Chapter Forty Three
Before Rick left to meet the Governor, a small clear up job had been put forward so it was easier to get in and out of the prison when necessary. The usual suspects remained inside the prison; Lori, Herschel and the kids, while everyone else geared up and waited out in the yard for Rick's orders. Daryl and I still remained in the guard tower, still technically on watch.
"Who do you reckon Rick will take with him?" I mused, glancing at the hunter leaning over the railing beside me. Daryl shrugged.
"Probably me." He offered, meeting my gaze. "Merle wants to go too, I think, but Rick won't let him." I nodded in understanding. Letting Merle at the Governor didn't seem like such a good idea, especially considering the man was a loose canon. Though I could imagine that this didn't bode well for the Dixon brother. He sure didn't like getting told what to do.
"Everything alright with you both?" I asked. My question made Daryl snort before he shrugged a little, glancing at the group below and training his eyes on his older brother.
"He doesn't like it 'ere, keeps tryin' to tell me that we should just leave." Daryl admitted, which shocked me a little. Merle wanted to leave? "I know he's been a hassle with everyone in the group, startin' fights 'nd argument 'nd whatever. I think he's pretty sick of dealin' with everyone too." I raised an eyebrow at this.
"He's complying a lot with Rick at the moment." I pointed out. "He's providing useful strategic tips for us." Daryl turned to me and smiled sadly.
"Yeah, but that's 'cos Rick 'nd him have the same goal." Daryl muttered. "Get rid of the Governor. Merle is usin' the group to achieve that. That's the only reason why he's bein' helpful to Rick. To Merle, Rick's still the asshole that handcuffed him to the roof. He ain't ever gonna forget that." I sighed and glanced down at the older Dixon brother, who seemed to be picking at fight with Glenn and Maggie at the moment. The pair didn't seem too amused, while Merle was grinning evidently from where Daryl and I stood.
"Should we be worried about him?" I asked, quietly. Is he a threat to the group?, was my silent question that hung between us. Daryl remained silent for a moment, apparently musing over my question.
"He ain't gonna do anything. He knows he's got it good here. He's got help to kill the Governor."
"But what happens when the Governor is gone?" I countered. "Will he cause problems then, do you think?" This time, Daryl didn't seem to have an answer immediately. He was interrupted though when Tyreese made his way up the guard towers stairs and greeted us both with a smile.
"Rick wanted me to take over, while you two go help below." Tyreese explained. Daryl nodded, hauling his crossbow over his shoulders and leaving, patting Tyreese on the back as he left. I made to follow, though Tyreese quickly held out his hand to stop me. "Can I have a word with you, Ruby, please?" Over his shoulder, Daryl stopped and observed the man. "I'll be real quick." I nodded once, before smiling at the hunter over his shoulder; telling him that it was alright. Daryl nodded in return and left, his footsteps echoing down the stairs. I turned to man before me.
"What's up?" I asked, smiling slightly. Tyreese's smile faltered a little and the man moved to lean over the railings, his expression thoughtful.
"This group has been real good to my sister and I." Tyreese began slowly. "You took us in, didn't have to, and have become to treat us like one of your own."
"That's because you are." I said, softly. Tyreese smiled warmly at me.
"I suppose you more than others know what it's like to come into a new group, having to earn their trust and your place." I nodded in agreement. Suddenly Tyreese bowed his head. "When we first found out about this Governor guy, Sasha and I considered just leaving." I was stunned by this revelation and frowned when the man looked my way. He smiled sadly. "I know, it was cowardly of us. Especially after everything you have all done for us. We were just so scared though. Hearing your stories about this guy gave us a lot to think about."
"You are under no imprisonment here, Tyreese, despite our location." I began, slowly. "You are under no obligation to stay here if you don't want to. Rick will understand." Tyreese shook his head.
"Thank you, Ruby, but Sasha and I have decided now to stay." He admitted. I tilted my head thoughtfully.
"What changed your mind?" I asked, softly. Immediately, Tyreese's gaze turned to the group below and I knew straight away his answer. A slow smile crept onto my face as the man seemed reluctant to answer. He met my gaze again, bashfully, and began to rub the back of his head in an awkward manner. "Would a better question be who changed your mind?" Tyreese chuckled shyly.
"Is it that obvious?" He asked. I shrugged.
"Being close to Michonne, I pick up on things easier than the rest of the group would do. Plus it doesn't help that you guys forget to dress properly after you- er- you know-" I trailed off, smirking when Tyreese became increasingly more awkward. He coughed loudly when I mentioned the mishap I had found the pair in earlier that morning. "Don't worry, you guys' secret is safe with me." A pause. "And Merle."
"Ahh, he knows too, huh?" I nodded in reply. "That's what I kind of came to talk about, really. Michonne."
"If you've come to ask me about her feelings for you, then you've come to wrong place. Michonne isn't the kind of woman who discusses her feelings, even to me." Tyreese shook his head and laughed a little.
"That's not what I meant." He replied. "It's about Michonne and Merle." I raised an eyebrow at the odd implication. "Were they ever-" He trailed off, not needing to finish the sentence. I began to laugh at the suggestion. Michonne and Merle! The sentiment amused me to no end. When I met Tyreese's gaze though, I saw nothing but seriousness behind them and my laughter died.
"There's nothing or ever was going on between them, I promise you." I assured the man quickly. "Michonne isn't exactly Merle's-" A pause. "Type." Tyreese raised an eyebrow but I didn't elaborate. "There's no need to be feeling insecure about anything, Tyreese." He nodded slowly.
"It's just, ever since Michonne and I-" He swallowed and thankfully didn't go into details. "I guessed you and Merle would know and I've been getting some weird looks from the man ever since."
"Don't mind him, that's just Merle's usual face." I muttered, Tyreese smiled a little.
"Weirder than normal." Tyreese continued. "Since he came here, Merle has pretty much steered clear of me, but recently he's been trying to pick a lot of fights with me, some for no reason at all. I know he's a hostile man, but I'm not one to get involved with situations like that, so I've tried to avoid him. I just wanted to make sure that he wasn't being like this to me because of Michonne." I thought over Tyreese's comments for a while, glancing down to the others briefly before sighing.
"I can talk to him, if you want? See what his problem is." I suggested. Tyreese shrugged.
"I don't want to cause a fight, I just wanted to clear some things up." He told me quickly. I nodded once before smiling at the man.
"I'm going to head down and join the others." I informed him. Tyreese nodded and returned my smiled, fully. "And if it's any consolation, I think you'll be good for her." Tyreese raised an eyebrow at my comment. "You're a nice guy, Tyreese. Just take care of her." Tyreese nodded slowly, his eyes so full of sincerity. With that, I left the man to join the others.
