Rick seemed to be just wondering around through the trees when Juliet found him. He wasn't far from the fence but to far if he ran into trouble. She stayed back to try and calm herself. She watched as he looked around. He was looking for something, or someone. She watched as he stopped and stared out in front of him and a small smile smirked. He put a hand up like he was reaching for someone but then it fell to his side like whoever he saw was gone. Rick ran a hand through his wet hair and kept walking. Juliet followed and only spoke up when he started to get to far from the fences.
"Looking for someone Rick?"She called out and he spun around. She crossed her arms and looked at him. He took one look at Juliet then looked down. He saw the damage he had done to her face and wanted to throw up. How could he have done that. He shook his head and she huffed. "What's the matter?" She asked. "To ashamed to admit you're slipping?" She asked walking closer. He still wouldn't look at her. "Look a me!" She snapped and his eyes looked to her. She watched as they went from fearful, to full of guilt and a few tears.
"I..." he started but couldn't finish.
"You what? Rick talk to me." She said still angry but realizing he really wasn't in his right mind. He didn't even look like himself. "Who are you looking for?"
"Lori." he whispered quickly.
"Rick she's gone." Juliet said coldly. She understood he was hurting but sooner or later he needed to move on and get over it. It may have been cold to think that way, but now days dealing with death was just normal.
"I keep seeing her." He said looking down. "Back in Woodbury and last night." She said.
"That's why you were yelling. You were telling her to get out?" Juliet asked. Rick nodded.
"I didn't mean to..." he looked up at her. "no." He shook his head and started backing up.
"Rick stop." She said. "Look I understand you need time but we need you." She said.
"NO!" He yelled and then took off.
"Son of a bitch." She swore. What the hell was he running from? Maybe it was just the sight of her made him feel guilty? Good, she thought. She was pissed h was acting this way and wasn't dealing with it like everyone else but there was nothing she could do. She stood alone for a minute before she headed back to the gates. Michonne was leaning up against the over turned bus and Juliet wanted to talk to her.
She made her was up the hill and noticed how Michonne stood and was on guard quickly. She even reached for her sword but Juliet smiled softly putting her hands up. "He alright?" She asked gesturing to Rick who was still running around trees.
"Eventually he will be." She sighed. "Look I wanted to thank you." She smiled.
"For what?" She seemed thrown off by the question.
"For getting our people in and out of Woodbury." Juliet smiled.
"One of your men stayed back..." Michonne said.
"Yeah well he had good reason." Juliet nodded.
"You're Juliet right?" Michonne asked.
"Yeah." She nodded.
"Rick mentioned you when Daryl was about to leave." She said. "Asked him what he was supposed to tell you." She paused. "He told Rick to just tell you the truth. Said you would be mad but would understand." Michonne said.
"Well he was right." Juliet shrugged.
"You his wife or something?" Michonne asked.
"Or something." Juliet smiled and Michonne let off a little laugh. Juliet continued to walk back the prison and noticed Axel and Carol had come back. Beth and Carl were out in the court-yard as well.
"We got the gate up there all boarded up like you asked boss." Axel smiled.
"Awesome. Thank you." She nodded back at the two of them. Carol gave her small smile as Juliet turned to Carl.
"My dad okay?" He asked.
"Yeah he'll be fine. Just give him some time okay?" She smiled. Carl nodded.
Juliet looked back at those around her and took a deep breath. Something about today was giving her a whole rage of emotion. Most of them were just anger but there was a sense of calmness to her. She really believed that they all just needed to time to rest. She was about to turn back and head inside when the sound of a bullet going through Axel's head made them all jump.
Juliet watched as Axel fell over Carol. Then the gun fire started. Juliet grabbed Carl and Beth and headed for the wall. Someone had made it to the top of one of their guard towers and was firing right at them. Then at least three other guns started going off. Those shots were further away but still loud.
Everything was happening so quickly. Carl and Juliet pulled out their gun and started firing at the man in the tower. It was hard to aim when they were being fired at. Then Juliet watched as the area Rick had stopped started getting shot up. He had a gun and was firing right back. She wanted to make a run for him but before she could a truck came roaring to the gates and smashed them down. The gun fire stopped and the back of the truck opened.
They all watched in shock as almost three dozen walkers stumbled their way out of that truck. Maggie had come running out handing Beth a gun and started firing back. Juliet stopped shooting when she noticed Rick get up from the ground and started firing at the men in the truck just outside the gate. They looked as if they were just firing at the air. Maggie killed the man in the tower and Juliet ran to help Carol up and they both closed the gates, stopping the walkers from coming closer. Juliet killed a few but there were to many.
The gun fire came to an end when the men slammed on the gas and peeled away. Glenn had just come back from the far side of the prison and was heading toward Michonne. They opened the gates for them to come in and Juliet closed it behind them. She kept her eye out for Rick. When she saw him he didn't even see the walkers behind him.
"RICK!" She screamed out and he turned and noticed the three that started to snap at him. She ran to open the gate but Glenn stopped her.
"You can't. There are to many." he said.
Juliet turned to see Rick pinned to the fence by three walkers. "Dad!" Carl yelled and Juliet pulled him into her. She had to look away but when she didn't hear any screams so looked up just in time to see two men come from the woods killing the walkers near Rick. She had a feeling who they were and it brought a smile to her face.
As everyone looked at the damage it was quiet. Walkers everywhere and people attacking them. "We should have left when we had the chance." Beth sighed from Juliet's side.
"Glenn." Juliet looked up at the group. "Get everyone inside. Carl can stay with me but we shouldn't be out in the open." She turned her back to the fence as Rick and the other two men headed for the gates.
"But-" Glenn started.
"We'll let them in." She nodded. "Everyone inside." She demanded and no one else argued. They nodded and quickly walked in. The gate started to open once everyone walked in and Juliet and Carl turned to see Rick walking quickly toward them.
