Chapter Fourteen

I found Michonne the next morning sat in her suddenly empty tent with a blade (I later found out to be called a katana when I asked her about it) on her lap. She sat crossed legged in the middle of the emptiness, her eyes closed and expression peaceful. She almost appeared to be meditating and I wondered if intruding on whatever she was doing was such a good idea. Finally, I coughed lightly to make her aware of my presence.

"You've renovated, I see." I muttered, eyeing the woman as she gazed back carefully.

"Is your stuff ready?" She asked, ignoring my comment. I nodded.

"It's all packed in my tent." I replied. She hummed in reply. "Your stuff already in the van?" She nodded.

"I'll deal with your stuff when I make my laundry round later." She told me, running a finger along her blade. "You're on cooking duty, right?" I nodded. "Try and snatch some food if you can."

"Got it." I sighed, nodding once more. "When are we going to start?" Michonne thought for a moment before getting to her feet, hunching slightly due to the height of the tent.

"Soon. If you have time, make a patrol around the perimeter of the fence. See if you can find any weak spots in the mesh that we could make bigger. Try and be inconspicuous and I'll deal with your baggage." I nodded and sighed once more.

"This is really it, huh?" I murmured. "We're actually going to try and get out of here." Michonne regarded me silently, her expression unreadable.

"This time tomorrow; things will be different." Michonne's optimism was reassuring and she continued with a grim smile. "We'll be free and maybe, just maybe, this place will have burned to the ground, taking all its demons with it."

The top of the RV made a comfortable lounger as Andrea and myself were on watch. The blonde had just gotten back from the shooting practise that day and I decided to join her on her watch that evening to get away from whatever duties Lori kept hinting at me to do. It wasn't like I was being awkward, but after the ordeal at my previous camp, I felt unobliged to join in with the domestic activities. I tried my best to help around camp as much as I could, though tried to avoid that particular area that came with bad memories.

"Daryl told me about something he overheard Rick talking about with Herschel while you were out shooting." I spoke up suddenly, glancing at the woman behind me. She titled her head slightly in my direction, though kept her eyes directed at the tree line.

"Oh?" She asked. I thought for a moment, rerunning my conversation with Daryl in my head and wondering how much I should tell her.

After my 'talk' with Daryl, Herschel and Rick when I first came here, the news of my previous group travelled around to some. I gathered that Herschel may have told his family and Rick would have told Lori. Daryl hadn't told anyone, while I, myself, had ended up telling Andrea and Carol after getting to know the pair but as far as I was concerned, that was the extent that of people that knew. They knew, but didn't tend to talk about it, thankfully. Only Andrea and occasionally Daryl and Rick would ever ask me about it. With Andrea, I had grown into the habit of telling her more than what I did the others. I realised quickly that I was beginning to broaden my trust outwards and onto my blonde companion. With Carol it was different. I still felt a warm level of trust for the woman, but she didn't push me to tell her things. I was grateful for this relationship I had with the woman and knew that all Sophia's stories were true about the woman. She was just as kind-hearted as described

"He's thinking of sending out groups to look for my old camp." I told her. "So we know where they are and can keep a watch on their movements." A frown fell on Andrea's lips.

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"That's what I thought." I murmured in reply, sitting up and folding my legs in front of me. "I don't think it's final yet, but that's what Daryl overheard." Andrea nodded.

"Makes sense, I suppose. The fact they're possibly nearby isn't an exactly comforting thought." I hummed in agreement. Just then there was the sound of raised voices approaching from behind and we both glanced over our shoulders towards the noise.

The voices came from Rick and Shane, who were marching through camp, apparently in the middle of a heated discussion. Shane's face was like thunder, as usual, and Rick's was no better. I had grown used to the pair and their constant arguing though this was apparently one of their worse ones. I had never seen Rick, who always appeared the most level-headed of the two, so angry. It certainly was a baffling sight and Andrea and I glanced at each other.

"What do you reckon it's about?" I wondered, out-loud.

"Maybe Rick's finally told Shane about your other group." Andrea muttered, turning away. "Or maybe just the usual crap; depends on who's fucking Queen Grimes at the moment."

I tried not to let my shock get registered, but I knew if I was drinking something right now, a classical spit take would have ensued. Andrea ignored the blatant look I was giving her and I sighed, only to be hushed when the voices got closer. In an attempt to look conspicuous, I looked away from the two men and lay back down again and out of sight. Andrea stared ahead as before, though I knew she was listening equally as intently as I was.

