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Alexandria was quiet as Daryl pulled up to the gate. He let himself in, and hurried as fast as he could to get the supplies dropped off. He made sure that everything he brought back was there, and then he beelined back to your shared house.
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The click of the door closing made Daryl shut his eyes, hoping he didn't wake you. His eyes fell on you, sleeping soundly under the blankets. Your hair fell over the pillows in a way that made you look like you jumped straight out of those shampoo commercials he remembers from before the world went to shit. With the moonlight filtering through the curtains, he stepped carefully towards his dresser. Daryl had been on a run the past few days, and decided it best to get home sooner rather than to wait until the next day. He had already left everything he brought back —mainly bandages and other necessities— in the infirmary, eager to return home to you. He hadn't been out for too long, but he played it safe this time around.
Trying to be as quiet as possible, he changed into clean clothes, opening and shutting drawers very carefully as to not wake you up.
He was sure he was doing fine, until a small item had fallen from the dresser and clattered loudly to the floor. The rustling of the sheets was all he needed to hear to know, you were awake. He hurried over to his side of the bed and climbed in next to you.
" 'M sorry, baby… didn't mean t' wake you."
You hummed softly in response. Scooting closer to him, his arms wrapped around you like it was instinct. "I thought you wouldn't be back until tomorrow," You mumbled, opening your eyes to look at him.
Daryl brushed a few stray hairs out of your face, looking into your sleepy eyes. "Took a shortcut. I found a lotta useful stuff, figured it would be best t' bring it back as soon as I could." He rolled onto his back, and you kept by his side. Daryl ran a hand up and down your arm as you nestled your face into the side of his neck.
You bit his neck softly, teasingly. "What, not because you missed me?"
He chuckled at the sensation. Turning his head, he kissed softly at your temple. "Well 'course I missed you. I got that shampoo you like, it's in my bag. I'll grab it tomorrow when 'm up."
"Daryl Dixon, you are the best," You smiled, sitting up on your forearm as you kissed him. After a moment you pulled away, and laid back down right beside him. Daryl sighed, and rested his hand on your hip.
"Told you 'bout my day. Now tell me what happened while I was gone." He closed his eyes, content that he was here, and laying next to you.
It was like a switch was flipped. You rambled on endlessly, often trailing off onto different tangents. Daryl just smiled to himself. You had never been one to just get straight to the point, but that was one of the many endearing things about you. He was still gently caressing your hip when he noticed you were dozing off. You spoke quieter, breathier. What was your usual expressive chatter, turned broken sentences that made little sense.
After a few moments, you stopped talking. The only sound left in the room was the wind howling outside, and your steady breathing. He smiled, and turned his head to bury his nose in your hair.
"I love you," Daryl whispered, just before he found himself drifting off to sleep next to you.