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idlesana · 8 months

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oceanside

sana x fem reader ; angst

summary: you and sana, and your late night trips to the vacant beach

the beach.

you didn’t like the beach, not typically. grainy hot sand, screams of joy that seemed deafening when combined with the sounds of the waves colliding with the shoreline, it all made your irate. however, the sensation of going to the beach at the dead of night was a comforting feeling. the screams no longer present, crashing of waves less persistent and more soft, sand cool and smooth beneath you.

more importantly, the way sana’s hands played with yours under the moonlight.

you weren’t too sure how it had come about, how you started missing sana during the days, only to find her at night, walking the shoreline, bending to let her fingers dip in the cool water.

she was a friend of a friend, someone you didn’t truly know, yet, her presence brought the strongest feeling over you. what feeling? you weren’t sure of that either.

“i love the ocean, despite the common fear associated with it.” her voice was low and gravely, far from the usual bubbly sana you’d see at group gatherings.

“i’m afraid of the ocean.” you replied, eyes lingering of her fingers gently tracing your own, heart caught in your throat.

you weren’t sure where sana came up with the things she said, but, you aren’t sure of a lot when it comes to the girl.

“and whys that?” she hums, you feel her eyes on you, you feel the weight of them as they track any move you make. you take in a breath, salty air filling your lungs as you look up at the girl, the girl who quickly took the breath out of your lungs.

the moonlight somehow made her prettier, highlighting the perfect nose, sharp jaw, plump lips. it glimmered in her eyes as she looked at you, and suddenly it felt impossible to speak.

“it’s, kinda the mystery of it. who really knows what’s out there.” you shrugged, averting your gaze to the ocean, sea foam and small waves crashing on the shore, illuminated by the moon, almost shining.

“funny, that’s what i find alluring about the ocean.” sana smiles, although you don’t see it. she uses her right arm to push closer to you, hand now atop yours, listening to how your breath catches. “then again, that’s what i like about you too, the mystery.”

the next time you see sana, you’re with your friends.

she almost ignores you when in groups, only acknowledging you in fleeting glances an occasional hums in response to what you say.

you think back to the first night you spent with her on the beach, exactly two weeks ago. she had messaged you, not giving much conversation, instead just an address and life guard tower number, as well as a small “come here xx”. why you decided to meet with this stranger almost? you weren’t sure.

you also didn’t know why she treated you in two polar opposite ways, during the day, sana brought the aura of night, cold and quiet, and during the night, sana brought the aura of day, so warm and bright.

“y/n?”

you look up, catching the eyes of all your friends, including sana, all concerned except for her, she was neutral, almost grinning as if she knew.

“are you alright? you spaced.” one friend, cho miyeon, asks. this friend was impossibly close to sana, always flirty and a blushing mess when she was around. it made you wonder about why sana treated you the way she did come night if she was seemingly into miyeon, as all your friends believed.

“yeah i’m good, just tired.” you smiled, raising hands above your head in a stretch.

“were you out last night?” you pause. the voice was undeniably sana, who you were undeniably out with last night. you meet her eyes, seeing the cheshire grin she wore, knowing well where you were.

“uh, yeah, i was meeting up with someone.” you respond, lowering your hands slowly, expression now unreadable to the other people beside you two. nevertheless, the two of you received curious looks, as if they could pick up on sana’s hints as well.

“sounds fun, is she pretty?” sana is now leaning further forward, elbows on the table and head in her hands. you feel yourself gulp, her gaze along with the other curious looks from your friends feeling suffocating.

“yeah, she is.” you shrug, shyly looking away to conceal the rosy color that was burning on your cheeks.

“aww, how sweet.” sana replies, only before looking back to miyeon to envelope her in some conversation about a drama, you think.

you look back up, in the clear from sana’s gaze, but your now being looked at suspiciously by park jihyo, your best friend. her gaze is ever knowing, and yet confusion is splayed on her features. you knew she knew something was up, she just couldn’t place what.

“something wrong?” you ask, tilting your head at her, opting to play dumb in the eyes of danger. then again, you didn’t know why you and sana’s meetings were private up until this point, but as all thoughts with sana end: you aren’t sure of any of her intentions.

“so, what’s up with you and sana?”

the group is now at some shopping complex, specifically in a cute clothing store, everyone split off to browse on their own time. sana and miyeon flirting somewhere in the store, you could tell by the giggles that settled wrong in your stomach, mina and dahyun somewhere picking out clothing for the other, and of course, jihyo.

“i don’t think i know what you’re talking about.” you say, jaw clenching as your fingers start to grip the clothing hangers a little tighter.

“yeah, right. we all saw whatever happened at lunch.” jihyo quipped back, looming closely behind you, making sure to keep her voice somewhat low. you could only scoff, frustrated at the persistence of your friend, especially when you know you’d get lectured if you gave into her theories. probably over what a danger it is to be involved with someone who acts in such spontaneous ways.

“i’m not sure either. maybe she saw me.” you said, trying to remain as calm in your lie, careful to not get caught.

“and then who were you with?” jihyo asked, uh oh. this was not good, not one bit.

“sana.”

sure enough, jihyo ended up explaining what a risky situation for your feelings this was, and you had simply agreed, nodding in embarrassment at every word she had said. and yet,

“you know i get jealous over jihyo, right?”

and yet, here you were, giving in to the temptation that is minatozaki sana yet again. the waves crashing on the shore yet again, crisp air lightly blowing your hair as you gazed off, letting sana’s hands trail to your waist.

“that’s not fair.” you murmured, eyes dropping to your lap, catching sana’s arm snake from behind you to pull you into her front. you heard sana let out a muffled chuckle, feeling her chin fall to the top of your shoulder.

“and whys that?” sana giggled, you could feel the smile in her voice, which only left more unease in your stomach.

“you seem to be pretty infatuated with miyeon.” your voice was gruff, trying to restrict whatever bubbling feelings of jealousy from imploding inside you. it all felt wrong, like you shouldn’t be feeling this way. sana only laughed, grinning into your neck, hot breath tickling your skin. her response only heightened whatever pent up feelings were brewing within you.

“that’s silly. miyeon-ie and are are just real close.” sana dragged out the real, voice airy and light, giggles still lingering in her tone. you only sighed, trying so hard to keep it all in, to not let any of the strange emotions sana gave you seep.

“what? something wrong?” sana asks, voice so very knowing.

“no. i’m okay.”

the next time you see sana, it’s at some house party.

more importantly, miyeon’s house party. full friendgroup and then some in attendance. it’s actually quite the large crowd, and yet, it seems sana is the only girl you can see.

she’s all up on miyeon, and you can’t help the disgusting jealousy that rises in you, followed by the guilt of being jealous of one of your own friends.

sana knows. she knows your jealous. her eyes keep finding yours through the sea of people, watching as you lean on the wall, sipping some punch concoction and moping. she only grins at you, continuing to lay the moves on miyeon, much to the others delight.

you wonder if sana’s playing with you or playing with miyeon, or maybe both, you aren’t sure, really.

you huff, eyes grazing around to the other occupants in the building, hoping to find someone you can talk too, anything to distract yourself from the older girl.

and that’s when you feel it.

a light tap on your shoulder, then another, and then one more, making you turn on your heel to face whoever was trying to rope in your attention.

it’s im nayeon. and wow, she is stunning.

you’d known her as a friend of sana’s, but further than that, you had not a clue anything about the older girl.

she was taller than you, looking down to meet your gaze with a bright smile on her face.

“hey, you’re y/n, right?” she asks, leaning down to your ear, ensuring you hear her voice, deep and a little gravely. her breath is hot in your ear, sending a sudden chill down your spine despite the heat of the room. she pulls away, dopey grin still on her face, succeeding in making you smile for what feels like the first time tonight.

you place a hand on her shoulder, leaning up to respond, “yeah, you’re nayeon.” you hum, leaning back and letting your smile grow as you note her flushed cheeks.

she leans back once more, “do you wanna go outside? it’s a little loud in here.”. you only nod, letting her large hand grip yours as she leads you along to the back door, missing the grimace sana sends the both of your ways.

“what’s up with you and nayeon?”

you don’t know how sana keeps you wrapped around her finger, keeps you at the edge, knowing at any point you’d drop whatever you were doing to assist her, entertain her.

the warmth she gives you is almost too hot now, not as comforting as it once was, instead, her touch burns against your skin, searing anything in her path.

“i don’t know, she’s nice.” you shrug, eyes transfixed on the dainty fingers she runs along your thigh, other hand snaked around your body and drawing you into her front.

“yeah, sure. are you two talking?” she asks, voice twinged with annoyance and frustration. you take in a deep breath, salty air filling your lungs.

“i don’t know.”

it’s all you can say, tip toeing around sana as to not hurt her, ironic. almost all her actions hurt you, and it’s a suffocating pain.

you only realized recently that you were in love with sana. maybe you brushed it aside as it was far too soon to feel so strongly, but this pain and comfort could only draw back to one thing. and the cruel reality of being in love was playing out now, the way you craved for sana, no matter how bad it hurt you.

there’s a beat of silence, a deep breath from sana, until that stinging pain leaves you, her body fully removed. you hear her stand behind you, ready to walk off as she always does.

“i don’t get you.” you say, it’s uncontrollable, and it’s nearly a whisper. but surely, it catches sana attention, steps pausing, her turning back to you, although you can’t see that.

“what don’t you get about me?” sana asks, voice gentle, contrasting with her almost aggressive tone from earlier. it compliments the crashing waves, and it drives you to stand and face her, for better or for worse.

“sana, do you understand what you’re doing? running off with me at night just to be all over miyeon every hour of the day? do you know how hurt i am?” you can’t control it now, the warm tears finally falling, and all that pent up emotion finally breaching.

sana stares at you, eyes blank and arms hung at her sides, baggy top flowing with the wind.

“it’s so hard for me sana, and it’s just a game to you.”

you’re sobbing now, body shaking and vision blurring, head starting to ring and the sound of the ocean deafening, only worsening the pain settling within you.

she’s still, so still it can only make you hurt worse, it almost makes her look careless.

“y/n.” she mutters, taking a careful step forward, looking down at the sand beneath her.

you can only cry harder, hands moving to wipe some of the wetness from your eyes and nose, the feeling so gross, and yet again only enhancing your emotions for worse.

she moves closer again, now an arms length away from you. her eyes are still emotionless, but her brows are furrowed, but you can’t really make that out.

you can’t control your body from throwing itself into sana, head nuzzling to her neck in an attempt to suppress all of whatever was coming out. her arms wrap around you, hurting you worse and worse. her shirt begins to stick to her skin from the tears you unleash onto it, and she cringes a little, heart twinging with an unexplainable guilt.

she pulls away, holding you by your shoulders, looking at your face, looking at how tired you looked. she pouts at you, you who is hastily breathing out, nearing a panic attack unbeknownst to sana. sana who is now leaning in, she’s fluttering closed once close enough. and surely, her lips press against yours.

she ignores the salty taste of your lips, and you ignore your shock and fatigue, barely kissing her back, but still putting in an attempt. one of her hands goes to cup your cheek, other resting on your neck, pulling you in closer. she hums, fulfilled and happy, despite the melancholy atmosphere surrounding the two of you.

she draws away, frown on her face at your obvious exhaustion. she can only sigh, hand grabbing yours with a tug.

“let me walk you home.”

the walk is quiet, more peaceful then the events from the beach, but there’s something left unsaid, and that’s all you can place.

but soon enough, you’re at your doorstep, sana’s hand still in yours.

you feel ready to give out, tired of everything, ready to go sleep for too long and then wake up and do nothing for a couple days, you’d figured you’d be too exhausted anyway. but there’s another tug, light at your hand, and you almost want to ignore it. but, when have you ever ignored sana?

you turned, begrudgingly, facing the girl, who only wore a somber smile, a glint of pain noticeable in her eyes.

“y/n,” she trails, looking away from you. uh oh.

“listen, i care about you, and a lot.” uh oh. the burning of tears pricks back at your eyes, and you feel everything repeating again.

“but, i’m not in love with you, i do like you, but, i really can’t give you what you want.” she says, smile still on her face, however more pitiful than before.

a sinking pain falls within you. one only describable as heartbreak. it feels as if your breath is stuck in your throat, choking you as your heart squeezes. you grit your teeth, only realizing your tears once they pool at your chin.

“i,” your voice gives out, too shaken and far too wobbly. you breath in, deep and low in your lungs, “i understand.”

and your last memory of that night is the hug sana gives you, that and the gentle kiss pressed to your lips, almost a conciliatory gesture.

days go by, almost weeks, but it’s just under 2 when you see sana again. a whole 13 days of moping in your home not bothering to leave or get up, only doing so when jihyo comes over, which is more frequent than usual since the whole, well situation, happened.

it’s a small gathering in jihyo’s apartment, and nayeon had been occupying most of your attention the whole time, sillily flirting with you, and easing the lingering pain inside you.

the time you do see sana is short, and it’s in the form of a glance, one that lingers, and one that almost, almost, draws pain out from within you, but you decide on saving that for when you get home.

she’s in the corner of the room, nayeon having had blocked her the whole night until she had gotten up to grab the both of you drinks. her lips are locked with miyeon’s and the pain burns inside you. she pulls away, glancing over to you, smile falling and frown growing as she looks at you, regret staining her features in an instant. she tries to pull from miyeon, but it’s hopeless, the girl latched onto her too tight, so sana can only stare. you swear you catch tears pooling at her own eyes, but nayeon is back in front of you in an instant. blocking your view of the other girl.

nayeon immediately catches somethings up, head tilting. “something wrong?” she asks, voice soft and careful as she rests a hand on your thigh, an all too familiar gesture.

you can only shake your head, sad smile playing on your face, but going overlooked by nayeon.

you find yourself at the beach that night, not due to sana’s persuasion, but instead by your own self.

it’s melancholy and so so peaceful, the waves quiet, moonlight soft in highlighting the waves. the moment is perfect, undisturbed. well, almost.

“i guess we think alike.” a voice giggles, bittersweet and hitting you like cold water. you don’t dare turn around, knowing all too well who it is.

“yeah, we do.” you mumble, letting your fingers sink into the cool sand, swirling them around in it as to distract yourself from whatever’s happening right now, or rather the presence looking behind you.

“i messed up, you know.”

you don’t want to acknowledge it, you try not too, for your own well-being, but of course,

“how?”

all you can hear is a light and low laugh, and the movement of fabric behind you.

“i think i am in love with you.”.

#sana imagines #sana x reader #twice imagines #twice x reader #sana #sana scenarios #sana imagine #sana twice #twice sana x reader #idlenayeon #sana reactions

253 notes · View notes

hyunfilms · 9 months

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blue side of the sky (lmh) | seven.

♡ spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: waking up after 3 months with no recollection of your past, your friends do what they can to help you remember. except, they omit an important piece to the puzzle - afraid you would remember the heartbreak and hurt all over again.

—pairing: lee know x f. reader

—genre: (18+) exes to lovers, bestfriends to lovers au | fluff, angst, (eventual) smut

—word count: 3.8k

—chapter warnings: cussing/mature language, wedding time for yuna!! aka weekend getaway for the group!, overthinking/some insecurities, alcohol consumption (not by oc), playful moments between chan, jisung and seungmin, oc has a cute, mini heart-to-heart with seungmin, flashback at the end - crying, another core memory for minho

♡ a/n: more happens btwn oc and minho next chapter (and beyond), i promise! lol and i know everyone is dying for someone to tell the truth!! i also promise that will happen.. soon... in time. 😬 hehe ty for sticking along on this ride 🥺

"Everything okay?" Seungmin looks at you as you stand and study the hotel in front of you. You look at him as he gently smiles, Chan and Jisung taking care of all the belongings in the background.

"Mhm." You respond. Your eyes shift down to the arm he props out, signaling for you to hold onto it before following Chan and Jisung inside. You softly chuckle and grab onto his arm, letting him lead you into the lobby.

As Jisung mentioned, both the wedding and reception were going to take place in the garden area of the oceanside hotel. Jisung, of course, needed to be here a day before the wedding for the rehearsal. Upon entering the lobby, you see him and Chan greeting his parents, with Yuna and Yeong-Su following behind. Their eyes all shift to you and Seungmin as you get closer, Jisung's mom the first to approach you and gently take you into her arms.

"My babygirl." She says. You embrace her and hug her tightly, being that Jisung's parents were just like your own. They've popped in to check on you at the hospital and a few times post-release. You can tell they're also trying to keep it safe around you, almost like you're fragile— need to be handled with care. "I'm so happy you're here." She pulls away, cupping your cheek. "Are you doing okay?" You nod.

"I'm okay." You verbally respond just as Jisung's father is pulling you in for a hug.

"Your uncle couldn't make it?" You shake your head.

"No, he's working on a big project right now. He sends his regards, though." You make a mental note to call your Uncle Adrian later just to let him know you've made it safely. Being that he owned his own construction company, he was always on the go and working on projects around town. He was reliable, someone known for his kindness and trustworthiness. People always wanted him to be handling their projects or needs. You don't blame them— he was your mom's brother and he reminded you of her in so, so many ways. You were grateful for him and for the many ways he has provided and kept you safe, protected. You're especially grateful to have him because if you weren't going to have mom here, you at least had him— a piece of her. They shared the same attitude, values, the same gracefulness.

Both angelic and gentle.

"Well, you let us know if you need anything. Especially if he starts working up your nerves." Jisung's dad nods towards him.

"I will." You chuckle.

"Y/N." Yuna pokes out her bottom lip as she comes to embrace you. "God, it's so nice to see you and hug you. I missed you so much."

"I missed you, too."

"Thank you for coming. Seriously. I know it's a lot, but it means so much to me that you're here." She looks at you.

"I'm glad I'm here." You smile at Yeong-Su and greet him. "How can I help right now?"

"No, no. Don't you dare lift a finger. We have people taking care of everything. I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself while you're here, okay?" Yuna hangs onto your arm. "I can't believe it's here already."

"Time flies by."

"Sure does." Yuna leans her head against your shoulder. "I hope it all goes to plan."

"Don't worry. Everything will be fine, and it'll all be amazing. You'll look so, so beautiful walking down that aisle and I can't wait to witness that moment." Yuna smiles at you. Although you can't recall the moments you've spent with Jisung's family or Yuna in general, her aura is comforting. She's special to you, and you to her— that seeing her only confirms that fact that she has been someone dear and close to you. It's easy to talk to her like this, as if your body was working with its muscle memory. Though, you wish you could look back at those moments and cherish them instead.

"Thank you." There's a slight hint of worry in her eyes when she looks at you, when they all look at you, and it's a clear sign that they too, are walking on eggshells around you. Fragile, sensitive, afraid you'd crack and break into pieces any moment.

These times were trying, and you hated it when people looked at you that way. You have to constantly reassure yourself that people cared. Maybe even a bit too much, but they cared.

They believe in you, Y/N.

You aren't lost, Y/N.

That's not what this is.

"If you need me or anything at all, don't you ever hesitate to let me know. Okay?"

"Okay. Don't worry Yuna. This weekend is all about you and Yeong-Su, alright? It'll be great." She nods happily.

"Sorry to bother. Need to borrow my bestfriend so I can show her to the room?" Jisung steps in and Yuna rolls her eyes.

"You're always so selfish with her, you know that?" He scoffs.

"Woah, I'm literally just taking her to the room!"

"Share sometimes." She continues to playfully argue with him before returning her attention to you. "Get some rest. Enjoy yourself. I'll see you tonight for dinner." She squeezes your hand before reuniting with Yeong-Su and Jisung's parents.

"Ready? We're on the fourth floor." He has his duffle bag strap over one shoulder, while carrying your weekender bag by the hand. He gives you a small smile, eyes darting back to Chan and Seungmin walking ahead towards the elevator. "We're sharing a room with two beds, and Chan and Seungmin are in the connecting room. Is that okay?"

"Mhm, that's fine." You follow the three boys into the elevator. "Where's Minho going to be?" Chan and Seungmin look at you before looking at Jisung.

"Oh, he's not coming tonight. He's just gonna show up for the wedding tomorrow and stay after."

"I see."

"We should check out the bar and stuff before the dinner." Chan chimes in as he continues to scroll through his phone. "Wanna come, Y/N? No pressure."

"Hm, sure. It'll be nice to explore." Chan smiles at you. Once you hit the fourth floor, the four of you walk over to the rooms silently, Jisung dropping your bags to the floor before opening the door that joins the two rooms together. You immediately walk towards the window to look out at the view, arms crossed at your chest as you take in the way the sun bounces off of the water's surface.

"Pretty isn't it? I suggested for Yuna and Yeong-Su to get married here." You chuckle at Jisung.

"Nice choice."

"Did you get to call your uncle yet?"

"No, not yet. I'll call him in a bit." He nods.

"Want this bed?" Jisung points to the bed closest to the window and you smile at him.

"You'd give up the bed with a view?"

"Why not? All that matters to me is that you're comfortable." He shrugs. "I know all of this happened kinda last minute for you."

"It's not like that." You chuckle. "I'm glad I came along. It already feels nice to be away for a weekend."

"Good." He looks at Chan and Seungmin. "I can use their bathroom so that you have this one to yourself."

"It's fine, pachi. It's not like we haven't done this before with our families." You look at him with a certain look in your eyes, and he feels like he can relax. Jisung does worry about you, probably way more than he should, but at the end of the day, he just wants to make sure you're taken care of. It's his duty as your bestfriend, and he feels especially protective after everything you've been through. You've done so much for Jisung while growing up that he can't help but feel like he didn't do enough to keep you safe, to keep you from getting hurt, to protect you. He knows it's not his fault, but he can't help but blame himself.

He feels like he could have done more.

And with you being here—being awake, being you— he feels like he's gotten a second chance to do better. He's gotten a second chance to make up for the things he didn't do before. He'll never take that for granted ever again.

"Mmkay." He chuckles. "Well, I'm gonna go wash up before we head down." You nod before unzipping your weekender bag and gently pulling out your wedding gift. Thankfully, after some days of rest and taking it easy, you were able to finish off the vase you started for Yuna. On top of that, you were able to grab other useful items to gift the couple as well. You set the things aside before hanging up your dress and setting your heels aside for tomorrow. While Jisung is still in the bathroom, you grab your phone out of your pocket and press your uncle's number under your Favorites list. It rings for 3 times before he picks up on the other line, the construction sounds blaring in the background.

"Hey Y/N, sorry it's so loud." You can tell he's trying to walk towards a quieter place with the way the background slowly fades out. "Did you and the boys make it okay?"

"Mhm, it was a smooth ride."

"Good, that's good to hear. How is the hotel? I heard it's really nice."

"It is super nice. I saw Yuna, Yeong-Su and Jisungie's parents as soon as we got here. I told them you send your regards."

"Thank you. Yeah, I wish I could come, but this project is taking up so much of my time. We're still behind." He chuckles a bit. "You have fun and enjoy yourself, okay?"

"I will. I just wanted to let you know that we were here."

"Okay, call me later when you're free. Hopefully I'll be home and resting by then." You laugh.

"You should. Don't work too hard."

"I'll try not to. Tell Jisung and the boys I said hi."

"I will. I love you."

"I love you too." And with that, the call ends. You set your phone aside and dig through your bag again, checking to see which clothes you could change into that are more fitting for the warm weather. You pull out a simple black mini skirt and a crop top, hugging it against your chest as you wait for Jisung to finish up in the bathroom. You peek into Seungmin and Chan's room to see them lazily lying on their beds, with Seungmin the first to look up from his phone when he sees you looking in.

"Need something, Y/N?" He sits up and you shake your head.

"Do you mind if I change in your bathroom? Jisungie's taking forever."

"Go for it."

"Dude, tell him to hurry up." Chan looks at Seungmin. "I wanna grab a drink."

"Han Jisung, hurry up!" Seungmin yells from the bed as he crashes back onto it. You slip into their bathroom and shut the door behind you, hearing Chan and Seugmin constantly yelling at Jisung to hurry. You giggle to yourself as you change into your clothes, already feeling better being out of those leggings and the thick hoodie you had on.

"Where's Y/N?" You hear Jisung ask.

"She's changing in our bathroom cause you took too long."

"Oh." You hear footsteps approaching the bathroom door. "I'm sorry, cielo. You should've knocked."

"It's alright." You swing the door open, which causes Jisung to step back and quickly eye you from head to toe. "I'm ready now, we can head down."

"You look nice." You smile at Jisung.

"Thanks." You walk past him to get back to your room and drop your clothes.

"You always look nice, Y/N." Seungmin adds.

"Even in your pajamas, Y/N." Chan playfully chimes in causing Jisung to roll his eyes.

