A/N: Hey all added a little bit extra towards the end, just a small scene with Carl. I re read this and thought it was a little rushed so just wanted to throw in a short little something. The start of the next chapter will be a flashback to help fill in any gaps. Woah guys…. this is chapter fifty! I never thought I would get here and I think it's pretty awesome and I owe it all to you guys! Your constant love, support and understanding with this story has been amazing and I can't thank you enough! I hope you enjoy this one, it's kind of mushy as it contains the reunion. There is a bit of a "love" scene so if that offends anyone I'm very sorry! It's not graphic in anyway and pretty small only about one paragraph but I wanted to put a disclaimer. Hope you enjoy. I think this one is okay so I pray you all agree! Reviews as always are great and wonderful! Thanks!

Chapter Fifty: Heart Hope

Riley woke with a start, sweat dripping down her back, she rose from her bed and ran a shaky hand through her hair, careful to not rub against her face. She dropped her head and swung her legs off the cot, standing she walked towards the small cracked mirror that was attached to one of the beams. Looking at her reflection she swallowed roughly, turning she quickly braided her hair and ran her fingers gently over the raised and burnt flesh. Even though a couple of weeks had passed she could still smell the scent of her skin as it stuck to the iron before being slowly ripped away from her skull. She closed her eyes and thought back to Abraham and Glenn…back to her family, back to the life and place she should be, should have….

'Riley was pushed into the chair, her arms bound to the armrest and a wooden spoon placed in-between her teeth. She watched as Dwight held the iron over the flames, turning it to ensure that it was fully red hot. He turned catching her eye, in that moment he seemed sorry for her, sad almost, as if he knew she didn't deserve this, didn't deserve to have gone through what she did, didn't deserve to be here. She watched as he nodded before turning back to the fire. Her eyes snapped away from the man as Negan made his presence known. Riley watched as everyone around her kneeled before slowly getting back to their feet after their leader had passed. She watched as he walked by her, was handed the large insulated glove and turned looking at the crowd before over to her "I'm not going to give some long-winded speech about this outcome as I have for the many others and that is simply because she knows…she knows what she did, she knows what she did…". Grabbing the iron, Negan walks slowly over to Riley, seeing the young girl bite a bit harder onto the spoon handle, leaning forward to whisper in her ear "you know what you did…you know why you deserve this…" and with that the last thing Riley sees is Dwight standing by the oven rubbing the back of his neck as he adverts his eyes'

Walking down the hallway of closed doors Dwight holds a simple metal tray, which holds a small helping of eggs, a piece of toast and a cup of coffee. He usually wasn't the one to deliver breakfast but Simon was busy getting ready to head over to The Hilltop and deal with the clusterfuck that was Georgy and his misguided ways so the job this morning fell onto Dwight. Turning down another hall looking towards the closed steel door that had a small orange 'A' on it. He hesitated looking at the rusted bolts. It had been almost a week since Daryl had broken out, Negan at first blamed Dwight but when Dwight's wife Sherry had gone missing as well he knew that the rat wasn't the man beside him. Looking down at the tray, Dwight bites his lip. He knew Sherry had helped Daryl, had figured out the right moment, the right time to set the plan into action, he didn't however know where she had disappeared too. Daryl had left but it was another few days before she, herself had vanished. Shaking his head, he tightens his grip on the tray and walks pass the holding cells. Getting to the last room, Dwight looks up and nods to Thomas who had watch over the Dixon from late evening till early morning. Thomas stares Dwight down knowing that he is out of place "what…" Dwight speaks taking a purposefully step towards the larger man "Simon is busy and I'm next in command so wipe that disgusted look off your face and open the door". Thomas backs down a bit, knowing that Dwight has a relationship with Negan and pushes the door open before swinging his gun over his shoulder and taking off down the corridor. Entering the room Dwight watches as Riley stares out the widow, pulling her hair out of the braid it had been in allowing it to fall and cast a shadow over her face.

