Clearing the house was quick and easy. No thanks to Daryl.

He may or may not have opened a door and it swung back into a shelf and knocked something glass off, scattering a cloud of razor sharp dust onto the kitchen floor and well, let's just say it was indicative that there's nothing in the house.

This house is fairly untouched compared to others. Aside from there not being much left in the cupboards to choose from that hasn't rotted.

This area must've had a heads up the dead were coming and got out.

Daryl looked over my shoulder at the final cupboard I opened and I looked at him with disappointment but not surprise and shook my head.

He nodded, with similar disappointment. Although his comes off a little more irritated.

"If there ain't no food we should hit a couple of the other houses before dark." He glanced out the window next to the small dining table at the far end of the smallish kitchen.

I nodded in agreement, sighing as I closed the cupboard and took up my knives again.

Once we finished our sweep, including the cellar, we went to the door and Daryl made a short whistle; giving the all clear for the others to get their frozen booties inside.

Climbing out of the cars, the others started unpacking according to Rick's direction, only taking in things we'll need. This house isn't as secure as the other and we don't know if this area is safe yet, it's better if we're able to peel out of here on a moment's notice and not lose much, if need be.

"Ey" Daryl grabbed Glenn & Maggie's attention as they carried two boxes up the steps to the house, while I pulled myself up to sit on the slick black metal railing of the small cement porch. "Grab yer gear and come back out. We're goin' on a run."

"Already?" Glenn asked as he moved past us, not really expecting an answer as he continued into the house. Maggie nodded, tucking her chin into her fully-zipped brown coat, her little red nose poking out.

That's serious Rudolph vibes right there.

I adjusted my sweatshirt under my leather jacket which is keeping it tight and insulating against my skin but also just a bit uncomfortable when the back rides up around my shoulder blades.

"Ey," Daryl stopped Rick as the last of the group went past us, and I made sure to reach out and knock the back of Carl's "Glenn & Maggie are gonna come with us. We're gonna hit a couple a these houses for food before dark."

"Ok." He nodded. "Don't go too far. Always stay within sight of the house."

Yes, dad.

I hopped down the stairs with the other 3, forgetting there's ice on the street and as soon as my heel hit it, I slid.

Daryl grabbed my hand like a lightning strike and Glenn slammed his hands over his mouth, failing miserably to hide his laughter, meanwhile his kind loving girlfriend with a beautiful soul's hands him my back to help me not fall on my ass for what feels like 900th time since winter began.

"Frozen water and you really don't mix well." Thank you for that wonderful observation Ace, anything else you'd like to add? Like salt and eyes don't either?

I gave him the stink eye over my shoulder as Daryl huffed, "That's it. Yer not allowed to let go of my hand until we cross the street, ya 9 year old."

I think I'd be more irked about that insult if my brain wasn't still stuck on the hands thing. And I completely missed Glenn & Maggie smiling at each other behind us.

It feels like a hand warmer in my palm. How are his hands not cold in this weather? Mine are —were.

My face is really warm all of a sudden. Do I have a fever?

I sheathed my knife and touched my forehead, checking and a snicker bubbled up behind me.

I glanced at Glenn & Maggie and this time it's both of them laughing.

I gave Glenn a 'what?' look and he covered his mouth to keep from laughing again, looking around to check for walkers.

I looked at Maggie and she just waved me off, but pointed at Daryl with a face like she really wants to wiggle her eyebrows and is barely holding back.

I've never held hands with someone before. The corners of my lips turned up. It's nice. 'I like it.'

True to his word, his hand didn't leave mine until we were standing in front of the house with the greenhouse outback.

He let go and instantly my hand was hit by an icy blast, then again as I took out my knives.

For once, Daryl and I traded places in our roles.

I took point as we moved around the side of the house, seeing as how this'll be close quarters combat one way or another.

I moved closer to the house, my back facing it as I carefully peered around the corner.

No walkers in the backyard, good news for us.

I took a few steps into the yard, Daryl right behind me, and cautiously approached the greenhouse.

One of the windows on the side is broken but there's no blood or anything so it wasn't broken in a struggle. I'd like to say that's a good sign but it might not be.

I leaned over, looking through the broken window and my hopes for this place took a nosedive.

