#to be fair i've been feeling nauseous these past days and now i'm better so i think i could gladly take some splatter

[a-funeral-pyre]

Me after two days when I couldn't stomach gore and the thought of blood made me literally sick: Mmm. Time for a body-horror movie marathon!

[glaivenoct]

Title ask: Calm my storm

Thank you for sending one! <3

(Made-Up Fic Title Meme Here - Still accepting these!)

Alas, I can never answer anything short and simple, can I? Oops ^^;

Hmm, this one kinda reminds me of something I randomly talked about on twitter about a month ago or so. It feels like it'd be the perfect excuse for a fic about Noctis finding out about Nyx's PTSD.

This is headcanon stuff - but I always liked to think that when Nyx was younger (Correct me if I'm wrong, but he joined the KG in his early 20s I think??), he kinda shrugged things off and thought he could deal on his own rather than getting help. Whenever I think of 32 year old Nyx, I think of someone who's no longer in denial that he has PTSD, accepted help, and has worked hard for the last five years or so to overcome it.

Has he improved? Yes, but given that PTSD isn't a curable thing and that he's still an active soldier in the midst of a war - I think it's fair to say there's plenty of room for triggers, bad days and such.

I mean the whole premise of this fic would be going off the moment in the movie where Nyx zones out next to Libertus while watching the other glaives warp in the training the yard. He zones out and, well, I interpreted it as a flashback of a time he got disrupted mid-warp because he heard Selena's cry in his head. And maybe he didn't catch himself that time. Maybe he's had more than one moment like that in the past, and there have been times where Libertus, Crowe, Pelna or any other glaive has had to step in and catch him before he got hurt.

Basically, I want that to happen for the first time in front of Noctis. At this point in their relationship, Nyx hasn't even remotely mentioned the PTSD. Mostly because I don't see him as someone that would openly bring it up if it's not currently affecting him in a negative way. Not only that, but deep down there's that part of Nyx that doesn't want to worry or "burden" Noctis. (Nyx please love yourself)

But you can sure bet when Noctis worries when he witnesses that! I think even before they got into a relationship, Noct knows he'll never truly understand what Nyx has and continues to go through. At the same time, I see him being in awe of Nyx from the beginning; because he's at least aware that with war comes loss, tragedy, physical/emotional/psychological tolls, and he knows Nyx has managed to withstand a lot of that already. He's never seen any signs of those deeper psychological scars until now.

After Nyx has finally snapped out of it, is back on his feet and confirmed okay even though he almost wasn't - I want there to be that private moment between Nyx and Noct. The one where Noctis asks what happened and Nyx kinda just brushes it off because he doesn't want to say what it really is.

"Does that happen a lot?"

"Every now and again." Nyx'll say it so nonchalant, take a quick swig of the water Noct got him and the deflect with that charming, happy-go-lucky smirk. "Don't worry about it. It's just a warping thing."

"I thought you don't get dizzy and nauseous like everyone else does."

"I overdid it," a careless shrug, "that's all."

"When? You weren't warping before these exercises."

"I said don't worry about it, Noct." He'll say firmer and slightly irritated, smirk gone. "I'm fine."

But he's not, and Noct will witness more signs for himself over the next week. The flashbacks, nightmares, ect. And all Noct wants to know is how he can better help/support Nyx.

Ultimately, I of course want it all to resolve in Nyx opening up about the PTSD to Noct. I've always wanted to write something where Nyx is able to come to the understanding that it's okay for him to let himself be cared for and protected rather than just being the one who protects and cares for everyone else. I wrote that vibe in let me take care of you, but Calm My Storm would be kinda the starting point for it in NyxNoct's developing relationship. This is where a big part of their trust in each other would start to strengthen, and remind them that being vulnerable with each other isn't something to be scared of.

And it's feels like that that really just sucker punch me in the heart man ;u;

[ahsxual]

Drum Lover

Pairing: Patrick Verona x Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff, some angst

Summary: You recently learned how to play drums and you decided to show your skills to your boyfriend Patrick.

