Disclaimer: I don't own TWD as usual.

This one's pretty long. It was going to be longer, but I figured that would be overkill.

So really quick, I have to shamelessly shout out two people who have amazed me with their talent for writing.

x XRoweenaJAugustineX x: Shadow Cats and Dire Wolves and Price of Our Sins are must reads if you are hopelessly in love with Robb Stark from Game of Thrones like I am. You won't regret it, I super pinky promise. And please, beg her to continue Price of Our Sins so I can keep my sanity! I'll just keep saying please if you don't update it!

Dean's Dirty Little Secert: The Unlucky Ones is a Walking Dead/Rick story and should be read! No, really, go read it... But after you read this. It is so worth getting into!

"Are you nervous?" Jessica asked as she zipped up the back of her sister's white dress. "Can you even breathe in that shit?" She had noticed Alice taking short, quick breaths.

Alice frowned, still facing the full-length mirror, but looking at her sister. "Watch your mouth Jessica. We're in the house of the Lord." She pointed her manicured nail to the cross that rested above the doorway. She could hardly breathe though. She was really starting to regret having a big breakfast, courtesy of Lori.

"Blah, blah, blah. I bet you Jesus cursed. How much you wanna bet?"

"How would you know if he did?"

Jessica wiggled her freshly waxed eyebrows. "I got ways." Alice laughed, knowing this was her sister's way of calming her nerves. "So you're really gonna marry that douche bag, huh?"

"Don't call Shane that. He's a great guy."

"Whatever." Jessica waved her hand dismissively in the air. "I hear the legend of the Great Shane Walsh around school. You know how many girls are shocked he's getting hitched? And to you of all people." Jessica had just started high school, and it just happened to be the one Alice and Shane attended years ago.

Alice turned to face Jessica, frowning. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Come on now Alice. You weren't exactly swinging off the chandelier back in the days. You were the church mouse. Still are if you ask me, but maybe after you get some good-"

"Don't say it."

"Dick, you'll cut it out."

"I don't know how we're related." Alice mumbled as she fastened the clasp to a necklace Lori had loaned her. It was a simple, elegant gold chain that rested beautifully against her collarbone.

"Me either. I'm telling you, mom so had an affair. I'm nothing like you guys. It's the only explanation. Wouldn't it be cool if she had a diary or something stashed in the attic that talked about her affair? Hot and passionate and… With that construction worker that lives two houses away!" Jessica always refused to believe she was really her father's child and every time they had the conversation, she suspected a new man of being her real father. Jessica grew serious all of a sudden. "You look beautiful you know."

Alice wore a strapless silk gown with gorgeous and intricate embroidery on the skirt. It clung to her small frame making her feel more feminine than she ever had. She turned to the side and fixed the long train of her dress. "Thank you. I'm so nervous though."

This was not how she pictured her special day going or even what she imagined her dress would look like. Alice had always imagined herself wearing a Cinderella ball gown with her tresses resting on her shoulders. Instead, she wore a form-fitting gown her sister insisted on and her gold locks were curled and pulled up halfway. Still, she felt beautiful and that was all that mattered.

"Don't be." Jessica pushed back a perfectly curled blonde strand of hair from Alice's view. "You're gonna be the belle of the ball. Promise."

"How much are you drinking?" Julie Miller hissed in a hushed tone. It wasn't really a question, but more like a hint to put the champagne flute down. She and her husband were sitting beside Alice, not joining in the festivities of their daughter's special day.

"This is my second glass. It's just champagne." Alice tried to reason.

"Alcohol is the devils work. You best watch how much you drink." Her mother warned. Her mother was a stern and jaded looking woman with dull blonde hair that was always pulled into a low ponytail. Today was no exception. She had permanent frown lines and deep set eyes surrounded by crows feet. She had given Alice an ear full about how revealing her dress was, how the music wasn't church friendly, about the heathens she invited, and why she couldn't just have a simple wedding at their house. Alice looked down at her lap, but rolled her eyes. Leave it to her mother to try and make her feel bad on her wedding day.

Her head snapped up when she felt a hand on her bare shoulder. "Mind if I steal the bride for a dance?"

Alice smiled as she quickly pushed her chair back. "I'm sure the bride would be alright with that." She heard her mother let out a loud sigh of disapproval, but she decided to ignore it. It was her day after all.

"How does it feel to finally be a member of the married club?" the man asked. He wore a dashing black tuxedo. On his lapel was a French rose, held firmly in place by a boutonniere pin. His dark hair was neatly pushed back and his face freshly shaven.