Rick enforced a simple plan, to clear the yard a little so it was easier for him and whoever else to leave later that day to meet the Governor. Rick, Daryl, Michonne and Glenn were going to take the yard, while Merle, Maggie, Sasha and myself ran the perimeter to distract walkers and take some out ourselves. Tyreese and Andrea provided watch in two guard towers, while we did so. Incase the Governor decided to spring a surprise attack. Unlikely, but possible. Maggie and Sasha paired off, taking on section of the perimeter, leaving me with Merle - as the other two were both adamant that they would not be paired with him. Merle remained unphased and joined me in the distraction. The group moved into the yard and we began to attempt a clear out. It was obvious that they all could not be taken down, more would enter the yard anyway through the broken fences, but Rick wanted to thin them out so we weren't completely trapped inside the prison.
"Y'know, should be me goin' to see the Governor today with Officer Friendly." Merle muttered, using his bayonet to impale a walker's head through the meshed fence. I glanced at the man, taking in his violent expression.
"You and I both know that if you went today, you'd do all in your power to take the guys head off." I replied, stabbing a walker through the head with my knife. Merle chuckled darkly, patting my back as he ran down the perimeter fence a little further, the walkers on the other side of the fence followed his movements with hungry eyes.
"'Nd that's the plan Officer Friendly should be makin'!" Merle cried. "What use is attemptin' to bargain with the Governor? We know what kinda man he is. He ain't gonna be willing to make no deals with us, when he knows that he could just slaughter the lot of us if he wanted to." A pause.
"So you don't think we have any chance against him?" I asked, quietly. Merle frowned, ignoring my question for a moment to take out another walker before slowly returning to my side.
"I thought we did before, but not after the last attack." Merle admitted, leaning close, as if he was afraid anyone would hear him.
"We weren't prepared-"
"We can never be prepared for him!" Merle hissed, eyes flaring. I started back at his intensity. "Ain't any point makin' more tactical plans. We 'ave two options now. One; we focus all our attention on assassinatin' the Governor. We get rid of him, Woodbury is no threat. Without the Governor, Woodbury is nothing."
"And two?" I breathed. Merle smirked thinly.
"Then we listen to Blondie's words 'nd run." Abruptly, Merle turned away and continued his way down the perimeter, taking out walkers on his way. He paused once to chuckle darkly. "Chinaman nearly got bit." He nodded into the yard and I turned to see Rick helping Glenn up, as Michonne battled off approaching walkers around the pair. "Real shame Officer Friendly was on hand, things could 'ave got interestin'." I glared at the man.
"Why do you do that?" I demanded, stopping Merle short. He glanced over his shoulder at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Just havin' fun, girly."
"Well it isn't fun, Merle." I muttered, remembering the conversations I had just had with Daryl and Tyreese earlier on. "Why do you insist on picking fights with these people? Why do you have to continuingly make things more difficult than they need to be?" Merle paused before his expression grew dark, one I recognised from those he seemed to constantly wear in Woodbury. I started, though tried to remain strong under his heavy gaze.
"Ya think I care 'bout makin' things easy for these people?" Merle hissed.
"Well, considering you're part of this group now, I think you should start to care!" I retorted. Merle stepped closer.
"I ain't ever been or ever will be 'part of this group'!" Merle cried. "I owe you people nothing! I don't need to be here!"
"Then why are you?" I asked. "Oh, I'll tell you why! Because of Daryl. Of me, of Michonne." Merle stepped closer. "And guess what, Merle, we are part of this group. What are you gaining by hurting these people?"
"The fuck's got ya panties in a twist, girly?" Merle sneered, glaring down at me.
"I'm sick of you treating this group like shit!" Merle's expression darkened.
"Me treatin' them like shit?" He hissed. "What 'bout how they're treatin' me?! It ain't been easy for me either with those people! Not exactly a damn walk in the park! Now, you tell me, girl, what the fuck is it that I'm meant to 'ave done, huh?! I saved ya life! I did, not them!"
"They're cautious around you because you were with the Governor, Merle. You causing fights and making hassle is not making things better and certainly isn't favouring their opinion of you."
"I don't care what those people think of me!"
"But if you want to continue living here, remaining with Daryl, then this needs to stop." I countered. "We have enough problems to deal with than battling amongst each other." There was a long pause before Merle scoffed and turned to walk away.
"Ya people need to lighten up. I'm only jokin'. Ol' Merle ain't doin' no harm, just messin' with ya all." He threw over his shoulder.
"Well, people aren't finding it so funny."
"Like I care."
There was a long moments silence between us as Merle continued to take out walkers, in a much more brutal fashion than before - if that was possible for Merle. I took in his expression and noted that my words must have left him with plenty to muse over. I joined him in the walker slaughter and we continued in silence until Rick called it a day and those in the compound returned to the safety of the yard. I glanced at the others, thankfully they were all safe, before turning to the man beside me, who still proceeded to take out walkers.
"You're not a bad man, Merle." I spoke suddenly. Merle paused in his killings, though didn't turn to me. "I know you're not. You care about Daryl and your loyalty to him isn't the work of someone who is evil. And you're right; you saved my life. You could have left me to die but you didn't. It didn't have anything to do with debt, Merle, no matter what you say. I know it wasn't." Merle glanced over his shoulder at me and narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I know what they think of me." Merle murmured quietly. "Ya people look at me like I'm the devil. They've heard the stories 'bout the Governor 'nd his people 'nd they think I'm just the same. Heck, I know that Chinaman 'nd his girl think that I am responsible for what happened to ya 'nd Micky. Would hazard a guess that they ain't the only ones."
"And starting fights with them isn't going to make that better." I pointed out. "If you keep this up, you'll only stretch the rift bigger between you and them. The group doesn't need that. Not now." I paused, shaking my head at the man. "You still have the chance to start again with this group. And if you won't do it for the group, then at least do it for Daryl. Because I know that above all else, you do care about your brother." Merle frowned and said nothing, his face intensely thoughtful.
Any musing was interrupted though when Rick's hollering caught our attention. When I turned to the direction of his voice, I saw that Rick was walking towards us. He glanced hesitantly at Merle, a gaze that I noted was full of suspicion. I turned to the man myself and took in the knowing, but almost sad, smirk he sent to me.
"Ya want me to head back to the others, Officer?" Merle asked. Rick looked shocked by the almost polite tone in Merle's voice before nodding once. Merle said nothing more and merely nodded once to me as he passed, before making his way around the perimeter and back toward the yard.
"Well, that was odd." Rick muttered, as we watched the man walk away. I raised an eyebrow when Rick met my gaze again and we followed after Merle, though at a slower pace.
"Is everyone alright?" I asked, just to clarify. Rick nodded in confirmation. "So everything went well then? You ready to leave?"
"Just about." Rick replied. "Daryl has insisted on riding his bike to the meeting point, so he's just gone to get it now." I smiled faintly at this and Rick chuckled.
"I think it's technically Merle's bike, actually." I muttered and Rick laughed again.
"Hopefully he won't mind Daryl borrowing it then." He said.
"So who else is going with you then? Milton said you could take two people after all." When I glanced up at Rick, I knew what the answer was and was startled for a moment. "Me?" Rick nodded.
"If you're alright with that?" I shrugged.
"I don't mind, I just thought you'd pick someone else."
"My first choice was Herschel, actually. But he needs to stay behind to take care of Lori." Rick admitted. "I don't want to take Tyreese or Glenn because I think I'd prefer it if they stayed here, kept the prison safe while we're gone. Merle is a definite no, I don't need him compromising the situation." A pause as Rick smiled down at me. "So, I picked you." I returned his smile.
"I better go get my stuff then."
The green Hyundai was unfortunately the vehicle that Rick and I would be travelling in. I grimaced at the sight of the car but proceeded to snort at Merle's unhappy face at the fact Daryl was taking his bike. The man was unaware that Daryl had looked after his bike and was almost overjoyed at the sight of Daryl riding out on it, though it was short lived when he realised that Daryl was borrowing it for the day. An argument had ensued between them, but it was almost too sibling-like to be taken seriously. In his anger, Merle seemed to overlook the happy glint in Daryl's eyes as the pair argued and I knew that the glint must have been there because this was the side of Merle that Daryl liked best. The brotherly side.
"We shouldn't be gone for too long." Rick announced, opening the driver door. "You keep watch constantly, keep on full alert. No one leaves the prison while we're gone. Understood?" A confirmation came back. "Glenn, you're in charge while I'm gone." The Korean boy nodded solemnly and the group moved to ready our departure.
I climbed in beside Rick and Daryl started up the engine on the motorbike. The hunter led the way toward the yard gate and Tyreese and Michonne were on hand to open it for us. We barrelled out in a rush and in the wing mirror, I watched as the group shut and secured the gate behind us.
Merle had mapped out the location of the meeting point to Rick and Daryl beforehand and it appeared to be the mid-point between the prison and Woodbury. Daryl continued to lead the way, dodging walkers easily, with Rick and I following in the Hyundai. I watched the hunter closely, despite knowing his was fully capable of looking after himself. I still remained wary.
"I never got the chance to say sorry for what happened to Toby." Rick spoke suddenly. My heart pained at the mention of my fallen dog, but I smiled sadly when Rick glanced at me. "I would have put him down for you, if I'd have known. I didn't think he had turned, I thought he was still-" A pause as Rick trailed off. "You shouldn't have had to do it." I shrugged.
"He was mine and therefore was my responsibility." I replied. "I wouldn't have expected anyone else to have done it. I just-" I sniffed loudly, trying to hold back any tears that threatened to break through. "He's been with me since the start of all this. I thought he was invincible and more capable of surviving than I was. Now he's gone and I'm still here." I sighed. "But at the end of the day, there are people worse off than me, Rick, so please don't give me anymore of your pity. He was just a dog after all." My heart pained to keep the conversation going; I seemed to have taken Toby's death worse than my own sister's. The thought made me sick. When I turned to Rick, I saw his gaze wavered between the road and me.
"I'm still sorry." He said, softly, and I nodded my thanks, turning away from the man to stare out the road. "You know that guy that came yesterday? From Woodbury; Mario or something like that?" I smiled a little, glancing at the leader beside me with a raised eyebrow.
"Martinez?" I offered. Rick nodded before turning to me grimly.
"What did he mean when he said that he was sorry?" I couldn't help the way my throat constricted at Rick's question. I knew it was bound to come sooner or later, but that didn't prepare me for the blow it struck me with.
"I think you know, Rick." I murmured, quietly. I noticed how his hands tightened on the steering wheel, and I had to stare down at my hands in my lap, ignoring Rick's gaze.
"When I found you that day, you were so-" He paused. "Broken. I didn't know what to think, what to do. The way you flinched when I touched you, the way you still do whenever anyone does." I glanced up at the man then, unaware he'd taken notice of that, before taking in the way his jaw had hardened.
"He ordered for me to remove my shirt." I began slowly. "When I refused he brought Daryl in and threatened to kill him if I didn't do as he asked. So I did. When I had removed my shirt and bra, Daryl was taken away and the Governor he-" I swallowed down the bile. "I still feel his touch on me, his kisses, his disgusting breath. Even now." Subconsciously, I rubbed my neck. I was surprised that I had admitted this to Rick, but when I met his eyes briefly, I felt at ease. "I'm not going to hurt you. It's me, Rick. I would never hurt you." "But he didn't- he didn't go further. He couldn't." Rick raised an eyebrow softly. "Martinez came in to tell the Governor that he was needed so he left before he could-" Rick nodded, silently informing me that I needn't say anymore. I was thankful. "That was why Martinez was sorry, I don't think he knew what the Governor was going to do." I paused before swallowing hard. "Please don't tell the others, Rick." Instantly, Rick turned to me before his expression softened. Identical to that day he found me in Woodbury. Rick shook his head.
"I won't." He assured me, firmly, and I smiled my thanks. "Who else knows?"
"Daryl and Lori." I replied. "And you of course. Plus, after Martinez's little apology stunt I don't doubt Merle will plough me with questions any day now." Rick nodded slowly.
"And how did Daryl take it all after you spoke to him?" He asked, gently. I shrugged.
"Better than I expected he would." I admitted before sighing. "The thing is, I told Daryl that the Governor only made me take my clothes off for show, a way of getting us both to talk, crack under pressure and all that. I told him that he didn't actually do anything to me, that he wouldn't have done." I chuckled bitterly. Rick sighed.
"I think after hearing what Martinez said yesterday, Daryl probably has doubts of his own now." I nodded in agreement. "Why did you keep it from him?"
"I lied to him because I know he'd only torture himself by taking the blame. I only wanted to make it easier for him." I told Rick slowly. The leader turned to me and smiled sadly.
"But perhaps telling the truth is easier in the long run?" He offered and I was rendered into a state of thoughtfulness.
When we arrived at the old mill where the meeting point was supposed to be located, Rick and Daryl's speeds dropped down cautiously and I scanned the location around us, searching for any of the Governor's goons hiding. The mill was an overgrown wasteland of shrubbery and the place had an eerie, unnerving feel to it. Not a person, or even a walker, in sight. Daryl slowly brought his bike to a halt beside one of the larger buildings and Rick pulled up along side him, the pair cutting the engines off. Rick and I left the Hyundai and grouped with Daryl.
"Didn't see anyone." Daryl muttered. "Do we know where ya supposed to be meetin' him?" Rick shook his head.
"He just said the old mill." Rick sighed, staring around the place. I stared around too, taking in the rustic and decaying feel to the place. Shattered windows, rusted metal and broken panels were what the buildings held together with. Unsteady would be the word I'd describe this place with. "Ruby, you wait in the car. Daryl and I will go check inside. Have the car ready to go if we need to." I nodded in confirmation and Rick turned and led the way toward one of the buildings. Daryl glanced back at me and gave me a single nod before following after the leader.
