Curative
Kind of a more transitional chapter. Just like the episode this takes place during, it was really a quiet "Point A to Point b" type. So we're moving along as the battle against Woodbury slowly ramps up.
For now, some people finally get to talk. There's not much time though, so we only get a bit of what's to come.
Review replies at the end.
It was a hard fight to protect the prison, one they had lost. More people would've been hurt and died had Merle and Laura not stepped in when they did. A fact not lost on most of the group, but a point of contention for Red.
Difficult as it was to rationalize the brutish older Dixon brother back into the group considering his many... issues, the discussion had to be made.
Laura entered the prison cell block with Daryl and he would not stray far from her side. Every time he looked away he felt as though she were somehow slipping away again. She found he continually looked for her while Rick went to see his daughter.
The prison was quiet save for the small coo's of his baby girl wrapped up in his arms. Tyreese and Allen spared the passed group a look. Tyreese seemed hopeful, determined, but Allen appeared off put by the number of people arriving.
Daryl gave pause for just a moment seeing so many unfamiliar faces inside their home. He knew they were here, he wasn't ready to tackle the problem without Rick. Laura did not have any issue with these survivors, they had been patient so far. They could wait a bit longer.
Despite them not being a threat, Daryl still acted as though he had to stand between them and Laura. The rather primal instinct to protect her was stronger than ever.
"Come on," He put a hand behind her back and ushered her through the main room, behind the bars to the cell block. They quickly came up on Rick rocking his baby in his arms as a few others watched. It felt right to see holding his girl finally after his struggle with grief.
They stayed right by the cell block gate, Laura did not leave Daryl's side for even a second. It was only a few minutes before Beth touched Rick's hand. "It's time for her feedin'." Her arms held out to take the girl back up to her makeshift crib with Carol.
Rick complied and gently handed her back, watching Beth ascend the stairs with her cradled in her arms. He remembered what the group did while he was unreachable. They all banded together to care for her and keep her happy.
The baby girl was laid into a plastic post box with "Lil' Asskicker" written on the side. Rick felt the faintest grin on his face. He liked it, it suited her.
The clicking of crutches broke Rick's focus. Hershel approached behind him and with a somber expression he gestured to the farthest cells on the floor. There Rick saw it.
Following behind, Daryl watched as Rick inspected the area the group had been locked up in. It was clear people tried to clean up the pools of blood, but outlines of large dark splotches remained as the floor still dried. Rick looked down and counted them all. A pool of blood under the stairs, another between two cells with blood splatter up the wall, and even more inside the cell in question.
Hershel kept a keen eye on Rick as he tried to gauge his reaction to the thinly veiled carnage of last night. The others had been there to see it, but the group returning got an unpleasant eyeful. Including Glenn standing beside Maggie as they looked into the cell at the end of the row.
One of the assault victims from last night, Maggie was being held close. Glenn already expressed his worries and was not handling the news of what transpired particularly well. These people hurt them, they attacked Maggie, and would've done a lot worse.
Rick gave Glenn a slight nod to acknowledge he was seeing all this too. Daryl came closer too, peering into the cells one by one to see if there was more they weren't seeing.
But Laura slowly approached Rick, knowing he was looking at the first scene. Where Laura attacked the first two men having disrupted their attempted assault. She could recall it in her head and hear the echoes around her. The hit that knocked the air from her lungs, the floor, and...
Daryl saw her leave his side and abandoned his inspection of the cells to stay with her. Only now he noticed she was looking for something. Rick was following the blood stains and Laura crept her way up to him, as silent as can be.
As Rick saw a large splatter that went a few feet away, he noticed something on the ground. His brows knit together as he crouched down to get a better look. Marks on the floor that's deepest point had darkened with the blood pooling inside it.
His hand reached out to brush the marks, but before his hand could reach it another took the place. Metal claws broke his concentration, surprising him. His eyes turned up to see Laura not but a foot or so in front of him, crouching down to touch the marks on the floor just like he tried to do.
Curious, his eyes lingered on her unblinking stare. She was not being hostile, this was something else. Confused for but a moment Rick's gaze dropped back to the marks on the floor only to see her still holding her clawed fingers over them.
It took him only a second to realize the marks lined up with her claws perfectly. They weren't curious damage done to the concrete floor, they were signs of what Laura did to protect them.
Again he met her eyes and she knew he was sure about the origin. So she retracted her hand and stood up. She raised an arm towards him, turning her palm to face him. It took Rick another second to realize she was offering her hand to help him up. Recalling her lashing out before, he cautiously raised a hand to hold onto her wrist. The act did make her tense up for a moment as she pulled him to his feet.
