Drabblecember | Day 7: Snowed In | Absolute Corruption
Warnings: 18+
This one may be longer and have a twist because I am on a Dad!Hector high
"Then you take one of the Chance cards," Rowan explains, reaching over the board to tap on the orange cards.
Just as Hector is about to take one his phone rings. His face lights up when he sees Ada's face on the screen.
"Hello, beautiful," He answers.
"Hector," She sounds stressed on the other end.
"Is everything alright?"
"The storm is getting worse," She sighs, "Maeve, Marie, and I are going to stay the night in town, I don't want to risk getting stuck on the way home with how hard it's coming down."
He looks out the window to see large flakes whiting out the view past the Christmas lights, "That sounds like a good idea."
"How are things up there?"
"Good," He goes to pick up the orange card Rowan had told him to, "Rowan and I are just here playing Monolpoly."
"Oh, be careful she-"
"Hey!" He turns back to the board, swatting her hand away from pulling money from the bank.
"... Likes to cheat," She chuckles when she hears her sister's shrill giggle.
"I'll keep that in mind," He says.
"There should be leftover pizza in the fridge if you want it."
"We'll make do," He assures her, reaching over to ruffle Rowan's hair, "And we'll see you tomorrow?"
"As soon as the weather lets up," She says, "I Promise."
*****
The sound of his phone makes Hector jump. He blinks sleep from his eyes and reaches over for it. Worry floods him when he sees Ada's name and picture on the screen.
"Adeline?" He asks immediately, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, baby," She says and he relaxes.
"Are you alright?"
The line is quiet for a moment then he hears her exhale, "Yeah, I'm fine."
He pulls the phone away to look at the time, "It's past midnight, amor."
"I know. I..." She trails off for a moment.
"Adeline?"
"I miss you."
"Amor," His voice is soft, trying to not wake the girl asleep on top of him, "I miss you too."
He hears the sound of a car horn and someone shouting.
"Hey, fuck you!" She yells back, her voice distant from moving her phone.
"Fucking assholes," She grumbles, bringing the phone back to her face.
"What was that?" He asks, "I thought you said you were at a hotel."
"I came outside for a smoke."
She doesn't normally light up this late unless... "Nightmares?"
"Yeah."
"Anything I can do to help?"
"I'll be fine," She sighs, "Did Rowan give you any trouble?"
"Never," He grins, "After kicking my butt at Monopoly, we put on a movie and it looks like we both fell asleep before it finished."
She smiles at the thought of two of her favorite people snuggled on the couch together.
"She's trying to steal you from me."
"She might be a bit young for me," He admits, "And as much as I care for her, I love her sister more than anything."
Drabblecember | Day 25: Exchanging Gifts | Absolute Corruption
Warnings: 18+, None
Paper and bows litter the floor.
Rowan is sat on one of the couches, trying to set her new vr headset with Marie and Oscar.
Adaline sits across Hector's lap, sipping a mimosa while she laughs with Margot, Lewis, and Maeve.
She looks over when his phone dings and he quickly grabs it to read the text.
"I have to go pick something up," He says, kissing the side of her head.
"What?" She pouts at him when he starts shuffling her off his lap, "But baby, it's Christmas."
"I have one more gift to pick up," He tells her and she looks at him confused, "I'll be back in a bit."
"Okay, drive safe."
She leans up to meet his lips in a quick kiss.
"I'll be back soon."
The four siblings are in the middle of a 'Friendly' Beat Saber competition when Hector comes back nearly 45 minutes later.
She's finishing up a song when he walks in so she doesn't hear Rowan's excited gasp.
"Ha! High score! W-Whoa- hey!" She exclaims when she feels something cold and wet against her chin, "What the-"
She pulls off the headset eyes going wide, "Hector?"
Held up in his hand is a little German Shepherd puppy, excitedly sniffing at her.
"Where did you come from?" She asks, trying to not coo too much as she reaches out to scratch the dog's chin.
"What happened to the 'No Long Term Commitments' for Christmas rule?" Lewis teases at her immediate heart eyes.
"Hello, sweetheart, can- Can I hold him?" She asks and Hector grins, handing the puppy over for her to cradle against her chest.
She melts fully when he barks up at her and scrambles up to lick her.
"Yes, hello," She giggles, "Hello, honey. What's his name?"
