A/N: oh golly please don't hate me! I know I've been MIA for a long time…too long, for some reason I lost a little bit of drive and motivation when it came to this story but never fear I will not give up on this one (it's my baby). So here is the next chapter it may stink a little because it was a kind of dull episode; no excuse I know but I couldn't really have Riley do anything to big yet since it's just starting with the group arriving and getting their footing and trying to breath for once I kind of needed this one to be slow and steady. I guess you could say it's a bit of a filler chapter but will help build up to the ones that follow. I have big plans people…BIG! Like really BIG but there still a ways away but yeah totally going into left field and I can't wait!

**I don't usually do this because every review and/or PM is magical and makes me so happy but a special thank you and love to xSweetBubbleTeax! You're review really made my day**

Chapter Forty-Seven: Be Not So Fearful

"look at this Riles"

Looking over Riley watched as Beth gripped her hand placing her head on Riley's shoulder her other hand gently being placed on the one that grasped her crossbow strap

"it's everything we talked about…don't give me that look" Beth spoke with a small chuckle seeing the uncertainty in the Dixon's blue orbs

Riley smirked at Beth placing a gentle kiss on her hair before letting her eyes linger over the clean bright houses that lined the street. It wasn't normal. Growing up Riley remembered Merle driving through a neighborhood like this, the people that lived there were all rich, well to do white folks with high ranking jobs and no police records.

"I…I don't know.." Riley mumbled looking over at her dad "it's not right…not normal…not real…"

Riley heard Beth laugh quietly turning her head the farmers daughter pecked Riley on the cheek "this world isn't real baby…nothing is real anymore…I'm not real anymore…"

"Who's Deanna"

Abraham's rough voice broke through Riley's haze; her blue eyes flashed to her left only to see the barren land, her eyes watching as the tall grass blew gently in the warm breeze.

"she's the one that knows everything there is to know about this place"

Walking down the road that led to Deanna's home Riley walked by her father, her eyes going to Judith who was still asleep in his arms.

"I'll take her" Riley mumbled when they stopped in front of a large white home with an American Flag swaying out front

Rick looked at Riley watching as her eyes only stayed on Judith "she'll want to speak with you first I'm assuming" Riley spoke answering his unasked question

"or is it you that wants me to talk to her first" Rick spoke slowly shifting Judith into Riley's outstretched arms

Riley smirked "I trust you not her…I want…I need…" Riley's smile dropped as her eyes went back to Judith then quickly over to Carl who stood beside Michonne and Daryl "I can't…"

Rick stepped forward placing a kiss to Riley's head "I know and trust me…." he stopped looking down into her crystal eyes "I won't let anything happen to you or anyone in this family…we're not losing anybody else…"

Riley nodded her head mumbling a quick and soft "love you dad" before crossing the street to stand under a tree. Rick watched her for a moment before looking at each member of the group. He meant the words he just spoke, everyone standing awkwardly in front of him was a member of his family, his life, his heart and he would do whatever was needed to keep them safe…they were his number one reason.

Riley stood across the street watching as each member of her family walked in and out of the home of Deanna, the leader, the go to person for the town named Alexandria. Rick had come out looking like he knew something, had it all figured out…these people knew nothing of what it took and what it takes to survive in this new world. She watched as he spoke with Daryl and Michonne off to the side, watched as Carol went in and came out catching Riley's gaze, rolling her eyes; obviously feeling the same as her father.

"you're up Rye bread"

Riley tore her eyes from the home and over to Daryl who stood with arms out and ready to take Judith. Riley let out a huff before handing over the baby and walking towards the home. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she stopped staring up at the closed black door.

'you got to trust baby…'

Riley shook her head it was time to move on, let go of the demons, let go of what was holding her back…she didn't trust this place…not yet at least but she was willing to go in and listen, go in and try…but at the end of the day her father was the one she believed, the one she would trust and the one she would always listen to…always…..always

Walking up Riley knocked on the door, a moment later a nice looking woman opened the door and smiled

"you must be Riley…"

Riley nodded her head and clasped her hand around Deanna's "nice to meet you"

Once again Riley nodded and entered the house; Deanna shut the door behind her and led her into the family room.

"I can understand your unease…you have always been on the run, been ready to move, have always had to be on guard, be one step ahead of the dead and the living…."