This exchange was not lost on Daryl who had seen the match up between her claws and the marks on the floor. He wasn't sure what to say. Laura killed someone, she killed multiple. The girl he knew back on the Greene farm still didn't know how to use a rifle right. Now she was off killing people with shrapnel welded together on her hands?
He didn't know what to say about this so he refrained from making a comment. Instead, he came up to Laura's side and watched as Rick approached the cell with a curtain hanging in front of it.
"They're in there." Maggie's voice was soft, hoping to not disturb those inside. Rick's head turned to her and he raised a brow. "Daisy... and Red." The volatile leader of the new group was burning with anger, something Rick could not handle right now.
This wasn't something Rick was aware of so when he went to enter the cell, Maggie stopped him again. "Rick." Worry evident in her voice, "Be careful."
He braved the curtain and those behind it anyways. Looking in to see Red sitting on an old step stool beside Daisy's cot. He was hunched over with a hand on Daisy's own. Once light came through the moved curtain, they two looked to Rick.
Red looked beyond exhausted. He had been so angry and worried he wore himself down until finally he could barely stay awake. His sleepless night evident from the red in his eyes and heavy bags under them.
But Daisy... She looked terrible. With two black eyes, a swollen cheek, busted lip. Rick didn't know where to begin, he just wanted to check on them. They were not part of his people, but they had fought and risked their lives for them.
No matter how little they truly knew about Red and his group, Rick could not turn them away. Not after everything they had done for the prison, what they had suffered to be here. Rick stepped into the room tentatively, watching Red's reaction to his intrusion.
Rick knelt down beside Red and Daisy. "Hey."
Daisy's busted lip curled up in her best attempt at a smile. "Hi, Rick. Glad you're back." Her voice was barely above a whisper, breathless and damaged.
He didn't know Daisy really. He had seen her, a few words between them, but nothing to connect with her about. He did what he could though. "How are you feeling?"
"How do you think she's feeling?" Red snapped instantly. His tension was beyond high and he had no where to put all the anger he built up. Rick and Red both shared an uncomfortable stare in silence.
Daisy lifted her other hand to rest over his and patted it tiredly. "Now, now. You two play nice." Her strained voice completely deflated the two men. "Rick just wants to check in on us. Be polite."
Red swallowed his pride and nodded. He knew Rick didn't do anything wrong, he just felt helpless. Without anywhere to direct that righteous fury, he ended up biting Rick's head off for just asking how Daisy felt. Red's anger management issues were only curbed by Daisy, the group came a long way since Red learned to be patient.
Now was one of those times where he needed to stop being the raging Red that nearly tore the group apart and start being the Red that tempered his impulses.
With a deep breath, Red looked back to Rick. Only his gaze was far gentler, he looked sad. "Sorry." He uttered lowly. He did feel shame for snapping at Rick, it wasn't right.
Surprised, Rick nodded. "It's okay, I understand." In truth Rick had not experienced this directly, but he knew how it felt when he thought about Lori... He couldn't think about that now, he simply couldn't. "They told us what happened. Is there anything we can do? Anything we can get you?"
Daisy kept giving Rick the biggest smile she could manage. He found her personality was still bright as ever, only bruised. "Red, could you get me some water, please?"
Immediately, Red was up. "Yes, absolutely. I'll be right back." He hurried out of the cell and down the block.
Daisy's hand raised as she held it out for Rick. "Hey, are you okay?"
The question confused Rick. She was asking about him? "I think we should focus on you right now." He offered her a trying smile. He couldn't pull off the same genuine smile she could despite the pain she was undoubtedly in. She would not let him off the hook so easily.
"Rick." Her tone was somehow stern despite the frailty of her voice. "We have to take care of each other. Now more than ever. Don't pretend you don't need help."
Still, Rick insisted. "I want to help you right now. Get you feeling better, whatever we can do."
Too tired yet satisfied she made her point well enough, Daisy just waved him off. "I might ask for a few days off of chore duty." She giggled weakly. That was a given, she didn't need to ask or say anything. No one expected her to do anything for a while.
"I think we can manage that." Rick responded with his own half hearted chuckle.
Red came back through the curtain with a tall glass of water for her. "Hey, here you go, babe." He was slow to hand it to her, keeping his hand on the glass with hers to be sure she could hold it up. Red came down beside her, helping her lean up so take a sip.
"I'm going to check on the others." Rick stood up, giving the two a solid nod. "Let us know if you need anything." He didn't wait for them to answer and left the cell.
