Chapter Twenty Five

I observed from the sidelines as the men talked things out. My presence wasn't needed so much anymore but as I hadn't been told otherwise, I remained as I was. Part of me wondered if I should go and see if Glenn was alright, but I reminded myself that Herschel was with him and was the best care he could get. Plus I didn't think I would be much help. Going to check on Sophia was another thought that crossed my mind, but again I didn't want to leave uncase Rick needed me to stay. And the girl probably knew I was fine anyway and needn't be worried.

Rick decided that we would take the prisoners outside, see things for themselves. As if running through pitch black corridors, chased by their dead inmates wasn't enough. I was given no orders to leave but lingered as T-Dog led the way and as Daryl and Rick kept the prisoners in line. It was Shane that urged me to join them, bringing up the rear with him, with a jilt of his head. I nodded once in return, though was surprised when it appeared Shane insisted on walking beside me. It didn't take too long for me to work out Shane only wanted to walk beside me to bombard me with questions.

"So?" He muttered, drawing his pace back a little so the others wouldn't hear him. I felt obliged to even his strides and we fell back from the group, though our eyes remained trained on the prisoners - Thomas' and Daryl's confrontation had certainly set us on edge.

"So what?" I asked in return.

"So, what the hell happened? Why the hell we playin' prison guards?" I exhaled deeply through my nose and quickly recounted the meeting of the prisoners to Shane. He listened silently and when I glanced up at him, his eyebrows are burrowed in irritation. "You just found 'em locked up in a cafeteria?" I shrugged.

"Pretty much. Axel told us that the guards had locked them in there during the outbreak; probably to keep them safe. Obviously the guards didn't make it so they've been stuck there ever since."

"Axel?" Shane snorted. "You gettin' friendly with them now?" I rolled my eyes and didn't even grace his question with an answer. It didn't appear Shane expected one. "I don't trust them." It was now my turn to snort.

"You don't trust anyone." I told him. "Pretty sure you've still got trust issues with me." Shane was silent for a long time.

"Rick's gonna go soft." He carried on, ignoring my comment. "What we gotta do is unlock those gates and send 'em on their merry way. They can not stay here."

"Technically, they were here first." I pointed out, irreverently.

"Finders keepers." Shane muttered.

The creaking of a door being opened cut through the conversation as T-Dog opened the large metal doorway out into the yard. Light blinded my eyes for a moment, but I adjusted quickly and followed the group out into the yard. Shane secured the door behind us and we all stood back as the prisoners explored the yard, relishing in the outside air. It was disconcerning that they didn't appear to notice their dead fellow prisoners littering the yard. It was Axel who lingered close to us, his eyes drifting amongst the dead, a solemn and almost terrified expression on his face.

"Did you do this?" Thomas asked, gesturing to the numerous bodies. Rick merely raised an eyebrow in response and Thomas whistled loudly.

"A lotta bodies." Big Tiny noted, sharing a look with Andrew. "Must of taken a lot of you to take them all down." A pause of silence. "How many of you are there?"

"Enough." Rick replied, shortly. His tone was guarded, as was his expression. I caught the way his eyes darted between each of the prisoners with uncertainty. I knew he was wary of trusting them but I didn't know if his distrust stretched as far as Shane's. I didn't expect so. Shane's distrust was on a whole other world to everyone elses.

"Hey, we mean no harm!" Thomas tried, attempting to smile good-heartedly. "We've been locked away for so long, we don't know what's happening outside. That ain't our fault. And I know we've committed crimes, but that's all in the past now." He paused, glancing between us. "We're good people."

"Explain why you had a gun on my man then?" Rick challenged, eyes wandering to the firearm at the inmates waist. Thomas snorted, eyeing up Daryl cautiously.

"You had guns on us, remember?" He reminded. "Your man bashed me around the head, I was just defending myself."

"You obviously gave him reason to react like that." Rick muttered. Thomas's eyes briefly passed over me before he turned his full attention back to Rick.

