Chapter Forty
There was a level of uncertainty in the air as the group walked into the prison, to Cell Block A. Rick has ordered everyone back to the cell block, so I could get some medical attention and so everyone would be together to discuss the way forward. Though whether or not everyone would be there, was the question on my mind. Due to my injuries, I found it difficult to walk and therefore limped the way back, usually reaching out to grasp some support from the others; usually one of the Dixon brothers.
Through the brief greetings, I was surprised that the older Dixon had behaved so well, barely spoke a word in fact. I had expected colourful greetings and abusive slurs from the man, but when I glanced up at his face, Merle had a thoughtful scowl on his features. When I turned to Daryl, he had a similar expression too. The younger Dixon appeared to avoid my gaze at all costs, though flinched every time I unintentionally reached for him, to stop myself from stumbling. Every time I would give an apology and would receive a grunt of acknowledgement in return. I couldn't deny that the action of this disheartened me, that Daryl seemed adamant to remain 'neutral' with me after everything that had happened. What did I expect though? Once or twice, I had caught Merle witnessing these interactions with a curious expression, one that was gone in a split second before I could fathom it.
I glanced around the corridors of the prison as we neared the cell block and couldn't help but smile at the sight of them, despite their grimy-dingy appearance. They were home after all. I would take the prison and all it's glory than the dingy room in Woodbury any day.
The memories of Woodbury made me suddenly shudder and I repressed the urge to rub at my skin again, in the places the Governor had touched. The moment I thought about it again, the feeling of burning came back. It made me sick to the stomach to think of that man though I quickly hid my disgust when the cell block door came into sight. The anticipation of seeing home again overwhelmed me.
Sophia rushed to me, taking my hand in hers and leading me towards the door - almost as if I had forgotten where it was. I couldn't suppress the smile that crept onto my face as we entered the cell block and I was in awe for a few moments. It was Cell Block A, just as I remembered it with nothing out of place, but the time I had spent away from here made me truly appreciate the importance of this cell block, of home. It may have been a matter of days that I had spent in Woodbury, but it felt like a lifetime's worth of pain and I would be forever have the horrific memories. For now though, I could be satisfied that I was alive and back where I belonged again, with those I loved around me.
The first sight I saw as I observed the cell block was a figure sat on one of the benches in the communal area, a familiar German Shepherd at their feet. Sophia smiled up at me before letting go of my hand to stand beside Carl again and I took this moment to stumble towards the figure on the bench, who stood up to greet me.
I was surprised at first when Michonne's arms returned the hug, but the desperation in the embrace - no matter how subtle it seemed - was a justification as to Michonne's unusual compliance with contact. She had suffered at the hands of the Governor, more than I could probably imagine. Though exteriorly, Michonne remained strong and I knew the woman wouldn't allow people to see her weakness, I knewthat not even someone like Michonne could get over her torment so easily. She was strong though and I knew that if anyone could recover from this, it would be her. Reliving my own experience, I almost felt ashamed of acting so weakly at his hands, when Michonne had remained so defiant.
"Did those assholes do this to you?" Michonne asked, holding my face between her hands so she could study my various bruises and battering. I winced a shrug.
"I'm Ruby the Punch Bag, apparently." I replied, lightly, which caused the woman to scowl.
I observed the woman then and noted that she had altered considerably since I had last seen her. She clearly hadn't taken the same amount of physical beatings as I had and her only clear injuries were the bandages around her wrists where she had been bound. She had a change of clothes and looked as though she had washed too, so anything else that I had seen last time had been washed away. Michonne was free from blood and bruises. Out of the two of us, I probably seemed the one who had sustained the most injuries. Which physically may have been true, though emotionally I didn't count on.
"How are you?" I asked, carefully. A stupid question, but one that felt needed to be asked. Michonne exhaled deeply, glancing over my shoulder at the others before turning back to me.
"Your people have been taking good care of me." She confessed. "Toby has barely left my sight since I got here." She glanced at the dog, at our feet. I smiled down at my old four-legged friend as he licked at my offered hand. I would have crouched down to pet him, but I knew the action would only hurt. "Seems he still remembers me." Michonne shrugged and I didn't let the fact she had avoided the question slide. Nethertheless, I nodded and numbly ran my hand along Toby's nose.
"I can't believe ya still got that damn mutt!" A voice called and I glanced over my shoulder to see Merle walking over, the others observing the interaction with caution.
To them, Merle and Michonne were strangers (perhaps the former not so much, but he still was regarded with suspicion) though I tried to ignore the looks and focus the interaction at hand. Merle roughly patted Toby with his only hand, crouching down so he was eye level with the dog. A brief thought crossed my mind when I realised that right now, both Merle and Michonne stood before me - alive and well. This was something I had imagined in my wishful thinking, I didn't know what to think to it going on before me.
"He went back for Ruby," Michonne told him. "Guess he didn't like our company very much." Merle sniggered, rubbing Toby's fur roughly, the dog apparently enjoying the affection.
