A/N: Wow guys! Thank you so much for all the awesome reviews, it made my day. I'm glad you all are liking the story so much, I'm trying my hardest to make it as good as the show, some of the scenes and performances were so good that it can be overwhelming to try and re create them using your own OC. I did my best to try and start the return of the old badass Riley cause believe me I also liked her. She's almost there but not all the way...yet. Please don't hate me for some of what I put in here, it will help the storyline when other events take place. So as always review! Literally it is inspiration and motivation for me to write.
Riley left Michonne's cell a few minutes later, as she walked up the stairs, she started to think about what she was truly doing, was any of it worth it. Her family was safe and in this very moment things seemed okay…she needed to start taking her own advice and move on. As she reached the top of the stairs she noticed a large lump laying on the mattress 'shit' she thought. Daryl was already up here. There was no way he wouldn't wake up when she stepped around him.
Sure enough Daryl shot up, when he placed his eyes on the person creeping by he huffed out
"what the hell Riles I thought you were in bed already…where were you?" Daryl narrowed his eyes at his sister
Riley kneeled down "I was in Michonne's cell" Daryl looked at her jaw clenching. He knew what Michonne's plan was, search out different locations where the Governor may be.
Daryl didn't have time explain to Riley why that was a bad idea for she was already listing them herself
"I know Daryl…a stupid idea. What could we actually do if we find him, it's a fruitless endeavor. I need to start listening to my own advice and move on, for now the Governor is gone, but my family isn't. Tomorrow when Rick assigns jobs I want some. I'm tired of being this way. This ain't how a Dixon should act." she said with a smirk and watched one grace her brothers lips as well
Riley then stood "I'm working on the guilt…just give me a little more time"
As she turned to leave Daryl spoke out "just remember what Lori told ya…don't let that woman down, she loved you too damn much"
Riley looked down at her brother and gave a sad smile "I don't intend too" and with that she was walking into her cell.
Daryl rolled over 'hopefully she ain't lying' he thought. He knew Riley had a tendency to tell people what they wanted to hear, truth or not.
Once in her cell, Riley threw herself down on the bed. She knew deep down she needed to live up to the words she just spoke. She just hoped that in the morning when Michonne was getting ready to leave she would have the willpower to look away.
'It was early morning, Riley knew that much. The sun wasn't out yet and birds were still sleeping. Riley covered her mouth as a yawn escaped, she then looked up to her brothers "where are we going" Merle glanced away from the road and down at his sister who sat in the middle of Daryl and himself. He then looked over at Daryl who nodded his head "where gonna go see momma" Merle replied eyes returning to the road. Riley who was only four didn't understand wasn't their momma dead. She looked between her brothers unsure of if she should ask that question. It was answered for her however when Merle turned into 'Hightower Cemetery' he stopped the truck and looked over at his siblings. Daryl turned away from his brothers sad eyes, Merle looked down at Riley who had sat up on her knees to see out the windshield. "I want you talk to momma okay little one…tell her whatever you want" Riley looked away from all the headstones "she won't answer me" Riley spoke making tears form in Daryl's eyes. Merle looked away for a moment before pulling the little girl onto his lap. "it don't matter, you just talk and she'll listen and one day…you'll get an answer." Riley looked up and saw Merle had tears in his eyes "how" she questioned "...you'll just know" Merle then opened the door and placed Riley down on the cold wet grass. Together the Dixon children walked towards their mothers grave.'
Riley sat up gasping or air. She doesn't even remember that moment in her life. As she searched around the cell trying to get her bearings and breathing under control, she looked up and out the cell block windows; it was still early, the sun wasn't out and birds were still sleeping. She hoped out of bed, threw on a sweatshirt and made her way outside. Thankfully this time she was able to sneak by Daryl, she probably could have died for she climbed over the railing and walked along the otter ring of the catwalk but at least her brother was unaware.
She made her way outside and down the field, she walked over to where Glenn had buried their loved ones. She kneeled down in front of one of the graves and smiled slightly "hey mom"
Riley sat at Lori's grave for most of the early morning. Most of it spent in silence for she didn't really know what to say just as the sun was peeking up over the horizon she thought of something "how do I go back" she questioned the makeshift cross, her eyes then traveling to the mound of dirt.
"how do I get back to the way I was before…I made a promise to not let you down and I'm doing just that; it stops today though…I will find a way, small or big. I'll make you proud" she looked at the cross one last time rubbing away some dirt and then stood wiping the back of pants off and turned heading back towards the prison, she stopped though as a cold breeze went by and she heard movement outside of the fence. She stopped and turned and there she saw a deer run by, it was too quick and she wasn't prepared, but a smile graced her face, she knew how to get back.
Riley walked back to the prison, she knew she could track the deer so she wasn't too concerned with rushing. She walked in just as Rick was emerging from his cell, Judith in his arms. He walked over "morning kiddo…what were you doing outside?"
Riley looked at Rick "therapy session" she said with a grin. Rick looked at the girl and let a small chuckle escape his lips. He remembered the last time she spoke those words; he was then able to place where she had been. He nodded and then headed towards Beth who was preparing a bottle. Riley walked back up the stairs passing her brother on the way
"morning Riles…sleep okay"
Riley looked at Daryl and nodded "yeah...I think…I think I'm getting there" and with that she rushed into her cell, scooped up her crossbow, shoved her hunting knife into her boot and grabbed a handful of extra arrows.
As she walked back down the stairs, she saw Beth hand Judith back over to Rick, she walked over and placed a kiss on the baby's forehead; Judith immediately reached out for the blonde girl.
"sorry Judith, something I got to do" she then turned her attention to Beth
"hey Beth" Riley called grabbing the girls attention.
"let's go" and then Riley started to walk towards the cell block door, everybody watched as Beth yelled back
"where are we going?"
Riley turned with that classic Dixon smirk "today I teach you how to hunt" and she disappeared out the door
Beth turned looking at everyone, she saw her father smile and nod his head in the direction the young girl went. Before Beth moved she looked at Daryl
"should I be scared"
Daryl chuckled and with a smirk to match replied "nah". Beth not feeling that much better turned and ran after the Riley.
Rick walked over to Daryl bouncing the baby on his hip "she seems good today"
Daryl gave a shrug of the shoulders "she was in Michonne's cell last night" Daryl raised his eyes
"best we still keep a close eye" Rick nodded and then went off to give Carol Judith so that he could go down to the fields with Herschel to discuss the possibility of a farm.
Riley led Beth out of the prison fencing telling the girl that she just had to be alert and focused. Beth nodded her head. Riley brought Beth out to where she first saw the deer, and started to look for tracks. When she found them, she called Beth over
"here see them" Beth kneeled down to get a closer look
Beth nodded "there" she spoke pointing out the markings
Riley nodded and stood "okay then lead the way" Riley spoke gesturing with her hand for Beth to start the search
Beth jumped up "you can't be serious"
"as a heart attack" Riley replied with a laugh "it's the only way to learn, if you get way off course I'll bring you back"
Beth let out a breath and then looked back down "okay then, well their deer tracks right?" Beth looked up with hopeful eyes it would be too embarrassing to get that wrong in front of Riley Dixon.
When Riley nodded her head Beth turned to hide the grin that spread across her face.
Beth stood "he went that way" and together the two girls walked deeper into the woods.
Beth looked at Riley and was about to speak when Riley's hand shot up halting Beth where she stood, Riley released a hunting knife Beth didn't even know she was holding and watched as it flew across the air, pinning a squirrel to the tree it was currently trying to climb.
Riley walked forward pulling the squirrel and knife free, she then shoved the squirrel into her backpack.
"Impressive" Beth said with a smile
Riley looked back "takes time"
The two started up again Beth looked over and whispered out
"how are you"
Riley looked at the girl from the corner of her eye
"better…I still feel some guilt and blame for things that have happened but I'm working on it, I made promises though and I intend to keep them so I'm trying." Riley said looking at Beth fully
Beth nodded her head "good…I miss the old Riley"
Riley chuckled and scanned the forest around her "and what was the old Riley like"
Beth thought for a moment "a badass"
Riley laughed out loud at that. Beth swatted her on the arm "I'm serious…you were imitating. People listened to you, all it took was a look. I mean you handled Shane pretty well. I'm probably not making sense. I'm trying to say you…you…you were a badass" Beth ended laughing a little as well.
Riley smirked "well let's get badass Riley back"
The two girls arrived back at the prison. They entered the common space and were overtaken by questions from a thirteen year old in a sheriffs hat.
"easy there partner…give us a minute"
Riley side stepped the boy bringing her backpack over to Carol "sorry Carol no deer" she spoke glancing back at Beth who wore a disappointed look on her face "but I got some squirrel, few birds and a rabbit for ya, maybe next time"
At this point Beth had made her way over "I'm so sorry Riley"
Carl who followed asked the million dollar question "sorry for what?"
Rick, Daryl, Glenn, Maggie, Herschel and Carol all stopped talking and listened in
"ain't nothing Beth" Riley spoke patting the girl on the arm
Beth shook her head "you would have nailed it, if you didn't bring me"
Riley's eyes narrowed "I don't regret it Beth, you got to learn, you need to know how to do this stuff, sometimes we get things sometimes we don't"
Beth started to walk away "no it's not, because of me we don't have the deer, because I'm not as brave as you"
"BETH GREENE" Riley yelled across the common area. Everyone froze including Beth, who turned around
"Did you learn something while we were out there?"
Riley watched as Beth nodded her head
"do you think you'll get better?"
Again Beth nodded her head
"did you have any fun?"
One more head nod
"then that's all that matters we'll get it next time" Riley ended with a grin and a nod of her own
Beth smiled and ran back to the girl. Beth threw her arms around her "thank you" Riley patted the girl on the back "like I said it was nothing"
She then walked away from Riley and headed towards Rick's cell to check on Judith.
Once Beth was out of sight everyone turned their eyes to Riley, with a smirk and a look to Daryl she answered
"couldn't kill Bambi"
A few months had passed and things were starting to come together. Jobs were assigned and done, people went on runs, and Rick's plans to start a farm were underway with pigs and vegetables already found and planeted. However that wasn't the biggest news regarding Rick, he was no longer the "leader" he wanted to focus more on being a father, and get his family back in sync; which also included Riley. Rick knew after that night in the cell that he could no longer be the one people turned too. He wanted to be completely there for the people that really mattered to him.
At first Riley hated the idea, she trusted Rick and that was that. It was decided though that they would form what would be called a council, a group of people who would make decisions involving the prison and it's members; Daryl was on the council. He didn't so much like the idea, but if it meant that he could somehow control the whereabouts of his sister he would take it.
Daryl still wasn't as convinced as Rick that Riley had truly let go of this "let's hunt down the Governor" plan. Daryl nominated Michonne to be on the council as well, one because she was a hard worker and knew how to handle things but also because he could now know where she was at certain times.
Riley was walking back from her fence duty when she saw Glenn walking towards one of the cars, she ran to catch up with him
"GLENN" she shouted. The Asian turned and stopped smiling as she approached
Riley stopped and looked at him "you going on a run"
Glenn nodded then quickly looked around. Riley noticed this but brushed it off
"can I tag along…it's been forever since I've been out"
Glenn seemed hesitate to answer "I don't know Daryl…"
Riley cut him off "Daryl can't control me…come on let's go" and she walked around to the passenger side and hopped in. Glenn shook his head, remembering when Riley uttered similar words once before but never the less took one last look around before jumping into the drivers seat.
Daryl was coming back in from a hunt, he was only able to bag half a dozen squirrels this time, he would need to take Riley next time. As he approached the fence he looked at the group on duty and didn't see her 'must be done for the day' he thought as he ran through the gate that Noah a member of the former Woodbury opened for him. He nodded in the kid's direction before walking towards the cell block.
As he entered he saw Carl sitting with a boy named Patrick, both were leaning against a wall watching as Beth played with Judith and attempted to make the child crawl.
Daryl threw the bag of squirrels in the kitchen bin and then walked towards Carl. Patrick sat up a little straighter.
"either of you seen Riles" he asked
Carl shook his head "haven't seen her since this morning before her fence duty"
Daryl nodded in response, it was weird that she wasn't with Judith; while her level of fear about leaving the child with anyone that wasn't "one of them" had gone down in intensity in the last couple of months it was still very present.
Daryl thought of something and quickly turned on his heel, he approached a cell and looked in; there was Michonne working out, he took a sigh of relief and continued his search.
He stopped looking though when Riley and Glenn walked through the door. Riley held a white bag in her hand and a giant smile. Daryl's eyes quickly went to Glenn who nervously looked away.
"CARL" was shouted before either man could speak
The boy in questioned looked up and rushed forward, leaving Patrick standing there unsure of what to do. Carl had told Riley that Patrick was more scared of her then Daryl, Riley merely laughed at that and said "good"
Once Carl was close enough Riley held out the bag. The boy looked confused but gripped it in his hands, he reached in and pulled out three new comic books, along with a Big Cat candy bar. Riley's smile grew as she watch Carl's eyes light up. The boy rushed forward the few feet that separated them and engulfed her in a hug.
Daryl who watched the scene, let go of all the anger and fear he had felt. He didn't want Riley going on runs, for a bit. Not until he was sure she was truly okay. This moment though showed him that she was. Daryl quickly found Glenn's eyes and gave the man a nod, before walking towards Carl and his sister
"awesome Riles thanks" Carl mumbled looking intently at the comics in his hands
Riley smirked at the boy "anytime, now where's dad I got something for him too"
Carl looked up "I think still with Herschel their trying to figure out something down at the farm"
Riley nodded and turned ready to run out and find him, she stopped though and turned back making her way over to Beth and Judith, she kneeled down on the blanket and kissed the baby's forehead, she then handed Beth a few books
"for you and little one" she spoke before returning to her feet and rushing outside. Beth smiled looking down at the books some were for her and some for her to read to the children, she held out one of the picture books and Judith actually crawled towards her. Daryl smiled at the scene and stepped outside to watch what Riley had found for Rick.
Riley ran down to the farm area and sure enough there were Rick and Herschel tending to the crops.
"DAD" Riley shouted when she was few yards away. Over the past month Riley had taken to calling Rick dad, it felt right and seemed to help a little with whatever was going on in her head and heart.
Daryl could hear Riley's excited shout from where he stood. He smiled when he heard her say 'dad' instead of 'Rick'. Rick had told Daryl about a conversation he overheard between Riley and Carl
Rick walked back and forth in his small cell, slowly rocking Judith, he stopped though when he heard the voices of Carl and Riley approach. "you should start calling him dad ya know" Rick stopped breathing and inched his way slightly closer to the door. "I don't know, sure he said I could but…is it weird" Rick heard Carl laugh "weird no, you're family... I told everyone here you were my sister" It was quiet of a moment "I don't know... how would that work everyone knows I'm Daryl's sister and there is no way Daryl could be Rick's son" Rick then heard them start to walk towards the door "who cares, Daryl and dad call each other brothers and their not…" were the last words Rick heard before they were out of the block
It was true Rick and Daryl were brothers... in this world it's not blood that makes you family
Rick and Herschel looked up, Herschel looking over at the former leader
"she's calling you dad now huh? It feel good" Herschel spoke watching as the girl got closer
"better then you would believe" Rick finished just as Riley came to a stop outside of the vegetable fence.