"Dad!" Carl exclaimed and ran to Rick. Juliet stood back as the two men shut and locked the gate behind them. When they turned she didn't know how to react. Merle and Daryl walking side by side. She took a deep breath and looked to Rick.
"Are you alright?" She asked quickly. Rick said nothing. Only cut her off with his arms wrapping around her quickly. "Okay?" She looked up and locked eyes with Daryl. He had a small smile but it faded once Rick hugged her. He looked down quickly. When Rick let go he looked down at her. "Everyone is inside..." She said.
"Everyone okay?" he asked.
"Well Axel not so much." They all looked over to Axel's body.
"We'll deal with him in the morning." Rick said. "We should get inside." He said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"What we should do is get the hell out of here." Merle's raspy voice called from behind Rick.
Rick stepped aside as him and Carl walked in. He didn't even acknowledge Merle. Juliet watched as they walked in and then turned to Merle and Daryl. She had no idea what to say. She wanted to swear and yell at him even punch him but she was just quiet. Daryl had no idea where to start. He knew she would be mad and he expected her to started yelling the minute she saw him but she just looked at him. He felt so guilty for leaving her behind and part of the reason he came back was he needed to be with her.
Merle watched as Daryl looked away from the girl looking his way. She looked familiar but had no idea who she was. He was going to say something when she started walking over to them.
"Juliet I-" Daryl started but Juliet didn't want to hear what he was going to say. He had already dropped hi bag and crossbow to the ground and as she walked closer deciding what to do she heard how low and sad his voice was. So before he could finish his sentence she threw her arms forward and locked them around his neck. She said nothing and just held him into her tightly. He heard him sigh in relief and wrap his arms around her waist. Her eyes closed and suddenly she wasn't mad. She was just so happy he was back and safe.
She didn't want to let go but the sound of Merle's laughter made her look his way. Daryl still kept one arm around her as she pulled away. "Am I missin' somethin' here little brother?" Merle laughed looking at Juliet up and down. "Please tell me you didn't drag me back here for a piece of ass." He laughed and Juliet smiled stepping away from Daryl and next to Merle.
"Nice to see you made it off that rooftop Merle." She smirked up at him. He looked down at her confused. She shook her head knowing he didn't recognize her. She smiled then quickly lunged forward punching him as hard as she could in the face. He stumbled back grabbing at his face. "Call that payback for everything you did." She said as he stood up looking very pissed off. "We should get inside." She said turning her back to both men.
"Bitch." She heard Merle swear and she looked over her should and just smiled. Daryl smirked as he watched her walk back inside. he followed quickly and Merle did the same. The sun had started to go down and when the three of them walked in everyone was yelling again.
"We need to leave." Hershel said.
"No. We just need out leader to have his head in the right place." Glenn said.
"What do you want me to do Glenn!" Rick yelled back.
"End this!" He yelled.
Daryl shut the door behind him and Merle and watched as Juliet quickly ran over to Glenn and Rick. "Both of you shut up!" She yelled and everyone got quiet. "Look it's bad, but acting in pure revenge is only gonna get you're ass shot. Dead." She said to Glenn. "Now everyone just get some sleep and we will deal with the walkers and everything else in the morning." She said clearly.
"We can't just hide in our cells!" Glenn yelled. "We need to end this. Tonight." He said.
"Glenn you are not an assassin. This guy will pay for what he did but not right now." She said looking at him. She was so done with all the yelling and fighting. "I'll stay in the guard tower tonight and make sure nothing happens while y'all are sleeping. But we can't do anything in the dark so just do as I ask. Please." She sighed.
"Don't much like being told what to do." Rick said.
Daryl watched as Juliet tilted her head up and laughed as she turned around. "And I don't much like getting pistol whipped or being knocked out for most of the day." She said and Rick shook his head. Daryl had wondered what happened to her face. It was not like that when he left. "and for god sakes maybe spend a bit of your time with your daughter." Juliet said to Rick as everyone but him started to head for the cells.
Merle started to walk toward her and Juliet didn't even hesitate. She pulled her gun and aimed it for his head. "Wooh easy sweetheart." He laughed. Daryl even walked closer so she wouldn't shoot him.
"No way you are going in there." She said as Rick locked the cell block door. She kept her gun on him and backed him up into a cell and locked the door.
"Is that really necessary?" Daryl asked with a huff.
"After the beating he gave Glenn, yeah it is necessary." She said looking back at him.
"I'm not an animal." Merle laughed. "Let me out of here." He demanded.
"No." She looked back at Merle.
Juliet said nothing more. She pushed her gun in the back of her jeans and walked outside. Daryl watched and looked to his brother. "You're friends are dicks." Merle said. Daryl rolled his eyes and followed Juliet.
Juliet got to the top of the guard tower and watched as the sun was slipping from the sky. She pulled her gun from her jeans and placed it on the table. She sighed and pulled her hair into a pony tail. She was out of energy but not tired. She looked at the yard and watched all the walkers just wonder around. She shook her head and took a seat on the counter pulling her legs up and crossing them. She kept her eyes on the road and the fences.
She had only taken leadership for one day and she hated it. She knew tomorrow Rick would deal with everything and she was happy. She couldn't keep doing it. Hell she even thought killing the Governor was a good idea. She sat alone only for a few minutes before she heard someone join her.
She turned her head to see Daryl standing by the door. He was leaning on the frame and looked at her. There was only a dim light in the corner, lighting the room and all he could see was the bruised side of her. She gave him a small smile but he knew she was mad at him.
"I had to go with him Juliet." He finally spoke up. She said nothing she just looked back out the windows. "I left him once, I couldn't leave him again. Glenn wasn't gonna bring him back here. I don't blame him but I had to." When Juliet said nothing he got a bit defensive. "You would have done the same thing if Shane was alive." he added. He noticed how she straightened her back. Juliet didn't know how to react. She just listened. "Fine." He huffed. Daryl shook his head and saw no point in explaining himself. He never had to before, why should he now. He was going to leave when she finally spoke.
