The soft hum of music floats through the warm night air, laughter and clinking glasses echoing off the walls of Deanna’s house. Fairy lights glow above the backyard, giving everything a strange, almost unreal sense of peace—something rare in this world. People are milling about, drinks in hand, trying to pretend things are normal.

You’re just returning with two glasses of whatever passes for wine now, weaving through the crowd when you spot him—Daryl. Standing off to the side, as usual, a little uncomfortable in a button-up shirt that you know someone (probably you) made him wear.

What you don’t expect to see is the woman standing too close to him. She’s got her hand on his arm, her laughter high and sugary sweet.

“You know,” she says, tilting her head and giving him a smile that’s trying way too hard, “I always thought the quiet, brooding types were the most… intriguing. Bet there’s a lot going on behind those eyes.”

Daryl shifts uncomfortably, looking like he’d rather be in the woods than here right now, but he doesn’t quite step away. His eyes dart around—searching.

And then he spots you. His eyes pleading for help

You don’t hesitate.

With a small, knowing smirk, you weave your way through the party and stride straight up to Daryl. The other woman barely notices you at first—too busy trying to bat her lashes at the man who clearly wants nothing to do with her.

You slide in beside him smoothly, wrapping your arm around his waist and resting your hand right at his hip, fingers curling against the worn denim of his jeans. You feel him stiffen for a split second—and then relax, melting into the familiar comfort of your touch.

“Hey, baby,” you murmur, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. “You disappear on me or were you just tryin’ to see how long I’d take to find you?”

Daryl glances down at you with that quiet, crooked grin that’s just for you. “Didn’t go far.”

The woman’s eyes narrow slightly, her smile faltering as she finally registers what’s happening. “Oh,” she says, backing up just a little. “I didn’t realize you were… together.”

You glance her way with a polite—too polite—smile. “Yeah, well. Some things don’t need to be said out loud when they’re already real obvious, don’t you think?”

Daryl lets out a quiet snort, clearly trying to hide it behind his hand.

The girl mutters something about needing a refill and practically bolts for the drinks table.

You look up at Daryl, smug. “She bothering you?”

He shakes his head, lips twitching. “Was just standin’ here, mindin’ my own. Swear.”

You raise a brow. “You gonna tell me she was flirtin’ with that tree behind you?”

He leans in, voice low in your ear. “Only person I give a damn about flirtin’ with me is you.”