"So, what do you intend to do with us?" His question sent Rick silent for a moment and I saw Shane turn to his friend with a hardened expression. Rick's expression, however, had softened and for the first time during this exchange he looked unsure.

"I haven't decided yet." Rick confessed finally. Andrew snorted.

"Haven't decided? Buddy, we don't have to do what you want-" Andrew was cut off when Thomas shot him a dark look.

"We ain't exactly in the position to be making those kinda decisions, man." Big Tiny muttered to the shorter man. Axel remained silent, arms folded across his chest, his expression increasingly awkward.

"And what are your options?" Thomas challenged quietly. "You goin' to throw us out? Let us out in the big wide world after all you've told us?" Rick remained silent, not lowering his gaze as Thomas stared back defiantly. "Like I said, we're good people."

"We can help you." Axel continued, almost pleaded. "Help with gettin' rid of those things. We can help look after your people; you can't let us go out there!" Shane snorted.

"We can do whatever we please; we hold the power right now." Shane muttered. "So, don't get too comfy-"

"Shane." Rick cut his friend off with a single word and a look. The pair observed each silently, communicating without words. The rest of us remained in waiting, to see what the pair would do. Finally, Rick broke away from the stare and back to the prisoners, his face softer than before. "You're gonna have to let us discuss this before any decision can be made-"

"We can show you to the kitchens." Axel cut in. "There's lots of food that you can take for your group. And an infirmary - sure it got plenty of medicine. And Block A will be bound to have plenty more weapons in-"

"Shut up." Thomas hissed, silencing the man.

"Stop the begging, man." Big Tiny sighed, folding his large arms across his chest. "We ain't gonna stoop that low." Judging by Axel's face he was more than happy to.

There was a long moments silence as Rick's eyes scanned the prisoners, his face thoughtful. You could practically hear his brain tinkering through the prospects of letting them stay with us or not - ideas being thrown here and there as he tried to figure out a suitable outcome to this issue. I gazed at the prisoners too, taking in their appearance and wondering what I'd do if I was leader and had to make that decision.

"Rick?!" Shane hissed suddenly, breaking the silence. He looked positively fuming, while Rick just looked confused by his partner's anger. Shane turned to the four prisoners. "Amuse yourselves for a moment? Gotta talk things out." He didn't even wait for a reply from them before he had marched away, beckoning us to follow.

We followed Shane and formed a small group, eyes glancing towards the prisoners warily as the continued to survey the courtyard, chatting quietly to each other. Our attention was on Shane as he seemed more than happy to lead the discussion.

"What the hell, man?" He demanded. Rick raised an eyebrow and Shane pointed arrogantly towards the prisoners. "You're actually considering lettin' them in?" Rick paused and sighed.

"Shane, we can't just throw them out-"

"Why the hell not?!" Shane looked positively seething. "Man, these are the kinda people you and I used to help put away. You think I'm just gonna be content sleeping next to these people? And what about Carl and Lori? You're gonna willingly take a group of criminals into the cell block with them?"

"It's not about them being criminals, Shane!" Rick hissed. "They're people too. You can't really expect they'd survive out there if we made them leave."

"Why not?" Shane snorted. "We did."

"But we didn't have this kind of opportunity!" Rick cried, silencing his friend. "Just because the world's changed, doesn't mean our morals have too." Shane's eyes narrowed and he remained silent for a long time. Rick glanced at the rest of us. "What about you three?" T-Dog shrugged, glancing towards the four inmates.

"They'd give the group extra muscle that's for sure." He mused. "Muscle we need. I reckon we should give them a chance; said they'd show us where the infirmary and kitchens are. They could help us clear out the rest of the prison. Having four extra pair of hands on board sounds quite inviting."

"Not when those hands might pull a gun on ya." Daryl muttered, earning a raised eyebrow from T-Dog. "I don't trust 'em either, Rick." His eyes seemed more trained on Thomas as he said that. "Shane's right; they're criminals. One of 'em is in 'ere for murder, that doesn't exactly scream invitin'."