Riley was smiling "hey Herschel"
"Riles" was the man's reply before he went back to looking at the pea pod plants. Herschel was able to move around more freely and a little quicker. Woodbury had a "people" doctor, and on a run he picked up a prosthetic leg and it changed Herschel's day to day activities dramatically
"what's up kiddo" Rick asked looking between Riley and the bag she was holding
Riley pulled out a Walkman, headphones, some tapes and about four packages of batteries
"for when your out here and don't want to listen to them" Riley said looking over at the fences and the pile up of Walkers.
Rick looked at the gift and smiled "thanks kiddo" Rick replied leaning over the fence to pull her into a hug.
As she turned to make her way back up to the cell block she called back
"oh yeah next time I'll find you some overalls" she said with a laugh
Rick looked over at Herschel
" O" was the old man's chuckled reply
Riley returned to the cell block feeling for the first time in a long time content, she couldn't say happy, she didn't think that was a feeling she would feel in awhile. She passed Daryl on the way in, Daryl threw an arm over her shoulder and returned inside with her.
Little did the Dixons know that their was someone watching them, watching one more then other however.
Riley walked over to Carl and Patrick; Carl didn't have to look up to know it was Riley from the corner of his eye he could see Patrick gulp nervously.
"how's the comic" Riley questioned the blue eyed boy
Without raising his eyes he replied with a mumbled "good"
Riley then turned her attention to Patrick but before she could say anything she heard Carol call her name; she turned and smiled at the older woman
"honey would you mind running to the cafeteria and seeing if there is a big pot" Carol held out her arms to indicate just how big "cooking for all these extra people, we still don't have enough supplies"
Riley nodded her head "sure thing…want to come Carl?"
The boy looked up and handed the comic over to Patrick. He hasn't really spent a lot of time with Riley lately, with her going though everything she has been and in his case still trying to get use to all these new people.
He held out his arm and gestured for Riley to led the way
The two had barely being walking more then a minute before they heard another pair of footsteps, both fearing it was a Walker spun around Carl with his gun raised and Riley her crossbow. From the shadows though came Logan a Woodbury boy a few years older then Riley.
Carl could tell from day one he had a crush on Riley and I mean who wouldn't, but this boy was bad news, he acted like the type of boy he thought Riley would go for and it was funny to watch him try time and time again to impress her, each time though he fell flat.
"Logan what the hell" Riley hissed
Logan eyed Riley up and down and it unnerved Carl. He remembers the stories his father would tell about men he locked up for doing unimaginable things to woman.
"saw the two of you come down here, thought maybe I could help" Riley looked from the boy in front of her to the one next to her
"think we got it" she then turned and pulled Carl with her
Logan jogged to catch up and then ran in front of the duo blocking their path
"well you see the thing is I don't think you do get it" Logan spoke inching closer to Riley
Carl stepped in front of her and he may have been shorter but he was pissed
"why don't you leave my sister alone" Carl spoke keeping his hand on his gun
Logan stared down at Carl, and laughed in his face "little man I don't think I have to listen to you" with that being said he pushed Carl into the wall and grabbed Riley by the waist
Riley couldn't reach her bow and was now pinned against the wall. She tried everything she could to get this creep away from her, but he was slightly stronger; 'probably done this before the asshole' Riley thought. She couldn't scream that could attach any Walkers that hadn't been dealt with yet, just as Riley thought that maybe she could wriggle her knee free and hit him in the groin a shot rang out and both her and the boy slumped to the ground.
Carl watched as blood pooled around the two people tangled up on the ground. He slowly walked forward. He reached a shaky hand down and pulled Logan away. His heart sank as Riley laid there eyes closed.
Carl kneeled down and placed a hand against Riley's cheek, he stumbled back though when she took in a breath and her eyes shot open.
