, forcing you to make eye contact. "You never have to ask or second guess me. I made a vow to protect you, and that's what I'm going to do."
You and Daryl had never spoke about boundaries, or even what your dynamic was. You couldn't resist, you twist yourself, facing him more directly. You glance from his eyes to his lips, letting the emotion take you over, you slam your lips against his. His body relaxes into the kiss, and he eagerly kisses you back. His hands wrap around you, pulling you closer. You pull away gently, your forehead resting on his. "I had to, at least once." His hand rested on your thigh, "I'm glad you did." He kissed you once more, before ultimately pulling you into a hug, you get used to his presence, desperate for more. "I really like you Daryl... is that wrong?" You question him. He shakes his head, "It's not wrong at all. I really like you." Liked was an understatement, no one had ever gotten under his skin like you had. You weren't even trying, but you had wormed your way in, unbeknownst to him.
You cradle his face, "No one... Daryl Dixon. No one, has given you the love and respect you deserve. You save anyone, no matter their past." You hold him close, the eerie night sounds erupting from outside your tent. Multiple bugs abruptly squealing, interrupting any peace and quiet you once knew. "I love you Daryl." He smiles softly. "I love you too." You frown only for a second, not wanting this night to end. The safety and security of it all. "Will you stay with me?" You question, worried he would say no. "Yes, I can." You lay down, adjusting comfortably against the grass, and the thin layer of tent. "Thank you Daryl." He takes his cross bow off, setting it beside him. He leans down, wrapping his arms around you, he settles himself close to you, desperate for your touch. "You're strong, it has gotten you this far, I know you can handle it out there." You nod, moving closer to him. "I like knowing you can save me." Daryl chuckles. "Anytime you need me, I'll be there." The two of you cuddle soundly on the farm, peace settling in as you let your body rest.