"People can change though." I reminded him. "Your brother may be a prime example of that." Daryl's eyes narrowed as he gazed at me. I swallowed hard and continued. "Plus he could have been in the same position as them. Would you want someone to sell him short like this?"

"Ain't Merle; ain't my problem." Was Daryl's short answer and I frowned at the man.

"What are you thinking, Rick?" T-Dog asked, folding his arms across his chest. Rick sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I want to give them a chance." Rick began, Shane snorted. "We can keep watch on them, give them chances to redeem themselves. T-Dog's right, they can show us the infirmary and kitchens as well as other cell blocks."

"And if they pull a gun on us and some of us get hurt?" Shane hissed. Rick stared evenly back at his friend.

"Then I know what needs to be done." Rick muttered. "But we can't speculate things they may do before we even give them a chance. Everyone deserves a chance."

"Still don't trust them." Daryl breathed, staring down at the ground and looking thoroughly disheartened by the decision. "But I'll stand by ya if you reckon it's the best thing to do." Rick smiled warmly at the hunter and Daryl managed a ghost of one in return.

"I think you're fuckin' crazy." Shane sneered, though Rick ignored him. I glanced back at the prisoners, eyes meeting Thomas's briefly and I decided then that I didn't like him one bit. There was something in his eyes that just screamed suspicious and I knew that things wouldn't be so easy from now on.

Not that we'd been living in paradise anyway.

"Do you have a heading?" Laurent asked me. I raised an eyebrow. "Have you planned on going anywhere specifically or are you hoping to come across somewhere safe?" I snorted.

"Hell, I don't even know where I am now." I told him with a shrug. "Guess I'm just surviving, hoping that something good will come my way." Laurent frowned slightly.

"It's not really safe for you on your own."

"I've managed this far, haven't I?" I narrowed my eyes, not liking his tone.

"You could always come back?" I laughed dryly.

"Yes, because I'd be welcomed with open arms." I muttered. Laurent thought for a moment, his face pensive.

"I could talk to the Governor? See if he'd be willing if you make an apology-"

"Are you serious?" I cried. "There's a reason I left you guys! I can assure you, I have no intention of going back!" Laurent then narrowed his eyes at me.

"I wouldn't sell us out so quickly, Ruby. I don't think you should hold out on that 'good thing' that will be 'coming your way' because you might find yourself disappointed." His tone was deadly serious and I couldn't help but snort at his comments.

"And I don't think you should hold out on me coming back to you guys any time soon either." I replied shortly.

It had been a few weeks - perhaps a month or so? - now since we had come across the prison. We had developed routines and habits now, some people were starting to call this place a home. Things were certainly looking up for us now.

With the aid of the inmates, we had delved into the food supply from the kitchens the prisoners were holding out in. It had enough food to last us a long time and we knew there was bound to be more kitchens to find inside the prison. We had found a small infirmary, though we only provided minimal things as it seemed it had been overrun in the outbreak and wasn't in the best of states. Our plan to clear out more of the prison was gradual but that was what Rick wanted. He didn't want us to attack to the prison at full force and said that little parts at a time was good. It seemed to be working so far and the only injuries that had been sustained was that from Glenn on the first run out into the prison.

What still hung over us though was the suspicion of the prisoners. When they were first introduced to the rest of the group, I could see the expressions amongst the others. They didn't like it. The four inmates were watched over nearly all of the time and we took it in turns on who was watching over them - usually pairing up when we did. They all slept on the ground floor of the cell block, in their own cells, so whoever was on watch during the night had the greater task of watching the doors and the prisoners.

In their defence, they had pulled their weight. After establishing how to take down walkers, the provided admiral 'muscle power' as T-Dog described it. Rick had banned their brandishing of weapons unless it was to leave the secure zones of the prison and enter the rest of it to help clear it out. They seemed fairly calm about this decision, though Thomas was very adamant to give up his gun initially.

Thomas was most definitely the highest point of suspicion. I had overheard Lori and Maggie discussing him once and how uncomfortable they felt by his stares and words. I had to agree, though from my past experience I was much more immune to his looks and comments, which is more than I could say for the other women.

Despite the setback of the wary prisoners however, things were certainly running well. Rick had brought back the shooting practise and I had offered Sophia up upon her request. Lori was very uneasy when Carl asked to join too and had given in after Shane and Rick put the pressure on her. I could still see in her eyes that she didn't like the gun that was permanently attached to her son's belt now but she held her tongue.

While others seemed more concerned about the prisoner's presence, I guess what I was more concerned about was the growing tension between Rick and Shane. I was unsure if anyone had noticed it yet, but from observation I could see something was brewing between the pair of them. Just from the looks they gave one and other as well as the harsh comments back and forth was enough to alert me that they were heading for a collision. One that I was sure would not be pretty.

"Ya girl is shootin' pretty good." A voice arose from seemingly nowhere. Currently everyone was outside in either the grass compound or the yard of the prison. Shooting practise was on and people were either learning or observing from the sidelines. Plus it was a surprisingly sunny day which no one appeared to want to waste. The mood was so calm and chilled for once; God knows we needed a blissful day like this.

I was sat on the grass, Toby beside me and longing happily on the soft ground, not needing to be alert for a change. Glancing up, I saw Axel stood over me, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jumpsuit. I quickly remembered his comment and glanced towards where Rick was adjusting Sophia's aim.

"She isn't mine." I muttered, before smiling slightly at the man. He shuffled uncomfortably.

"You 'er sister then?" He asked.

"Nope." I grinned at the man's awkwardness, accustomed to his nature. Axel had firmly gained my trust over the past month. I had realised quickly that the man had nothing to fear and seemed to only want to help. I had noticed others realised this too and he was probably the only one of the prisoners who wasn't regarded with suspicion anymore. "She lost her family, as have I. So, I took her in."

"Sorry to hear that." Axel said. "Can't say I know what's happened to mine." I felt saddened a little by the comment and frowned. "She's lucky to have you." I raised an eyebrow at him. "You're doing right by her." I laughed a little.

"Quite a bold statement." I muttered. Axel shrugged.

"Only state what I see." There was a moment of silence as the pair of us contemplated what each other had said. I mused to myself, staring at Sophia and thinking about how far the pair of us had come together.

Sophia was strong, stronger than a lot of people in the group. How she had managed to hold herself together after what had happened to her mother was beyond me, and yet I remembered that Iwas the same too. I didn't cry for quite some time until one day the impact of my parents' deaths hit me and I let it all out in one go. I wondered if that's where Sophia was heading; for one big breakdown. I would hear her sometimes talking to herself and when I listened carefully I realised she was talking to Carol through prayers. I didn't even know she was religious. I guessed that was what was keeping her strong, knowing that her mother was in a better place. Heaven. I honestly had to admire her.

"Guess it was pretty lucky you guys came across this place, huh?" Axel continued. I glanced up at him and then back at Sophia. "Pretty lucky for us, I'd say; would have been stuck in those kitchens for a long time without ya help."

"Plenty of food." I pointed out, smiling slightly. He chuckled and glanced down at me.

"Not great company though." He replied.

My eyes were then drawn to his fellow inmates. Thomas and Andrew were stood together, observing the shooting practise and talking quietly with each other. Their eyes darted amongst the group and I waited until they passed by Axel and myself to meet their gaze. Thomas almost sneered before waving sarcastically at us. I narrowed my eyes and didn't respond. This only made them snigger and their attention was averted again. I frowned thoughtfully.

"What's his deal?" I asked, eyes still on Thomas and Andrew. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Axel shift on his feet. "He always been an ass?" Axel chuckled.

"Before all this happened, I didn't really know any of these guys. They were in my cell block, but I avoided them." Axel admitted, shrugging when I glanced up at him. "Avoided everyone to be honest." I watched his face fall slightly as he stared off in wonder. There was silence for a moment and I bit my lip a little.

"So, dealing narcotics, huh?" I teased lightly. Axel laughed and shrugged, glancing down at me.

"What can I say? He muttered, smiling. He opened his mouth to say something though closed it immediately, his eyes trained on something. I followed Axel's gaze and saw Daryl making his way towards us. Axel tensed up and turned to me. "See you later." Without waiting for a reply, Axel shuffled away, his head bowed as Daryl passed by, the latter eyeing him up dangerously.

"What he want?" Daryl practically demanded when he reached me, staring down almost accusingly at me. I raised an eyebrow.

"Just chatting." I told him. Daryl didn't seem to like my answer and studied me for a moment before glancing over his shoulders towards where Axel had found himself beside Big Tiny. "There a problem with that?" Daryl's head turned to me in an instant and his gaze was hard.

"Don't get too friendly; they ain't our people." Daryl said, firmly. I sighed, knowing that Daryl had hated Rick's decision to let them stay from the very start and hadn't even bothered hiding it. Especially to me. He seemed to hound me constantly whenever I even spoke two words to one of them. It was safe to say I was getting sick of it now.

"Axel's nice enough. I'm not going to be rude just because you want me to. Just because they're not 'our people' doesn't mean they're not people." I practically snapped at the man. I was surprised by my tone but put it down to the exhaustion of defending my same argument against Daryl over the past month. Daryl seemed just as much surprised and raised an eyebrow before glaring at me.

"They're criminals-"

"Just like your brother?" I cut in, shortly. Silence. Daryl and I regarded each other, the former fuming. I didn't shy away though. "I didn't sell Merle short even after all the rude and obnoxious comments he said to me. I could have easily left him behind in that camp to get killed. But I didn't. I gave him a chance and it paid off, why are they any different?"

"You didn't know Merle had been to prison until I told you. We know these people have committed crimes, one of 'em has murdered for Christ sake-"

"And the rest of us haven't?" I demanded, pointing towards a small gathering of walkers at the fence. "Killing is a big part of our day remember!"

"Killing a walker is different than killing a human." Daryl snarled, crouching down in front of me, his face dangerous. I was surprised how calm I was now; weeks ago I would have cowered away from the hunter.

"Not all of them are in for murder." I pointed out, not letting go. Daryl snorted. "Andrew is in for breaking and entering, Thomas for fraud, Axel for dealing-"

"You don't get it do ya?" Daryl cried, gathering more attention than I wanted. I glanced around, noticing how the group were glancing in our direction now. Daryl ignored them or either didn't care. "I don't trust them-"

"So that means I have to agree with your opinion?" I hissed. Daryl's face was blaring. "I'm not you're problem, let me think for myself."

"'Nd who do ya reckon is gonna save ya ass when ya overly kind attitude towards 'em turns 'round and blows up in ya face?" I shook my head, hauling myself to my feet.

"I don't need you to save me, Daryl Dixon." I shouted, making leave. Daryl's hand grabbed my arm before I could take two steps away and spun me to face him again. Without thinking, I yanked my arm out of his grip and shoved hard against Daryl's chest, causing him to stumble back a little. Taking the opportunity I quickly walked away, ignoring the stares and calls of my name, vaguely aware that Toby was following me at an agitated pace.

I marched towards the door into the prison, heaved it open and enter the dark corridor without even a glance back. If I wasn't so angry, I probably would have been terrified to make my way back to the cell block in the dark. But the furious mood Daryl had put me in overruled any fear for walkers and I made it to the empty cell block without even thinking to take out my gun. I was lying face up in my cell in a second and my harsh breaths rang out. Toby sat beside the bed, not doing anything but staring at me with a cocked head. I frowned to myself, ignoring the dog.

What the fuck just happened?

