#damn all the daryl content was nearly all in the dark

[thegeorgiahuntsman]

Daryl Dixon in Every Episode - Made to Suffer (S03E08)

[shadowcitrine]

Sunbathing

Before the outbreak there's a girl who keeps teasing Daryl.

Daryl's pov. Angry Daryl. Daryl and named OC. Kind of dirty.

18+ You're responsible for the content you consume.

First post nerves.

Of course she was here! She was everywhere he fuckin’ went. It was like she knew when he needed space and had some sick twisted need to devour what little time he carved out for himself. That stupid fuckin’ Mather's girly is just laying out by the river bank, arms beneath her head like she owns the whole god damned river and the sun is shining down on her over the tree tops like it agrees with her.

Picking up the fishing pole, Daryl's fist tightened around it, his face screwing up in anger makin’ his whole head hurt twice as much. He lets everyone walk all over him, but not anymore, not today. Especially not stupid Mercy who parades around in her dumb tiny shorts and ugly cut off shirts.

Taking the pole over to a shady spot he throws himself down, landing with a grunt. Digging through the little box of feathers he keeps in a tin till he finds a few small ones to tie on. If Mercy is watching him behind those dark glasses of hers he can't tell, not that he was lookin’ anyway. Not that he cares.

He cast the line, sticking the pole in the ground to light a cigarette and wait. She hasn't said a word and it's so unlike her that he thinks she has to be asleep. It's the only time she ain't asking him a million questions or trying to order him around. He stamps out the first butt and lights another. Takes him nearly all of the second one before he can hear the water trickling by beyond the anger pounding around in his head. Takes him even longer to realize his line has too much slack. The reel clicks quietly, a familiar lullaby that usually helps empty his head but not this time, not today.

Mercy still ain't talking. It's the longest they've ever been around each other without her at least sayin’ hi and now it's bothering him. He came out here for peace and now her silence is eating him alive. Not like bein’ around her does him any good. Never has, not even when they were kids. Just to try and take his mind off of her he starts reeling in the line, puffing on the smoke between his teeth but the harder he tries not to think about her the more he does.

That girl sighs and it draws his attention away from his half hearted attempt at fishing. She's still just layin’ there, knees now bent. Her shorts are digging into the upper parts of her thighs making little dips there that make his fingers itch to touch. She's just some annoying girl that he doesn't even like.

Then she moves again, rolling to her knees in the dirt, dead grass clinging to her back she's digging in a small cooler. Picking out some red white and blue ice pop she stuffs the wrapper inside before flopping back down on the ground. Still, not a single word out of her. She sick? High?

The more he looks at her painting her lips with the cherry end of the ice cream the more he's bothered by her silence because he can't help but see something else in his head. The way her tongue swipes across her bottom lip collecting the sticky sweetness there makes him tense in a way he shouldn't be around her but can't seem to help.

“Why ain't you sayin’ nothin’?” He asks. It just sort of bubbled up.

She takes her time answering sucking on the end of it making a soft lewd noise that makes his dick twitch. “Thought I talked too much Dixon?” there isn't even any anger in it. She's acting like she isn't even bothered by him being there watching her suck half the ice cream in to her mouth like she suckin’ cock.

“You do.” He drops the spent butt on the ground, his fishing pole forgotten.

She hums again around her snack, lips making a slurping noise around it like they do on titty channels that come on late at night. “Want me to ask you how you got that shiner?” She turns her head to look at him and if she notices him move his leg to hide his half chub she doesn't say.

Mercy runs a tongue along the underside of it catching drops of it before it can land on her tits and he's silently hoping she misses just one. Then his dick is coming alive thinking of her swearing the melted sugar water across them, swirling the red end over a nipple until it's rock hard. He don't need to be thinking about her like that but he can't look away.

She sits up holding in her mouth, cheeks hollowing around it and he swears she's doing it on purpose. No, she knows what she's doing and this–this tease is secretly eating up the attention. Mercy grabs the bottom of her shirt, pulling it over her head. She isn't wearing a bra or even one of her bright colored biking tops, no, she isn't wearing anything at all now ‘cept them frayed shorts of hers.

“Put your shirt back on Mercy!”

She lickin on the end for a moment, watching him watch her. He can't not think about how her ice cream is smaller than his dick. “Stop actin’ all mad.” She drops her head back.

Stop actin’ mad? Stop actin’ mad! She's doing this to fuck with him cause he doesn't wanna talk to her. He can see it in the way she smiles at him before biting off the last of the cherry flavor. Knows it when she leans back on her elbows to push her tits out on full display. She does all this shit just to fuck with him and he can't even figure out why! She treats him like he's nothin’! Tryin’ to push all his god damned buttons! Fuck her and fuck this!

He has to readjust himself as subtly as he can just to stand up. Even being mad at her doesn't stop his cock from throbbing, doesn't stop the ache. Then he's mad all over again because this is Mercy he's thinking about. Bitchy, awful, needy Mercy who comes over and smokes pot with Merle. The same girl who laughs whenever his brother calls him some stupid girl's name. This same girl who tries to lay against him on the couch when Merle leaves to go get more beer because she's lonely.

He's shaking his head. “I ain't in the mood for your shit. ‘M goin’ home.” He hates her. Hates the pink strip of colored hair that falls over her shoulder. Hates the way his brain has already memorized the trail of blue melt that's dripping on the swell of her breast and racing for her dusky nipple.

“If you stay–” she shouts loud enough for him to hear. “I'll let you touch em'.”

He even hates himself at this moment because now his feet are planted in the ground. Needing a distraction he lights a cigarette he doesn't even smoke. “The fuck you think I wanna touch your tits for?”

Mercy shrugs. “You keep staring.”

He snorts a breath of air through his nose. None of it even means anything to her, she's just messing with him. Always messing with him and he was tired of being nice. “You're the one who whipped em’ out to get me to look. What did you expect?”

Her face twists up. “I'm sun bathing asshole! I was the one who was here first!”

“And you ain't pretending to give the world's shittiest blow job with that thing?” He takes a hit off his cigarette nodding to the sweet melting in her hand. Her face is turning red, the tips of her ears are burning in embarrassment. He's turned the tables on her, called her out on her little game and she can't take it. Some distant part of him feels an inkling of pride at that. Her lip curls and he's moving towards her one slow step at a time.

“I changed my mind. Get fucked!” She throws down her ice cream in the grass.

Letting out a soundless laugh he's next to her now. Daryl's looking down his nose at her, the blue melt finally falling off the tip of her breast. “You wanna suck cock? Here it is.” Then he's grabbing himself through his jeans.

He blames the fact that there's no blood left in his head for why he's acting like this. That he needs her good and pissed off and disgusted all so she'd quit trying to get on his nerves all the damn time. He wants her to hate him as much as he hates her. Only, she ain't pushing him away. No, she's licking her sticky lips as she looks up at him behind those big ugly glasses.

“What? Can't figure out how a belt works?” He asks her. He's goading her to yell at him, but she hasn't yet. He sticks the smoke in his lips bending down to grab her hand. He pushes her fingers against the buckle when he stands back up. “C'mon! You want it so bad you're going to have to take it out yourself.”

Mercy bites her bottom lip as she twists to sit on her knees in front of him. His heart stutters in his chest when she begins to tug on the strap and he nearly laughs. She was so desperate she was actually going to suck him off. She's silent for probably the second time in her whole life as she undoes his belt.

[intoxicated-chan]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑 ║ ❝𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐭❞

(A/n) ➳ Okay, I know I said I was gonna make this longer but I didn’t want to draw it out. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Take care of yourselves!!

Word Count ➳ 1.7k

Content Warnings ➳ Sexual content, alcohol use (Not drunk), oral (F), swearing protective sex, p-in-v, motorcycle sex, spanking, overstimulation, little blood…

JUDAS Masterlist

THE RUMBLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE HAD COME TO A HALT.

You removed your arms that were wrapped around Daryl’s waist, and let out a strained moan as you stretched them.

You looked around as you dismounted, you were starstruck by the sight in front of you. “Wow.” You awed, your eyes widened.

Daryl had brought you to what seemed to be an abandoned parking lot but it had a breathtaking view that overlooked Atlanta.

The city lights shining in the distance, it looked like a photo in perfect resolution, and you found it difficult to believe what you were seeing was real.

Daryl joined you, standing by your side as he looked at the cityscape. “Pretty impressive, ain’t it?” He asked you.

You stepped closer to the edge. “It’s fuckin’ incredible.” You mumbled. “But how did you find a place like this? Doesn’t seem like your kind of place.”

Daryl shrugged, his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket. “Was riding’ with ma brother, figured it was a good for somethin’.”

Your head snapped in his direction. “You have a brother?”

“Yeah, Merle. He’s… He’s got his own way of doin’ things.”

“What else don’t I know ‘bout you, Judas?” You joked with him, poking at his arm.

“Plenty of things, darlin.” He chuckled, grabbing your hand and turning to you. He placed his hands on your hips, bringing you closer. “And yer gonna stick ‘round to find out.” He whispered in your ear. “Ain’t gonna have you runnin’ off.”

He began planting kisses down your neck, one of his hands tugging at your v-line blouse.

You hummed. “Goin’ straight to business, now are we?”

The vibrations of Daryl’s laugh made you laugh as well. “Got a present for ya.” He replied, moving away from your gasp.

He walked to his motorcycle, running through his tail bag. He took out a bottle of red wine, holding it up with a grin.

“Wine?” You questioned him.

“The present.” He approached you. You reached out to take it from him but he retracted. “For us both.” He corrected.

Your body burned pleasantly, feeling Daryl trailing kisses from your stomach, shoulder, up your neck and then on your lips.

The taste on his lips wasn’t the cheap liquor from the bar days ago, the wine Daryl brought was surprisingly expensive.

It seemed to be a waste when some of it spilled from the corners of his mouth whenever he kissed you.

His hands quickly stripped you of your skirt and underwear, he hooked your legs over his shoulder.

He brought his fingers to your throbbing core, he slowly pushed one finger inside.

Daryl latched his lips onto your clit. He pushed his finger in before slowly, nearly completely, out.

Your hands side into the strands of his hair, pulling at them. You yanked his hair, desperate for more but he seemed to be moving slower with each pull.

He took enjoyment in seeing you struggle for more.

With the added sensations of Daryl’s groans, he added another, quickening his pace.

His fingers found your g-spot, you gasped as he found it. Your eyes snapped open, pulling at his hair harder. “Come ‘ere.” You whined. “Please Daryl.”

Daryl withdrew from your cunt. “Ya taste better than the damn wine.” He said before attaching his mouth back on your clit, this time harder and faster.

“Fuck!” You screamed as you came, your thighs tightening around his hand as the coil snapped as your body shook.

Daryl stopped all movements, pulling back from your cunt and bringing his soaked fingers to his lips, licking them off one by one.

He unbuckled his pants, pulling himself out as well as a condom. “Need to have ya.”

His cock throbbing and red, his dark pubic hair traveling up his naval. It was wild but trimmed.

“Please.” You grabbed his jacket and got up, kissing him. “Please.”

His hands struggled to put the condom on but once it was on, he was inside you with one single thrust.

Daryl didn’t give you time to get adjusted around his size, not like he did any of the times before.

It was like the air was sucked out of you, choking on your air, fuck, it was so fucking good.

His lips barely grazed yours. “Ya fuckin’ amazing.” He hissed in between his clenched teeth, feeling your cunt clench around his cock. “Fuckin’ perfect. Like heaven.”

He wasted no time, quickly thrusting in and out, hitting your g-spot each time. Your hands remained on his chest, holding onto his jacket for dear life.

The surface of the parking lot dug into your skin, adding a little pain with the pleasure, sending ripples throughout your body.

You moaned and wailed, the asphalt probably cutting into your skin.

Daryl grunted as he roughly pounded into you, he kept a tight hold on your chin, forcing you to keep your eyes on him.

You didn’t hold back, why should you? Even if there were people around, they would know how amazing Daryl was.

“Daryl!” You screamed again.

He looked at you with lust filled blue eyes. “Gonna cum for me?” He panted, sweat running down his forehead.

And you did, the burning sentionsation shot throughout your body once again.

But Daryl didn’t stop, he showed no signs of stopping. “Third time’s the charm?” He chuckled.

Rick looked over at Shane which seemed to be the hundredth time, his food remained untouched on his lap.

Shane kept a furrowed brow as he drank from the straw of the fast food joint they went to for food.

Rick looked over at the time, it was now two in the morning.

Shane slurped up the last few drops of his soda through his straw which the straw annoyingly sucking the air.

He rolled down his window and snatched the drink, throwing it out the window.

“God dammit Rick-”

“What’s on your mind?” Rick asked him, the concern clear on his face and his voice.

Shane sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back in his seat. “...Did you know (Y/n) was seein’ some guy?”

Rick’s eyebrow shot up. “Really? I thought (Y/n) said she hasn’t been seein’ anyone.”

“She did!” The frustration was clear, Shane was jealous and angry about it. “A fuckin’ knife to the gut, can you believe that?”

Rick placed a hand on his shoulder. “Listen man, whatever is goin’ on between her and this guy, jus’ a phase. Like the rest of ‘em. You want to stay in her life? Start respectin’ her choices. Let her figure it out on her own.”

“And if somethin’ bad happens?” Shane clicked his tongue and his eyes remained on the dark street. “He could be hurtin’ her now!”

Rick shook him with the hand on his shoulder, snapping him out of his jealous rage. “Like before. We help her, he’ll eventually get bored. That’s when you swoop in and be her knight and shining armor. Jus’ stop being an asshole ‘bout it. Think you could do that?”

Shane hesitantly nodded.

“Good.” Rick sighed. “…Shouldn’t be hard to find his information.” Rick smirked. “Think you could get a name from her?”

Shane nodded again, quicker this time.

“That’s all I need.”

You bit on your lower lip, he had you laid on top of his motorcycle, on your back. It wasn’t comfortable but you could deal with it.

One of your legs were over his shoulder, the other were wrapped around his waist and had a fistful of your hair, tugging at it.

He licked his lips as he looked down at you, enjoying you under him.

He landed slaps against your thigh. “Ya gonna be the death of me.” He groaned, throwing his head back.

“M-More!” You stuttered. “I want more!” Your speech became slurred.

The noises you began to make were strangled and guttered, it was very embarrassing but your dignity was lost long ago.

“Becomin’ greedy?”

“Please! ‘M so close!”

“Yer gonna feel this for fuckin’ days.” He huffed. “Feel me for fuckin’ days and all ya could think ‘bout is my cock.”

He yanked you by your hair, pulling your back off the motorcycle and slammed his lips onto yours, then bit down on your lower lip.

The taste of blood filled both of your mouths. “Burn ma name in your skin.” He murmured. “Gonna remember me forever.”

It was nearly six in the morning when Daryl pulled up to your apartment. He helped you off the bike, one hand on your hip as you wobbled slightly.

“Was hopin’ ya couldn’t walk.” You smacked his shoulder as he laughed.

You leaned against him for support though. “Thanks for the ride.” You said.

“Anytime, darlin’.” He replied.

He helped you walk to your apartment door, you pulled your keys from your pocket and opened your door. “I guess this is goodbye.” A playful smile on your lips.

Daryl leaned in closer, his hot breath against your ear. “Not ‘fore I get my goodbye kiss.”

With a giggle, you listened. You pressed your lips against his for a brief but sweet kiss.

“Until next time, (Y/n).” He pulled away. “Keep ya phone on ya.”

“I’ll be waitin’ for you, Judas.”

Daryl headed back to his motorcycle. You watched him ride off, the smile still lingering on your lips.

You turned back into your apartment, closing and locking the door with a huff, you were going to sleep for the rest of the day.

“Mom! Look! A motorcycle!” Carl happily ran as close to the road as he could to watch the man in the leather jacket ride off. “Can I get one?!” He shouted, tugging on Lori’s hand. “Mom? What is it?”

Lori looked back at the man riding off and then at your door, back and forth, a couple of times.

She placed her hand on Carl’s shoulder, her glare hardening until the man was no longer in view.

With a heavy sigh, she turned away and dragged Carl with her, ignoring his questions and protests.

She was fucking angry.

© Intoxicated-Chan 2024, I do not allow my work to be copied, translated, modified, adapted, or put on any other platform without my permission.

Taglist ➳ @deansapplepie , @ladylincoln , @gamingfeline , @lady06reaper , @alanamarie , @daryldixmedown , @celtic-crossbow , @mrdixon , @itwasntaphasema , @duffmckagansbandana , @raspberryslxt , @itsrainingbisexualfrogs , @ingstadstarlight , @gamingfeline , @lor-geeked , @thegeorgiahuntsman , @snailss , @the-lonely-abyss , @number1bashbabe , @xmaeyonaise ,

⊰ Chapter 2 ⊰ » » YOU’RE HERE « « ⊰ Chapter 4 ⊰

[baseballbitch116]

Don't Leave Me - Daryl - Part 2

Prompt: You are trying to earn Daryl's trust back after being broken up for 2 months and having a fling

Word Count: 3455

Warnings: Language, mild sexual content

Don't Leave Me Part 1

Masterlist // Fandoms

Getting back together with Daryl was the easy part, but earning his trust back was a whole other battle. Given that Ayden had just left from spending the night as Daryl stood in the doorway, there were definitely some things that needed to be resolved. You didn't want to spoil the mood, so you didn't bring him up until later that evening.

Daryl had been helping out with some repairs on the fence throughout the day after he left your house, so you hadn't really seen him since your little fight and makeup. The sun was setting now and you were bringing some wood from the stockpile in the garage with Rosita to start the evening fire. You spotted Daryl as you passed by the spot where he was working with Aaron. He met your eye as he held up a large piece of siding for the fence. His biceps were flexed as he held it up, and you could see the sweat glistening on his arms. Your heart skipped in your chest as you thought of how the evening could possibly play out. You wanted to make up with Daryl in the best way possible, but doubted it would happen, especially given that he knew you had just recently been with another man. Daryl didn't let it show much, but he was definitely the possessive type. You knew that he was not going to forget that fact any time soon.

You shoot him a shy grin as you walk by, which he acknowledges with a small grin of his own.

"What's that all about?" Rosita nudges you with her shoulder, smirking at you. You blush and shrug, embarrassed to have been caught. "You guys make up?" She presses.

"Yeah, earlier. Thank God. He said he was gonna go stay at the Hilltop and we got into this big fight." You explain quietly.

"That's making up?" She asks, clearly confused. You laugh, realizing you left out the actually making up part of the story.

"Well we made up after the fight."

"Ah," She shakes her head playfully. "So is he gonna move back in?" She asks, dropping her logs on top of the growing pile of wood where Eugene is arranging it to create an ideal shape for the fire.

"I dunno, I hope so. We haven't really talked since earlier. He should be done the fence once its dark. I don't wanna push him though, cuz of what I've been doing lately..." You trail off, taking in your surroundings briefly to see if Ayden was around. Rosita nods.

"Does he know?" You nod too.

"Well if he didn't before, he definitely did after this morning. He left the house as he showed up." You roll your eyes and shudder at the memory, embarrassed.

"Ooh, he definitely didn't like that."

"Yeah, I'm dreading having to elaborate on that topic to him. But I know him." You sigh, following Rosita back for one more pile of wood, passing by Daryl and Aaron again. They're well over ten yards away, so they can't hear your conversation, but you still spoke lower.

"Have you even talked to Ayden yet?" She asks, lowering her voice too. You shake your head, your gaze dropping from Daryl's back to your feet, feeling ashamed. You know that you shouldn't -- you were broken up for two months, you didn't cheat.

"I have to though. He's probably expecting to see me tonight. I don't know how to though." You start, holding your arms out for Rosita to fill with logs. "I don't know if I should tell Daryl first before I go talk to him, or if that'll cause a fight. But I know damn well if I go talk to him and he doesn't know, especially if he sees and I didn't tell him... He's gonna get mad all over again." Rosita nods.

"You should tell him first, I guess. So he doesn't think you're going behind his back." You guys start heading back. The sun has almost fully set and it is nearly dark out now. You see Daryl packing up with the other men and your hopes raise that he will come over to sit with you at the fire. You aren't entirely sure that he will, given it has been two months since you guys have been together in any way at all, other than fighting walkers or saviors. Your heart flutters as you remember how he subtly watched your back all those times too, even while you were fighting. Daryl always had your back, it didn't matter how angry he may be with you.

Speak of the devil, you saw Ayden off in the distance walking from his house that he shared with another Hilltop member. "Shit," You mutter, glancing back toward Daryl, who also locked eyes with you. "Shitttt."

