I wake up in a strange bed in a cold dark place, only a small sliver of light appears through a covered window. I roll to my side covering myself in the comforter not wanting to get out of bed. I feel my cheek and there's a bandage where the cut was.

"Chloe."

It wasn't a dream Daryl is here with me. My eyes go to the direction of the voice. He's sitting in the corner just watching me. I sit up, but feel a little dizzy. My stomach growls with hunger and I touch it embarrassed by the noise. Daryl's face stays serious, just like I remember. He doesn't smile much, but when he does it takes my breath away. I wish he'd smile for me.

He stands from the chair to walk over to me. The bed shifts when he sits down on the edge. His body is close to mine and part of me wants to wrap my arms around him, but I hesitate. His eyes travel from my face down to where my hand sits on top of the black comforter. He takes his hand and places it over mine, rubbing his thumb gently across.

"Daryl." My voice is so horse.

He reaches on the old bedside table and grabs me a pitcher of water. I gulp it down like I've never drank water before. I clear my throat.

"Your hair is so long," I say reaching out for it.

He stays still as I grab at the ends of his dark hair. His eyes close as I run my fingers through it. I quickly pull away embarrassed by my actions. I look down at the comforter and play with a thread. I'm not sure what to say.

"Where are we?" I try to break the silence.

"Right now a place called the Sanctuary, but I'm moving you to a safer location," he tells me.

"Where do you stay?"

"Here."

"So you are pushing me away again?"

I don't mean to push or be a bitch, but I just found him again and it's comforting to have someone in my life that I feel safe with. Apparently I'm just disposable and maybe everything we had was a complete lie. I've already lost so much, and I'm not ready to lose him again. No matter how angry I am at him.

"I'm not pushing you away Chloe."

His tone is flat as usual, and there's a bit of annoyance in his voice.

"Trying to "save me" from your brother again Daryl? Where is he huh?" I question.

"He's dead!" his voice raises slightly.

"Oh." I look back down at the string.

"I'm sorry." I look up at him and his eyes are unreadable. Daryl's wall is back up and it's stronger than the first time.

"It's fine, you uh you didn't know," he says.

"I didn't mean to – it's just nice to see a familiar face," I admit.

He says nothing, but it doesn't look like he's going anywhere anytime soon. He pushes me over, and I slide myself to the other side of the bed. Without saying a word he pulls off his boots and crawls under the covers with me. I look up at him and he sighs pulling me into with his strong arms as I lay on his chest. I can hear his heart beating fast as he squeezes me close. The fire I once felt comes roaring back like it never left. His head rests on mine and for the first time since all hell broke loose I feel at ease.

I look up at him his scruff tickles my forehead. He takes his hand to lift my chin, I shiver as his hand cups my cheek. God I've missed him so much. He looks just like he did all those years ago, just a little older and more tired. He pulls my face towards him and his lips linger just inches away from mine. My body shivers as his breath touches my lips. I reach up and run a hand through his hair, and he closes his eyes. Neither of us pull away, so I grab his chin and pull him in so that our lips touch. His breath catches when our lips meet and he moans into my mouth. I don't want to push my luck since we haven't seen each other in so long, but all I want is him, all of him. Salty tears hit my lips and I'm not sure if it's his or mine, I don't pull away to check because I'm afraid if I pull away I'll wake up and it will all just be a dream.

"God damn I've missed you so much," he talks into my lips.

"I missed you too," I whisper.

Our voices are muffled because I don't think either of us wants to pull away. His hand rests on my hips teasing the skin just under my shirt. This time I moan, but try to keep it under control. I've only kissed one other guy after Daryl and it was never the same. I reach my hand up under his shirt just as someone knocks on the door.

Daryl jumps up out of bed and adjusts himself. I sit up and feel my cheeks flush a bit.

"Be right there!" he yells.

He quickly steps back into his boots and walks around the bed. I watch him open the door.

"Daryl, we have a situation do you mind?" the rough manly voice asks.

"How bad?"

"Could use your help," the voice says.

"Okay."

"Can you give me a minute?"

"Yeah," the voice says.

Daryl shuts the door and looks over at me. He walks back over and sits on the edge of the bed, running his hands through his hair he clears his throat. I touch his shoulder gently and he puts his hand on top of mine.

"Will you be okay?" he asks.

"Daryl, I may be tired and weak right now, but I'm still me. When did I ever need someone at my side?" I ask.

He lets out a small chuckle and I shiver at the sound of his amazing laugh. I didn't realize how much I missed that sound until I heard it.

"I'll be back, okay? It's really late, but I'll be back in a bit with something for you to eat," he says.

I nod, biting my lip and he kisses me on the head. He walks around to go, but looks back just before stepping out and shutting the door.

***********

I'm used to sitting around and staring off into space, I've done it many nights since this whole thing started. I miss reading and listening to music, but this is what life is like now. There's a soft knock on the door and I get up to answer it. I fix the clothes that I assume Daryl changed me into. I was so tired I barely remember coming.

I open the door and standing in front of me is an older woman, she's the one who I saw with Daryl earlier.

"Hi. Chloe right?"

"Yes, come in," I say stepping aside.

In her hand she's holding some clothes folded into a pile. She steps inside and places it on a table in the corner.

"I'm Carol by the way," she says reaching out to shake my hand.

I shake hers and smile kindly.

"Those are extra clothes are for you, if you need anything else don't hesitate to ask. Daryl wants me to take you to a safer spot tomorrow, so I wanted to introduce myself beforehand," she says.

"It's nice to meet you Carol. Do you happen to know where he's sending me?" I ask.

"A better place you can call home for a while. We are rebuilding after a huge mess, but it's safer than here for now," she tells me.

"Okay," I say softly.

"So you and Daryl knew each other before this all started?" she asks.

"Yeah, it was years ago. Surprised he recognized me," I laugh.

"The way he looks at you I doubt he'd forget," she tells me.

I feel my cheeks grow red. I look down at my feet and bite my lip.

"I'll let you get some rest. It was nice to meet you," she says.

"Yes you too. Thank you for bringing the clothes," I tell her.

"Sure," she gives a slight smile then slips out the door.

I'm feel exhausted more than usual, and I'm not sure I can wait for Daryl to bring me food. I close the door behind her and slip back under the covers. They bed isn't that comfortable, but it's better than sleeping on the ground in a tent for months on end. I can feel my eyes closing again, and I don't fight it.