Outside were a good number of the two groups. Hershel had gone to help Michael and Oscar, patching up a wound that looked worse than it turned out to be.
Daryl and Laura stood under the stairs with the claw marks under their feet. Glenn and Maggie off to the side by a dented table. Carl waited by the gate, ready to let people through. Upstairs Carol and Beth cared for baby Asskicker.
The others were spread out through the prison. Some continued to clear the tombs, others were on guard outside looking out for another attack from Woodbury.
This group, or rather, these two groups had slipped comfortably into each other. They worked together seamlessly and supported one another, no questions asked. It appeared that Carol's judge of character was right. These people had proven they were ready to fight for everyone, no matter which group they were a part of.
It was enough for the others, but now there was another group in the prison...
Carol came down the stairs, heading towards the cell Hershel was in. Oscar did his best to slip out, letting Hershel stitch up Micheal's leg. The bullet had gone straight though the outer flesh of his thigh, the damage was minimal. All that had to be done was cleaning the wound, stitching it, and wrapping it up. After that, Micheal was good to let it heal.
Outside the gate to the main area of the cell block was Axel, happily welcoming his friend back to the prison. Oscar had risked his life to help them against Woodbury and Axel had been helping the group fortify the prison. The two distanced themselves from their less than reputable late cell mates.
Carol developed the beginning of a friendship with Axel so when he and Oscar were reunited she was happy. She was looking forward to hearing more stories about their time together.
It was accepted that Red and his group would stay with them. Axel and Oscar had stuck their necks out and were welcome to stay. A lot of problems solved themselves... and only more cropped up.
In the main room was Tyreese, Sasha, Allen, and Ben. They had appeared just before the attack from Woodbury, but had fought to defend the prison anyways. They hoped for a place to stay, somewhere they did not feel the dead would reach them in their sleep.
And of course there was a point still to be made about the older Dixon brother wandering somewhere unchecked. Rick wasn't sure how to handle that, but he knew he didn't want Tyreese's group to stay. They lost enough and risked more than they had.
In his mind it was time to break the bad news.
Before that though, Beth approached them with the baby in her arms. "So what now? You think the Governor will retaliate?"
Laura huffed rather loudly considering her usually silent nature. It earned her a few glances from the group. She couldn't actually answer though so her reaction was brushed over.
"If what Merle says is true, then yes. He will." Carol answered for her and the absent Dixon. "He has a whole town. We're outnumbered and outgunned."
"We could use some reinforcements." Hershel's comment was clearly directed towards Tyreese's group. Rick wasn't sure what to say, but he believed they could not invite strangers into the prison. Not again.
Instead of answering Rick turned to the cell door, which Carl was quick to open. The metal gate squeaked as it swung open, alerting the people on the other side that the leader was coming to back. They all jumped from the table to face the unfamiliar man.
Their chosen leader stepped forward, face to face with Rick. "I'm Tyreese." He offered his hand, but Rick did not accept it. No sense in false hope he figured.
"Sasha, Allen, Ben." Hershel pointed out the people behind Tyreese.
First and foremost, Rick needed to know about the safety of the prison. "How'd you get in?" From what he understood they just walked in and was found that way. This was a danger to everyone inside the prison especially if Woodbury found it.
"Fire damage to the administrative part of the prison. Wall's down." That was very bad. An entire section of the prison compromised, a potential vulnerability if they didn't find a way to fix it.
"That side's completely overrun with walkers." Rick was suspicious. No one could just walk through the horde like that. "How'd you get this far?"
"We didn't. We lost our friend Donna." Tyreese and the others mourned her loss. This was something the rest of Rick's and Red's group could vouch for. She had died in the prison and was buried just outside.
"They were lost in the gyms." Carl spoke up, offering a sympathetic tone for Tyreese and his group.
Rick turned around to see his son just behind him. He was unhappy to say the least. "You brought them here?" It was reckless, there was no telling who had broken into the prison.
"He had no choice." Hershel defended Carl's actions. The older man agreed with Carl's altruistic action.
"I'm sorry about your friend." Rick changed the subject. It didn't really matter how they got here now. He had to protect the group and that meant not introducing strangers into the fold. "We know what that's like." He tried to be clear about his decision, but everyone kept laying it on.
"Hershel said you could use some extra hands. We're no stranger to hard work." At this point anyone who was still alive knew hard work. Tyreese was hoping this would be enough. "We'll go out and get our own food, stay out of your hair. You got a problem with another group, we'll help with that, too. Anything to contribute."
