I love all my readers, just wanted to throw that out there!

Also there is gonna be some sexual stuff up ahead, I'll let you know so you can skip it if you want, it's not smut, just well…classy I suppose. Anyways, on to the story!

edit: I'm about to publish but i added this in just before publishing...this is seriously my first smexy scene and I'm super nervous you guys...have mercy. :p


I left the truck to let the others get their things, man I really missed my bag. It had extra clothes, food, among other important things like my phone, Jane's cigarettes and lighter, maybe a book or two…

I made my way to the RV and hung out there for a bit, checking out some of Dale's books. I talked to Dale quite a bit too, he was a pretty nice guy, and he knew almost everything about what was going on in the camp.

Glenn joined me in the RV for a little bit, he seemed nervous too, but I was told that that's just how he is sometimes. "You okay?" I asked, concerned since he's probably exhausted from the day's events.

"Yeah, fine. Tired and worried in general." He replied with a shaken tone.

I raised an eyebrow, "About?"

"Dixon. Daryl Dixon, he won't be happy when he hears about his brother."

I sighed, "Where is he?"

He shrugged his shoulders and removed his baseball cap to run his fingers through his hair, "I don't really know. He might've left to go hunting." Doesn't seem very smart to be hunting this late, but hey, to each their own.

"Do you think he knows?"

He shook his head in uncertainty, "Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that I don't want to be there when he actually hears it from someone."

He seemed to have a lot on his mind, so I figured I should change the subject, "What were you before all this shit happened?

At first, he drummed his fingers on the table nervously, probably trying to string together a sentence. He lifted his head up and finally answered, "I was a pizza delivery guy, that's how I know all the shortcuts."

"Interesting, that's a pretty useful thing to know."

He crinkled his eyebrows in deep thought before asking me the same thing, but in a different way, "What the hell is someone like you doing all the way down here in Georgia?"

I choked back a laugh, "I ask myself the same thing." He gave a small chuckle, at least I'm getting somewhere now. "I was going to basic training for the Army and I had friends here, so I thought I'd stick around for a bit."

I'm glad he was smart and didn't ask about my friends, so I went ahead and asked him another question, "How'd you find the group?"

"I – I went to a refugee camp, it was overrun but I met T-Dog there and we tried to use the highway to get out of Atlanta, but it was just clogged up. We met Dale, Andrea and Amy there in the RV so we stuck with them and then we met up with the others there. What about you?"

I laughed as I recalled the memory, "I was trying to steal guns from a police station."

He smiled, "How'd that go?"

"Pretty good actually, he didn't kill me so I guess we started on a good note."

"You guys…are pretty late to join."

I scoffed, "Yeah, I know. I was on my own for a bit and so was Rick."

I'd say this conversation was going pretty well, at least we both were distracting ourselves from all our troubles.

"So…" He began, but stopped as if he were having an internal conflict of some sort.

"So…?" I repeated, preparing myself for the question I already knew he was going to ask.

"…you and Rick?" The funny thing was that as soon as he asked, I think he immediately regret it. I wasn't mad or anything, trust me, it's just that's not something I wanted to be thinking about at the moment. Regardless, I gave him a small smile to show I wasn't upset and answered, "I honestly don't know, Glenn."

"You…don't know?" He asked, confused. He must be new to the dynamic of relationships.

"Yeah, Glenn, I don't know," I spat before realizing he was just confused and not stupid, "Look, sorry. It's just…I really don't fucking know, it's a big god damn mystery." What's another mystery is why I'm even working myself up over this. Why can't I just turn off emotions and not care for people or what they think of me? Life would be so much easier that way.

"Well…do you like him?"

I snickered, "What are you, Dr. Phil now?"

He threw his hands up in defense, "I'm just trying to help keep our minds off of things."

Well he had a point there, "Okay, yes, I do like him."

"Does he like you?"

"I – I think so." I stammered…he has kissed me multiple times, protected me, maybe even saved my life once or twice…

Glenn interrupted my thoughts, "It looks like it."