I resumed Rick's place in the driver seat of the Hyundai and waited patiently, me eyes ever so cautious. I kept my wits about me, expecting to see shadows dancing around corners of buildings, obscuring from view. Though saw nothing unusual. Despite the absence of anything. A gentle breeze hit the car and I shivered at the cold air that crept in.
I didn't feel safe, I felt on edge. I wondered whether the Governor would honour the agreement of only bringing Martinez and Milton along, or whether it would be an army of Woodbury against the mere three of us. My grip tightened on the gun on my lap as I prayed for the former. What I did note though was that the location appeared safe of walkers as so far none had staggered out into the open. Daryl's bike was hardly the quietest of transport and would no doubt draw out any that lingered near. The absence of the dead was a good sign.
Finally, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and turned to see Daryl approaching the vehicle, his crossbow strung over his shoulders. He was alone. Deciding that there didn't appear to be any danger, I left the car to greet him by the hood of the vehicle.
"Rick's talkin' to the Governor inside." Daryl muttered, nodding to the building behind us. I nodded slowly, eyeing the offending building with mild fear for our leader. "He was alone, I checked the place out 'nd there's no sign of any of his men."
"Where are Martinez and Milton then?" I wondered. As if on cue, the sound of an approaching car was heard and Daryl and I turned to see an armoured pickup rounding the corner and nearing us. At the sight of Martinez at the wheel, I unintentionally drew nearer to Daryl.
The vehicle slowed and came to halt before us and out of the corner of my eye, I noted that Daryl had removed his crossbow from over his shoulder and now held it in his arms. Surely not a good sign? There was a moment's pause before the driver and passenger doors opened and the pair inside got out.
Milton seemed exactly how I remembered him the day before; weedy - as Glenn called him. His eyes shifted awkwardly between us both before turning fully to the building we stood beside, where inside our respective leaders were in discussion. Taking in his persona, he looked far from capable of withstanding even a single attack from a walker. He seemed to possess no weapons and everything about his demeanour screamed that he was more than uncomfortable with his situation. The only comfort that seemed to be provided for him was the fact that Martinez stood beside him, armed and ready equipped.
Martinez himself didn't take much note of us at first and had his full attention on the area around us, scanning it with caution. When he seemed satisfied, he turned and eyed Daryl and I with an expressionless look. When his eyes lingered on me, memories overwhelmed me and I quickly swallowed hard to ignore them. He seemed to see the effect he was having on me and quickly turned to the man beside me.
"Are they inside?" Milton asked, bravely. I raised my gaze to the man and nodded in answer to his question. He took it in thoughtfully. "Thank you for honouring the agreement." A pause. "Perhaps a level of trust can be established now between us?" Both Daryl and Martinez snorted.
"Shut up, Milton." Martinez hissed. His companion shifted uncomfortably and remained silent, his eyes turning to the area we were in. "So, you're Merle's brother, huh?" I glanced up to the man he was addressing and saw a stony expression on Daryl's face. "I can see the resemblance." He sneered before pausing and shrugging. "You don't seem so much of an ass though as him-"
"Ya better watch ya mouth." Daryl cut in, his eyes dangerous. Martinez chuckled at this. "We ain't 'ere to chit chat. Keep ya trap shut 'nd things will be easy for ya." Martinez laughed again.
"You got some fight in you, I see. I suppose that's the Dixon fight, huh?" Martinez nodded thoughtfully. "Ahh yes, you've very much like your brother. How's our old friend Merle doing anyway? Still handless?"
"He's fine. But ya know that already." Daryl muttered. "Ya got a fistful from him yesterday." Martinez's eyes narrowed and it was now Daryl's turn to smirk.
"There's no reason not to use the time we have together to explore the issues ourselves." Milton cut in quickly before Martinez could spit another comment at Daryl. The man stepped forward bravely, taking a few steps into the space between each side. No man's land. Martinez stared at his friend incredulously, while Daryl raised his crossbow warningly.
"He's not armed, Daryl." I muttered, Milton's gaze turning to me briefly. He nodded his silent thanks to me when the hunter lowered his weapon.
"Boss said to sit tight and not to get too friendly." Martinez muttered, a glare on his face.
"Don't ya mean 'the Governor'?" Daryl sneered. Martinez turned to him and sent him a dark look. He did not say anything surprisingly. "Ya follow him like the faithful little lap dog, huh?" Martinez turned to laugh.
"You're one to talk, redneck." He muttered. "You're just the henchman. Your man is just another governor too; like ours." Daryl shook his head.
"No he ain't. Our leader ain't some deranged tyrant." Daryl scoffed.
"Tyrant, huh?" Martinez muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Surprised you have a word like that in your vocabulary, hillbilly." Daryl scoffed and ignored the man's comment.
"I'd rather be the henchman than the obedient mutt." I instinctively grimaced at Daryl's words - 'obedient mutt'; Toby. The man beside me didn't seem to notice but Martinez did and his gaze turned fully to me. This only made Daryl angrier and the hunter stepped forward, obscuring Martinez's view of my slightly.
"It's a good thing that they're sitting down, especially after what happened." Milton quickly carried on, sensing the heightening tension between the hot-headed pair. He seemed to be trying to address me, probably as I was the only one who commented yet; the least confrontational to him. "They're going to work it out. No one wants another battle."
"Wouldn't exactly call it a battle." Daryl muttered, his tone eased off slightly. Milton swallowed before nodding.
"I would call it a battle and I did." Hesitantly, he raised a small notebook. "I recorded it." I raised an eyebrow at this, Martinez scoffed and looked thoroughly pissed at his companion's attempts of conversion.
"For what?" Daryl asked, slowly.
"Someone has got to keep a record of what we've gone through." Milton replied, patiently. He seemed to be revelling in the turn the discussion had taken. "It'll be a part of our history."
"So, you think there will be a life past all this?" I asked, quietly. "You think we can beat this new world?" Milton didn't hesitate in nodding.
"Yes, I do." He replied. "I've been recording everything that has happened. I have so many interviews-" His train of thought was cut off when a distant clatter and a moan was heard. Martinez, who had been sat on the hood of their vehicle, jumped down immediately and headed to the driver door before pulling out a familiar looking item; a baseball bat. I scoffed at the sight of it, remembering the bat I had left behind in the run from the farm. Perhaps Martinez was there during the attack of the farm too? Perhaps Martinez had taken my bat?
"Stay here with glasses." Daryl muttered, readying his crossbow. "I'll watch the douche bag." I nodded, glancing towards Martinez.
"You coming, redneck?" He sneered, to which Daryl replied with a scowl. When the hunter turned back to me, his expression softened.
"Watch yourself, don't let ya guard down with him just 'cos he doesn't seem armed." Daryl told me, quiet enough for only me to hear. I nodded again and Daryl seemed satisfied. He went to follow Martinez.
"Be careful." I called to him quickly, in a moment of desperation. Daryl glanced over his shoulder at me and nodded, smiling softly at me. Martinez stared between us, an eyebrow raised, but surprisingly didn't comment. The two men disappeared off and left Milton and myself by the cars.
