First of all, I am so sorry, guys, for the absence. To be fair, my mind was not on this story for about a month. I didn't forget about Elena and Daryl, and it's still a story close to my heart, the very first one I was brave enough to let others read. But recently, my mind was swarmed with other ideas, other stories, and I had to get them out of my mind before getting back to my favorite one.

Then the spoilers hit. Yes, those spoilers about Daryl, and I, to be honest, after reading lots of comments, moaning and bitching, I stopped. I am NOT a fan of Caryl, never was, never will be. Sorry, not sorry. They have an amazing friendship, but at the same time, I think Carol is not good for Daryl. She's more than often selfish in her choices etc. So to me, news that there's a potential for someone else to steal Daryl's heart was actually something good. He deserves it. What I am not Ok with is how the whole fandom erupted and started roasting AMC, Angela, Lynn, and Norman. For fuck sake, they just doing their job and what they are told.

And then the other scandal, and it blows my mind how people reacted, not towards Manson, but those around him. Guys, what we see on the outside is rarely what happens inside. Norman and Manson might be friends, but it does NOT mean that Reedus knows everything or have any kind of insides on what happens in Manson's fucking bedroom. And going after those close to Manson won't change anything that happened. I personally don't think that Norman knew anything; he's not that kind of guy.

Here, my piece of mind. I'll respect if you completely disagree with me, we all have the right to our own opinions, but I'd like this post to not turn into a battle conflict over it. Thank you, and enjoy this chapter.

Cheers :)


Day 494

I woke up early, Daryl being the reason. He shook me gently awake, and when I groaned and stretched my arms, finally opening my eyes, his beautiful face was hovering over me. I smiled at the view and pulled his face down, kissing him softly. Of course, we couldn't enjoy it, Daryl being himself still didn't feel comfortable with PDA and pulled away after a few seconds, smirking at me.

"Get up, Princess, we gotta hunt," The hunter whispered, and I huffed.

"My bow's back in prison," I told him grumpily and slowly sat up, glancing around. Lucy slept in Oscar's arms used to him, and Merle layed sprawled on the grass a few yards away, snoring softly.

"I got gift for ya, but ya gotta move." Daryl gave me one last peck, standing up. I groaned and got to my feet. The advantage of sleeping while ready to fight was being already dressed, reigns still under my boobs. Disadvantage? Being sweaty, gross, and utterly uncomfortable from having straps on while sleeping.

I attached the machete to my belt and checked that Glock is in the holster before going after Daryl. He stopped for a moment, next to Rick and Axel, who were currently on watch, exchanging a few quiet words. When he heard me coming over, I noticed a big compound bow in his spare hand.

"Here ya go," He held it out to me, and I took it, weighting it and bringing it up, trying to pull the string. Mechanism clicked, and the further I drew, the easier it got. I huffed under my nose and furrowed my brows at the wheels on each end of the bow.

"Zero skill necessary," I commented dryly, making Rick chuckle. Sheriff patted Daryl's shoulder and winked at him.

"Welcome to married life."

"Hey! I'm delightful Grimes, and don't you go and tell my husband otherwise!" I grinned and glanced down to look at my left hand. Husband. I could actually call Daryl that. His face flushed red, and he scoffed, passing me a small backpack with few handmade arrows inside.

"I made that last night. Now move, we ain't got all day." After that, Daryl started to walk away, and I rolled my eyes before strolling behind him.

"Wait, I need to speak with Rick about roll out," I told Daryl loudly before he would walk away too far.

"No need, I already did. They'll eat, pack and move towards the town you pointed out," Daryl said confidently, puffing his chest out a little bit. I smirked and stopped him by wrapping my hand around his muscular arm.

"Mm, thank you, Mr. Dixon," Climbing on my toes, I pressed my lips softly to his. It felt normal and like nothing have changed, even though we were separated for a week. But being here in the woods, on the road with others once again, that was familiar. We did it before, and we would now too. Daryl wrapped one arm around me, and our mouth moved slowly together for a few more seconds before he pulled away.

"Move it, Mrs. Dixon, we need to catch some food," The hunter's voice was raspy, his pupils dilated, but he managed to compose himself quickly, pulling me with him further into the woods. My heart fluttered at his words. I was his, truly and completely. If you'd tell me two years ago that some man will ever have that kind of effect on me, I'd laugh it off. But here we were in fucking apocalypse with walking corpses, and I found something I was missing my whole life.

I trailed behind Daryl for a few moments, but that didn't last long. When we ventured further into the forest, Daryl motioned for me to take the lead, making me scowl. I had one arrow already notched, gripping it loosely when a thought occurred to me. I stopped and swiftly spun around, glaring at Daryl. His eyes snapped up to mine, and he cocked his eyebrows questioningly.

"Why am I always going first?" I asked him suspiciously, narrowing my eyes when a blush spread over his neck and cheeks.

"I told ya, woman. To keep ya safe," He stated calmly, but he wouldn't meet my eyes.

"Right, because I can't hold my own. And you're a better tracker, so you really should go first." Slowly, I took few steps towards him, stopping right in front of him. "So tell me, Big Boy. Is it to watch my ass?"

Daryl took a step back and brought his hand to his neck, looking at the ground. "I ain't- Is not what ya think."

"Uh-huh," I answered, resuming our walk. "But it makes me happy you watched my butt for so long before we got together."

"El!"

"What, just saying."

"Not that, look." I turned around and followed him. Daryl was crouching, checking some tracks on the grass, all thoughts about my behind forgotten.

"What's that?"

"Nothin', just fuckin' walker." I tilted my head and scrunched my face.

"Are we looking for something else?" I asked him slowly, and he nodded, standing up.

"Last night, Carol and I heard somethin' in the trees. Thought we might see in daylight."

"Hm. It couldn't just be a walker. It would come at us," I stated, and Daryl grunted, not resuming the topic anymore.


We trailed our group back. After Daryl was happy with our game and I had a few chances to shoot my new bow, it was already late morning. I hoped that Rick listened to what I said and packed all essential things from the RV and that Merle took my bags.

We stayed deep in the woods for good two hours before circling back in the direction where others should be by now. Each of us carried a string of squirrels, though mine was shorter than Daryl's, but I made up by catching a small rabbit right before he decided to turn back. There were no signs of anyone else except some zigzaggy trails that indicated walkers. But the thought that someone was there, watching us, made me on edge all the time, my eyes dancing between the trees.

And we talked, quiet whispers when Daryl stopped walking behind instead moved to my side. We talked about how he thought he lost everyone, and Beth, sweet girl, pulled him out of this dark place. We discussed what happened before prison fell, and Daryl admitted he was angry with me about Carol. Still, he also understood where the decision came from. We were fine, but I was afraid that there were no three musketeers anymore. I stopped trusting Carol, and I doubt she'll quickly forget that I had a word in banishing her.

Finally, we heard voices near us, and after few more minutes of sneaking between the bushes, to confirm it was our group, we slowly came out from behind the trees. Daryl first, with me quick on his heel, when he suddenly stopped, making me bump into his back.

"We surrender?" Daryl's voice was laced with humor, and I glanced around him to see multiple guns pointed in our direction. I snorted, walking towards Merle when the group finally lowered their weapons.

"If you don't want our meat, we won't share," I commented, glancing around and spotting Lucy in Maggie's arms. I breathed with relief and focused on older Dixon for a moment while we resumed our walk as if nothing happened.

Merle passed me my backpack, and I gave him my new bow to hold for a moment while I rearranged my bags. Pack with my stuff went first, and over it, I pulled a small one that Daryl gave me this morning with eight arrows. I would have to make more, but that'll have to wait.

"Spare ammo is in there," Merle started motioning towards my back. "Food is split, and Oscar got yur sniper."

I nodded and smiled at him. "Thanks, Hook. You did well."

"Pff, had any doubts, 'lil sister?" Oh, being related to fucking Merle is going to be fun.

"Not at all, just letting you know I appreciate what you doing," I replied calmly, patting his shoulder. Merle's face twisted into a smug smirk, and his eyes darted to Daryl, who led the way, while Rick urged us forward.

"So, when I get nices and nephews?" The man winked at me, but my throat contracted, and for a moment, I had trouble breathing. My hand automatically went to my stomach, covered by top and jacket. Still, I almost could feel scars under my fingerprints.

"You got Lucy," I answered quietly, not looking at him anymore and speeding up slightly.

"Hey, hey, Doll!" Merle followed me, catching up without an issue and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "I ain't as stupid as I look, ya know? Every time I mention kids, ya go all stiff and quiet. Ya gonna tell finally what's that 'bout?"

Fuck all Dixons in the world, who were supposed to be hillbillies, and who turned out to be smarter than people gave them credit. And more carrying, after you peeled off all the layers they build around them.

"I fucking cried enough on your shoulder recently," I answered after a moment, blinking rapidly to shove stupid tears back.

"Sugar, ya can cry on me all ya want."

"Hm, I didn't peg you for that kind of guy. Actually, I'm surprised you didn't run back in the cabin when I was wallowing in self-pity," I commented dryly, my eyes ahead.

"Ya deflecting, Elena."

I think it was the use of my name, something Merle rarely did, that finally made me give in. I sighed heavily before glancing at him. "Those scars on my stomach... You saw them. They're five years old. If they look so bad outside, you can imagine what happened inside."

Merle was quiet for a moment, furrowing his brows, deep in thought.

"I told Daryl, but it's a blur. I was so upset when we talked about it. Doctors managed to repair the damage best they could, but I have only one ovary left. And it's scarred along with the uterus. Chances of getting pregnant are almost non-existing, and even if I did, there's a high chance I wouldn't carry it to term or die in the process."

"How?" Dixon's voice was quiet and husky, I noticed that his only fist that was close to my face clenched tightly, and I was impressed by his self-control.

"Does it matter?" I asked softly, placing my hand over his. "It was so long ago, in a previous life. It cost me a lot, and it was only my fault. I put it behind me as best I could. Let's not talk about it anymore."

"Are they dead?"

"Who?" I scrunched my face in consternation, looking up at him. Merle was tense, and gone was his playful smirk, replaced with anger.

"Whoever fuckin' did that to ya."

Images of red liquid dripping all over me flashed in my mind. Foreign blood mixing with my own. Gasps and gurgling while the man above me was choking on his own blood. And pain, there was so much pain everywhere.

I shook my head and cleared my throat. "Yeah, he's fucking dead."

"Good."

I nodded and pulled away from Merle, smiling sadly at him, before walking away towards Maggie and Glenn. I was already in a shitty and nostalgic mood, may as well apologize now.

I reached the couple and stretched out for Lucy, who extended her arms the second she saw me approach.

"Mama, missed you," The girl told me, and I holstered her up on my hip and kissing her forehead softly.

"I'm back now, and I missed you too. Were you a good girl for everybody?" I asked her softly, and she nodded quickly, looking over at Maggie for confirmation.

"She's great," A brown-haired woman replied, smiling widely at the little girl in my arms. "She listens, and she's quiet when needs to be."

"I think it's because she was on the road a lot, Ellen and David must've kept telling her to be quiet," I told them, and then took a deep breath, looking at Maggie. "I'm sorry."

"What for?" The woman knitted her brows, not understanding what I was apologizing for.

"Your- your daddy," I answered quietly, averting my eyes to the grass we walked on, not brave enough to see the look on her face. "I wasn't quick enough. Hesitated."

"Eli," Maggie whispered, and once again, I was wrapped in someone's arms, this time slim and less hairy. "I don't blame you. Why would I?"

"I had a clear shot," I told her louder, not understanding how she could be so calm about it. "I didn't want to start something without need, and I- I hesitated Mags. I'm so fucking sorry, I understand if you'll never forgive me," I was babbling, my voice cracking at the end of my speech, and I still couldn't look her in the eyes.

"Eli, there's nothing you could do," Maggie replied calmly, squeezing my arm. My eyes shot up to see a soft smile on her lips, even though they were quivering a little. "Governor attacked us. He killed daddy, not you. Even if you'd shoot him before he- I don't think it'd change a lot. They would roll in any way, and daddy would be there in the field tied down with only one good leg. It's not your fault, and I'm not blaming you at all."

I bit down hard on my bottom lip, stopping myself from crying, and nodded softly, lost at what's happening around us. Maggie and I fell into a comfortable silence, now that everything was cleared between us, even though she never saw the issue.

"Elena!" I heard someone call me from behind, and I smiled at Maggie one last time before I stopped and waited for whoever needed me. After a few seconds, Tyreese showed at my side, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it. We started walking again. Lucy snuggled in my arms, and I had to admit that I was becoming tired. She wasn't a baby anymore, but it was too dangerous to just let her run by herself.

"Thank you," The Black man next to me finally spoke up, and I cocked my brow in question. "For finding out who did it. Rick told me it was you who knew almost instantly."

I was shocked that he knew, but even more that he was so calm about it. It was not the same man who threatened us in the small courtyard, who hit Rick multiple times without abandon.

"I promised you," I choose to answer that way and glanced ahead where Carol was walking alone.

"She told me," Tyreese admitted quietly, and my eyes nearly bulged out. Fucking hell, a week on the road, and everyone seems to be a different person. Just a week and so much changed.

"Well, I'm glad she's still alive, but I'm also surprised," I told him, and there was again that pained look on his face when his eyes darted to the ground.

"I was so angry. Furious. And I may never forget it, Carol wanted to protect the rest of us. And Karen wouldn't want me to just kill her out of revenge."

"You're a smart man, Tyreese," I spoke gently, moving Lucy to my other arm, trying to rest left side. He smiled sadly at me, but then it grew when he glanced down at the girl in my arms.

"I can take her if you want," Tyreese offered, and I considered it for a few seconds before nodding. Lucy was napping, and my arms really did need a break. Gently I moved the girl into the man's arms and watched him for a second. He was good with kids, but it seemed like more than that. Whatever happened to change him, he lost all the will to fight. Or maybe I was wrong, and he just wanted a nice cuddle with a kid.

"Help!" There was a sudden shout, and I moved forward while the others stopped in their tracks. Rick stood at the front of our group, his hand up, indicating to halt.

"Help, anybody! Help!" The voice came from ahead of us, and Rick glanced over his shoulder, motioning for me to get to his side.

"Dad, come on!" Carl, who was next to the sheriff, urged, ready to help an unknown stranger. Rick tilted his head, unsure, and I nudged his arm. "Come on!"

Carl was already on the move, and with a short curse on my tongue, I started to move as well.

"Elena, go left, Merle right!" Rick finally shouted an order, and I changed my course, circling so I would flank whoever was yelling in the middle of the woods.

With my legs pumping, I knew I would reach a stranger soon, and I reached behind me, pulling an arrow out, trying to put it in place while on the move. Stupid fucking automatic bows. Growling in frustration, I chucked stick to the ground and shoved the bow over my arm while pulling out my knives.

Big rock came in my line of sight. On it, a Black man all dressed in black was scrambling, trying to get away from walkers who clawed at his feet. Slowing down to a jog, I aimed and threw the first blade watching geek collapse while a shot echoed in the woods. I pushed the other walker to the ground, planting my knife in its brain. Moments later, Merle stood next to me, and Rick and Carl were finishing off the last geek.

With one boot on the walker's chest, I moved and pulled the knife out of its head, wiping it on old clothing. I put it away and reached for Glock, aiming at the stranger just like Rick, Merle and Daryl did.

"We're clear. Keep watch," Rick ordered, and I heard some shuffling and movements behind me, indicating that others did as he said. Then sheriff looked up at the man. "Come on down."

Up close, I could see stranger better, black slacks, shirt, and suit jacket. Shoes definitely not made for running in the woods or away from walkers. And a small white square on his collar. Great. I wasn't the religious type, even before the world went to shit, but I always tried to respect others' beliefs. That didn't change the fact the last thing we need right now was a priest who probably believed that the current world was an act of God.

The man climbed down, breathing heavily, sweat dripping down the side of his face.

"You okay?" Rick asked him, and the man answered, vomiting just inches away from my boots. I moved backward, facing out, pressing my lips into a thin line. Even better. A priest who pukes at the sight of violence.

"Sorry," The man whispered, wiping his mouth and looking genuinely ashamed. I exchanged an amused glance with Daryl and looked back at the stranger.

"Yes. Thank you," Priest added and stood up straighter, composing himself. "I'm Gabriel."

"Do you have any weapons on you?" Rick didn't let the man talk, getting down to business, his sheriff look in place. In response, Gabriel chuckled softly, and his eyes darted around as if he found the question funny and expect us to laugh with him.

"Do I look like I would have any weapons?" Priest spread his arms a little, but his lighthearted answer was not making us any more trusting.

"We don't give two short and curlies what it looks like," Red was the one to reply, and once more, I was amazed at his vocabulary. Just when I got used to Dixons, someone else comes on board.

"I have no weapons of any kind," Gabriel declared, but Rick didn't trust him. "The word of God is the only protection I need."

I snorted quietly, and Daryl fuffed, his gruff voice reaching the priest. "Sure it didn't look like it."

"I called for help. Help came." Was the answer, and I rolled my eyes. I just knew that's going to be his answer. "Do you have any food? Whatever I had left, it just hit the ground."

Carl was quick to help, bless this child. I knew the boy believed there's still good in people, but trusting strangers was no longer an easy thing. Carl offered the man some pecans that Carol and Tyreese had with them, and the priest thanked him politely.

That's when Judith cooed sweetly in Oscar's arms, and Gabriel shifted his eyes toward her, then to Lucy, who was further back, still held by Tyreese. "That's beautiful children."

No one answered him, but the tension was thick; my fists balled tightly when he mentioned the girls, our most vulnerable members.

"Do you have a camp?" Gabriel asked, his voice shaky, and he still looked frightened, but I wasn't sure if it was because of his encounter with walkers or because of our stiffness towards him.

"No. Do you?" Rick replied curtly, and I watched the priest swallow harshly and nod.

"I have a church."

"Hold your hands above your head," Rick finally ordered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Rick started patting Gabriel, searching for hidden blades, anything really. I cleared my throat and stared right at the priest, looking at any tells.

"How many walkers have you killed?" I asked him, and his eyes went round before he was spun around by the sheriff.

"Can't you tell? None."

"And how many people have you killed?" I moved to the right to see his reaction properly.

"What?" His face twisted in horror, and he shook his head. "Zero. I never killed anyone or anything."

"Why?" The last question and Rick twisted the priest around to face us again, after not finding any weapons.

Gabriel was looking me in the eyes, and even though he was still short of breath, there was particular strength and confidence in his answer. "Because the Lord abhors violence."

Right. I observed him for a few more seconds before I turned to Rick and nodded once, telling him that priest was telling the truth.

"What have you done?" Rick asked him in a low voice, getting closer to Gabriel. "We all done something."

"I'm a sinner," The priest finally admitted, but his face was still showing nothing but confidence in his words. "I sin almost every day. But those sins, I confess them to God, not strangers."

"You said you had a church?" Michonne was the one to interrupt the staring contest between two men, and I was grateful. It would be good to stay somewhere with walls, even if just for one night.

"Where is it?" I asked him and pulled my backpack off, searching for a map. After retrieving the paper, I quickly pinpointed where we were, and Gabriel pressed his finger to the spot. It was on the outskirt of the small town we were going to. I nodded and stared at the map for a few moments before I was happy with it.

"I'm going to bring RV around. We may need it if we can't get enough cars," I told Rick quietly, and he nodded.

"Ya ain't going by yurself," Daryl grunted, coming over when he realized what we were talking about. I thought about it and agreed.

"I know, but you should stay with Rick and others. Who knows what's in the church, and they can't lose another tracker. I can take Oscar with me." I knew he will want to argue with me, and hell, I wanted to kick myself for saying it.

"Nah. I ain't give a shit, but ya ain't leaving my sight again, woman," Daryl answered quickly, and his tone indicated that he really didn't give me any choice. The hunter passed our game to Merle and then exchanged few words with his brother before grabbing my hand and pulling me with him in the opposite direction.

"Be careful," Rick shouted after us, and I waved him off.

"Always, dad!"


We made a reasonable time. After all, Daryl was an excellent tracker, and once I had a path in my mind it would stay there. A few times, I thought there was something between the trees, but the further back we went more peaceful it was. Since I called Daryl's bullshit earlier in the day, he didn't insist on me leading the way, but I did it anyway. Call me vain or whatever, but if a gorgeous man, my man, wants to enjoy the view, I will let him.

It took us about an hour to reach the RV, making me realize how slowly we moved out of the camp this morning. Chilly air transformed as we walked, the sun scorching on our faces, though it wasn't that bad, too deep into autumn now.

I opened the driver's doors once we reached the RV and was ready to start the vehicle when Daryl called me over from the back. I furrowed my brows, as there wasn't anything out of order when we checked it, but followed his voice nonetheless.

"What's up, Big Boy?" I asked him, stepping into the living area. There he stood, with a straight back, looking up and down my frame as I came closer. Winnebago wasn't the biggest one, and now with his broad shoulders, standing between table and couch, it seemed even smaller.

Daryl's eyes slowly roamed my body, and I saw a familiar spark in his deep blue eyes, a look that was making me all hot and bothered. I smirked and swayed my hips a little while I approached him.

"We ain't had our weddin' night, Mrs. Dixon," Daryl's voice was husky and ruff with emotions, heat pooling between my legs increasing with his every word.

"Hm, but it's a day, now, Mr. Dixon," I purred, standing right in front of him. I remembered when talking like that would make him blush and run into the woods, far away. But not now, now he stood his ground looking at me with hunger in his eyes, and I knew Rick and others will have to wait for our return.

"I don't care," Daryl groaned and grabbed the back of my neck firmly, pulling me closer to him, our bodies flush against each other. And then his slightly chapped lips were on mine, kissing me with force and demand. So different from the shy guy who wasn't sure of himself. I created a sex monster, and I was not going to complain one bit.

I sucked on his bottom lip, and when the hunter moaned in my mouth, I didn't waste any time in slipping my tongue inside. Daryl tilted his head to deepen our kiss, passionate and forceful. At the same time, his other hand grabbed my ass, kneading soft tissue with his big hand. I held on to his broad shoulders and then hair, pulling on it just a little bit. I was rewarded with another groan, and Daryl spun us around, grabbing my ass with both hands, lifting me up.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, not stopping our kiss, while Daryl moved us to the bed at the back of the RV. When his knees hit the bed, he dropped me, and I bounced on the mattress with a giggle. A shiver of thrill went down my spine, and I crooked my finger, inviting Daryl to bed. After all, we did have some catching up to do.