"He doesn't have one yet."
"What do you think, Ro?" She asks, handing the puppy to her sister, "I think he looks like a Gunner."
"I like Gunner, too," She squeals when he starts licking her face.
While everyone is playing with the newest member of the family, Hector pulls Ada aside.
"I hope this was a pleasant surprise," He starts, "I heard Rowan tell her friends she wanted a dog and you had all these childhood pictures with your old dog around and I just-"
She cuts him off with a kiss, lips soft against his.
"While I would have liked a bit of a heads up to talk it over first, he's a great addition," She admits, "And... I have a couple extra gifts for you too. But, you may have to wait til tonight to get them."
"Amor," He grins, pulling her close by the waist, "You teasing minx."
She sighs against him when he kisses her, their first Christmas together a happy one they aren't likely to forget.
Drabblecember | Day 13: Movie Marathon | Absolute Corruption
Warnings: 18+
"Hector?" Ada calls and he looks up from the pot he's getting out of the cabinet, "Baby, can you help me?"
He sets it on the counter and steps out into the foyer to find her at the top of the two steps down to the living room. Her arms are full of pillows and blankets with a few candles nestled between them.
The comforter from their bed has tried to escape her hold, the corner of it having fallen and gotten stuck beneath her feet.
"I almost fell," She pouts over the mountain of plush at him, "I think I should have taken a couple more trips."
"Can't be helped now," He hums in agreement, looking her over before his arms wrap around her waist.
His face is wedged between the pillows and her chest when he picks her up, just barely able to see over top of it as he turns and sets her at the bottom of the steps, "There we go. I'll take these."
She watches him with the softest eyes as he takes the candles in his hands and sets them on the coffee table.
She dumps the soft stuff on the floor and jumps at him, making him laugh against her lips when they fall back over the armrest and onto the couch.
"Adeline," He grins, his hands squeezing her hips.
"Sorry," She runs her nose against his cheek, "Thought my hero deserved a kiss."
He lets out a breathy laugh, "I suppose I can't be too upset then."
He pulls her close for another, his beard and mustache rough against her skin.
The couch is covered in pillows and blankets and the candles are lit when Hector comes back in with a very large bowl of popcorn.
The intro of a movie is paused on the TV and Ada waits patiently for him, digging through the box of candy and drinks they'd bought for marathon nights.
"Alright," He sighs, sitting next to her, "What are we watching?"
She wastes no time getting close to him, snuggling into his side so he has to wrap his arm around her shoulders.
"Little Women," She tells him, "Four different versions of it, starting with the 1933 edition."
By the time the 90s version ends Ada is half sat up against one of the arm rests and Hector is asleep, his cheek pressing into her tummy. His arms are firm and unmoving around her hips, keeping her in place as though she could even think about getting up.
Drabblecember | Day 10: Sleeping In | Absolute Corruption
Warnings: 18+
Sun peaks through the curtains, casting light on Ada's sleeping face. It's just enough to make her nose scrunch in annoyance and turn to bury her face in Hector's chest.
She's almost immediately lulled back to sleep by the rhythmic rise and fall of his breath and the softness of his t-shirt against her cheek. Her fingers dig into his shoulder blades, pulling herself closer, and waking him up in the process.
"Amor?" He tries to blink away the sleep from his eyes, "What time is it?"
"I dunno," Her voice is muffled by his body, "Don't wanna get up yet."
He grunts in agreement, finally able to take in his surroundings.
"We fell asleep on the couch," He mumbles into her hair, holding her tight.
"Uh-huh..." He feels her relax in his arms, "Want coffee but... don't wanna move."
Hector chuckles shaking her slightly.
"Should I-"
"Don't you dare," She huffs, grabbing onto him when he tries to move, making him laugh harder.
"Poor thing."
"I can suffer through it," She murmurs, melting into him when he rubs her back
Drabblecember | Day 15: Being sick | Absolute Corruption
Warnings: 18+
"Poor thing is running a fever," Ada pouts, walking into the kitchen, "Hero, can you put the kettle on while I call the school?"
He does as she asks, turning on the stove while she dials the phone.
"Should we take her to the doctor?" He asks when she hangs up. He's more worried than he lets on, the only memories of childhood sickness he has being artificial ones from the park and they rarely end well.
