#carl found out about rick and michonne getting together by a stranger calling them his mom and dad

[michonnegrimes]

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[fanficimagery]

Take on the World; pt. 1

Anonymous asked: can I request something where the reader falls asleep on Rick's lap or something and the group is in awe of the two of them?

Words: 3.4K Warnings: Requests? What are those? Turns out I don't know how to make someone appear "in awe" and forgot how to fulfill someone’s request. JFC why was this so hard? Also after I started writing this, I saw the second message where you requested no Alexandria. I'm sorry to admit I had already included this particular safe haven and didn't know how to rewrite it. Mentions past violence/trauma.

The first couple of days at Alexandria are not as relaxing as one would hope for. Yes the place is a goddamn luxury resort compared to what you and your group are used to, but after everything you've been through you can't help but be suspicious. Because after literal years of running for your lives and putting your life on the line to defend whatever safe haven your group ended up finding, a place like Alexandria should not exist.

But it does and every single person in your group, with the exception of Father Gabriel, can't seem to relax. You and your large group have been given a few houses and nearly an entire block to spread out in, but you've all congregated together in two houses and refuse to wander too far from one another. It was hard to decide who went where, but Rick managed to do it without any problems. He instructed Michonne to take Tara, Rosita, Abraham, Eugene, Sasha, and Father Gabriel into one house while he himself took on Carl, Judith, you, Daryl, Carol, Glenn, and Maggie. No one fussed and seemed to be a little at ease during the day, but when night fell that's when everyone's guard went back up.

It also doesn't help that the couple of days you've been here, everyone's been called into Deanna's office for a bullshit interview so she could decide which job best fit your skills. Jobs? Skill sets? The goddamn dead were walking around eating people and Deanna was trying to fill in a teaching position for the teenagers in the secluded little town.

The locals are wary, and have every right to be after the way you all showed up, but a few of them have managed to be welcoming and bring in extra food to feed everyone and extra clothes so you could all bathe the blood and trauma away. Huh. Fat chance.

But though you've showered and managed to change into some clean, comfortable clothes, you still can't seem to sit still and rest.

A floorboard creaks and you whirl around, reaching for a knife that's no longer strapped to your thigh. Stupid Deanna and her rules!

A cleanly shaven and trimmed Rick chuckles, stepping out of the shadows and into the hallway you were pacing in as he holds his hands up in mock surrender. You frown at him, sighing, and then tiredly grin as you lean against the wall. "What's-her-face finally got a hold of you, I see. Daryl up next?"

"Carol wishes," he muses. "If he doesn't take a shower soon, I'm pretty sure she's going to hose him down in the front yard just so she can wash his current clothes." You huff a quiet laugh, shaking your head in amusement. Rick smiles at you, but that smile falls as he steps closer and lowers his voice. "When was the last time you slept, Y/N?"

You grimace and cross your arms over your chest. "I sleep."

"Ten minutes every few hours is not good and you know it." Guilty, you avert your gaze. "It's three in the morning. You should be asleep."

"Yeah? Well so should you." Meeting his gaze then, your stomach swoops at the fond expression he's staring at you with. Rick Grimes is a can of worms you closed after the fallout of the prison because that's when everything really started to go wrong for your group, but it seems that behind the walls of Alexandria those worms are trying to burst free. You lightly clear your throat and kick at one of his booted feet. "I'll sleep when you sleep, oh fearless leader."

He smirks. "Fine. Lets get some sleep then."

Immediately, your smile falls. "What?"

Rick grabs you by the wrist and starts to drag you towards the living room where everyone is camped out at. Daryl is reclined in the only recliner, Carol and Judith are on the loveseat, Carl, Glenn, and Maggie are on the couch, and there's a mattress that's been pushed up in the corner of the room. Everyone is currently sound asleep, so Rick quietly kicks off his boots and gestures for you to do the same. You do and then try not to squirm when he sits down on the mattress with his back against the wall only to drag a pillow into his lap and pat it as if he's expecting you to lay your head there.

"Come on," he tells you. "I got some sleep earlier. I can doze on and off while you actually get some sleep. I'll keep watch if I have to." Oh. He really is expecting you to just lay your head in his lap.

"Rick.." You hesitate and he grins wider. The shake of his head, however, tells you he won't let this go. So heaving a small sigh, you step onto the mattress and then lower yourself so you're curled up with your head on the pillow in his lap. Immediately one of his hands goes to tuck your hair behind your ear and you huff at him. "You're ridiculous."

"And you're running yourself ragged. Go to sleep."

You shift a little to get more comfortable, your body traitorously relaxing as Rick's fingers delve into your hair and lightly scratch at your scalp. Your heart warms and your eyelids flutter shut, taking longer and longer to reopen as the minutes tick by until you're eventually asleep.

Rick's hand seems to have a mind of its own as he continues to scratch Y/N's scalp, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips when she snorts and then grumbles in her sleep. Eventually though his thoughts drift off and he can't help but think back to when he had met her.

Rick had first laid eyes on Y/N at the quarry back in Georgia. He'd been so wrapped up at being reunited with his family that he didn't get further in knowing her other than the fact that she'd been a friend of Glenn's from work. Then the farm happened, loyalties were tested as a swarm of the dead demolished their little safe haven, and everyone nearly starved to death while on the run before finding the prison.

The prison was the safest haven they had, but also the one place with a bunch of terrible memories. The only good thing that actually came out of the prison was that, that was when Rick really took notice of Y/N and how much she gave so their family of misfits were as comfortable as can be. He's ashamed to admit that's when he started to develop feelings for her because a very hormonal Lori wasn't making things easy on him, but then their safety was put in jeopardy by a spurned ex-inmate they'd let loose and no one had time to think about intimacy.

Lori had given birth to a daughter everyone knew wasn't biologically Rick's, and died in the process after being secluded away from everyone because of an invasion of the dead. Rick lost himself to his grief for a few weeks after, but Y/N was there to unknowingly pull him back together piece by piece. Not once did her trust in him waver, nor did she blame him for turning away strangers when they had found their way into the prison. In the world they lived in, one had to be extremely careful with who they trusted to let around their family.

But then the Governor tried to take the prison by force, lives were lost, the group was split up, and the prison was basically given back to the dead after fences were torn down and walls were bombed open. Y/N got stuck with him, Carl, and Michonne in the chaos and that was when he noticed his feelings made a reappearance. Michonne had seen the longing looks when Y/N would try to keep Carl as safe as possible while also letting him do things on his own since being a child wasn't safe in the world they lived in now, but she would do nothing more than tease her friend about it when Y/N wasn't paying attention.

And just when things started to seem semi-okay, a group of men caught up to them which led to Daryl swooping in just in the nick of time to prevent some terrible things from happening to both Carl and Y/N. They were shaken, but happy to be reunited with a familiar face and tried to not get their hopes up when they started to see signs of a promising sanctuary for people in need. It was wishful thinking that the others missing from the group were seeing the same signs, but Rick pushed for it anyway.

Terminus ended up being a goddamn nightmare and Rick was disheartened when very familiar faces started to be shoved into the train car they were being held in.

Y/N whimpers in her sleep, startling Rick from memory lane. His fingers, which had stopped scratching, start moving again in hopes of her falling back into a peaceful slumber. But as the seconds tick by, her breathing gets heavier and faster until she's eventually gasping awake.

"Hey. Hey!" Rick quietly snaps, hoping to grab her attention without scaring her and without waking the others. "Y/N, it's okay. You're safe. We're safe. You don't have to be scared."

Your eyes take a moment to focus in the dark and when they do your breath stutters in your chest when Rick comes into focus. You sag in relief and his hands cup your face so you're only staring at him. You grasp onto his wrists to help ground yourself. "R-Rick?"

"Yeah, sweetheart. It's me. Just breathe." You do as he's requested, blinking away tears when they build up. "Where did you go just now?" He murmurs.

"T-Terminus," you exhale shakily. "I was- we were back at Terminus."

Rick's gaze subconsciously darts down to your neck and you release one of his wrists to cover the scar that resides there at the base of your throat. You had gotten it from Terminus, the cannibals who were luring people there, having tied up you, Rick, Glenn, Daryl, and Bob to dispose of first. The men were pushed to their knees on one side of an empty watering trough and you were dragged in across from them. All of your wrists were bound and bandannas had been tied around your heads and shoved into your mouths to keep your screams from being too loud.

But the second you were shoved to your knees and pushed forward to lean over the trough, your eyes widened and you started to sob. A hand gripped the back of your hair to pull your head back just so and the men from your group went wild struggling to help you. A machete had been placed at the base of your throat, but the man only got in a small slice before an explosion rocked the entire place.

"We got out of there." Rick's voice brings you back to the present and you sniffle, nodding, and you let your hand fall. He attempts to smile, but when you can't return it he pushes aside the pillow in his lap. "Come here."

Your brow furrows. "What?"

"Come here," he says again. He pulls his legs up so his knees are bent and then spreads his legs while gesturing to the space in front of him. "You need sleep and you won't sleep peacefully until you feel safe."

"Rick.."

"Nope. I don't wanna hear it. Sit in front of me and lay your back against my chest."

The longer you stare, the more you realize he's being serious. So blinking at him in surprise, you can't help but numbly crawl over to him. You're so nervous that you're actually trembling as you get into position and hesitantly lean back until you're resting against him. Rick cages you in with his arms resting on his knees until eventually he wraps them around your stomach to hold you. Your arms slowly fall atop of his and you lean your head back against his shoulder, relaxing. "Oh," you breath. "This is- this is nice."

Rick chuckles as he nudges your head with his chin. "Get some sleep, sweetheart. No one is going to harm you."

"Famous last words, Grimes. If I wake up to mayhem, I'm letting you do all the dirty work while I hide away."

His only response is to squeeze you a little tighter and you shift a little more to get comfortable enough to fall asleep once more.

The next time Rick wakes up it's because he hears someone shuffling around. His left arm tightens around Y/N while his other reaches for the Colt at his hip. Only he realizes immediately that he no longer has his gun and his eyes fly open. Almost everyone is staring at him in surprise, with the exception of Daryl who doesn't seem fazed.

"She's sleeping and letting someone touch her," Glenn says in awe. "How long has she been asleep for?"

Rick grimaces as he shifts a little, freezing when Y/N sighs in her sleep and shoves her face further into the side of his neck. Slowly but surely he stretches his legs out, exhaling softly and wrapping his second arm around her once more. "How long have you been watching?"

"About fifteen minutes," Carol muses. "We for sure thought Judith would have woken you up with her fussing."

"Was it nightmares?" Maggie asks. "She hasn't slept longer than an hour since.."

"Since Terminus," Glenn frowns. "I think we've all had trouble sleeping since then."

"Y/N more so than anyone," Daryl grumbles. He frowns, clearly remembering what he, Glenn, and Rick were witness to.

Carl stretches, smiling. "I don't know what to be more happier about: the fact that Y/N is sleeping or that my dad's finally loosened up to see what was in front of his face this entire time."

"Excuse me?" Rick says. Everyone in the room but him snickers and his grip on Y/N loosens just a little.

"Y/N has had a thing for you since the farm," Maggie admits, "but she kept it quiet because of Lori and was afraid of Shane and all his drama."

"And you've had a thing for her since we were split up after the prison." Carl grins at his dad's subtle expression of guilt. "I'm surprised it took you guys this long for anything to happen."

"But it- nothing's happened."

"You cuddling her says otherwise," Carol teases.

Rick huffs and then freezes once more when Y/N shifts.

Talking and muffled laughter is what wakes you, but you manage to stay still as everyone around you continues to talk. You do your best not to laugh at their obvious awe of you finally sleeping and then try your hardest not to blush when they call out both you and Rick for hidden feelings. Eventually though you have the urge to pee and you let your eyes flutter open, groaning slightly as you stretch your legs out and arch your back in the process.

Someone snorts and you grimace when you realize groaning was perhaps not the best thing to do while you were practically in Rick's lap. You glance around at everyone in the room, slowly leaning forward and crawling over Rick's thigh. "Hey, guys." You gulp. "Everyone sleep okay?"

Daryl smirks. "Did you?"

The room's occupants don't bother hiding their amusement. You frown at the hunter. "Get bent, Dixon." Rick chuckles at your side and you avoid his gaze. Standing then, you quickly make an excuse to flee to the upstairs bathroom. "I'll just, uh, be in the bathroom or something."

Halfway up the stairs, the front door opens and you glance over your shoulder to see the other half of the group enter the house. Sighing in relief, you hope their presence is enough to make everyone forget about you waking up in Rick's arms.

The minutes tick by and after taking a little longer than necessary in the upstairs bathroom, you finally head downstairs. You're more composed and ready for more teasing, but surprisingly the house is clear of mostly everyone. Carol is there trying to figure something out for lunch, Tara and Glenn are playing a board game, and Eugene is browsing the books that were already on the shelves in the living room. Carol catches sight of you as you're passing by and you smile tightly before heading out the front door.

Maggie is sitting on the porch steps and when she notices you she gestures for you to join her. You do, sighing as you take a seat on the same step as her and nudge her with your shoulder when you catch sight of her smile. "Go ahead, Mags. Get it all out."

"How did it feel to wake up in the beefy arms of-" You snort, punching at her thigh. Maggie laughs and leans towards you, her smile softening as she nudges you softly. "In all seriousness, how did that happen?"

You shrug. "I was pacing. Rick talked to me and said I needed sleep. He-" You trail off, chuckling. "He actually made me lay next to him and lay my head in his lap. I fell asleep with him scratching my scalp."

Maggie coos. "So then how did you end up the way you did?"

"I had a dream about Terminus." Her smile falls. "I woke up in a panic and Rick comforted me. That's all that was."

"You sure about that?" You sigh and open your mouth to deny whatever she's concocted in that brain of hers, but you see her staring somewhere down the road. Following her gaze, you see Rick bent over a bike and helping a child with the chain that'd fallen off. You slowly start to smile, especially when he glances up and catches your gaze before waving. "We're safe here, Y/N. You can let that guard of yours down and actually pursue something with him."

"We thought we were safe at the prison and look how that turned out." This time it's Maggie's turn to sigh and you turn to face her, lowering your voice. "If we stay here, Mags, we're sitting ducks. We'll become soft and, should this place ever be overrun, you know damn well every person previously living here will be running around like chickens with their heads cut off."

"Then teach them," she urges. "I've been talking to Deanna about expanding the walls to make room for a bigger garden. She's listening, Y/N. She's taking our words into account because she knows what we've been through out there. She knows we have experience."

"She also took our weapons away," you deadpan. "No one in this town is allowed a weapon, so what makes you think she'll want us teaching her precious locals the proper ways to defend themselves?"

"You never know if you don't try."

Your shoulders droop. "I want to. Believe me, I do, but you know we don't fit in here."

"I know, but we have to try for Carl and Judith." She pauses, taking a moment to quickly glance around. "And for the future babies that will possibly be born."

It takes a moment for her words to sink in and when they do your eyes widen. "What?" She shrugs and you shake your head in disbelief. "You're actually trying?"

"Not now," she sheepishly admits, "but we want to. Eventually. We just need to set down roots somewhere and Alexandria seems like a place that can happen."

"Jesus, Mags." You're still in disbelief, but when you see her expression falter as if ashamed, you're quick to grab onto her hand and squeeze. "Okay. I'll try for the kids and for my future godchild."

Maggie snorts and turns her hand to squeeze yours in return. "And while you're at it, try with Rick. The sexual tension is getting to be a bit much."

"And the moment's ruined." You're quick to toss her hand aside and stand up, ignoring her laughter and then staring longingly at Rick. You sigh softly before turning to mumble, "If I ever get that man in the sack, you and the rest of the house will only have yourselves to blame. I don't want to hear any complaints about traumatizing noises."

She laughs out loud, holding her hands up in mock surrender. "If you get that man in the sack, I'll be so proud of you."

"Yeah, yeah. Just you wait and see."

[walkerwords]

“A Sense of Time” Daryl Dixon x F!Reader

GIF CREDIT: me with footage from AMC

Summary: Six years after Rick Grimes disappeared, Daryl is still out in the woods looking for him. One day he and Dog come across you and offer you some food. Sometimes all a person needs is a little human conversation to point them home. 

Word Count: 3507

Warning: None

Song I Wrote To: “Nobody Knows” by The Lumineers

Note: This is just a short little thing I had written in my book. I like to think that Daryl visited his niece and nephew a lot, but sometimes needed a bit of a reminder. I think he also just needs a little human interaction every once in a while. Not a ship post, just a little conversation. Thanks for reading! 

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Daryl Dixon had gotten used to the solitude the woods provided.

He had set out shortly after the bridge was blown out, determined to find his brother. He didn’t know if he would be able to find Rick Grimes alive, dead, or as a Walker. All he did know was that he needed to bring him home for all of them, but especially for Michonne, Judith, and RJ, the son Rick never knew.

Six years he searched and after a while, it was just easier to stay away. Daryl still made the occasional trip to Hilltop for supplies and to check-in with Tara and Jesus. He knew he should go to Alexandria more. He knew Judith asked about him, RJ too, but he couldn’t face Michonne. After what happened with Jocelyn, the same weight bore down on both of them and if he couldn’t bring Rick back to her, he didn’t want to see her. 

It was mostly guilt on his part, even though he knew Rick had made the decision to stop the herd and protect the communities. He tried to save what they had all built together. Daryl couldn’t imagine what Rick would say if he knew how distant they all were now.

Maggie was gone, Alexandria was closed, Tara and Jesus rarely spoke to others, the Kingdom was falling apart, and Daryl wasn’t even sure what was happening over at Oceanside. Everything that Carl and Rick had wanted was now tearing at the seams, but Daryl knew it was going to happen. Nothing had been the same without either Grimes and everybody knew it. Hell, he figured even Negan knew it and the man was under lock and key.

But regardless, the world had to keep going.

Daryl walked through the woods, Dog at his side. He was on his way back to his makeshift camp after checking the traps when he heard a commotion coming through the trees.

Unsheathing his knives, Daryl moved silently. Dog kept right behind him, ready to move on his master’s command. The two had been hunting together for a while now and if Daryl couldn’t detect something sneaking up on them, Dog definitely could. 

Daryl moved closer to the noise. He identified it as fighting immediately. He rushed ahead, hoping it wasn’t anyone he knew. The last thing he needed was one of his family members getting attacked or bit while looking for him in the dense forest.

Coming up to a clearing, Daryl paused just inside the tree line and watched the scene before him. About ten or so Walkers were converging on a small form in the center of the small field. Just as he was about to take his bow from his shoulder, the Dead began dropping and he finally caught sight of you. 

Armed with a machete, you swung it in perfect arcs, cutting through the Dead like they were nothing. At this point in the Apocalypse, unless they were fresh, the Roamers, as you called them, were pretty much as brittle as sand. It didn’t take much force to take them out. 

It was nearly second nature to kill them. You swung and swung, keeping light on your feet as you were taught. Heads toppled to the ground and eventually, all that remained was a single Roamer that limped on a bony stump. Twirling your blade around in your hand, you circled it. It lunged at you, but you easily stepped out of the way.

“Here, boy,” you taunted with a whistle. You could only imagine what your grandmother would say if she saw you playing with the Dead, but you had been alone for almost two years now and you needed a little bit of fun, even though it was a tad sadistic. 

The Roamer snapped its jaws at you and soon you got bored. With a sigh, you swung your blade and took off its head, stopping the brain with your boot. Looking around at all the corpses, you got to work. You never understood why your grandmother had taught you to pile them up, but you always did it.

You thought it might be because it reminded her of a funeral pyre, just without the actual flames. Only a few times did you actually light them and that was when they were people you knew. Now it was too much of a risk to do so. It could not only attract more of the Dead but the Living too and that was the last thing you wanted. 

As you dragged the Roamers into the center of the clearing, two pairs of eyes watched on from the trees. Daryl was wary of you, but something told him that you were just a nomad. It wasn’t uncommon for the lone traveler to come through the woods. Most people had the same idea: head to the Capital. Not that there was much left of Washington, D.C., but people still had hope.

Dog sat by his side, leaning slightly against him. Daryl reached down and scratched the dog’s head. He watched as you piled up the bodies and then started to go through the pockets of the Dead. He knew a few people, both living and dead that would disagree with looting a corpse, but he himself had done it more times than he could count. It was a basic survival skill these days and if you were alone, it could save your life. 

You moved through the pile, looking for anything you could use. You found a new knife, an old book of matches, a bottle opener on a set of keys, and even a few bandannas you could use while walking through the more less-desirable areas. You grabbed it all and placed it in your backpack. 

Pulling out your water bottle, you took a long pull and then poured some on your head, relishing in the cool feeling of the Virginia heat. You then climbed on top of the pile and sat, watching your surroundings as you took a break. This was something else your grandmother would slap you for, but you knew there was one thing that kept the Dead away and that was the smell of more Dead.

The horrific stench of the Roamers had become an odd comfort for you. It made you more at ease while sleeping and if you were being honest, you started to feel more comfortable around them than you did people. The new world was doing strange things to you and at this point, you were happy to let it. 

Soon enough, though, you had to move on. Sliding off the pile, you grabbed your bag, sheathed your machete, and began moving towards the trees. The sun was going to start going down soon and you would need to keep moving if you were going to make it through the thick forest.

You headed towards the river, thinking it would be the easiest landmark to follow. The last thing you needed was to get lost in the middle of Virginia. With everything so overgrown and signs weathered, it was hard to even know what state you were in, let alone the city. Then there was the matter of direction. Grandma may have been all about free spirits and honoring the dead, but never once did she teach you how to find your way without a map. 

“Thanks, grandma,” you grumbled as you jumped over a rotted tree. A rustling sound came from your right and your hand went to your machete, but you relaxed when you saw four legs, two tall ears, a tail, and a black nose. “This day just keeps getting more interesting,” you said to the dog that approached you. 

The dog growled at you, showing its sharp canines. You put your hands on your hips and scowled at the creature. “Alright, boy,” you said, “normally I would kill any animal I came across, but you…” you trailed off, tilting your head, “I never thought I’d see a domestic dog like you, let alone one that wasn’t all ribs and feral teeth.” You reached out your hand when the dog barked and you jumped back. 

“Okay, not too trusting,” you said, “I get that. How about this? I go my way and you go yours and I don’t have to kill you. How’s that sound?” You asked and the damn dog growled back. 

“Dog!” You startled at the voice, cursing. The dog looped back towards a tree where a man stepped out from behind. This time, you hung onto the hilt of the machete as you took in the stranger. He was taller than you with long hair and scruffy facial hair that was half-hidden by a hood. Along his back was a large crossbow and you knew a man like that had to have more weapons on him.

When he moved closer to you, took another step back, tripping slightly. He put his hands up. “Ain’t gonna hurt ya, girl,” he said slowly. You watched as he kept his distance, but got close enough to where you could see him a bit better. He pulled down his hood and shook out his hair a bit.

“What do you want?” You asked, keeping an eye on his hands. 

“Yer the one walkin’ into my camp,” he pointed out. He nodded behind him and just through the trees you could see a fire pit, tent, and what looked like some hand-carved spears. 

“Please tell me you’re not some psycho who strings people up in trees,” you said, grimacing. The man raised a brow and shook his head slowly.

“What kind of company you keep?” He asked, but you figured it was more of a rhetorical question. Your gaze gifted back to the dog at the stranger’s side. 

“He yours?” You asked. The man nodded. He then picked up a stick and held it aloft. 

“Dog, go!” He yelled, throwing the stick back towards camp. The canine took off at full speed, happily barking after his prize. 

“You named the dog, Dog?” You asked. The stranger shrugged. 

“Didn’t know his name,” he rationalized. You pursed your lips, rocking awkwardly on your heels. 

“So if you’re not gonna hang me from a tree or let your dog take a bite…” you trailed off, pointing over your shoulder. 

“Where ya headed?” He asked. 

“I’m lookin’ for someone. Figured I would head downriver. Guess I’ll find out one way or another.” 

“Yeah, I get that,” he said, chewing on the side of his thumb. “Ya hungry?” He asked. You hesitated. “Just fish, girl, ain’t gonna be anything special.” You thought about it for a moment before nodding. He jerked his head towards camp and you followed. 

