TWD ~ Daryl + Reader ~

Walk or Hobble

~ 1 day later ~

Denise told you that you were out for a whole day after she fixed your knee. She also told you about how Daryl almost got his head ripped off by Rick because he went after you. Rick didn't want to lose anyone at the cost of getting you back. Denise said that Daryl didn't say anything other than 'When she entered those gates she became one of our people.' You didn't take anything from what Denise told you except for the fact that you need to apologize to everyone about the whole situation.

Your right knee is still in pain but that doesn't stop you from swinging your legs over the side of the bed you're in and trying to walk. One step. Two steps. Three steps. 

"(Y/N)." Jesus hollered as he walks into the infirmary building, "What the hell are you doing?" He hurries to your side and grabs your arms for you to put some of your weight on him, "You shouldn't be walking on your own yet."

"I've dealt with worse than this." You say as you lift your right foot off the ground and put all your weight on the other. "So, don't baby me."

You put your foot down, shake Jesus' hands off, and start to hobble around the infirmary building. The thoughts of your broken fingers fixed with tape and your arms being rung so bad that the bruises would last for days run through your head. Acting like they didn't hurt was something you had to do, any sign of pain was a reason to be struck again. You push the memories from your mind and continues to limp.

You get about halfway across the room and stumble. Jesus rushes to your side once more, but per your request, he doesn't try to help you.

"I know you're not used to people caring and you think you should have to do this by yourself, but you don't have to, (Y/N)." He puts his hand on your shoulder and gives you a concerned look, "Let me help you walk, at least until the pain goes away."

"I-" 'There's no point in arguing with him.' You think as you nod to his offer, "Okay." Jesus takes your right hand making your elbow bend and letting him take some of your weight as you walk.

Jesus helps you walk out of the infirmary building and down the stairs. People stare, which could be for numerous reasons, but the main one may be because you're wearing jeans with your lower right pantleg missing and your shirt still covered in walker blood from the other day. 

Jesus must have noticed you looking down at your clothes. Before you can look up from your bloody shirt you hear Jesus say; "Let's go get you some different clothes." All you do is nod as you and Jesus continue walking down the road.

. . .

When Jesus and you get to the house that Rick lent to you both for your stay you find Daryl sitting on the steps of the porch. In his hands he has your bloody throwing knives. 

"I thought those were left in the walkers." Is all you say before Daryl stands up from the porch steps and looks at you. 

"I pulled 'em outta the walkers b'fore I ran to the car." Jesus helps you walk up to the porch then gently lets your hand go. "I thought you would wan'em back."

Then when Daryl tried to hand your throwing knives to you, Jesus basically snatches them. 

"Hey." You yelp as you quickly turn your head to face him. "You aren't getting these back."

"But they're mine."

"One, they aren't yours." You see Daryl out of the corner of your eye almost glaring at Jesus, "Two, you aren't going outside these walls again without me so something dumb like this knee injury doesn't happen again."

"What makes you think that even if you do go with me, the next time I go outside the wall, that I won't get stupidly injured again?" Jesus gives you a confused look then walks past Daryl on the steps.

"I'm putting these up." He walks into the house and closes the door.

"So stupid." You pout as you cross your arms. "I mean, he does got a point about you going outside the walls by yourself." 

"Oh so you're going to lecture me now?" You huff as you grab onto the handrailing of the steps to try to sit yourself down without hurting your knee. Failing miserably you make your knee slightly bend which sends a shock of pain running through your leg. You jump a little when you feel rough hands under your arms helping you sit down. You turn to see Daryl is behind you on the top step as he helps you sit. He sits down beside you then starts to talk.

"You going outside the walls by yourself was very stupid." Your left hand starts to squeeze your right index finger as Daryl continues, "When I found you, you were under one walker with another not that far away, you coulda died." You pull at your index finger while you stare at the ground. "I know the thought of dyin' doesn't phase you 'cause of your mom and the guilt you feel from everythin' that has happened to the people around you, but-" You feel Daryl's eyes on you and you can't keep yourself from turning to peer into them as he looks down at you, "some people do care about what happens to you."

A flicker of guilt or compassion lights up in Daryl's eyes making your hands abruptly shift. Your right hand grips onto your left index finger at what you see in Daryl's blue eyes. You right hand slowly lets go and goes up to Daryl's face to move one of the lonely strands of his hair out of his face.

"That's why you wouldn't leave me to the walkers," Daryl's face seems to come closer to yours. "you care."

Daryl's face get about an inch away from you. Then Daryl quickly retreats to the other side of the steps at the sound of the door opening. Jesus comes out of the house and helps you stand up. Your eyes never leave Daryl and his never leave you. At least not until you're inside the house.

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Not sure about this chapter either guys.... 

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