"A smart dog then, I'd say. How long did we last together, Micky?" Merle asked, glancing up at the woman. "A few days before we split? The mutt did the smart thing 'nd got out while he could! Probably didn't wanna put up with ya moanin' any longer." Merle met my gaze. "Ya know what I'm takin' 'bout don't ya, girl? Ol' Micky's got a knack for chattin' bullshit 'nd thinkin' we care, hasn't she?" Michonne raised an eyebrow and scoffed.
"At least when I moan, I moan coherently and not in your redneck slur. Though I'm not surprised, I suppose. Did you even finish school?" Michonne countered. Judging by the other's faces, they seemed surprised by Michonne's comment and I noticed the subtle reach for weapons as they waited for the older Dixon's reaction. I smiled slightly, turning back to my friends and not in the bit surprised when Merle let out a hearty laugh and rose to his feet after giving Toby one last pet.
"Good to have ya back, Micky." Merle smirked, holding his hand out to Michonne as a friendly gesture.
There was a hesitation as Michonne stared down at it before she pushed it aside and wrapped her arms around the man, embracing him in a hug. I was stunned by this, though probably not as stunned when the man didn't shove her away. He didn't embrace her in return, but Merle didn't seem like the kind of man to allow this sort of contact to go on without acting harshly. Remembering though that Merle knew about Michonne's ordeal, I wondered if perhaps the man was acting soft towards her because of this.
"Herschel has looked over her," Rick announced, getting my attention. I turned away from my two friends, towards the others. He glanced awkwardly at Merle and Michonne before turning back to me. "Nothing serious, but he's going to keep an eye on her and make sure she's alright." I nodded my thanks, knowing it must have been hard for them to accept her when they initially considered her as a traitor. "We've come to a decision with her too, that as long as she behaves herself and is willing to be guarded until we trust her, then she can stay here." I widened my eyes at this, glancing over my shoulder at Michonne, who smiled slightly when I met her gaze.
"I've agreed to it." Michonne informed me and I was relieved that Michonne would be sticking around. I had just found her, after all.
"Thank you." I said to Rick, taking note of the strained smile he sent in return. The leader observed me for a few thoughtful moments before clearing his throat loudly.
"We need to get you to Herschel, get you looked at." Rick told me, and I nodded once, knowing I couldn't argue with this request. "Everyone stays here until Ruby's been looked over." Rick glanced around, meeting Glenn's eyes and nodding once in Merle's general direction. "You're in charge."
The Korean boy nodded with understanding. Rick turned to Maggie, who held his sleeping daughter in her arms, and smiled warmly down at the bundle that was his. I studied his expression, one divided with nothing but love and admiration, and was overwhelmed for a second at its intensity. Then Rick turned back to me and gestured to the stairs. I understood what he meant and carefully made my way over to them, urging Toby to stay put with Merle and Michonne, Rick waiting beside them to let me up first. Once I reached the first step, I struggled initially but soon got myself into a somewhat uncomfortable method. Rick followed behind slowly, probably incase I didn't fall.
"Where ya goin', Baby Brother?" Merle's hollering voice asked from below. Rick and I had reached the top and were making our way across the landing when Merle's voice rang out. Glancing down below, I noticed most had seated themselves on the benches as they waited, though a figure suddenly came bounding up the stairs behind Rick and I, apparently not wanting to wait below with the others. Daryl met Rick's gaze and the leader nodded once, before Rick urged me to continue along the landing. Daryl trailed behind and I was curious as to why he had decided to join us, though I decided against complaining.
Rick led me towards the security room, where I had gathered Herschel was in. The door was shut initially and Rick knocked briefly before opening the door slowly, smiling at someone inside. I followed after him at my delayed speed and was startled at the sight before me.
All of the medical supplies we had gathered were all rounded together on a table beside the couch at the back. On the floor, lay various disused bandages, bottles and other equipment, which seemed to have been thrown about in a rush. A pile of bloodied towels lay in a cardboard box near the door, which confused me at first, but then make sense when I took in the figure lying on the couch.
Lori's eyes were closed, though I took in the gentle rise and fall of her chest and I knew that she was alive - a sigh of relief. Her skin was pale white, a sickly colour in fact, and her dark locks lay sprawled on the pillow her head rested on, seemingly soaked - from sweat perhaps? When I entered the room further, truly seeing Lori's body, I saw the shudder each time she inhaled breath and couldn't help but feel wary at the sight of her. Yes, she was alive, but she didn't look well at all.
"She's just fallen to sleep." Herschel announced quietly, from his chair beside the couch. His hand was in Lori's and he patted it before gently placing it beside her carefully. I looked over her body, noticing her shirt had been pulled up, exposing lower torso, and a white bandage was around her stomach. I glanced back at the bandages on the floor, taking in the blood on them and realised that they were the used ones. I had missed the mad fuss of birth in my absence.
