Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever own The Walking Dead or anything affiliated with said series.
A little over a week after saving a couple of complete strangers Chelsea found herself looking down at a high metal wall that ran around a fairly large housing complex. There was no doubt in her mind that she'd found the place the two had been talking about.
Not wanting to walk into a trap she'd spent a full day walking around the outside of the wall looking for anything suspicious, but other than the sounds of children playing and laughter, which made her feel like she'd stepped into the twilight zone, nothing about the place screamed dangerous.
Since she definitely didn't want to walk up to the gate at night, people tended to be even more trigger happy when it got dark out, she set up her hammock in a tree a mile or so away and grabbed some shut eye. Something told her she was going to need all her strength in the morning.
When the sun came up at dawn the next day Chelsea was already packing her things away. Figuring the best way to avoid being attacked for her supplies was to not have any on her she'd left her bag, bow, gun and spare blades tied up in the tree out of sight. Sure that meant she was walking in there practically naked, but at least if it was a trap they wouldn't be getting much of value.
Hopping to the ground she checked to make sure her machetes were secure before slipping a small hunting knife into her left boot. With one last look around to make sure she could find her things again if she ever made it back, she took a deep breath and began the short trek to the front gate.
Seeing as she wasn't exactly sure what kind of welcome they gave to strangers she raised her hands to show she wasn't holding a weapon as she neared the main entrance, certain that someone was watching her from somewhere.
"You there," a man barked out. "State your business."
"I'm looking for Glenn or Maggie," Chelsea replied, coming to a stop about ten feet from the gate. "I was told I could find them here."
"Hold on a second."
She could hear the man conversing with someone else, but they were careful to keep quite so she wasn't able to make out what they were saying. The sound of a gun cocking, however, that she heard loud and clear.
Wondering if she'd made a terrible mistake she was just about to turn tail and run when the gate was forced open and she spotted the young woman she'd met a week earlier.
"Chelsea!" Maggie called with a smile. "I'm glad to see you decided to come. Glenn's going to be so surprised to see you."
The man she'd talked to through the gate gave her a curious glance before stepping aside in what was obviously a welcoming gesture, but Chelsea stayed where she was. At least until Maggie came forward and grabbed her hand, at that point she had no choice but to follow the other woman inside.
"Now I know you're probably a bit nervous about meeting everyone, but don't worry. Everyone here's very friendly. I'm sure you'll warm up to us in no time."
Chelsea raised an eyebrow at Maggie before shaking her head. "I'm not here to stay," she began. "I only came because of something you said." When the dark haired woman cocked her head curiously she continued. "You said you'd keep a light on, does that mean you have . . . power?"
"Power, running water, you name it," another voice spoke up from behind them and Chelsea spun around so fast that Maggie was forced to release her if she didn't want her arm to be yanked off.
The man who'd spoken wore some kind of police uniform and though he looked completely relaxed she could tell he was on constant alert. "The name's Rick, welcome to Alexandria . . . ?"
"Chelsea," she replied as several more people joined them. Beginning to feel a tad claustrophobic she clenched her hands against her sides to keep herself from pulling out her blades, knowing that doing so would be a very bad idea.
"It's nice to meet you Chelsea," Rick said, the smile on his face widening as he held out his hand.
She really had no desire to act friendly with any of them, that wasn't why she was there, but with all eyes focused on her Chelsea forced herself to shake the offered hand.
"Now I don't want to upset you or anything, but we have a no weapon policy here," Rick began as he eyed the machetes at her waist. "So if you want to stick around inside the wall you're going to have to hand over those blades."
A part of her wanted to say hell no and get out of there while she still had the chance, but they had power and hot water, two things she hadn't had in so very long, and if all it took to use them was giving up her weapons for a few hours she was willing to take that deal. Besides, from the look of things most of the people inside the wall would be easy to take out if necessary. Other than the cop and an older woman with short graying hair most of them looked as though they hadn't even touched a weapon. Of course there was also Maggie and Glenn to think about, but she figured that they'd let her go without a fight because of their history together.
Nodding her head, she removed the belt from around her waist and handed the blades over to Rick, her hunting knife following soon after. "Now, where's this power you mentioned?"
When Maggie took Chelsea's hand again Rick quickly spoke up. "Hold on a second, I've got a couple of questions to ask you before you head off." Seeing her turn her attention back to him he cleared his throat before continuing. "How many walkers have you killed?" At the look of confusion on her face he motioned towards the gate and added, "You know, the dead."
