Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry this is out so late, but I had serious issues trying to find my words for this chapter. Even now I am a little worried about it, since this is admittedly a slow chapter with no action. Anyway I must apologize again, I did edit this chapter, however since it's soo late right now and I am way beyond tired, I probably missed a lot of mistake. Other than that I hope you guys enjoy-though I have two real quick questions for you, if you guys would be kind enough to answer. Please.

Question One: Mara isn't annoyingly childish in this chapter is she?

Question Two: Rick isn't all sappy cliché is her?

Thanks again and please review! I'm going to try and get next chapter out by this weekend, but no promises. Big thanks to Eminemchick19 who like always is a great help.

~Cassandra

Disclaimer: I do not own the Walking Dead, however I own Mara Grayson, who I really think should become a character on the show. Huh? No? Fine, I'll just stick to fanfiction then.

It seemed like forever until someone found her. Mara had been staring up at the white ceiling, for Lord only knows how long. Her body ached and her mind wasn't quite sure what exactly was going on. Everything was overall extremely fuzzy to her, minus a few glimpse of consciousness. Though those glimpse were not much to go on. All Mara could really remember was Rick yelling and the strange sight of Easton leaning over her. The last one obviously a sight her mind made up in its grogginess. Being in the TV show was one thing, but one of her brothers being in it as well….was something totally different. "I see, you're awake." A soft elderly voice said.

She turned her head to look at the speaker. The voice belonged to a familiar looking elder man with fluffy white hair like Dale. Her eyes narrowed as Mara tried to remember where she had seen him before. Although she had only seen up to episode four that didn't mean, Mara wasn't ignorant of future characters. After all her brothers had a list of the top kickass characters. Daryl reigning number one out of all of them. "Your friends have been worried about you, especially that man Rick. Had to force him out of here to get some rest. Though he was a lot easier to boot out of here, than your brother was." The man chuckled slightly.

"Brother?" Mara repeated. Her heart skipped a beat at the memory of Easton's face. Perhaps it wasn't a dream after all. Maybe God was kind, and sent her a piece of home. The thought was too good to be true.

The man nodded. "Your brother has been staying with us for the last two weeks. He is a good man, Ms. Grayson."

Mara let out a soft laughed, an arm coming up to shield to her tears. For the first time in a long time Mara felt inexplicably happy. Just the hearing that one of her brothers were here was indescribably relieving. "Where is he? Can I see him?" Mara asked, through her sobs.

"Of course my dear." The elderly man replied.

A small 'thank you' escaped her lips somewhere between the cries. There was no reply, or none that Mara heard. She struggle to control her sobs. Despite her crying being a happy cry, she didn't want her brother to see her like this. Weak…just like she was when they separated. Especially since she was anything, but weak now. Swallowing hard, Mara managed to control herself. However her silence only lasted a minute as a pair of familiar brown eyes came into view.

Instantly she found herself on her feet, jumping into her brother's arms. Her brother welcomed her happily into his arms, wrapping them around her like when she was little. Like always, the feeling of safety surrounded her. These arms protected her some many times before. Maybe not as much as her eldest brother Bryon's had, but way more than any brother should. "Shhh…está bien, Mar-Mar. Estoy aquí ahora. Tu está segura. You're safe. You are perfectly safe." Easton whispered.

Slowly he moved Mara towards the bed, trying carefully not to harm her. Though Easton had a feeling she wouldn't notice even if he did. It shocked him enough to see her standing already. With a wound such as hers, Mara should be laid up in bed unable to move. Then again, Mara was always a different child.

He sat on the bed, continuing to hold Mara, despite her snot getting all over his shirt. Very rarely did his sister ever cry. And there were plenty of times, she deserved to. So any amount of sad emotion from Mara was better than none. Besides she was crying for both of them this time. A few more minutes passed until her sobs finally silenced. Now they just sat there, both too afraid to speak. Neither brother nor sister had ever imagined seeing each other again. Nor did they hope to ever see each other under these circumstances. As wonderful as it was to be reunited, there were some downsides to it. The world had been dangerous, before actually having someone they loved in it. Now, it was hundred times more dangerous, simply because they had someone else to worry about. Hell, just yesterday Easton almost faced a herd of walkers to save Mara, if not for Shane and Otis.

"I can't believe you're here." Mara finally spoke.

Easton rubbed her arm soothingly. "I know. I can't believe you're here either. I thought it was just me, here in this crazy world."

Mara snorted. "This crazy world used to be your favorite T.V show."

He cracked a small smile at her remark. At least her sense of humor was still intact. "Yeah, well, I am considering changing it back to Dexter. At least in that world I won't get killed unless I do something evil." Easton retorted.

"That would be a smart move. A very smart move."

"Please like American Horror Story is any less violent."

She gave him a playful glare. "At least there aren't people dying in hoards by zombies. Plus my favorite show isn't AHS isn't my favorite show. It's a tie between Supernatural and Lost Girl."

"Right, that show with those two girly looking men and the other with some werewolf guy." Easton teased, knowing the rise he'd get out of her. Mara loved her shows, and she loved her fictional men. So much so that it would worry him, if not for Zane's unimaginable obsession with non-existent characters as well. While Mara was silly, Zane was just plain ridiculous. The child almost got a tattoo of Daryl on his arm-to give him 'strength.' Probably would have if Bryon hadn't threatened to knock his block off.

"They are not girly! And the other guy is a wolf shifter, not a werewolf." Mara corrected.

Easton rolled his eyes. "Same difference. Both interfere with the recording of Walking Dead, Breaking Bad and Dexter. For no reason too! They're all repeats."

"Whatever." Mara pouted.

A chuckle escaped Easton. He resisted the chance to mention that at least here, Mara had a better choice of guys. It was a statement really only half true. Out of all the great guys in Walking Dead, Daryl was the only one single. Rick was unfortunately married to Lori-though Easton was rather glad for that one. The officer and his sister were a little too close for his liking. Not that Easton had anything against Officer Friendly, but the man was about Bryon's age. Though, Easton supposed he'd take Rick over Shane any day. If Officer Crazy even laid a hand on his sister, Easton wouldn't wait for Carl to shoot him. Either way those men were all a little too old for Mara-though Easton would give Daryl a pass, if he by some unknown miracle did fall for Mara. Then again, if Daryl fell for Mara, Easton would eat Zane's boxers. "As glad as I am that you two are finally reunited, your sister needs to rest." Hershel's voice came out of nowhere. "Though she seems to be perfectly fine."

Mara felt her face heat up with embarrassment and fear. Just how much had the old man heard? Hopefully not much, hearing about how they believed this all to be a show would not be good. People already thought Mara and her visions were crazy. Then again, her brother might too, when he found out they were real. "Mara, this is Hershel. He's owner of the land and the one who patched you up." Easton introduced.

"Oh yeah, I got shot." Mara mumbled, numbly. Despite barely remembering a thing that happened, Mara was able to put two and two together. Also, the sharp achy pain in both her back and stomach was a dead giveaway. Even if she forgotten about it, upon reuniting with Easton again.

"You did, which is why you shouldn't be moving right now." Hershel chastised. "You'll pop a switch and have to go under again. I really don't want perform another procedure anytime soon."

"Right, be still. Got that." Mara whispered, more so to herself.

Easton merely smiled at her like a parent would a child. Their relationship would never be normal. He would always see her as his duty to take care of, and she would see him as her protector. Just like Mara did with Bryon, and just how her relationship with their father should be. Not that either brother minded much. Maybe at first they did, with all the sacrifices raising a child came with. Even if they never had to worry too much about the economic needs of her. Mara would never receive presents or gifts of adoration from their father, however for whatever worth the man was, he did pay for what she absolutely needed to survive. Whether that was out of guilt or in some small homage to their mother, Easton would never know. Still there were a lot of sacrifices that went with raising a child, regardless of economical sacrifices. "Come, let's get you back in bed. You need to rest anyway." Easton commanded.

"I'm not sleepy." Mara argued, however she got back under the covers. His smile twitched slightly at her response. Yep, Mara definitely was his baby sister.

"Right, and your eyelids aren't drooping." Easton muttered.

She glared at him smacking his hand. "They're not, quit trying to make me fall asleep. I'm twenty-two, not five."

"Then quit acting like it and go to sleep." Easton argued.

Mara pouted again as she snuggled more under the blankets. As much as she hated to admit it, her body ached something horrible. Moreover just running over to Easton alone took a large toll on her energy. So, there would not be too much arguing coming from her. Though there was one thing Mara wanted to know, before she fell asleep. With a small cringe, Mara forced herself to sit up. "Where's the boys? Are they alright? Is Carl alright?" Mara interrogated.

An amused look grew on Easton's face as he nodded. The relationships between Mara and these characters were still mindboggling to him, but cool none the less. It was actually comforting, knowing that there were other people who had his sister's back. It relieved some of the pressure on him. Not much, but more than expected. He opened his mouth about to put all her worries to rest, when the bedroom door burst open.

All three of them jumped, only to calm as a familiar brown haired boy flopped onto the bed. "Mara! You're awake!"

The woman gave the boy an affectionate smile, despite the sharp jab of pain she got from his eager greeting. Unfortunately though, her pain went unnoticed by the child. For Carl wasted no time, embracing Mara in a large hug. A sharp gasp escaped her. Carl's hugs reminded Mara of a kid and their stuffed animal. Neither thought about how hard they hugged their beloved. "I'm glad to see you too, Carl." Mara wheezed slightly.

Now she could definitely feel the gunshot wound. How was she even able to stand just a few minutes ago? Her abdomen felt as on fire and her back...it was ten times worse. Yup, there was no way Mara would be getting up anytime soon. Herd of walkers be damned. She deserved a break. "Hey, careful there bud. I'm just excited as you are about my sister, but she's still not fully recovered." Easton advised.

Carl quickly pulled away, his face filled with remorse and worry. "Sorry."

She couldn't help, but smile. The kid was just way too darn adorable. "It's alright, you didn't know better. Besides I'd probably do the same." Mara assured, ruffling his hair.

Easton snorted a 'yeah, you would,' under his breathe, earning a glare from Mara and a laugh from Carl. Behind them Hershel smiled, he turned his head to look at the reluctant Officer standing in the door. The younger man wore a smile of his own. One that undoubtedly came from both the interaction of the three and the sight of his friend's recover. Something beyond relieving for the man, Hershel had no doubt. If Hershel hadn't known any better, he would have thought Rick and Mara married. After all, the worry Rick displayed was more than what a mere friend would feel. In fact Rick's worry rivaled Mara's own brother-the guy who raised her alongside their eldest brother. Yet at the same time, Rick seemed very loyal to his wife. If Hershel had been a nosy man, he would find this all very peculiar. But he was not. "I'm sure she'd be happy to see you." Hershel stated, "She did ask for you, after all."

"I wouldn't want to disturb her reunion with Easton." Rick rejected.

Hershel chuckled. "I think your boy already to care of that part for you."

"I really don't know-"

"Are you just going to stand there all day, Officer Friendly? Or are you going to say hello to your sidekick?" Mara snorted.

Rick felt his face heat up slightly, as if he were some kid caught doing something they weren't supposed to. However his embarrassment soon faded into happiness, as a soft smile grew on his face. Mara was joking around again. God, Rick never thought he'd be so thankful to hear Mara's childish jokes before. Just seeing color coming back to her once dead white face was wonderful. Every lively movement she did was like a blessing to him. Especially when only a few hours ago, Rick tried to prepare himself for her death. "It's good to see you up, Mara." Rick swallowed, suddenly aware of just how relieved he was.

He took a second to recompose himself. The last thing Mara needed was him jumping on her like Carl did. Even if the thing Rick wanted to do most was hold her close to him. Mara held his gaze, a frown twitching on her lips. Disappointment formed in her dark eyes and she looked away. "Thanks, it's good to be alive." She replied, lamely.

Rick licked his lips, stepping towards her slowly. "We thought we were going to lose you."

"Sorry, for scaring you guys. I didn't mean too." Mara muttered, still not looking at him.

A frown matching Mara's formed on her brother's lips. Easton couldn't figure out what was worse. The fact his sister still apologized like a whipped puppy for things that weren't: her fault, or stuff she shouldn't apologize for, when she nearly died taking a bullet for the man's son. Or the fact that he was getting a vibe that Mara had a crush on a certain Officer. Moreover officer seemed to have the same feeling towards her. Both thoughts the older sibling didn't like to entertain. Mara having a crush on anyone was not something Easton enjoyed to think about. She was his little sister after all. "There's nothing you need to be sorry about Mar. You did nothing wrong." Rick assured, softly. "If anything I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, that bullet would have hit Carl."

