Love's Long Road Chapter 21, a walking dead fanfic

A/N Thank you so much! It's a big chapter, so let's get started :)

When she's got his full attention she smiles and asks, "Do you want to see if we can make this bed squeak?"

How can he keep brooding when the woman he loves asks a question like that? He gives her a devilish grin as he grabs the hem of her shirt, quickly pulling it up and off, warning, "Just remember girl, you asked for it."

She starts tugging at his shirt, giggling and agreeing, "Oh yeah? Well show me what you've got Daryl Dixon."

They're laughing, tickling and teasing as they anxiously strip off what's left of each other's clothing, then fall into bed together. She giggles, "It's a good thing you made this bed so sturdy."

"I knew I better build the damn thing tough, what with the way you're always attackin' me."

She smiles while ruffing his hair, "You're so right, it's like that isn't it Daryl? What surprises me is how you're always so sweet about putting up with me."

"I don't wanna hurt your feelin's or disappoint ya at all."

"Thank you for that," and as she says the words he's already nestling his face between her legs and their playfulness soon turns to deep moans and an entirely different kind of teasing, the kind that leaves them breathless and satisfied, yet somehow they always seem to crave more of each other.

Morning comes and as the group had agreed, everyone gathers in the infirmary. The exceptions are Amy and the children. Amy offers to remain in the library with the kids while the other family members talk about everything that happened yesterday, and about their plans and strategies moving forward.

Before he leaves her there Rick slides an arm around her waist, leans in and whispers, "Thanks for doing this Amy. When we're done talking in there maybe Maggie or Carol can stay with the kids while you n me go for a walk. I can fill you in on everything."

She moves her body a little closer to his, once again leaving no room for doubt about her feelings, "That would be wonderful Rick, I'd love to take a walk with you."

She's pretty sure that's a blush on his cheek as he gives her a tight grin, nods and says, "Yeah, um, okay, me too Amy." It's not like him to be so nervous, she's hoping maybe that's a good sign.

He gives her one long last look before the door closes, "Lock it behind me, K?"

While Rick's been settling Amy and the kids in the library, things have been busy in the infirmary.

There's a a mid-last century medicine cabinet built of heavy oak with locks in the doors a five year old could pick. The big cabinet was obviously ransacked during the rioting. Drugs like Tylenol, non-narcotic cough medicines, topical antibiotics, antiseptics, creams for various maladies, gauze, bandages, had been stored in the cabinet, now they're scattered all over the floor. Clearly Tylenol and cough drops were not the types of drugs the inmates were interested in.

The family members are busily picking up the mess, while Carol is carefully organizing everything as she returns it to the cabinet.

A doorway connects the infirmary to a doctor's office, and that is apparently where the real drugs of interest are stored. There's a heavy gauge metal cabinet which Merle's certain contains the prescription drugs, including antibiotics and other treatment meds, and what he's sure the rioters were after, the narcotics like sleep aids, antidepressants and painkillers.

He's working on the combination lock as he casually notes, "You can see by all them knife marks some dumbass was tryin' ta pick it, and them bullet dings is after they gave up and tried ta blast their way into it." The other's just watch Merle as he does what he does, smiling when he successfully opens the door, "Ladies and gents, I give ya the good stuff."

A gruff and bossy sounding Herschel Greene calls from the other room, "Merle, put those antibiotics on the cart and roll them in here. I want to see what we've got."

Merle's expression makes it clear he's not happy being spoken to in such a manner, but he keeps Herschel's age in mind and fights his natural instinct to bark back, instead remaining respectful, "Yessir Cap'n."

In a whisper Beth admonishes, "Daddy…"

Hershel Greene realizes how he must have sounded, he knows that in spite of his rough ways, Merle's a good man. If it wasn't for him who knows if Herschel's leg would have been properly set. "I'm sorry Merle, I was so excited about the medicines I forgot my manners. Could you please bring them in here so I can have a look."

"No problem. We got some good ones here." With those words it occurs to all of them at the same time, Merle probably knows as much about most of those medicines as Herschel does.

As soon as the older man has had a minute or two to scan the labels, Rick says, "All right, we have a lot to do and a lot to decide. Merle, would you please lock that stuff back up and let's get down to business."

There are some chairs in the hospital room and in the small office, Daryl gets one for Beth and perches himself on a table next to her, Merle does the same for Carol, while Rick is busy taking in the scene, "We need a permanent place where we meet regularly. As soon as Herschel can get around a little better we're going to have to set up an official meeting room."