"morning"

At the sound of his voice Riley turns, confused on why its him… "where's Simon…you're… he doesn't…"

"Simon was needed at The Hilltop so here I am" Dwight begins placing the tray down on the table "and he doesn't know…it was going to be Mark but I…I changed some things around"

Riley walks towards the table and eyes the food before picking up the coffee and taking a sip "why…"

Dwight takes a step back and peers out down the hall before stepping back into the room and softly closing the door "because…because I'm going to help you get out of here"

'Dwight watches as Riley gets patched up in the infirmary, watches as Negan stands by the door his arms folded across his chest. He watches as Negan bites his lip as the doctor places the last of the cream over her raised, red and oozing skin. Looking away Dwight turns and sees Riley still passed out. While she didn't scream out which he believes pissed Negan off slightly, she did succumb to what always happens…passing out from shock and pain. Negan takes a step forward as the doctor removes his gloves. "she'll wake up in a few hours…this cream should be placed in her room…or cell…" he stumbles looking at Negan quickly "her room" the man mumbles gently pushing a lock of hair behind Riley's ear "yes then…her room" he continues "it will help prevent infection and worse blistering" Negan gestures to Dwight who reaches forward and grabs the small tube he knows all too well. He then watches as Negan carefully scoops Riley up letting her uninjured face lay gently against his chest "if you don't mind be asking sir…" the doctor speaks softly to Negan's back "why are you…why are you still treating her so kindly…the words you spoke…I thought…" Dwight watched as Negan looked down at Riley his eyes soft, looking away from the girl and over his shoulder his words and tone nothing like the emotion in his orbs "I do mind you asking…don't ask things that don't concern you and don't question my actions…do you understand" Dwight watched as the doctor nodded his head "I'm so sorry sir I was out of line". Without another word Negan turned and walked from the clinic, Dwight walking slowly behind'

Riley sat listening to Dwight's plan, listening to how he thinks it will work, listening to how he expresses his ever-growing lack of respect for Negan. She looks into her cup at the now cold swirling black liquid. Dwight watches for a moment "isn't this what you want…to get out, get back to your family, your father, your brother…"

Riley grips the cup tightly "Carl probably won't want anything to do with me"

"I don't mean that brother"

Riley looks away from the darkness her eyes holding the unasked question

"Daryl…he got out…about a week ago, he escaped…" Dwight speaks looking out the window his thoughts going to his wife briefly before glancing back at the girl

"he got out…Daryl isn't here anymore" Riley whispers to herself a smile gracing her lips, standing Riley walked towards the window staring out at the trucks and workers as they get ready for the day "when do we put this plan into action"

Rick sat at the kitchen table his eyes drifting over the room, stopping at the poster of Morse code, the memory of Carl and Riley studying the dots and dashes, shaking his head he looked away from the wall hanging, his eyes finding one of the few picture of his children, this one Michonne placed on the countertop saying she wanted to see it before heading out for her day. Rick still couldn't believe he had pictures, it was all thanks to Aaron, the man had found a camera on one of his runs and Riley grabbed it the minute he walked through the gates, saying she would see if it still worked, turns out it did and in the end Rick got a goofy photograph containing all three of his children. He smiled sadly at the image, it had been a few days since he was reunited with Daryl and when the hunter asked about his sister, Rick could only shake his head saying that she wasn't back yet but that she promised Carl she would be. Releasing his stare of the picture he turned when he heard small footsteps come around the corner, the smile returning to his face

"daddy…daddy…"

Rick got off his stool and bent down allowing his little girl to run into his arms. He lifted her off the ground and placed a kiss to her head "I see you still have Dodger" Rick smirked looking at the small stuffed moose that Judith held tightly under her arm.

"yeah…she asked to hear the story again"

Rick glanced up as Carl came down the stairs holding a small polaroid picture, the boy held it out and Judith reached forward gripping the square in her small hands. In this picture it was her and Riley sitting on the porch. When she found out that Riley had a working camera she demanded that the two take a picture together

"Rye Rye…" Judith spoke up and out holding the picture in her father's face, allowing him to see his two girls making silly and weird faces at the camera, Judith was sitting on Riley's lap, while Dodger sat on hers.