"So far it feels great." They started to sway gracefully to the slow music. Well she was graceful, he tried to keep up.

"Oh, just you wait. That will wear off then he's going to be a pain in your ass."

"Rick." She rested her head for a moment against his shoulder to laugh, her heels making her taller for the day. "I highly doubt it."

He dipped her quickly, but almost lost his footing. They both laughed with delight as he brought her back up. "I never was a good dancer."

"I remember that now."

"So you start working at the hospital when you get back from your honeymoon huh?" he casually asked before spinning her.

"Yeah." He could hear the sadness she tried to mask. "Shane and I talked about it. We're married now and want to start a family. Me dancing isn't really a good idea or a steady source of income, you know?"

"Don't make much sense to do something you don't like though."

She looked up at him, frowning. Even in heels, he was still taller than her. "I like it though. If it's anything like what school made it out to be, I'll enjoy it just as much."

"But it's not your passion Alice." He attempted to reason.

"I know that Rick. But Shane thinks it's a good idea. He was right. We can't start a family with me dancing."

Rick wanted to say more, but held his tongue. Over Alice's head, he could see his wife and son. He shot a smile to his wife. She returned it and waved at him. Lori looked beautiful in her bridesmaid dress. Fuchsia was her color. Carl sat on his mother's lap, playing with her hair and resting his small head on her shoulder. It was a sign that he was sleepy and soon he would need to go home.

"Mind if I cut in?"

"Of course not." Rick let Alice go, shooting her a smile and patting his brother on the back before going to his wife.

Alice's faced lit up like the sun. "I was wondering when we'd dance again."

"You know I had to mingle with everyone and thank them for coming, but now I'm all yours." Shane whispered softly in her ears. She felt a tingle down her spine from his soft breath that tickled her ear. "Have I told you that you look stunning?" he pulled her closer to his body.

"Only a hundred times, but I don't get tired of hearing it." At that moment, it felt like everyone else in the room had disappeared.

"I don't get tired of saying it." He was still a charmer, but he meant it. He loved this woman enough to drop every other woman. He loved her enough to make him do something he thought he'd never do: get hitched. "Alice Grace Walsh. I love how that rolls off the tongue."

"I do too." She agreed, resting her head on her husband's shoulder. She was happy at that very instant, but she couldn't shake the doubt she thought she had seen in his eyes at the altar. She prayed it was just her nerves and she was seeing things. "I have a husband now. It feels so weird, but in a good way."

"Better feel weird in a good way." He pressed his lips to the top of her head in a quick kiss. "I can't even begin to tell you how much I love you Alice. Nothing's gonna change that."

Alice felt Shane lightly grasp her chin and tilt her head up. Her eyes closed slowly as his face leaned closer to hers. It was almost too perfect when she felt his lips touch hers softly in an innocent kiss. Her heart fluttered in her rib cage at the contact. This was her husband, the man she was sure she'd love forever.

"Please dad, can I help?" Rick looked down at his son and smiled. He was so proud of his boy. There was a lot he did wrong in this world, but Carl was the one thing he got right. Rick looked to Lori who just sighed, but was smiling slightly.

"You gotta ask mom."

Carl faced his mother, putting on the best puppy dog face he could muster.

"Alright. Stick close to your dad and Shane though." She warned, crouching down to his level. "Be careful ok?" she hugged him close, not wanting to admit a part of her feared he'd end up like Sophia. He'd go missing and no one would find him. He was in good hands though. He'd be fine.

Rick let Lori have a moment with Carl as he walked over to Alice. She hadn't said a word to him or Shane all day. He couldn't stand not talking to her. There was so much he wanted to tell her. So much he wanted to explain.

"Hey Alice." He greeted wearing a tense smile. "You ain't said much today." His index fingers were curved around his belt loops.

"Ain't got much to say." She replied, her eyes still lingering on the church. They had thought Sophia was inside ringing the bells to call to them. It had been a false alarm. She was still lost. Rick had felt the group traveled enough and was going to continue the search with just Shane.

"You wanna go inside?" she bit the inside of her cheek, nodding.

"I still wanna help. I ain't tired or nothing."

"It's alright. We got it."

"I wasn't asking." She snapped. Ricks hands flew up defensively.

"I'm sorry. Hey um Alice?" she looked at him from under her lashes. It was a simple look, but it had managed to stir something inside of Rick. Something about it was sensual. He took a deep breath to silence the thoughts that begged him to think provocatively about the young woman. "I'm sorry things have been tense between us. I know I already apologized for the whole CDC thing. You know I didn't mean it. I would never-"

"I'm gonna go say a quick prayer in the church." She spoke quickly, cutting him off. She didn't need to be reminded that he regretted what happened.