Chelsea shrugged. "Who knows. I stopped counting after the first couple hundred."
"And how many people have you killed?"
"As many as I needed to."
Rick had expected an answer like that, she seemed like the type of person who wasn't afraid to fight back when the situation called for it, but it was the last question which would determine whether or not she'd need to be watched. "Why?" Her face hardened and he couldn't help but wonder what exactly she'd gone through out there.
". . . survival."
It was obvious that she wasn't going to say anything more and Rick looked around at the rest of the group that had gathered. Most of them were from Alexandria, but he spotted Carol, and Glenn who'd just shown up, as well as Maggie and saw nothing that led him to believe they were against the idea of letting her stay. Of course even if one of them did have a problem they still owed the woman for her help, but it was nice to know they were okay with it all that same.
"Well alright then."
As Maggie drug her off once again Chelsea couldn't help but feel like she'd passed some sort of test and wondered if that was something they did with everyone or if she was special. When they reached a house a little ways down the street and she was ushered inside she decided that it didn't matter either way. Who cared what they thought, it wasn't like she was planning on sticking around.
"This house is empty but the water's still on so you can use the shower upstairs," Maggie said as she pushed open the front door of the three story house. "There isn't any power here since no one's using the place, but if you want to give me whatever you've got I can get it plugged in for you while you get cleaned up."
Chelsea didn't much care for the idea of handing over her music player, but the sooner it got some juice the sooner she could leave so she pulled the small device and cord out of her back pocket and handed it over.
"Up the stairs, second door on your right."
With a smile that was far too cheerful in this day and age Maggie disappeared out the door and Chelsea found herself alone at last. Her eyes drifted around the open entryway and she marveled at the fact that even an unused place around here was dust free. She hadn't been anywhere this clean since she'd left her house ages ago.
Curious though she was, she'd spotted several bookcases in the living room and was itching to browse through the titles, she walked up the stairs and towards the bathroom. As with the rest of the house the room was spotless and she almost felt bad when she discarded her filthy clothes on the shiny tile floor. When she turned on the water and felt the warmth running over her fingers she stopped thinking entirely.
ooooo
Daryl took the stairs two at a time grumbling about running errands for some stranger. He'd been over at Aaron and Eric's house working on the bike when he'd heard the commotion and eventually his curiosity had gotten the better of him.
Now he regretted ever leaving the garage.
When he'd found Rick and the others in front of one of the still empty houses he raised an eyebrow in question. "What're ya'll doin' out here?"
"Glenn and Maggie's guardian angel decided to stop by for a visit," Rick replied. "Interesting character that one."
"Ya think he's gonna stay?"
Rick opened his mouth to correct the other man, but Carol beat him to it.
"Not sure yet, but the least we can do is offer some friendly hospitality. He saved two of our own after all." Shooting Rick a look that promised death if he said a word, she gave Daryl a smile. "Why don't you go take our guest some clothes, something a bit smaller than your size will do."
"Yeah, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to put on something clean for a change," Glenn snickered, earning an elbow to the ribs from Maggie.
Something was going on with them, Daryl could feel it in his bones, but he couldn't figure out what was bothering him and soon gave up. "Sure, I'll grab 'im somethin' from the supply room."
As he walked away he swore he heard laughter coming from behind him, but when he looked back they were all just talking.
And that was how he found himself standing outside the bathroom door with some worn out blue jeans and an old black t-shirt in his arms. Not bothering to knock, they were both guys anyway so what did it matter, he shoved the door open while saying, "Brought ya some clothes, sorry if they don't . . ." Trailing off he stared in shock at the naked back in front of him.
"Thanks, just set them on the counter," the most definitely female voice said over her shoulder as she continued to towel dry her hair.
A dark flush spread across Daryl's face and he quickly dropped the clothes, stuttering an apology as he bolted from the room.
Storming back outside he glared at the group in front of him who weren't even trying to contain their amusement. "The hell! Why didn't ya'll tell me it was a woman?"
"If you'd bothered to pay attention when Maggie and I were talking about her you'd already know," Glenn said between laughs. "Man, I wish I could've seen the look on your face when you saw her for the first time."
Daryl's face turned bright red and Glenn looked at him curiously before his eyes went wide. "Don't tell me you walked in on her."
It suddenly became silent and Carol turned a questioning gaze on him. "Oh god, you didn't." When even his ears became a bright shade of red she nearly doubled over in laughter.
Daryl looked ready to explode and Rick cleared his throat. "I wouldn't worry about it," he somehow managed to say with a straight face. "She doesn't strike me as the type of person to get upset over an accidental peek."
"That's not the point dammit!" Daryl snapped.
The laughing began anew and he was two seconds away from knocking them all on their asses when the woman in question came strolling out.
Flinching as she came to a stop a few feet from him he waited to see what she'd do next and was surprised when she barely acknowledged his presence.
"Thanks for the shower, it's been awhile since I had warm water," Chelsea said, pulling her still damp hair up into a ponytail. "Now if you'd kindly take me to my things I'll be on my way."
"Why don't you stick around for lunch," Carol offered. "Give that device of yours longer to charge before heading back out."
Looking from one face to another Chelsea saw hopeful and welcoming smiles and she slowly nodded her head in agreement. She didn't trust them, but it had been so long since she'd heard anything other than the sound of nature and the living dead, and the prospect of having a full charge was too much to pass up. Plus it would be nice to eat something she didn't have to cook for a change.
Maggie grinned. "Lunch it is then."
Chelsea had been a little worried that people would crowd around her as she followed the group towards a nearby house, but when they arrived it appeared as though it was only going to be a small gathering. Along with the older woman who'd introduced herself as Carol, Rick, Glenn, Maggie and the nervous redneck who refused to look her in the eye whose name she'd eventually learned was Daryl, she was also introduced to a black woman named Michonne who was dressed in a similar outfit to Rick.
There was talk of another woman named Sasha, but apparently she spent most of her time in the tower by the main gate keeping watch so she never actually met her.
Rick left soon after the meal was served, spaghetti with garlic bread which Chelsea practically inhaled, to visit a blonde woman down the street and Michonne only stuck around long enough to grab a couple of plates before heading off towards the gate.
As Chelsea watched other people walk by it became obvious that this group was a tight-knit family and though they were sharing the same space as the rest of the inhabitants of the community they were still wary of them. Not afraid, but definitely aware of every move the other people made.
"So how long have you been out there on your own?" Maggie asked once she'd finished her serving of food. She and Glenn had sat down next to each other on the porch swing and she cuddled into his side as she waited for an answer.
Chelsea had been content to listen to them talk amongst themselves and had hoped that they'd continue to leave her out of the conversation, but no such luck. Setting her plate next to where she leaned against the railing she gave a half shrug. "Not entirely sure to be honest. Haven't bothered to keep track of the days for a long time. Started out shortly after everything went to hell, so however long ago that was."
"And you've been by yourself this whole time?" Glenn asked curiously. Seeing her nod he whistled lowly. "Damn, that's impressive."
Looking around Chelsea couldn't help but ask, "What about you guys, when did you all meet up?"
"Some of us have been together basically since the beginning, others we've picked up along the way," Carol replied as she stood up and began to gather the dirty dishes. "Seems like we've been together forever some days though."
Pushing herself to her feet, Chelsea wiped her hands on her pants and turned to Maggie. "Thanks for the food, it was delicious, but I've got to get going before it gets too much later. Don't want to be out there when it gets dark."
Nodding her head, Maggie stood up while saying, "Give me a second and I'll get your stuff from inside."
"Are you sure you don't want to stick around for the night?" Glenn asked once Maggie had gone inside. "We've got more than enough space if you decide you want to stay."
"Thanks but no thanks," Chelsea replied with a shake of her head. "I'm sure you're all really nice people, but the fact is I don't know a damn thing about any of you and I'd rather not wake up to find a knife hovering above my throat."
"If we wanted ya dead we'da killed ya before ya even set foot inside the wall," Daryl bit out. "Do ya honestly think we'd stoop so low as ta offer sanctuary ta someone just so we could kill 'em in their sleep?"
Back before the world as she knew it ended she probably would've felt bad for upsetting him, now she barely even registered it. Instead she brushed his question aside with a noncommittal shrug. "Who can say. But I've met more than my fair share of monsters since this whole thing started so forgive me if I don't believe anything you say."
Crossing his arms over his chest Daryl opened his mouth to let her have it when he felt Carol's hand on his arm. Glancing over at her he clamped his mouth shut when she shook her head firmly.
"Let it go," she murmured softly before holding up a small sack and smiling. "Here, some leftovers for the road."
Taking the bag, Chelsea tipped her head while muttering, "Thanks."
Moments later Maggie stepped back out onto the porch. "One fully charged music player," she said as she held out the small device. When Chelsea took it and stuffed it into a pocket she added, "Whenever you need another charge feel free to stop back and we'll get you all squared away."
"I'll remember that. Now would you mind telling me where I can find my weapons?"
When Maggie moved towards the steps Carol held out her hand to stop her and said, "Daryl will take you, won't you Daryl?"
To be honest he had no desire to spend any more time with the woman after what she'd said earlier, but the look on Carol's face said he'd be sorry if he tried to back out of it. "Fine. Follow me." Without bothering to make sure she was behind him he leaped over the railing and took off down the street.
Once they were gone Maggie turned to Carol with a questioning look on her face. "What was that all about? Are you trying to piss him off or something?"
Carol shook her head. "Nothing like that, but something tells me that woman will be back eventually and if I'm right I think those two should work things out before she leaves. If they don't, things will be very difficult, for all of us, when she decides to stick around for good."
"You really think she'll be back?" Glenn asked curiously. "She didn't seem all that interested to me."
Watching as the pair turned the corner and disappeared from sight Carol turned back to face the two next to her. "Not now, and maybe not for some time, but I've got a feeling that she'll return here eventually. Call it gut instinct."
"Well I think it would be great if she came back," Maggie said. "I like her, and not just because she saved us. She's a good person and there's not too many of those left in the world anymore. Plus, we could use another fighter with her skills. You should've seen her out there Carol, she's nearly as good a shot as Daryl with her bow and I bet she could take on Michonne with a blade any day."
"That doesn't surprise me, it takes a lot to survive on your own for so long."
ooooo
Daryl kept his eyes glued to the ground in front of him and clenched his teeth to keep from saying anything that would likely cause a fight. Why he let Carol bully him into things was beyond him.
After a few hundred feet or so he realized that he couldn't hear her behind him so he lifted his gaze and blinked in shock when he found her walking beside him. He hadn't heard her approach at all.
More than a little impressed, it took serious skill to walk that silently, he allowed himself to really look at her for the first time. Ever since catching her naked he'd been far too embarrassed to do more than glance in her direction so he didn't actually know what she looked like.
The clothes he'd found for her were a bit loose, not enough to fall off or anything but they hid most of the figure he knew she had, but it was her face that drew his attention. She had short brown hair that she'd tied back and her face would've been considered beautiful if she didn't have such a serious expression on it. Not that he could blame her; he tended to look that way most of the time himself.
He must've been staring for longer than he thought because he suddenly found himself looking into her dark eyes and he felt a blush creep over his face again. Without thinking he blurted out, "Sorry 'bout earlier. Didn't mean ta walk in on ya like that."
Chelsea waved his apology aside. "No big deal. There's no such thing as modesty anymore anyway, not in this world, but if it'll make you feel better you could always strip and let me see your naked ass."
When he sputtered she couldn't help but laugh. "Relax, I was only kidding. But seriously, forget about it. Quite a few people I don't know have seen me without clothes on at this point. Of course most of them never lived to talk about it, but then they'd tried to do more than just look."
The last part had been muttered under her breath and Daryl was fairly certain she hadn't meant for him to hear it so he made no comment as he led her towards the weapons locker at the gate. Pushing open the door, he motioned her inside.
Spotting her machetes on a table near the door Chelsea quickly returned them to their rightful places and instantly felt herself relax. She wasn't used to being weaponless and it was good to feel the familiar weight around her waist once more. Slipping her knife into the back of her pants for easy access she rejoined Daryl outside.
"Get everything?"
"Yep." When he closed the door and moved to open the gate she added, "Tell everyone thanks again for me will you." Seeing him nod she stepped out and gave him a smirk and a mock salute before turning on her heel and heading back into the woods.
Daryl watched her until the trees swallowed her up and then made sure the gate was closed and latched. A quick tug showed that it was indeed secure, but instead of heading back to the house he decided to go and finish working on the bike. He'd had enough of dealing with people for awhile.
ooooo
It didn't take Chelsea long to make it back to her tree, not with as fast as she'd been going, and in no time at all she had shimmied her way back up the branches and curled up in her hammock. Wrapping a blanket around her body she pulled out her mp3 player and gently placed the ear buds in her ears. Pressing the power button she watched as the screen lit up and smiled when she began to scroll through her playlists.
Picking something random, at this point it didn't matter what she listened to so long as it was music, she closed her eyes and pressed play.
For the first time in a very long time she slept without a care in the world.