"You left and we needed you here." She said. Juliet didn't move she just kept her eye on the walkers. Daryl stopped and looked back at her. He heard her take a deep breath. Juliet felt her eyes stinging. She was so mad and hurt that it all was to much. She let out a laugh. "And you ran off with Merle." She said still not looking at him. She finally turned trying to hide the tears but he saw, which only made him feel ten times worse. "I needed you here and you choose someone who, given the option would kill us all a hundred time over if it meant he got to live one more day." She stood shaking her head. "He's your brother, but you can't seriously believe he cares at all about you." She said.
"You don't know what you're talking about." Daryl said. Her anger and tears was only making him angry and annoyed.
Juliet shook her head. She didn't know what else to say. She just turned her back and sat back on the counter. She pulled her knees up as she pushed the tears away. Daryl said nothing more. He just looked at Juliet for a second and then left. He knew she would come around eventually but there was a part of him that needed her now. Of course he would never say that out loud but he just hoped she would find a way to forgive him. He wasn't proud of how he left and he did come back. Obviously she only saw it as him leaving.
Juliet spent all night in that tower wide awake with only the walkers to keep her company. Her mind was talking to her all night. She should have forgiven Daryl but there was something holding her back from that. She was thrilled he had come back and was happy he was now safe but she couldn't get over how angry she was. Not just at Daryl but at everything. Rick mostly. he hadn't apologized or explained why he hit her. She didn't care he was hurting, because they were all hurting and he seemed to be the only one thinking about himself.
When the sun came up Juliet made her way inside. When she opened the door she found Merle out of his cell. "Who let you out?" She asked.
"Officer friendly." He barked at her. "Got a problem with that?" he asked eyeing her up and down. She noticed how Carl was standing at the door waiting to open it for her. She smiled kindly at him.
Juliet went to walk around Merle when he stepped her way. Everyone in side the cell block was awake and now looking her way. They noticed how Merle cut her off two more times and she looked up at him. She was in no mood to deal with him.
"How'd you like to lose another part of your body." She said through her teeth pulling her knife from her belt.
"Oh tough bitch." He laughed. "I like that." He winked.
"You're a pig." She shook her head and pushed him out of her way. She walked over to the door and Carl opened it. They all stared at her as she walked in. They could all see how annoyed she was and she just looked back at them. "What?" She asked.
Rick didn't even look at her. "We were just talking about our options." Hershel said.
"We're not leaving." Rick said shaking his head. Juliet walked over to Hershel's side. Right now she wanted to leave to.
"We can't stay here." Hershel said.
"What if there's another sniper, a wood pallet won't stop on of those rounds." Maggie added looking to Juliet.
"We can't even go outside." Beth added.
"We can in the daylight." Carol was trying to keep everyone calm. Juliet appreciated that.
"Rick says we're not running, then we aren't running." Glenn yelled.
"So we are back to listening to Rick then?" Juliet questioned and everyone looked at her. "Yesterday you were all fine with taking off." She said looking at Glenn.
"Naw, better to live like rats." Merle spoke up from the cell. Juliet looked over at him and just listened.
"You got a better idea?" She asked and he smiled.
"Yeah, we should have snuck out of here last night, and live to fight another day." Merle said shrugging. "We lost that window didn't we?" He asked.
"You could have left." Juliet said as they both stared at each other.
"You know, I bet you anything he has scouts on every road out of here by now." He said.
"We ain't scared of that prick." Daryl added. Juliet quickly looked up to find him looking down at his brother.
"Y'all should be." Merle said. "That truck through the fence thing, that was just him ringing the door bell. We might have some thick walls to hide behind but he's got the guns and the numbers. And if he takes the high ground..." he paused. Juliet listened suddenly well aware they would all be screwed. "Hell he could always just starve us out." Merle said. Juliet looked over at Merle and sighed. "You alright with dying in a prison sweetheart?" He asked.
She just looked at Merle and sighed. "No one is gonna die." She said.
"Why don't we just put him in another cell block." Maggie said.
"No." Daryl said. "he's got a point."
"This is his fault!" Maggie yelled rushing toward him but Juliet stopped her.
"It doesn't matter." Juliet said keeping Maggie away. "We can't exactly change what happened." She said.
"Then what do we do?" Beth asked walking down next to her father and sister.
"I said we should leave. Now Axel is dead. We can't just sit here." Hershel was getting annoyed.
"And we're not." Juliet said. "We'll figure it out." She said. "But we can't leave Hershel. Being on the road with Judith will only get more of us killed." She sighed trying to calm him down. Rick started to leave but she grabbed his arm. "Don't you dare walk out." she whispered.
Rick whipped his arm away from Juliet's grip and headed for the door. "Get back here!" Hershel yelled. "You're slipping Rick. We've all seen it. We understand why, but now is not the time." Hershel said. "You once said this isn't a democracy, Now you have to own up to that." He said. "I put my family's life in your hands." He said calming his voice. "So get your head clear. And do something." Hershel said.
As Rick walked out locking the door behind him everyone was quiet. Juliet shook her head and then looked up to find everyone's eyes on her. "What?" She asked. It was like they were looking for answers.
"What is happening with him?" Glenn asked.
"How should I know?" Juliet got very defensive.
"You spend enough time with him." Glenn said. The way that came out sounded a lot worse. Like she was spending time with Rick not just talking.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" She asked.
Glenn rolled his eyes. "You know him the best. What is going on?" He asked very impatient.
"Oh for the love of..." She rolled her eyes. "I have no idea. Look he just lost his wife and he has all of us to worry about. So why don't you cut the man some slack." Juliet sighed.
"Why should we? He needs to get his mind right now." Maggie said.
"Rick isn't perfect, obviously. But he has gotten us all out of worse." She said looking at everyone. "None of us would be alive if it weren't for him. So I think we all owe him sometime to himself." She said.
