#twd fam

[ladywoodrose]

Before the end of the year, I'd like to thank everybody who has kept Bethyl alive.. especially in fanfiction. Yall are my favorite people and I wish yall all good things. 💓💓💓

[happy74827]

Out of Reach

[Rick Grimes x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: Finding the right moment is a hard thing to do. Especially when it involves the man who's in charge.

WC: 4226

Category: Slight Fluff, Pining

Fair warning, he might be slightly OOC, but honestly, who cares. It's Rick mf Grimes. Just look at his arms, you'll be fine.

『••✎••』

It was a strange feeling, really.

Having him so close and yet so far away.

You could almost taste him on your tongue, feel his skin on your fingertips. The heat of his breath on your neck. His lips ghosting over your own. It was torturous to be so close, but not close enough.

You ached for his touch, longed to run your fingers through his hair. He was so tantalizingly close. His mouth inches from yours, the smell of whiskey and gunpowder clinging to his clothes. You wanted nothing more than for him to take you in his arms and hold you close, but you couldn't bring yourself to say the words. You didn't want to make him uncomfortable or make him run.

You weren't even sure if he wanted you the way you wanted him, but the way he was looking at you… The way he was touching you… The way his lips hovered so close to yours like he wanted to kiss you but couldn't. He had to know how you felt, right? He had to feel the same way you did.

Maybe you were imagining it all; maybe it was just wishful thinking, but it was enough to drive you mad.

He was so close and yet so far away, and you knew that if you didn't do something about it soon, you would lose your mind. Maybe that's what pushed you over the edge, the thought of losing him before you even had a chance to have him. Maybe that's what drove you to finally take matters into your own hands.

"Rick."

Your voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough to capture his attention. He looked up from his cup, his blue eyes locking with yours, and suddenly, it felt as if the world had stopped spinning. Time stood still as you looked into each other's eyes, neither of you moving, neither of you breathing.

He had never looked more handsome than he did at that moment. The sunrise danced across his face, casting shadows over his features. His eyes were so bright and blue, you could get lost in them forever. His hair was mussed and disheveled, the way it always was when he'd been out hunting or fighting the dead. You'd never seen anything more beautiful in your life.

"Yeah?" He said, his voice barely a whisper. He was still in a sleep-like state, but he was slowly coming back to himself. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand as if to wake himself up. "What's goin' on?"

You weren't sure what to say. Your brain had stopped working the moment you locked eyes with him. All you could think about was him, his smell, his touch, his taste… You were so distracted that you hardly even registered his question. All you could do was stare.

"It's Judith, isn't it? You heard her cryin'?" His voice was groggy, his words slightly slurred, but there was still an undertone of worry in his tone. "I know, it's awful. It's her new thing now. I haven't slept more than an hour at a time for weeks."

Rick's words were muffled as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, but they were enough to break the spell that had been cast upon you. You blinked rapidly, shaking your head as if to clear your thoughts.

"No, Rick," you said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "it's not Judith. It's you."

He was looking at you with those beautiful eyes, but the longer you looked at him, the less you wanted to look away. It felt like an eternity had passed while the two of you stared at each other, but in reality, it had only been a few minutes.

Rick raised an eyebrow as he continued to stare at you with a confused look on his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted before he could say a word.

"What do you mean, 'it's him'?" Michonne asked, causing you to jump in your place. You hadn't even noticed her arrival. She must have been standing there for some time now, watching the two of you stare at each other, but you were too busy being captivated by Rick's eyes to even notice her. "What's going on?"

You weren't sure how much Michonne had overheard. Maybe she'd only heard Rick's question, or maybe she'd heard the rest of your conversation. All you knew was that there was no way you were going to confess now. Not in front of Michonne. You would never hear the end of it.

"It's nothing, really," you said, trying to avoid eye contact with the both of them, but you could feel their gazes burning into the back of your head. "I just… never mind."

Rick looked at you curiously as he tried to piece together what you'd been saying, but you didn't want to talk about it anymore. You just wanted to leave, to escape his questioning stare, and maybe Michonne's too. She looked like she had a lot of questions.

"You sure?" Rick asked, but you didn't answer. You simply shook your head, letting him know you weren't going to elaborate on your cryptic words before you turned and left without another word. The embarrassment was written all over your face, but you were just thankful that Rick hadn't pressed the issue.

He looked a bit confused, but he didn't follow you. He knew better than to pry. Besides, it was early, and the last thing he wanted to do was start an argument when he was just trying to have a peaceful moment to collect his thoughts before Judith started up again.

Michonne, on the other hand, was far less concerned about your wellbeing and far more concerned about prying into your private conversation.

"What was that all about?" She asked as she approached Rick, her voice laced with intrigue as she sat down next to him. "Did she say something?"

"Nah," Rick replied, his gaze following you as you walked through the camp, "You didn't give her much of a chance."

Michonne sighed as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. She was still clearly intrigued by your behavior, but Rick had already moved on. It seemed like the whole ordeal had gone over his head. Of course, it did.

Rick was always aware of his surroundings. He always had a clear head and was always paying attention. Even when he was asleep, he was still analyzing everything. Yet, he was completely oblivious to your feelings for him. For an ex-sheriff, he sure was stupid when it came to romance.

You'd been infatuated with Rick since you first met him, but at the time you'd only been friends with him and haven't realized it. But lately, these past few months you were finding yourself constantly daydreaming about him.

You always got lost in the little things, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the sound of his laugh, the way he would play with Judith, or the way his lips would quirk up when you teased him… You’d always find yourself staring at him, imagining what it would be like to kiss him, and it was becoming almost too much.

You'd always felt safe in his presence, like nothing could ever hurt you while he was around, but lately, you felt like the closer he got to you the further away he'd go. You loved his company, you craved his presence, but you couldn't help feeling like he was slipping through your fingers. Especially when everyone else in the world seemed to involve themselves in your private conversations.

