Walking Dead: Unexpected Return

Chapter 20 of my Walking Dead story, enjoy.

Reviews

Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Walking Dead or its characters.

Chapter 20

Carl smiled to himself as he began to prepare himself, getting ready. Ever since they'd admitted their feelings he and Sophia had planned for this moment and now it was time, time for their first date.

'Here we go, first date since…well, since everything with what happened to her.' He reflected. 'I shouldn't...'

He shook his head, trying to compose himself; he still felt terrible over everything that had happened with Sophia, all she had been through throughout the four years she had been gone. It had been so hard for her to pull herself back together and now, finally, it seemed like she was getting there. But he didn't want to make assumptions, they would still take things slow, they had to be sure after all that everything would go well.

Carl shook his head. 'She's getting stronger all the time, she's managing to cope with her nightmares, there's less and less of them now. But still, anything could happen...'

He tried to clear his mind. Checking himself in the mirror. He had dressed up as best as he could for the date. Wearing a pair of khakis, a white T-shirt with a brown leather jacket over it and black polished shoes. Going for the smart-casual look.

'There's nothing more you could've done Carl; just remember that, her dad is the only one to blame.' He tried to reassure himself. 'You can't let this swallow you up, especially tonight, everything that's happening...Sophia...'

He managed to smile, to ready himself, he had to remember; tonight was about him and Sophia and he needed to focus on that. Now sure he was ready, he left his house, heading for Sophia's home, it was a nice night so they had decided to add a nice walk into what they were doing anyway.

Sophia meanwhile was also getting ready, she stood before her mirror, smiling softly.

'I can still hardly believe it, Carl and I are really, we're finally going to...' She thought in amazement.

She had dressed up well too in a pair of black designer pants, a black sweater with a slight V-neck and black slip-ons. She had just finished securing her gold necklace around her neck the clothes and necklace were slightly extravagant but her mother had reassured her about the cost. Satisfied with her look she took a deep breath.

She smiled widely as she did so. 'This is it, Carl and I are going on our first date...I've dreamed about this for so long, since I started crushing on him. Even those dark days when dad had me...I often thought of him finding and saving me. Now it's finally here and, I'm nervous, and excited, all at once...'

She heard the knock at the door and hurried to answer it. She grinned, there was Carl.

"Hey. Wow, you look amazing." He greeted her warmly.

She replied in kind. "Hi, thanks, you look good too. So...are we ready."

He nodded. "You bet, let's go."

She agreed and together they left the house, heading for their destination. Sophia grinned as Carl led the way, she had to admit, she was amazed to note that only a very few things around the town had changed since she had been gone. Most of it was still just as she remembered it.

As they walked, Carl grinned as he glanced at Sophia again.

"I meant it you know, you look stunning; I love you." He said.

Sophia smiled. "I know; thank you…I love you too Carl. I...I'm still amazed we're actually doing this, that..."

He grinned and nodded and continued to walk; as they did so, they both basked in the happiness and warmth of their time together. Carl knew how much it meant for Sophia to say that, how much it meant for both of them. Both of them amazed to actually be going on a date together. They soon arrived at the restaurant they had arranged for their date. Sophia stopped, staring in amazement as she noted the restaurant, it was new and looked very classy, she was feeling even more amazed, realizing Carl had chosen this one specifically for their date. Grinning Sophia took Carl's hand again and they began to walk inside. The hostess welcomed them warmly.

"Hello, how may I help you?"

Carl smiled and spoke. "We've made a reservation; Carl Grimes and Sophia Peletier."

The hostess nodded. "Ah yes, this way please."

The young woman smiled at Sophia politely and they made their way to their table. They were soon shown to their table; sitting down, and consulting their menus. They ordered their drinks and soon, before long, they made their orders and were soon waiting for their meal.

"Wow, I never imagined...After all this time that I'd..." Carl said softly. "You know, that we'd find love together, that I'd be this happy. That I'd see you again..."

Sophia nodded. "Yeah, exactly how I feel; we…We've only just begun, but I'm sure we can make it work. I...I missed you so much you know, when I was gone, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I always thought, hoped, that you'd save me."

Carl bit his lip. "I'm sorry Sophia. I wish I had, that I could have done something."

"Yeah, but...we're here together now and we're getting better, we can make the most of this." Sophia replied.

Carl agreed and they waited, their appetizers being brought, they began to eat, occasionally talking, even as they ate and finally finishing. As they waited for their entrée to come, Carl smiled and leaned closer. Sophia did not hesitate and responded in kind and they kissed, enjoying the sensation deeply. Their entrée arrived shortly afterwards and they resumed eating. The anticipation built throughout the night and before long they were finished with their meal. They paid for their dinner and left, heading back out into the pleasant night air.

They had both agreed to keep things simple for this first date, to just go out for a meal. But as they walked back towards the Peletier house, they both found themselves wishing the night would never end.

"Carl I..." Sophia began hesitantly.

Carl nodded. "I know Sophia, I feel it too; it's, I wish we could do more, but we don't want to push too hard...Just remember, we have time now."

Sophia nodded, gently smiling. "You're right, we...we have so much to rebuild, and we luckily have the time to do it."

Nodding Carl finally stopped as they stood outside the front door. Once there they both grinned and kissed deeply before parting.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Sophia said softly.

Carl nodded in agreement and as Sophia went inside, he turned and began making his way back home. The two of them happier than they had ever been.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.