"I told her I saw Riley and that she said she would be home soon"

Rick put Judith back on the floor watching as she took her toy and picture and walked towards her coloring books scattered on the floor "why would you do that Carl"

"because she said she would be…and I believe her"

Rick looked at his son before back at his daughter and nodded his head, knowing that Carl needed to believe in that, so he would try too as well "I'm going on a walk around, have to meet up with Michonne…keep an eye on Judith" as Rick headed towards the door he stopped, turning and watched as Carl went and sat by Judith on the floor picking up the picture and staring at the image "and Carl…" when the boy glanced up Rick gestured to the photo "we'll get through this…all of us and by all of us I mean Riles as well"

Carl smiled "she always comes back dad when are you going to realize that...she's Riley for crying out loud"

Rick laughed and nodded his head "I'll be back before dinner…try to get her to go outside for a bit"

Riley stopped running once she was sure it had been a few miles. She had followed Dwight's plan, waited for the moment and slipped out when no one was around. She ran though, ran as fast and as quiet as she could and now that she was still she lowered herself down below a trunk of a large tree and listened. She knew no one had followed her, that no one had noticed until it was too late but that didn't mean that somebody hadn't come, hadn't tried to track her, follow her, so she waited, she listened. After what felt like hours she stood, a smile floating across her mouth. She had gotten out, Dwight had kept his word, she was going home…

Negan walked back and forth in the small area that was once Riley's room, Lucille hanging over his shoulder. Simon and Dwight stood in the archway of the door watching as Negan paced. The man's brown orbs drifted across the room, at the unmade bed, the pulled-out desk chair, the stale cup of coffee. He stopped, the reality of the situation hitting him harder then he thought, as the anger and rage filtered through his body he turned looking at the two men standing idly in the hallway. With a gutturally scream he swung the bat breaking the small wooden bedside table and the few objects that sat upon it.

"leave" Negan spoke his eyes going to the destruction he had caused. Once Simon and Dwight had vanished he looked up, slowly he pushed the door closed and slumped onto the bed, he leaned Lucille against the beam and ran a hand down his face "she left me…" he mumbled staring at the bat "I pushed her away and she ran…"

Riley walked down the side of the road just beyond the tree line, she thought it best to stay slightly hidden in case something or someone showed up. As she walked she gripped the straps of her backpack, the few possessions she called her own settled inside, looking at the crossbow in her hands she wondered if her family would even welcome her back, if they would allow her back. As the woods started to thin out she knew she had to emerge and make herself known as the gates came into view, if she just appeared that could make things worse then what she was already envisioning.

Gabriel stood upon the watchtower, his gun hanging on his shoulder, he eyes traveling over the land, woods and dense tree line. He squinted as a small individual came out of the woods about fifty feet away. Grabbing his binoculars, he focused in on the clearly alive being heading towards the gates. He let out a low chuckle, the crossbow swinging back and forth off one shoulder alerting him to who the blurry figure was. Placing the eyewear down he turned spotting Rick and Michonne walking down the street in his direction.

"hey…. Rick…. you're going to want to see this…"

Riley started to walk a little slower as the gates got clearer and closer. She bit her lip and adjusted her bow, she turned around quickly making sure she was still truly alone. Coming to a stop in front of the fencing she looked up seeing Gabriel smiling down at her, looking away she stared at her boots as the gates were slowly opened.

Taking a small step forward Riley looked over at Toby who had opened the gate, once fully inside Riley's eyes drifted around the community the sound of the gates slamming shut echoing behind her. It was quiet for a moment, everyone looking from Riley to Rick who stood a few feet away. Riley turned away from the various people that lived within Alexandria. Her eyes glanced in front of her locking with her father, she stared at the man, stared at the one person she never wanted to disappoint the one person she needed to forgive her, needed to welcome her back…allow her back

Rick stood watching as Riley took in being back, looking around at the people, looking around at the place she called home. It wasn't until her eyes found him did the world seem to snap back to being how it should. Rick watched as a waterfall of emotions floated through Riley's blue orbs, but it only took one word

"dad" she whispered

That was all Rick needed to hear, dropping her crossbow, Riley was enveloped in her father's arms, his chin resting on her head as he squeezed her into his body. He felt her hold on just as tight, placing a kiss to her head he mumbled soft words to her. Pulling away slightly he looked at her, her eyes brimming with unfallen tears "dad…I…"