"But we don't have time." Hershel said as Juliet turned her back and notice Carl just looking at her. "Juliet?" He questioned when she said nothing.
"Juliet?" Glenn asked too.
"Just shut up for a minute." She barked at Glenn. She walked over to Carl and smiled down at him. "Hey you wanna help me out here?" She asked.
"Hows the kid gonna help?" Merle asked.
"Shut it Merle." Daryl said and Juliet looked up with a small smile. He just nodded.
"Why don't you go and talk to you dad." She said placing a hand on his shoulder and bending down to his level. "No one else can get through to him like you." Juliet smiled.
"What if he doesn't listen?" Carl asked.
"Well you won't know unless you try." She nodded.
Carl looked at everyone and leaned closer to whisper in Juliet's ear. "I don't think he should be the leader anymore." he whispered. "You, Daryl, or Hershel should..." He pulled away.
"Well then you tell him that." She smiled.
"And if he gets mad?"
"He won't." Juliet shook her head. "He'll only think you are just looking out for him. Just like he does for you and Judith." She said. "Just tell him what you think." She nodded as she stood up slowly.
"Okay." Carl sighed with a nod.
Once Carl was gone she looked back to everyone. "There." She said.
"What good is that gonna do?" Glenn asked.
"The only opinion that matters to a father is his children's." Hershel smiled at Juliet.
"Exactly... and I think Judith is a bit young to have a heart to heart talk with her father." Juliet smiled with a shrug. "Now everyone relax. We really are going to be fine." She said heading up the stairs.
Everyone slowly went to do their own thing and Juliet went toward the furthest cell in the upper level. She walked and sat down quickly running her hand through her ponytail. She was about to lay down when a voice came from the door.
"That was a smart thing you did." Carol said. Juliet looked up at her and nodded. "What I said before. I was wrong. You're anything but weak." She sighed looking down. "It was uncalled for and I'm sorry." Carol sighed and Juliet nodded.
"I know." She smiled and Carol left. Juliet was alone for a while and soon she fell asleep. She was tired of yelling and having everyone looking at her for answers but she didn't have a choice. At least now that Daryl was back people would look to him first.
"So we're trapped in here." Was what woke Juliet. She got up quickly to over hear the rest of the conversation. "There is barely any food or ammo." Glenn was adding stress to the mix.
"Been here before." Daryl said. He was in the middle surrounded by Hershel, Glenn, Michonne, and Rick. She stood at the top of the stairs and listened. When Glenn started talking she sighed. Daryl had heard Juliet sigh and looked up. "We'll be alright." he said when he noticed her listening in.
"That was when it was just us." Glenn said. "Before there was a snake in the nest." he said. Daryl looked to Glenn and Juliet saw the anger in him.
"Man do we gotta go through this again?" Daryl asked shaking his head. "Look Merle is staying here. He's with us now." Daryl shook his head looking at Glenn. "Get used to it." He said clearly. "All y'all." Daryl said when Rick tried to get him to step off. Juliet watched as Daryl headed up the stairs. He didn't look at her when he passed he just paced bak and forth.
"I don't think having Merle here is really gonna fly." Glenn said.
"I can't kick him out." Rick said.
"I wouldn't ask you to live with Shane after he tried to kill you." Glenn snapped.
"Well that is not your call." Juliet spoke up and they all looked to her. Daryl even stopped pacing and looked to her. "Rick made the great choice of sending Tyreese and his group away. Now they could have helped us in a situation like this but now we are seriously in need of man power." Juliet said. "Now Merle may not be any of our first choice but you better get used to the fact he isn't going anywhere Glenn." Juliet said standing straight. "And don't worry yourself with what would have happened if Shane lived." She said turning around. "We would have left." She said walking back to the cell she was sleeping in. She noticed Daryl watch her. He had heard everything.
The other continued to talk and Juliet went back into her cell. She sat down and fell back asleep. Daryl had gone to check on her a few minutes later once Rick and the others found something else to do. He paused in front of the cell door and looked down at her. She was fast asleep but it looked as if she was either in pain or having a nightmare. The nights he used to wake up and look over at her she always had a small little smile but not that smile had vanished. He saw no reason to torture himself. He sighed and walked away.
Juliet didn't have much luck sleeping. After what Glenn had said, her head was just replaying Shane's death over and over. She hadn't thought about that night in months and now it all just came screaming back. She realized part of the reason she was so mad at Daryl was because she was jealous. He got him brother back and she would never see hers again.
She stood up quickly and headed out of the cell. She didn't even give her pounding head a chance to catch up. She just needed some air. She didn't even get to the stairs before she felt dizzy and light headed. She leaned forward before she fell and grabbed the railings. She shut her eyes to try to stop the spinning of the room.
"You alright?" She heard Daryl's voice from around the corner.
"Fine. Just got up to fast." She said. She looked up to find him standing like he was ready to run and catch her if he needed to. "I guess having a slight concussion doesn't help." She said trying to straighten.
"Rick have anything to do with that." Daryl crossed his arms.
Juliet sighed. "I'm sure he didn't mean it... at least I hope." She smirked a bit. "He was seeing things and I got in the way." Juliet sighed. She looked back at Daryl. "Everyone does stupid shit." She said and Daryl just looked at her. She gave him a small nod and then headed back down to see if Judith was hungry.
Daryl watched Juliet walk away and he wondered if she would ever forgive him. He sighed and went back to his cell. he only rejoined the group when Rick called for him. Juliet stayed inside with Hershel as everyone ran outside. Carl had noticed something in the woods moving toward them. Juliet wanted to help but was still dizzy. She didn't want to accidentally hurt anyone. She as surprised when even Merle went out to have everyone's back.
Hershel and Juliet waited inside for a few minutes and when Rick opened the door they couldn't believe who followed him. Juliet had heard Andrea was dead and when she walked in and hugged Carol Juliet smiled. It was nice to she had lived but Juliet saw the pain in her eyes when she saw how bad things had gotten for them. Juliet didn't say anything to Andrea. She just listened as the others questioned her motives for coming here. She asked about Shane and Lori and everyone was quiet. She even asked to see the cell block but Rick wouldn't allow it. Everyone was treating her like she was the enemy.
