A/N: Alright a long one here and the one the finish up season 2. I'm not jumping into the prison right away, there will be one or two chapters before that happens. They will finally have a little more interaction between Daryl and Devin along with the rest from here on out. My chapters won't follow so closely to the show anymore. This really fuckin slow burn is about to heat up so stay tuned for that.
Also there is a part in this chapter where I went from first person into third. I separated the section with a line break. I didn't want to do those &&& or === symbols all across to make a line so the horizontal line works. I want some feed back though. Should I take the story out of first person and put it in third? Or just when I wanna use third person to explain what everyone is doing without Devin, just separate it with a line break? Again this is a 2AM upload on my part and I did not do any proofreading! It is for the WEAK. Kidding though. One day I'll go through these chapters and think to myself: damn this sucks ass I should have done this and BAM. It'll be changed. Just, today is not that day. Enjoy yourselves lovelies and tell me what you think.
It seemed as soon as Dale's funeral finished up, everything set into motion. Perimeter checks took place. Shane, Andrea, T-Dog, and Daryl all took the blue truck and went around the farms borders, checking fences and killing any walkers that had gotten in. We didn't want any surprise attacks like what happened to Dale to happen to anyone else. No one was to go anywhere alone and we were all allowed to be armed full time to protect ourselves. We were also instructed to only use our guns if absolutely necessary and as a last resort. Hershel also was now allowing Rick and his group to come up and live in the house. "We should've moved ya in a while ago." He had told the group as everyone started moving in supplies that Rick's camp had. Rick talked about setting up perimeter patrols and having two people on duty to watch the land.
"Shane will set up patrol schedules while Daryl and I take Randall out and cut him loose." Rick had said as people, including myself, grabbed supplies out of the truck to take to the house. Shane did not look happy one bit and I just knew he'd be saying something about that comment.
"We're back to that now?" Shane asked Rick, challenging the sheriff. Rick had gotten close as the two ex-cops discussed what the game plan was. I tried to act like I wasn't eavesdropping and grabbed a couple containers with supplies and headed towards the house. I turned my head, hearing the rumble of a bike coming to life and let a shiver run down my spine as he rode next to the truck up closer to the house. I couldn't remember the last time I was on a bike. I didn't know how to ride one by any means, but my uncle was part of a motorcycle club… gang… whatever it was back home in Texas and I got a ride from him a few times after school.
I jumped when I ran into a smirking Maggie, who was also holding a few crates as well to help out. "What's with that shit eatin' grin?" I asked, moving next to her as we made our way to the house. She just let out a girlish giggle, hoisting her containers up higher in her arms.
"Are you wanting to ride that bike or the man on the bike?" She asked, causing my face to flush scarlet. I have never blushed so much in my life. I don't even think that any of my exes made me blush like this. I was usually sure of myself in everything I did and that included flirting. This though, seemed so different. The way the world now was different and I guess that meant flirting and relationships would be different too. For me anyways. Maggie seemed to be enjoying couple life with Glenn so much it almost made me sick. "You should just tell Daryl to put his stuff in your room. I'm fixin' to tell Glenn just that." Maggie gloated causing me to laugh. She must really like Glenn for only knowing him for so long. She sounded like she was in love the way she talked about him and how his name came off her tongue. Maggie's voice was sweet and dreamy like with that hint of no-nonsense. We continued up to the house, helping the group move in and to be as comfortable as possible.
As everyone seemed to have moved in I found myself on that porch swing on the side of the house that I loved so much. It reminded me of a neighbor's house back home and I just felt so at ease here. It was peaceful and a little out of the way from all the commotion that was going around, especially the recent activity. It was quiet. I had kicked off my boots and leaned my head back over the porch swing, allowing my pony tail to dangle towards the ground. I was just about to fall asleep before I heard some murmuring and then the sound of water hitting the ground or rather… of someone urinating? I sat up, a little alarmed honestly because I would never expect what I was hearing and hoping it was mostly a canteen being emptied. Getting up and making my way over to the railing I leaned over it, looking towards the front of the house and saw a pair of angel wings looking back at me a few feet away. Daryl was by the tree and at least he was hidden from the front half of the house. Back here though… I had to stifle a laugh.
