In this hell Daryl Dixon X Reader part 17/??
Hey everyone! So after a few months of writers block, I am finding that now that I've started writing again I can't stop. So Here is part 17! I hope you all enjoy it! <3 NGL, I cried while writing certain parts of this!
Warnings- Blood, Gore, General walking dead depictions, slow burn, swearing, Character death.
I laid in the tent in silence, head resting on Daryls chest as he slept beside me. The aftermath of the death of Dale had been difficult to say in the least. My mind flashing back to only hours before.
Andrea and I had moved away from one another after a couple of minutes, Daryls hand still resting on my shoulder. The dry metallic smell of Dales blood emitting from his stomach, the dried blood cracking at the corners of his mouth. Daryl leant down, moving his hands to my sides, helping me off of the floor. Looking over to the right I see the corpse a few metres away. Rick, T-dog and Shane all began to move everyone away from his body, Daryl slowly backing away with me in his arms. “Come on.” He whispered, turning me around and nodding to the others. “I want to stay.” I shook my head as he took a step forward, trying to move out of his grasp. “Na’, gotta get ya’ home.” He shook his head softly and continued to lead me away.
My eyes filled with fresh tears as I replayed the events of the evening. Dale lying in the grass, wide eyed, glancing at us all. I felt Daryl stirring lightly, moving his hand from the bed next to me and bringing it up to softly caress my back. “Ya’ should be asleep.” He muttered, looking at me lazily. I shook my head softly as I tried to move off of Daryl, who in return pulled me the tiniest bit closer. “I-i could’ve stopped it.” I whispered. “Wha-“ “I could’ve stopped it, Daryl.” I shook my head, moving to sit up, Daryl moving to sit as well. “Ya’ couldn’t-“ I stood up, reaching for my jacket that I had put down, taking the gun out and placing it on the bed next to Daryl. “I could’ve stopped the walker.” “I could’ve shot it, there was time.” I spoke, pacing as Daryls eyes bored into me. His eyes moved from me to the gun, he swung his legs to the side of the bed and rested his elbows on his knees, glancing up at me. “Why’d ya’ have the gun?” I had stopped pacing and sighed. Turning to Daryl I place a hand over my forehead. “Carl had it.” “What?” “Carl took it from the pack on your motorcycle, went out into the woods alone.” He glared at me as I took a breath, waiting for an explanation im sure he already knew was coming. “I was worried, I saw him run off alone so I followed him.” “Ya’ followed a kid, into the woods?” He asked, voice low. “Daryl-“ “Nah, let me get this straight.” He shook his head, interlocking his fingers as he rested his chin on them. “The kid was touching the hawk?” He began, quickly shaking his head and standing. “Then he stole a gun, ran off, and you followed him?” “Dary-“ “Nah, ya’ followed a stupid kid into the woods, coulda’ run into a walker, especially after what happened last night.” “I did.” I confessed looking down. Daryl stopped pacing, turning to look at me. “What did ya’ say?” “When I was looking for Carl, I ran into a walker.” Daryls face went from unreadable to enraged as he stared at me. “I took it out.” “That don’t matter!” He shook his head, his hands grabbing my arms and sitting me on the bed, pulling my shirt off and over my head. “Daryl, what are you-“ “Shut up.” He shook his head, as he searched my skin for any marks. “It didn’t touch me.” I whispered as he continued to check me over. Daryl kept silent as he took a step back, reaching into his bag, pulling out a long sleeved sweatshirt, handing it to me as he picked the gun up from beside me and placing it on top of the bag. I pulled the sweatshirt over my head, watching Daryl move silently around the tent. “Ya’ coulda’ got hurt.” He muttered as sat next to me. “I didn’t think about myself getting hurt.” “Ya-“ “I thought about Carl getting hurt.” I continued to speak as I stared at the grey blue tarp hanging by the door.
“He ain’t our kid.” Daryl spoke. “Our kid or not, he is a kid. I couldn’t let him get hurt out there.” “He ain’t our problem.” Daryl tried to argue. “The kid is like family to me, he may not be your problem Daryl but he is mine.” I spoke softly as I moved to lay down, bringing the blankets over my shoulders and facing away from Daryl.
I felt the bed dip behind me and Daryl lifting the covers and moving closer to me, an arm snaking around my middle as he pulled me into him. I exhaled as he laid behind me silently, the both of us loosing ourselves in thoughts. As usual it didn’t take long for soft snores to come from behind me, warm gentle breaths skimming across the back of my neck. Gently, I lifted Daryls arm from my body and moved over slightly, curling into myself as I let the tears slowly escape.
The night was long, longer than it would’ve been if I had slept. My mind kept re-playing the events from the night before. Going over every possibility that could’ve resulted in Dale’s survival.