"Well then he likes me, doesn't he?" No shit, Isabelle. You just answered your own question.

"Then you're together." It's that simple? It can't be.

I sighed and lightly bashed my forehead on the table, "It's not that easy, Glenn." I mumbled. I brought my head back up and looked at him, "Thanks for the advice though, even though it didn't do much, I still really appreciate it."

I pushed myself out of my seat and gave him a quick smile before leaving the RV, I hope he doesn't think I'm some bitch, hopefully he just understands that I'm terrible at taking advice.

I ran into T-Dog on the way out, and before he could disappear I brought up the subject of Daryl.

He broke off eye contact for a brief second before answering, "I think he went out hunting. He'll probably be back early morning."

"Listen, T-Dog, about Merle…" I paused to wait for his reaction before continuing, "I've had kind of a similar experience before..."

He finally met eye contact with me by narrowing his eyes, "You know what it's like to leave someone chained to a roof surrounded by walkers because you dropped a damn key?" I know he wasn't trying to scare or intimidate me, he just wanted space like I did earlier.

"N-no," I hesitated, "I don't. But sometimes it helps to talk about it." Forgot to mention that I can be stubborn, a bit hypocritical since I'm usually nosy about other people's problems but can't even talk about my own. It's a bad habit, alright?

He leaned against the door to the RV, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I appreciate it. But I need some time to myself."

I nodded my head in understanding; I just hope he doesn't bottle it up, "Right. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will." He groaned and left into the RV, that was most definitely my sign to leave.

Remember when I asked if anyone would notice me sneaking in the box truck to take a nap? I think I'll take that chance, since it's most likely the only alone time I'll have for a long while.


I was able to sneak away from the camp to get back into the box truck after some awkward introductions here and there.

Since we've arrived, I haven't really seen Rick either, which didn't bother me too much. I still felt weird here though, real out of place.

Once I jumped into the truck, I tried to throw my head back and fall asleep, but that didn't work. Tried lying down in the seats, didn't work either. Being around so many families plagued me with worry about my own…

Is my brother okay? How about my mom? Where is my brother?

Will I even get to see them again?

I sunk my head, feeling selfish since there are plenty of others here who don't know where their families are or if they're even alive.

But regardless, that doesn't mean I can't sit here and miss my family. Especially my dad.

Damn, it's been a while since I really thought about my dad. Makes me wonder what the hell he'd do in this situation, probably play the hero. I chuckled to myself as I remembered the happy memories I shared before I lost him.

I need to distract myself right now, think happy thoughts, Isabelle – it'll be better to stay optimistic rather than pessimistic.

I placed my hand on the glove box, thinking about what could be inside. Never met a box truck driver before, so I haven't the slightest clue about what's inside – but hopefully it's booze. Nothing better than getting shitfaced to temporarily forget your problems…

Thankfully, it was unlocked and the light was working, so I took a peek inside. Let's see, cigarettes, a lighter, and a flashlight, some other things that I don't care much about. Well…I do need a flashlight and a lighter could come in handy…so I might as well take the cigarettes. Hell, you never know – they could be the new currency.

Never tried these before either, and I probably won't have the longest life span in this new world, so might as well try! And I know it's bad to start such a nasty habit, but come on, I can't find anything else to do.

I plucked one cigarette and rolled it in my fingers before sticking it in my mouth. I checked that the windows were open a little, so I that I don't accidentally off myself.

I didn't light it yet, but it felt weird in my mouth, probably because I've never touched these before in my life. I grabbed the lighter and put it right to the tip, waiting for it to light.

And as soon as I felt the smoke enter my lungs…I gagged and coughed. How the fuck can anyone smoke this shit?

After coughing up what felt like a lobe of my lung, I decided to try again. I actually was starting to like the smell. Well, I always liked the smell but the whole lung cancer thing never really appealed to me.

I tried taking another puff, and I could feel my throat shrivel from not being used to the abuse I was putting it through – but I kept trying.

Several more puffs, and I felt to be getting the hang of it. Starting to enjoy the taste too.

