Chapter 11
MERLE'S POV
Merle had wanted to start cussing and questioning the kid since he started doing that weird voodoo stuff, not to mention the kid's raven wings, but then the duffel bag he'd pointed at flew into his face. Hissing lowly as he clutched the bag, he glanced at the kid who seemed to be enjoying himself as he laughed loudly yet silently at the same time. But glared at the teen for good measure. No one laughed at Merle Dixon. Yet when the teen had to bend over from how hard he was laughing, Merle slowly joined in but it felt good in the end. It was something he hadn't done in a long time, not since he could remember. Either too doped up or too drunk either way there hadn't been many occasions for him to laugh full out. That didn't mean he would forgive the kid for that little trick though.
Casting one last glance at the kid, this one holding the promise of questions in the future. But he focused on leading them through the maze of the city, noticing that the teen was content to follow his directions. Which nagged at him, because surely the teen knew his way through the city. He knew that they probably could have scavenged for more supplies, his mind felt clearer than it had in years thanks to whatever the teen had done for him. There was no way he was sober all on his own. Merle was holding back as he wanted to get back to camp and knock someone's teeth in. How dare they leave him up there like that.
Merle glanced at the small teen trailing behind him like a silent puppy, looked like it too with his shaggy hair. Though maybe a parrot or pigeon would be a better way to describe the kid, what with his wings and all. The kid was tiny and moved in complete silence, he knew what those signs usually meant. He'd bet a box of smokes that the kid was littered with scars and probably bruises depending on how long he'd been on his own. Not everyone grew up the way he and his brother had. The cause of the boy's stature and actions swirled in his mind like a tornado, his body leading them through the city on autopilot. He'd take the freeway back, it didn't offer any hiding spots, coverage or anything, but if someone was coming for him or the kid they'd come this way. And they'd be able to see anyone approaching. Plus with the kid's ability to somehow control the walkers they didn't have them to worry about for a change.
Merle slowed their pace when he felt they were far enough from the city. "So kid, ya got a name?"
Said kid just snorted, "I'm not a kid, thank you. My name is Hadrian or Harry, whichever."
"Ya ain't? If you ain't a kid, how old are ya?"
Harry signed knowing there was no point in trying to convince Merle that he would actually be turning sixteen, but he was going to try nonetheless. "I'll be sixteen in July, whenever that is. Could be already, I'm not sure."
Merle eyeballed the teenager, "Yer a bit small for bein' sixteen ain't'cha, boy?"
The kid was still bouncy, his posture and darkening of his eyes told Merle he was serious. Though the kid started laughing again not too long after. Sure it was loud but it sounded like music to the older man. Something about the kids' laughter was almost therapeutic, he figured. It felt like some of the depression was washing away with the teens light laughter. The sound didn't stop until a walker came from the forest ahead of them. The abrupt ending to the laughter was followed by an arrow through the walkers head. Merle watched silently as the kid retrieved his arrow, wiping it off before notching it. But the duo continued on their way, the kid was on high alert for danger. Why had the kid used an arrow this time instead of just controlling the walker? Was it because they were out in the open now?
The teen had ignored his question, not that he'd really expected any less. He could remember adults having asked him and Daryl the same thing, they hadn't spoken out to anyone either. Of course, their father had threatened them with a shallow grave, but they hadn't wanted anyone to know. Shame had made that decision for them and he couldn't help but wonder if it was the same for the teen. If Hadrian had someone to confide in overseas. It helped to speak about it but Merle had no idea how to communicate that to the teen.
"Ya ne'vr answer'd ma question." Merle said gently.
Still the teen ignored the question. Glancing around them, he knew it would take them some hours to walk back to the quarry and he was intent on-
"Merle?" The teen recaught his attention. "There's a vehicle coming this way."
Though the teen didn't seem to be worried about the approaching vehicle, Merle still prepared for the worst possible situation and herded him towards the tree line. It would give them some sense of protection until they could tell who was approaching them. Some part of Merle hoped it was his brother and some of the others so he could tear into them for leaving him behind, even though he deserved it. Daryl would get an earful about lettin' Hadrian come after him alone. But the others wouldn't get that. It didn't stop him from being burning mad about it, at least the teen had come for him. Baffling really. Though given what all the kid could do he really shouldn't be surprised.