Rick appeared to consider his offer. They needed everyone they could get if they were to fight the Governor. A fact Rick knew... but he couldn't get the image of Tomas and Andrew in his head. Then he heard those sirens, Lori-
"No."
"Please." Sasha implored. "It's like '10 Little Indians' out there. It's just us now." She wasn't one to beg, but she knew her group needed a place to rest. They couldn't keep running around aimlessly out there, they'd be dead in a week if that.
Their group suffered, everyone did. Rick felt for them truly and he knew it was his responsibility to care for his group first. "No."
The answer didn't please the group behind him though. "Let's talk about this." Hershel pressed, trying to be careful knowing Rick was straining under the pressure enough as it was. "We can't just keep-"
"We've been through this. With Tomas, Andrew. Look what happened." Rick deflected, only to be confronted again.
"Axel and Oscar weren't like them." Carol was glad to have these two with them now. They were good people and had done enough to prove they were with the group.
"I can't be responsible." He meant for his own group and those that died. In the event after meeting the inmates they lost T-Dog, Lori, nearly lost even more. Almost lost fighting at the generators too. There were so many moving parts and lost family he couldn't stand to be responsible for these people too.
"You turn us out, you are responsible." Tyreese meant it clear. They wouldn't survive much longer out there and everyone knew it. Turning them away was accepting that.
"Rick," Hershel called him over, he had to make a case for them. Tyreese, Sasha, Allen, Ben; they were good people. Everyone wanted them to stay...
During the discussion, Red had come out of the cell block to see the group standing together. He had been listening and assured Daisy he would come back, but he had to be there when they talked about Tyreese and his group.
He had approached from behind Daryl and Laura who moved to let him through. Red had taken a chance before, he chose to lay down his weapon for Tyreese. He wasn't going to see that man or his people gone. Their lives were on the line for them, they protected each other.
Hershel was whispering to Rick as Red approached Tyreese. "It'll be okay." He offered his hand to Tyreese who accepted it. It wasn't but a second later that the most unexpected turn happened.
Rick started saying something no one could make out. He had finished listening to Hershel and had agreed with the man, but he turned... His vision was telling him something impossible and he heard a voice. Alarmed, Red made sure to stand in front of Tyreese. Tyreese gave Red a questioning look, but Red had no clue what was happening.
Rick stood just under the catwalk, looking up. "Why are you here-?"
Laura moved away from Rick, her shoulder bumping into Daryl as the two took a step back. There was something distinctly wrong, something unhinged.
Carol started to usher Oscar and Axel out of the way too, spreading the group apart to make room for Rick. She had no idea what to say to Rick or what was going on, she just knew it didn't look good so it was time to protect the others.
"I can't help you! Get out!" Rick yelled, his voice wavering. He was upset, determined. He was looking up to the catwalk and talking to emptiness.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Tyreese tried to calm him down, but he had spiraled out of control faster than anyone could have predicted.
Others in the group started to try and reach him. Red just stayed with Tyreese. "If you don't want them with you, they can stay with us. They're-"
"You don't belong here! Get out! Please!" Rick quickly drew his Python, a weapon that was fully loaded at all times in the hands of a man on the edge.
Instantly everyone panicked to cover the others. Maggie took Carl out of the way, Red and Glenn started to push Tyreese and his group out. Daryl stood up, hands up, and tried to approach Rick. Axel grabbed Carol and got her out of Rick's path.
"Whoa! Calm down!"
"Rick!"
Tyreese and his group hurried towards the door, now hoping to escape without being shot. The rest of the group inside kept trying to stop Rick.
"Relax, we'll leave! No body gotta get shot today." Tyreese backed away, waiting for his group to slip out the door. Red held it open for them now far more concerned about a maddened Rick wielding a loaded gun around the prison.
"What are you doing here!" Rick yelled, continuing his tirade. People began to retreat from the room as he turned away from Tyreese again.
"Go, just go!" Glenn helped push them out. While no one wanted them to leave, they'd rather Tyreese and the others leave without being shot. So against their better judgment, they got Tyreese and them out.
Red hated this, this was wrong. They were good people who stuck up for people they didn't know. He didn't want to kick them out... he couldn't do all this at once. Rick losing his mind in the prison was far too much for the group to handle.
After a minute or two Rick had calmed down. He was still not quite right, but he wasn't holding up his gun anymore.
Tyreese, Sasha, Allen, and Ben were back on the road. Red gave them a few parting gifts including some food, two guns, and some ammo though. It was all he could do considering their situation with Rick. It was hard telling them goodbye, even harder watching them walk away.
