Unbreakable threads

Chaper One hundred and three: Dont leave me.

Alyssa's expression darkened slightly at the mention of their previous "run," and she shot a glance at Daryl, who folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at Nicholas.

Tara stepped forward, nudging Alyssa lightly. "We'll be fine. Glenn's calling the shots this time."

"Good," Alyssa said, crossing her arms. "Make sure he listens to you," she added, jerking her head toward Aidan, who scowled at her but didn't say anything.

"We'll be back before sundown," Glenn assured Maggie, giving her one last reassuring smile. Maggie nodded, though worry still lingered in her eyes.

"Be careful," Alyssa said, her voice firm as she locked eyes with Noah briefly before stepping back. "All of you."

Noah offered her a faint smile. "We will."

Before Noah turned away, he hesitated for a moment, then suddenly stepped forward and hugged Alyssa. It was bold, unexpected, and completely out of character for the typically reserved Noah. Alyssa froze for a split second, slowly realizing why he'd been hanging around her so much lately.

The realization hit her like a wave: He has a crush on me.

Alyssa remembered what it felt like to be around Beth, knowing Beth could never love her back. It was bittersweet and painful, but it also taught her to appreciate the moments, no matter how fleeting.

So, even though she was gay and couldn't reciprocate Noah's feelings, she decided to entertain the gesture. She didn't pull away—instead, she hugged him back tightly, offering a warm smile when they finally separated.

"Be safe, okay?" she said softly, her voice carrying a gentleness that was rarely heard from her.

Noah's face lit up, clearly not expecting such a genuine response. "I will," he said, his voice filled with both hope and nerves.

Nearby, Daryl, Tara, and Glenn exchanged surprised looks, none of them expecting Alyssa to respond the way she did. Daryl's expression was the hardest to read—his lips pressed into a thin line, his brow furrowed as if he was trying to figure out how he felt about what just happened.

Glenn nudged Tara and muttered, "Well, didn't see that coming."

Alyssa turned back toward them, catching their surprised expressions, and smirked, her sarcasm kicking in. "What? You guys never seen a hug before?"

Tara chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, we've seen hugs. Just not that kind."

Noah Glenn and Tara climbed into the van, glancing back at Alyssa one last time before the doors closed. As the vehicle drove off, Daryl turned to Alyssa, his face a mixture of confusion and something else she couldn't quite place.

"You okay?" he asked gruffly, his voice low.

Alyssa shrugged, shoving her hands in her pockets. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... making sure he knows someone cares, I guess."

Daryl nodded slowly, though his jaw tightened slightly. "Better."

"Better?" Alyssa asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Better not get his heart broken out there," Daryl muttered, turning on his heel and starting to walk back down the street.

Alyssa watched him for a moment, her smirk fading into a thoughtful expression. What the hell was that? she wondered before jogging to catch up with him.

Alyssa heard Rick shout behind her, "Meet me at the wall after lunch!" She gave him a quick nod but kept moving, her focus locked on Daryl's retreating form.

"Wait up, dummy! Why you storming off for?" she called, her voice tinged with irritation and confusion as she jogged to catch up with him.

Daryl slowed his pace but didn't stop, his crossbow shifting slightly on his back as he muttered, "Ain't stormin' off."