Warnings: doubtful and insecure Pat

Word Count: 2,2k

A/N: Last week I learned how to play drums with a friend and I'm so excited and proud of myself! I love music, so this was really important to me, and I couldn't help myself from writing something about it with my handsome <33

You always had a strong innate obsession for music: it was your escape from reality, your comfort, your passion, your own world. Because of this, you practically loved all musical instruments, deeply admiring the sounds and melodies of every single one. However, there's one that stands out from the others: the drums.

One of your friends knew how to play drums, so you asked him if he could teach you some beats. He gladly accepted your request, knowing how much it means for you to play this incredible instrument. Once you sat in front of it with the drumsticks in your hand, you could already feel the good vibes flowing through your body, instantly provoking goosebumps all over your skin. He was very patient with you, playing first so you could understand better which sounds and moves you should do.

You were a fast learner, so in little time you managed to do beats with just a few mistakes, which impressed your friend. The feeling of getting the chance to play drums was incomparable to any other: you instantly felt a sensation of freedom and happiness, like you were naturally born to make music. You were so proud of yourself, being utterly thankful for your friend to provide you such an amazing and unique experience.

"Wow, good job girl! I have to admit I wasn't expecting you to learn so fast!" he praised you, sincerely.

"I'm impressed too! You know, when you love something so much, it's so easy to learn and be dedicated to it." you answered, meaning every word.

"Yeah, I can clearly see that." he smiled at you, the proudness radiating from his body directly into yours. "You know what you can do since you already now how to play the basics?"

"Uh... learn more from now on? Getting classes? Yeah, I definitely should do that." you immediately got excited at the idea.

"Uh... sure. I mean, I was not thinking about that, but yeah, you should to that too."

"So...what is it?" you curiously asked, since you had no idea what he was going to say.

"Well, I think you should show your skills to your boyfriend." he naturally suggested, like it was the simplest thing to do.

"I what? You want me to show it to Patrick??" you were surprised by his suggestion: you just learned how to play drums, and he wants you to make a show to your boyfriend already? "No, no, forget it, I-I can't do it."

"Hey hey, where's that insecurity coming from? I'm sure he's gonna be proud of you, you know how he is. Even if you were the worst drummer player in the world, he would still love you more than you love music!" he said confidently, both of you knowing he was right. But what if you embarrass yourself in front of Pat? What if he makes a joke about it and even with your great sense of humor, you would still take it seriously since this is so meaningful to you? What if your friend wasn't right...? No, no, you know that is out of question.

"I don't know, I guess my insecurities are getting the best of me..." you were sad by your sudden change of mood. But at the same time, when you rethought about your friend's idea, maybe you should show Patrick what you have learned. "Unless..." suddenly an idea surged to your mind, being so obvious that you couldn't believe why you didn't thought about it before.

"Unless...?" your friend knew he was starting to convince you to leave your unnecessary anxious thoughts from aside.

"Unless I practice with you! Then I will be more confident to show him! But it will take time, I have to learn as much as I can to really impress him." you slowly started to get your initial mood back by thinking of Patrick's reaction. Your love for music, mainly for drums, isn't unknown by your boyfriend. He perfectly knows that one of your dreams is play to it, and he would be so amazed and proud to see you playing it.

"Yes, sure! You don't have to give a show to Patrick, not now. Like everyone, you need practice. Luckily, you have the advantage for being a fast learner, so it would take half of the time for you to learn comparatively to any other person." by his words, you started to think that maybe this is actually a great idea.

"Thank you, really, this means a lot to me." you then hugged your supportive friend.

"Let's make it this way: whenever you have free time, call me. If I'm available too, you come to my house and I'll teach you a few more things. Sounds good to you?"

"Sounds perfect! I owe you one!" you answered, making your way to your friend's front door.

"I'll think about what I need, then. See ya!" he playfully said, accompanying you to the front door.

Once you arrived to your home, Patrick was on the sofa eating popcorn while watching a comedy movie. He had his own house, however he secretly hated to be alone, so he would always come to yours just to be with you.

