Rick Grimes was dead. The news hit the group pretty hard, we all couldn't really take it, we had all been through so much and I didn't know how to handle it. The day Rick died, I ran away. I left the group for good, I didn't tell anyone where I was going, I just ran and I didn't look back again. It was a stupid thing to do, but I didn't care anymore. I was crushed and my chest was so tight, I felt like I couldn't breathe and I wanted it to end. I just found this abandoned cabin, I went inside, sitting down on the ground and sobbing, as I felt more alone in the world than before, my heart was aching so badly and the only one who made me laugh was Rick. And he was gone. There wasn't a thing I could do to stop it, he was dead and I'd never see him smile again. Or laugh. Or breathe. He was just gone. "Fuckin' shit!" I heard a man in the distance, as I peek over the top of a broken window, I could see Daryl. He had followed me all this way? He looked pissed. So pissed. I just look away, knowing he would be after me for just running away like that. It made sense. I wipe my eyes, as I stay still, I had to be quiet. Daryl was a good hunter and he would find me quickly enough if I breathed too loud or something. I wait a little while, before I'm sure he is gone and I slowly stand up and I walk out of there, looking around. I had to be careful there wasn't walkers around. "Gotcha." I felt an arm around my neck, pulling me back into a tree as I turn around. "Do you wanna explain what the fuck you did?" Daryl snapped at me, I shake my head. "I'm not your problem anymore, Dixon. Rick's dead. And the group is fucked. It's ruined. I'm done. Just go back." I turn as he grabbed my arm.
"You don't turn your back on family, y/n! We are all fuckin' worried about you! Don't you dare!" He glared, "I was only still in the group because of Rick. None of you wanted me there. You hate me, Daryl. Don't even try and explain." I look around, as I saw walkers, we both went into survival mode. Back to back. We both take down the few walkers around us, before we both just look at each other, he walked to me and he pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly. I squeeze him so tight, as I lean against his shoulder, he was my best friend in this world, he was there for me and I couldn't let him go. "I'm here. I've always been here." He told me, as I held my tears back, "I can't do this anymore, Daryl." I whisper, "Do what?" He looked at me, as I took a deep breath. "I'm going to be with Rick, okay?" He grabbed my arms, "Look at me." I look into his eyes. "Stop. Just stop. You're upset. I know that, don't you dare end your life because of this. You're so damn strong. Please.. I need you. We all need you. You're family." He told me, as I take a breath. "He was the only person who kept me alive, Daryl." I broke into tears, as he pulled me into him, "Now I am." He whispered, "I love ya, y/n. God damn it. I've always loved ya. Don't you dare tell me you want to die. You have to hold on. For me. For all of us." He told me, as I nodded. "I love you too." I took a breath, as he ran a hand through my hair. "Come on." He took my hand, as we both went back towards Alexandria.
Four years later, after a lot of self healing, I had finally accepted Rick was gone. It hurt, but I knew I had to try and move on, I had to be okay. Daryl kept me grounded, even after all this time, nothing ever happened between us, even if he said he loved me, it was probably a friendship thing. I head out at night, when I heard whispers in the trees. "Y/n." My name. I frown, as I was so sure I heard it. "Rick?" I frown, as I walk towards the noise, Daryl caught onto me. "Easy, tiger. Where are you going?" He could see something was up. "Y/n." He frowned. "I have to go.. Rick's calling for me!" I was so sure. "Y/n, look at me." He gently grabbed my face, as I look at him. "He's gone, baby. He's gone." He told me, as I suddenly snap out of it. "Daryl.. I'm sorry." I whisper, he sighed. "It's okay. I understand." He pulled me into his arms, as I lean against him, "Did you call me baby?" I laugh gently. He mumbled something as he shrugged. "You are so cute. God, I love you." I bite my lip, as he looked at me. "Yeah?" I nudge him, "Yeah."
"I love ya too, y/n. I'll always love ya."
(Cutest ending ever ever ever!!!)