She looked from Carl to the blood soaking into her shirt. She slowly sat up looking at the dead boy and the tear filled eyes of Carl. She reached over and pulled him into a hug she then heard the muffled sounds of sobs along with "I had to, I had to"
Rick had returned from playing farmer as Riley called it, and headed over to Carol who was sitting with Daryl, he noticed as he got closer that the woman looked worried
Daryl looked up as he saw Rick approach "Carol sent Riley and Carl to the cafeteria to get something and their not back yet."
Rick dropped the basket of carrots he was holding and headed into the tombs. Daryl taking off after him
They made their way into the dark and damp hallway, stopping when they heard the sound of crying; they quickly rounded the corner and came into sight of Riley and Carl, the latter wrapped in her arms. Riley's eyes glanced up when she sensed someone else in the hallway.
She carefully pulled Carl away, she then looked at him and whispered something. When she stood Rick and Daryl saw she was coated in blood their eyes then drifted to the boy slumped to the side.
As she walked forward she glanced back at Carl "that's Logan" she spoke pointing at the now dead boy.
Daryl knew who Logan was, always watching his sister, every move she made. Daryl looked over at Rick and saw the look of hate in his eyes as well. Rick also knew of Logan and told him off quite a few times
"He…he tried to…Carl...if not for him"
Rick looked at Riley "he didn't have any family, no one will know" he then looked at Daryl "we'll deal it, you get Carl back and cleaned up"
Riley looked between the men and nodded she then walked back and pulled Carl from the ground, as they passed Rick held out an arm. He pulled both children into a hug "family first" was all he whispered before he released them and walked towards who he always knew was a piece of shit.
As Riley approached the door that led into the common area, she stopped and peeked in, no one was there at the moment, so with a deep breath she pulled Carl into Rick's cell thanking God that is located on the bottom floor, she sat Carl on the bed, taking off his hat, and looked him in the eyes "I'll be right back"
She then made her way towards the door, again she stopped and looked, the coast was still clear, Riley ran up the stairs and made a bee line straight for her cell, once inside she froze. She was running on shock and adrenaline. She quickly stripped out of the shirt she was wearing and threw on something that was kind of clean. Once she was set she made her way out of cell and directly into Rick's. Once inside she saw Carl sitting in the same place. She walked forward and kneeled down
"hey" she spoke softly
Carl raised his eyes to look into those that were so much like his "I had to Riles"
"I know"
Rick and Daryl arrived back at the cell block about fifteen minutes later, Rick gestured to his cell and walked over. Inside he saw Riley had somehow gotten Carl to calm down she was whispering something to the boy that actually made a grin come to face. Rick smiled; Riley then glanced up, she placed a kiss to Carl's head before walking towards him
"you okay Rye" Rick asked pulling her close to him
"I'm fine..honest" Riley pulled away, she looked back at Carl
"remember what I said"
She then said goodnight and walked from the room
Rick walked over to the bed and sat next to his son "you did the right thing Carl, you protect your own" Carl looked at his father
"I know, she said the same thing"
Rick grinned "did she now"
Carl smiled and nodded "she also said that I should learn to use a quieter weapon" he ended with a chuckle
Rick laughed; 'Riley was back' he thought as he said goodnight to his son, who left for his own cell.
A week had passed since the "incident" and Riley was back on track. She was just about to go out on a hunt when Michonne approached her "I'm heading out today….you still want to come"
Riley hesitated she didn't let anyone know but the incident with Logan re awoken the incident with the Governor. Riley looked from Michonne over to where Judith lay on a blanket playing with some of the books Riley had found for her. She couldn't allow anything like that it happen to Judith or Carl for that matter, but did that mean she needed to go search for this man, or should she stay to be close. Keeping her eyes on Judith Riley answered "no…I have jobs here to do" Michonne followed her eye line and nodded in understanding.
"I'll be back before midnight" and with that Michonne was gone.