"It was my own fault. I should've had the vision earlier and stopped us from even going over there." Mara quickly disagreed.

Easton blinked hearing her words. Vision? What on Earth was she talking about? "You don't pick and choose when your visions happen, Mar. They just do." Rick objected. "I'm just grateful for what you did, even if it was a split second decision."

"Yeah, thanks Mara." Carl repeated softly.

She smiled a little, ruffling the boy's hair yet again. "You're just lucky, I like that's all."

Carl laughed a little and Rick's eyes softened once more. There really was no way Rick could ever repay Mara for what she did. His son's life meant more to him than anything else in the world. He shifted awkwardly before slowly walking over to the three. To his imagination, Mara's smile seemed to brighten upon him coming closer, but it was a thought he quickly pushed away. Copying Mara, Rick also ruffled his son's hair, earning a 'hey!' from the boy. Besides him, the older sibling watched Rick with cautious eyes. Almost as if whatever trust built up from yesterday never existed. Though, it was quite possible, seeing how everyone was on edge last night. Luckily a knock drew Rick from his worries.

All five heads shot towards the door where T-Dog stood was. The African-American just stood there for a second, eyes on Mara in shock. Hershel mentioned that she was up, however hearing was nowhere near as good as seeing. After all, just the other night, Mara looked like a doll-pal, cold and lifeless. "Hey T-Dog." Mara greeted warmly.

"You-You're up." T-Dog stuttered, before regaining his composure. "I didn't think to see you so lively yet. I'm glad you're okay."

Mara nodded. "Thanks, it's good to be conscious."

Hershel cleared his throat, interrupting whatever thoughts T-Dog had. "What is it you need? Or did you just come here to say 'hello' like everyone else?"

"No, not at all. I came to tell Rick, that the others are here." T-Dog explained.

At the mentioned of the others Mara instantly perked up. Just the thought of seeing Daryl alone brought a healthy glow to her face. Although she mainly worried about the safety of Rick and Carl, Daryl was also another person, whose safety bugged Mara. The man was her second best friend after all. So, it only made sense she worried about him. "Well, let's go see them!" Mara cheered, moving to get up.

Her actions were quickly halted though by both Easton and Rick stopping her. Each man donned on their own chastising frown, while halting her in their own way. Mara cocked a curious eyebrow, about ready to ask why she couldn't go out to see the others, when Easton gave her 'the look'. A sigh escaped Mara as she reluctantly pulled away. There was no beating 'the look'. While Bryon got Mara and Zane to do what he want by threats of spanking and bribes; Easton just had to use his big brown puppy dog eyes on them. "Fine." Mara muttered, before stretching her arms outward like a child. "You can carry me to the others."

This time Easton cocked the eyebrow. "You're joking right?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Mara replied.

"Carrying you would be no better than you standing, Mar." Rick mentioned.

She pouted slightly. "But they are my friends too."

"Dios, estás actuando como un niño." Easton muttered.

Mara shot a glare at him. "Cállate! Quiero ver a mis amigos, especialmente mi segundo mejor amigo, Daryl."

Easton simply blinked, trying to comprehend his sister's words. Did she just claim Daryl was her second best friend? Oh, Zane would have a freak out, if he heard this. "Hola? Estás aquí?" Mara called, waving a hand in his face. "Nope, he's out of it. Which means he'll have no objects to you carrying me, Rick."

Now it was Rick's turned to cock an eyebrow. "How did this come about?"

Mara shrugged. "Well you are my friend…"

"I hate to break it to you, Ma'am, not only are you unfit to even be carried, but Rick here doesn't have the strength to do it. He gave over two pints of blood yesterday for you. It's a surprise he's as active as he is right now." Hershel informed.

"Oh." Mara whispered softly. A guilty look appeared on her. She never imagined what anyone did to help keep her alive. Mara just assumed everything went off without a hitch, but for all she knew, someone could have died.

Rick ruffled her hair as if reading her mind. "Don't worry about it, Mar. It was the least I could do after you saved Carl."

"Like I said it was nothing." Mara repeated softly. From outside the window, Mara could pinpoint Daryl's motorcycle coming closer and closer to the farmhouse. More likely than not, being followed by the RV. Vaguely she wondered if any of them were worried about her. Surely, they knew about her. Someone had to tell them about the farmhouse in the first place. "You better go greet them."