"Oh, you just got on time, the movie had just started!" he said once he saw you. Because of school, he didn't have much time for you as he liked to, so this moments together are very special for him, just like they are for you.

"Ohh, I'm so glad you made popcorn! I'm dying to eat sweets." you admitted, jumping slightly on the sofa and making your way to your lover's lap.

"You can always eat me, pretty girl." he winked at you, already showing his sassy side towards you, something you always loved since you met him.

"Who said I won't?" you playfully raised your eyebrow at him, earning a laugh and a passionate kiss from him right after. You started to kiss slowly, yet passionately until you decided that was better to stop, unless you wanted to miss the movie.

After that evening, you started to go out almost every day with your friend just to practice and learn something new. Patrick started to get suspicious about your suddenly lack of time and he even confronted you about it, only for you to reassure him that everything was fine, that you still loved him and you didn't want to leave him, not ever. He seemed to be convinced by your words, however you knew that he was starting to miss you even more and eventually getting sad and feeling lonely. That's when you thought you had learned enough to be able to play for him and didn't have to make him suffer much longer with your unavailability.

"Babe!" you called him once you arrived home from your friend's house.

"Hey." he simply said, not bothering to look at you. He was only with a black t-shirt and his black boxers, sitting in your bed while watching some random channel on the tv.

"Uh... is everything ok?" you started to worry by his indifference. He never acted like that before towards you and that concerned you to no end.

"I don't know, you tell me." he finally looked at you after turning the tv off, hurt and disappointment written on his face. He then got up from the bed, walking slowly in your direction with his arms crossed. "Is there something you want to tell me, huh?"

"Actually yes. I-I wanted to take you to a place to show you something." you tried to lighten up the mood, but it seemed useless.

"Oh, so now you have time for me? How wonderful." he was ready to get back to your bed, only for you to stop him on his way by grabbing his arm firmly.

"Pat, listen to me. I know I've been going out a lot more lately, but that's exactly what I'm trying to explain to you."

"Ok then, I'm listening." he crossed his arms once again: you knew this wasn't going to be easy, but you wouldn't give up.

"Can you just come with me, please? I promise I will explain everything to you." you tried to convince him one more time. There was a long pause, the silence and his deep stare into yours starting to make you feel even more nervous.

"Ok." he answered, obviously still being mad. "You better give me a good reason for all of this." you simply nodded, perfectly knowing you haven't been fair with him, but your intentions were good and you just didn't want to screw up your surprise. He started to dress himself, putting black leather jeans and black boots. The silence was making you nauseous, but you couldn't let that affect you. Not now that your moment to shine in front of your boyfriend was close to finally happen. "Let's go." he said in a serious tone, both of you leading to his car.

"Can I drive?" he looked surprised at you, yet he let you do what you wanted. This was your opportunity to make it up for him. You drove to a music shop from your city, where you could play and buy various instruments freely. It was the perfect place to show him what you have learned this past few weeks and what you were capable of.

"Seriously? A music shop?" he was confused, but you ignored his comment. You got out of the car, Patrick following you right behind, and you both entered the shop. You went to a room where was the drums section, seeing one that was similar to your friend's: the perfect chosen one.

"What are you doing? You really want to learn how to play drums knowing that we have to-" once you got in the right position to play, you didn't even let him finish, playing immediately to show your surprise for him and end the tense mood that was implanted since you left your house. Ironically, because he was grumpy with you, you tried to only focused on what you were playing, missing his speechless, impressed and amazed face. He wasn't expecting this at all: he knew you didn't know how to play drums yet, however you showed him the opposite, taking the words out of his mouth. You were so concentrated in what you were doing, that not even one note was played incorrectly: yup, you definitely were enjoying yourself... just not as much as he was. He didn't dare to interrupt you, listening to the outstanding melody played by his talented girlfriend: saying he was proud of you wasn't enough, and being as smart as he was, he immediately knew that your lack of availability was caused by your "drum classes".