The sun began to rise, slowly illuminating the tent. I heard the tent open behind me and someone poking their head in.
“Daryl.” Rick’s voice whispered by the door. “Daryl.” He called again. Daryl had stirred, sitting up, I could feel his eyes on me briefly. The two men had a silent conversation and I heard the tent close. The bed moved under Daryl who had shifted, I closed my eyes. I felt his presence closer to me, his hands gently moving around my middle and pulling me into the middle of the bed. He reached down and brushed a strand of hair out of my face, before climbing off of the bed completely. I could hear him rustling around the tent, probably getting changed.
The tent’s door opened again and I could hear him pull the zipper closed. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake her-“ “Ya’ didn’t.” Daryl spoke, trying to keep quiet. “How is she?” “Blamin’ herself.” “It wasn’t her fault.” Rick sighed. “Some of us are going to go around the property, fix the fences that Hershel’s cattle ran down.” Rick paused. “We’re thinking that’s how the walker got onto the property.” He finished. I turned around and watched the two men’s silhouettes against the tents door. “Need help?” Daryl asked. Rick nodded in response. “L’right.” Daryl nodded back. Rick had tried to move by Daryl, who reached out and grabbed Ricks arm. The latter stopped, turning to look at Daryl. “Ya’ boy, stole my gun from my hawk yesterday.” “Carl?” Rick asked, shifting his weight onto his right leg crossing his arms. Daryl nodded. “No.” Rick paused, shaking his head. “Carl wouldn’t have-“ “He did.” Daryl nodded. “Are you sure?” “(Y/n) got it back, Said she followed him into the woods.” “The woods?” Rick asked incredulously. “Said she took a walker down looking for him.” “Jesus.” Rick moved his hand up to run int down his face. “Ill have a talk with him.” He decided nodding towards Daryl. “Thank you for telling me brother.” Rick reached out and tapped Daryl on the shoulder, leaving. I closed my eyes as Daryl moved towards the tent. Hearing the zipper open once more I wait until he leaves. I heard his boots against the tarped ground. He left after five minutes, closing the zip when he left. Opening my eyes again, I notice the crossbow missing from its designated place by the end of the bed.
The chirping of the birds in the tree’s nearby, signalling that soon enough the rest of the group would wake up. Then we’d all have to face the inevitable. It’s always hard, losing one of our own. For each of us in our own way. My eyes found the ceiling tarp, my mind drifting away as I watched the breeze moving the branches above.
I could’ve saved you Dale… I could’ve done something, anything. I couldve ran faster, shot it, screamed louder. If I had, You might still be here.
We all stood in silence by the fire. The usual banter between T-dog and Glenn vacant as those of us that could eat, ate in silence. Each of us missing Dale’s morning greetings that he would always throw around with a kind smile, even if it was to spite Shane. Rick stood first as Daryl walked back down from the barn, nodding as he stopped close by. We all looked up, as Rick looked around. “It’s time.” He gently nodded, turning as we all stood and followed. I looked around as everyone moved forward. Carl was attached to Lori’s waist, walking along side her just behind Rick. Hershel and Patricia walked ahead of Jimmy and Beth, the latter who had felt the need to rejoin the small group. Maggie had walked with her family, Glenn following in pursuit. T-dog and Carol walked side by side.
I stood from the seat, unable to make my legs take a step forward. I looked around, noticing Andrea’s eyes staring at me, her mouth moving, no words coming out. Her expression changed from vacant to worried as she stepped closer. My eyes moved from her mouth to her eyes and back to her mouth, trying to make the words out. Andrea stepped forward, extending her arm out and placing a hand on my shoulder, lightly shaking it. She turned and she must’ve called out, soon enough Daryl was standing next to her, both of their lips moving. I blinked a few times and shook my head. The soft cracking of the fire returning to my ears. “(Y/n)?” “Are Ya’ okay?” Daryl asked, placing his hands either side of my face. “Whats going on?” Andrea asked, as I turned my head slightly. “I-Im fine.” I softly shook my head. Andrea nodded softly as I looked at her. “Daryl, give us a minute?” Andrea asked, turning to Daryl, who kept his eyes on me. The man let out a small grunt and made his way to the barn. “Walk with me.” She said softly, looping her arm through my own as I nodded. “The man was a pain in the ass.” She chuckled softly, tears visible on her lash line. “He meant well, but he was the biggest pain in my ass.” She reached up and wiped a stray tear away. “I loved him, Like my own father.” She paused. “I know you did too.” Andrea whispered. “I just wish we had the chance to tell him that.” Andrea turned to look at me, reaching out and gently brushing away the tears that were falling from my eyes.