"How is she?" Rick asked, hesitantly. Herschel observed Lori thoughtfully before nodding slowly.
"She's over the worst part now and I'd say that the caesarean went almost perfectly, under our harsh circumstances." Herschel told the man. "It'll take a bit of time before she can fully move and walk on her own, but if she rests enough and doesn't put too much strain on her wound, then I think she'll be fine. This is the first time she's rested since Judith was born. She was so exhausted. This is what she needs right now." I saw the smile of relief on Rick's face and I personally felt relieved hearing the news; she'll be alright. Herschel's eyes turned to me and his eyebrows burrowed.
"Can you look over Ruby?" Rick asked, unnecessarily, as Herschel had already gotten to his feet and was making his way over.
"Did everyone else return back with you?" Herschel asked the leader carefully. Rick nodded.
"Daryl's brother, Merle, has come back too. He was part of the Governor's group." Rick explained. "He helped Ruby and Michonne escape though and I'm giving him the trial to prove himself." Herschel nodded thoughtfully, glancing at the younger Dixon who remained silent beside me.
"Well, I look forward to meeting him." Herschel stated, with not a hint of sarcasm. Daryl still didn't say anything, even when the old farmer smiled his way. He merely remained stoic. "Take a seat, dear, and we'll have a look at you." Herschel said, gesturing to the chair in front of the monitors. I obliged, staggering over and carefully lowering myself onto the chair. I noticed Herschel's burrowed eyebrows at my expression of pain and the old man sighed. "Those people, did they do this to you?" I nodded, unable to find my voice suddenly. Herschel's face pursed together. "And they are responsible for what happened to Michonne too?" I nodded numbly again and Herschel's eyes narrowed.
"We're dealing with some sick people, Herschel." Rick muttered, walking over and taking the seat Herschel had just vacated, beside Lori. He took his wife's hand, ran a hand gently across her forehead before sighing. Lori stirred a little in her slumber but otherwise didn't wake.
"I don't doubt that, Rick." Herschel agreed, crouching down and taking my chin gently in his hand, observing my face with a frown. "Though I think the most important thing is that you're here with us now, Ruby. It's good to have you back." I smiled briefly, but remained silent at his comment.
Herschel continued his examination, which at first was met with a silent room. Rick remained by his wife, sparing glances between my look-over and Lori's still form. Daryl stood by the doorway, having closed the door, and leant back against the wall. His arms were folded and his stare remained fixed on the wall opposite him, never swaying at all, his expression hard. The occasional murmurs were heard from Herschel as he noted my various injuries down and as Rick talked quietly to his sleeping wife. Suddenly though the old man sighed loudly and paused in his examination.
"Can you give me a full account on what they did to you, Ruby?" Herschel asked, slowly. I froze for a moment, initially unwilling to spare any detail as to what happened in Woodbury. Not after all the memories kept flooding back to me now. Rick's head had turned fully towards us now, as had Daryl's, I noted. "If you do not wish to share it with us, then I respect that, though it will be a lot easier for me if you told me exactly what they did."
"We'll leave if you want-" Rick tried to suggest, though I shook my head once. What was the point of hiding it when it would only be brought up again later?
"You might as well stay." I muttered, shrugging, before averting my eyes to the floor. "We were ambushed on the run for supplies that was meant for medical supplies for Lori." I began, deciding to replay from the start, unsure on how much Michonne had told them - if she had told them anything. "We had gathered a lot from a pharmacy story and a supermarket and were about to head back when my sister - Jessica - turned up."
"Your sister?" Rick cut in and I nodded slowly, trying to push away the images of my dead baby sister. "The one who stayed with the Governor when you escaped with Merle and Michonne?"
"Yes." I confirmed. "At first, I couldn't believe that she was there, I was so overwhelmed with seeing her. Michonne tried to warn me but I didn't listen." I shook my head at my own stupidity. "It was my fault, I should have realised something was going on." I glanced up briefly to meet Rick's eyes across the room. "I mentioned that I was with a group, I just didn't think, and all of a sudden two men just came out of no where and knocked Michonne and I out. The next thing we knew, we had woken up in Woodbury." I swallowed down the images of that town, trying to push away the memories. "It was my fault, what happened. I should have known something was wrong, I shouldn't have said anything! And now they're coming and it's all because of me and-"
"Ruby, calm down." Herschel soothed when my voice rose to hysterics. "Now, don't go thinking like that, it wasn't your fault."
"There's only one person to blame for this." Rick added.
"And that's this Governor fellow." Herschel nodded, reaching forward to place a steady hand on my bruised cheek, careful not to apply too much pressure. "Do not blame yourself, dear." Though I couldn't really bring myself to believe them, I nodded regardless. After all, if I hadn't have mentioned 'a group' then they Governor wouldn't have been so curious to know. He could have just assumed it was Michonne and I.