Riley watched her walk out of the cell block, fighting with herself on whether she should run after her. She was pulled from her thoughts though when Judith started to cry. Riley was beside the child in a heartbeat, scoping her up and placing her on her hip.
"what do you say we go visit mom" when Riley received a clap and smile she laughed and headed out the door.
Once at the graves Riley sat down cross legged and placed Judith in her lap.
"hey mom, look who I brought today"
Riley picked up one of Judith's arms and waved to their mothers makeshift cross
Riley kissed the top of the baby's head "okay little one, lets talk"
Rick who was working out in the farm, glanced up from his work. He saw in the distance Riley sitting with Judith in front of Loris grave. He smiled slightly as tears started to form. He quickly pushed them away, readjust his headphones and got back to work.
The night slowly passed by; Riley taking watch for two reasons. One she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep until Michonne arrived home with news and two Daryl looked dead on his feet he had been taking most of the watches occasionally letting Glenn or Maggie take over. He said something about not trusting the Woodbury people to protect their home. Riley knew it was because he didn't want her to do it. He was nervous that being up there alone would lead her to think which would lead to other things that he didn't want to take control of her again. This was the first night she was able to talk him into letting her do it.
As she sat up in the tower she was also scared that the quiet and stillness would bring back things she hopped were gone. She didn't have to much time to worry though as a figure on horseback was arriving. Riley jumped down running out of the tower and over to the gates, she quickly opened them allowing Michonne access to the inside. Riley pointed to the tower and Michonne nodded, she then sped off to the sables.
Riley quickly returned to her post, and waited for Michonne. It seemed like hours before the woman approached the tower and climbed the stair. Once inside she sat beside Riley
"nothing " the woman spoke with such anger and disappointment
Riley lowered her head "better luck next time"
Michonne looked at the girl "it would help if I had a tracker"
Riley's eyes shot over her blue eyes staring into the darkness of Michonne's black orbs
"I can't do that" Riley spoke out looking back out among the fields "I…I can't go back there, I refuse. People here depend on me, I need to be here for them…be sane for them." Riley finished
Michonne looked at the girl before turning her eyes to the fields as well "I get it, I do, I…I use to see things too." Riley looked at Michonne and saw the broken woman underneath the toughness
Riley waited to see if Michonne would continue when she didn't Riley knew better then to press the topic, when she wanted Michonne would open up.
Riley let a sigh escape her lips "sometimes…" Riley spoke looking up at the stars "sometimes I want to hear them" Riley softly spoke.
She looked over to see Michonne's reaction, when she saw a sad smile fall upon the woman's lips she kept speaking
"I miss them…sometimes I try to do something I think will make them come back…stupid I know" Riley mumbled out rubbing the back of neck
"no it isn't" Michonne replied just as quietly "nowadays you only have so many people you can call family, it isn't stupid to want to keep them close even when their not here anymore"
Riley let a small smile fall onto her face "thanks" she murmured out
Michonne looked at the girl "for what"
"not expecting me to be okay"
Two days had passed since Riley's night with Michonne. It became a routine between the two every time Michonne returned from searching she would find Riley, whether she was on watch or simply in the cell block and the two would talk, or sometimes just sit together. It was easy for the them, both knowing what the other was going through no words needed.
Riley was sitting by the pig pen making new arrows while Rick worked on cleaning them up
"kind of pointless to do that don't ya think" Riley spoke without looking up
Rick smirked "and why is that?"
Riley chuckled and looked up just as a pig Rick had just hosed off was already rolling around in the mud again "my point being made"
Rick laughed and shrugged his shoulders in mock agreement
All of a sudden they heard Beth shout "what do you think you're doing!"