"Oh boy, you got a problem." Rosita chuckles sympathetically as she drops her pile beside Eugene. Ayden starts approaching you guys and you panic.

"What do I do?!" You whisper yell, trying to drop your wood faster in hopes to get away without looking like you are running from him.

"What is the matter?" Eugene asks from where he is crouched, lighting the fire.

"Hey, guys." Ayden smiles as he stops on the other side of the unlit fire.

"Oh hey Ayden." Rosita smiles, catching your eye. You can practically feel Daryl's eyes on you, but you don't dare turn around.

"Hey," You respond, forcing a smile.

"Can we talk, Y/N?" He asks. You are a little caught off guard but figure now is as good a time as any.

"Uh yeah, of course." He starts walking over toward the side of the street, where of course it is less lit, probably for privacy. You look back toward Rosita but she shrugs and gives you a thumbs up. "What's up?" You ask, standing a few steps away from him, crossing your arms awkwardly. You know that if Daryl saw you, he's definitely watching.

"So what was up with Daryl this morning?" He asks, getting right to the point. You are caught off guard again, surprised by his forwardness.

"Oh uh, he needed to talk to me." You respond, unsure of where this was going.

"Is he trying to get you back or something?" He asks. You furrow your brows and shift your weight uncomfortably, not appreciating the way he was addressing you. "Because I gotta say I'm not super comfortable with your ex coming by the house unannounced like that. You weren't even wearing any pants." You bite your lip to keep from laughing at that point.

"So? He's seen me naked." You know that may have been a little uncalled for, but you couldn't help it. His face hardens and he exhales deeply.

"Yeah that's why I didn't like it." He reiterates.

"Yeah I got that. Look Ayden, Daryl and I are gonna try to work things out after all, so this... We can't be doing any more." You try to be nice, but to the point.

"Seriously?" He seems pissed. He probably deserves to be a little.

"I mean, yeah. This was always casual." You respond, shuffling again, anxious to finish the conversation.

"And you really wanna end this to go back to him? You think that's worth it?" Now you're getting angry.

"Hey, watch it. You don't need to start getting angry. We agreed this was just sex. That's all it was to me." You can clearly see him growing more frustrated, but you don't really care at this point.

"Yeah but I figured that was changing. Does he even kiss you? I mean that guy is serious and angry all the time-"

"Okay ima stop you there. This is none of your business and he's not angry all the time. He's the best guy I know and I am one hundred percent sure I want to be with him over any other guy left on this planet." You exclaim. "Goodnight, Ayden. I'll see ya around." You turn around on your heel and sure enough, Daryl is watching you from where he leaned against the side of the house beside the growing fire. His one leg is kicked back against the side and his large arms are crossed over his chest, an intense look on his serious face. You gulp and head over in his direction.

His eyes are on you the whole walk over to him, making you more and more anxious. He definitely read into that conversation wrong. You are expecting him to be mad. You haven't spoken since you made up this morning and the next opportunity you get to, you are talking to the guy you have been sleeping with. You'd be mad too.

"Hey," You force an anxious smile on your face, standing a few steps away from him. He takes a moment to look behind you, probably at Ayden, and then return his hard eyes to yours.

"What was that about?" He asks.

"He was asking about you. Why you came over this morning." You respond quietly, taking a step to the left to be further from the fire, trying to keep the conversation private.

"Mm." He responds, standing up from the side of the house and facing you, his back to everyone beginning to gather by the fire. "And?"

"I told him. I ended things with him. He's pissed but that's not my problem." You shrug, trying to be casual. You are really worried about saying the wrong thing and impacting his trust even worse. He looks at you for another long moment and chews his thumb nail.

"Ended what, exactly? What was that?" So he wants clarification. Okay. That's either good or bad, you can't tell yet. You drop your eyes and shuffle awkwardly, stuffing your hands in your pockets.

"Uhh, casual?" You respond.

"That a question?" He presses.

"Daryl. Come on. Don't make me say it. I ended it. As soon as I could. I don't care about him." You mutter the last part quieter, afraid he may hear - you don't want to be mean for no reason.

"So you fucked him." He says blatantly. You sigh and figure this is leading to another fight. You turn around and walk over to the porch stairs a few paces, looking back to signal him to follow you. He huffs and does so.

"Yes Daryl, I was sleeping with him. I was trying to keep my mind off you. It was casual and it didn't even work. Okay?" You mutter sternly. He stares at you again and looks at your body for a moment, then sighs.

"How many times?" He asks.

"What?"

"How many times did that asshole touch you?" He growls, stepping in closer to you. You gulp anxiously and your stomach drops.

"I don't know, why does it matter? He's never going to again." You reach out and touch Daryl's bicep lightly for just a moment, then shoving your hand back in your pocket.

"Damn right." He grumbles after a long moment. Your stomach flips again and you sigh in relief. You take a step closer to Daryl and smile up at him softly.

"You're the only one I want to be with, Daryl." You reassure him. He nods and chews his thumb again, calming down.

"I'ont want ya round him anymore." He mutters, dropping his gaze. You know he doesn't normally tell you what to do, and you're actually pretty surprised he set a boundary with you. You nod without hesitation, touching his arm again.

"Not a problem, love." You respond. He meets your eye and nods, chewing his bottom lip.

"C'mere." He pulls you in and wraps his large arms around your smaller frame, enveloping you in a comforting hug.

"I missed you so much," You sigh into his chest. When you pull away, you take his hand and guide him back over to the fully lit fire. You take a seat off to the end of the fire more and let him sit beside Rick. You scoot closer to him on the log and lean forward, resting your elbows on your knees. You look up and notice Ayden looking at you from where he sat across and down to the left. Daryl sees him too, but doesn't react. You press your knee into his and look across from you to Ezekiel.

"All good?" You hear Rick ask Daryl, and look over at him. He smirks at his friend who nods at him, and Rick smiles at you. "I'm glad. You're good for each other." He shoves Daryl playfully and turns his attention back to Michonne. You smile up at Daryl and he rolls his eyes, but rests his weight on his hand that he places on the log behind your butt. You get goosebumps at his close proximity and lean into his side, happy to be near him again.

You guys didn't stay long at the fire, Daryl said he was calling it a night and asked you if you were joining him. You said yes of course, but you were unsure of what this meant. Was he coming back to your place - your formerly shared house. Was he dropping you off? You followed his lead and he started walking toward your house, but you tried not to get your hopes up.

"So uh, are you gonna stay with Carol tonight or.. Do you wanna come back with me?" You ask awkwardly after he stops by the stairs of the porch. He shuffles his weight and glances around awkwardly.

"Do ya want me here?" He asks, meeting your eye.

"Yes. Of course I do. I just don't wanna push you, I know I gotta earn back your trust." You respond honestly. He shrugs and takes a step closer to you, making you holding your breath, anxious to be near him still.

"I'll stay here, then." He brushes a loose strand of hair out of your face, letting his hand linger against your cheek for a moment.

"Good," You mutter, just above a whisper. You start heading up the porch stairs after he drops his hand and look back to him, waiting for him to follow you. You leave the door open, and he comes through and closes it a moment later. The air is thicker now, there is an intensity in it. You feel the desire in you growing, but try to keep your cool. You can't tell what Daryl is really thinking. "I was gonna shower before I go to bed... I'm all sweaty." You chuckle, meeting his eye as you take your boots off. He's biting his lip as he watches you.

"Mmkay," He drawls. You head up the stairs and he follows close behind. Suddenly though, you feel awkward as you step into your formerly shared room - where you'd had another man in your bed just this morning. You look back at Daryl, who is staring at the bed, and you can tell he's thinking the same thing. Without a word, you decide to start stripping the sheets off of it. You hope that there is nothing in the room of Ayden's as you do so, making haste to get it over with.

You can feel his jealousy and anger radiating off of him, but he doesn't say or do anything other than lean on the wall and watch you. "Ya sure this is what ya want?" He finally speaks up as you finish putting new sheets on. You furrow your brows at him. "Me. Us. I'm not forcin ya. If ya wanna be with someone else..." He trails off. Your heart breaks a little and you walk over to him, taking both of his hands in yours.

"Daryl. You are the only person that I want to be with. I love you. I have always loved you and I will always love you. I don't want anyone other than you. I promise." You kiss his bruised knuckles and he nods, shrugging his hair out of his eyes.

"I love ya, too." He mumbles, kissing your forehead. You look up into his eyes and then at his lips. He catches on and lowers his head a little, leaning in. You close the space between the two of you in a slow, sweet kiss. You reach up and twist your fingers into his hair, pulling his body against yours. His hands trail down your back to your hips and he holds you close, deepening the kiss. He suddenly turns the two of you around and presses you against the wall, gently, but with need. You drag your nails down his biceps and groan into his mouth before pulling away. "I should really shower. I feel gross." He leans his forehead against yours and chuckles.

"Ain't shower out on the road." He reminds you, trailing his fingers over your arms, sending shivers down your spine.

"Yes and I hated it." You giggle. "I'll be five minutes." You smile.

"Fine. I'll get one too, then." He grumbles, knowing how you liked to be clean. He didn't care, but he knew he was sweaty and covered in dirt from working on the fence all day - so he would clean up for you.

You took a quick shower like you promised and actually beat him back to the room. You dimmed the lights and put on one of his shirts that he had left here and panties, knowing how he loved you like this. You bit your lip unintentionally when Daryl stepped into the doorway shirtless, his black cargo pants hanging relatively low on his torso, showing off his defined body and v-line. He shook his hair like a dog playfully and you laughed. "That my shirt?" He asks, a smirk on his lips. You nod your head and slowly walk over to him. He grabs your hips and just when you lean up to kiss him... You hear a loud knock at the door downstairs.

You guys look at one another in confusion, and then Daryl's face hardens. "Better not be.." He mutters and lets go of you, turning around and heading down the stairs, still shirtless. You gulp and follow after him anxiously. Sure enough, it is Ayden on the other side of the door. Daryl throws the door open, chucking the towel in his hand off to the side aggressively.

"Oh, how nice." Ayden rolls his eyes, looking around Daryl at you. You feel exposed once again, standing there in Daryl's shirt and no pants, in front of both of these men who have seen you naked. "I'm here for my shit." He grumbles. Daryl looks back at you and then back at Ayden.

"Couldn'ta just asked for it back tomorrow? Hm?" You touch Daryl's shoulder.

"What stuff?" You ask, confused what he is even talking about. Is this just a ploy to start a fight?

"My clothes and my hat." He grumbles, avoiding your eye.

"Fine." Daryl practically growls, moving back and taking you with him, behind his back a bit. You tug at his shirt on your body, but it won't cover you anymore. Daryl glances down at your legs and as Ayden heads up the stairs, he grabs your jacket that is hung on the wall hook and hands it to you, giving you a possessive look. You quickly pull the jacket on over your body and close it over your chest, trying to cover up more. You both head up the stairs and Daryl watches Ayden gather his stuff in the corner of the room that you hadn't even known was there. He walks out of the bedroom past Daryl, barely missing shoving his shoulder, and glares at you. "Nice outfit." He spits, looking down at your legs. Daryl takes a step at him and balls his fists.

"Keep walkin." He growls.

"Daryl."

"Enjoy, man! I sure did." He hollers without turning around as he heads out the door, slamming it behind him. You wince and feel embarrassed and angry.

"Daryl," You repeat, worried about his reaction. He looks down at you for a long moment, making you more anxious, before he grabs you by your bare thighs and picks you up with ease. You let out a yelp and grab onto his shoulders as he carries you into the bedroom, where he places you on the bed and looks down at you, his legs between both of yours.

"Ya okay?" He asks, pausing for a moment to take in your reaction. You grin and nod, which makes him grin. He pulls you up to sit and starts taking the jacket off of you... And the rest of the night was perfect, with no more interruptions.

[starlessea]

Here Comes the Sun: XV. With Or Without You (Daryl Dixon/Reader)

Series Masterlist: Here Comes the Sun

Summary: Daryl Dixon scares the hell out of you climbing out of that damn creek. It takes hauling his ass halfway across Georgia and taking a bullet for him to realise that you're not half bad. He slowly starts to come around, despite grumbling about how much he doesn't like your singing, or that you can't use a gun for shit - and don't get him started on that ugly yellow tent of yours. It takes him a while before he starts to see for himself that he's found a best friend for life, and that he doesn't actually mind the colour yellow that much, after all.

Words: 6475

Chapter Warnings: Very mild nsfw, Slight canon divergence.

You woke up to the feeling of warm breath tickling the back of your neck, and an arm resting heavily over your waist. It took you a few seconds to recognise your surroundings, flickering open your eyes softly to be met by the greyish walls and metal slats of the top bunk above you. You reached a hand carefully to your face, rubbing the remainders of sleep from your eyes. As you did so, you felt your skin brush against the arm that held you close - the warmth from it radiating over your stomach. It shocked you, not used to the sensation of being pressed against someone from the moment you woke up.

You were warm; that was what seemed strangest about the situation. Most mornings you'd wake up and pull your blanket tightly around you, curling up to keep in the heat. This time, however, you felt comfortable without having to do that. The covers had slipped off you a bit during the night, and your collar line was now exposed. Yet, you didn't feel a chill prickle at your skin. Instead, you became acutely aware of the chest pressed flush against your back, keeping you warm, and the face buried in the crook of your neck.

Staring at the stone wall directly in front of you, you let your eyes adjust to the light. Daryl's breaths were soft and regular, fanning the stay wisps of your hair and making you shiver. You remained still and quiet, not wanting to wake the man. Though, you let your gaze travel down to your stomach, and at his palm that rested flat over it. His skin was still a little grimy from the day before, but you didn't mind. You ran your hand down his arm, from his bicep all the way to his fingertips - before intertwining them with yours. You held his hand in your own, loosely, as not to interrupt his sleep. Then, you ran small circles over the back of it with your thumb.

The two of you were so close that you felt his heart beating against your back, and could even tell when he occasionally fluttered his eyes - since his eyelashes tickled your neck. You'd never slept so close to him before, but were left with no other option as you shared the single bed. If you weren't nearly as tired as you had been, the night before, then you thought you would have been too nervous to fall asleep at all. You barely knew how you'd managed to convince the man to stay with you in the first place - given how much he despised the cramped space of the cells. He must've thought you needed the comfort, and perhaps he'd needed it, too.

It had been a squeeze for you both to even fit on the mattress. You remembered the shy awkwardness he'd shown when you pulled him down by his wrist. You'd shuffled about for a bit, trying to get comfortable and make room for him to lie next to you. The bed was scarcely enough for Daryl, let alone the both of you. Yet, you somehow made it work. It had taken a lot of fumbling about in the dark and nervous hands wondering where they should rest, but you'd settled into each other after a few minutes.

He'd seemed so unsure before, toeing off his boots and shrugging out of his jacket. You lifted up the blanket for him, inviting the man inside. Even in the dim lamplight of your cell, you could still make out the apprehension on his face. At first, he'd tried to lie flat on his back, which caused you to giggle as you were shoved against the cold wall from the lack of space. Eventually, you compromised - urging him to lie on his side and hold you in his arms. He'd seemed nervous at first, hovering a hand above your waist like he was debating whether or not to let it drop. It had taken putting it there yourself before he'd decided that it was okay.

The two of you exchanged a few whispers through the early hours, before you eventually fell asleep in his embrace - feeling safer than ever before in this new, indiscriminate world. He must've gotten comfortable with you next to him throughout the night, as you woke up a few hours later to the feeling of him a lot more relaxed against you.

Tentatively, you lifted his arm up so that you could turn over. You did it slowly, trying not to move the mattress and make it squeak, before letting his hand rest over your back in the new position. Your faces were close together, cheeks sharing the same pillow. In the morning light, you could see him a lot clearer, and it surprised you how peaceful his expression looked as he dozed. You watched his chest rise and fall steadily, and his eyelids flicker. He seemed perfectly content, lying there like he didn't have a care in the world.

His hair was stuck to his cheek on one side, whilst some other strands hung loosely over his forehead and close to his eyes. You ran your palm over his face gently, moving his hair aside to get a better look at him. You never thought you'd get to see him like this, looking so vulnerable as you lay together - chest to chest. You smiled without realising it, and Daryl's eyes flicked open.

"Quit starin' at me." He mumbled, startling you and making you flinch in his arms. "Yer goddamn creepy."

Your heart pounded as you were caught off guard, and you realised that he could probably feel it when he gave you a small, teasing smirk. His pale blue eyes stared straight into yours, and the proximity suddenly made you feel a lot warmer than you already did. He looked tired, and his voice came out low and gravelly as he let out a groan and rolled his neck. He grumbled under his breath about how stiff his shoulders felt from the 'piece of crap mattress,' before forcefully rubbing the corners of his eyes with the back of his hand.

You quickly apologised, glancing away from him whilst the heat of your cheeks betrayed you. He mumbled something back, which you didn't quite catch, but he didn't seem in any rush to pull away from you or get out of bed.

"How did you sleep?" You whispered, once you got the confidence to.

"Not bad." He drawled back, his voice still groggy. "Bed's too damn small." He muttered, looking down to his feet that hung off the edge of the frame.

You let out a soft laugh, feeling grateful for your short stature - and how he'd sacrificed his comfort for the sake of your own.

"I slept well." You added, so close to the man that your foreheads almost touched. "Better than I have in a long time." You admitted, with a shy smile.

You reached forward only a few inches, closing the gap between the two of you as you placed a dainty kiss to his nose. He scrunched it up in response, forming an expression that made your eyes light up as you laughed.

"Good morning, Daryl." You greeted him, like it was the first time you'd said it.

"Mornin'." He replied, returning your kiss - on the lips this time.

You smiled against him, bringing a hand up to run your fingers through his hair. You moved a stray piece away from his eyes and tucked it behind his ear. It had gotten quite long now, and you couldn't say you minded. You kissed him back with more pressure, slipping your arm around his shoulder to play with the strands at the back of his neck, and tugging at them a little as you did so.

Daryl gripped your waist a bit tighter, his palm against your bare skin where your vest had ridden up. He rubbed circles there with his thumb, and it sent sparks through your body and made your stomach flip. He definitely seemed less shy as he continued to move his lips against yours, more certain of his actions as he used his free hand to caress your cheek and pull you closer to him. You let out a soft moan as he did, running your other palm flat over his chest. His breath was hot on your skin, as you pulled away for a few seconds, but you pressed up against him again and brought him back.

You bit his lower lip softly between your teeth, letting out a quiet whimper as he kissed you like he meant it. You stroked your fingers over his shoulders affectionately, above the material of his shirt, before dropping your hand lower to the hem of it. You slipped your fingers underneath, feeling his warm skin against yours as you slid your hand up his back. He immediately stopped kissing you.

Daryl startled away from you like your fingertips had burnt him, flicking his eyes open as he caught his breath. His sudden movements made you flinch in return, as you wondered whether you had scratched him by accident. He squinted at you, and you couldn't quite read his expression as he tugged the blanket off himself and sat upright on the mattress.

"Daryl, what is it?" You quickly asked, fumbling over your words. He had his back to you as he sat with his legs over the edge of the bunk. "Did I do something wrong?" You questioned him again, voice trembling as you did so.

You crawled over so that you were sitting on your knees behind him, and snaked your arms around his shoulders. You looked over at his face, pressing your warm cheek against his to try and comfort him. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, but he definitely didn't seem like himself, either. You honestly didn't know what you'd done to spook him so badly, and it made an anxious knot form in your stomach as you worried whether you'd upset him - or pushed him too far.

"Daryl-" you started again, softly.

He shook his head, turning to face you. He rested his hand on the back of your head, pulling you into him as he gave you a chaste kiss on the forehead.

"Ya ain't done nothin', Sunshine." He reassured you with a small smile, but it seemed unnatural and almost forced.

You opened your mouth to respond, but he stood up from the bed, making the mattress spring up. You watched as he collected his jacket and slipped his boots on, as you were left unable to form thoughts coherent enough to put into a sentence. All you could do was sit in silence as the man seemed to rush to get dressed. Once he'd finished tying his laces, he looked over at you again, trying to ignore your dejected expression.

"'M gonna go do some huntin'." He told you, but it sounded more like an excuse than a fact. He let his eyes glance over you one last time before making his way to the cell door. "I'll see ya later." The man said, and then he left.

You stayed sat upright on your bed for a few seconds, trying to comprehend what had just happened. You didn't think you'd hurt him, but maybe you'd pushed him further than he was comfortable with. Though, you thought that he'd seemed fine before that. He even kissed you first, and had run his fingers over your hips as he did so.