“The name’s (Y/N), by the way, not ‘girl’,” you said, catching up to him.

“Daryl,” he responded. 

“Nice to meet ya, Daryl,” you acknowledged. He grunted in response causing you to chuckle. Daryl lead you back to his camp and as he got to work on cleaning the fish he had caught earlier, you took a turn about the area. 

Everything from the tent to the small weapons area screamed survivor. You could tell that he had been out there long, but he also knew how to live within the trees. These were the kind of people you liked. The ones that knew what they were doing and just lived rather than trying to hunt the weak or take advantage of other people. Daryl seemed like good one. He also didn’t seem scared of living out and around the Dead. “Get many Dead ones, ‘round here?” You asked. He looked at you. 

“Got traps set up,” he said, slicing open the fish next to a fire he began to stoke. “Dog keeps ‘em away.” 

“Bet he does,” you said, smiling fondly at the mutt as he chewed happily on the stick Daryl had given him. Sitting down by the fire, you let your joints feel proper heat for the first time in weeks. You watched Daryl work on your dinner for a while, watching as he used his knives. Just by the way he cooked, you knew he was a skilled fighter. 

“Where ya comin’ from?” Daryl asked suddenly. Leaning back against one of the stumps, you sighed. 

“Kind of everywhere,” you said, “I was using the highways, you know, trying to keep some sort of route. Then I kept running into trouble so I headed into the woods.” 

“What kind of trouble?” He asked, his brow furrowed.

“Just the occasional asshole who thinks I’m an easy target. A lot of people out there lookin’ to steal, kill, etc. Figured I’d be safer out here considering most people don’t risk entering the trees, fear of the Dead, and all that.”

“Smart people,” he said, sarcasm dripping from his lips.

“What does that make us?” You asked. 

“Used to it,” he said in a low voice. 

“Used to what?”

“The fucked up world,” he said simply. 

“That is the most accurate thing I have heard in weeks, Daryl,” you said, raising your imaginary glass. Daryl shook his head and went back to cooking the food. “Are there many people around? I’d rather not have to go deeper into the woods.”

“There are people,” he said, serving up a piece of fish to you in a metal dish. “A couple of communities. But they’re good people, won’t mess with ya if yer friendly.” You snorted at that. 

“If they’re anything like the last community I ran across, I’ll make sure to keep out of their line of sight before they try to make me a full course meal and offer me five-star stay,” you said, remembering the young boy you met not that long ago.

“Where was that?” Daryl asked.

“A couple of days walk from here,” you said, “that way.” You pointed over your shoulder. “There was this kid, he was out in the woods around the walls. I was looking for water and we ran into each other.” You laughed at the memory. “Kid nearly knocked me on my ass with that stick of his. Thought I was an intruder or something. Anyways, he invited me back to his ‘Kingdom’, but I had to move on. The whole walls and leader thing isn’t really for me.” You finished and went back to your dinner, but Daryl had paused. “What?” You asked as he stared at you. 

“Ya were at the Kingdom?” He asked. 

“Wait, that’s the actual name?” You laughed, “okay then I owe stick-boy an apology. I thought he was just screwin’ with me.” 

“Nah, it’s a real place. Run by two good people. The kid with the stick is their son.”

“You know them?” Daryl nodded. “Well, next time you see them, tell them a passing traveler thinks their kid is a total badass.” This got a small smile from Daryl. 

“Why don’t ya like walls?” 

“Why don’t you?” you asked, turning it back on him. 

“Never said I didn’t,” he said with a challenging look. You raised your hands in surrender. 

“I just prefer to not be locked down, I guess,” you finally answered. “Easier that way.” 

“Ya lost somebody?” he asked, guessing by the tone of your voice. 

“My whole group, actually,” you said. “I was on watch in a tree one night and I didn’t hear the Roamers enter the camp. I was so tired and I…” you sighed again, picking at the fish. “Anyways, they all died, including my grandmother, and I had to move on.”

“Sorry ‘bout yer people,” he said. 

“Thanks.” It was quiet after that. You didn’t know if bringing up your dead family was a good idea, but then again, Daryl was a complete stranger. Who cared what he knew. You weren’t going to see him again anyways. “You got family besides the mutt?” you asked. Daryl leaned back on his forearms, kicking rocks into the fire. He nodded.

“They’re around,” he said and then paused as if he was unsure about sharing more. You waited patiently. Finally, he turned his face towards the rickety boat that sat on the water’s edge. “Got a niece and nephew too. Good kids.” It was subtle, but when he mentioned them, you could see a light in his eyes even when they were slightly turned away from you. They clearly meant a lot to him. 

“Kids,” you said, “they grow up so fast. Don’t wait too long to see them again.” Daryl looked back at you and nodded. You hoped that was taking your words to heart. “Besides, maybe they can convince you to cut that thing on your head.” Daryl raised his eyebrows at you. 

“Ya know me for all of an hour and yer judgin’,” he said, messing with his long hair. 

“Once you share a dirty fish with someone, they instantly become your friend. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.”

“Who made that rule?” he asked. 

“I don’t know, probably Aristotle or George Bush. Who cares? It’s gospel now.” You popped another piece of fish into your mouth and licked your fingers. 

“What did you do before the Turn?” he asked after a moment.

“High school,” you said, finishing your food. “Imagine that. One day I was sitting in Calculus class and the next thing I know my teacher is stumbling through the room trying to eat the assistant principal.” Daryl whistled low at that. 

“Yer folks?”

“Both out of the country when the outbreak began. They were pilots. Dad was in China and Mom was in South Africa. Not sure what happened to them. Gran pretty much raised me so I stuck with her for as long as possible. Then, well, you know,” you said, referring back to the other story.

“Ya don’t seem to carry the weight of their deaths,” Daryl observed, handing you a cup of water. You placed the metal mug in your hands, watching the flames flicker in the dark. 

“Don’t really have the time, you know? Can’t think about it. The way I see it, the world killed them as it died. Nobody’s fault, just the way it is now.” 

“Doesn’t have to be,” he said, sitting all the way up. “Kingdom isn’t the only place ‘round here that has walls and people and a place to sleep. There’s a community not too far from here called Hilltop. If ya give the leader my name, he’ll let ya stay. Then just down near the ocean, there’s Oceanside, Cyndie is a good person.”

“Why are you trying to help me?” you asked as he finished. 

“Yer a survivor. At some point, ya gotta stop movin’. Let yourself feel safe,” Daryl explained. “What’s the hurt in that?”

“There isn’t any,” you said, “but like I said, I’m not one for walls. I do better on my own.”

“Nobody does,” he disagreed. 

“Aren’t you alone out here with your hunting, fishing, and your traps?” you asked with raised brows.

“Fair enough,” he conceded. “Just think about it, alright?”

“I gotta find who I’m lookin’ for, Daryl,” you said, smiling softly at him. 

“Who are you looking for?” he asked. 

“I don’t know yet,” you finally admitted, “but I guess I’ll know when I find them. I just know it’s not here. These aren’t my people, but they are yours. Your niece and nephew, they’re gonna need all the family they can get. Go see them, even if it’s just for a day. You never know when the last time will be.” You got up from the ground, dusting off your jeans. 

“If ya need somewhere to sleep-” he said, but you cut him off. 

“Thanks, but I gotta keep movin’. But before I go,” you slipped your hand into your pocket and pulled out a piece of leather cord. At the end of it was a 1788 Virginia quarter. The coin was weathered from all the hands it had passed through. It had been given to you by a guy about a year ago when you came across him hiding out in an old middle school. You reached over and pressed it into Daryl’s hand. He looked at it with confusion. “Just to remember, you know?” He closed his fingers around the small token and nodded. 

“Thanks,” he said. “I hope ya find what yer lookin’ for, (Y/N),” he said and you knew he meant it. You offered your hand again and he gripped it. Letting go, you reached down and stroked Dog behind his ears. 

“Till we meet again, Daryl,” you said and then picked up your backpack and disappeared into the dark woods, smiling for the first time in a long time. 

Daryl watched after you, his thumb running over the silver coin in his hand. Dog nudged his other hand and Daryl obliged his furry companion, petting him down his back. Looking back at the flames he decided that tomorrow he would take a ride to Alexandria to see Judith and RJ. It had been too long and he needed to see his family.

TAGS: @thanossexual​

[justjessame]

The Deal Chapter 16

Hershel, as I sit alone dealing with my pain and cradling Judith while feeding her a bottle, tries to break it to Dad that we have newcomers. Dad, confronting the new group, tells him he doesn’t want nor need the responsibility. Their leader tries to convince him that they’d carry their own weight, but then, out of the blue when I think Hershel was beginning to think Dad had made a different choice, I witness Dad go rigid. He’s not looking at the group, or even at any place that holds a human. Staring up at the walkway above us, he starts yelling. Asking “what do you want from me?” and telling this imaginary terror that he “Can’t help you.” and “Get out!”

Glenn, seeing that I’m broken, that our newcomers are getting freaked out, takes it upon himself to hussle them outside. I’m thankful, as I watch Dad pace the common room frantically.

The next day dawns with the strangers gone. Glenn, learning from Carl that they had found a way into the prison that no one witnessed, recruits him to help him reinforce the prison. When they return, I have to say I didn’t notice how long they’d been gone, they give us more great news. The boiler room, where Mom died, was overrun with walkers once more. Hershel wants us to retreat, but where? So Glenn, showing more leadership than I’d ever noticed from him, takes Maggie so they can attempt to find the breach that brought the group into our ‘safe place’ as well as the walkers.

It could have been hours later, or it could have been minutes, but Hershel comes to me to let me know that Glenn has driven off in a rage. Dad had wandered off into the forest, reiterated by Michonne, who mentions to me that she witnessed him having an intense conversation with no one. Hershel admits that Dad mentioned seeing Mom, and that Dad feels it means something. I think, sure, it means he’s lost his fucking mind.

Then, in another blink, I learn that Axel is dead. And before I can think, we’re fully under attack. I’m numb, not the same numb I felt when I took care of Sofia, but numb so all I can focus on is keeping Judith safe. I leave the fighting to the others. I leave it to everyone else, because Judith and Carl are all that I can care about, even Dad seems far from me now.

When Daryl returns with Merle, I unthaw, barely. I don’t understand. Anything. And I fear that I won’t ever get the full story.

I do know this, when the dust settles, when the walkers are contained to the outer fence and The Governor and his minions are gone, this isn’t over. Not by a long shot. This was just the initial offensive.

As they regrouped, I felt more removed from the others. I hadn’t contributed, and I didn’t regret it, but I didn’t feel a part of the entire situation. Daryl wrapped his arms around me and Judith, as I vaguely listened to Hershel calling again for a retreat. And in the back of my mind, I wondered, again where? Merle shocked me, his new hand, his almost compliance to being detained. He told us that The Governor, his master (former or current I didn’t know) had the firepower and manpower to kill us all. On that cheerful thought, I begged off and went to the cell that I’d taken against Daryl’s insistence that he’d prefer the perch. I was not, then nor now, going to be intimate with him somewhere that fucking open.

I listened as Hershel boomed, at my dad I realized that he’d “said this wasn’t a democracy. Now you need to own up to that. And do something!”

I heard a familiar pattern of my brother’s stomping run and knew he’d chased after our father.

Daryl didn’t join me. I sat holding Judith, thankful when Beth brought me a bottle for her, and waited. I was certain that plans were being made. I was certain that preparations were being made. I was also certain that I was no use to any of it. I heard an argument break out over Merle, sides were taken, and Hershel surprised me again by giving Merle his backing.

Eventually Daryl came to find me. He watched from the doorway as I smiled down at Judith in my arms, rocking her and feeling like she was the only thing anchoring me to the earth for now. When I look up, seeing him almost too relaxed given the situation that brought us here, I try to smile.

“I’m glad you came back to me.” I scootch over, giving him room to sit beside us. “What happened?”

Daryl Dixon, who has made eye contact with me since the day we met, wouldn’t meet my eyes. He focused on Judith. He looked at the edge of my shoulder. Anywhere, but my eyes. He muttered getting separated from Dad and the others, and that it didn’t matter, since he was with me now.

“I’m happy you have Merle back,” I offered, giving him Judith to hold for a bit. “It’s just, he’s not always the best person for you.” I bit my lip, watching him cradle my sister. “Please, Daryl, don’t let him bring you down.”

He kissed me, telling me things that I couldn’t hope to decipher in the kiss. Except his love, of course, that was loud and clear.

And then, because life wasn’t fucked up and all around batshit enough-Andrea showed up.

Apparently, Dad failed to mention quite a bit about their time in Woodbury. For instance, Andrea is alive. And shacked up with The Governor. And Michonne and her are besties. And, now I’m wondering what else he left out of their field trip.

Andrea, winning the award for worst taste in men ever, swears she’s on our side. Sure, I think, holding Judith tighter than necessary especially when her eyes lock on my sister’s existence. She swears that The Governor, Philip she calls him, wants to negotiate. She turns her doe eyes on Dad, begging him to consider. Dear God, I think, turning away and taking Judith far from this scene, I hope that Dad isn’t completely addled and agrees with her.

Dad, trying to broker peace with Andrea, with Carol’s backing, takes Judith to allow the witch to hold her. Using my sister to try to get this woman to kill her new boyfriend, sure ok. That’s absolutely going to work. And while she’s at it, maybe she can find a cure for whatever that causes people to go rabid after death. I’m sure that’s just as fucking likely.

And then, my ever gracious father gives her a car to drive back to the enemy.

That night, as Daryl holds me, Beth gives us another acapella concert. As she sings, Dad gestures for Daryl and Hershel to join him. I give them space, still not wanting a part in any of it, feeling that too much is being kept from me to matter. And rocking Judith, I decide that at some point, I won’t care about much at all.

Dad decides that he’s going on a run back to our former home. As in where he, Mom, me, and Carl lived prior to the unholy hell we currently live in. He picks Michonne and Carl to accompany him, still having issues meeting my eyes. It’s for weapons, he says. To stockpile against an onslaught that Merle keeps warning us about.

I go about my business at the prison. Feeling that Daryl and Merle need some brother-time. Feeling that the others need their own space. Mostly just needing some alone time. I gave Judith to Beth and Carol, and walked to a lonely spot, away from everyone, and sat with my thoughts.

Dad couldn’t look at me. Daryl was having similar issues, going so far as to sleep in the perch by himself, after all. Judith, this tiny being that was reliant on me for everything now, was becoming the symbol of hope for the group. And here I was, feeling like alone was where I was going to be stuck.

“I can’t believe he finally made a move on you.” I heard Merle’s voice say, from below where I’d found a quiet spot. “Thought for sure you’d end up with someone else before he’d man up.”

I rolled my eyes, and looked down at Daryl’s brother. “Maybe he didn’t make the move, ever think of that, smartass?” He chuckled and climbed up beside me. “Truth was, we moved together.”

Merle settled beside me. “I’m glad, however it happened, that it did.” He was looking out across the horizon that I’d been studying. “He deserves it, you.”

“I know.” I answered, feeling my chest tighten at the thought that he was keeping things from me.

“It was because of me.” He said, causing me to glance at his profile. “The reason he didn’t come back with the others. Your daddy made him choose, and he stayed with me.”

I felt a tear fall. Ah, Merle over me. “I see.”

He shook his head, glancing over at me. “I don’t think you do. It wasn’t cause he gave up on you, how the hell do you think we ended up back here?” He reached over with his real hand and brushed my tears away. “Hell, I thought he’d toss my ass in a river to get back to you.”

I tried to smile, but I couldn’t believe that Dad and Daryl, the two who had made so much progress had argued to the point that this had to happen. “I’m sorry about Dad.” It was weak, but it covered so much. “He’s-” I didn’t know how to finish that. He’s distraught over Mom. He was unnerved by the world he woke up in that he didn’t know to show you more humanity and left you behind on a roof. He hasn’t been himself, not really, for some time now.

“Don’t be.” He brushed it off and refocused on the horizon. “My brother needs you. That’s all that matters.”

We went down not long after our heartfelt chat. Daryl was waiting, Judith in his arms, when I went inside. He finally met my eyes, and I nodded. I understood, sort of. He pulled me to him, shifting Judith so he could hold the two of us.

“I’d rather die than be away from ya, Jessi.” My heart clenched in pain at the mere thought. “But he’s my brother, and Rick was being-”

I shushed him. One day, hopefully soon, the three of us would have to sit down and discuss it. But for now, with Dad being away, I shelved it. For now, I’d take what I had and enjoy it. Even if it felt like it was all on borrowed time.

[deadsaigon]

Kindred spirits || Carl Grimes

Summary: In a parallel universe where Carl is still alive, he experiences the events during the 9x15.

Warnings: Death, and yeah, a lot of cuteness and sadness. All at the same time.

Note: The flashbacks are in italics. Gif is not mine.

A/n: I've been working on this for a while, I hope you like it. Honoring my baby Carl, he deserved to live longer in the series. Requests are open. Sorry if it's too long, but I think is worthy to read. Hope you like it.

"I stand before you today at the start of a new tomorrow. A tomorrow made possible by the sacrifice of many over the years. Among them a man whose mission was to build community and strengthen the bonds between us. A man who had to destroy the very thing that connected us in order to save us. It took us far too long to fulfill the promise of what Rick Grimes and his son Carl, who is here with us, envisioned" King Ezekiel stoped his speech, due to the ovation that the people started when they heard the name of 'Carl', Carl was a living legend. He and Amunet were between the crowd. One of his arms was around her waist and her head was over his shoulder. When the people around them began to applaud him, Carl blushed a little and he thanked them with his hand. "The same promise, Paul Rovia, better known the most as Jesus believed in when he brought us all together those many years ago. We've always been bound to each other. We always will be. We fought our way back to each other. We've grown. The crossing over the river may be gone, but we rebuilt a bridge nonetheless. Today is the proof that we can unite, not against a common enemy but for the common good. So eat, drink, trade and be merry, cause we got a lot of lost time to make up for" Ezekiel ended his speech.

Jerry stood in front of all the people. "That the first Annual Inter-community Reunification Fair begins" He said.

"Jerry, we changed that" Ezekiel told him with a little smile. All the people laughed. "Carl, could you make me the honor to say some words and inaugurate this?" The King asked him. "Amunet, you can pass, too". Carl blushed again, but Amunet encouraged him. They hold hands and passed to the front.

"Mmm, hello" He said, he was so nervous but Amunet pressed harder his hand, trying to calm him down. "I would like to thank you all, for not abandoning my dad's dream, the dream he worked so hard for so many years, the dream he gave his life for: the dream of being a big and unite family." Carl reached the cage of the white doves. "That the Fair or the New Beginning begins" He finished by setting free the doves. The people started to applaud again, and yeah, Carl blushed, once more.

Once the people got disperse, Carl and Amunet started walking around the Fair. "You're so cute when you blush" Amunet said.

"Stop it" He answered.

"It's the true, you are adorable" She laughed. Carl take her from her waist, pulled her close to him and kissed her.

"I love you, Amunet"

"I love you too, Carl" Amunet and Carl met each other since the beginning of the chaos. They were friends in the Atlanta camp, in the Hershel's farm, in the prison, and they started dating when they arrived to Alexandria. They had been a couple for 8 years approximately. They had always support each other.

.

"Alexandria is granted to give asylum to Lydia" Carl spoke. The leaders of each community, Tara for The Hilltop, Carol and Ezekiel for The Kingdom, Rachel for OceanSide, and Carl and Michonne for Alexandria, were discussing about the fact of Lydia forming part of the communities now. Henry, Lydia, Judith and Amunet were also there.

"If her mother retaliates it's gonna be against Hilltop, not Alexandria" Tara said, she didn't seem to be happy with Lydia being around.

"Tara, remember when you stood in the prison with the Governor? You were our enemy. But Glenn saved you, and brought you with him. At the start, people didn't trust you, obviously, but we gave you the doubt benefit, and look how it come, now, you become part of the family" Carl told her and Tara seemed to understand what he was trying to say. "That's why we propose a mutual protection pact. If her mother wants to attack Hilltop, it won't be easy, cause she is going to have to fight the four communities. They mess with one, they mess with us all" Carl continued talking. Everyone in the place agreed.

"How do we seal it? A blood pact? Do we cross the pinkies?" Tara said making everyone laugh.

"I just got an idea" King Ezekiel said and searched for something. Finally, he found the agreement that Rick had made so many years ago.

"How do you have it?" Michonne asked.

"Maybe I took some things when I left Alexandria" Tara answered.

The first who signed it were King Ezekiel and Queen Carol, then Tara, it continued Rachel, and then, it was the turn of Alexandria. Michonne took the pen in her hand, but extended it to Carl. "It should be the Rick Grimes son" She said. Carl took the pen and signed the paper with 'Carl Grimes'. It was it, the mutual protection pact was signed.

Amunet and Judith stood next to Carl. "Carl you did it amazing!" The little girl said and give him a hug.

"Thank you Judith" Carl took the body of his little sister in his arms and carried her.

"Thank you, Carl. Thank you so much" Lydia said.

"It's okay Lydia, I couldn't let you alone. You are one of us now. Also, Henry needs you" Lydia and Henry laughed. When Henry went for Lydia, after Alpha took her from The Hilltop, Carl, Daryl and Connie searched for him. Daryl and Connie didn't understand Henry, but Carl did.

.

"So, that's how you make CPR to a person" Enid finished her explication. "Who wants to pass and do it with the doll?" Judith raised her hand. "Okay, Judith, let's see how you do it" The doctor said her. Judith stood near to the doll, and started to do the steps that Enid had explained before. "You did it very well, congratulations! Take a lollipop. That's all, thank you"

The people dispersed, and Carl walked to Enid. "Hey, my favourite cowboy is here" They hugged each other. "How are you doing? Did Amunet came?"

"Cool, I'm pretty cool. Yeah, Amunet is here too. How are you Enid? Or I should say 'doctor Enid'?"

"I always call you 'cowboy', you have the right to call me 'doctor'" Both laughed.

"I'm happy to see you, Enid"

"I'm happy too, Carl. It's been a long since the last time we see each other"

"But we saw us in The Hilltop, when Rosita and Eugene got in trouble"

"I know, but I refer, to see each other like this, like family, not like two strangers. I'm sorry for never had get back to Alexandria, but Maggie needed me here"

"And I'm sorry for never have go to Hilltop to visit you, but you know what happened with Michonne, I needed to stay in Alexandria taking care of Judith and Rick Jr."

"Maybe we can be the same best friends that we were"

"I'd love that"

"It's gonna be a little different, I'm not the same depressive Enid that used to hate everything and used to sneak out the walls"

"That Enid was pretty cool, tho"

"It was cool for the emo Carl you were in that time. The antique Enid doesn't fit with the famous leader Carl you are now. But the doctor Enid, she fits perfect"

"I'm not famous" "Of course you are. You know that the adults tell about 'the Grimes' to their children?"

"I've heard about that, but I didn't think it was true"

"It's true, Carl, everybody knows your story, and I'm so proud of you"

"Heeeeyyyy, you're talking without me? I feel betrayed" Amunet got into the conversation.

"We were about to look for you" Carl said.

"I'm gonna pretend that I believe you. Enid! I've missed you so much" Both women hugged each other.

"I've missed you too. What have you being doing in Alexandria?"

"I'm in charge of the hydraulic system that provides water to the community. Also, I'm in charge of the maintenance of the solar panels, and the power generators. If they don't work, I fix them" Amunet said proudly.

"Woah, did Eugene teach you that?" "Who more could it be? The dude is a freaking genie. I'm glad to say that Siddiq did a good job training you, doctor"

"Can you believe it? Six year ago we were only teenagers trying to survive in the end of the world, and now, look at us" Enid said.

"This shit is crazy"

"Language, Carl!"

"Judith, what are you doing here?"

"I want a caramel apple, can we get one?"

"Okay, come on. Ladies, I'll see you later" Carl kissed Amunet before going with his sister.

.

"You don't have to go. They can patrol the surroundings by themselves" Amunet said to Carl.

