AN: Thank you, thank you, thank you all. I'm grateful for each and every one of you who take the time to read. Action is admittedly not my strong suit but I went for a tiny bit here. Hope you like it!

Chapter 6: So what, is it time for dessert already?

"Death is not the greatest of evils; it is worse to want to die, and not be able to."

-Sophocles

Rick woke up early the next the morning. Way too early apparently because everyone was still sleeping. Without the sun it was hard to tell what time it might be. He had been tossing and turning all night. There was way too much on his mind. Like it or not he was awake.

No one questioned him when he came back to the cafeteria the night before. There were a few laughs and snickers. He tried to look as pissed off as he could so they would assume Killer tore him a new one. No one really seemed to care as long they weren't on the receiving end of her wrath apparently.

You were supposed to go places in pairs. Rick knew the rules but wasn't really too keen on waking someone up just so he could go take a leak. Opting to go it alone he made his way down the dim hallway. Thousands of tiny particles floated through the air, lit up with the shine of his flashlight as his eyes began to adjust.

When he opened the lavatory door, light spilled out of the room and he was grateful that meant he'd at least slept through the night. The sun was just rising but he stood there in front of the door and blinked away the darkness in his eyes. It wasn't long though before he realized he wasn't alone. Killer was there, her back to him. It looked like she was glowing as the light that splashed from above hit the sheen of sweat on her body. If he had woken up from his coma to see that he would have thought she was angel. She must have just finished working out, he rationalized instead.

Clad in only a pair of shorts and a sports bra he could see just how hard she had been working on her 'killing machine'. She looked like one of those women from a fitness infomercial. The ones that had clearly spent an impossible amount of time exercising and dieting, except she wasn't quite so perky. He never quite understood the point of it all, but now? Just like everything Killer did it made perfect sense.

Rick blinked and craned his neck to get a better look. Not for the free show, which was definitely not bad, but because something had caught his eye. There was an angry red scar that ran diagonally across her back from shoulder to hip. Jesus… that guy really did a number on her, he thought.

"What the fuck guys, you know I have dibs on the bathroom until 6:30!" Killer groaned, wiping the sweat off her face with a towel.

Rick froze like a deer in headlights. He was pretty sure no one had mentioned anything about a schedule. Someone had conveniently left that addendum out. Probably hoped he would screw up so they could witness it and get a laugh. He was grateful for the sanctuary but Rick really couldn't wait to get the hell out of this place.

Turning around to further berate her offender Killer was surprised to find Rick standing there.

"Sorry, guess I uh… missed that memo." he shrugged guiltily.

She stared at him hard, sucking her teeth. "Whatever. Do your thing." She made a grand sweeping gesture for him to come in and threw her towel over her shoulder. After a long night of wishing Rick would stay there at the fort and make life a little more bearable she decided it was better to accept he was leaving. The more she opened up the more it would hurt when he left and her heart was already badly broken as it was. It was easier not to care so that's what she would do. That's what she always did.

As Killer brushed her teeth Rick stood there, bewildered. He wasn't sure what to make of her today. One step forward, two steps back apparently? She clearly didn't let him stop her from 'doing her thing' but he wasn't about to do his right there in front of her. There were no walls, no stalls and no privacy whatsoever.

He started to walk back out. "I think I'll just wait outside…"

Killer rinsed her brush and tapped it on the sink. "Not necessary, I'm done here."

There was a confidence about her that he hadn't noticed before. It seemed liked indifference at first and he'd dismissed it as part of her act. This wasn't, and he envied people like that. How they could just not give a shit what anyone else thought. It could have been a put-on but she deserved an Oscar if it was. Rick chalked it up to her having spent too much time around the guys at Fort Good.

After putting her toothbrush away she walked out the door without so much as a word. He was tired and groggy and didn't have the energy to worry about. "Morning to you too." He said over his shoulder. She was too far gone to hear it though.

