Thank you all for reading and enjoying!
This includes adult content 18+ only.
I don't own the walking dead or its characters/storylines. All OC and non canon story lines are mine. :)
The group pulled into the prison after completing their search of Woodbury and the neighboring suburb. Rick and Glenn approach and speak with Daryl and Merle while Sam headed inside. She was still angry they hadn't found the man. She was still blaming herself but the amount of physical exertion she put forth on the trip was numbing the emotions of the day. Her vision was blood red while out there. When they found Woodbury burnt to the ground Sam felt like she was burning just as hot. Smoldering and scorched. She wanted to stomp around and kill everything in sight. She wanted to destroy anything in her path. Her chest ached with unadulterated rage. The bastard had covered his tracks and destroyed any other supplies they may have gotten from the town. Sam was pissed off. Killing every walker in sight was the only thing she could think of doing to release the hatred she had brewing inside her.
"How'd it go?" Carol interrupted Sam's thoughts as she passed by in the cellblock. Sam stopped and watched the woman holding Judith, a bottle placed in her tiny mouth. Sam smiled softly at the sight despite her inner turmoil and sighed, "Woodbury's burnt to the ground. No tracks to be found now…. Merle and Daryl are going to come up with a plan I guess."
Carol nodded and said, "If anyone's going to find him, they will."
Sam nodded, rubbing her chin and finally noticing all the gore she as covered in. "I think I should go wash up." She remarked blandly while pulling her soiled shirt from her skin, the dried blood having adhered to her stomach.
"Sounds good. I'll get some food up for you guys ok?" Carol said placing Judith on her shoulder, rubbing her back affectionately. Smiling Sam walked away toward their cell for clothing. Climbing the stairs she felt her legs ache from the effort. Groaning she bent over and dug through her pack for new clothes.
"Getting old," Merle remarked from the doorway, his broad shoulder leaning against the metal frame.
"Definitely." Sam said with a smile.
"Ya ok?" he asked his scratching his lip lazily.
"I'm fine…. Needed to work out some anger." She said while standing up.
"Yeah I figured." He drawled, pulling her into his chest. "We'll find 'im and I'll let ya have a few good rounds with him huh?"
Sam chewed her lip, her temple lying against his chest. "Sounds good." She said sleepily.
"Go wash up, I'll collect us some food and we can relax until my watch tonight." Merle told her pulling back to look at her, his bright blue eyes skipping over her tired face.
Sam nodded her head, "Sounds good." Standing on her toes Sam kissed him lightly before wandering into the shower and cleaned up. The dried blood on her skin was stubbornly clinging to her body. The smell deep in her pores and stuck to the roof of her mouth. Sam looked in the mirror and saw how the new world had changed her. Covered in scars and shadows. Bones showing that were once covered with healthy body weight. Muscle leans from running and fighting. Pulling her hair back she could see the sharpness of her face, the new lines around her eyes. She felt old, she felt worn. All the things she had seen, things she had done were etched on her face, on her body. Signing loudly, Sam went back to their cell and sat down. Merle walked in moments later with two bowls of food and a bottle of water tucked in his back pocket. She smirked at him and grabbed the bowls. Pulling the curtain closed he grabbed a new shirt and pulled off his blood splattered one.
Sam had felt the raised knotted scar tissue painted on his tan skin by his Pa's belt but never seen it in its entirety. Watching him change now though she finally truly saw him. The dark rippled surface of a dozen lash marks on his whole back and into the waistband of his cargo pants. Her heart clenched at the sight and suddenly she was standing behind him without even remembering moving. He flinched hard when she touched him and then became rigidly still. Sam laid her palm flat as if calming a spooked animal. His muscle tick at the touch but then smoothed out. Merle visibly relaxed and glanced back at her, his jaw still tight and his eyes hesitant. She could see shame and embarrassment flash across his face. Sam couldn't allow him to feel those emotions for his scars. He was the strongest man she knew. Leaning closer she let her lips brush his shoulder blade. Eventually resting her forehead against him for a long moment, her hands smoothing over his marred skin.