We both continued to walk along the dirt path, where the others had waited for us both by our loved ones graves. Glenn stood beside Hershel, Shane next in line besides Beth and Jimmy. Patricia stood by Maggie, who was next to T. The Grimes family stood in between Carol and T. Andrea moved next to Carol, Myself following by her side. To the left of me Daryl had moved closer, arm gently wrapping around me as Andrea moved her hand down to hold my right. Andrea and I gave each others hand a light squeeze as Rick spoke up.
“Dale could get under your skin.” He began.
“He sure got under mine, because he wasn't afraid to say exactly what he thought, how he felt.” “That kind of honesty is rare and brave.” He paused. “Whenever I'd make a decision, I'd look at Dale. He'd be looking back at me with that look he had.” He lightly chuckled. “We've all seen it one time or another.” I looked around, tear stained faces surrounding the additional plot. Carl had tears streaming down his face. Glenn standing stone still, holding tears back. Every now and then, id feel a small squeeze from Andrea. “I couldn't always read him, but he could read us.” Rick paused.
“He saw people for who they were.”
“He knew things about us, the truth, who we really are.” He glanced around, eyes skimming over each of us.
Rick took a small step forward.
“In the end, he was talking about losing our humanity.” He looked down, nodding his head. “He said this group was broken.” He briefly paused.
“The best way to honour him is to un-break it. Set aside our differences and pull together, stop feeling sorry for ourselves and take control of our lives, our safety, Our future.” He took a moment before continuing.
“We're not broken. We're gonna prove him wrong.”
“From now on we're gonna do it his way.” “That is how we honour Dale.” He finished.
Rick knelt down, gently placing his hand over the soft mount of dirt, whispering something to the newly added grave.
He stood after a moment, watching and waiting for someone else to step forward and say something.
We all continued to stand in silence, no-one making a move to speak. We all had stories to tell, things to reminisce, wether or not any of us had the strength to share was a different story. I watched as Glenn hesitated. His eyes met my own and he softly nodded, stepping forward. “Dale was a good guy.” Glenn stuttered out. “The kind of guy that would fake a broken radiator to stay behind and look for a missing girl.” He chuckled softly. I smiled softly as I looked down, remembering Dale stating he had already fixed the radiator, he just wanted to give everyone a chance at finding Sophia. “He was the kind of guy who before all of this would’ve enjoyed fishing. If we all knew him before, I think he would force us to have an annual dinner together.” “But that’s just who he was.” Glenn spoke as his eyes began watering. “A man with a heart of gold.” He finished, bowing his head and moving back beside Hershel.
Shane stood forward, eyes meeting my own. “I know Dale and I had a rough history, but I’ll be damned if I don’t say my peace.” He shook his head. “The old son of a-“ He paused as Lori sent him a glare, head motioning towards Carl. “Gun.” He finished, rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, we all know that he and I never got along.” “He was a pain in my ass, always made sure to disagree with me.” “But he didn’t deserve this.” He gestured to the ground. “All that’s left to say is; Bye Dale.” Shane spoke, turning and leaving the group.
My eyes burned into the back of Shanes head as he walked away. Daryl pulled me gently into his side. I turn my head and look up, Daryl sending me a questioning glance. I shook my head softly, he nodded understanding. Andrea moved forward and bowed her head. “We all know that Dale was optimistic.” “Hell, plain ol’ stubborn.” She chuckled softly. “Dale saved my life, on more than one occasion. And I couldn’t be more thankful.” She paused as a tear slipped down her cheek. “Rest easy Dale.” She looked at the grave, a small smile on her face before she turned and left. The rest of the group began to slowly dissipate, shortly leaving only myself and Daryl standing by the grave. Daryl watched me with careful eyes. “(Y/n), ya’ okay?”
I nodded softly, eyes locked onto the dirt in front of me.
“Hey.” He spoke softly, hand reaching under my chin, turning me to face him. “Talk ta me.” He muttered, eyes searching my face. I shook my head and reached up, moving Daryls hand from my chin. “I need to be alone.” I whispered looking down. “What-“ I gently reached up, planting a kiss to his jaw. Daryl stood still, watching me as I take a step back. I moved away from Daryl, making my way back to our tent as tears slowly began rolling down my cheeks.