"What do you think? Did you like it?" you asked nervously once you finished your little show in front of Patrick. He approached you slowly, not taking his eyes away from you, and you could tell by the bright in his eyes and his little smirk that he really, really liked it.

"If I liked it? Damn girl, you should see yourself playing that thing, you were absolutely incredible... and sexy." he admitted, making you laugh and kiss him after. When you broke the kiss, you hugged him hard, the guilty feeling consuming your big heart once again. "I'm so proud of you, Y/n." he genuinely praised you while caressing your hair and giving you quick, yet sweet kisses on your shoulder. How is it possible for him to make you blush and feel your stomach filled with unquiet butterflies with just a few words and glances you didn't know, but it was definitely possible and real.

"I'm so sorry for not telling you about this and for leaving you wonder the wrong things, I just wanted to surprise you..." you felt your eyes watering, tears wanting desperately to come out at the thought of losing your stupendous and exceptional lover. You surely love drums, but that love isn't even comparable to the one you feel for your Pat.

"Yeah, you should have said something. I have to tell you that I was going crazy. Even when I knew it wasn’t true, I thought the worst, sugar." he sadly spoke, letting his accumulated emotions to finally come out. "But now that I saw the show you gave me... it was totally worth it." he smiled, relaxing you instantly: and that is his innate gift, making you feel safe and calm by just one look or smile.

"You know that I love you so, so much, and that I would never leave you, don't you Patrick?" you said in a loving tone, staring deeply into his beautiful eyes while caressing his left cheek with your thumb.

"Hmm I don't know, maybe you have to prove me that again." he joked, both you laughing and kissing, not getting tired of your playful and romantic side. "You know that I love you too, baby." he gladly confessed.

Now you know: next time, he will learn to play instruments with you as well, and who knows... maybe one day you two will have your own music band.

[everythingandeveryplace]

Finding Family

"Family is not an important thing.

It's everything."

"I've never seen anything like it before in my life. They have this wall and it's all concrete, and then the crops and live stock! everything is so meticulously organized, their armory is stocked in ways you couldn't even imagine." Rick rambled, ducking beneath a low hanging branch as the rest of the group followed behind. They'd been on the road for over 11 hours when Rick had finally instructed them all to pull over through the walkie.

It was nearing close to another hour since they had all started walking through the poorly shaded woods, the Atlanta sun burning their skin and stray walkers hiding in the brush. Daryl had never seen this part of Atlanta before and he couldn't help but be impressed with how well this supposed "miracle community" was hidden.

"If I hear bout' this damn Georgetown one more time, I'm throwin' him all the way there." Merle grumbled from beside him, cutting down the far too tall grass with the chiseled saw he called a hand.

"Just keep ya mouth shut and keep ya eyes on the path." Daryl hissed at his brother, moving to walk a few feet ahead. Their relationship was beyond strained and some days it was worse than others, there was a deep seeded resentment amongst the two brothers, most days Daryl couldn't even look Merle in the eyes.

Everyone knew the reason why.

"Are we almost there?" Glenn panted, leaning into the hand Maggie was massaging his achey neck with.

"Almost." Rick promised.

"They gonna see us comin'? Ain't gonna attack or nothin'?" Daryl fell into step with Rick.

"No. They seem to be good people, they know I'm bringing my people to talk. I've only spoken to their leader Charlie and a few of the residents, it was Charlie's idea to bring you all for a visit. He wants to see the type of People Alexandria produces." Rick explained.

"So best behavior folks!" Abraham chuckled and slapped Eugene on the shoulder sending the mulleted man stumbling into Carol and Michonnes backs.

Carol whipped around and raised a brow at Eugene, Michonne laughed as the socially awkward man scrambled back to Abraham's side with wide, frightened eyes.

Almost half an hour later the sounds of muffled voices broke through the silence of the woods, Rick hadn't been lying , the concrete wall that blocked the community from the outside wall was incredible and large and so tall there it seemed to tower over even the tallest oak tree lining the woods.