He had stopped by the infirmary later and Killer gave him a grey and white capsule to take but said little else. Rick suspected she regretted letting him in on her secret and let it slide. If he were perfectly honest with himself he would admit he was grateful not to have the awkward tension between them anyway. It would make things… complicated and he couldn't do complicated. Not anymore.

Breakfast was interesting to say the least. Instant oatmeal that was surprisingly edible along with a tough piece of meat Rick was sure he didn't want to know the origin of. He ate every last bit though. He was hungry as hell. As everyone cleared their dishes and began to gear up he looked on helplessly. So he put on his hat and found the most agreeable person he could, Honda. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked uncomfortably.

Honda handed him a couple empty plastic milk crates. "Wanna take these outside for me?" he said, smiling lightly. It was clear they had a routine and he was disrupting it so he did as he was asked.

A flood of warmth and sunlight washed over him as Rick walked outside. Three vehicles were backed up to the entrance with trunks open, ready to load. Killer walked up to him. She was dressed the same as when they had first met with the addition of a pair of dark aviators. "Here." She said taking one of the crates and putting it in the back of her trunk before pointing at Popeye's car, "Put the other one over there."

Frisco was loading the vehicles up with an extra gas can. Honda came out with a few more crates and added them to the others. Each vehicle was each packed with two empty crates for collecting liquor bottles, a can of gas, binoculars, a gallon of water, a first aid kit, rope, crowbar, aluminum bat and some MRE's. Someone liked to be prepared. Rick guessed it was Killer. Her need for order was written all over this set-up.

Everyone began to huddle up for orders. Popeye took the lead with a detailed city map in hand. There was writing all over it. X's for places they had been to and found or left nothing. Check's for places they had raided but still had viable goods. O's marked places that were considered hostile territory that was too risky to enter at the time but worth another look when things cooled down.

Popeye's assignments began, "Radar, you and Frisco take this sector here. Honda and I will take this one. Killer you can work this area with Jet…" He had hoped Rick would forget about wanting to go, initiating newbie's was the worst. It would be a fight over who would get stuck with him and he really just wanted to get to work.

As they moved to head out Killer stood on the step along the frame of her car and put an arm on the door. "I got the cowboy. You're out buddy…" she said to Jet over the top of her of the vehicle. The guys whistled and cat called quietly to Rick. Killer never requested partners. Jet gave her the finger and she gave him two in return before ducking inside the vehicle. Rick joined her quickly remembering she doesn't like to be kept waiting.

Bubba let them out of the perimeter fence and the convoy was off. After sitting in silence watching out the window Rick finally spoke up, "What's the matter? Wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"

He could feel her glare even though he couldn't see it. "We split with the guys just up the road here. We'll try for the guns first. If it's still swarmed we're gonna have to come back though." Killer said, deliberately ignoring the question.

As they drove they passed what was once a little boy ambling slowly across the road. She swerved around him with little effort. Rick held his breath and stared at him intently, as if he might recognize him. He was about Carl's age and size but thankfully it wasn't his son. Turning in his seat he watched the boy until he was out of sight.

"Why are you helping me?" Rick asked as he turned back around.

This time Killer's head tilted slightly, as if she was giving the question some thought. "Because your dumb ass is gonna get killed out there without my help." She finally said.

Rick nodded with a smile, "So what are you, my knight in shining armor now?"

She fought the smile forming on her face at first but then gave in, "I'm trying not to like you ya know… and you're not helping the situation."

He was surprised at the admission but rolled with it, "What can I say, I'm a likeable guy."

"Screw you, cowboy." Killer drawled while giving him the finger.

Rick was about to make a decidedly off color comment when they turned down a street that was swarming with walkers. The sound of their car may have preceded them and dozens of hungry walkers had begun to turn towards the car in the hopes that food was coming. Something slapped against the window behind Rick and he almost jumped out of his skin. He could see a bloody handprint streaked across the glass but not its owner.