I sat in silence by the water, the weeds by the bank softly swaying in the Atlanta sun. In the paddock over, a few of the cattle could be heard as they grazed, their tails whipping behind them every so often as they swatted the flies. I watched in awe as a calf ran around by its mother. Smiling softly I turn my attention back to the water, the ever so soft ripples moving along the surface of the water. I heard footsteps behind me as I sat by the edge of the water. Shane and Lori were off being ‘inconspicuous’ as usual. “What are you doing out here all alone?” “I’m not alone.” I shrugged, turning to look at him, he raised a brow. “You’re here.” I smiled up at the older man. He let out a small groan as he sat down next to me. “Knees aren’t as young as they used to be.” He chuckled. “It’s okay, I won’t hold it against you.” I gently nudged him with my shoulder. “Im glad.” He paused, reaching into the small bag he had with him, pulling out a sandwich. “I don’t know what I’d do if my favourite Walsh was against me.” “Dale, please, you know that I have much better taste than Shane.” I joked as we both laughed. He held out half of the sandwich for me to take. “Thank you.” I smiled as I took the sandwich. We at together in silence as we sat by the quarry, Carl and Sophia splashing around with one of the two new additions to the group, Amy. “What do you think about the new girls?” “Andrea and Amy?” He asked and I nodded. “Well, they’re nice, fit in with the group nicely.” He nodded. “Already feel a connection with each of them.” He added as he opened his flask and had a sip. I dramatically placed a hand over my heart as I fake swooned. “Oh Dale, I never thought you’d forget about me so easily.” I fake sighed with a laugh. “I’d never forget you.” He shook his head with a chuckle. “You’re like my own daughter, you just have to get used to the idea of having sisters.” He joked back, nudging me with his elbow. “I could get used to that.” I smiled “Good.” He nodded with enthusiasm and a smile a mile wide. The breeze picked up, a cold wind brushing against my skin. I moved my hands to my bare arms, and gently rubbed the skin, looking up to notice the sun had disappeared, and was replaced with dark clouds. I moved my hands beside me and pushed up from the ground, making my way to the camp. The fire cracked as the flames rose higher. The orange hues casting light onto all our faces.
Shane sat by Lori, Andrea and Amy next to Carol and her family, the two children sitting together as Lori watched her son, Shane intently watching over the widowed woman. The Dixon’s kept to themselves, neither of them really fitting into the group, though Daryl probably would be more welcome than his asshole of a brother Merle. I glanced over to where the brothers sat, skinning small animals, then throwing them on the fire to cook the meat. Daryl’s eyes met my own briefly, the both of us instantly looking away. “If you keep staring, they might get the wrong idea.” A voice cut my concentration. I turn to see a teasing smile on Dale’s mouth. “Oh shut up.” I blushed, looking down, earning a chuckle from the man. “With all due respect, I’ll be happy as long as you are.” I turned my head again, eyes searching Dales face for any sign of this being a joke. “What?” “You and that Dixon boy have been dancing around each other for weeks now.” Dale began in a hushed tone, leaning into talk so no-one else would hear us. “Dale-“ “Ah ah ah, let me finish.” He shook his head and pointed a finger out. “If you like him, tell him.” “It isn’t that easy Dale.” I sighed. “Why not?” He asked. “You’ll never know if you don’t try.” He shrugged.
I leant back and thought about his words as I smiled to myself. I glanced back over to where the Dixon brothers sat, the youngest with his eyes on me. I sent him a small smile, and he turned away. “You remind me so much of my Irma.” Dale chuckled sweetly, leaning back in his chair. The RV was in view as I walked through the paddock. Looking above it I see the familiar lawn chair, I half expected to see Dale sitting in it, waving when he saw me, like he had done since the quarry. I fasten my pace, walking through the ankle length grass. The closer I get to the RV, the more nervous I get. The tents were no longer pitched by the RV, the area now vacant. I look towards the farm house, the others all taking things inside. I started at the RV’s door, my hand reaching out and gently pulling on the handle.
“Here’s trouble.” “I don’t know wether or not I should be offended or proud.” I smiled as I taking the bucket hat from his head and placing it on my own, sitting across from him.
Dales eyes studied me for a moment. “Whats got you so chipper?” He asked as he sipped on his coffee. “Nothing.” I smiled dragging out the ‘ing’, as I played with one of the doilies Irma had crocheted one easter. “I don’t trust this.” He mumbled, a small grin on his face.
I faked a shocked expression as I placed a hand over my heart. “I just wanted to come see my favourite fellow.” “Oh really?” “Yeah, I thought he might want to know that I took his advice.” I shrugged, crossing one leg over the other. “You told him?” He asked. I nodded and smiled. “What did he say?” “He kind of just nodded and left.” I looked down. “But I told him.” I smiled. “Yeah? Well tell him I’m good with my gun.” Dale joked lightly, a hint of seriousness in his tone. “Calm down pops.” I laughed with him as he shook his head. “Think I should keep this?” I asked gesturing to the hat.
Dale raised a brow, as he placed the mug down. “Im sorry to break it to you kid.” He paused, leaning over the table and plucking the hat from the top of my head. “You dont pull it off nearly as well as I do.” He joked, putting it back onto his own head.