Merle smiles, "The guard's breakroom oughta work just fine. There's that big table and lotsa chairs, how bout that?"

There's general agreement and Rick responds, "Yeah, that could work, we'll check it out later."

Rick begins the meeting by telling the group what happened yesterday when they cleared the cellblock. He doesn't leave out any of the gruesome details, it's important that everyone in the room knows exactly the kind of thing they're up against, it's the only way they can be properly prepared to survive. Still, when he mentions killing the prisoner, Tomas, Carol gasps, "Oh my God."

Rick acknowledges, "I know Carol, it was brutal, but I also knew our family was never going to be safe with that bastard around. That's all I care about, keeping the family safe, and I won't hesitate to kill anyone who gets in the way of that. We're all going to have to have that attitude if we want to live."

No one speaks up to disagree.

They talk about all the work that has to be done, getting both the walker and prisoner bodies out of the corridors, and outside to a burn pile. There has to be a major cleaning of those corridors too, as well as the cafeteria. Carol volunteers herself and the children for the cafeteria, "They're all old enough to push a broom and a mop, and they can certainly wash down countertops."

Maggie offers, "I'll help too, I can wash down the halls."

Glenn and Beth volunteer to help as well and T-Dog smiles, "My Mama made me do my share of cleaning and do it right. Between all of us we'll have this place shining in no time."

Dale throws in, "Herschel and I have decided to make this docotr's office our permanent living quarters, and since he managed to conveniently get himself laid up, I guess I'll take care of cleaning the infirmary and the office. I'll just need a little help rearranging furniture."

Merle's peering into a big walk-in cabinet when he says to Herschel, "Ya know ya can't just lay around n wait for that thing ta heal, right? You gotta get up n move. You got your fancy big black boot, but I got more for ya. You can thank the disabilities act for these brother," He holds up the old-style wooden crutches and smiles, "You're gonna be runnin' down the halls."

Herschel smiles at him, "You know Merle, you'd make a good doctor."

Merle can't help himself, he laughs and says, "Yeah well I do know my drugs."

Carol's no longer shocked by the things Merle says, in fact, she's beginning to find him kind of entertaining.

Rick's glad to see everyone working together, "Okay, now, most important of all, and before we can even begin this cleaning project, we need to get the generator running properly. Once we have that we're really in business. The well-pump will be operating so we'll have running water and flushing toilets, we'll get the boiler going for hot water and heat, and the recycled gray water will work just right for laundry and for watering our crops."

Daryl nods, "I got my toolbox and me n Merle are gonna go get that Oscar fella ta help locate the utility room." He looks to his brother, "Ya ready Merle?"

Beth is concerned, "Daryl, you don't even know what kind of criminals they are. What if they try to hurt you guys?"

Merle let's out an amused snort and Daryl elbows him, then he answers Beth, "I don't think them boys are killers, just random degenerates."

"Oh gee, well that makes me feel better."

Rick takes the idea of a possible threat a little more seriously than the Dixon brothers, "Listen, Beth's right, be careful, and those two aren't all you have to be careful of. There's still plenty of prison we haven't cleared."

Merle nods, "Don't you worry bout me n Daryl, we know how ta watch out for trouble. This shouldn't take long either, Daryl has a knack for mechanical shit."

Carol's concerned, "Merle, please take this seriously."

He walks to her, slides a strong arm around her shoulders and with a wide grin on his face promises, "I'll be just fine Honey, ya know I ain't gonna leave you n Sophia alone."

The Dixon brothers make the stop to pick up Oscar, and Axel begs with them to take him too. Merle doesn't see him as much of threat, still the older Dixon's voice is as hard and cold as ice when he warns, "The minute ya act up I'ma kill ya like the little bug ya are, got it?"

Axel stutters a quick agreement, "I promise I ain't gonna be any trouble."

Daryl has to ask, "What're you fellas in for?"

Oscar shrugs, "B&E, I guess I ain't cut out for that kinda work cuz I got myself caught the first time I tried it." Axel snickers at that and the big man fires back, "Yeah? Don't you be laughin' at me, you was tryin' ta hold up a store with a damn toy."

Merle's brows rise and he questions, "Toy?"

Oscar chuckles and Axel shrugs, "It was a water pistol."