Every so often Juliet would looked around the group and a few times she caught Merle looking her way. Not in a creepy way, but as if he was trying to figure out who she was. When Michonne and Andrea went outside to talk everyone looked around and talked about their options. Juliet again stayed quiet. Soon Andrea came back in to say good bye. She saved Juliet for last.
"Carol told me what happened." She said. "I'm so sorry." she sighed hugging Juliet quickly. "Shane was a good guy..." Juliet just smiled and nodded as they sent her on her way back to Woodbury. On some level Juliet wanted to go with Andrea to make sure she came back but she knew that would never be okay with anyone.
So as everyone headed inside Juliet was last to walk in. She shut the door behind her realizing everyone had gone into the cell block. She noticed Merle sitting at one of the tables carving something into the seats with his knife. Juliet was going to walk by him but he called out to her.
"Wooh slow your roll sweetheart." he said. She sighed turning to him. "I wanna have a little chat with ya, if ya don't mind." he patted the seat next to him.
"What do you want?" She asked walking over deciding to hear what he had to say.
"You know I never forget a pretty face." He said pointing at her. "Took me a while to figure it out." He smirked. "You talk more than you did back in Atlanta." He smirked. "Punch the same though." he added.
"Well you deserved it." She smirked back.
"Hey you won't hear me arguing." he threw up his hand with a smile. "Your brother, Shane..." He paused looking down. "I'm sorry he didn't make it." Merle suddenly spoke with a sense of sorrow. Juliet looked at him funny.
"Wait is that sympathy?" She asked. "I don't remember you being such a softie?" She laughed.
"Well I ain't." Merle said. "Until it come to family I guess." He looked confused at his own words. "I thought Daryl was dead for so long. I know what that feels like." he said.
"See you don't." She added. "Because Daryl was alive, and getting along fine until you came along... again." She shook her head.
"Ah you're mad at him eh?" Merle added. "I always told Daryl never to get on a women's bad side... especially if there are feelings and what not." Merle leaned in and whispered.
"Feelings?" Juliet laughed. "What are you talking about?" She asked.
Merle shook his head. "Girl I spent most of my life with that boy. I know when he is pinning for a women." Merle laughed. "I've never seen him so itching to get back to someone before."
"Daryl came back for the good of the group and for himself." Juliet refused Merle's opinion.
"Oh please. You don't actually believe that do ya?" He laughed. "He may have wanted to be back with his friends but you are the real reason he came back." Merle said looking at her.
"And how do you know that?" She rolled her eyes.
"I ain't an idiot... Redneck yeah, but idiot no." he smiled. "I know my brother pretty damn well and when he is calling out for someone in the middle of the night I tend to notice." Merle said. Juliet couldn't believe what she was hearing. Did Daryl really come back to be with her? Did he actually call out for her? God knows she called for him a few times. She looked at Merle confused and shocked. "Now I have noticed the tension between you two." he sighed. "Do me a favour and be mad at me not Daryl." he said in a hushed tone. "He was only looking out for me. Keeping me out of trouble, hell the kid has been doing it all his life." Merle said.
"Well maybe if you stayed out of trouble you wouldn't have that problem." Juliet. "and why do you care who I'm mad at anyway?" Juliet said.
"Contrary to popular belief, I do care about Daryl. He is my blood and I gotta look out for him. Now I didn't see how he was when you two were together but I see how he is now and I'm tellin' ya..." He paused. "He ain't the same." Merle said. "If there is one thing I know for certain is that Daryl cares a lot about you... hell even back in Atlanta I noticed the way he looked at ya... he still has that little glimmer of hope." He sighed. "But you keep acting like this it's gonna go out."
"And you're telling me all this why?" Juliet asked.
Merle rolled his eyes. "If the Governor is gonna attack, there is a good chance I'll die first." Merle sighed. "I would like to have one good deed under my belt before I go." Merle said. Merle looked at Juliet and noticed the necklace that hung from her neck. He recognized it as Shane's. "Every big brother wants the best for their sibling." Merle winked and this only caused Juliet to smile.
Soon the sound of Beth's voice filled the air. The sun had gone down and everyone was just trying to take in the day. Merle and Juliet sat for a second just listening until she stood and motioned for him to come and listen with her. Everything Merle had just said made Juliet's anger completely melt away. She was no longer mad at Daryl for leaving and she wasn't even mad at Merle for being the reason he left. Merle stepped into the cell block first and leaned on the doors. He looked back as Juliet walked in behind him. She smiled at him and he smirked as well.
Rick was talking to Hershel and Daryl. He was headed out on a run in the morning with Michonne and Carl and wanted Daryl to keep an eye on Merle. When Daryl looked over and noticed Merle and Juliet walking in he wondered what they were doing. Then he saw the smile form on both their faces. They said nothing just looked to Beth afterward and listened. Daryl looked back to Rick and then everyone was quiet as they listened to Beth.
When she finished everyone said their good nights and Juliet suddenly shook her head at her own behaviour. Daryl had come back alive and she was not acting the way she should. She watched as Rick and the other all retired to their cells for the night and before Daryl had the chance to disappear she walked over. His back was turned to her but she reached out taking a firm hold of his hand and started walking. Daryl looked down and was suddenly pulled toward the cell block door.
Juliet said nothing she just walked quickly. They left the cell block and headed to the furthest cell block that wasn't over run. Juliet closed the gate of cell block A behind her and sighed. Daryl said nothing as he just waited for her to turn around.
