#i had hoped to meet deanna

[multi-fandom-geek-blog]

So sad about Deanna and Max :-( I mean I would only have seen them at the gala but I love them so that would have been enough for me. I'm just glad it's not an injury, they should be back on track soon.

[amorchai]

𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒.

pairing(s): glenn rhee x reader

summary: deanna’s son tries to kiss you but glenn steps in.

word count: 1326

warning/tags: established relationship, aiden tw, harassment ( aiden tries to kiss you but glenn stops it from going there )

abraham’s knocks against the thick glass of the grocery store sets the hairs upon your neck to stand as you await amongst the group for any lurking walkers to emerge from the building. two of the dead bump against shelves on their way to the source of the noise.

you watch as glenn and rick kill one each before everyone instinctively waits for a few more moments for any strays before following rick’s nod into the abandoned store. tara closes the door behind you as rick turns to everyone, “we’ll scatter and grab what we need, meet back here once you’re done.”

glenn turns around, like a magnet his hand reaches out to squeeze yours, there’s a small smile sent your way and you lean up to kiss his cheek before departing like the rest of the group in search for anything good to take for alexandria’s growing supply.

you’re unsure how much times goes by; minutes pass of you aimlessly swiping cans of preserved fruit and vegetables into your accommodating cart and all you can hear around is the clanking of food and drinks across the supermarket.

hope fills you at the sight of the chocolate aisle, layered with all different types of chocolate brands and flavours and you desperately push your cart to begin checking dates in faith to please people back home.

while tipping a few packets into the trolley, you jump to the sound of footsteps behind you and take your knife from your pocket to aim behind you. aiden, deanna’s son, lifts his hands in an act of innocence while wearing a smirk upon his lips.

you sigh in relief, storing your knife back before turning to your previous activity. when you lift another packet of chocolate chips, searching for a date of expiry, aiden’s arm slides into your vision. he slides against the metal of the shelf, his stomach against your hip.

without flinching, you glance at him from your distracted position before stepping away to create an appropriate distance. aiden, with no self-awareness, only slides to accommodate the gap once more, the material of his top brushing against your arm.

“i was wondering if we could have a talk, now that i finally have a moment alone with you,” you are already wincing at the man’s tone and words, having an incline of what he means. you step back again, facing him with a grimace as your lower back bumps the carts handles.

his head tilts, wearing a sarcastic pout before he replies, “don’t hurt my feelings, now. looking at me with your pretty eyes like that.” you shake your head, not giving him the satisfaction of a reply as you turn your back to him to make your way out of the aisle to find glenn.

however, aiden jogs to stand in front, a hand pressing against the trolley so you can’t move it away. stuck in conversation.

you roll your eyes, “aiden…” trailing off knowingly, and he chuckles, “you talk! thought you had lost the ability!” the leader’s son walks around the cart and towards your frame as you watch warily, his hand still grips the metal of the cart to ensure it stays.

his hand raises to reach for your face but you step back, back hitting the shelves in disbelief as you ask, “what are you doing?” he chuckles again, eyes not tearing from your face and your heart drops when you realise he’s making a move on you.

aiden’s face is daringly close to yours that you can smell the peppermint of his breath, your expression of unwantedness apparent and unable to hide. “c’mon, we both know you want me. i could treat you so much better than glenn could, if you let me.”

your shaking your head at every word that escapes the man’s throat, your own throat closed and holding you back from screaming for someone to see what’s happening, your voice only wavering in a short reply, “no. no, i’m with glenn. i don’t-”

he laughs again, quiet but sending chills down your spine, “stop acting like you don’t.” aiden’s hand reaches up again in an attempt to touch your cheek, you try to pull your head back but it only presses more into the shelf. his hand cups your jaw and you push his chest in attempts to move him. however, he only leans in closer to your face, but before anything else happens, he’s off you in a flash.

you watch as glenn pushes him off you and against the shelf you were previously stuck to, now standing in the middle of the aisle shaking, “what the fuck, man? what are you doing?”

his forearm presses against the collarbones belonging to aiden, keeping him pressed against the metal and shoves him harder when the man doesn’t reply, “what? suddenly you don’t want to talk?”

aiden raises his hands again in faux innocence just when several of the group come jogging towards the noise, daryl’s fists holding his knifes and rick has one hand on the holster attached to his hip, “glenn! what’s going on?”.

you don’t realise you’re shaking until daryl’s now free hand squeezes your shoulder and you instinctively take a step back to rest against the man’s side as he keeps you close while glenn replies, “sick fuck just tried to make a move on y/n!”

rick slowly turns from the two men and towards you, eyes dazed and angry, “did he touch you?” you could feel everyone’s eyes on you as you shake your head, “only touched my cheek, he tried to kiss me though.”

“i walked over and saw him pressing y/n against the shelf while she’s trying to push him off!” glenn spits and you’re sure you’ve never seen him this upset, daryl suddenly jumps from your side in a lunge towards aiden who laughs, rick holding him back when there’s a flurry of shouting between all the men.

“alright! aaron and eric, take aiden outside. we’ll gather the stuff and head back to alexandria where we’ll talk to deanna about what happened…” rick trails off harshly, glaring in aiden’s direction.

glenn looks to aaron who steps towards then, willing him to let aiden go so he can move him away from the situation but glenn only looks to rick angrily before his eyes softening when he glances at you.

looking back to aiden, glenn steps back to allow him some room and everyone watches as they watch one another before aiden suddenly raises his hand to punch glenn. dodging the punch, your boyfriend retaliates twice before daryl shoves aiden off, rick holding glenn back.

“enough! go wait outside,” rick shouts at aiden, before nodding to aaron and eric, “don’t let him near y/n.” at the mention of your name, glenn turns around towards you once more, walking over to hold the side of your face.

he looks over your expression, checking if you’re alright and when you nod he kisses your forehead before wrapping you in a hug, one hand holding the back of your head while the other tugs the cart closer when everyone makes their way to their previous spots, ready to leave.

“i’m sorry i wasn’t there,” glenn murmurs against your hairline, pressing pecks soothingly across it after he talks. your hands smooth over his t-shirt, shaking your head against his hold, “it’s not you that should be apologising.”

“he’s never going near you again,” your boyfriend mutters, pulling back to look at you properly, he still looks annoyed, his aching and already bruising knuckles grazing your cheek so gently as if you may break beneath the touch.

instead of replying, you lean up to capture his lips in a soft kiss which he retaliates immediately. you knew it wasn’t over, going back to alexandria to deal with telling deanna and then seeing what happens next. but you weren’t worried, not when glenn was there to always save the day.

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[keanusbabydoll]

Hey, I saw your latest post about daryl hunting the reader through the woods, and it inspired me to make my own ask. If you have time, would you do a daryl x plussize!reader where she's looking at her outfit and body in the mirror and just, doesn't like what she sees, so daryl fucks her in front of it to prove she's beautiful to him? Feel free to pass on this if you don't like it though.

FUCKIN’ PERFECT GIRL

a/n: i’m deeply sorry for keeping you on wait, love! i hope you like it xxx

paring: daryl dixon x fem!reader

warnings: 18+ content, p in v, unprotected sex, fingering, loads of ‘fucks’, insecure reader, swearing, rough sex, age gap, dom!daryl

wordcount: 2.9k

mdni

masterlist

₊˚⊹౨ৎ ₊˚⊹ ₊˚⊹౨ৎ ₊˚⊹ ₊˚⊹౨ৎ ₊˚⊹ ₊˚⊹౨ৎ ₊˚⊹ ₊˚⊹౨ৎ ₊˚⊹ ₊˚⊹౨ৎ ₊˚

just yesterday, deanna announced that there will be a party at her house today. to you, it seemed like something out of a fantasy. growing up in the apocalypse, your world had been nothing but survival- days spent on scavenging, hiding and fighting. the idea of music, food and laughter with people you loved in a safe, enclosed space felt foreign.

a few months ago, you found a beautiful short black dress on a hunt and tonight felt like the perfect occasion to wear it.

as daryl headed over to rick’s to discuss something important, you stood in the bathroom, putting on all the make up the girls had collected over some time. tonight you wanted to feel normal, forget about the fact that you were living in a fucked up world. hell, this was the first time you were actually getting ready. finally, as you adjusted your hair for the last time, you got out of the bathroom and went over to your wardrobe to pull out the dress.

a smile played on your lips as you admired it, you were looking forward for daryl to come back. you knew that he would love the idea of you in a short dress. you slid into it, the fabric hugging your curves tightly as you zipped it up. adjusting the hem, you glanced in the mirror and felt your stomach drop. the reflection staring back at you wasn’t what you’d hoped to see. the snugness of the dress emphasized every inch of your body, highlighting areas you always tried to downplay. your belly, your thighs— insecurities you always tried to ignore began to bubble up.

your thoughts wandered off to rosita and maggie, their toned figures and effortless confidence. comparing yourself to them only deepened your doubt. tears blurred your vision as you quickly wiped them away, scolding yourself for letting this thoughts consume you.

the sound of the front door opening and closing snapped you from your spiral. daryl must’ve come back from rick’s. you carefully wiped at your tears, not wanting to ruin your make up and not wanting him to see you like this. moments later, the bedroom door creaked open. “hey, ya ready?” daryl’s gruff voice gave you tingles immediately. you turned toward him, quickly composing yourself. “yeah, i’m ready,” you replied, forcing a smile.

but daryl wasn’t buying it.

his piercing blue eyes studied you, narrowing as he stepped closer. “don’t do that.” he muttered. “do what?” you asked, feigning confusion. “lie to me.” his voice was firm but not harsh. you knew better than lying to him, he knew you like the back of his hand, but you didn’t have the strength to be honest with him. it was eating you up.

you turned back to the mirror, avoiding his gaze. “it’s nothing, daryl. i’m fine.”

he crossed the room in two strides, gripping your chin firmly, turning your face toward him. “don’t look like nothin’ to me.” he said, his voice low, “what’s going on?”

you hesitated, but the weight of your emotions made it impossible to hold back. “it’s just… this dress. i hate how i look. my body’s—“

“stop,” he immediately interrupted, his tone sharp enough to make you flinch. his hands gripped your shoulders, forcing you to meet his intense gaze. “don’t ever talk ‘bout yourself like that. ya hear me?” you opened your mouth to protest, but he didn’t give you the chance. “you’re perfect.” he growled, “every damn inch of you.”

“daryl i—“

“no.” he spun you around to face the mirror. “look,” he commanded, his hands settling on your waist. you shook your head, tears threading to spill again. “i don’t see what you see.” “well, you’re ‘bout to.” he muttered darkly. his hands began to roam over your sides, his calloused fingers tracing the curves of your hips, the dip of your waist. “you think i don’t notice every damn thing ‘bout you?” he asked you, his voice thick with frustration and something deeper. “don’t you see how crazy you make me by just standin’ there?”

you shivered at his words, your breath hitching as his hands moved lower, gripping your thighs possessively. “this?” daryl said, his fingers pressing into the soft flesh. “this drives me fuckin’ wild. every damn part of you does.” your cheeks burned but he wasn’t near done. his lips brushed against your ear as he whispered, “you’re mine. all of this is mine. and i ain’t gonna let you tear yourself apart over something’ so fuckin’ stupid.”

“but daryl—“ you tried to argue, but he silenced you with a sharp tug, pulling you back against his chest. “shut up.” he growled. “gonna show you how beautiful you are.” he guided your hands to the huge mirror, pressing them flat against the against the glass. “look at yourself,” he ordered. “look at how good you look it that dress. look at how much i want you.” your eyes flickered to the mirror, catching his reflection. his intense gaze bore into yours as his hands roamed your body, sliding over the fabric of the dress like it was the most precious piece ging he’d ever touched.

“daryl…” you breathed, your voice trembling. sparks ignited everywhere you felt his touch, heading straight to your core. “you’re mine.” he repeated, his voice a low rasp. “and i ain’t gonna let you doubt that again.” his hand slipped beneath the them of your dress, his fingers brushing against the bare skin of your hips. with his other hand he pressed your ass further into him. you gasped, feeling his fully erect cock pressing directly against you as your eyes locked with his in the mirror. “see what you do to me?” he murmured, his lips slowly trailing along your neck.

you leaned into his touch, letting him take in your whole body. he slowly hitched your dress up, letting it rest just above your panties. your eyes followed his movements through the mirror, breath stocking when he abruptly pulled your thong all the way down. you immediately stepped out of it, pushing it aside. daryl continued to nip at your flesh as he softly let his fingers glide over your pussy, grazing your clit. he almost lost it when he felt your wetness on the tip of his fingers, knowing too damn well how much control he had over you.

“so wet for me.” he growled, biting down on your bare shoulder. two of his digits teased at your entrance, collecting your slick while running them up and down. “please.” your plea sent tingles straight to his cock— he always loved it when you begged him.

then, daryl easily slipped one finger inside your hot walls, immediately adding a second one. your head flew back against his chest at the feeling, a quiet moan escaping your lips. he immediately curled his fingers upward, pressing firmly against your g-spot. “feel good?” he asked, not moving a single muscle.

“yess, please daryl.” you whined out, needing him to finally stimulate you. a dark chuckle rang through your ears as he began to pump his fingers in and out of your cunt, your knees twitching at the sudden pleasure. “oh my god.” you cried, making him speed up his thrusts. “look at yourself.” he snarled as his free hand pushed your head forward again. you immediately opened your eyes and stared back at your reflection. again, they fell down to his hand, a moan leaving your lips as you saw how hard he finger-fucked you.

the wet, squelching sounds your pussy made, made it even harder for daryl to control himself. but your pleasure was his first priority. he pressed his cock harder into your ass, trying to gain any friction as he growled into your neck. your gaze wandered up to him and when you found him already staring at you, shivers erupted over your whole body. oh, how much you needed his thick cock to fill you up and fuck your brains out. he never failed to get you aroused or stupid for his cock.

“you’re so fuckin’ hot, baby.” daryl said as he pulled his fingers out of you, eliciting a whine from you. he brought his digits to his mouth, licking them clean, a hum escaping his lips at your sweet taste. “need you, daryl.” you whimpered, your eyes pleading him as well.

that was all he needed to hear. his good little girl was gonna get exactly what she wanted. and he was going to make sure that you would never even get the idea to think that your body isn’t perfect.

he hastily opened his belt and pulled his pants down along with his boxers. you turn your head, looking over your shoulder to see his painfully hard cock finally freed, his redend tip was covered in pre-cum. your core began to ache even more, your mouth watering at his sight.

“‘m gonna make you feel so good, princess.” he purred as he pushed your legs apart and stepping right behind you. his hand gently spread one of your ass cheeks, his eyes darkening at the view of your slick hole desperately clenching around nothing. with his other hand he guided his top to your entrance, getting his tip wet. he held intense eye contact with you as he slowly pushed in, your wetness making it easy for him.

a sharp hiss fell from your lips, his cock splitting you in two sent tingles through your whole body. with a rough thrust, daryl plunged his whole length inside of you, his tip kissing your cervix. you would never get used to his size, every time you guys fucked it felt like your first time. daryl gripped your hips tightly with one hand while his other one reached around your middle, rubbing your clit in slow circles.

as soon as the first moan rang through his ears, he began to move his hips in a steady pace, the sharp sound of skin clapping together erupting in the room. your hands immediately gripped the sides of the mirror harder, your eyes shutting close.

“my fuckin’ pretty baby,” he growled directly into your ear, speeding his fingers on your clit up,“open your eyes and look at how perfect you are.”

your eyes immediately snapped open and you stared at your reflection, daryl fucking you roughly from behind while stimulating your clit. the way he admired your whole form made you almost orgasm at the sight of it. he possessively gripped your waist, signing you that your body was the most perfect one he’d ever laid his eyes on.

“you’re fuckin’ perfect,” he grunted, pressing open- mouthed kisses along your shoulders. “say it, doll. tell me how pretty you are.”

your mind was too preoccupied by his rough pounds and expert fingers which sent you straight to heaven. but the thought of your body, made you uneasy again. but daryl didn’t like that. “daryl- i can’t—“

in a flash his hand, which was previously set on your waist, was now wrapped tightly around your throat. you gasped out, a strangled whine leaving your lips.”yeah, you can. ain’t stoppin’ to fuck you till you say it.” daryl commanded darkly, his voice low and intimidating, his grip just getting tighter and tighter and his thrusts were getting more and more aggressively with every second you didn’t answer him.

“i-i’m perfect.” you managed to squeak out, caught between pleasure and self contentiousness. “louder.” daryl mumbled against your neck. “i’m perfect.” you repeated, this time with more conviction.

“and?” he prompted, his pounds getting harsher.