About halfway through, I got bored with it though and tossed it out the window. I only like the smoke really.

I dug more into the glove box, I found some documents, headphones, and a pair of sunglasses that were pretty badass looking. They were those round 60s style ones, with a sepia lens and they looked like they'd protect me well enough from the sun. I'm just lucky tonight.

What would make my night better though, is if I actually had some music to listen to. I didn't want to take the risk of people knowing I was in here, and I don't think the radio would be playing anything anyways. Since I'm ingenuitive, I decided to hum to myself any Lady Gaga song I could think of and close my eyes, which was Dance in the Dark at the moment.

Baby loves to dance in the dark,

'Cause when he's looking she falls apart…


I dozed off for maybe one or two hours, and when Rick found me I'm sure he thought I was high or something, since I had a pack of cigarettes in one hand and my sunglasses on my face.

He tapped on the window and tried to open the door, but instead of unlocking the door I glared at him through narrowed eyes, even though he probably didn't see them with my sunglasses on.

I pushed the door open to let one of my legs dangle, "Yeah?" I asked, tired as hell. Damn it, I just want a good night's sleep.

"I've been looking for ya," he started, reaching for my hand, "We're about to have a bonfire and eat dinner."

I pulled the sunglasses off my face and clipped them on the collar of my shirt, "A bonfire? Rick, you know I'm tired, I'll probably trip and faceplant into the fire."

He chuckled, "Come on, Isabelle, they want to meet you."

I groaned in response, "Can't they…I don't know, wait?"

"The kids have to go to sleep soon, and they wanted to meet you before their bedtime.

(Sexy stuff ahead…)

I rolled my eyes since I had something else on my mind, "They can wait." I murmured as I tugged his shirt, along with him, of course.

I led the way back into the seat of the truck where he fell on top of me and returned the kisses to my jawline, my neck (how the hell did he know my sensitive spots?) and down to my collarbone. My hands slid down to his chest to unbutton his shirt, boy was it getting hot in here and someone was going to have to take their clothes off!

I reached for his belt, but he pulled away suddenly, "What?" I breathed, annoyed at him for stopping and leaving me wanting more.

"You still have clothes on." He complained, but hell, I was more than willing to comply!

We flipped over so that I was straddling his waist, I pulled my shirt over my head and threw it to the side – returning to go for his belt.

I'm not sure how the hell we both ended up naked so quickly, but it's exactly what I wanted – skipping the foreplay and sweet talk and getting right down to it, just the way I liked it. No more sweet, gentleman Rick.

This was just more raw than anything – to alleviate our sexual tension, a real breather.

He kept me waiting a bit though, teasing me with his hands roaming around, worshipping my body. I didn't mind too much though since I was enjoying seeing the way his rolled his head back in response to me straddling him.

He finally set the pace by bucking his hips, unexpectedly, but I made damn well sure that I'd stay in power.

Our bodies rocked back and forth, creating just the perfect rhythm for both of us. What just made it a hell of a lot more exciting was that we both cupped each other's mouths so we wouldn't bring attention to ourselves, as much as I wanted to hear him enjoy himself.

And I have no idea where this dominant side of Rick came from because as soon as I thought I was in control, he decided to take that all away from me in just…ways you couldn't imagine, ways I can't even put into words. I was literally fucked speechless.

We both collapsed after hitting our peaks, or well I thought he was done, not that I would've minded to keep going. I was so tender, sensitive to his every touch, lick, and suck.

Our pants filled the truck, and when we both finished again we lay there trying to catch our breaths. And I couldn't keep this big grin off my face, neither could he. I was actually surprised too, I expected him to be embarrassed or want to leave, but instead he ran his fingers through my hair and gave me a sweet kiss. Rough and dirty one moment, sweet and passionate the next – I am loving this.

I reached my hand under the seat to pull out a cigarette and lighter, before sticking it in my mouth, I asked quickly, "You don't mind, right?"

He shook his head and even grabbed one too. Didn't expect that, and hell I never thought I'd smoke after mind-blowing sex since that only happens in movies, but it's a habit I hope to soon develop.

I lit it for him and rested my head on his chest, taking in the scent of sweat and cigarette smoke.

(Sexy times over)


I'm not sure how long I was passed out for, but I clearly didn't get enough sleep because the light tapping in the window startled me awake.

He raised an eyebrow, he looked concerned and pointed to the door. Forgot it was locked, this is embarrassing for him to find me like this…

"You okay?" He asked, holding his hand out to get me out of the truck.

"Yeah," I rubbed the back of my head and blinked several times, "Just a dream I had."

Just a fucking dream. Sigh.

"I was told you'd be here," He smiled and gave me a small kiss on the lips, "We're about to have dinner and I didn't want you to miss out." I had a feeling it was Dale who told him, I swear that man is hiding all kinds of secrets under his fisherman's hat.

"Right, dinner," I groaned and rubbed my eyes, "I'll be there. Don't worry."

"I know, I just didn't want to go without you." I pouted, but I don't think he could see. Regardless, that was adorable and now I can't say no to dinner.

I smiled at him and slid my hands up his chest, lacing them about the back of his neck to pull him into a gentle kiss.

"Only because you asked so nicely." I murmured, pulling him into another kiss before we left the truck for dinner.


I'd been here for only maybe two or three hours, and I felt kinda bad for not really getting to know Lori and Shane, but can you blame me? I didn't want to barge in on their reunion, but then again…I should've met up with then. Oh well, I guess I have this dinner time to share more about myself, not sure my story is exactly child friendly though.

I took a seat next to Rick and scooted close to him – wait a minute. I sunk my head and sighed since I know someone is going to ask about us. What am I going to say? Do I say I'm his girlfriend? Did he even introduce me to his sister and brother-in-law as his girlfriend? Did he even talk about me?

Lori came up and took the seat next to me, while Shane next to Rick and they started talking, so I quickly threw those thoughts away and tried to look normal and totally not anxious about my relationship status with Rick…

"Hey," I think she was trying to remember my name, since she paused and finally drawled out, "Isabelle, right?"

I gave a small smile and nodded, and she quickly apologized, "Sorry, so many things going on around here I can barely keep track of the days."

"Don't worry about it," I assured, "I assume you're feeling a lot better with Rick around?"

She sighed, "Oh, definitely. It's helping Carl a lot too, he really missed him." I was just about to continue the conversation, but she placed her hand on my shoulder and continued speaking, "I wanted to thank you for helping him get here."

Oh.

"Me? Lori, I think it was the other way around, he was the one constantly saving my ass."

"He seemed to really enjoy your company then, he couldn't stop talking about you." I blushed, hoping she wouldn't notice. I wonder what exactly he introduced me as.

"How much did he tell you?" I hope I didn't sound like I was trying to interrogate her, well okay, maybe a little, but I actually was curious.

"He just talked about how you guys met, where you were, some things here and there about your personality."

"Ah, I see," Okay, didn't hear anything about a kiss or affectionate stuff, so I'll work off of what she told me and play it cool, "Yeah, I'd say I'm pretty damn lucky to have found him."

"He did say some other things…"

I had a feeling she was trying to get something out of me, so I smiled and asked, "Oh really? What?" I know you're probably thinking she was being a bitch or something, but I was starting to understand and really enjoy her sense of humor – it's a nice thing to have in dire times.

"Oh, well we shouldn't gossip when the boys are around," she raised her voice at the end of her sentence so Rick and Shane would hear that, "We can talk later."

I gave her a genuine grin, "Alright." Why did I look forward to that? I never gossiped before this, but it's probably because she's the first woman I've gotten to talk to in a long while and I can feel like an actual girl again.

Carol brought Sophia and Carl over once the food was done cooking. I've never had venison before but I'm fine with anything other than canned food. Carl ran over and joined his mom, where Sophia joined Carol across the fire and the other children joined their respective families. Not everyone was here tonight though, probably off doing their own thing.

"I like your glasses." Carl complimented, also reminding me that I was wearing them. I hope the group doesn't think I'm a dumbass for wearing sunglasses at night.