Juliet slowly turned around keeping her back pressed against the bars. "You were right." she sighed. Daryl quickly looked up at her words "I would have done the same thing." She shrugged looking away. "I mean you got your brother back." She laughed. "Why wouldn't you go with him? Stupid of me to think you would choose this place over family." She still looked down. "Truth is I was just scared." She looked up at Daryl with big eyes. Hearing this Daryl suddenly understood why she was so mad. She hadn't admitted to being scared in a long time. Not since Shane had died. "I didn't want to lose you." She said and he just looked at her. It still boggled his mind how someone as strong and way out of his league could be so concerned. "But you came back." A small smiled showed up but then vanished quickly. "And I'm so-"
"Wait." he stopped her. Juliet looked up at him confused. Daryl had more to say but he thought actions could speak louder than words. So when she looked up at him her big eyes all he could do was shake his head. Before she questioned him he quickly step closer to her, cupped her right cheek with one hand and pulling her in with the other arm. He instantly placed his lips on her and she was more then happy to comply. Daryl pulled away after a bit and looked down at her. "You did say you would be all mine when I got back." he smirked down at her.
"Yeah?" She smiled.
"That offer still stand?" he asked. Juliet giggled a bit and didn't waste anytime. She quickly put her arms around Daryl's neck and pulled him back into her lips. When they touched and her eyes closed all the anger she had toward just about anyone was gone. Her heart started pounding when his hands traveled down her back and landed on her hips. He quickly lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around him still not breaking contact with him.
Daryl and Juliet spent the night in that cell block trying not to make to much noise. This was one of the ways Daryl planned to make it up to Juliet. As they lay next to each other after he looked down and noticed that small smirk on her face she always got when she slept. Her eyes had just closed and he was glad he made her smile again.
Juliet felt Daryl pull her closer to him as he sighed. He tried so hard to be a tough guy and not let his feelings show but it was little moments like this that he didn't care. For the first time in a long time she felt safe. They didn't need to say anything. Juliet didn't need to hear an apology and Daryl knew that. So she just settled with falling asleep, protected in his arms.
When the sun rose Daryl looked down to see Juliet still fast asleep. He lowered his head and kissed the top of hers gently. Juliet was always a light sleeper so once she felt Daryl move she was awake. She still lay down as he moved to get up and grab his clothes.
"What's going on?" She asked rubbing her eyes.
"Rick is taking Carl and Michonne on a run. Guns and what not." Daryl said throwing Juliet herc clothes. "I still don't see why he didn't want me to go." He rolled his eyes. Juliet smiled pulling her shirt and underwear on. She crawled up behind Daryl and wrapped her arms around him as he sat. She kissed his shoulder then his neck a few times.
"You don't always gotta go runnin' off to save the day." She said quietly.
"Better me then Carl." Daryl said with a sigh.
"Carl is old enough to go out on a run with his father. Plus Michonne isn't gonna let anything get at him." She shrugged.
"You trust her?" Daryl asked not believing Juliet's random trust.
"Yeah." Juliet said as she slid over sitting next to him. "I mean she got you and Rick into Woodbury, got Maggie and Glenn out..." She sighed. "Pretty sure she has earned her place." She looked up at Daryl. "Don't ya think?" She asked. Daryl just shrugged. Once Juliet had her jeans back on she followed Daryl back into cell block C. Rick seemed to be the only one awake. Juliet didn't talk to him. She was still a bit angry he had not apologized for whacking her but she doubted she would ever get one.
So Juliet walked to her cell and found a different shirt to put on. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and rejoined Daryl, Rick and now Merle. "We are pretty low on food. Once you're gone, I'll go see if I can catch anything worth eating." Daryl said.
"Might as well go with ya." Merle said as he joined his brother.
"Good." Rick nodded to Daryl. "And Juliet?" Rick looked behind him just noticing Juliet walk back in. "Would you keep an eye on Judith."
Juliet scoffed to herself and shook her head. "She is like two weeks old. What she gonna do? Walk onto a landmine." Juliet rolled her eyes at Rick. He knew she was still a bit mad but he hated her attitude.
"That a yes?" he asked like an angry father. Rick looked back to her and they both stared at each other for a minute. Daryl and Merle looked at each other confused to what their problem was.
Juliet smiled sarcastically. "What else would I be doing." Then she shook her head.
"You got something you wanna say to me?" Rick asked turning around and standing.
"Would it matter?" Juliet raised her eyebrows at him. Rick just looked at her. Juliet rolled her eyes. "Where is she?" She asked.
"With Carol." Rick said.
"Fine." Juliet said as she turned her back.
"Thank you." Rick called out after her.
"Yupp." She didn't bother turning. She just walked toward Carol's cell. Rick then turned to Daryl and Merle.
"Did I miss somethin'?" Merle asked.
"What?" Rick asked.
"Granted I may not know the girl all the well but man she is sure pissed at you..." Merle looked to his brother with a smile. "What you do?" Merle asked.
"Should just apologize and be done with it." Daryl said looking to Rick. He just nodded as Daryl stood and walked into the cell block as Carl and Michonne past him. "Y'all be careful." He nodded toward Carl and Michonne just nodded back.
"So what's the deal with Rick and your girl?" Merle asked in a hushed tone as him and his brother walker through the woods. They had only been out for an hour, but only caught a few squirrels. "And no judgement bro but did you have to pick the most beat looking one?" Merle kinda laughed.
Daryl stopped and looked at his brother. "What?" He asked squinting. What did he mean by beat looking.
Merle laughed. "Ain't that sweet of you to look past all the brusise." Merle said looking over. Daryl still looked confused. "Oh come on. One side of her face is turning blue." he laughed.
"That was Rick." Daryl said. "She tried to stop him from shooting at intruders." Daryl explained.
"And officer friendly pistol whipped her?" Merle looked almost shocked.
"It was an accident." Daryl felt guilty for sticking up for Rick, but Juliet had as well.
"Okay..." Merle seemed put off. "Then the limp?" He asked. It was both different and strange that Merle was asking questions about Juliet.