I glanced to the man opposite me and saw how in the absence of his companion, he seemed much more relaxed. Strange. Sick of leaning against the hood of the vehicle, I sat myself down on an unsteady looking plank, with full view of the area around us incase walkers decided to announce themselves. After a brief hesitation, Milton sat himself down beside me.
"My name's Milton by the way, I never properly introduced myself before." The man beside me quickly began. I smiled slightly.
"I know who you are." I told him and Milton raised an eyebrow in question. "The Governor told me about you actually, during my time in Woodbury. Merle also helped me put a face to the name yesterday when he insulted you."
"Ahh yes, I remember now. He called me the Philip's 'fuck buddy'." Milton muttered and I nodded slowly. "He has always had a way with words." I couldn't help but chuckle in agreement at the man's sarcastic comment.
"I'm Ruby." I offered after a brief hesitation. When I met Milton's eyes, he seemed grateful and I wondered whether I'd be another name to add to his records.
"Jessica's sister." Milton breathed before smiling sadly. "I'm sorry for what happened to her. Philip said that she was killed in the attack on Woodbury." I couldn't help but scoff at his comment.
"Did he tell you how she died?" I demanded, almost harshly. Milton shook his head slowly. "Martinez shot her." His eyes widened. "Because she killed Penny." At this Milton grimaced.
"You knew about Penny?" He asked. I nodded. "You knew what she was?"
"I know that the Governor wanted you to find a cure for the infection; to save her." I added. Milton sighed and smiled slightly.
"I have a theory that the biters still have an essence of their previous self in them. I believe that the key is to find a way to make them remember their previous selves again." He paused to show me his notebook again, skipping through it and showing me various words and diagrams. None of which had any meaning to me, but must have held a lot of intellect for the man beside me. "I'd been testing and studying the biters since the outbreak and I believed that by using memory cues, I could bring a being back from its violent state."
"You talk in past tense." I noted quietly. Milton nodded slowly and looked suddenly down set.
"I tested it out on a man in Woodbury. An old gentleman, dying and a willing volunteer." Milton began. "Leading up to his death, I spent hours trying to put the cues in place; I used familiar music, pictures of his family." He paused to frown at the notebook. "But when he died, he-" He shook his head. "Martinez had to put him down." I nodded slowly, taking in the down-hearted expression and wondering whether his sadness was due to the failed experiment or the loss of a friend. Finally, Milton raised his eyes to me, and shook his head once. "I know that Philip seems harsh, but he's only doing what's best for Woodbury." There was something in his voice that wavered.
"I knew Philip before Woodbury." I told Milton quietly before shaking his head. "You can't defend him. I know what he is, what he's done. I was part of his group once, along with my sister. You remember Laurent?" Milton nodded slowly, his expression confused. "We came to find the Governor's group with him; just the three of us. Laurent, Jessica and myself." I studied the man before me. "I don't think you actually know what the man you follow has done. But I don't remember you from before, so I'm guessing the Governor picked you up after I left?"
"He found me, when he found Penny." Milton informed me. "Jessica and Laurent were with him then." I nodded.
"And did he pick Merle up after or before you?"
"After."
"Your Governor is not what he appears to be." I urged quietly. "I had to leave his group; another woman and myself overrun the camp with walkers one night and escaped."
"What is it that you think Philip has done?" Milton asked, slowly. I raised an eyebrow.
"I think that's a question better posed to the man himself." I muttered. "Just be cautious what you hear, Milton. You seem an honest enough man. Don't get too caught up with his lies." There was a long moments silence between us and I stared out across the abandoned area we found ourselves in and began to wish that Daryl would return back soon.
"He's not been the same since Penny's death." Milton spoke suddenly. I didn't need to ask to know who he was. "He cooped himself up in his apartment for days after it happened and when he came back out into the town, he seemed-" He paused, thoughtfully and I waited, watching the man curiously. Finally, Milton turned to me and sighed. "Unstable." I suppressed a snort, but smiled bitterly at the man. "He's been making a lot of irrational choices lately; the battle at your prison for example." Milton shook his head. "I didn't know what he was planning until your lot told me. If I had known, I would have tried to stop him."
"He's not the kind of man who can be stopped with rational words, Milton, I think we both know that." I muttered and Milton didn't disagree. In the silence, my thoughts focused on the building next to us, where the subject of our conversation was conversing with Rick within. "You really believe they're going to work things out in there?"
"I hope they'll work things out." Milton urged, his words and tone speaking full volumes. He was just as unsure as the rest of us. "Far too much blood has been drawn, from both sides. Unnecessary blood. We both have people we're trying to protect."
"And I'm guessing that there's no way we could just live in peace beside each other?" I tried, chuckling humourlessly. Milton smiled sadly and shook his head.
"He doesn't like the idea of having you and your people on his doorstep." Milton sighed. "He's not one for neighbours, especially ones who attacked his home." I raised an eyebrow.
"And here you guys are, destroying our front yard too." I muttered. Milton sent me an apologetic look. Another moment of hesitation between us. "Do you have women in Woodbury?" I asked, suddenly. Milton turned to me. "Children?"
"Yes." He replied. "Woodbury has many families, those who seek refuge from the outside. Woodbury was once a safe haven, a paradise almost. Untouched from the biters." I nodded slowly. "And now it's like an army camp, gunning up for war." His last comment was bitter.
"It isn't much of a different picture from our end either, I assure you." I sighed. "We've got children too. One of our own has recently just given birth actually." At this Milton raised his eyebrow and seemed in shock for a moment. "Truth is Milton, we're not the terrorists that the Governor is making us out to be. We're a family too, just trying to survive in this world. You guys started this. You took Michonne and I."
"Your people were the first to pull the trigger." Milton added. I smiled bitterly and tilted my head.
"Debatable." I muttered and the silence lapsed again.
Wordlessly, Milton handed me his notebook and I began to flick through it, Milton occasionally explaining a theory to me, or reinforced an idea that I didn't understand. The subject on the war between our groups was forgotten and in that moment we were just two survivors in the new, apocalyptic world, who weren't about to prepare for war against one another.
When Daryl and Martinez returned again, I noted that Martinez's (perhaps my) bat was bloodied and Daryl was wiping his knife on his trouser leg, cleaning it of blood. Oddly, the tension between the pair seemed to have diffused slightly and they appeared to be chatting quietly amongst each other when they approached. It was a strange sight considering the pair weren't exactly seeing eye to eye beforehand.
"Are the biters all gone?" Milton asked, when they neared.
"For now, yeah." Daryl replied. I handed Milton's notebook back to him with a grateful smile before the man scurried away, back to their vehicle to put his notebook back in a safe place. He seemed much more cheerful now he had been able to pass on his ideas. "He cause any trouble?" Daryl muttered, standing before me. I shook my head.
