Hi guys! So it's Sunday and time for Part Seven of Crossroads. Thank you to everyone who is continuing to read, follow, fav and review. It is good for me to know that you are enjoying the story and want updates. It's great motivation. Cheers! D.S x
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or The Walking Dead. Any OC's are mine though.
Crossroads
Part Seven
Dean was in his element, moving with instinct and practise, weaving through the bodies of the possessed humans as the demons screamed from the holy water which burned them. The hunter kept a firm grip on Kid, making sure not to loose the boy in the madness that was surrounding them. Dean headed right for the stairs, the area in front of the bunker was too small, easy to get boxed in and trapped by the larger numbers. Knocking a body out of the way, Dean hurtled up the stairs, uncaring that he was practically dragging Kid behind him. They burst back into the house, the door nearly falling from its hinges, the screams of the demons had quickly given way to shouts.
"Bastard!"
"Get back here hunter!"
"You can't escape!"
"Dean!" Dean reacted to Kid's yell, managing to push the boy out of the way in time as a burly male threw himself at them. Dean struggled to keep his feet, as hands reached for his throat. Dean looked into the man's face, to be met with pitch black eyes, that glared at him with hate. Snarling, Dean lifted the demon killing knife, stabbing into the side of the demons head. The effect was instant, the demon howled, letting go as their mouth was forced open and black ash spurted from the now dead host. Dean felt his forearm burn slightly, where the anti possession scar rested beneath the bandage, Kid also winced, but Dean smirked grimly, knowing his bloody work was worth it. The ash withered, unable to find another host, so ended up disappearing into nothing. Dean scrambled over the dead host, grabbing Kid.
"Get the holy water out," he said as he rushed them into the living room and back towards the front door. Dean didn't like running away, but he had no choice, with only the demon killing knife, Dean could be over run with ease and both him and Kid would be dead. Emerging into the main room, Dean was forced to pull to a stop. A young man was stood in front of the door, a wicked looking piece of metal in his hands, he looked nervous, almost worried. He instantly spotted Dean and his whole body tensed.
"Get back!" he shouted, weapon lifting and ready to strike. Dean cursed, turning to retreat, only to have to stop as the remaining demons came back up from the basement, spilling behind Dean and Kid to box them in the main room. There were three of them, all men with dark eyes. Dean could see the steam of the burning holy water coming up from their skin, which was turning a blotchy red colour.
"There's no where to run, hunter," one with a scraggy beard growled, a hand coming up that held a knife.
"I didn't know demons cared so much about each other?" Dean quipped, trying to sound more relaxed than he felt. His hands moved Kid in front of him, so one arm was going across the boy's chest, pinning him in place, while the other gripped the demon killing knife. "Thought you were all for yourselves and what not?"
"Times change, hunter," another demon with a buzz cut muttered.
"I bet," Dean said, eyeing the room, mind working desperately to escape.
"You can't get away, hunter," Scraggy beard stated, stepping closer. "You might as well just give up."
"Now, you know I won't do that," Dean grinned wickedly.
"Then you'll force us to do this the hard way," Scraggy Beard snapped, jerking a head to the last of the three that had come up from the basement. He was a heavy set man, tall with weight around his middle. He dwarfed Dean, forcing the hunter to stare up at him, even as he pushed Kid behind him so that he could face the demon head on. The large one stepped forward, a smirk on his face, confident that he could take Dean out. When Kid was out of the way, Dean lifted the demon killing knife. The large one laughed.
"That won't do anything," Dean didn't bother to answer, instead he attacked. It took the large one by surprise, not expecting Dean to lunge for him. Dean plunged the knife into the demons chest. He got a smirk but it quickly transformed into a frown, then pain, finally the demon was screaming, head tilted back as ash escaped the hosts throat. Dean ripped himself free, stepping back to Kid, as the demon was destroyed and the host fell to the floor dead. Dean smirked at the remaining demons, all gaping as they shifted uneasily.
"You wanna have a go?"
"Where did you get that?" Scraggy Beard demanded, but Dean just laughed.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"What's going on?" the young one by the door asked.
"That knife can kill demons," Buzz Cut replied as he edged away from Dean a little, the long knife he had in his hand twitching giving Dean the only indication of his unease. "I've never heard of such a thing."
"Well, you are just a lackey," Dean said which made the demon bristle.
"We need that knife," Scraggy Beard said, eyes narrowed as he stared at Dean. "You feel up to handing it over, hunter?" Dean scoffed and the demon shook his head. "Hunters, you're all the same, it's why you got wiped out."
"Not all," Dean snapped.
"Aye," Scraggy Beard acknowledged, then rushed Dean with out waiting. Dean stepped back, trying to get more distance between him and the demon. But it did no good, Scraggy Beard was quick and determined, he used his strength to knock Dean down, kicking out with his foot to Dean's wrist so that the demon killing knife was dropped.
"Shit!" Dean cursed, but the punch to the head made the hunter see stars, his head connecting with the wood of Bobby's main room floor. Weight settled onto Dean's back, hands pinned his arms so that he couldn't push Scraggy Beard off, no matter how hard he bucked.
"Boss will be pissed that you killed that demon down there," Scraggy Beard muttered in Dean's ear. The hunter ceased his struggles, drowning out the sounds of Kid's running feet and the bellows of Buzz Cut as he chased him. "We'd been tracking her for a few days."
"Boss?" Dean asked. "What boss?" Scraggy Beard laugh.
"Oh, you'll see."
"Thought you were going to kill me?" Dean questioned as he pulled on his trapped hands, but the grip the demon had was strong.
"Oh no hunter," Scraggy Beard said, face so close to Dean's ear that he could smell his foul breath. "We may have been sent to catch another demon, but coming back with a hunter will be even better."
"What does a demon want with hunters?" Dean demanded to know, but it only earned him another mocking chuckle.
"Demon? Oh he's ..." the rest of Scraggy Beards words were cut off by screaming. Both hunter and demon snapped their gazes up to see Buzz Cut with his hands over his face, steam raising up beneath his fingers from holy water. "What?" Scraggy Beard asked, but Dean's eyes were seeking out a small figure, finding it as it darted in close to him, snatching something up from the ground and diving behind Scraggy Beard. "The hell ...?" Scraggy Beard started but was himself stopped as Kid, having retrieved the demon killing knife from the ground, stabbed the demon in the back of the head. Scraggy Beard gasped, black eyes widening and a trail of blood came out of his mouth. His head went back and he screamed, ash coming from his mouth to disappear in the air. It took less than a minuet for the demon to be destroyed, the body falling on top of Dean, a dead weight.
"Neil!" Dean saw the young man was still positioned by the door.
"Bastard!" Buzz Cut growled, turning his red face to the boy and the hunter. He snarled and started to charge, though it was more drunken and slow with the effects of the holy water. Dean let adrenalin fill his muscles, pushing himself up and the body off of him.
"Kid!" Dean shouted. Kid didn't need to ask what he wanted, just tossed the demon knife to the hunter who met Buzz Cut dead on, burying the knife into the demons chest. It had become so familiar by now that Dean didn't even stop to watch as the demon was destroyed. He turned, checking Kid, who apart from looking out of breath and pale seemed fine. Finally he was back facing the door and the young man that was still guarding it. He eyed him, peering closer at the young face, his eyes appeared normal. Frowning, the hunter took a step forward and that got the young man to react.
"Get back! Get away!" he swung his piece of metal right across his body. Dean did stop, but his brow was even more furrowed.
"You're not possessed," surprise clear in his tone. "What the hell are you doing with demons?" But the young man was too panicked to answer Dean's questions, his eyes were roving over the dead bodies of his companions, then flicking back to the hunter.
"You killed them. You killed all of them."
"Now, lets just calm down," Dean tried to reason, lifting his free hand so his palm was out in front of him. But the gesture just made things worse. The young man gripped his weapon, seeming to make up his mind.
"Boss will want that knife, but you're too dangerous. The boy to," Kid flinched and glared at the young man.
"Hey! You tried to kill us first!"
"Lets just all calm down," Dean tried once more, but he was fighting a loosing battle. The young man had decided and he scowled at Dean, metal bar up before he rushed forward.
"Give me that knife!" Dean stepped back, stumbling. His arm wanted to move the demon killing knife to defend himself, but Dean couldn't kill this young man, he was human, he was supposed to rescue him. However before Dean could make up his mind the young man jerked forward, a gasp escaping from his mouth. His legs went out from beneath him and he fell dead to the floor.
"Dean!" Kid shouted, running to the hunter's side. Dean reached out a hand to reassure the boy, but his eyes were fixed on the back of the young man's head. A crossbow bolt was jammed into the skull, killing the boy instantly. "Dean?" Kid asked, obviously having followed the hunter's gaze. Dean thinned his lips, looking to the door that the young man had been guarding to see it pushed open and Daryl stood there, crossbow up near his face. "You!" Kid yelled as Daryl swung the crossbow down. Dean shook his head and sighed.
"How long have you been there?" Daryl shrugged, not bothering to answer, instead he turned and whistled. It wasn't long before Aaron appeared, seeming unsure as he stepped inside Bobby's house.
"Sorry for the intrusion," he mumbled, taking in the house uncertainly, the piles of books and the dead bodies on the floor.
"What are you doing here?" Dean asked, stowing the demon killing knife and crossing his arms.
"Was worried 'bout ya'" Daryl muttered which got a scoff from Dean.
"You followed us."
"We just didn't want you running into trouble," Aaron said, a note of pleading for Dean to understand in his tone. "I know you said that you had a place to get to," he glanced around and wrinkled his nose. "Was this ...?"
"Yeah," Dean answered, not willing to meet Daryl's smug gaze. "It's a bust."
"Ya' were looking for summat," Daryl said, it wasn't a question but Dean still felt the need to answer it.
"Someone," Dean glared at Daryl, daring him to ask more questions. The older man took the glare with a stoic expression, shifting to look around the main room, eyes falling on one of the many books on demon lore.
"Ya' got any plans now?"
"We're working on it."
"The offers still open," Aaron said, forcing the hunter to turn to face him. "You could come back with us, to our community."
"We already said no," Dean said but that only got Aaron to smile.
"Different time, different place."
"Different circumstance," Daryl added.
"We could try for Washington," Dean mumbled but Daryl shook his head.
"Some of our group tried that. Failed. It's over run all on the roads and no one can get enough gas to make the trip."
"We could walk."
"Ya' be dead before ya' get half way."
"I ..."
"Dean, maybe we should go?" the hunter turned shocked eyes to Kid, gaping at the boy.
"Seriously, you want to go and live with them."
"Not forever," Kid said, giving Dean a significant look. "Just long enough to gather some basic stuff, get information. We don't know enough Dean, if we're going to be traveling we need to get a lay of the land. And I'm tired, Dean," the last part was whispered, so low that the hunter barely caught it, along with a jerk of his recently scared forearm. Dean didn't say anything, instead he leaned back and really looked at the boy. His skin was pale and drawn, his eyes had bags under them and he looked as though a strong wind would blow him over. His makeshift bandage had more than just a few spots of blood, some even sweeping out from under the material. Dean knew that he probably looked just as bad, but he hadn't really thought about it. But now faced with Kid and staring the truth in the face, he couldn't ignore it. Plus Kid had a point. They were running blind, facing groups with no real idea of where they came from or what they could want. In addition the demon's words shook Dean. He had mentioned a boss, a boss that was gathering demons, and hunters. They had taken out this group, but it would only be a matter of time that they met another one in the area, or this group was reported missing. They needed a place to hold up and these guys were offering them one.
"Where the hell is this community?"
Dean didn't get an answer to his question, just a smile and a shake of the hand from Aaron and a nod from Daryl. The two had wanted to get off right away, but Dean had insisted that the bodies be salted and burned. That had got him a raised eyebrow from Daryl and a shocked look from Aaron, but with Kid backing him up, the two had helped pile the bodies, outside Bobby's house. While Dean had dealt with the bodies, along with distracting Daryl and Aaron, he had sent Kid on a little mission. Gathering everything he could from Bobby's arsenal in the bunker, along with anything else he could find. Then, as added protection he had told Kid to get all the books and lock them in the bunker. They would be safe in there, even if something were to happen to the house, the bunker would be in tact. It was getting into mid day by the time they were done. Kid with a new bag on his back, which he tossed into the trunk of their borrowed car. Dean eyed the other vehicle parked beside the car. A motor bike that looked well cared for. Dean didn't drive bikes, loving his Impala to much to make a change, but he did like them. If he had been anyone else he would have his own. He cast an admiring glance over the bike.
"Like what ya' see?" Dean shoot a look at Daryl, who was smirking.
"It's decent," the older man scoffed and Dean moved away. Aaron had already took the front seat, Kid in the back, so Dean too the front passenger. Aaron offered them both a smile as Daryl straddled his bike and kicked it into life. Soon they were on the road, heading back along the free way Kid and Dean had travelled on to Bobby's. They went further than Dean would have thought. Passing the turn off that Dean had used when they had left Louisa, the place they had originally met Daryl and Aaron. Once they turned off the free way however, Aaron stuck to the back roads and taking so many turns Dean was sure they were doing it on purpose to confuse them. Daryl kept the bike in front, almost leading the way, Aaron tried to fill the silence in the car with chatter, but neither Kid nor Dean were interested so they resorted to nodding and grunting when appropriate. Finally though, Kid broke, leaning over Dean from behind to start to fiddle with the radio. The two had placed a CD in when they had been driving, not the heavy rock that Dean preferred, but Bryan Adams was a bit of a classic. The music had shut Aaron up and Kid had moved back and started to hum along to the music. Dean was lost in his own thoughts, thinking on what the demon had said and the realisation that Bobby was most likely dead. It was a strange thought and cut into Dean in a way that he never thought it could. He knew that Bobby, his Bobby, was still alive and well back in his reality. But it didn't make a difference to how Dean felt now, the loss was real and it shook the young hunter to his core. He was glad when he felt the car slowly start to roll to a stop. He heard Kid shift around in the back, moving to the window to take a look out. Dean couldn't help but do the same, staring out of the window, catching sight of the long metal sheet wall that disappeared out of sight.
"We're here," Aaron muttered as the bike in front of them came to a stop, forcing them to do the same. He shoved the car out of gear, switching off the CD and engine, jerking open his door and moving around to the back toward Kid. Dean got out himself and started on his way to the trunk to get their bags.
"Leave 'em," a hand landed heavily on Dean's shoulder, physically turning him so that he was facing Daryl. "We'll sort 'em out for ya'." Dean wanted to argue, but he knew that right now that would be a bad idea. Aaron came round, followed by Kid. The boy shot the hunter a look, eyes filled with uncertainty and a little but of fear. Dean brushed off Daryl's hand, reaching out to pull Kid towards him, making sure to dig his fingers into the boy's coat. Daryl and Aaron shared a look of their own, but didn't comment. Instead they turned toward the metal wall, waking towards a part of it that was more of a gate. Made of metal bars and covered by plastic sheeting. They were escorted to a gate, which whined as it was opened and the plastic screen pulled back. Daryl marched straight in, Dean could hear the murmur of voices just out of sight. Aaron smiled, and looked as though he was going to place a hand on Dean's shoulder, but stopped himself, settling for a nod. Dean glanced down at Kid, the boy still looked a little unsure, but once he met the hunters eyes, his expression turned into one of determination. Dean smirked and squeezed the boy's shoulder. With his head held high Dean walked in.
It really did look like a piece of the real world. Nice houses and clean streets, Dean hadn't been in this particular reality long but even he could not help but compare the community to the messes he had seen of cities and towns he and Kid had passed through. Dean took a look at Kid, the boy was awed, head swivelling this way and that as though he couldn't believe his eyes. He probably couldn't seen as Dean himself was having trouble
"Alright Dean?" Aaron's question shook the hunter from his thoughts as he turned to grin at the man.
"Yeah fine."
"Ya' sure?" Dean found it harder to keep his smile when faced with the rugged older man, the piecing gaze seeming to look right through him.
"Course I am."
"Yeah, Dean's a badass," Kid declared, which got him a raised eyebrow from Daryl, but Dean burst out laughing.
"Too right Kid," Dean slapped the boy on the back which made him wince, he then turned to the two others. "So you got any food in this place? Because let me tell you we're dying here." Aaron gave him a smile but Daryl didn't seem to care.
"Daryl, Aaron."
"Carol," Daryl turned to face an older woman, who had come up behind the four of them, dressed like any normal housewife mom, short greying hair framed a face that was watching the three men and boy with an assessing eye. Dean tensed as they landed on him, his fingers twitching, something about this woman felt off.
"Who've you found now?" she asked, a smile making its way onto her face, but Dean got the feeling it was well practiced. She bent in front of Kid, a hand coming up and pinching his cheek. "What a cute boy." Kid's face twisted and he looked ready to throw a fit, Dean bit his lip to hold in his laughter, even Daryl looked as though he wanted to smile.
"This is Dean and Kid, we've been following them for a while," Aaron explained and Dean felt the need to huff in indignation.
"Oh," she straightened, eyes turning back to the hunter and Dean was met with the force of a well rehearsed harmless housewife routine. "I'm Carol, nice to meet you dear."
"Pleasure ma'am," Dean said, brushing off his own manners, which got him a surprised look from Kid, but Dean was glad of his act when Carol's lips twitched a bit.
"I'm sure you're happy to be in Alexandria."
"Alexandria?" Kid asked and Carol rolled her eyes at Daryl and Aaron.
"You didn't even tell them what the place his called?" Aaron blushed a little, but Daryl merely shrugged. "This community is called Alexandria," she said to the boy, who nodded.
"Oh," Kid said and Dean put a grin on his face.
"Of course we're happy to be here ma'am, anything's better than being out there."
"Yes," Carol said and Dean saw a shadow pass over her face, but it was gone quickly, the pleasant façade appearing once more. "You'll be taking them to see Rick?"
"Course," Daryl grunted.
"He's at home, probably thought you'd be back later."
"Yeah, thanks Carol," Aaron said.
"No problem sweetie. Let me know if you need anything, Dean, Kid," she bent once more and ruffled the boy's hair. Dean could see Kid clenching his fists, stopping himself from swatting her hand aside. The hunter gave the shoulder under his palm another squeeze, the only way he could show his approval at the moment.
"Sure ma'am, thank you," Dean answered verbally as she stood tall and walked away. Daryl started to lead the way down the street.
"Didn't think you'd have manners," Aaron teased.
"Hey my mom raised me to be a gentlemen."
"She did?" Kid asked playfully and Dean gasped in mock horror.
"You don't believe me?"
"Never said that," Kid shared a smirk with Aaron, who was smiling and Dean couldn't help but laugh.
"Yeah, she'd probably be turning over in her grave at the things I've done," Dean kept the smile on his face but the sinking feeling that filled his chest made him want to turn away and grimace.
"Well my mom would have sooner have me dressed in plaid and sporting a beard, she always wanted me to be more manly. Though I don't think it would have changed much, my man Eric likes the bad boy look." Aaron joked, then froze, shooting Dean a sharp look, then a worried one down at Kid. The boy was frowning a little, but the hunter just huffed and waved a hand.
"You ain't got that much scruff going for you. Better watch out or I'll taking your man's attention myself." Aaron's pensive gaze vanished and a genuine smile lit up his features.
"Whatever pretty boy."
"Grease monkey."
"Whose Eric?" Kid asked and Dean turned from his banter to address the boy.
"He's Aaron's boyfriend."
"Boyfriend? Don't boys usually have girlfriends?"
"Not Aaron, he likes boys, so he has a boyfriend," Dean explained, keeping it simple so Kid's eight year old mind had a chance to understand. Aaron was watching the scene with interest and a little worry. Kid's brow furrowed for a moment, then turned a serious look to Aaron.
"You should really be careful. Dean would steal your man and not give damn. He's a badass player." Dean choked and Aaron's face twisted into shock, then he started to laugh.
"Guess I'll have to step up my game."
"I am not a player," Dean protested.
"Will ya'll shut it," Daryl growled, which just made all three of them grin. Soon they were walking up the front porch of one of the houses and Daryl turned to Dean and Kid. "Wait here," he pulled the door open and disappeared within, a greeting being called was the only thing Dean caught before all fell quiet.
"So, should we be worried?" he asked Aaron who frowned.
"Worried?"
"With this Rick guy," Dean jerked a thumb at the house. "He gonna string us up before he interrogates one of us?" Kid nodded along with the hunter and Aaron quickly shook his head.
"No, no, no, nothing like that. He's just going to ask you some questions, get to know you. He might be a little ... reserved though."
"Reserved?" Dean raised an eyebrow and Aaron winced.
"Rick's seen some bad stuff. Had to do some bad shit, if you know what I mean." Dean did, he'd done some serious shit himself so far, and that didn't even include his exploits in his own reality. Aaron smiled finally laying a hand on Dean's shoulder, squeezing it in reassurance. "Just be honest with him, he's a good man."
"Yeah, sure."
"Eh, y'all can come in here," Daryl's voice came from beyond the door and Aaron nudged Dean forward. The hunter hesitated, sharing a look with Kid, who nodded his head and stepped out of the grip Dean had kept on his shoulder. The hunter allowed it, the boy wanted to show his independence, that he didn't depend on Dean all the time and Dean could respect that. Aaron reached around the two and pulled the door open.
"This them?"
"Yeah, Michonne," Daryl said. Dean noticed he was leaned against the wall on one side of a large living space. Dean marvelled at how clean the place was, with nice looking furniture too and if he craned his neck he could see a dinning room and kitchen.
"Like what you see?" Dean was drawn back to the present and looked at the dark black woman who was more than likely Michonne. With dread lock hair, jeans, boots and a top she already looked rather fierce, but it was the sword on her back that really startled Dean. Badass, is the thought that came to the hunters mind and he had no doubt that this woman could give him a run for his money. She was staring at him with deep eyes, almost like she was trying her best to see into his head.
"It's so clean," Kid spoke, not seeming to care that Dean was getting the stink eye from the woman. Michonne's gazed moved from the hunter, softening as she turned to Kid.
"Yeah, it sure is," she said with a smile. Dean filed away the information he was gleaning from the small interaction. So the hard ass had a soft spot for kids. Plastering a bullshitting grin onto his own face, Dean spoke up. "Yeah, nice place. Never even stayed in a hotel this fancy before the world went to hell." Michonne's eyes shifted and the soft motherly look vanished as though it had never been.
"Uh huh."
"Daryl says your name's Dean. What you doing all the way out here with just a boy, Dean?" the hunter turned his attention to the man on the sofa. He was an older man, probably in his late thirties. A beard, covering most of the bottom part of his face. His hair was long, reaching the nape of his neck and a dark coloured brown, though appeared to be greying in certain parts. Even sat as he was Dean could tell the guy used to be a cop. The attitude, the way he carried himself even as the hunter stared down at him, Dean grit his teeth. He was about done dealing with cops.
"Me and Kid have been together for a while now." Dean answered.
"How'd you meet?"
"Dean saved me," Kid spoke before Dean could answer, moving so that he was stood before the hunter. Dean would have clipped the boy round the back of the head had they been alone. The kid didn't need to prove anything here. The man lowered his eyes to stare at Kid, Dean watched as once again the hard features softened, not as much a Michonne, but it was no where near the harsh glare that Dean had received.
"That so?"
"Yeah."
"How'd he do that?" Kid stalled then, uncertainly looking up at Dean. The hunter flicked his eyes from the boy to the man, who was leaning forward, eyes assessing.
"It's ok Kid," Dean said. "The boy found himself in with a bad group. Real nasty, I took him with me when we clashed." The man raised an eyebrow.
"You get in a fight?"
"Kind of," Dean shrugged.
"By yourself?" Michonne added. "You weren't with a group of your own?"
"Lost mine a while ago," Dean lied easily, he'd had time to think of a decent back story for himself, better he use it now.
"What happened to them?" she asked.
"Who knows, could be dead, or still alive for all I know," Dean looked away, trying to convey that the subject was a sore one and encourage them to drop it.
"You didn't go to find them?" the man asked and Dean shook his head.
"Nah, I was alone even when I was with them. No family, we were just sticking together for the sake of numbers. They wouldn't have looked for me so I just carried on as best I could." The guy nodded and Dean gave him the look over. "You're Rick then?"
"Rick Grimes."
"And you get to decide if we stay here or not."
"Yeah," Rick stood to his feet swiftly and Dean did not like how the power levels changed even more as he was forced to look up at the man. Dean threw his own shoulders back, trying to make himself look bigger.
"Just to let you know, we don't plan on staying forever." Rick titled his head.
"Really?"
"Really," Dean repeated. "Our last destination dried up, we took Daryl and Aaron up on their offer so we could rest and shit. We've run into some bad people out there."
"Yeah, I can believe that," Rick muttered, Dean wanted to question the dark look that crossed the man's face, but stopped himself.
"So, we're just guests. So we get guests right, right?"
"Yeah," Rick answered slowly. "I guess you do," a gun was suddenly pointed in his face. Dean swallowed, his hands that had been at his side shooting up to grab Kid and push the boy behind him, despite the protests he made.
"Dean!"
"How many Walkers have you killed?" Dean frowned, resisting the urge to grab the weapon from the man.
"The dead?" Dean asked for confirmation, eyes moving from the gun to look at Rick beyond it. Rick nodded and Dean pulled out a casual shrug, even as his heart raced.
"Don't know. A lot. I could give you a number but it probably wouldn't be accurate." Rick paused a moment then asked.
"How many people you killed?" that did rock Dean, his mouth opened as though to answer, then he quickly shut it again.
"What?"
"Just answer the question," Rick spoke slowly, brushing the barrel of the gun right on Dean's forehead.
"Get away from him!" Kid yelled, Dean could feel him trying to push his way forward behind him. Suddenly his form was gone, "let me go!"
"Calm down, boy," Daryl's growl came from behind and Dean let out a breath, at least Kid was out of harms way. He turned his focus back on Rick. This guy will seriously kill me, Dean thought and the thought was a startling one. He could see it in his eyes, ones that wouldn't leave his face even when he would shoot him.
"I've ran into a lot of bad shit," Dean spoke slowly, aware that everyone was listening to every single word he said. "Shit that I didn't think people were capable of, even me." He stared hard at Rick, who didn't flinch under his gaze. "I can't give you a number. Ten? Twenty? Heck it could be fifty? But I admit that I've killed people, more than I thought I ever would have to." Dean was surprised by his own honest answer, well as honest a he could make it without mentioning all the creatures he's killed, demons, witches and everything else he had come across in his long years of hunting. But he had a feeling Rick would not appreciate that kind of honest answer. Rick leaned forward and really did push the barrel into Dean's head, finger rested lightly on the trigger.
"Why?"
"Because they were gonna kill me," Dean said. "They would have killed me and Kid and anyone I was with, whether I knew them or not. And call me daft but I didn't want to die or for anyone else to, if I could help it." And that was the truth. In all the times Dean had faced something that came out of the dark he killed it because, A, he didn't want to die and B, stop it from killing anyone else. That was the job of a hunter after all. Rick watched Dean a moment, taking in his answer. Dean didn't like that he couldn't read Rick that well, he'd always had a problem with cops, take the bad situation he had found himself in at the hospital in Atlanta. They were good at being able to hide their thoughts behind a cool mask. Finally Rick dropped the gun and stepped back.
"Alright," he backed up and placed the gun back in the holster on his belt. "You get your guest status, for now" He waved a hand and suddenly Dean was pounced upon by Kid. The boy wrapped an arm around the hunter's waist, coming up next to him and partly in front, glaring daggers at Rick. The man didn't even acknowledge the glare he was getting instead addressing Dean. "But we'll be watching you. Both of you. You do anything, and I mean anything, to harm this community, I'll shoot you between the eyes. Don't matter if you're planning to leave."
"Yes, sir," Dean answered, straining to keep the sarcasm out of his tone. Now was not the time to be playing with this man, not when Dean had seen first had what he was prepared to do keep his own people safe.
"Aaron and Daryl will sort you out with a place," Rick continued. "Show you where to put you stuff. I'm assuming the boy's staying with you?"
"Of course," Kid answered for the hunter, who finally gave into the urge to clip him around the ear.
"Stop talking for me," the hunter grumbled. "I have my own mouth I can use."
"That hurt, Dean," Kid whined, but Dean ignored him.
"Yeah, Kid's with me. That's not a problem right?" Rick shook his head and nodded at Michonne who stepped forward.
"Had over your weapons."
"What? No," Dean protested. Michonne raised an eyebrow and Rick's fingers twitched to his gun.
"Dean, it's alright," Aaron came up behind him and Kid. "It's just for a while, they'll be put in storage and you'll be able to take them if you go out beyond the wall. You just can't have them on you while you're in Alexandria, for now."
"I'm not giving you our stuff, we don't plan to live here" Dean said, but Rick just shrugged.
"It's the rule for everyone whose new that comes in," Rick said, tone so sure that it almost stopped Dean from arguing.
"What about just the ammo?"
"You've got a knife," Rick nodded to Dean's belt. "And I don't know what else stashed on the boy." Dean's eyebrow twitched as Rick smirked in victory. The hunter hadn't thought the man would think Kid was armed. Damn smart bastard.
"I keep that and one gun, no ammo. Kid hands over everything," Dean bargained.
"What?! Dean!" Kid shouted angrily, but Dean was too busy to care about what the boy was saying. The stony look he had received for his offer was doing him no good. Perhaps it was time to put his new youthful face to good use, what was the point in being twenty one again if he couldn't use his baby face? "Please, just let me keep them. It'll make Kid feel safer here." He aimed his best wide eyed innocent look at Michonne, her fierce gaze didn't waver however and Dean started to think maybe he had lost his touch.
"Please lady, let Dean keep something," Kid suddenly added, aiming his own wide eyed tearful look at the woman. "Dean needs to keep me safe," the boy trembled his bottom lip and Dean saw the fierce woman's gaze soften once more. Dean held in his own smug smile as she turned to Rick and Dean had to marvel at the silent conversation that took place between them. Rick rubbed the back of his head with a hand and huffed.
"Only the knife. All ammo and guns go in storage." Dean grinned along with Kid which only made Rick scowl. The moment was broken however by the sound of a baby's cry.
"What the heck?" Dean muttered.
"I thought she was asleep?" Rick turned worried eyes on Michonne.
"She must have woken up from all the shouting."
"What's that noise?" Kid asked and Dean was about to make his own comment when Daryl came forward, gripping Dean by the elbow, steering him out of the house.
"I'll get them sorted," Rick nodded, turning towards the stairs but Dean didn't see anymore as was pulled out of the house by Daryl, followed closely by Aaron and Kid who had to run to keep up with the three grown ups. Once they were outside and the door was shut, Dean wrenched his arm free of Dean.
"What the hell was that?" Daryl scowled, turning his head away in dismissal.
"Judith, woke up," Aaron answered himself, which only made Dean frown.
"Judith?"
"Rick's baby daughter, she's nearly two," Aaron supplied the rest of the answer. Dean had to stop himself from going bug eyed. He couldn't believe that man had a baby daughter, hell she had to have been born just before or during this whole mess, if he had the numbers right. Who the hell gave birth in the apocalypse? The hunter shot a look at Daryl and smirked. "That who the doll was for?" Daryl growled instead of answering.
"That was stupid," the older man muttered.
"What?" Dean said with a fake innocent look.
"Should 'a just give over ya' stuff. Would o' 'ad it back in a few days," Daryl explained as he stomped off. Dean, Kid and Aaron followed so they were moving further down the street.
"I don't like not having anything on me," Dean said in way of explanation. Daryl didn't comment, instead stalking ahead. They moved further into Alexandria and Dean saw a few other people milling about. Some looked just like normal folk, pottering about in gardens or sitting on their porches with a drink in hand. While others were walking round with heavy machine guns slung over their shoulders, looking a little to comfortable with them for Dean to fully relax.
"We'll put you up in this one," Aaron spoke up and Dean looked to see a nice big house, similar to the one he met Rick in.
"Wow," Kid said in awe.
"We sharing with anyone else?" Aaron shook his head.
"We thought your own space would be best seen as you don't plan to stay." Aaron gave Dean a searching look and the hunter got the feeling that Aaron would have a few words to say about that decision. "But if you ever change your mind, you can share with some others if you like." Dean nodded, he was thankful he wasn't sharing with anyone but Kid. It would be harder for him to get to figuring out what the hell he was going to do now. "I'm across the street and Daryl likes to hang out on mine and Rick's porches, so you'll be able to find him if you need something."
"Yeah, ok," Dean jumped as a hard hand fell on his shoulder. Daryl leaned close, almost breathing down his neck.
"The guns and all ya' ammo before ya' disappear."
"Right, right," Dean said, spinning around so he dislodged Daryl's hand. He pulled his bludgeon from the belts on his back which he tossed at Aaron. That was quickly followed by his gun and hammer, which were harder to let go of, especially the gun. Dean emptied out his pockets of all the ammo there, but most of it was in the rucksacks, which had been left in the car. Kid was even more reluctant to let go of anything, slowly he pulled out his gun and silver knife, shooting dirty looks at Daryl and Aaron. Aaron smiled and reached to take the weapons, but Kid shied away. "Kid," Dean warned, which got him a scowl but the boy sighed and threw the weapons down, stomping off up the porch away from the adults. Once Dean was done a small pile was before the crossbow man and his companion. Daryl raised an eyebrow at the assortment of things.
"That it?"
"Wanna frisk me?" Dean countered and was surprised when Daryl's lips twitched.
"Nah, I'm good," bending he pulled his own pack from his back and dumped the things inside before stalking off. Dean watched him while Aaron chuckled.
"You shouldn't tease him."
"Who said I was?"
"Dean!" Kid's voice shouted out, annoyance clear from the one word. The hunter chuckled.
"That's my queue," Aaron nodded and Dean sauntered up the porch to Kid, who was pouting.
"Loose the face," Dean said, but Kid huffed and pushed open the door to the house, ignoring the hunter. Dean sighed and followed. It felt strange walking in the front door of a house. Dean, even before all the hell he had gone through rarely walked into a house he could call his own. Having grown up in the Impala and many motel rooms the house truly was a hotel to him. The place was furnished throughout, it even had a TV. Kid was looking around, his pout quickly morphing into one of awe and happiness. Dean smiled as he came up beside the boy.
"Pretty nice, yeah?"
"Uh huh," Kid said with a nod, then as though realising who he was talking to, scowled again.
"Oh, come on Kid, I had to give them something."
"But why my stuff?"
"Because they wouldn't have let you keep it anyway," Dean explained.
"What do you mean?"
"You're a child, Kid," the boy opened his mouth to argue so Dean spoke fast. "To them you shouldn't be toting round a gun or a knife, no matter how much the world has gone to shit. You're a boy, that means no weapons. I used that to make sure I could keep the demon killing knife, the only thing that can kill a demon, remember?" Kid stilled and Dean saw the thoughts flashing across his young face. Kid finally lowered his head.
"I didn't think about it like that."
"Thought you didn't," Dean snorted.
"Sorry."
"What was that?" Dean teased, leaning forward and presenting his ear. "I don't think I caught that."
"Sorry, ok. God you are such a jackass," Kid grumbled which only got him his hair ruffled, the way he hated. "Stop that!"
"Not a chance. Hey, want to see if this place really has hot water?" Dean smirked and that was enough to get the two of them upstairs and checking out the shower. Dean was surprised that Kid let him use it first, stating that he wanted to check out the rooms, but all became clear when Dean was all clean and shiny, having indulged himself for a while in the hot water. He'd practically had to wrestle the boy into the shower, for some reason the kid was afraid to get wet. Maybe he couldn't swim, was Dean's thought as he finally was able to shut the bathroom door, leaving Kid to get on with it as he went back downstairs, a fresh wrap around the rapidly scaring anti possession symbol, towelling his hair dry. If that was the case Dean would have to teach him, there are any number of bad things that liked to lurk in water. Swimming was an essential hunter skill. Just as Dean was smirking at the image of Kid covered in inflatables, something caught his eye.
"Son of a bitch!" Dean shouted, letting the towel drop on his shoulders as he stared at a one eyed older teen sitting on the sofa of the main room of his and Kid's new house.
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