The officer nodded, giving his son a glance telling him to come along. "If you want, I'll let the others know that you're looking forward to company."

T-Dog snorted. "I don't think she has much of a choice when it comes to some of us visiting. Glenn and I didn't tell you this, but Daryl just about lost it, when he heard Mara got shot. Nearly took me here instead of Glenn, but Dale managed to convince him to stay for the group's sake. However, he did have a pretty nasty message for Shane and you, Rick. And an even worse one for if she died."

This made a large grin spread across Mara's face as a small squeal escaped her. The men- (excluding Easton who was either used to this type of behavior or still in shock) gave a strange look. Not only was Mara rambunctious for some who just got shot, but she was acting more childish than usual. Something Rick vaguely wondered could be accredited to Easton being here. From what little he saw so far, Mara was a lot more carefree around her brother. Undoubtedly this was due to their care and protection relationship. After Easton was more of a parent than brother to Mara. So it only made sense Mara acted…more childish. "See, I told you I have friends." Mara pointed to Easton.

"No, who would have guessed you'd ever make friends, Mara?" Easton drawled sarcastically.

"Dad." Mara answered bluntly, earning a look from Easton. "Anyway you heard T-Dog, if Daryl doesn't see that I am perfectly okay, he's going to kill Shane and Rick. So we better get out there before he does."

"Yeah, you do that, Mara. Right after you get out of bed. " Easton agreed, before jabbing her softly in her abdomen. Instantly she buckled over groaning in pain. Rick's eyes lit up in worry, but Hershel placed a warning hand on his shoulder, before Rick could do anything. "Thought so. You're just as bad Bryon, you know? Neither one of you like to acknowledge that you are in pain."

"Fuck off." Mara grunted, still curled up in a fetal position.

"Yup, carbon copy of Bryon." Easton confirmed, waving for Rick and the others to leave. They took the cue, quickly escaping the room, before Mara could recover. No doubt about it, Mara was far from the average bear. And if her current burst of energy was anything to go by, then Rick was sure she would be just fine. Until then though she would just have to be content sitting still.

Special thanks to Dean Winchester's Play Thing, Guest, dropxdeadxjuliet, animagirl, 18, Mya Uzo, Hell Hath No, SexySelena666, Diclonious57, Anon, KaneCenaZombie12, melissawtf, Padme4000, Azrael Blood, Camile0607, Aryiaa Bloodream, and shika93 for reviewing last chapter. You guys keep me going!

Aryiaa Bloodream: I have no idea if there will be any man talk between Shane and Easton. There's the possibility, but I feel like Easton is more the type of person not to get involved with matters such as these.

Camile0607: Thanks you for the amazingly sweet review. I really only have a clue where one of her brothers will be, the other I'm still trying to figure. Heck, I honestly was arguing with my characters about which one of them would be at the farm-or if any of them would be. So we'll have to see how the other to want to play it out. Lol

Padme4000: I'm sure Rick will figure out about the vision thing. Let's just hope Easton knows he has 'visions' as well, seeing how Mara originally made that up so she could but in here and there during the series. Thanks for the list of questions. I have used those before, but they really aren't my thing. When I write I like to discover my character, because I truly don't know who they are until after I start writing them. Anyway thanks for the wonderful review on my Iron Man fic, I also have an Avengers one that is obviously Tony centric if you're interested. And if you would be interested, I do need another beta-reader to help me out with my Iron Man flick. So if you're interested just PM me, cause I could use some help. lol but be warned I am a little crazy.

melissawtf: Yes, Easton hates Lori mainly, because his view on her character. Like Mara, Easton sees Lori as a woman who constantly needs to be supported by a man, rather than stand on her own. Which due to his parent like relationship to Mara, adds to his dislike of her, because Easton wants Mara to be an independent woman-which she really is, he just as yet to see it.

Anon: I am glad Easton made you laugh. He is definitely the most serious of the Grayson siblings so being funny is not really his thing.

Diclonious57: I'm sorry about the list, every once in a while I miss someone.

Hell Hath No: Shane's sudden kindness to Mara will all be explained soon. As for her brothers, that's information I'll keeping to myself for now-only because I still don't truly know who's where. Oh and Daryl will be definitely checking on his lil'bit soon.

Dean Winchester's Play Thing: I see nothing wrong with that fantasy. lol

animagirl: Anything is possible. ;)