Tilting her head up slowly she looked up at him. Not saying a word but allowing her eyes to show what she felt about him. She could see it shining right back. Taking his hand she pulled him to the bed and lay down, pulling him along with her. She curled into his side, her arm draped of his chest, her hand on his heart. Closing her eyes she felt to the steady thump resonating against her palm and timed her breathes with his. His arms tightened around her and she felt him nuzzle into her hair. A grin slid onto her face at the sweet action. 'Ol Merle likes to cuddle,' she thought with a smirk.
They didn't sleep but dozed and held onto each other. It was peaceful and such a rare worry free moment. Merle cupped the back of her head, his lips pressing against her forehead. "Reckon it's time for my watch Sugar." He rasped, his voice hoarse. Sam nodded against his chest and looked up at him, her lips grazing his chin. Smirking he met her lips in the middle and kissed her deeply causing a breathy moan. Chuckling Merle said, "C'mon girl. Git."
Growling Sam sat up and climbed out of bed. Merle got dressed and then kissed Sam gently. "Get some sleep. See ya in a bit."
"Be safe old man." She smiled while stroking his cheek. Merle turned his face and kissed her palm, his hand cupped over hers. He didn't speak, only looked at her for a brief moment before striding out of the cell. Sam lay down and slept restlessly until Merle came to bed five hours later. His warm frame was curling around her, thick arms surrounding her. Holding her near while his breath ghosted over her shoulder. It only took several synchronized breathes for sleep to pull her under.
The next morning Merle and Sam are working the fences with Michonne and Karen. There had been a large group of walkers near the gates at dawn and the group was thinning the herd. Merle watched Sam work. He was always surprised while watching how strong she was despite her size. Her arms working in a methodical way, her back and shoulders positioned just so to keep from straining herself. Michonne and Sam were talking about a scouting trip to find the Governor. He listened in but didn't join them, preferring to hear their opinions on the matter. Michonne had been on her own and was survivor and as much as Merle hated to admit it, she had exceptional skills beyond the fences. He fought with himself when dealing with her and all the other nig- black folk at the prison. Merle was raised the way he was raised and lived in redneck country. Confederate flags hung high and shotguns in every truck. He wasn't going to change his opinions on the matter but he was fighting to work past it. It may take a while and hell it may never happen but he was trying for his brother and for Sam. Trying to see past the old stereotypes he had of others.
"We need to get it padded better." Sam murmured as she cleaned Merle wrist. The metal sleeve had caused a new deep sore spot after using it all day on the fence. The motion of stabbing his blade into skulls put pressure on his stump making the action painful with every thrust. Sam was gently washing the tender skin. Merle sat on the bed while, she sat on a stool in front of him.
"Yeah. Gotta check for a medical supply place or hospital with a orthotics department." He said gruffly as the alcohol stung. Daryl appeared at the cell door making Merle angry.
"Got a problem boy?" He growled his eyes fiery. He hated other people seeing his blunt arm. It was hard enough for him to let Sam to see it.
Daryl bit his thumb while asking, "It hurt?"
Merle grunted in response, his posture stiff and angry. Sam started wrapping it and said, "We need to get some supplies. Know of any places with prosthetic or orthopedic departments?"
"I know a place." Daryl said "We can go tomorrah."
Merle glowered at both of them, "I'm fuckin' fine. Don' need two wet nurses coddlin' me. So fuck off both y'all." Yanking his arm away stomping out of the cell, forcefully shouldering past Daryl.
Sam sighed, "Such a Sensitive Sally."
Daryl snorted and shook his head, "Fuck ya two are perfect for each other. Y'all are shit talkers."
Sam smirked and nodded. "I'll go with you, get what we need. We can leave the whiny bitch at home."
Sam found Merle kicking the shit out of a file cabinet in a dark wing of the prison. "I think it's dead."
"Fuck off girl." He sneered as he landed a last brutal kick to the gray metal. Sam sat on the desk and let her feet kick back and forth as she leaned back on her hands.
"I said fuck off, ya stupid now?" He snarled his chest heaving.
"Now? I always was. Why do you think I hangout with you?" She joked her eyebrow raised. He glared at her while stalking forward like an angry bull.
"I. Said. Fuck. Off." He growled, his fist loudly punching the desk next to her leg.
Sam huffed a breath through her nose. "What're you gonna do Merle? Hit me?"
"Ya know you're somethin' else?! Always stickin' your nose in my business. I don' need ya. I did fine on my own. Don' need ya fuckin…" He ranted but was interrupted by Sam yanking his shirt and crashing her mouth to his. For a split second he did nothing but as soon as her tongue touched his, Merle groaned and grabbed her head. They made out frantically, Merle standing between Sam's legs. His hand grabbed the hollow behind her knee and yanked her to the edge, grinding against her aggressively. Teeth bruising, fingers biting into flesh, they took what they wanted from each other.
"You're such a little bitch ya know that." He growled as he sucked on her neck and jaw, his teeth scraping against the skin behind her ear.
"Match made in heaven since you're a huge asshole." She moaned as his hand slide up her shirt, kneading her breast. Sam rolled her hips, pressing against his groin. Grunting at the friction he dug a hand into her hair, pulling her chin up and extending her neck. Sam raked her nails down his back and grabbed his belt, yanking him against her harder.
"Take off your fuckin pants." He demanded while unbuckling his own. Sam smirked as she slid off the desk and unbuttoned her pants, pushing them down to her knees. Merle spun her around and bent her over the desk, his hand sliding between her thighs.
"Got all hot 'n bothered from fightin' huh? Dirty girl." he said his voice gravelly. Plunging his fingers into her, he pumped her while she pushed back against him.
"Fuck girl." He groaned watching her fuck his fingers. "I'm gonna fuck ya hard, ain't lettin' ya cum til I say. Ya hear me?"
"Yes," she moaned as he curled his fingers. Merle grunted as she tightened around his fingers. "uh uh uh. Not yet." Merle taunted before removing his hand and rolling on the condom he had hidden in his vest pocket.
"Not gonna be gentle girl." He said hoarsely before curling over her back, his mouth brushing her ear, "Ya ok with that Sugar." Sam smiled at his concern about going to far with her. No one would think he was a considerate lover by looking at him.
Sam smiled over her shoulder, kissing him on the lips. "Fuck me Merle."
A deep growl emanated from his chest as he gripped his dick and plunged into her. Sam moaned loudly dropping her chin to her chest, her muscle tightening and spasming as he thrust into her. With no time to adjust her muscle burned and ached. She loved it.
"Fuck Sam," he grunted as his snapped his hips into her. His hand slide up her back and held her still by her shoulder as he rapidly pumped behind her. Sam moaned as he filled her hard and fast. Merle slid his right arm under her waist, pulling her tightly against him while he thrust deep and fast.
"That's it girl." He rasped. "That's it." She tried to roll her hips but he held her still while he fucked her. "Want ya to take it girl. Take what I give ya."
"Oh god." she moaned as she felt her muscles tightening even more.
"Not cummin' girl. Ya can't yet." He panted his thrusts still brutally fast.
Sam gasped as she tried to hold off. "Can't… gotta. Merle."
"Not yet." He snarled his hips snapping deeper and slower. Slowing his pace making her back away from her orgasm.
"Fuck please… please." She groaned pushing back against him.
Merle laughed deeply and said, "Uh uh. Not yet." He'd slowed but was pushing deep and hard. "Be a good girl Sam."
He moved precisely, his hips rolling into hers as he built her orgasm back up.
Sam gasped as his hand grabbed her breast, his fingers twisting and pulling her hard nipple. The sensation making her muscle clench around his cock. Merle grunted at the pressure and started to speed up again. "Fuck baby girl." He groaned as she flexed around him again.
Increasing his speed but kept the depth he said, "Go on Sam. Cum for me girl."
His hand moved between her legs and rubbed hard tight circles around her clit causing her to cum quickly. Sam arched her back, her mouth open as every cell in her body light on fire. Pins and needles covered her body and her legs buckled. Merle arm held her up as he kept thrusting into her tight walls.
"Good girl. That's it sugar." He rasped his words coming in pants, heat shot up his spine. "Fuckinshit." He grunted his eyes clenched shut and his hand gripping her hip tightly. His cock pulsed and throbbed inside her as he slowed to a rocking motion. Their breathing filled the room with rough gasps. Merle curled over her back again and placed wet kisses along her spine.
"Goddamn Sugar." He moaned with a chuckle. Pulling back he helped her, pull her pants up and sit down on the tiny couch. Merle sat down and pulled her onto his lap, his arms wrapped around her. Sam laughed and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Whatcha laughin' at?" he asked while laying his head back against the wall.
"Angry sex is fun." She mumbled. Merle barked out a weak laugh and tightened his arms around her. "Not bad I s'pose."
After a long silence Sam said, "You know the reason I take care of you is because I want to, not because you need it."
Merle huffed and shrugged a shoulder. Sam sat up and kissed his cheek. "I do it cuz I care about you. Can't let your old ass fall apart on me."
Merle laughed gruffly and squeezed her again. "Sweet talker."
Sam laughed and smiled before kissing him slowly, moaning as he stroked her tongue with his. Pulling back she rested her forehead against his. "I'm hungry, lets get food." Merle nodded and got to his feet, sliding her to her own.
Sam looked at the crippled file cabinet and murmured, "Poor thing didn't have a chance."
Merle shook his head and grabbed her hand, "Come on smartass."
"Daryl and me are going to check out the place he knows for your sleeve. You wanna come of stay home?" Sam asked while tracing the scars on Merle chest. His hand was buried in her hair, his strong fingertips massaging along her scalp.
"I'll go. Where is it?" he rasped his fingers weaving through the blonde locks. Merle loved her hair, loved the feel, loved the smell. Most mornings he woke to his face buried deep in it. Even in an unconscious state he's drawn to it.
"No idea. Just said we could go tomorrow." Sam replied tilting her head up and kissing the center of his chest, her tongue darting out. Merle smirked at her and shook his head, "Don't start I gotta go on watch in a few minutes."
"Start what?" she asked innocently but with an evil twinkle in her eye. "Besides, a few minutes is plenty of time."
Merle snorted and shook his head, "Nah. Not for what I wanna do to ya when ya look at me like that." Sam smirked and laid her head against his chest. Merle's hand travel up and down her spine making her melt into him. She can feel him nuzzling his face into her hair. Being with him has become so comfortable. So comforting.
"Reckon I gotta go Sugar." He rasped a moment later. Sam groans and burrows into him further, her hands gripping his flannel. She felt a deep rumble of a laugh resonant against her face. "Come on girl. Up." He said pushing hair off her face and tilting her head up. Merle kissed her firmly, his lips teasing hers. "Gotta go sweet girl." He whispered. Sam slid out of bed and waited for him to stand. Once he was ready to leave they hugged, his thick arms wrapping tightly around her short frame.
"See ya soon Sugar." He drawled his lips grazing her neck, hot breath ghosting over her soft skin. She hummed and turned her face up to catch his jaw with a kiss.
"Be safe Merle." She said softly. Merle's eyes crinkle slightly as he smiled and gave her a playful slap on her ass. Sam watched his move smoothly down the stairs and out of the cell block. She chewed her lip and tapped her foot nervously. Sleep had been difficult since the beginning of the world's end and even worse after being in Woodbury. It had gotten better but dreams still plague her at night and the newest ones have included the Governor returning. The new relationship that Merle and her have are fueling particularly disturbing dreams. A new level of horror and panic. Dreams of Merle being taken away from her, killed or eaten by walkers.
Lying down Sam curled up and hugged Merle's pillow, his scent still clinging to the cotton fabric. Taking deep breathes she calmed herself enough to feel drowsy. With heavy eyes and slack limbs Sam slept deeply while Merle was away.
Sam was running through the forest. Braches and vines cutting into her shins as she passed. She wasn't sure what was chasing her but the overwhelming feeling of the need to flee was raging though her. With jumpy eyes she looked around for someone or something. Nothing appeared but she kept looking. Kept running. Her feet stumble over a root and she fell face first into a muddy swath of earth. Sam clawed her way out but felt the wet soil clinging to her, sucking her under. When she raised her arm to grab onto another root she saw her hands were covered in blood, not mud. Looking back she realized she was in a pit of dead bodies, blood and gore cover her. Breathing in short gasps she began to feel utter terror fill her. The smell assaulted her, coated her mouth and tongue. The urge to throw up overwhelmed her and she began coughing. Clawing at the ground to escape she felt a hand grab her ankle and she shrieked in fear. Yanking at her leg to escape but nothing loosened the steel grip. Sam looked down and saw Merle's dead eyes looking back up at her. Milky orbs drilling holes into her. She began screaming and clawing to get away but nothing worked. Hands are gripping her shoulders and shaking her. All Sam can do was scream.
"SAM!" a voice was shouting in her face, while strong hands shook her harshly. Sam shot up gasping and clawing at the hands gripping her painfully. They released and were held up in front of the body to show no harm intended. Sam blinked her watery eyes and saw Daryl looking at her wild eyed and worried. Movement behind him made Sam aware of a whole audience of people looking at her. Shaking her head and turning away from the crowd she took in deep shattering breathes while clenching her fist painful. Her nails cutting into the flesh of her palm, blood making its way to the surface of the paper thin cuts.
"Ya ok?" Daryl rasped kneeling in front of the bed. Sam nodded and wiped her face not realizing the blood on her palm is now smeared across her cheek. "Shit," Daryl said pulling her hand away from her face. "You're bleedin'."
Sam looked at her hand numbly and saw the blood, brushing her thumb across the surface she saw the half moon crescent cuts. "T'sfine." She gasped. The sound of loud footsteps made her turn to look at the stairs case. Merle appeared behind Daryl and grabbed his brothers shoulder, "Out." He snapped at Daryl while pushing him through the cell door. After a second though he looked back at his younger brother and said, "Thank you." Daryl looked surprised at the gratitude. Nodding slightly he said, "She hurt 'er hands."
Merle looked back and then said, "I got it."
Sam felt shame fill her chest. The shame of being so weak to need supervision while sleeping. The inability to lay in bed and sleep like a normal person made her feel so pathetic. Merle sat down and took her hand into his lap. Grabbing his first aid kit he cleaned up her palms and then wiped the blood from her cheek.
"You're gonna tell me 'bout your dreams now. No more excuses." Merle stated while taking his boots off. Sam whispered, "Aren't you still on watch?"
"Glenn took over for me." He said before scooting back into bed. "Talk." He said firmly.
Merle watched her try to find the courage to speak or maybe a place to start. She was wringing her hands despite the injuries and chewing her lip. He took her hands away from each other and laid them flat on her lap, giving her a pointed look to stop hurting herself.
She sighed and said, "Tonight it was me running through the forest. It was like when we got away from Woodbury. I fell and was in mud but then it was blood. There were bodies and I was stuck…. then." She paused and swallowed thickly, "Then a hand grabbed my ankle and I looked back and it was you but you were a walker. And I couldn't, I couldn't get away. Your hand was crushing my bones."
Merle found himself breathing fast as if experiencing the panic she felt during the dream. He reached out and took one of her hands in his.
"Not gonna happen." He stated, brushing his thumb across the back of her hands. Sam sighed and nodded, "Still dream 'bout it though. Another time you chased me in the room at Woodbury. Tried to eat me. And another time I was there and so was he and he said he was happy I found my welcome home gift and I looked down and your throat was tore out. Sometimes he gets me and you're not there and I can't fight hard enough. They're all different but the same. I hate them and… and I can't stop them."
Merle stroked her hand and watched her struggle to not lash out angrily. He understood getting pissed off about not being in control. "Sorry ya keep havin' 'em. Maybe talkin' will help ya."
Sam sighed and laid her head against his shoulder. "I'm sorry I woke everyone up. Its really embarrassing."
"Fuck 'em. Ain't no one out there who hasn't had a nightmare." Merle told her while wrapping an arm around her. "Now le's get some sleep. Daryl said we leave at dawn."
"K. Thanks Merle." She whispered while laying down on her side, tucking into his side once he was relaxed. "s'nothin' Sugar."