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Chapter 28

"I'm goin' to get her..." Merle barked at the Governor.

"Merle...she needs to do this on her own... Besides...who knows, you don't even know for sure she'll even choose to come back...no sense in forcing it...let her make her own choice." The Governor remarked.

Merle stopped in his tracks as he headed for the door. His back was towards the Governor. It hadn't occurred to him she wouldn't be on her way back. What if she didn't return...The Governor wasn't one to let people leave so easily but Merle figured the Governor guessed that if she didn't come back it was out of too much fear and that she wouldn't dare speak of Woodbury again to anyone...but what if she did choose not to come back.

Walking towards the gate the realization that Gwen might choose to not return weighed heavy on his mind. Things would go back the way they were before...things would be simple again...no more worrin' or havin' to protect no one but myself...it would be better...wouldn't it? Part of the reason why Merle so readily left Gwen before was because he knew he was leaving her safe. Now, all he knew was that she was out there alone...the later it got with no sign of her, the more worried he became.

"Anything?" Merle asked Lincoln as he approached the gate.

"Nothin'...not even a sound..." Lincoln replied.

Merle climbed up to the watch post and stared out into the woods as it began to get dark. He zipped up his coat to guard from the cold but it was just another reminder that Gwen was out there cold and alone. He knew, from the Governor's description of the day's events that her leg must be aching something awful. What she got to come back for? For you?... Ya think she's gonna want to come back because of ya? Look at ya...the minute she was gone ya got your dick in that bitch's mouth...you don't really give a shit 'bout her...if ya did ya wouldn't have risked that...redneck trash is all ya are...ya don't deserve her to come back. Merle thought to himself as he watched what little light was left leave the sky and the woods turn dark.

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Gwen staggered her way along side of the road. She wondered of Merle's reaction once the Governor returned without her. A feeling of dread washed over her as the world around her darkened. She started to second guess herself and wonder if maybe somehow she had gotten turned around and was heading in the wrong direction. Woodbury seemed to be further and further away no matter how long she walked. A numbing pain filled her whole leg, no longer contained to just the ankle, but she was afraid if she stopped moving or rested for a moment that she wouldn't be able to get up and start again. No matter what...she had to keep moving.

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The snapping of a twig to her right caused her to jump. Gwen stopped and did her best to hold still as she struggled to keep her balance. Her heart began to race as she tried to focus her eyes into the woods next to her. More twigs snapping, the rustling of leaves caused Gwen's heart to race...something was heading her way and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make out anything.

Suddenly the pain in Gwen's leg seemed even more unbearable as she tried to back away from the edge of the road to put more distance between herself and whatever else was coming her way. She pulled the gun out of her waistband and pointed it towards the woods. If it's a walker and you shoot...how many more walkers will that bring?...you can't outrun 'em...hell...you can barely walk. Gwen stood there trying to steady her hands from shaking. Her arms started to ache but soon the sounds disappeared and the only thing she could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat. She started to head down the road again...this time staying in the center. Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks on me...I need to get back...I can't do this much longer...Gwen took a deep breath and tried to focus on anything but the pain and how exhausted she was. Tears began to roll down her cheeks from the overwhelming pain and frustration.

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Merle kept his eyes focused on the woods. There was a gap between the wood line and the gate, just a small clearing and Merle kept his eyes on the edge, just waiting.

The Governor walked up with the two other men from before.

"Maybe she's not coming back Merle...I must admit, I'm a little disappointed...I really thought she'd make it." He remarked.

Merle didn't bother even looking at the Governor. He just stared out towards the woods.

"Merle...you have watch first thing...give it a rest for the night..." The Governor ordered.

Suddenly Merle jumped down from the watch post. "OPEN THE GATE" Merle shouted.

The men looked at the Governor and he just nodded his head. The gate was barely cracked open when Merle rushed out.

"What if it ain't her and it's a walker?" Lincoln asked.

"Take aim...get ready..." The Governor ordered. Lincoln followed the orders.

Merle ran towards the figure staggering down the road...it barely made any ground as it struggled on one foot, unable to put any weight on the other. It has to be her...Merle thought to himself as he got closer.