Killer put the car in reverse and floored it. "Fuck, this place is still hot!" she shouted as she backed up. There was a loud thud and a bump from under them. Whatever was lurking around out there was now road kill. She hit the brakes and turned hard, swinging the car around 180 degrees. Neither of them dared to try and get a look at what they had hit. If it was a walker it was doubtful it was dead. If not, well neither of them wanted to know.

They could have plowed through them, done a smash and grab. It was risky though and Killer didn't take chances like that. Just opening the door to snag the bag would probably get you bit. That was, it seemed, the only difference between her and those things outside the car. She was more careful then they had been, more prepared. She was also damn lucky. There were no sure things anymore but there were safe bets. This was definitely not one of them.

After some quick turns and creative maneuvering Killer backed into an alley that looked clear, put the car in park and turned off the ignition before the hum of the motor attracted any unwanted attention. "Now what?" Rick asked.

"Well, either we try the department store or…. follow orders and start looking for liquor." she said looking around constantly for signs of trouble.

He could wait it out another day, maybe two. Let the crowd settle down. The waiting, not knowing, was killing him though. He had to do something now. "Department store it is." Rick nodded.

They drove out again in silence. When they slowed to a crawl in front of glass plated doors Killer spoke, "That's the place." She said speeding up and circling the corner to make another pass.

"What's the best way to get in?" Rick asked her.

She shrugged, "There's an alley behind that bus there. That's where I saw the kid come from. Never been inside though…"

They circled around once more before. "So do we park and make a run for it or what?"

Killer's head dropped a little as she drove, "This is as far as I go cowboy. You go in there and you're on your own." She would help him, the best she could, but putting her life on the line was another story. That place could be filled with the dead. Or even worse the not so friendly living. When they hit the big buildings they did it with five or six guys. Going in just the two of them was suicide.

He had expected they would part ways at some point, just not this soon. "Do you know what's on the other side of that bus?"

She shook her head, a looming sense of dread felt like it was sucking the oxygen out of the car "No… but if you're gonna do this you gotta decide soon before we get noticed."

They pulled away from the building to give Rick a moment to think and parked around a quiet corner. Thankfully the tinted glass kept them hidden well. It was crazy to just go in there on a whim. He had a safe place and he was going to plunge head first into the unknown. It hadn't gone for him last time either, that was for sure.

"I have to do it…" Rick said, trying to convince himself more than anything. "I have to try."

Killer nodded slowly. She knew that was going to be his answer. "I'll tell the others you got bit and I left you behind. If you want those guns you better get to them soon before someone else does." She still had her eyes peeled but pushed her glasses up on top of her head. "I'll get you as close to the bus as I can. Then you move. Fast."

Rick stared out the window with his forehead against the glass. "Got it."

"I would ask you if you're sure you wanna do this but I already know the answer" she laughed softly.

He smiled lightly before turning to face her. "Guess I'll say my good byes then." Rick said as if he knew he wouldn't make it out of that building. He stuck his hand out to her. "Thanks… for everything."

Killer reached into a hidden pocket on the side of her pants and pulled out a little orange bottle. Taking his outstretched hand and placing the bottle in it she then covered it with her other hand. "Remember, once a day with food. I don't care if you feel fine, you take every last one of those. You hear me?" she said with authority.

"Yes ma'am." He smiled. She hadn't let go of his hand. Rick didn't mind it either. Not even a little. You would have to be nuts not be scared to go in there and he was far too sane to pretend he wasn't terrified. She was scared for him too. It was sweet but didn't reassure him much.

For the first time all day Killer turned and looked him straight in the eye. It sent shivers down his spine. "Whatever you do… save your last bullet for yourself." She blinked and looked away, letting go of his hand, "Just in case." Her face had paled and her bravado was all but gone.

Rick reached in the back for his hat, looking absently at it "Guess this won't make it under that bus, huh?"

"Probably not." Was all Killer said.

"You should keep it." Rick replied, passing it to her.

Backing away as far as one could in the confines of her seat she shook her head, "No, your like Indiana Jones with that thing. I couldn't…"

Rick smiled sadly, "Well, just hold on to it for me then. I'll be back for it some day."