He hoped the gifts would be enough. Red sat down on the concrete stairs leading up to the cell block and put his head in hands. They were all fucked if Rick was this broken.
It was only a minute or two before Red felt someone brush passed him. Looking up he saw Rick, distressed, and looking to get some air. Red didn't want to try and get up in Rick's business right now, there was too much risk.
Back inside the group felt a collective sign of relief with Rick out of the room.
"Is he gonna be alright?" Axel asked quietly, trying not to disturb the tension in the room too much. There was such a weight hanging in the air now that Tyreese and them were gone... Now that Rick had shown just how destructive carrying the group on his shoulders was.
No one knew how to answer. Yes, Rick is going to be alright he just needs time? No, he won't be and we need a new leader.
There wasn't a single person in the room that wanted his position in the group. Rick was leading them all, they had survived because of him. A person can only take so much stress and grief and dread before it takes them over entirely.
Right now Rick was not the person who could lead them. They needed another plan, they needed to prepare for Woodbury's attack.
"Well now," The voice cut through the room. Three people had left to keep clearing the tombs where Tyreese and his group came through. One of those people was perhaps the most controversial. "Wasn't that a show."
The group were trying to catch their breath and start planning for the future... before Merle Dixon waltz into the room.
It felt completely unreal seeing his brother again. Carol had told Daryl that he was here, he even knew Laura, but seeing him still felt so insane. Like a wash of memories, experience, and worry. No one really got along with Merle, he was an argumentative sort.
Once Merle had looked through all the faces before him, some familiar, some not, he finally saw Daryl. The younger Dixon brother was standing with a hand on Laura, keeping her close, with his crossbow slung over his shoulder as always.
They both looked different, so different from the duo back at the quarry. Time spent away from each other really did change them, for Daryl it was the best thing to happen to him in a long time. He was able to act for himself, to be his own man, and that lead to a tight bond with the group. Something that never would've happened had Merle still been there.
"Hey there, little brother." Merle sauntered up to Daryl, his usual shit eating grin plastered on his face. "I almost didn't believe you'd still be shackin' up with them after Atlanta." He truly meant after he had been cuffed to the roof. But Merle didn't really know Daryl that well.
Daryl hesitated. There was a lot to say and Daryl wasn't the talking kind. Laura talked far more and she always could spur him to converse. But talking to Laura felt easy, like he could say anything and it would be fine.
Talking to Merle felt like anything he said was wrong. Hence this tension that built between the group and the Dixon brothers.
In an attempt to manage this obvious situation Carol stepped forward. "Merle helped us and he says he wants to keep helping." Though she was advocating for Merle, she did not believe the man was suited for the group. He was violent and prone to anger. He liked to incite other people. Regardless, the group needed help to fight Woodbury.
That and Laura seemed keen on keeping him around. She wasn't sure what their companionship really was right now, but it didn't matter. They needed someone like Merle, they definitely didn't want to lose Laura and Daryl, and Merle did risk his neck for them. It was more beneficial to support Merle's position with the group.
"Yeah, yeah. Helping people, it's what I do best." Merle smiled, holding his arms out to the side. It was a dry sarcasm that no one appreciated.
Maggie didn't know Merle from before, but she could sense the awkwardness. So she pulled Carl along, waving Beth to follow her. "Come on, we're gonna be fortifying the prison soon, gotta get ready." That spurred on a few people to leave.
Before leaving the room, Maggie stopped by Carol. The two women shared a concerned look, something that clearly expressed they were both watching the Dixon brothers closely.
Behind Merle was Braddock and Markus, the two having been with him clearing the tombs. They were completely unaware of why Merle and Daryl were like this and not willing to be a part of it. But Glenn didn't care, there was too much to do.
"We don't have time for this." Glenn muttered under his breath. He needed the best of the group to start planning for the Governor's attack. They were coming, it was only a matter of time. They had enough capable fighters to protect the prison.
People went to work while the Dixon's were to talk it out and Laura was stuck on the edge just waiting. Carol would not leave her like that alone, so she framed it like she was going to make some food. Daryl had only just gotten back with the others, she would make some food, listen in on their conversation, and try to steer them away from anything particularly unsavory.
And there were plenty of unsavory topics to cross.
Merle noticed the woman heading back to the small kitchen-like area they brought together. The moment his eyes were off Daryl, the younger brother reacted.
"You been with them?" Daryl's voice was low. Carol believed he was trying to be cautious around his older brother, trying not to start anything. Knowing how Merle's reactions were unpredictable added a level of nervousness to them all.