"-how do you know that, Rick?" Shane could be heard, all but demanding, when they got closer to the RV.

"I don't understand why we're still having this conversation. It's been weeks since Ruby got here. Let it go, Shane." Rick replied just as harshly. I was surprised by the mentioning of my name, it only making me more curious as to what the pair were talking about.

"All I'm saying, man, is that we didn't know the girl when we let her come here, into our home. And now we know about her other group and you're just okay with that? How do we know she ain't some spy or traitor sent to lead the others here and kill us all?" So it seemed that Shane was now aware of my other group. Frowning, I wasn't sure if that was such a good thing. Especially given his current tone.

"Surely she would have done something by now if that was the case?" There was a pause of silence.

"I don't trust her." Rick let out a loud laugh at this.

"You don't trust anyone!" The leader retorted. "Ruby ain't doing any harm here and I'm not just going to lock her up and interrogate her just because you have trust issues." I felt happy hearing Rick's words, glad that I apparently had his trust. It certainly gave me hope.

"Lori said she ain't helping out-"

"'Lori' has a problem with women who don't do as their told." Andrea piped up suddenly, a calm edge to her tone. I glanced at the woman beside me and was slightly thankful I was hidden from sight of the two men on the ground.

"Keep out of this, Andrea." Shane hissed, warningly. Andrea chuckled, glancing briefly over her shoulder at the pair on the ground.

"I'm just stating a fact, Shane." Andrea replied, evenly. "I suggest that if you don't want to be interrupted or heard next time take your 'discussion' else where."

"Andrea's right, Shane. This isn't a conversation to be had in front of the entire camp. Like I said; leave it, I'm not talking to you about this again. I have better things to worry about." Rick's voice was cool and crisp cut. There was a short pause before the sound of footsteps walking away was heard and I gathered one of the two men had left. Which one, I was unsure of for a moment. Though my question was answered quickly.

"Oh and Shane, I won't be needing any of your one-to-one shooting classes anymore. Why not offer some to Lori, I'm sure she'd love to go with you?" Andrea's voice was dripping with sickly sweet sarcasm and I studied the smirk growing on my friend's face. Another set of retreating footsteps was heard and I gathered Shane had left now too. I sat up slowly after a pause.

"You sure are a cow, you know that right?" I muttered to the blonde. She grinned at me and shrugged. "Do I dare ask about these 'one-to-one' classes?" Andrea chuckled with dry humour and shrugged. "Alright, can I ask why you won't be needing them anymore?" Andrea's smirk widened.

"Let's just say, Mr Walsh isn't a very good teacher."

My tent was empty when I returned from my cooking duty; Michonne had obviously taken care of my baggage already like she said she would. I glanced around the bare place I had called my home for a while and knew I would be glad to see the back of it. It certainly wasn't a 'home' I'd miss when we were gone.

Everything was currently going according to plan, thankfully and almost surprisingly. Our stuff was ready to make a getaway with, all loaded up in the van curtsy of Michonne. Merle was informed and ready when we needed to go, food was packed in the van too and Michonne had even taken Toby over to the van and shut him in, ready for us to leave. Setting the ball rolling was all that was left to do.

I sat in my tent, alone, for a long time before Michonne stuck her head inside and gestured for me to follow. I obliged without saying a word and followed Michonne to the edge of camp and by the fence. Quickly, I gathered it was time to patrol the perimeter. Not a word was spoken between us as we got on with the job at hand, walking slowly beside the fence, our eyes studying the mesh for any weak points. No one in camp noticed us thankfully, all too caught up in their various activities. This only made our job easier. When we finally came across a weak spot, it was certainly a blessing to our eyes as we found it tucked away on the far side of camp; away from the men.

"This will do." Michonne stated, rummaging through her pockets before pulling out a large pocket knife. After flicking out the appropriate implement, she set about making the hole in the fence bigger, while I kept watch across camp.

"How long before we start the distraction?" I asked, eyes scanning the tents.

"Very soon." Michonne replied, evenly. "All we really need to do is wait for the guards to switch over and we'll attract a group of them." I glanced over my shoulder to see a small group of the dead further down the fence to where we were, already rattling at the mesh in hunger. There was only a few of them, but they were what we needed to start it all.

