Beautiful Disaster

by My Writing Is This

The dead were walking and surviving was imperative. Caroline had hit the ground running. She tried to never look back. She was alone for too long. Learning to live and love again wasn't easy. People still mattered. Many would come in and out of her life and not all was as it seemed. She had to learn to be a person again and to find her place. And the one she was meant to be with.

39. Acclimating

Chapter Thirty-nine: Acclimating

Bustling around the kitchen, I had Judith on my hip, trying to make a bottle, cook eggs, and make toast all at the same time. We had split up between the two houses and I honestly didn't think it would make that much of a difference, but here I was, trying to do too much and be a mother to kids that weren't mine and a wife to a man who I wasn't married to. And I wouldn't have it any other way. For all intents and purposes, those two beautiful kids were mine and that amazing man upstairs was more than I could ask for.

"Carl!" I yelled. "Get your ass down here now!" I put Judith in her playpen and she almost instantly started to cry. "I know, sweet pea, but I need both hands." I told her as nicely as I could muster. "Rick!" I yelled. I heard the stairs and both Grimes men came into sight. "It's about damn time." I frowned at them. "Morning, babies."

"Morning." Rick smiled, wrapping his arm around me as he pressed his lips to my neck.

"Morning, Mom." Carl said as he dug into the toast.

I could already feel a routine starting. "Where's Michonne?" I asked next.

"In her room I guess." Rick replied as he took eggs as fast as I could scoop them onto the plate.

"Oh my God, stop." I frowned at him.

"I gotta go." He told me, kissing me quickly.

He shoveled food into his mouth, downing the glass of orange juice I'd squeezed for myself this morning, and then I heard the door as he left. I looked at Carl with a raised brow. He just shrugged at me.

"Do I get any orange juice?" He asked.

Laughing, I squeezed a glass for him, sliding it over as I got myself a glass of milk. As soon as he was done, I sent him to school, leaving just Judith and me in the kitchen. Jessie had been very helpful with filling me in on everything that happened in Alexandria. I couldn't have been more thrilled to learn that they had a school. Carl would still learn about the past while we build a future for him. He deserved that. At the same time, it was almost too much normal all at once. It had been a long time since we'd lived a life this normal. It was honestly terrifying. Taking a deep breath, I looking at my daughter, she still had tears on her cheeks and she was looking at me with a very unhappy expression.

"Oh, stop it." I told her. "This is all new to me. You're gonna have to give me a break." She took in a shuttering breath before she fell on her butt, playing with a few toys that we had for her. "Thank you."

"Caroline!" Carol called as she came through the door.

"Carol!" I called back to her. She came into the kitchen with a smile on her face. "Thank God."

"What?" She smiled. "Can't handle one morning without a little help?"

"Do you know the last time I attempted to make breakfast for a family with an 8 month old on my hip and a man to get off to work and a boy to get off to school because I can tell you that it has been never." I rambled without take a breath. "I have never once in my life attempted anything like I did this morning. Am I expected to do that from now on?" I asked her, dropping my head onto the island.

She laughed and started to rub circles in my back, "I'm sorry I left you here alone. And no, I don't think that this will be expected of you."

"Good because it was exhausting." I told her straightening. "Actually, I'm sure I'll get used to it. But I feel like normal was just thrown at us and it's not normal anymore."

"Oh, Caroline." She said tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Yeah, yeah." I smiled at her. "I always have something to say."

"You do." She replied. "But you're still very much loved."

I pulled her into a tight hug, "You are, too."

"Okay, enough with the lovey-dovey stuff. You have to go to work and I'll keep an eye on peanut here."

"Thank you." I said and quickly kissed her cheek. "I'll be home by supper."

Jogging to the infirmary, I found it empty. Going to the supply closet, I couldn't help but double check everything. Rosita had written it all out and it was perfect, but I had to start my day off with something. Then I started to pull everything out into the other room, putting them in piles of like things that were going to be put in the same section. On top of that, I alphabetized them and made sure to label the shelves tediously.

"Morning." Rosita said coming in.

"Morning." I smiled at her.

She took in everything on the beds and tables, "Where can I help?"

"I'm fine for now." I told her.

She scoffed, "Come on, Linny. There has to be something I can help you with. I can't be bored all day."

I turned to her, smiling, "I am a little OCD."

"I've noticed." She smirked at me but her tone wasn't as pleasant as it was.

Sighing, I tried to let go of the reigns a little. I could accept her help. It would be hard. But I had learned that with most things, if I wanted it done right I was better off doing it myself. But I couldn't always be like that. I had to put trust and faith in the people I loved. I had to let go. Something I'd be working on probably for the rest of my life.

"I'm sorry." I told her. "It's not that I don't want help. I just don't know how to ask for it anymore. I've been pretty independent for pretty much forever. I find it hard to trust people."

She smiled, "I know. But you can trust me. I won't let you down."

"I know." I smiled. "Still hard."

"Baby steps." She smiled.

Laughing, I nodded, "Yeah. I'm labeling but if you want to start shelving, it'll get done that much faster."