Riley looked at the books lining the shelves; some were first editions with titles and authors she had never heard of, closing her eyes for a moment lost in a memory

"you think now that we're here that's all going to change"

Deanna watched the girl, everyone she had talked to were strong and capable people, people she knew were fighters and would, if not today some day help and stand with the people of Alexandria. Riley Dixon was no different; she saw the way Carl and Daryl had changed in demeanor slightly when her name came up and how Rick became even more protective even more of a leader…a father

"it can if you let it"

Turning to look at the older woman, Riley let out a breath "I don't take anything or anyone at face value anymore"

"I wouldn't expect you to…" Deanna looked at Riley blue orbs to green. She could already see the similarities between Daryl and herself

"Rick mentioned Daryl was brother…"

Riley's eyes jerked away from the family photo that stood on the mantle "everyone out there I'm related to; we're all family"

Deanna raised her eyebrows and watched as Riley turned back to the photo before glancing out the widow

"blood ain't everything"

'you're my brother Merle, my blood and sometimes blood ain't enough but in this moment…it's everything'

Clenching her jaw Riley looked to Deanna "blood doesn't make you family"

Walking out of the house and down the steps Riley now understand the look her father and Carol wore. She jogged across the street and stood beside her small family, looking back at the house as Deanna waved and shut the door she pulled Carl into a hug mumbling "these people…their playing house…" pulling away she looked at her father and brothers "they don't know what their doing…they don't know"

It was odd standing in front of a house that even if the world hadn't fallen apart Riley would never dream of living in let alone be allowed to live in. Aaron had walked the group to a small street where all the houses looked the same, each one containing the same layout just a different number. She watched as next door Rosita, Eugene and Tara walked inside, Tara looked over and smiled at her before disappearing. Rick had told everyone they would be sleeping in the same home for however long he saw fit but the call of hot water was too much so the group divided in order to shower and clean themselves.

'just imagine it Riles…' Beth started 'an actual house with a wrap around porch…' Beth spoke quietly her eyes going distant '…a small yard…we could have a couple of dogs…' Riley watched as Beth's face broke out into a smile 'want to know what the best part would be though…'

"come on Riles"

Riley's eyes snapped away from the home and her memory, her eyes readjusting to where she was, looking over to the house in front of her as Carl emerged standing on the porch; he looked cleaner, his long hair still a little damp giving away the fact he too took part in the luxury this environment offered

"…don't you want to see it…it's pretty cool"

Riley gave a small smile before shaking her head "I bet…but maybe later" she called walking backwards down the street "think I'll walk around a bit…let dad know…". With that Carl watched as she vanished around the corner

Riley remembered Merle using the expression 'a little to step ford'. She smirked to herself if only Merle saw this place, everything was the same, the colors, the trees, the people. Everyone looked the same all dressed like their clothes came from L.L. Bean. It was weird seeing "clean" people, seeing people who hadn't yet experienced the horrors, the truth of what was out there. Riley squeezed the strap of her bow, she knew that day would come and she only hoped that by then the Alexandria's would be ready, that they would finally understand.

"are you like an Archer or something"

Riley spun around her hand going to the knife at her hip; relaxing a bit as she watched a small boy no older then eleven or twelve stand in front of her

"I mean you have the bow and arrows…you have the look…are you an Archer"

Riley shrugged her shoulders "never really thought about it…I've just always had it"

"I'm Sam…I live over there…" Riley watched as he pointed to a home that was settled at the corner of the house her family was given

Riley nodded "I'm Riley…."

"I know…" Sam nodded "you're part of the new group Aaron brought in"

Riley nodded and looked towards the home Sam pointed out "what happen to your eye"

Sam quickly brought a hand up letting his finger tips graze the light purple and blue almost yellow bruise that had formed under his left eye

"walked into a door"

Riley smirked and repressed a chuckle "an oldie but a goodie"

She watched as Sam's eyes were overtaken by a look of confusion before a slight spark of hope glossed over them

Riley shook her head "he's long gone now…died in the beginning…."

"but that man…Rick"

Riley smiled "he's the one I was always meant to have"

There was a moment of silence, Riley watching the boy her body and mind getting to a point she didn't want it too. The world was already a landmine, the fight was already there and here was a boy who had to fight a battle that wasn't and shouldn't be happening, in a place where it shouldn't be happening…did Deanna know…and if she did….

"Hawkeye…."

Riley looked over at the young boy "what"

Sam smiled and walked closer to the girl, finally feeling safe, like he had someone on the inside now, someone on his team "you know in the comics…there's this one superhero his name is Hawkeye…he uses a bow and arrow too…but I like him because other then being a great Archer he's just….."

Riley bit her lip, this boy was scared…he was hapless, hopeless and helpless and acted a lot younger then his age would lead you to believe

"just a normal human being who saves people"

Riley clenched her jaw and gripped the strap of her bow "I'm not a superhero"

"you save people though right"

Riley took a step back "I try…but sometimes I fail"

Without missing a beat Sam stepped forward closing the gap Riley tried to make

"that's why you're Hawkeye" he spoke with a smile "cause he fails to but in the end he always wins…he always saves those who need it most"

Riley smiled "okay then…I got to go…"

A look of fear crossed Sam's features "wait…" he shouted and ran forward

"I'll see you again right"

Quickly Riley nodded her head just wanting to leave this situation "yeah sure…I mean I live here now…. I suppose….. so we're bound to run into one another…."