"He questioned us both about your whereabouts." I carried on. "But I didn't tell them anything and I can't imagine Michonne would have either. Though they didn't take too kindly to our lack of cooperation." I sighed, knowing my bruises explained themselves.
"Was it mostly to your face?" Herschel asked, gently tilting my head to examine the damage. I nodded.
"Mostly. Though I did take a few to my upper body too." I muttered and Herschel raised an eyebrow.
"Can you exhale and inhale deeply and slowly for me please, Ruby?" I did as I was asked. "Did that hurt at all?"
"A little, but not a lot. I mostly just ache now." I confessed and Herschel nodded before asking for me to stand so he could check the injuries sustained to my torso.
The examination grew quite tiresome and was painful, despite Herschel's careful touch. He examined my arms, the back of my head; which he had grown quite worried over when I told him I had taken two gun strikes to there. Thankfully, the bruising on my way, despite their gruesome appearance, were nothing to be greatly worried about. The bruising would die down after a while and while I may be left with some scars, I couldn't say I was too bothered about this. Herschel expressed his concern for my nose and jaw, which he suspected may have sustained a lot of damage.
"My nose seems to take a lost of beatings, doesn't it, Doc?" I muttered. This was the third time my nose had become an issue, I noted. Herschel looked at me, disapprovingly.
"I think it's broken." He told me, with a sigh. "And I do believe you've fractured your jaw too." He gently moving my nose and I couldn't help but wince slightly. Herschel apologised quickly. "There's not a lot I can offer for you, I'm afraid. I'll give you pain medications to try and help but you'll have to tell me if you get a nose bleed or have trouble breathing. Also if your jaw feels stiff, swells or you start bleeding from your mouth. If it does, then we'll have to consider further steps. Just try not to take any more damage around your face for a while, until it's had time to heal." I scoffed.
"I'm not looking for any more beatings, don't worry! I've had enough to last a long time and some time after that." I replied and Herschel narrowed his eyes slightly, apparently not liking my humour.
"The fact that you've taken blows to your head does worry me as I fear for any brain injury." Herschel muttered, thoughtfully. I swallowed hard, waiting for him to continue. "You must tell me if you start feeling dizzy, sick or your vision becomes blurry. How are you feeling now?" Gently, Herschel titled my head forward to take a look at my scalp.
"My head feels fine. But I'll tell you if that changes." After a little more inspection, Herschel sighed and met my gaze again.
"I'm going to need to take a look at your ribs now, Ruby." Herschel told me, slowly, eyeing me carefully. "I need to see if there's any bruising and feel for anything that may have broken." A hesitant pause. "But I'll need you lift your shirt up for me, please."
"Remove the shirt." "Remove the shirt or I'll remove Daryl's head." "And the bra."
His cold touch lingering on my shoulder, grazing down my back.
His touch lowered right down to the bottom of my back and lingered there longer than I wanted. I shivered. His breathing sounded close and hoarse, heavy in breath and burned against my neck.
His hands running their way up and down my back and shoulders before he took my forearms in his grip. In a strong tug, he had pulled my arms away, exposing my chest, and with one hand he held my wrists together behind my back and I felt truly trapped
He brushed my hair aside, freeing my neck, and I hitched a sob as I felt his cool lips press against the skin. With one hand holding my wrists together, I tensed when I felt his other snake sickeningly along my exposed stomach, his touch so cold and unwanted, before slowly moving up towards my chest.
The sound of him unbuckling his belt-
"Ruby?" Herschel's gentle tones urged me away from reliving the horrific memories. I focused on the man in front of me, who was observing me with a concerned expression as were the other two men in the room. I hadn't realised I was shaking into I looked down at my hand. "Ruby, are you alright?" I nodded numbly. "Did you hear what I said?" I swallowed hard. Of course I had.
"Herschel, are you sure you need to-?" Rick trailed off, not really finding words to say. Herschel glanced over his shoulder at the man and I noted the look between them but didn't think much of it. The nightmares were still thick in my mind.
"Would you prefer it if Rick examined your ribs instead of me?" Herschel suggested, turning to me with an understanding expression, one that didn't help at all. Without thinking, I shook my head. "I'm not going to hurt you." He urged, softly. "It's me, Rick. I would never hurt you." For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to believe those words now. "Daryl?" Daryl's eyes met mine, his expression one of horror and something else. I stared back, trying to remain strong in that last moment before the door was shut and I was left alone. With him. I shook my head again.
"Don't reckon she wants any man lookin' at 'er." Daryl muttered, his voice startling me suddenly. I didn't look up at the man, merely stared down at my trembling hands.
"How about Maggie?" Herschel suggested, softly. I considered this for a moment, weighing up the numbing pain in my chest and nodded slowly. The door opened then and Daryl's shouts for Maggie startled me. I looked up and met Herschel's eyes briefly, noting the intensity behind them and quickly shied away. I felt sick again and unconsciously wrapped my arms around myself. In response, Herschel stood up and backed away, providing me with some space. Soon the Greene daughter appeared at the door, baby-less.