"shh…not now…. it's okay…just…. you're back"

Rick ran a gently hand over Riley's face, feeling the raised and bumpy texture of the burnt flesh "Riles…"

Riley moved her head allowing her hair to fall over the markings "it's nothing…. it's nothing I didn't deserve"

Rick looked at Riley and knew she was racked with guilt and shame. He turned wrapping an arm around Riley's shoulder, walking towards where Michonne stood a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. Reaching the older woman Riley wrapped her in her arms and felt the tears on her shoulder, taking a breath Riley willed hers to stay at bay. "welcome back Rye"

Carl walked with Judith down the street the young girl holding the moose in her arms "can we take Dodger to see Aunt Tara…she said she had something for me from her last time outside…"

Carl smiled, Tara and quickly become "Aunt" Tara, once Riley and her had made their relationship public. Riley had told Judith that she loved Tara and that was all Judith needed to hear to immediately love the woman as well. Carl knew how much Tara loved Riley and how her absences had been devastating for her. When Tara returned home from her own three week run and heard about Riley's appearance with the man known as Negan and everything that had happened she wanted to go to the Sanctuary that night, find her and bring her home. It took Rick and Michonne to explain that Riley said she would find a way to get out and would come back to them.

"yeah let's go see Aunt Tara…bet she could use some hugs…"

Turning the corner Carl looked down at Judith "maybe she got a playmate for Dodger…"

Judith didn't respond instead she dropped Carl's hand shouted "Rye Rye" at the top of her lungs and took off down the block

Carl raised his eyes watching as his little sister spirited towards a woman who stood beside his father. He looked at the person, seeing the outline of a crossbow and felt his breath hitch in his throat. Following Judith's lead, he too took off towards Riley

Riley turned to her father "dad…. I…. I'm so sorry…"

Rick wasn't able to reply as a cheerful eruption came from down the street. Turning towards the sound, Rick watched as Judith took off like a cannon shouting for Riley as she ran. He smiled as Dodger too was swinging back and forth as Judith came barreling forward. Turning he saw Riley release her bow, take a few steps forward before dropping to her knees and opening her arms just in time for Judith to slam her body into the girl.

Riley held on to Judith like her life depended on it, she closed her eyes and for a brief moment was engulfed in calmness. It wasn't until the sound of footfalls in the distance cause her to open her eyes and look beyond Judith that she watched as Carl came to a halt in front of her. Riley stared up at Carl, the boy looking Riley over, noticing her face and how sad her eyes looked. Riley broke eye contact when Judith pulled away staring up at the girl

"you came back…. what happened to your face, did someone hurt you…"

Riley ran a hand through Judith's hair "I always come back" she answered with a watery smile "I will always come back…" she spoke quickly looking up at her dad "and yeah someone hurt me but I hurt a lot of people but I'm going to make it right, I'm going to help make it right"

Turning away from Judith, Riley looked over at Carl, watching as he stood his eyes locked on her. Riley stood pulling Judith up with her and resting her on her hip

"hey Riles" the boy softly spoke, Riley smiled sadly "hey Woody", that was all Carl needed to hear, all he needed to know…know that Riley was still there, still with them. Smiling, he pulled his sisters into a hug, feeling like a weight had been lifted at least at the moment

"I knew you be back..."

Riley smirked and gave him one last squeeze before pulling away and looking at her small family "I…I don't know what to say, I don't know how to…. I…I never thought…I didn't know, if I could…. I…." Riley rambled as her eyes drifting over the most important people in her life. All she could see was that night, the look of fear and sadness, the look of confusion and lost. "I understand if you don't want me back…if you don't trust me, if you want me to leave…"

Rick walked forward and place a hand on Riley's shoulder "this…this is where you belong…and like you told Judith, we're going to make this right…make it right together"

Walking down the street the small reunited family headed towards their home. Riley still held Judith tightly in her arms. As Riley walked next to her father she smirked "is Daryl okay…"

"yeah…he's getting there…" Rick replied "he's at this place called The Hilltop, with Maggie and Sasha and a man named Jesus…."

Riley looked at her dad "Jesus…"

Rick laughed "he does kind of resemble the guy…."