"Woodbury?" Merle clarified, giving Daryl a nod. "After the whole thing back in Atlanta-" He held up his right arm, the metal contraption that was made for him in place of his hand, "The Governor found me, brought me to Woodbury. Been there ever since. Lookin' for you, brother... Now where the hell've you been?"
Daryl bit the inside of his cheek. He was nervous, unsure. "All 'round. Left the quarry with 'em, landed at a farm. Horde came through, tore the damn place apart." Testing the waters, Daryl continued. "Lost a lotta' good folks between here and Atlanta."
Scoffing, Merle took a seat at one of the cafeteria tables. "Good folks, huh? Like them that left me on that roof?"
Carol turned back to them, worried for the Dixon brother this group relied on. Daryl more than proved he was a good person, someone true and kind. She couldn't stand the idea of losing Daryl to his older brother's antagonizing.
"Man, we went back for you. You weren't there." Daryl was clear, his point evident yet his voice wasn't confident. It left such a noticeable weak spot for Merle to exploit.
But Merle's attention turned to Laura, the undead woman that Daryl was standing partially in front of. Daryl's posture was protective and it wasn't lost on Merle.
He grinned, "This lady says you and my biter know each other." He leaned back, pointing to Carol. She had stated something vaguely about Daryl and Laura last night. Nothing concrete, leaving Daryl and Laura to talk about it if they wanted.
Or to leave Merle entirely out of the loop which was also their choice. Though Carol doubted Daryl would keep his relationship with Laura a secret from his own brother. If he even could.
"Biter?" Daryl questioned with a frown. He hadn't heard that term before, but when Merle nodded to Laura he understood. "Nah, she ain't no biter."
Merle smile darkened. "You keep tellin' yourself that, brother. Maybe she'll get you at night while you're sleepin'. Take a big chunk right outta' ya." Merle's chuckle was mirthless. Meant to provoke Daryl. "Good thing y'all kept that muzzle on her. Can't have her eatin' the kiddies."
Despite himself, Daryl felt it getting under his skin. Seeing Daryl grow increasingly uncomfortable Carol stepped in. "Laura's just like anyone else. We all got our problems, but she's one of us. No matter what." Her support meant the world to Daryl. This moment was beyond stressful, but it didn't last long.
"Hey." Glenn came back in, others close behind. "I know you two have things to talk about, but we got shit to handle. The Governor's could attack at any time, we need to prepare."
Clamming up, Daryl agreed silently. He found himself not wanting to talk to Merle and felt guilty for it. His brother was back after so long, after everything they went through, and all he wanted to do is get Merle to shut up.
Daryl couldn't help but look to Laura. 'Biter' he called her. Another person comparing Laura to the dead outside, something he never really saw in her. She was gentler than everyone else and so sensitive. He wouldn't have stuck it out with some random woman if she complained or refused to work for her survival, but Laura was different.
She had been knocked down so many times he couldn't begin to count it. It pained him to know he couldn't be there for her when she needed him most. But just like before, when she was kicked to the dirt she got right back up every time.
He respected her for it. Taking the hits, being beaten to such a point she breaks, but she never stays down. Right now she was down, with that muzzle strapped to her face and those gauntlets on her hands. She was a mess and covered in dirt and blood.
All he needed to do is give her a hand to get back up. This time around he could be there for her, to support her the way she needed.
Laura caught his gaze, curious to see him focusing so heavily on her. She was at his side, right where she belonged. It felt good to be with him even if she couldn't remember everything. When she looked at him, felt him standing so close; she felt those butterflies in her stomach. just like before.
His expression softened and he reached a hand out to her. He gave her a second before placing it on her arm. Laura stayed still, letting him have this moment.
He had never been one for a lot of physical affection or touching in general. Back at the farm Laura would do it so often that he grew accustomed to it, then once it was gone he missed it. Touching her in some small way was like he had to check she was still even there. As if she would disappear like she did at the farm.
"Why are we even so sure he's going to attack?" Beth asked the group gathering around them. The hit to Woodbury last night and the men they lost attacking the prison would've been enough to make anyone think twice. "Maybe you scared him off?"
Daryl came to watch Glenn handle the planning with Laura right beside him.
"He had fish tanks full of heads. Walkers and humans. Trophies." It was Michonne that answered first. The person who had been on the opposite side of Woodbury, that had survived Merle and Laura. "He's coming." Laura didn't know if Michonne was a part of the group before, she couldn't remember that much. Either way, she would have to try and repair the damage that was done during their fight.
"We should hit him now." Glenn didn't like the sound of heads in tanks. This wasn't a man they wanted to mess around with.
Surprised, Beth uncrossed her arms. "What?"