"Um some walkers got into the cell blocks and she was leading Carol and T out of the tombs when they got cut off. T died, and Juliet got Carol to go one way while she distracted the walkers." Daryl said looking away. "Two fell on her, dislocated her hip." Daryl shrugged. "Stuck in a cell for a few days before I found her." Daryl said.
"Damn." Merle said as they continued to walk. "And the doc.. Hershel," he snapped his fingers remembering the name. "He just pop her hip back in?" Merle asked.
"Naw, I did." Daryl said looking around for anything to move.
"Shit." Merle said under his breath. "So what happened to her brother?" Merle asked.
Daryl was quiet for a second. he didn't know how to say it, but then he realized it was only him and Merle so he told it like it was. "Went crazy. Wanted Rick's wife and kid. Tried to killed Rick twice..."
"Bitters get him?" Merle asked.
"Naw. Rick killed him." Daryl said.
"Wooh!" Merle said waving his hands and stopped. "You mean to tell me, the man straight up killed her brother and she still sticks around?" Merle asked. "Not to mention the beating." Daryl just shrugged. He had no idea how to answer that. "Well my boy..." Merle paused patting his brother on the back. "She's tough I'll give her that." he smiled.
Daryl laughed a bit. "You got no idea." They both continued to walked.
"How the hell did you end up with her then?" Merle asked.
"Dose it matter?" Daryl shrugged. Still very odd that Merle was asking so many questions.
"Guess not." Merle laughed a bit. "But ya know that anger is just gonna get her killed." Merle said.
"What anger?" Daryl asked.
"Oh come on bro. You saw the way she was looking at Rick. She wants to bash his head in." Merle laughed.
"Naw, Juliet ain't gonna do nothin' like that." Daryl said.
"Give it time little brother." Merle laughed. "If Rick don't man up and just get that apology out of the way she'll turn on him."
That stuck with Daryl all day. Merle and him hunted for most of the day and when they got back to the prison the sun was just setting. They walked in and everything was quiet. Maggie and Glenn were on watch, Hershel and Carol were talking, Beth was fast asleep and all Daryl could hear is the slight crying of Judith. Daryl left Merle to clean what they had brought back and he went to find out what was wrong.
He walked into the cell block and headed up the stairs. "Come on Judith you were so quiet." Daryl heard Juliet begging the baby to stop her cries. "You were asleep like ten minutes ago... what happened?" Daryl found Juliet bouncing Judith in her arms trying to calm her. He leaned on the door frame and let off a laugh. Juliet turned quickly and Daryl saw how tired she was. "I don't get it. She is so good for Beth..." Juielt shook her head. They both looked down at Judith and when the baby turned her head and saw Daryl her noises stopped. Then the small smile creeped up on her little face making Juliet giggle.
"What?" Daryl asked.
Judith extended her small arm and it look like she was grabbing at Daryl even though he was near. "Obviously she likes you better." Juliet walked over and handed Judith to Daryl. He wasn't holding her five seconds and she calmed down and they both heard her sigh. Juliet's mouth dropped as her eyes started to close. "How are you doing that?" She asked quietly.
Daryl looked down at the little bundle in his arms and a small smile spread across his face. "I'm not doing anything..." He looked up at Juliet. She looked so surprised. Then she smiled the sweetest smile he had ever seen. "What?" Daryl asked.
"Nothing." She shrugged. "Who would have thought you love babies." She giggled.
"I do not love babies." Daryl rolled his eyes.
"Well Judith sure seems to love you." She smiled. Juliet watched as Daryl slightly rocked Judith in her arms. She let her mind get the bets of her for a minute. It wondered to what their baby would have looked like. She imagined her soft exterior and his tough interior. She felt her heart breaking knowing they could never actually have a kid.
Juliet had always wanted a kid but after she was attacked, the damage had been done. Quinton Redding had taken her ability to even conceive a child. It hurt when she found out she could never have kids but it also made her happy no kid would ever have to have her as a mother.
When she had told Daryl about this he was more concerned about her then anything. He thought it was awful someone as kind and caring as Juliet couldn't be a mother. Daryl had always thought eventually every women got to a point where they wanted to have a family and he knew his chances of that were slim to none. But, after he met Juliet and she completely opened up to him about everything and he was somehow able to do the same he thought about it. A few nights it had kept him awake. Just wondering what kind of father he could be. He sure as hell was not going to be like his father. Then Juliet had told him she could never have a baby. It was right after Lori died and before he left. Of course, if it meant he would lose her he wouldn't have thought twice about even having a kid.
"You two gonna come eat or what?" Merle's voice came from the top of the stairs. Juliet snapped from her daydream and looked up behind Daryl where Merle was standing.
"Just trying to get Judith to sleep first..." Juliet said. She looked over at Daryl and noticed she was fast asleep in his arms. "Seriously." Her mouth dropped open. Daryl looked up with a smile. "Freakin' baby whisperer." She shook her head. Daryl rolled his eyes and looked back down at Judith.
"Rick's kid right?" Merle asked and Juliet nodded.
"Yea..." Juliet gave Merle a warm smile and when Daryl saw it he smiled at it. Juliet didn't treat Merle like other people did and it made Daryl happy. "Daryl why don't you bring her down to Rick's cell and put her in the crib. I'll get her something to eat. Rick should be back soon enough." Juliet ran her hand down him arm as she past him. Her and Merle went down the stairs first. Daryl did just as Juliet had asked and she warmed her up and bottle of milk. As everyone ate Juliet sat with Judith in Rick's cell.
Juliet was only alone for about an hour before she noticed Merle walking over. She was feeding Judith slowly when he knocked on the wall. She smiled up at him. "Hi." She said quietly. "What's up?" she asked.
"Nothin' I just wanted to ask ya something..." he said looking a bit nervous.
"Okay, shoot." She said rocking Judith in her arms.
Merle rubbed the back of his head and looked around making sure he was alone with her. She noticed he looked nervous so she just smiled kindly. "I hear the Governor wants to meet with Rick tomorrow." He stated.