"How about them?" I asked, pointing in the group's direction. Michonne stopped in her work to study them before nodding appreciatively.

"They'll do." After opening the fence enough for the dead not to be able to get in, but enough so we could open it quickly when the time came, we hurried back to the tents to gather the final items needed.

Michonne wielded her katana skilfully and I made a mental note to ask her about her blade when we were away from this place, sure it probably had a curious story behind it. I gathered up my gun, bat and knife and then turned to my dark-skinned companion.

"Who does what?" I asked, excitement building, as well as a large amount of fear.

"I'll cut the fence and bring the gathering of dead we have so far in. I'll let a few stragglers in before I create the noise. Then when the men hear it, it may be too late for some." I nodded and handed her my gun, to which she murmured her thanks. "Once you hear the gun shot, the men will react quickly, but will be distracted enough for you to go get our handless friend. You must move fast. This place will be overrun by the dead once I bring them in. Don't get cornered. If the situation becomes too much, leave the redneck and meet me by the van. Don't wait, if there's no hope. Better you survive than the pair of you dying in vain." I nodded obediently. "Once I've let them in, I'll deal with opening the front gate. That should be easy enough. Then I'll head to the van and we'll go."

"Do we have the keys for the van?" I asked. Michonne went into her pocket and pulled them out to show me. "Who takes them?" Michonne thought for a while before throwing them at me and I caught them with ease.

"You should reach the van first, in theory. Get it started if you do, so our exit can be quick." I nodded, shoving the keys into my own pockets, my hands suddenly shaking.

"Is that everything?" I asked, hesitantly. Michonne thought for a moment before nodding.

"I think so." She muttered. We eyed each other for a long time before Michonne held out her hand towards me. "Good luck." I took her hand in mine and shook it, tempted to give her a hug, but knew it was probably a bad idea. The handshake felt bizarre but I didn't expect much more from the friend opposite me.

"You too." I nodded, attempting to smile.

With one last bid of goodbye, Michonne turned and made her way into position, leaving me stood by the burned out camp fire to wait. It felt weird without the presence of Toby, but I glanced across the camp towards the van, knowing that he was just waiting for the bid of freedom in the back. I sighed and fingered the knife on my belt. Soon, we'd be out of here.

Darkness was beginning to cast over camp and my stomach plummeted as time grew wary.

The wait was painful.

Just one gunshot and things were a go.

What could have been minutes, felt like hours, but when I finally heard that echo of a gunshot boom through camp like some kind of rude awakening, I was kick-started into life again and was running full speed towards Merle's tent. Panic ensued around me and I kept my heading focused.

Now for the final push.

I left Andrea's company soon after a somewhat explicit conversation about her and Shane's 'activities' and headed off to find the kids to make sure they were staying out of trouble. As I made my way through camp though, I set eyes on Rick stood by the porch of the farmhouse alone and decided to venture over. Rick always welcomed me warmly and today was no different, despite his heated exchange about me with Shane earlier. The ex-cop smiled upon sighting me, though his expression looked tired.

"You weren't there at shooting practise again." Rick noted once I reached him. "You know you're welcome to join us, if you want to? Everyone is welcome to come." I shrugged, slightly.

"I'm fine, for the moment. I know how to shoot well enough at the moment anyway." I told him. Rick raised an eyebrow and I let out a wary sigh. "Do you trust me, Rick?" The man's eyes widened slightly and he opened his mouth to speak. "I heard your conversation with Shane and I know where his trust is swayed. I just want to know about yours." Rick paused briefly before speaking.

"Ruby, you've done this group no wrong and I therefore find no reason not to trust you. You saved Sophia and have every right to join our group. Don't let what Shane says bother you." The ex-sheriff ran a hand through his hair and let out a tired sigh. "My friend isn't the same as he used to be and I think it's best you just stay out of his way until he finds himself again." I processed this for a moment before nodding. "I'm sorry if we've made you feel uncomfortable in anyway-"

"No, no! I just wanted to be sure." I sighed. "Thank you for telling me." I turned to walk away though stopped and glanced back at Rick. "Are you bothered that I don't help your wife with the domestic jobs?" My question must have taken him by surprise as Rick did not speak for a few long moments.

"Andrea has spoken to me about it. I understand that the pair of you want to find other ways to make yourselves useful to the group and I have no problem with how you go about that." I smiled slightly and nodded once more.