"Back off." You giggle to yourself when you hear Chan and Seungmin laughing at Jisung’s remark. They stand up to their feet when you walk back into their room, and the four of you start heading back down to the hotel lobby to explore around. On the way down, Chan and Seungmin are cracking jokes between each other that make you laugh, while Jisung picks up a call that comes through on his phone.

"Minho, yo." He picks up the call. "Yo?" He repeats. "What do you want?" You obviously can't hear Minho on the other line, but Jisung furrows his brows while listening to him. "What do you mean you don't know what to buy as a present? They have a registry. Just buy something from there or give them money so they can use it towards whatever they please." Jisung sighs. "Uh no, absolutely not a good idea to give them sex toys as a present." You chuckle, making Jisung look down at you before looking back ahead. "Dude, you're fucking gross. Do what you want. I'm telling Yuna and Yeong-Su that I had nothing to do with it." He lets out another breath. "Yeah, okay. I'm hanging up now." He lets out a laugh. "You're full of shit. Bye."

"Productive conversation, I see." Jisung shrugs.

"Dude is out of his mind. He's terrible when it comes to giving gifts."

"I'm sure he'll figure it out." It falls quiet as you continue walking towards the bar near the lobby. But for you, you're mainly wondering why you haven't talked to Minho as much as you expected to. He was your bestfriend, right?

Why didn't he say hi?

Does he ask about you as much as you do with him?

Why does it feel like Jisung is a wall between you two?

"Yo, look at this." Chan picks up the flyer at the front of the bar. "Tequila shots are only a dollar from now until 8PM."

"You're out of your mind." Seungmin laughs. "That shit is probably poison, and I'm not taking care of your asses."

"I can handle myself!" He nudges Jisung. "Let's go."

"I'm only gonna take like.. 3, my guy. I still have to rehearse, you know?"

"What better way to rehearse than tipsy?"

"Fuck you." Jisung shakes his head as he gives in to Chan. "You're really not gonna join in?"

"No, hell no. I'll stay here with Y/N and keep her safe from you two weirdos." Seungmin stands closer to you and you smile at the two. "We'll just help ourselves to some family-friendly drinks and people-watch outside." He looks down at you and you nod.

"Sounds fun to me." The boys know you aren't fond of drinking, especially after the accident. It's not like they've ever pressured you, but it's nice to have Seungmin swoop you away from Chan and Jisung's chaos just so you two could chill. Which, he does by asking the bartender for virgin pina coladas, taking the glasses over to two seats near the edge of the dining area that overlook the beach. You sit onto the stool while Seungmin doesn't waste any time with his drink. After quenching his thirst, he looks at you and gives you a toothless smile.

"Is it okay?" You nod while sipping your drink.

"It's really good!" You look at the drink in surprise. "Thanks. How much do I owe you?"

"What?" He chuckles. "Don't worry about it, Y/N. It's on me."

"Thank you, Seungmin."

"Of course." Silence. The two of you appreciate the view ahead before Seungmin breaks the silence again. "I didn't expect it to be so hot this weekend."

"Didn't pack the right clothes?" He does a head tilt while letting out a soft laugh.

"Not really, but I'll make it work. Like I always do." You chuckle before there's another pause. Seungmin feels safe. He always radiates a warm aura; someone who won't ever judge you, or make you feel stupid. Especially for what you're about to ask—

"Seungmin?" You slightly turn in your seat to look at him. "Can I ask you something?" He returns the favor by turning in his seat to face you.

"Anything."

"Is Minho really that busy?" His eyes widen at the random question, but he answers anyway.

"Um, yeah. He kinda is." He laughs a bit. "He's my roommate but I see him come and go pretty often, and I've gotten used to it. I'm sure the café is hard to manage. Why?"

"I don't know. I just.. feel the need to ask." You tilt your head and look at him. "Can I tell you something else?"

"Of course." His voice softens.

"I'm having a hard time figuring out why I feel a certain way when it comes to Minho. We were close at one point, right? So, why doesn't it feel like it? Why do I feel like I'm missing something?" You look out at the view, then back at him. "Why do I feel like he's purposefully avoiding me?" He lets out a breath. You can tell he's hesitating but he covers it up well.

He recovers well.

"I think Minho is still trying to process everything." Is all he says. "It's not anything against you, this entire thing is just hard for him. Give it some time. He'll come around." This is all he gives you.

"Sorry, I must sound stupid. I don't really know how to explain it."

"You're not stupid, Y/N. I know you are just trying to understand. And, I understand you. Don't worry." You also feel like Seungmin wants to say something else, but he doesn't. And that's because Jisung chose this very moment to rush over towards you two, arguing with Chan about their choices.

"I hate his ass." Jisung comes rushing over, pointing at a laughing Chan behind him. "He made us do five tequila shots."

"You're both glowing." Seungmin laughs. "Sure you can do it for the rehearsal?" The two of you watch as Jisung playfully pushes Chan and continues to put the blame on him and whine.

While you and Seungmin finish up your drinks, Yuna, Yeong-Su, their parents and Jisung's parents eventually come down and meet your group right before the rehearsal is scheduled to start. You laugh at Jisung's parents scolding him for getting tipsy before rehearsals— Jisung's mom clinging onto you as you all walk towards the garden area where things are set up for tomorrow's festivities.

As you sit alongside of Chan and Seungmin while watching the wedding rehearsal, you can't help but think of your quick conversation with Seungmin. With the gentle way he spoke with you earlier, you can't help but feel like you've been overthinking the entire thing and that's what you wanted to avoid while being here. It was hard for everyone to process what had happened, knowing that everyone was on the brink of letting you go, of giving you peace.

Then, to come back and change everything— to change their feelings, their mind, their decisions.

Maybe it was just you, after all.

☁︎ FLASHBACK | A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER YOU WOKE UP

Minho doesn't even know where he's going.

He finds himself running, and running, and running— in hopes he can finally escape the repeating sounds of your cries and screams.

"Fuck." He groans as he leans over onto his knees, squinting his eyes at the dull headache that is suddenly coming onto him early this morning. The sun is barely rising, the air is still cold, sharp. He drags himself over to the rail before sitting on the step— chest beginning to ache at the shortness of breath. His head falls and his breathing is the only thing he hears besides the occasional early morning chirping, cars passing by, geese dipping into the lake ahead of him.

"Knew I'd find you here." He looks up to the familiar voice, surprised at seeing his roommate standing in front of him in a hoodie and sweats.

"What are you doing here?" Seungmin shrugs and sits next to him on the step.

"Think I don't wanna get a run this morning, too?"

"Right." Minho looks straight ahead at the lake again. "Sleep is everything to you."

"Damn right. This is so fucking early."

"So, why are you here?"

"To make sure you're okay."

"Why wouldn't I be?" He's avoiding eye contact, again. Seungmin may not say much, but he notices these things. He always notices the small things.

"You haven't said much to anyone since Y/N woke up. Think it's safe for me to be worried about you." Seungmin says softly, arms lazily hanging over his knees while he joins Minho and looks out to the lake. It's quiet for awhile before Minho finally speaks up and lets out a soft sigh.

"Nothing to be worried about."

"You don't have to do that. We can talk about it." Seungmin looks at him before shifting back to the lake. "It's hard, I know it is. I say that as her friend, so I can only imagine what you're feeling right now. So let me be your friend, and let me be there for you." And honestly, that's all it takes for Minho to crack. Because he's not okay. This is hard. He doesn't know what to do.

You saw them, and there was nothing.

You saw him, and there was nothing.

Minho's head falls, and Seungmin hears the harsh crying next to him even if Minho is trying his hardest to mask it. He can hear Minho whimpering in between sobs, Seungmin's heart breaking at the sound. He gently pats his back, giving him some time to let it all out.

"I didn't think it'd be this fucking hard." He mumbles and Seungmin barely catches on. "She doesn't know any of us, she doesn't know me."

"She's scared. Give her some time, okay? We'll get her back to where she needs to be."

"No, no." Minho shakes his head as he continues to cry. "No. She's different, she doesn't know me." He repeats. "I'm so stupid. Why did I let her go that night?"

"You're not stupid."

"I am. I am." He repeats. "None of this would've happened." His crying finally slows down but he still can't bring himself to look at Seungmin yet. He lets himself calm down, crying finally subsiding as he lets out a breath and wipes away at the straggling tears. "I was getting ready to accept it. I think I did. I was ready for whatever was gonna happen next. I was at peace with it. He pauses. "Then she came back. And I'm supposed to feel relief, right?" He finally turns to Seungmin again, eyes red from all the crying.

"You don't have to feel that way right now. Understandably, it's a lot at once." Is the best Seungmin can do.

"Yeah. Because truthfully, I don't feel relieved." Seungmin sees the tears building up on Minho's bottom lids again, his lip slightly trembling. "I'm not relieved because it feels like I still lost her either way. That's the hardest part about all of this." He starts to softly cry again, and he remains silent. Quite frankly, he doesn't know what else to say to Seungmin. He's overwhelmed with emotion, but at the same time he feels so fucking empty inside. Your cries and screams are still ringing in his head, the fear in your eyes when it quickly landed on him, the boys.

He shouldn't have let you go that night.

He's so stupid.

Nothing could have prepared him for how difficult this was going to be. He feels a selfish, feels kinda like an asshole for this. But, he truthfully cannot say he feels relieved after these past few days—

In the end, he still loses you.

☁︎ END

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paintyoureyeswithavividmind · 8 months

Text

close to home | chapter fifty five

plot: the reader and her group go into the city

series masterlist

Pairing: Eventual Daryl Dixon x f!reader Word Count: 3,670 Warnings: violence, blood, typical twd A/N: thank you for reading!!!

You were up before Daryl the following day. The clock on the nightstand read 3:51AM, and it would go off in nine minutes. You’d have plenty of time to get to the meeting point at dawn. You’d see many of your friends today, some of whom you hadn’t seen in a while. Despite getting up so early, you were looking forward to it.

Daryl was sleeping next to you, snoring away per usual. You moved from across the bed so you were against his arm, feeling his bare skin against yours. His skin was smooth as you laid your palm against his chest and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. Then another one, and another one after that.

He started stirring, and you smiled as he said, “Crazy girl.”

“Morning, handsome,” You said.

He sighed deeply and looked at you, but you couldn’t see him in the dark room. “Ya kept me up too late.”

You rolled your eyes and shuffled to get out of bed, wincing at the discomfort between your legs. “I’m sure that’s exactly what happened. You gotta hurry up, old man. The group won’t wait for grandpa to catch up.”

***

Most of the group was already at the meeting point when you and Daryl turned up. As soon as he stopped the bike, you were jumping off to hug your friends. Michonne and Maggie were first on your greeting list, then Jesus, Aaron, Tara, and everyone else. There were a few people you recognized from Hilltop but none that you’d spent much time with.

“We’re still waiting on the Kingdom; they’ll be here in a few,” Michonne told you.

Rick called your name and nodded his head before walking away, so you knew to follow him.

“You know, I’ll have to talk to Michonne about you.” You said as you walked up to him. “Me and her are both dating such old men.”

He gave you a look but smiled anyway. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, you? Judith?”

“Both good. How’s the Sanctuary? Anything I need to know about?”

You shook your head and crossed your arms. “Not really. Harvest isn’t that great, but we managed to make a decent amount of fuel, I guess. Most of the saviors are compliant. Some love what’s changed. I don’t know…”

“It can work,” He said.

You glanced back at the group and saw how well everyone got together. Oceanside, Hilltop, and Alexandria. Then you looked at Rick. “I don’t know. But I’m hopeful, Rick.” You lied.

He smiled at you, wrapped an arm around your shoulders, and guided you towards the group. About half a mile up the road, you saw the Kingdom coming in. “I know you are. That’s why I put you in charge of overseeing the communities.”

“That’s why? I thought it was because you were sick of my jokes.” You smiled.

Rick snorted as he shook his head. “Maybe that, too. And don’t think I didn’t notice that ring on your finger.”

You felt your cheeks heat up and touched your fingers to the ring on your left hand. “Yeah…”

Rick paused and looked at you. “I’m happy for you. I’m happy seeing you happy.” Then he gave you a big hug. “Congratulations. I’ll have to tease Daryl a bit, but I’m sure you understand.”

You laughed loudly as the hug ended. “He has a matching one, so go crazy.”

Rick shook his head as if to say this is too easy, and the two of you walked back to where the group was. The Kingdom had now joined you, and you smiled at Carol.

“Daryl, hey man, what’s that on your hand? Is that a ring or something?” Rick asked, sending you a wink.

And, of course, that caught everyone’s attention, and within a second, Jesus pointed out yours, and then there was a mix of laughing, cheering, and congratulations going around. Maggie gave you the tightest hug, and you covered your blushing cheeks with your hands.

When you met Daryl’s eye across the group, where both Aaron and Rick were still messing with him, you saw how red his cheeks were. But you also saw how happy he looked, making you smile.

***

Washington, D.C., was a ghost town; even the walkers were scarce. You assumed, for the most part, they’d migrated out of the dead city. They were probably all the damn herds you were having to dodge. The museum was quick to find, and two watch groups were set up on the streets while another group was sent into the building.

You walked alongside Carol and Ezekiel, whom you hadn’t seen in over a month. They filled you in on Henry and the rest of the community, and you promised you’d visit soon. You loved being at the Kingdom. Next to wherever Daryl was, the Kingdom was your second favorite place. And Ezekiel accepted you like a little sister, and you loved to mess around with Jerry.

Inside, the museum was a disgusting mess, and you walked around with a grimace on your face. Before the shit hit the fan, you would’ve loved to see the museum in its glory. But now, it was just a reminder of how ugly the world could be.

“You all have your lists,” Rick said as you all walked into a rotunda. You looked up at all the hanging banners. “Circle back here when you’re done. Be safe.”

Your group consisted of yourself and Daryl, Maggie, Carol, Ezekiel, Michonne, and Cyndie. The group was hesitant when you all came to a glass floor with about a dozen walkers underneath, but you’d all seen worse, so you crossed over it and headed up the stairs to the level you needed to get to.

After getting to the level, the group split into two, and you went off with Maggie, Carol, and Michonne. It felt nice with just the four of you--you wouldn’t deny it. You’d been through hell and back together, and after being spread apart for so long, it was lovely.

Maggie filled you all in on Hilltop's official election, and you weren’t surprised she’d beat Gregory. It would've been to her if you were there to cast your vote.

“Meanwhile, I live with a king,” Carol lightly joked, and the four of you laughed. “But I wanna know when Miss (Y/N) and Daryl exchanged those rings?”

You felt your cheeks heat up and you squeezed the handle of your machete--which you hadn’t realized you missed so much until Daryl got it back. “Last night, if you must know.” You held out your hand so they could all see the ring you knew they wanted to see. “It’s nothing crazy, he made it actually.”

“Made it?” Michonne asked you. “Out of what?”

“A broken part to the motorcycle I crashed,” You laughed. “But it’s perfect.”

Maggie wrapped her arm around your shoulders and kissed the side of your head. “It is. I’m happy for you, (Y/N).”

“I’m happy pookie finally settled down, especially with someone as crazy as him,” Carol joked, “Though we all knew the two of you would end up together. Even back at the prison.”

“You guys did not,” You said.

Michonne shook her head, “We did. We all did.”

“You guys suck, you know that? What, ya’ll would’ve put money on it if you could?”

“Of course not,” Maggie said dramatically, and you rolled your eyes.

“Let’s just find what we came for, shall we?”

***

The wagon creaked loudly as it dropped down another step, and you swore under your breath at the weight that your body was trying to keep up. The rope around your waist dug into your sides, and your hands stung from holding on so tight. Being on marble stairs didn’t help in your worn-down boots.

You were between Daryl and Carol, trying to help keep your side of the wagon steady. You could hear Rick directing it, and you were almost there. Rick took the lead when the glass floor came into play, and slowly, you got the wagon onto the ground. You could hear the glass shifting under the wagon's weight, and if it went down, you’d all be dragged with it.

But ever so slowly, it crossed the glass flooring. While Daryl and Rick took care of the canoe, you and Carol went to carefully grab the metal plow. You glanced back at Enid and Anne, who had the rope steady around the column.

You groaned as you lifted it and felt the rope tugging around your waist. You glanced at Carol, who was straining against the weight. You’d only taken a few steps onto the glass when the cracking quickened, and you heard Rick screaming to run.

The floor seemed to shift under your weight as you looked down for half a second, realizing it was about to break.

“Go!” You yelled to Carol, shoving the plow further into her grasp so the weight of it would bring her forward.

The glass broke from underneath you, and you screamed as you went down. The rope caught you at the waist but your body tilted head first towards the approaching walkers, and then you rocked back and forth until you were parallel with the floor.

“Daryl!” You screamed, grabbing onto the rope and trying to pull yourself up.

You could hear yelling from above you, but the walkers were too loud for you to pick out any voice in particular. Daryl was the only one you could pick out, and he was screaming at everyone to keep the rope steady.

Carol appeared in the open hole, and you could see the dread in her face. “Hold on (Y/N)!” She yelled.

“No, I think I’ll just let go!” You yelled up, lifting your legs to avoid the walkers grabbing them. You could feel their fingers just barely gliding against your back and legs. “Hurry up!”

A blanket was thrown over the edge of the glass, and then finally, there was Daryl. He was lying flat against the glass and had both arms outstretched towards you.

“Grab my hands, darlin’,” He said. You could see the worry in his eyes, which only made you worry more.

You took a deep breath and closed your eyes; you’d have to let go of the rope to grab his hands, and if you missed, you’d fall the distance you’d managed to keep yourself up, and the walkers would grab you.

“(Y/N), grab my hands!” Daryl yelled. “(Y/N), now!”

With one quick breath, you pulled yourself up the rope enough to reach up and grab his hands. Your legs flung downwards, and a walker grabbed your ankle, but you kicked it away and raised your legs as high as possible.

But you didn’t need to worry about it for too long. Daryl pulled you up quickly and dragged your ass out of the hole.

You were breathing heavily as he helped you stand and get off the glass, and you pressed your hands against your knees as you tried to steady your breath.

“(Y/N), are you okay?” Rick asked you, setting his hand on your shoulder.

You nodded, giving him a thumbs up as you breathed. Your abdomen was on fire after holding yourself up like that. You felt a hand on your back and looked up at your cousin. She gave you a nod, and you could visibly see the relief on her face.

When you stood up and looked for Daryl, he was right behind you. You gave him a nod and pulled his hand away from his mouth. “Don’t chew on your nails,” You reminded him.

He snorted and grabbed you, pulling you into a hug. You closed your eyes as you felt his hand cradle your head and his lips pressed firmly against the top. “I’m okay,” You reminded him. But you knew he could feel your shaking hands.

Rick had everyone moving after that. You still had to get the wagon out of the damn museum and into the street. Luckily for you, didn’t involve a glass floor, and it was a quicker process.

You helped Siddiq and Rick load up the wagon, and once everything was settled, you joined Daryl on his bike.

“You okay?” He asked you as you tied a handkerchief around your neck.

You nodded and leaned forward, giving him a kiss. “I’m fine, old man.” You sat down and smiled at him, pulling your handkerchief up so half your face was blocked off.

Daryl looked at you for another moment before doing his own and then started to drive.

***

Your head rested on the back of Daryl’s shoulder as he drove, with your arms wrapped around his waist. Your hands were under his shirt, pressed against his bare skin--which you knew he loved when you did, though he would always complain.

The bike roaring started to die down, and you lifted your head to see Rosita approaching you on her ATV. She stopped next to the two of you to inform you about the merging herds and a bridge having been removed. You groaned when you heard the news.

After doubling back to let Rick and the group know, you continued on your way to the bridge, which was a devastation in itself. So Rick decided that whoever wanted to would return to Alexandria, while the rest would take route D to Hilltop and the Sanctuary.

So that was what you did until the wagon got stuck in the mud. At that point, you wanted to cry, frustrated, and you knew everyone was probably feeling the same way.

Before long, you were pulling on more ropes trying to get the wagon out. That was when walkers showed up, and with one final pull, it came free.

“Let’s get out of here,” Rick said. You grabbed some of the gear that was on the floor and helped him toss it into the back of the wagon. You heard Rick call your name, and when you looked up, you saw there were even more walkers, with a decent amount getting closer and closer.

You grabbed your machete and followed Daryl and Michonne, taking down a few walkers. You grunted as you pulled out the knife of the last one, and when you felt a hand on your arm, you spun around with it raised but dropped it when it was just Daryl.

“I’m gonna stab you one of these days if you keep doing that,” You warned him as he pulled you away from the dozen or so walkers.

“Yeah, yeah,” You heard him mutter.

“We gotta go, now! Leave the wagon!” Rick yelled.

Daryl pushed you in front of him as you both started to run to catch up, but when Ken doubled back to free the horses, none of you were close enough to get to him before he was bit and then kicked in the chest by the horse.

“Fuck,” You muttered, pulling out your machete.

You, Daryl, Ezekiel, Carol, and a few others headed towards the small herd while Siddiq and Maggie went to work on helping Ken.

You and Daryl worked as a team to bring down each walker; he helped you when one got close, and you returned the favor. Eventually, they were dead on the ground, and so was Ken. So you loaded up what remained of the supplies, wrapped his body, and headed home.

***

You were exhausted when you got back to the Sanctuary. It was after sunset, and you could see lights from burning candles inside. The generators were off with no fuel, which was a newer development.

“Ya wincin’,” Daryl said as he watched you get off the bike.

“It’s been a long day.” You said after lowering your handkerchief. You moved into him and wrapped your arms around his neck and laid your head ontop of his. “I hope Maggie’s okay.”

“She’s tough.”

You kissed the top of his head and moved away so he could get off the bike. Everyone who hadn’t gone to Hilltop showed up and dismounted their horses. One of the saviors who worked with the horses took them, and you all headed inside the building.

Someone called out that it was Rick Grimes, the man who ended the war. It nearly made you laugh because, to you, he was just Rick. He was your friend, a brother more-like. An annoying asshole, brother. But you loved him; he’d done much to get that title.

Eugene approached you and Daryl and filled you in on what was happening, to which Daryl listened intently, but you just nodded. You felt the burning sensation of someone staring at you, and when you turned, there was Justin. He winked, and you scowled, taking a step closer to Daryl.

Which, of course, he immediately picked up on. Daryl stared at Justin for a few seconds before Michonne called him over, and he tugged you along with him.

You sighed loudly when you saw more writing on the wall. As Daryl and Michonne conversed, you still felt Justin watching you. You grabbed Daryl’s hand and intertwined your fingers.

After Daryl yelled at Justin to clean up the paint, which you knew had more to do with him staring at you than the paint itself, you offered to show Michonne where she would be staying the night--which she gladly accepted.

Upstairs, you felt like you could breathe again.

“I have some food in my room, I’m starving. You and Rick could stay there, Carol and Ezekiel will take the next room over.” You explained as you pointed to the room across from yours.

Inside, Michonne made herself comfortable on the recliner while you made peanut butter sandwiches; you sent two aside for Daryl. Alexandria’s bread was one of your favorite things in the world.

“Is this where you stayed when…?” Her voice trailed off.

You nodded and gave her one of the sandwiches. “Yes. The other wives, the ones who stayed, they kept their rooms too.”

It was quiet while the two of you ate, and you made a second sandwich for the both of you. Once finished, Michonne stretched back in the recliner and sighed dramatically, which made you chuckle.

“I’m really happy for you. You and Daryl make sense.” Michonne told you as you changed into sleeping clothes. “It’s crazy to think of where we were when we found them. Back at the prison.”

“I was by myself with just Tora,” Your heart ached as you thought about your cat and how long it’d been since you’d seen her. “You were with Andrea and then by yourself, too. Even after all the shit we’ve been through, I’m happy I ended up here. I don’t think I would’ve made it on my own.”

“You would’ve. You’re strong.” Michonne told you.

You laid back on your bed. “I wanna come home to Alexandria. Or even Hilltop or the Kingdom.”

“I’ve tried talking to Rick about it. He wants to bring you and Daryl home. He just doesn’t know who else could do this…”

You nodded as you sighed. “I know. Daryl’s doing a good job, a great job.”

“He has your help. Don’t forget that, (Y/).”

***

You’d fallen asleep a few hours later, waiting for Daryl. When he finally showed up, you woke from the noises and whined at the interruption of your sleep. He mumbled something to which you didn’t hear, but by the time he was in bed next to you, you were mostly awake.

“Come here,” You whispered to him, lifting your arm so he could rest his head against your upper chest. His arm draped around your middle and you brought your hand up to rub the back of his head. “Where were you?”