I slowly stepped into the RV, softly closing the door behind me. It hadn’t changed since I’d been in it the day before. The contents from the table still on the floor beside it, from where he had cleared the table out of frustration. I bend down, carefully picking up each thing, placing them back into place. Picking up Irma’s doily, placing it in the centre of the table. I turn, and spot Irma’s mug, the one that had quickly become Dale’s favourite. I reached out and picked up the mug, the glue had fully dried overnight. “What’s the story behind the mug?” “This one?” “Yeah.” I nodded. Dale sat across from me, handing me a light blue mug of coffee. “It was Irma’s.” He smiled looking at the mug in his hands. “She always said that every day was good, as long as she had this mug here in her hands at least once that day.” He smiled at the memory. “I broke the mug one day, knocked it clean off the table at home.” He cringed at the memory. “Irma was out with her friends when it happened, thankfully.” “It was a damn near rat race to replace it before she got home.” He laughed. “Three towns, 12 stores and I was lucky to find the last one.” “I found it and I ran it straight home, threw the broken one out, placed the new one where she had left the old one.” “Did she notice?” “Of course she did, Woman was too smart for her own good!” He shook his head. “Turns out there was a small chip in the handle I didn’t know about. She laughed, called me a damn idiot then kissed me.”
Dale smiled as he continued to speak about Irma. “She sounds amazing.” “She was, all that and more” He nodded. “She was lucky to have you.” Dale shook his head. “No, I was the lucky one.” He spoke as he lifted the Green and blue swirled mug to his lips.
I placed the mug back down, turning and moving to the back of the RV. The cupboard door by the bed was lightly ajar. I stepped further into the small bedroom, and open the door. I reached in and pulled out a plaid red and black flannel, I smiled softly as I held it up. “Look at you, you’re freezing.” “Im fine Dale.” I chuckle softly as I shivered. The man just sighed and leant his gun against the chair, quickly stripping off his flannel and throwing it around my shoulders. “Dale you don-“ Dale cut me off with a sharp glare. “Take it, if you ever need a jacket, help yourself, there are plenty in the RV.” “I don’t want you getting sick out here.” He nodded, handing me the gun. “Thanks pops.”
I remove the hanger from the flannel, hanging it back in the small cupboard. I lifted the flannel to my nose and inhaled the scent. It still smelt like him. I sat down on the bed and hugged the flannel, laying down on the bed hugging it tighter to my chest as I fell into a sleep.
I opened my eyes at the feeling of a hand gently brushing hair from my face. I noticed a weight on the bed next to me, I look up to see the Andrea, looking down at me. “Sorry, we didn’t mean to wake you.” Andrea winced, noticing I was now awake. “It’s fine, I didn’t mean to fall asleep. Sorry.” I slowly moved into a sitting position. Andrea stopped fixing my hair and scooted back. “How are you feeling?” She asked softly. “If im being honest I don’t know.” I shrugged softly. I looked down in my hands, realising that I was still holding onto the flannel. I noticed the two others staring at the flannel in my hands. “I’ll put it back.” “Keep it.” Andrea began. “Dale would want you to.” She smiled softly.
I returned the smile. “Thank you.” I glanced around the van before looking at her. “What made you come to the RV?” I asked softly. “Rick and Hershel have decided that after last night, it’d be safer for us all to be in the house.” She responded. “Yeah?” I asked. “Yeah.” She nodded. “Im going to try to get this thing moving.” She nodded her head towards the steering wheel. “Of course.” I nodded, pulling the flannel on. Andrea made her way to the wheel and turned the key in the ignition. I watched as she pumped the gas pedal a few times and trying again. “Andrea!” Glenn’s familiar voice called out. “Hey, did you try pumping the gas pedal?” He asked.
“I think it's been parked too long.” She shook her head.
“You gotta tap it three times…” he called
“And give her a twist. I know, I know.” She cut him off, trying once more.
“Let me see.” He called out over the stalling of the engine. Andrea stopped and went out, grabbing the tool box, as Glenn opened the front up.
“Dale told me that in these old vehicles the points get corroded.” Glenn smiled at her.
“Screwdriver?”
“Flathead.” He answered.
The two stood in silence as Glenn repaired the RV. I moved down to the bench where Irma’s mug sat, listening to the two outside. “Could you hand me a file?” Glenn asked. Andrea quickly handing it over. I opened the door quietly, turning to leave when I heard Glenn speak.
“I let him down.” His voice cracked slightly.
“He was proud of you.” Andrea began.
“Maybe not in that moment, but overall.” She shook her head lightly.
“That's easy for you to say. You had his back.”
“I have my share of regrets.” She looked down.