"It's okay. I'm gonna be fine. Daryl is going too"

"Yeah girl, I'll take care of him, even if he doesn't need it anymore" Daryl said.

"You should reconsider it" Michonne said.

"Mom, you are worrying to much"

"Mom is right, Carl, it's too dangerous. What if something bad happens to you?" Judith said sadly.

Carl kneeled to be at the same height that his sister and put his hands in her cheeks. "Judy, do you trust me?" The girl nodded. "I'm going out there because I want to help. I can't stay here pretending that everything is fine with those crazy people with skin masks around. I want to guarantee the safety of you three" He said to Amunet, Michonne and Judith. "I have to do it"

Judith jumped into Carl's arms. "Just be careful Carl, please" The girl said.

"Be prudent. And do what Daryl says, Okay?" Michonne told.

"The last time I listen to Daryl I was fifteen, but sure, I will" Michonne, Carl and Judith involved themselves into a warm hugged.

Amunet was the only left to say goodbye. "Promise me you'll get back"

"I do. I always get back to you"

"I can't loose you, don't make me get through that"

"You are not going to loose me. I'll be back" The couple shared a kiss full of love and hope.

"I love you so much" Amunet said.

"I love you more. I'll see you later. Don't forget that you have my heart and that you are the fucking love of my life"

"Carl! Language"

"Sorry, Judith"

"It's time to go" Daryl said.

"Daryl, please, protect him"

"I will. But you have to understand that he's not a kid anymore Michonne" The man said before the group conformed by Magna, Yumiko, Carol, Kal, Marco, Dianne, he and Carl left.

.

"What the hell is that?" Carl asked.

The group had meet with DJ, Alek and Ozzy. They had found a destroyed carriage and dead horses. "We don't know. The bodies that were in here are missing. They must had been going to the Fair" DJ said.

"Do you think they were them?" Carl asked again, making reference to the people with masks.

"I'd like to say no, but you are not dumb"

"We should separate. Daryl, Carol, Yumiko and I will follow the rast of the bodies, and try to find them. Magna, Dianne, Marco and Kal, get to The Hilltop, and make sure everything is okay. DJ, Ozzy, Alek, keep patrolling around here. Let's go" Carl ordered.

When Carl's group moved, Carol and Daryl kept watching at Carl. "What's wrong guys?" He asked them.

"You did it pretty well in there. Being a leader is your thing, kid" Carol said with a little smile.

"Your dad would be so proud" Daryl told.

"Please, stop. People have been saying stuff like that all day"

"You shouldn't be ashamed of that, Carl" Yumiko said.

"Can we just keep going?" Carl ended the conversation.

.

The day turned into night. Carl's group was still searching for the bodies of the people from the carriage. Suddenly, some walkers appeared in their way. "Take care, watch their hands, they could have knives" Carl said.

Walkers grew in number, and then, a body of 2 meters of height appeared in front of them. Carl, Yumiko, Carol and Dary prepared their weapons. "Drop them. I won't ask twice" Beta ordered. The four obeyed him, and the tall guy directed his voice at Carl. "You just had to give me the girl. Now that deal is over. You are coming with us"

Beta took them to the Whisperer camp, and tied them to a tree. Then, Alpha appeared. "You, one-eyed, come" She said and unleashed Carl. Ponting at him with a gun, she took him to a pit, where a big horde of walkers was in. "I hope I'm wrong saying that you can't take care of my daughter" Alpha said.

"You are. We will be the family that Lydia never had. She is better with us" Carl answered her.

"You and your people are alive because I let you live. But I'm done with you all. If you cross into my land, once more, I'll guide the horde to the communities. I've mark the border to the North, you see it as you leave. Now, reunite with the rest of your group and get away from my sight".

.

After Alpha let go Carl, Daryl, Carol and Yumiko, they found Siddiq roofed to a tree, he had some injuries and the eyes bended.

"Siddiq! What are you doing here?" Carl asked him.

Siddiq wasn't able to answer him, so Carl helped him to get up and to keep walking.

During the way back home, they saw it, they saw the final warning that Alpha was talking about: some heads in pikes, marking the border of the Whisperers' lands.

Ten heads. Ten reanimated heads. Ten reanimated heads of people they loved and cared about. Ten people that were gone. Ten people that had died in a horrible way.

Once Yumiko, Daryl, Carol, Siddiq and Carl were close enough to the heads, they could finally saw who they were. And that only disturbed them more.

First head.

Ozzy.

Ozzy was the leader of the Highway men. He was working with his men to get to chance to watch a movie, and he didn't was capable to do that.

Ozzy was working only a few hours, and now, his head was the first of ten.

Second head.

Alek.

Alek was the right hand of Ozzy, and a member of the Highway men.

He was working with Ozzy for a benefit for him and their people only a few hours ago, and now, his head was the second of ten.

Third head.

DJ.

DJ was a reformed Savior that rebuilt his life six years ago when he redeemed himself and took the invitation of living in Alexandria. Since then, he had shown his effort by making sure that the surroundings of the community were safe. And Carl appreciated that.

Carl felt sorry seeing his head, cause he had live and worked with him for a long time. DJ was the proof that a person can actually change for good.

DJ was talking with Carl about his concern about the possibility of the Whisperers were killing people only a few hours ago, and now, his head was the third of ten.

Fourth head.

Frankie.

"Hey, Nabila, have you seen Frankie?" Eugene asked to the woman. He and Frankie's daughter were looking for her, there had been a long time since the last time they had saw her.

But Nabila hadn't seen her, cause Frankie wasn't in the fair anymore.

Frankie used to be one of Negan's wives. After the Saviors' defeat, she was accepted in Alexandria, where she adopted a girl and became in a great mom.

Carl felt sorry too. Judith sometimes used to play with Frankie's daughter and some others kids, and Frankie had always watch them. Frankie had take care of Judith on several occasions and he was thankful for that.

She was hugging her daughter and enjoying the fair only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the fourth of ten.

Fifth head.

Tammy Rose.

"Have you seen Tammy?" Earl asked Connie and Kelly, with his son in his arms.

Kelly repeated the question with sign language, so Connie could understand.

The answer was no. The sisters hadn't seen her, Tammy wasn't near.

Tammy was an old lady that lived in Hilltop with his husband Earl. They had lost his son Ken six years ago. But life had give them happiness again with the arrived of a baby that Connie had rescue from The Whisperers.

Tammy was talking with Earl about how they should name their son only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the fifth of ten.

Sixth head.

Rodney

Rodney was a teenager that lived in Hilltop. He was trying to have a normal teenager life.

He was hanging around with his friends only a few hours ago, and now, his head was the sixth of ten.

Seventh head.

Addy.

Addy was other teenager from Hilltop. She had worries about the walkers, but also, she had some teenager worries, like, trying to make the guy you like to like you.

She was talking with Henry only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the seventh of ten.

Eighth head.

Enid.

"It feels so sweet" Alden and Luke were singing on the stage. They had a large audience, but still, Alden noticed that someone was missing. Someone special. Had she forgotten? of course not. she was eager to see her boyfriend sing and be able to make fun of it. If Enid wasn't there, it was because she wasn't in this world either.

Enid was a resident of Alexandria when Carl met her. She was mysterious and mature, things that made Carl to got interested in her, an also, to liked her. Both had a realistic perspective of the world, and they became best friends cause of that.

Now, Enid was a doctor. She had something worth to work for. She was an important member of her community. She was living the happy life that she always had deserved.

When Carl saw her, something cracked inside of him, his heart for sure. He couldn't deal with the fact of seeing his best friend's head on a pike. So, a tear fell down his cheek.

"No" He mumbled. "Not you".

Carl was being Siddiq's support, but at that moment, the roles got changed. Carl's legs shaked like he was about to fall. " It's okay, Carl, it's okay. Stay with me, please" Siddiq said.

"Hey, my favourite cowboy is here"

"I always call you 'cowboy', you have the right to call me 'doctor'"

"I know, but I refer, to see each other like this, like family, not like two strangers. I'm sorry for never had get back to Alexandria, but Maggie needed me here"

"Maybe we can be the same best friends that we were"

"It's true, Carl, everybody knows your story, and I'm so proud of you"

Memories of her didn't leave his mind. Memories of Enid being happy. Memories of his best friend for all life.

He remembered the first time she saw her, on that abandoned house at the entrance of Alexandria. He remembered the times that he followed in the woods and lost her from his sight. He remembered when they used to sneak out the walls and go into the woods to read comics. He remembered all the times that she gave him advices about his relationship. He remembered when they skated in their way to Hilltop. He remembered a lot of things that they could never do again.

He had lost his best friend and he couldn't get her back.

Enid was teaching people how to do CPR only a few hours ago. Enid was eating caramel apples with his boyfriend only a few hours ago. Enid was getting back the lost time with her best friend only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the eighth of ten.

Ninth head.

Tara.

"If you happen to see her, could you tell her I need to speak with her?" Gabriel asked Eugene.

"I haven't seen her in a while, but she must be around" Eugene said. Sadly, he was wrong. Tara wasn't around, not anymore.

When the prison got under attack, Tara was in the Governor's army, she was with the guy who killed Hershel, she was the enemy. But things changed. Glenn needed her help, and, Tara needed to help Glenn, she needed to help him so the guilt she was feeling could disappear. It was when she was ready to die in that tunnel full of walkers, so Glenn could live and continue searching for his wife, that Tara stop being the enemy, and became family.

She was Hilltop's leader since Jesus' death, she was capable to lead, and she was ready to. She was supposed to be a great leader.

Carol, Daryl and Carl looked at her head with melancholy. They had survived with her during a lot time, and now, that girl with an incredible sense of humor that used to brigthen their days didn't exist anymore. She had been reduced to a sad walker.

"If her mother retaliates it's gonna be against Hilltop, not Alexandria"

That thought arrived at Carl's mind. Tara was protecting her people, but she must have protected herself.

Tara was thinking about what was the the best for her people only a few hours ago. Tara was signing the mutual protection pact only a few hours ago. Tara was being the leader that the Hilltop needed only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the ninth of ten.

Tenth head.

"Where could she be? She's not the kind of people that disappear without telling someone where she is going" Rosita told to Eugene.

"Maybe she wanted to be alone. She wasn't happy about Carl going out there. Maybe she wanted to distract herself"

"Eugene, she wouldn't do that. If she didn't tell anyone what she was going to do, it's because she is going out there and look for him. She care so much about him"

"In that case, I hope she is still in here. She can get hurt if she goes alone"

"Come on, we need to find her. Carl is going to kill us if something happens to her" Rosita commanded.

Even though Rosita and Eugene went to look for her as soon as they realized that she was missing, someone else had already found her.

And then, Carl saw the last pike. With his eye wide open, he unconsciously left Siddiq alone. He dropped the Colt Phyton that he had in his hand. He couldn't take his sight apart from the head. He approached to the pike a little more, he was wishing that his sight was playing tricks on him, because in case it wasn't, and the head was of the person he was thinking it was, he couldn't stand that.

He was about to get close enough when Daryl got between his sight and the pike. "No! No!" Daryl shouted, while he was holding Carl of his shoulders. "Don't look at it. Don't look"

Carl's legs shaked again, but this time, he fell on his knees. Daryl got on his knees too, to comfort him. "Kid, please, don't look at her, don't do that".

Carl's cry was making him look so vulnerable and so broken that even Yumiko felt the need of hug him. But nobody dare to do it, except of Daryl, who was already with him.

Daryl was speaking to him, but he wasn't listening. His heart was so broken and he was so submerge on his memories that everything around him didn't seem to be important.

Inside of Carl, it was like his mind wanted to live again all the moments that he had shared with her, like he needed to remember everything he had done with Amunet.

Cause, yeah, the head that was on that pike was hers.

"Hi, my name is Carl, what's yours?"

"I'm Amunet" The little girl answered. They were in the outsides of Atlanta, in a camp.

"Do you wanna play with me and Sophia? She wants to meet you"

"I would like to"

"Great! Follow me" Carl took her hand and guided her to where the other girl was. They played all morning and all afternoon, that when the sun hid, the three kids could barely stay awake.

The memorie of the first time they talked arrived. Carl felt like he was just being stabbed in the heart, so he let out a heartbreaking scream, toring apart his lungs.

"Carl! You woke up" Amunet had been waiting to him to wake up since Hershel operated him. She was happy that his friend was okay.

"Hello, Amunet. How's Sophia?"

"We hadn't find her" She said, sadly. But at least you are okay, I've missed you"

"We'll find her. I promise. I've missed you too. My dad gave my his hat, cool, no?"

"Yeah, now you are a cowboy"

"You can try it on, it must look great on you" Carl put the hat on Amunet's head. Both kids were laughing, but Carl started to cough.

"Carl, are you okay?" The girl asked worried.

"Yes, I shouldn't laugh too much, it hurts"

"You should get some sleep. Hershel said you're still weak"

"Could you stay here? I don't like to be alone"

"Sure"

The boy made a space in the bed, so Amunet could lay on it. "Sweet dreams, Amunet"

"Sweet dreams, Carl"

The sound of Carl's sobs were mixing with the sound of the moans that Amunet's head was doing. It was a brutal and depressive mix.

When a walker Sophia appeared out of the barn, Carl and Amunet started crying. They hugged each other and stayed like that for a while. After Rick put her down, and the adults began to move the bodies, they were the only ones that were near the barn.

"I thought we would find her" Carl said.

"I did it too. I'm gonna miss her" Amunet started to cry again.

"Hey, don't worry, we are you and me now, okay? You and me, together"

"Forever?"

"Forever"

Carl scratched the dirt under his hands, like the only way he had to express his anger. He could felt the Daryl's arms around him, but he didn't feel comforted.

"My mom's dead, Amunet. I killed her"

"You did what you needed to do. You couldn't just leave her, you know what would've happen"

"I'm a killer. The last moments I had with her I acted like an idiot"

"You were a great son, your mom loved you. And you are going to be a great big brother. Big brother Carl, remember that?"

"Can you give me a hug?"

"You don't have to ask for one"

"We should put them down" Daryl said, and his arms left Carl's body.

"Left Enid and Amunet, please, I'll do it" Carl said, standing up. Daryl moved his head in approval.

Carl got in the wagon that Garet told him. It was dark, but he could see that there were more people in there. A familiar silhouette appeared.

"Carl?" A voice that he knew perfectly asked.

"Amunet!" He said with joy. Both kids got together in a lovely hug, with tears in their cheeks.

"I thought you were dead" Amunet said crying. "When we were running out of the prison and you covered me from the walkers cause I didn't have ammo, I lost you, I looked for you but you weren't there"

"I had to get away from other way. Sorry"

"Don't you ever left me like that again"

"I won't"

Carl finally stood up, with his hands still shaking, he took the knife that Amunet had got for him in one of the running supplies that she did in Alexandria.

Carl opened his eye for the first time since he had get shot by Ron. The first thing he saw after had defeat the death again was Amunet, who was sat next to him. Amunet was submerged in her mind, she didn't notice that he was awake.

"Hi" He said.

Amunet made eye contact with him, and she smiled. She was showing him that beautiful smile and seeing him with those precious grey eyes that had him hypnotized.

She didn't said anything. She just stood up, got near to Carl and kissed him on his lips. "Thanks for wake up. I was losing my mind"

"I just lost mine with that kiss" He joked.

"I should've done that a long time ago"

Carl reached Enid's head.

"Why did you come to get me to The Hilltop?" Enid asked.

"I was worried about you. You didn't take any knife with you"

"I can take care of myself"

"I know, but..."

"But what?"

"You are my best friend. I needed to know you were going to be fine"

Enid hugged Carl and talked to his ear. "And you are my best friend, too. Thank you for made me company"

He raised the knife and buried it in the skull.

"I'm so sorry, Enid. Go to rest, it's time"

The head stopped moaning and Carl felt a little relieved. His best friend was resting now, in a place without suffer, that was what she deserved.

What Carl did next wasn't easy. He was in front of Amunet's head. It was the only left to put down. Everyone was waiting for Cark to do it.

Carl raised his hand, but this was shaking a lot that he dropped the knife.

"Carl, I could do it" Daryl said.

"I have to do this, please" Carl took again the knife. He looked at the walker's eyes. They were grey, but not the beautiful grey that Amunet's eyes used to be. And that was because that walker wasn't Amunet anymore, Amunet wasn't a sad head, Amunet was a shimmering start that guided Carl's life during so many years, and that wasn't going to change. A last memory appeared before Carl had put down the walker.

Amunet and Carl hugged after Carl almost got killed by Lucille. "I love you, Carl, I love you so much"

"I love you too, Amunet. I love you too" That was the first time they said 'I love you' to each other.

"I will always love you, Amunet" Carl said before he buried the knife, making the moans stopped. Amunet was now a free soul. Amunet loved Carl until the ended of her life. Amunet died thinking about Carl. And Amunet would always be with Carl.

Amunet and Carl were kindred spirits.

[daryls-dixon-antoni]

Chapter 28.) Not Tomorrow Yet

When we pull into the gates, I get out of the RV and can hear Rick say "Get Olivia." as I rush to the house to find Mason.

He's in his bedroom drawing, and I smile, leaning against his doorframe as I watch him draw.

When he looks up, he jumps and then yells, "Mom! Your back!" He runs to me and hugs me tightly, and I grin, tears filling my eyes as I hold him close to me and litter kisses all over his cheeks, now able to look him in the eyes. He's grown so much since the beginning of the end of the world.

"Guess what," I ask, pulling him away from me and holding onto his shoulders.

"What?" He asks, I notice the maturity in his eyes now, how his voice is deepening. I never allowed myself to let him grow up in my eyes, but as I observe my son; I can see how much he's grown; not only in years but mentally as well.

"We got an ultrasound of Hope. Your going to have another little sister."

He grins, "Can I see her?"

"Daryl has the ultrasound, he also likes the name. And we're not fighting anymore. We'll keep things civil from now on."

"Can I go ask to see it?"

I frown a little then ask, "Would you like to come to a town meeting first?"

He tilts his head slightly, furrowing his brows. "I thought you thought I was too young for town meetings."

I shake my head, "You've grown up on me."

I watch as he studies my face before asking, "It isn't for good news, is it?"

I shake my head, "No, but I'll let Rick explain it."

"And we can work with the Hilltop. Maggie hammered out a deal. We're getting food; eggs, butter, fresh vegetables. But they're not just giving it away. These Saviors, they almost killed Sasha, Anne, Daryl, and Abraham on the road. Now, sooner or later, they would've found us, just like those Wolves did, just like Jesus did. They woulda killed someone or some of us. And then they would try to own us. And we would try to stop them. But by then, in that kind of fight, low on food, we could lose. This is the only way to be sure, as sure as we can get, that we win. And we have to win. We do this for the Hilltop, it's how we keep this place. It's how we feed this place. This needs to be a group decision. If anybody objects, here's your chance to say your piece."

"You're sure we can do it? We can beat them?" Morgan asks, from the back of the church.

"What this group has done, what we've learned, what we've become, all of us; yes, I'm sure."

"Then all we have to do is just tell them that."

"Yeah! We can talk to them," Mason speaks up, and all eyes turn to him.

"Well, they don't compromise." Rick responds.

"This isn't a compromise," Morgan responds. "It's a choice you give them. It's a way out, for them and for us."

"We try and talk to the Saviors, we give up our advantage, our safety. No, we have to come for them before they come for us."

"Maybe we won't need the advantage? Maybe they can see reason," Mason argues, his voice confident; and even though I don't believe in what he's saying, I can't help the pride I feel for taking a role in this discussion. For voicing his opinion, like a man.

"We can't leave them alive."

"Where there's life, there's possibility." Morgan defends.

"Of them hitting us," Rick snaps.

"We're not trapped in this. None of you are trapped in this."

"Morgan... they always come back."

"Come back when they're dead, too."

"I've lost everyone but my mom in this battle we call life. Everyday is a fight for survival. Everyday we make the choice to keep living. When my sister died, it was because of some really bad men; but fighting back didn't keep her alive. It's exactly how she got bit. And when my dad died, it was when a group of us had died suddenly in the night, and attacked our home. When my brother died, nothing killed him, and I felt hopeless, like nothing would ever matter again. But Rick, you showed me that if we can find humanity in this world, then there's something to hope for. But deciding to rage war on complete strangers, that isn't humanity. So where's the point in living then?"

I look at Mason, and then stand up, "We were on our way back after leading the dead away, after being kidnapped and I'd already almost died. And still, these men decided to stop us on the road. They ready to kill Abraham for no reason other than they could. If it wasn't for Daryl attacking first, the four of us probably wouldn't even be here. We have to stop them. And if they come after us when they’re dead, we'll just have to stop them again."

"Yeah, we'll stop them." Rick agrees, "We have before."

"We're not talking about the walkers," Morgan replies, sharply.

"Morgan and Mason want to talk to them first. I think that would be a mistake, but it's not up to me. I'll talk to the people still at home. I'll discuss it with the people on guard now, too, but who else wants to approach the Saviors, talk to them first?"

"What happened here," Aaron speaks up. "We won't let that happen again. I won't."

"Looks like it's settled," Rick states. "We know exactly what this is. We don't shy from it, we live. We kill them all. We don't all have to kill. But if people are gonna stay here they do have to accept it." Rick continues as he leaves the church.

Mason looks at me with a fire in his eyes, "If we kill them all, how do we know we won't be killing any Tera's in the mean time."

I shake my head, "We don't. What we do know, is we won't be letting anymore bad people kill our new family. Because it isn't just you and me anymore. We have Daryl, Sev, Rick, Michonne, Carl, Judith, Carol, Glenn, Maggie, Abraham, Rosita, Tera, Eugene, Aaron, Eric, Spencer and so many more. We can't just look out for ourselves like we did in the beginning. We can't take risks anymore."

"You don't think this is a risk?"

"Not with our family. I think this is a saving grace."

"You forgot about Morgan."

"What?" I ask, confused.

"When you listed our family, you forgot to add Morgan." Mason stands up and leaves the now nearly empty church; leaving me alone with only Daryl.

"What do you think?" I ask him, softly.

"I don't think the kids wrong. But I think Rick ain't, either."

I nod slowly, leaning my head against his arm, "You'll be careful, right?"

He looks down at me while pulling a face, so I roll my eyes and continue, "Seriously. Come home after all of this, okay? I'm going to share watch shifts with Maggie while your gone, it's safe while still helping out. I'm also going to teach Mason how to hold his own. He's ready to start helping out." I shake my head, "He's grown up so much, and I never even noticed."

"Anne!" I hear Maggie call me, and I turn around waving to her.

"Hey, what's up?" I ask.

"I'm going with them, to help guard perimeter. You don't mind staying on watch while we're gone, do you?"

I shake my head, "No, I don't mind. Be careful though, alright?"

"I will."

"My Saucy Boi just broke things off with Rosita... I think he likes Sasha. But I don't know what it means for us," Sev informs me as we sit outside on the porch, I'm getting ready to go listen to the group's game plan. Whether I get to go or not, I want to know what's going to happen, and see if I can offer any ideas.

"But he didn't break things off with you?" I ask, glancing at them.

"No, he didn't.... but that doesn't mean he won't. I was there when his wife and children left and were turned. He wasn't my Abraham until we ran into Eugene. Until he got a mission. And it took us a long time for him to admit he loved me. And then we discussed polyamory. He desired Rosita, and I'm Asexual. What if I'm not good enough for him anymore, either?"

"You're married, you've known him more than half of your life, now. Don't go finding problems you may not even have."

"Describe it," Rick orders.

Andy is drawing out the layout as he explains the Savior's compound. "Rectangular building, big satellites on it."

"Any windows?"

"I don't remember any. I think they made it so there's only one way in."

"Guards outside?"

"Yeah, two of them, at least."

"And you don't know how many people they have?" Michonne asks.

"No," Andy confirms. "Uh, I mean, no. I saw a place where they stored food. It wasn't that big, so..."

"You've been inside?" Rick inquires.

"Yeah. They had us load in supplies one time."

"Hmm," Glenn thinks before continuing to prod, "What do you remember?"

It's been a few minutes and Maggie asks, "And you didn't see any other rooms?"