“With Rick, then Carol,” He said. You felt his hand dip into your shirt, and then his calloused fingers lightly rub your skin. “Carol’s gonna take over here for a lil’ while. Let me and ya take a break.”

“What?” You brought your hand to his bare back to trace your fingernails along the skin, which immediately caused goosebumps to rise.

“We goin’ to Hilltop tomorro’.”

You nodded at the news as relief filled you. Even if it was just for a little while, that was amazing. It would be like a vacation.

“Spoke to Rick ‘bout Justin. Says we can handle it the way we see fit.” Daryl said, and you nodded again. “Fuckin’ hate that motha fucka.”

You laughed and brought your other hand to his bicep. “Me too.”

The two of you sat in silence after that. You rubbed his back and arm, trying to soothe him. You’d thought he’d fallen asleep when he whispered, “I thought ya was gonna die today.”

You swallowed and pressed a kiss on the top of his head. “I didn’t. I’m here.”

His hand squeezed your waist, and he pulled you closer to his body. “Was so terrified to look down at ya, thought I’d see ya bein’ torn ‘part.”

“I’m okay, honey, I promise.” You squeezed his arm.

He sighed and nodded. “I hate ya goin’ out there, but I know ya need to. Wish ya didn’ have to.”

“Maybe I’ll just tell Rick to fuck off then.” You teased, and finally heard him chuckle. “Don’t worry about what happened today. I’m okay. You’re okay. And that’s that, okay?”

Daryl lifted his head and pressed a quick kiss to your lips. “I love ya.”

“I love you, too. Now go to bed, we got a long day tomorrow too.”

#the walking dead daryl #daryl dixion x reader #daryl dixon x reader #daryl fanfiction #daryl dixon #twd #daryl x reader #daryl twd #daryl x you #daryl x y/n

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specialagentlokitty · 3 months

Text

Negan x reader - people can change

Part 3:

A/N: italics will be sign language

That same day you sent your scouts back with Cole, along with a few people who were doing a lot better now and were ready to return.

Cole stopped just outside the gate and looked at you.

I can’t leave you here alone.

And we can’t leave the community with no leader.

He pointed to one of the scouts.

He can watch over until Luke gets here and I return.

You shook your head.

No. You will go. They need a leader to watch and guide them. You will do as I say.

You will be alone.

I will be safe. The scouts will be here.

You heard Cole sigh but he nodded his head, gesturing for the group to go ahead.

The did try give you horses, but you wouldn’t be able to bring them back to the community, so you refused.

As they disappeared down the road, the gate closed and you turned around to face Michonne and the others.

“Tara wants to meet with you at Hilltop, will you agree? The king and Carol from the kingdom will also be there, Oceanside can’t make it this time.”

You hummed a little.

“The kingdom? We missed one?”

“They were hidden well, like you. They wish to keep it that way just for now.”

You nodding your head.

“I see, well, color me intrigued. It will be interesting to meet them, however I would like to wait for my scouts to return first.”

“Yes, they’ll take time to arrive anyway. We have a house set up for you, with some food as well. We assumed you’d be more comfortable with sheets over the windows and everybody has been told to knock.”

“Thank you.”

You were shown to the house and you made your way inside, checking it over.

One the wardrobe doors were slightly open and you pretended you didn’t notice as you walked back out of the room.

You had a feeling you knew who it was, so you sat on top of the stairs.

“Is it true you killed Negans men?”

“Yes.”

Judith came over, sitting next to you.

“Why?”

“To protect my people.”

“He said there was only three of you.”

You hummed a little, smiling under your mask as you turned to look at the little girl.

“You were listening to us.”

“Why didn’t you speak to him?”

“Negan doesn’t know we can speak, he sees us as silent warriors. We don’t speak to people, aside from his group all those years ago you’re the first people we’ve encountered.”

“You speak to us though.”

“We’re in alliance with you, trust is earned, not given. We need to trust you and you need to trust us, not speaking to you would be a rather bad example correct?”

She nodded her head, and she looked at your hands.

“Can everybody do what you do?”

“Yes.”

You signed at the same time.

“Why?”

“There’s loads of different reasons, mostly so nothing hears us. Have you heard of the ghosts?”

Judith quickly nodded her head.

“Loads of people say they saw people on the roads, like if they were travelling alone, these people would be in the trees, the shadows, they could see them out the corner of their eyes. They’d look but they’d be gone, they wouldn’t do anything, just follow.”

You listened carefully to her.

“One of them said that he was hurt, and he passed out. When he woke up his leg was covered in bandages, he was left a weapon, food and water. Loads of people are scared of them.”

“Do you think they’re scary?”

Judith looked up at you.

“I don’t think anybody that helps someone else for no reason is a bad person.”

“So we’re not scary?”

She smiled and shook her head.

“No. You’re not scary.”

You slowly nodded your head, looking back down the stairs.

“Do you think what I did to Negans men was wrong?”

“No. They were bad people.”

“There wasn’t three of us on that day. Negan couldn’t see properly in the dark. There was just one, me. I wiped his men out in the dead of night, one by one.”

“You had to protect your family, my mom would do the same thing.”

“I can tell.”

You both went quiet, and you walked down stairs, Judith following you out of curiosity and you walked to the porch to sit down.

Some of your men can through with some of the others, taking them inside.

“Ghost?”

You turned your gaze to her, giving a small nod of your head to let her know you were listening.

“What’s your home like?”

You sighed a little, resting an arm on your leg as you looked out on to the street which was bustling with people.

“Nothing like yours. We lived out of the way, secluded. We survive on the land and what it gives us, while everybody else is fighting to cling to the past, electricity, normal education, things like that. We reverted back to nature, learning how to survive.”

“So you don’t know math?”

You shook your head.

“I do, but our children don’t. Not the way you do, they know the math they need to survive, cook, plan.”

Judith nodded her head and you stood up, gesturing for her to follow you so she did.

You took her to the infirmary, and you led her to one of the rooms where one of the children were laying down.

“What do you thinks wrong with her?”

Judith walked over, standing next to the bed.

“Is she sick?”

“No. She fell while learning how to set some traps, she got a cut and it got infected, but she’ll be okay.”

You left the room, making your way back outside.

Judith ran after you, and you sat down on the curb, looking around the place.

For you it felt claustrophobic, walls keeping them inside, the dead outside.

They confined the people to how much room they had to work with, to be able to live and grow and learn.

It confused you, but you understood it all at the same time.

People had to live how they could, and for these people it was within the safety of walls where they could control what was going on inside, how came and went.

“Boss.”

You looked up at the scout and you nodded your head, getting up to follow him and he took you to the cell where Negan was.

“He keeps asking to speak to the leader.” Michonne said.

You nodded your head, walking inside and you sat on the chair outside his cell.

“You know people here talk.” He said.

You simply just watched him, he leant forward, resting his arms on his knees.

“You think you can trust them?”

You glanced to the scout who was stood next to you, and he nodded, leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

“They won’t trust you, they’re only doing this to get what they want.”

You gestured to him.

“Yeah, okay. I may have done the same thing, but hell if I ever pretended to be somebody I wasn’t.”

You leant back in your chair.

“There’s really no getting inside your head is there? Damn.”

You rolled your eyes at him.

“Alright. Okay. I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”

You had lost interested in whatever he had to say and you got up, leaving the cell.

What did he say?

You turned to your scout.

Mind games. Tell Michonne.

He nodded, and you made your way to the church, circling it a few times, searching for a way to get on the roof.

You didn’t like being confined to the ground, confined to one area.

Finally you found a way, and you took a few steps back, then you sprinted, running as fast as you could and jumped, swinging yourself up and you hauled yourself over.

It wasn’t the most steady point, but it was better for you, so you sat there watching the people of Alexandria.

Another scout walked over.

Luke is on his way.

He left the community?

No. Scouts have been travelling back and forth since we arrived. The news passed quickly. Cole went ahead to meet him and pass word along. Took a horse from Alexandria.

You nodded, and the scout looked around before finally turning around to face you again.

The hilltop?

I will meet with all the leaders. I must do what is best for you all. If that means we trade with all four communities then so be it.

You think we will be safe?

You sighed heavily.

At the moment I’m not sure. But they have what we need.

He nodded and jogged away, heading back to the infirmary.

You looked around at what you could see, a few scouts had the same idea that you had, to take the high ground.

This was something that didn’t go unnoticed by Alexrandrian’s, they glanced around a little nervously, shuffling towards the edges of the roads.

“You sure know how to make people nervous.” Gabriel said.

You looked down, nodding your head.

“Yes. Our presence unsettles people, it’s how we were able to remain left alone for so long.”

“I see. Has your community been alone this whole time?”

“Yes. We heard stories of what people were doing to each other and we couldn’t risk our own peace.”

He nodded his head in understanding.

“I do hope you will see you can trust us, all of our communities. That we can work together, allies are hard to come by these days, but you saved us when you could have killed us.”

“You meant no harm, you were simply hunting. My scouts saw this, we had no reason to harm you Gabriel.”

He smiled, leaving you alone and it wasn’t long into the night when Luke joined you up there.

You noticed a handful of scouts had joined him, and they hung around the bottom of the building.

“What are your thoughts on them Luke?”

He hummed, leaning back on the roof, staring up at the stars.

“They hide behind their walls, hoping it’ll protect them. It’s stupid.”

“You think they’re stupid for trying to keep themselves safe?”

He shrugged.

“Walls fall, you know that. There’s has clearly fallen before.”

“Through no fault of their own, the saviours, the whisperers, they have been attacked. We are fortunate we haven’t been, we can’t judge them based of them.”

“Then what the fuck do we judge them on?”

You looked at him.

“How well they’ve kept themselves going, how well they keep fighting, and how tell the leaders get alone. If they leaders don’t get along there is something wrong, if they do then we know we can open trade.”

“Are you sure that’s smart?”

“They have things that can help us, if we can make a pact, we can branch out further, find more.”

He raised his hands before moving them to rest behind his head.

“Very well. I trust your choice.”

You stayed up there well until morning, only coming down when it was time to head to The Hilltop.

You and Luke walked beside their horses.

Up ahead.

Luke looked to where you pointed.

“That’s the hilltop, and it looks like the kingdom has finally arrived.” Michonne said.

They met you all outside the gates and Luke stood in front of you, letting you press your back to his in order to keep yourself hidden.

“Ezekiel, Carol.” Michonne smiled.

“Michonne hey.” Carol smiled.

Ezekiel looked over to look.

“You’ve brought a friend.”

Michonne sighed a little, looking back at Luke.

“Two actually. Ghost?”

The three walked over, and Luke slowly moved around, you moving with him.

“They’re not exactly the most trusting, are they?” Ezekiel asked.

“They’re from a community who has kept hidden this whole time, they want to talk trade deals.”

The gates were opened and everybody began to file in, you and Luke last, keeping to the wall as they were closed.

While standing behind your friend you scanned for all exits possible, making anybody who seemed to be a threat.

The leaders of the communities spoke quietly, and you lowered your head.

“Thoughts…?” You whispered.

“They get along really well. Old friends I’d say…”

You nodded your head and waiting for the leaders to walk over to you.

“Thank you for the weapons you brought, and the food as well, I’m Tara, I run Hilltop.”

“It was a show of good faith, to prove that we mean well if you do.” Luke said.

“I appreciate it. Shall we go inside and talk?”

Luke stepped aside, and you turned around.

“Yes, but under the same rules we have Michonne. We give no names, leave the masks on, and you don’t know where we live until a deal has been struck.”

They all nodded and you followed them inside, sitting down in an office where talks of deals began.

You let them all listen off things that they’d need, or things they just simply wanted but couldn’t get ahold of.

Most of it was the same, food, weapons, those kind of basic needed supplies.

“Is this acceptable to you?” Tara asked.

“Yes.”

“What is it you would want in return? Would you accept Oceanside into this trade pact even though they can’t be present?” Carol asked next.

“We’ve sent a few of ours over, they’ll have the same talk we’re having now and know if they’ll accept the deal or not.” Luke said.

They all nodded their head.

“In return what do you want?” Ezekiel asked.

They all directed their gazes to you, knowing that if there was any demands it would come from you.

“Right now just warm clothes and such for winter, possibly a few of mine to be trained in medicine, as doctors. We know the basics, but we don’t have doctors like you do. We need to know how to properly care for my people. A few scouts will stay in communities for communication.”

Ezekiel grinned brightly, giving a clap.

“The kingdom will be happy to help.”

“As will the hilltop.” Tara smiled.

“Alexandria too.”

You stood up, and you clasped held out your hand.

“Then we have a deal.”

#the walking dead #the walking dead x reader #the walking dead x you #the walking dead x y/n #the walking dead imagine #twd #twd x reader #twd x you #twd x y/n #twd imagine #Negan smith #negan smith x reader #negan smith x you #negan smith x y/n #Negan smith imagine

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walker-bait-1973 · 8 months

Text

8 Years Part One

Photo Edit by Me

A Daryl Dixon/ Sybil Tremont Fanfiction (Daryl x OC)

Background information: It’s assumed the reader knows the world of TWD. This Fanfic takes place after Alexandria, Hilltop, Oceanside, and the Kingdom are established and at the height of success. Carl is dead. The communities are bound by a doctrine created by Michonne. Rick is presumed dead. Daryl and Michonne never lost hope and searched for several years for Rick without luck. Daryl had a short relationship with Leah. The Saviors disbanded with Negan in a jail cell in Alexandria. The Whisperers have been defeated, and Lydia is a valued member of the Hilltop homestead.

18+

Daryl x OC (Female)

Warnings: Violence, Alcohol, Slow Burn, Fluff, Smut

Part Two

Master List

Chapter 1: Caramel

The summer of 1990 was a record-breaker for heat. The sun shone brighter than ever by early June. While people around Atlanta were finding ways to keep cool, Merle Dixon along with his younger brother Daryl, and their motorcycle gang pulled into the local 7-11 to get some ice-cold brews. They were headed to Pine Lake for a party. Merle and two of his buddies went inside for drinks.

“Hey Merle, get some snacks too!” Daryl yelled after him. Merle shot him the middle finger, laughed, and went inside. Daryl lit up a cigarette. As he listened to the group talking and laughing, a small group of young ladies walked past them. Daryl’s attention averted to have a gander at these five women. One, in particular, stood out to him. She was a curvaceous woman, with an ample chest, wide hips, and thick thighs. Her long ebony curls bounced in a neat ponytail as she walked in flip-flops with painted red toenails. She was wearing a pair of cut-off blue jean shorts that hugged her apple-shaped bottom. Her skin was a delicious shade of caramel, tanned from the hot sun no doubt. Her red halter top complimented the shade well. As she passed him he said, “Hot day.”

She nodded curtly, eyeing the pale-skinned man in the grey tank top as her friends giggled and they went into the store. She stopped for a moment to look over her shoulder at him, “You better watch yourself, you’re gonna get burned.”

He smiled slyly and playfully smacked Terry in the chest as the automatic door swung shut, “damn!”

“She’s outta your league, Daryl.” Terry chuckled as Daryl rubbed his dirty blonde goatee. He was already plotting what to do next.

“Naw… she ain’t.” He took a breath before heading into the convenience store himself. Terry looked at Buck and sniggered.

Inside, Daryl could hear Merle’s loud voice back by the beer cooler laughing with Sam and Joe. He casually walked down one aisle with low shelves, spying on the girls over by the Slurpee machine comparing flavors. He paused by the snacks and perused the various chips, raising his eyes often to watch the girls as they laughed and poured themselves the thick icy beverage. He glanced back praying his brother wouldn’t come up while he made his move. He walked to the girls and said, “Hey, ‘s y’ flavor?”

“Caramel” sucked slowly on her straw before saying, “Cherry.” A pair of large green eyes framed with long lashes lifted to look at him. He felt his insides turn to mush, as a boyish grin crossed his face.

He followed her outside and as she started walking away with her friends he called out, “’s yer name?”

Looking over her rounded shoulder, “Sybil.”

From that moment on, he was hooked.

Chapter 2: The Receipt

Alexandria

Daryl rolled over, restless in his bed. He heard footsteps thudding on the basement ceiling. Judith and RJ must be over for breakfast. He sat up, Dog instantly licking his face.

“Down, boy…” he grunted. Dog jumped to the floor and waited patiently by the back door for his morning walk. Daryl shirked into some clothes, donned his boots, and opened the door. Dog ran out into the dew-covered grass behind the house to do his duties. Daryl whistled, beckoning for Dog to join him as he walked down the road toward the Alexandria main gate.

Rosita and Aaron were up on the platform, keeping watch for possible trouble.

“Good Morning, Daryl!” Aaron called out. Daryl waved quietly and moved along, toward the community center where many of the residents chose to eat together. He walked in, nabbed a fresh loaf of bread, and returned to Carol’s house.

“Good morning Uncle Daryl!” Judith exclaimed running to him as soon as he closed the door.

“Mornin’ Jude,” he answered as she hugged him around the waist. He put his arms around her shoulders and hugged her in return. RJ joined them and gave Daryl a high five.

“Come on, Judith… RJ… let’s get you fed before classes.”

“Y’ heard Aunt Carol… c’mon and get to the table.” Daryl grabbed a knife and started cutting up the bread for toast. Carol served the kids fresh scrambled eggs, apple slices, and orange juice. They munched on the yummy food while Carol poured Daryl his first cup of coffee. He leaned against the counter sipping it, his mind wandering.

He went weeks before he saw Sybil again. This time, she was at a grocery store as a cashier. What luck Daryl had! He spotted her immediately as he carried the armloads of food to the register. He decided to go through her line, affording him a great opportunity to talk to her again.

“Have a nice day,” she was saying as she handed the receipt over to the customer in front of him.

He scratched the back of his neck as she started cashing him out, “find everything you were looking for?” She lifted her eyes, a smile on her face, dimples adorning her cheeks.

“Naw…”

“No? Is there something I can help you with?”

“Sure. Y’all could give me y’ number.”

She chuckled, “You’re mighty confident.”

“’ Member me?”

“Not sure that I do,” she replied, toying with him. There was no way Sybil could forget those deep-set blue eyes and that handsome face.

“I can make it so y’ never f’get me again.” He leaned on the conveyor belt, stopping it.

“Oh yeah?”

There was a line forming behind him.

“You’re right I’ll never forget you if you get me fired,” she feigned being cross.

“Give me y’ number an’ I’ll pay m’ total.”

“I don’t even know your name,” she said, “that will be twenty-eighty-seven.”

He pulled out thirty bucks. When she returned his change, she handed him his receipt.

“Daryl. M’ name’s Daryl.”

She smirked, “have a nice day, Daryl.”

He grabbed his bag, frowning. As he put his change in his pocket, he realized she’d written a phone number on the back of the receipt.

She winked at him and started on her next customer’s order.

“… Daryl?”

Daryl looked up from his mug at Carol, “Huh?”

“I asked what your plans were for today. Where were you just now?”

He shook his head, “Nowhere. ‘M thinkin’ of takin’ a ride t’ Hilltop.”

“Yeah? If so, could you take a few things for me? I made Maggie some curtains for Hershel’s room in the Barrington House, and there are some parts that Eugene needs for the radio.”

He shrugged, “Yeah, get t’ stuff t’gether n’ I’ll take it w’ me.”

He took a plate of eggs and set it on the floor for Dog. Dog chowed down while Daryl munched on a piece of toast.

“Alright, go get washed up and Uncle Daryl will walk you to school on his way out.”

“Okay,” Judith looked at her younger brother, “get your stuff.”

Once Daryl delivered the kids to class, he and Dog ambled to the gate where Carol was waiting for him. He shouldered his pack and strapped the box of things to take down on his motorcycle. Carol squeezed his shoulder, “You have a safe trip, okay? Tell everyone I say hello. Oh, and I nearly forgot. Judith wrote Hershel a letter.” She slipped it into his hand. Daryl smiled.

“I’ll make sure he gets it.”

Chapter 3: Lending A Hand

Hilltop

Daryl sped into Hilltop, Dog in tow, and parked close to the barn. He got several waves from various community members and was warmly greeted by Maggie. She wrapped her arms around him for a big hug, “Been a long time, stranger,” she remarked, squeezed his shoulder, and knelt to pet Dog.

“Too long,” Daryl confessed, nodding in acknowledgment toward Jesus and Tara.

“Damn right it’s been too long,” Tara piped up, “tell us, what’s everyone been up to?”

“Y’ know,” he shrugged, “same old. Ain’t much t’ tell.” He patted his jacket pocket, “Got somethin’ f’ Hershel though.” He pulled out the envelope and handed it to Maggie.

“A letter from Judith?” She ran her fingers over the front of the makeshift envelope.

“Mhm. Seems they’re becomin’ pretty good pen pals,” He smiled.

“They are. It won’t be long, they’ll be on the radio talkin’. I think Hershel has a lil’ crush,” Maggie’s toothy grin spread.

Daryl grunted, “I got stuff f’ Eugene too.”

“He’s up in the attic monkeying with things, I’ll run it up to him,” Jesus said knowing full well how Eugene liked to talk people’s ears off, and Daryl was more of a quiet man.

“Thanks f’ that,” Daryl remarked looking around, “Where’s Connie?”

“She’s at Oceanside with Kelly and Luke. I know you’re disappointed,” Maggie teased.

“I’ll catch her soon ‘nough.” He shrugged, “’m here now. What can I do t’ help out?”

“We have a few cabins to build. Wanna help with that?”

“Sure,” he nodded, walking with Maggie to the area of expansion past the orchards. He was greeted by Alden, one of the blacksmiths, who was delivering a box of nails.

“Daryl, good to have you here,” Alden smiled, handing him a hammer.

“Jus’ tell me where t’ go.”

He pointed to one of the cabins already in progress. Daryl joined in immediately. As he worked with the others, it wasn’t long before he was sawing logs, roofing, and throwing himself into the job at hand. Daryl didn’t mind hard work. When the frame of the cabin was finished, he felt a sense of accomplishment and moved onto the exterior walls.

When he paused to take a cigarette break, he spotted Lydia making her way over to him. She had a wide smile on her face, her long black hair hanging loosely around her shoulders. Elijah was holding her hand, the same goofy smile on his face. Daryl smirked. Young’uns.

“We brought you some water. You’ve been working hard,” Lydia handed him a canteen.

“Thanks,” he said, swishing the cold liquid in his mouth. Felt cool and refreshing on this warm Spring day.

“We were going to head to Alexandria for a visit, but now seeing as you’re here, we won’t leave until you do. If you don’t mind.”

“Naw could use the company,” he answered, patting her shoulder.

“Great! I miss everyone. And I wanted to see Negan.”

Frowning, “What y’ need t’ see him for? He ain’t no good, Lydia.”

“I know his past, and I know how you feel about him-”

“You don’t know all ‘bout that sumbitch.” Daryl never talked with anyone in his family about what transpired when he was held prisoner at Negan’s compound, Sanctuary. Tortured, starved, stripped down for humiliation…

“I suppose I don’t. But he stuck up for me when those kids attacked me. If it weren’t for him, I might not be here. I don’t need you to understand it, but I won’t sneak around to talk to him.”

Daryl had to give her credit for being so upfront about her connection with Negan. It was true that he helped her one night when three members of Alexandria ganged up on her. It was also true that one ended up dead at Negan’s hand. It was an accident, but with Negan’s history, it nearly got him lynched.

“I don’t understand it, an’ I don’t like it. But I ain’t gonna stop ya.”

That’s one thing Lydia admired about Daryl – he didn’t treat her like a little girl. He talked to her as if she was an adult, and she respected that. Too many people tried to treat her like a child. She was seventeen, and beyond her years in many ways.

Daryl tossed her back the canteen, “Back t’ work. Y’ know, y’all could help out. Get done a lot faster.”

“I can swing a hammer,” Elijah smirked, “I’m gonna help out.”

“I’ve got some other things to do, but then I’ll be back over.” Lydia kissed Elijah before leaving. Elijah blushed and cleared his throat.

“C’mon,” Daryl spoke up, “ ‘s getcha that hammer.”

Chapter 4: First Date

(One Week Later) Daryl drove up to the house where Sybil lived. Already outside, she’d been waiting for him. She laughed when he turned off his motorcycle.

“I just knew you were going to show up on that thing.”

Daryl looked down at the bike, “’s my ride.”

She nodded, “Oh yeah… it’s your ride alright. I’ve never been on one before.”

“Well, y’all will have the time o’ yer life then.” He smiled. She walked over in a pair of tight-fitted jeans, her hips swaying practically mesmerizing him.

“Interesting way to start a first date,” She commented, sliding on behind him. Her hands went to his waist, clutching tight as he kicked the motor on and took off down the street.

“Shouldn’t we have helmets?” She called into the wind. Daryl swung the bike onto the main road.

