#it would pretty much just be michonne and judy but so what

[andy-clutterbuck]

9x03 | Warning Signs

[topazy]

Teen spirit

Pairing: Carl Grimes × reader, Maggie Greene × sister reader

Warnings: Blood, character death

Chapter: 5.04

“You still miffed that you’re staying?”

You tried to frown at Daryl’s question but couldn’t help but let the seriousness slip and laugh. You were ecstatic on the inside and doubted anything could knock you off the cloud you were drifting on. Beth was alive. Daryl had returned without Carol, but a boy named Noah was with him, who informed your group that Beth was alive. The same people who had taken Carol had taken your older sister, so now Rick was leading the way to bring the both of them back.

Once Beth and Carol were back, you’d be able to regroup with Maggie and Glenn. It filled your heart with so much joy that soon you could be with both your sisters again.

Of course you wanted to go rescue Beth with them, but Rick wouldn’t allow it; he said it was too dangerous, which you understand. “I wasn’t miffed, just disappointed.”

“Yeah right,” Daryl ruffles your hair, and he glances down at the hole you were digging. “That’s a good trench; I’ll see if I can get anymore wood and shit for it before I go.”

Most of the group had made spears out of wood from the pews in the church. You placed the DIY spears in front of the trenches surrounding the building so that any walkers that got too close would be impaled on them.

“Thanks.”

Not long after Daryl and Sasha handed you smaller pieces of wood for you to make smaller weapons out of, all of the group minus you, Carl, Father Gabriel, Michonne, and Judith stayed behind. Soon as they leave, Carl and Michonne nail the door shut to help slow down anyone or anything trying to get inside the church. The hammering noise causes Judith to cry, so you go and pick her up from the makeshift crib.

“Hey, hey, what’s all the noise about?” You ask gently, trying to shush her as you do. “The banging will stop in a moment, and then you go back to sleep.”

Hearing a scratching noise, you glance over at Gabriel, who is frantically trying to scratch dried blood off the wooden floors.

He was definitely starting to show signs he’s coming unhinged.

—

You smile brightly at Judith as she giggles, feeling your finger move over her tummy. Carl sits down beside you; he looks pleased to see his baby sister happy. He rubs his finger over her cheek gently. “What’s so funny, Judy?”

“She liked having her name spelled out on her tummy,” you explain, before tickling her.

Carl looks at you slightly confused. “Is her name spelled out?”

“My mom used to spell out words on mine and Beth’s back during bath time, and we’d need to guess what it was.”

Teasingly, he says, “It sounds lame.”

Your brows raise in amusement. “Turn around.”

Carl let out a deep sigh, pretending he didn’t want to do as you asked, but he began laughing the minute you spelled out the first letter.

“Z…o…m… Are you really spelling out zombie?”

You burst out laughing, “Okay, so it’s not that hard, but when we were kids, it was pretty fun to play. Plus, my mom would always pick bigger words; I’d always get so mad because Beth always got the ones I couldn’t spell right.”

He offers you a kind smile before picking Judith up and hugging her. Quietly, he says, “I tried to help Gabriel choose a weapon, but I think I just upset him.”

“He’s been isolated for so long, I don’t think he fully understands how bad things are.”

“I know; I just wish he would let us help prepare us.”

“He will come around eventually,” you said, letting Judith hold your finger with her whole hand. “I didn’t know much about the world outside my daddy's farm until the day he needed to help save a young boy's life.”

—

You and Carl remained sitting on the floor of the church, playing with Judith, until yelling from outside, followed by banging at the door, caught your attention. “Is that Father Gabriel?”

Michonne starts to break off the wooden slabs, preventing the door from opening. Carl hands you his sister before going to help her. Soon as the door opens, Gabriel falls to the floor, then hurry’s to scramble back up before the small herd of walkers burst into the church. You all follow Gabriel into his office, where you discover he’s put a hole in the floor that leads outside by ripping up the floorboards. When you hear scratches on the other side of the door, which was threatening to burst open, you nudge Carl to go. He jumps into the crawl space first, then you hand him Judith, then do the same thing seconds later.

When you reach outside, Carl helps you stand with his free hand. "Are you okay?”

“Yeah, are you?”

He nods before trying to calm Judith, who had begun crying with all the fast movements and loud noises going on around her. Michonne crawls out next, and the three of you wait nervously to see if Father Gabriel will make it out.

“Do you think he's…” You trail off, not wanting to finish the sentence, but are pleasantly surprised when you see a hand holding a bloody machete reaching out from underneath the church. You rush over and offer Gabriel your hand to help him stand up.

“Let’s go,” Michonne says, waving for you to follow. She makes her way to the front of the church and re-locks the doors, trapping the walkers inside.

—

You pace back and forth, trying to think of what to do next. You had hardly any supplies between you and enough baby food to last two days at most. “Do you think we would be able to clear the church?”

“No,” Michonne says, shaking her head. “Not with just us.”

Before you can say anything else, a fire truck comes speeding towards the church. Carl grabs you by the shoulders and pulls you back into the tree line, keeping you out of view of whoever it is.

The fire trucks smash into the front of the church, collapsing the front of the roof, making it impossible for anyone to go back inside. When the side of the truck opens and you notice your sister coming out, you run over to her with your arms wide open.

“Maggie!”

Glenn joins in on the hug and asks, “What the hell happened here?”

You pull back from the hug and say, "The dead got inside, but it’s not important; Beth is alive!”

Maggie’s eyes become glossy. “She’s alive?”

“She’s at a hospital in Atlanta,” Michonne confirms. “Rick and the others have gone to get her.”

Tears of happiness fall from Maggie’s eyes. She pulls you in for another hug and kisses the crown of your head. It wouldn’t be long until the three of you were reunited at last.

—

“Wait here,” Maggie says, closing the side door of the truck. “There’s still dead roaming around; stay in the truck until we clear the area.”

You roll your eyes and slump back into the chair. Maggie just shakes her head and softly laughs before walking off.

You watch as the group takes out the few walkers that approach them. You bounce your knees in anticipation, waiting for Beth to appear at any moment. You missed her so much; you missed her hugs, the braids she used to braid your hair, and you even missed hearing her singing, which used to drive you crazy. You try to distract yourself by focusing on Judith, who was babbling away in her brother's arms.

“There’s my dad,” Carl says, leaning forward to look past you. “Oh shit, Hope, I think something is wrong.”

You don’t hear what Carl says next to you as your eyes lock on to the figure in Daryl’s arms. “Beth!”

Carl figures it out before you and tries to reach for your hand, but you snatch it away, swing open the door, and jump down out of the fire truck. “Beth, Beth!” When you almost reach Daryl, you can see the red staining her blonde hair. “Why is there blood in her hair?”

Before you can get any closer, Rick spins and blocks your view. “Don't; you don’t want to see her like this.”

Your legs give way, and you crumble to the ground, sobbing. Beth was gone. Your sister was dead.

[ladyfiresfanfiction]

Never Leave - The Walking Dead Fic - Merle x OC

She was finding herself wishing she had died three weeks ago.

Life at the prison was going from Heaven to Hell in a short matter of weeks. Woodbury's makeshift army was scouting the prison, and had shot up the place on more than one occasion. It was dangerous to be outside for more than a few minutes if you didn't know how to fire a gun, or wear body armor for that matter. Everybody was extremely angry or extremely paranoid and scared, and most were at each other's throats.

Kati found herself spending more time in her cell, writing down her thoughts several times a day in her old diary. She was keeping away from Rick, who was turning more and more into a loose cannon. She helped the others with Judith, who was now only a few months old. She and Daryl were on the outs, and for what reason she didn't know. Her aunt, Carol, was livid that she had slept with Merle, who was a good thirty years older than her, and not exactly liked in the group. Glenn avoided her as much as possible, and Maggie wasn't as friendly as she used to be.

"Just gotta give everybody some time, Kati." Hershel had told her a week ago. "With everything going on, everybody here isn't very stable. We're still a family no matter what, and we will be okay."

She and Merle spent their nights together, when mostly everyone was asleep. He would sneak into her bunk and fall asleep cuddling with her, or they would talk about everything that was going on.

"I think we should leave, babygirl. You, me, and my baby brother. Just get the hell out while we still can. There's a small winda of time left." He told her one night.

"This is our family, Merle. We can't abandon them." Kati replied, sliding her fingertips up and down his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. "We just can't. What about Judy? And Carl? And my aunt...?"

"Y'all don't know The Governor like I do. Once he has something, or someone, that he thinks is a threat in his sights, might as well bend over and kiss your ass goodbye. I don't want nothin' happening to you and Daryl. Y'all are my family."

"We can get through this, together. We're weak without each other. I can't leave. And I don't want you leaving me." Kati said, looking up in his eyes.

"Fine," Merle sighed. "I'll stay. But only to save your pretty little ass, which will need saving."

"Promise?" she asked quietly, looking deep into his eyes.

"I promise. Ain't nowhere I wanna be if you ain't with me, darlin'." he replied, kissing her lips tenderly.

Two weeks had passed since Kati and Merle had their talk. War was approaching, and the entire prison was on guard. Kati was helping Carol, Maggie, Glenn, Carl, and a new member of the group, Michonne, stock up the prison inside and out with loaded firearms and grenades. Daryl, Rick, and Hershel had gone for a meeting with The Governor, set up by their friend Andrea. Merle was hostile and on edge. His baby brother was out there without backup, and he didn't like it.

"Don't set right with me, my baby brother being out there. They sittin' ducks. Y'all know that?" he said as most loaded the guns with bullets, and others packed bags full of weapons to place in certain areas of the prison.

"They will be fine. The Governor won't do anything that rash."Michonne spoke up.

"You don't know him like I do. He will. And if anything happens to Daryl... Well, it's y'alls asses." Merle warned.

"There's nothing we can do. If we go back them up, they could be killed on the spot. Then we could get killed. We told Rick we would hold down the prison while they're gone, and that is EXACTLY what we are doing." Glenn snapped.

"And what if your pretty little girlfriend had gone? Would we be doing what Officer Friendly wanted then? I don't think so, China Boy." Merle scoffed.

"Merle, please." Kati said, eyeing him with pleading eyes.

"My dad will be fine. He can take care of himself!" Carl said, handing a heavy bag of guns to Maggie.

"Sorry, son, but your daddy's head may soon be on a pike."

"Merle, shut up. Don't tell him that!" Maggie cut in, glaring at him.

Carl went off with Carol outside to load up the dock and the towers with their weapons.

"I'm just bein' honest. Y'all must be dumber than a box of rocks. Fuck this. I ain't letting Daryl get killed, or my girl. I'm doin' what shoulda been done by now." Merle replied, walking over to a filled back of weapons.

"Merle, no. You said you wouldn't do this!" Kati hissed, standing in front of the bag.

"I'm doing this for you, babygirl. You and Daryl. You two are the only ones who matter to me. I'm blowing The Governor's Goddamn head off then comin' back for you." he said, lightly pushing her out of the way and grabbing the bag.

"Merle, go take Kati up to her cell. You aren't leaving. We told your brother and Rick we would stay here. That is what we're doing." Glenn said, standing in front of the door.

"Get out of my way, boy." Merle snapped as he stood in front of Glenn, glaring down at him.

"No. Take your girl and get out of here." Glenn replied calmly, standing his ground.

"Merle, come on. Come with me. Please." Kati said, anxiously.

"You wanna play it that way? Fine." Merle said, smiling.

He grabbed Glenn by the waist as they tumbled down the steps. Kati tried grabbing Merle and pulling him off, but he shoved her into the table, where her back hit the sharp edge of it. Merle punched Glenn in the face twice, then drew his knife from his armored forearm. Maggie jumped up and on his back, putting him in a choke hold. Michonne went over to help Maggie, trying to pull Merle off of the now bloody Glenn. Kati sat there shaking, her eyes wide and her back searing with pain. She was frozen and didn't know what to do.

"Merle, stop!" Kati screamed, trying to stand up on shaky legs.

"Get off him!" Maggie screamed, smacking him with her free hand.

"ENOUGH!" Beth shouted and fired two shots into the ceiling, making everybody look in her direction.

"Get off me! Get off of me!" Merle yelled, finally freeing Glenn from his grasp.

Maggie checked on Glenn, who had a busted lip and his right eye began to swell. Beth walked over and helped Kati up on her feet, Carol speeding toward her as Michonne took Carl to check on his sister.

"Are you okay?!" Carol asked, hugging Kati.

"I'm fi-fine. Just a scratch." Kati stammered.

Carol turned Kati around gently to see the so-called scratch. What she saw sent her into a rage.

"You EVER touch my niece like that again, Merle, and The Governor will be the least of your problems!" she screeched.

"What? Shit... Kati..." he said, looking at her.

She had a gash on her back that went down her spine. The sharp edge of the table cut into her from the top of her back between her shoulderblades, and down to the small of her back. She hit the floor after and landed on a bag of guns. It had started to go light purplish in color, and she had tears in her eyes.

"Sweetheart I'm sorry... You can't get in the way like that..." he said, inching toward her slowly.

"If you-you're going to leave, th-then leave. Don't t-t-touch me." Kati sniffled, and walked off to her cell, Carol and Beth in tow.

"Shit..." Merle mumbled, and walked after them.

Beth sat with her, cleaning up the little blood from the scratches. She tried to carefully clean up the dried blood around the bruising on her back, and Kati was sobbing into Carol's shoulder, while Carol promised her it would be alright.

"I don't kn-now what to d-do. I..." she trailed off, wincing every time Beth touched her cuts and bruise.

"Can I talk to you alone, honey?" Merle asked from the doorway.

"Get the fuck out of here, you asshole!" Carol barked.

"I'm done here, I gotta go check on Maggie and Glenn. Call if you need me, okay?" Beth said, giving Kati a hug.

"Thank you.." Kati said, looking over at Merle with puffy red eyes.

"Please... I didn't want to hurt ya. I was tryin' to prevent that. Kati, please... You know I wouldn't do that. " He said, looking at her with an exasperated expression.

"I'll come see you when we're done here. Thank you aunt Carol." Kati said, giving her a hug.

"You scream if you need me. I'll come running." Carol said, walking out and glaring at Merle.

She stood in front of the bunk, her arms wrapped around herself and her eyes on the floor. Her long brownish-blonde locks of hair hugging her shoulders, and covering most of her face. She let out a small whimper as her blue-green eyes looked up at him.

"Come here." Merle said, standing still in the doorway.

"Please don't. You promised me. You promised me you wouldn't leave. We would stick it out." Kati said, looking up at him with fresh tears in her eyes. "Not too long ago you asked me if I was gonna try to leave you again. I said I wouldn't so long as you weren't goin' anywhere. Then two weeks ago you promised me you'd stay. You promised me, Merle Dixon. You promised me you was staying. And now you're trying... You're... You're trying to..." Kati trailed off, her whole body shaking and her bottom lip quivering.

He sighed and finally walked over to her, taking her in his arms. She shoved him back, slapping him hard across the face.

"No! Don't! Just please don't..." she sniffled.

He grabbed her and held her tight against his body as she tried to push him off. Once she finally gave in and gripped his shoulder blades, she leaned her body into his and cried into his shirt.

"I'm here, babygirl. I'm here. I'm sorry. I won't leave." Merle said, quietly whispering into her ear while his hand rubbed where she was bruising. "You know I ain't goin' noplace without my lady." he whispered, taking in the scent of her hair and kissing the top of her head.

"Please don't leave. Please." Kati sobbed into his tight black shirt, gripping his shoulder blades even tighter than before.

"Hey, hey look at me now." He said, his hand moving up from her back and gripping her chin. "I go no damn place without you. You're by my side the entire time, no matter what or I don't go. I won't leave you, darlin'. I'm so sorry I hurt you..." He said, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand as she leaned her cheek into his hand, his eyes searching hers for some sort of recognition of his words.

"Its o-okay. I know you'd never hurt me inten-tentionally." She said, holding onto his waist now, tears silently falling down her cheeks.

"That was not okay. What I did to the poor bastard wasn't okay, and laying my hand on you like that... I lost my cool and I'm sorry about that, baby. I would never touch you in a violent way. I... You know." He said, avoiding her stare.

"I know what?" she asked, holding on to him to keep from falling down. She was still so shaken up.

"Let's lay you down, huh?" He asked, lifting her up in his arms, their lips meeting for several seconds as they made their way to the bunk.

He set her in the bed, then crawled in beside her. She crawled closer to him, gripping his side and laying her head on his chest. He pulled the sheet over them to keep her warm and close to him, looking down at her as she rested her head on his chest comfortably. His heart was trying to beat out of his chest, which made her look up at him worriedly.

"Your heart... It's beating like crazy. Are you alright?" she asked, cupping his face in her hands, her body leaning against his.

"I'm fine. I just.. I love you." He mumbled.

"What?" She asked again, ,moving her hands down on his pecs. She was sure she misheard him.

"I said I love you, babygirl," his arms locked around her protectively and his hand rested on her ass. "I really do."

She didn't know what to say. Merle and feelings didn't go in the same sentence. But hearing the words, and seeing the look of sincere affection and care on his face. Her heart melted. She loved him too.

"And I love you, Merle Dixon. So much. That's why I just can't lose you." she whispered.

"You'll never lose me. I'll always be here, fighting alongside you. Keeping you safe." he whispered, his eyes looking from hers and down to her body.

She moved to the side of him and looked at him, a devilish grin stretching across her pouty lips. She pulled off his tear soaked shirt before beginning to kiss his neck passionately. He grunted in her ear, his upper body tensing from each delicate, deep kiss. His nails gripped into her ass, holding her lower body against him.

"Damn, baby... What you do to me." he moaned.

"Shhh. Your babygirl is gonna take care of you for once." she whispered, leaning down to kiss his lips as she straddled his lower body.

She whimpered, feeling him getting a hardon as she moved her lower body on top of his, nice and slow. His hand grabbed her hip and guided her down, allowing her to feel everything. She grinded her hips forward, becoming wet as she felt his cock fighting to be freed from his pants. His arm muscles tensed up, and she eyed them. She always loved his arms. They were so big, and so strong. She never felt anything but safe when he locked them around her waist. And holding onto them during sex made her so wet.

He grunted, moving his lower body up into hers roughly, making her moan. He tore off her tight camo top, revealing she had gone braless that day. His hand cupped one of her C-cup breasts as he leaned up a bit to take her nipple from her other breast in his mouth. She cried out his name, her nerve endings going into overdrive as she slammed down on his clothed cock. She raked her nails down his muscular chest, making him grunt as he continued to suck on her nipple, and his other hand rubbing her breast and pinching her other nipple gently, making both perk up from the attention they were receiving. As he let go, he looked in her eyes again, panting.

"Sweetheart, you deserve to be taken care of, especially after this..." he trailed off, his eyes growing sad when he ran his hand over the scratches on her back.

When she winced it made him feel even worse. He flipped her down onto her back gently, his arms locked around her protectively and his body lying atop of hers.

"I want to cater to you, Merle." she whispered sweetly against his lips.

"Later. Right now, my babygirl gets pampering." he whispered back, his lips overtaking hers and their tongues fighting once more for dominance as her hands rested on his muscular back. She moaned, taking in his saliva as their tongues glided against each other, enjoying the texture of each other's tongues. She pinned him down on top of her, her nails digging into his back.

He forced her legs open and pinned his lower body into hers, grinding his boner into her, making her squirm and moan. He pulled away and started leaving sweet kisses down her neck and slender shoulders, his hand sliding down her stomach. She raked her nails down his back, leaving little pink scratches that made him grunt and look in her eyes with a look of lust and annoyance.

"What have I told you, girl? No touchin' of any kind 'til I say so." he said in a deep voice.

"What you gonna do if I don't, hm?" she said in a small yet seductive voice.

"Mmm you wanna play those games, huh? I'll show you what I'm gonna do then." he grunted into the moist flesh of her neck, making a shiver run down her spine.

He bit her bottom lip, tugging on it hard as he ripped down her capri pants, making her gasp. He was getting harder and she could feel her whole body starting to quiver. She went to slide down his beige slacks but moved her hands away, his tongue forcing its way into her mouth, quieting her moans and cries.

He lifted her ass a bit off the bed to finish pulling off her capris, throwing them in the corner of the cell. He then leaned down and used his teeth to drag down her booty shorts, looking up at her as she watched him in delight. He threw them with the rest of her clothes and his shirt, then unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, sliding them and his boxers down to his ankles as he leaned over her body again, looking down at her curves in awe.

"I think we gotta get you warmed up first, huh?" he said, plunging two of his fingers inside her wet pussy. "Damn, you're already so wet for me."

"God, Merle. Don't tease me like that. Fuck me, and fuck me hard!" she growled impatiently.

"In due time, sexy." he winked.

He curled his fingers inside her as he began to pump them in and out, making Kati moan his name quietly. His thumb played with her clit, applying pressure on it as his fingers pumped up against her g-spot, making her gasp and cry out. He smirked, feeling her inner walls clutching around his meaty fingers, and just as she was about to cum, he removed them and stopping playing with her clit. Her legs were shaking violently and her body shook, looking up at him with wide eyes.

"Now, I think you're ready." he said, licking her moistness from his fingers. "Come here, now." he ordered, pulling her body up against his as he plunged his throbbing cock deep into her soaked pussy.

"Oh my God, Merle!" she gasped, biting down on the sweet spot of his neck.

She rocked her hips against his as he slowly and torturously slid inside her. She felt every solid inch of his cock, the tip hitting her g-spot slowly at first, and then hard again and again. She was so close to cumming. Her nails were digging into his shoulder blades as she kissed his biceps and stared into his eyes. He was looking back into hers as he grunted and bit his bottom lip in concentration.

"God you're tight, just how I like it." he moaned seductively in her ear.

"I'm about to cum!" she cried, her walls tightening, making it tougher for him to enter her.

"Cum for me, baby. Come on." he said, his eyes never looking away from hers.

His arms wrapped around her waist, and his lips traveled from her shoulders and down her chest bone. He sucked hard on her collarbone, down to her breasts, and over her stomach. He ran his tongue up her body and into her mouth as she let her tongue slide against his, her hands resting on his lower back. Just as she was about to grab his ass and force him deeper inside her, his hand grabbed her throat and held her down on the bed, looking in her eyes.

"Fuck, I'm coming!" she gasped, her eyes rolling back in her head.

"Babygirl I'm almost there. Cum for me, come on. That's my girl. Oh!" he grunted as her cum sloshed over his rock hard cock.

"Oh God, sweetheart, there it is." he moaned against her left breast, his own cum filling her and sending a warm wave throughout her entire body.

His body collapsed on top of hers, his arms locking tight around her again. He let his head rest against her boobs, panting. Their sweat mixed together as they held each other, their hearts hammering against their chest cavities. She kissed his forehead and rubbed his back, whispering that she loved him.

"I love you, too, Kati." he said, looking down at her as he pulled out and slid over beside her.

"I think that's the first time you've ever said my name." She smiled, moving over to him and resting her head on his chest. "I like it."

"You have a very pretty name, darlin'. I should say it more often." he chuckled, taking her body in his arms and kissing the top of her head.

"So no more fights? No more trying to leave?" Kati asked, sliding her fingertips up and down his chest.

"No more. I can protect you here just as good as going to Woodbury." he replied, his fingertips sliding up and down her spine.

"We're all in this together, Merle. We can make it." she said reassuringly.

"I know. I know, Kati. Its us against the world, babygirl."

[collecting-stories]

Halloween - Georgia Spin-off

A/N: This takes place a few years in the future. Savannah is thirteen. I just wanted to do something nice for you guys and I know some of you had mentioned some ideas of what you wanted to see for them in the future. 

\\\

“Dad hurry up!” Savannah shouted down the hallway of the small apartment. Two bedrooms above the Pharmacy felt like plenty of space when you’d first moved in but Savannah was thirteen now and it was beginning to feel cramped. When there was no reply from the bedroom she huffed and turned back to the couch, smiling, “are you excited? Can you say trick or treat?”

The almost 18 month old sitting on the couch, dressed as a deer (as per Savannah’s request) smiled before attempting to repeat her. After struggling on the T for a minute he produced a shaky “tricker,” and dissolved into laughter.  

“Yer gonna scare ‘im with that get-up.” Daryl admonished, finally coming into the room. He was pulling his vest and jacket on as you emerged from the bedroom behind him.  

Savannah sneered at her dad and faked a laugh, “your not funny.” She’d been moody all week and when she wasn’t she was neurotically trying to coordinate Halloween costumes.  

“Hear that,” Daryl asked, scooping the baby up into his arms, “I ain’t funny Wyatt.”

“Dad!” Savannah whined, looking passed him to you, “mom, make him stop.”

“No luck Anna. Come on, grab your backpack and we’ll go out to the truck.” You suggested, waving to the empty backpack she had designated for her trick-or-treat bag. She was a zombie and she’d managed to convince Daryl to do the zombie makeup on her after you had deemed the task ‘too complicated’ for your basic knowledge of anything more complicated than a lipstick application. You were into your early thirties and you still hadn’t mastered a smokey eye, there was no way you were capable of making your kid look like she’d risen from the dead.

Daryl had been helpful but also not. He did the makeup that she wanted, even spent hours sitting with her watching youtube makeup tutorials to try and perfect the craft. He’d gotten the gore pretty spot on too, she definitely looked like she was a rotting corpse. When she’d requested that Wyatt be dressed as a deer that she post-dead took a bite out of Daryl had complied with that too. But his first reaction had nearly derailed the entire operation because they had a enjoyed nothing more than teasing each other and with her current moodiness she was unappreciative when he told her that “ya look enough like a zombie in the mornin’ don’t need special makeup.”  

“Carl’s being Indiana Jones and Sophia said she’s being cheerleader.” Savannah commented, leaning forward so she could talk to you better as Daryl drove over to Rick’s house. The neighborhood was better for trick or treating than the main street and the three kids had been going together since you moved back to King County. “Plus Judith is coming this year because Lori’s working and so’s Shane. And Patrick’s mom is finally letting him out to trick or treat but she said as long as he doesn’t bring home too much candy so he said we could have half of everything he gets...”

The current events update from Savannah continued the entire way to Rick’s house and only stopped so she could jump out of the truck and see Merle, who was standing on the front lawn with Carol. She’d giddily talked about the possibility of her and Sophia becoming cousins for the last two years though nothing had happened yet.  

“Think we could pull back out while she ain’t lookin’?” Daryl asked, his hand squeezing your knee.  

“You forget there’s two of them now...what would we do with Wyatt?” You replied, kissing his cheek and looking at your son through the rearview. He was the spitting image of Daryl’s baby pictures and shockingly well behaved almost always.  

“Damn, guess we’re staying,” He put the truck in park and got out, unbuckling Wyatt from his car seat and carrying the baby over to see Merle and Carol. No one had been more excited, or more terrified, than Daryl when you’d told him that you were expecting. And the fear only mounted when he found out it was a boy.  

After a weekend hunting alone though he’d come home with a renewed optimism about the whole situation. He loved Savannah and he knew he was a good dad, he wasn’t so shy about it anymore. Getting to be there for everything this time would be different and had been different but he lost the fear of it pretty quickly. You’d been through it before and you’d get him through whatever parts he was unsure of. Like always.  

“I think you’re supposed to make baby costumes cute,” Carol teased, kissing Daryl on the cheek and taking Wyatt from him. Being the newest baby of the group, everyone got pretty excited whenever opportunity arose to coddle Wyatt.  

“I only follow directions.”

“He’s supposed to my dinner.” Savannah cut in, leaning back against her dad and smiling up at him, “dad made me a zombie and Wy’s the deer I snacked on.”  

“Certainly did a good job.” Rick commented, coming down the porch steps.  

“Uncle Rick!”  

The group felt like it was multiplying every year. It’d started with you and Michonne taking Carl, Savannah, Sophia, and Andre around the neighborhood but over the few short years since it started you had added on to the group. This year you had Carl, Savannah, Andre, Judith, Sophia, Hershel, Wyatt, and Carl’s friend Patrick. Enough for a soccer team maybe if they were all the same age. Rick and Daryl still stayed behind, using the claim that someone had to hand out candy though you were sure the only person actually doing that would be Carol. The guys, Glen included this year, would be doing the same thing they always were, sitting around drinking on the porch.  

“Why am I always designated trick or treater?” You asked, securing Wyatt in the stroller with RJ.  

“Ya want me ta take ‘em?” Daryl offered. He was holding the handle on the stroller, keeping it steady, though his eyes were on you. Admiring the view of his fiancée, even if you were just squatting on the ground to buckle Wyatt in.  

“No,” you stood and came around to kiss him quickly, “I just like hearing you offer to.”  

Daryl frowned and you smiled when his nose twitched a little, confused was your favorite version of him.  

“I don’t wanna let you in on the secret but I probably should,” you teased, “most guys don’t offer to take care of their kids quite so quickly when they could be relaxing with a beer.”

He shrugged in return, “ain’t tryin’ ta be my old man.”

“God I love you. Let’s both ditch the kids and go back home.” You teased, kissing him.  

“You two are gonna have another baby before Wyatt’s three.” Michonne called, walking up to the two of you. She had Judith in her arms.  

The hurdle of Lori calling Rick that afternoon to ask if Judith could accompany her brother trick or treating had not been as daunting as Lori thought it would. All bad blood aside, Judith was Carl’s sister and Rick wanted him to love her as much as he loved Andre and any future child he and Michonne might have. So he had been welcoming to the toddler spending the evening with them and Michonne had been doting, Judith was sweet and Michonne was enjoying having a girl in the house.  

“God she looks like Shane.” You laughed, taking Judith, “Hi Judy, are you excited to trick or treat?”

“Yeah,” she nodded.  

“I like your costume.”  

“I’m a princess.”  

“I’ll say,” You twisted with her in your arms so she was facing Daryl, “look, doesn’t he have a scary costume.”

“Shut up,” he grumbled, nudging your shoulder.  

Judith laughed and buried her face in your neck, shy all of a sudden. “See, she agrees.”

“Mom! We’re ready!” Savannah shouted, running down the steps with Carl, Patrick, and Sophia.  

Merle left for work and Carol headed back to the motel for the evening while you, Michonne, and Maggie walked the kids around the neighborhood. Savannah took the role of big sister very seriously, as she had since the moment you announced that you were expecting again. She took turns pushing the stroller and, on a few occasions, brought Wyatt up with her to the door so people could see their coordinating costumes.  

“Any Thanksgiving plans?” Maggie asked as you walked further through the neighborhood.  

“Deanna invited us up to D.C. for the holiday and we’ve been thinking about going. It’s been since August that Savannah saw Gracie and I know they miss each other. Plus her and Sophia have been talking about going around D.C. together.” You replied.  

“That’d be nice, I’m sure Deanna is excited to see Wyatt and Savannah.”  

“Oh god yes, she loves them. And Aiden’s girlfriend is due in a couple weeks so she’s even more excited, she keeps talking about having all three grandkids in the house together.” You replied, “I won’t be surprised if she takes them all to sears for a picture.”  

After trick or treating and pizza at Rick’s house you headed home, happy that the weekend was tomorrow and you didn’t have to get up early for work. Savannah was still wired from the excitement of the night though Wyatt had passed out in the truck on the way home. You volunteered to put him to sleep, leaving Daryl and Savannah at the kitchen table sorting through candy.  

“Do you want the snickers? I don’t like them.” She noted, dum-dum bobbing in her mouth as she spoke.

“Nah, ya can bring it tomorrow though, see if Axel wants it.” He mentioned. Savannah was coming with him to the garage in the morning while you took Wyatt to the doctor’s. All his protesting that you never spend time at the garage when you were younger was for null, it was nearly every other day you were dropping in or Savannah was coming over after school. Axel, Tiny, and Dale loved the girl too and Axel told her some ridiculous stories.  

“Okay.” She scooted off the kitchen table and wrapped her arms around Daryl, hugging him tightly, “thanks for doing my makeup, everybody said it was so cool.”  

“No problem.” He shrugged, hugging her back. “Glad it turned out.”

“It was awesome.” Savannah pulled away, sitting down in a chair as you came back into the room and swiped a jolly rancher off the table.  

You sat down in Daryl’s lap, smiling as his hand went around your waist. “Did you tell dad about the lady with the coffin?”

“Oh my god! You’ll never believe it...”  

-

Hope you guys enjoyed this. 

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[deadsaigon]

Kindred spirits || Carl Grimes

Summary: In a parallel universe where Carl is still alive, he experiences the events during the 9x15.

Warnings: Death, and yeah, a lot of cuteness and sadness. All at the same time.

Note: The flashbacks are in italics. Gif is not mine.

A/n: I've been working on this for a while, I hope you like it. Honoring my baby Carl, he deserved to live longer in the series. Requests are open. Sorry if it's too long, but I think is worthy to read. Hope you like it.

"I stand before you today at the start of a new tomorrow. A tomorrow made possible by the sacrifice of many over the years. Among them a man whose mission was to build community and strengthen the bonds between us. A man who had to destroy the very thing that connected us in order to save us. It took us far too long to fulfill the promise of what Rick Grimes and his son Carl, who is here with us, envisioned" King Ezekiel stoped his speech, due to the ovation that the people started when they heard the name of 'Carl', Carl was a living legend. He and Amunet were between the crowd. One of his arms was around her waist and her head was over his shoulder. When the people around them began to applaud him, Carl blushed a little and he thanked them with his hand. "The same promise, Paul Rovia, better known the most as Jesus believed in when he brought us all together those many years ago. We've always been bound to each other. We always will be. We fought our way back to each other. We've grown. The crossing over the river may be gone, but we rebuilt a bridge nonetheless. Today is the proof that we can unite, not against a common enemy but for the common good. So eat, drink, trade and be merry, cause we got a lot of lost time to make up for" Ezekiel ended his speech.

Jerry stood in front of all the people. "That the first Annual Inter-community Reunification Fair begins" He said.

"Jerry, we changed that" Ezekiel told him with a little smile. All the people laughed. "Carl, could you make me the honor to say some words and inaugurate this?" The King asked him. "Amunet, you can pass, too". Carl blushed again, but Amunet encouraged him. They hold hands and passed to the front.

"Mmm, hello" He said, he was so nervous but Amunet pressed harder his hand, trying to calm him down. "I would like to thank you all, for not abandoning my dad's dream, the dream he worked so hard for so many years, the dream he gave his life for: the dream of being a big and unite family." Carl reached the cage of the white doves. "That the Fair or the New Beginning begins" He finished by setting free the doves. The people started to applaud again, and yeah, Carl blushed, once more.

Once the people got disperse, Carl and Amunet started walking around the Fair. "You're so cute when you blush" Amunet said.

"Stop it" He answered.

"It's the true, you are adorable" She laughed. Carl take her from her waist, pulled her close to him and kissed her.

"I love you, Amunet"

"I love you too, Carl" Amunet and Carl met each other since the beginning of the chaos. They were friends in the Atlanta camp, in the Hershel's farm, in the prison, and they started dating when they arrived to Alexandria. They had been a couple for 8 years approximately. They had always support each other.

.

"Alexandria is granted to give asylum to Lydia" Carl spoke. The leaders of each community, Tara for The Hilltop, Carol and Ezekiel for The Kingdom, Rachel for OceanSide, and Carl and Michonne for Alexandria, were discussing about the fact of Lydia forming part of the communities now. Henry, Lydia, Judith and Amunet were also there.

"If her mother retaliates it's gonna be against Hilltop, not Alexandria" Tara said, she didn't seem to be happy with Lydia being around.

"Tara, remember when you stood in the prison with the Governor? You were our enemy. But Glenn saved you, and brought you with him. At the start, people didn't trust you, obviously, but we gave you the doubt benefit, and look how it come, now, you become part of the family" Carl told her and Tara seemed to understand what he was trying to say. "That's why we propose a mutual protection pact. If her mother wants to attack Hilltop, it won't be easy, cause she is going to have to fight the four communities. They mess with one, they mess with us all" Carl continued talking. Everyone in the place agreed.

"How do we seal it? A blood pact? Do we cross the pinkies?" Tara said making everyone laugh.

"I just got an idea" King Ezekiel said and searched for something. Finally, he found the agreement that Rick had made so many years ago.

"How do you have it?" Michonne asked.

"Maybe I took some things when I left Alexandria" Tara answered.

The first who signed it were King Ezekiel and Queen Carol, then Tara, it continued Rachel, and then, it was the turn of Alexandria. Michonne took the pen in her hand, but extended it to Carl. "It should be the Rick Grimes son" She said. Carl took the pen and signed the paper with 'Carl Grimes'. It was it, the mutual protection pact was signed.

Amunet and Judith stood next to Carl. "Carl you did it amazing!" The little girl said and give him a hug.

"Thank you Judith" Carl took the body of his little sister in his arms and carried her.

"Thank you, Carl. Thank you so much" Lydia said.

"It's okay Lydia, I couldn't let you alone. You are one of us now. Also, Henry needs you" Lydia and Henry laughed. When Henry went for Lydia, after Alpha took her from The Hilltop, Carl, Daryl and Connie searched for him. Daryl and Connie didn't understand Henry, but Carl did.

.

"So, that's how you make CPR to a person" Enid finished her explication. "Who wants to pass and do it with the doll?" Judith raised her hand. "Okay, Judith, let's see how you do it" The doctor said her. Judith stood near to the doll, and started to do the steps that Enid had explained before. "You did it very well, congratulations! Take a lollipop. That's all, thank you"

The people dispersed, and Carl walked to Enid. "Hey, my favourite cowboy is here" They hugged each other. "How are you doing? Did Amunet came?"

"Cool, I'm pretty cool. Yeah, Amunet is here too. How are you Enid? Or I should say 'doctor Enid'?"

"I always call you 'cowboy', you have the right to call me 'doctor'" Both laughed.

"I'm happy to see you, Enid"

"I'm happy too, Carl. It's been a long since the last time we see each other"

"But we saw us in The Hilltop, when Rosita and Eugene got in trouble"

"I know, but I refer, to see each other like this, like family, not like two strangers. I'm sorry for never had get back to Alexandria, but Maggie needed me here"

"And I'm sorry for never have go to Hilltop to visit you, but you know what happened with Michonne, I needed to stay in Alexandria taking care of Judith and Rick Jr."

"Maybe we can be the same best friends that we were"

"I'd love that"

"It's gonna be a little different, I'm not the same depressive Enid that used to hate everything and used to sneak out the walls"

"That Enid was pretty cool, tho"

"It was cool for the emo Carl you were in that time. The antique Enid doesn't fit with the famous leader Carl you are now. But the doctor Enid, she fits perfect"

"I'm not famous" "Of course you are. You know that the adults tell about 'the Grimes' to their children?"

"I've heard about that, but I didn't think it was true"

"It's true, Carl, everybody knows your story, and I'm so proud of you"

"Heeeeyyyy, you're talking without me? I feel betrayed" Amunet got into the conversation.

"We were about to look for you" Carl said.

"I'm gonna pretend that I believe you. Enid! I've missed you so much" Both women hugged each other.

"I've missed you too. What have you being doing in Alexandria?"

"I'm in charge of the hydraulic system that provides water to the community. Also, I'm in charge of the maintenance of the solar panels, and the power generators. If they don't work, I fix them" Amunet said proudly.

"Woah, did Eugene teach you that?" "Who more could it be? The dude is a freaking genie. I'm glad to say that Siddiq did a good job training you, doctor"

"Can you believe it? Six year ago we were only teenagers trying to survive in the end of the world, and now, look at us" Enid said.

"This shit is crazy"

"Language, Carl!"

"Judith, what are you doing here?"

"I want a caramel apple, can we get one?"

"Okay, come on. Ladies, I'll see you later" Carl kissed Amunet before going with his sister.

.

"You don't have to go. They can patrol the surroundings by themselves" Amunet said to Carl.

"It's okay. I'm gonna be fine. Daryl is going too"

"Yeah girl, I'll take care of him, even if he doesn't need it anymore" Daryl said.

"You should reconsider it" Michonne said.

"Mom, you are worrying to much"

"Mom is right, Carl, it's too dangerous. What if something bad happens to you?" Judith said sadly.

Carl kneeled to be at the same height that his sister and put his hands in her cheeks. "Judy, do you trust me?" The girl nodded. "I'm going out there because I want to help. I can't stay here pretending that everything is fine with those crazy people with skin masks around. I want to guarantee the safety of you three" He said to Amunet, Michonne and Judith. "I have to do it"

Judith jumped into Carl's arms. "Just be careful Carl, please" The girl said.

"Be prudent. And do what Daryl says, Okay?" Michonne told.

"The last time I listen to Daryl I was fifteen, but sure, I will" Michonne, Carl and Judith involved themselves into a warm hugged.