"Then what will we do?" She smirked.

Breathing hard, my hands were on my hips as I looked around the room. I couldn't help the frown on my face. I didn't know what it was but there was something about this place that was bugging the shit out of me. Turning in a circle, I looked at Rosita.

"I don't know what it is, but this isn't right." I told her.

She nodded, "Yeah."

We'd rearranged the beds, moved the filing cabinets, and adjusted a few other things, only now it just didn't seem right. Sighing, I shrugged and we started to put everything back the way it was. Somewhere in the middle, we managed to find what felt right.

"Whoa." Pete said when he came in about midday. "You two have really gone all out."

"What do you think?" I asked him as I crossed my arms.

He looked around, going to the supply closet before making another circle around the room. He finally nodded, "I like it. It seems like it'll be more efficient."

"Good." I smiled. "That's the plan. If it doesn't seem to be working out then we can always put it back."

"No, no, I think it's gonna work." He said and smiled.

Smiling up at him, he stepped toward me, getting a little too close for comfort. "Good." I repeated and moved closer to Rosita. I was about to make an excuse on why we should be done for the day, but before I could, the door opened and Aaron and Eric came in. "Aaron."

"He's in a lot of pain." He told me.

"He should be healing fine." Pete stated.

Moving to Eric's other side, I nodded toward a bed, "Let's get him on a bed and take a look."

"He's fine." Pete smiled.

"Maybe a repeat x-ray? A new cast? Stronger pain meds?" I frowned at him.

"I haven't been taking any pain meds." Eric admitted.

"Eric." I frowned.

"That's what I keep saying." Aaron said as he met my eyes.

I smirked at him, "Men."

He laughed and nodded, "Stubborn mules."

"You said it."

Laughing, Pete was holding Eric's leg. "We can take the cast off and take a look but I think you just need rest and take some pain meds."

"This was a wasted trip." Eric stated. "No need to take the cast off. I'll just head home."

"We don't have a lot of other things going on today. You might as well let us take the caste off. And then I can practice on you." I smiled at him.

He just looked at me for a long moment before sighing, "Fine."

"Yay!" I exclaimed.

With Pete's help, we removed, checked, and replaced the cast on Eric's ankle. By the time it was done, it was bright pink, doodled on, and we all had been laughing so much there were tears on our cheeks. We had successfully wasted the majority of the day, deciding that it was enough and started to walk each other home.

"Thank you." Eric told me as I helped him onto the couch. "Full service."

"I take my job really seriously." I smiled at him.

Aaron wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his chest, "Thank you."

Relaxing against him, I hugged him tightly, "You're welcome."

"Alright." He said letting me go, looking a little sheepish. "You better be getting home."

"And if I don't want to?" I asked as I crossed my arms.

"We're just gonna be sitting around since he can't do much." Aaron stated.

I just smiled at them, "Do you guys play scrabble?"

They looked at each other, Aaron replying, "Yes, we do."

I looked at the clock, "We've got time."

Finally walking through the door to my home, I was thoroughly happy, having learned something and having beaten the pants off of Aaron and Eric in scrabble. It took so long that there was only time for one game, but it had been enough.

"Honey, I'm home!" I called to the house.

It took only a second for Carl to come down the stairs, wrapping his arms around me, "Welcome home."

"Thank you." I smiled, squeezing him tightly.

Then Rick was coming down, his hair wet from a recent shower. My eyes were locked onto him as he moved toward me. He didn't stop until I was against his chest, our lips meeting. Laughing lightly, I wrapping my arms around his neck, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

"How was your day?" I asked him.

"It was good." He nodded. "How was yours?"

"Good." I smiled. "I learned something at the infirmary and played an excellent game of scrabble with Aaron and Eric. I'm also perfectly on time for dinner. So it has been a very good day."

He smiled, wrapping his arm around me as we moved toward the kitchen, "Can't wait to hear all about it."

I couldn't help the happiness that was radiating off of me. "We can do that now."

"Do what?"

"Talk about each other's days. I have something to tell you because you weren't there. We have jobs and a house and…a life."

He nodded and kissed me, "We do."

Talking and laughing over dinner, everyone was there. We all had different stories to tell, each one was music to my ears. This was what a family dinner was supposed to be like. I wanted every night to be like this. Safe. Happy. Together.

"Hey." Glenn said softly as I sat on the swing on the porch.

"Hey." I grinned as he handed me a cup of coffee. "Thank you." I said taking it. "Mmm. Very much, thank you."

"You're welcome, Yoda." He smirked.

Laughing lightly, he started to swing us, "I like it here. I think we can make it work."

I nodded, "I like it here, too." Looking at him, I knew there was something that was bothering him. "How are the runs really going with Aiden and Nicholas?"

He smiled, but was quiet for a long moment. "They really have no idea what they're doing." He finally replied.

"You haven't taken over yet?" I asked.

"I'm trying to be respectful."

Smiling, I nudged him, "You are respectful. You are a good man, Glenn. One of the best."