"No," Andy responds. "It's a big place. This is the hallway I saw. There is more."

"And every time, they had you bring things into here?" Asks Michonne, pointing to the page.

"Jesus," mutters Rick.

"We brought a couple spears for them. Two of the Saviors took them down this hallway. Now, they must've done something with them because they didn't come back with them."

"Maybe a weapons locker,"Jesus guesses. "An armory."

"Okay," Glenn says. "We get in there, secure the armory, that's how we end it."

Maggie speaks up, "That's how Carol ended it here."

"But we don't know if they have an armory," Andy contradicts. "Or where it even is."

"Well," Daryl says, walking closer to the drawings. "We've got a lot of good guesses. We've done more with less."

"We go in at night while they're sleeping," Rick instructs.

"The guards won't be sleeping," Andy contradicts. "Like I said, I think there's only one way in and there's no way to bust through that door without waking up the rest of them."

"We don't need to," Rick says, confidently. "They're going to open it for us, let us walk right in. They want Gregory's head, right? We're gonna give it to them."

"You could always stay back with this one," I whisper to Daryl as we lay in a bed for the first and possibly the last time together.

"Nah, I can't."

I nod, "I wish I didn't have to... I hate not being able to help. I hate staying back and letting other's risk their lives without me being able to help."

"Maggie's going, to watch perimeter."

I nod, "I know. But would you really be comfortable with me going anywhere near this fight?"

He shakes his head in answer, then says, "I wouldn't like it, but it ain't up to me. It's like ya said, your in charge of yourself."

"I'm also carrying your child... I don't want to risk doing something that could cause me to lose another kid... so I'll stay behind, take care of Mason, Carl and Judith; while also staying on watch until your back."

He moves so he's got a knee tucked between my two legs, his hands bracing himself on either side of my head as he leans his weight onto my body slowly, as if testing the waters once again.

I lean my head up to meet his lips, and he lets out an almost animalistic growl from deep within his chest. It's like he missed this nearly as much as I have.

That night, our love making turned into something more, a new dynamic between the two of us arose while we met. He showed me that I don't have to be in control at all times, that he would take that role and let me relish in a state where I barely have to think, where I only need to react.

When he leaves the next day, he leaves me with a heavy heart and a nagging and sickening feeling in my stomach.

[canoncannon]

29 or 37?

This prompt is a part two, hope you don’t mind anon! Part one is over here.

Gotta admit I don’t like this one all that much, but I couldn’t seem to fix it after tinkering with it awhile, and I wanted to get it out relatively soon after part one. Sorry anon, hope you like it anyway

29 “I’m here if you need to talk.” and 37 “You look like hell.”

Rick drives Daryl and his soulmate right up to one of Alexandria’s empty houses as soon as they’re through the gates. They manage to avoid making a spectacle of things. Rick had been able to radio ahead and ask Carol to gather up some food, and Aaron must have been nearby for the call because he furtively sneaks a small paper bag in among the casserole and canned ravioli before darting away after Carol towards the gate.

Rick decides not to think about the probable contents of that bag. This whole thing is awkward enough as it is. He can’t get much of a read on Daryl for once, so he’d felt the need, back in the truck, to inform Daryl in his best Dad voice that Jesus was right, the symptoms would go away with simple physical contact. Sex wasn’t a necessary part of becoming soulmates.

Rick had repeated that line at least three times, like some awful high school sex ed video caught in a loop. Jesus was unavoidably treated to the entire lecture, too. He’d mostly kept his inscrutable face towards the window, hand loose in Daryl’s. He couldn’t seem to sit still, obviously fighting the physical symptoms of the new bond.

Again: it was awkward.

But Rick remembers how it had felt back at the prison, being on the other side of this equation. He’d been out of control, chemicals flooding his senses, unable to think of anything but Michonne, and Daryl had taken care of everything else for him. He hadn’t given any impromptu, potentially ill-judged sex talks, but when Rick emerged from the guard tower he found Judith clean and well-fed and Carl surprisingly unresentful of his dad’s new partner. (“Daryl explained, about soulmates,” he’d said, so damn serious for his age. “He said it doesn’t mean that you loved Mom any less.”)

They’d been a little more trusting, back then. No one had stood guard to ensure Rick’s safety.

They’re less trusting now. This Jesus guy isn’t guaranteed to be a good person. He isn’t even guaranteed to treat Daryl right. They should be happy together, in an ideal world, but souls could get twisted around by life, by evil choices.

Hell, just look at Carol and Ed.

Jesus and Daryl get indoors ok–holding hands on the drive had restored some of their vision–and as he turns to leave Rick casually gives their “got your six” whistle. The one that means he’s on watch.

When he turns to close the door Daryl is grimacing at him, but he nods anyway. They’re none of them all that squeamish about privacy within the family, at least when danger is involved. And Rick reckons Daryl’s soulmate can be plenty dangerous when he wants to be.

–

After three days of alternating watch with Aaron (and no “help now” whistles or any other signs of distress, though there were some noises that had made Rick wonder), he spies Daryl smoking on the porch in the early evening.

Rick jumps at the chance to go check on him. He doesn’t even make a joke about rising from the tomb, either.

Daryl, typically, ignores him as he climbs the stairs and sits beside him on the little decorative bench.

“Uh. Hey. How’re things going?”

Daryl just side-eyes him, puffing deeply on his cigarette.

Rick side-eyes him right back. “Ok, sure, I get it. But I’m here if you need to talk.”

Daryl rolls his eyes. If he was really annoyed, though, he’d leave—Rick knows that well enough.

“You look like hell,” he tries next. It’s true, too. Daryl clearly hasn’t slept much. There are a couple of bruises on his arms and shoulders that look suspiciously like hickeys.

Daryl sees him looking, snorts, and takes yet another deep drag of his cigarette.

It seems safe enough to joke a little. “Well, I guess he approves of that, at least.” Rick gestures vaguely at the other man’s bicep.

There’s a tense moment, but it doesn’t last. Daryl slumps against the back of the bench as if resigning himself to the fact that they’re going to have this conversation. “Think he approved of most everything, to be honest. Couldn’t stop approving.”

Rick can’t help it, he laughs. Daryl smirks back at him a little.

“You, uh, approve of him, too?”

Glancing away, Daryl blushes. He’s still looking away when he says, “Shit’s fucking weird. Whole damn life, I’ve hated it if a stranger even touched me. Now all of a sudden…”

Rick looks at his hands, giving him some space, before asking, “Did you tell him it was your first time?” Greasy hair whips through the muggy evening air as Daryl snaps to face him.

Rick just shrugs.

Daryl answers the question with one of his own. “Man, what do you need to hear right now? That he was a gentleman?”

“Hm.” Rick thinks again about Ed and Carol.

“He was,” Daryl says, earnestly enough. He’s exasperated but it’s clearly all directed Rick’s way, not at his new soulmate.

That goes a long way towards making Rick feel better. “Think we should go see this community he’s got, then?”

“Yeah.” His eyes drift out to the street. “They got a doctor, a real one. The kind that delivers babies. Paul told me.”

“I’ll tell Maggie.”

They sit in silence for awhile before Daryl adds, “Told me he’s got a boyfriend, too. Back at his community.”

It’s Rick’s turn to whip his head around. Daryl shrugs moodily and stamps out his cigarette on the otherwise pristine porch.

“What’s he gonna do about that?”

“Didn’t ask him yet. S’why I needed the cig.” He lights up a new cigarette before continuing, “And it’s why he’s sneaking around eavesdropping, the little shit.”

A guilty-looking figure slinks around the corner of the porch. “I was coming to check on you. And Alex isn’t my boyfriend.”

They all ignore the fact that Jesus could have used the front door if he’d just wanted to check up on things.

Jesus doesn’t look any better than Daryl. His hair is in a messy knot on top of his head, revealing a very visible bite mark on his ear, to Rick’s complete dismay.

Daryl notices it, too. Rick expects to see anger or embarrassment in his face, but instead there’s a hungry look in his eyes that Rick’s never seen there before.

Oh, hell. This whole thing suddenly reeks of some kind of possessive foreplay.

“I’ll leave you two to, uh.” Rick stands and pounds his way down the porch stairs.

Rick hears Jesus behind him, doing that obnoxious ‘voice of reason’ thing again. “If you’d have waited a second and listened to me instead of flouncing out of bed…”

Rick hurries away and misses the rest of the sentence, thank God. By the time he glances back, Daryl has his new soulmate pinned against the wall of the porch, and if they don’t get inside quick they’re going to give the neighborhood quite a show.

Soulmate hormones. Rick remembers them fondly. Shaking his head, he turns towards home, thinking a little too intently about those early days with Michonne.

[marvel-spidey]

Carl Grimes Imagine - Already Gone (pt. 2)

Finally guys, here’s part 2 of my carl imagine. I wrote part 1 right after episode 8 aired and after what happened on ep 9 I had to write something to help me cope. I bawled my eyes out writing this and i hope it helps you feel better or at least get some kind of closure.

This imagine was inspired by sleeping at last’s cover of Already Gone, so PLS listen to it while you read it, here’s the link to it on spotify.

And most important, here’s the link to PART 1.

Pairing: Carl x reader

Prompt: based on ep 8x09

Warnings: sad sad SAD a lot of sadness

Word count: 2,665

The sound of my footsteps was all I could hear, the leaves crunching beneath my worn out combat boots. I couldn’t see much ahead of me, the trees blocked my vision and the moon wasn’t shining so bright this time. Carl’s last words still echoed in my head and his touch still lingered on my skin. I couldn’t stop thinking if he was safe, if he had already left Alexandria by now, he said he would just buy us some time… what could go wrong?

I kept walking until I heard two familiar voices near by, whispering. I instantly recognized them, Michonne and Rosita.

“Where are you guys?” I asked, whispering too.

“(Y/N)! Here!” Michonne answered without raising her voice, waving her hand in the air. After a few seconds searching the dark I finally saw them, hiding behind a bush.

I quickly ran to them, hiding behind the bush too, to avoid getting any unwanted attention by the Saviors.

“Where is the rest of the group?” I questioned, already feeling worried.

“They’re all back there! We already cut the power and got all the guns we need, me and Rosita came back to wait for you and Carl” Michonne replied, a frantic look in her eyes, “why isn’t he with you?”

“He stayed back to buy us some time with Negan, I was hoping he would be back by now!”

“He stayed back? Why would you let him stay back? It’s too dangerous!”

I didn’t blame Michonne for getting pissed off or for blaming me, she cared about Carl just as much as I did, I would do the same if I was in her place.

“Michonne, you know better than anyone that when Carl wants to do something there’s no talking him out of it. If I could have dragged him out of there with me you know I wou-”

And before I could finish my sentence, I was interrupted by the loud sound of an explosion. And another. And another one after that.

My heart stopped. The Saviors were attacking our home.

“No”, I whispered to myself, thinking of all the ways Carl could be in danger.

“I’m going back”, I said to Michonne already getting up from my previous crouched position. “I need to make sure he’s okay.”

“I’m going with you. Rosita, go tell the others to find somewhere to hide, we can’t go back now. Don’t wait for us.”

“Daryl was talking about the sewer ducts underground, maybe is a good spot for us to hide. I’ll let them know.” Rosita said quickly, a hopeful look in her eyes.

She ran back to the woods while me and Michonne started running back to Alexandria.

Everything seemed quiet now, with just the sound of the flames burning the houses. No sign of the Saviors or Carl.

We waited behind the gates to be sure before entering, Michonne with her sword in position and me with my gun, my finger already on the trigger.

We kept walking until we heard what sounded like Rick calling for Carl too. Of course all three of us came back for him, we always would.

“Rick!”, I called him, without being too loud, trying to find where he was, “It’s (Y/N) and Michonne! Where are you?”

“(Y/N)?” He answered back, running out from one of the houses and in our direction. His forehead was bleeding, he was sweaty and out of breath, like he had just came out of a fight. His silver Colt Phyton was in his right hand, glistening in the moonlight.

“Is he with you? Is Carl with you?” he asked, a desperate look in his eyes.

“No. I… I don’t know where he is, we can’t find him.” I answered, bringing my hands to my head and taking a deep breath, without knowing what to do.

“Hey… Remember Rosita said something about the sewer ducts? Maybe they’re hiding there, maybe Carl is there with the others?” Michonne questioned.

And suddenly it was like an alarm went off in my head. Everything made sense.

“Michonne! You’re right! I remember now, right before Negan arrived, Carl was heading towards the ducts, he said he needed to check on something down there. Let’s go!”

The three of us ran until we found one of the ducts on the ground, near the solar panels. Rick went down first, then Michonne, then me.

“It’s so quiet here”, I said, more to myself than the others. The sewer was dark and had many different paths to follow, they could be anywhere. All of a sudden the same bad feeling I had in my gut the whole day came back. I just needed to see Carl already.

“Guys?” Rick called, his deep voice echoing across the place. “Daryl? Are you here?”

After a few seconds, we could hear footsteps and a moment later, Daryl showed up behind us. He didn’t say a word, just kept looking at the ground. I knew Daryl and I knew that look, something had happened… something bad.

“Where are the others?” I asked, my heart already pumping in my chest.

“They’re back there, c'mon”, he replied, not even looking at my face.

As we followed Daryl towards another duct, I saw the entire group sitting on the ground, side by side. They all carried pity and sadness in their eyes, looks that didn’t even need words to tell me my whole world was about to fall apart.

I didn’t need to get to the end of the hallway to know what happened, deep down I knew. I knew something was wrong since the moment he kissed me like it was the last time. My vision was already blurred with tears.

Taking a few more steps, I finally saw him. He was sitting against the wall, looking down. His porcelain skin that once was rosy and soft to the touch now looked pale, his eyes that used to have the most beautiful turquoise blue I have ever seen were know sunken and dark and his hair was soaked with sweat.

At the sight of the three of us standing above him, he looked up with a sorrowful look in his eyes.

“I brought him here”, he said calmly, his voice sounding hoarse and tired. He looked at the stranger sitting near him and gave him a weak smile. “That’s how it happened.”

He then slowly lifted his shirt and removed the gauze covering the worrible wound in his abdomen.

A walker bite.

I couldn’t breath. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t cry. I could just look at the boy on the ground and think about how much I loved him. And how on earth I was supposed to keep going without him.

Michonne dropped to her knees not being able to hold her tears back and Rick kneeled beside him, touching his son’s hand. I just stood there behind them, looking at him. Half crying, half smiling. I didn’t know what to do or what to feel.

“I’m sorry”, Carl said, almost like a whisper, looking into my eyes. His lips displaying a sad smile.

“It’s o-okay”, I replied, trying to breath through the tears. I didn’t want him to feel like what had happened was his fault. I wanted to show him or at least pretend, that I could be strong for him.

“Come here”, he said, lifting his hand in my direction and asking me to come closer.

I immediately dropped to the ground and threw myself in his arms, burying my face in the crook of his neck. At this point I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. I didn’t care if Rick or Michonne were right next to us, I just wanted to feel his skin against mine and hear the beat of his heart while I still could. They soon realized we needed to have that moment together and left us alone for a bit. With my head resting upon his chest, I hugged him and cried until there were no more tears left to cry. The sound of his heart beating against my ear was both comforting and heartbreaking at the same time, a painful reminder of what was going to happen soon.

“It happened this morning, right? When you got back from the run?” I asked, remembering everything that happened throughout the day.

“Yeah. How do you know?”

“I knew something was wrong the moment I saw your face but I didn’t know what exactly. Now it all makes sense”, I replied, smiling to myself, feeling so stupid for not paying attention and connecting the dots, “but I get it why you didn’t tell me. You didn’t want it to be all about the end.”

“You know me too well” Carl answered, and I could hear the smile in his voice.

“We had the best day today. Me, you and Judith. Thank you. I’ll remember forever”, just thinking about it made my eyes start watering again. I would never spend another lazy afternoon beside him and that was hard to accept.

“That’s what I wanted. It’s what I needed” Carl stated, after taking a deep breath. He looked weaker by the minute and I couldn’t stand it. He suddenly winced in pain and I started crying again, seeing him like that was the last thing I ever wanted to see and the worst part was, I couldn’t do anything to make him feel better, I was helpless.

I could feel his chest vibrating against my ear and realized he was crying too.

“I’m sorry I’ll never be able to give you everything I promised”, he said through his tears, caressing my hair and looking down, so we could look at each other. “A future, a family, the kids you always wanted… I’m sorry I won’t be here to protect you anymore or to hold you close on the nights you can’t sleep.”

“Carl”, I said lifting my head and sitting up so I could look him in the eye. I pushed his hair away from his forehead and stroked his cheek, trying to at least make him feel some kind of comfort, “you don’t have to be sorry. You gave me everything I wanted. You gave me a family when I didn’t have one, you gave me safety, love, a reason to carry on.”

We were both crying at this point. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. We had so many plans, so many dreams. We could take on the world together, it didn’t matter when or where, as long as were together we were okay.

“You have to promise me you will go on after this. You can’t let this break you” Carl pleaded, his voice was shaky and the tears were falling freely.

“How am I supposed to? How am I supposed to face this world everyday without you?” That was the question I kept asking myself again and again. He had always been my reason, since the start. Everything I did was for him or to him. He was my everything and a life without him would be simply unbearable.

“You have to”, he pleaded again, “you have to keep going for my sister. For my dad, for Michonne. Please, they’re gonna need you after this. I’m already gone, okay? I am, that’s the truth. Promise me you’ll take care of them and promise me that you won’t give up. For me.”

How could I say no to him? I loved his family as much as I loved him. He deserved to go knowing they would be okay.

I took a deep breath and managed to speak through the tears, even if I didn’t want to.

“I-I promise. For you. I’ll t-take care of all of them.”

“Thank you”, he replied, giving me a sad smile and stroking my hair. “You’re so strong, (Y/N). I know you will survive this. You were made for this world, with or without me. I know you will be okay.”

Carl then slowly brought my face next to his and softly kissed me. His lips felt chapped and tasted like the thousand of tears we both had shared on this dreadful night. It wasn’t a lustful kiss or even a sweet one, it was a goodbye kiss. And that was the saddest part. After breaking the kiss I then kissed his cheeks and his nose. I would kiss him forever if I could.

“Thank you. Thank you for keeping me safe all this years. For bringing me back. I was long gone before you, Carl Grimes. But you brought me back. You saved me in every way a person can be saved. I love you. And I always will, I promise. You were the best thing that could have happened to me.”

I had to tell him while we still had time, while he was still here with me.

“And your mom would be SO proud of the man you became. And your dad is too.” I said, wiping away his tears.

“I love you too. So much. Please never forget that.” He said, stroking my cheek and kissing my forehead.

“I won’t.”

After we managed to stop crying I backed away for a bit, Michonne and Rick needed their time with Carl too. We moved him to a stretcher so he could be more comfortable, the only thing we could do for him at that point. The rest of the group went to Hilltop to be safe, but the three of us stayed with Carl until the end.

Rick didn’t want his son’s final moments to be in a sewer so we carried him up and managed to get him to a house nearby. The end was getting closer by the minute while Carl was getting weaker. I knew I had to be prepared for what was going to happen but how do you prepare to put down the one person you love most in this world?

After Rick said his final goodbye I knew it was my turn.

I kneeled next to him and caressed his hair, memorizing every single feature on his face. I took a deep breath and gathered the strength to say my last words. My head was pounding from crying so much.

“Y- you can go. You can go in peace. We will be okay. I know you said you didn’t beat this world but you did. You went down saving a man you didn’t even knew, just because you knew it was the right thing to do. I’ll spend the rest of my life keeping your family safe and trying to pay back everything you did for me. I love you, I love you so much”

Sobbing, I bent over him and kissed his lips like it was the last time because this time, it really was. He kissed back and I wiped the tears off of his beautiful face.

“I love you too, (Y/N). Good night.”

And as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, his hand reached the holster on his thigh. Instantly, me and Rick backed away and muttered our quiet “no’s”. Neither of us would be able to do it.

“I know it should be someone that loves you. But just when you can’t do it yourself. And I still can.”

That was so typical of Carl. Even in his last moments he was brave and he was selfless. He knew that if Rick, me or Michonne had to do it that would break us, so he chose to do it himself.

After saying our finals goodbyes, the three of us went outside and hugged each other, just waiting for that horrible sound to come. The sound that meant that the light of our lives would soon be put out.

And it came. The shot echoed through Alexandria, followed by our desperate cries and broken hearts. Rick broke down and Michonne didn’t even react. It was over. The feeling of loss was overwhelming and unbearable.

He was already gone. And I was gone with him.

feedback would be great, hope u liked it ❤️ and also: fuck scott gimple™

TAG LIST: @carlgrxmes @daregisuniverse @5sosnerdygirlanahood @professsionalsinner @enidgreene @rosebloodstuffandthangss @cryptidchandler @alaynaadams22 @seafrost-fangirl @rileymkh @xxinnerbeautycountsxx @whydoyouwantmyname @laureng-99 @multifandomfangirl10 @ramosbaby @heartbreakerxheartbroken @night-witchx @twdst @lovecolesprouse @bleakroses @thatdrewgirl @robinatthedisco @chubbydumpling1 @chloemcmartin @chandlersriggs6 @skyxox13 @flamelady13 @erincrosier @mere-illusions @twentyonewalkers @sugglife

I LOVE YOU CARL, U DESERVED BETTER ♥️

[whateverisbeautiful]

Richonne in Retrospect

#1: The Draw (3x07)

No matter what status R&M were at in their journey, be it strangers, friends, or married, one thing is for certain, there was never a moment where these two weren’t drawn to each other. 

They might not have always realized the extent of the draw and it might not have necessarily been a romantic draw at the start, but right from the jump these two stayed quite drawn to each other in a rather deep way.

In my first Reveling post I talked about the very first time R&M laid eyes on each other through the prison fence. As you all know, they have this stare off at the prison fence, and it’s what I would consider one of the most notable introductions of two characters on the series to date. It’s like whatever this relationship was going to be, whether it be enemies, friends, or lovers it was going to be important.

But in that first post I didn’t quite go into everything that directly follows, and in retrospect the R&M scenes that follow this moment are truly interesting to dissect.

So after their epic little stare down, Rick is too dazed to realize Homegirl needs some help out here with these walkers. Michonne realizes she’s going to have to fight these walkers on her own and she does in fact hold her own for a while. 

It’s cool that in this sequence everyone who’s gathered around gets to see just how resilient Michonne is. Like even with her injury she was still slaying walkers and letting everyone at that prison know... 

I love that it’s Carl, her future son, who’s the first one to speak and say “Should we help her?” And it’s sweet cuz little does Carl know but he and his dad will help her more than they realize, as they’ll be the ones to bring her back and Michonne will help them immensely as she becomes the full on matriarch of their family.

And then hearing his son be a voice of reason, Rick snaps out of his trance and he and Carl run over. Carl opens the gate and then just when Michonne thinks it’s lights out for her, Rick comes to the rescue. Watching this in retrospect I can’t help but smile knowing what Michonne will become to these Grimes boys. In this episode they both literally brought her into their home and throughout the seasons they will truly bring her into their family. 😊

Hershel asks if she’s bit and then Rick does a quite thorough check to see lol and realizes it’s just a gun shot. He then lifts her up and brings her into the prison and this is where we get their first bit of dialogue.

First, as he carries her in he tells Carl to get a blanket and Beth to get water and a towel. Look at this man already taking care of her. 😋 Here for it. And then he says she’s not coming in the cellblocks, but yeah we’ll see how long that lasts. 😂

So Carl brings that blanket with urgency which is adorable and Beth hands Rick the water and he kindly says thank you to her. And then I’m thinking homeboy is going to offer her the water to see if she’s dehydrated or something...but I guess Rick was a bit thirstier than her cuz then he pours the water over her instead lol. 🙃 Idk but this act just felt a little extra and like maybe his subconscious was calling the shots with this move right here. 😂

I love that when she does come to, the first thing he wants to tell her is “It’s all right”. In retrospect, it’s really sweet that these are the very first words Rick ever says to Michonne because truly now that they’ve found each other it is all right. 