Amunet was the only left to say goodbye. "Promise me you'll get back"

"I do. I always get back to you"

"I can't loose you, don't make me get through that"

"You are not going to loose me. I'll be back" The couple shared a kiss full of love and hope.

"I love you so much" Amunet said.

"I love you more. I'll see you later. Don't forget that you have my heart and that you are the fucking love of my life"

"Carl! Language"

"Sorry, Judith"

"It's time to go" Daryl said.

"Daryl, please, protect him"

"I will. But you have to understand that he's not a kid anymore Michonne" The man said before the group conformed by Magna, Yumiko, Carol, Kal, Marco, Dianne, he and Carl left.

.

"What the hell is that?" Carl asked.

The group had meet with DJ, Alek and Ozzy. They had found a destroyed carriage and dead horses. "We don't know. The bodies that were in here are missing. They must had been going to the Fair" DJ said.

"Do you think they were them?" Carl asked again, making reference to the people with masks.

"I'd like to say no, but you are not dumb"

"We should separate. Daryl, Carol, Yumiko and I will follow the rast of the bodies, and try to find them. Magna, Dianne, Marco and Kal, get to The Hilltop, and make sure everything is okay. DJ, Ozzy, Alek, keep patrolling around here. Let's go" Carl ordered.

When Carl's group moved, Carol and Daryl kept watching at Carl. "What's wrong guys?" He asked them.

"You did it pretty well in there. Being a leader is your thing, kid" Carol said with a little smile.

"Your dad would be so proud" Daryl told.

"Please, stop. People have been saying stuff like that all day"

"You shouldn't be ashamed of that, Carl" Yumiko said.

"Can we just keep going?" Carl ended the conversation.

.

The day turned into night. Carl's group was still searching for the bodies of the people from the carriage. Suddenly, some walkers appeared in their way. "Take care, watch their hands, they could have knives" Carl said.

Walkers grew in number, and then, a body of 2 meters of height appeared in front of them. Carl, Yumiko, Carol and Dary prepared their weapons. "Drop them. I won't ask twice" Beta ordered. The four obeyed him, and the tall guy directed his voice at Carl. "You just had to give me the girl. Now that deal is over. You are coming with us"

Beta took them to the Whisperer camp, and tied them to a tree. Then, Alpha appeared. "You, one-eyed, come" She said and unleashed Carl. Ponting at him with a gun, she took him to a pit, where a big horde of walkers was in. "I hope I'm wrong saying that you can't take care of my daughter" Alpha said.

"You are. We will be the family that Lydia never had. She is better with us" Carl answered her.

"You and your people are alive because I let you live. But I'm done with you all. If you cross into my land, once more, I'll guide the horde to the communities. I've mark the border to the North, you see it as you leave. Now, reunite with the rest of your group and get away from my sight".

.

After Alpha let go Carl, Daryl, Carol and Yumiko, they found Siddiq roofed to a tree, he had some injuries and the eyes bended.

"Siddiq! What are you doing here?" Carl asked him.

Siddiq wasn't able to answer him, so Carl helped him to get up and to keep walking.

During the way back home, they saw it, they saw the final warning that Alpha was talking about: some heads in pikes, marking the border of the Whisperers' lands.

Ten heads. Ten reanimated heads. Ten reanimated heads of people they loved and cared about. Ten people that were gone. Ten people that had died in a horrible way.

Once Yumiko, Daryl, Carol, Siddiq and Carl were close enough to the heads, they could finally saw who they were. And that only disturbed them more.

First head.

Ozzy.

Ozzy was the leader of the Highway men. He was working with his men to get to chance to watch a movie, and he didn't was capable to do that.

Ozzy was working only a few hours, and now, his head was the first of ten.

Second head.

Alek.

Alek was the right hand of Ozzy, and a member of the Highway men.

He was working with Ozzy for a benefit for him and their people only a few hours ago, and now, his head was the second of ten.

Third head.

DJ.

DJ was a reformed Savior that rebuilt his life six years ago when he redeemed himself and took the invitation of living in Alexandria. Since then, he had shown his effort by making sure that the surroundings of the community were safe. And Carl appreciated that.

Carl felt sorry seeing his head, cause he had live and worked with him for a long time. DJ was the proof that a person can actually change for good.

DJ was talking with Carl about his concern about the possibility of the Whisperers were killing people only a few hours ago, and now, his head was the third of ten.

Fourth head.

Frankie.

"Hey, Nabila, have you seen Frankie?" Eugene asked to the woman. He and Frankie's daughter were looking for her, there had been a long time since the last time they had saw her.

But Nabila hadn't seen her, cause Frankie wasn't in the fair anymore.

Frankie used to be one of Negan's wives. After the Saviors' defeat, she was accepted in Alexandria, where she adopted a girl and became in a great mom.

Carl felt sorry too. Judith sometimes used to play with Frankie's daughter and some others kids, and Frankie had always watch them. Frankie had take care of Judith on several occasions and he was thankful for that.

She was hugging her daughter and enjoying the fair only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the fourth of ten.

Fifth head.

Tammy Rose.

"Have you seen Tammy?" Earl asked Connie and Kelly, with his son in his arms.

Kelly repeated the question with sign language, so Connie could understand.

The answer was no. The sisters hadn't seen her, Tammy wasn't near.

Tammy was an old lady that lived in Hilltop with his husband Earl. They had lost his son Ken six years ago. But life had give them happiness again with the arrived of a baby that Connie had rescue from The Whisperers.

Tammy was talking with Earl about how they should name their son only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the fifth of ten.

Sixth head.

Rodney

Rodney was a teenager that lived in Hilltop. He was trying to have a normal teenager life.

He was hanging around with his friends only a few hours ago, and now, his head was the sixth of ten.

Seventh head.

Addy.

Addy was other teenager from Hilltop. She had worries about the walkers, but also, she had some teenager worries, like, trying to make the guy you like to like you.

She was talking with Henry only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the seventh of ten.

Eighth head.

Enid.

"It feels so sweet" Alden and Luke were singing on the stage. They had a large audience, but still, Alden noticed that someone was missing. Someone special. Had she forgotten? of course not. she was eager to see her boyfriend sing and be able to make fun of it. If Enid wasn't there, it was because she wasn't in this world either.

Enid was a resident of Alexandria when Carl met her. She was mysterious and mature, things that made Carl to got interested in her, an also, to liked her. Both had a realistic perspective of the world, and they became best friends cause of that.

Now, Enid was a doctor. She had something worth to work for. She was an important member of her community. She was living the happy life that she always had deserved.

When Carl saw her, something cracked inside of him, his heart for sure. He couldn't deal with the fact of seeing his best friend's head on a pike. So, a tear fell down his cheek.

"No" He mumbled. "Not you".

Carl was being Siddiq's support, but at that moment, the roles got changed. Carl's legs shaked like he was about to fall. " It's okay, Carl, it's okay. Stay with me, please" Siddiq said.

"Hey, my favourite cowboy is here"

"I always call you 'cowboy', you have the right to call me 'doctor'"

"I know, but I refer, to see each other like this, like family, not like two strangers. I'm sorry for never had get back to Alexandria, but Maggie needed me here"

"Maybe we can be the same best friends that we were"

"It's true, Carl, everybody knows your story, and I'm so proud of you"

Memories of her didn't leave his mind. Memories of Enid being happy. Memories of his best friend for all life.

He remembered the first time she saw her, on that abandoned house at the entrance of Alexandria. He remembered the times that he followed in the woods and lost her from his sight. He remembered when they used to sneak out the walls and go into the woods to read comics. He remembered all the times that she gave him advices about his relationship. He remembered when they skated in their way to Hilltop. He remembered a lot of things that they could never do again.

He had lost his best friend and he couldn't get her back.

Enid was teaching people how to do CPR only a few hours ago. Enid was eating caramel apples with his boyfriend only a few hours ago. Enid was getting back the lost time with her best friend only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the eighth of ten.

Ninth head.

Tara.

"If you happen to see her, could you tell her I need to speak with her?" Gabriel asked Eugene.

"I haven't seen her in a while, but she must be around" Eugene said. Sadly, he was wrong. Tara wasn't around, not anymore.

When the prison got under attack, Tara was in the Governor's army, she was with the guy who killed Hershel, she was the enemy. But things changed. Glenn needed her help, and, Tara needed to help Glenn, she needed to help him so the guilt she was feeling could disappear. It was when she was ready to die in that tunnel full of walkers, so Glenn could live and continue searching for his wife, that Tara stop being the enemy, and became family.

She was Hilltop's leader since Jesus' death, she was capable to lead, and she was ready to. She was supposed to be a great leader.

Carol, Daryl and Carl looked at her head with melancholy. They had survived with her during a lot time, and now, that girl with an incredible sense of humor that used to brigthen their days didn't exist anymore. She had been reduced to a sad walker.

"If her mother retaliates it's gonna be against Hilltop, not Alexandria"

That thought arrived at Carl's mind. Tara was protecting her people, but she must have protected herself.

Tara was thinking about what was the the best for her people only a few hours ago. Tara was signing the mutual protection pact only a few hours ago. Tara was being the leader that the Hilltop needed only a few hours ago, and now, her head was the ninth of ten.

Tenth head.

"Where could she be? She's not the kind of people that disappear without telling someone where she is going" Rosita told to Eugene.

"Maybe she wanted to be alone. She wasn't happy about Carl going out there. Maybe she wanted to distract herself"

"Eugene, she wouldn't do that. If she didn't tell anyone what she was going to do, it's because she is going out there and look for him. She care so much about him"

"In that case, I hope she is still in here. She can get hurt if she goes alone"

"Come on, we need to find her. Carl is going to kill us if something happens to her" Rosita commanded.

Even though Rosita and Eugene went to look for her as soon as they realized that she was missing, someone else had already found her.

And then, Carl saw the last pike. With his eye wide open, he unconsciously left Siddiq alone. He dropped the Colt Phyton that he had in his hand. He couldn't take his sight apart from the head. He approached to the pike a little more, he was wishing that his sight was playing tricks on him, because in case it wasn't, and the head was of the person he was thinking it was, he couldn't stand that.

He was about to get close enough when Daryl got between his sight and the pike. "No! No!" Daryl shouted, while he was holding Carl of his shoulders. "Don't look at it. Don't look"

Carl's legs shaked again, but this time, he fell on his knees. Daryl got on his knees too, to comfort him. "Kid, please, don't look at her, don't do that".

Carl's cry was making him look so vulnerable and so broken that even Yumiko felt the need of hug him. But nobody dare to do it, except of Daryl, who was already with him.

Daryl was speaking to him, but he wasn't listening. His heart was so broken and he was so submerge on his memories that everything around him didn't seem to be important.

Inside of Carl, it was like his mind wanted to live again all the moments that he had shared with her, like he needed to remember everything he had done with Amunet.

Cause, yeah, the head that was on that pike was hers.

"Hi, my name is Carl, what's yours?"

"I'm Amunet" The little girl answered. They were in the outsides of Atlanta, in a camp.

"Do you wanna play with me and Sophia? She wants to meet you"

"I would like to"

"Great! Follow me" Carl took her hand and guided her to where the other girl was. They played all morning and all afternoon, that when the sun hid, the three kids could barely stay awake.

The memorie of the first time they talked arrived. Carl felt like he was just being stabbed in the heart, so he let out a heartbreaking scream, toring apart his lungs.

"Carl! You woke up" Amunet had been waiting to him to wake up since Hershel operated him. She was happy that his friend was okay.

"Hello, Amunet. How's Sophia?"

"We hadn't find her" She said, sadly. But at least you are okay, I've missed you"

"We'll find her. I promise. I've missed you too. My dad gave my his hat, cool, no?"

"Yeah, now you are a cowboy"

"You can try it on, it must look great on you" Carl put the hat on Amunet's head. Both kids were laughing, but Carl started to cough.

"Carl, are you okay?" The girl asked worried.

"Yes, I shouldn't laugh too much, it hurts"

"You should get some sleep. Hershel said you're still weak"

"Could you stay here? I don't like to be alone"

"Sure"

The boy made a space in the bed, so Amunet could lay on it. "Sweet dreams, Amunet"

"Sweet dreams, Carl"

The sound of Carl's sobs were mixing with the sound of the moans that Amunet's head was doing. It was a brutal and depressive mix.

When a walker Sophia appeared out of the barn, Carl and Amunet started crying. They hugged each other and stayed like that for a while. After Rick put her down, and the adults began to move the bodies, they were the only ones that were near the barn.

"I thought we would find her" Carl said.

"I did it too. I'm gonna miss her" Amunet started to cry again.

"Hey, don't worry, we are you and me now, okay? You and me, together"

"Forever?"

"Forever"

Carl scratched the dirt under his hands, like the only way he had to express his anger. He could felt the Daryl's arms around him, but he didn't feel comforted.

"My mom's dead, Amunet. I killed her"

"You did what you needed to do. You couldn't just leave her, you know what would've happen"

"I'm a killer. The last moments I had with her I acted like an idiot"

"You were a great son, your mom loved you. And you are going to be a great big brother. Big brother Carl, remember that?"

"Can you give me a hug?"

"You don't have to ask for one"

"We should put them down" Daryl said, and his arms left Carl's body.

"Left Enid and Amunet, please, I'll do it" Carl said, standing up. Daryl moved his head in approval.

Carl got in the wagon that Garet told him. It was dark, but he could see that there were more people in there. A familiar silhouette appeared.

"Carl?" A voice that he knew perfectly asked.

"Amunet!" He said with joy. Both kids got together in a lovely hug, with tears in their cheeks.

"I thought you were dead" Amunet said crying. "When we were running out of the prison and you covered me from the walkers cause I didn't have ammo, I lost you, I looked for you but you weren't there"

"I had to get away from other way. Sorry"

"Don't you ever left me like that again"

"I won't"

Carl finally stood up, with his hands still shaking, he took the knife that Amunet had got for him in one of the running supplies that she did in Alexandria.

Carl opened his eye for the first time since he had get shot by Ron. The first thing he saw after had defeat the death again was Amunet, who was sat next to him. Amunet was submerged in her mind, she didn't notice that he was awake.

"Hi" He said.

Amunet made eye contact with him, and she smiled. She was showing him that beautiful smile and seeing him with those precious grey eyes that had him hypnotized.

She didn't said anything. She just stood up, got near to Carl and kissed him on his lips. "Thanks for wake up. I was losing my mind"

"I just lost mine with that kiss" He joked.

"I should've done that a long time ago"

Carl reached Enid's head.

"Why did you come to get me to The Hilltop?" Enid asked.

"I was worried about you. You didn't take any knife with you"

"I can take care of myself"

"I know, but..."

"But what?"

"You are my best friend. I needed to know you were going to be fine"

Enid hugged Carl and talked to his ear. "And you are my best friend, too. Thank you for made me company"

He raised the knife and buried it in the skull.

"I'm so sorry, Enid. Go to rest, it's time"

The head stopped moaning and Carl felt a little relieved. His best friend was resting now, in a place without suffer, that was what she deserved.

What Carl did next wasn't easy. He was in front of Amunet's head. It was the only left to put down. Everyone was waiting for Cark to do it.

Carl raised his hand, but this was shaking a lot that he dropped the knife.

"Carl, I could do it" Daryl said.

"I have to do this, please" Carl took again the knife. He looked at the walker's eyes. They were grey, but not the beautiful grey that Amunet's eyes used to be. And that was because that walker wasn't Amunet anymore, Amunet wasn't a sad head, Amunet was a shimmering start that guided Carl's life during so many years, and that wasn't going to change. A last memory appeared before Carl had put down the walker.

Amunet and Carl hugged after Carl almost got killed by Lucille. "I love you, Carl, I love you so much"

"I love you too, Amunet. I love you too" That was the first time they said 'I love you' to each other.

"I will always love you, Amunet" Carl said before he buried the knife, making the moans stopped. Amunet was now a free soul. Amunet loved Carl until the ended of her life. Amunet died thinking about Carl. And Amunet would always be with Carl.

Amunet and Carl were kindred spirits.

[reciprocityfic]

a slight return home, chapter 8

Title: A Slight Return Home Fandom: The Walking Dead Pairing: Rick x Michonne Rating: T Summary: Rick’s death shakes Michonne’s world to its core. With her daughter and her remaining family, she tries to navigate her changed life, and all the struggles and surprises that come with it.

Author’s Note: Hello there! Sorry it took me so long to get this update out - I've had writer's block hardcore for months. 

But I'm back, and hopefully I can get the next chapter out much more quickly.I mainly listened to Heavy in Your Arms by Florence + the Machine while I wrote this, and that's where the title comes from. I also listened to Older Chests by Damien Rice while writing the last section a little.

I hope you enjoy chapter eight!

read chapter one on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter two on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter three on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter four on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter five on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter six on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter seven on tumblr, archive of our own or ff.net read chapter eight on archive of our own or ff.net

(my love’s so) heavy in your arms

She brings him home one week later, once Siddiq is convinced he doesn't have any pressing medical needs, and after he's gained some weight. She can tell Rick is restless and eager to leave, even though he has his doubts to what his life will be like from now on.

She tries to reassure him, to tell him they'll get through this like they get through everything, but she can sense his skepticism. And she can't deny the tingling of anxiety that stirs in her stomach when he's sleeping and she's watching him. When she's alone with her thoughts, when her mind drifts and she wonders what they did to him, where he is now. She knows that he's here, in front of her, but she wonders where his soul, his spirit, his heart - where her Rick - is. How deep he had to bury them in order to survive.

But she shoves those concerns down deep the moment his eyes flutter open, and puts all her energy into him. Into bringing him back to her. Into bringing him home.

Today, she takes another step. They do, together, both literally and metaphorically as they walk up the path to what used to be their house. She supposes it still is their house; his presence is permanently burned into every corner of the building, leaving an invisible trail of ashes and cinders in its wake. She did nothing to erase it while he was gone. Instead, she'd preserved it, like a precious piece of art in a museum.

She hears his steady shuffling behind her as they walk up the steps to the front door. She reaches out for the doorknob, but he clears his throat before she can turn it, and she pauses, looking back at him. His head is down, and he's twisting the toe of his boot into the cement.

"The ki-" he stops, and clears his throat once more. Then, he continues, his voice hesitant.

"The kids?"

"They're at Aaron's," she tells him. "I thought that would be best until we get you settled in."

He nods, and she doesn't miss the way his shoulders relax just so slightly after hearing this new information. Her heart breaks, for him and for her family.

She's about to turn back around, when suddenly a memory comes back to her. Like a movie, it plays in her head: a heavily-bearded Rick, nervous and grumpy and out-of-place, staring at the gates of an unknown community, hesitant to enter and start this new chapter of their lives.

She remembers sitting next to him in that car, looking over at him, picking up on the skepticism and uncertainty rolling off of him in waves. She'd wanted to comfort him. To let him know that whatever happened - good or bad - they were in it together.

So she'd covered her hand with his - a rare physical expression of affection between them, at the time - and asked him a simple question.

You ready?

She reaches out now, does the same thing a little differently this time. She takes his hand and wraps it in hers. He tries to pull away at first, but she doesn't let him, and after a moment she feels his fingers relax between hers.

He lifts his chin and looks up at her, and she smiles slightly.

"You ready?" she asks.

He stares at her blankly for a second before she sees the corner of his mouth tick up, and he shakes his head as something almost like a laugh leaves his mouth. He remembers, too, and it makes the smile on her face grow.

He nods, and quietly says, "Yeah."

She grins again. It's the same answer he gave all those years ago.

She turns back around, but doesn't let go of his hand. Instead, she uses her grip on him to pull him a few steps closer to her. Then she reaches for the doorknob, and welcomes him home.

***

She watches him as he makes his way around the house.

She keeps herself a handful of steps behind him, careful not to interfere with his reacquaintance to what will be his home, once again. What will be their home again, finally.

He doesn't say much as he walks and wanders. A mumble, here and there, like he's talking to himself. Nothing she can make out. He reaches out every so often, runs his hand over a wall, or brushes his fingertips along a countertop. As if to ground himself in something physical.

He hesitates at the bottom of the stairs for a moment, then starts up them slowly. She follows. The creak of the steps under their feet seems to boom in the otherwise silent house.

When they reach the top floor, he motions to Judith's room.

"Still Judy?"

"Yeah," she confirms, taking initiative and moving in front of him. "You want to see it?"

He nods, and she pushes the door open. He steps around her and into the center of the bedroom, placing his hands on his hips as he glances around.

"It's a lot less...pink than I remember it being."

She can't help the smile that breaks out on her face.

"Yeah, she kind of phased out of that," she tells him.

"Not a little girl anymore, huh?" he asks as he turns to her. She knows he's trying to joke, but she doesn't miss the apprehension in his eyes.

"Not as little," she clarifies, "but still little enough. Littler than she likes to think she is."

"How?" he asks immediately, eagerly.

Michonne wracks her brain, and smiles again when she decides on an answer.

"She loves horses. Lowkey freaks out whenever she's around one. She's always asking to feed them or take care of them, which I'm pretty sure is just an excuse for her to pet them. She's absolutely enamored with them. Just like every little girl ever, right?"

"Right," he answers quietly, and she can see the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

He lingers for a few moments before turning towards the doorway. She starts towards the next room after they exit, but he doesn't move from his spot. When she turns to check on him, he's staring past her, mesmerized by something across the hall. She follows his gaze, and her heart thumps heavier in her chest when she sees what has his attention.

Carl's old room.

"It's RJ's room now," she tells him, reaching out to gently touch his arm.

(He stiffens, but she barely notices anymore - she expects it, rather. But she's persistent, keeps touching him, swearing that she'll teach him the feel of loving touches again.)

After Carl had died, they hadn't touched anything in his bedroom. They couldn't bear to. Instead, they left everything as it was, almost as a shrine to their lost son. The world might've taken him from them, but they would protect the memory of him in any way they could. So they kept it, preserved it, in honor of Carl and their love for him.

They had only packed it up when they decided to switch houses, and when they were arranging their new home, they'd decided to place all of his things in the room across the hall from Judith's - just where Carl's room was in their first house. They'd even taken to calling it Carl's room again, making sure that all of them - especially Judith - knew that the boy was still an integral part of their family, even though he wasn't here anymore.

She hesitated, when she was pregnant and deciding on where to put RJ's crib, to finally move the boxes and bins full of Carl's things. But it brought her a kind of comfort, filling the room with new life, and she knew deep in her heart that Carl would approve completely.

So she'd moved it. And it had healed her bit by bit, watching her youngest son grow up where his older brother had been represented.

She hopes that it will bring Rick the same sense of healing and comfort.

But as she goes to lead him there, he doesn't follow. When she looks back at him, she can't read the expression on his face.

"Don't you want to see it?" she asks, her brow furrowing.

"Maybe - " Rick starts, taking a step back and dropping his gaze to the floor. He brings one of his hands up to his face and scratches across his forehead with his thumb. "Maybe I should meet him first."

His answer surprises her, wholly and genuinely, more than anything else he has said since she found him again. If there was one thing sure in her mind, it was that Rick would be more than impatient to see his children again. To meet his son. To know everything he could about RJ - every detail, no matter how minute or mundane.

But after his tears when she first told Rick of RJ's existence, and his trepidation now, dread begins to gather in the pit of her stomach. She buries it the best she can, and moves on.

Their room is the only one left. She starts towards it, and is relieved when she hears the groan of the floorboards behind her as he follows. She enters and goes to stand at the foot of the bed, before turning around and looking at him.

He still stands in the doorway, shifting back and forth on his feet but otherwise staying in place. She almost says something, almost reaches out her arm to beckon him inside, but she stops herself. They must do this at his pace.

So she waits for him. She waits for him, and she reminds herself that she will always wait for him, no matter the situation, and no matter how much it confuses her.

After a moment, Rick closes his eyes and takes three deep breaths. Then, he steps over the threshold.

They don't speak, just as they didn't when he first entered the house. She simply observes as he walks around the room, inspecting windows and walls and nightstands.

It's when he opens the door to the closet that she hears his voice for the first time since he came into the bedroom.

"All my stuff is still here," he mumbles.

She guesses that he's only talking to himself again, so she doesn't respond. But then he turns to her, his head tilted to the side as he peers at her curiously.

"All my stuff is still here," he repeats, and she can tell he's surprised by the fact.

"It is," she answers, and she reaches over idly to the dresser, pulling open the second drawer from the top and reaching in to run her fingers over his socks.

"Why is it still here?" he asks, so entirely surprised that she almost cries.

"It's yours," she tells him plainly, because the answers she's about to give are obvious, at least in her eyes. "I didn't want it to belong to anyone else. And I missed you. I didn't want to lose you. Especially in here."

It's the same reason they left Carl's room untouched for such a long time, she wants to tell him. But she doesn't want to bring up the odd moment in the hall again, so instead she takes a step towards him, and brings her hand up to touch him, placing her fingers on the front of his shirt and playing with the buttons there.

"I just...I missed you."

She can feel the telltale pressure of tears behind her eyes, and she tries to steady herself, tries to swallow them down.

"I missed you so much," she says, her voice breaking.

And despite her efforts, a tear falls from the corner of her eye and down her cheek. She goes to pull away from him - she doesn't want to confound his feelings by burdening him with her own - but before she can, he grabs onto the hand resting on the front of his shirt.

A shock runs through her. It's one of only a handful of times he's initiated touch with her since she's got him back. She turns to him once more, her eyes wide and shining, still full of unshed tears. He brings his hand up to cup her cheek, and his thumb rubs at the moisture staining her skin.

"I missed you," he murmurs, and he takes a step closer to her as he stares down at her like she's the only thing in the universe that exists in this moment.

She wants to kiss him.

She wants to lean up and kiss him, to lose herself in the movements of his lips and tongue, to lace her fingers through his curly hair, to feel every plane of his body pressed against hers for the first time in almost seven years. She's afraid, though - afraid that she'll startle him, that he'll pull away, that he'll not want her as much as she wants him.

But then, she sees his blue eyes dart towards her lips for the tiniest second, and she lets it decide her.

She closes her eyes and nearly throws herself at him in her eagerness, but her lips don't get the chance to even brush against his before he steps back. Her eyes pop open with a start, but she can't halt her momentum in time, and stumbles into him, knocking him back against the wall beside the closet.

She jumps back as soon as she can gather herself. They stare at each other, Rick's back still against the wall, his hands at his sides and palms turned up in a helpless gesture.

She brings her hand up to cover her mouth, and she can feel her skin heat up and eyes begin to sting with more tears. She doesn't think she's ever been more mortified.

She doesn't think she's ever been this scared.

"Michonne," Rick breathes.

"I'm so sorry," she whispers, and then rushes into the bathroom and locks the door behind her.

She can't hold back her tears once she's alone, and they run down her face in torrents as she leans against the sink. She turns on the water quickly to try and drown out the sound of her sobs. Then, she lifts her head, and looks into the mirror.

She lets out a short, barking laugh through her cries as she stares at her reflection. She looks decidedly miserable - eyes red and puffy with bags underneath them, hair mussed, skin glistening with tears, clothes disheveled. She laughs once more, then sobs again, and slowly lowers herself onto the floor. Once seated, she pulls her knees up to her chest and rests her forehead on them.

A knock at the door makes her jump. She looks towards it, but makes no move to answer.

"Michonne?"

His voice is muffled by the door and by the sound of the water still rushing from the spout in the sink, but she hears it still.

"'Chonne, I'm sorry."

His words only make more of her tears fall, and she turns back into herself, resting her head on her knees again.

"I'm sorry," she hears. He sounds defeated.

And she's so scared.

***

Coming home is hard.

It's emotional and physical labor, and it takes its toll on her. She doesn't eat enough, she goes to bed exhausted and wakes up even more tired. She cries most days, in hidden corners where no one will see or notice her.

After the incident in their bedroom, he retreats inside himself. He stops telling her anything about his time away from her; he stops talking to her at all, save for necessary sentences and tiny asides here and there. He sleeps on the couch, rather than in their bed. He stops touching her at all. He stops being him to the point that it feels like he's gone again, even though he's right there beside her.

It saddens her endlessly. It frustrates her. And she feels like it's all her fault, because she was the idiot who couldn't control herself or her emotions, who had to try to kiss him and then proceeded to have a breakdown in front of him, to the point that he had to threaten to go get Judith to coax her out of hiding.

But above all, it scares her. It scares her into thinking that she'll never be able to find him - to bring him out of all the hurt and pain that's been heaped upon him. She's afraid he's not him anymore, that the Rick she loves died years ago at the community where he was held hostage, in some dark, dank room like the one in which she found him.

She's afraid, and she's never felt more alone. Before she knows it, she's retreated inside herself as well. She stops trying to pull him out. She quits asking prying questions to try and get him to speak, she doesn't reach for him anymore. She lets him be, and the two of them dance around each other like complete strangers forced to live in the same house.

They try to act normally around the kids. He tries, and she gives him credit for that, because she can see how hard it is for him. Especially when RJ shirks away from Rick the first time the two meet, looking up at his mother with nervous eyes as he's confronted with the strange man in front of him. Even after she and Judith explain that this is his dad - the brave man they told him about in all of their stories - RJ is still suspicious, and clings to Michonne's leg when Rick reaches out. Judith does better, hugging him without hesitation and welcoming him back into their little family unit, but Michonne can see the apprehension in her eyes when she takes in his frailness, his bruises and scars, his skittishness.

They try to act normally, but neither Rick nor Michonne can succeed entirely. RJ is young enough that he's mostly oblivious to anything other than his uneasiness around this new person, but it has no chance of getting past Judith. Her daughter asks her as much one afternoon when they're out practicing with their katanas, questions why her mother and father are acting so "weird" around each other.

"He's home now. Shouldn't you guys be happy?" she asks innocently.

Michonne smiles sadly at the girl, a deep, shaky breath leaving her lungs as she forces herself not to cry.

"Sometimes, things aren't quite that simple."

She wishes they were. God, she wishes they were.

But they're not. They're not simple, and they're not easy.

It's hard. Coming home is hard.

It isn't what everyone makes it out to be. All happy and smiley. Frantic kisses that taste like happy tears, embraces that still have the shape of the other's body memorized. Parties and parades. Sweetness and sex and safety. Reunions and romance. Joy. So much joy.

Coming home is hard.

It's not knowing what to say to the person she used to tell everything to. It's hearing him lock himself in the downstairs bathroom every night after the kids go to bed like clockwork and cry for hours on end, and not making any move to comfort him because she doesn't know if that would make it worse or if he even wants her to. It's looking into his eyes - eyes she used to know so well - and finding them dull and bloodshot and empty. It's looking at the man who was the other half of her soul and wondering if she knows him anymore. It's the fear that she'll never know him again.

Coming home is hard. And time passes, with nothing.

A/N: Sorry for all the angst :/  I hope you liked it anyways.

Like I said, I hope to be out with the next update much sooner than I was with this one.

xoxo, Rebekah

[straightouttaneptune]

Hey I’m the one who requested the imagine earlier, I think it would be cooler without the love triangle tbh, thank you so much

Have you ever seen the rain? - Request

Pairing: Carl Grimes x Reader

Warning: Fluufff, Angst, Character Death, all in one. The author went kinda overboard.

A/N: Awesome!! Thank you so much for your request, love!! I hope this fits what you were imagining :)

Someone told me long ago

There’s a calm before the storm

I know it’s been comin’ for some time

Negan and the Saviors had permanently been defeated. Despite the fact that you disagreed with Rick on Negan’s fate, you eventually had to force yourself to accept it. That Carl would’ve wanted this.

You were just about to clear out some of your things when your ears caught the melody of this all too familiar song. You didn’t know where it was coming from, or why, but before you could contemplate about such things, it took you back months ago, into your old memories with him.

When it’s over so they say

It’ll rain a sunny day

I know shinin’ down like water

“Psst, Y/N.” From the small window in the cell block, you could tell that it was still very much nighttime when you heard a knock on your cell bars.

“What’s up, Sheriff?” You stood up from your bed to see Carl standing there in the moonlight with what seems to be a flashlight in hand. 

“I found something I want you to see.” His eyes twinkled in excitement, grasping your wrist and pulling you out of your cell. 

You and Carl stealthily snuck out of Block C, letting out a chuckle of relief once the steel doors were closed. 

“Okay, come on. This way.” Carl soon led you to the back of block C, where you found a ladder connected to its wall. 

“Are we gonna climb this thing?” You said, adrenaline coursing through your body.

“You know it.“ 

You pushed yourself up the last step, and you were mesmerized by the scene that you laid your eyes upon. Stars were glowing in every corner of the sky. You’ve never seen anything like it.

You never noticed since you didn’t have much time to go outside during the night and gaze up at the stars. Not this properly, anyways.

"It’s pretty cool, huh?” Carl said from behind you, looking up at the stars as well.

The two of you made yourselves comfortable on the concrete, laying on your backs to gaze up at the night sky.

You laid next to him, talking about the deepest things to all the nonsense. As cliché as this sounded, you and Carl eventually fell asleep under the stars, huddled up together.

I want to know

Have you ever seen the rain?

I want to know

Have you ever seen the rain

Comin’ down on a sunny day?

You couldn’t believe your eyes when Carl walked into the boxcar the Terminus people forced people in.

“Carl?” After checking multiple times, you called out softly.

You watched as the boy whipped his head back, eyes widening as a plate as soon as he saw you.

“Y/N.” He was soon at your side, embracing you tightly. You didn’t respond first, too shocked to react to his hug.

“Oh my god…” Tears of joy spilled out of your eyes, your arms wrapping around his torso. 

“I thought you were-”

“Me too." 

You pressed your forehead against his, easing your ragged breathing. Despite others being in the car with you two, you couldn’t care. Carl was alive, you were alive, and that’s what mattered.

"I’m never leaving you again.” Carl loosened his grip, pulling away to face you. You stared into his eyes, wiping away a stray tear that fell from his eyes.

“Neither will I.”

Yesterday, and days before,

Sun is cold and rain is hard,

I know

Been that way for all my time.

The two teens went over the walls of Alexandria yet again for whatever reason that lured them out there. After walking in a random direction to a random destination, they reached a quiet lake in the middle of the forest.

“I didn’t know there was a lake here.” You placed your hands on your hips, stretching out your back.

“Neither did I.” Carl chuckled, gazing over the somewhat clear water. Your mind went over his response for a second, before realizing that you didn’t know your way back to Alexandria.

“Wait, what? Do you know how to get back home? Oh my god, we’re lost. What’re we gonna-“ You were suddenly cut off from your ravings when Carl pressed his lips on yours to shut you up.

“Mm, let’s just enjoy this moment of privacy.” He smirked, clearly enjoying your reaction.

You scoffed to try looking unbothered, but he definitely noticed the rose pink blush spreading across your face.

“Okay, stupid.” You grinned at him playfully, but he seemed to be in his own world, his steel blue eye burning into you. You cocked your head to try to figure out what he was doing.

“You’re so beautiful,” Carl whispered, charmed and captivated with the way the soft sunlight shone down on your face.

“Thanks.” You looked up at him through your lashes, poking his sheriff hat upwards. “I love you.” Their voices lapped over one another’s, both of them blurting out the words at the same time.

‘Til forever, on it goes

Through the circle, fast and slow,

I know

It can’t stop, I wonder.

“Judy, say cheese!” You aimed the Polaroid camera at little Judith, who seemed to find your room quite interesting.

You were in charge of watching her the whole afternoon, and you were more than glad to. Little Judy always made you smile on the rainiest of days. She held one of your winter gloves in her little hands, playing around with it on your bed.

Things were well for a good 30 minutes before Judith started missing her brother and father. She started wailing even though her diapers were clean and had lunch not so long ago.

You contemplated what to do for a minute, not educated on how to take care of a crying baby when everything was fine. So you only had one option left that you could think of. You hesitantly picked her up from your bed, cradling her in your arms and swaying rhythmically.

“Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, Lavender’s green

When you are king, dilly dilly, I shall be queen”

You rocked Judith side to side, recalling faint memories of your mother singing this lullaby to you. Judith slowly started to calm, and she eventually rested her head on your shoulder.

“You have a beautiful voice.” You turned your head to the door, where you saw Carl standing at the doorway.

“Thanks, Sheriff.” A soft smile formed on your lips from his compliment.

“How’s Judith been?” He walked over to you and Judith, placing a peck on your forehead before petting Judith’s head.

“You guys are like a little family, huh?” Michonne was standing in the doorway now, with Rick smiling warmly beside her. You and Carl laughed it off then but later had a conversation that went like so.

“You think we could ever have a family someday?” You looked into Carl’s eyes to search for a hint of what he was thinking, still holding Judith in your arms.

“Yeah. I do.”

I want to know

Have you ever seen the rain?

I want to know

Have you ever seen the rain

Comin’ down on a sunny day?

You went out to the gates of Hilltop, seeing the Alexandrian survivors enter through the gates.

They were missing someone. Carl.

You felt like you’ve been hit by an equator at maximum speed. Like a walker was tearing you apart, flesh and bone. Tears sprung out of your eyes, incoherent words of despair turning into heart-tearing cries. Your legs betrayed you, slumping you down onto the ground. It couldn’t be true. Every moment you’ve had with Carl flashed through your mind. Maggie quickly came to comfort you, and you clung onto her like you were drowning and she was the only thing keeping you afloat.

Your heart had been stabbed, torn apart, shot and scratched in the past. From losing so many people close to you. But this was the final straw, Carl’s death shattered your fragile heart into pieces. Tears continued to flow out, and you couldn’t stand. You couldn’t talk. You couldn’t comprehend that he was gone. He was right there with you. Talking about a future. A version where this horrible story could go right. You don’t remember how long you’ve stayed on that ground, crying into Maggie’s shoulder.

I want to know

Have you ever seen the rain?

I want to know

Have you ever seen the rain

Comin’ down on a sunny day?

You traced your finger over the Polaroid picture of you, Carl and Judith. You try not to think about the ‘what could’ve been’. It was just too painful to think about. After the grief, after the pain, right here right now, you look out the window and all you feel is hope.

Carl, how do you like the new world?

[cxgan]

Blizzard (Like This)

SHIP: Cegan [Carl/Negan]

SUMMARY: S9 finale fix-it. Carl never died, Rick never got lost. Carl is stuck at Alexandria watching his siblings during the storm. Carl and Negan talk while everyone sleeps. 

WARNINGS: mild language, angst, fluff

W/C: 1,962

A/N: Idk where this came from because I haven’t had muse in awhile. Honestly this just started because I wanted a big old spoon chain with my babies. And of course wanted Carl alive, duh. THE FINALE WE DESERVED. Please let me know what you think. Comments > just likes and reblogs.

They had never had a blizzard like this. 

Sometimes it snowed, sure. An inch or two here or there during the winter months. But aside from bundling up and having a few more fires, there wasn't much else they needed to do. Maybe the climate was finally changing after all of these years without society barreling down on the world. Maybe they were due for another ice age. Whatever it was, Carl didn't like it. He especially didn't like it knowing that his dad and Michonne weren't home during it. That they were out helping the Kingdom get to Hilltop after the community had finally crumbled. It wasn't that he didn't care for them - of course he did - but being out in this bad of a storm wasnt a good idea for even the most hardened of warriors. 

And here he was. Stuck in the council hall doing nothing but trying to keep warm and watch over his siblings. He felt so... useless. Felt like he needed to get out there and do something. 

"Don't be a dumb ass, you know they're alright." A voice broke him from his thoughts and he looked up. Negan, sitting on the floor with his back pressed into a cot. Looking far too casual for how cold it was. 

"I'm not worried," he snapped from where he was sitting on a large mattress. 

"Yeah, 'n I'm Princess Diana," the former savior said with a snort, rubbing at his wrists where he had been handcuffed moments before. Carl had taken them off the second everyone else had fallen asleep. He wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to be around the love of his life when he wasn't behind bars (did he really just think love of his life? Gross.). Negan reached out with his foot and kicked at Carl's own boot, receiving a one eyed glare in return. "Seriously, they ain't stupid enough to stay out in this hell," he gestured to everything around them. "Yer pops probably chucked them all into some smelly ass old barn for the night. They'll be fine."

"I said I'm not worried," Carl snapped again. When Negan gave him a look he rolled his eye. "Whatever," he retorted before pulling his coat around himself further and resisting the urge to shiver. They had the fire, yeah, but it was still chilly. 

"Cold?" Negan asked.

"No, I'm warmer than I've ever been. Feel like I'm on a beach or something," he snarked, voice dripping with sarcasm. 

The older male simply chuckled at him. Carl didn't look over at him, but he heard him shift. "C'mere," he muttered. 

Carl looked up, surveyed the room around them. Everyone else had fallen asleep at least an hour ago. No one was really keeping watch with the storm going on outside. Only him and Negan were awake. He almost moved, shifted ever so slightly, but a warm, gloved hand that was pushed into his thigh almost slid off and he caught it right before it did. Half of RJ's body was pressed into his back, and Judith's hand (arms wrapped around her little brother) was resting on his thigh. He shook his head. "I can't leave them."

"Well then I'll come to you. That mattress looks a little warmer than this piece of shit," he gestured backwards to the cot. 

"You're sitting on the floor."

"Case in point, smart ass. Now go lay down while I make myself pretty." He watched the man move and stand up and Carl snorted, shaking his head as he himself stood up. He watched Negan for a moment, stand and flex his shoulders, stretch his arms. It probably felt good not to be confined to a tiny room with a shitty cot. His chest ached a bit at the fact that it had been almost eight years and the man was still locked behind bars. If only he had the balls to tell his dad how he really felt about the man things would be better. (Deep down, he knew his dad would be at least okay with it. He had to have caught on by now just how much time Carl spent with the prisoner, how much he did for him. Maybe they were both just hiding the truth from fear of losing one another. But Carl knew he'd never lose his dad.)

Negan caught him staring and lifted an eyebrow at him with a cocky smirk, causing Carl to shoot him an icy glare before turning around. He saw RJ shiver from loss of body contact and quickly moved to tuck the blankets on him up closer to his chin. He shifted Judith's hands to nestle further around the youngest boy and moved to the other side of the mattress. Well. Mattresses. It was a couple of them shoved together. 

He debated taking his boots off for comfort but decided to leave them on, figuring that was one of the main things keeping him warm. So he quickly lifted the thick wool blankets up and slid underneath them behind his sister. He stayed on his back while he got warm, not wanting to suck up against the young girl's back and leech off her body heat for his own benefit. 

He closed his eyes and let himself relax for a moment. Negan was right, as insufferable as his reminders were sometimes. His dad and Michonne were probably fine. They had survived this long; they knew what to do. He just needed to relax and take a few deep breaths. 

He was exhausted, after all. Spending the day wrangling a restless and cooped up RJ, making dinner, figuring out what the rest of them were going to do both during and after the storm. At least Judith was mature enough now to just sit in a corner and do homework while the rest of them worked. And he had to admit, her constant quips at Negan all day had been hilarious to witness. He heard the man mutter at one point that he hoped RJ left him alone when he got older, because 'two annoying Grimes children were enough to deal with on a daily basis'. Carl was proud. 

He felt movement to his left and opened his eye to see Negan spreading out his own coat on top of Judith and RJ. He bit his lip. "You don't..."

"Shut up, kid. They need it more than I do. And now I gotta hot little body to keep me warm all night, don't I?" he punctuated his words with a wink and Carl scoffed. 

"We're not doing anything next to my siblings, pervert. Now get under here before you freeze to death." He held the blankets up and Negan didn't have to be told twice, dipping down and scooting onto the mattress next to Carl. The boy turned on his side to face him, immediately wrapping his arm around his torso. Even with his other jacket and the stupid dark blue jumpsuit he was cold to the touch. He gazed up at the man, silhouetted by the fire in the dark. He had pulled on a beanie at some point in the last few minutes. 

"Why is it always about sex with you? Can't a man just wanna get his cuddle on and still appreciate the body he's cuddlin' with?" Negan quipped. 

"Always about sex? With me? You fuckin..." It took the man's low timbre of a laugh near his head to realize he was joking. Carl slugged him in the chest. "You're a dick," he muttered, sighing and laying his head on the man's shoulder. 

Negan finished his laugh and pressed a long kiss to Carl's forehead. "That's me." He stretched out and sighed, his body clearly not used to being on cushion. "Damn, you know how long it's been since I've been in a bed? Since we've..."

"Yeah," Carl muttered and cut him off, closing his eyes. It had been a very, very long time. Ages ago. He didn't want to think about that. Didn't want to think about just how long Negan had gone without normal human amenities during his sentence. Didn't want to think about how he hadn't begged Carl even once to try and convince his dad to let him out. Didn't try and get him to use their relationship for his own benefit. It just made Carl feel like an ass.

"Last time we were in a bed, yer dad slit my throat the next day. How fucked is that?" he said with a huff of laughter. Carl half-assed smacked him again. 

"Shut up. Don't you ever sleep? Just let me enjoy this."

"Alright, alright. Sorry, Sleeping Beauty." Another long kiss pressed to his forehead and Carl sighed in contentment. It had been a long time since they had been this close to each other. It felt almost wrong, despite the fact they had 'been together' for so long. Only inches apart by those fucking bars but god, sometimes it felt like miles. It felt good to be this close to him again.

Of course the man didn't actually shut up. "I know my dick was in yer mouth like, two days ago. But it feels weird holdin' you like this." And of course the man read his mind again like he always seemed to do. 

"It does," he agreed. He opened his eye and shifted upwards in the mans arms. Sighing, he pressed his forehead into the side of the man's head. "I'm gonna get you out of there for good soon." It was a statement. He was going to figure it out.  

"Don't worry about it, sugar. Got all I need down there. Bed, books, food. Judy visits, I got you - " 

"I'm serious."

For once, Negan didn't say anything. Didn't keep prattling on about how great his life was behind bars because they both knew he only ever did it to try and make Carl feel better. But Carl also hadn't ever made any sort of pledge to try and get him out before. Let alone soon. So instead of saying something, he heard the man swallow and then move to catch his lips in his own. It caught Carl off guard but he kissed him back with no less fury, only pulling back when it started to get a little too deep. 

Nothing else was said and Carl sighed, beat from the day, and slid back down to his normal height next to the man. Only instead of staying facing him he turned around. Thankfully Negan took the hint and turned with him until his back was flush up against the older man's chest, arms wrapped around the boy. Carl kept one hand clutched around the arms around him and scooted forward so Judith's back was to his chest, the fibers of her beanie tickling at his nose. 

"I love you, Carl." It wasn't something they said very often, which was odd considering how much Carl's family said it to each other. Maybe him and Negan were afraid of it, because whenever they did say it it was usually whispered in the dark in the middle of the night. And it was typically Carl that said it first. So Negan's soft admission caught him a bit off guard and he stared ahead of their little spooning chain, squeezing the former saviors hand a little tighter and biting his lip. 

"I love you too, idiot. Now go to sleep before I punch you there," he whispered, fearful anything louder would wake his incredibly light sleeper sister awake. 

Negan's chuckle rumbled against his back as the man buried his face into Carl's hair. "Whatever you want, baby boy."

He'd talk to his dad the second he got back. It was time.

[therichonnewritingnetwork]

written by: thefandomrandom | @thefandomrandom18

read more of thefandomrandom’s works on FF.net

“Your world just got a whole lot bigger.”

The group exchanged looks of both excitement and concern. The momentary awe at catching two of their leaders in a compromising situation had worn off. Michonne was too busy trying not to make eye contact with Carl to truly grasp the weight of Jesus’ statement.

“Well sounds like we have a trip to make,” Rick declared and she exhaled in both relief and frustration. There was never a dull moment. She didn’t even have time to fully process what happened between them last night before they were thrust into something else.

Carl lingered at the table as Rick stood up eyeing her without being too obvious. Sensing the atmosphere he smirked at the two of them and walked off. Michonne raised her eyes to the heavens thanking a God she wasn’t quite sure she believed in. Voices murmured all around them, Maggie asking Glenn and Abraham’s opinion, Jesus on the porch talking to a distrusting Darryl, and Judith’s baby babble fresh from waking up. But before they headed out, she wanted to mention something to Rick before she forgot.

“Hey can I talk to you for a second?”

Rick’s lips turned up in a lazy smile. “Sure.”

Without a word, she walked to her bedroom and shut the door behind them. When she turned around, Rick’s gaze was on her chest. Her braless chest. 

“Can you focus?” she asked partially annoyed, partially amused. This was the first time they were alone in each other’s company after fucking each other ten ways from Sunday just a few hours before. It was weird going back to the status quo after they had been so intimate.

Rick cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck, trying to stop paying attention to her pert nipples visible in her thin shirt. “What’s up?”

“It’s about Carl.”

“What about him?” Rick asked, all trace of humor gone at the mention of his son.

“Yesterday he was wandering around the woods with Enid.”

Rolling his eyes, he blew out a breath in frustration. “I’ve talked to him about that. I had a feelin she was escapin outside the walls but didn’t know he was followin her.”

Michonne nodded in agreement, folding her arms. “Yeah. I’m worried about it. Anything could happen out there especially after that last herd.”

He wiped the sleep from his eyes, rolling the exhaustion out of his shoulders. The exertion from last night was starting to creep in on his aching muscles. “I’ll talk to him. I can’t have him doin that. Not right now while everything’s so unstable. Thanks for letting me know.”

Rick stalled for a second, swallowing back some of the sexual tension in the room. He gave a slow perusal of her body, one that she noticed him give her before, but this time it was much different. He’d seen every inch of her perfect body, knew what she felt like inside, how she tasted. He shook his head to rid himself of the errant thoughts. Handling Carl was the priority right now. “Let me talk to him before we leave, maybe give him a few extra shifts working around here. I have to tell him about us anyway. May as well kill two birds with one stone.”

“Wait,” she said, putting her hand on his forearm to stop him. “I already handled it. I talked to him last night.”

Amused, Rick lifted his eyebrow, imagining what that talk was like. “You handled it?”

“Yeah. I told him it was dangerous and he didn’t need to do it again.” She purposely left out the part about him considering her family and telling her he loved her. Now that her and his dad had taken the next step, she didn’t know how Rick would take it.

“Ok,” he relented. “You handled it.”

Michonne tilted her head, eyeing him speculatively. “Why do you say it like that?”

He waved her off. “It’s nuthin’”

“Well if it’s nuthin then tell me.”

Rick smiled. “You know how the two of you are. I think he respects and listens to you but I think you probably let him off a little easy.”

She really wanted to be annoyed at the suggestion that she wasn’t much of a disciplinarian but Rick’s obvious teasing tone made it hard. “It was a very stern talk. What else am I going to do? Send him to his room with no TV or Video games. We’re pretty limited with options. Plus, I am not easy on him thank you very much.”

“So after your very stern talk,” he said mocking her, “Did you share a Big Kat with him?”

Michonne’s face dropped for a second but she quickly recovered. How the hell did he know? There was one lone candy bar Carl had been hoarding that she was reluctant to eat due to the shortage of toothpaste and her intense attention to dental needs. However, hunger won that batter. Her and Carl has sat on the porch and watched the stars with Judith for a little while…and shared the Big Kat.

Rick grinned. “I knew it.”

She scoffed and he kissed her, his heart full knowing how much of a soft spot she had for his son. “I appreciate you talking to him and I won’t go behind you and say nothin but you have to admit you’re a little biased.”

Michonne kissed his nose, her heart still trying to catch up with the sudden shift in their relationship. “I think you’re just jealous that you’re not my favorite Grimes.”

There was no denying that. Carl had captured her heart first and in turn showed him the way. “I’ve always known that and I’m fine with it. I’ll settle for second.”

With his lips pressed to hers, her eyebrows lifted in question. He pulled back, sucking his teeth in faux disgust. “Damn I’m not even second?”

“Well kinda. Carl and Judy are tied for first so I guess that makes you second.”

His back was against the door and he pulled her into him. “I’ll take it.”

She kissed him, planning to make it chaste but Rick quickly got carried away. Forgetting everything that was going on around them, he savored her plush lips and satin skin.

A knock on the door startled them both.

“C’mon guys lets hit the road,” Abraham called out and then promptly shuffled away.

Michonne let out a heavy sigh. “Back to it.”

“I guess so. Just for the record, from now on I’ll take on bad cop with the kids. They’ve got you too wrapped around their fingers.”

She slapped his arm. “They do not. It’s about balance.”

“Well there’s always one parent that has to be bad cop. You’ll be good cop. It’s fine,” he declared nonchalantly, placing a quick kiss on her lips. Before she could respond he was gone.

A parent.

He called her a parent.

Their parent.

For a moment she stood in shock not believing the last 12 hours of her life. Everything changed in a blink of an eye in this new world.

And it soon would again. 

Interested in writing a Richonne Headcanon? Click here {x} for more information on how to get involved. 

[askdarus]

A New Beginning, Episode #001: “Trust” - When a new group of survivors are found by Paul’s group, it’s up for debate on them joining their communities.

Some dialogue taken from Issue 127.

“Do you hear that?”

Paul looked over at his companion who asked him the question. Aside from the occasional casual words exchanged, nothing serious had went on during this patrol.

He was out of the Hilltop for the first time this week with his run companions, Aaron, Enid, and Tara. They were in their newest armor (made by his sister, Violette, from some old biking gear) and on their regular horses from the Hilltop.

“What?” Enid whispered.

Aaron held his hand up, quieting her instantly. He was the lead on this run and he was definitely good at it. Paul always thought that about Aaron...the he was a good leader and a nice guy at the same time.

He heard yelling and cursing loudly, along with the sound of a high number of walkers.

“Another heard,” Tara groaned, already taking out her gun.

“I hear people,” Paul said quietly, taking out his sword, courtesy of their blacksmith, Earl, “Survivors. We need to get them somewhere safe.”

“We’ll see,” Aaron said simply, “C’mon!” he called, already taking off on his horse.

They followed quickly and Paul blinked in show at how many walkers there were. Sure, he’d seen plenty in the past...he’d been in both California and New York since the outbreak and there were tons of people there. But there were so many, surrounding what looked like a group of four or five...he couldn’t tell in the mass amount of bodies that were around.

“Enid, lead them off, make enough noise that you can get them moving but keep your distance! Paul, you assist! Tara, you come with me, we’ll get any stragglers and defend the survivors!” Aaron called over the sounds.

Paul would like to say that he could follow orders...but he was getting sick and tired of Aaron Raleigh treating him like he was made of glass on runs. He knew he was capable of more than him (probably) physically.

Paul also knew Daryl had told Aaron to keep an eye on him during their patrols.

Paul also knew that he couldn’t follow orders well.

Things were going well, the heard was moving in the direction they needed it to…

Until he saw Aaron and Tara were getting overwhelmed. The walkers that weren’t paying attention to Enid were getting too close to the survivors.

Paul practically flipped off of his horse, running over to them and taking out his sword, slicing through the walkers like Michonne had taught him.

“Who are you?!” a woman with brown hair breathed out.

“Time for that later!” Paul said quickly, “On your feet, move!” he yelled, helping her onto his horse.

Enid ran over and did the same with another survivor and Aaron cursed, leading Tara to to the same, one of them having to cram two of them onto their horse.

“Jesus, fucking hell!” Aaron yelled at him as they went, their horses running as fast as they could.

“You were getting overrun!” he defended himself before glancing at the woman behind him on their horse, “Hi, my name’s Jesus, what’s yours?”

“Magna,” the woman breathed out, obviously shocked.

“Alexandria, this is Paul Rovia,” Paul said over the walkie as they got closer, “I’m going to need Rick Grimes at the gate, we have survivors. I-” he stopped when he saw movement in the forest, “Just a moment,” he said over the radio.

“Paul, what are you doing?” Aaron demanded instantly when he started to get off his horse.

“I’ll just be a minute,” Paul said, walking towards the edge of the woods slowly. He got closer to the bush slowly, pushing it back.

“Hi, Jesus!” Judith Grimes chirped at him.

Paul sighed, crossing his arms, “Let’s go, Judy. March,” he pointed to the horse.

“Seriously?” Tara demanded, “Judy, what the fuck?”

“Don’t say fuck to kids, Tara,” Aaron sighed.

“Got a straggler,” Paul said over the radio, “Named Judith Grimes,” he said, helping her onto his horse.

When they arrived at Alexandria, Paul took the radio again from his belt, switching the channels, “Paul Rovia to Hilltop.”

“Paul?” the voice of Maggie Rhee answered, “What’s wrong? How’s the run? Everything okay?”

Paul laughed weakly, “Yes, everything is fine. Calm down. We’re making a stop at Alexandria, we picked up some new survivors. We just wanted to let you know we’ll be late. Can you let Daryl know not to wait up for me?”

“Will do,” Maggie told him, “Be safe.”

“Always am,” Paul said, hanging up.

“I’m Rick Grimes,” the man in front of them said, sitting at a table in their newly constructed meeting hall, “Welcome to Alexandria.”

“Uh…” the woman named Magna said, “Hello, I’m...this is somewhat intimidating. I’m Magna.”

“I promise, Rick doesn’t bite,” Paul laughed weakly, looking over at the other man, “Much.”

“Sorry if I don’t stand up,” Rick said, reaching his hand across the table, “I have some nerve damage, it gave me a bum leg, and I’ve been in meetings most of the day. Standing up isn’t going to really give you the best impression of my physical capabilities,” he laughed, “Who do you have with you here?”

“This is Kelly, speak a little louder to her, she has a little hearing damage,” Magna said.

“Nice to meet you,” Kelly told him, nodding.

“This is Luke.”

“Cool place you’ve got here…”

“This is Connie. Kelly translates for her in ASL, but she can also read lips pretty well. Don’t worry if she stares at your mouth when you’re talking.”

Connie signed something and Kelly translated for her.

“She says it’s nice to meet you,” Kelly told Rick.

“Yumiko will kick you in the balls if you ask her if she knows Kung Fu,” Magna said with a fond smile.

“I don’t...and I will,” Yumiko said, crossing her arms, “But otherwise, I’m nice.”

“So, Magna, I take it you’re the leader of this group,” Rick smiled at them.

“Leader?” Magna asked with wide eyes, “Oh, no, we don’t have a-”

“She’s the leader,” Luke interrupted quickly.

“What?” Magna hissed, “We’re a team!”

“A team with a strong leader,” Luke smirked, “You kept us alive, Mags.”

“Sorry, I...never really thought about it,” Magna said, giving Rick an embarrassed smile, “Do you consider yourself the leader here?”

“I was a little uncomfortable with the title for a long time, I understand how you feel. There’s no getting around it after a while. I accept the title and all that comes with it...even the meetings,” Rick chuckled, “I’m the leader here, yes.”

“What happens now?” Magna whispered.

“Well, Jesus and Aaron already cleared you,” Rick told her, “They’re good at their jobs...and find people who should be invited into our communities, “We trust their team, so we trust you,” he explained, “We do take weapons for the first few weeks and put them in safe hands. If you need them before then, you’ll get them...you’ll also get them back in a few weeks after we’re sure we can trust you.”

“So you don’t trust us completely, do you?” Magna asked, narrowing her eyes.

“We can never be too careful. Almost all our communities have children in them, I’m sure you can understand,” Rick explained, “It’s non-negotiable, I’m sorry. If it’s a big problem, you’re free to leave.”

Magna looked to her team, before back to Rick, “We want to stay.”

“Well then,” Rick said, “Right now our community is at capacity and the Kingdom is falling apart right now. If you really like Alexandria, you’re welcome come back after the winter. We’re working on expanding. I’m going to have Jesus take you to the Hilltop, if you want.”

Paul smiled at them, a friendly smile, “Aaron and Enid will be coming back with me. We’re going to have to take a carriage, so you won’t have to carry your things all the way there.”

“That would be nice, thank you,” Magna smiled.

“I’ll get you checked in with everyone before we go,” Paul told them as they started to walk out, “We’ll get ready to leave-”

“Jesus?”

“Yeah?” Paul asked, looking back at Rick.

“Let’s talk, before you leave,” Rick told him, giving him a look, before looking at Judith, who was trying to sneak out of the room, “You two, missy.”

The child rolled her eyes and groaned, sitting at one of the tables.

“Wait outside,” Paul told them, “It’ll be fine, I promise.”

The small group walked out and Paul closed the door, before walking over to Rick, standing beside him.

“Judy…” Rick trailed off.

“I was just doin’ patrol!” Judith said immediately.

“No, you snuck out,” Paul rolled his eyes.

“Jesus, you’re never here, don’t talk about stuff you don’t know about,” Judith pointed at him, sounding way older than she actually was.

Paul raised an eyebrow and looked at Rick.

“Judith, be nice to Paul,” Rick told her, “You’re lucky he found you and not a walker.”

“I coulda taken care of it,” Judith grumbled, crossing her arms.

“Early bedtime tonight,” Rick told her, “And you need to go straight home and do your schoolwork, not playin’ around.”

Judith huffed and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

“Sorry about her,” Rick told him, “She don’t mean nothin’ by it.”

Paul shrugged, “I mean, she’s right. Daryl and I...we don’t come around as much as we should.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Rick stood up, wincing slightly. He put his hand on his shoulder, “Keep an eye on them. They seem trustworthy, but still…”

“I know,” Paul told him with a nod before going to walk out.

“And Jesus?” Rick asked right before he walked out the door.

“Yeah?” Paul asked again.

“Next time you’re on a run with Aaron as lead, try to listen to him. He just worries,” Rick explained with a smile.

Paul rolled his eyes and walked out, “Sure,” he called, closing it behind him.

Paul sat on the steps of one of the building, watching as the workers got the carriage ready on the back of two horses, along with some extra supplies for the Hilltop.

Paul watched the steps down to Negan’s cell, despite knowing nothing was coming out of there.

Paul groaned when he saw Aaron walking towards him, “Yes, dear?” he asked sarcastically.

“Fight, fight, fight,” Paul heard Tara say nearby to Enid, from where they were getting things ready to leave.

Paul glared at her before turning back to Aaron when he got there.

“Don’t yes, dear me,” Aaron told him, “What the hell were you thinking? You could have gotten bit! I told you to lead them away with Enid!”

“Aaron, I’m more than capable of taking care of myself-” Paul started.

“I know that, but you just...need to listen, okay?” Aaron sighed.

“Look,” Paul stood up, “I know when we started to go on runs together, you promised Daryl you’d keep me safe. But if we’re going to be a team, we need to be balanced. I’m not made of glass, I’m a trained professional in self-defense,” he crossed his arms, “You watch my back and I’ll watch yours, okay?”

Aaron swallowed before nodding, “Okay...but you’re bringing it up to him, I’m not.”

“Isn’t bringing things up with him my job?” Paul smirked.

They were on the way back now and the sun was just setting. Paul knew they would get back before it was too late. He hoped he’d have time to put the kids in bed.

Aaron was up front with Enid, still pouting a little about not being listened to as much as he should have been on the run and Paul sat in the back with the newest possible additions to Hilltop.

Connie was signing to Kelly, something that caused her to giggle.

“Definitely gay.”

Paul smirked and signed back at her, “You got that right.”

Both Kelly and Connie looked at him in shock.

“Do you trust him?” Connie signed.

“Rick?” Paul mouthed before signing, “Yes. I understand being suspicious of it all, but I’d trust him with my life and my family’s.”

“You have a family?” Connie signed, smiling a little.

Paul nodded, still signing, “Yes, a husband and two children,”  he looked at them, “Are you together?”

Kelly nodded and Connie smiled, bumping her shoulder a little, “Yes, we are. We met each other after.”

“Same with me and my husband,” Paul said, still signing, “I never would have met him if the end of the world didn’t happen.”

“Magna is with Yumiko too,” Kelly added.

“Kelly!” Magna snapped at her, shocked.

“What? You are,” Kelly shrugged.

“Don’t give information like that to people, you don’t know what they’ll think-” Magna started.

“He’s gay and married to a man, Mags,” Kelly laughed.

Magna stared at him in shock.

“This is the next world, not the old one,” Paul told her, “If someone still cares about someone being gay, especially at the Hilltop, they’re the problem,” he smirked slightly, “And trust me, our leader would put them in their place really fast.”

“Your leader? Are they nice?” Yumiko asked.

“She’s the best,” Paul said confidently, staring at the road ahead.

The gates of the Hilltop opened, immediately revealing Daryl Dixon standing there, his hands in his pockets as he awkwardly lurked there.

Paul immediately jumped out of the carriage, even before it stopped and wrapped his arms around his neck, “Hello, love,” he said happily, putting his hand on the side of his face.

Daryl just kissed him on the lips briefly before looking at the survivors, “That what made you late for dinner?”

“Mhmm,” Paul said but smiled, “But they have the Aaron and Jesus Stamp of Approval. We’re to watch their weapons for the time being and return them in a few weeks. They’re going to stay until the expansion happens in Alexandria and repairs are made at the Kingdom, then they’ll decide where they want to stay, if all goes well.”

“That from Rick?” Daryl asked.

“Yes,” Paul said, “The kids asleep?”

“Mer is. Richie stayed up for you,” he chuckled.

“Of course he did,” Paul laughed.

“Grace demanded a sleepover since ya weren’t home. She’s asleep on her mattress in the kids’ room,” Daryl called to Aaron.

“Thanks for watching her,” Aaron said, a smile on his face, “I’ll go say goodnight to her,” he said, giving Paul a nod as he headed to their shared home.

“What’s goin’ on?” Maggie Rhee called as she walked down from the Barrington House. It looked like she’d made Hershel wait on the porch, as he watched curiously.

“Survivors,” Paul told him, “All clear from Rick, but they need somewhere to stay until winter passes and construction is done.”

Maggie nodded and held out her hand, “I’m Maggie Rhee, I’m the leader of this place.”

“I’m Magna,” she said, shaking her hand in return, “This is Luke, Yumiko, Connie, and Kelly. Thank you so much for-”

“Don’t worry about it,” Maggie cut her off, “We’re happy to put you up in our guest trailer...just know we’ll be keepin’ an eye on you just to be safe.”

“We understand,” Magna nodded, “Thank you, really.”

“Alden will get you all set up and then our doctors or one of our nurses will stop by and bother you to see if you have any injuries,” Paul said, walking over and giving Maggie a brief hug and a kiss on her cheek.

“Welcome home,” Maggie murmured, “Get some rest.”

“You too,” Paul said quietly before turning back to the group, “They mean well, they just care too much sometimes.”

“Watch out for the blond nurse, he’s a pain,” Daryl grumbled before starting to walk back to their home.

“He’s friendly too, I promise,” Paul told them before jogging after his husband and taking his hand, “You know, you could be a little nicer to them.”

“Don’t trust no one no more, ‘specially from the outside,” Daryl grunted as they walked inside to their rickety, old, eye-sore of a trailer. It was a mess, really, scattered with toys and built on rooms in a trailer that was never meant to be altered as much as it had been.

“You trust me...and our family,” Paul told him as they walked through their home. He glanced down at the papers scattered around, “Plans for the fair?”

“Yeah,” Daryl said simply, “Been workin’ on some stuff,” he said as he pulled Paul to their room, “Quit fussin’, tell the kid goodnight so you can go to bed,” he laughed.

Paul leaned into the kids room, knocking quietly, “Knock, knock,” he smiled when he saw Richie writing in his notebook. His blond hair was drooped into his face and he looked up with excited green eyes.

“Hi, dad,” Richie grinned.

“Hey there,” Paul said, sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked over and saw Gracie asleep on her mattress on the floor that had been drug down from upstairs, and Meredith was snoring in her own bed.

“Was patrol okay?” Richie asked.

“It was,” Paul told him, “What are you working on?”

“Mer wants to start a club, so I’m doin’ all the work,” Richie rolled his eyes.

“The Hilltop Kids,” Paul laughed, looking down at it, “Is it exclusive?”

“Yeah,” Richie said, “For us only...and Hershel of course...maybe Henry, if they wanna join,” he said awkwardly before looking up at his dad.

Paul took his notebook and closed it, marking it with the pencil he was using and putting it on the bedside table, “You can work more tomorrow...it’s time for bed now,” he told him, helping him get under the blankets and turning off the lamp.

“Night, dad,” Richie said tiredly.

Paul kissed his forehead and smiled, “Goodnight, Richie,” he said. He stepped over Gracie, ruffling her hair a little as he did and fixing her blankets before going over to Meredith, pulling up the blanket that she’d kicked off and kissing her forehead, “Goodnight, sweetheart,” he said quietly, so he didn’t wake her up.

He walked out of the room, turning the hallway light on for them and leaving the door cracked before smiling at Daryl, “All clear,” he joked.

Daryl rolled his eyes and grabbed his hand, leading him into the room, “C’mon, you.”

Paul laughed, flopping on the bed and pulling his husband on top of him, kissing him a few times.

Daryl deepened the kiss before pulling back, “Tomorrow,” he breathed out, “You need rest.”

Paul rolled his eyes, “I think we’ve perfected the art of quickies over the years, Dare.”

“Rest now, sex later,” Daryl said, sitting up. He pulled the knives out of Paul’s boots and put them on the table before untying them and tossing them across the room before he moved up to his trench coat, then his vest, taking them off as well, until he was just left in the white t-shirt underneath. Daryl pulled off his baggy pants with a smile.

“For someone who is saying sex later, you sure seem to be enjoying undressing me,” Paul breathed out, running his hand under shirt.

“Just like you,” Daryl grumbled, “And like it when you ain’t half asleep when we’re havin’ sex,” he said, running his hand through his hair, “So quit tryin’, tomorrow’s date night.”

Paul laughed weakly and moved so he was lying on his side of the bed, by the wall. They’d been married for years, but Daryl still slept in the spot closest to the door.

Dary leaned over and kissed his head before taking off his own shoes and clothes, getting in with him, “You trust these guys?”

“They seem nice,” Paul said quietly, already half asleep, “I trust them and so does Aaron.”

Daryl just hummed, obviously thinking about it.

A stomp came from over their head.

Aaron, obviously.

“It’s late, I’m tired, keep it down!” their upstairs neighbor called, causing them to laugh.

CAST

Tom Payne as Paul “Jesus” Dixon-Rovia Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon-Rovia Ross Marquand as Aaron Raleigh

Elodie Yung as Violette Rovia Tessa Thompson as Lily Marie Teller

Samuel Joslin as Richie Dixon-Rovia Zendaya Coleman as Meredith Dixon-Rovia Anabelle Holloway as Gracie Raleigh

Lauren Cohan as Maggie Rhee Katelyn Nacon as Enid Rhee

GUEST CAST

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes Danai Gurira as Michonne Grimes Cailey Fleming as Judith Grimes

Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler

Nadia Hilker as Magda Eleanor Matsuura as Yumiko Angel Theory as Kelly Lauren Ridloff as Connie Dan Fogler as Luke

[weretheoneswhowrite]

Michonne and Carl Chronicles..

The Little Things

She sensed Carl’s presence even before he reached the threshold of their sun-drenched kitchen. Keeping her back turned, Michonne vigorously washed her hands, pausing for a moment to look through the large casement window framing the farmhouse sink. Smiling, she glimpsed Rick chasing a giddy Judith through the flower beds she and Carl had planted several weeks prior; colorful blooms just beginning to erupt from the previously barren patch of earth.

For a moment, she considered calling out to them not to trample all their hard work. But the sweet sound of Rick’s laughter, coupled with Judith’s blissful squeals changed her mind. They could always plant more flowers.

Shaking her wet hands over the sink, Michonne pulled a clean towel from the drawer to her right, quickly drying her hands before hanging the damp towel on the hook beside the stove. Turning to face Carl, she took in his adorably anxious face.  

“Gonna just stand there?” she asked, walking towards the kitchen’s center island. “Enid’s meal won’t cook itself. You want to be a better cook, make it more ‘fun’ and less of a ‘chore’ right?”

Knowing how much this small, yet thoughtful act meant to Carl, Michonne gave him a moment to relax a bit. Her boy always wanted everything to be perfect. She’d do her best to make it so.

She watched as Carl slowly inhaled through pursed lips and nodded, before making his way towards her. Standing on the other side of the island, he reached down to pull out a stool from beneath the countertop, cringing slightly as its legs noisily scraped against the ceramic tiled floor.

“Ok then, let’s get started on your first lesson,” Michonne said, clapping her hands and gesturing for him to take a seat.

“Where do we start?” he asked.

All of this was for Enid. She was practical, like Michonne. But both also enjoyed those small, kind tokens of affection the men in their lives eagerly laid at their feet. Enid was grateful for anything he brought her and she always let him know.

It’s nice to know you were thinking about me because, I was thinking about you too, she often said.

He looked up at Michonne, instantly finding in her eyes the calming salve he often sought there. She gave him a reassuring look before ducking down to pull out two large plastic cutting boards from a drawer under the island. Placing them on the countertop in front of her, along with two chef’s knives, she created work stations for both of them.

“Lesson number one,” she began. “Always wash your hands. I don’t need extra seasoning in my food!”

Chuckling, Carl rose from the stool, making his way towards the sink.

“Before I forget, lesson one and a half is always and will forever be: clean as you go,” she declared, turning towards him as he neared her side of the island. “You will not bring a mess to my kitchen.”

“I know, I know,” he mumbled. “We cook clean, we’re clean cooks.”

“Exactly,” she replied, opting to ignore the dramatic eye-roll he gave her as he walked by.

Taking time to thoroughly wash his hands under a hawk-eyed Michonne, he theatrically held both up for her inspection. Satisfied, she handed him a fresh towel and waited patiently while he dried his hands, before beckoning him towards his assigned cutting board.

“Now what?” he asked, picking up his knife.

“Now we get organized,” she said. “Put down the knife. That’s lesson number three.”

* * *

“Thank goodness for libraries with central European cookbooks,” she stated, looking over the meat, vegetables, and spices neatly lined up in front of them.

Carl snickered, noting how ridiculous such a request must have sounded to the run crew. But Michonne had been adamant. Once procured, the two of them spent a few nights poring over recipes. Carl dog-earing the ones that sounded similar to what Enid had described, while Michonne figured out approximants for ingredients they didn’t have and wouldn’t be able to locate.

“C’mon Ma, can’t you just do it and I watch this time?” Carl asked, peeking through the thick curtain of hair obscuring his face from her. “I want it to be perfect and I don’t think it will be if I make it.”

“And what do I always say about perfection?” Michonne asked, letting her knife hover over the cutting board as she gave him her full attention.

His affectionate ‘Ma’, a residual effect of Judith’s incessant ‘Mama’ made her heart swell. It warmed her very soul.

“Perfection is the enemy of the good,” he muttered, unconvincingly.

“Precisely!” she exclaimed. “You should know by now the best way to learn is by doing.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m capable of learning by observation only,” he said, stifling a grin.

“Says the boy who couldn’t make his bed until I showed him five times,” she retorted.

“That’s because hospital corners are not a necessity,” Carl smugly replied. “Even dad says so.”

“And what do you know?” Michonne smirked. “I still get your dad to do it anyway. Besides, if you want to make sure she knows how you feel, you put in the time, put in the effort. That’s what she’ll remember.”

“But I’m no good at it,” Carl said, laying his hands flat on either side of the cutting board. “You and dad said so, and even Judith gets an attitude when it’s my turn to make dinner.”

“Don’t give me that,” Michonne playfully huffed. “You know good and well we’re only joking. And Judith? We all know our darling Judy-bear’s opinions go wherever the wind blows.”

“Yeah, she’s not very loyal, is she?” Carl cackled, picking up his knife. “Well, maybe to you. She’d sell the rest of us out in a heartbeat, but you’re safe.”

“True,” Michonne said, sharing his mirth. “This is about making an effort to do something meaningful for someone you care about. It’s the little things, those small acts of kindness that bring some relief to a wounded heart. I’m proud you came up with this and Enid will be too.”

“What do I do now?” he asked, thankful for her advice.

“Here you go,” she said, handing him an onion.

Throwing the large sphere into the air with one hand and catching it in the other, he studied Michonne as she expertly began cutting the venison on her cutting board into perfectly even cubes.

“Should I really be the one chopping the onions? I’m working with one eye here. I’d be in a world of hurt here if we were suddenly attacked and I couldn’t see…”

She snorted, looking up to catch the look of mischief playing across his face. Shaking her head, she watched Carl shrug and get down to business. They worked in silence for a few minutes, before Michonne looked up to catch a sniffling Carl use his sleeve to wipe his eye.

“Ok, ok,” she said, pulling away from her cutting board and moving over to the sink to once again wash her and dry her hands before making her way to Carl’s station. Carl dropped the onion into her open palm, before moving to the other cutting board.

Carl smiled to himself. He hadn’t been that bothered by the onions. He just didn’t want to do it.

“Oh, and don’t think I don’t know you’re half faking it with the onions,” she smugly stated. “And you see what I did there?” she asked, using her knife to point at the flawless cubes of meat she’d already prepped. “Don’t mess it up.”

“Didn’t we just agree that perfection is the enemy of the good?” he queried.

“Touché mon ami,” she laughed. “That was your perfection. You’re not allowed to mess with mine.”

* * *

“Tell me the story again?” Michonne quietly asked, watching as Carl pouring a few tablespoons of sunflower oil into the large stock pot on the stove.

“We were driving back to Alexandria when Enid got pretty quiet,” Carl began, turning the stove to high. “She’d remembered it was the anniversary of her parents’… you know. Said this was the first year she hadn’t started thinking about it weeks before. It threw her off.”

Michonne nodded. You want to forget, yet you pray you never do.

“Her grandma, she called her ‘Nagymama’, lived with them since she could remember. On special occasions, she would make Enid this Hungarian dish she insisted was ‘stew’ but had beans in it. Anyway, it was a little bit of a family joke that it was actually ‘chili’, and Enid came up with the compromise to call it ‘stili’. Enid kept telling me it was silly and she didn’t know why she was crying over it, but I didn’t think it was silly.”

“Of course, it isn’t,” Michonne replied, stopping her chopping to come stand next to him.

“My mom would make chili when I was sick and had to stay home. She wasn’t the best cook, but she made that dish right. She would put cheese on top. When she put it in front of me, it was always something fun. A smiley face, Mickey Mouse, something silly.”

“Yeah,” she murmured, watching as reminiscence caused his eye to mist. “Those are the things you want to hold close forever. C’mon, let’s make a new memory.”

* * *

Carl deliberately dropped handfuls of flour-dusted meat into the hot oil. He jumped back, expecting it to splatter, before using the wooden paddle Michonne had handed to him to stir the meat.

After he finished browning all the meat, he reduced the heat to medium and dropped onions, peppers, carrots, parsnips and spices into the pot. Once the onions were translucent and the vegetables had begun to brown, he returned the meat to the pot and poured Michonne’s homemade stock into the pot until everything was covered.

He added the beans they’d soaked overnight into the pot and gave everything a final stir. Turning the stove to low, he took a deep, satisfying breath. The entire house smelled like heaven. Enid would love it.

“Nice work, but we’re not done yet,” Michonne said, turning and walking towards the dining room. “Time for lesson number four.”

“What’s that?” Carl queried, swiveling his head but staying put in front of the stove, watching as small bubbles appeared on the surface of the simmering pot.

“Setting the table. Can’t have Enid enjoying your delicious meal without the proper accompaniment. We don’t go halfway in this house.”

She walked over to the sideboard where they kept the napkins and silverware.

“C’mon,” she teasingly commanded. “You’ve still got much to learn!”

Laughing to himself, Carl placed a lid on the pot and walked towards her. Of course. There would always be something to learn with Michonne around.

Written by: @nwfan

-We’re The Ones Who Write

[fairytsuk1]

calendulas | (f)

• pairing: Carl Grimes x Reader • genre/warning: fluff, vv nice  • words: 802 • summary: Carl has hopes and dreams, he also really loves the look of calendulas

a/n: @ the anon who requested me the carl imagine, i will write it soon! i already had this one prepared so i’ll get to it soon, thank you for your patience, happy reading!

     You stared at the small cracks in the wall, your back aching slightly after lying for hours on the shitty mattress. You sniffled from the dry air and traced shapes on Carl’s hand, feeling him twitch lightly from your touch. You turned and watched him sleep, he looked at peace for once. Instead of his stern and commanding face, you could admire his lashes against his pale cheeks and his messy but surprisingly soft hair. You wondered if he’d let you cut it since it was growing long, and you didn’t want it to be hazardous to him.

“Watching people sleep is creepy Y/N,” Carl mumbled and squinted at your flushed face, he smirked and rubbed his eye. “There’s not much to look at anyway.”    

     Carl rose his hand and covered the hole where his right eye would be out of habit, he was still embarrassed about it and didn’t like you to see him that way.   

     “You don’t have to cover it y’know. You’re still the same Carl Grimes I’ve known,” You grabbed his hand and slowly pulled it away from his eye, his other one looking up at the ceiling.

“What time is it? Shit, I have to get Judith,” He pushed himself up to his elbows and slip his legs out of the covers. You grabbed the back of his shirt to stop him.    

     “It’s only about three. It’s extremely early to wake Judy up, no need to be in a rush,” He looked at the window and then back at you before nodding. “How about a walk? I need to get away from everything.”

“Are you okay? Is…Did something happen?”    

     “Nope. Just in the mood for a walk.”    

     Carl looked at you skeptically and nodded before going to his dresser and picking out clothes. You had crashed at his house, so the only clothes you had were the ones you took off last night. He handed a blue checkered shirt, and you smiled at him, a small one returning to you. You got dressed in a comfortable silence, once finished you leaned over and placed your lips on his cheek. Carl smiled genuinely, his lips kissing your nose.    

“Ready to go?”

     “Of course,” His rough and calloused hands grabbed yours though you led the way, taking care to not make much noise as Michonne and Rick were sleeping. You both walked outside, and a pleasant hum rumbled in his chest, it was foggy but smelled nice and reminded you of what the world used to be. You both began to walk near the garden, your personal place to relax at and Carl didn’t really mind where you two went.

“Did you plant those? They weren’t there before.” Carl pointed over to some calendula’s, you had planted those in fact. Nodding, you remembered why. They reminded you of happiness. “They’re pretty. It reminds me of you.”    

     You smiled at this, squeezing his hand and staring at the garden. Carl plucked one out of the ground and turned your face to his, he began to nestle it into your hair. Just above your ear, the sweet yellow flower stuck out and made you blush from the contact. “Aren’t they called calenda-no. Calendulas? Also, you should cut your hair, it’s long.”    

     “Yeah, I found some earlier and I could say the same to you sheriff, you want the look of a horse mane or regular hair?”

“Shut up. It’s not that long! It’s…healthy.”    

     “Oh sorry! Healthy and long.”    

     Rolling his eyes, he flicked your nose and sat on the ground, patting the seat next you. You followed and leaned your head on his shoulder, eventually moving it down to lay in his lap.

“You ever think about the future? Or like what you could’ve been?”    

     You hadn’t really thought about it, in all honesty.    

     “Not really, what do you see in your future?”    

     He paused and bit his lip in contemplation, you began to pick at the grass and pebbles on the ground.

“Married. I think. Or at least with you.”    

     “Married? To me?” “It’s stupid, but I want to try and be normal at least. And I know I can protect you. I don’t think it would be a bad idea.”    

     “I never said it wasn’t a bad idea. I’d like that. And I can protect you too! Don’t underestimate me.”    

     Carl laughed and stroked hair out of your face. “You’d marry me?”    

     “I love you, Carl. If you let me protect you. And vice versa!”

“Deal. I’ll do my best. Now let’s go get Judy? I think she’d like the calendars or whatever.”    

     “Calendulas. And yeah, me too.”

[ohmyjinkies]

Beauty and the Beast - Richonne Modern Day AU

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. ~Helen Keller

“Ex-Yankees starting pitcher, Rick Grimes was never a vain man. Still, a near-fatal accident left him with enough scars to make him want to hide away from the world. Now the only beauty left in his blemished llife are his two grown kids, his weekly Sunday dinners with his daughter Judith and his beloved flower garden. Scarred, body and mind, he could not see beauty outside of those three treasured things. For 23-year-old Judith Grimes, life was finally falling into place. Freshly graduated from journalism school and armed with a passion for fashion, she’s landed a coveted internship at the powerhouse fashion magazine, Rive. As assistant to the New York City’s most powerful and iconic editor-in-chief, Michonne Dumas, Judith is living her dreams and learning at the feet of a legend. A global fashion tastemaker, former model turned magazine editor, Michonne Dumas had heard the word "beautiful” thrown around so liberally that it had started to lose its meaning. Ironically though, she knew as the originator of the coveted “Dumas Look”, she had created the unattainable fashion ideal of perfection that drove her and the whole industry. Secretly, however, she had begun to despair that she was becoming numb to all things physically beautiful. That is, until she notices the lovely flowers her new junior assistant has on her desk every week. Fresh blooms from Judith’s father’s garden, the bouquets continually seem to brighten Michonne’s day. Before long, those delicate blooms from the amateur horticulturist become a welcome daily reprieve from her relentless pursuit of physical perfection. And when Michonne finally meets Judith’s mysterious father Rick at the company’s charity ballgame, as the young woman hoped, sparks do indeed fly. Though, to Judith’s chagrin, not the romantic kind. Yet, it is from that very first encounter that they both begin to learn —things of true beauty can also be things which are deemed imperfect.“

Tale as old as time…

Rick was already missing his garden. The sky was blue and cloudless. The sun was bright, but there was no humidity in the atmosphere. It was the perfect day for puttering around with his flowers. But he had promised his daughter, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her.

He was thankful that the baseball cap fit low enough on his head to cast shadows around his face. The throwing gloves he wore hid the patchwork, Frankenstein-esque scars on his hands. He could no longer run even a mile, but physical therapy made it possible for his limp to be hardly noticeable. Although, it was becoming increasingly more difficult to keep up with the fast strides of his daughter.

He held on to her forearm. “Judy, you know your dad’s an old man. Slow down some.”

People were milling around all over. He felt his chest tightening and his breaths coming out faster. He’d adapted to his solitude over the years, only welcoming the company of his children. Crowds of people made him nervous now.

Judy tossed her head back to look at her father. The bouncing curls of her chic bob haircut matched his greying curls perfectly. Always attuned to him, she recognized the apprehension in his eyes. She squeezed his hand, but didn’t slow down.

“Daddy, I wish you would stop calling yourself an old man. You’re not even fifty yet.”

Rick shrugged. “Forty-five is pretty near fifty.”

“You have to wait at least twenty more years to collect Social Security, so you’re not old.”

“My knees beg to differ. Why are we walking so fast? There’s still an hour until the game starts.”

“I know, but I want to make sure I’m not late in case I’m needed to help with any last minute details.”

“It’s just a charity baseball game. Should go smoothly. You worry all the time like your mother used to.”

She shot him a sad smile. “That’s what Grandma always says too. Guess it’s in my DNA. I just want to make a good impression. Show Michonne she can trust me with the details. She’s so great. I don’t want to let her down.”

“Michonne is your boss, right? Calling bosses by their first names in the office is a thang now? Back in my day—”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Judith cut him off. “Back in your day you rode cows to school. Grew your own wheat or whatever. I know Daddy. Maybe you really are an old man.”

Rick chuckled. “Actually, your uncle Hershel grew vegetables, not wheat on his farm.”

“What I said still applies, old man.” She pointed to a woman whose back was to them. Her locs were long and reached down past the middle of her back  “There she is. Let me introduce you. And please be nice and personable, Daddy.”

Rick smirked. “Aren’t I always?”

Judith laughed and rolled her eyes. “Nope.”

His smirk faded as they walked closer. Having new people in his orbit unsettled him. He tried to pull his cap further down, but it wouldn’t budge.

Michonne turned around as she heard footsteps approaching her. Rick had seen her pictures in the fashion magazines Judith used to read as a teen. He always passively admired her beauty, but he didn’t expect the radiant women before him. She was dressed down in a custom baseball jersey with her magazine’s name written in gold letters on the front. Her black shorts showed off her shapely legs. Her smile was warm and sincere as she immediately pulled Judith into a hug. She smiled at him over his daughter’s shoulder. He looked down at his shoes as a wave of insecurity washed over him

Judith, not picking up on her father’s reluctance for once, pulled him in closer. “Michonne, this is my Dad, Rick Grimes.”

Michonne’s smiled widened making her even more beautiful than Rick first thought.

“Ah,” she said. “So this is the doting father who makes sure his daughter always has beautiful, fresh flowers on her desk. Very nice to finally meet you, Rick.” She held out her hand to shake.

He clasped her hand.  He could feel the smoothness even through his gloves. “Nice to meet you too, ma’am.”

Michonne chuckled. “I missed that southern charm. Don’t get much of that here in New York.”

“Michonne is originally from Georgia too, Daddy. Atlanta, not a small town like you.”

“Yes, born and raised,” Michonne said. “I still get homesick for sweet tea, and my aunt’s sweet potato pie.” She pulled the young woman aside. “Judith, could you go help Sasha and Jackie with setting up the magazine display near the entrance?”

“Of course Michonne.” She kissed Rick on the cheek. “I’ll be right back, Daddy.”

He watched her rush off wondering when his little girl became a grown and responsible adult. He turned back to Michonne, who was still smiling at him. His nervous tick was to run his hands through his hair. He felt the urge to at that moment, but he thought better of removing his cap.

“So,” She took a step closer to him. “I didn’t put two and two together when Judith told me her father’s name was Rick Grimes. You’re the same Grimes that played for the Braves and the Yankees, right?”

Rick looked down as if he was almost embarrassed at her knowing who he was. “Yeah. That was me. Didn’t think anyone in the fashion industry would recognize an old baseball player.”

Michonne gestured her hand around the baseball field where they were standing. “Well, we are at a charity baseball game. Beside lots of fashion models date baseball players.” She whispered as if conspiring with him. “It’s a bit of a thing.”

Rick laughed. “That is true. Many of my teammates dated models. And playmates.”

Michonne chuckled. “I bet.” She tossed one of her long locs behind her shoulder. “Besides that, my own father was a huge Braves fan. I used to watch the games with him. David Justice was his favorite player, but you came a close second. He hated when you left and signed with the Yankees.”

“I almost regretted it. I missed home a lot when I moved up here with the kids. Though I did miss David most of all. He was my favorite too.”

Her smile radiated even more. “So you and my father will have lots to talk about if you ever meet.”

He nodded and laughed. “Yeah, our very own David Justice fan club.”

Her voice lowered a couple of octaves as she tilted her head to the side. “I remember reading about your accident, and saying a few prayers for your recovery.”

Rick nodded. “I appreciate that. God was looking out for me that day. My kids didn’t need to endure the cruelty of losing both of their parents.”

“Judith talks about her mom sometimes. She and her brother were both pretty young when you lost her, I remember her saying.”

“Yeah. Judith was barely out of diapers, and my son, Carl, was in the first grade.”

“Had to be tough to continue your baseball career, and raise two kids.”

“It was. Very grateful for my mom though. Couldn’t have done it without her.”

“I know all about the miracle of grandmothers. My mom died when I was young also. Spent so much precious time with my Granny. Judith and I have bonded over some shared experiences. She’s a great kid.”

He smiled. “I always thought so too, even if I’m kinda biased.”

“The best dads always are.” She clapped her hands together. “So, the game will be starting soon. I know you’re an all-star, future hall of famer, but I was known to hit a few home runs in pick-up softball when I was a kid. So don’t think you’re going to strike me out.”

Almost feeling like his old, cocky self when it came to his baseball skills, he crossed his armsover his chest and smirked at her. “Is that right?”

She winked at him. “All I’m saying is watch yourself.”

A woman with a short afro came up to Michonne and whispered in her ear. She nodded and told the woman she would be right there.

“Editor-in-chief duties call, but I’ll see you on the mound, Rick Grimes.” He smiled a genuine smile for what felt like the first time in years at anyone other than his children. “Can’t wait.”  (” The First Meet“ - Flash Fic written by @blacklitchick )

I want to say a HUGE Thank you!  to my two collaborators @blacklitchick and @iminyjo <3. The both of you have been amazing during this project’s lengthy journey ;) -xo OMJ.

[richonnejustdesserts]

Teacher’s Pet : A Richonne Round Robin Fanfic

A small town sheriff and preschool teacher find love thanks to the cutest little matchmaker around. [RATED: T]

Chapter 8 (written by @pastelogramm)

“Ugh, Dad. Not this song, again.”

Carl was reprimanding his father on his choice of music. They bantered amongst each other as Michonne and Judith delightfully peered over to both of them in the car. They were all cozily nestled into Rick’s SUV on a weekend trip. It was spring break and the windows were cracked open to allow the first cool breezes of the season to seep in the car.

The night before, all of them had carefully crafted their traveling playlist over pizza from Glenn’s.Carl and Michonne bonded over their song selections, bouncing band names off each other well past Carl’s bed time. They happened to have a large amount of classic rock in common. Michonne would hip Carl to Nu Jazz and 90’s RnB and Carl would introduce Michonne to newer artist and Alternative Rock. Now Carl was giving Rick a hard time over his preferences, a mixture of Rockabilly and Folk tunes.

“You know I have to play this song everytime we go fishing, Carl,” Rick playfully scoffed and snapped his fingers along to the banjos strumming at a high tempo. Not allowing Carl’s digs to get him down. “It’s tradition, practically draws the fish to us.”

Under his breath, Carl chided just loud enough for him to hear, “Yeah, more like draws them away.”

Michonne chimed in with a loud laugh “Carl, his tastes aren’t all that bad. It leaves something to be desired but, not that bad.” She playfully tapped Rick’s knee which Rick reciprocated with a wink. He savored the moment to soak in Michonne’s features, made even more exquisite by the sunrise falling over them. They’d been on the road since early morning in order to make a quick stop off at Michonne’s parent’s house, and then to the countryside for some mid-day fishing.  

Carl placed his elbow on Michonne’s headrest to speak over the blaring music. “But you actually have taste, Michonne. I like your songs. Hey, I can tolerate Judith’s kiddy music. But Dad’s, I can’t stand. Let’s not give him the aux cord next time.”

Judith, previously too distracted by doodling in her memory book, peeked from under it in defense of her father “I actually like Daddy’s songs, Carl. They remind me of Old McDonald.”

Everybody burst out in roarious laughter and Carl exclaimed, “Exactly, Judith.”

As the song came to an end, Michonne glanced at the phone that held their custom playlist and smirked. “Well Carl, you’ll be happy to know, a song is coming up that we all seemed to like.”

Carl, knowing that they agreed on very few songs, was instantly excited. As the beginning of the song faded in, everybody in the car seemed to be filled with a sense of anticipation. All four of them were enjoying their time with one another, and they knew this weekend would be no different.

I looked out this morning and the sun was gone

Turned on some music to start my day

I lost myself in a familiar song

I closed my eyes and I slipped away

xxxx

Carl and Judith had drifted off to sleep for some time, leaving Rick and Michonne to talk about their day. As suspected, the rumors surrounding their “scandal” of a relationship had died down within a matter of days, leaving Rick and Michonne to delve deeper into their relationship, what it meant for them and the kids.

“I haven’t seen my mom in while. Besides facetiming, of course. It’ll be good to see her in the flesh, and for her to see you.” She rested her hand over his headrest, fiddling with his chocolate curls. “With all of the things I’ve been telling her about you and the kids, she was chewing me out to meet you all.” Michonne eyed Rick with a questioning expression. “You ready?”

Rick nodded, “Yeah. I’m excited to meet her too. Albeit nervous.” Rick gripped the steering wheel. “I feel like a high schooler knocking on my date’s door.”

Michonne giggled,“She’s gonna love you, Rick. She already loves you.” With that look, Rick was at ease. Michonne knew exactly where to reach to get him in a calm place.

The GPS sounded that they were all less that 10 minutes away from Michonne’s old house, waking Carl and Judith from their deep sleep.

Judith sleepily growled from the backseat, “So what is your mommy like Michonne?”

Michonne glanced at the rearview mirror and into her inquisitive face, Judith was the most excited to meet her mother. “People say she’s a lot like me, Judy. She inspired me to become an artist, you know? She is a sculptor in her spare time.”

“So there are two Mrs. A’s?” Judith’s eyes went wide and excited. She didn’t know if she could handle the prospect of another kind, creative, smart and pretty Michonne.

Michonne replied with a grin, “Well, I guess you could say that, Judy.”

The car pulled into the driveway of a sage green two-story house. In the front, there was a screened porch with a couple of rocking chairs adorning it. Towards the back, you could make out a garden that was sprouting first blooms of vegetation. It all looked very tidy and homey.

A figure exited from the screen porch and out to greet them. It was a slender, older woman with long silver locs pulled into a ponytail. As far away as she was, she had a presence about her that was joyful and polished. She was the exact mirror of Michonne.

“There she is!” Michonne barely waited for the car to come to a complete stop before making a beeline toward her mother.  

“Is that my baby coming out of that car!?” The woman warmly approached with open arms and embraced her child, rocking with her, pulling away solely to get a look at her face.  

Meanwhile, Carl, Judith, and Rick pooled out of the car and gathered around while they were still locked in a hug and exchanging pleasantries. Rick gazed at the pair and he could see the deep relationship these two had.

“Is Daddy still on that business trip in Macon?” Michonne inquired.

Michonne’s mother shook her head in feigned disappointment, “Yes, you know he would be here if he could. That man is always busy.”

Michonne mused, “I know. Maybe we can double back on our way back to King County and catch some time with him.”

After they parted, Rick offered his hand to shake in the most southern gentlemen type of way and said, “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Anthony. I’m Rick.”

Michonne’s mother allowed his hand to hang in the air for a spell and smirked.“I don’t do handshakes, baby. We hug over here.” With that, she pulled him in for the biggest bear hug. “And my name is Roseline.” She smiled that same 1000 watt smile that Michonne had.”Michonne has told me so much about you. All good things.”

Rick, delighted by how welcoming Michonne’s mom was being replied,“Yes ma-, I mean, Miss Roseline.”

Michonne walked over to the children and put her arms around them, “Mama, I’d like for you to meet Rick’s children, Carl and Judith.”

“Of course! I’ve heard so much about the two of you! Over here is Mr. Baseball Star. And here is the budding artist. It’s wonderful to finally meet you.” She reached in to hug both of the children which they warmly reciprocated. Judith had stars in her eyes. She couldn’t imagine a world that housed two Mrs. A’s. She was absolutely smitten.

“I made this for you!” Judith pulled out a folded up piece of paper that she was hiding in her overalls and presented it to Roseline. “My Daddy says never come to somebody’s house empty-handed.”

Roseline unfolded the piece of paper and examined the drawing. It was a picture of everybody that was in the car that day in crayon. On the top was scribbled “tank yu for habing us.”

Roseline was over the moon about the drawing and kneeled down to Judith’s level. “This is so beautiful, baby! Thank you.” Roseline pulled her in for yet another hug. “I’m putting this on my fridge as soon as a get in the house.”  

“Your children are absolutely precious, and mannerable too.”

“Thank you,” Rick replied.

Roseline chuckled “I remember when Michonne was young like you two. She was really interested in those samurai movies and comics. All the time, kicking, using brooms as swords and such…Tearing up my house.” Roseline playfully glared at Michonne. “But she was just a sweet and kind as she could be.”

Rick laughed at Roseline’s recounting. Imagining the now calm and collected Michonne, breaking vases from kicking in the house. “You don’t strike me as the cutting up kind, ‘Chonne.”

“The Arts settled me, Rick.” Michonne shook her head and shot a sly grin at her mom, a little embarrassed that she was spilling so much information so quickly.

Roseline leaned into her daughter for a side hug, “Oh yes, I have so much to tell you about Michonne, she’s got so many stories. We’re gonna have fun, Rick.”

Rick’s voice grew bubbly, “I really would like that Miss Roseline.” As he passed a look over to Michonne, Rick was amazed at the woman before him. He wanted to hear all of the things about her that she’d glanced over about herself. Absolutely all of it.

“Well, I was in the kitchen since early this morning and made some breakfast for you all so that’s time for plenty of stories. You can’t go fishing on an empty stomach can you?”

Carl, who had been complaining of hunger pangs for about an hour immediately piped up, “We sure can’t.”

Roseline chuckled at his comment. “I can already tell this boy can eat, I like that!”

xxxx

Roseline had prepared a large spread for her guests. Fried catfish, eggs, grits with cheese, biscuits from scratch, and many other things were on the menu. Afterward, they lounged around in Roseline’s Garden.Carl was paging through some of Michonne’s comics that she’d dug out from her old room and Judith had stolen Michonne away for a moment to teach her how to make pressed flowers for her memory book. Rick and Roseline opted to stay in the kitchen while Rick volunteered to clear the table.

Roseline took a moment to eye Rick down with a slick grin. “Rick Grimes, Rick Grimes…Well, I see you have your cowboy boots, but where are your riding chaps?”

Rick threw his head back and laughed, Michonne had mentioned all of the wise cracks Roseline would make about his name, the modern cowboy at its finest. Rick shot back,“They’re at the dry cleaners. Next time I’ll bring along my horse, Silver.”

Roseline fell back against her chair and laughed cackled, then hummed, “Now, usually my husband would be the one to ask these questions, but in his absence, I gotta know. What are your intentions with my daughter, Cowboy Rick?”

Scraping leftover food into the trash, Rick’s eyes began to crinkle at the corners and with some pause, he became serious and faced her. “Honestly, Roseline. I really like your daughter. She’s making me a very happy man.”

“I know you do, I can see by the way you look at her.” Roseline fidgeted with her fingers and glanced over to a photo of Michonne with a floral dress, missing teeth, and thick, bushy hair. “She is something else, my baby girl. You’ve got a good one.”

“I know that too. And it’s never my intention to hurt her.” Rick’s southern drawl became more labored as he sat down at the table next to Roseline, wanting to cut straight to the point. “Miss Roseline, I know that the way we met might have caused some alarm with you, but I assure you that it’s not something to be worried about. We’re being careful about it, and I would never want to endanger Michonne’s career or good name.”

Roseline smiled and leaned in, “My baby is grown Rick, I know that. But that doesn’t stop me from worrying about her. Down there in King County all by herself, I was nervous. And then she told me about you, and I was even more nervous. I didn’t want her to get hurt, and I know a lot of women who do get hurt in those types of situations.”

Rick nodded in understanding, knowing that their beginning predicament, a teacher dating her student’s father, did not sound appealing on paper.

“But, I see now.” She looked out toward the screen porch at a Michonne and Judith marveling over their new pressed flowers. “You and your kids are bringing so much joy to her life. So, I thank you.”

Rick stood up to catch Michonne waving at the two of them and waved back. “The feeling is very much mutual. I’m thankful that we found each other.”

Xxx

The stay at Roseline’s house was short lived, but full of laughs and catching up. Roseline sent them on their way with a ton of leftovers for the rest of the trip. They all promised they would stop by after fishing to meet up with her again, and meet Michonne’s father, Makenson.

After about an hour more of driving, they had finally made it to the lake house where they’d be spending a couple of days. It was a sight to behold, a quaint little log cabin nestled next to some of the clearest water where little to no vacationers frequented. The lush green grass surrounding the lake was still dewy from an early morning rain and you could smell the fragrant flowers in the midst.

Michonne, taking in the scenery, inhaled all of that fresh country air, “This is stunning, Rick.”

Rick replied, “Isn’t it? We haven’t been up here in a long time. As a matter of fact, this is Judith’s first time here, and yours of course.”

The group quickly packed up their belongings in the cabin and made their way to the lake, fishing supplies in tow. As they neared, Carl got the idea to challenge Judith to a race.

“Race you to that fishing sign, Judes!” and with that, he blasted off, with Judith not too far behind him.

Rick yelled behind his children, “Careful you two, the ground is still wet!”

They paid the yelling no mind, Carl and Judith blasted at lightning speed toward the fishing spot leaving Rick and Michonne in their dust. Judith was not one to play with a challenge and was able to keep up a good speed with Carl. Until suddenly, she slipped up on the moisture inside her sandals and fell right into dirt softened by that morning’s rain.

“Oh No!” Rick and Michonne yelled in unison as they scurried to see about her.Carl had very quickly realized that his sister had fallen and was right to her rescue.

By the time Rick and Michonne had gotten to Judith she wasn’t crying, as much as disgusted by her yellow pantsuit completely covered in a brown and green muck.  

Michonne kneeled down to her level and began to rub her back, “It’s okay sweetie, it’s alright.”Judith quipped with a twisted face, “Yeah, it’s okay. It’s just so… yucky.” She frantically tried to wipe the mud off her bottoms.

Rick agreed with a chortle whilst examining her, relieved that she was not hurt past a couple of scrapes. “I know, baby. Let’s take you inside to get some new clothes.” He glanced at Michonne and Carl, “Hey Carl, do you mind getting things set up in the meantime while I get Judith cleaned up? Can you teach Michonne a bit while you’re at it, she’s a little, uh, wet behind the ears.” Rick joked and Michonne rolled her eyes playfully. Michonne had never gone fishing before but was always ready to try new things.

Carl nodded, excited to get some one on one time with Michonne. “Yeah, I can teach you how to set up Michonne. It’s really easy.”

Michonne cautioned to Judith,“You sure you’re alright, baby girl? You don’t need us to come and help?”

“I’m okay Ms. A.” Judith answered with a thumb up in the air while being carried away by Rick. Judith was one brave girl, indeed.

Left alone, Carl began to teach Michonne the ins and outs of fishing. In no time they were all settled with their chairs and sitting in front of the lake, rods in hand. Now there was nothing left but the beauty and the still of the lake, and to wait for the fish, already crowded around their fishing area, to bite.

The duo was only waiting for a couple of minutes before Carl whispered,“Hey Michonne, can I tell you something?”

Curiosity piqued, Michonne replied, “Of course, Carl.”

Carl took a moment to prepare himself, “I know you and my Dad haven’t been dating for a whole lot of time so I’m not trying to make this weird or anything, but, I just wanted you to know, I’m glad he’s happy.”

Immediately, Michonne’s heart warmed. “I’m glad you’re okay with it, Carl. Your opinion about this means a lot in this.” She lightly pressured, “Is there anything that brought this about?”

“It’s just… being here reminded me how my Dad was, before the divorce. I don’t really think I could call my Dad… happy at the time. I know he loved us, Judith and I, but something was missing for him. My Dad was alone for a good while… and I was starting to wonder if he was ever gonna find somebody else.” Carl teetered on his words, wondering to himself what the right thing was to say. All that Michonne could manage to do was listen.

“I was worried about him. But, I can see it on his face. He’s happy to be with you. And I’m happy because he’s happy.” Carl beamed, relieved that he was able to say something on his mind for a long time.

“Well, thank you for sharing that, Carl,” Michonne assured him. “Just know that I’m here for you, to talk or, whatever you need.I’m here.”

They were so caught up in their talk that they didn’t hear the zipping of the fishing line getting away from them. Something was biting on the line.

Carl began to pull back on the fishing reel,“I think we got one!”

xxxxx

The end of the weekend was at hand, and the group reluctantly prepared to make a trip back home to King’s County. Michonne passed Rick a cooler of fresh bass and managed to steal a quick peck on his cheek, not realizing that Carl was within view of her. Then she ran back upstairs to double check that she hadn’t forgotten anything before they left.

Rick, with flushed cheeks, walked over to the car and hefted the large cooler, teaming with medium sized bass, into the back of the car with Carl’s help. It was one of the biggest catches they had ever made. All throughout packing, Carl had this huge grin on his face that Rick noticed.

Rick questioned Carl with a little hesitation nudging him, “Is everything alright? I see you grinning.”

Carl, caught, began to blush and looked around, “Nothing… just you and Michonne.”

Carl’s smile was contagious to Rick causing one to spread across his face. “Yeah… are you alright about her?”

“Yeah.” Carl nodded, answering with no hesitation and looked up into his father’s eyes. With all sincerity, he said, “I think she’s one of us.”

That made Rick smile even the more. He was falling for Michonne, and he loved the assurance that his children were seeing the same qualities in her that he was. This all felt so right.

Rick drawled out, patting Carl on the back, “I think she is too.”

“Okay, that’s the last of everything.” Michonne bounded down the stairs with Judith attached to her side, “We’re all ready ready to head out.”

And with that, everybody piled into the car with sights toward Atlanta, and then finally, King County. Everybody enjoyed a comfortable silence. The kind of silence you can only achieve when you are truly at home with somebody.

Judith, tapped Michonne on her shoulder and asked, “Ms. A, would you like to see my memory book?”

Michonne craned her neck to get the book from her “I’d love to, honey.”

Michonne opened the memory book and marveled at this weekend through this little child’s eyes. The pages were full to the brim with drawings of Rick as Old Mcdonald, a picture of Carl, Rick, Judith and Michonne around a lake, a muddy handprint and pressed flowers from her mother’s garden.

The last picture made her well up. It was a picture solely of Michonne, she was adorned with a crown on her head and flowers were at her feet. In scratch letters, the picture was captioned “I luv Ms. A.”

Michonne looked up at all of the people she shared the trip with. These amazing kids who loved her as much as she loved them, and this man who was awakening feelings in her that she hadn’t felt in such a long time. This feeling felt a lot like family, and at that moment, Michonne decided that she would dive into it.

Passing the book back into Judith’s hands Michonne replied, “This is wonderful, Sweetheart.”    

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3| Chapter 4| Chapter 5 | Chapter 6| 

Chapter 7 |

[caffeinosis]

TWD 9x01 - 9x07

Okay, looks like the head writer change did wonders! I’m enjoying this again!

They framed the floorboards with Carl and Judith's handprints, just fucking kill me, all right?

Big tummy? How dare you Judy, Rick is shredded.

Rick making Daryl stay at the Sanctuary to lead the Saviors is like Dumbledore making Sirius Black stay in his abusive family home to get yelled at by his mom's portrait. Not cool.

Look at Daryl actually speaking in fully formed sentences and expressing opinions and shit instead of just growling threats for 2.5 seasons. :') Finally got his personality back?

Titanic theme playing in the background while my ship sinks. Fine, moving on to Plan B, which is Daryl/Aaron. I'm always going to ship caryl, though, I don't care, canon can't stop me.

Okay, but I do believe he is sincerely happy for her though clearly jealous, even if it's just in an I'm losing my friend way.

I think I can see where everyone is coming from wrt Negan and the Saviors? I'm with Jesus tbh, a compromise between Maggie and Daryl's harsh stance and Rick and Michonne being way too naive and idealistic. I would have been more than fine with them killing Negan then and there or having some sort of trial and then executing him but killing a defeated guy after so much time has passed won't give anyone any satisfaction. Plus, it would make him into a martyr for the Saviors. On the other hand, keeping him alive is a huge liability and Daryl is right that it just not going to work with a lot of the Saviors. Some of them were clearly getting a kick out of tormenting people, they weren't Punch Clock Villains afraid for their lives.

Obligatory scene in which a condescending prick underestimates Carol and she proceeds to destroy him. And I'm eating it all up because I'm easily pleased.

Daryl Dixon will not rest until he inadvertently gets every single one of his friends killed. Watch out Carol, you are next.

StOp FiGhTInG!!!

"I never asked anyone to follow me" Oh, bullshit. You were power tripping pretty hard at times, Ricky.

"Brother take my hand" ;___;

At least they reached something like an understanding. I didn't want the last Rick/Daryl scene to be yet another argument.

Bad Angel/Good Angel with Shane and Hersel lmao. Kinda corny but all right.

Great to see Sasha again though it would have made more sense if it had been Glenn instead (or someone Rick had said more than a couple of words to).

All the Michonne/Negan/Maggie scenes were excellent!

Honestly, I don't get the movie deal. If Andrew wanted off the show they should have just killed Rick for real. It’s not like there’s much ground left to do with the character. Of course you could say this for all the remaining survivors. 

He died randomly in the comics anyway, didn’t he?

Aaaaaah Little Asskicker kicking ass!

9x06-9x07

The time skip was absolutely necessary, it was ridiculous seeing the actors looking nearly a decade older while the timeline was moving at a glacial pace. And it’s more interesting to see how things have progressed that long into the apocalypse.

Still, I love how they used the time skip as an excuse not to resolve the problem with the remaining Saviors. And I don’t even mind because I was sick of it.

What a BULLSHIT way to write Maggie off the show. I know she's supposed to come back and all about the backstage dram with Lauren Cohan but she  deserved a proper exit episode at the very least. How petty.

How does Gabriel get so much action, I don't get it?

Not sure that I buy Warrior Eugene. Why can't he keep surviving through wits alone?

We’ve all joked about ditching everything and fucking off into the woods forever. MOOD.

It's such a shame though. Back in S6 it was starting to look that he might just adjust to living in Alexandria, he was even opening up to people outside the core group. And then Negan and Dwight happened. :( 

Magna acts just like Rick when they first arrived in Alexandria. I like the shift in perspective. Makes you think how our group must have come across. 

Which makes me think that the harmless looking guy is pulling a Carol. But he's probably all right.

I think I’m going to love Yumiko.

Michonne putting on Rick's shirt, please just stab me. ;____;

Carol's new look is a disaster. Did she steal that wig from the Game of Thrones set?

I love Michonne’s new look, though.

Carol went full Targaryen. O.o

Michonne and Daryl got matching tats? Wut.

OMG, yes please Carol cut his freaking hair already, it looks like road kill. Cut your own hair while you're at it. Also, why are they torturing me with this scene?

That morning after scene at Daryl’s camp is so. awkward. With Henry around like a cockblock.

I'm sorry but they look like Aragorn and Legolas.

First time we've seen Daryl not really getting on with a kid, hmmm, I wonder whyyyyyy that is.

By the way, IF/WHEN THEY KILL DOG I AM DONE. Cannot watch things happening to dogs right now.

The Whisperers remind me of the Quislings from World War Z.

Random but Christian Serratos is only a week older than me.

[theresnosafeharbor4myships]

Picture Perfect - Chapter 11 (also on 9L)   (Chapter 1) (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3)(Chapter 4) (Chapter 5&6) (Chapter 7) (Chapter 8) (Chapter 9) (Chapter 10)

It took him several moments to cool off enough to head out after her, and when he reached the street, she’d disappeared.

Minx, he thought, excited at the prospect of this final leg of the chase.

The night felt good, if a little crisp, after the confines of the rec hall and his increased body temperature thanks to alcohol and Carol. He glanced up at the clouds lazily stretched across the moon, dimming some of its light, as his legs ate up the distance to their house, wondering where she’d run off to.

When he found her, he’d start by trailing his fingers through her hair, down her neck, across her shoulders, over her arms, then back up the sensitive skin of her inner arms. He'd kiss her neck just under her ear and flick his tongue out to tease her on the spot that drove her crazy. She’d reach for him then, wanting to return the favor, but he’d grab her wrists if she permitted, restraining her from touching him—she’d done enough sensual touching tonight; it was his turn—at least until he had her as desperate as he felt.

And the possible location of that damn knife had left him curious all night. He inwardly groaned, anticipating the thorough search for it.

He bounded up the front steps and entered the darkened house. “Carol?” he called out lightly, dropping the bouquet of flowers he’d remembered to grab onto the entryway table.

“Shhh.” Her hissing came from the living room.

He crept around the corner, unsure what to expect.

Barely visible in the moonlight from the bay window, Carol bounced a fussy Judy in her arms.

He rounded the furniture, nearly tripping over Rick’s feet, splayed out in front of the couch he’d passed out on.

“She okay?” he whispered, worried.

“She was crying when I got here. Rick’s out cold.”

“Where’s ‘Chonne?”

“I think she was scheduled to relieve Tara on watch; she’s not here.”

He sidled up to Carol, placing one hand on her back and the other on Judy’s. “She sick?”

“Just fussy. Maybe a bad dream.” She continued bouncing the toddler and glanced up at him. “Wasn’t expecting this. Thought we’d play catch-up in the bedroom.”

He couldn’t see her well, but he heard the regret in her teasing voice, matching his own sense of frustration. “Got plenty’a time for that later. Gotta make sure she’s alright,” he affirmed, moving his hand to cup the little girl’s head.

Judith sniffled-coughed, laying her head on Carol’s shoulder.

“You wanna take care of that kid,” Carol asked, motioning towards Rick. “and I’ll take care of this one?”

“Nah, he made his bed—so to speak—let him lie in it. He’s out. That’s the best sleep he’s gonna get. Gonna have a helluva hangover in the mornin’ though.” He huffed a laugh.

“What a wreck,” she agreed, amused.

“Great nickname: Wreck,” Daryl joked, chuckling.

“Shhhh,” she reprimanded, thoroughly amused but trying to lull Judith to sleep with bounces and shushes.

“Want me to take her for a while?”

“She’s almost asleep,” Carol whispered, humming a shh-shh-shh to Judy as she continued to bounce her. “Why don’t you go upstairs? I’ll be up in a few.”

The moment blindsided him with its familial intimacy, and visions of what life could’ve looked like had he and Carol met in the Before flashed through his brain: a nice, welcoming home, safe from fists and hurts and words thrown like weapons; coming home to Carol’s delectable cooking or her enjoying his latest catch fresh from the barbeque; spending weekends lounging around together, grocery shopping, catching a movie; maybe even a kid—Carol would teach him how to change a diaper and put their baby to sleep and eventually he’d show the kid how to ride a bike—non-motorized first—and swing a bat and how to hunt, and together they’d show their child how to fight and throw a punch—just for protection; they’d have long nights with no sleep and homework to help with and colds and allergies and school pictures and summer camps to deal with; giggles and first steps and terrible twos and snotty noses; family portraits and Christmas presents, birthday parties and summer picnics; hugs, cuddles, hands that healed, and kisses for cuts. Enough happy memories to last until his dying breath.

Altogether different from his childhood and her family life.

A raw ache bloomed in his chest, and he swallowed hard. “Don’t be too long,” he entreated, running his knuckles lightly down her cheek.

He moved up the stairs, each footstep whisking the dream-life away in tattered pieces.

They shared a borrowed house with another family in a walled community that they’d warred to keep standing. They tilled the land and hunted and scavenged like common thieves and killed to protect what they’d acquired like murdering savages. It wasn’t pretty or ideal or anything close to pleasant.

Tonight had been a lavish exception, a bigger break in what went for a life now than the start of the End had been back then.

In reality, he was a rough- and red-neck with scars for memories of what they’d called love and she the battered housewife who’d suffered the insufferable to protect a daughter who now watched over her.

He knew better than to wish for more than what he’d gotten. Life Before had taught him that lesson like a sledgehammer to china. So he’d take this—moments spent with her, coming home to her, fighting next to her, surviving with her, loving her—over the mess of the existence he’d mangled his way through before.

He recalled her words from earlier: I want to live.

He did, too. He’d hold on to whatever time this life granted him with her and be happier and all the better for it.

Daryl turned on the bedside lamp, throwing the room into muted light, and toed off his shoes. He loosened his tie and shrugged out of the fitted jacket that he’d worn all night. The things I do for her, he mused, shaking his head with a half-smile as he headed for the adjoining bathroom.

He brushed his teeth and downed a couple of expired aspirins with a full glass of water, hoping to stave off any hangover effects the morning might bring. With a splash of cool water on his face, he grabbed a hand towel and killed the bathroom light, patting his face dry as he went for the dresser and the loose pajamas it held.

He heard the door open and glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Carol close it behind her and head straight for him. He turned and caught her up in his arms as she pulled him down for a kiss.

Some of the heat of the night had ebbed away, and passion took its place as she kissed him languorously, hungry and fervent but less desperate than before.

“Hi,” he murmured when she pulled away.

Looking pensive, she messed with his tie knot, now hanging mid-chest. “Thank you for tonight, for going with me.”

Her voice came soft but heavy, and he wandered at it. “’Course I went with you. Didn’t do nothin’ special.”

She thought about him forgoing the cool of the night and the freedom of a hunt for the confines of a suit and a party. Taking pictures and putting up with drunk Wreck and Michonne and Maggie’s teasing. Treating her like a desired, invaluable treasure. Going along with her tempting and teasing of him without treating her like a promiscuous harlot, an old epithet she still heard bouncing around her brain whenever she revealed desire.

“It was special to me. I never…”

He gently tipped her chin up until her eyes met his, curious as to why she’d trailed off. “Never what?”

“Never went to my prom,” she admitted. “It’s silly now; those things don’t matter. But…this was better than anything I could’ve imagined: being there with you.”

“No one else I’d go for,” he admitted quietly. “Why…didn’t you go Before?”

She shrugged a shoulder and looked at the buttons on his shirt, fiddling with one of them. “I didn’t date much in high school, and no one asked me. All of my friends had dates, so I couldn’t go with them. So I stayed home.” She lifted her eyes to his. “But not tonight.”

“Nah,” he agreed, unaware until this moment how much the party had meant to her and how he’d bungled it. “Tonight you were the queen. The life of the party.” He fluffed his fingers through her hair. “The most beautiful woman in the world.”

“It’s not hard to be nowadays, considering most of the competition are walkers,” she joked.

He continued as though he hadn’t heard her, not wanting to break the moment. “You own every room you walk into, and you shined tonight. And I’m damn proud to have had you on my arm.”

She stared at him as though he’d hung the moon, and he felt like a heel. She’d had to coerce him to take photos. For hours she’d tried to talk him into dancing, and he’d resolutely refused. The one night in this life—in her entire life—that she’d have the opportunity to enjoy a party looking like royalty, and she’d spent it dragging him along when he should’ve twirled her around the room like the queen she was.

He took one of her hands in his and slipped his other arm around her waist, tugging her gently into him. “Dance with me?”

He sounded vulnerable and unsure and felt so solid and warm against her. “You don’t dance,” she repeated his words to him, giving him a way out.

“I do tonight.” He pulled her closer, and her head rested against his shoulder as he started shuffling his feet. “I do with you,” he whispered.

Carol closed her eyes against the burning tears and let him move them to the easy rhythm in his head.