You couldn't get the look on his face out of your head. In a matter of seconds, he'd gone from holding you like you were the most important thing in the world to him, to practically storming out of the room before you'd had time to blink. Even if he'd tried to convince you otherwise, you still felt like you had done something wrong. Daryl was not fine; you knew him better than that.

A wail sounded outside your cell, echoing loudly and rousing you into action. You quickly pulled on a button-up shirt over the top of your vest and slipped on your boots, trying not to let your mind fill up with questions you couldn't answer. Baby Grimes needed you now, so any thoughts of Daryl Dixon could wait their turn. You pulled open your cell door, listening to it creak as you did so. You quickly jogged down the catwalk and to the stairs as the cries got louder. In the main area, you noticed Carol with the newborn in her arms, cradling her as she wept.

"She definitely has a pair of lungs on her." You noted, as you approached the two of them.

Carol laughed in agreement, and greeted you good morning.

"She also has a good stomach." She responded, rubbing her palm over the baby's back. "Seems like she's always hungry, this one."

She hummed to herself slightly, rocking the newborn back and forth gently to soothe her cries. You came closer to the pair, running your finger over the baby's soft cheek.

"Glenn and Maggie went out a few hours ago to look for more formula." Carol explained, as you just now noticed how quiet it seemed. "At this rate, she'll have gone through everything that Daryl got before we even know it."

You gave a small nod in response, becoming lost in your own thoughts at the mention of the man.

The two of you watched over baby Grimes for a while, taking it in turns to hold her and rock her to sleep. She wasn't a fussy baby, but she definitely craved affection. You could barely put her down in her makeshift crib for a few minutes before she'd start to whimper for someone to pick her up. You sat on one of the staircase steps, gently tapping the baby's back as she rested her head over your shoulder. You stared into space in front of you as you did so, not noticing when Carol called your name for the third time.

Admittedly, you were distracted. For a while now you'd been stuck in your own head, thinking back to the morning that had started off so well but ended so abruptly. As much as you willed them away, you couldn't keep the self-deprecating thoughts at bay forever. You questioned if the man even wanted you at all, or what you had done to make him change his mind so suddenly. Nothing felt worse than having him spend the night with you, only for him to leave so easily come morning.

Carol crouched down in front of you, snapping her fingers close to your face to get your attention. You blinked, quickly realising that she'd been calling you.

"Is anybody home?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow at you.

You quickly apologised, admitting that you were in a world of your own. You shuffled over a bit where you sat, and she took a seat next to you on the step.

"Carol, am I pretty?" You asked, before you even realised that you'd said it out loud.

You regretted the words immediately, shaking your head as you looked over at the woman's confused expression.

"Sorry." You said, brushing it off. "Please forget I said that."

Carol watched as you stroked the top of the baby's head, giving you a side-eye glance that showed she knew more than she let on.

"Is this about Daryl?" She questioned, hitting the nail on the head.

"No." You blurted back defensively, much too obvious. You sighed, meeting her eyes. "Maybe." You admitted.

Carol gave you a knowing smile and took the baby from your arms so that you could have a rest. You rolled your neck and shrugged your shoulders to loosen the stiffness out of them.

"I've known that man almost since this whole thing began." Carol said, glancing over at you. "I don't think you realise how different he is from back then." She explained. "How different he is around you."

You watched the woman swaddle up baby Grimes in the blanket and rest her on her back, over her knees.

"That said, Daryl is still Daryl." Carol added, with a small chuckle. "You were the one who told me that, before."

You nodded, thinking back to those times on the farm where things seemed so much simpler than what they were now. Carol reached out one of her hands and took a hold of your own, giving it a squeeze.

"You're good for him. You probably know him better than any of us by now." She confessed, but you had your doubts. "Just be patient. I'm sure whatever it is will work itself out."

Carol slipped her hand out of yours and stood up, cradling the baby to her chest.

"Thanks, Carol." You replied, wondering what you'd done to deserve such a kind friend.

She winked at you as she walked away, heading in the direction of the courtyard. She stopped after she took a few steps, looking over her shoulder at you.

"And for the record," she called out, eyeing over your dingy clothes and unkempt hair, "you're stunning."

A few hours passed after that with no sign of Daryl. You decided that you wouldn't push him about what had happened when he got back, considering your chat with Carol earlier. Her advice had really struck a chord with you; if you'd learnt anything about Dixon, it was that he was a man who took his time.

Beth had taken over caring for the baby, giving you a break. Rick was still in no state to do so. He'd thanked you briefly sometime before, once he returned from clearing part of the prison interior, covered in blood. Though, other than that, the man had kept himself busy - doing what exactly, you weren't too sure. The others had dug graves for Lori and T-Dog, and you visited them for a while to pay your respects. They were simple, and had makeshift wooden crosses marking them. It reminded you of the ones you'd dug back at the farm, for Dale and Sofia.

It felt so cruel that Lori's baby would have to grow up without a mother. Sure, she had the rest of the group as a sort of adoptive family for her, but nothing could replace someone you loved being gone. You knew that feeling well, thinking back on your own family you'd left behind.

After a while, you returned to C Block, sorting through some of the supplies there and making room for whatever Glenn and Maggie brought back with them. It wasn't long before you heard the familiar clinking of the gate and pairs of footsteps enter the block, so you stopped what you were doing to go and greet whoever it was in the communal area.

You saw Rick and Daryl there, liked you'd expected. What you hadn't expected, however, is for them to have been carrying a woman - each of them with one of her arms slung over their necks as she hobbled inside. The rest of the group must have heard the commotion, as they came out of their cells to see what was going on. The woman was dressed in dark clothes, and had dark skin that was caked with dried blood. Her hair was long, in tight dreadlocks that fell to her shoulders, and was swept back by a cloth headband over her forehead. You noticed the sword strapped over her back, and the bright red shopping basket she clutched in one hand.

Immediately, you rushed over to the men to help, but Daryl shot you a warning glance that told you to stay back from her. You ignored it, pulling out a chair for them to set the woman on. She was limping, and you noticed a wound on her leg as she sat down, like a bullet had shot clean through it. Hershel made his way over on his crutches, but Rick told him not to tend to the woman until we knew who we were dealing with.

You watched as the woman's eyes darted back and forth cautiously, scanning over all of your faces like she didn't trust you, either. Rick wordlessly picked up the shopping basket she'd placed on the floor, lifting it so that it was directly in front of her face. You noticed the familiar boxes of formula inside, next to some blankets and other supplies for the baby.

"Where did you get these?" Rick asked, but it sounded more like a demand.

His eyes were harsh as he stared at the woman, no sympathy for her pain as she bled out onto the chair. She had fabric tied tightly around her thigh as a makeshift tourniquet, but you knew she needed medical attention. You flickered your gaze over to Rick nervously, but he didn't look away from the woman.

She didn't respond. Instead, she stayed silent, meeting his eyes like she wasn't at all afraid of the officer. The tension hung thick in the air as the two exchanged looks, but after a few seconds Rick approached her. He raised an eyebrow to prompt for an answer again, but she didn't give one. So, the man pressed his knuckles heavily down onto her leg, deep into her wound.

The woman let out a shriek as he did so, flinching away to reach for her sword, which Daryl had confiscated.

"Stop! You're hurting her!" You quickly cried, yelling at Rick.

You moved forward to push him away, but was intercepted by Daryl, who pulled back your shoulder and tried to hold you against him. You shrugged him off, sending a glare towards him. You didn't understand why he was trying to stop you; that woman didn't deserve to be tortured. He gave you an understanding look, before shaking his head softly. You stood down.

"I won't ask again." Rick said, his voice low and intimidating as he got up in the woman's face, only inches away from her. She didn't blink as he looked down at her, but decided to reply this time.

"They dropped them." She spoke, her voice clear and strong.

Daryl tensed beside you. "Who?" He asked, and the woman glanced in your direction.

"The Asian boy and the pretty girl." She explained, meeting your eyes. "They were taken." She repeated.

You felt your stomach drop at her words, instantly knowing who she meant. You saw Hershel flinch across the room, as though he'd been physically assaulted by what she'd said.

"Taken?" Rick raised his voice, as if checking for sure that he'd heard her correctly.

The woman nodded, looking down at her thigh where the blood pooled out from the wound.

"By the same asshole who shot me." She spat. "He works for the governor."

Daryl scoffed next to you, raising an eyebrow like he didn't at all believe the woman. "The governor?" He repeated, his voice gravelly. "Ya serious?"

She sighed and looked at him as she went on. "There's a settlement called Woodberry." She said, spitting out the last word like she couldn't stand to say it. "It's a whole town. I left and it seems like they didn't want me to." She continued, sending a side-eye glance to Rick as she did so.

The officer looked back down at the basket on the floor, then at Beth who held his baby girl in her arms and rocked her occasionally so that she kept quiet. Rick stepped back from the woman, giving her some space. He ran one of his hands through his hair and glanced around the room, as if deliberating what to do next.

"How'd you find us?" He eventually asked, his tone still cold and untrusting.

"Heard your people talking about a prison, not five miles away." The woman replied. "I'd seen it sometime before."

She looked down towards her feet, where the basket was left discarded on the floor, and picked up one of the formula boxes from it. She then lifted her hand to hold it out to the officer, who looked at it skeptically.

"I thought the baby would need these."

You returned to your cell immediately as Rick let Hershel tend to the woman's injuries. When he was finished, she would lead some of your group into Woodberry to rescue Glenn and Maggie - since she knew the area and its defences better than you did. She said her name was Michonne, once you had asked her, and had told the group that she'd gone to Woodberry in the first place with her friend.

You wasted no time packing your things. You'd stalked back to your cell when the plan was being decided and retrieved your gun, filling your satchel with ammo and stuffing your knife into it. You flitted around the small room, wondering if you'd need anything else before you left. Suddenly, you heard someone clear their throat behind you, and whipped around to see Daryl there.

He was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest like he'd been watching you for a while. He had his crossbow slung over his back, having not taken it off since coming back from his hunt, and he'd slipped on his leather vest, too. You raised an eyebrow at him, still feeling a little tense from earlier. He stayed next to the doorframe, as though unsure whether or not to walk in. You would have laughed at the irony of it, given that he'd spent the night with you in this room, but you didn't feel like the mood was right to do so.

You nodded your head, beckoning him inside. You could tell that he wanted to talk to you, since he had that expression on his face that told you he needed help putting his own thoughts into words. He took unsteady steps inside, standing over you as you crouched down to tighten the laces of your boots and double knot them. Once you were finished, you walked over to your bunk and took a seat on the mattress, patting the space next to you to offer him a seat. He took it, and you felt the bed sink down as he settled in next to you.

You noticed as the man bit his lip, seeming unsure of himself, so you took one of his hands in yours and let them rest intertwined over his thigh. Daryl turned to look at you, and you felt his calloused thumb rub over the back of your hand gently. His eyes scanned over your face, as if trying to take you in, before he gathered the confidence to speak.

"Ya ain't goin'." He drawled calmly, but his expression betrayed him.

He looked like he was preparing for your inevitable reaction, but still frowned a little when you pulled your hand out from under his.

"You can't stop me, Daryl." You shot back quickly, furrowing your eyebrows at him. "My family has been taken!"

Your voice rose a little, and you saw him glance towards the cell door. He looked down at his open palm, now resting alone on top of his jeans.

"An' we'll get 'em back." He said clearly. "I will."

He met your eyes and you saw the sincerity in his. He looked at you like he was ready to turn against the whole world if you so much as asked him to. You thought that he was asking you for your permission, as he sat there awaiting a response.

You denied him. Shaking your head, you heard your voice crack as you pleaded with the man. "Let me help." You spoke, just above a whisper. "I'm a good shot now, you know I am."

Daryl's resolve didn't crumble, even as you begged him to let it. He slowly lifted the strap of your satchel from your chest and threaded it off your shoulder, so that you no longer wore it.

"Takes more than bein' a good shot to kill someone, Teach." He replied, his words coming out strained. "Saw what it did to ya the last time."

And suddenly, it made sense. He'd been the one to place that flannel shirt over your shoulders that night, and wipe away the blood from your face. He'd been the one to take a hold of your trembling hands in his and let you rest a head atop of his shoulder. He'd also been the one to hear you cry in your sleep or bolt awake at early hours in the morning. He shook his head again, and this time you understood why.

You reached for his palm again, suddenly feeling guilty for ever letting it go. "This is different." You tried to reason, but you weren't sure of who you were trying to convince. "I've changed since then."

You had; it wasn't a lie. You'd all had to change in one way or another. Yet, the way Daryl watched you as spoke made you second guess whether you really were all that different from the time you first reached for his hand that day.

"Nah ya ain't." He answered, certain of that over everything else. "An' I wouldn't want ya to."

The man gave your palm a light squeeze and brought you into his chest gently by the back of your head. No matter how much you tried, you still couldn't get used to the physical affection - feeling your breath catch whenever the man touched you.

You reached your hands so that they were up flat against his chest, where you liked to rest them, and buried your face into the crook of his neck. You breathed deeply there, taking him in and not wanting to let go.

"I'll get 'em back." He said lowly, and you could feel the words rumble through his throat. "I promise."

He pulled away after a few seconds, holding you by your shoulders so that you met his eyes.

"I jus' need ya to stay here." He asked, but you didn't think he'd even be able to leave if you followed. "One of us needs to look after lil' Ass Kicker, remember?"

You gave him a small smile, the first in a while, and lifted his hand so that you could place a kiss on his knuckles.

"I remember."

The two of you walked together to the gates of the prison to meet the rest of the group. Rick had decided that him, Daryl, Oscar and Michonne would be the ones to go. Carl stood near the fences, ready to open the gate for them to leave. They all clambered into one of the cars, and Daryl let go of your hand to do the same.

"You better come home to me, Dixon." You told him, your voice stumbling over the words.

He nodded, and readjusted the strap of his crossbow over his chest.

"I will." He said, and you took it as the truth.

The car engine spluttered, before it rumbled to life. You watched as Carl heaved open the gate and rolled it back closed as they all left through it. Together, the two of you watched the old police vehicle disappear into the distance on that dirt road, before you gave Carl's shoulder a nudge and flicked the rim of his hat with your knuckle.

He offered you a grin that made you feel slightly better, before he started walking back to the prison.

"C'mon, let's go check on Judith." He called, looking back over his shoulder at you.

"Judith?" You asked, jogging over to catch up with him.

Carl nodded. "My little sister."

You sat on the boxes you'd stacked on top of each other to form a makeshift stool, and cleaned your gun. They watched you do it, as you had intended. Each click rang out loudly and echoed against the thick stone walls of the prison as you loaded the magazine. You could feel their eyes on you, through the bars of the gate that separated you. When you were finished, you placed the gun back in your holster and looked up from your hands to meet their eyes.

Carl stood next to you, keeping watch as well. He thumbed over the ring of keys he kept on his belt, as if taunting them. You knew it was all an act; this was all the two of you could do. Ever since Carl had found the group, you'd been on edge. He'd locked you all in the sleeping area of C Block, by your cells, whilst the newcomers were restricted to the communal area where you usually ate. There were three men and a woman now, but there had been another before.

They'd pleaded with you to let them in and trust them, but you'd just told them to wait until your leader returned. You weren't sure what Rick would say about it, but you and Carl had made the decision to save them. You couldn't stand by and let people die, but at the same time you had Judith and the rest of the group to protect. You couldn't afford to take any chances these days.

It had been hours since the others left. You'd expected them to be back by now. You did everything you could to distract yourself, but eventually you had run out of options. Carol had caught you pacing back and forth your cell and suggested that you go take watch with Carl - so you did. Though, you weren't sure whether it was the best decision. You wondered if the other group could sense your nerves, or make out the way your hands shook slightly as you fumbled with your pistol.

Beth was looking after Judith, out of the eyesight of the gate. You didn't want the newcomers to see her yet - at least not until Rick came back. Though, a cry suddenly sounded and you realised that you had no other choice. Beth came out of her cell with an apologetic look, and smiled at you sheepishly. You shook your head at her and gave her a soft look, telling her that it was okay, before taking the wailing baby into your arms.

You pressed her against your chest and bounced her up and down slightly as you walked. Carl unlocked the gate separating you from the others, and gave them a warning look as he made his way through to gather some formula. You followed him cautiously, taking small steps as you felt their eyes on you. Judith whimpered into your neck as you tried to shield her face. Her brother retrieved the bottle quickly, and started making it up for her.

"I never thought I'd see a baby again." One of the men spoke, startling you slightly.

He had a warm look in his eyes as he said it, glancing over at Judith like she was the last thing he expected to see. You nodded politely in return, rubbing your hand over the newborn's back to soothe her.

"Is she yours?" The woman asked.

She was the man's sister, if you remembered correctly. You shook your head this time, but didn't elaborate.

Carl finished making the bottle and asked if he could feed her, so you let him. You set him up on one of the chairs and positioned his arms correctly before placing Judith into them. She'd stopped wailing some time before, and now just let out the occasional soft whimper. The other group watched the scene in silence, as Carl started to feed his sister. You looked over at the siblings warmly, and couldn't help but think that Lori would be proud.

That tranquil peace didn't last long, as their father soon burst into C Block without you even hearing a car pull up outside. From the looks of Rick, it didn't seem like they'd had an easy time at Woodberry. His shirt was slightly torn and stuck to his chest, and his eyes immediately narrowed at the strange faces sitting close by you. You stood up quickly to greet him, as Michonne walked through the entrance followed by Maggie and Glenn.

Your heart sunk as you looked at the two of them. Maggie had one of Glenn's arms around her shoulder for support, as he stumbled inside. His face with a mix of blues and purples, standing out starkly against his sickly pale face, and his one eye was so puffed that it had become swollen shut. He had dried blood smeared around his face, too, and Maggie looked as though she'd had to witness it all happen.

Immediately, you ran over to them and pulled them both into a hug. You tried your best not to hurt the pair, but in that moment you were just utterly glad they were safe. Injuries could heal, but death was permanent. You wanted to cry as you held them in your arms, but all you felt was a deep anger bubble up inside you as you got a closer look at them. Whoever did this definitely hadn't pulled their punches. You had to question what monster would do this to people whose only crime was gathering baby supplies. No one deserved this.

You pulled away, stroking the back of Maggie's hair under your palm as you did so. She gave you a watery smile, and you turned around to thank Rick and Daryl for getting them back safely, as they had promised. Yet, Daryl wasn't there.

You quickly whipped your head around to the other side, wondering if you'd missed him come in. Though, the only other person who stood there was Michonne. Oscar was missing, too. You quickly looked over at Rick, but you couldn't have braced yourself for his expression. He looked guilt-stricken, as he watched your face fall. And suddenly, you became aware of the silence.

"Where?" You asked, choking out the single word like it was all you could manage.

Rick stayed quiet for a few seconds, which felt like a lifetime as your heart beat wildly in your chest. You felt sick.

"Is he alive." You questioned, just above a whisper.

Rick nodded at that, but you still didn't feel any sense of relief overcome you.

"Then, where?" You repeated.

The man stepped forward, pulling something out from his back jean pocket. As he approached, he handed you a scrap of loose paper. It was a bit tattered, like it had been ripped from something larger, and had some bloody fingerprints pressed on the edges that hadn't completely dried yet. You brought it closer to your face with trembling hands, making out the messy handwriting scrawled over the top of it:

'Sunshine,

I'll be back. WAIT FOR ME.

Dixon.'

A/N Here it is everyone. From angsty kissing to Teach having a heart attack thinking that Daryl could be dead. Also, did I hear someone say *Merle* - because I am SO EXCITED to write him.

Send me a message if you want to be included in the taglist for chapters!

Tag List:

@xxboesefrauxx @youhavemyfantasticbeasts @teel-dinosaur @greenbeansarelit @bunnymother93 @alularae3 @death-becomes-her @royaleclown @alex-sulli @julesmalek @fuseburner @riverscyberwife

[thewalkingdead-imagines]

TWD - Negan Imagine ~ “Ups and Downs”

Imagine about the events between the finale of Season 10 and the premiere of Season 11

Summary: Negan distracts the Reader his way after she has a run-in with Maggie, and a trip outside the walls with Daryl reveals pieces of his past in the woods that were unknown to the Reader until now...

Warning: Smut (oral sex, penetration,...you know the drill)

“Fresh start, fresh cut”, Negan said, a wide toothy grin painted on his face as he plopped onto the chair in front of you and swung a small red towel around his shoulders. It was early in the morning, the sun was just strong enough to shine softly into the bathroom and you were just awake enough to agree to Negan’s little morning plan. Mostly, thanks to the steaming cup of coffee that you’d downed earlier. ”How short?” “Just a bit”, he said, running one hand through his damp dark hair as he looked through the mirror up at you while his grin turned mischievous,”Enough for you to still get a nice grip on ‘em”, “Okay, I can do that”, you chuckled, watching as Negan winked at you as you moved in to grab the comb and scissors from the counter before you moved back behind him and started to brush through his hair. “And just the top, wanna let it all grow out a little more evenly I think”, he said, tilting his head from side to side as he glimpsed at himself in the mirror while you gave him a quick nod, though moving in with a small laugh to finally hold his head still. “Mhmm now you gotta stop moving though or I’ll accidentally turn you into Van Gogh”, you chuckled, your hands still placed on the sides of his head as you watched him nod. “Yes Ma’am”, he snickered, sitting himself straight up while you adjusted the towel around his shoulders before you moved back in to brush through his hair and start cutting. ”This is my first hair cut outside of that cell”, Negan mumbled after a few moments, as the first short patches of cut hair laid in a circle around the chair on the bathroom floor. You glimpsed up from his hair to look at him through the mirror and see the small smile that was laying on his lips, relieved and content. ”First of many”, you said, mirroring his smile as you teased your fingertips through his hair, leaning in to press a kiss on the top of his head before you went back to work, though not without stealing a look at that smile that stayed stuck on his lips.

“Damn I look fresh”, Negan mumbled a small while later as he ran his hand through his freshly finished hair cut and grinned through the mirror up at you. “You sure do”, you chuckled, moving your hands down to take the towel off his shoulders to get rid of the cut hair before you rested your palms onto his warm skin. “Thanks Baby”, Negan mumbled, moving in to grab your arm softly to pull you in and press a kiss over your lips. You hummed against him before you slowly pulled yourself from him and ran your other hand over his back, smiling as his eyes fell shut and a small groan fell from his lips. “Oh that’s good”, he mumbled, his lips curling softly up as he leaned into your touch and the circling movements of your palm,”Don’t stop.” ”Sure thing”, you laughed quietly, continuing your movements as Negan dropped his head slightly and breathed deeply through. “Fuckin’ work is biting my ass...and that night on that thin ass mattress wasn’t nice to my back either”, he mumbled as you moved your other hand down his back as well and grinned to yourself while Negan slumped a little deeper into the chair, trying to get as much as he could out of your small massage,”Better than that shit in the skin freak camp but still-“ “Mhm my back isn’t thanking me either”, you said, thinking back to the night in the cabin that laid nearly a week back by now, but still had its effects on your body here and there. With a small sigh, you ran your hands up to his shoulders to work your thumbs on his tensed muscles while another groan left his lips before a small, rough laugh rumbled up his throat. “Fuck, we’re gettin’ old.” “Nah”, you said, shaking your head with a gleeful grin as you leaned a little down next to him to level with his ear,”Wanna loosely quote Judith there, you’re old, I’m still young.” Negan’s head nearly shot up as soon as your voice hushed, an offended yet playful look on his face as he shook his head. “Now that ain’t fair”, he laughed while a snicker fell from your lips as straightened your back again and continued the movements of your fingers over his warm skin,”She was out for blood with me that day.” ”Mhmm”, you only grumbled, grinning as you glanced at him through the mirror and heard as another small groan fell from his lips, before a shit-eating grin started to form back on his lips. “Your young ass is still head over heels in love with my old one so I think I’m winning here.” “Now that’s a killer argument”, you sighed, snickering as you gave his shoulders one last playful squeeze before you leaned in to nuzzle your nose into his stubbly cheek to press a soft kiss against his jaw,”And I do love that salt ‘n pepper beard, glad you didn’t decide to cut it off too.” “Oh I know”, Negan chuckled as you leaned back to allow him to stand up from his seat and turn back around to you with a wink and an even wider grin,”Turns your pussy into a slip ‘n slide real quick.” ”Can’t argue that”, you laughed as Negan pulled you against his chest and pressed a sloppy kiss against your temple before grinned down at you. “Good”, he mumbled with a small chuckle before he nodded towards the bathtub, “I think we’re really gonna have to jump in there tonight. My back’s gonna love it, my dick too.” “Oh yeah I know”, you laughed, playfully nudging his shoulder, “You’re right though, nice warm bath sounds pretty good.”

It didn’t only sound good, the anticipation about a soothing, warm bad at the end of the day was enough to stay stuck in your head during your shift, whirling here and there during your mind when you could catch a break. The infirmary wasn’t full, quite the opposite actually, which meant that you were the only one taking a shift at this time while the other usual infirmary workers helped fixing Alexandria outside by the walls or the damaged houses. So even though the beds weren’t full, as the only person working, you still had quite a bit to do. Glancing at the clock, you let out a relieved sigh, realizing that you merely had a little while left of your shift before Steve would take over and you’d join Negan to help him with the wooden house by the walls. Looking down in the open drawer in front of you, you looked through the meds in there, running one hand over them while the other checked their availability on a list on the counter. While the food was growing lower, and the rest of Alexandria still looked eagerly forward to Gabriel and Aaron’s return, the meds including self made salves and tinctures were at least mostly filled up again. “Can you help me?”, a child’s voice asked, directing your glance towards the entrance and the very moment your eyes fell on the figure by the door, your blood froze. Hershel fumbled on his base cap as he looked reluctantly at you, while your eyes fell on the bloody crape wound on his knee. “I fell, and I-”, he started cut off by his own wince as he moved his knee to  stepped inside. “Yes, he’s of course”, you said with a nod, even though your body still stayed in some type of shock for another moment. Your eyes flickered nervously to the clock, realizing that Steve wouldn’t get here soon enough to take over for you and treat him instead. You had to do this, there was no way past it, the boy was visibly hurting and it was your job to take care of him, no matter who he was or how tricky this situation was. You just hoped that this wouldn’t get you in any trouble, or kick something off. “Can you walk over here to this cot?”, you asked him with a smile, trying to hide your nervousness while your eyes ran over his face and his eyes that looked reluctantly at you. For a moment, you asked yourself whether he knew who you were, but as he nodded and started to stroll carefully over to the cot, it seemed like he didn’t. Maybe she’d told him to stay away from you that had elicited this reluctancy, but after asking you for help and walking in here after all, you couldn’t imagine that he’d do so if he knew which exact role you played in his mother’s life. “Alrighty, so we gotta clean your wound first”, you said as he settled onto the cot, while you grabbed your supplies and gave him another smile, simply trying to handle it as if this was any other kid that had walked in here in the past. This was hard, but you were his doctor right now, nothing else, and you were gonna try your best to handle the situation as such. “Okay”, he nodded, shifting slightly on the cot as you laid the utensils next to him and pulled a chair close to sit down on it and get a good look at his wound. It luckily wasn’t deep, really just a scrape wound that would heal soon, but it still visibly hurt him.   “Can you tell me how this happened?”, you asked, mostly to try and lighten the atmosphere a little as you gave him another small smile. “We were playing catch and I stumbled...and then I fell on the road”, he said, looking down at his knee while you gave him a small nod. “Okay, gonna fix you up and you’ll be up and running in no time”,you said, reaching out for the disinfection bottle beside him and glanced back up at him, “Now I got this awesome liquid here that helps me get all the dirt out of there but the little catch is that it’s gonna burn a little. So if you like, you can grab on this towel here until I’m done.” “Okay”, he nodded, visibly starting to relax as he smiled slightly and shifted a little over the cot as you bedewed some cloth with some of the liquid and looked once more at him. ”Ready?” “Ready!” “Okay here we go”, you said, smiling right back at him as you started to dab the cloth over his wound, feeling him flinch at first before his body relaxed again as you proceeded to clean his wound. “You’re being very brave right now, y’know that?”, you said, glimpsing up at him as you finished cleaning his wound, watching how a proud look grew over his face, and oddly enough, exactly this look made him resemble Glenn more than he already did. Your heart sank for a moment before you snapped yourself back into reality again and put on another smile as you pulled the cloth from his cleaned wound. “Aaand we’re done”, you said with a soft chuckle,  ,”Now I’m just gonna get some salve on here that’s gonna soothe your skin a little and then we’re gonna put a bandaid on. Sounds good?” “Yeah, sounds good”, he nodded, as you started to apply a thin sheet of salve over his wound before you moved up and over to the counter to crab a patch of colorful bandaids that you kept reserved for the kids. “Wounds suck but there’s one cool part”, you said as you turned back around and strolled back towards him,”You get to choose your bandaid.” Plopping down onto the chair as you held the bandaids out for him to see“So which one’s your favorite?” “Hmm”, he pondered for a moment, his eyes wandering over them until he pointed one out,“This one, the bear.” “Great choice”,you said, taking the bandaid off the patch before you freed it from its packaging and carefully put it over his wound,”And there we go.” “Thank you”, he said with a smile, hopping down the cot. “You’re welcome”, you said, just as you heard fast footsteps coming up the porch steps that slowed down as soon as a voice echoed through to you that made a cold shudder run down your back. “Hershel?”, Maggie called out just before she looked inside the infirmary and caught her son standing next to you. From one moment to another, her glance turned from worried to stone cold as her eyes narrowed and she pointed motioned at Hershel,”Honey, go outside.” The boy only nodded as he strolled out of the house and hopped down the stairs as much as he could while Maggie’s eyes watched him walk away, and in the very moment she could tell that he was out of earshot, her eyes shot back at you. And if looks could kill, hell you’d be stonedead. “You have no business talking to him”, she snapped as she stomped towards you, her deadly stare not budging once as you tried your very best to stay calm. “I was just doing my job”, you said, gulping thickly as her eyes only filled with more fury. “Your job would’ve been to call for someone else so they could treat him, not you”, she snapped as her anger filled eyes bored through you like daggers. “I’m the only one who’s in here right now, if someone else had their shift right now I would’ve called them”, you said, calm compared to her but still firm and without the intention to back down just the tiniest bit. You could understand that she was mad, but you weren’t going to let her push you around. ”He came in here with a graze and he was bleeding a little so I didn’t wanna keep him waiting while I go out and search for someone else. He was hurting a bit so didn’t wanna make this situation awkward on top of it” “Awkward?”, she asked, a bitter laugh falling from her lips as her eyes filled visibly with more anger,”You’re the wife of his father’s killer-” “He doesn’t know who I am”, you cut her off, gulping thickly as you held her glance,”I guess you told him to stay away from me but he doesn’t know who exactly I am. I didn’t tell him either. I wasn’t Negan’s wife in here, I was just his doctor, no one else.” For a moment she just stared at you, with nothing but disgust and fury written over her face as you shook your head and let out a sigh, trying to keep your cool. “Maggie, I wasn’t trying to start anything. I was treating him like I treat every other kid that comes in here with a wound.” She glared at you, her face scrunching in disgust as she stared up and down at you before she stepped closer. “You should be ashamed”, she snapped, visibly trying to egg you on, “My father-...my father would be so disgusted of who you’ve become.” Your heart sank and a dull pain spread through your body, keeping you stuck in shock for a moment. Hershel had been one of the important figures for you during the early time of the apocalypse, had been the first to teach you how to practice medicine and make you feel a little bit safer and grounded in this mess of a world, and hearing her say this felt painful, even though you knew that it was a lie. He wouldn’t think like that about you, that wasn’t the type of person he’d been, and she knew that. After all these years, you had enough experience to see right through her and know that she was only trying to hurt you, and you wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. She’d taken a step too far, and now you weren’t gonna stay calm and understanding anymore, if she wanted to play dirty, you were gonna play dirty as well. “No”, you finally said, starting to shake your head as you cooly looked at her,”No he wouldn’t...but I think he would be disappointed about you right now.” Her eyes widened, visibly taken aback by what you just said and there was no hiding that she was startled by not only your reaction that was far from what she seemed to have expected but also the harshness of your words. She’d wanted you to tear up and back down, and you were giving her the entire opposite. “I’ve had people try to provoke me and beat me down for years. This thing that you’re trying to do here right now doesn’t work on me anymore”, you said, staring down at her as her mine hardened again,”You can hate me. You can hate Negan. You have every right to, but you don’t get to pull this shit...I was just doing my job right now, the same damn job I’ve done for years. Your son was my patient and I was his doctor, nothing more, nothing less.” She let out a disbelieving breath, shaking her head while you could feel yourself growing more restless. This tension had been going on for too long, the odd glances of her and her people, the events that had happened ever since she came back and the suspense that had built up wanted to get out. ”Negan and I have kept our distance since you’ve come back and we’ll keep on doing so, we’re not looking for a fight”, you said, trying to keep your voice under control while her arrogant and still angry look only made you keep going,”But Alexandria is our home, and it has been our home far longer than it has been yours, and you need to hear this because no one else will say it to your face. So you don’t get to come here and attack me for doing my job and you don’t get to try and make this community hostile towards either me or Negan, not after all this time and everything that has happened since the war.” You took a breath, doing your best to calm yourself down before you made sure to hold her glance as you raised your voice again. “Avoid us, hate us, you can all do that I would never tell you to forgive either one of us, but you have to accept that we’re part of this place and you don’t get to call the shots around here.” “Are you done?”, she just asked as she stared at you, with a harsh and cold look even though you could tell that behind that there was something stiring behind that icy facade. “Yes”, you said, just as firm and harsh as she’d just been,”If his wound bugs him, come back with him tomorrow morning, my shift doesn’t start till afternoon.” And with that, you turned away from her, leaving her standing in the middle of the room as you got back to the work that you’d done before this whole thing had even started, and listened to her heavy and fast footsteps as she stormed out of the infirmary. A thick sigh left your lips as soon as she was indefinitely gone and you truly started to realize what had just happened. While a part of you hopped that this wouldn’t bear any consequences, the rest of you knew that this clash had to happen early or later, and today, had simply been the day for it to occur. At least you were alone in here, at least you were at a place where you felt comfortable and didn’t have to deal with another audience. Another look at the clock told you that it was time to finally wrap things up here, and you while you truly didn’t want to meet Maggie again outside, you also just wanted to get out, take a deep breath of fresh air and get yourself to Negan.

And you did just that after you finished the checklist and wrote Steve a quick note about the inventory and anything else he needed to know before he looked at the patients in the rooms, and finally got yourself outside. Breathing thoroughly through you stepped onto the street, quickly looking around only to be relieved as you couldn’t see Maggie anywhere close. You saw someone else though as you started to make your way down the road, a worried looking Lydia who walked towards you with a quick jog. “Hey, you okay?”, she asked, as she reached you and glanced up at you as she strolled down the street by your side. “Saw Hershel go into the infirmary and then Maggie, I-”, she said, stopping as she thickly gulped,”Didn’t know you were in there at the time. She looked pissed.” “I’m good, no worries”, you said, giving her a small smile before a soft sigh fell from your lips,”Had a bit of a run-in, it’s shit but I knew it was gonna happen earlier or later. So I rather had it in there on my own where I’ve got some high ground, instead of on the streets here where everyone’s watching.” You watched her nod as you moved into the next street closer towards the wooden houses and those who were building them back up. “And you?”,you asked, glancing over at her,”Are you okay?” “Yeah”, she nodded, though you could tell by the tension that laid over her that this wasn’t the whole story,”Just a bit worried...foods getting lower.” You agreed with her on that more than you liked to admit, you were starting to get a bit worried too, though you kept trying to tell yourself that things would get better as soon as the supplies from the run would arrive. You needed it to get better. The outcome of this run would basically decide whether you and Negan deemed it safe enough to start trying, and you truly hoped that you didn’t have to postpone your future plans even more than you already had to in the past. “Yeah, I hope Gabriel and Aaron come back soon”,you said, sighing as you tried to keep the hope within you alive and soothe your worries,”We’ve had this before, a few times actually, so I’m just hoping that this low tide will pass like the ones before.” “Me too”, Lydia nodded, while you tried to shake some of the tension off and search for something that would lighten both of your moods a little, and it took just a moment until you’d found it. “Y’know, just because we cant make a big dinner like I hoped, you can still come by our house whenever you like”,you said as you walked past the first wood houses and shot her a smile,”I’ve been meaning to tell you this. When you’re in the mood for some company and weird Negan jokes, our home is the right address.” She let out a small laugh as you cracked a grin at her, before you gave her arm a small, soft nudge. “I mean it though”, you said, sure to keep her focus on you for a moment so she knew that you were being serious. “i know”, she said, nodding as a genuine smile drew over her lips,”Thanks.” You mirrored her smile as you strolled a little further along the houses, before she stopped at a particularly busy one. “Well, this is my spot.” “Alright, well then I’ll see you around”, you said smiling at Lydia just as you heard another familiar voice sounding through to you. “Hey”, Daryl nearly called out as he stepped outside the house and made his way towards you,”How ‘bout we make that trip outside tomorrow? Gotta check some traps anyway.” “Works for me”, you said, nodding happily as he stepped a little closer. Those kind of news were the ones that you needed after that incidence earlier, and you could feel yourself growing warm and joyful that the idea that Daryl had thrown at you after you’d come back was actually being turned into reality. “Y’know, maybe I can find some roots or something to cook”, you said with a soft shrug of your shoulders as you watched him nod while Lydia waved once more at you before she disappeared in the wooden house. “Yeah”, he nodded, stepping a little closer to move out of a way of two former Hilltoppers who headed out of the house,”Gonna be by your house at 6.” Fuck that was early. “That alright?”, Daryl asked, raising his brows slight underneath the brunette strands of hair that hung into his face. “Yeah”,you said, nodding as you let out a small chuckle,”I was just hoping for a little later.” “I know”, he said, as he cracked a small grin, before he started to make his way back inside, “Well then I’ll see ya tomorrow.” “Right, see you tomorrow”, you said before you finally made your way further down the street and reached your last destination of your work day, that allowed you to work alongside with Negan, though not before you’d told him about the events of the last hour. His brows were tightly knit as the words just flew out of your mouth, describing your fight from beginning to end, while he listened carefully to every word until you finished. “But you’re okay?”, Negan asked, cupping the side of your face with his hand to make sure that you were looking at him. “Yeah”, you nodded, giving him a soft mine that allowed Negan’s tense face to relax. He started to grin back at you, and leaned in to press a quick peck over your lips. “Y’know, this just sucks fuckin’ ass but maybe we gotta see the upside of this...it’s just another reason to jump into that bathtub tonight”, he chuckled, giving you a small wink as his thumb stroked over your cheek. ,”Get all nice and relaxed, and stop thinking ‘bout that Maggie run-in and the fact that you gotta get up before the asscrack of dawn tomorrow.” “Ugh”, you groaned, giving his shoulder a playful shove while another chuckle fell from his lips. “For real though”, he said, leaning a little in as he dropped his hand from your face,”Gonna make sure to distract ya and make you all nice ‘n comfy tonight.” “Now that sounds pretty good”, you said, grinning at him as you could already feel yourself yearning for the time to past faster, “Can’t wait.”