“Naw… yer fine.”

She laughed, “As I said before, you’re mighty confident.”

Daryl enjoyed the feeling of her behind him, her hands tightening their grip. He lowered his left hand and pulled one of her arms around him tighter.

“You’re bold,” she remarked, but slid her other arm around, locking her hands in front of his stomach.

“So are ya.”

They drove along Pine Lake, one of the first places he could think of to take her. When they got off the bike she said, “You’ve got me alone, in the woods. Should I be afraid?”

“I didn’t keep y’ alive on that bike only t’ kill ya in the woods,” He smirked. She laughed. It was music to his ears; so light and genuine.

“Been t’ Pine Lake ‘fore?”

“Oh yes. This is the main hang-out spot. You?”

“Come here a bit.”

They walked a trail along the east side of the lake, quiet at first.

“So that gang you’re with…” she finally cut the silence as she studied the trees, “been with them long?”

Daryl shrugged, “yeah. They’re kinda family. My big brother Merle started hangin’ out w’ some guys an’ it went from there.”

“How many of you are there?”

“Just one,” he teased.

“Ha ha,” she rolled her eyes.

“’ Bout twenty or so. Why?”

She shrugged, “Just curious.”

She pulled a leaf off a branch and twirled it between her fingers.

“Y’ thinkin’ ‘m gonna be trouble?”

“I don’t know… are you?”

“Maybe,” he stopped walking and pointed, “look,” he whispered, “a doe.”

She squinted, “Where?”

He extended his arm with his fingertip pointing, “Between them two birch trees. See her?”

After a few moments, Sybil smiled brightly, “I do. She’s beautiful. You have a keen eye.”

Daryl shrugged, “maybe.”

“Do you spend a lot of time in the woods?”

“Quite a bit. How ‘bout ya?”

“I love nature, but no… I haven’t been camping since I was a kid.”

“Yer missin’ out.”

“I suppose I am.”

“C’mon, I wanna show y’ somethin’.”

“Okay.”

They continued casually down the trail until he veered off it, onto an unbeaten path.

“Okay, now I know you’re going to kill me,” she teased.

“C’mon,” he rolled his eyes. They came to some tall rocks, “Up f’ a lil’ climbin’?”

Hands on hips she looked up at the rocks, “Should I have worn hiking boots?”

“Naw… them shoes are fine.”

She looked down at her vans and was thankful she’d chosen them.

“Alright. Let’s go. Show me the way.”

“It ain’t gonna be as hard as it looks. Found an easy way to get up there.” He motioned for her to follow. He went around the right-hand side of the stone goliaths.

“See here,” he pointed in front of him and upward, “almost like someone made a trail in them rocks.”

“They look like they have stepping stones cut into them.”

He started up the incline, turning around every so often to make sure she was still behind him. She was eagerly bringing up the rear, keeping close.

“’s is the hard part,” he said, reaching for her hand, “lemme help y’ up the rest o’ the way.”

She took his hand and he pulled just enough to get her over the final ledge. She took a breath and looked down behind her whistling, “We are up high.”

He nodded, “Higher than it looks from down there.”

She noticed a singed area and a pile of wood.

“You come here often?”

He nodded, “’s m’ place t’ getaway. C’mere… an’ look.”

She joined him on the opposite side of the rocks and looked out. What a sight to behold. She could see the large lake in its entirety from this vantage point, and the multitude of trees on the other side. The sun was bright in the sky. She felt as if she could reach out and touch it. The rays warmed her face. She turned to look at Daryl. His blue eyes were studying her, gauging her reaction. The humongous smile on her face was enough for him. He was convinced that she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.

Daryl rolled to his side and stared into the darkness inside the hay mound sighing. He didn’t sleep much, to begin with. And even less since the world fell. Thinking of her made it near impossible. He sat up while Dog rustled through the hay to rest his head in Daryl’s lap. He brusquely pet the dog's head. Dog whined. He’d been with Daryl so long that he could read his emotions.

“S’ alright, boy. ‘ll get through it. Always do.” He got to his feet, stretched, and said, “C’mon. ‘S go f’ a walk.” Daryl and Dog made their rounds, checking the sentinels on the wall, joining them for a bit to watch for walkers or marauders.

“You’re up early,” Cal commented, shaking out his foot that fell asleep.

Daryl shrugged, “Always am. Don’t need much sleep.”

“I don’t know how you do it, Dixon,” Cal continued.

Diane looked over at the two men, “Be thankful Daryl doesn’t sleep much. He’s saved a lot of our asses more than once because of it.”

Cal knew it was true and agreed, “Oh I know he has. It’s just when I manage to have some time to rest, I conk out. Sometimes for half a day.”

People meandered about as the sun rose, and Daryl found himself back to work at the cabins.

“You know, there’s always one of those here for you,” Jesus said, holding up a board to be nailed.

Daryl said, “Hate t’ take a place from someone else. I don’t mind the hay mound or a tent. ‘M easy.”

“So have you completely set down roots in Alexandria?”

Daryl shrugged, “Dunno if I set roots down anywhere.” The truth was the man had huge bouts of wanderlust and couldn’t sit still for too long before needing to be out in the wild again. He went with Aaron sometimes to look for more people to bring back to the communities. He brought messages from one community to the next. He also liked to provide food, go on scavenging runs; anything to keep himself busy.

People that knew him knew he was this way. They noticed a big change when Rick infamously blew up the bridge that was to connect everyone to save his people.

Daryl disappeared for three years. During his search for Rick, he met a woman by the name of Leah. No one knew about the affair he’d had with her except Carol. Dog had discovered an old house that seemed abandoned one day during their travels. But it wasn’t empty. That’s when he found an ornery woman living there that didn’t want him anywhere around her land. After about a year they began to talk, her more than him, and in a few more months they shared food. After that Daryl realized how lonely he was; one thing led to another and the two became involved. It didn’t last long. Daryl pulled away for several reasons: he wanted to continue looking for Rick, and he couldn’t allow himself to feel what he once felt for Sybil. When he was with Leah, she knew he was far away in his mind: thinking about his brother, and she had no idea what else. He couldn’t open up to her. That took years and trust. Something he knew he could never have with her. She put conditions on him and gave him ultimatums.

“It’s your brother or me.”

“It’s your family or me.” He was not a man who responded well to conditions. He wasn’t about to choose a woman that wanted all or nothing. So he walked away, never looking back.

Chapter 5: The Race

After two weeks of working on cabins, several were finished thanks to the hard labor everyone put in. Daryl wanted to reward them all with some venison, so he decided he’d head out before the light of day to hunt.

Dog stayed in step with Daryl as they silently made their way through the forest. He’d seen deer droppings which decided the direction they would go. Tell-tale signs of a foraging deer were seen everywhere if you were observant enough. Daryl was a master of tracking. He held his breath as soon as he saw the three-point, lifted his crossbow, aimed, and fired. The arrow hit its mark between the front shoulder and the ribcage, piercing the heart. The deer dropped where it stood, feeling no pain. Just the way Daryl liked it. No suffering.

He set to work right away field dressing the internal organs before he heard the groans of Walkers coming from the left.

“Shit,” he muttered, hefting the deer over his shoulders, “c’mon Dog,” he called, quickly making his exit. The organs would keep the few Walkers busy. At least enough for him to get safely away.

He returned at dusk with his prize, congratulated by many, and thanked personally by Maggie.

“Can’t have them people be veg’tarians,” Daryl teased, taking it to hang out back.

“Oh no, too many vegetables will make the people weak,” Maggie teased. Daryl eyed her between his curtains of bangs, a smirk on his face.

“They’ll appreciate it to be sure. We can do a lot with poultry and beef…”

“But there ain’t nothin’ like venison,” he cut in.

She nodded, “Right.”

They heard kids laughing and spotted Hershel and the other kids playing with Dog. Dog of course loved all the attention.

“Seems good to have them bein’ kids, huh?” Maggie asked, sighing. She had to dig deep to remember the days of misspent youth and no fear. Riding horses with her sister Beth, playing in the fields, and nights catching fireflies.

Daryl nodded as he shoved his bloodied hands into a basin of water, “Mhm… they ain’t had it so good, growin’ up too fast ‘cause t’ way t’ world turned out.” He dried his clean hands on a rag and watched the kids for a bit, a small smile on his face.

“Can’t catch me dog,” Marigold yelled out, her laugh echoing through the trees.

(August) ”You’ll never catch me, Daryl!” Sybil yelled, swimming faster out towards the floating dock in the middle of the lake. Daryl however was an experienced swimmer and was soon closing in on her. The thrill of the chase caused Sybil to start laughing and slowed her down in speed. Daryl slowed his pace, waiting for her to gain her wits and start moving faster again. Soon her hands were touching the dock.

“Damn, y’ got away,” he said, holding the edge of the dock with his hands. She splashed him playfully.

“I know you let me win.”

“Did no such thing.”

She giggled, “Okay… deny it all you want.” She caressed his damp cheek, “I’ll still give you your reward,” she moved closer and kissed his wet lips before pulling up onto the dock. Daryl could feel his stomach flip flop and his heart quicken in reaction to her affection. It was their first kiss. His cheeks reddened and he pulled up onto the dock next to her, their feet dangling in the water. He’d been pursuing her avidly for several months. His first thoughts of just wanting to bed the woman passed once he realized there was so much more to her than just a beautiful body. She had spunk, a clever mind, and kept him on his toes. He’d never met anyone like her before. Sybil seemed to enjoy her time with him, and this kiss just solidified what he was hoping for. He knew that other guys were trying to get her attention, he wasn’t blind. But the more she accepted offers of dates from him, the less concerned he became with them.

She laid back on the dock, the sun’s rays kissing her wet skin. Her hair spread out above her head like a dark halo. Her red one-piece showed plenty but left just the right amount covered to let the imagination run wild.

Daryl chewed his lip for a moment, “Sybil…”

“Mhm?” She hummed, shielding her eyes from the bright sky as she looked his way.

“’S a band playin’ at a bar next weekend. A local band… thought maybe y’all would like t’ go.”

“What kind of music?” she asked him curiously.

“Heavy stuff. Ain’t no room for country shit.”

She grinned, “You’ve got yourself a plus one then. I think it would be a lot of fun.” The idea of being squished in close to her was on his mind. He was still a man after all.

“Rememberin’ the good old days?” Maggie asked. Daryl stopped chewing his lip.

“Gonna go find somethin’ t’ do.”

Chapter 6: Scavenging Parts

“Hey, Daryl…” Jesus caught up with the archer after morning chores, “Eugene needs some parts for the solar panel he’s been working on and gave me directions to a place he thinks I can find those parts. Wanna ride with me, help me out?”

Daryl nodded as he finished brushing a horse down, “be ready in a few. Lemme finish up here.”

Jesus drove fast down the road. Daryl stared at the directions, “A bullfrog’s hop t’ the right of a… what t’ hell is this?” He asked, scratching his head.

Jesus laughed, “It’s directions. Eugene wrote them.”

“F’ fuck’s sake. Two leagues past the old maple tree… ‘s a million maple trees out here!” He threw the instructions on the dashboard. Jesus smirked, “Don’t kill me. I wrote those just to tease you.”

“You bastard,” Daryl huffed, but smiled in the end, “figures. Where’s them directions at?”

Jesus pulled a paper out of his front pocket, “Here.”

Daryl read them quickly, “’s more like it.”

When they rolled up to the old rusty warehouse, Jesus cut the engine and looked over the list Eugene had given him. Daryl got out and started scouting for Walkers, and anyone else who happened along the way. He and Jesus cleared out a small group of the dead before breaking the chain lock on the door to head inside. Pigeons flew in the disturbed air kicking up dust and dirt. The men covered their mouths, Daryl quickly pulling his rag from his back pocket. He tied it over the bottom half of his mouth. Both were silent as the grave as they passed through the large building in search of any trespassers alive, or undead. Once they were certain it was empty, they set out to find each of the things Eugene wanted. It took longer than they expected since neither knew where to start. Searching boxes, and reading labels… they’d found two of the five things before dark.

“Looks like we’ll be staying the night,” Jesus huffed, wiping the dust from his hands onto his pants.

“Mhm,” Daryl lowered his backpack and brought out some salted dried venison, doling out some pieces to Jesus.

“Thanks,” Jesus said as they sat on the cold cement floor.

As they settled in for the night, Daryl volunteered to keep a watch out.

“T’morrow we hit them boxes upstairs. Can’t see shit now.”

“Agreed. I didn’t think this would be a two-day trip. I’ll just catch a few winks.”

(1 Year Later) “Sybil, get on over here, woman!” Daryl had called out over the heavy strains of guitar on the jukebox to his girl.

Sybil’s green eyes danced with merriment as she set her beer on the bar and made her way over to the young man who beckoned her. She laughed as he snaked his arms around her waist.

His nose brushed against her ear as he said, “Dance w’ me.” As if she was ever interested in dancing with someone else. She slid her palms flat against his chest as they moved to their own beat. It certainly didn’t match the fast drum solo in the Motorhead song. But finding their way to sway their bodies together had never been a problem. They began to sweat there under the hot lights, their friends milling around them. Some were dancing, others playing pool, and still, some just drinking and sharing conversation.

Daryl’s brother Merle was leaning on his old lady, licking salt from her neck as he downed another shot of tequila. He followed up with a lemon wedge from her cleavage as his loyal gang cheered him on.

“ ‘s get outta here,” Daryl said into Sybil’s ear, “ ‘s gonna get crazy t’night.”

“It’s well on its way,” she said, gripping his hand. They made a quick exit and soon were taking off on his bike. The wind whipped through Sybil’s untethered hair. The exhilaration from the cool air and the feel of her cheek against his back were enough to make Daryl giddy. He pulled up to her apartment and as he walked her to the door she stopped, key in her hand.

“We’ve been seeing each other for a while now,” she spoke up, her eyes staring into his, “and you’ve been good to me, Daryl. Come inside. I want you to stay the night.”

His jaw twitched. He’d been excited for this moment, he wouldn’t deny it. But now that it was here, he felt a sense of pride. He’d spent his time getting to know her. There was still so much to learn. And tonight would be another lesson in the ways of Sybil.

There was no small talk as her roommates were already in their respective rooms sleeping. He hadn’t been in the apartment at night unless there was a crowd of sorority sisters having a party. He and Sybil preferred being out of the house and hanging out with his gang often. She closed her room door there in the dark and turned on a dim lamp next to the bed.

She smiled at him, walking close, her hands caressing either side of his face as they began to kiss passionately. His palms rested on the flat of her back, rubbing slowly up and down as their mouths opened to explore like so many times before. It was more intense though, with pure need behind each tongue lashing and twisting together. A small groan lifted from his throat as she stepped back from him. They stared at one another, the soft glow from the light accentuating her features. The shadows delved into her curves and along the line of her legs.

“Help me out of this skirt, will you, Daryl?”

Daryl heard a noise that caught his attention. He went to investigate but seeing that it was a raccoon he shooed it away before walking the interior of the building alone. He placed a cigarette to his dry lips and lit it. Staring out one of the wide warehouse windows, he saw a few Walkers milling about near the truck. He puffed out some smoke and moved on toward the opposite end.

Sybil was more amazing than he could’ve imagined. Her body was perfection to him, and as she lifted on top of him, her hair swung down her back. He tangled his fingers into it before rubbing down around her ass while she ground her hips on top of him. He breathed as if through honey, labored, and sweet. As she rubbed his chest, a little pout curled on her lips as she neared the height of pleasure, calling out to him. He rolled her to her back, taking her breath away as he kept the rhythm up, bringing her to orgasm. He came in sync with her. He looked down at Sybil, the sweat beading on her forehead, their wet bodies sticking together, and he felt something he’d never felt before – fulfilled.

“Kiss me…” she gasped, still feeling the aftershocks of their lovemaking.

“Ain’t gotta ask, Syb…” He lowered his mouth onto hers, sucking her lips slowly, delightfully before withdrawing. He lay back, his chest still heaving as she lay her cheek upon it, listening to his fast heartbeat. He opened his legs, and she nestled her lower half between them, her stomach resting on his groin, not uncomfortable. He rubbed her saturated back, fingers slipping in the sweat, her hair pasted to her shoulders and his chest. Their bodies fit together like an intimate puzzle. Their hands locked together, fingers woven tight, his free hand cradling her. It was at that moment he knew his heart belonged to her.

When the first hint of light came through the windows, Jesus was up. He and Daryl searched the remainder of the building and found the rest of the items for Eugene by midday.

When they got outside, the Walkers from last night were still wandering around the truck, and seeing the two men, started lurching towards them.

“Dammit,” Jesus uttered while Daryl shot the closest in the head and then pulled his knives. Jesus round-housed one right in the skull, its rotted head exploding from the connection. Daryl took out two, a stab to the front of each temple, and Jesus took down the last one.

“ ‘ll drive,” Daryl said once everything was packed into the back of the pickup. Jesus tossed the keys to him. On the drive to Hilltop, Daryl was reliving those moments with Sybil still. Waking up with his legs wrapped around hers, her body still on his. He could almost feel her warmth, smell her perfume. He swerved almost hitting a Walker in the road. Jesus looked over at him, “Are you sure you’re up for driving?”

“Yeah, ‘m fine.” He sped up to get past the gathering herd quickly leaving them in the dust.

Eugene was pleased as he met the men getting out of the pickup.

“Did y’all find everything?” he asked as he pulled back the tarp over the parts. He went over the list and marked each item off, “Well done, you guys. I know these doodads don’t look like much, but when I get ‘em all put together, we’ll have some fine additions to those cabins y’all been working so hard on. Electricity! Creature comforts.”

“Glad we could help,” Jesus said as he and Daryl unloaded.

“Did you meet up with any trouble?” Maggie asked as she picked up a small box from the back.

“Naw,” Daryl responded.

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” Jesus added.

( 1 Month Later) Carver College

Daryl spotted Sybil and her friends in the throes of students in the cafeteria. She’d been pouring over textbooks for a test coming up in English Lit class. He breathed hot air on the back of her neck, “Hey babe.”

She smiled as she whispered, “Daryl…”

Mandy sniggered, “You two are something else.”

Daryl kissed Sybil lightly and slid into the chair next to her.

“Where have you been?” She asked in a hushed tone. She hadn’t seen him in four days. No explanations, no phone calls, “I was worried about you. I thought something might have happened to you!”

“Naw, no need t’ worry. ‘M here now.” He rubbed her hand slowly.

She picked up her books and excused herself from her circle of friends. Daryl grabbed them to carry for her. Once they were outside she turned to him, “Where have you been?” She asked him again, “You just disappeared.”

“I had t’ go outta town w’ Merle.”

“To do what?” She asked curiously.

He shrugged, “Just some odd errands, ain’t no big deal.”

“Daryl, it’s a big deal when you’re dating someone, and you just disappear. What if something happened to you?”

“Syb… don’t need t’ keep tabs on me. Ain’t nothin’ gonna happen t’ me.”

She frowned, “I’m not keeping tabs. Why are you keeping secrets?”

Chapter 7: Unavailable

The deer was finally ready to process. Many offered to help him, but he kindly rejected those offers. He wanted to work alone and get things off his mind. His memories were flooding in and he couldn’t build the dam fast enough to keep them at bay. It was close to the time of year when he first met Sybil. Even though people referred to parts of the year by the period of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, Daryl knew it was around June. He felt it in his heart, and thoughts of Sybil were at their pinnacle. He sharpened his knife on a whetstone til the blade could slice easily through the meat, and as he removed the hide, he halted suddenly.

(6 Months Later) Sybil looked up from the bed, “Where are you going, hot stuff?”

He zipped his jeans, “gotta go outta town f’ a few days.”

She sat up, slipping on one of his t-shirts, “where? You never say.”

“Nothin’ y’ need t’ worry y’self over, Syb.” He rubbed her shoulders slowly, “Y’ won’t even have time t’ miss me.” He kissed her lips.

“Your brother is a troublemaker. Why do I have the feeling you two get up to no good when you’re gone?”

He shook out his head and started working the hide again, bound to have the hide salted and stretched before dinner. His workworn hands rubbed the salt into the thin layer of skin remaining, and as he was stretching it, he could smell dinner. His stomach rumbled. He covered the meat with an old tarp and went to join the others.

That night he sat by the campfire longer than most. The dog was sleeping by his foot, basking in the heat from the flames.

(One Year Later) Daryl knew it was late. It was nearly one. He’d been out fucking around with his gang, causing a ruckus, getting into a fight with another gang, and then Merle suggested they all go out for drinks. Daryl had a few and lost track of time.

“Shit, I gotta go!” He told his brother.

“What? Why?”

“’S Sybil’s birthday. ‘M late.”

“You’re so whipped. Hell, she’ll have another one next year.”

“That ain’t the point!” He said goodbye to his friends and rushed out to his bike. When he got to Sybil’s apartment, he could see the windows were dark. He pulled the present he had messily wrapped out of his saddle bag and went up to the second floor. He knocked on the door, and Theresa answered.

“What are you doing here, Daryl? Don’t you know how to tell time?”

“Jus’ wanna see Syb… don’t need y’all givin’ m’ a hard time. Lemme in.”

“Why don’t you just go and try to make amends tomorrow? You’re on her shit list you know.”

“Who’s at the door?” Sybil called out behind her. Daryl looked over Theresa’s shoulder and saw Sybil tying up her silky robe.

“Syb… ‘s me. I wanna come in.”

“I’ve got this Theresa…”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, you go on back to bed.”

Daryl ducked his head in shame, “Happy Birthday.” He held out the gift. Sybil’s hands were on her hips.

“Kind of late for that. My birthday was yesterday. It’s nearly two. What happened?”

“Got caught up w’ the boys. I lost track o’ time s’ all.”

“Oh, that’s all huh? My birthday didn’t matter much to you then, did it?”

“That ain’t true.”

“Sure it is. If you cared, you’d have been on time. You get with those guys and forget everything.” She pulled him into the room, and looked at him in the light, “And what the hell happened to your chin?”

Daryl instinctively touched his jaw. He must’ve gotten a bruise from the fight.

“You’ve been fighting again?”

“Weren’t much o’ a fight,” he half–laughed, “We got ‘em good.”

She stared at him angrily, “I can’t believe you’re missing the point here.” She wiped tears from her eyes, “I don’t think this is going to work out.”

“What? Y’ breakin’ up w’ me?!”

“Yes, I am.”

“Because m’ late f’ y’ birthday?”

“You just don’t get it. You didn’t show up. You didn’t call. And when you finally do show up you don’t feel one inch of remorse for it all.”

“Said I was sorry, Syb. Don’t be like that.”

“No, you didn’t apologize. You bragged about a fight. I don’t want to be a part of this. I expect more from the man I care about.”

He wiped his eyes, blaming the smoke from the fire, and decided it was time to head back to Alexandria. He’d leave as soon as he finished preparing the meat for Hilltop.

Chapter 8: Camping

Daryl waited a couple weeks for Sybil to cool off after their split.

“You’re better off without her baby brother. Now you ain’t tied down to one woman, you can date any y’all want.”

“Don’t wanna date anyone else. I want Sybil,” he muttered, wiping his greasy hands on a rag. He turned over the engine on his bike, bringing it back to life after its tune-up.

“Well she don’t want nothin’ to do with your sorry ass. She thinks she’s too good for ya! There’s plenty of other bitches that are interested in ya.”

“She ain’t a bitch, Merle. She’s different than them other girls.”

“Ooh, are you in love, pussy?”

“Why am I tellin’ y’ anythin’?” He put his tools away, and said, “Goin’ out f’ a bit.”

“Go on then, run back to that highfalutin’ uptown bitch. She must have some sugar ‘tween her legs to keep ya comin’ back to her.”

He showed up at Save A Lot where Sybil worked. She wasn’t at the cash register, but he found her stocking shelves as he searched the aisles.

“Hey Syb…” he said as he approached. She stopped marking canned goods with the pricing gun and looked in his direction.

“What are you doing here?”

“Came t’ apologize. M’ sorry I was such a dick.”

“Are you? Because I have the feeling that the sort of thing that got you in trouble with me in the first place is going to keep happening.”

“Naw… it ain’t. What can I do t’ make y’ change y’ mind?”

She huffed, “You need to stop fighting. I knew full well you were in a gang when I met you. But I don’t think I realized what that entailed.”

He reached out and touched one of her curls, wrapping it around his finger, “I can stop fightin’.”

“Yeah, right,” She rolled her eyes.

“I can,” he insisted.

“Prove it.”

“I will. Supposed t’ be a lil’ somethin’ on Friday. ‘ll come an’ see y’all instead. Maybe I can help you study…” he leaned his arm against the shelf, keeping close to her, “what d’ ya say?”

