Merle growls as he struggles to untie the fucking rope that is holding together a bunch of junk, he wants to bang his head and scream as he can't get the knot loose.
He's about to try again when Harry takes his good hand and pulls it back, "let me," he says softly, and if it were anyone else Merle would have punched him out of principle.
Instead, he grumbly sits on a worn wooden chair, his remaining hand clenched into a fist while Harry unties the bullshit he doesn't even care about.
He's just tired of struggling to manage everyday tasks with one hand
"Merle, this is getting ridiculous!" Harry's voice cuts through the tension, laced with frustrated concern. "You're having a hell of a time with everything because of that hand."
Merle glares at Harry, feeling the sting of the words despite Harry's good intentions, "Yeah, well, not all of us have fancy spells or magic wands to fix things." He mentally winces, but his anger makes him spit stupid shit.
"Some of us just have to make do," he snaps, his pride bristling at the implication of weakness.
Harry's irritation is evident, but he takes a deep breath, his determination clear. Merle's eyes drift to the l tattoos across Harry's arms, glowing faintly in the dim light.
"I've been scavenging for herbs while we've been at the farm," Harry says calmly, more gently. "I know a way to help, but you've been so damn proud that you've refused to let me do anything."
Merle's pride flares up, his face tightening. "I don't need your pity, Angel."
"I can get by just fine." Harry rolls his eyes at that. He then pushes back his sleeves, revealing the intricate runes, and summons his wand with a flick of his wrist.
Merle shivers at the ominous feeling that comes from the wand as it appears.
"It's not pity, it's practicality. You're struggling more than you need to, your pride is just stupid in this situation."
Merle's eyes narrow. "Stupid, huh?" He has to give the brat some kudos, he's got balls. Though with that one Merle would be, well even worse.
"Well, maybe I don't want to look weak."
"Looking weak?" Harry scoffs. "Refusing help because of your pride?"
"That's really weak. Just let me do this."
Merle gapes at the audacity but Harry Ignores Merle's face and starts arranging the herbs, was this all a setup? Where did he get sage, rosemary, and thyme? He only knows because they are labeled quite cutely with Harry's atrocious handwriting. Harry sets the ingredients down with care, his movements are precise.
Merle shifts uncomfortably in his chair, watching Harry with a mix of apprehension and hope, "Alright, Angel."
"Do your thing," Merle grumbles. "But don't expect me to thank you for it."
Harry merely hums and begins preparing the herbs, lighting the sage to create a soothing smoke. The aroma fills the room, and Merle watches as Harry channels his energy into the process of mixing.
After a few minutes, Harry finishes his preparations and looks up at Merle.
"It's done," Harry says, his voice steady. "Drunk this,"
Merle wrinkles his nose at the nasty-looking gunk, "you sure?" Relenting when Harry nods, with a deep breath he chugs the potion thingy down, instantly a tingle travels across his body as he gags. He barely notices Harry whispering a spell and then a sensation of blistering pain starts as his nerves burn back to life.
He grits his teeth and closes his eyes as the spell does what it's been commanded to do. He doesn't know how long he sits there before he feels Harry lift his new hand and start inspecting it.
Slowly he opens his eyes and looks at it, his eyes widen upon seeing a metallic look to it, runes that he sees on Harry run along the strange material, and when he curls his new hand around Harry's smaller one he is delighted to feel the warmth of Harry's body heat.
"Well, I'll be damned," Merle says, his voice gruff, admiring.
"You actually did it. This feels…normal."
Harry smiles, a sense of accomplishment evident. "It's not perfect, but it should help.
Harry grins teasingly "Maybe next time, you'll let your pride take a backseat to practical help."
Merle stands, experimenting with the hand.
An unexpected wave of emotion washes over him. He steps closer to Harry, his gaze locked onto the younger man's eyes. For a heartbeat, everything stands still, and without thinking, Merle, driven by a surge of gratitude and vulnerability, leans in and kisses Harry.
In the early morning light, the sun filters gently through the trees as Sophia and Daryl embark on their hunt, she was surprised when the griff man offered to take her, but Harry and Merle were going out to town and Daryl didn't feel like going instead he decided to take her on a hunting trip. He normally does it early so she had to wake up extra early. The air is crisp and cool, a welcome change from the stifling heat of the camp during midday when the sun is so high and hot.
Sophia follows Daryl, her senses heightened and alert.
She furrows her brow when she notices a strange tingling in her neck, she shifts, not making a sound, Daryl said she was good at keeping quiet for a city girlie.
She stays close as Daryl leads the way, his movements precise and methodical. Sophia watches him with a mix of admiration and curiosity.
Despite his gruff exterior, there's a focus and calmness to his actions that she finds reassuring. The corset is filled with Daryl's occasional griff instructions and terse nods as he answers her abundance of questions.
After a time she grows quiet and finds the silence comforting, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.
The forest is dense, the underbrush thick and tangled.
Sophia's senses seem to pick up on every rustle and distant sound, adding to her growing sense of unease. She's unsure if it's the strange tingle on her neck or just the tension of the hunt that keeps her on edge.
They pause briefly by a stream, where Daryl crouches to examine the ground. He points out recent animal tracks, explaining their significance. Sophia listens intently, soaking up his knowledge.
Daryl's presence is surprisingly comforting, and she finds herself enjoying the moment, despite the seriousness of their task.