"GWEN!..." Merle shouted.

The figure stopped moving.

"GWEN!..." Merle shouted again.

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Gwen just focused on the ground in front of her feet. It was the only way she could keep herself moving. She could've sworn she heard someone call her name and she paused for a moment to listen for it again. Am I hearing things again?...Gwen couldn't help but think here her mind was playing tricks again but then she heard it a second time...

Gwen knew the voice as she looked ahead of her. "Merle?..." Was she only imaging it? She tried to step forward but both legs gave out from underneath her as she fell to the ground, dropping the gun along side her. She barely managed to catch herself with her hands and struggled unsuccessfully to stand back up. She started to cry harder, unable to get her body to move.

She felt a hand against her arm. Reaching forward she grabbed hold of the person in front of her by the shirt.

Merle dropped to his knees in front of Gwen. She clung desperately to his shirt as he slipped his right arm around her waist. "Gwennie...I got you...come on...ain't much further..."

Gwen looked up at Merle but was unable to utter a word. She felt the weight of the world lift off her shoulders as she stared at his face, a wave of relief in knowing that she was finally there.

Merle cupped her face in his hand and brushed away the tears with his thumb. "Gwennie...you alright...I got you...I got you now..."

Gwen just stared at him and stopped crying for a moment. Merle stared into her eyes looking for some sense of understanding from her. He had never seen her look so frail before. Merle pulled her closer against him and pressed his mouth against hers. She kissed him back with what little ounce of strength she had left as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He was gentler with her this time than he was when he kissed her before, a tenderness she would've never expected from him or thought he was capable of. Her emotions got the better of her and she pulled away from him slightly and started to cry again. She leaned into him, burying her face against his neck.

Merle wrapped his left arm around her back and pulled her up enough to slip his right arm behind her legs and scoop her up in his arms. When he turned to head back towards the gate he saw the Governor standing next to them. The Governor bent over and picked up the gun dropped by Gwen.

"Touching...really Merle...I'm honestly surprised you even have it in you..." He remarked. "Why don't you take her on to Dr. Stevens...he can make sure she's alright."

Merle adjusted his grip on Gwen, making sure he had a good hold on her. She kept her face buried into his neck and held on tightly.

"Takin' her back to the hotel...I'll take care of her myself." Merle glared at the Governor.

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The Governor watched Merle carry Gwen towards the hotel as the men closed the gate behind him. One thing he knew for sure was that Merle was a different man with her. Regardless of what his suspicions were, there was certainly no question about this other side of him. Merle cared deeply for her and she him.

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Nancy knocked on the door to their room. Merle got up from the edge of the bed next to where Gwen was lying and answered the door. He opened it and noticed she was carrying a few pillows.

"Thought maybe she'd need to elevate her ankle...might help reduce the swelling...also brought some ibuprofen...I can bring her up some hot tea."

Merle took the pillows from Nancy and grunted at her as she stepped into the room. Gwen was asleep on her side. Nancy noticed the pile of dirty clothes on the floor where Merle had left them after he managed to clean up Gwen.

"I can take these and wash them up." Nancy remarked as Merle gently lifted her injured leg and tucked the pillow underneath.

"You really do care for her don't you?" Nancy asked. "Never thought I'd see such a gentle, softer..." but before Nancy could finish her sentence Merle stepped towards her and grabbed her roughly by the arm.

Nancy, shocked, cringed from the pain of his grip.

"DON'T...You shut the fuck up and don't you dare say it...get out...get out and mind yer own..." Merle shoved her towards the door.

Nancy stared at Merle a moment then looked back at Gwen before she left.

Merle went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. He leaned against the sink as the water dripped from his face. Just cause I don't want her hurtin' don't mean I'm soft...Just cause I..." Merle couldn't bring himself to even say it to himself. "I ain't soft...I just ain't..."

Merle stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed. He scooted up behind her, slipping his arm around her waist. Every now and then she twitch or tremble. Merle squeezed her gently tighter when she did until her body calmed. The guilt from the day began to fully wash over Merle as he listened to her slowly breathing.