Riley chuckled softly before looking at Judith "I'm aware of the Hilltop…never met anyone from the community but I know about them….you think they would take one more…"

Carl was the first to respond, the boy stopped walking "you just got back and you want to leave again just like that"

Riley readjusted Judith, her eyes quickly going to the home she shared with Tara "it's not that I want to leave…. but it's not safe for you if I stay here, if Negan wants to hunt me down the first place he'll come is here…"

Carl looked to his dad, Rick only shook his head "she's right Carl…it was the same way for Daryl, this way Riley stays safe and away from that man, we stay safe and we still stay together"

Kicking at the ground under him Carl let out a heavy sigh "I get it and it makes sense…that doesn't mean I have to like it"

Riley smiled gently punching her brother in the shoulder "hey…at least I'll have Jesus on my side"

Slowly the group continued on, Riley's eyes jerking over to her house as the front door open and Rosita walked out followed by Tara "I don't think Spencer is that awful, give the dude a chance…"

Rosita looked up and smiled at Tara and opened her mouth to reply before locking eyes on the small group a few houses down. Tara watched as Rosita took off down the steps, looking over at what had caused the sudden change in her friend, her heart sped up and tears filled her eyes and in a flash, she was following behind.

Riley swallowed roughly as Rosita came to a skidding halt in front of her. Riley watched as her brown orbs locked onto her. Slowly Riley handed Judith over to Carl and held her own hands up in surrender. "Rosita…. I…"

Rosita took a step forward causing Riley to cease speaking. Over Rosita's shoulder Riley could see Tara coming down the street.

"that bastard do that to your face"

Snapping her eyes make to the woman, Riley nodded "but I deserved it, not for the reasons he thinks but because…." Riley stopped the events spinning in her mind "…it doesn't come close to what I did…to what happened but…. but…"

Riley was cut off when Rosita engulfed her in a hug "we're going to kill him, one way or another…. he's going to die…." Pulling away Rosita looked at her friend "for Glenn, for Abraham…for this" slowly and gently Rosita ran a few fingers over Riley's face. Riley let out a breath

"I'm sorry"

Rosita nodded "I know…and it's okay"

The two embraced one more time before pulling away. Riley watched as Rosita stepped aside and Tara came into view. Riley stared at the woman before her, the woman she loved and the woman she thought she never see again. Her brown eyes held tears and from where Riley stood she could see the small diamond ring sitting on her finger…

'Riley came in the front door and was immediately over taken by the smell of a home cooked meal. The kitchen was dimly lit and the table contained two place settings and a small vase with a fresh bouquet of sunflowers sat in the middle. Riley closed the door softly and placed her crossbow against the wall. She continued to walk further into the room when she heard the soft sounds of Nat King Cole playing in the background. Riley smiled and the smile only widened when Tara came walking down the stairs, dressed in a little red dress, her feet bare and her own smile adoring her beautiful face. "what's all this…" Riley asked gesturing to the room as Tara came toward her. Leaning in Tara placed a gentle kiss to Riley's lips "you were on a week-long hunt, and I knew you be back today…. I wanted to do something special." Riley smiled at her girlfriend and returned the soft kiss. "this is wonderful babe" Riley spoke her eyes returning to the table. "I'm glad you like it" Tara spoke walking towards the stove "I made your favorite..." Riley smirked as she headed towards the sink to wash her hands before sitting at the table "you didn't have to go through all the trouble…" Tara placed a bowl in front of Riley "shut up Dixon". Riley laughed but zipped her lip. The night wore on and dinner had finished. As the pair cuddled on the couch, Riley knew she had to do it now in a few days they were all going to deal with the Walker herd at the quarry and she didn't want to leave something like this left unfinished. "hey baby…" Riley spoke gently pushing Tara back into a seated position "you know how much I love you right…how much you mean to me" Tara nodded her head unsure of where this was going "the way you helped me through the fog, the darkness, your patience. I don't know what or where I would be today if it weren't for you…" Tara smiled "right back at you" Riley smirked and leaned in kissing the girl, as she did she pulled the simple ring from her pocket "I know it hasn't been that long but I wanted to know…I wanted to know if you…if you would marry me….we don't know what tomorrow holds but I know I want to take on that unknown with you". Tara looked at Riley tears falling from her eyes as Riley held the simple ring in her fingers. Slowly Tara nodded 'yes' before whispering the word causing Riley to smile and capture Tara's lips, slipping the ring on her finger before quickly holding her face in her hands. "I love you Tara Chambler and I promise to always protect you, always be there and always find my way back to you". Tara's vision was blurry with the tears that fell from her eyes but she nodded "I love you more then you know Riley Dixon and I will always love you and do everything I can to make sure you know just how much you are loved" Riley smiled and pulled Tara back into a kiss, pulling her swiftly on top of her "did I ever tell you red is your color…and while I love this dress I think it will look a lot better on the floor" Tara smirked and laughed lightly before placing Riley's hand on the zipper'