Eventually, they move on, navigating through thicker foliage and around fallen trees. The forest seems to come alive with the sound of chirping birds and the occasional rustle in the underbrush. Sophia's senses remain on high alert, and she finds herself listening more carefully than usual.
Sophia's attention is drawn to a faint, high-pitched whimper, one that sounds like a puppy. Daryl's eyes narrow in exasperation as he follows her. She moves cautiously towards the sound, parting the underbrush with practiced ease. The whimper grows louder as they approach a small clearing.
Sophia's heart races with anticipation.
There, nestled against the roots of a large tree, is a small white puppy. The poor thing's fur is dirty and matted, and it shivers from the cold. She drops to her knees, with a delightful smile, her movement gentle as she reaches out towards the puppy.
"It's okay," Sophia murmurs softly, her voice soothing as she extends a hand. The puppy hesitates, its large, fearful eyes meeting hers.
Slowly, it sniffs her fingers, then hesitantly wags its tail.
Sophia smiles, her heart swelling with affection for the tiny animal. She carefully scoops the puppy up, cradling it against her chest.
The puppy seems to relax, its shivering subsiding as it settles into the warmth of her embrace.
Daryl watches the interaction with reluctant acceptance, "Looks like you found yourself a little companion."
He grins crookedly, "Gonna have to ask Harry if the little shit can stay," she notices his tone softening when mentioning Harry.
Thinking of Harry makes her want to squirm and flush, it's still new to her to have such an amazing person, treat her like she always wished her father would have when he was alive.
She nods, her eyes filled with determination. "I can't just leave it here. It needs us."
"And that's that huh," Daryl mocks lightheartedly, though they start making their way with the puppy securely in her arms.
The forest, once a place of potential danger, now feels like a sanctuary. The puppy's presence adds a sense of warmth and hope to their surroundings. She relaxes when she approaches the farm, the sight of the wide-open fields and familiar buildings fills Sophia with relief. The puppy nestled in her arms seems to share her excitement, occasionally nuzzling against her as they walk. The thought of showing her mom the tiny creature quickens her steps, and she glances up at Daryl, who gives her a slight nod, understanding her eagerness.
The farm has been their haven, a place where they can momentarily forget the dangers lurking beyond its boundaries.
The Randal stuff has caused so much tension, that she bets a puppy will make it all okay, and make it feel even more like home. She doesn't bother with it, trusting Harry when he tells her he'll keep her safe.
The first person to notice them is Maggie, who's working near the barn. She raises a hand in greeting, her eyes widening in surprise as she spots the small bundle in Sophia's arms.
Sophia smiles brightly and quickens her pace, nearly running the rest of the way.
"Mom!"
"Mom, look what I found!" Sophia calls out, her voice filled with excitement. Carol turns, her brow furrowing in curiosity as she wipes her hands on a rag. The moment she sees Sophia holding the puppy, her expression softens into one of surprise and tenderness.
"Sophia, what is this?" Carol asks, stepping forward to get a closer look.
"I found him in the forest, all alone. He was shivering and scared, so I brought him back," Sophia explains, her voice filled with both excitement and concern.
Carol's gaze softens even more as she gently strokes the puppy's head. "You did the right thing, sweetheart," she says, her tone filled with pride. "We'll take care of him."
Just as Carol is about to say more, the sound of a car pulling up grabs their attention.
Sophia turns, and a wide smile spreads across her face as she recognizes the vehicle. Harry and Merel step out.
"Sophia!" She giggles at the warmth in Harry's voice, "What's that you've got there?" Harry asks, a grin tugging at his lips as he approaches.
"I found a puppy!" Sophia exclaims, holding the small creature up for them to see.
The night air is crisp as the fire crackles softly, its warm light casting dancing shadows on the faces of the three. The Dixons's camp, a bit away from the main group by the barn. Merle, clearly frustrated, leans against a wooden post, his eyes narrowing as he looks at the fire.
"We've got the information we need from Randall," he says, his voice a low growl. "What the fuck were they thinking bringing the little shit here?."
Harry has an expression that is out of place, the man usually has a kind look to him, but there is a shimmering darkness Merle can see through his demeanor to remain calm. "We just need to kill them."
Merle raises a brow, surprised at what is being said by the usually passive man, arms crossed, who watches the fire as he listens. "We fuck me, I agree, Rick and Shane's dumb ass fucking lack of foresight is gonna put us in a tight spot if we don't address it."
Continuing scowls, his frustration is evident. "It's not just about Randall; it's about their general disregard for the risks. We're supposed to be a team, but they're making decisions that could cost us our lives."
Harry looks sad as he looks over to the house where his family is, though he agrees, his voice firm as he says so. "We might need to make it clear that their actions have consequences."
"We can't let them continue making decisions that endanger everyone, they aren't thinking of the children and the dangers. They are thinking of their morality, something we lost the right to when the dead came walking."
Daryl nods, adding, "We can't afford any more mistakes."
Merle's gaze hardens as he looks between Harry and Daryl, he grins savagely, "Let's deal with ourselves, right now."
A/n:
A little bit of fluff and bonding before our protagonist starts blasting.
What will the Rick gang do while Harry and Co are out, will that be a problem. Shane is still unhinged even if he doesn't have Randal to use as and excuse to lure Rick.
Promise we'll get out of the slow farm arc soon.