Licking my lips as soon as I heard the small sigh and the sound of a zipper, I spoke. "It would probably be better for you to go out away from the house. Just so… you know, you don't get caught doing that." I laughed watching as the man jumps ten feet in the air. I was leaning over the railing, letting out full belly laughs at how surprised he is being. I couldn't remember the last time I laughed out like this. Then just seeing his harsh face turn my way only to glare at me even more I couldn't help the tear that ran down my cheek. I knew he was embarrassed by how red his face got too. It was a new shade of red for him that travels from the tips of his ears and disappears down his neck to where his shirt starts.
"What tha hell are ya doin' back 'ere?!" He shouted causing me to try and stifle my laugh this time and wipe my cheek. Looking at him again I let out another fit of giggles which really seemed to piss him off even more as he walked over to where I was. I'm mostly surprised someone didn't come running around the corner at how loud he is shouting.
Finally composing myself enough to speak, I grinned down at him. "I'm planning on taking a nap. It's beautiful outside today. Especially since you and others checked and double checked the fences I feel extra safe sleeping on the porch swing for a bit." I nodded towards the swing with my head, tapping the wood porch with my bare foot. I leaned forward just a tad bit more to attempt to be more eye level with him which caused our faces to inch closer. I didn't really do anything to get away though. I might as well listen to Maggie and be a little bolder in my actions with the man.
He didn't seem to notice or if he did he was too angry to do anything about it then. He just scoffed at me, looking down at his boots before looking back up. "S'not safe ta do that. Think this is a vacation, sunshine?"
Clicking my tongue, I cocked my head to the side, green eyes traveling from his blue ones to his lips. Eyeing the stubble around his face I moved my eyes back to his so I wouldn't alarm him too much with my starring. "Well aren't you just trying every nickname in the book for me. Which one are you going decide on in the end, I wonder? Anyways, I know you're out there protecting me. So I can sleep soundly thanks to you. If you are that concerned for my safety, why not sleep with me?" I let out another bark of laughter as I watched him go bug eyed from my suggestion.
"Quit laughin' at me." I heard him grumble, another glare replacing his surprised look. I grinned, flashing my teeth at him which only caused him to grumble some more.
Clearing my throat, I looked around us, making sure we were alone if only for a moment. "So what is the plan with Randall after all?"
Daryl relaxed at this question, his shoulders sagging a little. "Rick and I are turnin' him lose miles away from here. Least that's what tha plan is. 'Less Shane fucks somethin' up." I gave him a tight smile, nodding my head in agreement.
"Well, be careful, alright Daryl?" I gave him a warning look which made the side of his mouth twitch upwards. "I'm gonna go take a nap, in my bed so I don't worry you about me out here on my lonesome. Offer still stands though."
I watched his face twist into confusion as he looked straight at me, a grin dancing across my lips. "What offer?" He asked, confused now more than ever which made me giggle.
"If you wanna sleep with me hun." I said causing his face to turn beet red once more.
He turned on his heel, headed towards the front of the house once again, waving a hand. "Gotta go. Rick's callin'." I heard him say which caused me to lean over the railing some more to watch him hurry away. Success seemed to be coming my way. He was still nervous when talking to me, but he surprised me by staying to talk with me some instead of storming off the first time I tease him. Progress was being made and maybe I'd just get lucky with cracking his quiet introverted personality. Even if I am the only one he talks to… I just want to know more about him.
I awoke probably an hour and a half after my short chat with Daryl. I was a good girl and went up to my small room and slept there. I couldn't remember the last time I took a nap during the day. The last time was probably right before the world turned upside down honestly. I sure was the queen of naps and had a lot of friends make fun of me by how often I took them. Just working three to four 12 hour shifts a week plus going to school drained me completely, so naps were so my thing. Making my way down the steps I watched some of the commotion out through the front door. It looks like Rick and Daryl are about to take Randall for a little ride. Stepping outside I watched as T-Dog handed Daryl a small handgun and saw the redneck check the magazine for bullets. Was it the magazine that you check for bullets? I rubbed my head, trying not to think too hard on it because I didn't use guns of any kind and didn't know gun club terminology one bit. I should pick up on it soon though… or I just might end up like the dead. I made my way over to the men, just as Rick joined us. Nodding at Rick politely I leaned against the truck and looked to them. "Taking Randall out already?" I asked looking, licking my lips quickly before looking to Rick.
Rick nodded his head, crossing his arms over his chest. T-Dog pulled out his own gun and addressed Rick and Daryl. "I'll go get the package." I laughed quietly at his reference and sighed looking towards Andrea as she surveyed our surroundings.
"I guess I'll go get my stuff and take Andrea's place to give her a break while y'all are gone. I haven't seen Shane so I don't know what he wants the schedules to look like." I mumbled, taking my hair from my ponytail so I could fix it. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Daryl staring at me as I play with my hair in an attempt to get the knots out. Pulling up my hair once more I set it in a high ponytail, just enough for it to barely brush my neck.
Rick nodded his head, blue eyes looking after T-Dog before coming back to me. "Good idea." I watched his eyes skate over me for a moment, almost making me uncomfortable until he spoke. "Where's your gun? You can carry your gun around on you now."
His question made me sigh and I crossed my arms over my chest. "It's in my backpack up in my room. I'm not that comfortable carrying it around. I have a knife tucked into my boot at least and everyone else has a gun on them so I'm not as worried."
I watched as Daryl's face contorts into some form of anger. Sure the man glares all the time, but this time he looked mad. "What tha hell is wrong with ya?" He asked, causing me to jump slightly and stare at him confused. "Ya know why I call ya princess? Cause ya act like everythin' is just peachy and shit ain't gonna happen to ya!" How his tone of voice kept raising I began to get a little embarrassed, my face turning scarlet. Since I was getting embarrassed by him, I was getting angry. I was not a child and was able to take care of myself. I used my knife more than my gun and my bow more than my knife.
"I ain't no child, Daryl! Before coming to the farm I was on my own for almost two months. I found out that guns attract those things out there the hard way by shooting at a couple walkers and being chased up a tree. More walkers had heard the noise and came to the tree I was in, just waiting for me to fall down. I was stuck in that tree for almost a week until the dead either got bored or were attracted to something else that walked by. So don't you yell at me for not carrying around the loudest weapon I could have and fuck over our whole entire camp with one shot!" I watched as Daryl was a little taken aback by my outburst, but I was not going to be talked down to.
Rick waved his hands at his waist to cut us off and eyed us both warily. "Alright now, calm down. Devin, go get your pack and-" We all turned our heads in T-Dogs direction as he waved us over screaming that Randall was gone. Rick gave Daryl and I a look before we ran over to see what was going on.
"The kid's gone! Randall is gone! I don't know how it happened cause the shed was locked up. I had to put in the correct combination to open the lock, opened up the shed and he wasn't there." T-Dog explained as Rick and Daryl went inside to check it out. Others came over to see what was going on and eventually the whole house came out too.
Everyone except Shane. "Where's Shane?" I asked looking around. Daryl shot me a glance in my direction when I asked the question and I watched as he growled, looking around on the ground. I assumed he was going to attempt to track Randall and see where the kid ran off to so he wouldn't get too far ahead.
"RICK! Rick!" The direction of the group moved towards the wood where a bloody faced Shane stepped out of, heading towards us quickly. "Kid got the jump on me and ran off! Got my gun too! He's armed!" Shane said, fury in his voice as he walked up to us. As I watched him get closer I noticed his nose was broken, bent to the side at an ugly angle. Rick began barking out orders immediately. Him, Shane, Glenn, and Daryl would go out looking for Randall while the rest of us are to go inside and board up the place to wait for their return. Looking behind me, I watched as the four men ran out to the forest, as the rest of us made it inside. Maggie was probably gonna need me nearby while she worried after Glenn so I ran up the stairs to my room, grabbing my pack with my handgun and rifle sticking out of the top, my bow, and made my way back down to Maggie who was setting things up with Hershel and Patricia. Beth was there too, finally having enough strength to get up and move while Jimmy doted after her by petting her hair and rubbing her shoulder occasionally.
As soon as the house was secure it was already nightfall. The only light we had going on was the lights in the dining room and the living room. We all just sat around in what I like to think of as a prayer circle. I looked at everyone, watching how they react to one another. Andrea has a twitch like me, one that makes us bounce our feet in anticipation for either some news or action. Lori was playing with her necklace, moving the charm around on the chain. T-Dog seemed to talk to himself while he leaned on the wall. Beth was just… starring. I just hope she is doing better than she was. I was sitting next to Maggie, leaning against her, my pack between my legs. I had my handgun tucked into my jeans, like a good girl, and was waiting rather impatiently. "I'm going to go look for them." Andrea said, standing up abruptly.
As soon as she did that, in walked Daryl and Glenn. "Rick and Shane ain't back?" Daryl asked, wiping his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt, looking at all of us. It made me uncomfortable when both Glenn and Daryl were looking over towards Maggie and I at the same time. Glenn of course for Maggie, but Daryl held my gaze just a touch more than I thought he would, making me momentarily forget to breathe. How cheesy was that? "Heard a shot."
Lori stood up, shaking her head. "No, maybe they found Randall?"
Daryl shook his head, looking to the woman. "We found him. He's a walker."
"Did you find the walker that bit him?" Hershel asked, concern lacing his voice.
It was Glenn's turn to speak to look between Maggie and Hershel. "No. The weird thing was he didn't die from a bite. He broke his neck."
Lori's eyes widened some and put a hand up on Daryl's shoulder. "Go find them, please." Daryl's eyes glanced down at her hand before nodding.
"I'm coming with you." I spoke up, standing and grabbing my bow. The redneck hesitated, before nodding his head and leading the way outside. Andrea and Glenn following close behind me.
Daryl made his way around the porch and stopped suddenly, squinting into the dark. I walked up next to him looking out and frowning. Was this a herd of walkers? I tried moving my head in different angles, trying to see the movements coming from the field. "Daryl… Is that really what I think it is?" I asked, looking to him with weary eyes. He could only grunt and nod his head, trying to gage how many were out there. I heard Hershel tell Andrea to go kill the lights as she ran off to go do just that.
Glenn popped up between Daryl and I, looking just as worried as I did. "Should we get inside? Board up the house?"
Daryl seemed to have been in some state of shock because I was sure he'd go out with some smart ass remark or even a scoff. He just nodded his head slowly and looked to Glenn. "A herd that size will take out the whole house. We gotta leave."
The lights went out around us, signifying that Andrea cut off the generator. I pulled the gun from my hip, checking the magazine to make sure it was loaded. Hearing a slight chuckle next to me made me jump slightly and look to Daryl on my left. "So ya got some sense into ya and did what I asked?" I heard his cocky remark as he loaded up his crossbow.
I could only growl and push against him, shaking my head. "Shove off. No point in stealth now asswipe. Might as well pull out your gun too." I heard another chuckle from him as he did just that, checking over his gun and making sure he was fully equipped with ammo.
"Devin." My brows knit together, looking up at him once more. I had to suppress a tremor that ran through my body at him saying my name. He didn't use it often. My green eyes met his blue ones and his usual glare gone. I couldn't describe how he was now. Worried would probably be it if I had to put my finger on it. "Be careful an' stay close to me or someone else. Don't be alone. You'll get overrun." His brows knit together as he looks out towards the walkers coming towards the barn. I could only smile and bump my shoulder into him again, nodding my head.
Lori came up, claiming that she couldn't find Carl. I turned to them, looking down, not really remembering the last time I saw him. Carol was right behind her calming Lori down and rubbing the mother's shoulders gently. Maggie came up behind them, setting down a bag of guns before passing them out. I was shocked to feel a shotgun be pressed into my hands and I could only shake my head violently. "We got guns. We got cars. Shoot as many as you can and then we'll lead them off the property." Hershel commanded. "This is my farm. I'll die on it." He said, walking off the porch and going out some ways to start shooting walkers with his riffle.
"That a fire?" Glenn asked, causing everyone to look in the direction of the barn. My eyes widened at how fast the building went up in flames. I watched as Glenn, Maggie, T-Dog, Andrea, Daryl, and even Jimmy run out to the vehicles to do just what Hershel said and to go see if they could get whoever it was that started the fire out of the barn.
Staying behind with Hershel, I got up next to him, tossing the shotgun I was given next to the man's feet. He gave me an incredulous look which only made me laugh nervously. "I don't know how to shoot those things! I barely know my way around this handgun." I yelled to him, getting the handgun up and taking it out of safety. I was an uneasy shot. I managed to hit the walkers, but it was hard for me to hit them in the head. I could get a shoulder, chest, or stomach… If only they weren't the dead.
Hearing Carol yelling for help, I turned in the direction to seek her out. I cursed to myself, noticing she wasn't armed at all and took off, hearing Hershel yell behind me, trying to get me back at his side. I knew he wanted to just make sure I was safe and by his instead of running off to attempt to be a hero. I met up halfway with Andrea who nodded at me as we made our way to get Carol out of her situation. Andrea did a lot better job than I did at taking down the walkers. She got headshot after headshot while I… continued to do as well as I was doing. "C'mon!" I yelled to Carol watching as the woman could only cover her mouth and point behind Andrea and myself.
Turning around a walker was uncomfortable close to me, within arm's reach, and I jerked away, bringing the gun up and shooting the walker point blank in the head. I flinched as the gun went off, bullet flying through the walkers' head. Blood splattered onto my face and shirt, making me want to gag. I pulled the sleeve down on my baseball tee I wiped my face of the dark blood and gasped noticing the amount of walkers coming in my direction. Looking to my left, I watched as Andrea ran off in a break she had from the amount of walkers. Worried about Carol, I turned around only to see her gone as well. "What the fuck?" I growled, watching as I was slowly becoming surrounded. I decided my only way to get through these zombies is to just get up close and personal. Reloading my gun with a new magazine I made a break for an area with the least amount of walkers. The majority of the walkers were headed towards the house so I decided to head towards part of the forest. There was no way I was going to be able to make it towards the house again… There was no way to a car… I had to run. "Fuck…" I cursed again heading towards the forest.
Making my way towards the wood, I pulled out my knife into my left hand and slammed it into the forehead of the closest walker. I had to yank a little harder than I thought I would to get the knife out and stumbled in the process. Knees planted into the grass I cursed again, getting nervous. Shaky. Thinking about being alone. Hearing a growl behind me I turn my head to see two walkers coming at me. I groaned, standing up and turning behind me to shoot at the two walkers, hitting them, but only staggering them, and running into the woods.
It was dark and I had to adjust my eyes to the dark. Out on the farm there was the barn that was providing some light while lit up like an Olympic torch, but here it was just pitch black. I heard growling and groaning again and I just ran faster. I didn't know where I was running to. I just needed to get away from the growling. I stumbled a few times in the dark, like every other chick running from the bad guy in horror movies. I yelped, getting hit in the face with twigs and branches which I was sure left cuts along my face and arms. "I'm so fucking done with this." I growled out, trying to push my legs faster to get away from the growls that continued to chase after me.
I don't know how long I had been running. Probably only thirty minutes… or it could have been two hours. I just kept running, until I saw a truck in a small clearing. "Are you fucking serious?" This was either a sick joke or a blessing. The old black Dodge was still stuck in the mud, but the mud had long sense dried up due to the lack of rain. Maybe I'd be lucky enough to drive it out of here. I ran to the driver side door, yanking it open and jumping inside. "Where are the keys?" I murmured checking the ignition first then the middle console. Reaching my hand down I made a little 'ah ha' as I found the keys underneath my seat. Pushing the key into the ignition I gave it a good turn hearing the truck come to life. I sighed in relief, but that was short lived as a walker slammed up against the driver side of the truck, palms and face to the window. I jumped, my head hitting the top of the truck and I growled. I shifted my truck into drive, stepping on the gas. It took a little time, probably due to the fact that there was mud caked around my back tires, preventing them from moving easily. Cursing under my breath I took my foot off the gas for a moment before pressing on it once more.
The truck successfully jerked forward this time, getting out of the mud I was stuck in and I almost screamed in bliss until the engine cut off. "Ohhh fuck me!" I yelled slamming my hands on the steering wheel. I jumped in my seat again as the walker slammed on my window again and I glared. "I wasn't talking to you!" I put the truck in park and tried starting it up again to only hear it groan in protest. Another walker slammed into the passenger side window making me begin to worry. One walker was easy enough to handle, but adding another one made me worry. Looking in the rear view mirror made me gasp and quickly try starting my truck once again. It looked to be a dozen walkers coming my way and I needed to get out of there. After turning the key about five I was shaking like a leaf. A small scream escaped as I felt the back of my truck move and be pushed around as the zombies began to surround the truck… with me inside, not being able to move, and now not able to get out of the truck and run. I wiped my cheek, feeling the tear fall and laughed at myself. "A good way to die. Trapped in a truck, surrounded by the dead who want to eat me… Why couldn't anyone living want to eat me? I could direct them where to go and how fast or slow… I'd probably enjoy that a lot more." I whined, turning the keys again.
The window blew out on the passenger's side, sending the glass onto the seat, dead, and decaying arms flying inside the car. Tears fell from my cheeks and onto my lap, as I shakily turned the key over and over again, willing it to come to life. I heard the window to my left crack and I just wanted to stop. It was going to break within the next few hits and my truck wasn't going. I turned the key again, cried a little harder, turned the key, and cried a little more. Bleary eyed and hardly able to breathe, I turned the key for what I felt would be the last time. The engine started, roaring to life, and then purred while sitting idly. The tears kept going as I laughed, shifting into drive, and slamming the gas, surging forward, running over walkers that stood in the metal machines way.
Everyone was meeting up at the highway in the exact spot that Rick's group left supplies for Sophia. Rick and Hershel were waiting by the car with the supplies on it, pacing, and waiting. Just by some miracle everyone seemed to show up at once. The green Hyundai pulled up, along with the blue truck, and finally the roar of a motorcycle was heard and pulled up close to where Hershel and Rick were waiting. Lori ran out of the truck and up to her family, embracing Rick and Carl. Maggie ran up to her father, followed shortly by Beth. A small and pleasant reunion for the families. There were also feelings of loss. Rick turned to Daryl a slight smile on his face. "Where'd you find everyone?"
"Well, with those taillights zig-zagging around, I figured it had to be Asian driving." Daryl responded, causing the group to laugh, Glenn included.
Lori looked around then to Rick. "Where's everyone else? Where's Shane?" She asked. Her only response was a frown and a shake of the head from her husband. A silent way of saying that he was dead.
"Andrea?" Glenn asked, looking at all the people around him.
"She saved me, but then I lost her." Carol spoke up, looking in Glenn's direction. No one else spoke up about seeing Andrea.
"What about Patricia?" Hershel asked, holding onto Beth with Maggie close by.
The small blond sniffled, leaning back and away from Hershel. "I was with her. They took her right in front of me. I was holding on, but I wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry Daddy." Beth cried, being pulled into another hug again by Hershel. "Jimmy?" Beth asked between sobs.
"He was in the RV. It got overrun." Rick said, looking back at Beth with sad eyes as the girl continued to sob even more.
"Did anyone see Devin? Last I saw of her she was with Hershel." Daryl questioned, biting the skin around his thumb as he looked from person to person.
"She helped me too. With Andrea. I didn't see what happened after I got out there though. Carol asked, looking a little hopeful.
Daryl took a few steps to his bike, about to get on. "I'm goin' back."
"No." A solid response from Rick.
Daryl glared momentarily, not really believing what he was hearing. "So we just leave her there? After everythin' she's done for us. For me. Carol. Carl even."
Rick sighed shaking his head and frowning deeply. "She's not at the farm. She is either running away... or dead. We need to get out of here though Daryl. Keep moving. This place will be crawling with walkers shortly. We just need to hope that she's alive and on the move."
Daryl sighed, nodding his head in agreement. "You're right. Need to stay off the main roads so we can avoid assholes like this one." Daryl spoke, referring to the single walker roaming around. He grabbed his crossbow, setting it up, and then sending the arrow right into the head, causing the body to drop to the ground.
Carol watched Daryl with a frown turning her attention to Rick. "Can we wait here for just a bit longer. Just to see if Devin comes down this way. It's the least we can do…"
Rick sighed, nodding his head slowly. "Okay. We'll gather our supplies. Get what we left on the car. Take a breather." The group seemed to agree, deciding to get whatever supplies they had and put them in the cars that they were going to be using. It was decided that the blue truck would be left behind and the group was to stick to the red truck, green car, and Daryl's bike.
Daryl sat on his bike, ready to get moving. His hands tightened on the handlebars of his hog and he looked down. They'd waited long enough. Devin wasn't coming. The rest of the group was getting the vibe he was sending off and decided it was time to go. Rick nodded to Daryl before heading to the red truck, to start moving the group. "Do any y'all hear that?" Daryl asked before the group got into their cars. Everyone paused, listening. A roar of an engine could be heard coming down the opposite side of the highway.
Maggie and Glenn ran into the grass that separated the highway. "Hey a trucks coming!" Glenn shouted back, causing people to be put on edge. They were wary of people now thanks to Randall saying he was from a larger and more hostile group. Those who had guns got them ready. The truck was approaching quickly with no signs of stopping. The truck finally got up to them and zoomed past, causing everyone to relax until the sound of tires screeching and the smell of burned rubber hit them. Daryl got up off his bike, walking over to where Glenn, Maggie, and now where almost the rest of them were waiting. The reverse lights went on and the truck began to head towards them again, screeching to a halt in front of them. The windows were tinted and the window on the driver side looked almost smashed, obscuring the driver from their view. Guns were held up, ready to fire if need be.
The door opened almost violently and brown popped out over the door, then green eyes popped over the door next, set in a hard glare. "I am tired of y'all pointing that shit at me." Devin finally stood up, well over the door and leaning on the top of the truck, face set in a hard glare. Green eyes flashed over the group before a small smile appeared. "But thank fate that I found y'all." She said, jumping down from the truck and walking over to them. Maggie ran up to Devin, the two brunettes embracing each other fiercely.
"You look like shit. Worse than over half of us." Maggie murmured, rubbing her fingers through Devin's hair. This caused Devin to laugh against Maggie, pulling away and wiping her wet face.
"Well I stabbed more walkers in the head than I shot dead, ran through a pitch black forest getting cut in the face and arms by low branches and who knows what else, I almost gave up and died in my truck here, but then by some miracle this truck came back to life and I got the hell out of being surrounded by over a dozen walkers. I should look like shit right now." Devin explained before being embraced by Beth next, who was crying even harder now.
Hershel came up next, clapping the brunette on the shoulder with a smile. "You need to learn how to use a gun. You can't rely on just a bow." Devin rolled her eyes, glaring at the man, before nodding her head.
Carol came up next to Devin, embracing her as well. The brunette was a little uncomfortable, only because she didn't know Carol as much, but wrapped her arms around the other woman awkwardly. "Thank you, Devin. For helping me out back there." The woman said, leaning back and giving the emerald eyed girl a kind smile. Devin smiled back, nodding her head.
Looking around at the group, Devin smiled, spotting the hardass biker looking at her, corner of his mouth turned up. "So what's the plan?" Devin asked as soon as she was out of peoples arms and standing alone once more in the middle of the group, arms crossed over her chest.
"Well we can leave finally. Took ya long enough princess." Daryl spoke from his seat on his bike. The comment caused a glare to be tossed his way, but the brunette nodded, smiling at the group.
"Then let's go. Should I take my truck or leave it?" Devin asked, looking over to Rick. She didn't know how long that truck would last, but it had a full tank of gas and she was hoping it would run smoothly if she needed it.
"Take it. We don't have a whole lot of room and if we find supplies we can pack it on there." Came the leader's comment. Devin grinned, nodding her head and walking back to the truck.
"Hey Devin! You need this." Beth said, walking back over to the brunette and handing the woman her pack. Devin took it from the blond, a huge smile on her face before giving Beth another tight hug.
Carol walked over to Devin, touching the girl lightly on the arm. "I'm gonna ride with you. I don't know if I can handle hours of riding on the back of that bike." The comment made Devin laugh and nod her head, motioning to the truck.
"Zombie outbreak response team?" Glenn asked, looking at the back window of the truck and laughing. "Where'd you find this truck at Devin?"
The brunette smirked, tossing her pack inside, and getting ready to hop in the truck. "It's mine. Well, mine before all this started. I had to abandon it because it got stuck in the mud almost two miles outside of Hershel's farm. When I was running away from walkers… it was like I was runnin back to it. Kind of a fitting sticker don't you think?" She laughed, hopping into the truck and waiting for Carol to jump in after her.
It felt like we were driving for hours. I mean we were, but it felt like so much longer. Carol dozed off next to me in the truck on and off while I stayed in the back of the car line, keeping up with everyone else. The woman in the seat next to me began to wake up slowly. Carol's eyes turned to me and a small smile appeared on her lips. "Sorry, I didn't mean to doze off like that."
I could only smile back and shake my head. "Don't worry about it. Just make sure let me take a nap sometime too yeah?" I chuckled, turning up the stereo that was currently playing Bad Reputation from Adelitas Way. If my truck fucked up I was going to have to remember to take the CDs with me. I couldn't imagine not listening to music.
I watched as Carol poked around in the glove compartment of my truck. She came pretty much empty handed besides two packs of cigarettes and a bottle of Percocet. I frowned when she pulled out the bottle and just starred at the road ahead of me. I had almost forgotten those were in there. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Carol give me a look before turning the packs of cigarettes in her hands and shaking the bottle in the other. I heard honking in front of us and the red truck's brake lights come on, causing me to slow down my truck. I threw the vehicle into park as soon as I saw those in Rick's truck get out with Carol and I following after.
Walking over to Rick and everyone else I crossed my arms over my chest, rubbing my eyes. "Why'd we stop?" I asked looking around at everyone.
"Runnin' on fumes. Going to have to go get gas in the morning." Rick said, taking off his jacket to give to his son. Now that I had time to think about it, it was getting pretty chilly. Hopefully I had a jacket or a sweatshirt in my toolbox. Haven't opened the thing in ages and when I originally left Atlanta it was hotter than the devil's asshole and I wasn't really thinking about the cold. Rick wanted to set up a camp for the night. Others argued. I rolled my eyes and pulled out a pack of cigarettes that I had shoved in my back pocket from my pack. I had four… well now six and a half packs. I had a feeling with the arguing that would be going on these cigarettes wouldn't be lasting too long.
"You know I found Randall right? He had turned, but he wasn't bit." Daryl informed Rick, causing everyone to quiet down a moment. I was behind Carol, watching Rick as if he contemplated to tell us something. Beth and Lori both questioned how that happened. "Shane killed Randall. Just like he wanted to." Daryl continued. I sighed, looking down at my boots, cigarette dangling between my lips.
"We're all infected." Rick. The comment made my head jerk up, looking at the man in confusion.
"What?" Daryl asked, stepping closer to Rick.
"At the C.D.C. Jenner told me. Whatever it is. We all carry it." Hearing this information, I leaned against the railing, taking harder puffs of the stick. Makes sense… when Daryl said Randall was changed and had no bites.
"And you didn't say anything?" Carol asked in disbelief, voice shaky, as she stepped forward to Rick.
"Would it have made a difference?" Rick asked. No. I thought. It wouldn't matter if he kept it to his grave or told us right away. I put the half burnt cigarette out on the railing next to me before crossing my arms over my chest. Conversation. I looked up to see Glenn and Rick speaking, or arguing. "Well I felt it best that no one did know." Rick concluded, turning on his heel and walking away.
It was quiet. People looking around at each other. I sighed, rubbing my arms and shaking my head. "He's right though. Whether we had found out as soon as he knew or if he told us a year from now, it doesn't matter. There isn't a cure for whatever this is. We all just… turn eventually." I said, watching as everyone turned their attention to me.
Maggie knit her brows together, shaking her head. "How can you think that? We-"
I cut her off, shaking my head. "It doesn't matter Maggie. Do you have the cure to this virus? In medicine there are no cures for viruses. You can prevent them with vaccines. There are very few antivirals out there to help fight off specific viruses and they don't always work. They are also treated differently than bacterial infections which we would use antibiotics. Those don't work on viruses. This is obviously a virus and a virus is supposed to be what the body can fight off, unless it kills you. Think of it as HIV. You have it and one day it's going to kill you except, in this case, if you die whether it be from old age or getting shot, you come back to life as one of those walkers. When you die or get bit, it turns into full blown AIDS and it'll change you into one of 'em." I shook my head, pushing off the railing and walking back towards my truck to find a jacket.
That night there was a fire going on with everyone surrounding it except for T-Dog and Rick who were both on watch. I was lucky enough to have a light jacket and a pullover sweatshirt in my toolbox and was able to be at least warm enough. I had given Carl my light jacket as well because I was getting worried by how he was shivering. The boy was leaning up against my left hand side, trying to keep warm and I just sat there, arm around him and trying to ignore the cold on my nose. It was beginning to sound better and better to have my hood pulled up and the strings pulled tight so it covered half my face. When the boy's mama came back he leaned into her now, leaving me a little chillier. Daryl appeared on my right, adding more wood to the fire. I looked up at him and could tell he was tired. I blushed momentarily when he looked down at me, catching me starring. I just whispered a quick thank you before starring back into the fire.
I heard Carol speak to Daryl in a hushed tone. I tried to listen, but I couldn't tell if I was too tired or I just didn't care enough to try and hear. The Greene's and Glenn were speaking as well and all I wanted to do was tell everyone to shut up. They all did though as soon as cracking of branches was heard, causing everyone to panic slightly. This was my cue for another cigarette. I pulled the pack out of my pocket again and lit it up, watching as the slight panic, turned into full blown. Maggie expressed wanting to move until Rick almost shouted at her, telling her we weren't going anywhere. "Then do something!" Carol shouted at him to which Rick told her he was. He was mad. All I could do was stand up now, stretch my legs, and attempt to walk around some. Arguing wasn't going to get us anywhere and Rick has been our best bet so far.
Standing next to Daryl, we all listened to Rick. He offered us an out. Told us that if we wanted to leave, now was the time. I sure as hell wasn't walking out. I felt we were better off sticking together. No one moved. Seems that they felt the same way if only they would shut up about Rick's decisions. "No takers?" Rick asked, as everyone sheepishly looked at each other. "Fine. Let's just get one thing straight. You're staying, this isn't a democracy anymore."