Rick had told you that you could always talk to him about anything, but sometimes it felt like you couldn't talk to him about anything without someone overhearing. And even when you did have a chance to talk to him, you couldn't seem to find the words. Your mouth would open, but nothing would come out. The only thing you could seem to do was look into his eyes and fall deeper and deeper.

You still found it a miracle that he never called you out on it. You found it hilarious that he always thought he was so smooth, but he had no clue. Ah, the irony of it all.

"Are you sure it was nothing?"

You jumped at the sound of his voice, quickly turning to look at him over your shoulder. His eyes were narrowed, and his lips were pursed as he tried to read your face.

What happened with leaving it alone? Rick always left you alone when you were in one of your moods. He knew you didn't want to talk, so he just left you alone. Why was he trying to get you to talk this time?

"I mean, it sure looked like something to me," he continued, his voice gruff as he scratched at the back of his neck. "Was it, uh, somethin' I did?"

You weren't sure if he knew it or not, but he was beginning to make you feel guilty. You hated that he felt like he needed to apologize for every little thing he did, like he needed to apologize for existing. This man always had his head buried in the sand while lifting others above him.

Honestly, it was exhausting.

Rick looked at you like a wounded puppy dog as he awaited your answer, and you couldn't help but sigh. It was impossible to be angry with him, especially when he was being so sweet, but he needed to stop acting so guilty about everything all the time. He takes the blame for everything.

"No, Rick, it's not you," you assured, smiling weakly at him as you turned around to face him, "It was something I was going to tell you about, but I just…"

"Michonne? It was Michonne, wasn't it?" He said, eyes squinting as he looked at you. "You hesitated to tell me, and you didn't want Michonne to hear, so you just… decided to leave instead?"

Excluding his obliviousness to your emotions, Rick was a very smart man. Even in his sleepy state, he could put two and two together to get the most accurate answer possible. You weren't sure if you liked that or not.

"Yeah," you admitted, shrugging as you looked down at the ground. You had no idea why you were embarrassed. You could tell Rick anything, right? Yet, for some reason, you just felt… weird.

"So…" he began, pausing for a moment to clear his throat, "What was it that you didn't want Michonne listening in?"

Rick watched you expectantly, clearly curious, but you felt like a deer in the headlights. You knew he would never push you if you really didn't want to talk about it, but he was also one of the most curious people you'd ever known. He wouldn't leave it alone.

It was one of his best traits, honestly. He was always trying to figure everything out, to put the puzzle pieces together and see the big picture. You wished he would take his own advice.

"Well?" he said, interrupting your train of thought, "What were you trying to tell me?"

"It was…" you began, swallowing the lump in your throat. Your cheeks flushed, and your hands began to sweat, and you couldn't bring yourself to look at him as you spoke, "It was something that's been on my mind a lot lately."

Rick was looking at you expectantly as he awaited your explanation, but you weren't sure how much you wanted to tell him. It was still hard for you to find the words.

Rick sighed as he leaned back, resting his back against the nearest tree. His blue eyes locked with yours as he waited, the light from the sun illuminating him like some sort of mythological deity. He was breathtakingly beautiful.

You wanted to lose yourself in his eyes forever.

"You can tell me anything, you know?" He said, his voice low as he tried to catch your eye, but you refused to look at him. "I promise, I'm not gonna judge you."

"I know."

You were so grateful for him. He always listened, always supported you, always had your back, and you never felt more at ease than when you were with him. He was the reason you were alive, and you knew it. You owed him everything.

"Can you look at me?"

You were too embarrassed to look at him, so you shook your head, refusing to meet his gaze. You knew if you did, you would lose your nerve and run off like you always did. Rick always tried to coax you out of your shell, but you'd never had a problem doing it on your own before.

Rick sighed, but you could tell he wasn't annoyed. He was just tired.

"This really is hard for you. I thought you would've said it by now."

"You don't even know what I'm going to say," you replied, finally looking up at him. His hair was tousled and unkempt. The sun was still low in the sky, so his eyes looked like the deepest oceans. You wanted to drown in them. "Maybe it's better if I don't say anything."

Rick didn't reply, but he didn't stop looking at you. His eyes were so gentle, so soft. They were inviting, like the sweetest embrace, and you couldn't help but be lulled in.

"No, it's not." His voice came out like warm silk as if it had been dipped in molasses and was being rolled over your skin. "Trust me, it's not."

You scoffed, rolling your eyes as you turned away from him, "I know what you're trying to do, but it's not going to work."

"And what's that?" he asked, but you refused to meet his gaze.

"Acting like you already know what I'm going to say," you huffed, crossing your arms.

"What if I do?"

You shook your head as you tried to avoid eye contact, "No, I don't think you do. I think you're just hoping I'm gonna say it so you don't have to."

Rick let out a deep sigh, but you didn't dare look at him. "And you call me the oblivious one."

You laughed, finally looking at him. "Well, you are."

"Am I? Am I really? Because it sure feels like you're avoiding the question."

"Oh my God, Rick, I'm not avoiding the question." You laughed again as you rolled your eyes.

"Then why won't you answer?" He asked, looking at you expectantly. "Why won't you look at me?"

Rick looked like a child as he stared at you, his lips turned into a pout as he continued to play his part. You couldn't help but laugh again, but this time it was much louder.

"Stop trying to act like you already know—"

"—What? Like your eyes won't wander to my lips every time you're talking to me? Like I don't notice you biting your lip every time I smile at you? Like I don't see the way you stare at me when you think I'm not paying attention? Like I don't hear you when you wake up in the middle of the night and have to go take a piss?"

You weren't laughing anymore.

Rick was so close to you that you could feel the heat of his breath on your neck. He had you cornered, trapped between him and the tree behind you. He was so close that if you leaned forward, you'd fall into his arms. You could feel his hot skin through the thin material of your shirt. Your heart was beating rapidly in your chest, and your mouth was dry, and you were barely aware of the words you were saying.