I felt embarrassed for my outburst as I thought the argument over. What Daryl had said made sense, but I didn't like how he ordered me. I guess that was what made me snap. I'm far too trusting. Which surprised me considering all the trust issues I had before I encountered this group. Perhaps my guard had been dropped since being welcomed into Sophia's group and had been extended towards the prisoners now. Whether that would be a sensible thing was undecided - Daryl certainly didn't think so.

And why did he care anyway?

"'Nd who do ya reckon is gonna save ya ass when ya overly kind attitude towards 'em turns 'round and blows up in ya face?"

Since when was I so dependent on him saving my ass? Since when was I so dependent on him full stop? He cared about the group, though he didn't want to admit it. I knew he did and I also knew he would stick his neck out for everyone if he had to. And apparently I was getting the full force of his unintentional caring, though surely he must be like this with everyone else? Though I hadn't seen him talk to anyone else about this.

Why was I so concerned?

I had had arguments with others in the group, there had also been plenty of other heated bust ups too (Rick and Shane being a prime example). Each time they had been sorted out, after maybe a bit of time away from each other, or after talking it out. But I was worried. Worried that Daryl would take the argument - small as it was - to heart. Worried that he'd remain angry at me. Worried that he'd never talk to me again. But why? Why was I so concerned?

I remained in my cell even after the sounds of the others coming back caught my ears. I couldn't make out conversation, but heard the distant chatter of the rest. Dinner was being prepared when Sophia peeked her head around the cell door with a sheepish smile. Toby instantly welcomed her, apparently happy to have more company besides my moody self.

"How'd you do out there?" I asked, sitting up and smiling at the girl. Sophia took hold of my brighter mood and proceeded to tell me how she'd done at her shooting lesson.

"Rick says I've improved a lot." She gushed, playing with Toby's ears. "My aim is getting better." I smiled, almost proudly.

"Sorry I couldn't stay and watch." I told her, bowing my head a little. Sophia smiled slightly.

"It's alright. Daryl shouldn't have been mean." She shrugged. I raised an eyebrow at this, confused at her assumption. She took in my confused expression though quickly changed the subject onto how she had beaten Carl at target practise before I could question her on it.

What would have aided me a lot now I was on my own was if I was able to hotwire vehicles.

I had seen Michonne do it plenty of times when I was with her and Merle, but never had thought to ask her to teach me. I'd always assume we'd stay together and I wouldn't need to learn. What a stupid mistake on my behalf.

I came across a nice looking truck one day - I didn't know what was my attraction to trucks, but they seem to be the vehicle of choice during this apocalypse. After making sure it was empty, I hoped into the front and attempted to find it's keys. Of course things wouldn't be so easy and after checking the glove compartment and the sun visors, I established the keys were probably in it's owners pocket - who was probably staggering about somewhere trying to find some human flesh to eat.

With a sigh of frustration, I began to pull at the wires underneath the wheel, not really sure what I was trying to do. I recalled all memories I could of Michonne doing this, but failed quite terribly. Toby remained outside the truck and suddenly began to bark profoundly, alerting my attention. I looked through the windscreen and saw a group of about half a dozen staggering towards me. They were quite a distance away, though I knew I wasn't going to have much luck with the truck.

"Fuck this." I hissed, heaving myself out of the cab and hitching my bag over my back again. "C'mon." I muttered, heeding for the dog to follow me before I jogged away, in the opposite direction of the group. No point wasting energy on them when they were so far away.

I cursed myself for not starting the truck as Toby and I jogged into the cover of a forest, and couldn't contain the sigh of frustration when the heavens opened up and poured buckets of water down upon us. It would be my luck that it would start to rain.

"That truck would have kept us dry." I muttered, my clothes already thoroughly soaked. Today was not a good day.

I was surprised how less awkward dinner was than I assumed. Sophia led the way to where we normally ate and took a seat beside Carl, and I sat opposite her beside Lori. I accepted my plate from Herschel with a smile and glanced around, assuming to get some looks from the others. What I got was smiles from those whose eyes I met, which was comforting to say the least. Rick went out of his way to tell me about how much improvement Sophia had made since she first began to learn how to shoot, not even mentioning my departure early on that day.

