Life was fragile. That was a concept that had recently become more obvious to you. Not knowing whether or not your friends, who had all become more like family, were alive and well. Every moment was precious, yet another concept that had become more and more painfully true by the day. You never knew when the last goodbye would be, or if you'd even get one.

Even though you had become close to most people in the group, there was one person in particular that you couldn't even begin to imagine life without; Daryl. The two of you had a complicated on-and-off-again thing going, and had for the past year and a half. Each of you were too scared of what making things serious would mean. But, walking through the gates of Hilltop, and not knowing whether or not he would be here, made you realize that you wanted things to be serious.

Maggie ran up to Rick, practically tackling him in a hug while the two exchanged a few words. You felt your stomach drop as you noticed that Daryl wasn't in the group of fellow survivors who'd come out to greet everyone on their return home. He was nowhere to be seen. An all too familiar feeling of dread made your stomach clench. Losing people was the new normal, even if that realization kept you awake at night, wondering who you'd lose next. There was always a next.

Daryl and Jesus walked around the corner of a building, and you swore to god that you'd never felt relief like that. Nothing else mattered in that moment, you and Daryl locked eyes. The relief in his eyes was mirrored in your own. Knowing that he was okay meant everything to you, and vice versa. Before you knew it his arms were wrapped around you, pulling you into a crushing hug. Being wrapped in his arms was such a familiar, comforting feeling. It made the weariness in your bones fade.

"Took ya long enough to get your ass back here," he grumbled against your ear, his warm breath brushing against your skin. "Was getting worried," he added, his voice barely even a whisper, his worry finally transparent for a brief second. He still hadn't let go of you, his worry of what the others would think no longer important. Not whenever he'd been so damn scared (something he'd never say out loud) of losing you.