"Liar…" she said taking the hat anyway.

After a deep breath Rick steeled himself, "It's now or never right?"

Killer pulled out and headed for the alley. Her emotions were getting the best of her and she fought the tears that were threatening to fall. She felt like she was driving someone to the executioner. She felt guilty that she couldn't help him… or worse, just wouldn't. As they neared the bus she joked, "I better not have to come in there and save your ass again cowboy."

"I know…" he managed to whisper as the car stopped.

Shifting in her seat Killer leaned closer. "Rick…"

Without a second thought Rick opened the door and said, "Goodbye." as he made a run for it.

The door closed in front of her as she was reaching for him. She wanted to hug him. To grab him by the collar and kiss him in case it was the last chance either of them had for things like that. He slipped out too fast though. Instead she just pressed her hand against the glass "Goodbye." She whispered to no one.

Their arrival had not gone unnoticed. A few of the dead head headed towards the car. She sat back and waited as they advanced, the engine revving, as she laid on the horn. Anything that had seen Rick quickly turned their attention on her. "Come on you sons of bitches! Come and get it!"

It went against her better judgment to play the decoy. It was, in the end, the best way she knew to say thank you though. Even if it was just the tiniest spark, he had given her hope. Someday, someway, somehow… things could be normal. She could be normal.

When she was satisfied she had taken the heat off Rick as best she could she began to drive away slowly. There were walkers hanging on to the car now. She could hear the snarling all around her as she kept a pace that allowed them to walk with the car. The smell of decay filled her nose soon after. Neither was something you got used to. It was no less terrifying now then the first time she had seen one. The tears she had held back seemed to disappear into thin air as every part of her focused on the situation at hand. If nothing else should would at least lead as many of them away as she could.

Amid all the noise Killer heard her radio crackle and laid off the horn. "Come in! Come in!" she heard Bubba's voice shouting. He sounded panicked.

She picked the radio up off the dash and pressed the button, "It's me Bubba, what's happening?"

"They're inside!" he shouted, "They got inside!"

Killer's stomach felt like it dropped to the floor. Walkers got into the fort? How was that possible? They had taken every precaution. "Say again." She spoke into the walkie talkie. Maybe she misheard…

The radio beeped several times and she stopped the car, holding the radio up to her ear to hear it better. There were a dozen or so walkers banging all around on the glass, they would get through soon enough. "Inside-" finally came through and then static, followed by the sound of gunfire and another "Inside-"

Shots rang out from the alley behind her. Should she go back for Rick or back to the fort, she thought. "Shit, shit, shit!" Killer said aloud before slamming on the gas pedal. A man, no, a thing with half his face torn apart hit the front end of the car and managed to hold on to the grill as she sped off.

"I'm on my way!" she shouted into the walkie before tossing it on the seat next to her.

The walker was still holding on, trying to climb up the hood. "You are one stubborn bastard aren't you?" she said slamming on the brakes. Getting out of the car she put a bullet in his head and he finally dropped to the ground. As she ran back in the vehicle she noted that there had been no more shots from the alley. He made it in, she tried to convince herself. He made it in. He made it in, she thought over and over as she headed back to the fort like a bat out of hell. Literally…

BACK AT THE DEPARTMENT STORE

As Rick made his way under the bus he saw feet. This was not going to go as smoothly as he hoped. When he made it into the alley he saw several walkers that noticed him just as quickly. He had his gun aimed and ready to shoot as he looked for a door or some kind of entrance. The walkers we advancing on him and he heard shuffling from under the bus. They were coming from both sides.

Then the sound of a car horn blared through the air catching the attention of the dead. Killer. It wouldn't get rid of all of them but it would buy him some time. He would have to thank her if he made it out of this alive. Some went toward the sound and those that went for him he shot as he ran for a door at the end of the alley. When he got there it was locked and Rick panicked. Firing again he managed to drop a few more walkers but the sound was just going to keep drawing more in.

He looked around frantically for some other way of escape as he backed up against the door. "Come on… Give me something here." He said to the sky and the god he wasn't sure he even believed in anymore. Instinctively backing away from the threat in front of him he pressed his back hard against the door.

Suddenly, he fell back as the door opened and he was yanked inside by the shoulders. Rick was surrounded as he crab walked away from the door. There were four, no five of them. They had him surrounded but they were clearly alive. His heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest as he tried to catch his breathe.

"What the hell are you doing, trying to get us all killed?" A blonde woman with eerily light eyes shouted at him. She had a gun pointed at his head and she was pissed.

Rick tried to stand up and introduce himself but the woman was not having it. Still sitting on the floor he tried to diffuse the situation, "No ma'am. That was not my intention. Just trying to find my family is all."

A younger man with a baseball cap on mocked him, "With those moves there Clint Eastwood? Good luck with that…" but he reached out a hand to help him up anyway.

"Thanks, I'm Rick Grimes." He said as he shook the young man's hand.

Everyone in the group relaxed somewhat with that, although he wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. "My name is Glenn, this is Morales, T-Dog, Andrea and Jacqui."

Rick exchanged a nod with each of them except Morales. The round man shook his hand with a smile and offered, "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise…. I heard from a friend that you might have some kind of survivor's camp outside town?" he inquired, might as well cut to the chase.

Andrea answered before anyone else could though. "Yeah well we did, if we ever make it back out of here." Whatever it was that he had done she was still clearly quite upset about it. She reminded him of Killer, full of spit and vinegar. Maybe it was the fact that the safety was still on her gun but he had the sense she was far less prepared to back it up. No one moved to stop her. They didn't seem to be interesting in shooting him either though.

More than a little confused Rick said, "I'm sorry, I don't think I understand."

"There are hundreds of them out here looking for something to eat and you run over here guns blazing… You just rang the dinner bell." Andrea shot back with a glare as she lowered her weapon and pointed to the crowd gathering in front of the building.

"Wait, you have friends?" Glenn asked. You couldn't tell if he was shocked that someone was actually willing to hang around with the sheriff or if he was concerned there would be others coming to join him.

Rick figured there was no harm in answering their questions. "Just a friend." He emphasized the singularity of his previous statement. "From that prison… I think it was called Metro State? Said she ran into a young guy here not too long ago." At this point he wasn't even concerned about giving up the fort. They could hold their own. Earning the trust of his reluctant saviors was more important to him.

Glenn's eyes widened, "You mean those military wanna-be assholes?" He had seen the guys before but had chosen to stay hidden. He didn't like what he had seen. The way they had surrounded one of the walkers that had lost its legs and took turns wailing on it with a baseball bat. They reminded him of schoolyard bullies and he had been picked on by his share.

The woman had broken it up. She's the one who noticed him ducked behind a car. For whatever reason, she chose not to give him up. He told her about the camp to scare her off, fearing she would try to follow him. She wasn't exactly nice but he walked away from the exchange a little less worried.

"That sounds about right." Rick smiled. He was started to like the kid already.

"Shit…" was all Glenn had to say to that. His mind was racing though. Would the others be coming? What did this guy want from them?

The other woman named Jacqui chimed in "You never said anything about that to us?" chastising him like a mother would her child. Her face was kind, belying her strong bone structure.

Glenn just shook his head, "Those guys are a bunch of Cro-Magnons with guns. You don't wanna know, trust me…" The others eyed him suspiciously and he added, "Imagine Merle sober, dumber and with a shit-load of weapons."

That seemed to be all the explanation necessary. Morales quickly looked around the area, "Where is Merle?" The sound of a shotgun firing from above got everyone's attention and quickly.

"The roof." T-Dog said what everyone else was thinking.

They all made a mad dash for the stairs and Rick followed, saying to himself more than anything "So what, is it time for dessert already?" No one else was listening though.