"Andrea is looking after Judith." She explained, stepping inside and moving towards her father. Rick nodded in thanks, smiling briefly. "You need me, Daddy?" Herschel nodded.
"I need you to examine Ruby's ribs, check for bruising and see if there's any broken." Herschel told her. Maggie glanced at me briefly.
"Wouldn't it be best if you did it?" She asked carefully. Instead of providing a verbal response, Herschel shook his head once and walked over to Rick and Lori, bending down beside the unconscious woman to check her temperature. Maggie remained confused for a moment before meeting my gaze. Instead of questioning it anymore, the Greene daughter stepped forward and smiled. "You mind lifting your top up for me, Ruby? I'll be real quick."
I hesitated but decidedly felt more at ease with Maggie's request. I obliged, slowly lifting the hem of my shirt until Maggie said so. Her cool hands began to press gently against my ribs and I stared blankly at the wall opposite, biting my lip as hard as I could. Urging myself not to think about it.
"We got some bruising, Daddy, but I don't think anything is broken. Maybe some fracturing too." Maggie said, after what seemed to be an hour's examination; probably just my exaggeration though. She smiled up at me and said I could straighten out my shirt again. I did so quickly, relishing being covered up again and Herschel rose and took that as he cue to return.
"Thank you, Maggie." Herschel smiled his daughter. The Greene daughter took her leave, stating that she didn't want to leave Judith with Andrea much longer as the blonde seemed displeased to have a baby thrust on her, and Maggie disappeared again. Herschel sighed loudly. "The pain medication should help with your ribs too. If you need to cough, I'd recommend holding a pillow to your chest to support yourself. Try to breath deeply and avoid taking shallow breaths, I know it may hurt more but doing breathing exercises will help avoid the risk of chest infection." I swallowed hard and nodded slowly.
"Quite a lot to take in." I muttered and Herschel nodded in agreement.
"It seems that while you've taken a sustainable amount of bruising, you've pulled through without anything too serious it seems but obviously I can't be sure without complete medical equipment. But as we have no access to that, we'll just have to make do. I'd recommend you take it easy though, Ruby. Try to get as much rest as you can, eat and drink plenty. Don't strain yourself more than necessary." I nodded slowly, though I noticed to odd look in Herschel's eyes. "Now, is there anything else that happened in Woodbury that you wish to mention?"
I started, merely staring back at the man with wide eyes. Quickly, I composed myself but could not answer for a moment. Rick's eyes implored mine, something behind them that was a look of desperation and pain. I quickly averted my gaze and glanced at the remaining man of the room. Daryl gazed at me with dark eyes and seemed tense and almost stone like. The intensity behind his look made me shiver and I turned back to Herschel, shaking my head.
"No, there's nothing else." I murmured, hoping that my gaze displayed nothing. Herschel exhaled deeply and shook his head once.
"Ruby-" He was cut off though by a low groan in the room. All eyes turned to the figure on the couch, who stirred suddenly. Rick glanced frantically at his wife then to Herschel and myself, seemingly conflicted. Herschel turned to me, raising an eyebrow in reiteration to his former question. I shook my head again and the old man sighed. "Daryl, can you take Ruby to get some rest please?" The hunter nodded, opening the door. "If there's anything else you wish to say or if you're concerned about anything, do not hesitate in asking me, my dear." Herschel urged, eyeing me carefully. "And inform me if anything in your health changes." I smiled slightly and nodded.
"I will." I promised, quietly, straining to keep the smile up. Herschel patted my arm gently, though missed the flinch I made at his touch, and made his way toward Rick and Lori, the latter apparently in some sort of discomfort. When I turned to Daryl, judging by the man's expression I realised he hadn't missed my unintentional flinch, though he said nothing of it.
Daryl walked me to my cell, one that I couldn't help gush a smile at seeing again. I staggered inside and all but collapsed on the bed, laughing as I did. The warmth of the blanket was something so intensely wonderful that I was in awe for a moment as something so simple as the bed sheets. I sat up, eyeing the cell around me and all but forgetting the man at the door, too caught up with my revelation that I was actually home again. When the dawning finally took its effect, I then remembered Daryl's presence and turned to look at the man in the doorway. He had his arms folded tightly across his chest, with a stern look on his face. There was a moment of silence between us and I realised that perhaps now was the time for discussion.
"I've not really had the chance to ask how you are yet." I began, softly, before eyeing the man's various cuts and bruises. "You sure you don't think Herschel should take a look at you?"
"I'm fine." Daryl replied, quietly, his tone definite. I nodded slowly, knowing that Daryl wouldn't heed into any of my urges. I studied him for a moment before swallowing down my fear and sighing.