He repeats that it’s all right and he’s clearly trying to be consoling and reassuring which is interesting cuz he doesn’t have that approach with most other strangers. But I’m telling you, right from the jump something in his heart said it’s okay to trust this woman. 

And it’s sweet that despite the fact that he’s been in ‪crazy town‬ for a minute, his first interaction with someone new is with her and he’s able to pull it together enough to be pretty comforting. 

Also these stares, tho! I can’t help but wonder if I was temporarily blind when I watched this the first time cuz the way they are looking at each other here just makes it so obvious that Richonne was inevitable. These are some soul mate stares, y’all.

Rick looks at her for a while and then says “Who are you?” and watching it now I’m like “She’s your wife, bruh”. 😋 Lol but Michonne is understandably on edge so she doesn’t answer and instead she tries to reach for her katana. Rick kicks it away and the first thing he says is “We’re not going to hurt you.” 

Now I think with most other people, if they had reached for a weapon the first thing out of Rick’s mouth would have been a threat or something aggressive and while he does say “Unless you try anything stupid first.” it seems like it’s more important to Rick that Michonne knows she’s safe with them rather than to make her feel scared to try anything. He has this compassion for her even without knowing who she is and he’s giving her a chance. 

And then Daryl enters asking who she is and Rick turns to Michonne and asks “You wanna tell us your name?” Again, he’s not frustrated that she has yet to comply, he’s giving her a chance. It’s just so interesting to me that even in their first encounter their dynamic is stemmed more from intrigue rather than fear.

And then, y’all, the shot of them as he asks her twice if she wants to tell them her name tho. 🤭 

Like how in the magnets did I not notice this? This is another shot that makes it crystal clear Richonne was bound to happen. 💯

And notice he asks her if she wants to tell them, he doesn’t demand it. Homeboy knows not to be demanding with a queen lol, or at least he subconsciously knew. 

And Homegirl is staring at him like “Look, fine stranger, I don’t trust nothing and no one, especially after my foolish friend Andrea chose the Governor over me.” But even as they seem to challenge each other here, the way they’re looking at each other, it’s clear this isn’t a relationship that’s going to stay hostile forever.

It’s interesting too that all these people are gathered around but Rick and Michonne are having their own little moment, almost like no one else is there anymore. Like Rick, Michonne, and everyone around them didn’t know it then but they were all baring witness to the first time Richonne were in their own little bubble. 😊

And then when Daryl tells them they’re going to want to see something, Rick stays staring at Michonne as he again takes the “reassuring” approach, even if it is with a twinge of “don’t try anything”, when he tells her he’ll keep her katana safe and sound. 

Seeing Rick hold that katana here, I was like bruh one day you’re going to toss that sword to her (in a way that shouldn’t really be plausible 😂) and then she’s going to run into your arms. Just wait. 😋

He tells her “The doors are locked. You’ll be safe here. And we can treat that.” Look at how nice my boy Rick is being. 👏🏽 Like he’s so adamant to reassure her that she’s not in danger with them and even that they’ll take care of her. Michonne hasn’t uttered a word yet and yet Rick is already trying to make this work. 

There connection really does seem like that soul mate/magnets thing where you can’t explain it but you just know even if you don’t know that you know. Ya know? 😋

We’ve seen the way Rick reacts to strangers, it’s much more defensive or volatile but she has some type of wonderful black girl magic spell over him or something cuz he continues to take the approach of wanting to help her rather than scare her. 

Then Michonne’s first words to him are “I didn’t ask for your help.” This line is so wonderfully ironic once you know how much these two are going to help each other.

And then with a quickness Rick says “Doesn’t matter.”, cuz since day one Rick has been operating like no matter what he wants to be there for this woman. 

And then as he walks away he says,“Can’t let you leave.”

First; this line is so perfect in retrospect. Like, y’all, I’m choosing to believe this was his subconscious talking cuz yes what he technically meant was “I can’t let you leave til we have more info” or whatever but also it just feels so meaningful to the fact that these two are meant to be so that’s why he can’t let her leave. 

And we see this sentiment play out often in their relationship. As much as he’ll try to ignore his feelings for her or tell her she’s leaving, he never can seem to let her leave. #magnets 😋

Even though Rick and Michonne just met, it’s like deep down they’ve captured each other’s heart in some way and it’s just a matter of them being willing to realize and admit it, which will take a few seasons to do.

It’s interesting too cuz there’s this shot of Michonne seeing the group reunite with Carol and I think that definitely gives her insight into the fact that this group aren’t bad people and actually operate like a family. A family she’ll one day be fully apart of. Hallelu!

So of course right now they’re strangers and I’m not trying to say they were head over heels by this point but I do think the idea that this person in front of them is different and that there was some deeper connection between them was felt, even here. 

It’s why Rick can’t bring himself to threaten her or be harsh with her and really he does the opposite, he offers comfort and protection cuz really and truly; this is different. 👌🏽

[reganapologists]

First Kiss

Summary: Rick is a young widower at his first Pride Parade, finally coming to terms with his identity. Negan only solidifies it.

Word Count:   2410

Genre: Romance

Pairing: Negan x Rick

Warnings: Modern! AU – so no zombies. Foul Language, Negan being Himself as Always,

Author’s Note: This is a one-shot for #ReganWeek filling in the Kiss slot! (Sorry I’m like two days late! My computer was acting up!)

Author: @genevievedarcygranger

Tagging: just for those that I think would be interested @purplemuse89 @noodlecupcakes @binegan @crownedcarl @neganstonguething @hatterized @negans-network

Rick felt incredibly overwhelmed – and maybe a little silly – for coming here. He had to wonder how this happened, but he knew exactly how it happened.

~

After Shane had left soon after Lori died, Rick had been on desk duty, juggling a new baby and a precocious son lashing out. But now that he was back in the saddle, he had to have a partner. That’s where Tara came in.

Now Tara was one of the newest addition to the station and Rick’s new partner. As far as partners go, she wasn’t bad at all. She knew all the standard procedures forwards and backwards since she was straight out of the academy, but she wasn’t a stickler per se. Rick found himself laughing a lot with her because of her peculiar sense of humor. In a lot of ways, she reminded him of Carl. Like for her humor, but namely for how young she was. So, Rick felt protective and took upon a paternal role around her.

One day he had noticed that she was a little withdrawn and unusually skittish. It was a slow day, just directing traffic of the carpool line at the elementary school. Rick took the opportunity to ask Tara what had her so fidgety, and she just blurted out in typical Tara style, “I like girls.”

A little confused, Rick blinked and tilted his head. “Okay.”

She took that as her que to babble freely to him now, finally getting everything off her chest. “I wasn’t allowed to be like that growing up. At the academy, I still couldn’t say anything either. But now I’ve got a job, and I want to be able to date and bring around my girlfriend and call her my girlfriend.”

“Tara,” Rick began in his fatherly way with seemingly infinite patience, “that’s okay. No one at the station is going to say anything to you. If you want, you can bring around your girlfriend.”

In a rush, Tara asked him, “Will you go to the Pride Parade with me, Rick?”

He blinked at her again and tilted his head to the other side. “Come again?”

“Well, it’s just that I’m new around town,” she began to explain, “The Pride Parade in Atlanta would be the first one I could go to now, and I don’t want to go alone. I just figured that since we’ve worked together for a while that we’re friends, right, Rick?”

“Of course, we’re friends, Tara,” Rick assured her, a little touched by her confession. Initially, he had thought that she might scoff at him for being an old man, but on more than one occasion she had told him that he was very ‘cool dude’. Not even Carl would say that to him anymore.

“So, you’ll go with me?” Tara asked him again, the hopeful look on her face reminding Rick of the expressions Carl and Judith had when they begged to have McDonald’s for dinner. He couldn’t say no to Tara any more than he could say no to his own kids.

Still, Rick hesitated, and he hated himself for hesitating, but hesitate he did. He thought of his neighbors, Aaron and Eric, and wondered if he should just ask her to go with them instead. In truth, since Lori died, Rick had been lonely and he had started thinking of dating again, but he was scared. Scared to put himself out there knowing he had kids to raise, scared of rejection, but most importantly, scared that he couldn’t be himself. He had always been attracted to women and men, but – much like Tara – couldn’t express it, especially back in his day. Now, though, he could date whoever he wanted freely, and almost nothing was stopping him. Nothing except himself anyway.

“I’ll go, Tara,” he finally promised her, and Tara hooked her pinky with his to seal the deal. Smiling, she pushed down her shades and looked out the window, back to her usual upbeat mood. Despite his own inner dilemma, Rick smiled a bit, too.

~

But that was then, and this is now. Rick had told Carl that he would be going with Tara this weekend to the Pride Parade. Carl only asked if he could have money for pizza and invite Enid, Ron, and Sophia over. Rick relented, passing over a twenty-dollar bill, and reminded Carl that if he needed any help with Judith, he could call either Carol, Beth, or Olivia. In typical teenaged fashion, Carl rolled his eyes and shrugged him off. That was one hurdle down.

Now that they were here in Atlanta, though, Rick was so nervous, unsure on what to do. Tara was having fun at least. They had ended up carpooling with Aaron and Eric, and they ended up bumping into another couple Rick knew: Andrea and Michonne. They were partners at a law firm, so Rick occasionally ran into them in court. They were nice ladies, but Rick hadn’t known they were married, he just thought they were partners at their firm. That just goes to show how unobservant Rick can be at times.

Gathered together, Andrea and Michonne were talking to Tara, boosting her up and calming her nerves. Aaron turned to Rick and told him, “Erik and I are going to look for our friend Jesus.” To be heard in the crowd, Aaron had to raise his voice, “Jesus usually brings a huge flag, so we shouldn’t take that long to find him.”

 “Okay,” Rick said, and then he was left alone. Unsure of himself now, Rick found himself wandering.

The Parade hadn’t started yet. A lot of people were still putting the finishing touches on their signs or doing last-minute meet ups much like Aaron and Eric were. Unintentionally, Rick got a little loss, surrounded by people he didn’t know. As he spun around searching for his friends, a deep and gruff voice that sounded like it was coming from right behind him, called to him, “Gay?”

Immediately, Rick turned towards the voice and startled at the closeness. Then he saw the stranger’s face – how could he not when the man was leaning in so close – and Rick flushed. He was undeniably a handsome man, and he looked like the kind who knew exactly good he looked in his studded, black leather jacket. How that man could wear that in this hot weather during a parade no less was no small feat to Rick. Looking back up at the stranger’s amused, dark eyes, Rick realized he was opening staring. “Come again?”

The stranger grinned such a shit-eating grin at that, and Rick realized the accidental innuendo too late. The man’s tongue swiped over his florescent white teeth smugly, but otherwise didn’t comment on it aloud. “I said gay,” he repeated, and cocked his head like a puppy.

Since the man had closed the distance between them, they didn’t have to shout to be heard. Rick was grateful for that, but was more than a little nervous at the lack of personal space. This man was too handsome. “Oh, well, um, no.”

The man leaned back, hips thrust forward, and Rick blushed. Like a salesman, he announced, “Alrighty, then, are you bi or pan or ace? I’ve got fucken’ buttons if you wanna represent.” He held open his leather jacket where there were indeed several buttons of various colors. Tara told Ric they were for the different flags of the spectrum. “Usually younger people can’t buy or make their own shit, but you look like this is your first time at one of these shit shows.”

Ducking his head in embarrassment at how obviously he seemed to stand out, Rick mumbled, “I’m just here for my friend, Tara.”

“No shit? Huh. Well do you think she wants a button? I’m not gonna charge for them, I just always carry around extra fucken’ buttons. Was my wife’s idea.”

Looking up at the man again, Rick shifted from foot to foot. “Yeah? Where is your wife?”

At that the stranger listed to the side, letting his jacket fall shut again. His salesman persona dropped. “Oh, she died a couple of years ago. Fucken’ cancer.”

Immediately, Rick felt a connection that was more than just the simple attraction. “My wife passed a few years ago, too. Complications from birth.” Rick wasn’t sure why he had to tell this man this – he didn’t even know his name – but something compelled him to. Maybe it was the familiar look in his eye of old grief. That reminded Rick, though, that he didn’t know who he was talking to. “Rick Grimes,” he introduced himself, sticking out his hand politely.

There was that shit-eating grin, and the man shook his hand vigorously. “Hi there, Rick. I’m Negan.” Negan clapped him so hard on the shoulder that he stumbled forward with a grunt, and Negan released the strong grip he had on Rick’s hand to hold him steady.

“Thanks,” Rick mumbled, catching himself on the lapels of Negan’s jacket and looking up into the man’s enticing dark eyes. This interaction had Rick more than a little dazed. This man reminded Rick of a puppy for all intents and purposes. But a big Rottweiler puppy that wasn’t aware of how big and scary he looked, as if he didn’t know his own strength. Too long of a moment passed and Rick still hadn’t let go. Blushing again, Rick tore his eyes away, staring forward at Negan’s chest. Before he stepped back, though, he curiously touched the pin Negan had on one lapel. It was striped pink, purple, and blue. Rick wasn’t sure of what that meant, he only knew about the rainbow one.

Negan let him touch the button, and then he explained, “This is the bi flag. I swing both ways, sometimes violently with a bat.” At Rick’s furrowed brow, Negan smiled wider and added, “I coach fucken’ baseball for a high school. You?”

“Sheriff’s deputy,” Rick replied, and he made the mistake of looking back at Negan’s face. When he smiled there were dimples, and his eyes crinkled in the corners. It was cute. Flustered, Rick dropped his eyes back to the button.

“Sure, you’re not gay, Rick? Bi?” Negan asked so casually.

Rick struggled with his answer. “No? I don’t know.”

Shifting his weight from foot to foot, Negan leaned back again, tilting his head in an attempt to catch Rick’s gaze again. Negan had always been a sucker for blue eyes and a blush. “You want me to help you find out?”

Startled, Rick glanced back up at him sharply, and that blush fanned across his cheeks and down his neck. Rick wasn’t sure who closed the distance, but all he knew was that in the next moment he had his lips pressed to Negan’s slightly chapped ones. The kiss was different, not what Rick expected. It was wet, and the texture of Negan’s facial hair brushing against the sensitive skin around his mouth sent shivers down his spine. But the kiss was also sweet and relaxed, pleasant. And Rick thought that though this was nothing like how he and Lori used to kiss, he liked this kissing, too. He suspected it had to do more because he was kissing Negan, and that Negan knew how to kiss.

They didn’t break apart until Rick felt Negan’s calloused fingertips trail across the back of his neck. It made Rick pull away with a small grin. “Sorry, that just tickled.”

In response, Negan chuckled, and Rick felt his heart stutter and the proverbial butterflies in his stomach. His ears were pink now from his excessive blushing, and his bottom lip was swollen from Negan’s gentle abuse. “Well, Rick, I think you have your fucken’ answer, now.”

“Yeah.” Rick’s voice was a little hoarse, and he cleared it nervously. His hands had a death grip on the lapels of Negan’s jacket, and he finally let go, shoving his hands in his pockets to keep himself from drawing Negan in for another kiss.

There was a lull in the conversation, but it was comfortable rather than awkward as they stared hard at each other. It was Negan that broke the silence first, “Oh, well, since you know now.” Negan reached in his jacket and pulled out one of the buttons. He passed it to Rick, and when Rick opened his hand, he saw it was the same kind as the one Negan was wearing. Rick smiled at the button and attempted to put it on, but he was having trouble. “Here, lemme fucken’ help ya out,” Negan took the pin back and his nimble fingers had no problem pinning the button to Rick’s shirt without nicking his skin. Negan fondly patted Rick’s chest and then leaned back, admiring him. “Looks fucken’ nice on ya, Rick. Really brings out the blue in your eyes and the pink of your cheeks.”

Rick didn’t think he could blush anymore, but Negan proved that wrong. “Well, I better get back to my friends.”

“I can help ya find them if ya want,” Negan offers, so eager to help. “Who are ya with?”

“Uh, we could look for Jesus. He has a big flag apparently.”

“I know the guy.” Negan motioned for Rick to follow and then grabbed Rick’s hand. Together they cut through the crowd, and it was easygoing considering how the breath of Negan helped him shoulder through people. Sure enough, Negan lead him confidently to Jesus who had a huge rainbow flag hanging off his shoulder. “Sup, Jesus.”

“Negan,” Jesus greeted him and looked over his shoulder, “You must be Rick. We were looking for you.”

“Yeah, I, uh, got a little lost and Negan helped me out.”

Jesus looked down at Rick’s hand which was still clasped tightly to Negan’s. “Okay, well, we’re about to start soon.”

“Where’d you get that button, Rick?” Tara interrupted, and Rick looked at Negan. 

Instantly, Negan shifted back into that salesman persona. Refusing to let go of Rick’s hand, he held open his jacket on one side with his free hand. “I got a fuck ton of buttons if you want one, kid.”

“Cool! I want a rainbow one if you have it.”

“Sure fucken’ do!” Negan jovially responds and offers her one.

Watching them, Rick smiles at the interaction. And then he finds himself asking Negan, “March with us?”

Negan looks back at Rick with a charming smile, “Sure, Rick. I’d love to.”

[carls--pudding]

The Boy

Summary: Reader is new to Alexandria and questions wether or not they will stay.

  Word count: 1,823

  Warnings: none

  Pairing: Carl x Reader

  ———

  You didn’t know what you thought about this place, if you wanted to stay. However, you’d only been here for 2 days and hadn’t even left your room yet, not even to eat. You were, in a way, scared of their lifestyle and the possibility that things could be normal again, that you’d see people making spaghetti in their kitchens, taking a hot shower whenever you wanted. It didn’t feel real after being alone for the past year. It was so strange how these people could act so much like people acted before when there was hell going on outside their walls, when anything could happen at any minute.

  You remember a woman, Carol, you believed was her name, and you think back to yesterday when you saw her from your window with a warm container of cookies, handing them out to everyone she saw. You remember thinking ‘why did she waste all those ingredients on cookies when they could have been used for actual food?’ You didn’t and still don’t understand how their supply is as large as it is but even then, they shouldn’t waste it on things like cookies, they should save it and make it last as long as humanly possible. Yet they act like their supply is infinite and continue to pretend everything is fine while letting people take what they want, not thinking of what will happen when someone wants to take something that is no longer there.

  From the past year by yourself, you’d learned a good bit about surviving and this was not it. When you stumbled upon the gates of Alexandria you thought it would be just another community of scared people with guns sitting around a campfire but you found the complete opposite. There was no fire and there was no fear, only contentment and ease, and that scared you because even when things are good, you still have to be afraid. It’s how you survive. You believed these people had let their guard down because they found a safe place which could end up getting them all killed. But suddenly, a knock on the door startled you from your thoughts.

  “Come in,” you breathed, catching your breath and trying to hide the fact that you were just thinking about how unprepared this community was.

  You were greeted by a man with a small smile on his face. He had a beard and curly hair, a strong build and he wore a green t-shirt and jeans with a pair of brown boots. “Hey,” he greeted. “I’m Rick, I kinda run things around here, along with some other people, and we just want to make sure you’re doing okay, I mean you haven’t left this room in two days,” he continued.

  “Well, you and the other guys don’t need to worry. I’m fine,” you stated, but he didn’t give up just yet.

  “Y/n look, we’ve all been out there, and it changes you. Can make your mind go off on its own, make you think things that aren’t right okay. We’ve all been through that and we just want to help you get through it.”

  “I said I’m fine, really. And you don’t need to tell me what it’s like out there, trust me, I know. I’ve been out there for a year,” you explained, earning a shocked expression.

  “A year?,” he questioned. You nodded, unsure of why this was so new to him. How long did he think you were out there?

  “Okay then,” he scoffed,“ why don’t you come join us for dinner tonight,” he said as more of an order than an invitation, then left the room.

  You got up, changed into some clothes that had been left for you in the nightstand next to the bed, fixed your hair and headed downstairs to be greeted by a happy Maggie, the woman you were assigned to stay with.

  “Hey Y/n, you coming to dinner?,” she asked.

  “Umm, yeah. I guess,” you answered, still undecided if you actually wanted to go.

  “That’s great? You wanna walk together?,” she offered.

  “Actually, I wanted to look around a bit first, if that’s okay?,” you tried your best not to be rude.

  “Of course,” she nodded with a smile, then headed towards the door.

  Once she left you realized that you hadn’t even really looked around the house you were assigned, partly due to the fact that your first impression of them wasn’t too bright. You slowly paced around, gazing at the small decorations sprawled around on the walls, and ran your fingers along the counters when you reached the kitchen. However, your inspection was put on hold when you heard a small group of people talking outside which makes you remember the original plan: go to Rick’s for dinner.

  You finally made your way to the door, your fingers lingering on the knob. You hated to admit it but you were anxious about the dinner. Everyone knew you were a stranger and you’d be the center of attention since you hadn’t even really talked to anyone in the community. But you took a deep breath, and set off.

  As you began walking down the street you saw other small groups of people heading towards what you assumed was Ricks house, so you followed behind since you weren’t keen on asking someone where to go. As you walked, a boy holding a little girl caught your attention. What intrigued you was the bandage around his eye. You couldn’t help but stare which backfired when he caught you in the act, but even then you didn’t look away. He gave a small smile before turning his attention back to the girl in his arms.

  You continued slowly walking behind the other people until you saw them turn and walk into a house with blue shutters and a white front door. Also, the boy was now ahead of you and he headed into that hour as well. Not far behind him, you cautiously approached the house, preparing yourself to go in. Once you took some deep breaths you turned the shiny knob and walked inside to be greeted with blank stares and a small gesture for Rick to sit down at the table. There was only one seat not taken and it next to the boy you saw outside, and he now had the little girl on his lap.

  After a moment of awkward silence Rick spoke up and told everyone to quit staring and eat, which they gladly did. The dinner probably would have been the best meal you’d had since you’d been out on your own, if the others wouldn’t have badgered you with questions. Although you understood their curiosity, they could have at least let you eat in peace.

  One woman asked, “How long have you been out there?” Another asked, “How old are you, Y/n?” A woman with short brown hair, Maggie, asked if you had any family.

  “So, you’re 17, you don’t have any family that you know of, and you’ve been out there for a year?,” a lady with thick, curly hair reassessed. You nodded in response, still trying to enjoy the meal in front of you.

  After that, everyone was silent for a moment before their stares turned into looks of remorse and pity, which you hated. You didn’t want these people feeling bad for you because that would make them make things easy on you and nothing was easy in this world anymore.

  But thankfully, after a few more minutes of silence, which you were grateful for because you got to finish eating peacefully, the people started introducing themselves and making small talk. The first to introduce them self was Sasha, the woman with the curly hair. Then was Maggie, whom you already sort of knew since you were staying with her. After Maggie, came Morgan, a man who hadn’t said a word the entire night.

  Next was Daryl and Carol, and then Michonne, a woman with dreads who sat holding Ricks hand under the table, which you could tell by how close they were sitting and how close her arm was to his. Lastly, Rick introduced himself again. You were waiting for the boy to stand up but he never did. After the ice-breaking, everyone talked for another hour or so and then everyone left to go back to their houses.

  You began walking alone, but you were stopped by a voice.

  “Hey,” it said from behind you. It sounded like it came from a male, maybe not much older than you. You turned around to see the boy with the bandage but this time he wasn’t carrying the little girl.

  “Where’s the little girl?,” you inquired, trying to figure out her connection to the boy.

  “She’s with my dad,” he answered, now walking closer to you. “Do you wanna go for a walk?,” he offered, which surprised you as you didn’t even know him.

  “Sure,” you smiled, intrigued by this boy whose name you didn’t even know.

  You started walking down the street, side by side, and your curiosity was killing you.

  “So what’s the deal with the kid?,” you blurted, earning a laugh from him.

  “What do you mean?,” he chuckled.

  “Like, she’s not yours, so what is she to you?,” you asked, determined to get an answer out of him.

  “She’s my little sister,” he replied, still laughing. “You thought she was mine? How old do I look?”

  “You never know these days,” you shrugged, now laughing as well.

  You continued to walk, the moonlight shining onto your skin as you did, and you looked around you to see all the houses with their lights out and the trees swaying in the distance. After a while, you decided to ask about what happened to him.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to-,” you tried but he finished the sentence for you.