“But I think that he knew how much we cared for him.” She finished turning her head, her eyes meeting my own. I turned around, quickly walking away from the RV, and towards the place I didn’t think id be ready to be again.
The closer I walked to our small cemetery, the quicker my heart raced. I walked through the gate by the dirt track and slowed down to a halt when I reached Dale’s grave. I knelt down, moving closer to the grave. Hesitantly I reach down, my fingers softly brushing against the dirt. I pulled back, hands gently grasping the cool object in my hands. Fingers tracing the Green and Blue swirls before gently setting the mug down by his cross. I sat back on my legs. Tears brimming my eyes. “Im sorry.” I whispered, looking into the sky, trying to keep my tears at bay. “I am so sorry Dale.” I whispered once more, voice lightly cracking as his name left my lips. “Im sorry I didn’t save you. Im sorry I wasn’t quick enough.” The tears threatened to spill. “I should’ve been there.” “I should’ve shot that stupid walker.” I spat as I shook my head. “Im sorry that I let you down.” I spoke softly as I leant over, placing my hand over his grave, tears now freely flowing from my eyes, a few drops landing in the dirt.
“I wish you were still here. I don’t know who I’m going to annoy now.” I chuckled softly.
I sat in silence for a moment. “Thank you.” “Thank you for showing me what a kind genuine man looks like.” “Thank you for being the only positive male role model in my life.” “If it weren’t for you, I don’t think id be where I am now, with Daryl. You gave me the push I needed, and im thankful.”
“If my baby is a boy, I can only hope he will be as kind as you, I really wish you were still here, so this baby could’ve felt the love that I know you had for it.” I smiled softly through the tears. “I hope I do you proud Dale.” I whispered, bringing my free hand up, kissing it and planting it atop the dirt.
“Say hello to Irma for me, I know that you’re with her, with your child.” I smiled softly, one hand moving to my abdomen as I think of their small family. “Im so happy that you’re all together.” I softly smiled as more tears fell. “Rest easy and peacefully Dale. Love you pops.” I smiled through the tears.
I sat with Dale for another fifteen minutes, the warm breeze shaking the branches in the trees, the flannel lightly blowing along with it.
“Thought I might find you here.” “You did the same thing after maw-maw died.” “You don’t get to call her that.” I whispered, moving to stand. “What are you doing here?”
“I know how close you and Dale were.” He began. “And I know that you’re hurting.”
I stayed silent as I looked up to meet his eye.
“Now you grieve any way you want.” He held is hands up in surrender. “But don’t shut anyone out like you did after maw-maw, the kid needs you.” “Carl?” I asked, turning to face Shane, who only nodded in response. “What’s happening with Carl?” I asked, moving dangerously closer to Shane as he backed away. “Calm down, he is okay.” “He blames himself for Dale.” “What?” “Yeah, told me that he had a gun and went exploring-“ “Yeah he did, but he didn’t-“ I stopped myself mid sentence. Shane furrowed his brows, looking at me. “You okay?” “Im fine! Where’s Carl?” I asked. “I don’t know, maybe with Lori.”
I nodded and ran towards the house. “Carl!” I called as I got closer. “Carl!”
Lori looked at me from the porch, moving over to where I was running. “Lori! Where’s Carl?” “He’s with Rick at the Stables” She spoke, worry lacing her tone. “What’s wrong?” She asked again. “Nothing! Don’t worry! Thank you!” I took off running to the stables. I was met with Rick and Carl, making their way back to the house. “Carl!”
The boy looked out as I got closer. Rick looked puzzled as I came to a halt in front of both of them. “(Y/n)? You okay?” Rick asked. I nodded as I pulled Carl in for a hug. I bent down and put his face in my hands. “Don’t you for a second think that what happened to Dale was your fault. You hear me?” I asked staring into his now watery eyes. “The walker that got Dale, I thought it was stuck in the swamp, it was stuck I swear!” He spoke softly. “Hey, hey, hey, is that what scared you?” I asked and he nodded. “Honey.” I whispered pulling him into another hug. “You never blame yourself okay?”
He nodded. I stood up, when Rick looked at Carl. “You go on to mom.” He motioned towards the house. “Dad?” “I need to talk to (Y/n).” He smiled at his son. I watched as Carl took off towards the house. “Thank you.” He spoke. I looked at him puzzled. “For?” “Making sure he was okay, today and yesterday too, I appreciate it.” He began. “It isn’t your fault either.” He finished, placing a hand on my shoulder and bending down to meet me eye. My eyes began to water again. “Come on, let’s get you settled into our new house.” He joked, leading me towards the farmhouse.
