DISCLAIMER / Unfortunately, I still do not own 'The Walking Dead' or any characters or locations involved. Even more unfortunately, I still also do not own Norman Reedus. *Sigh*Constructive criticism welcome, as before.

Soon enough, Elliott found himself in the back of an old RV, having his leg patched up by a friendly yet old looking man named Dale. As they spoke, Elliott listening to tales that the group had, Daryl remained ever present, not taking his eyes off of the younger boy.

"Where ya from, kid?" Daryl interrupted, just as the Dale was bandaging his leg.

"England." Elliott replied, in the almost musical voice which he had carried with him all of his life.

Daryl snickered, sitting down opposite him. "So you're a tourist? Fantastic."

Dale promptly glared at him, like a man who was silently telling his dog not to hump that woman's leg. As the old man left, Daryl spoke yet again. "Chose a hell of a time to take a vacation" His tone had changed from an almost teasing one to one of kindness and sympathy, eyes border lining with care.

"We came out here way before any of this happened. Nan was ill. She lived in Atlanta. She died just after the news of the infection broke out. After they shut the airports off." Elliott sighed softly. "Mum hung herself afterwards. Dad tried to save us by being a distraction for those things. My best mate he… he.. well he's gone" As he spoke of the deaths, his voice grew ever quieter, eyes growing sadder.

Before he could even blink, he found his body unwillingly nestled in an embrace by the redneck. "M'Sorry" The man muttered into his hair, the stench of cigarette smoke washing over him. "I lost m'brother in Atlanta. Damn bastard cut his own hand off. Think he's dead."

Automatically nuzzling his head into the man's neck in some sort of comforting gesture, Elliott whispered gently to him "I'm sorry too"

What seem like hours passed as they sat in the embrace, troubles momentarily forgotten before a blonde haired woman walked in and the two boys instantly jumped apart.

"So how comes you guys are hauled out here on the highway anyway? Surely it can't be safe?" Elliott asked, curiosity clear in his voice.

"Only stopped for supplies. Little gal Sophia wandered off. Went missin'. Rick's out there looking for her now. I would be too if I hadn't spotted you" He ruffled the boys brown hair before standing. "I'm out. Gonna go search. Stay 'ere. Andrea will look after ya"

The blonde and the redneck shared a look for a moment before the male left and the blonde sat down beside the younger boy. Eyelids dropping, Elliott only had a moment to take in his surroundings before he fell into a content sleep, safe in the knowledge that he was no longer alone – that there was hope.