I glanced at the others, shaking my head. All the plants are dead, either from the cold, or being nibbled on by something that got to them it looks like.

I moved to walk away and follow to the back porch but something broke inside the greenhouse and I whirled around, knives first.

I shared a glance with Daryl before moving closer and peeking through the window again.

He came up next to me to look as well and not a minute passed before I nudged him twice with my elbow and pointed to the back corner. Something smallish and grey is crawling around on the ground.

Daryl raised his crossbow and moved closer. I stepped back out of his way as the tip of his crossbow passed into the greenhouse and then a colt unleashed.

Daryl stood to his full height again and jerked his head towards the house, heading to the greenhouse door.

I nodded, understanding that he'll catch up and went to the back staircase.

I motioned at Maggie and pointed at my eyes with two fingers, then moved my index in a circle. She nodded and went back down the staircase to keep watch in case we have to get out of here in a hurry.

I locked eyes with Glenn. He nodded at me, placing a hand on the sterling gold handle.

I got ready, taking a deep breath and raised my weapons before nodding at him.

He opened the backdoor slowly, letting me peek inside instead of ripping it open like Rick or the other less experienced runners usually do. This is why I prefer making runs with Glenn.

The backdoor opens into the dining room. The open kitchen immediately to the left and taking up the rest of the back of the house. Directly across from the door is an open doorway that looks like it leads straight into the living room from this angle.

I stepped forward and Glenn opened the door more, letting me slip inside.

I checked behind the kitchen counter that half-separates the two rooms just to be safe, then moved to the doorway.

I was right, it is the living room. A TV covered in dust beside a beige brick fireplace, two tan couches sitting across from one another complete with throw blankets.

Lots of picture frames stacked up on the coffee table, half dismantled and no pictures left in them.

There's no blood and nowhere really for anything to hide aside from behind the far couch.

I moved in to the right, circling around to pass the fireplace as I checked behind that other couch. From here I can see the other wall isn't just a wall, it's a staircase leading up to the second floor and there's a door at the foot of it, which is wide-open, revealing what looks to be a bedroom; the master I'd guess from the size of the bed.

I carefully moved closer to the stairs, taking note of Glenn and the other 2 moving into the room right across from me before I stepped into the house's entryway and looked directly up the staircase.

I glanced into the master bedroom and motioned at Glenn and Daryl to go up and Maggie to come with me.

A series of synchronized nods and the boys went up — there's a frickin' raccoon hanging from Daryl's back. It looks like he has a fluffy tail.

I bit my lips but hand but had to put the back of my hand over my mouth too.

Maggie and I both shared a look, desperately trying not to laugh, before I jerked my head and moved into the master bedroom.

There's a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. 2 rooms, 2 girls. A match made in heaven.

I took the bathroom while Maggie took the closet since she has a flashlight for whatever reason. I should get in the habit of carrying one of those too; not just in my backpack.

The bathroom's layout is open so just a quick glance, a check behind the door and a double check behind the 3/4 open (you never know), and I finished mine.

Heading back out into the room, Maggie finished hers too, only she has a small stack of blankets in her arm.

I gave her a thumbs up on the good find and left the room, heading back to the kitchen to raid the cupboards. And no my stomach grumbling isn't what reminded me why we're here.

Accept I didn't make it to the kitchen. I paused to look at the fireplace.

I poked my tongue into my cheek and walked closer, inspecting it.

You know… I think this thing actually works as a real fireplace.

I leaned on the brick and carefully ducked my head into the fireplace, looking up.

'Son of a hockey puck.'

I pulled my head out and turned around as the stairs creaked, Daryl & Glenn appearing from their wonderful journey in the ascended land.

Daryl gave me a curious look and raised his eyebrow before looking at the fireplace.

I smiled, patting the bricks and a second later it visibly dawned on him. And Glenn.

"Does that work?" Glenn pointed as he came over.

I gave a solid nod and his face looks like he could cheer and cry tears of joy.

"You think the smoke will be a problem for walkers?" Maggie scared the crap out of me. I didn't notice she was in the doorway to the kitchen.

"It should be fine if we keep it low. Enough to keep it warmer but not make much smoke." Daryl answered as I raised my fist, and he came over to give me a fist bump.

I'll be able to feel my toes in the morning.

'I'm so eXCitEd!'

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