Disclaimer : I do not own The Walking Dead
I just want to clear some confusion in this story.
TIMELINE: I have prolonged their stay in the Greene Farm Arc (lol, been watching too many HxH) In my opinion, it's the easiest way to put Jayden and Co., it also gives me a lot to work on regarding the interactions between my characters and the Original characters and I am having so much FUN. XD
CARL: Still injured. In a coma like state. (...I think)
THIS IS NOT EDITED.
I LOVE MERLE. OMG. MERLE. WTF !
Chapter O4
Rick stood on top of the RV scanning the area as the sun decided to take a wee peak of the early morning. It's been give or take a few days since they've managed to relax for a little bit; with Sophia gone missing and his son still lay-motionless on a bed with nothing but his blood keeping him alive.
It's still a little too early to be sure he's son will be alright. They needed more blood, more blood that he couldn't give anymore. Hershal made him leave the room the minute Carl's scream broke out the silent night once again. Seeing his boy in pain- in agony and couldn't do anything about it just breaks his heart into a million pieces. Cradling his head between his hands, trying his hardest to stop the tears threating to fall down his haggard face… trying to forget his son's face- son's call for him to take the pain away.
"Hey man…" Rick was snapped out of his thinking when someone quite unfamiliar called him. "I'm Max. Max Evans" The boy nodded and sat beside him without any fuss. When he first saw Max in the woods, he could tell the boy was no older than Glenn but now that he got a clearer and much closer look at Max he knew he's young, maybe same age as Beth Greene from Hershal's family.
"Rick Grimmes" Rick nodded, before shifting his attention away from the boy. Silence hugged the both men in a comfortable way before a startling cling in the RV broke through. "Y-You slept alright?" Rick asked, giving wary glances at Max beside him.
"Yeah" Max nodded with a soft smile touching his face. "First time in months" he finished before taking out his pack, lighting one up after Rick declined his offer. "So… what' up?"
Rick arched an eyebrow at the boy.
"You look like you didn't get any sleep at all" Max said inhaling another mouthful of his roll up. He gave Rick a side glance before looking out the horizon again "I can tell something's bugging you. Well, Dare sorta-mentioned what the situation is… wanna fill me up again?"
Looking back over his shoulder, he can still see Daryl's figure; crouched down on a log still fiddling on the walkie-talkie in his hand while playing with his trusty crossbow with the other. Out of all the people around them, Rick knew he's the only one that can fully understand what the man's been through. Knowing your family is closer than you think and not seeing them for weeks, for months the man oath to be itching to get a move on and go.
The talk they had together last night came flooding back in Rick's head. Daryl made his decision of going off to his family without a second thought. Even if he have to leave the group he will- which Rick gets and won't stop the man from doing so but as selfish as it may be, he can't let Daryl go. That much he knew. He couldn't let the man he's growing to trust more than anyone else in this world to just…go.
"I-" Rick started, clenching is fist tight before looking back to Max "I can't let Daryl go" Daryl's been the one keeping him grounded. The voice of reason as some might say. He's neutral when it comes to decision making and that's something Rick needed on his side.
"…and your son?"
"My boy…Carl…" Rick started "H-He… needs more blood." he finished, rubbing his neck for comfort. "W-We can't move unless he's stabled. Unless Hershal says so." All he wanted to do was to take care of his own family- his own kin; but his consciousness is no longer filled with just his family but filled with a bunch of misfits that he's grown to look at as part of his family. No matter how much he doesn't want to… he won't feel right abandoning them.
"Hmn…" Max hummed. Looking at Rick with assessing eyes. It's no wonder the man looks like shit. He not only is carrying his family's weight on his shoulder, but also carrying a bunch of stranger's safety. As heartless as people say he may be, Max couldn't ignore the pained look on the man's eyes. It somehow reminds him of …Jayden.
Wait. Needs blood? Jayden?
"What farm is this?" Max asked suddenly. Gleaming eyes, darting around the farm.
"What?"