"She's a little feisty one." Shane grinned. "Her and Carl will be lethal with a gun when they get enough practise." Sophia beamed and her and Carl shared a look of triumph.

"Will we be able to come on runs into the prison soon, Dad?" Carl asked, looking to Rick for acceptance. Lori and Rick shared an amused look.

"Give it time, baby." Lori told her son. Carl seemed pleased with his answer enough and went back to eating his food happily.

Daryl had seated himself beside T-Dog at dinner and appeared to have his eyes fixed on his plate throughout the entire meal. He made no contributions to conversation and I felt my heart sink a little as his down set expression. Had I done that to him? When dinner had finished, routines were in place. Things were cleaned up and people chatted amongst each other before some announcing they were heading off to bed.

"I was thinking of posting someone on watch in one of the guard towers from now on, as well as someone keeping watch in here." Rick piped up quickly while everyone was together. "Obviously there's things we haven't discussed, but I think I should bring it to everyone's attention that there was a reason why we left Herschel's farm in the first place." How could we forget? "So, I think someone on watch outside would be beneficial-"

"What do we do if we see something?" Andrea asked, lightly. "Not really practical for us to sprint back to the cell block to tell everyone." She had a point and Rick acknowledged it.

"I know, walkie talkies would sure come in handy-"

"Cell Block A would probably have some." Big Tiny cut in from the prisoner's table.

"Yeah, they'd be a hell lot of stuff like that in the guard's supplies. Riot gears, batons, extra weapons." Axel continued. Rick frowned thoughtfully.

"You can't expect us to clear out a whole cell block at this time, Rick? It's getting late, ain't it? It dark enough in there as it is." Shane muttered, glaring accusingly at the prisoners for suggesting such an idea right now.

"We ain't saying you should do it now." Big Tiny hissed, glaring right back at the ex-cop.

"Tomorrow." Rick cut in before anyone else could. "We'll make plans tomorrow. But for tonight, we'll put two people on watch in one of the towers."

"And switch overs?" T-Dog asked. "Gotta remember we need people on watch in the cell block too." Rick sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Surely you won't need to switch over if there's two of you?" Lori suggested. "One could rest while the other watches and visa versa?" Rick nodded.

"Who's on watch tonight in here?" Rick asked. Andrea and T-Dog raised their hands. Rick took note of this and nodded. "You guys carry on as normal." I watched his eyes glance between the rest of us as he tried to decide who would be spending the night on watch in the tower.

Deep down, I knew he'd already made his decision.

"Daryl, you alright taking watch in the tower?" Rick asked, his gaze towards the hunter. Daryl glanced up and shrugged.

"Why not?" He muttered, getting to his feet and hitching his crossbow higher up onto his shoulder. I had forgotten how gruff his voice sounded, almost music to my ears, even though I had spent, what?, a few hours away from him without hearing him talk? My cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Why was I so pathetic?I noticed the way Rick's eyes glanced in my direction, though he didn't seem to want to suggest I join Daryl on watch. Probably in fear I'd protest against it. I sighed and heaved myself to my feet.

"I'll just go get my stuff." I muttered, walking away before anyone could say anything. I heard footsteps follow me. I had made it all the way up the stairs and into my cell before whoever had followed me made themselves known. I began to pack away my stuff without acknowledging whoever it was.

"I didn't mean to pressure you into it." Rick's voice spoke. I shrugged. "I just thought that after this afternoon, you'd want to talk things out with Daryl." I glanced over my shoulder towards where Rick was leaning against the cell door.

"You all hear everything?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just something about how you don't need him to save you." Rick shrugged, smirking slightly. "Lovers spat?" I snorted. "I'm joking!"

"You sound like Shane." I pointed out, half-heartedly. "Why do you care anyway?" Rick chuckled and sighed.

"You remember that first night here when you convinced me to talk things out with Lori?" I nodded. "Guess I'm just trying to return the favour. I don't want there to be any bad feelings between anyone in the group; we got to be strong now." I smiled slightly. "Plus I think yours and Daryl comradeship can come in pretty handy; you dealt with Carol and Dale together, you come across this place together, made it safe for us together."

"Ahh, so this is for your own benefit rather than ours." I teased and Rick smirked. There was a brief moment of silence before Rick's smirk faded a little.

"And after everything you've been through with his brother," He continued after the pause. "I think he needs someone to talk to like you. Someone who understands more than anyone else could. I think he appreciates your company a lot more than he lets on." I thought about this for a moment before smiling slightly and nodding.

I hadn't considered anything like that before.

"You sure you'll be fine tonight?" Rick asked softly. "If you don't feel comfortable I can ask someone else to take your place? Heck, I'll do it if you want?" I shook my head, hitching my rifle over my shoulder and tucking my knife into my belt.

"I'll be fine, Rick, honestly." I smiled. "I've handled Merle Dixon remember, Daryl will be easy enough."

"You comin'?!" The said younger Dixon brother hollered from somewhere in the cell block, his voice sounding harsher than I expected. Rick and I shared a worried look and we exited the cell together. Daryl was waiting by the door leading out into the yard, arms folded, his face impatient.

"I'd take camp in the first guard tower," Rick began. "Got more of a sight for the outside, you'll be able to see better. Remember, if you see anything; one of you come back and tell us, the other stay in the guard tower incase someone hostile comes across us." I nodded and Daryl appeared to blatantly ignore Rick's orders. "We'll send someone to come get you in the morning, so stay there until then."

"Sure thing." Daryl muttered, heaving open the metal door. I glanced back at the others as he left without waiting for me. I raised an eyebrow and shrugged.

"See you in the morning, I guess." I sighed.

"Get ya ass movin'!" Daryl's voice cried, making me jump a little. Rick sighed and I hugged Sophia tightly, bidding her goodnight and asking her to watch Toby for me tonight. Lori promised me she'd keep watch over Sophia too while I was gone and I thanked the woman.

"Good luck." I nodded and followed Daryl out into the dark corridor, leading out into the yard of the prison.

I heard the door shut behind us and the muffled sounds as it was secured for the night. I couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive now for the night ahead. A night alone with Daryl. Who appeared very pissed at me and who didn't appear to be in the mood for much 'friendly banter'. The harsh sounds as Daryl pushed open the door caught my ears and I had to jog a little to catch up as he didn't hold the door open for me, as would have been expected. I frowned and glared at the back of the hunter's head as he made his way across the yard without a backwards glance.

Oh, so this was how things were going to be then tonight? Figures.

(Author's Note): Sorry for the late update people! Hopefully it's alright? Obviously I've changed the decision on the prisoners because I feel Rick would feel more obliged to let them stay - considering during my story, Rick is still in the mind set he was in when Shane was alive. I think he's more compassionate before he killed Shane and therefore would probably vote for keeping the prisoners and give them a chance. Obviously Shane's Shane and goes against anything Rick says ;) Hopefully you like the change around I've done with the prisoners? Any suspicions regarding them? You expecting any issues from them? If so, what do you think is going to happen? And, taking note, in the comics they don't kick the prisoners out the cell block so I've taken inspiration from the comics too.

Daryl and Ruby have had a mild argument - I guess I blew it out of proportion but I think in the confinements their in and considering their head strong characters, I think a little sulking is in order ;) What do you guys think will happen in the guard tower then? A whole night alone together and they're ain't exactly in the best of moods ;)

And regarding my cut ins with Ruby's memories, I guess they probably aren't as interesting as they have been but I feel the need for breaks in between so that's why they're there. Plus I've gotten into the habit now of writing them in so they just seem to sprout from no where!

Thanks for the reviews of the last chapter, they're appreciated a lot! :) Please tell me what you think about this one I don't think I'll update until after the holidays. So in the mean time I wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Thanks again, and I'll have an update as soon as possible!