“Give me a week to think things over. Stay out of trouble until then. I refuse to have a boyfriend that will probably end up in jail. You’re better than that.”

He screeched to a halt on his bike. Right in the middle of the road.

“Can’t go back to Alexandria.” He felt a tightness in his chest, “Just can’t. C’mon.” He veered off the road and pushed his bike into some bramble to hide it.

He and Dog made their way deep into the forest around them. He knew the area well. He retreated towards a long winding river that cut through a clearing and set up a little lean-to between two trees and dug out a hole for a campfire. He set up a perimeter and fashioned a spear from a sturdy branch to go fishing. He and Dog ate a fine catch of fish for dinner.

He lay back against a log and stared up through the tree branches as the stars peeked into the holes between the leaves.

Three months later, they were back together. It took him that long to convince Sybil that he was staying out of trouble. He hung with the gang but skipped out when any brouhahas took place. His brother and friends didn’t let him live it down. He took the brunt of their brutal teasing, keeping his focus on what he really wanted, Sybil.

He watched as Sybil tried to figure out the instructions to the tent she’d brought on their first camping trip. It was early Autumn, and the weather was still pretty warm. He snorted, “Don’t need that booklet. Didn’t need no fancy tent neither.”

“I wanted it to be special,” she huffed, “and I can’t make heads or tails of any of this.”

He walked over, grabbed the instructions, and tossed them in the fire.

“Hey!” She laughed, “How do you expect to set up this tent then?”

He set to work, “Syb… pull them ropes your way.” He handed her a spike, “Stick ‘em in the ground…”

He pulled the other side and did the same. He put together the supports inside, assembling the tent in no time. She smiled proudly as she looked at the results.

“I knew you were good for something,” she teased, messing with his short hair.

That night after hot and heavy lovemaking, they went skinny dipping in the river not far from their setup. She shone under the moonlight, her body dancing with the beads of water dripping down her shoulders, over her breasts, and into the water at her waist. Daryl joined her and as they made out she said, “I could stay here forever.”

How he wished he had.

Chapter 9: The Thick of the Woods

Daryl spent weeks wandering the woods. He’d become so silent, he didn’t even need to call Dog, Dog just knew when to come. He’d gone a longer distance with each day, following the river downstream. He’d passed some small makeshift cabins and checked them out. Even spent some nights in one or two of them. He fought Walkers. Trudged through a downpour. Played with Dog in different clearings they happened upon. They lived off fish, rabbits, squirrels, wild yams, and leeks.

(2 Years Later) Sybil and Daryl got an apartment together. They’d been together for well over four years, and things just fell into place. They were happy, content with life. She was in her fourth year of college, she wanted to be a teacher, and Daryl was working for a local garage fixing just about anything with a motor.

“C’mon Syb… y’all get that cute ass in here. ‘ll help y’ study.” Daryl wanted to be as supportive to Sybil as he could. Even when he didn’t understand what he was quizzing her on, he felt proud of his girl for being so smart.

“If I don’t know it by now, I’m never going to know it.”

“C’mon ‘s the hard stuff, Early Childhood Development,” He held up the book, “We’re gonna go over t’ ones highlighted. Y’all got the rest down pat.”

“Okay, okay,” She threw her hands up in the air.

“Listen… ‘s somethin’ y’ really want, right?”

“Yes,” she answered, her eyes locking with his.

“Then y’ gotta put the time in. ‘S been four long years, but ‘s almost over. Don’t give up.” He squeezed her hand gently as he leaned in to kiss her.

“What would I do without you?” She asked, rubbing his scruffy cheek.

“Fail t’ damn test,” he teased, wiggling his eyebrows. They both laughed, “Right. Question one…”

He smiled at the thought, on how she graduated in the top five of her class. He’d liked to have thought he was part of the reason for that, if she wasn’t so smart to begin with. Still, it was some of his favorite time back then, watching her mind work, the way she’d bite her tongue and look at the ceiling while she thought about her answers, and how she loved to be rewarded with kisses.

One evening, just before dusk he heard a scream. Another voice was yelling, “Over here… this way!”

Heavy footfalls, groaning, and growling. Walkers. He followed the sounds and before crashing through the brush, he surveyed the situation. About ten Walkers were surrounding a couple of women and a man. They were fighting the Walkers pretty well, but there were too many. Daryl aimed his crossbow, clipping one Walker in the head about to bite the man’s shoulder. He fell to the ground. Unsure of what happened, the people continued to fight. He unsheathed his two knives, broke through the brush, and took two out, slicing another at the knees. One of the women brought down a knife into its brain. The other woman shoved a Walker into a tree and split its head with a machete. Three more to go. The man was backing up, looking to see if there were any more, turned around, and got one mere moment from attacking him. Daryl wiped the blades on his filthy pants and looked at the people quickly.

“Thank you,” one of the women breathed, “I don’t know if we could’ve made it without your help. Imagine finding another living soul in the woods.”

Daryl nodded as Dog sniffed around for any other threats. The woman with the cleaver was kneeling, cleaning her blade on one of the Walker’s shirts.

“Yes, thank you.” She stood up and turned to face the man, “we wouldn’t have made it.” She brushed an arm across her grimy face and said, “Do we look as bad as you do?” She smiled at the light joke. Daryl did a double-take. He squinted his eyes and studied the woman closely. She wasn’t anything to look at from first glance being road worn and ragged. But he saw those mystifying green eyes he’d never forget.

“S… Sybil?” His voice broke from being quiet for so long. It sounded foreign to him.

“How do you know my name?” She asked, eyeing the stranger. He was caked in mud, grungy from head to toe, long filthy hair pasted to his dirtied face.

“’S me…” was all he could muster taking a step closer. The woman looked deeply into the man’s eyes.

“Syb… ‘s Daryl…” he patted his chest.

“Daryl?” Her eyes widened. With sharp analysis, she determined that under that mess was the man from her past when everything was right in the world. Her throat closed as she stood stone still. The air was so thick, no one spoke, but everyone was bewildered that Sybil could find someone in the middle of nowhere that knew her.

There was movement behind her and a voice, “Mom? Is it safe to come out?”

For Part Two Click Here

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zombiewhor3 · 1 year

Text

WE HAVE RULES!

daryl dixon x fem reader

WARNINGS: violence, mentions of gore, fighting, name calling, language, mentions of possible death (no actual death).

A/N: i know it's been forever i've honestly been so busy with school, after school stuff and lots of managing other accounts like my wattpad i was trying to upload stuff on there so my apologies surely i'll have more chapters and one shots out soon it just depends on my schedule and my motivation :)

she could hear the sound of the hammer hitting the nail into the wooden plank as she felt some sweat running on her forehead, she thanked Henry as she took a cup of water from him.

she patted his head ruffling through his blonde strands of sunshine blonde hair watching as he trotted along passing out water to some of the others who were working on the bridge.

she tucked away her hammer and rolled up the sleeves to her flannel as she took a gaze at the rushing water just below the project they were building, she could see men working and the sound of nails being hit was a constant source of noise around her.

she smiled softly looking at the progress they made so far, sure it was a lot more to be done but she never imagined it could go this far, she wasn't even sure the war with the Saviours could end.

She patted one of the hard working Saviours on the back softly before she made her way off of the bridge and into the clearing of the woods that laid out in front of them.

she followed the path built by Rick and the people from Oceanside, a path that connected all of the groups and all of the territories together, one where it was like a giant camp.

she grabbed a large bowl filled of fresh fruit that was placed out on the table, smiling at one of the curly haired girls who sat carving up a new piece of wood to create a stake as her weapon of choice.

young but fierce-full is how y/n would describe her because she looked no older than the age of ten, maybe even eleven if she had all of her gear on and held her large wooden stake.

y/n had her journey back to the bridge after all she was the one in charge while Daryl was out keeping things together at the Sanctuary and the city of Alexandria.

she held the wooden bowl of fruit in her hand, she stood up on a few slabs of wood and whistled out to call the boys attentions to which they set down their tools in their belts and lined up ready to get their share of the food for working.

she didn't have to give them anything, she didn't even have to make Henry go around with a water jug and give these pricks an ounce of the water they worked hard to collect and sanitize.

but she did it because she knew that truly not all of them were bad, she did it because she cared and well she did it because she wanted a future one where she could have a kid someday.

one that was fair and friendly and safe, not one filled with war and the anger of the Saviours around them because even though that's what some of the others wanted it wasn't what she wanted.

hell it wasn't what she believed in.

she stepped off the wood watching as the last man in line tried to grab two but she pulled his hand away, she grabbed one of the apples and handed it to the small blonde boy next to her.

"why does he need some? he's just a water boy!" Justin remarked pulling the apple out of Henry's hand watching as he remained silent and tried to slip his stick out but y/n pressed a hand out to stop him.

she snatched the apple back and placed it back into his hand, "because he's been working to, he's been scavenging the water for you guys, and he's been harvesting fruit" y/n spoke setting the now empty bowl down onto the wood behind her.

Justin reached out to Henry again only to feel y/n push him away, "why does this bitch decide how much we get for rations? you don't work as hard as us men on the bridge it's bullshit!"

he poked a harsh finger into her chest and she swallowed and looked him in his eyes, she licked over her lips silently and she could feel the slight feeling of him pushing her.

she pushed back but quite not as soft, she could watch him stumble softly and almost fall back on his ass causing a soft chuckle to erupt from one of the men pulling apart an orange.

"she almost knocked you over there bud"

the Saviour remarked taking a piece of the orange and popping it into his mouth she watched as he chewed down on it un-expectant to the fact Justin had thrown a full force swing at her.

she closed her eyes feeling her head slightly be thrown back as the punch was so hard she could feel her eye throbbing, she tried to throw a punch back or maybe even reach for her knife but before she knew it she had been tossed against the pile of wood with a loud thump erupting throughout the bridge.

she could feel another swing of his fist strike at her jaw making her bite down on her inner cheek so hard she could taste the fresh copper flavor of blood pooling a top of her taste buds.

she spat out her blood onto the ground her hand on her knife but Rick had stepped in the middle of it, he had been the one to pull him off of her, and he was the one to help up the dizzy y/n.

it felt like her head had hit the wood from how dizzy she was, the world seemed to be a blur and the sound of the commotion and the yelling of people trying to pull him off was almost a quite messy haze.

she could feel the soft feeling of her being lifted up onto the back of the horse, she could hear the muffled foot steps of the horses hooves clacking against the forest ground.

she hadn't remembered much besides the fight with Justin but she had woken up in a dim and dark tent, an apple and a bottle water by her side as she sat up placing a hand on her head and it seemed like she was having a bad hangover from the raging headache that was pushing through her.

she could hear a soft clatter outside the tent to which she pulled it open and slipped out of the tent to see Enid and Aaron who had been waiting for her to awake, they sat at a table and gave her a soft smile while Enid had yet another bottle of water for her.

"How long was i out for?" y/n asked as she adjusted the belt that was wrapped around her, slipping a hammer that rested on the table into one of the empty slots the belt held.

Aaron tried to pull it away from her but she simply took a step back and folded her arms, "how long was i out?" she repeated her question watching as it was Enid who finally spoke up.

"couple of hours i mean you hit your head y/n, you needed the rest especially after whatever happened on the bridge" Enid spoke watching as she took the bottle from her hands and took a sip before patting Enid on the back with a soft sigh.

"they need my help out there, i'm in charge of them" y/n spoke almost as if she had slowed them down, almost as if it was her fault she had been punched in the face.

"you don't need to work y/n, you need to go sit back down before you end up hurting yourself" and even with Aaron's words she wobbled slightly and reached out to grip the table for help.

"i'm fine" she bitterly lied, she knew she wasn't fine, she shouldn't even up and moving if she had a head wound but this was her job, this was how she was meant to live, its how she was meant to be.

"Rick is watching over the crew so rest we promise everything will go fine we'll make sure of that" Enid spoke watching y/n slam down the hammer back onto the table before slipping into her tent.

she laid against the pillow propped for her and tried to close her eyes but it seemed like she couldn't, it seemed like the world was spinning so fast and she just couldn't make it stop.

Daryl had slipped into the tent watching her sit up shocked at the commotion only to see that it was him, she let out a sigh of relief watching as he licked over his lips, his brows furrowing.

"what happened?" was all he said, he hadn't greeted her or anything unless you count the sudden grasp his hand had on hers.

"nothing just a small tussle" she spoke her eyes tracing down to the crossbow that was rested against the side of the tent, she knew that he wasn't buying her lie but it was worth a shot.

"y/n what happened? Who hit you?" he bit down on his tongue as he spoke looking over at his wife who had a slight guilty conscious on her face because she truly did hate lying to him.

"Daryl i'm fine, it was just a small fight no need to worry" she lied again, there was reason to worry, there was a reason to worry because these were the people they were working with, and she knew there could be a chance of this happening again.

he lifted her chin up forcing her to look at him, and even though she tried to hide away at the black and bruised eye she had it was no use because he was staring directly at it.

"who y/n?, just give me a name please" she took in a deep breath before managing to spill the name of the man who had left her knocked out with a bruised and blood shot eye.

"you think hitting a woman is alright?" Daryl spat at the man who stood against the tree forming a stood forming a cocky smile on his face.

“when she’s a mutt like yours I do, besides that bitch needed some common sense knocked into her anyways” his voice had confidence that he was surely gonna rile up a fight, that's all Justin ever wanted was to knock Daryl and y/n out of his way for good.

y/n froze at the words slipped so bitterly from the mans sour mouth as she watched her husbands hands ball up into a set of rock hard fists to which she had grabbed Aaron’s shoulder whispering for him to go get Rick who was still working on the bridge.

“Say it again I dare ya, call her a bitch again” Daryl spat back taking a step closer and before Justin could even push the sentence out the two men were tussling with each other, or well Daryl was starting to beat the living shit out of the Saviour who was pressed against the ground his hands gripping at the fabric of Daryl's vest.

she watched in a shock as he had used a metal pan to strike over his head causing a loud thump to erupt from the silence of the woods.

"Stop it both of you cut it out!"

she yelled at the boys, her hand resting on her husband's back as the others came out of their tents and stopped their jobs while watching in such disbelief at the two men going at it, one of them had their gun cocked and ready to shoot but y/n forced them to stand down.

she could see his fists covered in blood, Justin's face a bloody mess while Daryl couldn't seem to stop punching him over and over maybe until he was a slush of blood but whatever he had planned she knew she had to stop it somehow she needed to separate them somehow.

"stop! please Daryl stop!" no matter how much she cried and begged and tried to pull each of the men off one another it was no use because now it was a full fight.

a fight that caused such a commotion that some gasped at each strike each man had seemed to strike, they were both equally strong, she could physically see it on their faces.

as Daryl had blood from a cut on his face to the bruises Justin had caused lingering over his eye, but with one strike of the metal pan again Justin had almost given up from the way his head was thrown back.

Daryl had broken one of Justin's eye sockets, his nose, and maybe he had knocked out a few of Justin's teeth by the looks of the blood pooling out from his mouth.

it was quite obvious the men weren't struggling anymore or at least Daryl had the bigger advantage as he continued to punch him like a punching bag over and over until he himself was exhausted, but even then he hadn't stopped when his arm felt limp and his fists started to ache from the pain inflicted on them, it had taken Rick and y/n just to pull him off the man and it took Aaron to help hold Daryl back to make sure he hadn't lunged back at Justin again.

"what the hell are you thinking?!" Rick yelled as a hand on his back guided him into the medical tents where Siddiq had began to try and clean up the work Daryl left on him.

Rick had his gun ready, not that he was actually going to shoot Daryl but it was to get the damn point across so the angry man couldn't beat the Saviour to death even though it's what many of the others believed would be right.

both men sat on opposite sides Daryl could feel the cot shift slightly from the weight of his wife sitting next to him, she watched as Enid used a fresh alcohol wipe to clean over his cuts.

"i was thinking that he should know how to treat women, especially women like y/n" Daryl remarked seeing as Rick had gazed down at the nasty mark Justin imprinted against her eye.

"we have rules, and i want to know why you felt the urge to break them? so tell me what the hell happened on the bridge"

Rick remarked his hand slipping back his pistol into his holster watching Daryl's eyes trace against it, Enid had put a fresh bandage against one of the cuts and patted Daryl on the shoulder before she started to focus on the critical patient.

"he was irritated about the rations and tried to take Henry's so i stood up for myself and Henry and i ended up knocked out with a black eye and the next thing i knew i woke up in my tent"

she folded her arms as she looked down at the floor, she could hear Justin spit and she had watched it drop down by her feet to which she pressed a soft and gentle hand against Daryl's chest to prevent him from causing anymore unnecessary damage,

"Daryl you know you can't do this, you could've killed him and then we'd be short a worker you hear me?" Rick could tell that the man who committed the fair act of breaking the rules hadn't even had an ounce of sorrow or empathy for the man laying on the cot with his face broken and bashed into like he was a punching bag.

"what if he killed her? what if he continued punching her before you got there and he killed her? would you just let me work with him without any type of fair treatment, you wanna talk bout rules then talk bout the ones he broke, she has been nothing but kind to those bastards after they did what they did where's that justice!"

Daryl slammed his hand down out onto the empty metal side tray that made both girls in the tent jump softly, he ran his hand over the stubble of his beard and she could see his torn up knuckles.

she was silent, because she didn't know what to say to him, she knew he was right but she still kept her eyes on the ground and her lips sealed shut as a hand was placed on her thigh.

"you're right Daryl trust me i know but we need to set rules, we can't have this behavior from either of you besides after the bridge is done you can go your separate ways"

Rick concluded watching as Daryl still seemed to be left un-satisfied with his response, he slipped out of the tent leaving them be and leaving the two be in there own awkward silence.

"sorry i didn't say anything just wanted to let you two handle it" y/n murmured to him watching as he forced a soft smile on his face, the muscles of his lips turning upwards just so he could give off the appeal he wasn't still as angry as before.

"if he touches or even looks at you wrong i'll kill him you hear me y/n, if i see it or i hear it i won't hesitate and i mean it"

he whispered to her feeling her shiver softly before she rested her head against his shoulder soaking in his warmth.

"i hear you Daryl"

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sourwolf-sterek32 · 10 months

Text

Alpha’s First Daughter

Summary: You had been on your own for years after escaping the Whisperers. Until you run into a hunter in the woods who's searching for his brother.

The Walking Dead rewrite from Season 9 to Season 11 with you, Y/N, as Daryl Dixon's eventual love interest.

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: language,

Chapter 22-

Over the next few weeks, things at Alexandria got worse.

With all the communities now living inside its walls, Kingdom, Hilltop, Oceanside and now Maggie's small group as well, supplies were running lower than ever.

You and Daryl decided to go out hunting for the day. Taking his bike and riding out to the river.

It had been a while since it was just the two of you out in the woods hunting. You didn't realise how much you missed this. You missed the simple life, when you and Daryl were living in his camp in the woods.

It was nice.

It was the best few years of your life, just living off the land with nobody but Daryl and the dogs.

You'd give anything to go back to those days. No stress, no worry, no Whisperers, it was relaxing, it was perfect.

"You ever wish we could just go back to how things used to be? Just you and me living in the woods with Ace and Dog?" You asked, as you and Daryl started to make your way back to his motorcycle after an unsuccessful hunt.

"Mmm." He hummed in agreement. "Life was simpler back then, that's for damn sure."

You were about to open your mouth to reply before you spotted Carol standing beside Daryl's bike in the distance.

"Did she follow us out here?" You asked, pointing at her.

Daryl frowned in confusion and followed your life of sight but seemed to be even more confused when he saw Carol.

What the fuck was she doing? Could she not even let you and Daryl be alone for a few hours? Did she not get enough of his attention already?

"What are ya doin' here?" Daryl asked once you reached the bike.

Carol shrugged, "I wanted to come hunt."

You ignored the urge to roll your eyes at her response, wishing she'd have just stayed at Alexandria and giving you and Daryl some time alone.

"We already hunted, but nothing's out here. So, we're heading back." You replied, not really wanting to wander the woods with her.

"It's still early. We can keep trying." She argued with a bright smile.

"It can't hurt." Daryl muttered, glancing over at you with a questioning look.

You sighed, not wanting to do this, but reluctantly nodded. Alexandria did need food, it would be nice to get some for them.

Although, two hours later, you still hadn't come across a single living animal in these damn woods. Alpha's horde had wiped them out and the ones the horde didn't kill, they'd have fled the area.

"We should go back. This is pointless." You said, stopping Daryl and Carols conversation about something that you weren't paying attention to.

"Yeah, I guess you're right-" Daryl stopped mid sentence when Dog suddenly took off running and barking through the woods. "Dog. Dog!"

"Shit." You cursed softly, instinctively running after him.

Daryl was right behind you as you ducked and weaved between the trees around you, Carol trailing behind, trying to keep up as you followed Dogs barks, until you reached some kind of old wooden cabin hidden away in the woods.

"We've hunted these woods for years. How did we not know this cabin was here?" You asked, glancing over at Daryl had an unreadable look on his face before you patted Dog on the head. "Good boy. Hopefully there's supplies inside."

You drew your sword and began making your way towards the front door that was broken and half opened, but you could never be too careful, there could be walkers inside.

Carefully, you stepped through the broken door, your sword in your hands as you scoped out the building, but after a quick scope, it was clear that this cabin was empty, and you sheathed your sword over your back and began looking around.

"We could stay the night here. Seal up that door." Carol pointed out as you stared opening random draws and cupboards.

You wanted to tell her that you could make it back to Alexandria before nightfall, but you knew that was a lie. You needed a place to stay the night and you hated that she was right, this cabin would be perfect.

"This place is completely empty." You sighed, closing the cupboards.

As if on cue, Dog suddenly started to scratch at one of the floorboards behind you, sniffing out something that was clearly hidden underneath.

You glanced over at Carol who caught your eye before she knelt down beside Dog.

"Is that the spot? Find food, boy?" She said, grabbing the wooden floorboards and pulling them up.

You watched as Dog continued to sniff, burying his snout in the small hole in the floor as Carol removed another floorboard before pulling out a small piece of paper inside.

Why the hell would there be a piece of paper hidden under the floor?

Suddenly, Carol's head snapped up in Daryl's direction after reading whatever was written.

"She lived here?"

"It was a long time ago." Daryl muttered, turning around and walking outside onto the porch.

You stood there in utter confusion as you watched him walk outside before you grabbed the note from Carol and read it.

'I belong with you. FIND ME'

What the fuck?

That was Daryl's handwriting.

You glanced over at Carol who refused to meet your gaze as she busied herself with canned food that was stored with the note.

"Is someone going to tell me what the fuck is going on? Who used to live here? And why did you write this?" You asked, walking back out the cabin to find Daryl leaning against the railing of the porch.

He didn't say anything for the longest time, and you thought he was just going to ignore you before he sighed and looked over at you.

"Leah. This was Leah's house."

Was that meant to mean anything? Who the fuck was Leah and why did Carol clearly know this woman and you didn't?

"I'm going to need more information than that." You said, looking over at him in confusion.

Daryl shook his head, turning away from you before he started to explain.

"I met her years ago... a few weeks before you showed up. She 'n I..." Daryl tailed off, not finishing his sentence, but you had a bad feeling you knew where this was going.

"You and Leah were together?" You asked.

He nodded, still refusing to look at you.

"Hold on, so a few weeks before I showed up, right? How long were you and Leah together for?" You questioned, a sinking feeling rising in your stomach.

"Nearly a year."

A year.

He was with her for a whole damn year.

"But..." The words were stuck in your throat as you shook your head. "But you and I were together by then."

"I know." He sighed.

Daryl had been secretly seeing Leah behind your back... he had been secretly meeting up with her while you were living with him in his camp. All this time, he had another woman living in this cabin while he was sleeping with you in his tent?

You felt like you were going to sick.

"All those times you wanted to go look for Rick by yourself... telling me to stay in camp, you were secretly seeing her, right? Or your hunting trips that took a few days that you wanted to do alone, that was all a cover up to see her?"

Daryl's silence was enough of an answer as rage and anger started to boil inside you.

You didn't say anything for a moment as you stared at Daryl, trying to process everything you had just found out as he stood there silently, his back facing you.

He had cheated on with this woman.

How the hell did you not know about this?

"Y/N, I'm sorry." Daryl eventually said, turning around to face you for the first time. "Things with Leah... it was different, it was new. You 'n her... it happened at the same time, 'n I didn't know what to do."

You chuckled, shaking your head. "So, you just slept with us both because you thought that was the best thing to do?"

"No... I-I, okay, yes, but-"

"So, let me guess, she found out that you had a girl back in your camp and she left you? That why she's not here?" You questioned bluntly, cutting him off.