"What farm is this?" Max repeated himself before standing up "Why didn't you say anything in the first place?" Max shook his head before jumping down the RV, leaving a very confused Rick. He still couldn't pin point what it is but he's starting to see how the boy will affect the group; seeing him run around like a headless chicken, wolf-whistling at the sight of Glenn and Maggie talking and smiling over a sleepy –but blushing Sophia in her mother's arms.
"Dixon!" Max shouted at the top of his lungs, waving at the man he's calling. "Come on, hurry up Dare!" he continued, ignoring the stares and glares from people around him. It was still a little too early for people tobe awake but with how the world is now, no one can really sleep. When Daryl saw his signal, Max let himself relax and plopped himself at a tree near the Greene's front door.
It was a lovely house to start with. Not that he can see much and say anything for whatever is inside, but it's a lovely house. It wasn't too big(in his opinion for he's used to much bigger houses) but not too small either. It was clean, and it bring the 'Southern' feel to it.
"Leave me alone" Max arched an eyebrow at the door, curiosity taking over. It sure was hell didn't sound like Maggie's voice, it sounded more girlish. "Don't touch me" the voice got closer and closer until a small girl opened the door with force, followed by a pale skinny boy, a foot or less taller than the girl.
"Believe it or not we're together Beth" The boy said with a smug look on his face, catching the girl's arms a bit too fast "…we're stuck together" he leaned in closer before a slap was heard. The girl looked at the boy with furious eyes, and looked around.
Max unintentionally caught the girl's eyes. He smirked, catching the girl's expression on her beady eyes. She's furious as hell. Before he could do anything else, the couple turned their backs to him and went off the opposite direction.
Heh. Baby got back he thought, checking the girl slap the man's hand once again before storming off ahead. Shuffling was heard and snapped Max's attention away from the scene.
"What ya want?" Daryl asked from behind
"I have an idea" Max said standing up "Mind if you come with me? I don't really want to go in there alone" he shrugged before looking pointedly at the house.
"What?"
"The boy? Rick's son?" He stated looking at the device placed firmly between Daryl's hand "He needs blood" he continued shifting his eyes to Daryl's eyes.
"What are yo-" Daryl cut himself off before realising what Max was talking about. Blood. Jayden… "When the fuck did ya get all smart ol' a sudden?" Daryl snapped before punching Max's shoulders lightly.
"I was born a genius, thank you very much" Max retorted back
"I'll go and get Rick" Daryl ordered after giving Max a thump on the back of his head "You" he pressed "sty right 'ere, wait fo' me and explain everythin' to ya sister" he continued, chucking the device to Max "…she heard your loud mouth."
"Got it papa-bear"
"Don't call me that"
"You love it"
"Maxine, shut your mouth"
"Fuck you Dixon"
Jayden's never been alone in her entire life. Not for one second she's ever thought she was alone. She was only nineteen when she decided to move out of her father's house. It was rash, it was childish yet she didn't care. All she ever wanted to do was live her own life, experience the adulthood on her own and best of all, move to a place where she can start a new life.
That's where Atlanta Georgia came in. Despite the horrible heat, she loves the place inside and out. She couldn't think of a better place to live in. Throughout her whole life, her father always got her back; whether it's money, a friend or simply a shoulder to cry on… her father's always there to push her or to support her in every way that's possible. It wasn't until Jayden met her husband that her father finally stepped down and let her husband take his position.
"When you were a kid. I couldn't wait for you to grow up and be a lady you know…" Her father said with his usual goofy smile on his face. "…I didn't know what gotten over me to wish for something stupid as that." He laughed, his eyes blurred as he stared down at her "but look at you now. A fine lady with a great family. I don't think I could be any prouder"
"Dad what are you talking about?" Jayden arched an eyebrow at him "…We're only going back to Georgia. It's not like we haven't done this before" she continued, paling at the sight of her father's trembling hands.
"Cherish every moment you can with the people you love" He said, wrapping his arms around his teary daughter "…Even if you're family's not complete. Treasure it. Show the kids your smile, embrace them and say 'I love you' every chance you got"
"Dad…" Jayden warned "You're scaring me"
"I love you" her dad said ignoring her "I know I've caused you quite a bit of stress from the past and I couldn't give you a decent mother in the first place" they both laughed "but know that I love you. You, Max, and everyone else. Thank you for giving me the best grandkids, they are in every way perfect. I-" he raised his hands to wipe the tears streaming down her face "I'm glad you chose the right man to stay by your side. I couldn't be any prouder."