Daryl smiles, "Oh man, we got us a couple brain surgeons here." But it's good natured. The inmates seem mostly harmless, anxious to help and eager to get along, "C'mon boys, lead the way."

They follow Oscar to the enormous utility room where they find all the equipment the man promised would be there. Diesel generators, two primary units, and two secondary units that are designed to run while the primaries cool down. Merle nods, "So this is why there's a big ol' diesel tanker parked out there in the yard."

Oscar nods, "There's a couple big storage tanks right outside, I think the driver was probably here ta make his regular delivery n got caught up in everything."

Merle looks at Daryl and suggests, "We might need ta get out there n find us a couple more a them big tankers brother."

Daryl's got another idea too, "We should probably have a regular time every day when we leave the damn things off altogether, ya know, conserve."

Oscar and Daryl get to work on the big generators and it turns out the inmate really does know his stuff, Daryl compliments him by saying, "Ya shoulda stuck with this legit stuff, where ya knew what you're doin'."

They're successful getting all the generators running except one. It appears to have overheated and they're going to have to try and find parts, Oscar shrugs, "I think we can fix it, but there's no need right now, it's a backup."

They get the boiler fired up as well and the recycling system operating, and Oscar explains, "They might have some clean filters for the water system somewhere around here, they should. Those are meant ta be changed on the regular. If we don't find em, then we're gonna hafta try n flush the deposits outta these with a hose or sumthin'."

The equipment room has an elaborate ventilation system, that's good, it keeps dangerous fumes from collecting. But that's not all the system does, it lets sound travel. They all hear it clearly, there are people talking and moving around somewhere, and those are not the sounds of their people. They all look at each other while having the same thought, there's another group living somewhere in the prison.

Daryl mumbles, "Fuck," and him and Merle step aside whispering quietly to each other as they discuss the situation. What if this other group is dangerous, what if there are a lot of them. Their family's going to need more muscle. Oscar definitely has the size and strength, and although Axel is small, he's wiry. That's the type that can move fast, be evasive and deadly.

They agree they'll take Oscar and Axel back to their cellblock and see what Rick and the rest of the group thinks about keeping them around, at least until this newest threat is resolved.

After the meeting Rick and Carol both head to the library. Carol's going to put the kids to work. She smiles when she points out to Rick, "It will be good for them, they can burn off energy and feel proud of themselves for helping the group." Rick doesn't voice it but he's pretty sure those kids are only going to see it for what it is, work.

He tells Carol, "I promised Amy I'd fill her in on everything we discussed, so I thought her and I would just take a little walk around outside and I can let her know about the plans we've made so far." Carol doesn't act like she suspects anything beyond what he told her, she just says it sounds good, she'll watch the kids. She's smiling to herself though, thinking she'd be surprised if all they did is walk and talk.

Once they're outside, although Amy's a little nervous she takes his hand. Rick looks down at her with serious but warm eyes and wraps his hand tightly around hers, then smiles softly and says, "This feels nice. It's been a long time since I held a woman's hand. Even Lori's. We'd given up on that stuff years ago."

"That's a shame, I think holding hands is one of the warmest, nicest things people can do."

He shrugs and agrees, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

She gets to the point, "So what happened yesterday Rick? I've only heard bits and pieces, and a lot of what I heard sounded pretty awful."

"Yeah, a lot of it was pretty awful." He dreads telling her about Tomas. He realizes how violent and horrifying it's going to sound to her, but he wants to be honest with Amy right from the start, otherwise this will never work. He proceeds to tell her about the encounters with walkers, the rooms they found, the prisoners, and then he tells her about what he did to Tomas.

Amy's face tells the story, she's shocked and appalled at this news, "Oh my gawd Rick, but…"

"I know what it must sound like Amy, but I didn't feel like I had a choice. It was clear he wanted to run the whole show, and I knew he was determined to kill me, there isn't anyone in our group he wouldn't kill."

She hasn't let go of his hand and he hopes that's a good sign, finally she says, "Well I wasn't there, and it certainly sounds intense. My goodness, he tried to kill you twice? If you say killing him was your only option then, of course, I believe you."

"Honestly Amy, it was the only option I felt I had."

"All right then." She just has to keep working so hard at accepting this new reality.