  “My eye?,” he completed, unenthused.

  “Yea,” you answered, now regretting asking the question.

  “There was this kid, he hated me and it was all because of his dad- it’s a long story for another time. Anyway, the kid shot me in the eye, and now I have to wear this bandage,” he concluded.

  “Holy shit,” was all you could say. You’d done things, but not solely based on hate for that person. You only killed if they tried to kill you first, and that was that. “So where’s this guy now?,” you asked, sounding more defensive than you intended.

  “He’s dead,” he sighed. You nodded solemnly, showing your sympathy.

  “Well I think you’re pretty cool, even with the bandage,” you reassured. For a moment, he looked directly at you, his blue eye staring into yours, but quickly looked away.

  “Thanks,” he smiled.

  “So, what’s your name, anyway?,” you questioned, realizing that you still didn’t know what to call him.

  “Carl,” he replied.

  Maybe you could stay here after all.

[jamesjohneye]

Prompts request #1

Anon: (Founding Fathers universe) Dare + Shane teaching him things

Title: Knife, bow, holler.

I hope you like it. Thank you for the prompt.

There’s blood on his lips, on his chin, dripping down his neck. It covers his fingers, too, because he’d tried to wipe it away earlier. It almost looks black in the dim lighting. He rotates his hand, wriggles his fingers, wonders why his own blood is just as disgusting as anyone else’s.

There are sounds coming from outside his cell. The rest of his family has gathered around the tables, sharing food and stories. They usually eat outside, together with the people from Woodbury and everyone else they’ve found on the road. But some nights they separate themselves, huddle together when nerves fray and hands are only steadied by the company of their family members.

He can hear Glenn laughing with Hershel.

Beth is singing a song while Rick cooks dinner.

Daryl closes his eyes and wishes he could be down there with them. That he could sit with Carl, hold Judith, lean against Maggie’s side when he gets tired. But there’s blood dripping over his lips from his nose and he’s not allowed to sit with them.

Maybe just the blood wouldn't have been a problem, but the fact that he’d screamed at Hershel is. He had called him things he shouldn’t have.

He regrets that now, of course. His blood feels colder. He can think more clearly now. But he’s too proud to go back down the stairs, to apologize and ask the man to please look at his nose because it hurts and feels funny.

He’s had worse.

He doesn’t need a stranger to tell him about broken bones and time and nothing he can do but wait.

A door opens, closes. Heavy boots on concrete. A shotgun being put in a corner.

Daryl presses his eyes closed harder, so hard it hurts. He licks at the blood on his lips and nearly gags when he hears that the footsteps are coming up the stairs. To his cell. That they stop for a second.

Warm lights blooms behind his eyelids. There’s an oil lamp hanging in the corner of his cell. Rick had left it there after he’d shoved the youngest Dixon inside, never closing the door but with eyes so cold that Daryl had just sat down on Carl’s bed, shaking with anger but not getting up again.

The footsteps come closer. They stop before him.

Daryl slowly opens his eyes.

Shane looks at him. There’s no smile on his face, no wicked grin, no fondness to make everything about him softer. He reaches down, grabs the rag from the bed and wets it with water coming from the bottle dangling from his belt.

Daryl doesn’t flinch when Shane grab his chin to tilt his head back. He does flinch when he wipes the blood away from his nose.

‘I’m sorry,’ the cop murmurs and is gentler with the boy’s lips and chin. ‘Tell me what happened.’

‘Got mad,’ Daryl says because it’s true and he knows Shane can tell when he’s lying.

‘Why?’

‘Just did.’

‘Yeah,’ Shane sighs and throws the dirty rag onto Daryl’s bed. ‘I’m not going to play this game tonight, buddy.’

‘Ain’t playin’ no game.’

Anger starts to slip into Shane’s eyes, turning them darker. ‘No, you just beat a kid up for no reason.’

‘Weren’t no kid.’

‘He’s fifteen, Dare.’

That almost makes Daryl laugh because he isn’t even fifteen yet and he took that guy down with one well-aimed kick and then kept him down with a lot of hits while sitting on his chest. It hadn’t been hard. Easy, even. He wonders whether he knows he’s been beaten by a thirteen year old.

‘That’s not something to be proud of,’ Shane warns because he always knows. ‘Why did you do it?’

Daryl shrugs. He looks at his fingers, still covered in his own blood. The kid got one good hit in just when Glenn and Rick had grabbed his arms and shoulders, dragging him off him. That had only made him madder. Fighting dirty like that. If he goes around tomorrow telling everyone he’s managed to break his nose the fight, he’s going to get it again.

‘Dare.’

‘Kept runnin’ his mouth.’

Shane sits down beside him on the bed. ‘What did he say?’

‘Just shit he don’t know nothing about,’ Daryl murmurs while scratching at the blood that is drying under his nails. ‘Kept makin’ these damn jokes. They weren’t funny,’ he says as he glances at the cop out of the corner of his eye. ‘So I… so I shut him up, is all.’

Shane nods. ‘Okay. So he kept making jokes you didn’t like. Did you ask him to stop?’

Daryl narrows his eyes. ‘I told him to shut the fuck up.’

‘But did you ask him to stop?’

‘Yeah! I told him to shut the hell up!’

Shane sighs, ‘Dare... I know you think that that is a really clear message, but not everyone can read you like we can, okay? You need to be clearer about-‘

‘You gonna put this on me?’ Daryl snarls, outraged. ‘I told him! I told him twice, even, and then I did it for him! He shouldn’t be talking about – It weren’t his business in the first place, so he shouldn’t have been running his mouth at all, but he were and -‘

‘Calm down,’ the cop says with a hand on the boy’s shoulder. ‘I know you get frustrated but-‘

‘Why are you always pinning everything on me? He fucked up! He thought he could get away with it and he didn’t and now he’s crying somewhere like the damn pussy he is and you’re taking his side? You fucking pig! This weren’t on me! Let me go! Let go of me!’

Shane shakes his head, pulls his hand back and gets up. ‘Stay here until you’ve cooled down some.’

‘Go fuck yourself,’ Daryl spits out but he stays where he is.

    ‘It was just a joke,’ Carl says as he leans against the door. ‘I make that joke all the time.’

‘That doesn’t make it funny.’

‘You almost fractured one of his ribs.’

‘Almost doesn’t count. I either did or didn’t. And I didn’t,’ Daryl glares at his best friend. ‘Leave me the hell alone.’

    There’s something weird about fighting with Shane, Daryl has found out. It can last for days.

With Will, it was easy. He was either angry or he wasn’t. When he was, Daryl would know by the hand curling around the belt, by the blinds closing in their trailer, of the dreaded question whether he was ready for it. In a sense, it was better like that, he supposes. There was a beginning, the rage building up so quickly that Daryl hardly ever had time to apologize or fix his mistake.

And there was an end. Blood on bathroom tiles, soaking his underwear and jeans, or just stinging pain that would fade. There wouldn’t be antibiotics, or loving touches, or whispered words about sorrow and regret, but a twinkie would land in his lap while they were watching TV later and Daryl would still know even though Will couldn’t look him in the eye.

But the anger simmers in Shane’s eyes for days. Daryl still recognizes it even though it usually sours into disappointment after hours.

It’s not that Shane ignores him.

It’s not that he refuses to look at him.

It’s just that everything feels colder. The answers are shorter. The looks fleeting.

It makes Daryl want to crawl out of his own skin.

    After three days, he caves.

‘He kept making these jokes about how you were my dad,’ he tells Shane. ‘He wouldn’t shut up.’

‘Thank you for telling me,’ Shane says before he walks away.

    The boy looks at him warily.

Daryl grits his teeth and rubs the knuckles over his thigh nervously. ‘Sorry I hit ya,’ he says.

    His cheeks burn when he steps into Hershel’s cell. He feels so uncomfortable that it makes him angry. His fists itch.

‘Hello, Daryl,’ Hershel says as he closes his book.

‘Sorry I said nasty things to you,’ he says quickly because he means it but also because he’s scared that something else will come out when the anger finally wins again. He runs away before Hershel can ask about his nose.

    ‘Why are you crying?’

‘Ain’t,’ Daryl snaps while he wipes his tears away.

‘Not going to play this game,’ Shane warns again but he still sits down next to the boy. ‘I heard you apologized to Gerard for hitting him. And to Hershel for being mean. That was nice of you.’

‘Whatever.’

The cop ignores him. ‘What do you do when someone does something you don’t like?’

Daryl glares at him.

‘No, seriously. What do you do?’

‘Make ‘em fuckin’ stop,’ Daryl grumbles even though he knows that’s not the right answer. Not anymore at least. He buries his hands into his hair and pulls lightly at it, so frustrated with himself. Everyone from Woodbury is already looking at him like he’s some wild dog, something Shane had pulled out of the gutter and brought inside, a rabid animal. He can’t really blame them. Everyone knows he jumped the wall with Rick and Michonne, that he’d gunned their people down to get to Glenn and Maggie.

And everyone knows he was Will’s kid.

Is, even though the man is dead now.

They will forever share blood. He won’t even be able to shake that. Doesn’t really want to either.

His dad wouldn’t have cared that everyone looked at him funny. Maybe he’d even been proud of it. But he sure as hell wouldn’t have cared that Shane hadn’t said more than four words to him in three days. Wouldn’t have been crying over it like some damn pussy.

‘Well,’ Shane shifts and loops his arm around Daryl’s shoulders, pulls the boy into his side. He smiles when the Dixon doesn’t even fight it but buries himself into his warmth instead. Bony shoulders and sharp elbows poke him as the boy curls into his larger frame. ‘I want you to try something next time, okay? When someone does or says something you don’t like, I want you to say: please stop, I don’t like this joke. Or please stop, I don’t want to talk right now.’

‘What’s the fucking point? I told him to shut the fuck up! And I keep tellin’ people to leave me the hell alone!’

‘People can’t always tell when you’re joking or not, bud,’ Shane tells him. He smiles and nuzzles the boy, ‘not everyone knows you as good as we do.’

‘Don’t know shit about me,’ Daryl grumbles.

Shane laughs and ruffles his hair. ‘Keep tellin’ yourself that, buddy.’

    They’re walking towards the gate. Shane carries Daryl’s crossbow while the boy checks his pack, rattling off the stuff he needs to go out to hunt on his own. Food, his jacket, the flare gun, the radio, extra bullets, extra gun, extra knife, rope, the repair kit for his bow, a map, two bottles of water and dry socks for when he has to cross the river.

‘Extra batteries for the radio?’ Shane asks.

‘I’ve got extra everything, I’m like a goddamn mule with this pack,’ Daryl groans. ‘This thing’s gonna slow me down so much, the only thing I’ll be catching are damn snails.’

‘Here drama queen,’ Shane grins as he holds the extra battery out to him. ‘Put it in your pocket.’

‘Daryl!’ Patrick comes running up to them, waving wildly, obviously excited to have caught the Dixon before his hunt. ‘Daryl! Hey,’ he pants when he’s close. ‘There’s kind of – like – there’s a party in our cellblock tonight, just for fun, you know? And there’s going to be lemonade and Beth promised to sing, so we can dance and they’re going to tell ghost stories and Carl said he’d come, so I thought – maybe you’d like to come, too! I mean,’ he glances at Shane, ‘everyone is invited of course, but-‘

‘Please stop,’ Daryl says with a glance at the boy. ‘I don’t want to talk to you right now.’

Shane winces.

Patrick looks stunned.

Daryl wipes his nose on the back of his hand. ‘I’ll see you at the damn party, okay? I still got half a candy bar from Michonne. I’ll share,’ he mutters before continuing to walk towards the gate.

Patrick’s stunned look melts into a bewildered smile, ‘er- okay! I guess. Yeah! See you tonight then….’

Shane shoots him an apologetic look before opening the first fence for the youngest Dixon. He pauses at the second to give him his bow. ‘Maybe make the statement a bit more general, Dare. Like, I don’t want to talk right now. Not, I don’t want to talk to you.’

‘Why?’ Daryl frowns. He puts his pack and bow down. ‘I always want to talk to you. Just not all of them, ya know?’

Shane lifts an eyebrow.

Daryl grits his teeth and blushes.

Shane smirks.

‘Asshole,’ Daryl laughs before he jumps up, looping his arms around the cop’s neck and hugging him tightly.

The man chuckles and hugs him back, squeezing him hard. ‘Be careful out there, kid,’ he mutters into his warm neck. ‘Check in every hour.’

‘I know the rules.’

They look at each other with matching grins, press their foreheads together, lips forming the exact same words.

Knife.

Bow.

Holler.

[daryls-dixon-antoni]

Chapter 16.) The Distance

When everyone is finally awake and doing their own things, Maggie and Sasha return, followed by a stranger...

"Hey," Maggie greets, "Everyone. This is Aaron." Aaron is followed by Sasha and the name alone has me taking a step back against the wall as everyone else rushes to get their weapons and point it all at the stranger.

"We met him outside."

Daryl walks past them, looks around outside of the barn.

"He's by himself," Maggie continues as Daryl walks over and begins frisking the man. "We took his weapons and we took his gear." Sasha and Tera close the doors behind Aaron as Judith starts fussing.

"Hi," Aaron greets, stepping forward seemingly to shake Rick's hand.

Everyone cocks their guns except me as I can't seem to step away from the wall, my world starting to spin slightly.

"It's nice to meet you," Aaron continues, despite the response from our group.

"You said he had a weapon?" Rick asks, and Maggie walks forward to give Aaron's weapon to Rick, who checks it and then puts it in his belt. "There something you need?"

Sasha responds, "He has a camp, nearby. He wants us to audition for membership."

Mason makes it to me and gives me a side hug, when I look down I see that he, too is affected by this man's name.

"I wish there was another word." Aaron sounds nervous. "Audition makes it sound like we're some kind of a dance troupe. That's only on Friday nights." No one laughs at his ill thought out joke.

"Um, and it's not a camp. It's a community. I think you all would make valuable additions. But it's not my call. My job is to convince you all to follow me back home. I know. If I were you, I wouldn't go either. Not until I knew exactly what I was getting into. Sasha, can you hand Rick my pack?" Sasha moves forward, takes off the backpack from her back, and hands it to Rick. "Front pocket, there's an envelope."

Rick starts rummaging and takes out a manila envelope.

"Now, there's no way I could convince you to come with me just by talking about our community. That's why I brought those. I apologize in advance for the picture quality." He chuckles nervously. "We just found an old camera store last-"

"Nobody gives a shit," Daryl interrupts him.

Aaron turns to face him, "You're absolutely 100% right." He turns back to Rick who has now since opened the envelope and started looking at the pictures. "That's the first picture I wanted to show you because nothing I say about our community will matter unless you know you'll be safe. If you join us, you will be. Each panel i-in that wall is a 15-foot-high, 12-foot-wide slab of solid steel; framed by cold-rolled steel beams and square tubing. Nothing alive or dead gets through that without our say so. Like I said, security is obviously important. I-in fact, there's only one resource more critical to our community's survival. The people. Together we're strong. You can make us even stronger. The next picture, you'll see inside the gates." Rick starts walking towards Aaron. "Our community was first construc-" Rick reaches Aaron and cuts him off with a punch to the face that knocks Aaron on his ass, everyone tightening in on the two.

I watch as Michonne approaches Rick and whispers something to him, Rick responds by pointing to Carl and saying, "We got to secure him. Dump his pack. Let's see what this guy really is."

"Rick," Michonne says, sounding annoyed.

"Everybody else, we need eyes in every direction. They're coming for us. We might not know how or when, but they are."

I take my hand gun out and head for the door to the barn, Mason grabs my arm, "Mom, wait."

I shoot him a look that says we'll talk later, and continue heading to the door as Maggie speaks up, she, Daryl and Carol are restraining Aaron, who is now knocked unconcious.

"Me and Sasha, we didn't see him. If he had wanted to hurt us, he could've."

"Anybody see anything?" Rick asks, as I peak out the barn, and Glenn responds.

"Just a lot of places to hide."

"All right, keep looking." Rick approaches Carl, "What did you find?"

"Never seen a gun like that before," Carl responds, but I don't take my eyes off the outside.

"That's a hell of a right cross there, Rick." Aaron woke up.

"Sit him up," Rick instructs.

"I think it's better if-"

Aaron interrupts Maggie, "It's okay."

"He's fine." Rick says, "Sit him up."

I turn to look as Michonne and Maggie help him sit up with his restraints.

Aaron speaks, "You're being cautious. I completely understand."

"How many of your people are out there?" Rick shows him an orange flare gun, "You have a flare gun. You have it to signal your people. How many of them are there?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes. Yes, it does."

"I mean, of course, it matters how many people are actually out there, but does it matter how many people I tell you are out there? Because I'm pretty sure no matter what number I say; eight, thirty-two, four hundred and forty-four, zero. No matter what I say, you're not going to trust me."

"Well, it's hard to trust anyone who smiles after getting punched in the face." Rick responds.

"How about a guy who leaves bottles of water for you in the road?"

The water...

Daryl starts toward Aaron asking, "How long you people been following us?"

"Long enough to see that you practically ignore a pack of roamers on your trail. Long enough to see that despite a lack of food and water, you never turned on each other. You're survivors and you're people. Like I said, and I hope you won't punch me for saying it again, that is the most important resource in the world."

Its quiet as we all exchange looks.

Rick steps forward, "How many others are out there?"

"One. I knew you wouldn't believe me. If it's not words, if it's not pictures, what would it take to convince you that this is for real?" No one answers. "What if I drove you to the community? All of you? We leave now, we'll get there by lunch."

"I'm not sure how the 17 of us are going to fit in the car you and your one friend drove down here in."

"We drove separately. If we found a group, we wanted to be able to bring them all home. There's enough room for all of us."

"And you're parked just a couple miles away, right?" Carol asks.

"East on Ridge Road, just after you hit Route 16. We wanted to get them closer, but then the storm came, blocked the road. We couldn't clear it."

"Yeah, you've really thought this through," Rick says.

"Rick, if I wanted to ambush you, I'd do it here. You know, light the barn on fire while you slept, pick you off as you ran out the only exit. You can trust me."

Michonne aoproaches Rick, "I'll check out the cars."

I step forward, "I'll go with her."

"There aren't any cars," Rick argues.

"There's only one way to find out." Michonne states.

"We don't need to find out."

"I have lost too many kids, Rick. I can't give up on an opportunity that could keep Mason safe." I but in.

"You know what you know and you're sure of it," Michonne says, "but I'm not."

"Me neither," Maggie also agrees.

"Your way is dangerous, mine isn't," says Rick.

Michonne shakes her head, "Passing up someplace where we can live? Where Judith can live? That's pretty dangerous. We need to find out what this is. We can handle ourselves. So that's what we're gonna do."

"Then I will, too." Glenn says. "I'll go."

"Abraham?" Rick asks.

"Yeah," Abraham says walking to Aaron, "I'll walk with them."

"Rosita, Sev?"

"Okay," Rosita says, standing up as Sev nods, also getting to move.

"If there's trouble, you got enough firepower?" Rick asks Glenn.

"We got what we got."

Daryl walks Aaron to the side of the barn and I open the barn doors.

"The walkies are out of juice," warns Rick. "If you're not back in 60 minutes, we'll come. Which might be just what they want."

Before I walk out the door, I look at Daryl, "Can you watch out for Mason?"

Mason starts to argue but with a look from me he stops. I look back at Daryl, who nods once.

I follow Michonne out the barn doors.

We make it to route 16 and Glenn says, "Eyes open, everybody. Weapons up. You see someone coming at us, you fire."

We all follow his instructions as we walk. Abraham stating, "Copy that."

"So if we see someone, we just shoot them?" Michonne asks.

"It's a good question." Maggie says.

"What if they're someone like us?" Michonne asks, "What if Aaron is telling the truth? What if they're someone who has nothing to do with this?"

"We're seven people walking with guns," Glenn states. "No one's coming up to say hello."

"But that's exactly what happened," argues Michonne.

"If it's someone like us, we should be afraid of them." Glenn argues. "He said he was watching us, right? It means he saw us yesterday. And after everything we've done, why would he want us to join his group?"

"People like us saved a priest." Michonne makes her point. "Saved a girl who rolled up to the prison with the Governor. Saved a crazy lady with a sword. He saw that."

"I don't know what he saw," Glenn argues.

We keep walking.

We approach a white camper and a white car, blocked off from fallen trees due to the storm.

"He was telling the truth," Michonne says.

We all keep our guns at the ready, and as we all prepare to step over a fallen tree branch, something snaps next to us, and immediately we're all on high alert, adrenaline rushing through my brains. One word repeating itself through my head, Ambush.

"Not one step closer, asshole!" Glenn warns, but whoever it is keeps moving. It's two of the dead.

Abraham steps forward, placing his gun around his back saying, "I got 'em."

Rosita glances at Sev then to Abraham stating, "We got 'em."

After the three take out the two dead, Abraham thanks Sev and Rosita.

Rosita and Abraham start looking through the RV.

"All clear?" Glenn calls in.

"All clear," Rosita responds.

We bring the RV and the car back and show the rest of group what we found.

Rick stands up with a can in his hand and says to Aaron, "This, this is ours now."

"There's more than enough."

"It's ours," Rick repeats. "whether or not we go to your camp."

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't we go?" Carl asks.

"If he were lying or if he wanted to hurt us... but he isn't, and he doesn't. We need this." Michonne says. "So we're going, all of us. Somebody say something if they feel differently."

"I don't know, man." Daryl speaks up, and my stomach twists. If he doesn't go, I know I'd stay with him, meaning Mase will still be out in this. But he continues, "This barn smells like horse shit."

"Yeah," Rick amends. "We're going." He turns to Aaron. "So where are we going? Where's your camp?"

"Well, every time I've done this, I've been behind the wheel driving recruits back. I believe you're good people. I've bet my life on it. I'm just not ready to bet my friends' lives just yet-"

"You're not driving," Michonne says, walking towards him. "So if you want to get home, you'll have to tell us how."

"Go north on Route 16."

"And then?" Michonne asks. "I'll tell you when we get there."

"We'll take 23 north?" Rick disagrees. "You'll give us directions from there."

"That's- I don't know how else to say it... That's a bad idea. We've cleared 16. It'll be faster."

"For our safety, I'm with Rick. Like you said, you cleared 16... less of a chance of an ambush if we go an unplanned way," I speak up.

"We'll take 23," Rick says after glancing at me. "We leave at sundown."

"We're doing this at night?" Michonne asks, incredulously. "Look, I know it's dangerous. But it's better than riding up to the gates during the day. If it isn't safe, we need to get gone before they know we're there."

"No one is going to hurt you," repeats Aaron. "You're trying to protect your group, but you're putting them in danger."

"Tell me where the camp is," Rick says. "we'll leave right now." Silence. "It's going to be a long night." Rick addresses us all. "Eat. Get some rest if you can."

Rick, Glenn, Michonne, Sev and Aaron all pile into Aaron's car whilst the rest of us go in the RV.

When we saw the flare shoot into the air and we'd lost sight of the car, we assumed it was Rick who'd shot it.

So we drove that way, met a man named Eric and ended up hauled up on some off the alley shack thing.

When Daryl knocks on the door, Sasha opens it and Carl runs out.

We all hear Eric's name being called, and he answers, "In here."

"Eric!" I'm sat next to Eric who has his leg elevated. "Eric?" Aaron asks as he runs into the room.

"I'm okay," Eric reassures. "It's like a volleyball injury. It's a broken ankle. At least that's what Sev said. I like her.

It's not a big deal." After a few moments of silence and Aaron leaning down to look at it for himself, I pick up on the fact that these two, are a couple.

"Oh, my God." Aaron whispers.

"I'll just go to the infirmary when we get back."

Aaron kisses Eric in relief, and I turn my head trying to give them some privacy even though I'd been tasked to watch Eric.

"Oh When I saw that flare go up, I-I thought-"

"You were worried, were you?"

"Yeah."

"This is your fault, you know?"

"Is that so?"