"It's getting worse isn't it?" She sighed deeply "…You're saying all of this because it's getting worse and-and…you think this is it."
"It's a just incase plan" he replied with a smile "I don't think this is the end until I give up. And I can promise you, I will never give up till my last breath. That is certain"
"Don't say that please…"
"I've always been proud of you Jay. No matter what others say… I'm proud" he said as a single tear prickle down his face.
"I love you too daddy… I love you too" Jayden said, weeping silently on her father's arms.
Jayden stared at the gun rested against her thighs. Recalling the last minutes she's spent with her father. She knew the risks of her father's job. Being a scientist- a top scientist of the California lab is a huge- HUGE risk… but she knew she couldn't do anything to stop him from what he loves doing. Supporting him is the least she could do for all the things he sacrificed for her… but still, she couldn't help but worry over him.
"…Even if you're family's not complete. Treasure it. Show the kids your smile, embrace them and say 'I love you' every chance you got"
The words kept repeating over and over her head since the night sky fell upon them. Treasure it… smile and love… she though. Looking over her two children sleeping tightly together in front of her and her brother's weight pressed against her shoulders. How she wish she could do just that. To sleep and forget about the pain and everything else around her even for just a second. It sounds so nice.
"Hey… are you alright?" A deep voice interrupted her.
"Yes. I'm fine…" Jayden replied softly, brushing Max's hair that laid on her shoulders "…somehow" she decided to add "and you officer?" she asked, eying the man in front of her. He now wore his white shirt instead of his army suit. Rylee cried when she saw the blood the first time they met and wouldn't stop unless it was out of her sight.
"Living" he answered, brushing off dirt on his lap. "With how everything is… It's the luckiest I've ever been" he added looking out the window of an abandoned Motel room.
"Yeah…" Jayden sighed looking down her lap. "I guess so…"
"You got the plan?" Daryl whispered back at the device in his eyes. His eyes avoiding the looks everyone's giving him. Rick with hopeful gaze, arms around a crying Lori. Hershal eying the walkie-talkie and last but not least, Max flicking curious looks at a still Carl.
"Intersection right?"
"Yeah. I'll take the bi-
"I don't think that's possible son" Hershal interrupted Daryl. "Your wounds are still fresh and I do not want another patient in my house in the near future" he said firmly, brushing off the glare Daryl's sending him
"I'm fi-
"Stay there Redneck." Jayden's voice cut him off, making Max scoffed and flashed another smirk at Daryl "No buts. Max told me what happened. An arrow to the side and a damn bullet through your head? Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Damn it Maxwell" Daryl snapped at the smiling boy in front of him "I'm fine. Nothing is wro-
"Bullshit" Jayden snapped before heaving a deep breath "I can probably find the way to where you are. I don't want to overwhelm the kids too much."
"Kids? You have kids?" Lori asked in disbelief. She wasn't the only one. Rick and Hershal looked at Daryl with shocked expression on their faces "Not just one?"
"None of your damn business" Daryl muttered "Everything alright?" he continued, ignoring everyone else.
"Yeah. They're asleep at the moment and I plan to keep it that way" They heard Jayden sighed "Rylee's been crying and Mason didn't sleep until Rylee was" Max and Daryl smiled hearing Jayden's soft chuckle over the device "They still don't know I've been talking to you. I want it to be a surprise"
"Good" Daryl's gaze shifting from one place to another before biting his nails and looked down the device in his hand. Holding it tightly. Mason, Rylee… his grip tightened. "T-That's perfect"
Rick and Lori looking at the man both with sympathy and confusion. They were confused to see the man they've all thought was a good for nothing redneck suddenly became the man they sympathise. Rick shook his head, he could feel the guilt creeping up his skin like poison. When a bunch of them left Merle in Atlanta he didn't- not for one second- thought of the consequences. He didn't even so say 'sorry' when they told Daryl they left his brother handcuffed in the middle of Walkers City. Instead they pointed a fucking gun at him.