"He won't be expecting it. We'll sneak back in and put a bullet in his head." Glenn stood up, anxious to do something. Their attack on Woodbury last night was a decent success, they had cleared the armory and took out a few of their men at the prison. Woodbury was as vulnerable as it ever would be.
Carol didn't agree. "We're not assassins."
Ignoring her, Glenn approached Michonne. "You know where his apartment is. You and I can end this tonight." He wanted to convince her that they had a chance. "I'll do it myself."
Though it was unlikely, Michonne nodded. She knew she could get in, Glenn maybe with her, but it was a possible path to avoid an all out fight. There were risks on both sides. But before Glenn could move for his things, Hershel cut him off.
"He didn't know you were coming last time and look what happened." Hershel didn't want unnecessary risk while the group was struggling. "They almost lost a man, Micheal. They came here, we almost lost people, we lost the prison, Daisy and Maggie were attacked. We all could've died last night."
"You can't stop me." Glenn was definitely more aggressive about this than he should've been. His realization with Maggie... things got tense between them.
Trying to at least slow Glenn's vengeful determination, Hershel shook his head. "Rick would never allow this."
"You really think he's in any position to make that choice?" It was true Rick was unable to make any decisions for the group. He was not of sound mind and any orders he gave would be questioned. That weakened the group as a whole.
"Think this through clearly. T-Dog lost his life here. Lori too. The men that were here. The men that came here. It isn't worth any more killing." Were the group able to say it, they would've compared Hershel to Dale at this moment. He was trying to make a case for avoidance, not confrontation. "What're we waiting for? If he's really on his way, we should be out of here by now."
"And go where?" The prison was the most security they had since the beginning. Leaving seemed like a larger decision than could be made now.
"We lived on the road all winter." Hershel offered.
"Back when you had two legs and we didn't have a baby for walkers every four hours." It was too much danger to leave. They needed the prison.
"We can't stay here."
"We can't run."
At that, Maggie left the room. She had enough of them arguing and enough of Glenn's distraught behavior. Everyone was suffering right now, they needed some kind of stability and leadership. It wasn't Rick and Glenn didn't know how.
"All right. We'll stay put." Glenn caved, but not entirely. "We're going to defend this place. We're making a stand." It isn't what Hershel hoped for. Seeing Glenn taking charge was definitely a good thing though. Hershel was glad to see him step up.
"Carl, you and I will go down to the tombs. We need to figure out where the breach is." Glenn pointed to the chalk map they had drawn on the floor.
Michonne stepped forward. "You'll need some help."
"No, in case anything happens, I need you out here." They were losing able bodied fighters faster every day. With Rick, Micheal, Daisy, and Red all unable in one way or another, Glenn needed someone to take their place. Glenn looked to the faces around the room. He had enough people to effectively watch the prison.
"Michonne, you and Markus on first watch. Braddock, Daryl, you two next. Me and Carl will take next. Keep cycling through, rest up as much as possible." The respective groups all looked to each other, finding their watch partner and agreed. They had work to do. "Everyone who can start putting up fortifications along the upper walk way and in the courtyard. Just like before."
Glenn put a hand on the holster on his hip. He caught sight of Laura just beside Daryl. "Laura, can you go outside the fence and watch for people coming?" He wasn't sure where she was regarding the group, but she nodded. "First watch."
Laura figured she had her task to do, so she turned to the entrance door. Michonne and Markus not far behind as they looked through to the guns in the room.
Braddock snapped his fingers and rushed out of the cell block without a word. He was hurrying to grab the gun bag from their cell block and bring it over here. They were a part of the prison now so they would share all resources they had.
Laura stood on the stairs, watching everyone beginning to gear for war. It wasn't looking good truthfully. They were outnumbered and though the Woodbury armory was destroyed, they still had to handle the sheer number of people Woodbury commanded.
Before leaving the cell block, Laura spotted the familiar woman with the katana. It was not perhaps the best meeting having chased the woman from Woodbury, attacked her, nearly killing her more than once. Michonne had survived her encounter with the undead woman which was not a simple feat.
She would be relying on Michonne during this at some point. It appeared she would be sticking around too. Laura knew absolutely nothing about her other than the Governor wanted her dead.
Holding her hand out in front of her she caught Michonne's attention. The woman was understandably startled by the metal clawed hand. The person wielding those weapons had nearly gutted her with them, so they brought up unpleasantness.
Michonne's eyes narrowed on the undead woman standing in front of her. She didn't know what she wanted or how she would convey what she wanted. With that muzzle on she couldn't talk to them at all.