"Because I love you. And because when I'm worried, I do stupid things. And when I do stupid things, I wind up underneath a rust bucket surrounded by roamers who roll a rear passenger tire onto my left ankle. Hey, something good came out of today. While I was waiting for you, I searched through the neighborhood. I found that," Eric exclaims happily, handing Aaron a blue licence plate much to my confusion.

Aaron frowns, so Eric asks, "You lost the license plates."

"I lost the car."

Eric laughs, "Maybe it's for the best. That monstrosity out front can run. It's so ugly, it'll scare the roamers away." They both laugh.

Rick walks in just then and Eric introduces himself. Rick does the same.

Aaron gets up anf walks out, Rick and I exchange glances. And Rick walks out behind Aaron.

We take off the next morning, all piled into a van.

When the RV breaks down, I get off of it and take my blade out a little ways from the group and start hacking at a tree, swearing under my breath, over and over again until strong arms wrap their way around my arms and hold me back into a hard chest.

"Stop." Daryl whispers in my ear.

I start crying and turn around, crying into Daryl's chest. "I can't have any more hope, I can't! It just- everything keeps going wrong! Everything!"

"Glenn's fixin' the RV."

I look up into his blue eyes, "What if he can't fix it? What if the community falls through?"

I'm cut off by the sound of the RV and Daryl says, "One step at a time, RV's fixed."

I nod slowly, and he looks back at the RV, before briefly kissing my lips and then walking away, ready for us to get back in and drive.

When we drive up to the walls surrounding Alexandria, I'm surprised to hear the obvioud sounds of kids laughing.

We get out of the RV and walk to the gate, Mason takes my hand as we approach.

[premiumcable]

Reunion

Rick Grimes x Reader

Summary: You and Rick were together at the prison, but were separated during the Governor’s attack. Eventually you walk up to gates of a community called Alexandria, desperate and hungry.

Warnings: Smut, swearing, unprotected sex, abduction attempt

Words: 2,578

A/N: Sorry for my terrible gun description, I know nothing about them.  

It felt like years since you had seen your family. When the governor attacked, you barely made it out alive. You wondered for miles and miles on your own looking for some shred of evidence that your family had made it out and where they could have gone. But there was nothing, it seemed like they all had just vanished into thin air.

You had seen signs for somewhere called ‘Terminus’, but you didn’t bother going. You had given up on pipe dreams like that a long time ago. And you didn’t think that after what had just happened with the Governor that your group would be eager to meet with a new group of strangers.

 At night you would climb a tree and tie a strap around your legs to keep safe, and you thought about old memories to curb the loneliness. Images of you and Rick would flicker through your mind; your first kiss, waking up next to him in the morning, how peaceful his face would look while he slept, and the look he would get on his face when he would watch you hold Judith. You didn’t want to accept the possibility that he and everyone you loved was dead, but your search had come up empty.

Eventually, you decided to head north; you were from D.C originally and thought maybe going back home could help heal the parts of you that were broken. You’d had enough of Georgia and now it only held bad, distant memories that were painful. A run in with a group that had tried to pick you up on the side of the road had left you with more than just the scar on your cheek from a knife they used when they tried to force you into their car. They had kept going on and on about a hospital in Atlanta where everything was better. You didn’t buy their line of bullshit and one of the male “officers” had pushed you against the car and put a knife against your face and threatened you. The knife you had hidden in your boot came in handy when you shoved it in his thigh and pulled your 9MM on the other man.

From then on, you went out of your way to avoid people. You were convinced that the last of the good ones had died in the prison that day where you should have too. A sickness somewhere in North Carolina had sidelined you for a few weeks, but as soon as you healed you set back on your journey.

When you made it to Northern Virginia, what little food you had with you became scarce and the forest was empty of game to hunt. While at the prison, Daryl had taught you how to hunt; nothing large like deer, but you could hunt rabbits and other small animals. Remembering what plants you could eat and which were poisonous was enough to get you by for now, but water was no longer a readily available resource and if you didn’t find something soon you wouldn’t finish your journey.

Walking through the woods you didn’t see much besides trees, so when you saw what looked like metal fences in the distance ahead you became somewhat intrigued. At this point you were so hungry and dehydrated you were willing to take the risk and go investigate. Slowly you walked through the break in the trees and towards a large gate. You could see a sign pinned up on the fence: “Welcome to Alexandria Safe Zone: Mercy for the Lost, Vengeance for the Plunderers,”

“Well, that sounds somewhat promising,” you thought as you moved closer, but you stopped in your tracks at the sound of a rifle being loaded. You look upwards towards the sound and see a bald, dark-skinned man staring down at you.

Raising your hands up, you spoke, “Hey man, I mean no harm. I just was hoping maybe for some food and water and then I can be on my way. I haven’t eaten in days and I don’t know how much longer I can go.”

You see him turn around and step from his post and disappear. Confused you look around to see if there is anyone around you. The sound of the gate opening interrupts your canvassing of the area. You walk forward and see the man that was previously just pointing a gun at you and he was wearing a priest collar?

“I’m Gabriel, welcome to Alexandria.” He says as he steps aside and lets you enter. You’re amazed at what you see when you walk through the gates. Houses line the streets and they are big, much more than you could have ever hoped to live in before the turn.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you helping me. I really won’t be any trouble, all I need is some food and water and I will be on my way.” You said as you continued to look around.

“Well, you’ll have to meet with our leader here, but I’m sure it won’t be a problem.” Walking through the street you see many unfamiliar faces. Approaching what looks to be the largest house in the community, Gabriel opens the door and walks in. You follow and he shuts the door behind you.

“Wait right here, I’ll be right back,” he says as he disappears into the next room. You take the opportunity to look around. You see a room with bookshelves adorning the walls and a couch and sofa with a video camera set up between them. At the sound of footsteps, you turn your attention to the room where Gabriel disappeared. You see him enter the room and you cannot believe your eyes at who follows in behind him.

“Maggie!” you cry as you walk forward to her and pull her into an embrace.

“Y/N! I can’t believe you’re here.” She says as she pulls back and rests her hands on your shoulders. Tears fall from both of your eyes at the turn of events. You couldn’t believe it; you couldn’t believe she was standing here in front of you.

“Is Rick here? Did he make it out of the prison? Are Carl and Judith alright?” You rambled on desperately.

“They’re here, they’re fine. We’re all here, all of us except for Beth, Tyreese, and Bob.” She said and you felt your stomach drop at her words.

“Oh no, Maggie I’m so sorry.” You said as you pulled her close, you couldn’t imagine how she felt having lost the last member of her family besides Glenn. She returned your embrace before pulling away.

“Come on let’s go see everyone,” she said as she motioned for you to follow her. She led you outside the house and down one of the streets. She stopped at one of the last houses on the street and led you up the steps to the door. Opening it slowly she stepped through the doorway and shut it behind you.

“Wait here.” She said as she stepped further into the house.

“Carl?” You heard her call and heard the approach of footsteps towards her.

 “Where is everyone?” she asks.

“Daryl is out recruiting with Aaron, Carol is out helping Olivia in the pantry, Michonne is doing a patrol, Sasha is in the guard tower, Abraham and Eugene are out with the construction crew, and Glenn and the others went on a run.”

“Is your dad here?” You heard her ask and you could feel your heart speed up.

“Yeah, he’s upstairs putting Judith down for a nap. I was just about to go hang out with Enid and Ron for a while.” It was becoming difficult to stand here when all you wanted to do was go hug the teen; you had missed them all so much.

“You might want to put that off for a bit,” You heard her say and took that as your queue. Stepping into the kitchen, you saw the emotions run over Carl’s face as he took in your arrival. First shock, then joy overcame his features as he rushed forward towards you.

 “Y/N, we looked all over for you. We were all so devastated when we thought we lost you.” You wrapped your arms around him and let the tears flow. You almost felt like pinching yourself because you had dreamed of this moment so many times.

You heard feet rushing down the stairs and you pulled away from Carl.

“What’s going on down here, I could hear you all from-“ Rick’s words are cut off as he walks into the room and sees you. Wasting no time, you rush forward and throw your arms around his neck, burying your face in his shirt and soaking it in the process. His arms wrap tightly around you.

“Oh baby, I thought I lost you,” You pulled back at his words and pulled his lips to yours, kissing him quickly before turning back to Maggie and Carl, both of them wearing happy looks on their faces at your tender reunion.

You all ended up in the living room while you told the three of them about what you had been through on your way there. Maggie and Carl left a bit later when they heard everyone had come back from the run, leaving just you and Rick in the house while Judith was napping. You settled into his side and pulled his arm over your shoulder.

“I can’t believe I found you. It makes everything I went through on the way here worth it, feels like fate brought us back together.” You said as you looked up at him. His eyes met yours and he leaned down, taking your lips with his. The kiss quickly became heated as you ran your tongue across Rick’s bottom lip. He complied with a groan and you quickly climbed over him, settling into his lap. His hands ran across your back before falling to your ass and pulling you closer to him. You groan into the kiss as you feel his stiff member through your jeans.

As you feel him slowly grind himself upward, you pull away from the kiss with a moan. You never thought you would feel this way again, but you’re drawn away from your reverie when Rick places his hand on your cheek and pulls your attention back to him.

“I’m right here baby, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I love you so much,” you say as you crash your lips back to his and grind down against his now prominent erection. You feel the vibration from his groan and it spurs you to grind down harder.

“Take me upstairs,” You whisper into his ear and he stands up with your legs still around his waist, taking the stairs as fast as he can without dropping you.

Rick lays you down on the bed immediately after he kicks the door closed and you pull your shirt over your head. He does the same before leaning down over you and kissing you desperately. His hands run up your torso to your fabric covered breasts, he pulls down one of the cups and pulls his lips away from yours to kiss his way down your chest to your stiff peaks.

“Rick!” You cry at the delicious sensations his mouth is causing. But you soon grow impatient, pulling at his curls to grab his attention before attacking his belt with shaky hands to unfasten it. Rick’s hands cover yours as he takes over and you immediately unbutton your jeans and pull them down before kicking them off your feet along with your panties, abandoning them at the foot of the bed.

Standing up, Rick kicks off his boots and pulls the jeans from his legs before crawling back over you. The sight of his leaking erection makes your mouth water and you immediately think back to the times at the prison when you would suck him off and he would wrap your hair around his fingers and guide you up and down his cock. But that would have to wait for another day; you were both too desperate to reconnect in both the emotional and physical senses of the word.

Your legs fall open as he settles between them, his aching member resting against your thigh as he kisses you. Desperate to be filled, you reach down and take his throbbing erection in your hands and guide him towards your dripping center. Rick moans as his tip touches your wet, delicate flesh.

“Fuck me, Rick. I missed this so much.” You plead as you look up into his eyes, the normal crystal blue having been taking over by lust. You throw your head back as he thrusts himself completely inside you. Both of you pause for a moment; relishing in the feeling of being united in this way again. But soon, desperation takes over and he begins to move with slow, but deep thrusts.

“Oh…god…Rick,” you say as he increases the pace of his thrusting. Your hands migrate down towards his ass, pulling him into you harder and you let out a harsh moan at the feeling. He responds in kind and sets a brutal, desperate rhythm. 

“Fuck, Y/N. Your pussy is so tight,” He says as his grip tightens on your hips. You feel like a spring, slowly being wound tighter with each harsh movement as he drives you closer to your release.

“Rick, I’m so close.” His hand reaches down and rubs circles around your clit and you fist your fingers in the comforter at the feeling. 

“Come on baby, cum for me.” The combination of his words and a particularly deep thrust causes the dam to break and you feel yourself release crash over you in waves. The sensation of your walls gripping around his cock pushes him over the edge as well as you feel his release fill you, the pleasure of it eliciting a small moan from your throat. His hips buck, trying to get as deep as he can while he whispers obscenities into your neck.

After you’ve both come down from your highs, Rick pulls his softening erection from you and you whimper at the loss. You turn onto your stomach and rest your head on his chest, looking up at his relaxed face.

You could stay in this moment forever, memorizing the lines of his face and the planes of his body as he recovers from your heated moment. But, the sound of the door slamming downstairs pulls you from your reverie; you can hear the voices of your excited family and the eagerness to be with them renews.

Sitting up in bed, you pick your clothes up off the floor and begin pulling them on while he lies on the bed, watching you get dressed. Gathering his clothes from the floor, you set them at his feet.

“Let’s go downstairs, I think Maggie has kept them at bay long enough. Don’t you think?” You say with a teasing grin on your lips.

After you’ve both composed yourself, you open the door and begin towards the stairs to see the rest of your group. A hand on your wrist stops you at the top of the stairs and you feel Rick’s lips at your ear.

“Don’t think we won’t be continuing this later, I’m not nearly done with you yet Y/N.” A shiver runs through you at his words.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Send any requests you have. 

[daddywiththegoodhair-blog]

The Queen

Wow! I’m super shocked at how much momentum this fanfic that I had totally forgotten has caught! Sorry this took so long, but here’s chapter five!

WC: 1986

Warnings: smut, liquor, lowkey violence, swearing

Chapter one! Chapter two! Chapter three! Chapter four!

A loud knock on your door woke you up that next morning. You moaned quietly and began to sit up as the door opened and Amber stood in the doorway. She stood frozen as she looked at you, totally naked, and Negan, who was just waking up beside you. As you ran your fingers through your hair, she watched your hand, no doubt noticing the ring that rested a tad too big on your finger.

“I-I was just,” Amber started.

“Oh sweet fucking Jesus Christ is that Amber?” Negan groaned as he sat up, rubbing his eyes and nodding, “Of fucking course. Hey, Amber, grab me a drink of whatever is open downstairs in my cabinet, no ice.”

“Actually, I,” Amber tried again.

“Amber, it’s too god damn early for you to annoy me this much,” he continued, he then wrapped his arm around you and pulled you back down into bed with him.

“The wives want to meet y/n,” she stated, “Officially. We feel its best th-”

SMASH she was cut off by Negan hurling a glass from the night before at the wall. He sat up and walked over to her until he was towering over her. She maintained a straight stare, her eyes locked into yours.

“Now I know,” Negan’s breath was shaking, clearly not a morning person, “I promised all of you that no harm would come and all that fucking bullshit. But if you don’t stop with this fucking straight up god damn defiance, Amber, I swear to fucking y/n, it won’t be me, but whoever it is will be sent straight to you with a fucking card with love from Negan. You fucking get that? Get the fuck back in line. Go get us a fucking drink. And fuck off.”

“This is what’s coming,” Amber warned you as she turned to walk away. Negan grabbed her arm and ripped her back with such force that she hit the ground of your room. You bounced out of bed and began to walk towards her.

“What the fuck was that?!” Negan was suddenly calm, and even let out a chuckle.

“Stop,” you placed a hand on his shoulder, you felt his tension lift as he looked up at you, “Come back to bed. Take this out on me, instead.”

He stood and growled lowly, turning and walking towards the bed. You helped Amber up and she glared hard at you. She turned and walked away, slamming the door behind her. You skipped towards the bed and jumped onto Negan. His hands gripped at your hips so hard for a moment that you let out a low yelp. He smiled as he then kicked all of the blankets off of the bed and ran his hands up your body.

You reached down for his massive length, and began to stroke it slowly. His head slowly fell back as you circled your thumb around the head of his cock. You began to work your way down his body until you could take his cock into your mouth. The moment it hit your lips you could taste the salty precum, you ran your tongue around the head as he groaned.

“Enough teasing, sugar, I need it now,” he commanded.

“I wanna be the boss,” you whined.

“Remember what daddy said about talking back,” he warned.

“I thought you liked a bad girl,” you giggled, then suddenly taking his entire length down your throat. He gasped and punched the bed.

His fingers were then tangled in your bed head as he thrust mercilessly. His groans and growls were loud as he cursed out in pleasure. You used one hand to massage his balls as the other dug your nails into his side.

He released your hair and you eagerly crawled up his body and began to slide the head of his cock into your soaked womanhood.

“Woah, woah, woah sugar,” he groaned as he continued to pull you up his body, “It won’t feel good for daddy until I know it’s good for you. I want my queen to have a seat on her throne.”

You giggled before gasping quickly. With little warning his tongue plunged into your drenched pussy, quickly retreating to circle your clit slowly. You let out a cry.

“Fuck,” you quietly mumbled, “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuuuuuck.”

“Scream it, baby,” Negan commanded as his pace quickened, “Make the fucking windows shake.”

As soon as he resumed he hit the spot and you cried out loudly, “FUCK, daddy you’re gonna m-make me cum!”

With one swift movement he slid your body back down and slammed his cock into your throbbing pussy. You let out another cry as he moaned loudly between tight teeth.

His strong hands were literally moving you up and down his length in a loud, wet mess. You had no control over your body as you felt the heat in your stomach move down. He leaned up and began to suck on your neck as his rhythm became increasingly sloppy.

“You w-wanna cum daddy?” you asked with shaky breath, he knew you were just as close as he was, “You wanna fill this pussy?”

He bit hard into your neck and you cried out as you came, his orgasm pumping into you as he threw himself back into the bed and arched his back. You slowly rode it out, up and down up and down, until he pulled you off of him and onto his chest. Kissing the top of your head multiple times as you drifted back asleep.

Your eyes fluttered open as you felt the mattress shift, Negan was trying to sneak away. Without turning to see him you mumbled, “If you think you can just fuck me and then peace, I promise I’ll kill you.”

You heard him give a rough, throaty laugh as he crawled behind you and wrapped his arms around you, “I wouldn’t doubt that for a fucking second. I was just going to grab us some coffee, since Amber shit the bed on the liquor.”

“Coffee?” You rolled over so you were face to face, “What if we just stayed with your earlier plan and stuck alcohol? Celebrated a little bit? Last night was quite the victory for you.”

He smiled as he sat up and put a cigarette between his lips, “A victory? Huh.”

“Well, all of your other wives are at least thirty-five,” you smiled, “Your newest addition to the collection is much younger, I’d say that’s a victory.”

“You aren’t wrong,” he chuckled, “I can’t be drinking this early, kitten, I’ve remembered I’ve got some work to do today that was put off for too damn long already. Someone has been serving as a pretty little fucking distraction for the past little while.”

“Hmph,” you rolled away and sat up, the blankets falling off of you to reveal your still bare body as you stood and walked to your window, “I want you, though,” you sighed, “All to myself.”

He chuckled, and you could hear him buckling up his jeans and then walk over to you.

“Why don’t you fucking chill and take today to plan some wedding shit?” he kissed your shoulder.

“Because we’re supposed to do that together,” you pouted, “If you think you can ease me into the harem until I’m nothing special you’ve got another thing coming. I’m with you today.”

Frustration crossed his face, “When did I fucking say anything about you being like anyone else?”

“I can hear what you say before you say it,” you retorted, taking the cigarette from his lips and pulling a drag yourself, “I’ve always been able to.”

He laughed and threw his head back as you took another drag, “Is that how you managed to stay ahead for so long during our game?”

“You know it, baby,” you handed the cigarette back to him.

Negan’s POV

I watched her delicate fingers place the cigarette between my lips, and I shit you not, for a moment I was almost religious. This girl, this psychopathic angel, was so damn close to everything I had ever wanted that it was hard to think she couldn’t have been the work of some fucking higher power.

“When you cursed out Amber, you swore to me,” she giggled, looking up at me. Her y/c eyes were fire, and I was a fucking snowflake in her presence. It was something new, to love what wanted me dead a week ago.

“You’re the closest living proof I have that maybe there is someone up there,” I replied, her face burned red, “Go get dressed, I have a family meeting us from one of the communities for a bit of a picnic. You should come.”

Excitement erupted across her gorgeous skin as she broke free of my grip and ran towards the small collection of clothing she had. She threw bits and piece all around until she found an old pair of what looked like men’s jeans, and a plain tshirt.

“Knife?” she looked at me with doe eyes, giving her what she wanted the moment she wanted it wasn’t even something I needed to think about. I pulled a small knife out of my back pocket and handed it to her.

She smiled and cut the legs off of the jeans, making herself a pair of incredibly short shorts. She put them on with her top and smiled, doing a spin for me.

“Fuck kitten, your legs are something else,” I moaned lowly as she walked over to me, “I don’t want everyone else to see all of this, maybe try something a bit more conservative. Save this for daddy.”

She rolled her eyes and spun around, walking towards the door. She opened it and laughed, bending over and picking up two cups filled to the rim with liquor, “I guess she didn’t want to interrupt.”

She took a sip and I watched her face twist, but the moment I let out a chuckle she looked at me like she had been challenged and downed two good sized gulps. I walked over and took both cups, sipping from mine before placing them on her desk.

“Would you like to just grab something to eat quick then and be on our way? I’m planning to meet them at the halfway point in about half an hour. Daddy can’t be late.”

She nodded, walking over to the desk and taking another two massive sips from the cup. She stumbled and then smiled brightly, taking my hand.

~

The sun was warm as we walked towards the people standing in the field.

“Anything I should know, going in?” y/n asked, she squeezed my hand. It wasn’t nervousness, but she was definitely on guard.

“That you’ve never been more fucking safe than you are right here with me and Lucille,” I kissed the side of her head. She sighed and the smell of alcohol filled the crisp air for a moment, “Well hey there strangers!” I called. There stood Rick, Carl, Michonne, and Judith, “Sorry we’re a tad late, you know how ladies are.” Y/n shot me a look and smacked my abdomen.

Introductions were short and we were right into business.

“We have a green house coming up here, so we won’t be needed that canned shit anymore, but how about some fucking hunting, you guys do that shit? Well, I mean, now you will,” I chuckled.

Rick started talking some bullshit and Michonne was out trying to pretend like I gave a fuck about her ‘idea’. But what I was focused on was little Judith, who had crawled into y/n’s lap and was playing with her hair. I’d be lying if I said that a baby wasn’t on the list of things I needed. The whole meeting was pretty much a waste of everyone’s time, but fuck if it didn’t reaffirm all of the shit I already knew.

Let me know what you think! How do you want the wedding to be? How do you want the meeting with the other wives to go? Do you want to be added to my taglist? Inbox and follow me! I’m hoping to have chapter six up tomorrow!

Tag List:

@manic-mamma @curious-sub7

[bamby0304]

Victoria Grimes VI: Chaos

Chapter thirteen: My Friends Used to Call Me Jesus 

Masterlist

Warnings: None :):)

Bamby

VPOV

"Back up!" Daryl took a single step closer to the stranger, putting himself in front of me. "Now!"

"Keep 'em up!" dad warned.

"Whoa. Easy guys. I was just running from the dead." the stranger told us.

"How many?" Daryl asked.

The stranger was breathing heavily on the other side of his bandanna. "Ten, maybe more. I'm not risking it. Once it gets to double digits, I start running."

Daryl spoke before the rest of us could. "Where?"

"About a half a mile back. They're headed this way. You probably have about eleven minutes."

It took a moment, but eventually dad gave a nod and lowered his gun. "Okay, thanks for letting us know." seeing dad relax a little, I lowered my gun as well.

"Yeah." the stranger shrugged. "There's more of them than us, right? Gotta stick together." his eyes turned to Daryl- who still had his gun raised. "Right?"

I placed a gentle hand on Daryl's arm. "Hey."

He looked over at me for a moment before letting out a short sigh and lowering his gun. With that, he turned back to the stranger.

The stranger dropped his hands. "You have a camp?"

I shook my head. "No. You?"

"No." he answered before moving back. "Sorry for running into you. I'm gonna go now." he turned around. "If this is the next world, I hope it's good to you guys."

Before he could get far, dad called out to him. "I'm Rick. This Daryl, and Victoria. What's your name?"

The guy stopped and turned to us again. Lowering his mask, he spoke. "Paul Rovia. But my friends used to call me Jesus. Your pick."

"You said you didn't have a camp." dad went on. "You on your own?"

"Yeah." Jesus gave a short nod. "But still, best not to try anything."

"Best not to make threats you can't keep, either." Daryl was calm, but I could tell he was ready for anything.

"Exactly." Jesus agreed, and then turned to leave.

Dad tried to stop him again. "How many walkers-"

Daryl cut him off. "No, not this guy."

But dad didn't listen to him. "How many walkers have you killed?"

But Jesus kept going. "Sorry, gotta run. You should, too. Think you've got about seven minutes." he yelled back as he disappeared around the corner.