"Well…" Max broke the silence as he looked at everyone in the room "What's the plan exactly?"
"Hershal right?" Jayden asked "Do you know Daniel and Rosaline Carter?"
"Yes, I do" Hershal nodded "Take a left at the intersection. Keep driving straight and take a left turn after two miles. You'll find where my farm is" he explained
"I'll be there as soon as possible" Jayden replied "Thank you for your hospitality. I really appreciate it"
"It's not you who have to say your thanks" Hershal said looking at the couple in front of him
"I'll be moving everything in the van. I'll…"They heardJayden paused. Max and Daryl started at each other before hearing her shaking voice "I'll-we'll see you soon Dare."
"I'll see you soon Evans." Daryl smiled briefly "Real soon" he managed to stop the tears from descending down his face. Max, sensing the discomfort coming from Dare interrupted once again and asked where the bathroom is.
"Two doors down to your right" Max he mocked salute and speed through the door. Composing himself, Daryl stared at the couple in front of him. Rick, still have his arms around a disoriented Lori- while Lori stared at him with uttermost disbelief in her eyes.
"Talk ta' the group. I ain't 'bout ta explain what's gon happened, make sure- make damn sure Shane knows 'is place or we're gone." Daryl said eying Rick
"I-I got it" Rick nodded before offering a reluctant smile "I outta thank you…f-for everything" he continued
"I ain't the one ya should be thankin" Daryl said, ignoring Lori's troubled gaze- not liking how Shane was being called out. He eyed her up and down before looking at Hershal "I know I ain't fit ta ask, but… Can I have a room just for tonight?"
"You could take the spare room upstairs" Hershal nodded understanding what the man is asking "…and I understand your wife will need extra attention when she gives her blood to the boy… we need a lot." He continued looking behind him where the still boy was asleep
"T-Thanks" Daryl muttered before turning his back and stormed off.
"Dad! Dad!" Mason shouted in panic the second they opened their locked door "Daddy! We're home… W-Where…" Mason looked around the house before running off to his mother and buried his head on her waist, his tears seeping down his cheeks "Daddy's not home momma… he's not here" he managed to say through her clothes
"I know baby… I know" Jayden nodded lifting his body for her to carry on her waist. She ran her fingers through Mason's soft locks, desperately trying to take his pain away. Looking behind Mason, she found Rylee crying silently beside Max. She crouched down, opening another arms for her to take. "Come here Princess" Rylee took no more than a second before she sprinted towards her mother's arms.
"I want daddy…" Rylee whispered, burying her head deeper in her mother's arms. Mason hearing his little sister's wish; he couldn't help another set of tears from spilling down his beautiful face. "I want my daddy…"
Max looked on. Hands clutched in a tight fist.
"…but I know ya will take care of 'em fo me. Am I right?"
"That goes without saying Dare…" he scoffed
"And I trust ya ta take care of yaself too."
Not even a day has passed, he already failed him; hearing his voice over and over again in his head, biting his lips to prevent the whimper coming from his mouth. He promised him that he would protect their family, trusted him to protect them… to be the man of the family. He couldn't take it. He just simply… couldn't take it.
"Mason…" Jayden whispered, catching her son's attention. "You've gotta stay calm for momma alright?" pressing Mason's hair flat with shaking hands "W-We still have'ta check Uncle Merle's house. Ma-maybe daddy's there" she continued. Not even sure who she's trying to convince. "You going to be brave for momma?"
"Oka-Okay" Mason hiccupped before letting his momma kiss his cheeks "I'm brave, daddy said so" he pouted before stubbornly drying the tears using the back of his hands
"I know you are Ace" Jayden smiled, kissing the top of his head before taking Rylee's hands and looked over her youngest "You too princess. You're a ninja princess right?" Wiping the tears spilling from Rylee's beautiful face
"I don't wanna be a ninja" Rylee shook her head, wrapping her arms tighter around her mother's neck "I don't wanna. I want my daddy!" she cried louder this time, sobbing and huffing fiercely. Jayden rubbed the back of her head before gently placing her firmly on the ground. "Momma…" she sniffled
"Listen Rylee…" Jayden started slowly. Rylee has always been a good kid, never has she disobeyed her parents and never been to any trouble like her brother Mason; but she is as always- a princess. She loves dressing up, loves princesses and loves the attention- which is given to her without a second thought. "You've got to keep quiet" Jayden explained slowly… brushing her light hair away from her teary face "What does daddy say 'bout cryin?"