Both Rick and Riley snapped their heads up to see Lizzie a girl that came from Woodbury holding Judith against the fence as Walkers pushed their decaying bodies into it. Beth was able to pull Judith away from the girls arms just as Riley approached the scene crossbow raised
It didn't take long for Daryl, Glenn, Maggie and Carl who had all been on fence duty to rush over to see what all the fuss was about
Daryl pushed his way through looking between the two girls
"what the hell happened" Glenn voiced
Riley clenched her jaw "this…this psycho had Judith 'my Judith' pushed up against the fence…I ought to kill you right here" Riley hissed out
Daryl placed a hand on the crossbow lowering it slightly. Riley's eyes shot over to him; he was taken aback from the look of pure anger.
"Riles" he whispered
However Riley was focused on a different brother who stood just over Daryl's shoulder
Merle smirked "do it Rye bread…that little baby could have gotten starched or worse. Didn't you promise that momma of hers you would watch out for her".
Daryl notcied that Riley's eyes were focused on something of someone over his shoulder.
"Riley" he whispered again.
Riley's eyes snapped back over to Daryl. She shook her head and looked back at Lizzie, she narrowed her eyes and hissed out so venomously that it made all those huddled within the small group shudder
"I swear to God if I ever see you with her in your arms again, I will not hesitate and I will not regret…you don't look at her and you don't touch her…ever"
with that Riley shrugged Daryl's hand off of her crossbow threw it back over her shoulder and walked away from the group. Lizzie looked up with tears forming in her eyes
"I didn't mean too…"
Rick held up a hand "Walkers are not friendly, keep away from them and keep my children away from them" with that he walked over to Beth and guided her towards the cell block.
Daryl stood still for a moment and then turned looking over at Carl who was strangely silent during this event. The sheriffs hat he wore was covering most of his face, but Daryl could see his jaw muscles tightening as he clenched his teeth together. He looked at Lizzie and much like Riley had anger and hatred flashing through his eyes "keep away from my family" and with that being said he too turned and headed after his father.
Daryl turned and saw the young girl looking up at him, he simply shook his head and walked off; Glenn and Maggie following suit.
Riley walked she walked quick, her heart pounding in her ears. She walked through the back, made her way through the tombs and stopped in front of the door labeled 'BOILER ROOM' she pushed the door opened and slammed it shut, she walked down the three stairs that led into the room and paced back and forth. She kicked a near by table, and swung her crossbow in front of her firing off an arrow in a random direction "GOD DAMN IT" she shouted.
Riley leaned against a wall and slide down, bringing her knees up and resting her forehead on them 'I should have fucking killed her' she thought. Before another thought could enter her mind she heard the ringing of a telephone, her head snapped up and she jumped to her feet. Sitting on the table was a telephone. It rang and rang and rang. Finally Riley walked over and picked it placing the receiver to her ear.
"Hello"
The sun had started to set and everyone was sitting down to dinner. Rick was holding Judith but she was starting to fuss
Beth chuckled "she misses Riley"
Rick looked up with confusion on his face
"she's been fed, changed and had a nap…she misses Riley"
Everyone looked up and around for the girl in mention. Daryl who was just sitting down also looked around. He hadn't seen Riley since this afternoon but thought she would be back by now. Just as he was about to get up and head out to look, she appeared from the entrance to the tombs
Daryl stopped short and watched as she walked towards him and pulled him into a hug, her small frame being engulfed in him. All Daryl could do was wrap his arms around her and kiss her head.
She pulled away and smiled, he couldn't help but let a grin come across his own features
"you okay" he asked with a laugh
Riley looked at him and then the rest of her group "never better" she spoke, she then returned her graze to Daryl "I figured it out" she softly spoke
Daryl looked down "and what's that" he questioned
"how to get back"
Cliffhanger!
Next Chapter: it will be another filler but only part way, don't know about you but I'm excited to get to the sickness...I just don't want to rush it too much. Let me know what you all think and if there is anything you would like to see and I'll do my best to fit it in somehow! I love hearing your ideas! Hopefully you like it, going "off script" is kind of tough. Review! Please and Thank You! Also who's going to be watching Dead White and Blue...I will! It will be good it get refreshed on some stuff!