Tara stood still for a moment, watching as Riley spoke with Rosita the two-woman hugging. As Rosita stepped away Tara saw Riley, saw her face, saw her broken and battered form, saw the sadness, regret, guilt and shame within her blue eyes. Riley watched Tara for a moment looking back quickly at her father, Rick walked over towards his daughter and pulled her into a hug "go get your girl…we'll figure things out later…" Rick placed a kiss to Riley's head before moving back towards Michonne and the children, together he guided them plus Rosita over to their home where they disappeared inside.

Riley took a small step forward, watching as Tara was frozen to the place she stood. Carefully Riley came to a stop in front of her wife. Riley was unsure of how to react to being back with her wife, would Tara accept her back, would she understand what had happened, did she even know what had happened. "hey…" Riley whispered, trying to read Tara's eyes.

Tara watched as Riley moved closer to her, watched as she came to stand in front of her, watched as Riley appeared nervous and anxious. Riley was the first to speak and with that one little word, Tara knew this was no longer a dream

"hey…" Tara replied back just as softly. Riley smiled, and pulled Tara into a hug "I missed you" Tara mumbled into Riley's shoulder, feeling Riley let out a breath

"Tara…I…I love you"

Riley sat at the edge of the bed, watching Tara sleep peacefully. Quietly she dressed and moved from the bedroom heading downstairs. Standing at the countertop she ran her hand over her face, feeling the raised skin. Tara hadn't questioned what had happened, simply saying that "it didn't matter, Riley was still the hottest girl in her eyes". Riley didn't care about her face, she didn't care about how she looked, she cared about what had happened that led to this point. Standing in her home she let the events of the past fall over her. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear Tara come down the stairs.

Tara woke, rolling over to an empty bed, running a hand through her hair she sat up and threw on a shirt and some underwear and padded down the stairs. When she reached the bottom she saw Riley, standing with her back towards her, her eyes staring blankly at the wall. Tara swallowed and quietly walked forward

"Riley…baby…"

Riley closed her eyes "come here" she mumbled. Tara walked the last few steps and stood beside her wife. Riley took a step back allowing Tara to come in and lean against the counter, Riley however scooped Tara up and placed her on top of the marble, placing her hands on Tara's thighs.

"I'm so sorry" Riley started her eyes watching her fingers as they drew patterns on Tara's skin "I didn't know what type of person he was, I knew he did things but I never saw it first-hand. I would have never stayed, I would have never…"

Tara placed a finger under Riley's chin and pushed her face up so that they could lock eyes "I know…we all know and we don't blame you…we're so happy you're back…I'm so happy you're back…I love you…I love you"

Riley ran a hand down Tara's side "I love you too…so much….". Riley leaned in captured Tara's lips "you know I can't stay here though…it's not safe for anyone…"

Tara moaned into the kiss as Riley's hand drifted over her underwear "where would you go…you would be safe here…your dad is here"

Riley shook her head grazing her lips over Tara's neck "you wouldn't be safe here if I stayed…if Negan comes looking he'll stop here first, I can't take the chance not with you, or Judith, or Carl…. I won't do it"

Tara craned her neck giving Riley more access "you're going to The Hilltop…"

Riley nodded pushing Tara's underwear away and slipping two fingers inside "dad said it was the best bet…or this place called The Kingdom…."

Tara bit her lip and gripped Riley's hair. She knew Riley had to go, that she would in fact be safer at another location and that her family would stay safer if anything were to happen. She may have understood but that didn't mean she had to like it.

"I told my dad we would meet later to discuss it….so since this may be the last time…" Riley removed her fingers and slid Tara's underwear all the way off before pushing Tara's legs apart "let's make tonight count"

Riley stood on the porch of her father's home, it was still early the sun barely visible on the horizon. Letting out a breath she sat on the top step and ran a hand through her hair. Hearing the door open and close gently behind her. She smirked when Carl took a spot beside her, his own eyes resting on the sky.

"I'm sorry I didn't try harder…"

Carl looked over at Riley and watched as a look of shame danced in her eyes.

"I'm sorry not just for what happened in the clearing but for not trying hard enough to come back, to find my way back….I just remember seeing the horde break free and everyone scatter, I lost track of dad and…"

Carl cut Riley off in her rambling of self-pity "its okay…"

"but its not" Riley spoke shaking her head. "so much happened and I wasn't here to help, to protect…its not okay Carl and it will never be okay but I promise…" she stopped and turned locking eyes with young man "I promise to never leave again…I will always be here to help and protect…"

Carl nodded "I know Riles…I know…."

Riley stood and gestured for Carl to do the same…" lets head in, we got plans to make"

Later that morning Riley walked towards the gate, Tara's hand clasped tightly in hers. It was decided that Rosita would take Riley to The Hilltop and once there it would be discussed if The Hilltop or Kingdom was a better option. To Riley it didn't matter as long as she didn't put anyone in danger she didn't care where she was. Tara walked as slow as she could she wasn't ready to say goodbye to Riley, she had just got her back, the only positive was that at least this time Tara knew where Riley would be and who she would be with. Reaching the gate, Riley smiled at Rosita who sat in the driver's seat of one of the vehicles. She slowly let go of Tara's hand and walked towards her father, brother and sister

"it's for the best…once things get settled or we make a plan to end him, I'll be right here fighting by your side"

Rick smiled. He was worried about Riley, about how this whole situation was going to play out. Negan wouldn't and wasn't going to go away without a fight and he just hoped that he didn't lose anyone else close to him "I know…and I'm just glad you're back where you belong…even if it's going to be at another community…"

Riley smirked back, hugging her father, followed by her brother who held Judith. "I'll be back Agent Fury" she chuckled causing Carl to smirk and push her lightly "hey got to keep it fresh" turning she place a hand on Judith's head "…and to you little one, listen to dad and Carl alright…I'll be back before you know it and then we'll have some fun…" Judith smiled and kissed Riley before pushing Dodger into her hands

"he'll keep you safe…he promised…"

Riley smiled at the stuffed moose and smirked over at her dad "thanks kiddo" she spoke kissing Judith on the head. Walking back over to Tara she pulled her into a hug and mumbled quiet things into her ear, things just for the two of them, things that weren't meant for the rest… "I love you" she spoke pulling away. Tara smirked kissing Riley long and hard "love you more…always and forever"

Riley smiled and quickly kissed Tara again before opening the door, throwing her bag and bow into the back before climbing into the passenger seat. The gate opened and the car slowly drove away. Everyone watched as the car made it about ten feet before it stopped suddenly and Riley opened the door quickly jogging back to where everyone stood. Confusion filled Tara's eyes as Riley came to a halt in front of her. Smirking Riley leaned in kissing Tara soft and slow, grabbing her hand and placing something gently in her palm. Backing away Riley smiled "always and forever…"

Turning Riley ran back to the car, climbing in the still opened door and disappearing around the bend. As the gate shut, Tara glanced down in her hand and felt a chuckle leave her lips, at the dusty and warm can of orange soda.

A/N: hope you enjoyed it! Next one out in...not really sure, have to figure some things out first. I would love to hear where you think Riley should be…Alexandria is out for a bit but could be an option later on…so do you want to see The Hilltop, her and Jesus could have some fun times together or The Kingdom, maybe team up with Carol have some interaction with Shiva and the King. Let me know your thoughts! Also, would any of you like to see one shots about Riley and Tara's relationship kind of like I did with her and Beth…. let me know! Reviews are great! Love you all! xoxoxo