"Holy shit." Jesus stopped abruptly, his jaw practically on the floor as he stared up at the dark grey, smooth concrete slab.

"That's unbelievable." Carol whispered

"Carl's going to be so mad he missed this." Michonne added

"Rosita too." Sasha stepped forward and pressed her hand against the wall tugging Tyreese alongside it.

Merle elbowed Daryl in the ribs and grinned

"Looks like that old burned down factory we used to store our huntin stuff in' with the cracked concrete and tall ass walls."

"Yeah. S'also where you started sellin' the meth and damn near got me killed by a tweaker." Daryl mumbled, dodging another elbow from Merle.

Wasn't that always how it was? Every good thing daryl had ever had was tainted by Merle's reckless and stupid behavior. It was that way then and it hadn't changed, it never would.

The heavy welded doors opened slowly in front of all of them and out stepped an older man who was so tall even Tyreese had to look up to catch his eyes.

"Hello Alexandria, I'm so happy you all could make it. The ride here was smooth I assume? No trouble?"

Rick stepped forward, extending his hand to the stranger and grinning.

"No trouble at all. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to say our piece, and Thank-you for giving my people a chance. I know how difficult it is to trust someone you hardly know, especially in this world."

Rick would have been one hell of a politician if the world hadn't gone to shit, it was amazing to see the easy way he talked to anyone and everyone never giving away even a piece of himself.

"Well of course, of course. Come on in then, you never know what's lurking in these woods." The man Daryl assumed was Charlie ushered them all inside the walls of the community, signaling to a group of men on top of the walls to close the doors.

It wasn't real.

There was absolutely no way something as prospering and lively and god damn beautiful could exist in the world they lived in now. Behind the walls of Georgetown was row after row of blooming and blossoming crops, farm animals grazed behind fenced fields, families tended to the fields and satellite panels stood tall on poles surrounding the beautifully kept homes. There were children playing and mothers knitting on porches, men were lugging lumber though the sidewalks and someone to Daryl's left was patching up the roof of a tiny yellow cottage.

"I told you." Rick whispered in his ear "I've never seen anything like it."

Neither had Daryl, not in this life or his last.

It felt welcoming and clean and homey..

It felt safe.

Maggie was the first to speak

"This place is beautiful, it's like a different world. I can't believe how much food y'all have! And the protection from the barriers and fences.. it's truly amazing."

Charlie smiled proudly

"Yes, we've worked very hard to achieve all that we have. But Rick tells me you've all worked hard as well. I'd heard of the saviors from passing travelers, fortunately we never encountered any at Georgetown. We're far too hidden to be found, of course we do have a plan of action in place should the time come we're threatened." His tone held a hint of a warning and Daryl felt Merle shift uncomfortably beside him, he got all fidgety when the saviors were mentioned. Daryl just got nauseous.

"You said we'd be able to meet more of your people? Not that I'm in any place to rush you but clearly we can see how well this place is run and I think we're all curious as to who's behind it." Rick smiled brightly and nudged Michonne until she was smiling just as wide.. albeit a bit more awkwardly.

"Well to be fair every single person who lives within the walls of our community is responsible for the progress and safety of our home. But if you mean my counsel, let me introduce you." The taller man pulled a walkie from his utility belt

"Hey team, meet in the corridor. Emergency meeting."

A chorus of jumbled

"Okay... got it.. be there in a sec."

sounded through the device.

"I haven't told them I was bringing you in, they would all be too anxious. They're going to be the deciding factors on whether I agree to the trade so I feel it's important they look at this with fresh eyes. It's better they don't have time to think on it." Charlie winked.

"I was in the shower. Someone better be dead."

A petite woman with short hair and tattooed arms came sprinting down the steps of the large white building that Daryl and his group were standing in front of. She was beautiful but the way her eyes landed on Michonne and lingered for just a moment too long made it fairly obvious she would not be interested in Rick, Daryl, Merle or anyone of that particular gender.

"You were in the shower? I was in dreamland. I was out all night scoping for walkers, you said I could sleep in." A mammoth sized man with a scarred face and dark blue eyes followed the smaller woman, trailing after her and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Charlie chuckled and shook his head

"These are a few of the people I wanted you to meet. They've come looking to trade with us, I wanted them to come by and meet you before we get into any details." He explained.

The tattooed woman reached a hand out to Michonne and the huge blue eyed man instantly reached for a high five from Rick

"I'm Tucker and that's Ruby. I run construction and head most of the supply runs, Ruby runs the armory she knows everything there is to know about guns so if you guys think you can ever get one over on her you're sorely mistaken." Tucker's laugh filled the air before he clapped a hand onto Glenn's shoulder nearly drilling him to the ground with the force of his grip. Merle snorted and Daryl had to fight to keep the smile off of his face.

"Aidan is tied up in the kitchen right now, he's got to get lunch out before we hit the road for our next run. He said he'd come by after."

Charlie nodded in understanding before turning towards The front doors of the white building again

"Where's Lil, I thought I heard her say..."

"I'm here! Sorry I got stuck with stitches on an eight year old not fun at a.."

Daryl's head snapped forward at that voice, he knew that voice, could pick it out of a million people. He never thought he would hear it again.. he never thought....

"LiliAnna?!?" Maggie practically squealed, dropping her weapons and running towards the blonde currently staring slack jawed at the group standing in front of her.

"Maggie?" She choked, falling back onto the steps of the stairs as the short haired brunette tackled her to the ground, squeezing her tight and rambling in her ear.

"I can't believe it's you! It's been almost two years! Look at you! You look amazing! I've missed you so much!" She babbled, tears leaking from her eyes as she held tight to her former best friend.

"I've missed you too." LiliAnna whispered, cupping Maggie's face and dropping her forehead to hers. When Maggie finally stepped away Rick was there to take her place, wrapping his arms around LiliAnna and smiling

"I had no idea you lived here? I've been back and forth for the past few weeks and I haven't seen you once." He pulled away and gave her a once over for injuries, Daryl had seen him do it countless times and it made his heart ache to see the familiarity playing out right before his eyes.

"I run Medical here, I'm The head nurse and we had a bit of an accident on our last run. I've been tending to the injured all month trying to get them back on their feet.. not to mention how busy I am typically." LiliAnna smiled softly before squeezing ricks hand and turning to greet the rest of the group, lingering a little longer on carol and wiping the older woman's tears with the sleeve of her jacket, they had always had a special bond.

"I feel like I'm missing something here." Ruby scratched her head.

"Ditto." Tucker shrugged, smiling at all of the happy faces "doesn't matter much though, look how happy they are. Can't bottle that up."

LiliAnna hugged Abraham one last time before finally turning towards Daryl.

"Daryl Dixon." She smiled softly, her eyes slightly misty with tears.

"Lili." He breathed, the name coming out no louder than a whisper. She looked beautiful, if possible even more so than he had ever seen her. Her long blonde hair was left loose at her shoulders, sky blue eyes big and bright on her sun kissed face. She was still too skinny, she always forgot to eat and it drove Daryl crazy, she was always too busy looking out for everyone else she often forgot about herself. But still she was beautiful, perfect. Except for..

There was a jagged light pink scar that stretched from the temple of her right eye all the way down to the corner of her top lip and when she walked towards him she walked with a limp, it wasn't all that noticeable but Daryl could see it, he'd memorized it as she walked away two years ago.

"Didn't think I'd ever see ya face again." He swallowed.

"Didn't think you would either." She answered honestly, her eyes were just as warm and beautiful as he remembered and her skin looked just as soft, he reached a hand out to touch her cheek when suddenly the shadow of a figure covered his back.

Almost as if she had been burned Lili flinched away, eyes casting over Daryl's shoulder and narrowing dangerously before she stumbled backwards and away from him. Daryl whipped around to see Merle standing directly behind him, eyes wide and apologetic when He noticed Daryl's hand still raised.

"Sorry little brother.. I didn't think."

"Ya never think." Daryl growled, harshly turning away from the man who had single handedly destroyed his happiness more times than he could count.

"LiliAnna! We gotta show you something."

Someone was coming towards them from a few feet away. Daryl couldn't make out the face yet but the voice sounded strangely familiar.

"That's D." Charlie explained "he's part of our combat group.. teaches our residents how to defend themselves."

D...

Dwight.

Sure enough the mangled man came rushing forward, a child in his arms with wild blonde curls and bright blue eyes, a huge smile on the child's face.. the kid couldn't be older than a year and he looked nothing like Dwight.. actually he looked more like..

"Mama!"

Mama? Did that mean..

"Hi sweet boy! How was your nap? Did Uncle D keep you up again?" LiliAnna reached for the baby in Dwight's arms and cradled him to her chest pressing sloppy kisses all over his cheek while he giggled and squirmed.

"You have a baby?" Michonne let the severe sharpness of her features lessen for just a moment as she stared at the mother and her child.

"I do. His names Greyson and he just tuned one." She smiled proudly.

"Oh my god Hershel Jr. just found himself a new best friend." Maggie tugged in Glenn's sleeve in excitement and even the lanky Korean couldn't keep the smile off of his face. LiliAnnas eyes softened immediately and she grinned

"It was a boy?" She asked Maggie.

"It sure was.. just like your little angel." Maggie moved forward to squeeze the chubby little ones cheeks. Rick was talking to Charlie and the rest of the group was either admiring Greyson or asking Ruby and Tucker questions.

"You see it don't you?" Merle asked from his space beside Daryl.

"See what?" Daryl refused to take his eyes off of the baby in LiliAnnas arms.

"Those are mamas eyes." Merle chuckled making Daryl snap his head towards his older brother.

"What?"

Merle shook his head at his brothers obliviousness

"That boys a Dixon through and through."

Dwight's body stiffened at the sound of Merle's voice, he whipped around and drew his gun the instant his eyes caught sight of Merle.

"Woah!" Ruby shouted

Everyone turned towards the commotion and Charlie rushed towards Dwight

"D, what are you doing.. these people are our guests.. you can't just pull your.."

"Guests?!" Dwight scoffed "why the hell is he in our camp?! Why would you let him in here!"

LiliAnna handed Greyson off to Maggie and moved to stand beside Dwight, placing her hand in his arm she spoke quickly

"It's okay.. I'm okay. It's fine Dwight, put the gun down"

"Are they here to do business? They want to trade? Fat chance!" Dwight kept his gun trained on Merle but spoke directly to Charlie "you cannot let these people in here, you cannot do business with them. They took in that.. that monster." His hands were shaking around the trigger of his rifle and Daryl couldn't move, his feet frozen to the spot. Merle seemed to be in the same position because he hadn't even drawn his gun yet.

"What did he do? What's going on LiliAnna?" Tucker came to stand behind Dwight as back up and Ruby soon followed, her hands tight on her pistol.

"He.. it was the past.." She whispered, her eyes darting to her son behind her.

Suddenly images flooded Daryl's brain.

Dwight carrying a nearly lifeless Lili through the smoke and ash, her face so bruised and bloody it was almost unrecognizable.

The screaming. Her cries of pain and desperation as Hershel attempted to stitch her up and set her bones.

Her wide, terrified eyes when she looked up at him from the cot as Hershel relocated her shoulder

"Merle." She had croaked "it was Merle."

"I'll tell you what happened." Dwight growled, the click of his trigger sounding through the almost silent air "that bastard beat Lil to death and made me watch. She survived because she's stronger than all of us but he was trying to kill her... slowly.. he wanted her to feel it."

Daryls eyes met Lilis from across the field.

She looked him dead in the eye for just a moment before she raced over to Maggie, scooped up Greyson and rushed back up the stairs to the big building.

Charlie cleared his throat and placed a hand on Dwight's raised Gun.

"It looks like we may have more to discuss."