"I'm sorry for lying to you." I began, noticing the way Daryl frowned at this. I ploughed on regardless. "I know I should have told you where I was going, but I wasn't thinking straight. I saw Michonne on the monitors and I didn't want to cause a lot of fuss. Plus, I knew you guys wouldn't have wanted me to go so I just thought-" I trailed off and paused. "I'm sorry, Daryl." The hunter shook his head.
"Ya ain't gotta be sorry for that, no more." He told me, firmly. "That was my fault, I overreacted. Guess, it's me that should be sorry, not you. Girl, ya ain't got anythin' to be sorry for." I smiled slightly.
"Suppose it's not everyday I get a Dixon saying sorry to me." I attempted lightly, though it seemed too forced to be real. Daryl frowned.
"Suppose it ain't everyday that ya get kidnapped by a psycho asshole." He counted, bitterly, and the tension rose considerably the air. I felt shunned by his gaze, though Daryl seemed to remain strong and stubborn. "It's my fault, should have gone with ya."
"You can't honestly be blaming yourself?" I asked in disbelief.
"I knew I shouldn't have trusted ya friend!"
"It isn't Michonne's fault."
"She's the one who led ya off!"
"Yes but she got taken too." I reminded him, quietly. Daryl appeared to be seething. "And Michonne suffered a lot more than I did." Daryl scoffed, eyeing me darkly.
"She comes out unscathed while ya come out lookin' like shit 'nd ya tellin' me that's it's her that's suffered the most?!" Daryl hissed. I nodded.
"You can't see Michonne's injuries." The silence that followed my statement said it all and I noticed the way Daryl suddenly grew more agitated, now taking to pacing in front of me. I saw his fists clenched and he looked as if he was ready to kill. I swallowed hard before continuing. "Are we going to talk about what happened?" Daryl stopped his pacing suddenly and turned to me, his expression terrifying for a moment.
"Ya mean 'bout what he did to ya?" Daryl asked, quietly. His voice sounded much more fearful that it would have done if he were shouting. "Girl, I promise ya now, I'm gonna rip that bastard to shreds for what he did to ya."
"He didn't-" I hesitated. "He didn't do anything." I breathed, looking down at my hands and observing the tremble in them again. "He made me remove my shirt. My bra. With you in the room." I grimaced and closed my eyes, only seeing the images of what happened and feeling his touch burning me again.
"'Nd what 'bout when I left?" Daryl urged, his voice suddenly soft. I shook my head once, knowing the state Daryl's mind must have been in.
"He didn't rape me." I muttered, glancing up to see Daryl flinch at the words and running a shaking hand through his hair. The silence continued as we merely stared at each other, taking in the confession. Finally, Daryl fell back against the wall and slid down it until he was sat on the floor. He seemed exhausted though after he had heard the truth, he seemed much more relaxed.
"So, he didn't-?" I shook my head.
"No, he didn't." Daryl closed his eyes and exhaled deeply through his nose. I bit my lip, decidedly keeping the fact he still touched me to myself. Daryl didn't need to know that. "I think it was all for show, to be honest. Just to see if one of us would crack. He wouldn't have carried out for real." Lies. I internally scoffed at myself. Here I was, trembling with undecided fear, comforting Daryl with false facts, assuring the man before me that everything was fine. When it infact wasn't.
"Ya shouldn't have done what he wanted." Daryl muttered suddenly, opening his eyes. I raised an eyebrow. "Takin' off ya-" He trailed off and I nodded to assure him I knew what he meant. "Ya should have just told him to go to hell."
"Then he would have hurt you." I breathed, suddenly feeling the urge to cry. I fumbled aimlessly with my hands, exploring Daryl's gaze as the hunter stared at me.
"So?" Daryl muttered, swallowing. I scoffed weakly, shaking my head and sniffing loudly. Fighting against the tears.
"I couldn't let anything happen to you, Daryl." I replied, my voice thick. "Besides Sophia, you're probably the most important person in my life. I could not let them hurt you because of me." Daryl hesitated, his face scrunching up with despair and vulnerability that just made my heart ache.
"What 'bout Michonne?" He tried. "Merle?" I smiled weakly. He seemed so adamant to disregard himself and his importance. He didn't truly understand how much the group needed him, how much I needed him. I shrugged.
"Having not seen either of them in just under a year, I can't really say much for them." I admitted. It was true, despite my happiness to see them again, it had been so long. Would things just return to normal between us now or had wounds been made in the absence? "But you."A pause. "You've been there for me, protected me, put upwith me. You know, I wonder why you've tolerated me for so long because I'm not exactly the easiest of people to get on with. And plus I'm probably quite boring to you-"
"Ya ain't." Daryl cut in, shaking his head. He hesitated before shifting uncomfortably, looking down at his feet briefly. "What 'bout ya sister?" My pain ached at the mention of her and I chewed my lip thoughtfully.
"Dead." I muttered, noting the way Daryl's eyes widened slightly.
"I'm sorry." He returned and I shrugged.
