#twd thewalkingdead

[firfirice]

🥹❤️‍🔥

[thewalkingdilf]

can we all just agree that daryl would definitely love to smoke a cigarette while you ride his thigh.

his sex drive hasn’t always been able to compare to yours, and him being a decent bit older than you definitely doesn’t help, but he could never deny a little angel like you the pleasure that you craved so badly.

so there you were, propping yourself up in his lap excitedly, getting yourself settled in the perfect position on his denim-clad thigh, with help from daryl’s strong arms keeping you steady while you adjusted yourself, of course.

the cigarette not only helped him relax in his own way, just as you were relaxing by making a mess of his strong thigh- it also served as a way for him to stall, to test your patience, a sort of timer if you will.

you’d rut yourself against him, whining and blubbering about how bad you needed him, meanwhile he’d continue to sit back in his chair, gripping your waist with one hand while the other would be raised toward his mouth, taking a long, deep draw from the cigarette, gently blowing the smoke toward you.

occasionally, if he was in an extra good mood that day, he’d flip his cigarette around in his fingers, resting it between your lips for you to take a couple puffs as well. he was typically against you smoking; he didn’t want someone like you falling into such a bad habit like him, but he couldn’t deny how much he loved to see you like that in the moment; fucking yourself against him so desperately while you blow the smoke in his face, the small nicotine buzz making you feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy, adding to your overwhelming pleasure.

“don’t worry baby, i’ll make you feel good, just lemme finish my smoke, yeah? you can be patient and do that for me, can’t ya’?”

“daryl, please.”

“not yet baby, yer being so good f’ me, i know you can wait a lil’ longer.”

[carlplsrailme]

"𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠" | 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬

summary: as you sit bored in a supermarket with Carl, you both find a written porno and decide to recite it while dying laughing

carl grimes x fem!reader

cw: suggestive talk, reference to sex, just fluff!!

request: Can you maybe do a one shot of Carl and reader reading a porno they found on a run and making fun of it or smting (this is my first time requesting something omgurrr)

"don't stop!" you cry out, grinning ear to ear as the flimsy paper rolls off your fingers and onto the slippery floor of the empty supermarket as you bark out laughing

"no- no! it's my turn!" Carl cries out as he reaches for the shiny magazine that's now flung to a different page

you slid down the counter of the checkout where you both are hiding away, well, were hiding away before a porno fell out from the cabinet, most likely from a really bored worker.

Carl flips the pages before landing and scanning through the page you were on, trying to find the place you left off

"ok..umm...oh! you're gonna take everything I give you!" his cheeks blow up with air as he tries to contain his laugh but just ends up laughing harder

"give me that!" you snatch it away from him, clearing your throat as you search for the actress in you

"yes! um.." you look back at the page

"da-...daddy?" your face scrunches up in disgust as carls face goes pale before falling back on the tile, dying as you stare at the words

"who says that?" you ask Carl but he is too busy laughing to tell you

"people- who um-" he chokes a laugh "are into that I guess"

your lip twist in disgust as you turn the page to continue

"uh- UHAAA!" you toss the magazine at him as he jumps back at your reaction

"what? what?" he crawls over to you as you fling your hand in the air

"there are stains on that page" you almost gag as your finger grazed the page and now you want nothing to do with it

"UGH EW!" Carl lunges back from you like you're infected and you look at him betrayed

"I didn't touch it!"

"then why is your hand above your head like you did?" his blue eye squints at you with fake distrust while he has playfulness oozing from all around, you grin as you position yourself to run

"fine then!" you leap and try to spread the infected hand onto him but he runs away, you chase in through isles as he tosses back empty cereal boxes and whatever he can to keep you away from him

"get away from me!" he shrills and you just laugh manically

"what are you two doing?" a gruff voice yells out behind you and you both stop dead in your tracks before turning to see Rick

"um..." you peep

"scavenging?" Carl tries and you snort a laugh and Rick snaps his glare at you

"In the car. both of you."

an: ahh happy one-year of my account guys! i LOVED this request! its always fun to do fluff <33 thank you so much! <3

[littlecub9666]

Y/N: You have no idea what I'm capable of!

Daryl: Don't take this personally, but I feel like I'm being threatened by a cupcake.

[lovesicklovermia]

daryl as a father that went so quickly from fighting for his child’s life, the small creation cradled to his chest every hour of the day, to life in alexandria, where fathers were practically known for slacking off, barely knowing their kids birthdays. you weren’t shocked when the man was eager to slack off hunting every time parenting classes were on, but as the only man to attend, watching as your kid bashed tambourines and cooed to nursery rhymes, he couldn’t help but feel like he was doing something right. his kid was happy, even if he did feel a bit stupid.

[thatonelovingwalker]

Carl Grimes x GN reader

///TW: none💗///

Summary: you see Carl with Judith and wonder if he would want a child of his own.

Walking along the sidewalk lining your neighborhood, you heard the cooing of a baby. You immediately recognized it as Judith. Carl always walked Judith at this time, and you had just recently started walking with them.

You and Carl have been together for about three months now, and Judith has become really close to you.

Her noises got louder as you rounded the corner, and saw that she was patiently waiting for you in her stroller.

“Judith! Good morning,” you told her, letting her grasp at your hands.

You looked up to Carl and saw him looking at you as if he was seeing you for the first time. As if he saw Christmas lights brightening before him, rapping him in warmth and the feeling of safety.

“Good morning, Carl,” you told him, walking around to give him a peck. He returned it gratefully, taking ahold of your hand.

“Ready?” Was all Carl asked, making you nod.

The three of you started walking, listening to the silence that surrounded you both.

It was quiet for about fifteen minutes, and that was when Judith started to fuss.

“Nap time, Judy?” Carl asked her, circling around to pick her up.

Carl gently cradled Judith in his arms, rocking back and forth on his heels. He was whispering to her, trying to calm her down, and all you could do was watch.

He was so good with kids, especially Judith. Whenever he was with any of the younger members, he treated them as if they were his blood. As if they were his own children. It made you yearn for a normal world. One where it wouldn’t be a life or death decision.

But you knew that if it were to ever happen, whether it’s with you or another, he would be absolutely perfect.

“You’d make a great dad,”

“What?”

Carl turned to you, shock all over his face. He didn’t look upset, but he looked distracted.

And you that was when you realized you said it out loud. You didn’t mean it to slip. It just happened.

Even with his surprised features, he still looked even more fatherly with Judith calming in his arms. His hat and eye patch displayed experience, ones that he had learned from. The gun strapped to his leg showed he was capable. You knew he would be everything you ever needed. Everything any child needed.

“You’d make a great father…” you said a little bit more softly. You stayed where you were.

You saw his breathing pattern change. It was the one thing you could catch before he muttered, “Let me go put Judith down,” before turning away from you.

He left you with a sense of regret. Why did you say that?

You found yourself sitting on the couch, listening to Carl shush Judith to sleep a few rooms down. You had no idea if he knew you were there, but you waited, hoping you didn’t ruin things.

When Carl expressed what happened with his mother, Lori, and how he had to put her down for the sake of Judith, your heart broke.

Maybe mentioning anything to do with a baby was a bad idea.

You no longer heard Carl. His whispers or humming. Just footsteps. Heavy footsteps. You didn’t dare watch him, no matter how much you were dying to.

You felt the couch shift with his weight, and you knew he sat closer to you on purpose.

“You really think so?”

You could barely hear him, but you understood completely what he meant. You turned to face him, and was met with his pleading eyes. He looked so vulnerable in this moment, you just wanted to smother him with cuddles and hold him.

“I do.”

“Well, I think you’d make a great (mother/father), y/n. You’d be amazing,” Carl grasped your hand with one of his heart stopping smiles.

“Doubtful,” you said, trying to be playful. Carl picked up on it.

All he said in return was, “How about we try and see?”

[spanktony]

REASSURE ME - rosita espinosa

summary: when maggie gets to touchy, you make sure you reassure your girlfriend in the best way possible.

words: 1k+

warnings: 18+, g!p reader, smut, oral, fingering, p in v, slightly jealous rosita

notes: took too long to post this sorry guys 😢

navigation. request.

"Where are you going?" Rosita asks, watching you put your belt on. "Maggie's been begging me to help her fix our crops," you reply, adjusting the buckle. "It's like she doesn't understand she left Hilltop to relax and get away from work."

Rosita chuckles, shaking her head. "Well, you've always been the reliable one when it comes to lending a hand. Just make sure you don't overexert yourself, we don't want you burning out like last time."

She gives you a knowing look, remembering the time you pushed yourself too hard and ended up sick for a week.

You hold up your hands in surrender, "Of course, my love." You reassure Rosita, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll be back home in an hour."

Although an hour and a half passes, you're not home. Rosita decides to leave the house and check up on you and Maggie, with water in her hand, worried about your well-being.

She hopes that you haven't overexert yourself again and that everything is okay.

Only to find you both laughing and enjoying each other's company. Rosita can't help but feel a pang of jealousy, wondering if you prioritize Maggie's company over hers.

Maggie squeezes your bicep, and you lift up your shirt, revealing your toned abs and jokingly flexing.

Rosita's jealousy raises as she watching the stupid smile on your face due to Maggie's reaction. She tries her best to hide her emotions, but deep down, she feels betrayed and insecure.

She wonders if there is something more than just friendship between you and Maggie, like lingering feelings that have yet to be explored.

Rosita walks up to you, and Maggie walks away to grab a nearby bucket. "Hey, love." You smile, wrapping your arm around Rosita's waist. "What's on your mind?"

Rosita hesitates for a moment but then takes a deep breath before speaking up. "I didn't know showing off your body was part of fixing crops."

She glances over at Maggie, who is now bending over to pick up the bucket to fill it with water. "It just seems like you're more interested in impressing her than actually helping out."

Your eyebrows furrow, and you release your grip on Rosita's waist. "I...I..." You let out a chuckle, a bit surprised by Rosita's comment, and lost for words.

Rosita rolls her eyes, slapping the water bottle against your chest. "Just forget it."

You take a step back, watching your girlfriend walk away with a slight frown on your face.

Hours pass, and Rosita is awoken by the bathroom door creaking open. She groggily sits up in bed, seeing you get dressed in your boxers and sports bra in the dimly lit room.

You crawl toward her, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. As much as she tries to fight it, she can't help but melt into your touch.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to upset you," you whisper softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Can I make it up to you?"

Rosita looks into your eyes, her frown slowly fading away. You place a kiss on her lips, feeling her reciprocate it with a soft sigh. Without breaking the kiss, you push away the covers, resting between her legs and deepening the kiss with a small groan.

Your hands explore every inch of her body, tracing the curves and contours that you have come to know so well. The curves that you love due to the fact they mold perfectly in your palms.

Rosita had a habit of just wearing one of your oversized t-shirts to bed, and tonight was no exception. You lift up your shirt, revealing her bare skin underneath, causing a shiver of anticipation to run through both of you.

The cool air kisses her exposed flesh, heightening the sensations of hands and their exploration.

Parting your lips from the kiss, you lean in to whisper in her ear, "You look absolutely irresistible in my shirt."

Her cheeks flush with a rosy hue as she gazes up at you, a playful spark dancing in her eyes. The soft fabric clings to her curves, accentuating her every contour and making her even more alluring in your eyes.

You kiss her stomach, tracing a path with your lips that sends shivers down her spine. She arches her back, a soft moan escaping her lips, as your kisses continue lower.

Her breath quickens and her hands grip the sheets, her body yearning for more of your touch. You hold apart her thighs, teasing her ever so slightly before finally giving in to her desires.

Rosita lets out a low whine, your tongue dancing sensually against her most sensitive spot. The taste of her arousal drives you wild, fueling your want to please her even more.

You continue to explore her with your mouth, your fingers join in the dance, and if you weren't so focused on the sight in front of you, you'd see your girlfriend trying her best to stay quiet.