He laughed lightly, "I try."

"You succeed." I stated.

He met my eyes, "You're a good woman, Caroline."

It was my turn to laugh, "I try."

"You succeed."

Laughing, I shook my head, sighing, "Sometimes I'm not so sure."

"You're a good person." He replied. "You are amazing and smart and resourceful. You know when to fight and when to compromise. You know when to kill and when to let live."

I scoffed, "No, I don't, Glenn. I like to kill first and ask questions later."

He smiled at me, nodding, "You used to be like that. But not anymore. You've come a long way since we met."

I smiled at him, feeling emotion catch, "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I kind of love you, you know."

He laughing lightly, "I kind of love you, too."

We talked until his wife and my boyfriend wandered out to see what had happened to us. Rick sat in front of me while Maggie sat on top of the railing in front of us. Bringing my hands to Rick's hair, I massaged his scalp from front to back, continuing the motion until he was starting to drift off.

"Ready for bed?" I asked him softly, running my hands down his chest as I pressed a kiss against his cheek.

He took a sharp intake of breath, nodding, "Yeah. Bed sounds nice."

Smiling, I pressed my lips to his ear, "I can wear you out even further once we're there."

He laughed lightly, bringing his hand up, burying his fingers in my hair, "I love you."

"I love you." I said and kissed him as he turned his face toward mine. Standing, I helped him to his feet, looking at the other pair. "You two should do the same."

They both laughed and watched us go back inside. I just hoped that they did. They were so in love and yet sometimes I just couldn't see it. But every relationship was different. Just because I enjoyed the touching and kissing and everything else, didn't mean everyone else did. Even Rick wasn't a fan of showing too much in public. But they were family. I just wanted to be myself. I really felt like we were able to that here. And I wasn't about to start hiding or changing who I was. Not for my family. Not even for Rick. So far he'd been perfectly happy with me. Something I was going to make sure he continued to be.

Coming morning, I felt lips press against my shoulder, I opened my eyes to see Rick smiling down at me. Smiling, shutting my eyes again, I took a deep breath, not ready to wake up. The night had been amazing and I wasn't ready to leave our happy little bubble just yet. Only then Judith started to cry, making me prop myself up on my forearms and look over my shoulder at her. Looking back at Rick, he gently rubbed my back as he pressed his lips to my forehead.

"I'll get her." He said and tipped my head up, kissing me deeply.

Grabbing his pillow, I watched him put boxers and pants on before a white tee, walking over to Judith and picked her up. She kept carrying on, jerking to the side and her head turned, locking on to me. Sighing, I got up, pulling on clothes before stepping up to them. She reached out for me and I took her. She fell hard against my chest, still whimpering but not actively crying anymore. Rick smiled and pressed a kiss against her head, then against my forehead as I cradled her against me.

"She's lucky to have you." He told me.

"I'm lucky to have you." I replied.

He just smiled and kissed me again, pressing against me, sandwiching Judith between us. When he leaned away, she now had a fistful of his shirt in her hand. She leaned toward him and he took her back, now happy in her father's arms. There was a knock on the door, and I moved to it, opening it to see Carl.

"Morning, sweetie." I said wrapping my arm around his shoulders. "Ready for breakfast?"

"Yeah." He replied, wrapping his arm around my waist.

Afterward, Carl was sent off to school, Carol was with Judith and Rick was walking me to the infirmary.

"Rick. Caroline." Deanna called from her home. "Would you please join me for a few minutes? I'd like to go over a few things."

He nodded and looked at me, smiling, we walked toward her, going inside to find Michonne and Maggie were already there as well. Going to Maggie, I smiled, nudging her as I stood next to her.

"I'd like to go over the basic responsibilities that are expected of you now that you've taken your positions. Caroline, I see you've already taken the infirmary under your wing and I am impressed with the changes." She smiled.

"Thank you."

"As for you two," She said looking at Rick and Michonne, "you protect and serve. You patrol, walk the wall, watch out for the kids. If there's a conflict, you solve it. And people will listen to you."

"Because we're wearing windbreakers?" Michonne asked.

I couldn't help but laughing, getting a look from Deanna. "Sorry."

"Because they believe in this." She said to Michonne. "Because I'm telling them to. A police officer used to live here. So we had these jackets and I wanted to make it official. So it's official." She went on, a smile on her face. "There's gonna be a government here one day. That's why I want Maggie working with me. There's gonna be a police force. That's why I want you two to start it. We're going to have a functioning hospital. That's why I want Caroline with Pete. I see a vibrant community here with industry, commerce, civilization. Real lives. It might be horses and mills, but – what?" She asked looking at Rick. Doing the same, I could see the distraction all over his face. "Does that sound like pie in the sky?"

"No." Maggie told her.

Her eyes moved to Michonne, who repeated, "No."

"No." I told her when her eyes fell on me.

Then her eyes were on Rick. It took a long moment for him to respond. "No." He finally said and then he jumped in to work talk. "Can we talk security? We need a constant patrol along the walls. Not just looking for damage, but signs that anyone climbed in from outside. You can move right up the supports. That's what I'd do. People are the real threat now."