"It's not just that." I began, slightly hesitant. "It's just, my other group made all the women do those jobs. I'm just slightly wary to do that all again after what happened with them." Rick expression was one of understanding.

"You don't have to explain yourself to me, but I can understand that perfectly." The man nodded with a smile. His understanding brought a smile to my face.

"Goodnight, Rick." I turned to go, only to be stopped by Rick again.

"Ruby, can I ask you something?" I paused and raised an eyebrow in question, waiting for the man to continue. "How did you do it?" I frowned in confusion. "Manage so long on your own? Only, we here are a large group and we have struggled to survive. How have you managed without anyone?" I thought for a moment, debating on how to answer his question.

"It was hard at first." I admitted finally. "It's hard really to describe the isolation and fear that comes with going it alone. Every day is a struggle from morning to night. Each moment you're waiting for your life to end and when I closed my eyes to go to sleep all I could dream about is pain and suffering. I lived in constant fear of everything, even myself." I paused, averting my eyes from the man's strong gaze. With a sigh, I carried on. "You tone it out. You forget about how things were before. Your emotions are hidden away because you can't afford to be weak when you have no one there to guard your back. I forgot what it was like to interact with other humans before Sophia came along. I thought I was incapable of trusting again after the last group." I glanced up and met Rick's gaze. "You think I'm a blessing to your group because I saved Sophia? I'm afraid you're mistaken, as I think it was rather Sophia saved me. She made me capable of trusting and caring again. I owe a lot to that one little girl."

Rick didn't speak for a long moment, his face thoughtful. After a pause, he smiled warmly at me and nodded.

"Goodnight, Ruby."

And with that, I walked away. Leaving the ex-sheriff by the porch steps to his thoughts as I went to settle in for the night.

Screams.

The dead must have hit the female side of camp first and my stomach plummeted for a moment at the thought. I continued though, making my way quickly through the rush of people and maze of tents. I had a job to do and I knew Michonne was counting on me right now. The men were all passing me, sparing me no glances, as they rushed by with their guns and weapons alike. When I glanced over my shoulder, I could make out the figures that were pouring into camp now - the dead. Michonne was right about the gunshot, there was definitely a lot more than that original group now. They were coming now by the hordes, it seemed.

I reached Merle's tent just as the firing began and I quickly rushed in. The hillbilly was sat up when I entered, an expression implacable.

"Ya late." He muttered, holding out his bound arms and allowing me to cut through the ropes with my knife. I ignored his comment and gathered up the medical bag I had left in his tent before. Quickly, I helped Merle to his feet and pulled him outside.

I paused at the entrance, glancing around at the chaos around me. The chaos I had helped create.

The screams were just barely masked by the gunshots and it wasn't just women screaming now. The dead were everywhere and the men were still attempting to dispatch them. Briefly, I felt guilty for inflicting such pain on these people, as for a moment they weren't the monsters I had always envisioned them to be. The thought was quickly blurred out though when a voice caught my attention over the noise.

"Look out!" Merle hissed quickly, tugging my arm with his only hand. I turned just in time to set eyes on a staggering corpse coming towards us. With no time to think, I gripped the blade in my hand and stabbed it straight into the dead person's head. There was a pause before it fell to the ground.

"Thanks." I muttered, nodding at Merle. His lips were a tight line, his eyes watching me. With a sigh, I handed the man my knife before taking out my bat. Though he said nothing, he nodded with appreciation. "C'mon." I led the way towards the van, amongst the mass of people.

Madness. That was all that could describe the world around us.

Merle and I were met with several of the dead trying to kill us on our way towards the van, though we quickly dispatched them and kept moving. Merle was surprisingly more than capable with only my knife, I observed. More than I expected him to be. He cleared out the dead that crossed his pass with an angry look in his eye, that I didn't say anything of. The white van was clear in my sights and we weaved in and around tents, past the fallen and the ones hungry for our flesh to reach it.

Suddenly though, there was an explosion that stopped everyone in their tracks. When I glanced over my shoulder, I saw a few tents on fire, by one of the vehicles and gathered that to be the cause. The screaming still continued as well as the bellowing of orders coming from somewhere in the centre of camp, which I realised was probably where Philip or Laurent were. Without another moment to waste, I tugged at Merle's arm to get him moving once more.

When we reached the van, I hoisted up the back shutter with one quick boost of strength. Inside was Michonne's and my bags as well as Toby, who looked exceptionally happy to see me and a little flustered at all the noise going on outside. I patted the dog once on the head before shooing him away and turning to Merle.

"Get in." I saw the man's jaw tightened and I expected a retort, though he got in without any complaints. I shut the shutter behind me, making sure it was secure and rushed around to the front, pulling open the door. Just when I was about to hop in, a scream erupted nearby, catching my attention immediately.

I knew that scream.

Jessica.

Caught between what to do and what I wanted to do, I glanced around to try and make out my sister, as well as trying to and find Michonne. Neither were visible and I cursed myself for not knowing what to do. Pausing to think, I felt the frustration brewing as I began to panic. When Jessica screamed again, my mind was made up. I reacted without any thinking though.

"Wait here." I called to Merle, throwing the van keys onto the front seat and slamming the door shut behind me, not waiting to see the look of confusion on the man's face.

I ran back into the main part of camp without really thinking, only looking frantically for my sister. The mass of people crossed my path, no one really bothered about my presence. Men darted past with guns and the sounds of bullets were going off all around me. My attention was focused on only finding Jessica though and I blocked it all out. When I spotted her, I stopped in my tracks. She was attempting to crawl away as the staggering body of a man was coming towards her. I made no hesitation in rushing forward, raising my bat and whacking the man clean off his feet. Once the dead man fell back, I aimed for his head without a second thought.

Once I was done with the body, I turned to Jessica who stared up at me with tear filled eyes. Despite all the trouble that was between us and the arguments that had occurred over the past few weeks, the vulnerability in her eyes made me stop and think. I couldn't leave her, I reasoned with myself. She was my sister. No amount of arguments were going to change that.

"Jessica," I helped her to her feet and glanced around quickly, making sure nothing would be staggering towards us, trying to kill us. "We need to go."

"I need to find Philip." She stated, ignoring my comment. I looked around again frantically, silently begging Jessica to not do this. Not now.

"There's no time for that, we must leave now!" I tried again. She shook her head, tears falling.

"You don't understand; I love him." I felt bile rise up into my throat at the statement but knew arguing would only waste time. I gripped my sister's wrist and attempted to tug her in the direction of the van. She stood firm though and I was surprised at how strong she actually was as I was incapable of moving her.

"We have a chance to get out now, Jessica. Michonne and I planned for this to happen. This is our chance to be saved and you need to come with me." I knew that I had said something wrong when Jessica's eyes turned hard on me, a frown on her lips.

"You did this?" She murmured, eyes wide. There was silence between us as we merely stared at each other, as if the world around us was not happening.

It was then that I realised that Jessica was not my sister anymore. Not the sister I once knew anyway. The look she gave me was as if she didn't quite know who I was, and to me she was someone I didn't recognise anymore. I missed the carefree smile on her face, the sound of her laughter when she teased me and the vulnerable look she held when she was sad. There was no traces of that in her anymore and I knew that it had been destroyed in this new change in the world. I was different, she was different; we were both different.

I knew right there and then that she would not come with me and my grip loosened around her wrist enough so she could yank it away. Jessica shook her head at me with disgust. Though I managed a glare back.

"I did this to save us." I told her, blankly.

"No," She shook her head, her tone bitter. "You did this to save yourself." A distant call alerted Jessica's attention and I recognised it to be the sound of the boss shouting somewhere. "I need to tell him." She muttered, more to herself. "I need to tell Philip what you've done." Before I could say anything, she turned and she ran, leaving me completely in shock by this new revelation. She had betrayed me. She had betrayed me for him.

I had surely lost my sister, it seemed.

A rotting hand suddenly gripped my arm and the smell of human flesh filled my nose. I had no time to react before I tripped and fell with the dead person landing on top of me. I half-heartedly attempted to hold it off, though wondered if it would be better to let them just eat me and stop prolonging my evident demise, though suddenly the dead person fell limp and lifeless before I could give it another thought.

Laurent stood over me, knife and rifle in hand, and carelessly kicked the body off me. He helped me up before staring down at me with wonder. I attempted to bypass around him, intentions of heading straight back to the van, though he gripped my arm hard.

"You're making a big mistake, Ruby." He muttered, eyes darkening.

"Let go of me." I hissed, struggling. He did nothing for a while, merely stared at me before he obliged and I stumbled away a little in shock. I didn't think he'd take to it so easily.

"Be careful." Laurent stated coldly, a sickening smirk appearing on his lips. I glared at the older man before me, the man that had taken care of me since the start of the outbreak. Laurent was different too and I wasn't sure if that was such a good thing. I didn't know what to think anymore. What to think about anything.

"Oh, don't worry I will." I moved around him and was all set for leaving when his voice stopped me once more.

"I'll see you around then." He called. I froze for a moment, not sure what to say. Not turning back to look at him, I replied with a bitter tone;

"I sincerely hope not." And with that I finally ran away, back through the tents and people and back towards the van. Away from Laurent, away from the hungry dead and away from my sister. My heart was aching at what had happened.

Michonne was pacing by the van when I eventually made it back, her eyes distraught. I felt guilty for doing this to her, not sticking with the plan, but there was no time to regret and explain myself to her. We needed to get away as soon as possible, now we had the chance. When she saw me, her expression hardened and I saw her hands grip her katana tighter. Her mouth opened though, ready to shout at me, no doubt, and I cut her off quickly.

"No time, lets go." I cried, pulling open the drivers door and hauling myself in. It was only a matter of seconds before the other door opened and Michonne joined me in the front, her expression still hard and thoughtful. I started the engine quickly, not allowing myself to think too much on it until we were at a safe distance away from this place.

"Glad you could finally join us, sugar." Merle's voice called from in the back. I glanced over my shoulder at him, to see a large tooth-filled smirk on the redneck's face.

"I almost left without you." Michonne muttered. I turned at her but said nothing, merely raised an eyebrow. I had expected as much. Without speaking of it, I turned the ignition. The van roared into life and I got the thing into motion. Soon we were moving and speeding towards the open gates to the camp. Michonne's job was done perfectly and the gates were open, ready for our approach. No guards stopped us, too occupied, and we were able to just drive straight through without a hitch.

The screams and shooting could still be heard but they began to fade as we crossed over the threshold of camp and were speeding further and further away from the football field we'd lived in for so long now. My stomach lurched with a strange feeling and I couldn't help but feel overwhelming happy in that moment, despite what had happened with my sister. My driving was something left to be desired but was sufficient enough as a getaway driver. I glanced in the side mirror at the enflamed camp we were leaving behind us and sighed.

"We did it." I muttered, not quite believing my own words. Beside me, Michonne chuckled and glancing briefly at her, I saw her expression had softened considerably.

"Yeah, we did." She was grinning, I could tell. When I spared another glance at her, I saw a smile I had not seen before. A smile so full of honesty and sincerity that it made me smile too. "We're leaving the madness behind." My own smile fell a little, my thoughts drifting, and I turned back to the road. I thought of my sister then, but didn't voice my thoughts to Michonne. The betrayal was sore as I mulled it all over.

"So," An obnoxious voice called. There was a series of clatters and the sound of movement before the redneck's dirty face appeared between us, a smirk on his lips. "Where we headin' to ladies?" He glanced between us, eyes settling on Michonne for a moment. "Now, I didn't realise ya friend was a nigga." I saw the dry look Michonne gave him, though saw no hurt done by his words.

"And yet I realised that you were a dirty great redneck. Hard to really hide yourself, huh?" She retorted. Merle chuckled a little.

"Lighten up, darlin', we're free!" He cried, his statement truly summing up a lot of things right now.

We were an unlikely bunch and though we were free now there were bound to be troubles a head, I just knew it. Judging by the obnoxious attitude and unsurprisingly racist tone of Merle's, there were going to be an argument or two between the three of us. Michonne's general stubborn attitude too wouldn't help either. Though for the moment, we were content with the moment we had, speeding away in a busted up van away from the burning chaos that had all but destroyed us.

(Author's Note): Another chapter for you all that isn't too late, are you impressed?

So this is the getaway from the old camp; do you guys like it? I guess to me it seemed a little rushed which I can change if everyone else thinks it's rubbish or naff. And apologises for the racisim on Merle's behalf - I really didn't want to write it but I guess you all understand that it's Merle's character and not me.

You guys liking this story then? I know it's probably a little slow at the moment, but I have a lot more planned out which I'm sure you guys will love! How do you like the characters then? Am I keeping the show's cast in character? Still would love to know any suggestions for Ruby/Daryl interactions.

Thanks for the reviews/messages/favourites/alerts etc so far, you guys are awesome. I hope to have an update up soonish for you all!