"if I need you you'll come"

Riley stopped her eyes going to Sam's house as a man walked out onto the porch cigar in hand

"hey Sam…buddy why don't you come on back here and leave the girl alone…they only just arrived…"

Sam looked at Riley panic flooding his face, in a moment of weakness or maybe understanding, Riley nodded her head "yeah I'll come if you need me"

Sam breathed a deep breath a small calm smile forming on his lips before walking backwards down the street "see you later Hawkeye". Riley watched with nervous eyes as Sam approached his house and walked up the stairs, his father wrapping an arm around his shoulders and placing a kiss to his head before ushering him inside

"dick" Riley mumbled before continuing on her way

The night wore on and the small family sat together in the living room of the main home. Riley sat against the wall facing the door her crossbow draped over her legs. She watched as Tara walked down the stairs and took a seat beside her. Riley looked over before returning her eyes to the front door, from the corner of her eye she saw her father talk with Michonne the woman holding a toothbrush like her life depended on it.

Her grip on the bow tightened when a soft knock sounded. All chatter died down as all eyes watched as Rick opened the door, Riley watched as Deanna appeared and entered the room doing a double take of her fathers appearance

"who knew that was underneath there"

Rick gave a rough smile and chuckle before rubbing his newly shaven face with his hand. Deanna's eyes looked away from Rick and took in all the members of the group

"staying together…smart…."

Rick looked around the room watching as Deanna looked longer at Riley and Daryl then the others "no one ever said we couldn't"

Putting her hands up Deanna smiled "not judging… just stating"

Maggie was the one to end what was starting to become a tense encounter

"you said we were all going to get jobs…some of us haven't yet"

Smiling Deanna spoke "I have ones planned for all of you…the Dixon's however", looking over she watched as Riley and Daryl both sitting near one another shared a quick look

"are a little more hard to place but trust me I'll find something for them"

The next day was much like the one before each one trying to find their place, their footing, trying to understand the new life they were placed in…a life of not knowing. It was easier to know that each day was a fight…a fight to find food, find shelter, a fight to stay alive. Riley walked down the street; Glenn, Noah and Tara were all going out with Deanna's son Aiden and a guy named Nicholas. Riley wanted to tag along but as Aiden had pointed out

"my mom hasn't found a job for you until then stay put"

Riley gave Glenn a look, making her friend chuckle and shake his head

"watch yourself Glenn these people are douches and will end up getting you or themselves killed…and I prefer it not be you…"

With nothing to do Riley took to the streets, her mind milling over the course of everything that had led them here. It wasn't until she turned a corner did she realize she was looking for Sam. Something about the boy made Riley want to protect him…he was a scared little child who was sheltered from the outside world from the start when in reality he needed to be protected and sheltered from the inside world

Riley looked around and watched as a woman entered an open garage, she walked over to a large metal object that Riley really wasn't sure what it was suppose to be. The woman however looked up and caught Riley's eye, she waved making Riley give a small awkward wave back

"I'm Jessie" the woman called "you're Rick's daughter right…"

Riley shuffled from one foot to another "yeah...name's Riley" she answered looking around for a way out of having to meet another new person

"I gave your dad his haircut…I can clean yours up if you want"

Riley looked at her before nodding "yeah maybe later…."

Jessie nodded "I know weird right…here we are talking about haircuts and pampering when there's so much more to worry about"

"Hawkeye!"

Riley's eyes snapped to the door that led from the garage into the house and watched as Same ran out and over to her

Riley looked to Jessie before back at Sam "hey Sam"

Sam's eyes narrowed "I need a cool nickname too…like a sidekick name"

Riley watched as Jessie smiled seeing her son light up at the newcomer, Riley's eyes quickly scanned Jessie's body…did she get beat too…if she was Sam's mom then she must either help in the beatings or get them as well and as sad and heartbreaking as it was Riley hoped it was the latter.

"I'll think of one…"

Sam smiled "seriously"

Riley smiled back and for once it wasn't forced "yeah why not…."

