Unbreakable threads

Chapter One hundred and Nineteen: Life at alexandria

But Tara wasn't so easily convinced. She couldn't help but wonder if Alyssa had pushed aside her sexuality entirely, not because of time or focus, but because of Daryl. Had she let herself be held back by their unconventional bond?

The truth, however, ran far deeper than Tara realized. Alyssa wasn't dismissing her sexuality, and she didn't feel held back by Daryl—not even a little. Their connection wasn't about limitations or sacrifices. It was about understanding. Pure, unspoken understanding.

Alyssa didn't need to pursue other relationships or indulge in fleeting moments of physical connection because she had something with Daryl that no one else could give her. He was her person. He'd been there for her in ways no one else had, and she for him. What they shared went beyond labels, beyond the expectations of others.

Physical intimacy had never been the foundation of their bond. They hugged. They cuddled. Sometimes, they held hands when they were sure no one was looking. And for them, that was enough. It wasn't about what they lacked but about what they had—a deep, unwavering trust and love that didn't require anything more.

Daryl had changed in subtle but profound ways, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by the group or the Alexandrians. Outwardly, he was happier and carried himself with more confidence. He had started to step into leadership roles alongside Rick and Aaron, often helping to organize runs or assist in strategic decisions for the community. He still maintained his quiet, aloof demeanor, but there was a clear difference in how he engaged with others.

He talked more, not just to his usual circle of Rick, Aaron, Carol, and Alyssa, but to other members of the community as well. While he'd never be the kind of guy to sit and chat casually for hours, he made an effort to connect in small ways, offering advice or a quiet word when someone needed it. His humor even slipped out now and then, catching people off guard. Though he still preferred his solitude, there was an openness to him now that hadn't been there before.

Alyssa, of course, had a lot to do with that change. Daryl had spent so long tearing himself down for the feelings he'd developed for her, but those days were long gone. He had come to terms with it, realizing that his love for her wasn't wrong or inappropriate. It hadn't been there from the beginning—it had developed slowly, over time, as Alyssa had grown into the strong, independent woman she was now. She wasn't the 17-year-old kid he'd met in Atlanta anymore. She was 20, an adult who knew what she wanted, and he was 30. The gap didn't feel wrong; it felt natural.

What made their connection even more meaningful to Daryl was how much Alyssa understood him. She never pushed him, never made him feel like he had to be something he wasn't. His thoughts and feelings around intimacy and physical relationships hadn't changed—he still didn't know how to handle that side of things and wasn't sure he ever would. But Alyssa didn't care. She didn't need that from him, and she didn't want it either. Their bond wasn't built on physical intimacy, and that was fine for both of them.

Instead, their love was built on trust, loyalty, and a deep understanding of each other. It was unconventional, but it worked. Daryl had found something he never thought he'd have—someone who saw him for who he was, accepted him, and loved him anyway. That knowledge had brought him a quiet sense of peace and confidence, something he hadn't felt in years. He knew he wasn't a creep. He knew his feelings weren't wrong. And for the first time in a long time, he was content with who he was and the life he had.

This particular morning, Rick and Daryl were preparing for a supply run. They were loading the car with weapons and bags to grab more food supplies and medicine for Denise in the infirmary. Rick was double-checking their gear as Daryl tossed a crossbow strap over his shoulder.

Alyssa came running over, her boots crunching against the gravel. "Be safe, alright?" she said, her voice steady but her concern evident. Though she glanced at Rick, her eyes lingered on Daryl a little longer.