Moving outside, I started to move to the infirmary, but Deanna said my name, making me stop. "Walk with us."

"Okay." I smiled, falling in step next to Rick.

We walked the walls and it was clear on Rick's face what he wanted to do. Deanna knew as well. "Rick, I know you think that we should all be armed within the walls. I – I can't do that."

"That's fine." He nodded. "You make these changes, we won't need to."

"Excuse me." Sasha said stepping forward. "I want to volunteer to be one of the lookouts in the clock tower."

"There are no lookouts in the clock tower." Deanna replied.

"What?" Rick and I said together.

"Please tell me you're joking." I frowned at her.

"We saw someone up there earlier." Michonne frowned.

"That was an empty rifle my son Spencer put up there." Deanna told her. "He mans it sometimes, but not often." She took in our shocked expressions. "Look, there hasn't been the need."

"You have one now." I frowned.

"We need a lookout in that tower right now, 24/7." Rick stated.

"It's the only way we'll be able to see if someone's coming at us." Michonne explained.

"Okay, okay, we'll make shifts." Deanna replied.

"I'll take those shifts, as many as possible." Sasha offered.

Deanna looked at her, "Why?"

All eyes were on Sasha now. She wasn't saying anything. Moving to her side, I put my hand on her shoulder, whispering, "It's okay."

"Sasha's one of our best shots. She can do it." Maggie told her.

Deanna kept her eyes on Sasha, "I'm gonna put Spencer up there today. I'll consider you being our primary lookout, but I want something in return." She smiled at her. "Tonight I'm hosting a welcome party for all of you at my home. I want you to be there."

Sasha frowned at her, "Why?"

"Come tonight." Deanna smiled. "Then we'll talk about it."

Sasha glanced up at me. I shrugged at her. She gave the slightest uneasy smile to Deanna before she walked away. Looking at Rick and Michonne, I nodded, touching his arm before I started to head back over to the infirmary. Letting myself inside, I wasn't sure what to think about all of this. They had no idea what was out there or how to protect themselves from it. They had no lookouts. They were living under the impression that nothing bad was going to happen. That was a load of bullshit.

"You seem distracted today." Pete stated as I meticulously cleaned a set of instruments he had used for a minor procedure before I got here.

"I am." I smiled at him.

"You, uh, going to the party tonight?" He asked.

I scoffed, nodding, "Probably."

"It'll be fun to see you outside of your OCD bubble."

I laughed lightly, "I'm not any different than I am when I'm here. Yes, maybe less OCD but still me."

"Still like to be in control."

"Not in control." I shot at him. "I'm more than capable of following. But I will not do anything that I don't believe in. Rick leads our people. Even if we're here."

"They seem to listen to you just at much." He said leaning against the counter I was at, crossing his arms as he looked at me with an expression that made my stomach turn. "Is that because you're with Rick?"

"No." I told him. "And they don't look to me. I simply am known to have an opinion on pretty much everything."

"And what's your opinion on me?" He grinned.

I froze, looking at him with a small smirk. "Jury's still out on that one." I told him. It was too early to be causing rifts.

Managing to waste enough of the day to say I'd put in enough time, I left early, stating that I wanted to get ready for the party tonight. Pete didn't care, and I was more than happy with getting away from him. He was starting to make me feel uneasy about being there. He'd lean a little too close, sometimes asking questions that were too personal. It's one thing to get to know the people you would be working with, but entirely different when it seemed like it was all too personal.

No one was home when I got there, going upstairs and to the drawers that were pretty much empty. A party usually meant you wore something nice and I definitely didn't have anything that made me feel like I looked nice. Making a decision, I changed into jeans, t-shirt, jacket, and boots. Going back downstairs, I jotted a note for Rick, and then made my way to the armory. Letting myself in, I saw Olivia going over some numbers.

"Hey." I smiled. "I need to check my weapons out."

"Okay." She smiled back. "Leaving a little late, aren't you? The party will be starting in a couple hours."

"I know." I smiled. "I'll be back in time."

Putting my gun in the hoister on my right, my knife was firmly around my thigh, and a rifle strap was across my torso. Walking to a car, I opened the door, was about to get in, when I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Maggie!" I exclaimed and shoved her.

"Room for one more?" She asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, of course."

"Be right back." She said and ran to the armory, coming back out with her weapons as well. I already had the car started and facing the gate as I waited for her. "Where to?"

"To find some clothes that we haven't worn fifty times already."

"Good." She said as she buckled. "I had no idea what I was going to wear to this party."

We talked all the way to town, finding the biggest clothing store we could. I wouldn't be surprised if everything that was functional was gone but I hoped there was something a little nicer left behind. Not many could say they had the opportunity to do something like this so I knew we should be grateful. And I was. I really, really was. I knew what we had and I knew that I was going to do everything in my power to make sure we kept it.

"I'm actually surprised by what they have left." Maggie stated as we walked through a clothing store at the end of a shopping mall.

"Apparently no one thought about it when they all took off." I replied.

"I suppose they figured there'd be time for that later." She added.

Stepping over several bodies, I moved toward a wall of sundresses. The world had fallen apart at a good time for warm weather. Not so much for cold, making any jackets and such important when you came across it. Warehouses where clothes were stored were always a bonus for anyone. Though some stores had been winding down with summer and getting ready for fall and winter. But those were usually picked over first, leaving little for anyone who came later.

"Options." Maggie said as she stepped next to me.

"A lot of them." I nodded.

Looking at each other, we both grinned, laughing lightly as we started to pull things down. Rocking out to the music in our heads, we ran through the racks, pulled stuff off walls, trying things on right there in front of each other. By the time we left, we had bags full of clothes. But not only for us but for our family as well. Even a couple bags to give to Olivia for whoever might need something. They had been generous and seemed to have little care packages ready for anyone who came, but we wanted to give back. It was the right thing to do.

As soon as we'd gotten back and dropped off stuff with Olivia – who had been grateful for the offering – we rushed back to our homes. Taking everything upstairs, I wanted to sort it and hand it off to those I'd gotten them for, but there wasn't time. Shoving them in a closet, I grabbed the dress I'd picked, and made my way back downstairs.

"You in a hurry?" Rick asked as he stepped from the kitchen with Judith.

"Yeah." I smiled. "I'm going to get ready with Maggie."

He nodded, "I've hardly seen you today."

"Weird, isn't it?" I smiled with furrowed brows. Rushing to him, I took his face in my hands and kissed him passionately, pressing against him. "I can't wait to see you later. We can talk then."

"As this rate you are going to be late." He smirked.

"I know." I told him. "But it'll be worth it."

"Are you even going to tell me where you were?"

"Were you worried?" I asked him.

"A little." He nodded. "I know what you can do. Doesn't mean I want you out there alone."

"I know, baby." I said kissing him again. "I love you."

"I love you."

"Wear something nice." I smirked, gently pulling on his white tee. I pressed a kiss against Judith's cheek before kissing him once more. "I'll see you soon." He nodded and watched me once again leave. Running down the stairs and next door, I let myself in, nearly running Glenn over in the process. "Sorry." I told him. "Maggie?"

"Upstairs." He said smiling as he pointed. "I've been kicked out."

"No you haven't." I said and kissed his cheek. "Just go next door and help Rick look decent."

He held up the clothes he was holding, "And apparently I have a new outfit."

"Go." I smiled and pushed him out the door.

Rushing upstairs, I let myself into her bedroom, shutting the door as I walked to the master suite. She was already starting to do her hair. Stepping next to her, I pulled mine out of the braid it had been in. It made my hair wavy, making me think that I could get away without doing much with it. Helping to curl hers, she did the same for me despite my saying that it didn't need anything. Then she happily pinned my hair partially up before I pulled a few strands of hers back, pinning it to the side. Standing in front of each other, we just looked and smiled.

"I feel like we're about to go to the prom or something." I told her and laughed.

"I never went." She replied.

"I went to my senior year snowball and prom. I told myself that I had to experience it at least once before it was all over." I told her and I stepped back into the bedroom.

"It was never something I wanted to do." She told me.

We undressed and slipped into the dresses we had gotten. Looking at her, I couldn't help but smile, feeling tears at the surface. It was a beautiful navy blue sleeveless party dress with a lace-appliqued V-neck bodice. I was surprised I knew those words. There was even tiny beading to accent it, spilling over the natural waistline of the skirt. It was figure-fitting, floating away from her hips. I imagined her and Glenn twirling to music, the dress just flowing around them.

"What?" She asked.

I shrugged, "You look amazing."

She smiled and stepped up to me, turning me toward the mirror, "You look pretty amazing yourself."

Looking at my refection, I guess I couldn't tell her she was wrong. My dress was black, a nice soft fabric, sleeveless with wide straps, a high back and a smooth waistband that accentuated my bust just enough. It also had a plunging V-neck and grazed my ankles as it flowed down my sides. It was lightweight and airy. Nothing over the top and yet I felt pretty spectacular.

"Yo!" Abraham called from downstairs. "Are you two nuggets done yet? Rosita and I are headed over to show our miserable faces."

"We'll see you there!" I called back to him.

Turning to Maggie, I pulled out shoes I had grabbed. Both pairs were black with high heels. One pair wrapped up around the ankle and Maggie quickly took them. Laughing, I slipped my feet into the simple black close toed heels, strapping it around my ankle.

"Ready." She told me.

"Ready." I smiled back.

Walking to the stairs, I nearly fell down them, making laughing burst from both of us before we'd even made it out of the house.

"Your boobs look great, by the way." Maggie told me.

"I know." I smiled. "So do yours."

"I know." She said and laughed.

She hooked her arm through mine as we went to the Monroe house, letting ourselves in. There were plenty of people who were all fancied up, though I still felt like we may have been a little overdressed. All eyes seemed to turn toward us and it took all of me not to turn around and leave again. This was not the sort of thing I did often, but at the same time if I was going to do it than I was going to go all out for it.

"Wow." Pete said coming up to us. "You look amazing."

"So does Maggie." I smiled at him. He glanced at her up and down, smirking. "We need a drink." I told him and swiftly moved Maggie around him. "He's a pig." I said softly as I grabbed a beer. She fancied the wine, but I loved beer. "Should we find our men?"

She lifted her glass; we toasted, took a drink, and walked around each other. I saw Judith first, in the arms of a stranger. I knew that I shouldn't be worried but at the same time I wanted to march over there and take her back. She was mine. I knew that. So I left well enough alone.

When I finally spotted Rick, he was wearing jeans still, but a nice button-up and he'd at least made his hair look decent. Grinning, I moved toward him, blushing as he did a double-take, his mouth slightly falling open. When I reached him, he immediately opened his arm to me, sliding his hand across my back as he pulled me tight against his side. I wrapped my arm around his neck, smiling at him as he took me in.

"You look…amazing." He told me lustfully.

Grinning, I leaned closer to him, putting my lips against his ear, "So do you."

"You smell amazing." He added as if in awe of me.

"So do you."

"You are stunning, Caroline." He kept going, taking a step away from me so he could look me up and down.

"Stop." I told him, putting my arms around his neck. "Just give me one kiss and I'll be happy."

He nodded and swiftly leaned in and kissed me. "You even taste amazing."

"Stop." I laughed but was flattered all the same. He didn't need to tell me that. He could tell me I looked ridiculous and I'd still love him. "But I'm happy you think so."

He nodded repeatedly, "I do. I really do."

"So you don't think I look good in just jeans and a t-shirt?" I teased.

"You look good in everything." He replied.

"Good boy." I laughed.

Then his lips were against my ear, "You look even better in nothing. I can't wait to take that off of you later."

Laughing harder, my cheeks were burning. "Have I missed anything?"

He shook his head, "Nothing that you'd be sorry about."

"Meaning?" I asked.

"Meaning we've been welcomed in with open arms. I'm apparently a remarkable man." He told me.

"You are a remarkable man." I smiled. "The best ever."

He smirked, "Yeah, well, you're a little bias."

"A lot bias." I said and kissed him sweetly. "Anything else?"

He shook his head, "Nah. Just some small talk."

"So, now do we have to mingle?" I smirked.

He laughed lightly, "That's your thing. And Carol's. Even Maggie's. She looks amazing too, by the way." His eyes were on her.

"We lucked out." I told him. "She does look amazing though. I don't think her and Glenn will be staying too long." I added and laughed.

"I don't think we are either." He said and surprised me by pressing his lips to my neck.

Doing the whole mingling thing, I tried to remember names but was finding it difficult. One of the women had decided that she was going to make a meal for each of us. Something that was our favorite. I attempted to turn her down but apparently that just wasn't happening. I finally gave in, telling her that I would love a good meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn. That was my favorite meal that my dad made and it would be something I'd thoroughly enjoy. But it did the trick, giving us an out to move on. It didn't take long to have talked to pretty much everyone in the room. Finding a section of wall that was currently not being held up, I stood with my beer, watching the room. Something in the window caught me and I saw Daryl there. Downing my beer, I smiled at him, moving toward the door.

Stopping, I searched the crowd for Rick, finding him talking to Jessie. Moving toward them, I put my hand on his arm, pressing a kiss to his cheek, "I'm going to go check on Eric."

"Now?" He frowned, putting his arm around me.

"I'm getting a little overwhelmed with all these people." I told him.

He nodded, "Okay. I'll see you at home."

Smiling, I just stared at him for a long moment, "You will." Then I looked at Jessie. "Don't let him get bored."

She laughed lightly, "Never."

The way she said it and the way she looked at him, I felt a little jealous and possessive of him. Pete seemed to be coming on to me. Jessie was getting all flirtatious with Rick. Something just didn't feel right. But I was sure that it was all in my head. Rick wouldn't cheat and neither would I. I had nothing to worry about.

"Okay, then." I said and looked at Rick. "Love you." I told him softly.

He smiled, his hand finding my face, "Love you."

Smiling at Jessie, I left, moving toward Aaron and Eric's house. I was about halfway there when the heels got the better of me. Nearly pitching over, I felt arms as I was caught before I could hit the pavement.

"Daryl." I smiled. "Thank you."

"What's with the getup?" He asked.

"It was a party." I told him. "I wanted to look the part."

"And kill yourself." He stated.

Smiling, I used him to steady myself as I took the heels off. Starting down the road again, he took them from me, looking anxious as we walked. "I saw you." I told him. He just looked down at me. "At least you thought about going in." I smiled.

He nodded again. "Did you have fun?"

"It was nice." I replied. "There was beer, so that helped. The people are nice but so naïve it's ridiculous. One of them is more concerned about cooking us all a meal of our choice then the dead that are outside the walls. Not to mention the people. They have no idea what's going on and this made that even more clear." Stopping in front of the house, I looked up at him. "Wanna come in with me?"