"It's done now." Was all I said on the matter, not wanting to think of Jessica any longer. She was dead. Gone. She had long given up on me and I her. We didn't end as sisters, despite starting off in this new world as that. I couldn't deny the pain I felt for her betrayals, but was glad that we had had that final confrontation before the end. I understood now, could finally get on without holding out for her. It seemed that the real Jessica had died long before now, perhaps had died with the rest of the world? Much like Shane had?
"Didn't realise that Merle saved ya." Daryl muttered, suddenly, apparently wanting to keep the conversation going. I smiled slightly and nodded.
"There's good in your brother, despite his denial. He came to the rescue when the Governor had ordered Laurent to shoot Michonne and I. Promised to get us out of Woodbury, though obviously things got complicated." I shrugged, indifferently. That was in the past now. "How'd you get captured?" Daryl hesitated before replying.
"Andrea told us that she had found ya, that Merle was with ya too." He explained. "Said ya had gone back for ya sister 'nd that ya'd meet us outside of Woodbury." Daryl frowned. "Didn't like the idea of leavin' ya both behind. Promised Rick I'd provide cover 'nd before I knew it, I had a gun in my face 'nd some asshole had taken my crossbow." I frowned.
"They took your crossbow?" I cried, astonished. An essence of a smirk fell on Daryl's lips as he nodded. "Those assholes." I agreed in a muttered and Daryl chuckled a little.
"Got it back, don't worry." Daryl assured me. "Got yours 'nd Michonne's too. Though I reckon Rick'll want to hold onto ya friend's sword until he trusts her enough." I nodded, understanding the leader's intentions. In the cell block outside, a baby's cry could be heard. I smiled slightly. "She gave birth the day ya were taken." Daryl explained. "That was why it took so long for us to come get ya, Rick was too caught up with Lori's health 'nd whatever." Daryl frowned at this. "I said I'd go get ya without him, but Rick wanted to come too, ordered me to stay in the cell block. Had me locked in a cell until Judith was born and he was ready to leave." A pause. "Asshole."
"He locked you in a cell?" I muttered with disbelief. Daryl nodded once.
"It was for the best I guess. Said it wouldn't be good for me to come after ya alone, said that I wasn't thinkin' straight to go solo." Daryl sighed, knocking his head against the wall behind him and eyeing me evenly.
"Thanks for the gesture anyway, I suppose." I tried, lightly. Daryl nodded once, bringing his thumb to his lip so he could chew it thoughtfully. Voices out in the cell block reached the cell in the silence and above them all, Merle's was the most recognisable. It seemed a weird contrast in the prison, and I wasn't quite used to the man's presence yet. I couldn't comprehend how the dynamics of the group would change now that he was here and when everyone was together. Glancing at Daryl, I took in his thoughtful expression and knew he must be thinking the same. "How are things with you and him?" I asked, knowing Daryl would know who I meant by him. Daryl shrugged, meeting my gaze.
"Not easy." He admitted. "But things never are with Merle." I nodded in agreement. With a sigh, Daryl suddenly hauled himself to his feet, eyeing me from his standing position. "Ya better get some rest, Herschel said ya need it. When ya up for it, I think Rick'll want to talk with the whole group. Discuss what we're gonna do 'bout the Governor."
"He's coming, Daryl." I urged, suddenly fearful. Terror washed over me and I fell frantic for a moment. I gripped the bed sheets, imagining the Governor's sickening face and his cold touch trailing all over my skin again. Trembling, I chewed my lips and Daryl crouched down in front of me, clicking his fingers in front of my face.
"Snap out of that, girl." He muttered, getting my attention. "Ya don't got to be scared of him no more. I ain't gonna let him hurt ya. I'll protect ya."
"You shouldn't have to." I tried, not liking how incapable I must seem to Daryl. The hunter shrugged carelessly.
"Well, I'm gonna." He countered, softly. In the silence, Daryl lingered close to me and I tensed a little at the proximity. Daryl noticed this and his eyes narrowed. "Now, ya ain't never got to be scared of me, girl. I ain't gonna hurt ya 'nd ya better remember that." The intensity behind his words, despite his Southern drawl, was laced with nothing but the truth. There was a hint of urgency behind them as Daryl's eyes pleaded with me to believe him. I wanted so badly to believe them too and the more I considered Daryl before me, remembering all the time we had together, I knew that his words were true.
"I know." I nodded, my body relaxing at the statement, as Daryl's did.
In the silence that followed, I observed Daryl and hesitantly reached forward. He glanced at my approaching hand but surprisingly didn't flinch when my fingers trailed across his cheek. I noticed my hands trembled as I skimmed the essence of a bruise forming on Daryl's face, just under the eye, and I hated the idea of those people hurting him. Dried blood stained the side of his face and I tilted his head gently to see what damage had been inflicted. I sighed in relief as I felt through the tuffs of his hair and found nothing too serious to worry about, though when I returned my gaze to Daryl's face, I noticed an amused glint in his eyes and a smirk on his lips.