"Nah." Daryl shook his head. "She didn't know 'bout ya... but she, uh, she made me choose between her 'n everythin' else. She gave me an ultimatum between her, my family 'n constantly lookin' for Rick."

"Well, she sounds like a nice human being." You commented sarcastically. "But, let me guess. You chose her anyway, right?"

Daryl's silence was enough of an answer, and you just shook your head in disbelief.

"You chose her, but by the time you decided what you wanted, it was too late. Hence why you left her the note because she was already gone, right?" You asked, and Daryl lowered his head and nodded. "So... you chose her over me. You chose her over your family... Judith, RJ, everyone."

"I know." He sighed, guilt washing over him. "She was gone 'n I tried to look for her, but she was just gone 'n left Dog alone in this cabin 'n-"

"Wait, Dog is hers?" You asked in shock.

"Yeah."

You just stared at him in utter disbelief as you slowly started to piece everything together.

That day Daryl never came back from his hunting trip. You had spent hours searching the woods for him and he showed up the next day looking like shit with a dog following him... that was the day Leah had left.

"That day I had to take you to Hilltop because you were so dehydrated... you said you went out hunting, but you had no intention of returning to me, did you? You went back to her, and she wasn't there." You said, everything slowly clicking into place.

"It doesn't matter no more. She left."

"It doesn't matter? How the fuck can you even say that!"

"Hold on, let's just calm down-" Carol began to say before you cut her off.

"Calm down? He just admitted that he fucking cheated on me!" You shouted, turning to face Carol before you glanced back at Daryl. "He chose her over me! The only reason you came back was because she was gone! The only reason we're still together is because Leah had disappeared!"

Hot tears started to rise in your eyes, but you pushed them back down as your body shook in anger.

"Were you even going to tell me?" You asked, your voice breaking.

His crystal blue eyes were now filled with unshed tears as he looked over at you and shook his head.

"Un-fucking-believable." You whispered, rubbing your face with shaky hands. "I'm out of here."

You turned and walked down the steps of the porch as Daryl called out to you.

"Y/N!"

You ignored him and continued walking and he didn't try and stop you as you disappeared into the woods.

When you returned to Alexandria, it was the middle of the night and everyone, but Gabriel on watch duty was asleep.

You didn't dare go back to the house where yours and Daryl's room was. The thought of sleeping in his bed made you feel sick.

Instead, you went out the barn startling a few of the horses before you grabbed one of the old rugs and draped it over a hay bale, creating a makeshift bed.

It was stupid. You had a perfectly good bed back inside the house or even a couch, but you just couldn't bring yourself to go back in there. To see all of Daryl's stuff, to smell his scent on the pillows... you couldn't.

So, instead you curled up on your makeshift bed and tried to sleep.

You weren't sure, but you must have eventually fallen asleep because before you knew it, you were startled awake by Negan who practically walked straight into you.

"What the- shit, kid. What the hell are you doing in here?" Negan questioned, grabbing your shoulder to stop you from rolling off the hay bale in fright.

"I was sleeping." You mumbled, sitting up and rubbing your eyes. "What time is it?"

"Early. But why are you sleeping in here? Daryl kick you to the dog house or something? What did you do?"

You sighed, "I didn't do anything. Why are you up so early?"

Negan started at you for a moment, a million questions flashing through his eyes, but to your relief, he didn't press the topic further as he grabbed the shovel against the wall.

"To shovel shit." He answered with a shrug. "If I keep up the hard work, these people might start tolerating me."

"We both know that's bullshit. They're never going to like people like you and me."

He chuckled softly, "yeah. I can't argue with that."

You stood up, grabbing your sword and throwing it over your back before clipping on your weapons belt as you looked around, realising that the sun was slowly starting to rise along the horizon.

Daryl and Carol would be back soon.

"You and Daryl okay?" Negan asked carefully, like he could hear your thoughts.

"Not exactly." You sighed, rubbing your face with your hands. "And no, I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay. Okay." Negan said, raising his hands. "Well, you know where to find me if you change your mind."

You nodded, watching as Negan walked into one of the horse stalls and started to shovel the shit before you walked out the barn.

It didn't take long before Daryl and Carol returned. You busied yourself with helping Aaron and Jerry patch up the back fence of Alexandria. Hammering up wooden boards to reinforce the rusting metal sheets behind it.

"Hey, can we talk?" Daryl's voice suddenly called out.

You sighed, ignoring him as you continued to hammer the last nail into the wood.

"Can you guys give us a minute? Please." Daryl said, looking over at the three men you were working with.

Jerry nodded, already walking away to give you guys some privacy, but Aaron hesitated, noticing the tension in your body.

"Do you want me to leave?" Aaron asked quietly, despite not knowing a single thing about what happened between you and Daryl, but seemed to realise something was wrong.

Aaron had known Daryl longer than you. He was friends with Daryl long before he ever met you, so you were a little surprised by his words, but knew it had something to do with you being Jesus' best friend.

"You go can." You answered, and he glanced over at Daryl for a moment before meeting your gaze and he simply nodded before he walked off.

"Y/N-"

"We have nothing to talk about." You said, cutting Daryl off as you put the hammer down and started to walk off too.

"Hey."

Suddenly, Daryl grabbed your arm and pulled you towards him.

"Don't touch me!" You snapped, yanking your arm from his grasp.

"Y/N, sweetheart, please-"

"Don't. Don't call me that. You lost the fucking right." You said, glaring at him.

"I didn't mean to hurt ya." He said, his voice so soft as he stared at you sadly.

"Well, you did."

Daryl sighed, looking down at the ground before he lifted his head and those crystal blue eyes locked with yours.

"What now? What happens to us?" He asked, clearly scared of the answer.

You shrugged your shoulders. "I don't know. You cheated on me... you... I-I can't do this. I can't do this now, not after everything. I just... I just need some time, to-to think."

You hated the fact that you could feel tears rising in your eyes as you stared at him, wishing that the last 24 hours never happened.

"I love ya, Y/N. Ya know that, right?" He asked, his voice thick with emotion.

You nodded, "I know."

Daryl loved you. That was obvious, but he had loved Leah more to choose her over you. That was the problem.

"I just need some time." You said, not giving him a chance to say anything before you walked away.

You turned down behind the barn out of Daryl's eye and earshot before you let the tears in your eyes finally fall. Once they started to fall, you couldn't stop them as you pressed your back against the wall of the barn and slid to the ground, burying your face into your knees as you broken down.

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sublimecatgalaxy · 2 years

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How about a Right Person/Wrong Time situation? Where Daryl and Reader were together before the apocalypse happen: for some reason it didn’t work out between them buuuut then they found each other again during the apocalypse and decided to give their relationship a second chance. Hihi. <33

I actually really like this because I am a first believer of right person/wrong time and Daryl has had SUCH character development throughout the show.

I don't think that Daryl and I ever expected to find one another ever again.

I wouldn't say we ended on bad terms- we never fought, we rarely had any toxic moments and there weren't any red flags to write home about- but we were just really different people. He had Merle and his horrible past relationships with the rest of the people closest to him. He was always very bad at communication and trust and he refused to even give a thought to anything that contradicted anything he was taught.

He didn't want to step on anyones toes and he didn't want to upset Merle in anyway.

So, whether I blame Merle or not for our downfall, I would just sum it up and say that we had learning and growing to do, even if we were well into adulthood and into our life when we called it quits.

We hadn't spoken to each other in months when the first National Emergency Broadcast System went out and rang out through our TV's and cellphones. It was horrible because my mind when to Daryl first. I thought of him and Merle and if they were safe. I knew they were both two very capable men and in the hands of a global pandemic and apocalypse, they were who I had my money on when it came to surviving.

At least I was right about one of them.

One thing I wasn't right about was how much he's changed.

When I arrived at Hilltop about a decade after leaving a group who resided in a subway in Washington DC, I was shocked to see the civilization that had formed. I learned about the other places; Oceanside, Alexandria, the Kingdom, and soon met a lot of the people who came with all of these lovely places.

It was the closest thing to normal civilization but, in my opinion, much better and much simpler. I immediately thought that Daryl would've loved how simple it was and how natural it was too. He was always about living off the land and hunting, camping- hell we'd go on so many 'camping dates' it's ridiculous.

The first time Daryl was mentioned, it was after Michonne told me about Rick and how he had died. She told me that one of her closest friends, Daryl, had been searching for Rick, even if it meant only finding a body and allowing him and her to get closure regarding his death.

She explained that he liked to be alone and he really preferred to just do his own thing and not have to answer to anyone. I remember thinking that her explanation of him really fit the Daryl that I had known but when talking about his protectiveness and care for the people of the different townships, I was a bit thrown.

Daryl was always caring but not 'sacrificing himself for his best friends kid' type caring.

It took going out with Michonne to Daryl's cabin to realize that her Daryl was also my Daryl.

And, man, had my Daryl changed.

His hair was incredibly longer but somehow suited him better than any other haircut he'd ever had. He's way more built, muscular too, and he just looked stronger and healthier than the last time I had seen him. He aged well, better than I had for sure.

"Y/n?" Daryl mutters as the box of fruit drops from his hands, Michonne looking between the two of us with furrowed brows, her lips parting and I turn to her with wide eyes.

"You two know each other?" I stutter out a quiet yes as Daryl takes a step forward towards me but I take a step backwards, shocked and overstimulated by everything happening all at once. I expected him to survive, sure, but I never expected our paths to cross again- not with the size of the world.

"How are you here?" Daryl asks, reaching up to rub at the back of his neck, his cheeks blushed in a vibrant, deep red. I just pause, my jaw slacking as I struggle to get a breath in. "Fuck, I-" He cuts himself and turns to Michonne with a dumbfounded expression. "This is Y/n, Michonne, the same one." Michonne reaches out and places a hand on my upper arm and I watch as Daryl just shifts anxiously.

It doesn't take long before I'm ignoring all of my questions and intrusive thoughts, running full speed to Daryl and throwing myself into his arms, almost taking him off his feet completely. He cradles the back of my head without a second to spare, tucking his face in the crook of my neck desperately.

Michonne stayed to listen to our explanation, how we knew each other, some of the stories that we have of Merle and late night adventures. But eventually, it came time to make the decision to go back with Michonne or stay with Daryl.

I made the decision to stay with Daryl. And I only went back to the townships if I was going with Daryl, never leaving his side after that.

"Aye," I roll over in bed to see Daryl standing in the doorway, his eyes fondly looking over me as I grin, stretching across the empty side of his bed. "Don' look at me like that." He laughs, folding his arms over his chest as he attempts to reprimand the flirty looks I'm sending his way.

I can hear Dog barking at the front door of the cabin but Daryl ignores him, not daring to look away from me as I huff. "C'mon, you don't gotta go yet." I offer with a gentle pout and he rolls his eyes, taking a hesitant step into the room, his eyes sweeping low to the floor.

"Gotta go get us some food. Or else I'm gon' listen to you complain all day." He shrugs with a small smirk, ignoring the offended gasp that leaves me. I slip out from under the covers, crawling to the end of the bed that's closest to him, resting my hands on my knees.

"I won't complain if you get back in bed with me and I'll make sure to go hunting with you in a little bit." His eyebrows perk up at my offer, his lip tucking between his teeth as he ponders my offer. "Ya know, after I get what I want." Finally his eyes flutter up to meet mine, his hues now ten times darker as he takes another step towards me, reaching out to cup my cheeks gently in his hands, tilting my chin up to look at him through my lashes.

"And what's that?" He whispers but the question only makes my grin widen, answering his question without another word. "Fine, half an hour, then we get our asses up, got it?" Before he can say anything else, my fingers curl around the collar of his shirt, pulling him down so I can slip down on top of him. He looks up at me breathlessly, shaking his head teasingly at the sneaky grin on my lips.

"Yes sir."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- Taglist: @bubblebuttwade @rafelover2405 @leslienjazzy @sorceresss @grxnde-dwt @alex–awesome–22 @bunnietoof @niyamar1e @serialghost @plantlungs @geniusohn @akaliltimmytim @lilaalouuxx @xshariex @elliotsbeigeguitar @elle4404 @lelieja @srhxpci @joselyn001 @taysirene @spinkspanther @thedivineuphoria @peter-maximoffs @tsukishimawhore @poohkie90 @szlaco @distantsighs @nstyles4299 @wolflover384 @givemefoodandlovesstuff @vane2828 @yeswhatever33 @amirrahfranson @vvaalleennttiinna @f-mu @yaspillz @jeyramarie @skylievin@abbybarnes17 @jointherebellion215 @visiondaddy @steezysimfinds @its-ya-gay-boi-luigi

@crunchytoenailsyum@glizzymcguirex @beth123lg @melovesmut @rafecameronswhore @ariianelle @write-from-the-heart @vampviolets@haylee-e@popehaywardssecretgf @honee-chai-tea @lokiandbuckywife @smoke-and-fire @officiallyunofficialperson@heyaitsklaudia@rosepetalsparks @bluetreecloud20 @scenesofobx @double-shot-of-tequila @1dluver13xx @colbysbrocks @iamasimpingh0e @smoke-and-fire386 @loveshineslikethesky @id-3-kbro @diorsitgirl @errorfound101-allideasburnedout @neverwillknowme18 @ellyskey @taylors-folk @loversjoy @myaloveee @thyris-is @lagataprrr @aaaaslaaaan @minjix @luvrosee @storytellingwitht

#daryl #daryl x reader #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon #the walking dead #the walking dead fic

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pinkyringprvnce · 2 years

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Chapters: 16/? Fandom: Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Addison Montgomery/Derek Shepherd, Meredith Grey/Derek Shepherd, Addison Montgomery/Mark Sloan Characters: Addison Montgomery, Meredith Grey, Finn Dandridge, Derek Shepherd, Richard Webber, Adele Webber, Mark Sloan, Naomi Bennett, Sam Bennett, Cristina Yang, George O'Malley, Alex Karev, Izzie Stevens, Preston Burke, Dell Parker, Pete Wilder, Violet Turner, Cooper Freedman, Charlotte King, Carolyn Shepherd, Archer Montgomery, Lizzie Shepherd, Nancy Shepherd, Amelia Shepherd, Kevin Nelson, Kathleen Shepherd, Arizona Robbins, Callie Torres Additional Tags: addek, maddison - Freeform, MerDer, charcoop Summary:

AU: What if Derek and Addison didn’t end things after Derek cheated on her with Meredith? What if they decided to give their relationship one more shot? Takes place after Derek and Meredith have sex in the exam room in Grey's Anatomy 2x27 (the prom episode).

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fatalelity · 4 months

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honestly, screw seaside / oceanside wellness, addison should run a center for women's health just like when arizona and nicole herman did. in fact, she should ditch seaside and go to new york. she'd be happiest there making real impact on marginalized groups. like cmon, girl didn't wanna live her cushy comfy life in california anymore when there are people's rights being taken away. activism would've made her the happiest honestly and i know for a fact they were too scared to delve into all that on the shows

#* 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 : ooc #oh yeah friendly reminder that greys s18 and onwards interactions takes place with the idea that addison lives in new york and worked in a #public hospital before transferring to be a fulltime partner at robbins-herman (obvi if u write arizona i won't force it on u but <3)

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mydarllinglover · 10 months

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Alone || Garbage Trucks And Trash People

It turned out that the Saviours had come for Dr Carson, Maggie's doctor, and Gregory had just let them take him.

In other news, Rosita and Sasha had also disappeared.

Natalia was heavily pissed at the both of them.

She was even more angry at the fact they had kept it from her, not letting her help, cause of course she knew what they were up to.

Rick and the others had come by the Hilltop, to pick up Daryl, Natalia, Jesus and Enid.

Tara had shared with Rick about a community she had found, Oceanside, full of only women, they also had a whole bunch of guns, it had turned out that the Saviours murdered all their men, all boys over the age of ten, they weren't keen on strangers.

The plan was that Tara was going to politely ask Oceanside for their part in helping take down Negan, and if not that, then just to borrow their armoury, if she failed, Rick would take over.

Michonne and Natalia were to sit in tall trees, act as lookouts, snipers, considering Natalia was a great shot, and Michonne had been improving.

She also speculated it was because her husband wanted her away from gunfire as much as possible, she found it cute that he still worried about her getting hurt, even after the amount of risky things she had done, and how many times she had saved his ass.

Daryl helped her up the tree as Rick helped Michonne, she had noticed the pair had grown even closer with one another since she'd been away.

"You gonna be alright?" Daryl asked her, hoisting her small frame up.

"Baby, I'm gonna be in a tree, you're the one who I should be worried about." Natalia smiled. "But I don't need to be, we got this, we always do. Gonna be watching you like a hawk." She winked.

"You focus on the mission." He slapped her ass, gesturing for her to climb as well.

"Hey, watch it!" She threatened, "Remember when I got shot, and you had to save my life, with Rick and Merle?"

"One of the worst days of my life, you mean?" He asked.

"The one time you actually recused me, not the other way round." She teased, obviously lying.

"Climb the damn tree, woman."

"Alright, watch this, I used to win the tree climbing competitions as a kid." She kissed him briefly, before going up the tree, reaching the high branches so she could sit in them.

"That cause you were the size of a squirrel?" He asked, watching her go up.

Natalia broke off a small branch, throwing it at him.

"Guess what you just lost privileges to, I'll give you a hint, it's got three letters."

"That's more of a punishment for you than me." He scoffed, before walking away to set the dynamite wire with Jesus. "Love ya!"

Natalia caught the stare of her friend, who was also sat in a tree not so far away from her.

"Happy in paradise?" Michonne called out.

"Just grand." She rolled her eyes. "What about you?"

"Amazing." Michonne had that toothy smile that Natalia loved seeing on her.

"Go us!" She threw her fist in the air, before catching herself from plummeting to the ground, Michonne stifled a laugh at the scene.

Tara had gone in, it seemed like her chat wasn't working out well, considering time had ran out and one of the explosives went off.

The women of Oceanside vacated the area, running for the woods and for safety.

Natalia and Michonne started shooting at the two women, who ran to the Armoury's, feet, a trick they picked up from Terminus.

"On the ground. Now" Daryl stepped out, aiming his crossbow at them as Jesus, Eric and Aaron followed. "Those hands, put them on your head."

"Please." Jesus told them.

Eric and Aaron restrained the two women as Daryl waved his bandana in the air, signalling that it was okay, and to not shoot.

More explosives went off as the people were rallied by the others.

The two snipers switched around in the trees, facing the group as Daryl and Jesus led the two women with the rest, Rick following.

"Now, we made a lot of noise. We want to wrap this up quick so you can send people to redirect anything coming this way." Rick started. "Tara said your forests are relatively clear, so we won't take any chances. No one needs to get hurt. This is just about what you have, what we need."

"Nobody's taking anything." A woman appeared, she was leading Tara towards them, a gun held to the back of her head, Natalia set her sights on the woman with her gun, she assumed Michonne would do the same.

Natalia didn't approve of killing women without a reason, they weren't necessarily the enemy, but if she did anything to Tara, she wouldn't hesitate to shoot the bitch in front of the kids, not her problem if they're scarred for life.

"You need to let everyone go and leave right now." She said. "Just walk away or this one dies."

"Yeah, we'll leave you alone." Rick agreed. "But we're taking your weapons with us. That's not gonna change. It's Natania, right?"

Natalia scoffed at her name.

"Like mine." She mouthed to herself.

"Put the gun down, and let's talk about what we can change."

"No. Leave right now." Natania pushed.

"Natalia! Don't!" Tara shouted at the more trigger happy one of the two. "You either, Michonne."

She just blew their cover, so much for element of surprise.

"We just wanna be left alone." Natania pushed.

"Yeah, we'll leave you alone." Rick repeated. "Just let go of her. Now. Or we'll kill you. None of us want that."

Natalia got a better grip on her gun, as she checked the area, keeping the gun still in case she had to take the shot.

"They want us to fight The Saviours." The young woman beside Natania said, she looked a few years older than Carl and Enid.

"We tried that. We lost. Too much." Natania said. "We're not gonna lose anymore. Not our guns, not our safety, not after everything we've done to get here."

"We're gonna win" Tara spoke up. "With your guns, with or without your help."

"Natania, put the gun down." Rick said.

"You kill me, and you die. And my people take the guns and nothing changes."

"Maybe we should try." The woman Daryl had led, said.

"Its not over!" Natania shouted when the girl had tried talking to her. "They've forgotten. You've all forgotten. Some of you actually want to fight them? After everything? We can lose our guns, but us leaving this place to fight? After everything? I have to remind you. Yes. I am gonna do this, and then I'm gonna die. But it's that important."

Natalia looked through the scope again, at her threat, ready to take the shot.

"This is your life, all of you." Natania continued. "Remember what it looked like. Remember what they did to us!"

Natalia looked around the woods again, seeing a lone walker, she took her shot.

Then another appeared, and then more, it seemed that Michonne had caught this too.

"Rick! Walkers!" She cried.

The girl punched the old lady, knocking her out cold, taking the gun.

A herd of walkers appeared between the trees, coming for the people.

"Everybody up!" Rick ordered. "Get the children behind us! They're coming."

Oceanside and Alexandria, as well as Jesus, did as he said.

"First shift, join them on the line." The woman who had spoke up about fighting, said, as Rick cut her ties. "Knives out. Dead only. Dead only!"

"Everyone, shots within 10 feet of the line. That's it." Rick instructed as they got ready.

Natalia watched the herd, keeping her eye for any sneaks or ones that got messy, taking them out before they could take out hers.

On Ricks order, the two groups fought in harmony.

She had watched as a young girl was able to take down a walker, killing it, she thought about Evie, how she'd been debating with herself about training the girl, Natalia didn't even like the thought of her being anywhere near them, but she knew the time was approaching, she was only gonna get older.

The girl had shot the last one, helping Tara.

When Natania woke up, she had still decided Oceanside would not take part, but had given her blessing for them to take the guns, she didn't really have a choice.

"Alright, just come down, I got ya." Daryl clapped his hands together, gesturing for Natalia to let go and he'd catch her, whilst the oceanside people watched, the others were loading up the guns.

"No way, you're gonna drop me." She shook her head.

"I ain't gonna drop ya!" He claimed. "It ain't even that high."

"No, get someone else to help, in case you don't catch me." She pointed at Aaron or Rick.

"I'm gonna catch you! Trust me!"

"I do trust you, I just don't really wanna cost any broken bones over it, alright, fine. You drop me, I want a divorce." She let out a deep breath, before letting go of the branch she was clinging onto, falling through the sky.

Daryl reached forward, catching her in his arms, nearly knocking himself on his ass as she fell.

The few oceanside women and kids clapped for him, as their friends watched, amused.

"Told ya I wouldn't let you fall." He grumbled. "Aint getting rid of me that easily."

"My hero." She put the back of her hand to her forehead, leaning her head back in his hold.

"Shut up." He snorted, setting her down on the ground.

Tara was talking to Cyndie as they joined their people, Michonne, who had gotten down earlier, was talking to Rick, before walking over to the couple.

"That reminds me, you have no idea what we had to go through to get this signed." Michonne handed Natalia a very familiar bit of paper. "Congratulations, its official in the name of Father Gabriel, the priest."

Natalia unfolded it, seeing his signature.

"Still a bunch of bullshit." Daryl stated, but he looked over her shoulder at it anyway, sliding a hand across her back, settling it on her waist.

"Merle told Daryl that weddings and religion is just capitalism and doesn't actually mean anything." Natalia told Michonne.

"Merle told you that?" Michonne looked at him, seeming unimpressed.

"Yeah." He nodded, as his wife folded the paper back up, placing it in her pocket. "He's right."

Michonne and Natalia shared a look, before shaking their heads, letting the subject drop.

"You're not leaving us any?" The girl who had fought the walker, asked as they headed back to their vehicles.

"Nope! See ya later, Rachel!" Tara replied, flipping the young girl off.

"I was thinking, we should train Evie" Natalia looked up at Daryl, walking side by side.

"Hm?" He looked at her, his brows raising.

"Walkers, I think we should start training her to fight them, she's only getting older, and It'd be better to start her off young, then when she gets older and y'know, I gave a brief when they were in Alexandria and obviously she carries her knife everywhere, just, that girl, she was real good about it, just got me thinking."

"What d'you mean we" He put into quotation marks.

"Me and you, you and I, us." She explained. "The both of us can teach her, after all, we're the best partners this group has." She grinned, putting her hand out for him to high five, which he did. "Besides, she looks up to you a lot, y'know, I found notes from when you've let her help with your bike, kid loves to learn, writes everything down you say, too bad she doesn't like learning with people her own age."