"Really? Thanks, dude, if I find another pair I'll give 'em to ya."

"Cool." I've always enjoyed the vocabulary of twelve year olds, "I don't think my mom would let me keep them though."

Lori turned and patted her son's head, "Course I would, sweetheart."

He rolled his eyes and groaned, "Mom…"

"Oh be quiet, Carl." She added, with a small kiss to his head.

I snickered at their little banter and went back to chatting with Carl, "Do you guys still have a bedtime?"

"Yeah," he groaned, "Carol takes all the kids to sleep after dinner and all the adults stay out here and talk about adult things…"

"Well...when you're older you're gonna wish you'd gotten more sleep. That's how I was when I started college." Shit, why did I talk about getting older? Oh god, please don't get mad at me, Lori, I hope they took it in a good way.

Carl shrugged and looked back up at me, "I guess." I held my breath, waiting for the depressing response about how he won't have a college to go to or something, "But I like staying up. I'm not a kid anymore."

Whew.

"You're right, you're not. You'll become a man soon, but it takes time – and lots of sleep." I added and felt a lot better when Lori smiled at me.

"Thanks." He drawled, and turned back to talking to his mom. I wasn't gonna bother them anymore, so I pushed myself up to go and get some venison to eat.

I returned and was about to dig in, when one of Morales' kids asked me something unexpected, "Are you and Rick girlfriend and boyfriend?" Immediately her mother apologized and scolded her daughter for asking 'inappropriate' questions, yet the question lingered in the air.

I froze with my mouth open (since I was about to take a bite) and glanced over to Rick, who froze as well. I shrugged at him and went back to eating, I didn't necessarily mean to ignore the question, I was just leaving it to him to answer.

"Uhh…" He stumbled a bit over his words before speaking, "Yes. We are." He smiled at the girl and threw him arm around my shoulders to give me a squeeze.

I definitely wasn't expecting that. Not one bit.

I heard Shane chuckle a bit at my reaction, since my eyes were basically saucers.

As soon as dinner was over and Carol took Sophia and Carl to bed, most of the group had left as well. It was only the ones I were familiar with: Amy, Andrea, Jacqui, Dale, Jim, Glenn, T-Dog, Shane, Lori, and Rick. Well, I was familiar with Morales, but he of course went to sleep with his family, completely understandable.

I was just about to join the others who'd left to get sleep, but brought back to reality when Shane spoke up, "So, Isabelle, why don't you tell the group more about yourself?"

I clasped my hands together, they were starting to feel really sweaty and it's not that I was uncomfortable with it (okay, maybe a little), it's just that…what if I scare them away? What if they hear my story and think I'm some fucked up chick who's been through too much? A liability? A ticking time bomb?

I hesitated before beginning to speak, "I – ah, well, I…" I felt Rick put his hand on my lower back and drum his fingers up my spine, which soothed me and was a sign of support. I sighed and straightened my back out, "Well, it's a long story and I wouldn't want to bore you guys with it…" I hope that poor excuse works.

Shane leaned forward and placed a hand on his knee, "Well, we can listen."

Damn it.


Updates will be a little slower since school has resumed. Sorry guys!

Also, that's my first smexy scene, so sorry if it's bad or weird or whatever! I want to thank guccileopard for helping with it though!

Merle Dixon: it was only a punch, really. I think his ego is bruised more than his face

ChaosUmbrella: thank you! I don't like kids but I'd be glad to see some if I were in that situation

Guccileopard: we'll see how shane develops…he can still be "evil" in this one ;)

Chlexfan10: hahah I bet they would gossip like old ladies, I guess we'll see how their relationship develops

Leyshla Gisel:i hope to!

Chi-chi45005:Yikes, I got the same feeling

Twilightcity: thanks! I love her story and I'm glad you're enjoying hers as well, I can't wait to see more feedback from you!

Doctorkaitlyn: woohoo you're back! *does weird dance* I missed ya, girl!

Everyone else, thanks for reading!