Rick had led me to the farmhouse, where Daryl had been waiting on the porch for Rick. His arms were crossed and he was staring at me. “Excuse me.” I smiled at Rick, who only smiled as I turned and jogged ahead. I got to the hawk before Daryl made his way down the front steps and towards me. I wrapped my arms around his middle and buried my face in his chest, inhaling as he hesitantly placed his arms around my back. Daryl relaxed after a minute and got comfortable. “Im sorry for acting weird today.” I mumbled into his chest. Daryl opened his mouth to respond, when the sound of T-dog cut him off. “He’s gone!” He shouted, running towards the house. “What?” Daryl called out. “Randall, he’s gone!” T-dog yelled back. Daryl moved me away from him as he leant down picking up his crossbow and sprinting towards where he was kept, Rick following. I ran up the porch steps and inside, the door slamming open, everyones eyes moving onto me. “Randall’s gone.”
Andrea, Rick, T-dog and Daryl all searched for Randall’s escape route, seemingly finding nothing as the rest of us get there. Hershel walked close to the door, investigating it.
“The cuffs are still hooked. He must've slipped 'em.” Rick sighed. “Is that possible?” Carol asked from the left.
“It is if you got nothing to lose.” Andrea responded, exiting the shed. “The door was secured from the outside.” Hershel called, explaining his theory of someone helping him. Shane, funnily enough was missing, which I didn’t think was much a coincidence. “Rick! Rick!” Shane called out, coming from the trees.
Speak of the devil.
“What happened?” Lori yelled. “He's armed! He's got my gun!” He called, storming forward. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine. Little bastard just snuck up on me.” He paused. “He clocked me in the face.” As Shane got closer, more blood was visible coming from his nose and mouth.
“All right, Hershel, T-Dog, get everybody back in the house.” Rick ordered, turning.
“Glenn, Daryl, come with us.” He motioned for them to follow, Daryl already loading the crossbow.
“T, I'm gonna need that gun.” Shane demanded, walking ahead and taking it from him.
“Just let him go. That was the plan, wasn't it, to just let him go?” Carol asked.
“The plan was to cut him loose far away from here, not on our front step with a gun.” Rick spoke, anger flowing off of him.
“Don't go out there. Y'all know what can happen.” Carol tried to reason with them.
“Get everybody back in the house. Lock all the doors and stay put!” Rick finalised.
I walked up to Daryl and pulled him aside. “You be careful out there Dixon.” “‘m always careful.” He mumbled. “I mean it, something isn’t right.” I whispered as I felt eyes on me. “I know.” He whispered back. I leant up and pressed a peck to his lips, turning and running to the house where Andrea was waiting for me.
The guys had been out for two hours now. Dread had settled itself down into the core of my stomach as the minutes kept passing by.
The grandfather clock in the hall and become more annoying the longer I had heard it. The others had began to make dinner. I could over hear the hushed whispers of the others as they tried to keep Carl out of it, the boy heading upstairs with a pair of binoculars that Hershel had given him to play around with.
Randall was scrawny, Shane anything but. He would’ve had to have hit him hard with a branch or a rock or something to be able to hold anything over him. Hershel said that it was locked from the outside, no way of escaping from inside without help. Shane wanted Randall dead, so he must’ve taken him with the intentions of killing him and Randall fought back. The only logical explanation.
I heard a creak behind me, turning I see Carl sneaking towards the back door. I furrow my brows and look around, quietly moving from the windowsill, making my way to the back door. I hid around the corner as Carl turned, before he ran out of the door. I shook my head and followed him. Once I was off the porch I look to my right as I see Carl sprinting towards the shed. “This kid is going to be the death of me.” I muttered as I ran after him. As I ran through the leaves my foot kicked something hard. I glance up, still able to see Carl as he waked quietly through the trees. I bent down, searching the small leaf pile, coming across something metallic. My hand grasped it and I lifted it from the fallen leaves. “Shane’s gun?” I whispered to myself, tucking it into my jean pocket. Looking up I see the back of Carl, I quietly sneak after him, hiding behind a tree when he turns. I listen as the footsteps begin to fade and I leave my cover. I follow the direction we were both headed. After two minutes of not finding him, I begin to worry. “I knew I was being followed!” Carl whisper shouted as he stepped out from behind a tree. My heart jumped into my throat, my hand flew to my chest, resting above where my heart was beating rapidly. “Jesus Shit! Carl.” I paused, catching my breath. “You scared the crap out of me!” I scolded. “You shouldn’t be out here. It’s dangerous.” He said as if he was an authority figure. “Oh.” I laughed. “I shouldn’t be out here? You shouldn’t be out here!” I argued. “You’re pregnant.” He shook his head. “You’re a kid.” I argued back. “You’re a girl!” “Im an adult!” I threw my hands in the air as we whisper shouted at each other.