All Laura did was hold Michonne's glare for a moment then lowered her eyes to the ground.
Confused, Michonne just stared at her. It wasn't until Merle stepped in that Laura's own personal charades-esque language made any sense.
"She's apologizin'." Merle called out from his seat at the far table. Hearing Merle, Daryl turned to see what was going on. Spotting Laura with Michonne and Merle watching them from said table. Laura gestured with her hand partially closed to ensure the claws don't poke Michonne. Her hand moved between them, shook her head, but nothing else. "She says she doesn't know you, she doesn't remember a lot. So she's sorry."
"Sorry cause she doesn't remember? It happened yesterday." Michonne glowered at the blue skinned woman. Laura shook her head, looked to Merle, then back to Michonne.
Before Merle could explain in his own way that would likely create more animosity between the two, Carol intervened. "She doesn't remember a lot before Woodbury captured her. She's saying that because she doesn't remember if you were with us before we all got separated." Carol placed a hand on Laura's shoulder, who flinched at the unexpected contact. "Michonne wasn't with us back then. She's new to everyone here."
Laura acknowledged this by amending her apology. Once more she gestured between herself and Michonne, pointed to her face, slid her hand to the side, and pointed to Merle, then to outside the prison.
Everyone looking on had no idea what in the world that meant. It didn't even look like it was meant to make sense.
Merle almost scoffed. "You want me to say all that? I ain't your damn personal translator, girly." Laura gave him a very lame look, trying to press the issue with him. He didn't budge though and ignored her testing glare.
Instead, Daryl pressed for her. "What'd she say?"
Groaning in defiance, Merle waved his hand. "Alright fine, damn." He leaned over the table and Laura repeated the sign language they developed. This time, he translated it directly.
"Sorry I tried to kill you. I didn't want to. The Governor had ways to make me do what he wanted me to do. I was scared of him, but that's not your fault. I shouldn't've hurt you to save myself. That was selfish and wrong of me. I hope someday you can forgive me and we can trust each other so we protect this prison and our people, together." Merle rambled off in a lazy tone, making it almost sound like everything Laura was trying to say wasn't honest. But it absolutely was, she was merely stuck with Merle as her voice.
To say Carol was shocked to hear Merle gleamed that from a few seemingly nonsensical hand gestured would be understating it. Even Michonne needed a moment. Daryl's brow furrowed as he glanced between Laura and Merle, beyond surprised.
The whole group overhearing this had to double take to believe it.
Michonne, realizing Laura was hoping for a reply, agreed with her. "I understand. We're good."
Relieved, Laura closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly. Merle called out again, "That means thank you." He was only doing this because Daryl asked, otherwise, Laura would've been stuck silent again.
Carol smiled, turning to Merle. "Can you teach me?"
Merle just huffed, acting as though he was greatly inconvenienced. Their conversations were always private and now the people here wanted to know Laura. He figured that was a lot better than what she had at Woodbury; still didn't mean he wanted to deal with it all though.
AtlasNerd:
Good, I'm happy to hear that chapter did good! It's been so long I was nervous about publishing again. The first pass of that chapter wasn't the best, but the rewritten one was a lot better I think.
This one... A bit middling. There's not a lot going on just yet. The episode this takes place during really was a filler episode, so I couldn't do a whole hell of a lot with it. But I'm glad to finally have some Laura/group interactions. :)
Gemini's Revenge:
Oh my god, it's been so long! It's lovely to hear from you again! I'm so amazed to see some folks still coming back to this story after I was gone for sooo long. Thank you for coming back, it means the world to me really. I'm just so happy to hear from you!
Laura and Daryl are my fav couple now. I know I'm biased, but I very rarely ever like my pairing couples more than other authors. Usually cause I love their characters so much, I just hope Laura holds a candle up to them!
Right now I'm so excited. I just want to dedicate an entire chapter to Laura and Daryl coming back together. It will be fluffy, sweet, sad, and perhaps even a bit smutty! :)
Oh, you are really too kind. I'm so happy to hear you liked it. It was a tense one for me cause I just wasn't sure how it would come across!
From the beginning?! There's 480k words! 60 chapters! That's so much reading. Your dedication to read this whole thing all the way through is amazing to me. Thank you so much! I try to get better, I know I'm no professional author. I just love writing this stuff honestly! I hope that if it's fun for me, other people might enjoy it too!
You're so kind, Gemini. Thank you, I'm so excited to give you some more! I hope you like it, I know not a lot happens here. I just gotta transition from one thing to the next sometimes. TWD has quite a few filler episodes lol