"W-What are you talking about?" You stammered as you took a step back. Rick followed your movement, and you nearly stumbled into his chest. He placed his hand on the small of your back to steady you, but it sent tingles down your spine.

"You're a terrible liar and you're bad at hiding your feelings," he said, leaning down to whisper in your ear, "And I've always been good at reading people. Especially you, Miss Know-It-All."

Your heart was beating so hard, you were sure he could feel it pounding against his chest, and it felt like your knees were going to buckle at any second. Rick had backed you into a corner and was inches from your lips, but he had yet to close the gap. He was still waiting for your response.

"This is so embarrassing," you whined as you pushed against his chest, trying to push him away, but he held firm, not moving an inch.

"Why?" he asked, looking down at you with his soft blue eyes, "What are you so embarrassed about?"

"You… You know why," you mumbled, your face growing warm as he continued to look at you.

"Do I? I have to say, I'm a little confused here. Why don't you tell me? Why don't you use your words?"

You couldn't meet his gaze as you continued to play with the hem of your shirt, but Rick wasn't going to let you hide. He placed his hand under your chin, forcing you to meet his eyes. Even after he confessed that he could read you like a book, he still wanted you to use your words. Maybe it was just because he wanted to see you squirm.

Suddenly, your throat allowed you to speak. Argue even,

"You knew this entire time and yet you never said anything? You let me dance around it when all along you knew how I felt. It's… humiliating, really. I can't believe you let me embarrass myself this entire time. You should've stopped me sooner."

Rick was looking at you with those beautiful eyes of his, and you felt like he was peering into your soul. He was trying to find the words to say, trying to find the right thing to say to make you feel better. But what was there to say?

"I thought you weren't going to judge me," you continued, sighing as you looked away from him.

"I'm not judging you," he whispered, leaning down to look at you, "I didn't judge you. Look, what I said moments ago, that was me teasing you. Truthfully, I was just waiting for you to say something. I mean, I could see it in your eyes every time you looked at me, and I… I just…" He let out a deep sigh, running his hand through his hair before he began again.

"I wasn't sure how you felt about me. I had a feeling, a feeling I decided to play on, but I wasn't completely sure. I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination." He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts before continuing, "And the last thing I wanted to do was scare you away. I was trying to let you work up the courage. I didn't want to rush you. Like I said, I know how to read people, and I was waiting to hear what you had to say."

He paused for a moment, looking into your eyes with that gorgeous gaze of his. He seemed to be searching for something in your expression, some sort of indication that you wanted him to continue. It made you feel like you were being examined under a microscope.

"I'm not very good at this," he finally said, his voice low as he continued, "The talking part, I mean. I don't do it well. It's the reason why Lori and I had issues in the end. We never had good communication. But I… I didn't want that to happen to us. Not with you. I care too much."

"So, technically, I was right," you said, trying to hide the smirk on your face.

Rick laughed, a deep and throaty laugh, as he shook his head. "Don't be so smug. You got your way."

"Yeah, I did."

Rick had his hand on the back of his neck as he looked at you expectantly, "So, what's your plan now? What are you gonna say? You were so against me acting like I knew what you were going to say that I'm just curious to know what you're going to say now. Do I want to hear it?"

You couldn't help but laugh. Of course, he'd want you to use your words. He'd tease you mercilessly if you tried to go silent again, so you decided to take the initiative and just say it already.

"I concur," you replied, smiling brightly at him. "There. I used words."

Rick chuckled, a soft and quiet sound that sent shivers down your spine. You could get drunk on the sound of his laugh alone. It was so gentle, so genuine. It was as sweet as honey, and you never wanted him to stop laughing. You wanted him to laugh forever.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he said, rolling his eyes, "I get it. You got what you wanted. Can I ask what you were going to say before this all happened?"

"You said it already," you teased, raising an eyebrow at him, "Better than I could’ve."

Rick sighed as he looked down at you, "I really hate how clever you are sometimes. You always have a comeback. I just… I really want to know."

"Really? You want me to repeat myself? Hear me stutter and sweat all over the place? Just stand there looking like an idiot while you stand there looking all cool and collected?"

He laughed, a deep and throaty sound, as he placed his hand on your back. "Well, you already did that, but if you'd like to try again, I'd love to hear it."

You rolled your eyes, letting out a huff as you looked at him with narrowed eyes. He was standing so close to you, yet so far away. All you could do was stare at him as he looked down at you. It was a lot harder to confess your feelings when his gaze was piercing into your soul.

"Can you move?" You asked, motioning to his arm that was pinned between the two of you. He didn't reply. He simply looked at you for a moment, taking in your features, before moving his hand away. He was being gentle like he was afraid to touch you. His fingertips grazed your skin ever so slightly as he retracted his arm, sending shivers down your spine, and you were overcome with the urge to take his hand and hold it in yours.

"Are you going to make the first move now? Or am I gonna have to do all the work?" He asked, his lips quirking into that mischievous smirk you knew so well.

"Oh, shut it."

"Only if you-"

"Rick! I thought I heard your voice." Gabriel's voice cut through the air like a knife, and it took everything in you not to groan. You hadn't even heard his approach, and he was so loud it almost felt as if you'd been caught doing something you shouldn't. "I'm glad I found you."

"Yeah?" Rick said, clearing his throat as he turned around. He shot you a glance, an amused smile on his face, before turning his attention back to Gabriel. He really did know how you worked, didn't he?

"I've been meaning to talk to you for a while," Gabriel said, looking down at the ground with a sheepish smile on his face. He had been around long enough to know when to keep his mouth shut. "There's been something I wanted to discuss with you."

Rick furrowed his brow, glancing at you for a moment before nodding, "Yeah, of course."

"Would it be okay if we spoke in private?"

The shared look between the two of you was enough to burst into laughter, but you managed to bite your tongue. Rick, however, wasn't so lucky. He let out a quiet chuckle as he shook his head, trying to hide his amusement.

"Yeah, of course. No problem," he said, placing his hand on the small of your back as he began to walk away. He shot you another look over his shoulder, that smirk still on his lips. "I'll be back, okay?"

You wanted to tell him that you would be waiting for him, that you wouldn't leave without him, but you couldn't. Gabriel was already shooting you a questioning look from across camp, and you really didn't feel like explaining anything to him. You weren't even sure if you wanted to explain anything to yourself.

So instead, you watched as Rick walked away, his eyes locked on yours. His gaze burned into your skin, and it took everything in you not to run after him. You wanted to tell him that you'd be waiting for him. You wanted to tell him that you weren't going anywhere, but you couldn't find the words. So, you watched as he disappeared into the woods with Gabriel at his side

Once he was gone, you sighed, letting your head fall as you rubbed your temples.

Always so close, but yet so far away.

[dandrew-stuff]

New photos and bts from episode 06 of The Ones Who Live featuring Michonne and Rick(Danai and Andrew too🤭)!

[terriblegam2r]

PSA to my fellow Richonners and Walking Dead Fans:

Some asshole is posting spoilers for The Ones Who Live in the Richonne tag (and literally every other walking dead/cast member tags) without any warning or consideration for those who don’t want to be spoiled for this show.

If you don’t want to be spoiled make sure you block user “twdspoilers4theprivileged”.

Danai literally begged a few times at the premiere for no one to spoil this show, so anyone who goes against that is purposefully disrespecting her, Andy, Gimple and everyone who worked hard on this show.PLEASE REBLOG THIS IF YOU CAN TO HELP GET THE WORD OUT TO MORE FANS. I know a lot of people still don’t want to be spoiled, and they shouldn’t be bombarded with it unexpectedly in a tag that’s suppose to be safe.

[lazyneonrabbitt]

Adar smut fic sneak peek

And it was nice, even Adar agreed. Now that he and his children had a home there was no need for endless planning and strategizing to keep him busy anymore.

"I admit, you are right. Having a quiet conversation just for the pleasure of it is something I have not done in a long while." He watched you place your mug down, impressed with how quickly you had downed the wine for a mere mortal who claimed not caring about getting drunk.

You placed the mug down and thanked the wine for silencing the voice in your head as you sat straight up and murmured something. Adar didn't catch what it was, and questioned you about it.

"I said," With a swift move you flung your leg over his lap and straddled him. "There is probably other things that you have not done for pleasure in a very long time."

Because I still crave that "Make Adar an actual dad" fic so I gotta write it myself.

Smut is done already, I might make it multiple parts depending on how long the story becomes.

[real-russ-jackson]

"The Walking Dead: Dead City" Panel at New York Comic Con 2024, Day 2 at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 18, 2024 in New York City

(Photos by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for ReedPop)

[twdnonsense]

Moments in TWD that altered my brain chemistry

Rick reuniting with Lori and Carl in 1x3

Rick thinking Carl was going to shoot him, only for him to shoot Shane instead (2x12)

Lori’s death (more accurately, Carl having to shoot her) (3x4)

The reveal that Carol killed Karen and the other guy who got sick (don’t remember his name) (4x3)

Lizzie killing Mika and then Carol killing Lizzie (4x14)

The entirety of 4x9 & 4x16

Rick ripping Joe’s throat out WITH HIS FUCKING TEETH (4x16)

Michonne holding Carl after that scene in 4x16 & him falling asleep on her afterwards (4x16)

Carol saving everyone at Terminus (5x1)

Carl holding Judith while he sleeps (5x10)

The entirety of 6x09 - especially that one shot where Carl looks up with blood running down his face to reveal that his eye’s been shot out and just says “dad”

Michonne kissing Carl on the forehead before going out to help fight the herd (6x09)

Rick holding Carl’s hand while he’s asleep at the end of 6x09, and Carl slowly doing the same at the end of Rick’s “new world” speech (6x09)

“A kid with a messed up face probably wouldn’t make the best first impression anyway” :( (6x11)

“Because it should be someone who loved her, someone who’s family, and I’d do it for you”, and then their hug afterwards (6x10)

The last like 15 minutes of 6x16

“You’re my best friend, Michonne.” “You’re mine too. You’re mine.” (8x09)

“Carl, it was all for you. Right from the start, back in Atlanta.” (8x09)

Rick holding Carl’s hand while he was dying (8x09)

Carl killing himself so that Rick and Michonne wouldn’t have to (8x09)

[allthegothihopgirls]

looking in the comments of cailey fleming's post about her new movie and the whole twd cast being supportive and congratulating her is the sweetest thing oh my god

[ofauroradreams]

*screams* MICHONNE GAVE CARL A FOREHEAD KISS I'M SCREAMING

[loganlostitall]

🖤🖤🖤

[ladywoodrose]

I'm sorry but I'm not sorry. If you didn't absolutely fall in love with Connie, I feel like something is wrong with you. AN ABSOLUTE ANGEL 🖤🥰

[sickly-sapphic]

bizarre that chandler riggs is real life famous. he's so just some guy shaped

[illusianation]

Well. Helloooo! It’s been approximately 184 years since I posted any kind of meta on this site, let alone a TWD-related meta. But here we are, in the year 2024, no less. Nothing like The Book of Carol and Melissa’s return to bring some of us back. Unfortunately, it’s been a mixed bag, and current spoilers point to some really disturbing info about our beloved characters, specifically Daryl. The following is from a recent Twitter post made regarding Daryl’s character and thought it would be cool to post here, too.

CW: Daryl - relationships + trauma

There are so many feelings about the spoilers re: Daryl/Isabelle, and this post isn’t meant to invalidate any of them or defend the storytelling choices or retcon. Umm, no. Not at all. That’s a whole other post and many others have written extensively on the issues of show-running, creative consistency, and marketing of The Book of Carol. It’s not even about shipping, really. On the contrary, this post is to share some thoughts about Daryl as he is now, viewed a bit thru a trauma lens.

Before I start, I feel it’s important to note that I am an LCSW, or Licensed Clinial Social Worker, in the US.

A big part of viewing what’s going on with Daryl’s character is to start by posing some important questions: Where is Daryl emotionally? What’s going on in is his headspace? Is he clinging to what’s there in France because he feels utterly alone and resigned to his fate? What if Daryl is actually able to open himself up to Laurent and Isabelle in part because of his relationship with Carol and not in spite of it? What if he’s capable of connection & love with others precisely because his OG found-family showed him what it can look like in so many ways? Hear me out. It is a powerful thing to consider, especially given that Carol, Judith, and his family undeniably shaped Daryl, offering him his first real sense of belonging and trust. Now it appears totally lost to him - a devastating, compounded, and total loss. And he is NOT OKAY.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t OOC for him to connect with others the way he has and/or regress. As we know, trauma survivors like Daryl, especially those with histories of domestic violence, complex trauma, childhood abuse, and neglect, often find themselves in cyclical patterns of vulnerability. It does make sense that Daryl, even after growing in his relationships with Carol and the fam, might still be susceptible to getting involved in dysfunctional relationship dynamics (cough *Leah* cough) His need to care for others, while being a strength, also exposes him to people who might exploit that—whether intentionally or not. He is, in a sense, truly acting out of character.

In Daryl's current emotional state he’s completely unmoored (by a literal ocean of impossible distance no less) from his foundation of emotional safety, and has appeared to regress to the point of being unrecognizable to some. The idea that Daryl's protective nature and discomfort with intimacy coexists with an ability to be exploited by others, speaks volumes to the complexity of trauma responses and his arrested development. Daryl can embody fierce loyalty and affection, yet be caught in cycles of seeking out or gravitating toward what’s familiar, even if that familiarity is rooted in pain or dysfunction. There are not a lot of options for relational safety in the ZA. Isabelle, Leah, and even Rick, all in their own ways, represent that tug of codependency and trauma-bonding for Daryl. Not to mention, when there are children connected, his protective instinct becomes exponential.

Daryl’s current isolation, insecurity, and uncertainty about the depth of Carol’s love and his OG found-family provides a pretty valid underpinning for why he might be more open to a connection with Isabelle and Laurent, and even actively choose it when given the opportunity to go home. It’s not the arc that makes the truest sense for Daryl, but it is still very true to life in the way trauma can regress personal growth, even temporarily.

At the same time, it’s 100% understandable that this shift feels like a betrayal to Daryl’s character, as it undermines the progress he’s made and relationship choices he’s made in the past. The narrative may fall really short of pushing Daryl forward, instead choosing to revert to old tropes that fail to capture the nuance of his journey. By ignoring the potential for deeper, more layered storytelling, the show risks alienating viewers who’ve been invested in Daryl’s growth over the years. It already has, and I see y’all out there. 🫶🏼

Ultimately, it’s the tension between authenticity in trauma responses and narrative sense and progression that leaves the audience, Daryl, and most likely Carol, completely unsatisfied. IRL, growth is non-linear but in fiction, especially after so much buildup (and let’s face it MISDIRECTION) it’s not unfair to expect a clearer arc forward, versus regression into old patterns.

Hopefully, the progression will materialize in resolution which will in turn, lead inevitably to - truly actualized, authentic, and absolute love in all ways for Daryl with the safest, most accepting person person in his life, Carol. After all, Spain is still out there.

Part 2 Coming Soon: Carol and Survivors’ Guilt

[akiraarabella]

This is me appreciating RWBY, I'll be jumping from one point to another so dont worry if im not making any sense. its not you!

All of these past volumes for me doesn't feel rushed (it maybe because I've finished it in 2 days so thats on me) but i feel when i think about volume 10 and the story so far is that yknow when you start writing a book just because of that one scene you made up in your head. So now you need to build up the characters and the events for that scene to make sense. I feel like in nine volumes we got a good setup for "that scene" thats gonna happen In volume 10 or maybe even 11 who knows. Do you get what i mean? No? GREAT! SEEMS LIKE WE'RE OFF TO A GOOD START!

Can i also just say that Jaun's VA killed it in the 7th episode of Volume 9. Both arguments that Ruby and Jaun makes.. I can't help myself but watch the 7-8-9-10th episodes of volume 9 again and again. This whole volume was directed on character development mainly for Ruby since the other characters already had their arcs before this volume except for her and Jaun. (Jaun kinda did as well but never got the closure he needed which was acceptance and he learned that in the volume 9)

And i gotta be honest even from the start Neo was the most intriguing "villain" For me. Maybe because of her design choice or her semblance but something about her made me really like her. And I'm glad they went the way they did for her story too.

I'm saying it again. If Neo doesn't come for our rescue with the jabberwockies im gonna throw some hands.

AND the way they used the Blacksmith in the tree and the story is just UGHH BRILLIANT!!!

The whole politics shenanigans with ironwood in the previous volumes were really made this feel a bit too real especially Nora standing up to Ironwoods plan was just chefs kiss. IM A BIASED NORA FAN COME AT ME I DARE YOU

AND ALSO WHEN I SAY I SCREAMED HEARING CHRISTINA VEE'S VOICE IN THE SHOW I MEAN I SCREAMED ALRIGHT!!!! that was a jumpscare moment for me

Another also PIETRO MY MAN BEING VOICED BY LEE HIMSELF?! (i know VAs name is not lee im talking abt the twd game lee dont get it wrong) I KNEW I HEARD THAT VOICE FROM SOMEWHERE!

Glad Emerald is on our side now. Can't wait to see how much of a time jump we had between volume 9 and 10 AND for more ✨TRAUMA✨ let's get it fam! Keep up the hype!

[hiro--aoki]

TWD X TUMBLR Chapter Three: Stick Together

Tw: Mentions of rascism, use of N-word slur (again 😰), mentions of drugs, catcalling, say bye bye to a character

A/n: procrastination really is my enemy atm. literally kept you guys waiting longer than i intended, my bad fam. this is a very long chapter 💪🤫🧏‍♂️🤫

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Rick picks up the gun Merle dropped, checking the ammo, “Look here, Merle. Things are different now. There is no n***** anymore. There are no dumb as shit, inbred white trash fools either. Only dark meat and white meat. There’s us and the dead. We survive this by pulling together not apart.”

Merle slowly turns his head to Rick and says defiantly, “Screw you, man.”

Rick takes a breath, “I can see you make a habit of missing the point.”

“Yeah, well screw you twice.”

“Outa be polite to a man with a gun,” Rick brings Merle’s own gun to his head, mocking him with his own words, “Only common sense.”

The rest of the group watch the interaction, still recovering from Merle’s minute long power trip.

“You wouldn’t,” Merle challenges, “You’re a cop.”

Rick lowers his gun, “All I am anymore, is a man looking for his wife and son. Anyone who gets in the way of that is gonna lose.”

The two of them hold silent eye contact for a few seconds.

Rick breaks the silence again, and starts to check Merle’s pockets, “I’ll give you a moment to think about that.”

He pulls out a little box. He recognises it instantly from his years as an officer. Rick grabs Merle’s chin, forcing him to look up.

“Got some on your nose there,” Rick gives a flick to his nose.

“What’re you gonna do? Arrest me?” Merle mocks.

It’s only at this point he notices Rick walking over to the edge of the roof. Rick tosses the drugs over the side of the building.

“Hey! What’re you doing?! That’s my stuff! If I get loose, you better pray!” Merle says, pulling his wrist, trying escape his restraints.

Rick starts to walk to another side of the roof, Morales following.

“You hear me, you pig? You hear me?!” Merle continues to rant over his drugs like a Scooby Doo villain would after they’ve been caught.

“Yeah, your voice carries.”  Artemis says, shooting a much-deserved glare at Merle.

“You filthy pig!” Merle ignores her and keeps trying to twist his way out of the handcuffs.

Rick leans against a ledge, looking over the city. The streets are still filled with the relentless walkers. Thunder rolls in the distance, louder than Merle. Morales stands next to Rick.

“You’re not Atlanta PD.” He states, “Where are you from?”

Rick thinks for a second, before answering, “Up the road aways.”

“Well Officer Friendly, from up the road aways, welcome to the big city.”

They both turn back to the shuffling, decaying nightmares as they moan and groan their way around the city. The streets are infested with them. There’s no way out. Every direction they turn there’s just as many.

On a different ledge, Andrea, Jacqui and Artemis peer over that side.

“It’s like Time’s Square down there.” Andrea states, worry for all their safety is obvious in her tone.

Morales and Rick make their way back to the rest of the group.

“How’s the signal?” Morales asks.

“Like Dixon’s brain.” T-Dog says blankly, “Weak.”

Merle just flips him off in return.

“Keep trying.” Morales orders.

“Why? There’s nothing they can do.” Andrea says, “Not a damn thing.”

“Getting them to come and help us would be telling them to come to their deaths.” Artemis adds.

“Got some people outside the city as well.” Morales explains to Rick, “There’s no refugee centre, that’s a pipe dream.”

“Then she’s right, we’re on our own. It’s up to us to find a way out.” Rick says, his stubborn nature really shining through in such a dim situation.

“Good luck with that.” Merle interrupts, “These streets ain’t safe in this part of town from what I hear.”

Merle then glances at Andrea, shamelessly checking her out, “Ain’t that right, sugar tits?”

That comment makes everyone look over at Merle with some form of disgust. Andrea even looks somewhat offended.

Merle doesn’t stop there, “Hey, honey buns, what say you get me out of these cuffs, we go off somewhere and bump some uglies? Gonna die anyway.”

“I’d rather.” Andrea states bluntly.

“Rug muncher. I figured as much.” Merle mutters.

“Streets ain’t safe. Now there’s an understatement.” Morales says, standing with Rick.

“What about under the city?” Rick suggests.

“The sewers?”

“Oh man.”

Morales turns to Glenn, “Hey Glenn, check the alley.”

The rest of the group look up at Morales and Rick. Glenn jogs over to the side of the building where he has a clear view of the alley.

“See any manhole covers?” Morales asks.

 Below them, in the alley, two walkers are standing idly but no sewer entries in sight. Glenn jogs back to the group.

“No, must be all out on the street where the geeks are.” He concludes.

Jacqui speaks up, “Maybe not. Old buildings like this, built in the ‘20s. Big structure often had drainage tunnels into the sewers in case of flooding down in the subbasements.”

“How do you know that?” Glenn questions.

“It’s my job -was-.” She clarifies, “I worked in the city zoning office.”

“I’m surprised, those office jobs do come in handy.” Artemis says.

______________

Morales, Jacqui, Rick, Glenn, Artemis, and Andrea make their way down to the subbasements of the building. They reach the opening of the tunnel. The deep, dark, and damp tunnel. The group point each of their flashlights down into it, illuminating the tunnel slightly.

“Very welcoming.” Artemis mumbles.

“This is it? Are you sure?” Morales asks the group.

“I scoped this place out the other times I was here.” Glenn says, “It’s the only thing in the building that goes down…but I’ve never gone down it.”

“Very promising too.” Artemis adds to her earlier statement.

“Who’d want to, right?” Glenn asks rhetorically.

The group glance over at Glenn, he looks back at them.

It takes him a few seconds to realise; he is the human sacrifice.

“Oh. great.” He mutters.

“We’ll be right behind you-“Andrea tries to say.

Glenn interrupts her, “No, you won’t. Not you.”

Andrea takes this to slight offence, “Why not me? Think I can’t?”

“I wasn’t-“Glenn tries to backpedal.

“Speak your mind.” Rick says firmly.

Glenn takes a minute to think about what he’s going to say.

“Look, until now, I always came by myself. In and out, grab a few things; no problem. First time I bring a group; everything goes to hell.” Glenn says, before adding, “No offense.”

There’s another moment of awkward silence between the group.

“If you want me to go down this gnarly hole, fine…but only if we do it my way.” As he continues talking, the confidence in Glenn grows a bit more, “It’s tight down there. If I run into something and I have to get out quick, I don’t want you all jammed up behind me, getting me killed.”

“I’ll take one person.” Glenn states.

Rick looks as if he’s just about to volunteer but Glenn stops him.

“Not you either. You’ve got Merle’s gun and I’ve seen you shoot.” Glenn explains, “I’d feel better if you were out in that store, watching those doors, covering our ass.”

Glenn then gestures to Andrea, “You’ve got the only other gun, so you should go with him.”

He then turns to Morales, “You be my wingman. Jacqui and Artemis stay here.  Something happens, yell down to us, get us back up here in a hurry.”

“Okay.”

“Yes sir.”

“Okay, everyone knows their jobs.” Rick confirms, giving Glenn a pat on his back.

Glenn and Morales start to descend into the very friendly tunnel of hope. After making sure they’re down safely, Andrea and Rick head back up to the shops.

______________

Artemis and Jacqui watch as the other two pairs go and do their assigned jobs. There’s not a long silence before Artemis speaks up.

“What do you think about that Rick guy?”

“He seems decent enough.” Jacqui admits.

“Came out of nowhere and already has your trust? Must be aa sign or something.” Artemis jokes as she leans on the railing of the tunnel.

“You trynna say he’s the ‘chosen one’ or something?” Jacqui smiles.

“Might as well be at this point.”

They both chuckle, enjoying what could be one of their last moments. That is if Rick’s plan doesn’t go accordingly.

_______A Few Minutes Later_______

Morales, Glenn, Jacqui and Artemis come back up to the shops just in time to see the first set of glass doors chatter. The walkers flood the small space that they achieved, leaving only one set of glass doors between them and their dinner.

Rick keeps his eyes on the small army of walkers, “What’d ya found down there?”

“Not a way out.” Morales answers.

“We need to find one. Soon.” Andrea states.

The group agrees, before heading back up to the roof as quick as they can.

_____________

Rick scans across the viewable parts of the not so fabulous city through a pair of binoculars.

“That construction site, those trucks; they always keep keys on hand.” He points out to the desperate group.

Rick passes the binoculars to Morales. Morales looks from the construction site to the streets practically flooded with walkers.

“You’ll make it past the walkers.” Morales mutters.

Rick turns to Glenn, “You got me out of that tank.”

“Yeah, but they were feeding. They were distracted.” Glenn argues.

_______A Few Minutes Later_______

The groans, moans and shuffling surrounds Rick, Glenn and Artemis as they slowly shuffle through the streets. The stench practically fuming off them and the walkers is nauseating. They walk terribly slow, trying to blend in with the walkers like kids on their first day of school. They slowly inch closer to the yard where they need to get to.

Glenn looks over at the walking corpses. They used to be people. They probably died scared, suffering and alone. Thunder rolls and echoes throughout the streets, interrupting his intrusive thoughts.

Rain starts to slowly and gently fall. Rick looks back at Glenn and Artemis. Glenn’s face holds a stunned expression, whereas Artemis’s holds a worried expression. Rick subtly gestures for them to move faster.

As they near the fence surrounding the construction compound, wakers start to notice that they are in fact, not walkers, and start to walk towards them.

“Shit.” Artemis whispers, as if whispering could save them now.

“Go. Run. Come on.” Rick says.

The group start to run along the asphalt. The walking corpses reach and grab at the three of them. They reach the gate and start climbing. Artemis looks between Rick and Glenn and the oncoming tsunami of walkers. They won’t make it in time.

She pulls off her bag and shoves into Glenn’s hands.

“What are you doing?!” Glenn asks in concern.

“Being a distraction.” She hisses back.

“Are you crazy?!”

“Probably.”

“You can’t be serious.”

Artemis grabs Glenn’s shoulders, “The group needs you to survive. You and Officer Friendly over there. You’re like a brother to me, and if anything happened to me, I would beat myself up so bad if your girlfriend doesn’t beat me to it.”

With that she let’s go of him and starts to move along the fence, in the opposite direction to Glenn and Rick.

“Glenn, come on!” Rick yells.

_______Meanwhile_______

“It’s late, they should’ve been back by now.” Amy says as she paces in from of the RV.

“Girl, calm down, you worry too much.” Delilah says as she makes a daisy chain for Kayden while teaching Lily how to do it.

“They’ll be okay, they’re with Glenn and Artemas.” Lily says as she copies whatever Delilah does with the small flowers.

Dale pokes his head up from working on the RV’s engine, “Worrying won’t make it better.”

Amy lets out a sigh and walks off to occupy herself, in hopes it will make the others return quicker.

“Start it over.” Shane chuckles as he tries to teach Carl how to tie a tight knot.

Carl giggles and does as he says. Kayden watches Carl with fascination. His laughter and determination capturing her in a trance, like pretty much anything Carl does. Lori watches Shane and Carl interact from the clothes like.

The CB comes on, and they hear T-Dog’s voice, “Hello, base camp? Can anybody out there hear me?”

People start to gather around the radio again.

“Base camp, this is T-Dog. Anybody hear me?”

Dale answers it, “Hello? Hello? Receptions bad on this end. Repeat.”

“We’re in some deep shit here.” T-Dog admits, sounding distressed, “We’re trapped in the department store.”

Worried murmurs come from the others and Delilah looks over to Lily with wide eyes.

“Glenn will be okay. He’s the kind of guy to refuse to die until he says, ‘I love you’ one last time.” Lily says to comfort her best friend.

“Geeks…surrounded…of em…” T-Dog’s voice cuts in and out over the line.

“T-Dog can repeat that last bit?” Dale asks.

He just gets static in reply.

“He said the department store.” Lori clarifies.

“I heard it to.” Dale says.

“Shane-“

“He cuts Lori off, “No way. We do not go after them. We don not risk the rest of the group. Ya’ll know that.”

Amy speaks up, “So we’re just gonna leave her there?”

“And Glenn?” Delilah speaks up, her friend’s earlier comfort no longer working.

“Look, Amy, Lilah, I know that this is not easy-“

“They volunteered to go!” Amy argues, “To help the rest of us.”

“I know, and they knew the risks, right?” He states, keeping calm as to not aggravate her any further, “See, if they’re trapped, they’re gone. So we just have to deal with that. There’s nothing we can do.”

“She’s my sister, you son of a bitch.” Amy says as she storms off.

“Dude, your dad is such a downer. “Lily mumbles to Delilah.

She finishes her daisy crown, fitting it nicely on Carl’s head, as Delilah puts the chain around Kayden’s neck.

_______A Few Minutes Later_______

Since the last communication, the mood around the camp has been less than cheerful. The only thing lifting spirits now is Kayden and Carl running around the camp, pretending to be fairies, are being chased by the evil witches, Lily and Delilah.

Suddenly, the loud engine of what can be assumed to be a sports car, echoes throughout the quarry. A bright red car comes into view, driving towards the camp, and stopping right next to the RV. Glenn steps out of the car and looks around the group.

He’s bombarded with people around him, asking if everyone’s okay, telling him to turn the blaring car off, asking him what happened.

Glenn pops the bonnet of the car and Shane turns off the noise. Glenn looks around the group and almost instantly spots a flabbergasted Delilah with a bright pink blush.

He jogs over to her and wraps her in a tight hug. He rests his head on her shoulder and looks like he doesn’t intend on moving for a while. Delilah gathers herself and grabs his face her hands and presses their lips together.

“Ew!” Kayden and Carl squeal, carl covering Kayden’s eyes.

“Yeah, ew!” Lily chuckles and throws grass at the pair.

They break apart and immediately shy away from each other.

“Glenn, where are the others?” Dale asks.

“Coming.” Glenn mumbles, still very much flustered.

Just as he says this, a small truck drives up the road, parking behind the sports car. The group step out. Amy practically jumps tackles Andrea. Morales is just glad to see his wife and kids are still in one piece.

“How’d you all get out of there?” Lori asks.

“Thought you guys were trapped.” Jim adds.

“We were. The new guy got us out.” Morales says.

“New guy?” Dale asks.

“Yeah, crazy vato just got into town. Hey helicopter boy, come meet everyone!” Morales calls out to the truck.

Rick steps out of the truck, taking a few steps towards the new group of faces. He stops in his tracks. Carl and Lily turn to see him. Rick starts to walk toward them, Carl starts sprinting to Rick, his flower crown flying off, Lily not far behind.

“Dad!”

“Dad!”

Carl jumps into Rick’s arms, and Lily hugs them both. After a few seconds Lori joins the hug as well. Carl is sobbing, Lily is also sobbing silently shedding a few tears and Rick is fighting back his own tears. Lori is in shock that Rik is alive after all this time, as is Shane.

The rest of the group watch with wide eyes as the once broken family reunite.

Taglist:

@kookiekult @smutinlove @far-cry-from-finality @zomb-1-egutzz

@shadowybasementmiracle @vaniniweenie @sleep-queen

@frankcastleautism @hisdahlia @carlslvr @zzombiegirl

@lunarnightt @carlmipololo @herrera2k @txrasbae

@a-vampire-bat @coveofthesiren

[darlinghowl]

like. why would you want to deprive judith and rj of meeting their dad or seeing their mom again. the whole point of their story has always been hope. the whole point of RICK’S story has always been HOPE. it’s been FAITH. it’s been PEACE. hope and faith that he can find his family. hope and faith that he can find a place for their family to settle down and find peace. hope that they can make the prison into that place. peace at the prison after lori dies. then the prison falls and he loses hope and faith in everything and it takes settling down in alexandria and talking to michonne and talking to daryl and arguing with the fam about what needed to happen with negan to realize that hope can exist again. losing CARL??? when he’s DYING in his final episode on TWD he’s trying to find his family, to find peace. only to be shoved into a prison for 10 years and lose it all again. so why on earth would a story so centered on that theme kill him off before he could reunite with his daughter again? with a son he never knew he had? why would they kill him before he could find that peace?

and michonne? michonne has suffered so much. losing her first child, losing her boyfriend and her brother and having to use them to ward off zombies from her. being out there alone for so long. finally finding the fam, finally finding a place to fit in only to go through dealing with the governor, dealing with terminus, dealing with negan. pulling rick back from the brink just in time to show him they had to fight for their peace. just for carl to die and for rick to be ripped away from her the moment they finally found it? being pregnant and searching every day for him while the fam thought she was crazy? being branded? having to raise judith and rj alone, the whole time believing rick was out there still needing her while everyone around her believed he was dead? she’s always had faith, she’s always believed. she suffered so much to find him, and she DID???? where is the narrative justification for killing her?? for not letting her reunite with their babies???

y’all don’t want them dead because it “makes sense”. you want them dead because you want the drama and the angst or whatever but to what end? rick tried to commit suicide SEVERAL times you think he’s going to be okay if michonne had died? even with his kids out there? you think he’s not going to lay down and die? and michonne?? you think after all that time she’s going to be okay if something had happened to rick? to go back to her babies and say “i found your dad but he died again?” you can say you don’t have anything against the characters and that’s fine, whatever. but you certainly don’t understand their story or the themes surrounding it. which is okay because danai and andy and scott did, and they created a story that brought rick and michonne everything they wanted and made it narratively satisfying