Carl paused, looking around. “Aren’t you scared of Randall?” “Me scared of Randall?” I asked as I scoffed. “No im not scared of Randall.” “But he has a gun.” Carl stated. “This gun?” I asked pulling it from my pocket.
Carl looked at me. “Shane lied?” “Yeah, and im going to find out why.” “Im coming with you.” “Uh-uh. No.” I shook my head. “Yeah-huh.” “No, go back to the house.”
“No, you have a gun, im safer with you than alone.” “Damn kid, you’re good.” I sighed, shaking my head.
I thought about if for a minute, before looking back at Carl. “Fine.” “But you listen to me, stay close to me.” Carl nodded. “If your parents ask, you tell them the truth, I followed you out here.” “Deal.” He reached his hand out and I shook it.
The two of us walked around through the tree’s using the shadows as our cover. After twenty minutes of searching for anyone, I see Rick and Shane standing in one of the paddocks. Carl seemed to notice too, as he began to walk towards the two men he loved most in this world. “Carl!” I whisper shouted, reaching out and grabbing his arm. “What?” He responded. “Just wait, something isn’t right.” I whispered, bringing him closer to me.
The two men, didn’t see either of us by the trees. Rick had his back turned, and holstered his gun, Shane slowly drawing his. Rick turned, the two of them circling as the spoke.
Shane pointed at Rick as he pointed back. The pair stopped circling and stared at each other while they speak.
“(Y/n), what are they doing?” “I don’t know kiddo.” I whispered watching the two men interacting, pulling Carl in closer to me.
Shane raised his gun on Rick, My eyes widened and I looked down to see Carl watching with tears in his eyes. “Carl, don’t look.” “You don’t need to see this.” “No.” He shook his head, refusing to turn away.
Rick must’ve said something to get through to him, as Shane lowered the gun, then began pointing at himself. Shane then put his guy away, extended his arms to either side of him. Rick shook his head, clearly trying to be the better man. “Wait here.” I whispered to Carl as I began to trek closer to the two, hoping to end this cock fight before it was too late.
Each step closer, I could hear more of their conversation.
“I’m a better father than you, Rick.” Shane began.
“I’m better for Lori than you, man. It's 'cause I'm a better man than you, Rick.”
“Because I can be here and I'll fight for her.”
“But you come back here and you just destroy everything!” He shouted.
Rick stared at his ex friend with disgust.
“You got a broken woman. You got a weak boy. You ain't got the first clue on how to fix it.” Shane shrugged, pulling the gun from his waistband again. “Raise your gun.” My brother demanded.
“You're gonna have to kill an unarmed man.” Rick shook his head.
Rick raised both arms.
“Watch my hand. Nice and easy.” He paused.
“Easy does it.” He grabbed the gun from his holster, holding it in the air between his thumb and index finger.
”Now listen to me, Shane.” “There is still a way back from this. Nothing has happened here.” He paused once more.
“We're gonna lay down our guns and we're gonna walk back to the farm together.”
“Back to Lori. Back to Carl. Put this all behind us.” He negotiated.
Ricks free hand reached to his knife as Shane reached out and grasped Ricks gun. Shanes intent clearly not leaving his mind. It all happened so quickly, Rick lunged into Shane, the knife lodging itself into my brothers stomach.
Shanes finger squeezed the trigger. Rick slowly dropped to the ground with Shane. Rick was knelt over Shane. “Damn you for making me do this, Shane.” He cried out over his body.
“This was you, not me!”
“You did this to us! This was you, not me!”
“Not me!, Not me!.” He cried as hell held Shanes face.
“Dad?” A small voice beside me squeaked out. Rick’s head turned instantly, eyes softening when landing on his son.
“Carl.” He spoke gently, eyes shifting to me. “(Y/n).”
Rick stood up and slowly walked towards us.
“You know... You should be back home with Mom, the others.”
“Just put the... Put the gun down.” Rick had asked of his son. I turn to see that he had grabbed the gun from my pocket. “It's not what it seems. Please.” Rick begged.
Carl raised the gun, shaking. Ricks eyes widened. Following Carls eyes, my eyes widen. I reach down and take the gun from Carl.
Ricks face showing relief, until I raise the gun myself. “(Y/n), please.” Rick pleaded. “Not this time.” I whispered as I lined him up. I let out a breath and my finger gently squeezed the trigger. Time had felt like it had slowed down, as the shot echoed through the farm. Rick turned eyes wide, as Shanes corpse dropped behind him. Rick began walking closer to his body, holding his hand out signalling for us to stay back. He knelt by the body, looking it over, the bullet wound centred between his eyes. Rick looked up and thanked me. I shook my head and pulled Carl behind me. “Don’t thank me yet.”
Next Part
Series masterlist