"Who told you that?" She asked. That was first time she had heard about this.
"Daryl..." Merle sighed. She shook her head a bit mad no one told her. "and I came to ask you a favour." he said. She looked up at him in confusion. "I know you don't owe me the time of day... and I know it isn't my call but..." he paused. "Would you go with Rick and Daryl?" Juliet looked up at Merle still confused.
"Okay..." She said placing Judith in her crib. "Why?" She asked.
"The Governor and his men have a soft spot for tough women." Merle shrugged. "And couldn't hurt to have someone I can trust looking out for my brother." Merle added.
"And what make you think you can trust me?" She asked in a bit of shock.
"Well I haven't tried to kill ya yet." He smirked and Juliet laughed a bit.
"Alright." Juliet nodded. "Then you gotta do me a favour." She said crossing her arms. "Well two." She corrected her self. Merle waited. "One, you gotta stay here and not make waves. You stay out of everyone's way." She said. Merle rolled his eyes. "And two... you apologize for the beating you gave Glenn. And Maggie, apologize to her too." She said.
"I didn't do anything to her." Merle sounded defensive.
"So you didn't lock her in a room, and give her to a crazy man who touched her?" Juliet asked and Merle just rolled his eyes. "Deal?" She asked.
"Yeah yea." Merle said.
Merle left Juliet alone after that. She stayed in Rick's cell beside Judith and rocked her when she started to cry. Soon Rick, Carl and Michonne came back. They hd brought back enough guns to fight off a small army. Carl even found Judith a real crib. Juliet waited for Rick to be alone to talk to him. Carl stayed with his sister when she noticed Rick talking to Daryl.
Juliet walked up quickly and over heard the last of their conversation. "We'll take Hershel and Maggie with us."
"No." Juliet stopped then and shook her head. "Maggie doesn't need to be reminded of what that man did." She said and Rick looked at her. "I'm gonna come with you." She said looked at both of them.
"No I need you to stay here." Rick said.
"I'm sorry did I ask for your permission?" She asked crossing her arms. Daryl tried his best to hide the small smile he had. She was stubborn. He didn't like it but she was coming. "I'm coming." She said looking at Rick.
"Can I talk to you." Rick looked her up and down as he walked into the cell block. Juliet looked back to Daryl and he just shrugged. She huffed and followed Rick.
"What?" She asked joining him.
Rick turned around quickly and tried not to yell. "What is your problem?" he asked.
"My problem?" She asked. "My problem is you knocked my uncontentious in front of everyone and all you did was run away." She shook her head. "Not to mention you leaving your daughter in the care of everyone else."
Rick's eyes grew a little. It was like he was being reminded of what he did. "Jesus..." he rubbed his head. "Look Juliet..." he paused looking up. "You gotta know I didn't mean to... I just..." He sighed not being able to say it. "I'm sorry..." he sighed. "I'm a mess I know but I don't know how to stop it." He said.
"Stop what?" She asked. Rick looked past her and she followed his gaze only she saw nothing. "you're still seeing Lori.. aren't you?" She asked. Rick nodded. "Rick you gotta let her go. She's gone and I'm sorry but she isn't coming back." Juliet sighed.
"I know." he sighed.
"Well then you need move on." Juliet said. "The sooner you move on the less you will see of her. You have bigger problems to deal with." She sighed.
"I want you with me." He said looking up. "When I talk with this Governor... I want you there."
Juliet smiled. "Alright." She nodded. She went to turn away and head to her cell to get come sleep before Rick spoke again. "Juliet I really am sorry..." he said. "Shane would be proud to see how far you've come." he smirked a bit. Juliet just gave Rick a nod before heading to her cell.
When Juliet finally reached her cell she was beyond tired. Daryl was already laying down just staring at the ceiling. She quickly changed from her jeans to more comfortable pants and when she sat next to Daryl he looked at her.
"Is it weird I miss being on the road?" Juliet sighed as she lay back on her side looking up to Daryl.
"Naw, feel the same." He said with a sigh. He looked over to her realizing how far she was laying from him. He looked down. "Is it even a chance" I can talk ya out of coming?" he asked and she looked up at him.
"What do you think?" She asked a cute smile. "Rick wants me with him."
"I don't want you anywhere near that animal." Daryl said in a commanding voice and he noticed how her eyes lit up a bit. He was serious.
Juliet smiled at his protective nature. She pushed herself up on her shoulder and leaned forward placing half of her body on top of him. She leaned down and kissed his gently and pulled away. "Rick isn't exactly stable enough to negotiate with that man." She said pulling away from Daryl. He took his chance to keep her close and wrapped an arm around her so she couldn't move to far. She smiled and rolled her eyes. "It'll be fine. I swear." She said kissing him one more time. Daryl didn't want her to stop but they both needed sleep. So when she pulled away and laid her head on his chest and stayed close he was fine with it.
The sun rose very early and they were ready to move out. Hershel said goodbye to his daughters and Rick said goodbye to Carl and Judith. Just before they left Carl rushed over to Juliet and hugged her. She smiled tasselling his hair and gave him a reassuring nod. Then they set out. Juliet rode with Daryl on his bike while Hershel and Rick lead the way.
When they arrived none said a word. Daryl and Rick led to check the place out and Juliet followed. Hershel stayed where he was to keep a look out. Just an only abandoned shack gave Juliet a nervous state of mind. She had a feeling this day would be for nothing. She sighed as she looked over at Daryl before her and Rick stepped in. He gave her a reassuring nod with a small smile. All her doubts faded when she saw that smile. Rick had his gun in hand as they looked around. Juliet had not pulled her gun yet. She didn't see the need to. Then once she heard someone walking toward they she kept one hand on it.
His hands were up and he looked nothing like she pictured. Tall, middle-aged and on a better day Juliet would have thought he was a bit handsome. It was the eye patch that threw her off. It made him seem more shifty and dangerous. He kept his focus on Rick and put his hands down.
"We have a lot to talk about."