Eventually, the eagerly awaited end of your work day set in, and allowed yourself to find yourself sliding into the bathtub that was filled with foam crowned hot water, that released a sweet but subtle steam that filled the room. You hummed softly as you felt the warmth engulfing you, while you waited for Negan to join you. He’d made this evening already comfortable and cozy for you until now, with a nicely cooked dinner with the rest of your supplies before he’d cuddled up with you on the couch to watch a trashy but lighthearted and fun show that distracted you a little from the the events of the day. “And I’m back! Got something else for us”, Negan chuckled as he made his way back into the bathroom, merely a white towel slung around his hips while he carried two glasses that he raised up for you to see, “Lemonade!” “Oh that was a good idea”, you chuckled as you sat yourself a little more up in the tub, watching as Negan sat the glasses onto the little tray besides the bathtub before he strolled over to the door once more to shut it. “Right? A damn good idea”, he grinned as he moved back to you and started to loosen the towel, before it dropped from his hips and he tossed it over to the counters. “Like the view?”, he grinned as he stepped into the other side of tub, winking at you as you snickered softly. “Like is an understatement”, you said, shooting a grin right back at him as he let himself slide with a groan into the hot water, trying to shift his long legs to avoid entangling them with yours. He settled them between the side of the tubs and your legs, adjusting them a little even though he visibly struggled. “One bad move and I got your foot in my face”, you laughed, quickly gaining Negan’s attention again. “Well then let’s do this”, he said, still smirking as he grabbed your ankles instead of dealing with his own legs some more and brought them to his chest, so he could give himself a bit more space. “Oh wow, okay”, you laughed, as Negan shook his head, still adjusting your legs. “Just wait”, he said, winking over at you as he settled your heels against his chest and ran his hands along your calves, caressing over your skin with his rough hands as he watched you starting to relax again,”See, this is good, right?” “Hmm yeah”, you answered, humming softly as his fingertips caressed over your wet skin while you sunk a little deeper into the hot water and glimpsed over at Negan. His eyes were focused on you, a loving glance stuck within them while a small smile curled the edges of his lips slightly up. “I love you, so fucking much...seriously, I’m the luckiest bastard ever to have you by my side”, he rumbled, continuing his movements over your skin while a smile grew over your lips and your body warmed up from within, “Just...hell, I wanted you to hear that again after that shit today...like fuck, I love the shit outta you, Sweetheart...you have no idea how head over heels I am for you.” “I think I do. You’re pretty damn good at showing me, not just tonight, always”, you smiled back at him, reaching out to give his leg a soft caress as you could tell that there was some guilt stuck in him about what had happened, even though it shouldn’t, “I love you too, so very much.” A smile grew over Negan’s lips too, small at first before it got wider as he cleared his throat slightly and let go of your legs to stretch out his hand towards you. “C’mere”, he said, nodding towards him, enough for you to carefully adjust yourself and your legs before taking his hand that helped you turn around, slide closer to him and eventually settle you against his warm, wet chest. “Oh this is even better”, you heard him say, wrapping his arms around you as he dropped his head into the curve of your neck and breathed contently out. Humming, you leaned your head against his, closing your eyes as Negan scrapped his salt and pepper stubble over your warm skin and placed small kisses along your neck. His touches and caresses along with the water’s soothing warmth felt pleasant and relaxing, so much that you wished you could just dwell for days within this moment without leaving it. Just here, in Negan’s arms, pampered by his touches and kisses, within the water that felt like a comforting blanket that hugged each inch of your body. You relished in the warmth and these feelings until the water started to grow cold and the lemonade glasses were empty, and the both of you decided to throw on your bathrobes and continue the night in your comfy bed. The mattress sunk a little below you as you felt Negan settling above you, peppering kisses along your jaw and neck as his hands wandered underneath your robe, stroking over the side of your waist until he reached that ticklish spot of yours that he liked a little too much. “I thought we were making out. What’s this turning into?”,you chuckled, feeling Negan’s fingers hovering over your skin as he shot you a mischievous but goofy grin and you knew what he was about to start,“Don’t!” He didn’t listen, of course, and just a second later you squirmed and let out a laugh as his fingers teased over your ticklish skin, and a wide grin grew over his face. “You asshole”, you laughed, trying to reach out to him to give him a soft shove but before you could touch him, another small attack of his made you laugh and squirm underneath him,”That’s not fair.” “It’s not supposed to be fair”, he laughed, winking at you as he leaned in to go for another attack just as he flinched, groaning deeply as he reached for his back. “Ah fuck”,he cursed, sitting back down onto the back as he ran his hand over the side of his robe covered back,”Damn work’s starting to fuck with my back, shit.” “That’s instant karma”, you said, giving him a grin that he quickly mirrored before you sat up as well and nodded towards the pillows. “C’mon, lay down”,you said, shifting a little back to make some more space as you patted the sheets,”Gonna give you a bit more of an extensive version of the massage I gave you after that haircut. You work your ass off outside...your muscles need it.” “Nah, I wanted to make this night about you”, he said, shaking his head as you let out a small sigh and leaned over to him, propping yourself on your hands to get close enough and press a kiss over his lips. “And you have, now it’s your turn”,you mumbled against his lips backing away just enough to look and grin at him,”Plus, a massage for you means I get to have my hands all over you which sounds pretty damn awesome to me.” “Alrighty”, he said after another moment before he started to pull his bathrobe off his body and threw it over to the leather couch by the windows, and grinned at you as soon as he caught you glancing at his body. “You sure you wanna give me that massage or do you directly wanna jump on that dick?”, Negan laughed as you gave him a small swat and chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure. I was just admiring my husband’s body”, you said, grinning at him before you gestured towards the sheets again, “Now lay down.” “Yes Ma’am”, he snickered, following your playful order as he laid down on his stomach in the middle of the bed and allowed you to climb on top of him after you’d grabbed the massage oil out of your nightstand drawer. Slowly, you let some of the amber colored oil flow on his back before you sat the bottle aside and started to run your hands over the long planes of his back, from his lower back up to his shoulder blades. “Oh this is good”, Negan mumbled, sighing as your hands caressed over his shoulders, tracing along the small, merely visible freckles that adorned his skin before you ran your fingers back down. Working your thumbs into his skin in circling motions you heard Negan contently groan below you, humming deeply whenever you hit a right spot. You worked your way along his back, paying attention to each spot and each little tensed muscle until his body relaxed entirely underneath you. For a moment, you glanced over him, still continuing your movements over his back, up his spine while your body was starting to long for more. Resting your hands over his shoulders you leaned up and over him, pressing soft kisses along his warm skin, from his shoulders to the nape of his neck before you lowered your head beside his. “Turn around”, you whispered as you leaned in to press a kiss behind his ear ,”There’s another good way for us to relax.” ”Well holy fuck, don’t have to ask me twice”, Negan said, turning underneath you onto his back while a wide, wolfish grin was already plastered over his face. “Good”, you chuckled as you slowly leaned in, starting to press soft kisses along his stubbly jaw before you started to move south. ”Oh I like where this is goin’”, you heard Negan rumble as his hands found your waist and gripped you gently. ”You better”, you chuckled back, trailing kisses down his neck before you reached his chest, running your hands along his sides while a hum fell from Negan’s lips. Slowly, you moved down, nuzzling your nose into his heated skin, appreciating every single inch of his body and his reactions to your caresses and touches. ”Your body is so damn perfect”, you mumbled, sighing softly as you pressed soft kisses along his hip bone, well aware of his growing erection that started to demand attention. ”So is yours, Baby”, Negan lowly mumbled as you glanced up at him and watched a wicked grin growing over his lips,”Take that robe off, I wanna see you.” Nodding you lifted yourself off the bed, propping yourself on your knees as you started to loosen the belt of your bathrobe. Holding his lust hungry glance, you dropped the robe off your shoulders and tossed it to your side, while the initial coldness that brushed over your bare body got quickly replaced by a tingling heat as Negan’s glance wandered over your body, taking it in as if it was the very first time. ”C’mere, fuck”, he lowly said, slinging his long fingers around your wrist to pull you up to him. His other hand buried into your hair as soon as you were close enough, guiding you to his lips that quickly pulled you into a deep kiss. Humming you sunk into him, relishing in the passionate caresses of his lips while you reached down to wrap your hand around his hard body and slowly pump your hand up and down as he moaned into your kiss. ”Fuck”, he groaned lowly against your lips, as you leaned in one more time for a peck before you moved down. Slowly, you continued to caress him, feeling him growing rock hard within your grasp. You relished in the twitches and sounds he gave you as reactions while you settled in between his legs, excited and ready to give him the pleasure he was clearly yearning for. Usually, you liked to tease him but tonight, you really just wanted to relax and find pleasure in each other, so instead of taking your time, you leaned in and wrapped your lips around his swollen head, flicking your tongue over its tip while a thick groan fell from Negan’s lips. ”Shit”, he groaned as you swirled your tongue around his flesh, still pumping your hand along his base. Slowly at first, you started to bob your head up and down over his thick length, enjoying the shuddering breaths that rumbled through Negan’s chest. His hand reached out to you, running over the top of your head as his fingers entangled in your hair and grasped it firmly. His hips jerked slightly up, just enough to meet the rhythm of your movements as you took him deeper in and heard a whimper falling from his lips. “Fuck...that’s good, shit...that feels so fucking good, baby”, Negan moaned, gripping your hair tighter as you could feel yourself heating up even more than you already were. Your hand was still pumping over his pulsing shaft as your tongue began to massage the thick vein that boasted along his cock, smiling inwardly to yourself as curses fell from Negan’s mouth. You glimpsed up, watching how Negan let his head fall back into the pillows, with his eyes tightly shut and his mouth hanging open while more moans rumbled through his chest. You pulled your mouth from his pulsating erection for a moment, breathing in before you teased your lips right back over his tip, just how he liked it, tasting the saltiness of his precum and pumped up and down his shaft while your other hand reached down to cup his balls, caressing them as Negan’s breath hitched and he started to grow more shaky underneath you. ”Baby…”, he breathed out, as soon as you were starting to take more of him again while your head bobbed up and down his length, working in sync with both of your hands.. ”Look at me, fucking…fuck look at me”, Negan groaned breathlessly as you glanced up at him, only to look into his in lust darkened and narrowed eyes that darted right at you, “Fuck…now that’s some fucking hell of a sight…” It took just a little while longer until you could feel him becoming more restless as more heavy breaths, growls and curses fell from his lips while his wide girth was keeping your mouth except for tiny breath breaks thoroughly in charge. ”Fuck-…Sweetheart if you keep goin’ like this....shit...you’re gonna make me fucking cum-”, he breathed out, jerking his hips slightly up as his hands hold on your hair got tighter, “So if you still want me to fuck that sweet pussy of yours, now’s the chance.” With that, you pulled your mouth from him, hearing an amused chuckle falling from Negan’s lips as you climbed back up his body. You wanted to feel him, and holy shit you wanted to feel him now. “I knew it”, he chuckled, letting go of your hair to cup the side of your face to pull you in for a deep kiss, groaning into you as he reached his other hand down and teased along your sensitive flesh. ”Fuck, you’re wet”, he mumbled against your lips, grinning widely as a whimper fell from your lips and your anticipation skyrocketed,”Fuck me, Doll. Show me how much you love that big dick.” He didn’t have to ask you twice. You pulled a little away, propping yourself on your knees on each side of his hips, one hand on his chest to keep you steady while the other reached down to get a grasp of his throbbing erection. You lowered yourself a little, enough to tease the tip along your clit and your heated lips, holding Negan’s glance as a soft moan fell from your lips. Your whole body was tingling as you felt his hands placing on your hips, gripping them tightly as you finally started to lower yourself on him. A loud moan fell from your lips as he was sinking into you, inch by inch until you reached his base and felt him completely filling you up and stretching you out in the best way possible. “Fuck...fucking hell”, Negan groaned, running his hands further over your body to grasp your ass tightly, pulling you harder down on him as you placed your hands on his chest, and closed your eyes, relishing in the feeling of him deep within you for a short moment before you started to move above him, up and down his thick cock. “You feel so good”, you moaned softly, digging your fingertips into his heated skin while another amused but shaky chuckle feel from Negan’s lips. Your yes found his again as he thrusted his hips up to meet your rhythm, eliciting small whimpers to fall from your lips. You could feel one of your hands leaving your body, only to connect to your skin again at its most sensitive spot. “There you go, baby”, Negan groaned as you moved to meet with his touch, relishing in the circling motions over your flesh while you continued to rock your hips over his. It felt good, god this all felt so goddamn good and with every movement and touch, you found yourself swinging in more pleasure as you looked down on him. He looked hellish handsome, with his heavily rising and falling chest, those small dark curls that peppered it and ran in a trail down his stomach, with his still slightly wet hair that looked quite disheveled by now and his lust-filled glance that was stuck in his eyes as they wandered over your body. Whimpering, you dug your nails deeper into his skin, just as his hands left your body, eliciting a disappointed hum to fall from your lips while Negan started to adjust himself. “C’mere”, he grumbled, panting heavily as he lifted his upper body up and grabbed your thighs to help you wrap your shaking legs around his hips, pushing himself deeper into you while your arms fell around his shoulders, searching for support. “Fuck, just like that”, Negan grumbled as his strong hands guided your movements, deep and heavy ,”Goddamn, I’ll never get enough of this.” “I sure hope so”, you mumbled back with a shaky chuckle, watching as a grin grew over Negan’s lips as you leaned in, pulling him into a deep kiss. He moaned into you, holding you tighter as you moved in rhythm with him, feeling him thrust deeply up into you as your bodies melted into one another. Everything about this felt intoxicating, Negan’s scent that engulfed you, the grip of his large hands on your body, the pleasure that flowed through you with each more thrust, the feeling of the short dark curls that rubbed pleasantly against your sensitive numb and the feeling of his beard stubble against your skin. A shaky breath fell from your lips as you let go of his lips, though your forehead still leaned against his as your hand wandered up to grip his hair, letting you cry breathily out only mere seconds later as he pulled you deeper down on his cock. “Feels good?”, Negan asked, his deep voice shivering as thick pants left his lips and he moved his head just enough back to look at you while he rocked your hips harder into his. “So good”, you said, holding his glance just as a deep thrust of his made you moan loudly and grip tighter onto his hair. “I guess the grip’s still good too?”, Negan chuckled, grinning as you started to nod your head. “Yeah”,you said, breathing heavily as you mirrored his grin,”Just enough left.” You laughed softly into the next deep kiss that Negan placed over your lips, a deep and passionate one that made your head spin and let your mind grow hazy as he pounded himself into you, making sure to fuck countless waves of pleasure through your body. Negan’s lips left yours only to kiss and nibble the skin on your neck, pampering and teasing you as his thrusts got deeper and heavier. You moaned his name, fingers digging deeply into his skin as he whispered his dirtiest thoughts into your ear, the words dripping from his lips like warm honey while his rough and deep, yet unbelievable smooth voice brought its very own kind of pleasure to you. You could feel how you started to dive into a trance of lust where nothing else mattered but Negan and the things that his touch and movements did to your body, and this trance started to engulf you as it intensified with each passing second. You got lost in each other, in your kisses, your caresses and your touches, bringing each other closer and closer to the edge of your pleasure’s summit, until you finally reached it and an explosion of lust and relish ruptured first through you, and then eventually through Negan as well. You found yourself panting in each others’ embraces, clinging onto the other’s body as your orgasms ebbed away, slowly but surely as they left a perfect aftertaste of your pleasure that wrapped like a thin sheet around you and kept you within its gentle grasp for the rest of the night.

With a loud, annoying shrilling sound the alarm clock woke you up early on the next morning, ripping you out of the sleep that you’d loved to dwell in some longer. “Ugh fuck this”, you groaned, rolling yourself from Negan’s cozy side onto your back, glimpsing through slippy eyes at the time that was barely visible in the darkness of the morning. 5:30 “Shit”, you mumbled to yourself, tempted to close your eyes again but instead, with Daryl in mind, you gave yourself just enough pushes to start off by moving enough to switch the light of your nightstand’s lamp on. “Good thing I can still sleep a little”, you heard Negan drowsily chuckle as he rolled himself onto his side to avoid the light. “Fucker”, you groaned, reaching over to give his shoulder a playful shove that only elicited another chuckle to fall from his lips. “Early bird catches the worm right?”, he mumbled, tease soaking through the sleepiness of his voice as he looked over his shoulder, just before he let his head fall into the softness of the pillows again. “Mhm”, you mumbled, yawning thickly as you slowly started to sit up and rubbed your tired eyes, dreading the moment you had to leave the warmth and coziness of your bed, and still, that moment came eventually. It took you a little to get washed and dressed before you grabbed your leatherjacket from the desk chair and strolled, still very much sleepy, to Negan’s side of the bed. “See you later”, you mumbled as you bowed down to him, stroking some of his messy bedhead hair back to press a kiss to his temple. “Mhmm see ya, baby”, he mumbled, turning his head to look at you while he reached up to get a light hold of the side of your neck,”Take care.” “I’m gonna”, you said, giving him a small smile before you leaned in to press a quick and soft kiss over his lips. “You have no idea how jealous I am of you right now”, you mumbled as you backed away and watched him cuddle his head back into the warmth of his pillow. “Oh I know”, he said, grinning at you through his sleepy eyes as you let out a small snort and got yourself over to the door, slowly prying it open as you heard Negan saying your name. “Yeah?”, you asked, already one step out of the door as you turned around to look over at him, remembering that there was always this one sentence that he just had to say before you headed outside the walls. “I love you”, he said, with his head raised so his sleepy eyes could glance at you as a smile grew over your tired face. “I love you too, Negan.” “Mornin’”, Daryl greeted you merely a quarter hour later as you stepped out of your home and closed the door quietly behind yourself. It was still dark, the sun far from rising above the skyline of the trees but the first, bluish dawn light was filling the air. “Morning”, you said, unable to keep a small yawn from slipping from your lips as you pulled your leatherjacket tighter around yourself and adjusted the bag that was slung around your shoulders. “Ready?”, Daryl asked, looking quickly over you and your tired face as you started to nod. “Ready.” Slowly, the air started to become warmer and the sky lighter, turning the forest into warm shades of green as the sun rays filled it up with their light. After your run-in with Maggie, you’d been slightly worried that Daryl would act different around you again, but much to your relief, it didn’t feel like this was the case. He seemed to keep himself out of this clash, and though you weren’t quite sure for how long that would work, you were grateful for the moment Besides this, he seemed to be too busy with his traps and still looking out for the missing Connie in the depths of the woods. He wasn’t saying it out loud, but after everything you heard and seen, you knew that he was. The sun was already standing high at the sigh as you found yourself strolling along a little path, glancing at the map of the area around Alexandria where Daryl had marked down his traps. They were all over the place, distributed quite equally over the map except for one area that seemed entirely empty. It didn’t really startle you at first, after a first glance you just marked it down as an area that likely didn’t bear much animals in the past but after you’d taken a closer look, you found yourself wondering. The empty space matched with the one that Carol had marked down on the map she’d left you to find Negan in the cabin. You’d questioned your memories at first, but after taking another look, you were sure. He purposely hadn’t put any traps around the area of the cabin, and you had no idea why. “No traps here?”, you asked after a moment of pondering, watching as Daryl walked closer and looked down at the map as you pointed at the unmarked area, and from one moment to another, you could see him tense slightly up, trying to avoid meeting your glance. “Nah, I don’t usually go to that area”, he just said, shaking his head before he waved for you to follow him,“C’mon, let’s keep goin’“ You didn’t ask further. You knew Daryl too well to make that kind of mistake. He’d felt caught and waved it off, and that was your signal to just back down and let it slide. You were still curious, but you knew that you’d had to wait for him to start this conversation, everything else would just lead nowhere. By the time the sun had reached its highest point you plopped down onto a trunk by the lake close to Alexandria, ready to take a small break. You tossed Daryl a snack-bar of dried fruits that you’d found in your pantry, keeping another one for yourself as you tried to get yourself a little comfortable and rest your feet after walking for the last hours. “Thanks”, Daryl grumbled, letting himself fall next to you while you stared out at the lake, watching two small fishing boats with Alexandrians bob up and down on the lake, close to the lake house. You took a bite from your bar, stilling your first hunger a little as you looked at the small batch of the trap’s prey that laid by Daryl’s feet. “Not as much as I wanted”, he grumbled, clearly frustrated but not surprised while he took a big bite of his dried fruits. “Damn herd scared most animals away”, he added after swallowing the bite, kicking a stray stone on the ground forward, with enough force to let it fall with a small plop into the lake as he shrugged his shoulders,”Better than nothing, but not enough...Whatcha got?” “Some roots, I might get some soup or stew out of this”,you said with a sigh, reaching down to shove the bag slightly open, enough for him to take a glimpse inside before you glanced up at him ,”Better than nothing, but not enough.” “Maybe they’ll have more luck”, Daryl mumbled, gesturing towards the two boats on the lake while you slowly started to nod. “Let’s hope so.” It got quiet for a moment as you both ate your snack and watched the others fishing out on the lake, before you saw Daryl stirring beside you, growing a little restless before you could hear him finally speaking up. “That cabin that Carol brought Negan to”, Daryl said, pausing for a moment as he gulped thickly,”Belonged to someone I knew once.” Staring at him, you tried to incorporate this new information, surprised that he was initiating this conversation as well as curious but also slightly worried. The way he phrased it, the fact that he didn’t like to be in the area of the cabin, didn’t really mean anything good. “Someone you knew well?”, you finally asked, careful and honestly a little afraid that anything you would say or ask too much would let him close back up. Just telling you about this seemed already big, and you didn’t want to jeopardize any of the new gained trust. “Mhm”, Daryl nodded, fumbling on his hands as he stared at them, avoiding to look up before a deep breath fell from his lips. “Dog’s first owner”, he finally spoke, fueling your curiosity with with this first sentence, and adding a whole bunch more with the next,“Met her during the time I was out here.” Her? During the years outside after Rick’s death? Your eyes were stuck on Daryl, hoping he would continue on his own but instead, silence set in as he dug his shoes into the mud, visibly restless as you mustered up some courage to carefully ask further. “Can I asked what happened?” “Just got closer over some time”, Daryl said, shrugging his shoulders,”I was out here, she was out here...” Saying you were surprised was an understatement. Daryl didn’t need to fill his words with details for you to guess that whatever had happened between him and this woman had been of romantic nature in some kind of way, and that was likely what surprised you most about this whole thing. You’d never seen Daryl with someone, not only because he hadn’t always been around during your upbringing, but also because you actually knew that there hadn’t truly been someone in Daryl’s life before that had taken a romantic role. It was one of the things Merle had used to egg Daryl on with, unsuccessfully, but you could still remember the remarks he’d thrown at him here and there during your time at camp outside of Atlanta. So this came as a surprise, a big one. “Shit just happened”, he finally said, gulping thickly as he still stared down at his shoes. “What kinda shit?”, you asked, growing a little more confident as Daryl finally looked up at you, only for his glance to trail off merely seconds later. It took another few moments until you heard his voice again, almost as if he had to collect and gather the right words. “Had a fight one night, next day, cabin was in shambles and she was gone, only dog was left”,he said, his glance flickering over your face again while you could see him trying to motivate himself to keep going, even though he was visibly uncomfortable,”Wanted me to decide between comin’ back to Alexandria, searchin’ for...for Rick, ‘n her.” Your brows furrowed as you heard this last sentence, and from one moment to another, you started to feel differently about the woman who you’d merely known through words, and whose existence you hadn’t even known of minutes ago. It changed from a curious and rather positive feeling, straight to one that made you grow suspicious, maybe even hostile. “She gave you an ultimatum?”, it finally fell from your lips, staring at Daryl as he started to nod. “Yeah.” A sharp breath fell from your lips as you mirrored his nod, glancing down at your hands for a moment as you tried to process the story, even though you couldn’t quite believe it yet, even less so the last part. You obviously didn’t know everything about your half-brothers relationship to this woman, but the fact that she tried to force him to choose between her, the people and loved ones he had in Alexandria including Judith and RJ, and searching for the man he considered his brother, gave you an icky feeling. Not to mention the fact that if she’d left the cabin on her own terms, she’d left dog behind, and that didn’t make her any more sympathetic to you either. “Whatcha thinking?”, Daryl suddenly asked, his tone gravely but urging as you looked surprised up at him, startled that he wanted any kind of relationship advice from you out of all people,”Tell me.” For another second, you looked clearly bewildered at him before you let out a thick sigh, and pondered for a moment to carefully choose the right words. This could make or break this trip, you were aware of that. “Listen I don’t know everything that happened but...I think there barely any situations where an ultimatum is the right call”,you started, looking at him to try and figure out what he was thinking,”I feel like this wasn’t one of them...especially if she made you choose between these three options.” “Mhm”, Daryl just nodded, but by the way he looked and the tone of this grumble, you could tell that he wasn’t upset with you or with what you’d said just now, it rather sounded as if he was simply acknowledging it. “Did you make a decision that night?”, you cautiously asked, watching as Daryl shook his head. “Don’t know if she left, was taken...just don’t know”, he said, shrugging his shoulders while you could hear some pain sounding through his voice, even though he seemed to try to keep it steady and unbothered. You knew Daryl better though, and a part of you knew that he was blaming himself for what had happened after that fight, even though he wasn’t to blame. “But you know this isn’t your fault, right?”, you softly asked, hearing a grunt falling from Daryl’s lips and you could tell that you’d hit a wound right there, “It’s not”, you emphasized, trying your best to hold his glance as it brushed over your face. “Nobody should have to make a decision like that...now don’t be mad with me when I say this but...no one should put a decision like that onto someone they care about either”, you said, hoping that you weren’t being too bold right now while another part of you was telling you to keep going, knowing that he deserved to relieve himself of that burden of self blame,”And to me, it sounds like you had all right to not make a decision, especially in the heat of the moment, and get yourself out of that situation and come back the next morning when things have calmed down...whatever happened there in the mean time, it wasn’t your fault.” Daryl didn’t answer, he didn’t get upset either, he simply just looked back down and nearly invisibly nodded, clearly acknowledging what you said even though it didn’t seem like he was able to accept it just yet. “C’mon”, he finally said, avoiding to deal with this realization in true Daryl-fashion as he got up from the trunk and waived at you to follow him,”Let’s get back to it.”

You did, even though you were only barely more successful than you’d been before the break. Only a few traps were filled, and your luck to find some more roots and beets ran out eventually as well, leaving you quite disappointed with your haul as you made your way back home. And just as you allowed your hope to revive as you saw Aaron and Gabriel standing at Alexandria’s gates, back from their extensive run, you had to find out that they didn’t come back with the piles of supplies that you and the rest of the community had hoped for. They came back empty handed.

[jaibhagwan]

What do you think would have happened, if Daryl „frisked“ Carol in 10x06?

Oh, nonny! Look what you’ve done to me! I hope this is what you had in mind.

Carol caught him looking through her bag like she hadn’t expected it to come to this with all her lies. Man, the sack on her. Daryl didn’t know what to do with her anymore. He could lay into her again, give her another lecture, but what was the point. His words weren’t getting through.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” she asked plainly as she sat down beside him.

Turning his head, he glared at her audacity to feign innocence. “Did you bring the gun?”

“No,” she lied. “Used up all the ammunition, remember?”

Or so she had led him to believe when he had asked her to turn the gun over to him, and he had emptied the chamber, firing all the remaining shots into the ground before giving it back. But she was a clever trickster. He knew she was holding out on him, and he had finally wised up. “There was still some ammo left in the storage room.”

“I didn’t bring the gun, Daryl,” she lied again. Her eyes sent a chill down his spine as they glared at him. “Do you wanna frisk me? Go ahead!” she challenged him, standing up with her hands in the air. 

Doing a double take, he looked her up and down.  No way, he thought as his heart started to pound in his chest. Was that an invitation? He bristled as he stood. He couldn’t believe how he’d let Carol get under his skin; he was tired of her games. His eyes narrowed down to slits as he took a step closer, calling her bluff. 

Laughing, she tried to turn away, but he wouldn’t have it, seizing her wrist before she could brush it off, deflect it with another lie, and pretend it never happened.

“That what you want?” he asked her, lowering his voice in a warning. Did she want to be caught? His thumb skimmed the back of her hand, trying to garner a response to his question.

Her face flushed, but she shrugged, avoiding his eyes.  Not exactly a denial, he mused.

“Alright,” he said gruffly, tugging her closer. “We’ll play it your way.” 

His eyes darkened as he placed his hands firmly on her hips, meeting her challenge. He let them glide along her waist, finding the pistol that she had tucked into her waistband. Removing it, he tossed it to the ground, giving her a look of disappointment, like it had been too easy. He wondered what else she was hiding.

“Hey, I need that,” she argued, crossing her arms in front of her chest, heaving her breasts, taunting him.

Nearly growling, he chuckled at her attempt to distract him. “Not right now you don’t,” he countered, forcibly spinning her around and stepping in close behind her.

Her breath hitched, and he smiled smugly to himself, drawing his hands around her abdomen. He slid them over the fabric of her jeans, carefully searching her pockets, stopping when he felt a lump in one of them.

“What you got here?” he said low in her ear, watching as her skin prickled along her neck.

“It’s nothing,” she denied with a gasp. “See for yourself.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” he replied, roughly shoving his hand into her pocket. She squirmed as his fingers crept along the crease of her leg until they brushed against the cool metal object inside. He pulled it out to reveal her lighter.

“Plannin’ on startin’ any fires?”

She panted, but brazenly said nothing. 

“Naw, you’ve already set them. Haven’t you?” Daryl was beginning to understand and started to feel a little euphoric at her reaction to him. Feeling his blood rushing south, he leaned in closer. “I’m gettin’ real tired of your games, Carol. Haven’t I been patient? Hmm?”

Carol quivered in his arms. “Y-yes, you h-have.”

“Yeah, I’ve been a very patient man. But I’m tired of bein’ patient… of bein’ good… of waitin’ for you to see. It’s enough to make a man desperate—Do you know what happens when a man becomes desperate?”

She shook her head.

Daryl sighed heavily, noticing how her nipples began to strain beneath her blouse. He was so goddamn tired. Tired of playing Mr. Nice Guy. Tired of being just her friend. He wanted more. He needed it.

He pressed himself against her backside, letting her feel how hard she had made him. “He becomes dangerous,” he hissed.

“M’sick of you leavin’,” his confession slipped from his lips. “Makin’ me worry. The hell you’ve put me through... I want restitution.”

Carol trembled as his hands moved down the length of her sides. When he got to her waist, he crouched down, running his hands down first one leg, then the other. He stopped when he felt the bulge at her calf above her boot.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“My knife,” she said breathlessly.

“Good girl.” Slowly, he lifted the hem of her pant leg revealing the leather holster. “That’s the first honest thing you’ve said all day.” His fingers brushed against her shin as he unbuckled it, releasing it to the ground. He rubbed at the angry marks it left behind on her skin. “You’re so goddamn soft,” he remarked in fascination as he rose.

Pulling her flush against him, he whispered in her ear. “You’ve been drivin’ me crazy. With your tough act...and that pouty lip of yours...the one that sticks out when you’re unhappy. What am I supposed to do?”

Unable to resist any longer, he bit into her neck, tasting the salt on her skin. Carol languished, rolling her head against his shoulder, granting him more access. Licking her along her neck to her ear, his hands drew across her belly, slowly making their way towards her chest. She arched her back, pressing herself into his touch.

Underneath her jacket, his hands moved over the swell of her breasts, feeling the tight buds of her nipples. He groaned, feeling his cock throb with his desire. Reaching for the buttons of her blouse, he slowly undid them, stopping when he reached her navel.

His eyes wandered over the freckled expanse of her chest. He growled when he saw it. Nestled in the hollow between her breasts was a dark green zip tie. 

“What the hell is this?” he asked, letting it caress her skin as he retrieved it.

“Nothing.” Another bold-faced lie.

He grunted, dragging the tip along her neck, teasing her. “Think I wasn’t gonna find your dirty little secret, hmm?”

She remained quiet. Stubbornly so.

“You’ve been a naughty girl, Carol.”

Moaning, she acquiesced, leaning into him.

Daryl groaned as Carol rubbed her ass against him, causing his cock to begin to leak. “Very naughty.” He was going to make her pay for that. 

Stepping away, he pulled her hands behind her back and bound her wrists together, securing the zip tie around them. “This what you had in mind?”

When she didn’t struggle, he knew he had his answer. His heart hammered in his chest in his excitement.

Eagerly, his hand slipped down underneath her waistband across the smooth, cotton fabric of her panties to the magical heat between her legs. Carol whimpered as his fingers slid across her wetness.

“Christ,” he cursed and dipped his fingers into her panties, sinking them into her folds.

Carol moaned.

“I swear to God, woman,” he breathed heavily into her ear as he teased her flesh. “Ain’t lettin’ you get off that easy. Gonna make you beg until you break.” 

“Please,” she whimpered, pleasing Daryl. It was about time she started listening.

Her body jumped as his thumb found the hard nub at the top of her slit, and he began to gently caress her. Jutting her hips into his touch, Carol spurred him on.

“Are you gonna quit all this nonsense? Hmm?”

“Yes!”

“You gonna listen to me?” He began to rub harder, pushing one finger and then another inside her.

“Yes!”

She was tight and wet and humming in her pleasure; he had her right where he wanted her. She gasped when he suddenly stopped his ministrations.

“Please,” she pleaded.

He sucked her earlobe into his mouth. “I wanna hear you say the words, damn it.” 

She squeezed his fingers with her muscles, like she was trying to resist.

“Tell me the fuckin’ truth,” he demanded, starting to withdraw his hand.

Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she relaxed into his embrace. “I love you,” she cried.

He smiled, satisfied that he had finally broken her.

“That’s right, sweetheart,” he growled into her neck, resuming his assault on her clit. “Ain’t ever gonna let you forget.”

She screamed out his name as she came hard, squirting her juices against his fingers. He held her close against him as her legs gave way beneath her, letting her bask in her bliss as he nuzzled into the sweet scent of her neck.

Removing his fingers, he brought them to his mouth and licked them clean, relishing the taste of her. Contented, he sighed, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek.

“Wanted our first time together to be nice. Romantic. But you ruined that didn’t you, naughty girl?"

Beneath a sheen of sweat, an impish grin widened on Carol’s face. “I got tired of waiting.”

[thepokyone]

Nick of Time

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Reader (ft. Andrea and Shane)

Content/Warnings: Angst; fluff; attempted rape (not descriptive)

Set during S1

Words: 1079

A/N: I’m sorry this is so late, babes! Lots of stuff came up today that I wasn’t expecting, wow. I’ll have the final drabble request with Rick Grimes out tomorrow for y’all. This request was from @shakespeareinmyveins for 29 and 47 with Daryl. I’m very pleased with how this turned out, so enjoy! 

Remember I’ll be releasing the new list on Sunday, October 1st!

“Y/N!” Andrea’s voice calling your name made you turn. “You got a minute?”

“Sure,” You said, walking over to her. “What can I do for ya?”

“We’re running low on wood for the fires. I’d get it myself but I was going to do some fishing…” She trailed off.

You nodded. “Say no more, I’m happy to go grab some. Maybe I’ll run into Daryl, he should be coming back this way soon.”

“Whatever motivates you to get it done,” Andrea said with a laugh. “Thanks again.”

“It’s no trouble, I’ve been itching to stretch my legs,” You said. “I’ll see you later Andrea.”

“See you later,” She said. “Be careful out there.”

“Course,” You said, lifting your hand in a wave as you walked away. You made sure you had your machete and backup knife before heading into the woods.

“Where you headed off to?” Shane’s voice called from behind you.

“Hey Shane,” You greeted the ex-police officer. “Just off to grab some firewood, Andrea said we were running low and asked if I could grab some since she was going fishing.”

“Mind if I lend a hand?” He asked, falling into step beside you.

You shrugged. “Guess not.” In all honesty, Shane’s presence made you a little uncomfortable, but he had never actually done anything so you had no reason to deny his help. “But you’re taking the heavier pieces.”

“Deal,” He said with a chuckle. The two of you walked in silence for a while, and you pretended not to notice the way his eyes would rake over you whenever he thought you weren’t looking. After a while, the two of you both had full armfulls of kindling and firewood.

“I think we have enough,” You said after nearly an hour. “We should probably head back now, before it starts to get dark.”

Shane hummed in agreement, lagging back slightly as the two of you made your way back. You found yourself wishing Daryl would return. You had known the Dixons since you were a kid - you and Daryl had practically grown up together, but it wasn’t until after the walkers that the two of you had actually started dating.

“Looks like there’s another piece over there, you want to grab it?” He asked, his voice shaking you out of your thoughts.

“Sure.” You walked over to where he had pointed out, crouching down to grab the kindling. You heard leaves crunching underfoot behind you, and too late you turned to have Shane yank you to your feet. The wood you were holding tumbled out of your arms and on to the forest floor as he roughly slammed his lips on yours.

You attempted to push him away as he slipped his hand under your shirt. “Shane, what the hell?!”

“I’ve seen how you look at me,” He panted. “Why be with that hick Daryl when you can be with me?”

He continued his assault, ignoring your struggles, until you finally managed to push him away, punching him in the jaw. “Get the hell off of me!”

“What’s goin’ on here?” Relief rushed through you as you spun to see Daryl sprinting through the woods towards you, murderous rage written on his face. He had his crossbow up, and from the looks of it, he was about ready to shoot Shane. “Y/N, get over here.”

You quickly complied, quickly making your way towards him. “You���re here.”

“Heard your yellin’,” He said gruffly, crossbow still trained on Shane. “Don’ even think ‘bout gettin’ out your gun, Walsh. You alrigh’, Y/N? Did he touch you?”

“Yeah,” You said, crossing your arms over your chest. “Damn near got away with it, too.”

“I was just -” Shane started.

“Shut up!” Daryl snarled, finger twitching over the trigger of his crossbow. “You’re lucky I don’ just shoot you here.”

Shane apparently didn’t want to test Daryl’s patience, instead opting for silence. You shook your head, pulling out your knife and walking over to take Shane’s gun. “One move and I’ll skewer you,” You threatened, grabbing his firearm in one quick motion before stepping back. “Let’s take him back to Rick, let him explain to his best friend what he tried to do.”

“Ya sure?” Daryl asked. “I was thinkin’ somethin’ a little harsher than that for tryin’ to touch ya.”

You nodded. “I’m sure.”

“Alrigh’ then,” The Dixon said, jerking his crossbow in the direction of the camp. “You heard her, Walsh. Get movin’.”

Later on that evening, you were changing in the tent you and Daryl shared. Rick had really let into Shane earlier, he and Daryl probably would have beat the guy to death if you hadn’t stopped them. Well, Daryl, mostly, since Rick wasn’t exactly stopping your boyfriend from beating Shane into a pulp. “He deserved it,” Daryl had grunted with a scowl, looping an arm around your waist protectively.

“Y/N?” Daryl ducked into the tent, causing you to jump. You were still on edge from earlier.

“Sorry,” He said apologetically. “I didn’t mean to scare ya’.”

“It’s alright,” You said with a shake of your head. “Just a bit jumpy, is all.”

Daryl scowled. “Sorry I wasn’t there for ya’, I never should’a let that happen.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Daryl,” You said, reaching for his hand. He hadn’t so much as bandaged them. His knuckles were crusted with blood from earlier, though it looked like he had rinsed them off. “Let me clean your hands. They need to be bandaged before they get disinfected.”

He went to protest, but one look from you shut him up. “Oh, fine. But I don’t need you babying me, woman.”

“That’s my job,” You said to him with a fond smile. Daryl huffed, though he didn’t rush to disagree, especially since you pressed your lips to his in a gentle kiss. His free hand went around to cradle your head, and after several long moments you pulled away. “You’re not getting out of this.”

He scowled. “Here I was, hopin’ you’d forget.”

“Nope,” You hummed. “But if you quit complaining, once I’m finished fixing you up, I might consider continuing that kiss.”

He smirked. “Really?”

“Really,” You confirmed with a grin, slipping around him to duck out of the tent. “Now come, my handsome patient, the sooner we get done the sooner we get back.”

Daryl followed you out, his breath tickling your ear and sending a shiver down your spine. “Lead the way, doc.”

[mugsywrites]

Can we please get some bonus features or extras from FotR? I just need to be in a world where Glenn, Carl, Eric, and Abe are alive and well and Desus, Gleggie, Carzekiel, and Richonne are living fairytale endings. Can we talk about baby Herschel and Judith? Or Daryl and Jesus’s honeymoon?

Sure thing, nonny. Here’s a very, very, *very* rough bit of a fic that was going to be about Carol and Ezekiel’s wedding in the FotR ‘verse (still might finish this one)

Carol is fine right up until the week before the wedding, then she isn’t. She can’t pinpoint the catalyst, she just opens her eyes in the morning with the words run, run, run circling through her head. She lays in bed still and quiet, focusing on her breathing.

In bed beside her Ezekiel is sprawled on top of the covers snoring softly. He doesn’t have a stitch on and neither does she, they’re in the hottest part of the summer and the heat is inescapable. Bits of his dark skin gleam gold in the weak morning light.

Her throat tightens and she turns her face away and squeezes her eyes shut. Run, run, run, run.

It’s been almost a year since she made the decision to stand and fight for the people she loved, to accept the burdens that come with loving people in this world. At the time she thought it would be enough, that the voice telling her to run would go quiet and she wouldn’t have to hear it anymore. She isn’t so lucky; in a way it’s like how she quit smoking right before everything happened. The compulsion was still there, and it had taken active, conscious resistance to keep from just giving in. Put a cigarette in front of her and it got stronger.

Run, run, run.

She breathes in and out, the taste of panic on her tongue. Daryl’s voice comes to her then, rough with sorrow. Running don’t make it go away.

Maybe you can go…and not go.  Ezekiel’s words come to her this time, giving her the answer. Go, and not go. She slides out of bed and gets dressed as quietly as possible then tiptoes out of their room.

She leaves a brief note for him, resting against her pillow so it’s the first thing he’ll see when he wakes up.

Z,

I’m sorry I didn’t wake you, but you needed the rest. I’m going out for a bit to think, I will be back before it gets dark.

Love,Carol

She doesn’t tell him where she’s going, she doesn’t need to. All she takes with her besides weapons is a canteen full of water.

Dianne is on guard when she reaches the gates. The other  woman’s lips twitch and she tilts her head, “Your Majesty.”

“Don’t think I won’t stab you,” Carol says, plastering on her best Susie Homemaker smile.

Dianne shivers theatrically, “It gives me the damn creeps when you smile like that.” She gives Carol a closer look, “Something wrong, boss lady?”

Carol hesitates. Dianne and her…well, they aren’t quite friends, but they are close to it. Dianne doesn’t believe in bullshit (most of the time, when she calls Ezekiel “Your Majesty” there’s not a trace of irony to be found). Carol likes her, and it’s a little terrifying. She hasn’t had many real women friends since Lori’s death. She loved the Greene sisters but they were young. She avoided Michonne for a long time, one look into the other woman’s eyes and Carol just knew. Knew that Michonne was a mother, knew that like Carol she had outlived her child. It was like looking into a mirror, and neither woman cared to do that for long.

But she’s been at the Kingdom for nearly a year by Ezekiel’s side, knows and cares for his “knights”, watches over the children, and she might be becoming friends with Dianne. They’re not quite there yet, so Carol just shakes her head and says, “I’m alright. Tell Ezekiel not to worry about me if he comes asking.”

Dianne eyes her skeptically, “You look a bit frazzled, Your Highness. Maybe you should stay here. Plan wedding details.”

Carol snorts, “I’m not planning a single damn thing about this wedding,” she really isn’t, “All I know is I’m going to say ‘I do’ at one point. Preferably to Ezekiel.”

Dianne still seems hesitant, but she doesn’t delay Carol any longer. She opens the gates and tells Carol to watch out for herself.

******************

Her house is much as she left it. More dust, more cobwebs. It’s too hot for a fire, so she makes do with the dim light. Sits down on the dusty couch where she spent weeks reading the former occupant’s romance novels, napping, and just existing.

No wars to fight, no weddings to plan, or to be planned for her. When she said yes to Ezekiel both of them had something quieter in mind, but when news travelled around the rest of the Kingdom “quiet” was no longer an option. She blames Jerry, he was probably the one to start talking. Wedding planning had bled into the plans for the festival and the decision to combine the two had been made, since folks were already planning on coming from the other communities. So Carol was getting married in front of a crowd of people, many she barely knew.

Carol sighs; she should have stopped this before it started. Kept it as casual as Ezekiel’s proposal had been. They’d been on their hands and knees digging in the garden, even the “King” and his “Queen” tended to the garden. He passed Carol a trowel and said, “We should get married.”

Carol laughed a little, “Really? Tired of living in sin?”

“Of course, my lady,” Ezekiel said, putting on his King voice, “Honor demands that I make thee honest.”

“Oh, of course. Big ceremony?”

“If it pleases my lady. Or if it pleases her the King can simply put a ring on it.”

“And what would please the King?”

“I adore all excuses for festive merriment. But it matters not, dear maiden,” his smile slipped away and he dropped his King voice. He was only Zeke when he said, “Carol. I’m…I’m serious. Will you marry me? We don’t need to make a production of it.”

She really looked at him then. Kind eyes, dark and warm and there were times she thought he saw everything inside her.  

Her chest expanded, something warm rising up. For a few seconds she didn’t recognize the feeling, as it was one she’d only experienced a handful of times in her life, most of them within the past six months.

She was happy. Pure, uncomplicated happiness was the only emotion she felt. Most of the time at the Kingdom she was…content. At peace. A fire burnt down to cinders but still warm, still not ashes yet.

It terrified her.

“Can I think about it?” she said when she finally found her voice.

Ezekiel was a good actor, but not good enough to hide his hurt and disappointment. Despite that all he said was, “Of course. All the time you need.”

She still feels guilty for how relieved she was that not more than an hour later a runner from the Alexandria Safe Zone showed up at the gates. Her relief faded quickly when the runner delivered his news: Jesus was missing, they suspected it was some of the Rogue Saviors, a search party had been sent out.

Oh Daryl, she thought, heart in her throat. Her decision was made and she went to pack a bag immediately, Ezekiel watching.

“I don’t think you should go,” Ezekiel said after a long moment of silence.

“I have to,” she said, “He needs me.”

“We need you here.”

She hesitated; then, “If there’s something going on one of us needs to go out and deal with it before it comes here to the Kingdom.”

“And it’s not because of what I asked you earlier?”

She threw him a contemptuous glare, “Not everything’s about you, your majesty.” Carol is a good actress but she’s not good enough to hide that there was some truth to his accusation. So she tried hiding it in anger.

Ezekiel’s nostrils flared and she could see it had worked, at least a little. He was getting angry. Thing is, they rarely fought. They argued some, of course they did. They occasionally had differing ideas on how to run the Kingdom, she would get mad at him for hiding his feelings under his King persona, he would get angry that she just ran away from hers. They argued, then one would apologize, and they would both get over it.

It’s a novel experience. She and Ed fought at first, back when he used words instead of his fists to pummel her. She stopped arguing eventually, not that it saved her from a beating. Then Ed and Sophia died and it was just her, just Carol, taking care of the others and stepping up. She argued with Rick, Lori, even Daryl on occasion. That winter on the road she would lose her temper and snap at any of the group without second thought, and she learned not to cringe if they snapped back. Now she argues with Ezekiel because he can see through her bullshit and she through his, and neither one let the other get away with it.

[STUFF]

“You know he’s gay, right?” Carol finally snapped.

Ezekiel looked confused, “Who, Jesus? Yes, of course—“

She rolled her eyes; she loved him but he sometimes would miss what was right in front of him, “No, Daryl. Why do you think I said he’s going to need me?” She couldn’t believe she had to spell it out for him, “Daryl’s gay, and I’m pretty sure he’s in love with Jesus. If something happened to you Daryl would come to make sure I was ok.”

[STUFF]

Worry for Daryl was the main reason she went to the Hilltop, but not wanting to give Ezekiel an answer definitely influenced her decision. She told Ezekiel she would give him her answer when she got back.

She didn’t stay at the Hilltop for long; when she got there Maggie and Daryl were gone, and she only talked to Glenn for a few hours before there was a commotion—someone shouting for the doctor, saying the search team was back and Jesus was hurt. When she saw Daryl outside of the medical trailer covered in blood and looking like a lost child she knew she had made the right decision coming here.

She took him back to the trailer he shared with Jesus, marched him into the shower. He was in the shower for a long time, long enough for her to knock on the door with worry.

Once he got out and changed clothes he stood there looking lost. She put her arms around him and he went to pieces. No tears, just whimpering into her shoulder and shaking so hard it was all she could do to hold on to him.

They ended up on the floor outside the bathroom while Daryl collected himself, face resting agains her shoulder as she stroked his damp hair. After a long time he asked her why she was there, and when she told him seemed surprised that she had figured out what was going on between him and Jesus.

[STUFF]

She offered to help Alex with his nursing duties, and when she came in to check on Jesus found Daryl curled up in the bed with him, one hand pressed against his heart. She walked quietly over to them; Daryl was out, his face was completely relaxed and at peace. She swallowed hard and tiptoed out of the room.

Running don’t make it go away. That’s what Daryl had said to her, when she told him that Ezekiel had asked her to marry him.

The next day when she arrived at the Kingdom she threw her arms around Ezekiel and said, “Yes,” before she even said hello. He was actually confused for a minute before he realized what she meant. When he did his smile was enough to light the entire world and he actually honest-to-god dipped her back like they’re on the cover of a Harlequin novel and kissed her. She hated that it gives her butterflies, that it made her want to giggle like she must have done when she was a teenage girl who hadn’t yet learned just how the world really worked.

[STUFF]

She doesn’t regret saying yes and can’t imagine truly running away, not now or ever, but that’s not enough to stop this feeling of rising panic and fear. It’s funny in a bleak kind of way that she doesn’t remember being afraid the first time she got married. Can’t remember much of her first wedding at all, Her wedding to Ed hadn’t been much to remember. The guest list was small—his parents, some women she went to church with. Carol can’t even remember their names, a thought that makes her sad. At one time they had been her entire world, she had thought they were the best friends a woman could have. Was she happy? She must have been, even though she can’t remember Ed ever causing her happiness.

Carol has been a lot of women over the years—she’s been Carol the doting wife who was just so clumsy, always running into doors and falling down steps. Transparent lies she still was able to sell with conviction. Carol the mouse, meekly obeying Ed. Carol the mother, devoting herself to Sophia completely. Carol the leader, sitting on the prison council and confidently making decisions. Carol the fighter, Carol the killer. At the Kingdom she is Carol the Queen, even though she and Zeke aren’t married yet and both have tried to get people to stop referring to them by made up titles.

She spent a long time in that house outside of the Kingdom trying to figure out who exactly she was.

[

STUFF, SHE REMEMBERS HER FIRST CONVERSATION WITH EZEKIEL AT THE CREEPY HOUSE]

“My mom died when I was seven,” Ezekiel answers, eyes soft and voice far away. “It was a sudden thing, she had a heart condition we didn’t know about. My dad…he was a good guy, but he was just so lost without her. Lost in his own grief. I started doing what I could to cheer him up, pretending everything was fine and he didn’t need to worry about me,” he shrugs, “Then in high school, I was just so shy—What?” he says, eyes sparkling. Carol had let out a disbelieving snort at the “shy” part.

“That’s just a little hard to believe, is all,” she says, lips curving a slightly.

“Well I was,” Ezekiel insists, a matching smile playing at his lips, “I don’t think you woulda recognized me then, I was 5’4 and weighed about 90 pounds soaking wet. Acne, glasses, mouth full of metal, the works.”

She lifts her eyebrows and tries to imagine it, how he must have looked back then. He sees her look and continues, “Do you remember…what was the name of that show…it had that nerdy kid, Urkel? You remember that?” Carrie nods, and she’s grinning and trying hard not to laugh. Ezekiel continues, “I felt like I shoulda sued them, clearly my likeness was used as inspiration. Should have gotten royalties.

“I never really fit in, but theater kids were all nerds too. I started out doing the lighting, rigging the stage. Then junior year came and I shot up half a foot, started working out. Then they let me be onstage. Was never into enough to try and make a career out of it, but I kept up with it.”

[STUFF]“Was made lead zookeeper right before the turn,” Ezekiel says, sipping on his wine, “Still not a very lucrative job, mind you. But I didn’t care about that. I loved the work. It wasn’t…the work wasn’t easy, it was hard work, you know? A lot of physical labor. But easy to do,” Ezekiel laughs at himself, then lowers his voice until it’s at “King” levels, “Apologies, the wine hath left my wits addled, fair maiden. Or perhaps it is your company that intoxicates me so.”

She kicks him, “You’re full of shit,” she says, but she can’t stop the pleased smile from twitching at the corners of her mouth. He spots it and he grins, inordinately pleased with himself. She kicks him again.

“But no,” Ezekiel says thoughtfully, “Hard work, but I loved doing it. Loved the people. Loved the kids,” his eyes drifted off, “The way their faces lit up while they watched the animals. I used to do demonstrations, bring the animals out and introduce them. Big ones like Shiva, little ones like the otters…” He smiles, eyes far away.

“My daughter loved the elephants most,” comes out of Carol’s mouth without conscious thought, stunning her. She can’t remember the last time she was able to think about Sophia without pain, much less speak so casually about her.

“Did she,” Ezekiel says, voice gentle. He looks completely unsurprised at the revelation that she once had a child.

“Yeah, she did,” Carol whispers, and she starts to tell him about Sophia’s class field trip one year. Carol had originally told her that she couldn’t go, reduced cost or no they couldn’t afford it. But Ed had stepped in, said of course she could go, then stunned them further by suggesting that Carol sign up to be a chaperone and go with her. He wouldn’t go to his weekly poker game, it would be worth it to treat “his girls” to a day of fun.

Ed did things like that sometimes. Things like take them out for ice-cream and a movie out of the blue during the summer. Pick up some flowers for her on the way home from work. Take Carol out to a fancy dinner on a night Sophia was staying over at a friend’s house.

Carol preferred his fists to that. She knew how to deal with those. Ed’s out of the blue bouts of kindness left her feeling off kilter and half mad. When things went back to normal after he treated them sweet it was all the more frightening. It was like she spent her entire life curled up in a tight ball, hands over her head and protecting her vital parts. It was an exhausting way to live, and when Ed treated them even if she knew what would happen she let herself relax just a little. Lower her shields—not all the way, never all the way—but enough to give herself a rest. To expose one little part of herself she was able to keep protected most of the time. Then Ed would be on her.

She doesn’t tell Ezekiel that last part. She pushes Ed out of her mind completely. “There was a baby elephant playing around in the mud. Sophia…she loved it. Had this little disposable camera, when I had the film developed it was nothing but blurry pictures of that elephant.” She stares into the dark liquid of her wine glass, “I suppose it’s dead by now. Starved, or eaten, or…” She doesn’t finish, there’s not much point.

Ezekiel is quiet, waiting until he’s sure that she’s finished speaking before he says, “When I went to the zoo to get Shiva…most of the animals were dead. Eaten, as you say. The elephants got out, though,” Ezekiel pauses, “Which didn’t surprise me, they’re notorious cage breakers even with constant supervision. I like to think they’re still roaming around somewhere, trampling any of the dead that tries to come at ‘em.”

Carol almost accuses him of lying, of spinning a fiction for her of a small herd of elephants wandering through fields that used to be farm country. Leaning down to scratch themselves against a rusting tractor. Stroking each other with their trunks, like the mother elephant had done with her baby a lifetime ago during their trip to the zoo. She almost accuses him of lying, but she sees his expression and remembers what he told her in the garden, Never bullshit a bullshitter, and knows he’s telling the truth. About the elephants escaping, at least.

“You know they’re matriarchal?” Ezekiel continues. Carol shakes her head, and he continues, “One female leader, her daughters and granddaughters. They’re smart too, y’know how they say an elephant never forgets? They visit the bones of dead friends years after they’ve died.”

“I’ve killed people,” she whispered quietly.

“I know,” Ezekiel replied, “We’ve all had to.”

She shook her head and closed her eyes, “Not just the Saviors. Or people like them.” She swallowed and tried to find words. Slowly, haltingly, she told Ezekiel about Karen and David.

“And that’s not everything,” she said, not daring to look Ezekiel in the eye. “There were these two little girls at the prison. Their father was killed and asked me to take care of them. Lizzie and Mika.”

The words kept coming out of her. It was as though they had always been there, just waiting to be let out. She told him about Sophia. Told him how much Mika reminded her of Sophia, the sweetness to her. Mika’s dead body, Lizzie standing over Judith with a knife cheerfully telling them, I didn’t destroy the brain, she’ll come back. It’s ok.

“You killed her,” Ezekiel interrupted, “Lizzie.”

“She couldn’t be around people,” Carol said, voice small, “She thought the walkers…I thought of taking her somewhere, just the two of us. Watching over her. But…” she close her eyes, “I had to think of Judith, of Tyreese…” her voice chokes on his name. “So that’s some of the bad I’ve been

“No,” Ezekiel says, voice soft, “I’m just glad it’s not the sort of decision I’ve had to make yet,” he goes quiet again, then, “Have you been carrying that around all by yourself?”

She nods, “I never told anyone. Neither did Tyreese,” she swallows, “I almost told Daryl once, but he told me he didn’t need to know. I think he might have guessed some of it, though.”

[STUFF]

[DARYL COMES TO THE CREEPY HOUSE]

[STUFF, DARUS ARRIVE AT THE KINGDOM]“Give me a damned hug,” she says. One side of his mouth crooks and obeys her command. She holds him long and tight before pulling back to study him.

He looks different than when she saw him last, since everything happened with the rogue Saviors months ago, beyond the obvious that he’s not exhausted by worry and guilt. There’s a looseness to him she’s never seen before, the closest was how he was at the prison. When he stopped being a boy and became a man. When she stopped being a mouse and became something else.

“You look good,” she tells him.

[STUFF]

[madameezeroni]

Buttercup: Part One

Summary: The Walking Dead, OC

Characters: OC (Lily) Spencer Munroe,

Warning: Sexual Content, language

Word Count: 3700 ish ( Got away from me)

A/N: An Idea I had that I just ran with. Do have some pieces written for earlier in the season but fancied starting from this point. Next piece will be much more action based.

Lips trace my neck, dipping in every few seconds for another light kiss. It's feather touch, and begins to tickle. “Quit it.” The mattress slopes as he shuffles down, mouth now on my collar bone. “Spencer seriously, I'm on an early shift on the gate.”

“You can swap it though right?” He looks so eager, with that adorable puppy smile that I almost falter. “You want me to go knock about and ask right now?” He shrugs, and I mimic him in jest. “I'll have to do it naked but if it makes you happy...”

“Ha-Ha.” He drawls, looping his arm around me just as I sit up. “Fine, I'll give. You do your fun shift.”

“Oh, I will.” I declare, letting him squash me back against the mattress, “Me and Abraham.”

He scrunches his nose, and shakes his head slightly, “Guy still scares the heck out of me.” He kisses me again to stop me laughing at him. “He's a good guy.” I promise, “Even with the moustache.”

“What if I grew a moustache?” I smirk, and press my lips together, he notices my expression, “hey, what? It wouldn't be that bad!” The laugh bubbles in my throat and he groans, rolling off me and stealing the majority of the thin sheet. I give him a couple of seconds, “You fallen out with me?”

“Yep.” He's facing the other way, I slip under the sheet so I can grasp and cuddle up behind him, letting my hand trail. “Nothin' I can do to make you forgive me then?”

“Nothing.” The word falters as I reach my target and start gently moving my hand back and forth. I wait until I can tell he's somewhat close to his release and suddenly bring my hand back to my body. “Ah, Lil what the hell?”

I put on my sweetest voice, sugar plum sweet. “Well, you said you weren't going to forgive me.” I add the pout for extra measure, but still make sure my arms are placed in a way that somewhat empathises my breasts. It works, with Spencer it always works, and within a few seconds the feeling of his body against mine forces everything out from my head.

Abraham is already by the gate when I appears, the sky is still dark, stars glimmering overhead. I actually prefer such an early shift, it was ten to four when the battery powered alarm beside Spencer's bed went off and he murmured some goodbye as I dressed and slipped into his bathroom. I was spending more nights at his home now. That was for a mixture of reasons I supposed, he was alone in this place now, since Deanna had died in the attack. I filled some gap, stopped him feeling so lonely.

He was much the same for me. I had no issues in the house I was sharing with Carol, Tara, Sasha and Rosita. I liked them all very much, most of the time. We'd had nearly a month of this normality now, since the majority of the damage had been resolved. It was a little community again, so reminiscent of the prison at points I felt overwhelmed. Not by the place itself, but how many people were no longer with us.

That part didn't get easier.

Spencer distracted me, and he was nice, he was handsome. In the real world, before everything went to shit he would have been someone I would go for. Especially as the son of a congresswoman. I was thankful that sense of snobbery I'd held was gone. Everything was gone. The familiar shiver danced up my spine and I shook it away.

Lingering in the past was my problem, everyone else seemed to be able to detach themselves better, to move on and focus on the ahead when part of me seemed trapped behind. I wasn't as 'painfully damn optimistic' as Daryl had once moaned. I'm drifting, still half asleep and I quickly splash water on my face, I'd have a proper shower later. I brush my hair, even slap on some foundation and mascara. Normality had it's benefits and when I leave I look somewhat like someone I used to resemble. Of course when I slip a pistol and a knife into the belt around my hips that effect drops.

I'm a couple of minutes late. Abraham makes a coarse joke and laughs hard at my reaction. “Sorry Princess, don't wanna turn your stomach.” I start to climb the ladder to allow me onto the platform of the fence, placing me several feet above him. “Don't worry, your face does that to me anyway.” I miss his reaction but not his good natured chuckle. I didn't lie to Spencer, Abraham was intimidating as hell, but he was a good guy. He was also perfectly adapt to how life was now, killed easily and without thought. All instinct.

In a way I wasn't much different.

The next four hours move slowly, we pass comments back and forth, and I enjoy the sunrise as it breaks through the grey. That was another reason I liked this shift. Sasha and Father Gabriel appear once the small settlement is starting to wake and prepare to take our spaces. Abraham illuminates the moment he sees her and I feel that usual conflicting mix of emotions at how that is going, considering Rosita as a close friend. I dawdle on the way back, debating between heading back to mine or to Spencer's. He'll be awake now, I try to remember where he'll be for the majority of the day but it hasn't stuck. That's part of the problem, there's nothing significant there, I don't think there ever will be.

“Lily.” I spin on my heels, and can't help the wide smile that greets the young man in front of me. “Hey Judith.” I croon to his sibling, her hair catching the light in a halo. “Can you do me a massive favour?” I lift a brow, but accept Judith with no argument. “Sorry, Enid looks upset and I wanna speak to her, don't want her going off without me.” He's fumbled, said a little too much, but Carl knows I won't say anything about their trips outside. At least not whilst I know he can handle himself.

“Sure, no problem Carl.” He smiles, with the curve lifting the bandage that decorates almost half of his face now. What was left of his eye had healed, and we'd gotten over the awkward nature of him re-learning balance, depth perception. “Is your Dad up yet?

Carl nods, yawning loudly into his wrist. “He went to go see Morgan and Daryl. They're planning another run.”

“Oh yeah, of course they are.” I shift Judith on my hip and she starts tugging on a chunk of my hair. “Right, I'll be around then, probably at yours with little'un.”

“Thanks Lil, I'll see you in a bit, yeah?” I send him away after a couple more 'yeahs' and Judith whines. “He won't be long.” I promise, and her head tilts as if she has any idea what I mean. I giggle at her, “Come on missy, lets find something to do.” On the way back we pass Glenn and Maggie's house and I wave as he appears, looking typically dishevelled.

“You on babysitting today?” I draw to a pause near the steps and he plops himself on the top one, his yawn almost as fierce as Carl's. “Stop yawning, you're all making me tired.”

He smirks at me in response and I scowl, pulling a face. “I don't need that look Rhee.”

“Mmm, cause you're little Miss Innocent.”

“Of course.” I declare, “Isn't that right Judith?” She babbles in response, trying to cram my hair into her mouth. “Sure, sure.” He yawns again and this time I can't stop myself. “You were on the fence early right?”

“Nice and early.” I confirm.

“Didn't come back home last night though did you? I came looking for you.” I shrug, and he meets my eyes quickly, “Is it getting serious with you two?” I giggle.

“Why, would you like to sit him down and make him ask your permission?

“I'll do my best Italian accent.” We both chuckle. “You like him though, don't you?”

“I'm not exactly overwhelmed with choice.” I lower my voice a little, my words aren't very kind. He rolls his eyes at me, accompanied by a tiny head shake. “He's a good guy.”

“Yes, I know.” Since he had realised where I was sneaking off to weeks ago Glenn had morphed into some awful match maker. “I don't need the speech. Save it.”

“You can't complain about me wanting you to be happy.”

“Sorry Dad.”

“Prh...Fuck off. I'm barely a year older than you.”

“Don't swear in front of the baby.” He huffs, moves down a step so he's next to us. “I am very sorry Judith.” He looks like he's praying, head bowed to her.

She reaches for him and I let him take her, she settles easily with her back against his chest. “I think she forgives you.” We sit in that familiar and comfortable silence, his knee hitting against mine until Judith starts whining. “Think she's hungry?”

“I dunno. They would have fed her when she woke up but she could be hungry again? I'm not sure. I can't read her like Beth could, don't have the gift.” I mention Beth's name casually, and its only a split second before the pain that always follows it happens. It stabs, deep in my chest. Glenn checks behind him, as if Maggie would appear and overhear. “Sorry.” I mutter, blinking away the tears the blur my vision. He rests his free hand on my shoulder, gently fiddling with a curl. “I miss her.” He says frankly, before returning his hand and letting Judith catch it. “I miss all of them.”

I can only nod, my throat is a lump. I swallow hard, “Me too.” I have to shake the shiver away again, “But we're in a real good position. We're strong, we've got good people.” The words are true, but the optimism isn't. He smiles anyway, “Yeah, we are. We're okay.”

Judith lets out a louder cry as if to disagree with the point. “I'm gunna head to Rick's and see what formula there is. Pass her back.”

He shakes his head, “I got time to kill, I'll come with you.”

“Suit yourself,” I sing, eager to lift the tone “I'll put you on diaper duty as well if you want.” His face is all the answer I need and I laugh loudly, letting us into Rick's house. There's no locked doors in Alexandria, and half way through spooning some weird chicken baby food into Judith's mouth Michonne appears. She has the third bedroom in this home. “Where's Carl?”

“With Enid, said she looked upset.”

“Ah.” She gave a knowing smile and Glenn smirked. “You don't say anything.” She warned him, “Your new status as a relationship guru does not impress me.”

“How much have you been moaning about me?” He spins, leaning on the counter to playfully glare at me. “Enough.” Michonne adds, digging through the cupboard for some cereal. “What?”

“Nothin'. Getting me in trouble is all.”

“I don't think either of you need me for that.” She retorts, Glenn nods, pouting. Once again I pull a face, and we sink into jokes and the usual chatter. Michonne was a completely different person to when we had first met her, she was warm now, still deadly but approachable, easy and kind. I certainly hadn't missed the growing spark between her and our dear Sheriff either, but Glenn had told me I was talking rubbish so I'd held mum on that. I remained silent on a lot of things regarding Rick.

There's several sharp raps at the door. Odd in itself but Michonne treads that way, “Oh, Spencer...”

“Is Lily here?” She nods and opens the door wider, he comes in in three long strides. “I need to talk to you.” Anxiety bubbles instantly in my stomach, he looks unhappy. More than that, he looks downright pissed off. “You okay?” I'm already walking towards him, and his hand rests on my lower back as he steers me out of the house.

He obviously wants to remain quiet until we reach him home but about half way there, after him refusing to answer me several time he all but snarls at me, “Did you fuck my brother?” I stop dead,

“What?”

He scoffs instead now, still keeping his voice low. “I've just had the loveliest little chat with Carol. Now, I knew, I knew  that you and her and some of the others were putting on a little act when you got here. I get that, I don't like it but I get it.” He pauses and I open my mouth but there's nothing I can say, “But then, she tells me that Aiden was your...your...target, your way in and you were fucking him pretty much from the moment you got here. Is that true?”

I'm dumbfounded, not just by how reaction but the simple fact that Carol would have said something. We had had our differences sure, not always got along but I had done it for Carol. I'd listened to her. “Is it goddamn true Lily?” He's sweating, a vein bulging on the left side of his throat. “I...” My voice croaks, I feel close to tears again.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” He takes several steps away but them returns to me. I don't want this, the argument; him mad at me but I especially don't want it in the street with Sasha watching from afar and a bemused Glenn appearing on Rick's porch. “Not here.” I manage, going to catch his hand, “I can explain.”

“Explain that? Is that what this is?” He gestures fiercely between us both, “What exactly do you need or want from me? And what was it, my brother dies so here I am, second best - I'll starting fucking about with the other one.”

“No it's...”

“It's what? What exactly is it? That you're just some manipulative little slut who...” His voice has lifted, he notices and slams his mouth shut. It's so quiet around here any noise carries and I know full well if I follow his eye line behind me Glenn will have started down the steps. I take a few shallow breaths to try and compose myself, not to rise to it. Instead I walk past him, into his house and slam myself onto the couch.

He follows, but stands, pacing around the coffee table. He doesn't speak, he wants me to, to deny what Carol has said, to somehow make it better. I can't, it's true. “When Aaron found us and we were on the way we were worried, about being with a group and not knowing the you all.” My voice sounds pathetic, on the verge of crumbling, “She said a few of us should just act...normal, I mean with people like Daryl and Abraham we were already intimidating. We wanted you all to let us stay. Carol played her little feeble Mum part and I was just supposed to be...”

He makes a noise I ignore. “I was supposed to be what I used to be like basically. Pretend I cant shoot a gun, that I need protecting, act sweet and girly all that shit. When we got here we kept it up, but we needed to know if we could trust you and Carol suggested...”

“Carol suggested you open your legs for the top dog.” It's a statement said simply, which somehow makes it hurt all the more. “Is that what you are? Is that how damn mindless you are?” I swallow again, purposefully looking at his mid section and not up to his face. “Who's telling you to be with me then? Whose genius plan is that?”

“It's not... no-one. I'm not doing that any more, I haven't done anything like that with you. I swear.”

“Not that you'd admit at least.”

“Spencer...” He's facing the grand fire place now, looking at the pictures of his family. “I thought this could'a been something, you know.”

“It is.” I stand now, although my hands are shaking and come up behind. I don't touch him, scared he'll flinch away. The anger seems to have passed now, and for all my bravado about not really caring the idea of him hating me is a dagger. He shakes his head, sensing my presence, “No it's not. I was trying to fool myself, pretend it coulda' been. It's not though. I'm just a stop gap until something better comes along for you.” He looks at me, and his expression is cruel, “Or maybe you're just waiting for something to split up Glenn and Maggie so you can finally have him to yourself.”

“Don't be stupid.” I snap back.

“Well, I fell for you so I guess I am.” His features settle back into their usual pleasantry, although the smile is forced and so are his words. “Any shit you got here I want you to take back.”

“Spencer...”

“This isn't anything. I don't even...” He runs a hand over his face, “Just leave Lil, grab your stuff and go home.” I repeat his name again but he's stone and I know that's it. There's no changing this and there is certainly no going back. I do as he says. I head up the stairs, cursing him under my breath, cursing the stupid tears that have escaped and the tightness of my chest. I grab my clothes, bits of make-up. I'm in too much of a hurry now to properly look around and snatch it up, scrunching them in my arms. I practically run down the stairs and the hallway, not pausing even when I hear him speak. It's busier outside now, it's past ten am and even those who sleep in are starting to make use of the day.

Rosita stares at me aghast, but I'm already past her and into the room Tara and I share, for the time being at least – she was planning on moving in with Denise. Tara isn't here, she’s on a two day run and I'm thankful. I chuck the stuff on my perfectly made, barely used bed and sit numbly on the edge. I can hear the murmur of Glenn speaking to Rosita downstairs, and head back to the door, locking it and wincing at how loud the click of metal is.

They don't knock, they know me better like that. I need time.

I give myself an hour. Scrub myself in the shower so I no longer smell like him, let my upset turn to anger. Aimed at three people, Spencer, Carol and myself. I spend a while on my hair and make-up, it's not for any purpose other than letting him know I'm okay with this. I will be polite, I will be cool and calm. I'm not showing anyone that I'm upset, I won't do that.

Another hour passes, I make a decision, it's probably stupid but suddenly its suffocating in here. I want to go on a walk, not just around Alexandria where news will have spread and everyone will be looking at me. Those who know about Aiden and those who will just be finding out. They can think what they like. I doubt they could be more disgusted at themselves than I am.

I want to leave Alexandria, just for a few hours. Where I can't think about it, I'll have to focus. I can check out a few places we had on our list, a pharmacy, a kids store. I need to get out of here. I don't announce this to anyone, they'd just talk me out of it, or worse come with me. Glenn would offer, but I don't need his sympathy. I dress not for Alexandria but the outside world. Thick jeans, heavy but comfortable boots. I pull on a long sleeved shirt, slipping a denim jacket over it just in-case it gets chilly later. I grab my holster, strap a pistol to my thigh and thread through a belt with spaces cut for knives. I'll have to go to the armoury before I leave.

I grab a big backpack, leaving it mostly empty for anything useful. When I leave my room I hover but can't hear anyone. So I go straight to the kitchen, chuck in a bottle of water, some food, a torch.

Using the back door may take a little longer but I know it will be less bother and I only see Morgan who smiles but doesn't say anything. The armoury is open so I grab three knives and shove them into my belt. Another gets slotted into the side pocket of my bag. “You're not on a run are you?” Olivia makes me jump, doing her weekly intake of what was in storage, weapon and food wise. “Just sorting something out.”

She doesn't buy it but I don't give her time, striding out the front and towards the gate. Eugene stands there now, Rosita up on the platform. She frowns when she sees me, “What are you doing?”

I ignore her, “Open the gate please Eugene.”

“I don't have any runs on my schedule that would require me to open the gate.” He says in his plain talking way. “Well, add one. I need to go.”

“Don't do it Eugene.” Rosita demands, glaring down at me. “You stupid? Don't go out there alone and upset, you'll do something dumb.”

“Just want a walk.” I insist and she raises both brows.

“Sure you do.”

“Yes, I do. Gate please Eugene.” He's looking between us both again and I huff, slipping around him and doing it myself. “For fuck sa-” Rosita is making her way down so I start past the dirty cars. “Lily, don't be an idiot!”

[thepokyone]

Not Quite a High School Reunion

Pairing: Daryl x Reader (ft. Merle)

Pre-Season 1

Content/Warning: Violence; fluff; angst if you squint

Words: 1630

A/N: I was going to write a Supernatural fic, but I’m not emotionally stable with that since I just finished with Hammer of the Gods... so it’s Walking Dead Wednesday, I guess. Here, have a Daryl fic. Speaking of Supernatural, I’ll write for Gabriel now. So that’s a thing that will happen.

You were tired. Tired of running, tired of fighting, tired of living. Perhaps most of all, you were tired of being alone. There were a few of you, towards the beginning, but they were gone now. Killed by walkers or by bullets, it didn’t really matter. You were alone, and that was just how it was. Maybe the others were lucky. They didn’t have to live in a world torn to pieces anymore. There were just… gone. And that, you thought, was peaceful.

Maybe it wasn’t the best time to be thinking such thoughts, considering death was snapping at your heels, and it would be too easy to give in to it. You didn’t know how many walkers there were chasing you, but you knew it was too many to fight off alone. This was it. You couldn’t run any more. At least, you reasoned, it would be better to die fighting instead of fleeing like a coward.

So you turned, loaded the last of the ammo into your gun, and fought. Crack. Crack. Crack. Walkers sagged, you stood firm, and wondered if the Dixon brothers had gone down the same way. Crack. Crack. Your two best friends. Your two only friends. You didn’t even know what happened to them. Crack. Your gun clicked, signaling that it was empty. At least now, you were about to find out.

You tossed your gun aside. You wouldn’t need it where you were going anyways. Pulling out your knife, you plunged it through the head of a walker. Another pushed at you, scrabbling for a bite of your flesh, and you stabbed that one too. The empty corpse toppled on top of you, sending you off balance and stumbling backwards, your knife knocked out of your hand. A walker took the opportunity, grabbing your arm and preparing to bite.

You closed your eyes, waiting for pain. You heard a click from behind you, a thwap from in front, and the expected bite didn’t come. You opened your eyes, seeing the walker had toppled backwards with an arrow through its eye.

“Are you suicidal? Run!” A gruff voice shouted. “And grab my arrow, would ya’?”

You yanked the arrow out, killing another walker with it in a lithe motion before sprinting away, following after the stranger whose physique reminded you starkly of Daryl’s. Even his voice sounded like Daryl’s, now that you thought about it, and you wondered if it was possible that he was still alive.

“Looks like you got some company, baby brother! And a girl, too, whoo whee!” Merle’s familiar sarcastic drawl all but hit you in the face, and you instinctively fell back in to the old patterns that persisted between the three of you before the walkers.

“One more girl that you got, Merle!” You shouted.

“Y/N?” Daryl demanded, rounding to shoot another walker. “You’re alive?”

“And kicking!” You said, feeling renewed energy rush through your veins. You used his arrow to kill one walker, then another, and another.

“Told ya’ she’d make it, Daryl!” Merle shouted, shooting a walker that had attempted to grab you from behind. “Can’t get rid of Y/N that easy, can they girl?”

“Damn right!” You responded, killing one of the last walkers. Among the three of you, the group that had been tailing you had been easy to take care of. “Hate to admit I was worried about you.”

“Us? Naw, Y/N, we can handle ourselves jus’ fine,” Merle chuckled, slapping you on the back. “Good to see you’re alrigh’, though, hate to have somethin’ happen to ya’.”

“Where have you been?!” Daryl exploded. You refrained an eye roll as you tossed the arrow back to him. Trust the hot-headed younger Dixon to ruin the moment. “We all thought you were dead, Y/N! The hell?”

“I’m not the one who disappeared, Dixon, don’t go blamin’ this on me!” You snapped back, shaking your head and shoving your knife into your belt, where it normally hung. “I looked for you two idiots for months!”

“We went to the highway, found a group out there,” Merle said, trying to diffuse the tension. Unusually, he ended up being the one putting a halt to you and Daryl’s many disagreements. It wasn’t that the two of you didn’t get along: quite the opposite, in fact. You two just enjoyed playful arguments more than was probably healthy, and Merle usually was the one that would put a stop to it.

“You survived this whole time on your own?” Daryl asked, voice calmer now as the three of you walked through the woods.

“Nah,” You said with a snort. “There were four of us at one point, but eventually they all got shot or bit. Or both, depending on the order. Just me, now.”

“You should stick around with us, then,” Daryl said gruffly, but you could tell he truly wanted you to stay.

“What, you thought you could get rid of me?” You teased, grinning.

He grinned back, squeezing you in a one-armed hug. “’m glad you’re alright, Y/N.”

“Don’ go getting’ all sappy on me now, y’all,” Merle said with a snort. You punched him in the arm, causing him to laugh, and Daryl draped a protective arm around your shoulders.

“How many are part of your group?” You asked.

“Good bit, I dunno an exact number. The only one we have to tell is Shane though,” Daryl said. “He’s the unofficial leader, I guess you could say.”

“A Dixon is asking for permission for something?” You asked in surprise.

Merle gave an incredulous snort. “What you been takin’, girl? A Dixon don’t need permission from no one. He don’t want you there, we’ll all three leave. Trust me, they’d be feelin’ the loss before long.”

“It’ll be fine, Merle,” Daryl grumbled, though his arm around your shoulders tightened and you wondered whether or not he was trying to convince himself.

“It’s right through here,” Merle said after a while longer of walking. “Them walkers came pretty close, when you think about it.”

“I think I led them in, I came from the city,” You explained. “Atlanta is completely overrun with walkers, it was a nightmare to get out. Nearly got bit more than once.” You shuddered.

“Well, you’re safe here. No need to worry about stuff like that, out here’s nice an’ secluded,” Daryl said encouragingly, giving you a comforting smile.

“For now,” Merle mumbled, the conversation left behind as you broke through the treeline. You could feel stares as the three of you walked into the camp. Not only because you were unfamiliar, but because of Daryl’s arm around your shoulder – you were sure the Dixon brothers were quite obvious about their dislike of most people, so a sight like that would be more than strange.

“Shane!” Daryl yelled, causing a man with a mop of dark brown hair to turn. “We got somethin’ to talk with you about.”

Shane instantly noticed you and eyed you distrustfully, angling his body to stand in front of a dark-haired lady and her son, who couldn’t have been older than eleven or twelve. “I can see that, Daryl.” He strode over, hand placed casually over his weapon. “Who’s this?”

“Y/N,” Merle said gruffly. “She’s an old friend.”

“She’ll be stayin’ with us, now,” Daryl clarified, tone daring Shane to disagree.

“How do we know we can trust her?” Shane asked, studying you in a way that made you incredibly uncomfortable. “Just because she’s an old friend doesn’t mean anything.”

“Here’s how it is, Shane,” Merle started aggressively, moving forward to confront the man.

You moved from under Daryl’s arm to press a restraining hand against Merle’s chest, and felt him pause under your touch. “Merle, enough. I can speak for myself.” The man gave a heavy sigh and stepped back, looking like he wanted nothing more than to argue.

Shane looked mildly impressed, though it was likely because you were able to tame the wild tempers of the two Dixon boys. Merle especially. “Go ahead, then.”

“I’ve known Merle and Daryl since we were kids. We got separated after the outbreak, and I’ve been fighting to survive ever since. I don’t want to cause any trouble with your people, I just want to be with my best friends again,” You said calmly. “Besides, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra pair of hands. I can fight, help defend the camp if necessary.”

“All right, then,” Shane said after a moment’s pause. “But you cause any trouble at all, and –”

“We’re all three gone,” Daryl finished, shaking his head and grabbing your hand, pulling you away. “C’mon, Y/N. I’ll show you where we sleep.”

“If you want, you can stay with me,” Merle said suggestively, causing you to roll your eyes and give him a dirty look.

“You wish,” You snorted, shaking your head. “I’ll sleep outside if I have to.”

“There’s room in my tent,” Daryl said quickly.

“Thanks, Dare,” You said with a smile, squeezing his hand.

“It’s good to have ya’ back, girl,” Merle said gruffly, patting you on the shoulder before ducking into his tent.

“And that’s about as nice as he gets,” You finished, causing to Daryl to laugh. You seized the opportunity to kiss him, feeling his smile against your lips as he wrapped his arms around you.

“I missed you,” He murmured, resting his forehead against your own. “Thought you were dead.”

“It’s your lucky day, then,” You teased, and he chuckled.

“C’mon,” Daryl said, taking your hand once more and pulling you towards the tent. “I’ll show you where we’ll sleep.”

“Sounds good,” You said, smiling. And you mused that even though the world as you knew it had ended, as long as you had the boys, all was well.