"What?" I questioned.
"How's it lookin', Doc?" He muttered, playfully, and I raised an eyebrow, revealing in the easy turn between us. Like old times.
"Nothing too serious, I don't think." I told him. "Gonna be looking like a panda for a little while, but I'm sure that's a look you can pull off." Daryl raised an eyebrow.
"Ya think so?" He asked, a smile still on his lips. I shrugged, smiling at the man, not really taking in that my hand still lay against his cheek. He didn't seem too bothered though. Gently, I ran a hand through Daryl's tussled hair and attempted to tame his ruffled mess of locks. I was careful not to touch the side of his head too much as it appeared sore where the blood clumped together. I hadn't noticed before how soft the hunter's hair actually was and smiled slightly at the idea of mentioning to Daryl that he'd make the ideal model for a hair product. "Somethin' funny 'bout my hair?" Daryl muttered, obviously noting my amused smile. I shook my head. "Ya ain't makin' me look an ass are ya?"
"I'm making you look handsome." I countered, smoothing down the last tuft of hair and dropping my hands away to examine my work. "There you go." I smiled. Daryl raised an eyebrow. "Shall I call Sophia? Maybe she'd like to braid your hair?" His eyes narrowed.
"Don't give the kid ideas." Daryl muttered, shaking his head and standing. He made to leave, but I reached out and grabbed his hand quickly. Daryl glanced at me with a raised eyebrow and I smiled slightly before raising his hand to my lips and placing a kiss onto the back of it.
"Thank you for coming back for me." I told the hunter, hoping he noted my sincerity. I raised my gaze to him and he looked dumbfounded for a moment though nodded numbly. Gazing at Daryl, my feelings intensified. Given the circumstances, I had pushed aside all my feelings for the hunter, but now that the danger had subsided for a moment, they had all come rushing back to me. Almost making up for lost time. My body ached even more so now, after considering everything that happened at Woodbury between us and I knew that despite Daryl's demeanour and attitude, he was probably blaming himself for everything. Hating himself for everything. Just from looking into Daryl's eyes in that moment, I saw the pain and despair behind them, something that I so urged to rid.
"Daryl, I-"
"Well, ain't this cosy." A voice muttered from the door. Daryl and I turned to the source to see Merle in the doorway, eyes glancing between the pair of us with a raised eyebrow. In an instant, Daryl pulled his hand from mine and turned to his brother, fully. Daryl's action stung, though I covered the hurt up quickly.
"Ya want somethin'?" Daryl asked, stoically. Merle eyed him evenly for a moment before smirking.
"Just wanna know where ya cell is at, Baby Brother. Gonna pitch mine up next door." He told Daryl. "Thought maybe you 'nd I could have a catch up too. Been a long time, brother." The hunter nodded and glanced down at me.
"Get some rest." He urged, softly and I could do nothing but nod slowly. With that, Daryl walked out the cell, pushing past his brother and leaving. Merle lingered for a moment, gazing at me with a thoughtful expression. I raised an eyebrow in question, hoping I wasn't trembling too much.
"Ya alright, darlin'?" He asked. I nodded slowly. "Better do as the Doc orders. Sweet dreams, princess." And with that, Merle left too, an unusual twinkle in his eye.
I stared at the doorway, the space both Dixons had vacated from and felt stunned for a moment. Unsure on what to really say about the exchange, I decided to lay back and oblige to Herschel's and Daryl's wishes. Exhaustion overpowered me almost immediately and I soon drifted off into the unconscious world. Though this time, at my own accord.
(Author's Note): Just watched the latest episode, though it's made me strongly dislike Andrea, I have to say (Sorry all Andrea fans!) The next episode is looking promising though, and I'm sure everyone has their ideas about the strange man on the roof in the promo. I know I do... ;) What did you guys think of this episode? And to those who'll be watching the newest one on Sunday, again please no spoilers for that one! Thank you!
The latest chapter, as you can tell, isn't so exciting. More of a filler chapter. I'm still trying to piece together the next stage in the story, but I'm afraid that means updates may be slower than normally. Most likely weekly. Sorry all, but bear with me!
How was the Ruby/Michonne/Merle interaction? I've had a lot of questions about the Merle/Michonen dynamic and whether or not that's leading anyway and in all honesty, I'm not really sure myself. It's an odd pairing, I have to admit, and their interactions just seem to flow when I write, so we'll have to wait and see where that leads to. And how about Ruby's examination and hers and Daryl's talk? Not to mention the fact that Yes, Lori is alive! ;)
And a shout out to Lupe Rouge, who has created some Deviantart for Loginquitas! I've posted links to her work on my profile and I plead you all to take a look at them. I really love them and I thank her so much for her work! I'm honoured by them! :)
Thanks to all who've taken the time to review, you guys are great! Like I said, updates may be a little slow but I will keep them coming, do not fear! :)