Her lip tucked between her teeth, head thrown back, and knuckles white.

Rosita's hips start to move involuntarily, grinding against your face as she loses herself in the waves of pleasure crashing over her.

"Baby, fuck!" she gasps, gripping your hair tightly as her climax approaches. Her walls tighten around your fingers, and her moans become uncontrollable, "I'm cumming.."

She lets out a primal scream, her body shaking in euphoria, and you revel in the satisfaction of knowing you've brought her to the brink and beyond.

Rosita lets out another gasping moan, feeling you sink into her without warning. Her eyes widen in surprise, but her body arches with pleasure appreciating the pleasant surprise.

"You're so pretty, baby. How could I ever want someone else?" You whisper, your thumb tracing delicate circles on her flushed cheek. Rosita's breath hitches as she locks eyes with you, feeling close to the edge already.

Her lips part, but no words escape, only small whines of pleasure as she desperately tries to hold back her release. You lean in closer, your voice husky with desire. "Let go, Rosita," you murmur, your words dripping with need.

The sound of her whimpering only grow louder as she finally surrenders herself to you and the amazing pleasure you bring her and only her.

[only-if-these-wings-could-fly]

10 years of Coda and like every year I can't stop remembering this Norman Reedus video. He has always remembered Beth over the years and that is something I am very grateful for. He, like us, suffered and cried for Beth's death.🤧😭❤️

[womeninfictionandirl]

The Ones Who Live

Michonne by Misha Kurtov

[virtualreader]

birthday present

rickgrimesxfem!reader

summary: you weren't expecting anyone to remember that today was your birthday, and definitely did not expect a certain cowboy to give you not one, but two birthday presents.

word count: 1,2k.

genre: smut (and a little bit of fluff)

warnings: p in v (unprotected), fingering, sensory deprivation, praising.

a/n: this is my first time writing smut, I know I have a lot of scope for improvement, so feedback is certainly appreciated.

+18 content below, minors dni, nsfw, please do not read it if you're uncomfortable with this topic!

"C’mon, take it. I got it for ya," Rick insisted, handing you the small box. The messily wrapped newspaper sheet was held in place by a delicate blue ribbon, which attempted to form a bow on top of it.

You were always living in a daze, with no sense of time. However, Rick was surprisingly able to keep track of the days and make sure to surprise you every year with a small gift. Some years, it would be a bouquet of flowers, and other years it would be a small trinket that he had picked up on one of his runs. Regardless of what it was, it always brought a smile to your face and made you feel loved.

You couldn't help but wonder how he managed to keep track of the calendar when you could barely remember what day of the week it was. But that was just another one of the many little mysteries that made him such a special person to you.

You carefully untied the ribbon and unwrapped the newspaper to reveal a small, silver necklace. The pendant on the necklace was in the shape of a cowboy hat, a nod to Rick's own hat that he always wore and which now belonged to Carl. You smiled, touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift.

"Thank you, Rick. This is beautiful," you said, putting on the necklace and admiring the way it caught the light. Rick grinned, pleased with your reaction.

"Well, I couldn't let your birthday go by without getting you something," he replied. "But that's not all. I've got one more surprise for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a blindfold.

He covered your eyes with the cloth, tying it loosely behind your head. Normally the darkness would be something scary, not knowing what’s around you or what could happen next, but you had to admit that in these circumstances it pretty much turned you on.

You felt Rick’s hand on your arm, guiding you through the house. He closed the door of what you supposed was your bedroom behind him. And before you could even ask what was going on he put your hand on his throbbing budge.

You gasped in surprise, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Rick, what…?" you started to say, but he interrupted you.

"Happy birthday, darlin'," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I wanted to give you something special this year."

You felt his lips on yours, and you couldn't help but lose yourself in the moment. The blindfold made everything feel more intense and intimate, and you were grateful for the darkness that allowed you to focus solely on the sensations coursing through your body.

As he pushed you down onto the bed, you could feel the intensity of his passion emanating from his movements. Rick's desire was palpable as he moved frantically on top of you, his body consumed by lust.

Briefly pulling away, he hiked up his shirt, revealing his taut, muscular abdomen. With your hands pinned up against the bedhead, you felt a shiver run down your spine as Rick's mouth found the sensitive skin of your neck. His tongue teased and tantalized your skin, sending waves of pleasure throughout your body.

“We’re going to have to work on keeping you still, baby.” he rasped against your neck as you wiggle under him.

The grip on your hand tightened, and the old bed squeaked along with your motion, creating a melody you completed with your purring.

His hands traveled to your pants, muddy from the gardening labors you were in charge of, and got rid of them, and continued to undress you until your body was completely exposed to his feverish gaze.

He took a moment to contemplate your body after he had relieved himself of his own clothing, damn, you looked so pretty subdued to his control. His tongue danced over your nipples, and the moan that escaped your mouth in response made Rick smile boastfully.

As you were about to complain, he interrupted you with a stern grunt and ordered you to open your mouth. Caught off guard by his sudden demand, you hesitated. He then slid his fingers into your mouth and used your saliva to lubricate them.

He spread your legs and pushed the two fingers inside you, causing you to gasp in pleasure. He moved them slowly at first, but gradually picked up the pace, his thumb rubbing circles over your clit. You moaned in ecstasy, your body writhing beneath him as he continued to pleasure you with his fingers.

Each movement was deliberate and calculated, designed to bring you to the brink of orgasm and keep you there. You pulled your head back, your mouth open as you groaned, your legs stiffening.

As he looked at you, he couldn't help but think about how deliciously wet you was. Your body was practically begging him to do something, and he couldn't resist any longer.

He leaned in close and whispered in your ear, "God, I want you so badly right now." you shivered at his words, feeling a wave of desire wash over you. He continued to tease you, slowly running his fingers up and down your arm, sending chills down your spine.

The blindfold heightened the intensity of the pleasure, making it more satisfying and enjoyable. The lack of visual stimulation allowed the other senses to become more acute, leading to a more immersive experience. The anticipation of not knowing what would happen next added an element of excitement and mystery to the encounter. It added a new dimension to the experience.

“Rick…” you hoarsely begged.

“What do you want, sweetheart?” his deliberate teasing causing you to soak his fingers even more. “Tell me.”

“You,” his fingers leaved your hole. “I want you inside me.”

Next thing you knew, his tip was tentatively brushing your entrance. His barely perceptible touch tingled you, your whole body quivering in anticipation. He slid his hands to your hips, a firm hold on your sides, yet not hurting you. With your leg resting on his bare, broad shoulders he thrusted his cock against your walls, both fitting as key and lock.

Your spasms squeezed his warm rod, bringing him closer to climax. "Such a good girl." he praised you, the sound of your panting filling Rick's ears with satisfaction. His heady scent, more intense than ever, got you higher than drugs.

Finally, when you could take no more, Rick released you, allowing you to come down from the dizzying heights of pleasure. You were left panting and sweating, your body spent from the passionate experience.

You gasped for air, your body trembling from the intensity of the orgasm that had just wracked through your body. You couldn't believe how incredible it had felt, how Rick had managed to bring you such an incredible amount of pleasure. You were completely spent, your body still humming with the aftershocks of the orgasm. Rick lay next to you, his arm draped over your waist felt comforting and safe.

“Just so you know, I turn forty next month”

How could you possibly refuse to gift the man whose smile mesmerized you?

[ysoandi]

Daryl: *accidentally brushes Y/N's hand with his own*

Y/N: *aggressively holds his hand* Fucking commit to it, Dixon!

[cicadasmoth]

[thewalkingdilf]

so cutie patootie :,)) we never got to see daryl happy in early seasons like this imagine how cute it wldve been 🥲

[carlplsrailme]

𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 ᵈʳᵃᵇᵇˡᵉ

summary: the morning after your first time with Carl, you make some jokes only he knows the context to.

carl grimes x fem!reader

cw: suggestive talk, reference to past sex, teasing and fluff!

request: could you like make something like the morning after their first time reader is like super flirty and won't stop teasing him and shit in front of everyone and carl is so flustered like 'shut up :0'. I've had this idea for days but im a shit writer so....

the porcelain cup rims your lips as the coffee threatens to spill out any moment, dizzy as you stare at him with such adoration while images of last night flash in your mind

you finally sealed the deal. and it was perfect.

he held your hand the entire time, whispered such sweet things, and now you're staring for way too long.

your throat aches a side cough and is soothed by the hot coffee your pour down it as he leans onto the counter, thank goodness your gawking didn't interrupt the conversation between him and his father, or else you might have died from embarrassment.

"why don't we go today?" carl perks up, and his father lets out an airy laugh

"We can't just go, we need to plan out spots first..see which ones 'been used already" he gruffs, dismissing his son as he moves to grab coffee

you move over to him, placing your cup down as he silently mopes about the lack of plans for the run he wanted to go on so badly.

you reach up and twirl one of your fingers with his locks, much like you did last night as you purse your lips together in thought

"why do you want to go out so badly? shouldn't you rest?" the question having obvious undertones but Rick doesn't pay any mind to it

"i-i..because we're running low on stuff..." he stutters out, your flirting catching him off guard

"mm.." "sure it isn't 'cuz you wanna drive the car into a ditch?" you joke, spinning around in time to catch Rick choking on his coffee, but you aren't referencing his horrible driving, you're talking about the time you guys almost had sex on a run.

"I-i..shut up..." you see his face deepen as the memory comes back in full force

"don't say 'shut up'" Rick scolds but you know you deserve it with how you're teasing him, picking up your coffee you wink at the boy before walking back up to your room.

an: <333

[littlecub9666]

Y/N: *staring at Daryl dreamily.*

Carol: "You're in love."

Y/N: *flustered and tries to play it cool.* "I think you're delusional."

Carol: "I think you're in denial."

[lovesicklovermia]

𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡

﹒﹒ ﹒summary - after a difficult few days on the road in the heat, you're left feeling down about motherhood, and the wellness of your daughter. thank goodness your husband noticed.

﹒﹒ ﹒set in - season 5, before the storm

﹒﹒ ﹒pairing - daryl dixon x reader

﹒﹒ ﹒ content inclusions - dad!daryl dixon, mom!reader

parched whines, which for once were not released from the walkers mouths, had been all you’d heard for several hours. guilt, expanding and wrapping around your lungs like ivy trellis. your baby girl, just like rick’s, was hungry, and innocent. bob had said, before his life ended one solemn night, that the world ‘was going to change’, for he could tell by the pure appearance of you, as well as your leaders, young children. nowadays, it was difficult to tell whether she’d change the world, or if she’d still be fulfilled, well-rested enough, and most importantly, happy enough to do so.

pregnancy, around the same time as lori, the dear woman who was lost too soon, yet lost too far back to recall the days events without a hazy vision and mind, and without an elicited sob. you seemed to sob all too frequently lately. your baby did too. 

it seemed that, for so long, both judith and your baby were cooed and fawned over, yet, in closer days, it seemed coos and giggles were replaced by rumbling stomachs, and sighs of absolute defeat. it was honestly surprising that many of the members of the team hadn't given up completely, yet you supposed they each had their reasons to stay alive. father gabriel, by his faith. abraham, for rosita. maggie, even in her damaged and devastated state, for glenn, and for affirming and keeping beth, and herschel, and everyone’s memory alive.

as for your husband? well, for your baby, of course. she was a joint creation, and that was abundantly clear, for she possessed your husband’s bright blue eyes (although a teasing michonne assured that all babies had blue eyes), and your nose and lips. he loved her with every inch of his redneckin’ heart, and despite the sweaty heat of the summer months, he’d held no obligations to wearing a scarf wrap, an easy way for you to smile gently at your baby. of course, he was terrified of sneaking walkers, for your baby seemed to hold the ability to be forever calm and docile in whichever situation was thrown at the girl. 

he’d been terrified of you slipping away from him since day one, yet through the struggles and hardships of the last couple of months, his team had hardly had paid attention to the tears you shed when people glanced at your child for too long, if they asked if his baby girl had been fed, or anything remotely questioning on the livelihood of your child. yes, you knew she was struggling - you knew she deserved to grow up in a gentler world. the world had been no kinder than it was before, yet now previously closed doors were open, and horrific individuals were free to roam.

you’d heard all about it. you’d heard the horror stories - hell, if it wasn’t for your husband shielding you from the troubles, you would have experienced quite a few days of misjustice yourself.

instead, your only misfortunes came from your mind, and the guilt that ate away at your heart. from too many moments that you felt your baby was going to starve, or dehydrate, or even perish from boredom. it had been too many days, far too many, and as you, for once, held the baby to your chest, wandering aimlessly down the straightforward road, you couldn’t walk in silence much longer. speaking to your baby, carol had once told you, was the ‘best way your baby could learn to love you’. yet, with the way things were going, there was nothing left for her to love. you felt practically skin and bones, and your stomach rumbling was now occurring constantly - it hardly stopped. so, today, as you spoke quietly to your baby, you spoke words that seemed easily generalizable. 

‘you been having so much fun?’ was the first words that escaped your lips, projecting lies immediately onto your child. oh, lord did this feel manipulative. your child was a victim of the apocalypse, not a resident of a soft play centre. something of a frustrated sigh escaped your lips, as your child only stared at you, reaching out to tap at your neck. it’d be easier if she just cried - at least she’d still be showing signs of active participation.

‘your mama - i think she’s stopped - i think, maybe -’ yet you couldn’t so much as choke out the words, without an angry tear slipping down from your eye. ‘maybe i’ve stopped trying for you, and i haven’t realised, and-’ the rest of the group were further back, far enough back that you could sit yourself down on the road, holding your baby up, so you could clearly see her red, heated cheeks, and sweating head. ‘i’m really sorry, but that’s not enough, and-’ 

a familiar tap of a foot behind you, and you couldn’t help but squeeze your eyes shut momentarily. this wasn’t how parenthood was meant to be - your husband, your child’s father, walking in on you holding up your baby and crying over her lack of food and drink. yet, here he was, and his reaction was worth waiting for. 

you, from the burning sun, were practically sizzling, so he approached with such gentleness, it only made another small sob escape your lips. ‘yea, i know.’ he mumbled, placing a dirtied, yet, to you, incredibly gentle hand on your wrist, reaching over to press a quick and soft kiss to his baby girl’s forehead. ‘i know, i know, but-’ 

and daryl paused. you hadn’t expected that. he could spew out pointless lies with the best of them, but with you, he could never. his pause delivered truth into his next words. 

‘you’re doing the best you can.’ it was enough for you to melt, because although it didn’t feel enough, from such a hard-working individual, it felt, indescribably, a message that provided safety to your beating heart. ‘for us, and for ‘er, and for the future of-’ he gestured back to the group, all gathered aimlessly. ‘our baby will know the choices we woulda’ made, if we coulda’.’ you couldn’t disagree with that. it wasn’t your fault that streams didn’t flow nearby, that it was summertime, that the berries on bushes had already been picked. 

cupping a hand around your back, the archer wasted no time in gently assisting you to stand, before lifting his baby’s body to his hip. a soft crinkle from her nose, and an even softer sneeze from the girl, and you couldn’t help but both let out a tiny, fortunate laugh. and as a splotch of water fell upon your shoulder, then another on daryl’s crossbow, then a final one on your daughters head, you quickly gained the most amount of hope you’d ever felt, let alone after days of hardships.

‘an’, anyway -’ your husband continued, throwing your daughter slightly up, before catching her and chuckling at her squeals. ‘we don’ need mother nature. we’ll just tell baby that you control the weather, how about tha’?’ the squeal from his daughter, and the grin from his wife felt better than any amount of rain, but he supposed he’d keep that to himself.