From that point the conversation shifts to less volatile topics. He asks her about who she was before the turn, and she tells him a little about her life as a successful career woman. Then she tells him what she thinks and hopes he was really asking, "There was no one special in my life. No husband, no boyfriend, no fiancé. Just me, my really beautiful and expensive wardrobe, and my fancy downtown apartment."

He smiles and says, "Why would anyone want that when you can have all of this?" and waves his arm indicating the prison and grounds.

"Exactly, this is the paradise I always hoped to find."

She's sweet and charming, and even when things aren't going so well, just looking at her can make him smile. Everything about her seems good and solid, and he thinks about how good he always feels when she's around, like he's more at peace.

That's when he tells himself he's waited too long. She's interested, he damn sure is, there's so much uncertainty in the world, he doesn't want his chance with Amy to slip by. He takes her in his arms and kisses her, softly at first, maybe even a little tentatively, but when she responds with warmth and tenderness his kisses immediately become more passionate, more needy, and then without warning he pulls away, "This isn't exactly the place for this kind of…for this."

Her eyes are downcast and her cheeks and flushed, "No, you're right."

What he says next has him thinking it's some other man talking, since when did he get so bold. Maybe since the world ended, "Tonight, after Sophia falls asleep, only if you want, no pressure, I'd like it a lot of you came to visit me."

She feels the heat rise and the color in her cheeks darken, "Maybe."

She can almost feel the desire in his voice when he softly whispers, "I hope so."

Amy and Rick are just coming back inside when Merle and Daryl show up with the two prisoners. Rick's angry right away. He pulls his gun and points it at Oscar and barks his question, "What are these guys doing here?"

Oscar's angry too and even though he's seen what Rick's capable of, he stands up straighter, his chest puffs out and he shows no fear when he looks at the man who's holding a gun on him and says, "I ain't ever begged for my life before and I ain't gonna do it now. Do what you gotta do."

Several in the group have gathered around and they're watching and listening.

Amy's horrified and his name comes out in a choked whisper, "Rick…"

Daryl's extending an arm, indicating Rick should back off, "Hey, hey now. Hold up Rick. These aren't such bad guys. They're not stone cold killers or nuthin' like that. Shit, ain't either of em done anythin' Merle ain't done."

Merle can't help himself, "Stop right there brother, I ain't ever used a water pistol ta try n commit a crime."

What could be a lighthearted moment escapes Rick. He's too angry as he spits the words, "Is this a game to you?"

That gets Daryl pissed, "Fuck no it ain't no game, it's about survival. We got more trouble than we got people ta deal with it, and I think these two here can help us." He points a finger at Oscar, "We need more muscle an this big sumbitch has plenty a that. Maybe if you'd listen you'd want him here too."

Axel begins to plead, he wants to stay with the group. Daryl cuts him off and shocks all present when he states, "Ya best be lettin' this wiry little fighter stay too, cuz brother we're not alone. There's other people livin' here."

A collective gasp can be heard from the group, and Rick's still so angry the cords of his neck are popping and strained when he demands, "Whaddya mean, who are you talking about? Who's living here?"

Daryl's more agitated than ever, "Fuck, that's what we're tryin' ta tell ya. We don't know who it is man, we just know they're here. When Oscar n me was fixin' the equipment, we could hear people talkin' and movin' around. The noise was comin' through the ventilation system."

Oscar shrugs, "I'm guessin' who ever it is, they're hole up in A block."

It's Amy who settles it once and for all. She takes hold of Rick's arm and says, "Why don't you let them stay, it's the right thing to do on more than one level."

Rick looks in those blue eyes and his anger and resolve melt a little, "What levels are those?"

Amy doesn't back down, "Well there's the moral one Rick, it's cruel to send them off alone. Then there's the smart level, like Daryl said, we could use the backup. If either of them steps out of line I'm sure one of you will take care of the problem immediately."

Rick looks at her a little amazed, he hadn't taken her for a person who kicks back, but he's not complaining. He can have a hard head and obviously Amy's not afraid to point that out to him.

The group seems to be in agreement on letting the inmates stay, and Rick only reluctantly goes along, still not convinced. He turns to Oscar and Axel and half snarls the words, "Alright, but one false move n you're out, off the grounds and out on the highway for good, unless I kill ya first."

They've got to decide on a plan of action. This time they don't keep the children segregated. It was Merle who suggested, "This new life ain't just gonna happen around them, they're not gonna be safe if ya keep treatin' em like they're too young to know what's happening and too young to fight. We gotta teach em how ta survive."