"No, it's probably just a stomach bug," She shrugs, "If her fever doesn't break by tomorrow morning we can bring her in, but I'm sure she'll be fine."
He steps back to watch her flit around the kitchen, making a big cup of tea and some toast.
He follows her up to Rowan's room and opens the door for her.
"How ya doin'?" Ada coos, setting the food on the bedside table.
"My stomach hurts," The girl pouts and it breaks Hector's heart.
"I know, Sapling," She sits on the side of the bed and tucks her sweaty hair behind her ear, "I brought you some peppermint tea and here's some ibuprofen to help your fever."
She takes the pills and settles down against her pillows.
"Do you need anything else?" Hector asks and she shakes her head.
"Actually... can you guys stay with me for a bit?"
"Of course, honey," Ada says, pushing her legs up onto the bed and snuggling in next to her.
Hector hesitates for a moment but Ro's pleading eyes pull him over to the other side. He climbs into the bed with his girls, cuddling her from the other side.
"Better?" Ada asks, and Rowan nods, falling asleep not long after.
Drabblecember | Day 8: Sharing Snacks | Absolute Corruption
Warnings: 18+
This ended up being a lot longer than I meant and focuses more on Hector's relationship with Ada's older brother
"Rowan, coat!" Ada shouts after her younger sister when she takes off out the door and into the snow.
"There's my little angel!" She hears and she relaxes.
"No call?" She asks when Lewis carries Rowan inside.
"I didn't think I needed to call to visit my little sisters," He teases, setting Rowan on the floor, "And is it really necessary when I come bearing gifts?"
He sets the big bag in his other arm on the counter as Hector walks into the kitchen.
"I didn't know we were expecting company," He says and Lewis grins.
"Harold!" He exclaims, pulling him in for a hug, "Long time, man."
"Hector," He corrects.
"Yeah, yeah, great to see you, Hermes," He claps his back and turns back to the bag.
"Lewis," Ada warns and he gives her a timid smile.
"Uh-oh," He crouches next to Rowan and whispers over to her, "I think I might be already wearing out my welcome."
"Damn close," She agrees and Rowan laughs.
"Then it's a good thing I brought snacks."
She and Hector share a tired look when Lewis digs around in the large paper bag.
"These are for you, sweetheart," Lewis coos at Rowan, handing her three wrapped boxes, "And this..."
He turns to Ada, holding out a tin to her, "Is for you and Henry to share."
"Damnit Lewis!" She snaps.
"You and Hector," He corrects, rolling his eyes, "Just take your present, Addy."
He shoves the tin into her hands before he throws Rowan over his shoulder and brings her into the living room.
"Is it wrong to say I hate your brother?" Hector asks quietly, making Ada snort.
"Don't take it personally, he's like that with everyone," She explains, resting her hand on his chest, "It actually means he likes you."
"He annoys me."
She smiles up at him sympathetically, hand moving to cup his cheek to pull him into a soft kiss.
"Are these from Paris?" Rowan exclaims in the other room.
"Bought 'em special for you, shortie."
Ada looks down at the tin in her hands before popping the lid off.
"Just... Give him a chance?" She asks, looking up from the candy in the tin, "For me?"
"Fine," He sighs, taking the piece she's offering him, "For you."
She leans up to kiss him again, short, sweet, and just enough to leave him wanting more as she rushes into the living room after her siblings.
Summary - An AU where Merle doesn’t get killed by the Governor but he doesn’t go back to the prison. Afterwards, both Daryl and Reader believes he’s dead until Merle shows up at Alexandria on Christmas Eve.
WordCount - 2,052
Pairing - Merle Dixon X Female Reader
Warnings - Angst, fluff, strong language, violence
A/N - Day 2 of Drabblemas
Day 1
Living at Alexandria had been a rough road. At first, it had appeared to be some sort of Utopia that finally meant that you could stop running. Yet it never stayed that way. It felt like you were back at the prison, you were sitting ducks waiting for something to happen.
Ever since Negan showed up killing Abraham and Glenn then taking Daryl hostage, life seemed to spiral out of control Negan showing up whenever he felt like it. Yet Negan’s plan to control and set example had worked causing the rest f Alexandria to fear Negan, to know that he was a threat that would have to be taken out sooner rather than later. Yet Negan had succeeded when it came to make your life a misery, he had taken the three most important people in your life away and now you were left with nobody.
Of course, there were people who you cared for, who’d you willing give your life for. But you weren’t comfortable with them yet to talk about him. It was easier to talk about him to Daryl and Glenn why? Because they knew him, Daryl, more than most.
It was Christmas Eve, Eric and Aaron had been sweet enough to invite you over for dinner. When it came to spending time with Aaron and Eric. it was pleasant and easy. They never pushed for any information about your life before Alexandria, they cared about the person you were now. Another good thing about hanging out with Eric and Aaron is they always seemed to have something to keep you busy and their ability to keep the conversation flowing was always appreciated. It was nice.
Yet that couldn’t have been said for the conversation that was currently occurring outside. Rick had volunteered to take the watch to give the others sometime with their families. It was Christmas after all and he knew you would want to take the shift tomorrow. Yet as he was watching on the high tower, he was beginning to question his eyesight. It couldn’t be. Lifting his rifle, he checked the viewer to confirm his suspicions.
“Officer Friendly is that you up there? My I’ve never been thankful to see your face in the entire time I’ve known ya. Where’s my girl and Daryl? They made it didn’t they?” Rick sneered, even now Merle Dixon continued to astonish him at his ability to forget Daryl and Y/N. Rick left his position on the high tower, He was headed directly toward the gate but he didn’t want Merle to be aware of that straight away. After watching both of them fall apart, he wanted to give Merle a taste of his own medicine.
“Officer Friendly, you didn’t answer my question! Where the hell is my brother and my girl!” Creaking of gates echoed as Rick pushed the gate open slightly.
“You really are a piece of shit you know that Dixon. Daryl went out of his mind when he thought you died, but what did he do? He kept a brave face and pretended to go on as normal because that’s the kind of man he is. Daryl is a million percent a better man than you will ever be, he risks his life to save other people. Do you want to know where he is? He’s been taken by a group known as the Saviours, why? Because Daryl was doing the job you should have been doing when Negan was swinging Lucille around covering Y/N in the blood of the only person who was able to make her laugh since she thought you died.” Merle gulped as he acknowledged what he had done to his baby brother. Merle never desired to hurt his brother or put him in any sort of danger. Yet Merle was aware of the heavy feeling that heaved in his chest. He was captured because he had been protecting you. The only person next to his brother that he cared about.
“What about Y/N?” Merle questioned suddenly feeling a lump in his throat.
“She’s here. She hunted down the Governor for weeks after she thought you died. Only ever coming back if she had found supplies or possible spots for us to search out that she couldn’t do alone. I’ve never seen somebody want someone to die so badly. She watched Herschel die and it only seemed to deepen her anger. She was the last one to leave the prison. She claimed she needed some time alone... Unbeknownst to me, Michonne and Carl she had been trailing behind us the entire time... she kept her distance but she knew she would be reunited with the others and Daryl if she kept track...She wears your shirts so can remember, most of the people here don’t recognise them, but I do. I’ve seen her lean into the fabric whenever she’s having a rough day...Do you know what concerned me more than anything?.... The day that Negan lined us up, the women I knew back the Prison would have been willing to fight... but she wasn’t...she was ready to die...for weeks it troubled me deeply as to why she was givin’ up and then I realised she wanted to be with you and the possibility of that happening she was okay with that.” Rick didn’t miss the stray tear that slid down Merle’s face as he wiped it away furiously. He had destroyed her and she went out for revenge. Rick was right, he had fucked them over enough. Staying away was better for the pair of them. Merle turned his back and went to walk away as he had done the entirety of Daryl’s life.
“Do you know what amazes me the most about Y/N?” Rick pushed Merle as he continued his slow walk away from the iron gates. Yet the mention of your name always made him stop dead in his tracks.
“If for once you stopped running away and entered these gates, she’d forgive you? I’m not saying she’d be entirely happy with you at first. But I know she still loves you...she’d kill anybody for more time with you... so suck it up and become the man you should have been for her.”
“What if I mess up huh officer friendly? You gonna arrest me?”
“Yes, we have a cell now that I will gladly put you in.. now stop avoiding it and get in here... if it weren’t for Y/N or Daryl I would have shot you by now ” Merle laughed, no matter what he could always guarantee Rick’s brutal honesty.
The conversation was flowing between you, Eric and Aaron. You hadn’t felt this in a long time, the ability to relax and forget about the world around you. Aaron had just poured you another glass of wine when there was a knock on the door. Eric immediately excused himself as he went towards the door.
“Is Y/N still here? Somebody’s here to see her.” Rick’s voice snapped you out of the once content area you had been surrounded in, putting your glass down your pace quickened towards the front door.
“Is everything alright? Has someone finally rescued Daryl?” You questioned sending questioning gazes at Rick who couldn’t quite look at you in the face.
“Baby?” The darkness made it difficult to see but you knew the voice. You shook your head, you presumed his voice had disappeared that you were finally accepting things for what they were. Apparently, your body had given you some time off before beginning to torment you with his voice once again.
“Things are okay, we're working on getting Daryl out of there you know that...perhaps stepping out of the darkness would be a good idea.” You presumed Rick was talking to you yet you were currently standing under Eric and Aarons porch light so you could see Rick perfectly and Rick could see you.
When you looked just behind Rick as a silhouette became a person. You were broken, had the hallucinations came back? Last time it was Herschel who managed to snap you out of them and he’s not here. You couldn’t go through the torment again.
“Merry Christmas Darlin’“ The hallucination spoke again and your eyes widened. beginning to retreat back towards Aaron and Eric.
“Y/N...your not seeing things Merle is indeed behind me. He’s real and not dead.” Rick’s confirmation broke your confusion, paranoia as you entered into a fit of rage. Stepping away from Rick, Aaron and Eric you got closer towards him. Until you were millimetres apart before you swung your hair slapping across the face with as much force as possible.
“You sick bastard! I thought you were dead! I mourned for you! I tracked the Governor because I thought he had killed you! I wanted to die so I could be with you... you’ve been alive this whole time... did you find another to keep your bed warm? Was that it? or was you too much a coward to face that perhaps you might have finally found a place where we could live together! Or was it the thought you wouldn’t have to be somebody’s bitch to get the things you desired. You could be your own person with a position without anyone wanting anything in return!” Tears threatened but you wouldn’t let Merle see how much his “death” actually destroyed you.
“I know I’ve fucked up! But you gotta believe me, I thought I was doing it to protect ya. I managed to surround the Governor with Walkers and then me and him thought a little. I got shot, I thought I was dying darlin’ but when it came to heading back. I couldn’t...I didn’t belong there, heck I tried to kill the woman with the sword and the Chinese kid-”
“His name was Glenn and he was Korean... I watched him die alongside Maggie who thought she was in the process of losing their unborn baby. After I thought you died, he stood by me. He protected me...he became to me as close to Daryl is and I watched him and Abraham get beaten to death.”
“But I knew you did, you’d be safe with them. I knew that one day I would find you again and would make it up to you. One day I was walking through a road full of stores and I uncovered a jewellery store. I happened to stop enter. I’ve been carrying this ever since.” You observed Merle pull something out from his coat pocket, it appeared to be some sort of ring. Merle stepped even closer towards you.
“I left you there because I thought you would be better off without me. I was wrong Darlin’ I should have come back, I should have gone through the changes with you beside me let’s face it your the only one who can tell me what to do and for me to listen Since we’ve been apart there’s been no one else. Baby your it for me... I want a second chance... perhaps Rick will let us have one of these houses...perhaps you already have one....darling I ain’t no good at speaking for so long.” You waited to kill Merle for making you think that he was dead. You wanted to scream and yell at him for everything that you went through but you couldn’t do it.
“I already have a house...it’s just down the road a little. We should go so you can get settled in” Merle’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights as he took in what you just said.
“Does that mean ya not mad at me?”
“You have some serious making up to do....I’m also not letting you out of my sight ever again which means no more running away or thinking you know what’s best for me when it means you disappearing.”
“Baby I’ll do whatever you want me to...you name it and I’ll get it.” You smiled before whispering something into Merle’s ear, a wide grin appearing on his face.
“We best get going. I’ll be sure to introduce myself to everyone tomorrow morning...or afternoon and then we're speaking about how in hell we’re getting my brother back!”
As you and Merle walked off towards your house. Rick ran his hand through his beard, his life was now going to get a hundred percent....now he had to deal with Merle and Negan....