"Harmless as a mouse." I replied, smiling at the man. He scoffed.
"Mice can bite, y'know." Daryl muttered before stalking towards the Hyundai to clean off his bolts and replace them on his crossbow. I hadn't noticed that Martinez still lingered by me until the man suddenly coughed to get my attention. I turned to look at the man, averting my attention away from Daryl and to look up at him. At the sight of him, I tensed slightly and Martinez appeared to have noticed it.
"Just wanted to apologise again for-" Martinez paused before shrugging awkwardly. "You know." I gritted my teeth.
"You apologised yesterday, Martinez." I pointed out, coldly. "Doesn't get rid of the fact that I was bruised black and blue because of you either." Martinez laughed nervously at that.
"Yeah, guess I'm sorry about that too." He replied. "An order's an order, right?" I smiled bitterly.
"Laurent was a man who would follow orders too." I muttered. "Look where he ended up." At this, Martinez tensed and tilted his head thoughtfully.
"I just came here to make peace with you, sweetheart." Martinez tried again and I shrugged.
"You've apologised, there's nothing else to it. And don't call me 'sweetheart'." I paused. "Why did you kill my dog?" At this Martinez raised an eyebrow and chuckled humourlessly.
"The Governor ordered me to."
I scoffed and rose to my feet, making my move to leave. Martinez quickly grabbed my arm before I could and I tensed under his touch. His touch was cold and reminded me oh so much like his. I felt my skin crawl at the contact and bile rose as the memories built up again. I tried to shrink away, but he only gripped tighter, urging me to stay put. Trapping me-
"Hey!" Suddenly Martinez's grip fell away instantly and the man backed up as Daryl shoved his crossbow in his face. Martinez held his hands up as a sign of peace though Daryl made a point of standing in between us. "The hell do ya think ya doin'?!"
"We were just talking, lover boy, ease off." Martinez told him, slowly. Daryl practically growled at the man and raised his crossbow closer. I reached forward and tugged gently on the back of the hunter's jacket.
"Daryl, please." I begged, quietly. After a moment of hesitation, Daryl obliged and lowered his crossbow. Martinez relaxed and had the good manner to look ashamed of his actions.
"Ya stay away from her, ya hear?" Daryl hissed. Surprisingly, Martinez nodded slowly and backed up from the hunter. He sent me one last apologetic look before returning back to the vehicle Milton stood beside. So much for the growing understanding between the four of us. "Ya alright?" Daryl asked, gruffly. I nodded and resumed my place on the bench I had previously been sat on. The hunter joined me, keeping his gaze between the other two - mainly Martinez - and myself.
"He didn't mean to, Daryl." I muttered, finally. Daryl shrugged.
"He's still a douche bag." He replied in return and I smiled faintly, unconsciously rubbing my arm where Martinez had held onto.
"I tried to talk to Merle this morning." I admitted, trying to change the subject quickly, and Daryl raised an eyebrow in question. "I tried to tell him that his incessant need to piss people off is unnecessary and that he could still make peace with people if he tried."
"And?" I shrugged.
"I'd like to think that some of what I said stuck." I sighed. "But I guess time will tell."
"If it doesn't then I'll talk to him." Daryl informed me. "He's my brother, but I don't want him causin' problems with people in the group." I nodded and glanced over to the building that the leaders were still in. "They won't reach an agreement." I turned to Daryl and he shrugged. "Martinez said it himself; they ain't the kind of people that can live side by side, knowin' the other exists. They may 'talk things out' but they're both prepared to launch an attack at any time."
"Milton told me something similar." I told him, quietly, before running a hand through my tangled locks. I chuckled bitterly at the fact I hadn't used a brush in weeks now and no doubt my hair was becoming to dread like Michonne's soon. What a state, I must look. Taking in the presence beside me and exactly whothe presence was, I began to reveal in my feelings of self-consciousness and hated how much of I mess I must look beside the hunter - who seemed to be able to pull off unclean. "Say that Woodbury attack and they draw us out, what do you reckon will happen to us?"
"We'd move on." Daryl muttered. "Find somewhere new. We 'ave the capability of surviving on the road. You perhaps more than most."
"Where would we go?" I felt the need for at least some reassurance that if the prison fell, that we would all still be alright. After having the security of the prison for so long now, it seemed terrifying the idea of it all being taken away from us at any point now.
"I dunno." Daryl admitted with a sigh. "Suppose if the Governor wasn't a problem then we could head back to the farm, clear out the walkers again. But if the Governor is still breathin', then he'd no doubt look for us there. Like ya said, he's still gonna follow us where ever we go. Better to take him out now." The hunter's eyes turned to the building before us and I knew that no doubt ideas of assassination were running through his mind.
"Merle wants us to just focus our planning on killing the Governor." I added, slowly. Daryl nodded.
"Doesn't seem like such a bad idea at the moment." He murmured and silence drifted between us for a moment.
"Say we do get attacked and we either defeat the Governor or are pushed out of the prison." I began slowly. Daryl's head tilted towards me, though his eyes remained fixed on the building. "What if-" I paused to swallow. "What if we lose someone again?" Daryl's body tensed and he seemed to be trying to control himself for a moment.
"We do what we always do." He muttered. "We mourn then we continue livin' - for them." His answer left me trembling for a moment.
"What if you lost Merle?" I asked, turning fully to delve Daryl's reaction. He met my gaze evenly before smiling slightly.
"Ain't nobody able to kill Merle, but Merle." He told me, quietly. I let out a brief chuckle and knew that Daryl was just dodging giving a response to the question.
"What if-" I frowned in thought. "What if I lose Sophia?" The idea made my body shake and Daryl shook his head. I dodged his gaze to stare down at my hands.
"Don't think like that, girl." He murmured, softly. "I'll make it my dutyto make sure that girl gets out safely." I gritted my teeth and raised my gaze again, meeting his defiantly.
"What if I lose you?" I breathed, quietly. Daryl didn't respond and merely stared back in silence. "It may be too late by then". Merle's words echoed in my ears and I felt a sudden urge of desperation to get everything out, incase it was too late. "Daryl, when will you and I talk about-" A pause. "Us?" Daryl raised an eyebrow and his jaw tensed.
"Us?" He asked, his tone guarded. I nodded firmly.
"You know that I care about you and how important you are to me." I began, slowly, trying to keep my tone strong. Though I felt a bundle of nerves right now. "And not forgetting that we kissed." At my blunt recount, Daryl shifted awkwardly and stared down at the crossbow in his hands. "I just think, with this upending war and everything, there's a chance that we both might not make it out of this alive." Daryl shook his head and opened his mouth to speak - probably to inform me that we would both make it out - but I quickly carried on speaking. "And I think this is a conversation we need to be having, just incase a few weeks down the line, the prison is attacked and it's too late." I paused and cautiously reached out to take Daryl's hand, needing the contact in that moment. "I need to know your feelings, Daryl. And I want to tell you mine, show you mine. But I need your cooperation on this." Daryl didn't respond and merely stared down at my hand in his. "And if you don't have any- er- feelings, then that's okay. I just need to know that. I need you to tell me, I need you to show me."
The world, however, didn't appear to want to me continue the conversation with Daryl. Before the hunter could reply or even begin to function a retort, the doors to the building we waited outside, opened. Rick and the Governor immerged out of it, each expression blank and unmoving. I grimaced at the sight of the Governor but suppressed any dark memories instantly in concern for our leader. Quickly, Daryl and I were on our feet. Nothing more was said about the conversation and Daryl led the way over to the Rick, his cheeks displaying a healthy blush of red. My own cheeks were no doubt the same. If Rick caught onto our flustered expressions, he didn't seem to show it. Without a backward glance to the Governor, he marched to the driver door and got in. Slamming it shut behind him.
Daryl finally met my gaze then, with a hesitant glint at our leader's actions. He wordlessly returned to his bike and I noted the nod of recognition he sent towards Martinez and Milton. Martinez returned one of his own to the hunter before making his way to their vehicle. I was thankful he didn't pause to give me one, but I spared a sad wave in return of the one Milton gave me.
Without a proper goodbye, both groups returned to their respective vehicles and almost as soon as I joined Rick in the Hyundai again, he had put his foot on the accelerator and was speeding away. In my wing mirror, I noted the Governor's car pulling away in the opposite direction and Daryl was quick to follow us. Hesitantly, I glanced to the leader beside me and took in his tense jaw and tight grip on the steering wheel.
Apparently it hadn't gone well.
The drive back was met with complete silence at first and I was struggling to gather any nerve to start a conversation with the man in the driver's seat. I would glance at him every now and again and take in his hard set jaw and notice the way his hands hadn't relaxed since he had taken them in a vice tight grip. I tried to train my eyes on the road ahead, occasionally glancing in the mirror to check that Daryl was still following behind. The man hadn't taken to overtaking us yet and I wondered whether the hunter was doing the same as I was and being cautious around Rick's sudden mood switch.
Overall though, I was glad that Rick had made it out well and alive. With a quiet sigh, I fumbled aimlessly with my hands before braving it and turning to face the stern leader beside me.
"How'd it go?" I asked, slowly. Rick's reaction to my question was minor at first and I wondered if he'd actually heard what I had said as for a long time he remained unresponsive. Finally though, Rick spoke.
"He's unwilling to discuss a peace agreement." He began in a monotone voice. "What he wants from us is our surrender." I swallowed hard at this knowledge, though noted how Rick's demeanor softened as he spoke and how he shifted awkwardly in his seat.
"So what happens now?" I asked. At this question, Rick's reaction confused me. He glanced awkwardly at me, though there was an odd glint in his eyes that I caught before he turned away - in an almost nervous fashion. There was something behind Rick's gaze that I couldn't quite place. Perhaps sorrowful looking, regret maybe?
"As it stands, we've got a war with Woodbury on our hands." Rick replied, evenly. I felt a little sick at the bold statement but nodded. "However we've established a further meeting in three days. Now we've both discussed the situation, we thought it was best to relay it back to our people and see if a decision can be made regarding each of our er-" Rick paused, awkwardly. "Terms." I frowned at the man. Something seemed wrong. Instead of questioning the man further, I merely nodded.
"Alright." And again we lapsed back into silence, now curious thoughts milled around in my head. Rick's demeanor didn't relax either and instead of looking downright furious now, Rick looked almost suspicious.
When the prison appeared in sight, I had never felt more relieved at the prospect of leaving Rick's presence. There was something about the man's behaviour at the moment that made me uncomfortable. The car we shared seemed to be getting more crampt by the second. As we approached, I saw figures rushing to the gates of the yard and when we finally crossed the grass compound, they were readily open for us. Once we were safe inside, the gates were secured again and Rick pulled the Hyundai to a halt, Daryl parking the bike beside us.
Only Glenn and Maggie were in the yard waiting and Andrea could be seen on watch in one of the guard towers. The others apparently remained in the cell block. When we left the vehicles and approached the couple on the ground, I observed Glenn's face with a frown.
"What happened to your face?" I asked, staring in astonishment at the purple bruising that was forming around the Korean man's left eye. Glenn glanced awkwardly at Daryl before clearing his throat.
"Merle." He muttered and I raised an eyebrow in shock.
"What?" Daryl breathed, looking just as shocked as I was. Maggie stood beside her lover, her face a picture of fury. She folded her arms crossly over her chest.
"He wanted to come after you guys." She explained, in a harsh tone. "Was real angry that he didn't go with you. Glenn told him that your orders were to remain inside, Merle wasn't having any of it. Glenn tried to restrain him when Merle tried to leave the cell block," She paused to point unnecessarily at Glenn's bruised face. "This is what happened."
"Where is he now?" Rick demanded, quietly.
"We locked him in one of the cells." Glenn informed the leader. "We thought it was best to keep him there till you guys got back."
"He's pretty pissed at us for it." Maggie added. "But after what the asshole did, it's not the worst thing we could have done."
"Hey, lay off that." Daryl urged, gentler than normal when addressing Maggie. I noted that if one of the men had called Merle an asshole, Daryl's tone would have taken a harsher turn.
"Look what your brother did, Daryl!" Maggie cried. "All he's been doing since he got here is cause trouble and now he's becoming violent. That ain't someone I want to have around me all the time."
"So what, ya wanna throw him out?" Daryl demanded through gritted teeth. Glenn shook his head quickly.
"That's not what she'd saying." Glenn tried, calmly.
"No, I just think we need to keep a firmer guard on him, perhaps consider locking him up in one of the cells for the time being!"
"What, like a criminal?!" Daryl glared at the Greene daughter, who didn't waver under his stare.
"Enough." Rick muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We have better things to talk about than Merle Dixon." Glenn and Maggie's faces softened suddenly.
"How'd it go with the Governor?" Glenn asked, cautiously. Rick sighed before shaking his head once.
"Inside." He murmured, before striding past the lot of us and leading the way into the cell block. The rest of us followed. When we entered the cell block, Merle's obnoxious bellowing could be heard even from down the corridor. Those gathered in the main common area seemed drained from the man's intensive hollering and looked relieved at our entrance.
"Where is he?" Daryl muttered, eyeing the wall of cells.
"Down at the bottom." Tyreese nodded. I chuckled bitterly at the fact it was the same cell we had kept Big Tiny in when the man was under prosecution. Daryl made a move forward before I quickly stopped him.
"Can I quickly talk to him first?" I asked the man quietly. "It's just, after the conversation I had with him this morning, I have a few things to say to him." Daryl smiled faintly before nodding. "Can I let him out? I think it's best I take him outside to talk, so he can blow off his steam without insulting anyone anymore than he has already." I added, turning to Rick. The leader agreed mutely before gesturing for Tyreese to give me the keys he held onto. I took them off him with a single nod before marching over to the cell Merle was kept in.
Merle was leaning against the bars of the cell door when I approached, his arms threaded through and his bayonet ready to strike threateningly. I raised an eyebrow at the man's attempt to be terrifying and Merle sneered when I appeared before him.
"Ya back then, huh?" He muttered, eyeing me cautiously. "Ya had a nice chat with our good friend Philip?" I narrowed my eyes at the man and didn't respond. He sniggered. "Ya seen the Chinaman? I knocked him up pretty good, didn't I?"
"I'm gonna let you out, Merle, and you're going to follow me out into the yard." I announced slowly. Merle raised an eyebrow.
"'Nd what makes ya think I'm willing to follow your orders?" He sneered.
"Because it's me you're talking to." I replied, evenly. Without waiting for a response, I stepped forward and unlocked the man's door. He stepped back to allow me to do so and I pushed the cell door open with one shove. Without waiting, I turned and made my leave, knowing that Merle would follow.
Sure enough, I heard the bitter remarks Merle made as he passed the group gathered at the benches. Maggie threw back an equally harsh remark but Merle only responded with a laugh. He followed me obediently out of the cell block and down the corridor towards Cell Block C. When we arrived out in the yard, I took a few steps out onto the concrete before turning to the man behind me. He raised an eyebrow at my fuming expression.
"Did anything I said to you this morning, register in that thick skull of yours?" I hissed. Merle narrowed his eyes. "I told you to stop giving everyone shit and today you attacked Glenn?!"
"Is that what that China-fuck said I did?!" He demanded. "He was the one who attacked me! Him 'nd his farmer chick! They jumped on me when I tried to leave, not my fault that he got in the way of my fist!"
"You were told not to leave the prison!" I pointed out, harshly.
"I don't take orders from assholes who handcuff me to roofs!" Merle countered and I rolled my eyes dramatically.
"Give it a God damn rest, Merle. The whole 'handcuffed to a roof' thing is wearing thin now." I muttered through gritted teeth. "That's in the past now, it's time to move on with the present. If you intend to stay here, then this has to stop. Right now."
"Ya people ain't the boss of me!" Merle replied, loudly. "I don't have to listen to any of those airheads 'nd I don't have to listen to you either, sweetheart." I raised an eyebrow. "Chinaman should 'ave let me go. I could 'ave killed the Governor 'nd all this shit would be over. All this take of 'negotiations' 'nd shit are the work of dreamers. Ain't any way that man is gonna make any sort of agreement with us. He's out for blood 'nd ya know it, girl!"
"None of that gives you any right to hurt a member of this group." I pointed out, evenly. Merle chuckled bitterly.
"Ya want me to apologise to the kid?" He asked. "Maybe bake him a cake to show him that I'm sorry? Princess, I got bigger things to worry 'bout than Chinaman's feelings."
"That may be, Merle, but if you keep this up then you're going to lose everything." I urged before pausing for a moment. "Even Daryl." At this, Merle's expression faltered and I knew he was musing over this prospect. Slowly, the man's eyes narrowed and I knew then that that was it for the matter. Hopefully now, Merle had registered it this time around.
"What happened today?" He asked, slowly. I shrugged.
"Rick and the Governor talked." I replied with a sigh. "He didn't really say much about what they talked about, just that the Governor is unwilling to make any peace agreements and that another meeting has been rescheduled for three days time." Merle nodded before sneering.
"Figures." He muttered before tilting his head. "Milton 'nd Martinez were there too?" I nodded in confirmation. "They cause ya any grief?" I hesitated before shaking my head at this. Merle's raise of the eyebrow seemed to say he wasn't convinced. "Been meanin' to ask ya 'bout what Martinez meant yesterday." At the statement, I couldn't help but sigh. Already today I had explained myself to Rick and I hadn't expected to get badgered by Merle in the same day too.
"It's nothing." I tried to brush off. Merle shook his head.
"Something happened in Woodbury, didn't it? Something I don't know 'bout." Merle narrowed his eyes and his expression remained stubborn. He wasn't going anywhere until I told him.
So I did.
Four members of the group now knew of my ordeal and I vowed then that I would keep it that way. Telling Rick and Daryl was a necessity as the pair had seen me in my broken, unstable state. Telling Lori was a choice as I needed that certain someone to tell me that everything was going to be alright. Telling Merle was somewhere in between. I hadn't been sure what to expect from Merle when telling him and the man remained silent throughout my retell and the response I got was the growing darkened expression on his face. When I had finished reluctantly, the man's expression was dangerously dark now and I flinched slightly when Merle laughed in an almost demonic way.
"Y'know, hearin' that only makes me wanna kill that asshole more." He muttered, his hands clenched into fists. I chuckled weakly at his response, though wanted nothing more than to change topics quickly. So I did.
"I tried to talk to Daryl today." I announced suddenly. Merle seemed confused at this sudden change of direction but raised an eyebrow in question regardless. "About our er-" A pause. "Feelings." Merle smirked a little, though it wasn't quite as full as normal. "Don't get too excited, Daryl didn't actually say anything back. I just kinda talked and he just-" Another pause and I carelessly shrugged. "Listened."
"Was there something wrong his damn mouth?" Merle demanded through narrowed eyes. I smiled faintly.
"He didn't really get chance to. Rick and the Governor finished before he could talk. Plus I kinda threw it all on him." I tried to defend the younger Dixon, but Merle snorted and shook his head in disbelief.
"I swear that douchebag doesn't own a pair of balls." He muttered.
"Charming, Merle." I shook my head at his vulgar nature. What else did I honestly expect anyway? "Real charming."
"Think we've established already, sweetheart, that I ain't ever gonna be anybody's prince charming! 'Nd ya better get used to it." Merle grinned. "Now, back to the spineless pussy that is my Baby Brother."
(Author's Note): Dear lord people! Remember me? Two whole weeks I've made you lovely people wait! Shame on me! I do feel truly awesome and I hope this super long chapter makes up for it? I've just been so busy, it's been unreal! I've finally managed an update though and hopefully you guys liked it?
Regarding the series, I am currently caught up with everything except the season finale. So pretty please, no spoilers for the last episode! It's really killing me not knowing! The last episode though - what a killer! I'm not ashamed to admit that the last scene between Merle and Daryl made me cry. I can't believe that they killed him off! I was devestated, to say the least. What I really did like about the episode though was Michonne and Merle's interaction. I could have imagined that their bickering would have been amusing if of course... *sobs!* What did you guys think of the episode? (remember no spoilers for the finale please!)
As always thank you all very much for your support! You're all amazing! A big shout out to carniwhore who has created more work for this story - thank you, they're awesome! Links to all fanwork is on my profile if you guys want to take a look. Thanks again to all those who have created anything for this story!
Fingers crossed I'll have an update up ASAP, but it will most likely be after I have seen the season finale - on Friday. So until then, thank you all and please tell me what your thoughts and comments are for this story! :)