"Alright, after all this, after we win, we'll teach her." He nodded. "Turn her into the next best walker fighter Alexandria has seen."

"Hell yeah, a mini us" Her smile grew at the hopefulness for the future, she was also excited to be going back to Alexandria, to see Evie.

"Hey, you wanna ride back with me?" He asked her, offering for her to go back to Alexandria on the back of his bike.

"Sure, baby, I can't wait to get home, to sleep in our bed."

When they had got to the gates, Rosita was the one to open it, setting alarm bells off for everyone.

"Hey, are you okay?" Enid asked her.

"Where's Sasha?" Jesus pried.

"There's someone here." She replied.

Rosita had led; Rick, Jesus, Michonne, Tara, Daryl and Natalia to the cell, opening the gate and letting them see inside.

Natalia's jaw dropped as she saw who it was.

No one was quick enough to stop her as she lunged forward, throwing her fist into the blond mans nose.

He fell flat on his back as she got on top of him, throwing another hit at his burnt side, purposely picking that side.

"You asshole, I'm gonna kill you!" Natalia shouted, Michonne grabbed at her waist, trying to pull the small woman off of him, Rosita helping, as Jesus and Rick attempted to restrain Daryl, who was just as livid at the sight of him.

She scratched at Dwight as Michonne carried her away, Rosita standing in front of him.

"Woah, woah, woah, Nat! Get away from him, Daryl, stop!" Rick shouted, pushing Daryl out of the cell, as Michonne dragged Natalia to the corner, trying to calm her down.

"I'm gonna kill you, you're gonna rot in hell, prick!"

"Stop!" Michonne pointed her finger in her friends face. "Knock it off!"

"He says he wants to help us." Rosita said.

"That true?" Rick turned to him, still holding Daryl back, as he got up from the ground, his nose was bleeding. "You want to help?"

"I do." Dwight answered, even the sound of his slimy voice grated against her ears.

Rick let go of Daryl, stepping towards the man.

"Okay." He then pulled his gun out, cocking it as he aimed it at the Saviours head. "Get on your knees."

He did as he was told, wiping at the blood that was seeping into his moustache.

He glanced at Daryl, then at Natalia, Michonne still had an arm around her, but trusted her to not attack him again.

Natalia wanted to carve his eyeballs out and force them down his throat.

"Look at me." Rick told him. "Why?"

"'Cause I want it stopped." He answered. "I want Negan dead."

"So why don't you kill him?" Rick asked.

"Can't just be me. They're all Negan."

Tara stepped forward.

"That girl you murdered." She bent down to look at him in the eye. "She had a name. Her name was Denise, and she was a doctor. And she helped people."

"I wasn't aiming for her." He whispered, glancing at Natalia.

Daryl pushed through Rick and Tara, grabbing Dwight by the collar and throwing him at the wall, his knife in line with the mans eye.

"Look at her again, I'll kill ya." Daryl rasped.

"Do it." Tara told him. "Do it."

"You wanna end it this way... you go ahead." Dwight told him. "I'm sorry. I am. I know you want to."

"He could just be here to see if the two of you were here." Rick said.

"We can't trust him." Michonne agreed, letting go of Natalia.

"He owned me." Dwight spoke up.

"Bullshit!" Natalia called. "Seemed pretty smitten when you were treating my husband like an animal!"

"He did. He owned me" Dwight repeated. "But not anymore. What I did, I was doing it for someone else. She just got away. So now I'm here. So are you because of her, and so is Natalia."

"Don't say her name." Daryl growled, the knife still in his hand, not moving from Dwight's face.

"Do it!" Tara repeated.

"There's another choice."

"Daryl." Tara was pleading with him. "Daryl, you knew her, she loved Evie, Evie adored her, he took that away."

"Negan trusts me." Dwight continued. "We work together, we can stop him. You knew me then, and you know me now. You know I'm not lying. I'm not."

"Do it." Tara continued. "Do it!"

Daryl pulled the knife away, loosening his grip on the mans throat.

"They have Sasha, if she's even alive." Rosita revealed.

"Why didn't you say something?" Jesus asked. "He could be our only chance to get her back."

"Because I don't trust him." She said. "But I trust Daryl."

"Negan's coming soon." Dwight told Rick. "Tomorrow. Three trucks probably. 20 Saviours and him. I can slow them down, bring some trees down in the road, buy a little time for you guys to get ready."

Rick looked at Daryl.

"If you can take them out, that's where we start. You kill them, I'll radio back to the Sanctuary."

"The Sanctuary?"

"That's the place they held us." Natalia scowled. "As prisoners."

"Where Negan lives." Dwight added. "That's what they call it. I can radio back to them and say everything's okay. You drive the trucks back, and I can lead you right inside, and, with the right plan, we can wipe out the rest. Check to see if your friend's still alive. Then, we get the workers on our side, build our numbers up, and go from outpost to outpost and end this."

"Keep talking." Rick said.

When they had gotten all the information he was willing to share, Dwight set off to head back to the Sanctuary.

"We just started it, the whole thing." Rick said, him, Daryl, Natalia, Jesus and Michonne were watching Rosita let him out.

"If he's lyin', I'm gonna kill him real slow." Daryl shared. "When this is done, I don't give a damn if he's sorry. I will kill that son of a bitch."

"If he's lying, this is already over." Rick replied, walking towards his house.

"Come on." Daryl grabbed Natalia's hand. "Let's get Evie and go home, get you bandaged up." He kissed her bruised and grazed knuckles, Natalia didn't care about her punching technique, as long as it caused the other person pain.

It was a tearful reunion with the seven year old.

Carl had woken her up, from where she had temporarily been sleeping in Judith's room, then Daryl carried her back to their house, as she wiped her eyes, fighting sleep.

"I missed you, so, so, so, so, so much!" She declared to the pair, when he set her on the floor.

"Missed you, too, a million times more, sweet girl." Natalia told her, kissing her head as she stroked her blonde locks.

"You're wearing your necklace." Daryl pointed out, crouching down to face her, looking at the purple flower that was resting against her pyjama top.

"Michonne gave it to me, on my birthday." She said, her smile slipping. "You guys weren't there."

"I know, Eves, I'm so sorry." She crouched down as well, taking a hold of her hand. "Gonna make It up to you, okay? That necklace, Daryl found that, we were gonna wrap it up and give it to you for your birthday, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I know why, Carl told me you guys were coming back, that I just had to wait, and be good, to stay out of trouble."

"You're perfect, okay, and we're home now, you're so strong, alright." Natalia stroked her cheek with her thumb.

Daryl had set his sights on the keychain attached to her belt, with her fathers knife, in the flowery fabric he had found so they could make her sheath, the one Denise had on her when Dwight killed her.

"Is it over, are the bad guys gone, can you stay?"

"Nearly, it's almost over baby." Natalia nodded. "We're gonna stay here, we're gonna fight."

"And you're gonna kill Negan?" Natalia was surprised a sentence like that had even come out of her mouth.

She looked at Daryl, who had raised his brows at her statement.

"Yeah, yes, we're gonna, okay, because there are people that you need to kill, so that you can be alive, bad people, though, the bad people don't get to live."

"I know. He's a really, really bad person, he took you guys." She wrapped her arms around the both again, Daryl enveloped the two girls into a hug, he felt like he had a family, his own little family, after so long, never thinking he'd ever have this, he hadn't even known he'd wanted it, until recently.

His mind wandered back to that conversation on the porch, the first night Natalia had dinner with Milo and Evie, he'd been waiting for her, wanting to know if anything had happened, if the son of a bitch had tried anything with her, Carol had told him he was jealous, but he pushed it off to just being wary for his friend, looking back, he was aggressively jealous of the man, just didn't want to admit it.

"I'm glad Aaron found you both, I got a second chance at having a mom and dad." Evie said through a yawn.

Daryl's eyes had widened, Natalia lifted her head so she could look at him, with the same expression.

"What did you just say?" Natalia asked.

"I said I got my second chance at having a mom and dad?" She repeated. "You guys."

"What, Daryl?" She pointed at him, being sure of what she just said.

"Was I not supposed to say that?" She covered her mouth, scared she just said the equivalent to a bad word. "I'm sorry."

"Nah, kid, what about yer dad?" Daryl asked.

"I'm going to love my daddy for ever, but he's not here anymore, and you're like... my backup, other dad, like Natty's my other mom, I love you."

"Sure kid, what ever you want." He hugged her, as she layed her head on his shoulder, letting out a yawn.

"Alright, time for bed, got a big day tomorrow." Natalia clapped her hands together.

"I got it." Daryl said, lifting the girl in his arms as they made their way upstairs.

Natalia scooted past him, so she could open Evie's door, pulling the covers back to her bed, they hadn't seemed to touch anything in her room, it looked like.

On her beside table, sat Sully's bejewelled collar.

"Rosita and Michonne helped me bury him." Evie confessed. "He's with the others now."

Natalia nodded, a weepy smile on her face.

Daryl layed her down as Natalia put the covers back over, tucking her in.

"Night, sweet girl." She said, brushing her blonde locks back, kissing her head. "I love you."

"I love you, too. I'm so happy you're both home, but I'm really sleepy so it doesn't look like it, but I am." Evie admitted, causing the pair to chuckle.

"We get it, kid. Go to sleep." Daryl told her, waving good night, she waved back tiredly, her hand flopping as she closed her eyes. "Love you." He muttered as they walked out the room, closing the door.

Daryl and Natalia walked towards their room, opening the door for the first time since they had left the day Daryl left to hunt down Dwight, and she had left to hunt down him.

As predicted, their mattress was gone, most of Natalia's clothes were missing, including her underwear, perverts, a bunch of their belongings that remained, were broken or on the floor.

"Assholes." Natalia cursed, looking around at the mess.

"Son's of bitches." Daryl grumbled.

The next day, Alexandria had gone on full lock down mode, preparing for the upcoming fight, Jesus had taken Evie to Hilltop with him, to keep her safe, Judith had been there since Rick had come for their help with Oceanside.

Daryl, Natalia, Rosita and Aaron were in the back of a "moving" van, setting up a bomb whilst Rick and Michonne greeted the people they had met when Daryl and Natalia were in Hilltop, the Scavengers, they called themselves.

It turned out, that when Michonne said they had no idea what she had to go through to get their "Marriage Certificate" signed, it meant that the Scavengers had kidnapped Gabriel, as well as all their food, holding the man hostage, and in order to get him back, Rick had to fight some Viking armour spike walker, with his bare hands, one of which had gone straight through one of the spikes.

Rick had explained their mission, and Jadis, their leader, had agreed to help, her and her people had turned up to Alexandria on bikes and in garbage trucks, they were trash people, as in they literally lived in trash at the dump.

"Nat, one of those trash collectors get shot down, we got ourselves a bike." Daryl said, as the four of them fiddled with the bomb, setting it up perfectly.

"Yay." Natalia answered, sarcastically.

"Why do you need a bicycle?" Rosita asked.

"So I can learn how to ride one." She replied.

"You don't know how to ride a bike." Aaron laughed.

"Something funny about that?" She looked at him accusingly, wrapping the cord around a stick of dynamite.

"No, no, not at all." He cleared his throat.

"My dad, he, uh, he always told my mom that he wanted to teach me stuff like that, he always wanted a little girl, but he died when I was real young." She confessed. "When, me, Daryl and Beth, Maggie's sister, when it was just us, out there, when we got split up, the same time you found Glenn, Tara, Maggie, Sasha and Bob." She looked at Rosita "We played this drinking game, never have I ever."

"Yeah, I know that one." Rosita nodded.

"Yeah, hers was that she never shot a crossbow, so Daryl taught her how." She smiled up at him, he looked down at his boots, thinking about that day. "Daryl's was that he never left Georgia, here we are. Mine was that I never rode a bike, like, by myself, so Daryl said he'd teach me whenever we got a hold of one."

"That's sweet." Aaron smiled.

"Yeah." She said, wistfully.

When the time had come, everyone was waiting.

Rick stood on the perch, looking out for the Saviours.

One of the Scavengers blew a green tube, it sounded like a turkey.

It was time.

"Rosita." Rick called to the woman beside Natalia, Daryl and Tara were also stood with them, as well as six Scavengers, all with guns in their hands. "Get into position. I'll signal you. And the wall's gonna hold?"

"It'll hold." Rosita confirmed.

"You got this." Natalia told her. "Piece of cake."

"All points are covered." The voice of Eugene came from a megaphone, from outside the walls. "Every contingency is already met. I come armed with two barrels of the truth."

Rosita and Natalia moved closer to the gate, seeing the man dressed in all black, on the top of a blue cab truck.

"What the fuck?" Natalia whispered.

"A test is upon you, and I'm giving out cheat sheets." He continued.

The truck stopped, Eugene was stood in front of a box that had a yellow blanket draped over it, he looked up to Rick, talking to him as the leader of Alexandria.

"H-Hello. I come salved with the hope that it is my dropped knowledge that you heed. Options are zero to none. Compliance and fealty are your only escape. Bottom-lining it, you may thrive, or you may die. I sincerely wish for the former for everyone's sake. The jig is up and in full effect. Will you comply, Rick?"

Everyone looked to him, to see what he'd do.

"Where's Negan?" He asked.

"I'm Negan." He announced.

Natalia felt a wave of anger over her.

She always knew Eugene was a coward, hell, he was the reason they had ended up in Virginia, but after he saved Tara, becoming a fighter, she really thought he was becoming an valued member of their family, he was smart and resourceful, too.

Natalia glanced at Rosita, her thumb hovered over the button, its like she had chose in that moment that his life was no longer valuable to them, she watched Rick, waiting for his signal.

After accepting the betrayal, he nodded.

Rosita pressed the button and everyone at the walls ducked for cover, waiting for the explosion, but it never came.

She looked shocked and defeated.

Rick went to grab his gun, but then the Scavengers turned on the Alexandrians, aiming their weapons at them.

Jadis held a gun to Rick's head.

The others had done the same.

One of the Scavengers walked forward, opening the gate so that the Saviours could enter.

They had double-crossed them.

Negan jumped out of one of the trucks, Dwight by his side.

"You ever hear the one about the stupid little prick named Rick who thought he knew shit but didn't know shit and got everyone that he gave a shit about killed?" Negan pointed at Rick. "Its about you. You're all gonna wanna put your guns down now."

"No one drops anything." Rick spoke up, turning to talk to Jadis.

"You push me, and you push me. And you push me, Rick. You just tried to blow us up, right? I mean, I get me, my people. But Eugene? He's one of yours. And after what he did... He stepped up. You people are animals. Universe gives you a sign, and you just shove your finger right up its ass."

He laughed, though everyone else remained silent.

"Dwight, Simon, chop-chop."

The two men walked towards the big box, unlinking it from the truck bed, revealing that it was a coffin.

Why the hell would they have a coffin?

Negan got up, standing beside the coffin.

"So you don't like Eugene anymore. You guys gotta like Sasha. I do, too."

He hit the metal box with Lucille.

"Got her right here packaged for your convenience, alive and well."

Natalia stared frozen, not believing what was actually going on, Rosita had told them that Sasha had left Rosita, to go on her own to kill Negan, then she turns up in a coffin?

"Now, I brought her so I wouldn't have to kill all of you, and not killing all of you... could get complicated. See, I know there's a lot of firepower left in there, Rick. So I'm gonna make this simple. I want all the guns you've managed to scrape up. Yep, I know about those, too. I want every last grain of lemonade you got left. I want a person of your own choosing... For Lucille." Negan stated. "Natalia, where you been, baby, had me searching all around for ya, had me worried sick, no fear, I've come to take you home." He grinned at her. "Daryl, ooh, I gotta get me my Daryl back." He pointed at the both of them, then to his eyes. "I see you. And the pool table and all the pool cues and chalk. And I want it now or Sasha dies, and then all of you. Probably. C'mon, Rick. Just because I brought her in a casket doesn't mean she has to leave in it."

Rick had continued to stare at him.

Negan sighed, wiping his brow.

"You know what? You suck ass, Rick. You really do. I don't want to have to kill her but that's exactly what you're gonna make me do."

Rick took a step forward.

"Let me see her." He requested.

"All right. Just give me a second. I might have to get her up to speed. You can't hear shit inside this thing."

He knocked Lucille against the coffin, causing a clanging sound.

"Sash. You're not gonna believe this crap." Negan opened the coffin.

Sasha had come jumping out at him, except, she was dead, Sasha was a walker, trying to eat Negan.

"Holy goddamn!" He yelled, falling backwards as she jumped on him, onto the ground.

Carl took this distraction, turning around and shooting the Scavengers, the others followed suit.

Natalia lifted her gun, shooting at anyone that wasn't Rosita, Daryl or Tara.

Then aimed ahead at the Saviours, wanting to get the bitch that killed her dog.

Gunfire rained, until, Rosita yelped in pain, getting shot in the chest.

Natalia reached for her, helping to keep her up.

"I got you." She told the woman. "You're gonna be alright."

"I'll get her to the infirmary." Tara ran over.

"You sure, you need help?" Natalia asked her, keeping an eye out for anyone looking their way.

"No, I got it, you got this." Tara assured, taking over supporting Rosita.

"Alright, go" Natalia waved her off, going back to shooting at the Saviours.

She heard an gunshot from above, then Ricks body falling from the perch.

Jadis had shot then kicked him down.

"Rick!"

Natalia ran to his aid, putting pressure on the wound as it started spouting blood, she hoped this was a good enough reason to explain to Michonne and Daryl, why she was gripping his waist.

"Uh uh" Jadis approached them, shaking her head. "He's mine." She aimed her gun at her head.

"Crazy bitch, what the fuck is wrong with you?" Natalia asked looking up at her.

"Move." She raised a brow.

"Do it, Nat." Rick shook his head.

She growled as she stood up, stepping away from her friend.

Jadis helped Rick up, leading him through the crossfire, her arm in the air.

"Come on, little birdie" She looked at her. "You're coming with us." She had no choice but to follow the pair, in case Jadis shot her or Rick.

Bodies of Alexandrians were splayed out on the road, as well as a pool of blood with each body.

Carl was knelt on the grass, the Saviours and Scavengers surrounded him, including Simon and Dwight.

Rick had froze at the sight.

Jadis hit his gunshot wound.

"Move." She ordered, pushing him forward, grabbing a hold of Natalia as so that she couldn't sneak away or anything.

"I'm gonna kill you." Natalia said.

"I doubt that very much."

Negan walked on to the scene, a smirk on his face, Sasha hadn't got the chance to devour him.

"Hello again."

He took his bat out of Dwight's hand, Natalia couldn't even feel giddy about the bruises and scratches that dotted around his face.

Jadis dragged Rick to stand beside Carl.

Negan snapped his fingers, a gun was trained on Natalia.

"Hey, gorgeous, d'ya miss me?" He asked, waving at her.

"Go to Hell." She told him.

"Got a way with words, don't she."

Jadis had pushed Rick to the ground.

"Well, shit, Rick." Negan turned to the man. "You just couldn't stick with us, huh? You had to go with these filthy garbage people?"

Jadis looked at him in offensive.

"No offense." He told her.

"Deal is for 12, yes?" She asked him.

"Ten. People are a resource." He bargained.

"12" Jadis whispered.

He didn't answer her.

"Ten." She settled.

"You dumb bitch, really gotta hand it to you." Natalia scoffed, clapping her hands together. "Can't even be mad, the double crosser got double crossed, well isn't that something."

Jadis glared at her as she walked away.

Negan chuckled.

"See, Ms Moore does have a sense of humour, that was for you, darling."

Natalia's face changed stoic, as she looked away, scratching her brow with her left hand.

"Oh, you little shit." He looked at her. "I am mistaken, Ms not any Moore. You've crushed my heart, now I'm gonna take it out on these two, you back stabber, I mean, seriously, after everything I've done for you."

He turned to Rick and Carl.

"Rick." He sighed. "This is gonna make you as sad as me right now. Broken. You're gonna wish you were dead." He walked around the Grimes. "I like having fun. I do. But maybe you think that the guy that did what he did to your friends wasn't me, like that was some sort of a put-on, like I'm not the guy with the bat. I'm just the guy that makes your kid spaghetti, your kids." He looked back at Natalia, who seemed to be confused about this information, when the hell was he with Evie. "Oh, shit, I'll catch you up after I ruin your friends life. I guess I gotta start all over again. I gotta tell you, Rick, if I had a kid, I'd want him to be just like your kid, which makes this so much harder."

"You're not gonna win." Carl told him.

"Carl. It is over. Why don't you point your one ball up the street there and take it all in?" Negan suggested.

A woman's voice screamed out, coming from the place Michonne was supposed to be.

Natalia's stomach lurched.

Not Michonne, she was so much stronger than anyone, it couldn't be.

"Ohh." Negan laughed, looking at their expressions. "Oh. Wow. You just lost somebody important to you right now, like, just now. Jesus. That is timing. Well, Rick... you chose this. I truly don't know what more I could've done to warn you. And this isn't a warning. This is punishment. I'm gonna kill Carl now. I'm gonna make it one nice, hard swing, try to do it in one because I like him. I just want you to put that in your brain and roll it around for a minute. I'm gonna kill Carl, and then Lucille here, she's gonna take your hands."

Natalia teared up, her lip quivering, first Sasha, then Michonne, now Carl.

All hope gets you, is killed.

"You can do it right in front of me. You can take my hands." Rick told him. "I told you already, I'm gonna kill you. All of you. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow... but nothing is gonna change that. Nothing."

He then whispered something to him, that no one else could hear.

Negan stared at him, before he began to chuckle.

"Damn. Wow, Rick. Okay." He then stood up from the ground, taking Carls hat off. "You said I could do it."

Natalia watched as Shiva had seemingly came out of nowhere, pouncing on one of the Saviours, taking him down as everyone scattered at the sight of a tiger ripping a man apart.

Natalia spun around, shooting at the people who looked away, their guns no longer aimed at her, taking them down

The people of the kingdom followed, riding horses and shooting guns.

Natalia had even spotted Carol, as well as Jerry, who had a large axe strapped to his back.

"End these Saviours and their accomplices!" King Ezekiel's voice rang. "Alexandria will not fall, not on this day!"

"Come on, lets get out of here!" Natalia told the two Grimes, grabbing their shirts and dragging them out of the line of fire. "Holy shit, I knew I had a valid reason to be shit scared of tigers."

They looked over, spotting the people of Hilltop coming to their aid as well, being led by Maggie Rhee.

"Phalanx out, third group, now!" She told her people.

Natalia felt a wave of relief when she saw Daryl running ahead with them

She got to her senses, shooting at the enemies, along with the rest.

The remaining Saviours ran for cover, attempting to leave as they were shot at, ran out of Alexandria.

Thick fog started to set around, the Scavengers had set off bombs as they made their escape.

"They're falling back." Rick told the people as they gathered behind the RV.

"Eduardo, Bertie, between the houses. Cover the gate!" Maggie instructed two members of Hilltop.

"Now, we finish this!" Ezekiel rallied his people.

Natalia split off, running with Maggie, looking for any stragglers.

She watched in confusion but also worry as her husband climbed on top of one of the garbage trucks, what the hell is he doing?

When Alexandria had been fully combed through, and no more bastard Saviours or Scavengers were left, she looked for Daryl who had got down from the truck.

She ran to him, jumping in his arms as he squeezed her tight, spinning them around.

"We did it!" She squealed. "We're gonna win! We're gonna win this"

"I know, baby. We're gonna win." He rasped, brushing her hair down.

She pulled away, cupping his face, kissing him hard, not really giving a flying fuck if it were out in the open, surrounded by strangers.

#daryl dixon #daryl dixon smut #the walking dead daryl #twd daryl #carl grimes #carol peletier #daryl fanfiction #glenn rhee #michonne #rick grimes #twd daryl x y/n #daryl dixion imagine #daryldixonalonetwd #darylxnatalia #thewalkingdeadalone

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frodothefair · 7 months

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Flowers of Chernobyl AU, Vacation Edition

Frodo: Hey Marigold, you’ve got a couple weeks free, why don’t we go to Hawaii? We can stay at a hotel with oceanside views, swim with the dolphins, see the mountains and the rainforest, eat at a nice restaurant on the beach and watch the sunset…

Marigold: *has never been on a romantic vacation with a guy — every vacation she has ever been on has been a chaotic family or friend group affair in a van* Oh, I’d love that! Can Sam come too?

Frodo: Well, I was thinking it would be just the two of us.

Marigold: But Sam would LOVE all the exotic flowers, and the dolphins, and the rainforest. He’s wanted to go to Hawaii ever since he was little.

Frodo: *deep, internal sigh*

Alright. Let’s make Sam’s dream come true.