“and i’m— i’m pretty.” you squealed, feeling your orgasm slowly approach. “damn right, you are.” he stated, giving you a kiss on your cheek, his grip on your throat loosening. he could feel your walls clamping down on him, squeezing his cock deliciously. your legs began to tremble and your arms threatened to give out. daryl pushed your hips further back, arching your back a little bit— only for him to hit the special spot deep inside of you that made you orgasm in seconds. “fuck, daryl! don’t stop!” you swear you could feel him in your guts, a beautiful mix of pain and intense pleasure.

your cheeks were coated with tears as you felt your brain fog up in the most blessing way. “you gonna cum?” you nodded your head rapidly, your eyes fixated on yourself through the mirror. your make up was a mess and your body was wrecking beneath him. “cum on my cock, baby.” he continued to pound into you, his pace never relenting, chasing his own release.

he let go of your throat and turned your face to the side, capturing your lips in a messy kiss. muffled and high pitched cries tore from your throat as you were at the verge of cumming, desperately craving your release. daryl was close himself, the feeling of your velvety, slippery walls, making his dick twitch. then, with a last flick of his fingers, your coil snapped and a loud moan passed your lips as your walls spasmed around his cock rapidly.

the feeling of it sent daryl straight over the edge, a deep grunt echoing off the walls as he spilled every last drop of his seed deep inside of you. your head fell forward exhaustedly, your chest heaving intensely as you tried to calm down from your high. daryl’s thrusts slowed down and his fingers on your clit removed.

when the last wave of his and your orgasmed crashed through you, he stopped his movements, taking a deep breath. “good girl.” he whispered in your ear, his hot breath fanning against your skin. his hands caressed your hips as he carefully pulled out of you, a silent whine passing your lips.

“ain’t gonna ever let you leave this room if i hear somethin’ stupid like that again.” he told you with a firm voice but with a hint of gentleness, referring to what you had said about yourself earlier. “am i clear?”

“yes, daryl.” you mumbled between shallow breaths. “my fuckin’ perfect girl.” he smirked as he helped you adjust your dress and kissed your lips lovingly once again.

daryl would make sure that you would never ever doubt yourself again. to him, no one in this fucked up world would have had a chance to change his mind about you and your pretty little body.

requests are opened<3

[reveryfics]

hi hi hi

rick grimes and male reader from another settlement?? something similar to the saviors, just, not that big. a settlement that was formed out of "tough, former milita".

from that description, maybe intimidating reader?? nothing much for personality, just that him and rick aren't really meant to be seeing eachother...... (readers settlement could be close to alexandria, and known by alexandrians). but hey, who's going to tell rick to stop?

and this is specific,, but HoH (hard of hearing) reader? just makes surviving in a zombie apocalypse all the more difficult, if you can't hear anyone coming.

🫶🏼

Contact Your Saviors

Rick Grimes x Male Reader

Summary: After an unknown group attacks Alexandria, Rick has no choice but to ask for help from a nearby settlement.

A/N: I'm hoping this meets your request, I went a little overboard with 2k+ words.

TW: Violence - Blood - Gore

The air in Alexandria was thick with a suffocating blend of fear and the metallic tang of blood, a grim testament to the recent devastation. Homes lay in charred ruins, their skeletons stark against the bruised twilight sky, and the ground was littered with the gruesome tableau of the dead. The stench of burnt wood mingled with the cloying sweetness of fresh blood, a macabre perfume that clung to the damp air left by a recent, sorrowful rain.

It had been a swift, brutal intrusion. An unknown group, appearing from the shadows like specters, had descended upon the unsuspecting community in the dead of night. Most of the attackers had met their end at Rick's hand or fled into the darkness when their assault crumbled. Now, the aftermath was a stark reality, one that forced Rick to confront a bitter truth.

He stood, his posture weary, one hand resting on his hip as he fixed his gaze on Deanna. "We ain't got a choice but to ask for help," he stated, the words heavy with reluctance. Pride warred with necessity, but the image of the fallen and the vulnerability of his people tipped the scale. They were simply not strong enough to face another threat, not after this.

Deanna recoiled, her face etched with disdain. She ran a trembling hand through her disheveled hair, her other hand clenching into a tight fist before her. "I won't ask a group of monsters for help," she spat, her voice laced with a stubborn refusal. "We can do this alone."

Frustration gnawed at Rick. He began to pace the length of the room, the back-and-forth with Deanna an infuriating loop. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him. Finally, the simmering tension erupted. He slammed his fist against the worn wooden table, the sudden violence punctuating his despair before he turned and stormed out, the door rattling in his wake.

The relative quiet of his own house offered a momentary reprieve. He leaned against the closed door, letting the tension bleed from his shoulders as he saw Carl descending the stairs, Judith cradled in his arms. Carl, despite his youth, possessed a quiet understanding. "Do what you have to, Dad," he said, offering a small, reassuring smile.

Rick nodded, pulling both his children into a tight embrace, a silent promise to bring them back to safety. "Keep an eye on Judith for me, and listen to Glenn and Michonne," he instructed, his voice thick with emotion.

With a heavy sigh, he ascended the stairs to pack a bag, his movements swift and purposeful. He needed to speak with Glenn and Michonne, to lay out his plan, however risky it was.

He took one of the community's cars, offering a flimsy excuse about needing to clear his head, promising a swift return. Hours blurred into a monotonous stretch of road, the landscape a grim parade of abandoned towns and the slow, relentless march of walkers feasting on roadkill.

Finally, he arrived. Before him loomed a formidable set of gates, flanked by walls that were taller, thicker, and bore the weathered marks of experience far exceeding Alexandria's. Rick knew instinctively that these were not ordinary survivors. Whoever resided within these walls possessed a deep, ingrained understanding of survival.

He sat in his car, the engine idling, as the massive gates groaned open, revealing a figure stepping out to meet him. It was you. He recognized you, one of the people from the settlement Deanna had warned them about, a community with a history, albeit a strained one, with Alexandria.

Deanna's words echoed in his mind – "monsters," she had called them, people who killed without hesitation, reckless with their own lives and the lives of others. But Rick had seen a different kind of desperation in the world, a harsh reality where survival often demanded choices that blurred the lines of morality. He suspected your settlement understood that reality intimately, perhaps even embraced it. They were rumored to take in those who knew fighting was the only language this new world understood, those with backgrounds that had forged them into weapons – people like you, he surmised, noting the military bearing.

"Well, I'll be damned," you drawled, a wry chuckle escaping your lips. "Alexandria came to beg like a dog."

Rick stepped out of the car, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. He couldn't ignore the way your hand rested casually on the butt of the gun holstered at your hip, or the armed men and women who stood silently behind you, their eyes assessing him with a cold intensity.

"I came because we need help," Rick stated, taking a tentative step forward. He flinched slightly as you began to walk towards him, your gaze unwavering.

He noticed the way you moved, a strange blend of authority and an underlying weariness, a subtle tension in your stride. He saw the hearing aid peeking from beneath the loose strands of your hair, the dark circles etched beneath your eyes, the invisible weight of the world and its harsh demands etched onto your face.

You reached him, your movements fluid and economical. Without a word, you unholstered the Colt Python from his hip, the weight of the weapon settling comfortably in your hand. You gestured to one of your people, a silent command to take the car and bring it inside. "Sheriff, huh?" you hummed, your eyes flicking over him.

Rick's jaw tightened, the muscle twitching beneath his stubble. "Used to be."

You didn't reply, simply turning and gesturing for him to follow. As you walked into your settlement, Rick's eyes scanned the surroundings.

It was a place where nature and human resilience had intertwined. Buildings were reclaimed by vines and wildflowers, creating a strange, rugged beauty. There were thriving gardens, people working with a quiet purpose, and children playing, their laughter a stark contrast to the grim reality outside the walls. Rick had initially judged Alexandria for its perceived softness, but here, it was different. Everyone, even the children, seemed acutely aware of the dangers lurking beyond, yet they had cultivated a community that held a tangible sense of belonging.

You caught his gaze, the way he was observing everything. "Deanna talks shit," you stated bluntly, your voice cutting through the air. "We know what it's like out there. Know how to survive. And sometimes, that means you put your morals aside and realize you either fight or die like a dog."

Rick nodded, the harsh truth of your words resonating within him. "That's why I need help," he whispered, the admission raw and vulnerable. "Alexandria can't protect itself, especially after this attack. My people aren't safe until those bastards are dead."

You led him towards an old lookout point, perched high enough to offer a panoramic view of the settlement, a testament to what your community had built. "Tell me something," you murmured, your gaze fixed on the horizon. "What would you do to keep those you love safe?"

Rick followed your gaze, his eyes absorbing the details of the settlement, the quiet hum of life within its walls. "Anything," he replied, the word a low, unwavering promise.

You nodded, taking a seat on a worn chair and gesturing for Rick to do the same. "Good," you murmured. "Now, here's the deal."

You explained a recent influx of walkers near the south gates, a growing horde that posed a significant threat to the runners and scouts who used that entrance and exit. Rick understood the unspoken implication. You needed help, and given Alexandria's past judgment, it was a fair price to pay.

"Help us clear the growing horde, and your problem simply vanishes in the night," you stated, extending your hand, your eyes locking with his.

Rick met your gaze, a small, grim smile playing on his lips as he shook your hand. "You got yourself a deal."

The night was a brutal ballet of violence. Rick, alongside a group of your runners, moved through the darkness, the only illumination the flickering beams of their flashlights and the occasional flare of a walker's rotting flesh catching fire. The air was thick with the stench of death, amplified by the sheer number of the undead pressing against the south gate. You moved with a practiced efficiency, your hearing aid seemingly no impediment as you anticipated the movements of the walkers, your shots precise and deadly. Rick fought with a desperate energy, fueled by the image of his children and the burning memory of Alexandria's devastation. It was a long, grueling night, but as the first rays of dawn painted the sky, the horde had been thinned, the immediate threat neutralized. Rick had no doubt you were a man of your word.

As the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the settlement, you and a small group of your people geared up. The adrenaline from the night had faded, replaced by a cold, focused resolve. You made your way towards the compound Rick believed the attackers were holed up in, the truck rumbling beneath you.

You sat on the hood of the truck, the metal warm beneath you, watching as the last sliver of the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. The flimsy gate surrounding the compound groaned in protest as one of your people drove a stolen car straight through it.

A grim smile touched your lips. You lit the rag stuffed into the neck of an old beer bottle filled with gasoline, the flame catching with a whoosh. The makeshift Molotov cocktail arced through the air, shattering against the wooden structure, igniting it in a blaze of fire. The crackling flames mingled with the screams and desperate pleas of the compound's inhabitants, a symphony of terror that sent a shiver down your spine, a shiver that was not entirely unpleasant.

Moments like this were a stark reminder of why Alexandria had labeled you as monsters. Moments where the safety of your own people eclipsed any consideration for others. Moments where you shot without hesitation, where you let them beg and scream as walkers, drawn by the chaos, tore into them.

You stepped over charred corpses, sidestepping the few walkers that had managed to stumble through the flames. A slow smile spread across your face as you knelt down, facing the leader of the group, his face a mask of terror and pain. "Did you honestly think you'd get away with what you did?" you asked, your voice low and dangerous.

Suddenly, a figure lunged from the shadows, a desperate act of survival. You were caught off guard, your partial deafness a momentary disadvantage. He tackled you, the force of the impact knocking the wind out of you. A sharp pain ripped through your shoulder as a knife plunged into your flesh. The fight was brutal and quick, a tangle of limbs and grunts. You managed to gain the upper hand, your years of fighting instinct taking over. You slammed his face into the rough ground beneath you, again and again, until the struggling ceased, and he lay still.

You huffed, the adrenaline still coursing through your veins. You yanked the knife from your shoulder, ignoring the searing pain, and turned back to the leader, your eyes cold and unforgiving.

"Now, where were we?" you said, your voice dangerously calm. You didn't give him a chance to answer. The blade flashed in the dying light, ending his reign of terror with brutal efficiency.

Your people moved quickly, efficiently. They salvaged what they could from the compound – weapons, ammunition, supplies – their movements practiced and swift. Then, as you had done before, you set the rest ablaze, ensuring no one would follow in their footsteps. The flames roared, consuming the last vestiges of the group that had dared to attack Alexandria. With the acrid smell of smoke filling the air, you and your people turned and began the journey back towards Alexandria.

Rick stood just inside the gates of Alexandria, his eyes fixed on the approaching truck. As the gates creaked open, his breath hitched. You sat on the hood of the truck, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, a figure both imposing and strangely alluring. He couldn't miss the dark stain blooming on your shirt, the blood a stark contrast to the grim satisfaction etched on your face.

You hopped off the hood of the truck with a casual grace that belied your injury, flinging a wrapped bundle towards Rick and Deanna. The cloth unfurled, revealing the severed head of the compound's leader, his dead eyes staring blankly at the sky.

Deanna recoiled, a hand flying to her chest, her face pale. "I told you they were monsters!" she exclaimed, turning away, unable to bear the sight.

You walked towards Rick, kicking the head further in his direction, a macabre offering. "You'd rather your people die like dogs, Deanna?" you sneered, your voice dripping with disdain. "Take victories where you can get them, because sometimes trusting the monsters is what keeps you alive."

Deanna, her face still averted, gave a curt nod towards Rick, a silent acknowledgment of the grim reality. Then, she turned and walked away, the weight of her prejudice heavy in her steps.

Rick, his gaze fixed on you, ushered you and your people inside. He led you towards the makeshift infirmary, his concern evident as he guided you to a cot. He waited patiently as one of his people tended to your stab wound, his eyes never leaving you. Once the room was empty and the door was closed, he took a seat in front of you, his expression earnest.

"Thank you," he said, the word sincere. "For what you did. My kids… they're safer now, thanks to you."

You shrugged, a grimace of pain flickering across your face. "It wasn't anything I wouldn't do if they attacked my settlement," you replied, your voice matter-of-fact.

You started to get up, reaching for your discarded shirt. Rick gently took it from you, his touch surprisingly tender as he helped you put it on, careful not to aggravate your injured shoulder. You smirked, a hint of amusement in your eyes, and patted his chest. "You're welcome in my settlement anytime, Sheriff," you said, your voice a low murmur. "You and your kids."

Rick nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "Thank you."

Before you left, you leaned in, your hand finding his jaw. Your kiss was sudden, heated, and rough, a raw expression of something that surprised even you. Rick didn't pull away, meeting your intensity with a surprising fervor of his own. You squeezed his bicep, a silent promise hanging in the air, before turning and rejoining your people, the truck rumbling to life as you headed back towards your settlement, leaving Rick standing in the infirmary, the scent of smoke and something else, something undeniably charged, lingering in the air.

[laanswife]

OMG I am lobing your blog so far!

If you are down for it, I would love to see what you come up with for Data with the "cuddles" prompt?

I hope you have an amazing day/night and your pillow is cool on both sides 🩵

As soon as I saw your request I had to write this straight away, I hope it was good and that you like it.

Cuddles with Data

After a mission that didn't go as planned, you're heading back to the USS Enterprise. Your team would meet with Data, the commander would go with you to the captain to deliver the mission report.

You were quiet the whole way from the transporter room to the captain's office, attracting Data's curious gaze. It was not yet known to the crew that you had gone on a few dates to get to know each other. There was something about the android's calm personality that caught his attention, contrasting with the bubbling day-to-day life inside the ship.

You head straight to your quarters after the meeting, leaving behind a confused Data at the strange and distant way you were acting.

He notices that you're not just quiet — something else seems to be affecting you. Your eyes, normally vibrant and expressive, seem dull, and sadness seems to hang over you.

Intrigued by his way of acting, Data decides to talk to Counselor Troi. He knows that even if he tries, he will never fully understand human emotions on his own.

"Deanna, can I ask you something?" When he sees his friend nod, he continues. "I noticed that the behavior of a person close to me has changed drastically. I can't determine the cause, but I know there is something wrong, her change in behavior doesn't seem to be a matter of logic. Should I address the situation or wait for her to open up on her own?"

"Oh, I see... Remember that emotions don't always follow the path of logic, Data? It's not often that we can express what's going on with us. Maybe a simple hug can be more effective than anything else." Deanna, with her empathetic gaze, smiles softly.

"Muito bem. Obrigada Conselheira."

Later, when you are alone in the ship's cafeteria, with your shoulders hunched and your eyes lost, Data approaches. The silence in the room is comforting, but it also carries a tension — as if the words were just on the verge of being said, but still haven't arrived.

He hesitates for a moment, but decides to sit next to you at the table in silence..

“I don't fully understand human feelings, but I realize you're going through something. If you need help, I can offer a hug." You look at him, surprised by the breaking of the silence, but you feel a strange warmth in your chest.

Your eyes meet his, and there's an undeniable sincerity there.

Data, with his characteristic calm, steps forward but hesitates for a moment, as if he is considering whether what he is doing is right. He then carefully extends his arms and, in an almost... human way, waits for your response. Approaching slowly, you feel relief in your chest.

The gesture is simple, but the feeling is of a reconnection that you didn't know you needed so much.

[changingplumbob]

Introductions: Nathalie - Part 1

Ciao, welcome to Dating Deanna! I'm Devin Villareal and I will be your host. My younger sister Deanna is hoping the paradise that is Tartosa will set the stage for her to find true love. Without further ado, let's meet today's contestant.

Nathalie Carrillo

If Nathalie had to describe her job it would be, professional at being alive. She may have a non-committal streak, and it may have stopped her holding any full time job for longer than a year, but she's lived.

Of course she's also spent the time trying to figure out how to live off the grid for... paranoid reasons. Is going on a dating show the best way to do it? Maybe not but worth trying, the best bunkers are built for two.

Just two though. It's not that Nathalie is jealous so much as... she likes keeping her stuff to herself. Her people are her people and she has a hard enough time sharing friends, let alone lovers.