"N-No pretty princess c-cries" Rylee sniffled
"That's right" Jayden cooed, wrapping her arms around Rylee's trembling figure "…you still gonna cry?" Rylee shook her head against her mother's neck "You gon' be strong like Mason?" Rylee nodded, looking up to meet her brother's waiting hands "Now, what are you going to do to be strong as Mason?"
"S-Stop cryin…" Rylee snorted before wiping her tears away with the back of her hand
"Who's Princess Rylee's royal protector?" Jayden asked looking over at her little girl before shifting to her determined son. She offered him a motherly smile before lifting Rylee up to her feet. "Who's your protector?"
"M-Mason" Rylee took her brother's hand and buried her head against his shoulders without crying. "Mason is…"
"That's right princess." Jayden nodded, brushing Rylee's soft locks between her fingers "Mase, both of you get your clothes out alright? Everything you need on your bed." She explained looking at Mason's strong gaze. Her breath hitched as he stared at those familiar piercing blue eyes "C-Clothes, underwear a bit of toys and books" she said bringing her lips down at the top of his head
"O-Okay momma…" Mason nodded before running upstairs to his room, with Rylee right behind him.
Jayden then looked at her brother. He was frozen in his place, looking at the spot Mason and Rylee once occupied. Max she thought painfully. She knew no amount of words can reassure him. Daryl- the man he's looked up to, the man he wants to grow up to be is not within their grasp. And the weight of suddenly being the only man in their family has been placed firmly on his shoulders.
"Max…" Jayden said softly. Rubbing his soft cheeks against her hands "Maxwell, come on. Talk to me…" Max shook his head looking at Jayden yet not looking at her at all.
"I don't want to" Max said emotionless
"I-I can't-" Jayden said, biting her lips to prevent the tears she's been holding back. "I can't do this alone Max… I need you with me." She continued, still rubbing his cheeks. Jayden caught Max's eyes before nodding her head. A single gesture that broke Max's stillness. "I can't do this alone and I need you to be there for me… To be there with the kids…"
"I don't want to" Max coughed, pressing his wet cheeks against her sister's soft touch "I- w-what if something happened to you and then Dare-
"No what ifs." Jayden shook her head wiping the tears away from her brother's flawless face "What's now is important, and I need you to be here, with me…right now. You got it Maxwell?" Jayden felt his head nod before gently pushing him "Do what the kids are doing. Everything you gotta need. After- help the kids with theirs. I'll be in o-our room" she stuttered "…then I'll be packing in the kitchen."
Max nodded as he ran off to his room. Jayden can still see the tears streaming down her brother's cheeks. It hasn't even been a day since they saw those things. It was hard enough they have to take a dead man's van on its own and for her to see – her angels to see the new world they have to live in is just unbearable.
It was dark and cold the minute Jayden walked in hers and her husband's room. Blinds shut, the bed untouched, and left over coffee unattended on her husband's bedside. It was the first time she's felt so cold in the room. The image of her husband flashed right in front of her eyes; flashing her a smile, pushing her off the bed for her to take care of the kids, kissing and showing her how much he loves her.
Jayden looked around her before finally letting herself fall. It was the first time she let herself break down; her hands pressed against her lips from preventing any sounds to come out. All the horror, fear she's seen- she's felt came rushing back to her head. A silent cry escaped her sealed lips. She couldn't bear any of it... seeing dead bodies, dead children scattered the area was enough to send her to another set of frenzy.
Oh just how much she wished her husband was there with her. Another sob was heard… and another; If he was here… he would know what to do and will tell her everything will be alright. Everything will be fine… Rylee, Mason and Max will be alright… but he's not here. Not here at all. She wasn't even sure where he was to begin with… or if he's ali-
No. She won't think any of that. She knows he's out there. Out there, breathing and living. Hell, she should feel sorry to whoever or whatever is out there, they outta run the other direction at the sight of him. Stifling a laugh, Jayden calmed herself down. There's nothing to be afraid of, as long as she knows what to do and knows her priorities… she'll be fine.
Everything will be just… fine.
Max stood in the middle of the group discussion, looking from faces to faces with no emotions bar the smug look he's giving Shane; the asshole that knocked him unconscious. His first impression still didn't change. He was and will forever be the asshole in Max's eyes.
"Why do we have to take them in?" Shane asked looking at his best friend before sending a glare at Max "I think everyone here agrees we can do much better without Dixon" he continued ignoring the gasps from the ladies around the group.
"Sha-
"I don't care" Max shrugged looking at Shane, not backing down from the glare
"Then leave" Shane challenged, his eyes blazing with fury as he looked at the boy "We have enough problems on our plate already and I aint bout to make room for more."
"Hey! You're not the only one who gets to decide!" Glenn inserted looking both frightened and brave. He stepped beside Max, before looking at Rick "We need Daryl. He's the only one who knows how to hunt…"
"He helped me find my girl" Carol said quietly "…and I would like to thank the woman who took care of Sophia too. It wouldn't be right to just let them go." She continued but didn't step in like Glenn, she was still conscious about men being around her close but she needed to make her statement. It was concerning the stranger that took her daughter in afterall.
"We need more men…" Andrea inserted "I may not like the idea of bringing in more people but after T-Dog-…" her voice cracked.
Max looked startled as everyone bowed their heads, not daring to meet anyone's eyes. It was the name Sophia mentioned while they were walking. He bit his lips, guessing how everyone reacted the unspeakable happened to him.
"Rick got my vote" An old man Dale said, cutting the tension around them "It's the only humane way. Daryl since day one have been taking care of this group. Feeding us, leading Sophia's search… it's now our time to return the favour and take care of his family…" he finished tipping the side of his hat.
"They offered to give Carl blood…" Rick whispered before looking at Shane "Jayden, Daryl's wife decided to give Carl blood willingly." He said strongly looking at everyone with the same pleading yet 'leader' look "They don't even know us yet she offered to save Carl."
Max smirked. Now that shut the asshole up. It would be a real shame if the group didn't take the offer his family offered and would probably cost the life of someone close to them, but if they did decline it, it wouldn't be in their conscience. It was them who declined it and they simply stepped aside.
"It's not like you have a choice anyway…" Max shrugged before looking past Shane's shoulders "…they're already here" he pointed. As if Max knew what they were going to do, he caught Rick's wrist forcing him to stop. "Don't look" Max instructed turning his back and looked at the whole group "Leave them for now… they need it" he said quietly walking towards the oppsite direction. Soon the others followed.
Thump.
When the van stopped, Daryl moved forward. The atmosphere was surreal. Daryl didn't know if he was hearing thing of he can perfectly hear his own breathing, yet he didn't care.
Thump.
Daryl stopped in front of the driver's door, letting his head rest against the glass for a whole minute. He didn't want to look- no. He couldn't bring himself to look. Damn, I am a pussy. He thought, cursing himself of being too afraid. Too afraid to know what he's seeing is true. For months, weeks, days… hours and seconds… he's longed for him to see his family… to see her. And when the moment came… he couldn't bring himself to look.
"Man up Darylina" Merle's voice echoed through his head. "That chick o' yours ain't married ta' a pussy" he laughed to himself before taking a deep breath...
CLICK.
"Dare"
Who's 18 years old and can still be grounded? ME. == Hahaha, Thank you Everyone ! Will be updating as soon as I can. Will be clearing thing up with the flashback in the next chapter (Flashbackception lol. so confusing man) and of course will be moving a bit faster on the actual story too. Please do forgive me. Student loan is a pain in the bum and I cannot handled being an adult. OH MAN. SO HARD.
But please, please Read and review.
lotsa love,
Francescaaa (: