Merle decided to stay with us up in the watch tower. He was quiet, which said a lot about what he was going through. Merle was never quiet. Daryl informed me that Alana had slept soundly since I took the dogs out, which put a smile on my face as I pulled Blade into my lap, his dark, thick fur providing little warmth against the cool spring air.

"Are ya cold?" Daryl asked softly, seeing my shiver against the dog's body.

"A little," I said truthfully, trying to find some warmth up in the small, cold room.

"Here," Daryl said, shrugging off his jacket. I was about to object, but he heaved it at me, giving me little choice. Warmth radiated off the fabric. I pulled it around me, smiling in spite of myself at the heat.

"Thanks," I said softly, my eyelids growing heavy with sleep. I buried myself under the warmth of the jacket, my mind drifting to simpler times.

When morning came, I was overly aware of how stiff my body was from sleeping on the hard floor. Alana was half in my lap, half in Daryl's, her head resting against his chest. Blade was sprawled out at our feet, his tail thumping softly against my leg. Riley stood guard, his eyes watching for any type of movement. Merle was snoring loudly in the chair, his body at an awkward angle. And Daryl, well Daryl was staring down at me, his blue eyes shining with amusement.

"What?" I spat, trying to work the stiffness out of my neck.

"You talk in your sleep," he informed me.

"I do?" I squeaked. I blinked, trying to remember what I had been dreaming about.

"Uh-huh," he chuckled. I felt heat rising to my cheeks as I looked away. Blade looked at me with hungry, eager eyes. The way Riley shifted made me think he was hungry too.

"Alana, wake up, honey, it's morning," I said, shaking the little girl.

"5 more minutes mommy," she mumbled, pulling the thin blanket over her head.

"Uh-uh kiddo, rise and shine," I giggled, pulling her into my arms. She groaned and looked up at me, her eyes squinted against the bright sunlight.

"Why?" she asked, reminding me again just how young she was.

"The dogs want breakfast, and I kinda do too," I chuckled. "C'mon, you can take a nap later."

"Mmm" she muttered, burying her face in my chest.

"C'mon sleepy, I need to stretch," I laughed, rolling her off my lap. She groaned and sat up, giving me the most adorable annoyed look ever. I ruffled her hair before standing, my back aching from the odd angle I'd slept in. "Be down stairs in five minutes," I told the little girl before clipping the leashes to both of the dogs. They padded down the stairs, eager to get some fresh air.

Once outside, I was surprised to see various members of the group already up and tending to their morning chores. Carol and Maggie were taking out walkers on the fence, Rick was pacing the grounds, his expression one of a crazed man. Glenn was hovering, not really doing much of anything.

I could see Beth by the entrance, baby Judith in her arms. Carl stood nearby, watching his little sister with a strained expression.

I didn't need to be told to know what was going on.

"Merle's to leave today," Glenn said with a shake of his head. "We can't keep him here."

"Like hell," I shot back. Riley looked up at me, a growl rippling through his body. I unclipped the leash and sent the dog to go for a lap around the yard. "Whose decision was that?"

"It was a group decision," Glenn said, his voice shaking just slightly.

"Uh-huh," I spat bitterly. "I'm sure it was."

"Why are you so hung up on him anyway? Is it 'cause you have a thing for Daryl?" Glenn shot back.

"What? No!" I spat. "I couldn't care less if Merle's Daryl's brother!"

"Right. So you just pick all the assholes to defend, huh?" Glenn said, his face reddening with rage.

"You're a sick man, Glenn," I sighed, shaking my head. "My daughter and I will be moving on as well then."

"You can't leave!" Rick shouted, coming up to us, his hands balled into fists. My eyes shot to his hands, before meeting his.

"Threatening girls now, Officer Friendly?" Merle snarled, coming up behind me. Daryl was close behind, Alana hiding behind him.

"Ain't a threat," Rick growled. "No one but you's leavin' today."

"Can't do that, Rick," Glenn said gently. "We all already know if Merle goes, Daryl's sure to follow."

"Harleigh and the girl stay," Rick snarled. He raised his fist, only to meet a very angry crossbow wielding man in his face.

"Back off, Rick," Daryl said firmly. I shrank back, not entirely ready to get punched in the face by an ex-cop.

"Two hours and I want you out," Rick growled at Merle. Merle shrugged, not all too concerned with Rick's demand.

"Fine," he said, turning on his heel. Blade followed after him, making it very clear which group he trusted more. I said nothing as I picked Alana up and carried her back into the cell block, where we quickly threw what little we had into our bags.

"Mommy, I thought it was safe here?" she asked me as she pulled her teddy bear to her chest.

"So did I, Alana," I said, my tone emotionless. "Back your clothes, c'mon now."

"But mommy," she said, her eyes filling with tears.

"We'll be safe, don't you worry," I said.

"Harleigh, can I have a word?" Carol's soft, motherly tone called from outside our cell. I really didn't want to hear what the woman had to say, but I figured it was worth a few minutes of my time.

I looked at Alana, who was busy tucking her clothes into her bag. Riley stood beside her, always watching, always protectively. Blade could be heard out in the common room, no doubt up on the perch with the brothers. With a deep sigh, I stood up, my knife carefully hidden in my waistband, just in case the conversation went south. I followed Carol over to the wall, where she looked at me with troubled eyes.

"Listen, Harleigh, there's something I've wanted to get off my chest since you arrived," she said softly, almost as if she were afraid to piss me off. I couldn't help but smile to myself, it seemed almost ironic that this strong, relatively fearless woman was afraid of me. I wasn't a horrible person for thinking such thoughts, I was a realist. This woman showed no fear on crushing other people's emotions, yet here she stood, fumbling over her words while trying to talk to me.

"Make it fast, Carol, I've got things to pack."

"It's about Daryl," she said, her tone changing to one of bitterness. My heart dropped. What had I done wrong now?

A/n - Just a little filler for you guys. Haha, I have to get up and go to work, so I didn't want to get into the writing mood and lose my mojo before work. :P Expect an awesome chapter tomorrow or Friday, since I'm off! :D