"Nah." He told me.

"Hey, guys." Aaron said. "Daryl."

"Aaron." I said going up the stairs.

"Caroline, you look…fantastic." He smiled as he held his hands out to me.

Taking them, I leaned up and kissed his cheek, "Thank you."

"Here to check on Eric?"

"I am."

"He's on the couch." He smiled.

Going back down the stairs, I took my shoes of Daryl, kissing his cheek as well before going back up onto the porch, letting myself inside. Going to the living room, Eric was reading with his leg propped up.

"Hey, trouble." I smiled.

"Linny." He said sitting up. "Wow."

"I know." I smiled, blushing again. "I look pretty damn good."

"You look okay." He nodded.

Laughing, I stepped forward and punched his arm, "Jerk."

He laughed with me, "You obviously have heard that a few times tonight. So if you want I'll tell you that you look like crap."

Grinning at him, I shook my head, "No. I actually have been enjoying it. It's been forever since I've felt this nice."

"So what brings you here?" He asked.

"You." I winked at him. He blushed and shook his head at me. "How's the leg?"

He nodded, "It's feeling pretty good now."

Moving around the couch, I lifted it before moving behind it, sitting down and cradled it in my lap. "That's good."

"Hiding?" He smiled.

I propped my feet up on the table. "I've never been big on parties. When I did go I usually always over did it and ended up miserable for the next day or two."

"You can do that here you know." He stated.

"No, I can't." I replied. "You don't get it, Eric. You've seen what it's like out there and you all still throw parties and cook meals for everyone and live like nothing can happen to you."

"Something already happened to me." He told me.

"Exactly." I told him. "Something already happened to you, Eric. Something small in the grand scheme of things."

"What happened to you?" He asked.

"Hey, guys, look who's staying for dinner." Aaron smiled.

"Daryl!" I exclaimed.

"Get gimpy over to the table." He told me.

Laughing, I looked at Eric, "Come on, gimpy. Time to eat."

Going to the table, Aaron and Eric sat across from each other, with me next to Aaron and Daryl next to Eric. He was like a celebrity here. Eric kept looking at him with this expression like he wanted to ask him a million questions.

"You have a very nice home." I told Aaron. "I'm happy you convinced us to tag along."

"Me, too." He smiled. "You seem to be settling in all right."

I nodded, "Yes, thank you. It's been a dream come true."

We smiled glancing at Daryl as he very noisily and messily ate the spaghetti. I was slightly embarrassed but he was just being him. Gently kicking him under the table, he just raised a brow and kept going just the way he had been.

"Despite our lack of knowledge of what's out there." Aaron said keeping the conversation going.

"You'll get there." I smiled. "We'll help."

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to it."

"Me, too."

Daryl finished off his food, looking at them, "Thanks."

"Mmm, when you're out there, if you happen to be in a store or something, Mrs. Neudermyer is really looking for a pasta maker." Eric told Daryl. "And we're all really trying to get her to shut up about it. I mean, we have crates of dried pasta in here, but she wants to make her own or something."

I looked at him awkwardly, both Daryl and I taking a drink of the wine, watching as Daryl sloshed it around in his mouth. I had to stifle my laughter. He truly was a man of the wild and not civilization. That was why he did so well out there. He was amazing. Even more so for his social ungracefulness.

"I really think she just wants something to talk about, so…if you see one out on your travels, it would go a long way to…" Eric kept going, despite Aaron looking at him with a very 'shut up' sort of expression. "I thought it was done." Eric said putting his wine glass down. "You didn't ask him already?" Aaron shook his head.

"Ask me what?" Daryl asked.

"Come with me." Aaron told him as he stood.

"We'll clean up." I smiled at him, picking up plates. "And by 'we' I mean me. Gimpy there can head back to the couch."

"Don't even think about it, Caroline." Eric told me. "Gimpy can handle it just fine. You're a guest. Go with them."

"You sure?" I asked him, giving him one more opportunity to accept my help.

"Go." He smiled.

Nodding, I at least helped clear the table before joining the boys in the garage. I opened the door to see a motorcycle and a large amount of spare parts and tools that one would need to restore and tune it up.

"When I got the place, there was that frame and some parts and equipment." Aaron told him. "Whoever lived here built them."

"It's a lot of parts for one bike." Daryl stated.

"Yeah. Whenever I came across any parts out there, I brought them back. I didn't know what I'd need. I always thought I'd learn how to do it, but I get the feeling…you already know what to do with it. And the thing is…you're going to need a bike."

Daryl and I looked at each other and I simply smiled at him while he looked at Aaron suspiciously, "Why?"

"I told Deanna not to give you a job because I think I have one for you." He replied. "I'd like you to be Alexandria's other recruiter. I don't want Eric risking his life anymore."

"You want me risking mine, right?" Daryl asked. I couldn't help but frown at Aaron.

"Yeah, because you know what you're doing." Aaron told him. I wanted to jump in and tell him off but was curious as to what he was going to follow with. "You're good out there. But you don't belong out there. I know it's hard getting used to people getting used to you. And I understand right now you need to be out there sometimes. So do I. But the main reason why I want you to help me recruit is because you do know the difference between a good person and a bad person." He finished and now I was smiling at him. All good reasons.

Daryl looked at me; I stepped next to Aaron, "He's right."

Daryl looked at Aaron again, "I got nothing else to do. Thanks. I'll get you some rabbits."

"Great." Aaron smiled.

I stepped up to Daryl, wrapping my arms around him as I looked up at him. "I'm proud of you. This is a good thing."

"Shut up." He told me but smirked.

"I'm gonna go." I said and turned to Aaron. "Thank you so much for dinner."

"It was her favorite." Daryl stated.

I smiled at him, "Yes it was."

"I'm glad." Aaron smiled. "I'll walk you out."

I pretty much adored Aaron. He was kind and thoughtful and was more chivalrous than anyone I'd met in a long ass time. He was definitely one of the good ones. And the fact that he was gay made me feel like I could do just about anything to him or in front of him and it wouldn't matter. Every girl needed a good gay friend. Especially a male one.

"Thank you, again." I told him. "I'll see you later."

"Thank you, Caroline."

"For what?" I frowned.

He shrugged, "For being you."

I laughed, "I've heard that before. Still not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing."

"Definitely a good thing." He replied.

"Thanks." Daryl told him as he came down the stairs. "Let's go."

Nodding, I waved at him once more before walking with Daryl. Hooking my arm through his, he took my hand, holding it tightly as we walked. "You okay?" He nodded. "I liked his offer. You'll be good at it." He nodded again. "I'm glad you took the job." He again nodded. "How about you say something to me."

He stopped and we turned toward each other. He took both my hands, his thumbs running along the top of them. He leaned forward and pressed a long kiss against my forehead. "You look beautiful."

Smiling, I cocked my head at him, "Thank you."

He pulled me against him, wrapping his arms around me in a vice grip, pressing his face into my neck. Hugging him tightly, I slid my hand up his neck, my fingers disappearing into his hair.

"I love you, Daryl." I told him. "So much."

He let me go, nodding down at me, "Yeah, love you too."

"Come on." I said still holding his hand as we went back to our home. Going inside the house was quiet but there were sounds of people around. "Get some sleep."

"Night." He said and moved downstairs to where his room was.

Waiting, listening for him to close the door, I finally made my way back upstairs. I stopped at Carl's door, opening it to check on him to find him reading comics. Opening the door further, I let myself in, seeing Judith sleeping in her playpen. Smiling, I leaned over and gently rubbed her back.

"Have fun?" Carl asked, setting the comic aside.

Smiling, I sat on the edge of the bed, "I did. How was your night?"

"Good." He replied. "Where were you?"

"I was at Aaron and Eric's with Daryl. I wanted to check on Eric's ankle and they invited us to stay for dinner. How was the rest of the party?"

"Boring." He smiled. "Not really our kind of thing."

I scoffed and nodded, "Definitely not. We're more of a gladiator type group who has more fun killing walkers than being around real people." He laughed and nodded. "But we need to try and be a little more like these people." I added. "We will keep our skills up but I think we need to get a little more of our humanity back." He sighed, averting his eyes. "You don't agree?"

"I do, it's just…" He started.

"Just what?" I asked, brushing his bangs out of his face.

"I don't want us to get weak."

"You've said that before." I smiled. "But it's not going to happen. We're just going to get happier. Not weaker."

"Yeah." He said but didn't seem convinced.

"Don't you like it here?"

"I do."

"Good. Because I really, really want this place to work."

"Do you really think it can?"

I smiled and nodded, "I do. I really do. Now that we're here, these people have a better chance at surviving. We can make this place impenetrable." He smiled. "Doesn't sound so bad, does it?"

"No." He told me.

Leaning down, I pressed a kiss against his forehead, "I love you, Carl."

"Love you, Mom."

Smiling, I stared down at him, "I like that."

"Good. Because I'm not going to stop."

Smiling, I ran my hand across his hair, "Night, Carl."

"Night, Mom."

Getting up, I moved to the door, "Ready for lights out?"

"Yeah."

"Sleep tight."

"Mom?" He said stopping me. "You look really nice."

"Thank you." I smiled at him.

Letting myself into the room next to his, I smiled at Rick, he'd already fallen asleep. I walked to our en suite bathroom, undoing my hair and slipped out of the dress. Taking off my bra, I smiled, loving the feeling. Putting on a tank and sweat pants I went through my usual routine before I moved to the bed. Getting in, I rolled over, pressing myself against Rick's side. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me tighter against him.

"I love you, Rick." I whispered to him.

"Love you, Linny." He replied.

Smiling, I tipped my head up, pressing a kiss against his cheek. He chuckled softly before pressing a kiss to my forehead. Nestling as far into him as I could, I fell asleep. It had been an amazing night, one of many more to come. Every day this place felt more like home. I couldn't wait to see what it would become.