Rick let his head drop for a moment. She was making this hard and he couldn't blame her. He had messed up big time.

Lori hadn't said one thing to make him feel better about what happened with Sophia, Shane was trying to convince him that it was time to give up the search, and Alice still wouldn't talk to him. There was so much on his mind, but no outlet for his thoughts. He was starting to feel like he was going mad in his own head. Rick wanted to help everyone, but who was helping him?

Shane watched Alice enter the church from a distance. He knew she'd want to say a prayer. Leave it to her to still be religious when this new world gave so many reasons to doubt there was a God. Shane had kept his distance, her words still stung and her avoidance of him didn't help. He had decided that morning that he would leave as soon as they found something out about Sophia or gave up. It was probably the best for his sanity to leave. Being around two women that meant so much to him, but couldn't stand him was too much.

Alice had known all along about he and Lori. He had to admit he wasn't surprised she knew, it wasn't like he really attempted to cover his tracks. The messes he created for himself. He was pretty damn sure Alice wouldn't tell Rick. If there was one thing he knew about his wife, it was that she cared about the Grimes family as if they were her own and would never hurt them intentionally.

He obviously couldn't say the same anymore. He was in love with his best friend's wife, had gotten too use to playing surrogate father to Carl, and was starting to resent Rick more and more with each passing day.

Not only was Rick back and had Lori by his side again, he took the role of leader from him. Everyone trusted Rick's words more than Shane's and it bothered him immensely. He had been the one looking out for everyone before Rick came. He'd been the one making the decisions he felt would help them survive. It only took Rick one day to take that power from him.

"You planning on leaving?"

The voice forced Shane back to reality. "Something like that. Why you asking?"

Andrea smirked and arched her left eyebrow. "I want in."

"Do you now." That Walsh smirk had made its way onto his lips. Andrea would never be a replacement for either Alice or Lori, but she did give him attention. He had no idea why she was suddenly giving him the time of day, but he wasn't about to question it. It also didn't hurt that she was nice on the eyes and completely different from the two women that tormented his mind. This blonde had no history with him. They shared no wedding vows that he broke or empty promises he never fulfilled. She couldn't call him a liar, thinking he knew all along that Rick was alive and was trying to take advantage of the situation. He could be anyone he wanted with Andrea and it would be alright because she no idea who he was before the outbreak.

She couldn't hate him.

"Do you think you can teach me how to shoot sometime soon Aunt Alice?" Carl walked beside Alice, bouncing with excitement to be with his dad. Getting to look for Sophia when everyone else went back made him feel like a grown up.

Alice frowned, her eyebrow quirking up. "No, Carl."

"Why not?" the boy nearly whined. So much for being an adult "I wanna help out."

"You're helping if you stay safe and don't touch a gun."

"You have a gun." He glanced at the waistband of her jeans. In the back was her gun tucked in safely.

"That's… Well it's different for me."

"How's it different?"

"I'm older than you. That's how." She replied, ruffling his hair. "Besides, you ought to be asking your dad."

"I did. And I asked Shane. But mom said I couldn't learn."

Carl never placed the word 'uncle' in front of Shane's name, but 'aunt' was always present when he spoke to Alice. She never asked why though, it wasn't like it bothered her. It was an honor to be aunt Alice really.

"Carl, stop bothering Aunt Alice." Rick warned, smiling affectionately at the boy. "You know she can't teach you if your mom says no."

"Mom always says no to the fun stuff dad."

"Cause the fun stuff is the most dangerous." Alice explained, resting her arm around his shoulders. With Rick and Shane there, it was relatively safe. Alice didn't feel the need to have her gun out and ready for action.

Shane glanced back at Alice. He had yet to speak with her again, but he desperately wanted to. It bothered him endlessly that she avoided him. He had also noticed she wasn't saying much to Rick either, and when she did, she sounded annoyed or upset with him. He wanted to ask Rick if anything had happened between them that made her mad, but he doubted it. As long as Alice and Rick were friends, Shane had never seen or even heard of them arguing.

She had exploded on him for the first time ever and had made it clear she didn't need him anymore. Maybe if she knew he planned on leaving she'd realize she still loved him and wanted him to stay. Maybe she'd give him one last chance to right his wrongs.

Shane noticed movement ahead and steadied his rifle, but lowered it slowly when he saw what it was. He nudged Rick with his elbow and pointed out what he saw. Rick began to smile and grabbed his son gently by the shoulders. Carl's face broke out into a grin when he saw the deer. Just as he was about to speak, Rick placed his finger to his lips. The boy gave an understanding nod. Alice slowly and carefully stepped closer, stopping beside Shane. It was rare to see a deer that Daryl didn't hunt down. She didn't understand how he could kill such a cute animal. Then again, of course he'd be the one able to kill Bambi.

Carl began walking slowly towards it, tiptoeing with every step. The deer watched the boy closely with its white rimmed eyes, but its strong frame did not move an inch. Rick watched his son and was glad Carl had the chance to witness the beautiful caramel-colored creature. The world had become shit and ended for humans, but that didn't stop the beauty nature had to offer. Carl reached his hand out to touch the deer as he got close. Their eyes were connected, both watching each other. But the peace was suddenly broken by a single gunshot.

Carl's small body flew back a few inches before dropping down. His hand was still outstretched as he fell. The deer dropped as well, life quickly draining from its eyes. Rick let out a blood-curdling scream as he ran to his son, throwing his own safety to the wind. It happened in a matter of seconds, but to Rick, he saw everything in slow motion.

"Oh my God." Alice whispered before running behind Rick.

Standing in the distance was an overweight man. His hands that were holding the rifle were shaking and his eyes resting on Carl. He was whispering something to himself. Shane glared at the man, running over to his best friend and wife.

The overweight man, dressed in overalls, waddled over as fast as he could. "I'm sorry! I was trying to shoot the dear! I swear I didn't see him!" he attempted to explain as if it would have made a difference.

"Carl!" Rick lifted his son off the ground, oblivious to what the stranger had said. Carl's warm blood started to run down Rick's arm.

"I'm sorry!" the man repeated again.

"We have to help him!" Alice felt Carl's neck for his pulse and gave a small sigh of relief when she felt it.

"Is he…" Rick couldn't bring himself to say the words.

"He's alive." She assured. "But we gotta get him help. We need to stop all that bleeding."

"I… I know someone. There's a farm that I'm staying at. He can help."

"Start leading us then man! You're wasting precious time!" Shane yelled.

Ricks shirt and hands were covered in his sons blood. Though he stood just outside the room his son was in, he felt like they were miles apart. He was scared he had lost Carl. This was a parent's worst nightmare. There was nothing he could do but wait and hope things worked out. Looking over his shoulder he saw Alice. She had followed him into the house while Shane ran/walked behind with the overweight man named Otis. She was seated and was biting down on her thumbnail. It was evident that she too was worried about his son. Rick rested his shaking hand against the wall by a door and let his head lean against it.

Lori didn't know. He didn't want to leave his son, but he had to tell Lori. He heard a soft sob and realized it had come from him. He felt alone and angry. He was in a house with people, with Alice, and yet he felt like he was by himself. Alice had kept her distance and no one in the house knew what to tell him. He was furious at himself for letting his son, his little boy, get shot. Logically, he knew there was no way he could have actually stopped what happened, but he still blamed himself. He just couldn't get shit right. It was a basic task. Look for Sophia, bring Carl back in one piece. He couldn't do it though because he kept finding ways to fuck things up.

Maybe Jenner had the right idea. Jenner had whispered something to Rick that day before letting him go. That secret was the reason why he couldn't fault the doctor for staying behind. He left that day thinking they could make it anyway, but with everything that had been happening, he was beginning to second-guess himself.

He felt like his mind was beginning to unravel and there was no one to turn to. Lori was in her own world, Shane kept challenging his decisions, and Alice didn't want to be near him. The three people he cared about and knew before the outbreak were the same people that helped make him feel like he was going to lose it soon.

Alice silently watched Rick from her seat. He looked so broken and she pitied him. She hated to admit it, but she was glad she didn't have a child. She would never have to feel the pain Carol and Rick felt or be in the constant state of worry Lori was in. All she had to do was make sure she stayed alive. She loved Carl without a doubt, but it wasn't anywhere close to how his parents loved him, that much she knew. She brought her hands down to her knees and grasped them. Her hands were itching to touch Rick. She wanted to comfort him, but could she allow herself to?

Hershel, that was the doctors name. He seemed to know what he was doing as did everyone in the house. Alice had offered to help, but Hershel told her it was best to keep Rick calm. Seeing how badly he was shaking at the moment, she had to agree. But instead she had taken a seat and waited to know what was going on. She had never seen Rick look scared. He was always the strong one keeping everyone calm.

"He's… He's…" Ricks voice shook as he tried to get the words out.

Alice's lips tightened for a moment as she forced her eyes to look away from him. It was getting harder to stay seated. She hadn't wanted to fall back into their usual pattern, but could she really turn her back on him when he needed her? Before all this had happened, he always had her back. Was she really willing to be a cold bitch because he didn't return her feelings? He didn't even know what she was feeling and she was being a brat over it. What had he done that was so wrong anyway? It was the wine, not Rick that had done that and it wasn't his fault she had feelings for him that he couldn't return.

She made her decision.

She stood up and slowly walked over. "He's gonna be fine Rick." Alice assured, though she wasn't too sure herself. She had seen all the blood Carl lost and was reminded of it by how much was on Rick's shirt. Times were different now and unfortunately Carl couldn't be whisked off to an emergency room.

She grabbed his shoulder and turned him to face her. Grabbing his large shaking hands in her small ones, she began to say a prayer. Rick had no idea what she was saying. He saw her lips moving but for a moment, everything was silent around him but his fears. It barely even registered with him that she had come to him. She let his hands drop gently and took a step back from him.

Catching her by surprise, he suddenly pulled her body into his and began sobbing into her oily blonde hair. He was trembling and needed someone to hold. Seeing him so weak broke her. She began rubbing his back. She whispered soothing words into his waiting ears. His mind was racing a mile a minute, but the warmth and companionship Alice provided helped. He needed Carl to be alright, he needed this to be a bad dream. But when he saw his blood covered hands wrapped around Alice, staining her shirt, he knew it was all too real.

Alice pulled back slightly and looked up at the tall man that held her close. She gave him a tiny smile, bringing her hand to meet his scruffy cheek. She ran her thumb in small circles against the flesh, silently pleading with him to believe things would be fine. It had been a while since she talked or been near Rick willingly, but she missed him.

It was a disappointment to her that Carl being hurt had been the reason she decided to drop her grudge at that moment. It wasn't really Rick's fault anyway. It was an honest mistake that he wouldn't have made under different circumstances. Rick didn't know that it was more than just a kiss to her, and he never needed to find out. It would just complicate an already fucked up situation. He needed her to comfort him, and she'd just be a terrible person if she ignored him over a silly grudge and her bruised pride.

This was their relationship. They leaned on each other when either of them felt too weak to stand alone. It always had been that way, and though Alice recently started longing for more, she could be alright with this again. That simple kiss had made her realize the feelings she had denied for years. She couldn't be mad at him for not feeling what she did. It was unfair to hold onto a mistake he made while under the influence of alcohol.

He did apologize countless times and she'd only been mad because she wanted to hear a confession of love. She wanted too much from him and knew it. Nothing could happen between them anyway. Countless obstacles stood in their way. Even if he had felt what she did, it would only complicate things in an already messy situation. Alice cared enough about Rick to accept that a friendship was all they could have, but she loved him enough to accept any form of closeness they were granted.

"I need some air. I gotta get out this house."

Alice nodded, leading him by the hand outside the screen door. Standing on the porch, they saw Shane and Otis running over. Well Shane was running and forcing the heavily panting man to follow him. Spotting Rick, Shane ran over to the house, leaving Otis.

A/N: And so ends another chapter. As always, thanks to those who added this to their favorites and alerts! Hugs all around! Now for my new favorite part of chapter endings!

Leyshla Gisel, deelove1, JadedTinks, gerardlover, Sof, -Hale: Thank you guys so much for reviewing. I really appreciated the nice things that were said and wow I'm just happy you all enjoy it! I hope this chapter was good for you all =)

x XRoweenaJAugustineX x: I felt bad for Shane too! I had to stop myself from reconsidering who Alice ended up with. I can say the same thing about your writing and character development too! Ugh I am so in love with your stories and I really hate the wait lol you have noooo idea!

Dean's Dirty Little Secert: I am certainly going to squeeze in more moments between the pair!

Daydream-Away95: I feel bad for Shane too, buuuuut it is his fault womp womp lol!

BellaLuz64: Thank you so much =)

TheForrestAgain: Why thank you! I'm glad you found it though!

Sharpie-Marker1101: I uh have a maaajor confession... At first when I read your review I was like 'thank goodness someone finally said it' lol cause I hated Alice at first, though it pains me to admit. I tried not to rush things, but yeah she was hard to write because she wouldn't stick up for herself and that's a pet peeve of mine. But I'm so glad you stuck it out! I promise it keeps getting better.

Exen44: Aw you make me blush! I hope this chapter didn't disappoint. I kept your suggestion in mind the whole time while editing =) Not sure if I did justice to it though -_-