Devin: Buongiorno Nathalie. Welcome to the show

Nathalie: Why hello there Devin

Devin: Did you apply for the show or did someone do it for you?

Nathalie: I applied for myself, and hope I will not regret it!

Devin: Does anyone know you'll be on the show?

Nathalie: Of course darling, I would never make such a decision without consulting all my friends

Devin: But the ones outside your head right

Nathalie: *silence*

Devin: *clears throat* Now I have to ask, how are you feeling about meeting Deanna?

Nathalie: Oh I simply could not bear it if Deanna didn't like me! But I'm putting on my bravest face for this big moment

Devin: Let's get you to my sister. Through the doors when you're ready. Break a leg

Nathalie: Deep breaths, deep breaths

[dixons-sunshine]

Love your work it’s amazing and helps me with so much shit in my life🎀 been feeling so down insecure lately .could you write something about female reader being really insecure about her appearance and her mind and intelligence ,looking at herself in mirror and Daryl catching her do it. just pure fluff him feeling bad because he wants her to see herself the way he does

That's What Makes You Beautiful | Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Summary: While getting ready for the party at Deanna Monroe's house with the other women, old insecurities crept up again after being dormant for a while. However, Daryl won't have his beautiful girl thinking bad things about herself.

Genre: Kinda angsty to fluff.

Era: Alexandria, pre Saviour arc.

Warnings: Swearing, insecurities.

Word count: 1.6k

A/n: This was heavily self-indulgent. I struggle with body image issues, so this was easy and yet extremely hard to picture and write. But darling, even though I don't know you personally, please know that I think you're amazing and beautiful! I hope this fic portrays how much I love you, even if I don't know you personally. Daryl in this is me reassuring you that you are enough, and that you are worthy. 💜

(Also, Michonne is your hype woman in this because she is my queen and I need her to hype me up when I feel down.)

➳༻❀✿❀༺➳

Laughter filled the small room that you had found yourself in with Michonne, Rosita, Sasha, Tara, Maggie and Carol. All the women were having a mini fashion show as they tried on different dresses and shoes, having the time of their lives as they did something that everyone missed from the world before the dead started walking. However, the same couldn't be said for you.

You smiled weakly at Rosita as she showed off the dress she was wearing, eyeing the way the dress fit her curves perfectly. In fact, all the women looked amazingly beautiful in their dresses. Even Carol, who wasn't wearing a dress and instead opted for a flower shirt and a pair of jeans, looked gorgeous. You couldn't deny that they all looked like princesses, and that made you feel bad about yourself—your old insecurities crept up into your mind again.

The dress that Michonne had picked out for you was splayed across your lap. You had no intention of putting it on anytime soon, preferring to want to do so without any of these stunning women in the room. You wanted to be sure of how you looked before allowing anyone to see you in the dress, and when you more than likely looked terrible in it, you wanted to be able to handle your emotions without everyone present. You didn't need to see their disgusted faces when you wore it.

“Hey, you gonna get dressed and join us downstairs or just sit there and look pretty?” Michonne asked playfully, snapping you from your thoughts.

You winced at her words, but plastered on a small smile. “You guys go on ahead. There's something I need to do before getting changed,” you lied.

Michonne frowned slightly, seeing right through your lie but choosing not to address it in front of everyone. She'd pull you aside later and ask what was wrong. For now, however, she understood that you wanted everyone to leave, and she nodded at you.

“Okay, we'll see you when you come downstairs,” she replied, ushering the other women out of the room. She turned back to you before she left, giving you a questioning look. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn't I be?” you told her, not missing the way she sent you a disapproving look. You sighed and looked down, toying with the dress in your lap. “I'm fine. I'll meet you downstairs, okay?”

Michonne reluctantly nodded. “Okay,” she agreed, pulling the door closed behind her and leaving you alone in the room.

Sighing, you hesitantly got up and started undressing, refusing to meet your reflection in the mirror in front of you. You slowly slipped the dress on, the fabric covering your skin from your chest to your mid thighs. You adjusted the straps over your shoulders, not even trying to zip up the dress from behind. You reluctantly turned towards the mirror and physically recoiled at the sight in front of you.

You continued staring at your reflection in disgust, hating the way you looked. You started getting lost in your own self deprecating thoughts, so much so that you didn't hear the door open behind you, or the footsteps that abruptly stopped in their tracks.

“Wow.”

You flinched and spun around, locking eyes with your partner. Daryl stood by the bed, staring at you with wide eyes. He took a tentative step forward, his eyes trailing over your body.

Mistaking his wide eyes for disgust rather than awe, you crossed your arms over your chest. You tried to shield your body from his view, but Daryl walked over to you and held your arms in his hands, sending you a questioning look.

“Nah, why are ya doin' tha'?” he inquired, rubbing your arms with his hands. “Ya dun' need to hide yerself from me, 'specially not when yer lookin' so pretty all dolled up.”

Without meaning to, you let out a choked sob, tears starting to fall from your eyes. Instinctively, Daryl pulled you into his arms, hugging you tightly to his chest. He didn't know why you were crying, but he didn't care. He would comfort you through it, just like you had comforted him through so many things, ranging from his inability to track down Sophia all the way to the guilt he felt over Beth's death.

“I look ridiculous,” you choked out, your cries muffled into his chest. “Everyone looks so beautiful in their dresses and I look like this. I can't—”

“Shh, s'okay,” Daryl whispered into you ear, rocking you from side to side. “S'okay. I got ya.”

He simply held you in his arms, allowing you to cry all your negative emotions into his shirt. When you finally managed to calm down, you pulled back and tearfully looked up at him.

“I'm sorry,” you mumbled. “It's so stupid.”

“Nah, it ain't stupid,” Daryl disagreed, taking your face into his hands. “But where's this all comin' from? Why do ya think tha' 'bout yerself?”

“I can't—I don't—”

“Please, peach,” he pleaded, caressing your cheeks with his thumbs. “Talk to me.”

You shook your head, casting your eyes down towards the floor. “I don't know. I just... I grew up being bullied for my looks, about my intelligence, for just about everything. When everything went to shit, I guess those insecurities got buried, but now, wearing this dress, I—”

Daryl cut you off by pressing his lips against yours, but quickly pulled away again. He looked deeply into your eyes, keeping your face in place to ensure that you kept your eyes locked on him.

“Do ya trust me?” he asked.

You nodded your head. “Of course I do.”

“Then listen real close, sunshine,” he began softly yet sternly. “M'not sure wha' fuckin' assholes talked this shit into yer head, but yer not wha' ya think ya are. Yer so unbelievably smart, and ya've proved it a lot of times. S'cause of ya tha' we were able to save Hershel way back when. S'cause of ya tha' we found tha' store with all those supplies while we were on the run fer eight months. Yer such a badass, and yer so unbelievably beautiful. I wish ya could see yerself the way I see ya. Yeah, ya have yer flaws, but they're part of wha' makes ya beautiful. Nobody's perfect, but yer the nearest damn thing there is to it.”

You were flabbergasted. You felt like crying all over again, but from pure happiness this time. “You really think so?”

“I dun' think, I know,” Daryl confirmed. “I love ya so much, bunny.”

“I love you too,” you replied with a small smile on your face. You turned around and faced the mirror again, giving him a full view of the back of your unzipped dress. “Zip me up?”

“'Course,” Daryl nodded, gripping the zipper and slowly zipping up the dress.

You shivered slightly at the feeling of his fingers slowly brushing along your spine. When your dress was zipped up, he wrapped his arms around your waist from behind and rested his chin on your shoulder. He looked at your reflection with a small smile, staring in awe at how beautiful he found you.

“Damn, woman,” he muttered with a small chuckle. “Yer gon' be the death of me, lookin' all pretty in this damn dress. Pair it with heels and we ain't makin' it outta this room tonigh'.”

You giggled and shyly ducked your head. “That's too bad. I promised Michonne that I'd go to this damn party.”

Daryl groaned and buried his head into your shoulder. “Fuck,” he mumbled, successfully coaxing another laugh from you. “Now I gotta wait? S'fuckin' ridiculous.”

Before you could respond, Rosita and Michonne walked into the room, making you and Daryl withdraw from each other's hold. Michonne and Rosita looked at you, smiles on each of their faces.

Michonne let out a playful wolf whistle. “Look at you! You're putting us all to shame.”

“She's right,” Rosita agreed. “You're looking real stunning. Daryl will have to fight of the other men. They're all going to want your attention.”

“Hell, some ladies, too. Daryl might have to fight me off,” Michonne joked.

Daryl rolled his eyes. “Nah, I ain't lettin' anyone take her from me. 'Specially not ya, Michonne.”

Michonne laughed lightly. “Can't blame a girl for trying.”

As Michonne and Daryl bickered back and forth, with Rosita adding her own playful input, you couldn't help but feel happy. In a matter of minutes, your partner and two of your closest friends had managed to cheer you up. You doubted that your insecurities would ever fully go away, but with people you love there to remind you of your worth, you would be more than okay.

And, just to tease Daryl a bit that night, you did end up wearing the heels with the dress, and Daryl made sure you knew just how beautiful you were to him that night—by worshipping your body like the goddess you were.

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 118 (The Calm Before)

Life continued for Heather and Conrad after their eventful trip to the city. Conrad couldn't be the one to canvas his old apartment building in San Myshuno, but he made arrangements with his partner, Detective Spangler, before he, Heather, and Ash had even returned to Brindleton Bay.

He believed they would find Ximena there, but they had to be discreet, and his team worked with San Myshuno PD to watch the Arts Quarter and confirm their suspicions.

They felt life at home might soon return to normal, so Heather started to think about that wedding and kept up her workouts. Spring would come soon enough, and she'd be able to go for jogs with Gord once the weather warmed, too. Gord couldn't wait for that, either.

Conrad would be able to turn his focus to Rafa and George Brindleton without the threat of Ximena breathing down their necks. While officers worked behind the scenes, the Nesbitt-Gordon household buzzed with contentment.

With the family always happy to see him, River paid a visit to talk with Hazel about her break up. Heather wanted to help, but she had to admit to herself that she was disappointed in Hazel for cheating.

Only 'Old Man River' could find the right words to express disappointment without a hint of judgment, and when he walked into the bedroom, Heather got up to make herself scarce.

River glanced at his younger sister with concern. He could see she was beating herself up and wanted to hear her side of things.

"Why didn't you leave your wife before you called Suri again?"

"I think a part of me wanted to hurt Nicola for how she treated me," admitted Hazel. "I know how terrible that is, but she made me dread coming home some nights, and we kept talking about trying to make it work, but we never did. She was too high maintenance and trying to meet her needs was costing my sanity. I think, more than anything, I was just mad at her, but I feel sick about how much I hurt her. I left town, but she's stuck there trying not to hear everyone whispering about her."

"I wouldn't worry about Nic," River said. "I ran into her mother at the Crumpleclones' flower stall yesterday. She took a sabbatical from the school and Mike's class will have a substitute teacher until she's back. If she comes back. I guess she's going on a show called Dating Deanna that starts filming in Tartosa soon."

Hazel reeled. "Nicola?! On a dating show? Does she know they usually put contestants through their paces and people...people cheat?"

"Maybe she thought her usual ways weren't really working for her anymore."

Hazel considered this with a nod. It was suddenly all too clear why he'd come to see her. "I hope Nic finds someone who makes her happy."

"And is Suri a rebound? Or are you really interested in her?"

"I don't know. I really like her and we have more in common than Nic and I did." Hazel shrugged. "I hope it's real, but we're giving each other space right now, after everything fell apart so publicly."

"That might not be the worst idea, but don't punish yourself and miss out on something that might be really good. You made a mistake and you have to learn from it; it's really that simple, but you're not a horrible person." River offered his little sister a hug, and Hazel accepted it willingly. "Maybe one day you and Nic can get closure for the way everything broke down, but you're on different journeys now, and you both have a chance to find happiness and really discover who you are. That's what really matters."

"Thanks, big bro. I know I'd deserve it if you were all mad at me."

He shook his head with a warm smile. "No you wouldn't. You didn't do anything to us. Just Nic. Maybe Suri, if you dragged her into this for nothing."

He stayed for dinner before heading home, leaving Heather dancing to the aerobics channel on his way out.

Lavender loved to be outside, and if her mom focused too long on her exercising, she'd usually sneak outside with her coat on to play around in the snow. One evening, she found a snowman Ash had built and promptly destroyed it - much to Ash's chagrin.

"I worked hard on that snowman!" he cried, pulling a frightening face to try to scare his little sister. Lavender peeled back in surprise.

"I sowwy, Ashy."

Ash scowled, but he couldn't stay mad at her, and immediately pulled her in for an autonomous hug. "It's okay, Lava. Just try not to do it anymore."

"I'll twy."

The next day, Ash invited his friend Arron Kalani over after school, excited to show off his brilliant new invention. "It's a remote control that will melt the snow!"

He pressed a button. Arron glanced outside the sliding patio doors in the living room and frowned at the white powder that had coated the town since the start of winter. "I don't think it works."

"It's solar powered. When the sun returns in the spring it should power up easier."

Arron turned up his nose in confusion. "What's the point of it working in the spring when the snow will be melted already?"

Lavender sat on the couch and giggled happily. "Ashy took ice-chippy!" she tattled.

Arron chuckled as Ash laughed at his oversight. "It's still pretty cool," Arron insisted. "I bet your next model will work better."

Life was always good, but the Nesbitt-Gordons couldn't help but feel as though things had never been better. For once, they weren't afraid to be hopeful. Heather kept working hard at Buttercup Pet Clinic, and Conrad focused on some other cases at work.

He had just finished looking over Officer Adler's notes on the recent Mercury Gratz assault case when the text they'd all been waiting for came in from Detective Spangler.

"We got her, Lieutenant. She was booked at San Myshuno PD first thing this morning." ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 2.1 Summary

Gen 1 Start | Gen 1 Summary

NOTE: Arron is the son of Zoe Patel and Mitchell Kalani, and he has younger twin siblings Isabelle and Xavier.

Thought I'd end the year on a high note with Ximena behind bars! The second batch of year-end favourite screenies comes tomorrow before the story continues on New Year's Day, but the last one could rival any of the last 25, in my opinion.

[hashimasims]

Absalom: I brought you breakfast.

Elucea: I'm not hungry, that's why I didn't stay to eat.

Absalom: Please eat, just a little?

Elucea: You don't care that I came back in here.

Absalom: Is that a question or a statement?

Elucea: Statement. Sorry I didn't mean to rummage through your head.

Absalom: You're welcome any time, that's why I leave the door open. Everyone knows you're a bit overwhelmed right now and don't expect you to interact with them. Well, except Kan anyway, he's being a bit of a grump-fish. What are you doing?

Elucea: Just checking things on the internet. The news you told me not to look at. I just want . . . I don't know what I want. Draining and drowning that woman sounds too merciful. And come look at this! I got an email from someone named Devin Villareal asking me to join them in Tartosa for a reality show: "Changingplumbob's Dating Deanna". Hey isn't that the one Kaye was telling us about?

Absalom: I think it is, not as a contestant I hope.

Elucea: No, as a guest judge. I don't think I want to go. There's too much going on here I . . . I don't think I could handle it right now.

Absalom: Go. Kan and I can hold down the fort here for a little while. It looks like the dates they need you are after the School's birthday so you wont miss it. If it would make you feel more comfortable then take them with you and hire a nanny for while you're there. I know you don't like the idea but it's only temporary. You need to go. Unwind, have some fun, decompress and get away from the Llamashit going on here right now.

Elucea: Kan wont like it.

Absalom: Woohock him! He and I need to have a chat anyway about last night and I'm mentioning how he makes you feel like a possession. I think I need to talk to Paka'a as well, some things were said that don't sit well with me. I don't like the idea of you being away either but you need it. Give Devin a call and then I would like to speak to her, see if she'd be willing to boost security for you. I'll pay for it of course.

Elucea: I don't need any security

Absalom: After last ni-

Elucea: It was all in my head remember?

Absalom: Don't care, I'll feel better if you had it.

Elucea: You really think I should go?

Absalom: You're not a prisoner here El, and I won't let you stay locked away. You promised to talk to Hypnos professionally and I will hold you to that but maybe getting away for a while, away from us, will do you some good too.

Elucea: OK. I'll call her right now

Absalom: When you're done Nitäl has a surprise for you downstairs

Beginning|Previous|Next

BTW: Thank you @changingplumbob for giving me a reason I didn't have to think of myself to send El off on her own for a little while! She was eventually going to end up in Tartosa (on her own preferably but I did write snippets to work off of in case that didn't happen). I knew it was going to be after the children had their birthday but between "story boards" for the future of the Glynnan story and writing (and rewriting) the flashback pieces I never actually figured out the reason for her being there besides that's where she meets a couple new characters or the actual time table of her adventures there.

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 69 ~ We've all got Jobs to do

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 5

✧ Word Count : 6.4k

In this chapter ~ As Rose continues to contemplate the job she was unexpectedly offered, Deanna talks of a party she's throwing to welcome all of the newcomers such as themselves. But that's not all the group has to be weary of as Rose has a run-in with a certain doctor that puts her on edge. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I was beyond irritated. Irritated because I was woken up at the ass crack of dawn to hear someone knocking frantically on the door, and that someone just so happened to be Deanna. The sight of her of all people irritated me too. She made a huge fuss about what happened yesterday with Nicholas, saying I ran away too fast before even having a chance to go to their infirmary to be looked at. But I knew it was pointless. The man had his hands around me for about two seconds before I shut it down immediately, wanting to just forget it ever happened. Though eventually, I agreed. Because she wouldn't seem to shut up about it until I did.

But the worst part was I was missing out on the first secret meeting with the others as they headed off toward the woods. Rick, Daryl, and Carol were planning to escape for a while to discuss what the next move would be to take back our guns. While I on the other hand had to go get a fucking check-up like a five year old. However, I knew that if I skipped out on seeing the doctor, Deanna would eventually find out, and I definitely didn't want to deal with that.

So, here I was, standing tiredly outside of the clinic, telling myself to knock while also simultaneously wanting to turn on my heel and leave. But the quicker I got in, the quicker I would get back out. With that I finally tapped my knuckles on the door and awaited the answer of the doctor that apparently was "too good to be true," according to the woman in charge.

The door swung open a few seconds later and I was met with a man that instantly gave me the chills. He looked perfectly normal upon first glance, but there was something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. I just didn't know what.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

But there it was. His speech was too slurred, and his breath smelled too much like liquor for it being nine in the morning. Seriously? The town drunk was the doctor that was too good to be true? The quicker I get in, the quicker I get out, Irepeated to myself before putting on the best fake smile I could muster.

"Yeah, I hope so. Deanna sent me over here to get looked at after what happened yesterday."

He gave me a blank look, like he had no clue what I was talking about. "The uh...the fight? Some guy got his hands around my throat and...well I guess it's better to be safe than sorry." I explained.

He let out a long sigh of frustration before reluctantly opening the door a bit wider, "Fine." he muttered, turning around to head back inside with a stomping of his feet, expecting me to follow.

My feet remained planted on the ground for a beat as I took a second to collect whatever patience I had left, before finally trailing after him. I followed his frame with my eyes as he led me into the back area, telling me to take a seat while he gathered some things together. I did a brief scan of the room, the varies of medical supplies before ultimately doing what he asked, sitting myself on some type of metal table. His back was facing me as he got everything he needed, surprising me a little that he was the one to break the dreaded silence.

"You're a part of that new group?" he asked, "Rose?"

My brows furrowed slightly, confused at how the hell he knew who I was, "Yeah..." I answered hesitantly, "How did you know my name?"

He turned around to face me now, "My wife said she met you the other day. Jessie."

Oh shit. "Oh, right yeah...briefly."

He hummed a response and came over with gloved hands, "Let me know if this hurts." he mumbled as he put some pressure on different parts of my throat.

I sat there patiently while his fingers moved with precision, but nothing pained me in the slightest. I knew coming here was a giant waste of time. My gaze traveled around the room again in utter boredom as I waited, scanning right past his head and quickly noticing a bottle of whiskey hidden behind a tissue box on the counter. Called it. But I didn't utter a word.

About a minute went by before he took his gloves off and threw them away in a nearby trashcan, taking out a small flashlight from his back pocket next. He aimed the light at different spots and angles of my neck to check for markings, before clicking it off a few seconds after.

"You might have some small bruising in the next few hours, but other than that you should be fine." he said under his breath as he turned away from me once more.

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I figured it wouldn't be anything too serious."

His head then suddenly whipped around to face me again rather quickly, "Then why the hell did you come in?" he questioned with a slightly raised voice.

My eyebrows flew up in shock at his sudden outburst for absolutely nothing, and the look on his face afterwards told me he knew he had fucked up. Not because he suddenly yelled at me, but because he didn't want anyone else to know about his bipolar behavior. He attempted to brush it off with a chuckle and raised his hands up to me as if he was surrendering.

"Sorry, sorry...I uh...didn't get much sleep last night. Someone kept me up." he said.

I hummed as if I understood, "Was his name Jack Daniels?"

The man's smile faded instantly, and a dangerous look appeared just behind his eyes. But I wasn't fearful. I knew he didn't have the balls to do a damn thing considering any marks or bruises he could potentially leave would be much harder to cover up rather than a few words he spit. Plus, he knew that I could fight. After all, that's the reason I came in here in the first place.

Now it was just the waiting game, to see who was going to make the next move. Personally, I was just waiting for him to say something, perhaps deny my assumption, but I could tell he was too angry to come up with a reasonable response.

"Does your wife know you start your day off with him bright and early?" I suddenly spoke again.

I was playing a dangerous game, but I wanted him to know a few things that were disguised behind my words. One, I wasn't going to let anyone talk to me like that. Two, I noticed his little secret that he seemed to keep hidden away. And three, I wasn't scared of him no matter how big and terrifying he may think he is.

His hands gripped the side of the counter until his knuckles turned white, and I took this as my cue to leave. "Well, thanks for the checkup doc. For your sake, I hope this is the last time I see you." I said sweetly before shoulder checking him on my way out, making it to the front door to leave.

I can honestly say I was left surprised when he didn't make a peep after the way my mouth ran on and on. But then again, he had to keep his sociopathic behaviors to himself, and couldn't show his true colors other than behind closed doors was my best guess. My mind didn't linger on the interaction for longer than it had to, tucking it in the back of my mind for later in case the man could potentially be a problem. But I prayed to God he wouldn't be.

Time passed as I finally made my way back to the safety of the house, expecting to see a few stragglers inside, but instead the place was empty when I walked through the door. The silence was almost unnerving in a way. But I tried to not let it bother me as I opted out to head upstairs, needing to find something to pass the time.

As I passed the bedrooms to my right, I stopped and backtracked a few feet when I noticed someone was in fact home. Michonne stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at herself in the uniform she was given that looked exactly like Rick's, turning different ways to see every angle. I leaned against the doorway for a moment, watching as she adjusted the jacket a few times in unsureness.

"Damn, look at you girl." I suddenly spoke.

She jumped a little at my presence, but smiled when she saw it was just me, "Yeah?" she asked genuinely, "It's not too much?"

"No, it is," I said honestly, "You just pull it off pretty well."

Her smile grew larger, "Thank you." she muttered somewhat bashfully, before pausing and looking towards me a bit longer, "You know...you could be rocking one of these jackets right along with me."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, I know."

"So why don't you just accept the job? I mean if we're going to stay, I think that would be the best thing for you." she said.

"I don't know, Chonne...it's just not something that I thought I would ever have to do again. I mean it's not like I hated my job or anything, but...it's just a lot, I guess. Going back to normal."

She nodded, "I know, believe me it feels weird for me too. But we'll get used to it, build up something for the future. If you really think about it, this is the start of something that could be pretty amazing."

I didn't say another thing as I just looked at her, a growing smile on my face that apparently made her grow uneasy. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing...you've just come a long way since I first met you." I said.

She rolled her eyes playfully, "Haven't we all?"

"I guess so," I shrugged, "But you've just become so...positive. Makes me sick sometimes." I joked as I scrunched my nose a bit.

"Just trying to move forward and be optimistic." she said with a small laugh. I hummed in response, watching as she grew a little more serious, "But seriously...just think about it, yeah?"

I stared at her for a moment longer before slowly nodding my head in agreement. I already told Deanna I would think it over, and that's exactly what I was doing. I just didn't know if this decision was the right one. Looking at this opportunity, I only saw it as a shell of who I once was, and that's not someone I necessarily wanted to go back to. All of this was supposed to be a chance to give us a fresh start, not something old from the past that we were trying hard to forget.

The floorboard suddenly creaking to my left is what caused me to look over, seeing Rick was back and making his way up the stairs to stand beside me.

"Hey," he greeted as he squeezed my shoulder before then nodding towards Michonne, "Deanna wants to have a meeting with us about the job. Just the basics of what we're doing." he informed her.

Michonne nodded simply, moving to make her way out of the room as I let her pass, "Well, you kids have fun." I spoke sarcastically to the two of them.

The man chuckled, "Uh, yeah don't think you're getting away that easy. She specifically asked that we bring you along too." My eyes narrowed at him, and he quickly raised his hands to defend himself, "It wasn't my idea, don't look at me like that."

"I haven't even agreed to take this, why do I have to go?"

"Because if I go down, I'm taking you with me." Rick muttered so only I could hear, wrapping an arm around my shoulders to practically drag me out of the house alongside them.

My stomach churned uncomfortably, the anticipation building further and further as we approached her familiar house, making me want to crawl into a hole. I felt as if this is something that I shouldn't be a part of, something I shouldn't have any input on seeing as I hadn't fully committed to the role. And there was still something about this woman that always left me feeling a sense of dread. One that I had felt before, yet couldn't quite place.

As the three of us finally rolled in, Maggie was sitting at the dining table with Deanna to her left, a welcoming smile on her face once she noticed us.

"Ah welcome you three." Deanna greeted, giving us a chance to pile into the room, "Mrs. Dixon tha-"

"Rose." I interrupted with a wave of my hand, "Just Rose."

She nodded slowly, "Of course. Rose, thank you for coming along for the ride. Have you had enough time to think about my proposal?"

I glanced around at the others before shaking my head, "Um, no... still thinking."

"Well, take all the time you need. I've also been meaning to check in to see how the visit with Pete went today, is everything alright?" she asked.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, "Oh yeah, everything's great..." I said sarcastically.

She nodded, "Good."

Man, that one really flew over her head.

Though the man being brought to my attention again caused me to cease the opportunity while I had it, subtly gesturing for Rick's attention while Deanna's eyes were directed elsewhere. Exchanging a few words with Maggie that I couldn't be bothered to pay attention to. I felt him shift closer when he noticed my waving hand, leaning closer so I could lower my voice.

"Keep an eye on him." I muttered.

"Who?" he asked, not taking his eyes off of the others as to not draw attention.

"Pete, the doctor. He's an alcoholic and was showing signs of aggression during our little time together. Could be abusive." I said casually. Though I could feel his gaze divert toward me, staring at me in what looked to be slight amazement. "What?" I asked.

An impressed smile crossed his lips, "Nothing...detective." he emphasized.

I rolled my eyes, "Shut up."

"How long exactly were you with him?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, a few minutes?"

"You found all of that out in a few minutes? And you still don't think this is the job for you?" he continued.

"It wasn't hard to figure out," I assured, "Just please back me up on this, okay?"

Upon seeing how serious I grew, he instantly nodded his head, "You got it, Rosie."

As if on cue, Deanna tore her attention away from Maggie the moment our silent conversation was done, getting straight to business it seemed like. "Well, it seems we all know why we're here. And your job is to protect and serve. You patrol, walk the wall, watch out for the kids. If there's a conflict- you solve it, and people will listen to you."

"Because we're wearing windbreakers?" Michonne asked, her eyes briefly looking at me with a knowing smile.

"Because they believe in this." she answered seriously, "Because I'm telling them to. A police officer used to live here so we already had the jackets, and I wanted to make it official. So, now it's official. There's going to be a government again one day and that's why I want Maggie working with me. There's also going to be a police force, which is why I want...you three to start it."

I couldn't help but shake my head at what she was saying, looking down at my shoes. "What?" she asked when she noticed the slight tension in the room, "Does it sound like pie in the sky?"

"No." Maggie answered immediately, Michonne's voice following soon after as she gave the woman the same answer; the one she wanted to hear.

Deanna then looked at Rick and I expectantly, "No..." we both seemed to mutter at the same time.

But it did. Every single thing she talked about seemed unrealistic, something that she tried hard to push for even though it wouldn't work out in the end. People had to be willing to work together in order to make a bright future possible. But from what I've witnessed, it seemed like not everyone here liked to play nice. And she had absolutely no idea.

"Let's talk security." Rick suddenly said, gesturing with his fingers for us to follow him back outside to look at the gates of Alexandria.

My boots clicked against the pavement as I followed behind the others, hearing Rick start to do what he does best. Take over. But he had clearly noticed something that he wanted to bring our attention to; and that was the lack of protection. He couldn't seem to express enough how there needed to be people on patrol at all times. How there should be someone constantly looking for any type of danger that could be coming our way. It amazed me slightly that this place had lasted as long as it had without really anyone keeping an eye out, especially with how the world was now.

Rick's voice seemed to fade into the background as I looked around at the walls, wanting to find any blind spots that Deanna should be made aware of for the future. But I paused when my eyes instead caught sight of Jessie and Pete standing just outside of the infirmary, talking quietly amongst each other. But by the look on his face, it didn't appear like the conversation would be staying peaceful for very long, his skin turning a slight shade redder. I watched the interaction closely, as if wanting to catch something I wasn't meant to see. As if to prove to myself that I was right about him from the very beginning.

"Excuse me?"

I blinked a few times and looked over to see Sasha approaching the small group we had formed, politely interrupting whatever was being said. However, I quickly tore my attention away again to find the couple I had been analyzing just seconds ago, but to my surprise, they were gone. Like they had vanished into thin air. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me all along, or maybe they had noticed me watching, quickly escaping from the public eye while my attention was elsewhere. I was leaning toward the latter.

"I want to volunteer to be one of the lookouts in the clock tower." Sasha spoke again, her hands resting on her hips as she looked toward Deanna.

"There are no lookouts in the clock tower." the woman said.

My brows furrowed as I was caught up with the conversation now, "What?" I found myself asking before my brain had time to process it.

Michonne grew concerned, "But we saw someone up there earlier."

Deanna waved it off, "That was an empty rifle my son, Spencer put up there. He mans it sometimes but not often. Look...there hasn't been a need."

I couldn't hold it back any longer. Her ignorance and stupidity starting to really get under my skin, "Hasn't been a need? Do you have any idea how dangerous people can be now?" I asked harshly, "There should have always been the need to have someone up there...if you want to protect your people that live here, you better be prepared to make some damn changes."

A deafening silence followed after my outburst. But deep down, I knew they all were aware of how right I was. "The truth is harsh sometimes, but someone had to say it." I muttered.

"No, I agree." Rick chimed in, "We need a lookout in that tower right now, twenty-four seven. It's the only way we'll be able to see if someone's coming at us."

The woman nodded her head in compliance, "Okay, okay, we'll make shifts."

"I'll take those shifts, as many as possible." Sasha quickly offered.

Deanna stared at her for a moment, "Why?"

My eyes panned back and forth between the two women, wanting to roll my eyes at my next words. Even if they were true. "Sasha's one of our best shots, she can handle it."

Sasha glanced over at me in obvious surprise, but ultimately nodded her head as a thank you, to which I returned the gesture. There was obviously a certain tension left between the two of us ever since we were nearly at each other's throats the last time we spoke. But I wasn't planning on holding a grudge. After all I would just be a hypocrite. If Aaron forgave me then why shouldn't I?

Deanna nodded to herself as she looked back at Sasha, "I'm going to put Spencer up there today, and I'll consider you being our primary lookout...but I want something in return."

Sasha grew to look just about as confused as the rest of us, "Tonight, I'm hosting a welcome for all of you at my home. I want you to be there." she said to the woman.

"Why?" she asked.

"Come tonight...then we'll talk about it." she said before turning towards me, "And you too. Don't try and hide out like you have been since the day you got here."

My eyebrows raised, "I'm sorry...hide out?"

"I can see why you and Mr. Dixon are married...similar in many ways. Like running away from anything unfamiliar. But if you'd just venture out for the evening, who knows? You might even have fun." she said with a raise of her eyebrows.

My fists clenched tightly at my sides as I wanted to rip her a new one, but I didn't. I managed to swallow whatever pride I had left before turning around to walk away without another word. It had only been three days in this hell and that bitch was acting like she somehow knew me like the back of her hand. To me it was unbelievable, the way she treated me the minute I walked through her door; like I was below her. It infuriated me.

The sound of heavy footsteps seemed to echo with mine the moment I took off, glancing over my shoulder to see Rick jogging to catch up with me. "Who the hell does she think she is?" I asked harshly before he could even get a word in.

He was slightly out of breath from the little run he had to make, "I don't know...I'm just surprised you held your tongue."

"Oh," I breathed, "Believe me, you have no idea. I'm over here considering her offer to help her and all she can seem to do is insult and condescend me like..." I trailed off, suddenly slowing down to a stop as I came to the sudden realization.

I hadn't thought about her in years. And now it was like she was standing in front of me all over again.

Rick looked down at me in concern, "Like what?"

"Like my mother used to." I finished, connecting the dots in my head finally as to why I resented the woman so much. Why I couldn't stand to be in the same room as her, or even look her in the eye. It was like my childhood was flooding back to me at full force.

But to my surprise the man next to me started to laugh a little, unknowing of the weight behind my words. Though one unamused look from me seemed to shut him up as he cleared his throat. "Sorry," he muttered, "Anything I can do to help?"

"Just...talk about something else, so I don't break into the armory and shoot myself right now." I replied with a thin-lipped smile.

"Speaking of," he lowered his voice, "Carol thought of a plan. She wants to sneak in there tonight so we can get a few of our weapons back."

I blinked, "That's what you guys talked about?" He nodded. "Some meeting." I muttered sarcastically.

He rolled his eyes, "I don't like not having those guns on us at all times; we're taking them back. The party tonight- everyone's gonna be there. That's our chance."

I nodded slowly, "Okay, fine. Carol's taking care of it?"

His eyes panned from me to just past my head, "I'm about to find out." he said, causing me to turn around to see where his gaze was now trained too. The woman herself was standing nearby, talking to some neighbor on the porch a few houses down from where we stood.

"Okay," I agreed as I turned back around, "Just keep me updated on what's happening." I spoke, snapping his attention back to me as he nodded in confirmation. "Did Daryl come back with you?"

He nodded, "Yeah, but he said something about heading out again to go out on a hunt. I'm thinking he needs more time away from here."

"Right. I'm going to try and catch him before he leaves."

"I'll talk to Carol." he said.

And with that, we parted ways, splitting off to head down different directions of the street. In my opinion, the idea of taking back the guns that were rightfully ours to begin with didn't seem like that big of a deal. It's not like we were trying to take over this place now, even if it was something to keep in the back of our minds.

My head was practically spinning and it was already starting to feel like the longest day of my life. With the secrecy we were keeping from the others about the armory, the idea of Pete being a new threat we had yet to escape from, and Deanna...it was a lot to process. I suppose this just goes to show that it doesn't matter how lucky you are with what you got, life truly doesn't get any easier.

"Hey, Ro!"

I sighed as I came to a stop again. What now?

Looking back, I saw Maggie approaching as she too apparently wanted to catch me before I wandered off, coming around to face me with a soft huff. "Well...that could've gone better don't you think?"

"You're the one who jumped at the opportunity to work alongside someone like that." I deadpanned.

She sighed, "Don't start. You know we need to put in the work, make an effort around here if we want to stay. And that includes going to that party..." she hinted sheepishly.

I pretended to think about it for a moment, "Hm...no."

Her face dropped, "What? Come on babe, she asked you to be there just like everyone else should be."

"Yeah, right before she insulted me." I corrected, "Did you know she acted like that from the minute I had my interview with her? She didn't even know me, and she still looked down her nose at me. I can't say I'm a huge fan."

She sighed, "Alright- you're right, she shouldn't have treated you like that. So, don't show up for her, show up for...me. Please?"

"Don't do this to me." I said with a roll of my eyes.

"Now, you know you don't do nothing you don't wanna do, but it would mean a lot if you stopped by tonight. And hey, maybe you can even get Daryl to go."

I stared at her like she was crazy. "Oh yeah, he'll be there. Maybe I can even get him to wear a nice, pretty dress."

She narrowed her eyes at me, "Stop."

"No, no, maybe with some heels too, that'll be real nice and classy."

"Okay, enough, you made your point." she laughed lightly, "But you never know unless you ask, and I know that man would do just about anything for you."

I sighed heavily, "Alright I'll ask...but I'm preparing to get shut down."

"So...you'll be there?" she asked with that hopeful glint in her eye.

It was silent for a few seconds before I rolled my eyes again how she was able to subtly manipulate me, "I'll be there."

A smile broke out onto her face and she pulled me into a hug, thanking me over and over again under her breath. I couldn't really understand why it was so important that I showed up in the first place when the others company would be just as good as mine, but I didn't linger on it. After we parted she began heading in the other direction, but not before calling over her shoulder that I should wear something nice. Like a dress? I was kind of joking about that. I guess maybe now it was a part of my karma.

Again I found myself lost in a spiral of thoughts on the way back into the house, mindlessly wandering in to see if Daryl was around here somewhere or if I was too late and he had already left. A part of me wanted to at least try to convince him to come with me, but I knew in the back of my mind he wouldn't do it. He hated shit like this just as much as I did.

Going out and socializing wasn't really his thing and that's okay. Socializing wasn't really my thing either, but here I am, being forced to go against my will. "You should take the job," "You should come to the party," man, these people were sure as hell making themselves comfortable crowding on my back. And I say that with love.

I looked up suddenly when I heard footsteps making their way down the stairs, seeing my husband in all his glory, standing there with his crossbow slung across his back ready for a hunt.

"Hey, there ya are." he said as he came up and kissed my cheek, "Was just about to head out and find ya."

I smiled, "I was looking for you too."

We fell in step together as he headed toward the kitchen just down the hall, "Did ya talk to Rick bout the meetin we had this mornin?"

I nodded, "Yep, the plan about the guns, be ready for anything, we aren't taking this place over yet still being cautious. I got the whole thing." I went on.

He huffed softly, "Alright, good. M' bout to go out huntin but I'll be back by dark. Just wanted to come and say goodbye to ya first." he said with a sweet smile before turning and grabbing a glass from a cabinet.

I took in a breath, "Okay, yeah just be safe out there...and uh, I actually wanted to run something by you quick."

"Shoot." he said, briefly glancing at me over his shoulder.

Here we go. "Well, Deanna mentioned this thing earlier that's happening tonight at her house, and the whole group is invited. It's more like a...party?"

"Mhm." he hummed.

Jesus Christ, please take the hint.

"And the thing is, I wanted to ask if you...would spare me the absolute horror of having to go by myself...?" I asked hesitantly.

He was silent for a moment before he let out a soft huh sound, turning on the faucet and holding the glass underneath to get the cup full of water. "I know it's not your thing; it's definitely not mine either, but I sort of promised Maggie I'd show up. Not that I know what difference that would make, I don't exactly light up the room with my bubbly personality. But anyway, I get it if you don't want to, I just thought I would, you know, ask."

"Rosie?" he questioned.

I raised my eyebrows, "Yeah?"

"Yer rambling." he said with a slight chuckle.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes, "My point is, you really don't have to go if you don't want to."

There was a long and terribly loud silence as I watched the wheels turn in his head even though he was facing away from me. He took his time taking long sips of the water in his hand, purposefully making me crazy. I could almost sense the smirk on his face while he did it. He knew what he was doing, I just wanted him to turn down the offer faster so I could get on with my day.

My nails began to tap impatiently on the counter, "May I remind you that you don't have to go?" I repeated to try and move this along.

He turned back to look at me, his smirk fading slowly as he saw the look on my face, before he turned back and dumped the rest of the water down the drain, "Ya want me to go?" he asked, now facing me again.

"Well...yeah-" I started.

"Then I'll go."

I shook my head a little, "What, that easy?"

He shrugged with a small smile, "Yep." he said, making his way over to stand in front of me, "But I ain't stayin the whole time." he warned.

"I'm not staying the whole time."

"Well, then you got a date pretty lady." he said softly before leaning down to peck my lips, the action alone bringing the reassurance I needed.

I hummed with a smile as I tilted my head to look at his face a little longer before he left for a few hours, "Is it pushing it if I asked you to dance with me while we're there?"

"Yeah." he answered immediately.

I shrugged, "Eh, worth a shot."

He chuckled quietly, leaning down to kiss me once more before parting from me, adjusting the strap of his weapon. "Might not be back by the time it starts, but I'll be there, alright?"

"Hey, you're showing up, that's more than I could ask for." I joked.

He smiled, "I'll see ya later."

"Bye" I winked, watching as he headed out toward the front door, opening and shutting it with a soft click, leaving me alone in the quiet.

Now I had the whole day to be anxious about this stupid party.

I never thought I would ever be in this situation again. Staring at a closet full of clothes, absolutely not knowing what the hell to wear.

I was never a big fan of dresses really, but it seemed like the only suitable option considering I didn't just want to show up in a shirt and jeans. I had been nervously anticipating this event for hours, cautious about meeting a bunch of people and the thought of dressing up sounded awful. But regardless, I promised Maggie that I would be there, and a part of me wanted to prove to Deanna that I wasn't just going to hide myself away like she had claimed. Even though I felt it was better that I did.

Eventually, I decided on a simple black dress with thin straps and added a pair of tights to really bring the look together. And luckily enough, I had managed to find a pair of dark heels sitting in an old shoe box in the closet, a pair that looked like they would absolutely torture my feet the moment I put them on. I sighed quietly to myself before walking over to the full-length mirror and taking a look at the final product in the reflection.

My eyes widened slightly when I saw what I looked like. I guess maybe I could clean up nice, even though the scars on my face didn't really match the whole "classy" look; it was still unique. My thick curly hair came down to below my chest and surprisingly looked full and healthy, but as my eyes trailed down, I noticed just how jittery my hands were. A small part of me wished that Daryl was here to help soothe my worries, walking right next to me into that personal hell as we went through it together. But that wasn't the case. I didn't need him there, but I wanted him there.

"Wow." came a sudden voice from the doorway.

I turned around slowly to see Rick standing there with slightly wide eyes and his hands on his hips. He was dressed nicely in a clean, white button down and some nice black jeans with his hair slightly slicked back.

I made a face, "Like a good wow?" I asked, subconsciously smoothing the dress down to get rid of any lingering wrinkles.

He nodded his head, "Yeah...like a...a breathtaking wow."

A shy smile stretched across my lips as I waved him off, "Aw, thanks Ricky." 

He laughed softly, making his way further into the room until he was standing right in front of me, "I've never seen you so dressed up...you look nice."

"Yeah, well don't get used to it or anything. You don't look too bad yourself." I said as I slightly fixed the collar of his shirt, "Got someone you're trying to impress?" I asked with a wiggle of my eyebrows.

He rolled his eyes, "Thank you, but no. Just going because..." he trailed off, before sighing as he rubbed his head stressfully, "I don't even know why I'm going."

I nodded, "You're not the only one in that boat." I muttered, my eyes taking him in for a moment in contemplation, "Hey, can I ask you something?" He met my eyes and nodded. "That job...you really think I should take it?"

"Yeah," he assured almost instantly, "I get why you're weary...but you're damn good at being a cop Rose. You just have to...trust yourself again."

I knew he was right. At times like these when all I could do was doubt myself, he always seemed to swoop in and say just the right thing whenever I needed to hear it. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad in the end.

I smiled at him in appreciation before my feet involuntarily shifted uncomfortably, to which I let out a frustrated groan. Rick began to chuckle under his breath, "What, was the advice that bad?" I heard him ask.

"No," I sighed, "We just haven't even left the house yet, and my feet are already killing me." I said in faux agony.

He laughed even harder before moving by my side to place an arm around my shoulders for support, "It's alright. Just lean on me when you need to." 

"Ah, you're the best." I mused as I wrapped an arm around him to steady myself as we walked out the bedroom door.

After getting Carl and Judith, the four of us left the house to venture down the street towards Deanna's. The sun was just starting to set which gave the whole community a warm orange glow, and we could already start to hear the music that was being played from the inside as we inched our way closer to the source.

Before any of us were really ready for it, we were standing tall in front of the door, almost dreading to knock. Though eventually Rick stepped up to the plate while Carl and I eyed each other cautiously, both silently hoping this wouldn't be as bad as we thought. But just as that thought crossed my mind, the door opened up to reveal Deanna standing there, greeting us with a welcoming smile. While over half the community in the background immediately looked over at us with curious glances.

Yeah, this was going to be a long fucking night.

~ Thanks for reading!

Taglist ~ @justareader95 @hayley1998 @ryoujoking @sipsthecoffee @marsmallow433 @catlalice @winterassassin1804 @writingstreetspirit @silentlysurffering98 @mystictf @remuslittlesister

[misguidedasgardian]

Wildcats (Part XVIII)

XVIII. For survival purposes

MASTERLIST

Summary: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis, that’s how it worked. 

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Zombie apocalypse AU, living dead, zombies, guts, blood, guns, injures, kissing, longing, angst, fluff, reader is horny, girl talk, might miss some important warnings, but you know what this is about

+18, MINORS DNI

You did not have more time to put Daryl up to speed, you both ran towards the place they were holding the meeting, the palace from where you had heard the gunshot. And what you saw when you got there was heartbreaking.

Pete was dead on the floor, headshot, Rick was still holding the gun. Deanna was crying, and in her arms, on the floor, stood Reg, bathed in blood.

Reg! you whimpered when you saw him.

He was the builder of all of Alexandria’s dreams, and there he was, dead, his throat slit open, blood still pouring from it. A katana on the floor, Deanna was weeping, as many others were too. In frightened moans. Jesse was there, watching her dead husband with eyes filled with tears.

You came back home after everything was sorted, you were shaken, but so was Daryl.

“I know he meant a lot for ya”, he said softly as you were walking back to the house

“He was going to teach me how to build real houses”, you whimpered, “meaning, structures and others… things we are going to need in the near future….”, you mumbled. Like the freaking wall around Alexandria. 

“You’ll figure it out”, he said softly, leading you with his hand on the small of your back. 

You stood on the porch, both of you, like two normal people, who after a normal date, the normal guy would accompany the normal girl back to her normal house and walk her to the normal door. And they were normally nervous, does she invite him in? Does she invite him back to her room?

He took a step forward leaving no space between the both of you.

He placed his hands on your hips, as he sighed. 

“Hey”, he muttered

“Hey”, you greeted back, looking at his beautiful eyes.

“I kiss ya”, he said

“Aren’t you sharp, Dixon? nothing scapes ya”, he snorted as you chuckled, “I enjoyed it, and I kissed you too, pretty aggressively, I might add”, you said with a wide smile

“Ya’ wanna to keep kissin’ me?”, he asked again, he seemed unsure, his eyes shone with what looked to be hope, and you hoped you could transmit how much you wanted it with your eyes as he was doing it himself. 

“Yes”, you said, hoping not to sound too eager. 

“Why?”

“Why?”, you echoed his question, how could he not get it?

“Why would ya? keep kissin’ someone like me?”

“Someone like you”, what does that even mean?”, you asked, incredulously, “someone kind? strong and compassionate? loyal? generous?, someone who would give his life for his family? Someone who can spend days hunting to make sure we don’t starve? someone who can survive in this fucked up world? someone devastatingly handsome? with arms for days?”, you kept going until he was blushing mess

“I’m way older than ya”, he said then. 

“I don’t care”, you said with a soft smile, “but I do care that all you’re doing is looking for excuses”, she chided softly, “we are going to find a lot, you too… my only question is why would YOU like to keep kissing me?” 

“Ya are the most beautiful person I have ever seen”, he drawled. “You’re badass, protective…”, he said, you smiled warmly at him, “Would ya like me to… keep kissin’ ya’?”, he asked softly. 

“I would enjoy that, yes”, you said, nodding excitedly, “and if you get tired I can always… kiss you”

“Soun’ fair”, he said, with a little smile. 

“Like this”, you said, leaning in and kissing him softly. He grabbed onto you, returning the kiss passionately. 

You released his lips again, because you believed you were never going to let him go if you didn’t, you shared looks, as he placed his forehead against yours. You breathed each other, enjoying eachother’s warmth

“Are you alright?”, you didn’t know what else to ask him, you wanted to know what happened in that trip

“Yeah”, he whispered softly against your lips. “Now I am”, you smiled warmly at him

“Want to talk about it?”, he shook his head. You weren’t gonna lie, you were disappointed but, you were not going to press him. Something happened on his run with Aaron, something that led him to realize something that led him to kiss you. 

But if he didn’t want to talk about it, the important part is that he was ok, he was back home, and he had kissed you.

He leaned in and kissed you now, and you enjoyed it even more…

Should you invite him to your room? Should you… screw him good like you wanted to for a while now? since the very first time you saw his naked arms, you believed.

Someone cleared their throats, making you split.

Michonne, Rick, Rosita and Abraham were looking at you, all of them with smiles on their faces. Rick looked at the two of you and he looked positively surprised. Like he just found his teenage daughter with a boy

“Well! about time!”, said Abraham. 

Daryl seemed completely uncomfortable, as he cleared his throat, looking everywhere but at the people there, including you

“Let’s leave them alone”, said Rosita, taking Abraham with her.

Only Rick, Michonne, Daryl and you entered the house. The silence that ensued turned awkward, really awkward. Rick didn’t seem to be in the mood to deal with any of it, he disappeared quickly.

Michonne winked at you before she disappeared as well, leaving the both of you alone.

“Do you want us to… go down to your room?”, you asked him, you believed he was going to be more comfortable in his domains. He smiled at you, but he leaned in and kissed you on your forehead.

“Let’s go to yours”, he said. Not only for having… intimacy of any kind with him, but you needed to talk. You were a bit disappointed that he had not let you go down there, since you had never seen his room, but again you were more comfortable in yours.

You closed the door when he entered the room behind you. 

“Wha’ happen?”, he asked, “when I was gone?”, you looked back at him with a conflicted look in your eyes. You were for certain nobody was going to hear you, so you could speak freely. 

“Everything happened quickly”, you said softly, “Rick and Pete started fighting in the street in broad daylight”, you started telling him everything that happened, “And when Deanna stopped him, he had a gun and started pointing it at people”, he didn’t seem impressed at all, “he started saying, that Deanna’s ways were over, that they needed to change… then Michonne herself knocked him out…”, you explained, “where did he get the gun? then I learned that he stole it from the armory…”, you said, “he told Glenn, Michonne, Carol, Abraham and me that he intended on a hostile takeover of Alexandria… but it didn’t came to it…”, you saw the guilt in his eyes as soon as you saw him, “you knew”, you said

“I did”, he said

“I thought of Carol…”

“She was in it too”, he said, “she stole guns from the armory…”

“Why?”, you asked him

“I didn’t take one”, he said lowly. You took a long breath

“Did you want to participate in a hostile takeover?”, you asked him

“If it was necessary”, he said, “but I wanted to try first”, you believed him.

“What was on Rick’s mind?”, you asked him

“I dunno”, well, definitively imposing his own vision of things on this place. A violent, but more realistic approach, “he wants to save this place, whatever it takes”, that whatever it takes being slashing some throats, for example. 

“What do you want to do?”, you asked him, he looked back at you. Both standing in the middle of the room. 

“I wanna us to be safe ‘ere”, he said, “Carl, Judith, ya… ya’ deserve it”. You only looked at him

“At any cost?”, you asked him

“It won’ come to it”, he said, “not after tonight”, Deanna had ordered Rick to execute Pete, Deanna had seen the “light”, so, he was right… You nodded at him. 

“So, can we finally call this place home?”, you asked him. He smiled

“Guess so”, he said finally. There was an awkward silence

“Do you wanna stay?”, you asked him. He moved where he stood, uncomfortably

“I reek”, he mumbled

“I don’t care”, you said

“M’gonna ruin yer sheets”, he whispered

“I don’t care”, you echoed, looking at him intensely, “we slept together on the road many times… I think… we should stick together, you know, for surviving purposes”, you said quickly, cheeks heated.

“G’night”, he drawled, kissing you int he forehead, and he left you there. mouth wide open as you saw him disappeared through the door.

He rejected you?

Is anybody else going to block your metaphorical cock? First Rick, then the entire group, and now the very man that was kissing you. You grunted, about to throw a fit like a kid.

You were a woman, a relatively healthy woman, and as such, you had needs.

And now you had a kissing buddy who could meet those needs… but that kissing buddy as much as ran away from you.

But you had just kissed, you couldn’t pressure him, you need to take it slow… a bit hard to take it slow when you had already literally sleeping with him

This meant nothing, right? that he as well as ran away from your room didn’t mean he didn’t want to be with you… in that way… right?

. . .

“so….”, you looked up from the blueprint at Rosita and Maggie, both looking at you with mischievous looks in their eyes. They had found you, the gazebo in the small park had become your sanctuary, is where Reg, Noah and you met, before they both died horribly. 

“So?”, you asked, even though you already knew what this might be about

“You had been… kissing… Daryl for a week now…”, teased Maggie, “soo… how is he?”

“Kissing?”, you asked, wanting to throw yourself into the lagoon and never resurface. Because kissing is all you have been doing…

It was… odd, to say the least, he would look for you, place his hand on your hip or waist when he was by your side… he would look for you every morning, to greet you and before he went on runs… 

But kissing is all you had been doing, a soft peck on the lips when he said good morning, or good night, or goodbye.

Everybody caught on by now, Daryl made sure to… make his presence known by your side in front of everybody by now, but then, when you were alone, he would just leave, especially when you invited him to your room, or tried to go with him to his.

“No!”, exclaimed Rosita, “you haven’t screwed yet?”

“Hey!”, said Maggie, slapping her shoulder playfully, but then she turned to you, “well… have you?”. you had been on edge, to say the least, you were about to start humping his leg like some horny dog, you were about to start climbing walls like a woman possessed by hornyness. 

“Come on! spill girl!”, encouraged Rosita. So you looked at the both of them and sighed loudly

“He won’t fuck me”, you admitted, “he won’t do it, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong”, they shared concerned looks

“It’s not you…”, said Maggie

“I haven’t been sutil”, you warned, “I have invited him to sleep with me, almost every night, on my room, and he won’t do it, I think I scared him, and now he won’t even go to the second floor in fear of me”

“He is special…”, said Maggie

“You know him the longest”, you said, closing your notebook and looking at her, “is he regretting ever kissing me?”, you asked her

“No”

“Have you spoken to him?”, you asked her

“No”, she echoed, “but I’m sure he doesn’t regret it, I mean… he made sure everybody knew you two are together, he might as well pee on you”, she giggled. 

You lowered your head, he hasn't even invited you out of the walls, like that day, you had such a good time, and if you suggested it… he shut it down quite quickly.

“Are we even together?”, you asked out loud

“He kissed you”, said Maggie, “he wants to be with you”

“It’s only been a week”, you whispered, “and I already feel like this is not advancing, we aren’t even speaking”

“So weird”, muttered Rosita, “Dixon looks like he would rail the shit out of you”, she said, you both laughed. It was tragi-comic at this point. 

Maybe you were getting ahead of yourself, maybe he was the one who wanted to take it slow… but he didn’t even want to hang out with you… 

From the gazebo you actually saw Daryl, jumping off of his bike with something in his hand and going into the pantry 

He had gone out of the walls everyday since that day… and even though you never needed him here, because Rick had been weirdly calm… you couldn’t help but actually feel trapped in here, you haven't gone out there like he had, He wouldn’t take you anywhere either, so…. you wanted to get out there, maybe, put some distance between you… maybe that’ll do you both some good, to help him figure out what he wanted.

You wanted to be with him, hang out with him, have talks with him, you wanted him to pin you to your bed and…you shook your head… What did he want?

But not only because of him… this place was making you weak, you needed to get out there, you enjoyed it, besides the walkers of course, you liked scavenging, not with the Alexandria team though.

You left the girls behind as you almost ran to the man, who was coming out, empty handed, out of the pantry/garage

“Daryl!”, you said excitedly, he seemed startled, “how did the run go?”

“Found the damn’ pasta maker!”, he said, excited, like he had found the cure. You laughed as you wrapped your arms around him, he placed his hands on your waist, smiling at you.

“I want to go out there”, you said, and yes, you were testing him, trying for the last time

“Wha’ for?”, he asked, frowning, “ya should stay ‘ere”, he said softly, learning in and giving you a peck on the lips, “need to go”, he mumbled, releasing you and walking away like you were the plague incarnate.

You walked back to Maggie and Rosita with your tail between your legs.

You wanted to get out there again, and you knew Daryl wasn’t going to take you.

Also, you wanted to be useful, to your family, and to put your piece into the new community. You wanted to get out there. 

And suddenly, you realized where you had to go. And you turned to Rosita. 

“I need to ask you something”, you said with a short smile. 

. . .

“I want to go to DC”, you said to Abraham, Eugene, Rosita and RIck, you had trouble setting this up, every time you had one, the other was somewhere else, but alas, here they were, besides Rosit helped. 

“Why?”, asked Rick

“Those three wanted to go for a reason”, you said, signaling to the trio

“It was a lie”, said Abraham

“Not completely, you said you were talking to people there, and Eugene wanted to go for a reason, and he was right, if there is someone left, is probably there”

“Deanna said they evacuated them all”, muttered Rick

“So it’s gonna be empty, either way”, you said simply

“Are you planning on sightseeing?”, mocked Rosita, you smiled

“I always wanted to see the Lincoln monument, but yeah… I think it’s a good idea, Atlanta was still… lively”, you muttered, but nobody looked convinced, “look, I will go, I just gathered you here to hear your opinions and if you wanted to join me, it's just a couple of hours from here”, you said surely, “I can go for a couple of days''

“You are not going alone”, commanded Rick. You took a long sigh

“I will not make anybody come with me, I get it's very dangerous”, you said with a convincing look, “but I feel like at least one of us has to see what’s up there, for closure or whatever”, you assured him. 

“I want to go with you”, said Rosita, and you smiled

“So do I”, said Abraham, “i want to see what all the fuss is about”

“I think its best if I stay put…”, Eugene kept mumbling objections, so you tuned him out. 

“Right!”, you said with a wide smile, “we are a team”, Rick looked a you

“Are you sure you want to do this?”, he asked

“Damn right”, you said

“I’ll need to talk to Deanna”

“Why?”, you asked that so quickly you earned a look of disapproval from Rick, “Sorry I forgot”

“Yeah, I don’t like it either”, said Abraham, “since when do we ask for permission?”

“I think it would be best”, he said simply, “let her know”

“But if she insists that one of those idiots has to go with us, I will cancel the whole thing”, you warned, he smiled and shook his head

“Right”, he said, “are you all sure?”

“We need to score a big run”, said Rosita, “DC is out safest bet”

“Fine”, he said, nodding, “I’ll tell Deanna tonight”

“No others”, you said

“You didn’t tell Daryl?”, all eyes were on you when Rick asked you that.

“No”, yous aid shortly, “he is out with Aaron, didn’t want to concern him

“Fine”, said Rick

@crazyunsexycool @capricxnt

[naazaif327]

Honestly? I will straight up say it, I think that whole conversation with Melora was fucked up and deeply manipulative on Her part. Allowing only Orym to enter, not Ashton or Dorian or anyone who might have any questions or critiques for Her, isolating him from his friends, pulling away when he brings up Aeor or anything She might be held accountable for, giving him a a traumatizing psychological horror vision that almost broke his mind to make him as afraid as She is, dangling his husband as a prize he might win if he manages to beat Predathos, and offering him a shiny new weapon to fight with. He literally said after coming down from the trip that it was so much that he didn’t really have the wherewithal to talk about Aeor with Her.

The new vestige was nice I guess, but right now before this final assault on Ruidus is the fucking time for accountability, for the Gods to prove that things won’t just return to the status quo when Predathos is stopped/killed/banished. What would’ve happened if Orym had asked about Opal, about Cyrus, about all the people harmed by the Betrayers in these last thousand years because the Primes couldn’t pull the trigger? What might happen if one of the Bell’s Hells asks the Dawnfather about Hearthdell like Deanna did? What might the Gods say to Evoroa and the Reilorans, what words would they have for the mortals they balled up and chucked into space to save themselves?

We didn’t get even a start to those answers tonight because of how the Wildmother played this encounter, and it doesn’t give me hope of them changing their ways at all. I’m curious as to how a potential meeting with the Stormlord or the Everlight might go next episode, but we’ll have to wait and see.

EDIT: knowing now after the talk with The Arch Heart that it’ll probably be a Calamity if they fight it, but Melora didn’t tell him that is just icing on this awful cake, like no wonder Orym said “I don’t have a God” in 107

[splinteredsweets]

this is part 1 of a 5 part hammertastic (sorta) fic i'm working on :) this first part is showcasing the time felix gifted his medal to turbo :D it's about 2k or so words hope you like it yay <3

it's pretty much been done for like over a month now , i still make edits and add/change lines here and there all the time so the final will be ever-so-slightly different in places . ok enough stalling hope this is ok :3

read under the cut !

To Have Loved and Lost (Part 1/5)

“Do we have the guest list finalised yet-”

“Allow me to help you with the cake this time, Mary-”

“Who are we getting on bar duty this year-”

Felix was listening to the other Nicelanders joyfully making preparations for the upcoming new year and giving feedback when asked for input. They were all looking forward to celebrating the milestone of half a decade together, as well as a good excuse to hold a big get-together with friends. The top floor of the Niceland penthouse made a great space for special events, and every resident loved planning them. They frequently hosted parties with the other games in the arcade, and this was going to be their greatest one yet. They were going to have bubble machines and a chocolate fountain! Or at least that's what it sounded like right now, according to discussion. Felix was a little worried that suds from popped bubbles might end up mixed in the chocolate, but just as he was thinking about voicing his own concerns, someone else already expressed the shared sentiment and the idea was quickly disregarded. Everyone was anxious to make this a great party, and ideas were being thrown around left and right in the excitement of coming up with grander ideas.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when Deanna called for his attention. “Felix? There’s a visitor waiting for you outside in the hallway.”

Felix gave her a grateful nod in response. “Why, thank you, Deanna! I wonder who it could be at this hour?” he thought the last part aloud mostly to himself. Fix-It Felix Jr was no stranger to receiving guests from time to time, but it wasn't often someone would drop by completely unannounced, much less so soon after the arcade had finished closing for the day.

Stepping outside into the hall to greet his guest, Felix was slightly surprised to be met with his next-cabinet neighbour. Although in all honesty, he really should have expected Turbo would be the one at his door; he'd been inviting himself over to the penthouse a lot more frequently as of late since he and Felix had been spending more time together outside of their usual meet-up at Tapper’s. It was more often now that they’d instead share casual conversation over a slice of pie or go for the rare kart ride in one of their respective games.

He could immediately tell something was wrong; Turbo’s usually bright yellow eyes were narrowed in irritation and where there should be a complementary golden smile was instead a twisted scowl.

“Jiminy jaminy, Turbo, are you okay?”

“Do I look okay??”

Felix chuckled nervously. “R-right, silly question aha… um… what brings you here, neighbour?”

An annoyed hiss of frustration garbled in Turbo’s throat. “I get one quarter alert all day, and in the only game I get, I lose?!” he snarled.

Ohh, phew, that's what this was about. Felix had gotten kinda worried there for a second that he’d done something to invoke his ire, the way Turbo had been glaring. He just needed a good friend to vent his frustrations to, and Felix had filled that role for almost the entire time they'd known each other. Now that he knew what the problem was, he could listen to his friend and provide support the best he could.

“Can't believe I only got one game all day…” Turbo repeated, muttering under his breath as he started pacing back and forth, tracking dirt from his shoes all over the floor.

“Hey now, don't be so hard on yourself! Today was a slow day for all of us, it's nothing to worry yourself to death over.” Felix soothed.

“Easy for you to say! I’m the most popular game there is in the arcade! I should be getting more than just one play…”

With flashier and newer games coming out, the veterans of the arcade had been seeing a little less business than they were used to. Felix personally didn't mind all too much; his own game had never been the biggest but they got decent enough attention as it was. But Turbo was someone used to the spotlight - he’d never let anyone forget it - and as Turbo Time slipped in attention, his good mood went with it. His grumblings had become more frequent, and it was truthfully getting a little tiresome for Felix to constantly have the same conversations as he’d attempt to lift the racer’s spirits. But he'd keep trying anyway, as Turbo was a good friend he cared for.

“I'm sure you'll get a lot more quarters tomorrow; the players still love you, just as they always have.”

“...let alone a loss.” Turbo continued, ignoring Felix’s attempts at placating him as he kept up his agitated pacing.

“You don't have to win all the time, you know…”

Turbo laughed. “Hahaha, oh don't try making such jokes, really, you're no good with them, aha. 'Don't have to win?!’ Of COURSE I have to win! I’m the greatest racer there is!” he declared, voice cracking as he got louder with his hands waving about wildly. “Tell me something - does it feel good when you lose, Fix-It Felix Jr? When you get rewarded with nothing but bricks to the head all day due to a rookie player’s mistakes?”

“Well, no, but I don't need a reward at the end of the day.”

“Oh, sure, and that medal you have so carelessly dangling all willy-nilly around your neck means nothing, I'm positive.”

Felix blinked in surprise before reaching a hand up to his chest to find that, indeed, a medal was there, now pinched between his fingers. He had honestly completely forgotten that he was still wearing it from earlier, having had no time to even spare it another thought before getting immediately caught up in party-planning business with the other Nicelanders as soon as the arcade had closed.

“I mean… sure, it is nice to have a medal, but it isn't all there is to it. It-”

“Yeah, that isn't all there is to it, is there?” Turbo interrupted, pointing an accusatory finger his way. “No, you also get pies, and-and parties, and everyone loves you, no matter what! You still get everything, while I-” his ranting slammed the brakes, as did his pacing. His eyes darted all around the hallway and his hands were put up in an aggressive manner, as if expecting something to jump out and attack him.

Warily, Turbo turned hesitant eyes to Felix’s own. His sudden nervousness felt almost out of character for the proud racer, his usual confidence appearing to have abandoned him to seek refuge in the friend who’d always boost him back up to his feet.

The words seemed stuck in Turbo’s throat, as if he were fighting with himself to get them out. Or with keeping them in.

Felix approached cautiously, slowly placing a patient hand on Turbo’s shoulder. He tensed momentarily before relaxing under the handyman’s touch.

“Felix…” Turbo finally continued, finding his voice after several moments. “I have to win,” he insisted. “Without my trophies, I’m…” he stopped again, looking briefly around once more with a reluctant grimace before returning his gaze to Felix’s, who nodded in silent reaffirmation.

“…I’m nothing.” he whispered, almost too quiet to hear.

The confession struck Felix hard like a brick to the head. Never before had Turbo sounded so lost. His lowered guard was something Felix was rarely privy to - in fact, Felix was fairly sure he was the only person Turbo had ever let his guard down around, never mind by this much. The fact he trusted Felix enough to express his vulnerabilities with him like this greatly touched his code.

Felix struggled to find the right words to say. For as much experience as he'd had in consoling his friend, he'd never quite seen this side of Turbo and thus was sort of at a loss this time. His immediate impulse was to reassure the racer that he was more than just his trophies but stopped himself, unsure that Turbo would even listen.

He fidgeted the fingers of his free hand together, running them over one another and pulling them closer to his chest where his heart would be. His fingers brushed over a familiar solid surface.

A thought like lightning struck.

Now there’s an idea!

Withdrawing both hands and putting them instead on his neck, Felix slipped his medal over his head and held it in his hands. The confused look on Turbo’s face morphed quickly into surprise as Felix reached above his helmet.

Hands flung out to meet his own and he was caught around the forearms, stopping him. “Whoa whoa whoa there, what are you doing?” Turbo questioned, brows furrowing in suspicion.

“Um… giving you my medal…?” Felix answered somewhat sheepishly.

“What…?” Something lit in Turbo’s eyes, though it was difficult for Felix to describe exactly what it was.

“Can you let my arms go, please?”

Turbo seemed to remember he was still gripping Felix’s arms and released him. Seeing this as his chance, Felix quickly draped the medal around Turbo’s neck.

For once, the racer seemed at a genuine loss for words. “I don't…” he examined the medal at his chest, fingers studying the letters engraved on the gold plating.

“For you,” Felix explained, offering a smile. “I know it's not quite the same as a trophy, but I do hope it suffices.”

That unreadable expression lingered on Turbo’s face for a few more moments, still staring down at the medal before letting out a small soft laugh. “Haha… how can it? It’s gonna look a bit out of place, considering my game isn’t called Felix Time, after all…”

“Oh no, don't think of it like that! Think of it like…” Felix tapped at his head, trying to think of a way to verbalise his thoughts. “...like a reminder that you always have my friendship,” He looked back at Turbo, another smile already finding its way onto his face once more. “That even if you lose a race, our friendship is something you can never lose.”

Turbo looked a bit more than stricken at that, and Felix began worrying he’d said something wrong.

Then a slow golden grin creeped up from the lines of Turbo’s mouth, splitting into that winning smile Felix knew so well and looking bigger than he’d ever seen it.

“Turbo-tastic!” he exclaimed with such jubilation, complete with the thumbs-up and all.

Relief flooded through Felix at the sign of Turbo’s usual self making a return. He chuckled lightly in response to his friend’s enthusiastic reaction.

The door behind them opened. “Felix?”

It was Gene. The Nicelander found Felix’s eyes first, then threw Turbo a look of disdain as he spotted the trail of mud he’d left behind, shoes marking him as the culprit of the ruined hallway floors.

“Oh! What can I do for you, Gene?” Felix drew Gene’s attention back before he and Turbo started another argument about the latter's… lack of keeping proper house order.

“You were taking a while, so we thought to check on you.”

Felix nodded. “Well, as you can see, I was just having a little chat with Turbo here,” he gestured to the racer, who returned Gene’s flinty glare. “How are the plans coming along?”

“We need your input on some of the decorations and refreshments.”

“Oh… well, I’ll be right there with you all in just a moment,” he paused before quickly adding, "if you don't mind waiting a little longer, that is.”

Gene hesitated, flicking his gaze between the two protagonists. He then noticed the medal glinting from around Turbo’s neck and stared for a few seconds longer before giving a curt nod. “Just don’t take too long.” he retreated back into the room from whence he came, the door closing behind him.

Felix turned back to Turbo with an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that… I really should be getting back. I suppose I’ll be seeing you at the party?”

A smirk slid onto Turbo’s face. “You know there’s no party without me in it, haha. See you around, Felix.”

Turbo sauntered off with a slight swagger in his step as he made his way down the hall, dried mud no longer creating new tracks on the ground. Felix watched him go for a few moments before putting a hand on the door.

“Oh, and Felix?”

He turned back at the call of his name. Turbo’s eyes glowed with renewed spirit, his smirk spreading into a more genuine smile. “Thanks.”

Covering his mouth with a hand in mock astonishment, Felix teased, “Well I’ll be! I didn't know you had any manners, Turbo! Never thought I’d see the day…”

Turbo stuck out his tongue. “Yeah, yeah, don't get used to it.” he disappeared inside the elevator, and Felix smiled to himself before returning to the Nicelanders.

/\/\END NOTES/\/\

ok that's it for part one yayyy i'm trying not to ramble too much but um i hope you enjoyed and it makes you interested in reading the eventual other 4 parts i'll release at some point in time ??? should be sometime this month hopefully , no idea when tho , guess i'll update at some point idk . OK BYE <3

[setyourfireonme]

fic recs that feature sex worker dean for free space @spnficrecfest

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the black line below me by smilla (Dean/OMC, 4.1k, M, Underage)

It's not about money

march madness in carson city by egipci (John/Dean, 1.5k, Not Rated)

Dad just saw him, he’s pretty sure.

pragmatics by deadlybride (Sam/Dean, Dean/Others, 4.3k, E, Underage)

Dean tells Sam about the work he used to do; he hopes Sam understands why he did it.

it's a mile from here to glory by ivyfic (Dean/Others, 7.6k, M, Underage) (part 1 of after school special)

John found it when he was doing laundry. When John dug into the bottom of Dean's duffel to get the last of the dirty socks that had been sitting in there, probably, since the last time John had caved and done the laundry, he found a roll of bills. Tens and twenties, mostly, held together with a black binder clip. It was close to five hundred dollars.

dear lovey hart by ivyfic (Sam/Dean, 5k, M, Underage) (part 2 of after school special)

"People I've fucked," Sam said nonchalantly. Dean almost did a spit-take. "I have had sex with eight people. Lifetime total." He waved his hand in the air over his head, probably trying to show the number eight on his fingers, then gave up and let his arm drop like a rock back to his side. He scrunched up his face like he was thinking hard. "Make that nine…no…eight and a half." Dean rolled his eyes. "Your turn," Sam said.

hitchhikers by glorious_spoon (795, T, Underage)

Some ugly facts about life on the road.

monsters are out there by connivingophelia (Dean/OMCs, 4.6k, E, Rape/Non-Con, Underage)

When Dean is ten-and-a-half, he learns men will fall for his pretty mouth, his fuck-me eyes. When Dean is twelve-and-a-half, he discovers how to use this information. Dean longs to be a hunter like Dad, to bring monsters to their knees. This isn't what he had in mind.

feel like i should have said something by karaokeburial (John/Dean, 1.3k, E)

John's come home exhausted from a long hunt, and they're broke. Dean, thankfully, is always good for making a little bit of money down at the hunter dive.

so goes the song by aeli_kindara (Dean/Lee, 21.7k, E) (+ jackalopes)

The first time Lee meets Dean Winchester, it’s courtesy of a chokehold.

the landscape after cruelty by hearthouses (Sam/Dean, Dean/Others, 16k, Rape/Non-Con, Underage)

Dean leans into Sam's touch, instinctive, too exhausted to fight the part of him that enjoys the attention Sam gives him, a shameful dirty secret, how much he loves letting Sam do this, when it should be the other way around. No one else would ever take care of him like this. OR Five Times Sam Took Care Of Dean In The Aftermath + 1 Time He Got Revenge On Those Who Hurt Dean.

there are worse things i could do by amiwritesthings (John/Deanna, 5.2k, E)

It’s cold and windy, the bite of first snow in the air, a strange yellow glow in the sky that tells Deanna winter is coming and it’s coming soon. Her breath billows in a cloud of white, and she pulls the thin leather jacket tighter around herself, rocks on her heels to keep the blood flowing. It’s a little past midnight, and the streets are quiet—too quiet—for all of them to get to the other end of the night with some cash in their pockets. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last, but she needs the money tonight, for a hot meal and a fix and maybe a new jacket that isn’t more holes than fabric.

discovery by reapertownusa (John/Dean, 1.1k, E)

After a hunt John is looking for a release and finds it an unlikely place.

+ the rest of the past is a foreign country verse (John/Dean, Dean/OMCs, 13.1k in total, E, Rape/Non-Con)

as if we'd never met by thatotherperv (John/Dean, Dean/OMCs, 6.7k, E, Underage)

AU. Dean Winchester was kicked into the foster system when he was 4 years old…when he was 14, he kicked himself out of it. Bottom line is, men enjoy fucking little boys all across this great nation. Dean figures if he's gonna spend the rest of his life with sick fuckers staring at his mouth, he'd better be making some cash.

sharp teeth of the one you love by vintagedean (John/Dean, Dean/Others, 2.3k, E)

The ogre at the corner table right by the door has been eyeing Dean all night. John watches the way the beast’s eyes track Dean as he works different patrons at the bar with no luck. Dean tries for a shifter and a vampire before he starts flirting with a human man playing pool by himself, but John knows there’s no way his boy is unaware of the behemoth of a creature tucked into the shadows behind him. He’s been moving slowly in his direction, never engaging or tossing a smile, but angling his body with every interaction with someone else so that his ass faces the monster. Dean’s a professional, and he’s good at what he does. John keeps to himself and lets his son work as he nurses his beer and thinks through what he’ll need to have ready for after Dean’s done his job. Ogres have relatively small dicks for their size, but they’re usually barbed at the tip. It means Dean’s going to have some internal damage when he’s through, but not too much if they use enough of the right kind of lube. It also means they can charge a small fortune. Dean knows this, so John’s not worried about needing to intervene. His kid can handle it. He is, after all, a professional. 

first night as the prince of hearts by karaokeburial (John/Dean, Dean/Jean Renault, 1.9k, E)

John's made the drive all the way across the border from Twin Peaks into Canada, coming to visit his eldest on his first night at his new job.

[the-name-is-z]

SKELETONS | ch. 60

daryl dixon x f!oc

masterlist

a03 link

Summary: The group begins to settle into Alexandria, getting used to the community. Something strange appears in the forest outside. Warnings/Information: AMC's The Walking Dead OC Insert | 18+ Advised | strangers to lovers; the slowest of slow burns; gore; angst; horror; humour; m/f; domestic bliss; performative participation; creepy corpse mutilation

Chapter 60 - Alexandria

Iris walked down the street with the others, somewhat spread like walkers in a small swarm. Deanna advised them to explore, say hello to their new neighbours and companions get to know people. Daryl refused, sitting on the front porch with his crossbow, knees hugged to his chest. He watched Iris go, feeling the stabbing pain in his chest. It felt like something between hope and regret. 

Iris walked with Carl, smiling softly as he pushed his sister in a stroller they were given. Judith was smiling and happy, even giggling at the faces Iris was making at her.

“Oh my goodness, well look at you.” An older woman cooed from her front porch. 

“What’d you find, Nat?” An old man asked, walking up and putting a hand at her back. Their faces depicted their shock at the sight of the baby, and Iris smiled and waved.

“Hello.” She called. “I’m Iris, this is Carl and Judith.”

“Well, hello dear! Please, come up into the shade, its so hot outside.” The woman beckoned, taking a seat on their porch. Carl parked the stroller at their steps, walking over and allowing the elderly couple to fawn over his little sister.

“I’m Natalie Miller, and this is my husband Bob.” The woman introduced. Iris smiled warmly. “Its been so long since we’ve seen such a little one.” She cooed, playing with Judith’s toes. Iris nodded in understanding. “You must have been so young when you had him. Such a handsome young man.” She patted Carl on the shoulder.

“Iris is our godmother.” Carl explained. “My mother died when Judy was born. My dad is… over there.” Carl pointed, and Iris turned to see a frantic Rick half-jogging down the street behind Jessie. Iris waved calmly and he raised a hand back, taking a deep breath. He came over, urging Carl to go meet with Ron, Jessie’s son. Iris dutifully passed Judith back to her father, bid the Miller’s goodbye and made her way down the street once more.

-

The second night, Rick still hadn’t slept. The adjustment was hard for all of them. Painful, even. These people were weak, and they couldn’t lose their edge and get comfortable. They had everything, but what happens when someone tries to take it away? Iris got a few hours of shut eye, but it was still pretty hard to rest.

Daryl hissed as he cut his thumb open on the edge of his crossbow. Iris raised an eyebrow as he sucked the blood off and continued messing with it. She looked up as the door closed, her eyebrows shooting up at the sight of Carol. She wore long khaki pants and a button down with a blue cardigan over top. She reminded Iris of the old Carol, the one who was deathly afraid of her fuck-face of a husband. That made Iris scared.

“Time to punch the clock and make the casseroles!” Carol said cheerfully.

“What?” Daryl asked, frowning at her getup.

“Make dinner for the older people— moms who need a break, people who can’t cook. Get to meet a lot of the neighbours that way.” She explained.

“Alright.” Daryl scoffed loudly. Iris pursed her lips, frowning at him before turning to her.

“What’s your angle here?” She asked.

“What? Someone’s gotta do it, be part of the community. Meet the neighbours, play with the kids.” Carol said innocently, shrugging. Iris narrowed her eyes but nodded anyways. Carol turned to Daryl, raising an eyebrow. “Have you taken a shower yet?”

“Uh-huh.” Daryl grunted. Carol narrowed her eyes and shook her head.

“Take a shower. I’m gonna wash that vest. We need to keep up appearances, even you.” Carol insisted. 

“I ain’t starting now.” Daryl called as she started down the stairs.

“I’m gonna hose you down in your sleep!” Carol shot back, practically skipping down the sidewalk. 

“You look ridiculous!” He yelled. Carol grinned, shooting Iris a wink before making her way to wherever it was she was going. Iris chuckled, shaking her head.

The two of them looked up as a man walked up the steps, turning to look at them sheepishly.

“Hey, uh, is there an Iris around here?” He asked, shoving his hands in his pockets. He wore dark jeans and a wife-beater, a red flannel shirt over top. 

“That’d be me.” Iris replied, raising a hand as she pushed to her feet. The man nodded, extending his own hand.

“I’m Preston. I work the garage.” He introduced. “Deanna told me you were a mechanic.”

“Yeah.” Iris nodded. He nodded back.

“Well, I’ll show you the digs, then.” He offered a half grin and Iris nodded, following him down the steps. She looked back, and Daryl offered her a nod of reassurance. They were about fifteen feet down the sidewalk before they heard shouting. Iris recognized Glenn’s voice and took off running, meeting up with Daryl on their way to the gate. Preston brought up the rear.

“It killed our friend!” Aiden, Deanna’s son yelled. He was supposed to be taking Noah, Glenn and Tara on a run today, with Nicholas, the man from the gate. “Look, I’m not having this conversation. You obey my orders out there.”

“Oh, well, then we’re just as screwed as your last run crew.” Glenn snapped in response. Nicholas’ face contorted in anger. Iris and Daryl stepped up slowly, ready to back up Glenn at a moment’s notice.

“Say that again.” Aiden warned softly, close enough to Glenn that they could kiss. 

“Back off, Aiden.” Tara huffed. Aiden’s response was to shove Glenn backward with his hand.

“Come on, man, just take a step back.” Noah added. Aiden shoved Glenn back again.

“Come on, tough guy.” Aiden urged.

“No one’s impressed, man. Walk away.” Glenn warned, his voice lethally low.

“Aiden! What is going on?” Deanna yelled.

“This guy’s got a problem with the way we do things.” Aiden replied confidently. He turned around to face his mother. “Why did you let these people in?”

“Because we actually know what we’re doing out there.” Glenn replied. Aiden reared back to strike Glenn across the face, but he was angry and slow. Glenn ducked effortlessly, jabbing him in the nose, hard.

“Aiden, no! That’s enough!” Deanna yelled. Nicholas surged into action, lunging for Glenn as he sent Aiden to the ground. Daryl tackled him before he could move a foot. Rick and Carl appeared at the gate, immediately running forward. “I said that’s enough!”

“Let’s not do this now.” Rick hissed as he pried Daryl up, keeping him from throttling Nicholas completely.

“You wanna end up on your ass again?” Iris asked with a shit-eating grin as Aiden staggered to his feet. She faced off with him, her hand hovering over a concealed knife, just waiting for him to make the next wrong move.

“I’m cool, alright?” He muttered as he took a step back.

“Daryl.” Rick huffed, yanking him upward and pushing him away. Nicholas coughed, clutching his neck as he hid behind Deanna.

“I want everyone to hear me, okay?” Deanna called loudly as everyone stepped to their sides. It was very us-versus-them and Iris was very conscious of it. “Rick and his people are part of this community now. In all ways, as equals. Understood?” She looked pointedly at Aiden as she said this, and he halfheartedly agreed. Iris yearned to throw him on his ass. “All of you turn in your weapons. Then you two come talk to me.” She ordered, jabbing a finger at Aiden and Nicholas.

Daryl paced in a small circle as the community members dispersed, leaving just their group in a small circle near the gates. Plus Deanna and Preston. Daryl stared daggers after Nicholas.

“I told you I had a job for you.” Deanna said, looking up at Rick. Well, she looked up at everyone. She was a very short lady. “I want you to be our constable. That’s what you were and that’s what you are. And you, too.” She looked to Michonne. “Will you accept?”

“Okay.” Rick agreed after a moment, nodding slowly. Iris raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m in.” Michonne agreed, smiling softly. She was downright excited. Daryl scoffed loudly, picking up his crossbow and storming away from the group. Iris made to go after him, but Preston stepped in between them, smiling nervously.

“So, uh, the garage?” He asked. Iris sighed, glancing after Daryl before nodding. She had to let him cool off anyways, so the garage it is. 

"Thank you.” Deanna said softly, looking over to Glenn.

“For what?” He asked.

“For knocking him on his ass.” She replied. Maggie smiled at her husband, but Glenn just shook his head and wandered off. 

“Iris?” Preston asked. She blinked, and realized he was waiting for her.

“Right. Sorry.” She shook her head, trying to get out of it. Preston led the way.

-

“This place is fucking mint.” Iris said with wide eyes, looking around at the brand-new garage. Stocked with every kind of tool you could think of, oil, lifts, everything.

“Yeah, it was brand new, opened about a week before it all happened.” Preston explained with a grin as he led her around. “I’ve been managing the supplies, tools and cars we have to fix as it piles up. Had no one that really knows how to use them.”

“No one around here can do an oil change?” Iris asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, sure, but sometimes there are bigger issues. And if you’re thinking it might be easier to just get new cars, wait till you see our inventory.” He led her to a field where they had parked all of their cars, still inside the walls. They had trucks, pickups, military vehicles, sports cars, and motorcycles, plural. 

“Goddamn.” Iris mumbled. She covered her mouth. “Sorry, I might, uh… have trouble holding my tongue.”

“Don’t worry.” Preston chuckled with a wink. “These aren’t virgin ears.” He perked up, as if remembering something. “Oh, speaking of which. Aiden found this a few weeks back and I managed to convince him to keep it here. Most of these places have CD players and whatnot, but I figured this was a good place for it.” He brought her back inside, hauling an old school boombox with a tape deck onto the counter. He then pulled out an old milk crate full of tapes. “Music was kind of my thing, before… yeah.”

“Cool! Definitely better than listening to static while working.” Iris said with a laugh. “Damn, this place might not be so bad.” Preston smiled.

-

“Hey, you’re playing the part, too.” Carol noted, pointing at the already-grease-covered wife-beater and coveralls Iris had donned. It felt so natural it was almost scary.

“Elbow deep in an engine is where I belong.” Iris said with a grin. Daryl scoffed, shaking his head. The three of them stood on the porch, sharing a cigarette. Well, Carol didn’t, but she chatted idly with them. The door opened soon enough, Rick stepping through with his brand new uniform on. He looked… like he did at the beginning.

“We good?” He asked Daryl quietly.

“Yeah.” Daryl grunted. “You a cop now?”

“I’m trying it on for size.” Rick sighed.

“So we’re staying?” Carol asked. Rick sighed again, nodding.

“I think we can start sleeping in our own homes. Settle in.” He explained.

“If we get comfortable here, let our guard down, this place is gonna make us weak.” Carol said, voicing all of their concerns. Everyone in the group had said something similar at this point.

“Carl said that.” Rick agreed, nodding. “But it’s not gonna happen. We won’t get weak. That’s not in us anymore. We’ll make it work. And if they can’t make it… then we’ll just take this place.”

-

“I don’t see it, but it’s close. Just one of ‘em.” Daryl stated. They were outside the walls in the woods, in each of their respective uniforms, standing at an abandoned house beside the junk pile someone left in the yard and died before they could burn.

“So what do you think?” Rick asked.

“We can go in when it’s empty.” Carol stated.

“How is that? It’s locked up at night.” Rick replied.

“The window, it’s just a latch, I can leave it open.”

“A latch?”

“Yeah.”

“What if one of those pricks shuts it?” Daryl asked.

“It’s not as if Olivia’s an ex-marine. It wouldn’t be hard to… you know.” Iris muttered. “In the case of an emergency or otherwise.”

“Can’t just take her out. We could wait a couple of days and leave the latch open again.” Carol shrugged. Iris pursed her lips.

“It’s getting closer.” Daryl stated, pointing out the walker again.

“We need to do it sooner than later.” Rick decided. “Right now, they’re not watching us. Not worrying about meetings like this. We may need the guns, we may not.”

“We will.” Carol assured. “Whatever way it goes.”

“I don’t like this.” Iris mumbled to herself, feeling that deep uneasy feeling in her stomach again.

“It’s necessary.” Daryl replied quietly, his hand hovering between her shoulder blades.

“They’re the luckiest damn people I’ve ever met.” Rick chuckled in disbelief. “And they just keep getting luckier.”

“How’s that?” Daryl asked. Rick shrugged.

“We’re here now.” He said simply. Daryl made a face of approval. 

“They’ve got a couple of foot lockers just full of 9 millimetre autos, Rugers, Kel-Tecs. Just tossed in there. They don’t use them, never gonna know they’re gone.” Carol explained. Iris whistled, shaking her head.

“Someone’s got one now, right?” Daryl stated, looking over at the junk pile. Rick had previously admitted he stashed a pistol in a blender there, only to return later to find it empty.

“Carl said he saw Enid climbing the walls to get outside. It might have been her. He’s been watching her.” Iris explained slowly.

“You sure he’s not watching her for… the other reason?” Carol asked slowly. Rick raised his eyebrow as Iris smirked.

“It’s a little of both.” She replied.

“He tells you this stuff and not me.” Rick complained, shaking his head. “Anyways, the others, we want them to try.”

“You too.” Carol said, pointedly looking at Daryl. 

“So we keep it quiet. Just us.” Rick nodded. He jerked his chin behind Daryl at the walker approaching. “Here it comes.”

“I got it.” Daryl turned, pulling out a thick hunting knife.

“Hey, wait.” Carol called. She brought up her pistol, a silencer screwed onto the end. She closed one eye, firing seven bullets into its chest before one in the forehead. When she turned back to Rick and Daryl’s confused expressions, she rolled her eyes. “We said you were taking me out shooting. I couldn’t go back with a full mag.”

“Lucky he came by.” Daryl replied. Iris grinned happily while Rick shook his head.

“We should get back.” Iris said, glancing down at her watch. Rick nodded.

“You’ll pull the latch, we’ll pick our moment. Us, we don’t need to be lucky.” He said to Carol as they rounded their house, making their way back to the walls. Daryl stopped dead over a fallen walker, kneeling down beside the body. 

“What the hell is that?” He murmured.

“Hm?” Iris asked, stopping beside him. The walker was laid face up, a large ‘W’ carved into its forehead.

“Is that a ‘W’?” Daryl asked.

“Looks like it.” Iris said with a frown. Rick knelt down to get a good look, scowling at it. He stood up and they moved on, but Iris stayed, looking at the carving. It was done postmortem, for sure. And the slice across his stomach, where he had been visibly disembowelled… pre-mortem cause of death. She’d seen enough gang killings to distinguish it. It also seemed an awful lot like Gareth’s hunters and their habits, though perhaps not cannibalistic, considering this man still had all his limbs.

“Iris?” Daryl called.

“Coming.” She replied, pushing to her feet and following after them.

-

TAGLIST:

@heidiland05

@ryoujoking

@catlalice

@maxinehufflepuffprincess

@lowkeyhottho

@fadingpalacebonkpsychic

@hayley1998

@negansbestie

@lizey-thornberry

[paintyoureyeswithavividmind]

close to home | chapter thirty eight

close to home | chapter thirty eight

plot: Alexandria steps up to move a herd of walkers, and then the community is attacked

series masterlist

Pairing: Eventual Daryl Dixon x f!reader Word Count: 2,387 Warnings: violence, blood, typical twd A/N: thank you for reading!!!

You couldn’t sleep that night. After the meeting about Rick, and everything that happened during it, you couldn’t close your eyes long enough without thinking about all that happened. Reg was dead, who you didn’t really talk to. And Rick had killed Pete. You hoped that meant Deanna would let Rick stay. That meant you all could stay. 

Michonne was sleeping in the bed on the other side of the room, and you had enough of tossing and turning. You quietly left the room and headed downstairs, hoping to find something small to eat. 

Carol had made her acorn cookies earlier today--a part of this act she was putting on--so you helped yourself to two of them and a glass of water. The clock on the microwave read it was nearing two in the morning. Your eyes were heavy, and your body was tired, but your mind wouldn’t let you sleep. 

Out the front window, you saw the light from a cigarette, and you knew exactly who it was. You hadn’t gotten a chance to speak with Daryl since he got back tonight. You weren’t sure if he knew about Rick’s outburst yesterday or if Noah was alive. He’d only been back a few hours, most of which was the meeting and everyone leaving. 

When you stepped outside, the air was warm, and you immediately caught his attention. You started to feel nervous; he pushed you away when you kissed him the first time. Now that you had sex, you were worried about the same. 

“Hi,” You said quietly as you sat down. 

Daryl nodded with a grunt before taking a long drag of his cigarette. 

“How are you?” You asked, wrapping your arms around your middle and looking at him. “How was recruiting with Aaron?”

“Was okay. Nothin’ happen’,” He said. 

You nodded and looked out at the neighborhood. All of the lights were off except a few porch lights. It looked so ordinary. It even smelt normal. You couldn’t smell walkers. Instead, you smelt grass and the night air. You could even hear crickets chirping. 

“Did you hear about Noah?” You asked.

Daryl nodded and flicked the ash off the cigarette. “Yeah,”

You were silent after that. You weren’t sure exactly what to say. It felt a bit awkward, and you didn’t want to embarrass yourself by saying something stupid. Maybe he was just adjusting to the news. Coming home and hearing about Noah’s death couldn't have been easy. And all the drama with Rick didn’t help either. 

You glanced at him again, taking in his strong side profile and messy hair. You knew you wouldn’t get anything out of him tonight, and that was okay. He needed to process a lot of things in his own way. 

“Alright, well,” You said, standing up and heading back inside. As you approached the door, you stopped and turned around momentarily, “I’m glad you’re home safe, Daryl.” 

***

Two days later, a new enemy threatened Alexandria. You sat next to Maggie on the couch as Rick told everyone about the quarry and how the group needed to eliminate it. At first, you were as unsure as everyone else, but as Rick explained his plan, you immediately agreed. You had to. If you didn’t, and the walkers got out, they’d head straight for Alexandria. 

Of course, you were the first to volunteer, and soon others followed suit. After the meeting, everyone dispersed, and you and Maggie walked home together.

“Aren’t you going to ask me why I didn’t volunteer?” Maggie asked you quietly. 

You glanced at her, “I figured you just weren’t up to it. Honestly, I wasn’t paying much attention. I’ve been preoccupied the last few days.”

“With Daryl? How is that?”

You shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s so reserved. I think us having sex freaked him out because he hasn’t really talked to me. But I left his room the next morning and thought he was happy. I’m just giving him space right now. He’ll talk to me eventually. I can wait.”

“What else is it then?”

“Just everything. Accepting where we are, how we got here. I’m still wrapping my head around it.”

“Yeah, I can relate to that.”

“So what about you? Why didn’t you volunteer?” You asked.

Maggie grabbed your arm and stopped you a few feet from your house’s porch steps. She looked around and then smiled at you. “I’m pregnant.”

Your eyes widened, and you tried to speak but stuttered over your own words. “You’re… what? Like a baby?”

Your cousin laughed, and she nodded. “I wanted you to be the first to know. I’m not quite sure how far along I am, but I am.”

“You look so happy about it, Mags,” You said with a smile. “I’m happy for you and Glenn.”

***

After dinner that night, you decided to go for a run around the neighborhood. You used to love jogging before the end of the world, and then life was always spent on the run. So now that you had a safe place to do it and had food in your stomach consistently over the past week or so, you had the energy to do it. You actually missed it. 

You ended up doing laps around the neighborhood until the sunset, and then you walked back to your house all sweaty and out of breath. But you felt alive. You felt happy and healthy for the first time before the world ended. 

Daryl was sitting on the porch, smoking another damn cigarette. You grew nervous as you approached him. The two of you spoke casually the past few days but nothing with actual subsistence. And you didn’t talk about what you wanted to talk about. 

You gave Daryl a smile and a nod as you walked past him but paused when he said your name. So anxiety filled your stomach, and you sat next to him. 

“Needa ask you a favor,” He said, chewing on his thumbnail and looking at you every few seconds. 

“What?”

“The quarry and shit. Was thinkin’ maybe you stay here instead. Keep an eye on things.” 

Your eyebrows furrowed together, and you looked at him. “What? Why?”

“Lot of us are goin’ out. There ain’ gonna be a lot of us here to defend the place case somethin’ happens.”

“Nothing is going to happen. And I already told Rick I’m going.” 

Daryl looked at you then, rubbing his jaw. “Can ya please just stay?” He stressed. 

You looked away from him as you realized why he was asking. He was worried about you. Your heart fluttered, and you clasped your hands together. “If you tell me why you want me to stay, I will.” 

He nodded and took a long drag of the cigarette, almost like he needed it to speak his mind. He didn’t look at you as he said, “Don’t want ya out there anymore.”

Again, your heart fluttered. It wasn’t a declaration of his feelings, but it was enough, especially from Daryl. So you nodded and reached over, taking the cigarette from his hand and crushing it under your show. “Fine. I’ll stay. But you gotta stop smoking so much. The world’s already trying to kill you, don’t help it out.” 

You stood up, and in an act of bravery, you leaned down and kissed the top of his head. He didn’t move away fast enough, and you chuckled. “Goodnight, Daryl.”

***

You and Carol stood together as you watched the teams head out of Alexandria. You could hear Daryl’s new motorcycle leading the charge. You wrapped your arm around Carol’s and sighed. 

“It’s just a dry run,” Carol reminded you. “And it’s us. They’ll be fine.”

You shook your head, “It’s not us I’m worried about. Building the fences, you saw what they were like; they could barely take down a walker.”

“Rick’s plan will work. I know it will.” Carol said, and you both turned after the gates were shut. “What are your plans today?”

“Carl wants to show me a comic book he thinks I’ll like, and I’m helping him babysit Judith” You smiled, “And I’ll be covering watch duty later tonight too.” 

The two of you split ways, and you met up with Carl while she went to grab things from Olivia. He was excited to show you the comic--which you didn’t exactly care for, but you’d never tell him that. Judith was peaceful as ever, and Tora napped right alongside her. 

It was peaceful until it wasn’t. 

“(Y/N)!” Carol screamed from downstairs, and you were on your feet in seconds. They thudded as you ran down the stairs.

You heard screaming from outside, and you grabbed your weapons, thanking God you’d left them in the kitchen when you came back. The two of you told Carl to stay with Judith and that you’d be back soon. And, of course, not to leave. 

“Plan?” You asked as you holstered your gun and gripped your knife tightly. 

“Try and stay together,” Carol said before you both left the house together. 

Of course, that plan didn’t work out. Strangers were running around with weapons, attacking anyone that moved. You lost track of where Carol went as you crept around a house, spotting a man tying up one of the Alexandrians you didn’t know that well. 

You steadied your breathing and started approaching the man slowly, with your machete raised. When you got close enough, you jumped on his back and dug your weapon into his neck. He died without making a sound, and you untied the man. “Get somewhere safe,”

Then you moved on to your next target, who had just brutally beat your neighbor to death. You used the gun this time, with a clean shot to the head. Then you put down your neighbor with your machete and kept moving. 

A horn started blasting, and you froze for a moment, trying to determine what it was and where it was coming from. In your second of hesitation, a figure darted from behind a house and jumped at you. 

Your head hit the ground hard as you struggled against the woman. She had the advantage; she was taller and stronger and seemed twice as crazy. 

“You crazy fuck,” You cursed loudly, blocking her hand that had gotten close to stabbing you. You thrashed underneath her, fighting for your life. She attacked again, and you did your best to block her when the knife came down. It just missed your chest, the blade running against your collarbones. You felt the blood start to pool immediately and thrashed harder, using your legs to kick her off you. 

Acting quickly, you jumped over her and slammed her head against the ground before spotting a rock a foot away. You slammed her again harder and then grabbed the rock in her daze. 

The sickening crunch of the rock caving in her head was enough to tell you she wasn’t dead, and you beat her until portions of her skull had fractured off. 

“(Y/N)!”

You dropped the rock and fell backward when you heard Maggie, and she was over to you instantly. 

“Come on, we gotta go,” She said, helping you stand. 

Rosita and Aaron were there, and they both looked like they had a good fight. You knew the look Rosita gave you, and you nodded, letting her know you were okay. 

“The dead are rising,” Aaron said as he spotted a walker that was once a friend. 

You breathed out and twirled your machete. “We still got work to do.”

***

“Denise!” Maggie yelled as she pushed you through the infirmary door. “She got knicked on her collarbone; it won’t stop bleeding,” 

The new doctor approached you immediately and led you to a chair. Across the room, a blanket was covering a body. A part of you didn’t want to know who it was. 

Denise worked quickly, having Maggie put pressure on the wound before she quickly stitched it up. It only needed a few, but you knew that before getting there. 

“I gotta go to Deanna; you okay here?” Maggie asked you. 

You nodded because you were too tired to speak. Your cousin left, and Denise gave you some water and food to help with the blood loss. 

“Who were they?” Tara asked you. 

“Some freaks with W’s on their forehead. I don’t know.”

***

After Denise cleared you to go, you headed toward the gate. With so many people now dead, you figured someone should be on lookout. The survivors had already begun cleaning up the mess, and you knew it would take hours to get everyone buried. If they even had the space for it in the cemetery. 

You were already standing guard when Michonne, Heath, and Scott returned. You couldn’t hear what they were saying but couldn’t focus on anything except making sure no one was trying to climb the walls. 

Deanna had climbed up there with you and thanked you quietly for helping protect the community. She tried not to look at your blood-soaked clothes, and you realized how jarring it must’ve been. And how messed up it was that it didn’t even affect you anymore. You weren't even sure how many people you killed in the attack.

“Open the gate!”

You both turned at Rick’s voice, and your mouth dropped as you saw what was heading right to you. Through the trees, hundreds of walkers chased Rick down the street. While Deanna froze, you rushed to climb the ladder and get to the gate, where Michonne pulled it open. 

“Rick!” You yelled, grabbing your gun at firing at a few walkers who were too close for your liking. As soon as he crossed through, Michonne shut the gate, and you grabbed Rick’s arm. 

He desperately tried to catch his breath as you searched his arms and then grabbed his face, inspecting for anything that could’ve been fatal. His hand had a gash, and many wounds were across his arms and face. As he breathed deeply, he gave you a nod, and you knew he was okay, for the most part. 

But with the sounds of walkers banging against the wall, you weren’t sure if anything was going to be okay.