*was planning to destination-propose*

*decides that if the proposal still come to pass, Sam will probably have the decency to make himself scarce and give them some alone-time*

(@konartiste)

Also, if they go to Hawaii, they totally stay here:

(image source: www.halekulani.com)

#flowers of chernobyl #frodo baggins #samwise gamgee #marigold gamgee #fragrance inspired and blogging from a truck stop in the middle of nowhere #the modern day equivalent of writing on your shirt cuffs #hawaii #lotr au #modern day lotr au

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fearidescent · 10 months

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I just watched Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken.

Yeah, the story is mid-tier at best. The visuals were nice enough, so I am probably going to order the art book when it comes out in October, I believe? But if you’re the type of person who cannot be satisfied by visuals alone, you’d probably better skip this one.

What really gets me is that there is an oceanload of wasted potential. Mild spoilers from here on out.

Everyone and their mom has already discussed how this could have been a Romeo and Juliet-esque story with less tragedy and more supernatural creatures (and queerness), so I’ll discuss another plot that could have worked.

I’ve seen at least one person say that the actual plot could be summarized as “No, Ruby, your grandmamah was totally right about this (marginalized) group, they are totally evil and cannot be trusted.” My kneejerk reaction to this was thinking that mermaids were not meant to represent a marginalized group, since humans love them and all. I’ve seen other people say that the way Chelsea treats Ruby can be seen as a neurotypical girl working on her neurodivergent “pet project”, so maybe the mermaids were meant to be neurotypicals?

Of course, that would have worked better if we actually saw any other mermaids besides Chelsea. Or if we actually saw humans discussing mermaids and how much they love them. But we did not. Even if you want the kraken to be top boss under the sea, maybe there could be a thriving community of mermaids living an amphibious existence in and around Oceanside. One that humans know about, even! In a positive way, and maybe the mermaids would tell the humans stories about kraken that paint the kraken in a negative light.

Hell, you could probably decently tie both of these alternate plots together in the same movie. Not to mention that I, at least, would have loved to see more of kraken society, or mermaid society for that matter.

*sigh* But we did not get any of that.

Oh well. I’ve seen some people talking about how they want to make a sorta-rewrite of this movie, so I’ll guess I’ll just keep a lookout for those.

#ruby gillman teenage kraken #dreamworks #animation #animated movies #spoilers #ruby gillman spoilers #mal watches movies

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joaquinwhorres · 2 years

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Tailspin - Part 2 (Fanboy Garcia x F!OC)

SUMMARY ››››› Having grown up just across the bridge from North Island, Carolina Alvarez has been told her whole life to stay away from the Top Gun boys. And for the most part, she has. That is, until Fanboy catches her putting quarters in the jukebox at The Hard Deck and initiates a game of cat and mouse that ends with her exactly where she swore she’d never be.

PAIRING ››››› Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia x F!OC

WORD COUNT ››››› 3,845

WARNINGS ››››› None

MASTERLIST ››››› Here

A/N ››››› I can't believe I forgot to mention my lovely beta-readers @rae-gar-targaryen and of course @bobfloydsbabe. @bobfloydsbabe has also done me the honor of allowing me to use her OC Jasmine Lane in this story which I am beyond thankful for.

Caro never planned on coming back to the Hard Deck.

Given her reluctance to even step foot in the navy bar in the first place and the subsequent events which had done nothing but affirm her initial aversion, coming back now seemed borderline masochistic. She'd already spent more than her fair share of time within the wood paneled walls.

But she'd promised him that she would come for a drink, and she was nothing if not a woman of her word.

No matter how ill-thought her word might have been.

Caro took another deep breath in as she eyed the oceanside bar out of her passenger-side window. And then, before she could convince herself to do the smart thing and just go home, she pulled her keys from the ignition and propelled herself out of the driver's seat and towards the wooden front doors. She allowed the momentum of her decision to push her through the doors and back into the last place on earth she wanted to be.

Even in the early evening light, the interior of the bar looked largely the same. It was still full of men and women in the same starched tan uniforms. It was still undeniably and inescapably Navy themed. It was still what some might generously describe as cozy.

Caro scanned the room, eyes searching the groups of laughing friends and jockulating sailors that dotted the room. Her eyes caught on several tanned figures with their dark hair buzzed short, her breath catching in her throat each time before they turned and revealed a nose that was too long or lips that were too thin.

She had just decided to get herself a drink before doing a walk around when, halfway through her first step, she was very nearly run over.

"Oh!" Caro exclaimed, hands shooting out to hold the shoulders of the auburn haired woman who had suddenly shot in front of her. The move was successful in keeping them from fully colliding into each other and tumbling to the floor. Instead, the other woman startled back, the drink in her hand sloshing between them as her head whipped forward from where she'd been staring over her shoulder.

The surprise on her face only grew.

"Doctor Alvarez?"

Caro blinked, her mind venturing through the haze of surprise to pin a name to the familiar face that stood before her.

"Jasmine!" Caro breathed, letting her hands fall from her patient's shoulders. "Hi."

"I'm so sorry, I didn't get any on you, did I?" Jasmine asked, eyes scanning Caro's loose floral shirt and jeans for the tell tale splotches of alcohol. Caro joined her in the quick assessment, and shook her head.

"You missed me," she said, eyes rising back to meet Jasmine's face. "How are you?"

"Good." The word was high and breezy and sounded very much like the "yeah" Jasmine offered whenever Caro asked if she'd been keeping up with stretching at home. "You?"

"I'm good too," Caro lied, offering a professional smile that seemed to put even her most nervous patients at ease. Only instead of noddign or smiling or wrapping up the conversation there, Jasmine's head tilted once more, this time more slight as her eyes also narrowed the smallest bit in assessment. She'd forgotten that Jasmine was well versed with the bedside smile. She'd probably given out plenty of them hserself. "I'm here with the office for Bryson's birthday," Caro explained, hoping to carry the conversation along and away from herself.

This seemed to successfully distract the other woman as Jasmine's eyebrows shot up. "Here?"

Caro laughed, running a hand through her hair. "He picked it out, I don't know."

"Not really the place for birthday drinks," Jasmine remarked, looking around the room, and Caro could not possibly have agreed with her any more than she did right then.

"You come here often?"

Jasmine barked out a laugh, her characteristic grin finally making an appearance. "Are you hitting on me, doctor?"

The question pulled Caro out of her head, a laugh escaping her as she felt herself relax a little, the surprise of seeing Jasmine and anxiety over being here at all leaving her for a moment. It was Jasmine's gift, she'd noticed; getting people to step out of themselves if even just for a moment. It was part of the reason Caro had come to enjoy their weekly sessions so much.

"You just seemed to know it well."

Jasmine acknowledged this with a bobble of her head. "Yeah, it's the big place to come after work on base."

Caro really should have known that. She knew Jasmine was a doctor on base and this was a Navy bar. It made all of the sense in the world for Jasmine to be here and not expect her entire chiropractor's office to be seated around one of the tables.

"Any advice, then?" Caro asked.

Jasmine's smile grew at the question, and Caro had to admit it sounded a little dumb asking for advice on how to navigate a bar, but before she could say as much, Jasmine was talking. "Yeah. Stay away from sailors, and don't put your phone on the bar."

Despite the fact that Caro was the absolute last person who needed to be warned away from Navy boys, she still felt grateful that she wasn't the only one who seemed to see through the sailors' charades.

"Thanks," Caro smiled, this one warmer and more genuine than the first she had offered, and Jasmine seemed to notice this too. "I guess I should probably work my way over to the group, but it was good to see you."

"You too," Jasmine nodded, her brow creasing as she noticed something over Caro's shoulder. "Tell Bryson happy birthday from me."

"I will," Caro answered, but she'd hardly gotten it out before Jasmine had started off, disappearing quickly in the crowd and leaving Caro alone once more.

Despite the crowd, the battle towards the bar was fairly easy and service came rather quickly. It wasn't long before Caro had a tequila soda in hand and was approaching her coworkers table. The group of three had already been here for forty-five minutes, and a couple of shot glasses and three glasses with varying levels of drink in them were scattered amongst them. It seemed that they were not too far gone though because Robin noticed her fairly quickly.

"Caro, you made it!" the office manager greeted, beaming and moving over in her seat so that Caro could slip in. "Hard time leaving the house?"

That was an understatement. Not only did she have a difficult time getting out the door of her house, but she hadn't been able to bring herself to get out of her car for a good fifteen minutes. Instead, she sat in the parking lot, staring over her steering wheel as she tried to find it in her to go inside the bar.

"There was a little drama around missing shoes. Sorry I'm so late," she apologized. Robin laughed, shaking her head knowingly at Caro as the coworkers across the table gave her looks that belied their suspicions. Gia eyed her carefully, as if she might break at any moment and the younger receptionist didn't want to be caught in the mess. Bryson, for his part, looked a bit too happy to see her; as if his large toothy smile could make up for her own discomfort.

"You're fine," he dismissed with a wave of his hand. "It's just a shame you missed the singalong."

"The singalong?" Caro repeated. If Gia had been the one to mention it, Caro might suspect that she was being messed with, but not only was Bryson too earnest to ever even think of the joke, he couldn't keep up under the pressure of continuing it.

"Some guy unplugged the jukebox and played a few songs at the piano," Gia filled in. "Him." She reached across Bryson, pointing out a man wearing a ridiculous Hawiian shirt and aviators indoors. Everything about him practically screamed Top Gun pilot, and that was before Caro even noticed the dark haired woman in the khaki uniform next to him.

Her eyes didn't linger on the pair long, too drawn to the jukebox in the corner that looked exactly the same as it had the first time she ever saw it. The urge to cross the room and greet her old friend rose in her, a wistful smile crossing her lips as she listened to it belt out "The Boys Are Back in Town".

"I know, he's cute, right?"

Caro tore her gaze away from the jukebox and back to Gia, blinking as she worked to make sense of the comment. The singer, she remembered, prompting her eyebrows to shoot up at Gia. "He looks ridiculous."

"But his voice," Bryson practically swooned. "I'm telling you, that voice alone could get someone pregnant tonight."

She felt the rustling of Robin's foot swinging under the table and into Bryson's shin, causing the man to wince.

"Has anyone brought you a drink yet?" Caro asked, choosing to breeze over the awkwardness even as Bryson reached down to rub at his leg.

"Just these two," he said, gesturing to Robin and Gia as he straightened up. "I'm eyeing out my prospects now, though. Letting my gaydar acclimate."

Gia and Caro laughed at this, Caro looking out over the bar as if she had any kind of skill in picking out men. Her eyes skipped along the different groups, hoping to catch the gaze of someone looking over at the table when instead she caught sight of an oddly familiar blonde leaning over the bar to get the bartender's attention.

Her eyebrows knit together as she tried to place where she'd seen him before, flipping through the variable rolodex in her head. It wasn't until she turned to the college years that she came up with it though, and she doubted she would have been able to place him if she had seen him anywhere else.

He was a Top Gun pilot.

A former Top Gun pilot.

"You ok?" Robin asked, and Caro blinked, turning back to the group and offering a fleeting smile.

"Yeah," she affirmed, her voice sounding distant, like it hadn't returned to the table with her. "I just thought I saw this pilot my old roommate used to hook up with."

"Really? Where?" Gia asked, sitting up in her seat to peer into the crowd even as Caro shook her head.

"It's probably not him," she said. "People don't come back to Top Gun."

The statement was met with sympathetic looks from Bryson and Robin that made Caro feel very much like coming here was a mistake. Not only did she have to deal with her own neuroses all night, but now there was this.

As if God wanted to confirm this thought, a new song came on the jukebox, the twanging chords of the intro knocking all of the air out of Caro's lungs. Her chest constricted at the sound of Van Morrison's voice picking up the first verse.

"Caro?"

Instead of looking at whoever said her name, Caro's eyes snapped to the jukebox as if by muscle memory. It was a stupid reflex, a useless one. Because she was right: people didn't come back to Top Gun. What did happen was long work weeks made high strung people ready to assume the worst and most ridiculous outcomes of totally normal coincidences. If this could even be called that.

But as her eyes landed on the brown-skinned man in the service khakis standing by the jukebox, his hair still buzzed and smile just as bright as ever, all semblance of logic and rationality escaped her.

Because this should not be happening. He could not be looking back at her across the bar right now.

"Oh my God," Caro whispered, feeling very much like she was going to throw up.

Across the table, Bryson leaned forward. "Girl, you are whiter than Gia. What's happening?"

She knew what he was saying, knew what he meant, but she couldn't manage to form any sort of response other than repeating again: "Oh my God."

Over by the jukebox, the man's smile seemed to waver slightly, as the rest of the table turned to shift their concerned looks from Caro to the direction she was looking. He gave a small, awkward wave.

"Is that…?" Gia turned around first, cutting herself off as if not wanting to speak the end into existence. It's not like they needed her to finish the question anyway. They all knew exactly what she was going to ask.

Caro nodded slowly, watching as confusion and concern overtook his features and missing Bryson's eyes widening in shock. "Holy shit."

"He's coming over here," Gia announced needlessly as the others were already watching him start to move towards the table.

Robin shifted in her seat next to Caro, trying to usher her out of the booth. "I'll head him off," she said, making a shooing motion which Caro followed on instinct, only stopping once she was standing at the edge of the seat, looking between her coworkers and the last person she wanted to see.

"No, I–no," Caro said, fumbling in her attempt to pull herself together. "I think I should…you…I'll–I'll be right back."

The other three looked at her silently, Robin looking very much like she wanted to stop her. But she didn't. Instead she pressed her lips into a line and nodded.

Caro mirrored the gesture, pausing for another moment before turning to move towards him.

The two met by the bar where the crowd was thickest and preoccupied by getting their drinks or enticing someone into coming home with them. Caro was thankful for the crowd now if only for the fact that it meant she didn't have to be stuck alone with him.

The aviator planted himself before her, a tentative smile back on his lips now that he was certain he at least had her attention.

"Hey," he greeted, brown eyes soft and excited, just like they had always been. They pinned Caro to the spot making her feel suddenly small and even more unprepared for this moment than she thought possible.

"Hi," she breathed. The word came out more as an exhale than actual language, and his lips quirked up slightly more at the sound.

"Come here often?"

It was odd, hearing the question come from him with the same words and same intention she'd had when asking Jasmine fifteen minutes ago. Yet despite the teasing lilt in his voice, the line made her stomach twist uncomfortably.

"Never," she managed, and he chuckled at this.

"I'm guessing you still don't talk to Top Gun pilots then?"

"What are you doing here, Mickey?"

Whether it was the question itself or the accusational tone that delivered it, the confused-concern washed the smile from Mickey's face once more. Only the corner of his mouth seemed to keep its bit of happiness, curving up just slightly into a sheepish sort of look.

"I got called back," he answered with a shrug. "Payback's here too–Reuben." He gestured to the pool tables where a group of sailors stood watching them, including the man with the ridiculous Hawiian shirt, the woman with tied up dark hair, and a familiar dark-skinned pilot who had apparently grown a mustache since she'd last seen him. "I'm sure he wants to say hi."

Caro blinked, shaking her head slightly in disbelief as she returned her attention to him. "Why'd you—I didn't think—you're back?"

"Not for good," Mickey admitted, his shoulders sinking as he said it. "Just a few weeks."

"A few weeks," she repeated.

His confusion was dwarfed by obvious concern now, and he took a moment to look at her, really look at her, eyes roving and assessing each detail of her that might have changed in the past five years. She wanted to disappear then, off into the crowd like Jasmine had or melt through the floor; whatever was fastest.

"Are you ok? You seem—" he trailed off searching for the right word but ultimately seemed unable to find it, switch gears instead to ask: "Is something wrong?"

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again," Caro admitted.

Something in her face or maybe the fact that she didn't even attempt to deny that something was very obviously horrendously wrong hit Mickey, and hurt flashed in his eyes.

"I tried to text you," he said, hesitantly, and Caro's breath caught in her chest once more. He hurried to explain. "Just to tell you that I would be in town. I know we haven't spoken in a while, but I wanted to see you."

Mickey took a step towards her, and Caro leaned back, out of his reach. "Why?" This word was once more just breath, and if she had any control over her faculties at the moment, she wouldn't have even asked it. She knew why, and she didn't want it confirmed.

He shrugged. "I missed you."

She closed her eyes and turned her head away at this, unable to bear the hopeful look on his face. Like this was what she wanted to hear after all this time. Like she wanted to hear anything from him at all anymore.

"Caro–"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as right when he began to continue, Caro was jolted to the side, a cool splash and the overwhelming smell of hops hitting her at the same time.

"Oh my God!" the person who had bumped into her exclaimed as Caro looked down at her shirt to assess the damage. "I am so sorry."

Caro looked up from the dark spots of beer on her shirt, her eyes meeting Jasmine's. There was something far less apologetic in the other woman's eyes and instead more…searching.

"It's ok. It happens," Caro dismissed, pulling the wet shirt from her skin and fluttering it as if that would dry it. For his part, Mickey had darted over to the bar, gathering up a stack of cocktail napkins which he now offered to Caro. She took a few from him in exchange for a quick, tight smile and then proceeded to dab at her shirt.

"I don't think that's going to cut it," Jasmine frowned at the napkins that were already falling apart in Caro's hands. "They have paper towels in the bathroom though, and maybe we can try to rinse it?"

Caro nodded, casting a look at Mickey who seemed very much like he wanted to follow them into the bathroom if it meant that he got to continue his conversation with Caro. "I'm sorry, Mickey," she apologized. "I just–I can't."

She didn't stick around for his response. Not even when he called out her name at her back. Instead, she crossed the bar as quickly as possible, napkins pressed into her side to soak up as much beer as possible. Jasmine matched step.

"You ok?"

"I'm fine. It's an old shirt anyway–" Caro started, but Jasmine shook her head.

"No, I mean with him."

Caro looked at Jasmine, and peering into the other woman's concerned face, she started to piece together what had just happened and why she was on her way into the woman's bathroom. "I probably could have thought of a better way to get you out of there, but you looked trapped." She pulled the door to the women's bathroom open, ushering Caro inside.

Caro sighed, dumping the napkins into the trashcan by the door before moving to the closest sink to start attempting to rinse the beer from her shirt. Behind her, the door swung closed and the rapid sound of the paper towels' dispenser handle being pressed filled the bathroom.

"That's my ex," Caro finally offered, her voice more unsteady than she would have liked it to be while speaking to a patient.

"Your ex?" Jasmine repeated, her pace on the handle slowing as she met Caro's gaze in the mirror. "Like, your ex, your ex?"

Caro nodded.

"Holy shit," Jasmine swore, her hand falling from the paper towels, instead looking blankly around the bathroom as if searching for someone else to ask if they believed this shit. It took a few seconds for her to come back to herself, Caro's shirt now thoroughly damp with the tap water instead of beer. "Do you want me to kick his ass?" she asked finally, placing her hands on her hips and looking for all the world like she would.

Caro snorted. "No, getting me out of there was more than enough. Thank you, by the way."

Jasmine grimaced, tearing off what had to be at least a couple of yards of paper towels and bunching it together. "Us lady doctors need to stick together," she smiled, offering the bundle to Caro. "Especially when it comes to Navy guys."

Caro laughed at this, thinking of Mr. Simmonds who had once gone off in the waiting room about how he would rather wait forty-five minutes for Dr. Katz than be seen by "the lady doctor." Jasmine, who had also been in the waiting room, had looked straight up murderous at the comment and demanded from Bryson that her appointment with Dr. Houten be switched to the lady doctor and only ever the lady doctor from then on out.

Caro accepted the towels and began to attempt to at least alleviate some of the dripping from her shirt. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate it."

"Don't mention it," Jasmine said with a shake of her head. "At least not until we've successfully gotten you out of here and not just trapped in the women's bathroom."

Caro sighed, defeatedly. Not only were the paper towels not working even a little bit, but there was no way that she could stay to celebrate Bryson while she was half-soaked and Mickey was here. Jasmine was right: she had to escape.

"I'm thinking, I go out there first and run cover, and you grab your purse from your table and make a break for the front door."

Caro laughed, walking over to the trash can and throwing the useless paper towels in. "You don't have to do that."

"I know, but I'm going to."

Caro smiled as she looked at the other woman, gratitude filling her. "Thanks, Jasmine."

"I think after this, you get to call me Jas."

"Ok," Caro nodded before gesturing to herself. "Then, Caro."

Jas nodded back in agreement before giving Caro an assessing look. "So… you ready, Caro?"

She wasn't. But she never would be. Instead, Caro nodded, dumping the wet paper towels into the garbage. "Might as well be."

The WSO rejoined the group looking just as lost as he had standing alone in the middle of the bar, watching Caro be whisked away from him by some stranger. Rooster noted the look on Fanboy's face with a low whistle, the rest of their group shaking their heads in a mixture of sympathy and amusement, the exact amounts of each emotion clearly varying per person. Only Payback remained still, instead eyeing Fanboy as if he could determine exactly what was said just by looking at his back-seater.

"Shot you down pretty bad, huh?" Rooster asked, his attempt to keep the amusement from his voice clearly failing as he clapped the young aviator on the shoulder.

Coyote didn't even try to hide his own entertainment, as he offered his own commentary. "You were so confident going in," he laughed, mimicking a plane taking off with his hand. "And then…" His plane took a hard nosedive, hurtling towards an explosion which Coyote made sure to voice, his fingers wiggling in shockwaves. Rooster chuckled at this, his hand remaining on Fanboy who had yet to say anything or even shrug him off.

"You ok?" Payback asked.

The sound of genuine concern prompted Phoenix to turn and face him, her eyebrows furrowed together even deeper at this. Even Rooster seemed to take notice of the tone, offering Payback a quick glance before looking back at Fanboy.

"Hey, it happens to the best of us," the pilot said, shaking Fanboy's shoulder a bit before letting his hand drop to his side.

The other man still didn't say anything, just nodded.

"What's up with him?" Phoenix asked, the question directed to Payback and sounding very much as if Fanboy wasn't even there. Which, to be fair, he didn't really seem to be. His gaze had been drawn off towards the bathrooms, his focus unwavering as the corner of his lips pulled down into a frown.

Payback pulled his eyes from Fanboy to Phoenix. "That's his ex."

"Your ex?" Rooster's eyebrows shot up as Coyote let out another laugh.

"Man, you know you gotta run game before you hit up an ex," Coyote remarked, shaking his head. "C'mon."

This comment seemed to be the first one to actually reach Fanboy as he returned his attention to the group. "She didn't answer any of my texts. I mean, we haven't been in touch, but she didn't even open them or anything," he shook his head, seeming to run out of steam or ability to resist Caro's magnetic draw. Or maybe he just knew that the girl's bathroom door was about to open as it did, Caro and the girl who had spilled her drink all over Fanboy's ex, coming out.

Caro chanced a look over to the jukebox and then towards their section of the bar, her shoulders straightening as she noticed Fanboy's attention on her. Her head snapped forwards and she took off quickly to her table of friends, weaving determinedly through the other groups of bar patrons.

"She probably blocked you," Phoenix said bluntly, her eyes tracking the girl's progress as well, watching as she arrived at the booth, grabbing her bag from the seat and offering a few quick words.

Everyone reacted to this differently. Coyote snickered, Rooster grimaced, and Bob winced in sympathy. Fanboy's attention was ripped away from Caro, the full desperation of his look levied against Phoenix who seemed almost…annoyed.

"So what did you do?" she asked, arms crossing across her chest and a single brow lifting up.

"Nothing!" Fanboy defended, and while he did sound understandably offended, there was also the tiniest bit of doubt in his voice. Just enough for someone who had spent hours upon hours with him to notice.

"C'mon she had to have dumped you for a reason," Coyote pressed, joining in on Phoenix's interrogation.

Fanboy's head whipped to Coyote. "She didn't dump me," he snarled. The small display of aggression seemed to take the bit of energy and life he had out of him, as his shoulders slumped back down. Fanboy dropped his gaze to the ground shaking his head. "We just broke up at the end of Top Gun. I had to go back to my squadron and she was going to her grad program."

"So, it was a summer fling thing?" Rooster asked, placatingly.

Fanboy shrugged looking helpless to find the words to describe exactly what had transpired five years ago.

Payback shook his head. "Nah. It was more than a fling."

This confirmation was enough for Phoenix, her arms dropping to her sides as she looked up at Payback. "That's right, you were at Top Gun together," she remembered.

Payback nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, and they seemed legit. I was surprised you guys called it quits."

Fanboy shook his head, offering another shrug. "It was the plan," he said. His gaze wandered from Payback to the direction he had last seen Caro, this time finding her at the door, tugging it open and disappearing outside in one quick motion. "It's what she wanted."

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