Daryl turned to dad. "What the hell was that?"

"He was clean. His beard, it was trimmed." dad noted. "There's more going on there."

"He didn't have a gun, either." Daryl added.

"We could track him, watch him for a while." dad suggested. "Get to know more, see if he's really alone. Maybe bring him back."

Daryl shook his head. "Nah, guy calls himself Jesus."

While they'd been talking, I'd been thinking. I couldn't help but feel like something wasn't right. I mean, the guy just said walkers were coming from behind this building, headed this way... Why'd he run back into the forest? Why not cross across the road?

The sound of gun shots had the three of us turn towards the building, hearing the sound coming from behind.

Straight away we got our guns out and stepped into action, carefully moving around to see what was going on. Daryl kept me behind him as he walked behind dad, etching closer to the corner so we could look around.

As we got closer the sound happened again. Only now we realized it was the sound of firecrackers, not gunshots, and they'd been deliberately put in a barrel.

Dad turned to us. "Firecrackers. Shit."

"He swiped your keys, didn't he?" Daryl asked.

Dad felt his pockets. "Shit!"

Not letting another second go, we turned and made a run for the truck, only to find it already driving away.

"Sorry!" Jesus called as he dropped our bag out the window of the truck and continued down the road, dragging the vending machine behind him.

The three of us came to stand in the middle of the road, watching the truck get further and further away.

"Shit." dad repeated for the third time.

CPOV

I was walking through the woods with Enid. We'd been going out here for a few weeks now. Once Vickie decided to become a lead, and stopped hanging around home all the time, I'd started sneaking out with Enid like we used to.

"Look." Enid walked a little faster to come stand next to me, reaching down to pick up a piece of paper.

"What's it say?" I asked.

She unfolded the paper and sighed. "It got wet. It's all gone."

"Come on." I gestured for her to follow, moving on.

"It doesn't look that old." she noted, following me.

"Yeah?"

"I mean, we can't read what they wrote, but just by doing this, they're saying something."

"What?"

"'We're not alone.'" she chuckled lightly.

"We knew that. We saw it. People died."

She'd fallen silent for a moment, but eventually she spoke again, changing the subject. "Why are we coming out here?"

I shrugged. "'Cause we're kids. It's what they do."

She sighed. "We're not kids."

DPOV

Running along the road, one or two steps ahead of the others, we followed the fresh tracks of a vehicle driving on the road. With all the leave and crap on the road, it wasn't hard for us to figure out how to follow the truck.

Feet hitting the hard road fast, sweat pouring off us, breath coming out sharp. We were exhausted and sore. But we had to keep going.

We found the vending machine soon enough. It must have snapped the chain it was tied with. Now it was just lying on the road.

Moving to the vending machine, bag on my back, I looked inside, while Vic and Rick had their guns out, keep an eye out for any danger.

Pulling the bag off my back and dropping it on the floor, I reached in and found my hand grabbing a hold of the baseball bat Vic had stashed in their earlier. Taking it out of the bag I lifted it and swung, hit the vending machine glass and smashing it.

"Here." I stretched my arm back, offering the bat to Vic, who then took it.

With both hands free I reached into the machine and pulled all the food that was inside. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. Reaching in one last time, I grabbed the few cans of orange soda inside before showing them to Rick.

"This was a special request from the doctor." I told him as I grabbed one of the leaking ones, lifting it to my lips for a drink.

Rick sighed with a shrug. "Hey, whatever she wants. She saved Carl's life." he noted as I handed him the can. "We didn't know her, and she turned out to be all right. If there's still people out here and they're still people, we should bring 'em in." he handed me the can back.

I handed it to Vic before gesturing down the road. "What about this guy?"

"No, fuck this guy." was all he said before he moved to the vending machine to look in.

"Hey, here." Vic rested her hand on my arm, gesturing for me to take the can.

I took it and finished it off, throwing it over my shoulder once I was done. Turning to her, I nodded to her side. "You doin' okay?"

Even though she was healed she still had sharp pains in her side whenever she moved around too much. I knew this because of how active we'd been lately. Sometimes we'd get a little too physical and she'd have to stop because of the pain, it could be that bad.

Shaking her head, she crouched down to put the bat back in the bag. "I'm fine."

Knowing she wasn't going to say anything else, I turned to Rick. "We still got a trail."

He shrugged. "Let's go." so we did.

CPOV

Enid and I sat against our log in the little area we'd set up for ourselves in the forest. I was reading a magazine, while she kept trying to figure out the letter she'd found. We were silent, sharing some smacks, just hanging out.

The sound of leaves rustling had us both look up.

"Come on." Enid got to her feet, moving to leave.

But I stayed on the ground, crouching down, gun in hand, watching for any movement.

That's when my eyes landed on Michonne and Spencer as they walked through the forest, not spotting the two of us. I wasn't sure what they were doing exactly, but I wasn't planning on letting them know we were out here too.

Once they were gone, I got to my feet. "It was just Michonne and Spencer." moving back I sat down and grabbed my comic again.

Enid moved out from behind a tree. "What were they doing?"

I shrugged. "Walking. I don't know."

We fell into silence again as I kept reading. I waited for Enid to come and sit back down, but she didn't. She didn't even move. I could tell she was still behind me, still standing there, I just didn't know why.

"I don't want to come out here anymore." she finally said.

Dropping the comic book on the ground next to me, I got to my feet again. Picking up all our stuff I put it all in the metal box next to the log before closing it up and turning to leave.

"Okay." was all I said before I headed off.

We didn't get very far before we heard the soft sounds of a walkers snarling.

Stopping in our tracks we looked over, seeing the walkers moving off in the opposite direction as us.

I started for it, only to have Enid call to me. "Carl."

"Michonne's out here." I explained. "I'm not leaving it." giving a little whistle, I got the walker's attention.

It turned and we froze... it was Deanna.

"No." I could hear Enid's fear in her voice. Not because it was a walker, but because it was Deanna.

"Hey, come on." I called to it.

"What are you doing?"

I ignored Enid. "Come on."

"What are you doing?" she repeated.

"Just go." I told her.

"We should kill it."

"Go home."

"No."

"Enid."

"This is bullshit. It should be dead." she stepped forward. But I grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Let go." she struggled against me.

"Just leave."

The walker snarled, grabbing Enid's shoulder.

I pulled Enid behind me, and shoved the walker to the ground before turning back. "You're not killing it." I told Enid, looking at the walker again.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"You wouldn't understand." I turned to her again. "You don't want to be out here. You said it. So go home."

She walked off, leaving me with the walker. Once I knew she was gone I started to lead the walker, taking it straight to Michonne and Spencer.

VPOV

We'd found the truck and Jesus. One of the tires must have needed to be changed, because we'd found him out on the road, fiddling with a tire iron.

Knowing we needed the element of surprise, dad, Daryl and myself had snuck into the trees and moved closer to the truck, watching, staying quiet, getting ready to move in. Once we were ready, we moved.

Dad made his way around the front of the truck so he could move around it without Jesus- who was at the back- knowing he was there. I waited in the tree lines, hiding behind a bush, watching.

Dad jumped out and grabbed Jesus. "Hold still and maybe we won't hurt you."

Jesus gave a nod. "Sure thing." then suddenly, he elbowed and head-butted dad, got free, kicked him in the stomach and made a run for it.

Daryl came barging out, swinging to hit Jesus.

But Jesus was readying, blocking Daryl and grabbing him, throwing him against the truck. With both men dealt with, he went to leave again.

I got out from the bushes as quickly as I could, throwing my knife so it just missed his face and dug into the side of the truck.

Jesus turned to me, smirked, and started forward. "I don't like fighting women, but I won't go easy on you." he warned.

I grinned. "Good."

With that he pounced, moving to grab me. We fought for a little bit, he got a couple of punches in, and I hit him just as good. But I moved faster and before he realised what was happening, I ducked down, swung my leg out and tripped him over.

Just like that, dad and Daryl were beside me, our guns aimed at Jesus' face.

"This is done." dad said, his tone agitated and final.

A walker came out of the bushes, headed towards us. But we ignored it, our attention on the guy in front of us.

Jesus sighed. "Do you even have any ammo?"

All three of us lifted our guns to the walker and shot it before aiming at Jesus again, the message clear.

"Okay." he nodded. "You gonna shoot me over a truck?"

Dad shrugged. "There's a lot of food on that truck. The keys, now."

But Jesus wouldn't give up. "I think you know I'm not a bad guy."

"Yeah?" dad started. "What do you know about us?"

"Hand over the keys." I stepped forward, cocking my gun. "We're not asking again."

Once Jesus handed over the keys we lowered our guns. Dad got to tying Jesus up, while Daryl and I stepped to the side, checking the contents of our bag. When Jesus had thrown him against the truck he'd hit his back, which the bag was on, so one of the cans inside had broken. One seemed fine, but the other had leaked everywhere.

"Damn it." Daryl sighed.

I stepped closer to him, holding my bat that we'd pulled out of the bag, bringing my other hand up to rest on his shoulder. "We still got one."

"Yeah." Daryl looked away from the bag.

His eyes landing on a cut on my cheek where I'd been hurt. I could feel it ran from the corner of my eye and about an inch of more down towards the corner of my mouth. I wasn't really sure how I got the cut, I just knew it was sore.

"You okay?" he asked, cupping my cheek, looking at me with the worry he only ever had with me.

"Fine." it wasn't a complete lie. I was fine, and I would be fine. But everywhere Jesus had got me hurt like hell. I just hoped he felt just as bad.

"You're gonna leave me here like this?" Jesus asked dad. "You're really gonna do that?"

"The knots aren't that tight." dad told him. "You should be able to get free after we're long gone." he finished with the knots and got up, moving to me. Gently grabbing my arm, he looked at my cut. "You okay?"

"Fine." I offered a small smile. "Come on, let's go."

"Maybe we should talk now." Jesus suggested.

Grabbing the leaking can from Daryl, I shook my head. "Nope." I quickly gave the can a shake before tossing it on the ground. "Always good to stay hydrated."

Daryl's arm slipped around my waist. "Let's go." he tugged on me, the two of us heading around the truck, leaving Jesus there.

Daryl helped me get in before pulling himself into the truck. He closed his door, put the last can in the drink holder, and then put an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. Dad swung the keys around his finger, grinning at us, causing Daryl and I to chuckle lightly.

Lifting his feet on to the dash, Daryl got himself comfortable. "So long, you prick!" he called out, sticking his hand out the window to flip Jesus off as dad started down the road.

...

"Still worked out." dad noted as he drove down the road. "Today still is the day."

Leaning against Daryl I smiled as his hand appeared in front of my face, offering me a piece of chocolate. I opened my mouth and took it from him, snuggling into his side more as he gave himself a piece.

"Hey, look at that." dad gestured ahead of us.

"Yeah, a barn." Daryl lowered his feet of the dash, shifting in the seat a little.

Dad turned into the road leading to the barn. As we went from the smooth road to the bumpy driveway we heard a loud thud coming from above.

Frowning, I turned the radio down. "Did you guys hear that?"

We all waited a moment, listening. Before long, we heard it again.

Daryl gestured up. "I think that son of a bitch is on the roof."

"Hold on." dad warned before slamming on the brakes.

Sure enough, Jesus rolled off the roof, landing on the ground in front of the truck with a grunt. He managed to get on to his feet and looked to the three of us. Then he was off, running away.

Dad moved quickly, moving the truck forward, following the guy.

"Wait here." was all Daryl was before he opened his door and jumped out.

"Daryl!" I called after him. "Daryl!" Shaking my head, I grabbed my gun before turning to dad. "Be right back." I told him and then jumped out of the truck as well.

"Vickie!" dad yelled after me, but I ignored him.

Daryl and I chased Jesus around for a while, while dad kept trying to block off his path with the truck. But he was quick, the truck was slow, and Daryl and I never got close enough to grab the guy.

"We came to a conclusion, asshole!" Daryl yelled.

Dad was out of the truck now, trying to figure out what he could do. I just waved him off. "We got him!"

With that, dad rushed off. I'm not sure what he was doing, I just knew he was going off to do something, while Daryl and I still chased Jesus.

Of course, now that dad wasn't in or near the truck, Jesus took the opportunity to get in the vehicle.

"You got left, I go right." Daryl told me as he followed the guy.

I moved to the passenger side, opening the door and climbing in just as Daryl grabbed on to Jesus from the driver's side, trying to pull the guy out.

"Come here!" Daryl grunted.

As I tried to shove Jesus- the position and angle was a little awkward- Daryl continued to try and pull the guy out.

Looking up for a moment I felt my inside go cold at the sight of a walker headed toward us. "Daryl! Look out!"

Before he could move, Jesus reached over, grabbed Daryl's gun and raised it. Daryl froze at first, sure Jesus was going to shoot him.

Instead, Jesus said one word. "Duck."

Doing exactly that, Daryl ducked right in time for Jesus to shoot the walker.

Once the walker was dead Daryl looked over at it and then turned back to Jesus. "Thanks." he gave a short nod before punching the guy in the face. "That's my gun!" he climbed into the truck. "Come here!"

As Daryl struggled to pull Jesus out somehow the hand brake was moved. The truck began to roll backwards, heading straight for the lake behind it.

The three of us realized this quickly and moved. Daryl jumped out pretty much instantly, with Jesus right behind him. But as I went to get out as well, I found my jeans were caught of a broken part of the chair.

"Shit." pulling and tugging on my leg I felt the truck slow down as it hit the water- but it didn't slow down much.

Daryl- once he noticed I was still in the truck- started forward, ready to jump in the water to help me. "Vic!"

"Vickie!" dad yelled, rushing over as well.

Ignoring them and staying calm, I pulled out my knife and cut my jeans, feeling the water rising. With the truck doors closed, and water pressing against them, I knew they wouldn't open. So I grabbed my bat, aimed at the front window, and swung.

The glass shattered.

Still holding my bat, with my knife and gun tucked away, I climbed through the window, on to the hood, and dived into the water. I swam until I could finally stand in the water.

Walking back on to dry land, I looked down at Jesus, who was unconscious by my feet. "What happened to him?"

Daryl rushed to me, ignoring my question, checking me over for any injuries. "You a'right?"

I gave a short nod. "Fine. Just a little wet." grabbing a corner of my shirt, I twisted it and rung out some water. "Can we go home now?"

"Yeah." he nodded, putting and arm around my waist as he turned us towards dad. "Law of averages. That's bullshit, man." he told him. "Let's go check them cars, get the hell out of here." he gestured to the vehicles by the barn.

"What about the guy." dad asked, looking at Jesus.

Daryl shrugged. "What about him?"

"Well, he helped you." dad noted.

Daryl looked from Jesus, to dad and then back. "Maybe."

I looked up at him. "He did, Daryl. Admit it."

Sighing, he let his arm fall from my waist. "Fine. Let's put him up a tree."

RPOV

Vickie was asleep in the spot next to me as I drove along the road, heading home. Daryl was in the back, with Jesus next to him. Even though he'd said to put him in a tree, Daryl hadn't been able to go through with. So we were bringing Jesus back with us.

Looking through the rearview mirror I watch Daryl. Swerving along the road slightly, I caused Jesus to slide over and rest on Daryl's shoulder.

Daryl didn't hesitate a second before shoving the guy off him, giving me a warning look as he did so.

"He took a pretty hard hit." I noted. "Denise needs to look him over."

"Yeah."

I looked over my shoulder for a moment. "You wouldn't have gone through with it. You wouldn't have left him."

"I would've, right up in a tree." Daryl argued. "I would've."

I sighed. "No. I know. Almost as soon as we got to Alexandria, you got it. You saw... You, Vickie, Michonne, Glenn, you all tried to tell me. So shut up." I told him before swerving the car again, making Jesus rest on his shoulder once more.

With a grunt, Daryl pushed the guy over enough so he was leaning on the opposite side, as far from him as possible, giving me another warning look.

Ignoring him, I went on. "'Cause I'm finally listening."

Vickie moaned lightly next to me. "Dad?"

With my eyes on the road, I nodded. "Yeah?"

"I'm cold."

It wasn't a surprise really, considering her clothes were soaked through. She'd taken off her top shirt, leaving her in a thin, white tank, which obviously wasn't doing anything to keep her warm.

There was noise in the back but before I could see what Daryl was doing, he'd already thrown Jesus' leather coat on to Vickie's lap.

"Here." he simply told her.

She didn't hesitate or say anything, she simply smiled and pulled the coat over her like a blanket. Soon enough she fell back asleep.

I knew the day had been a big one. I also knew she was sore. That fight she'd gotten in with Jesus hadn't caused too much damage, but I knew it would all be hurting now. Especially that cut on her face. Her side would be hurting too- where she'd gotten hurt months ago. It still wasn't a hundred percent yet.

Setting my eyes back on the road I pushed my foot down a little harder, wanting to get home as soon as possible.

CPOV

It was dark and the others weren't back yet. After I'd lead Deanna to Spencer and Michonne, I'd gone straight home. I wasn't sure where Enid was, or if she'd even gone back. I simply went straight home, where I stayed and waited.

Now I sat on the front porch, in a rocking chair, with Judith on my lap as I pointed up at the sky. "You see that bright on there?" she pointed to where I was pointing. "Yeah, that's the North Star. It's at the end of the Little Dipper. If you get lost at night, just find that star."

"Hey." Michonne walked on to the porch then, finally home.

I nodded at her. "Hey."

She came to a stop. "You have a good day?"

"I guess so." I answered as Judith began to babble. "I'm gonna take her in." I told her as I got to my feet.

Before I could go, she stopped me. "Carl. I saw what you did. With Deanna."

"Yeah?"

"You should've left her or killed her."

I shook my head. "No, that's stupid."

"What's stupid is you being out there when you don't have to."

"You did the same thing." I argued. "You didn't- You and Spencer didn't have to go out there, but you did."

"That's different."

"It's not. I wasn't gonna leave her out there like that. You wouldn't." when she went to argue I cut her off. "You wouldn't, I know it." shifting my hold on Judith, I went on. "I couldn't kill her."

"Why not?"

"Because- Be-" I sighed, not sure how to say what I was thinking.

"You could've killed her."

"No, I couldn't. I wouldn't."

"Were you playing some sort of game out there? Did you think that-"

"No."

"Then, why?"

Giving up, I just let the words out. "Because it should be someone who loved her, someone who's family, and I'd... I'd do it for you." when she fell silent and just stared at me, I gave a short nod. "I would."

A small smile crept on to her face. "Come here." stepping closer, she pulled me into her arms, hugging both Judith and I. "Me, too."

DPOV

As we neared the gates of Alexandria, I turned to look at Jesus- who was still unconscious. "You know, I was thinking, back before we went out to the quarry, the morning after Reg and Pete, you said we shouldn't be looking for people no more. You were right."

Rick stopped the car outside the gates. "No. I was wrong. You were right." blinking the headlights, he waited for someone to open the gate so we could drive in. Once they were open, he moved forward.

We drove through the community, stopping outside the infirmary. The lights were out, but we knew Denise would get up if we knocked. So we started to get out, Rick moving to get Jesus, while I opened Vic's door.

"Hey." I rocked her shoulder lightly. "Vic. Wake up."

Groaning, she slowly opened her eyes. "Daryl?"

"Yeah. We're back."

Looking around, she set her eyes on the infirmary. "Oh, thank God. I could use some pain killers." she said, swinging her legs out of the car.

Helping her out I made sure she was okay before I headed around to help Rick grab Jesus. He grabbed the legs, while I grabbed the body. Keeping a firm hold we followed Vic as she led us towards the front door of the infirmary.

Vic knocked once and waited. But when no one came, she knocked again. The porch lights flicked on and then the front door opened, revealing Tara and Denise.

"Sorry to wake you up."

Denise took one look at Vic. "What happened to you?"

"Was this guy's fault." I grunted.

Denise and Tara looked at the guy Rick and I were carrying. "Who is this?" the doctor asked.

"Come on, man, it's heavy." I told her. "Oh, that, that thing, uh, didn't work out. This assholes fault again. Sorry." I apologized, now that all the cans we'd found were gone.

She shook her head. "It's fine. Lay him on the bed."

I nodded. "A'right, take a look at him. He ain't stayin' though."

While Rick and I took Jesus to the bed, Denise turned to Vic. "Are you hurt anywhere else, other than your face?"

Vic shook her head. "I'm fine. Can I just grab some pain killers?"

"I'm gonna need to clean it up... It looks like it might scar..." the doc noted.

Vic just shrugged. "One more to add to the list."

Nodding Denise turned to Tara. "Can you grab her some pain killers?" Tara didn't say anything as she moved to grab the meds while Denise quickly fixed up Vic. Once she was done Denise stepped back. "You know the drill?"

"If it doesn't heal or if it gets worse, come back and let you take a look." Vic nodded. "Been hurt enough times to know what I gotta do."

Seeming pleased with that, Denise then turned and moved over to check Jesus over. While the doc was busy, and Rick watched Jesus, I moved to Vic.

"I'm gonna keep an eye on him till we find someone else to take over. You should go home. Take a shower. Go to bed. Be there when I can."

She nodded. "Just don't take too long." stepping closer she gave me a gentle kiss.

"Ah... here, Vickie."

Hearing Tara's voice, Vic stepped back and smiled at her friend, taking the small bottle of medicine she offered. "Thanks." turning back to me, her smile grew a little. "See you later." she nodded before walking out of the infirmary.

RPOV

I crashed on to the couch with a sigh.

Daryl was watching over Jesus, who'd gotten the all clear from the doctor. Vickie was upstairs- I could hear the shower running. Carl and Judith were in bed. Michonne was in the kitchen. Everything seemed fine, so I was more than happy to crash here for a while.

Michonne tapped my arm with her knee. "Move."

Doing as she said, I sat up and moved over so she could sit next to me.

Showing me the baby monitor screen, she chuckled lightly. "She's practicing in her sleep."

I watched as Judith rolled over in bed, trying to crawl. It was cute, something I'd seen before. Carl and Vickie had done the same kind of thing with they were little.

"It's good to be home." I nodded, pulling my boots off.

"Yeah, you're telling me." she reached over to out the monitor on the coffee table. "Where's Daryl?"

"Watching over a guy, till some other guy can take over."

"You found a guy?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "Crazy day."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"No, not right now. I just want to turn my brain off for a minute." I said before turning to her. "You wanna tell me about your day?"

"No. Same thing."

"What, you found a guy?"

"Not a guy." was all she said.

We fell silent for a moment, staring ahead, just enjoying the quiet as we sunk into the couch a little more. It was nice, being able to sit here with her, and relax, without having to worry about making conversation. Michonne and I were comfortable around each other. It made things easy.

"Oh." remembering that I'd gotten something for her, I pulled it out of my pocket. "Got you something." I showed her the mints in my hand.

She laughed, taking them from me. "Is this instead of the toothpaste?"

"Mm-hmm." I nodded. "Well, I do have a crate of toothpaste for you. It's currently at the bottom of a lake."

"Oh, so you had a day."

I chuckled lightly. "Yeah. All on account of your dental hygiene." I reached over to pat her hand that held the mints. "Have you mints."

Before either of us realized what was happening, our fingers intertwined.

Slowly I looked over at her, seeing her turning to look at me as well. We didn't say anything, we just watched each other for a moment, thinking the situation through, reading the other person's reaction.

Then without a second thought, I leaned over, pressing my lips to hers.

...

I was fast asleep. I felt incredible, relaxed, and exhausted. With the day I'd been through, and then the sex Michonne and I had, I'd fallen asleep almost instant, with Michonne right beside me.

"Rick." a whispered voice caught my attention.

I was sure the voice hadn't been real. Besides, even if it was, I didn't want to wake up. I wanted to stay here, in bed, with Michonne. So I ignored the voice.

"Rick, wake up." the voice was a little louder, and suddenly I realized it was real.

Michonne and I moved together, getting off the bed, her reaching for her sword while I grabbed my gun. Both of us turning to the person with our weapons raised and ready.

It was Jesus.

Looking at me, with a small grin on his lips and his hands raised in defense, he gave a short nod. "We should talk."

Bamby