Looking over Riley watched as her father ran by only skidding to a halt when his eyes landed on her

"Rye bread thank God…you see Carl or Judith"

Riley was pulled into a bone crushing hug and mumbled into her fathers shirt "yeah their both over there…I guess that's the oldest couple in the community and they had like fourteen grandchildren…they got so excited when they saw Judith…and Carl for that matter"

Rick looked over to where Riley was gesturing and saw Carl and Judith sitting on a porch swing with a nice looking old couple fussing over Judith. Rick smiled when Carl tugged at his hair obviously the gentlemen made a comment about it's length

Rick let out a breath looking over and seeing Jessie he smiled "sorry I just"

"no reason to explain Rick…I get it…you're a parent…a parent that's had to have your children out there, I would be unnerved too if I came out and didn't see them or know where they were"

Riley watched her father with Jessie unsure of what was going on between them…she was married…to an asshole…. but still she was married and her father, well he was her father and she didn't really want to see him with anyone…well there was someone but that was still a work in progress…a slow work in progress

It was quiet for a moment Jessie and Rick talking and Sam trying and failing to come up with a cool sidekick name when everyone turned at the sound of shouting. Looking at one another each person took off at the sound; Sam staying closer to Riley then his mom which Rick didn't fail to notice

When they reached the front gates they were met with Glenn punching both men tumbling to the ground before Daryl reached over pulling Glenn away

"no one's impressed" Glenn shouted

Aiden made to lunge at Glenn only to stop when Daryl's crossbow was raised and aim at his forehead

"enough"

Everyone spun watching as Deanna run up to the small huddle of people followed by an older man whom Riley could only assume was her husband

"what is going on here…" she shouted her eyes going and narrowing at her son "Aiden start talking"

Aiden took a step and pointed at Glenn before gesturing around him "this guy has a problem with the way we do things…why did we let them in"

Riley who had moved closer to Glenn placed a hand on his shoulder "cause we actually know what the hell we're doing…"

Aiden went to move forward only to stop at his mothers voice "no I said enough"

Looking around making sure she had everyone's attention she spoke her eyes lingering on Aiden

"I want everyone to hear me…to understand me…Rick and his people are part of this community now. In every way, we're all equals now do you hear me…do you understand me"

She waited until a choruses of understood was heard around the small circle before speaking again "alright now…everyone hand in your weapons…then you…you meet me at home"

Watching as Aiden turned and left with a huff followed by his father, Deanna turned and spoke to Rick "I told you I had a job for you"

Rick nodded watching as Riley walked away speaking quietly with Daryl, he didn't miss the fact that Sam trailed after her like a lost puppy

"I want you to be constable"

Rick looked at Michonne before back at Deanna "that's what you were…and that's what you are"

Quickly turning she caught Michonne's stare "you too…you both will uphold the rules and laws of this town…people still need to follow routine have order and discipline"

That night Riley sat on the front steps she couldn't sleep, sleeping here was harder then out there. Her eyes watched the moon; looking over she watched as Daryl came out and sat beside her

"you have a new friend" Daryl spoke also noticing how Sam followed Riley around. He knew why he would be stupid and not a true Dixon if he couldn't tell the signs

Riley smirked and chuckled "it's a long story…"

Both Dixon's turned and watched as Rick emerged from the home followed by Carol and Michonne. Riley took in her fathers uniform and smiled

"Officer Grimes again huh"

Rick smiled at her walking over and placing a hand on her head "just trying it on for size..." Riley smirked and huffed "sure" she mumbled making Daryl laugh

Carol walked over "so we're staying" she asked looking to Rick before down at the Dixon's

"yeah…" Rick spoke "we can start staying in the other houses…settle in"

Riley looked back out at the sky…her mind now going through what it meant to be part of a larger community, a community with people she still didn't trust and a community with a person she knew was already worse then any Walker

"if we get comfortable…we get weak…this place will make us weak"

Rick looked over at Carol before out at the sky as well "Carl said something like that earlier"

Standing Riley pulled her bow over her shoulder "ain't going to happen though"

Rick smirked before walking over to her and pulling her into an embrace. He kissed the top of her head before looking at the rest "we won't get weak, that's not us anymore and we'll make it work"

Riley looked over at her father, before her eyes went down the street were she could faintly see the porch light from Sam's house

"and if they can't make it work we'll take this place"

A/N: so what you think! Reviews really do mean the world; they push me to want to write and write the best I can. I know this chapter might not have been the best but please stick with me the next few should get better as a lot of action is starting to pick up. I have one more story line that Riley is going to steal; I think, haven't decided fully yet, from another character; I'm sure you can guess which one but after that I have big changes coming. Riley is never going to be the same. I have some major ideas involving one Riley Dixon that I hope I can do and make exciting, interesting and wonderful for you all! Thanks so much the love you give this story makes me so happy! Also Happy Walking Dead Day! Season Finale! So sad but so exciting; as much as I'm worried about the outcome of tonight I can't wait to finally see Negan! Love Jeffery Dean Morgan great casting! Once again please review...let me know what you think of the finale in a review or PM as well and as always thoughts and suggestions!