They make a plan, tomorrow, Daryl, Rick, Merle and Oscar will go in search of whoever is occupying block A.

For now, Daryl and Beth go in search of a new home.

The library is a community place so it's out of the question. Her Daddy and Dale are occupying the infirmary, even after her Daddy's leg heals they plan to keep living there. There's no part of the cafeteria they'd feel comfortable trying to convert into a home, just like the library, it's a little too public.

They're discouraged, they've resigned to live in the van forever, then they stumble upon a door between the laundry area and the cafeteria. Maybe someone cleared it yesterday, but Daryl doesn't recall having seen inside. He tells her, "Stay back Beth," and with bow at the ready he cautiously swings the door open.

It appears to be some kind of storage room where they've been putting damaged items waiting to be repaired, stuff that's probably been there for years now and will never be repaired. There are a couple of bed frames, various kitchen appliances, all sorts of this and that, even an old exercise bike and a weight bench. Who knows who those might have belonged to.

It's the room itself they focus on. It's good, about 12' x 14' in size. Not a grand space but much bigger than the inside of the van, and all they really need is a bedroom. They've got a community kitchen and everything else they need.

There are a couple of small windows up close to the ceiling with wired glass panes, and a little sun is streaming in. "Daryl, I think this is it, we can fix it up so nice."

He nods, "We ain't having them prison beds though Beth, I'll build us a bed frame, a real one."

"That would be so wonderful, and maybe I can find a desk. I'd love to have a writing desk."

He smiles, "Yeah sure, I seen a few desks in the library, don't know why you couldn't have one." While he's talking he's already moving the junk out of the room, Beth follows suit. Twenty minutes later it's just a big empty space.

She takes his hand and smiles, "I'll clean it tomorrow while you're gone."

His brow creases, "Yeah, okay, but don't come by yourself. Let's wait til we find out what the hells' goin' on. Maybe Maggie can come with ya."

It's not long after dinner that the group all retreat to their beds, except for T-Dog. He'll be in the guard tower keeping an eye on things.

An hour or so after lights out, when everyone is sure the children are asleep, several cells begin to come to life.

Carol's as nervous as a cat. She and Merle had agreed, tonight is then night, but now that the time has come she's scared. Merle's propped up on one elbow and as his finger slowly drifts along her jawline, he whispers, "Ya know I ain't gonna hurt ya, right Honey? If there's anythin' I do, or start ta do that you don't like, ya tell me n I'll knock it off. K? I don't wanna do nuthin' but make you happy."

As it turns out, she doesn't ask Merle to stop doing anything, and he makes Carol very happy. Twice.

Down in Maggie and Glenn's cell there's no need to talk, they know how to read each other's eyes, and they know how to make each other come apart.

Except to blink, Rick hasn't closed his eyes at all. He's anxious, hopeful, but also afraid, what if Amy doesn't come to him? Then he hears the telltale squeak of a cell door and just as he gets to his feet she whispers his name, "Rick?"

He hurries to let her in his cell, but just inside is all the further they make it, at first. There's too much pent-up tension, they have to release some of that with serious kissing, before they can finally wiggle out of their clothes and slip under the covers.

They're nervous, both of them have a case of first time jitters being with a new person, but once the nerves settle and the serious touching begins, it turns out they're two people who fit together just right. Rick has no second thoughts about moving on with his life.

Out in the van Daryl and Beth make a happy and adventurous kind of love. She's laying on her tummy as the pads of Daryl's fingers are slowly trailing along the skin of her back, arms, bottom and thighs. It tickles and tingles and her whole body seems to be coming to life. She's desperate for more touching, "Please Daryl…"

He smiles, "Please what, girl?"

"Please to all of it and don't make me wait or I might explode."

He softly laughs and promises, "I'ma give ya everythin' ya want, right now." And he does.

It's after as they lay cuddle in each other's arms he asks, "You excited ta get moved inside?"

"Yes, in some ways, but I love this van, it's our home and I kind of hate to give it up."

"Don't worry, we ain't givin' nuthin' up. The van's stayin' right here close. Ya never know when we might hafta get the fuck outta here."

A/N Things seem to be going pretty well, but who are these people in block A? Please leave a comment. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, I hope you'll have a look. I'll be back next Thursday with more of Love's Long Road. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee