Would've Been

'Focus', she had thought, shaking her head. Clearing the thought from her mind. That was the last thing she needed on her mind.

She made her way into the kitchen where Dustin sat, books sprawled in front of him as he worked on his homework. Jovie sat on her knees in the chair next to him and watched, as if she had any clue what he was doing.

"What do you want for dinner?" She spoke mainly to Dustin but grabbed Jovies as well. "I can cook, or we order out"

Dustin looked back at her and made a face, "I don't want pizza" Jovie copied his face, this caused y/n to chuckle lightly.

"What about Clyde's?" y/n asked, craving a nice juicy burger. Dustin seemed to mull it over and nodded in agreement. "Your normal?" Dustin nodded again.

Y/n went over to the phone and called in their usual order. For her a double stacked cheeseburger with a side of chili cheese fries, as for Dustin a cheeseburger all the way and fries and as for Jovie chicken tenders.

"You good to watch her ?" Dustin nodded again, he'd watch her so y/n could go pick up the food. She grabbed her keys off the counter, kissed Jovie on the forehead "Be good" and left them.

The ride to the burger joint was barely ten minutes. It felt like an eternity. Worrying Jovie was bothering Dustin or misbehaving. 'Stop' she thought, Jovie was a good girl, and he wouldn't have agreed if she was a problem.

Air outside the car was frigid. She wrapped her jacket around her tighter, trying to block out the tepid temperature. The bell above the door dinged as it swung open. The sound grabbed the attention of Joe, the owner of the joint.

He offered a smile, "Hey y/n, foods almost ready". She nodded and took a seat at the counter. Spinning on the bar stool to face Joe. He went back to frying the burgers. She looked around the restaurant, taking in the decor as if she hadn't seen it a million times.

She sat there for a few minutes before the bell above the door dings again. Her heart sped up as she glanced over. "Y/n, oh my goodness, we haven't seen you in forever". Stood in front of her was Sharon, the mother of her ex. A woman she had hoped to never see again. That was wishful thinking around this small town.

"Sharon, it's good to see you", sliding off the stool she came and stood in front of the slightly shorter woman. Offering to give her a hug, Sharon wrapped her arms around y/ns middle giving a slight squeeze.

"You look good" Sharon spoke, mumbled in y/n jacket. She pulled away and looked up at y/n. "How are you?"

Y/n nodded and offered a small smile, "I'm good, working"

Sharon nodded, "I heard, you work for Tommy, right?" Of course she knew, everyone in this fucking town knew everything about everyone. "You like it?"

"I love it, hoping to work up from reception" Y/n nods.

She nodded again, a small smile on her face, “I’m sure you will” Sharon looked her over, “Shawn’s going to visit for the holidays” she spoke, as if trying out the ice.

Y/n stomach churned, bile rose to up her throat, “you must be so excited” she smiled, swallowing down her bile.

“Thrilled!” She said excitedly. That was her only boy, the rest were girls, the youngest around Dustin’s age. Sharon wasn’t aware of the things Shawn had done to y/n.

Y/n was sure she knew about Jovie. Sharon never asked about her. Not once. Y/n wasn’t sure if she cared to know her grandchild, not that it mattered to her.

“Foods ready, y/n” Joe spoke setting the bag of take out on the counter. She smiled, handed him the cash for the food and turned back to Sharon.

“It was good seeing you” y/n smiled, sliding past Sharon and waving her a goodbye.

She made her way back to her car and got in. Making sure the food was sat in the passenger seat before leaning her head against the steering wheel.

“Fuck!” Y/n screamed, “FUCK!” Tears pricked at her eyes. She was screwed if he decided to sniff around. The engine turned over as she turned the key, she sat in silence the whole way home.

“Dustin I’m sorry it took so long” she spoke as she walked into the house.

He looked at her from the table, “everything okay?”

She shook her head, “it’ll be fine though”

He wanted to push more but decided not to. Instead he fished his take out box from the bag and opened it. Y/n did the same for herself and Jovie.

“Can I have some Jovie?” Dustin spoke. Jokingly going to take one of her chicken tenders. She looked at his hand and whined. “Hey I was joking”

She pouted, sitting down on her tail end, crossing her arms over her chest. “Jovie, honey he was picking” She continues to pout, the behavior somewhat unusual for her.

“She’s probably tired” y/n spoke to Dustin as Jovie continued to pout as the two of them ate. “She didn’t take a nap”

“Oh yeah” Dustin nods, “definitely that”

Jovie climbed down from her seat, leaving her chicken untouched and climbing into her mother’s lap. Hiding her face in y/ns chest.

“We’ll go to bed in a minute bug” y/n used her clean hand to rub her daughters back. Offering comfort to the little girl.

Once y/n was finishing eating, she wasted no time taking Jovie into her arms and carrying her to bed. “What do you want to wear tonight bug?”

Jovie sat on her mother’s bed, looking at the two options her mother was holding up. Unicorns or frogs. She loved both, but she liked the green slimy creatures more. “Fwogs” she said, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

Y/n put the other option back in the closet and began to change her. Once the girl was in her clean pajamas she was placed under her covers and tucked in tight. Falling asleep within minutes.

Chapter 6

The venue was a decent sized bar. Packed full of people. Y/n went straight to the bar getting a beer for the both of them. Upon returning to Eddie side she spoke, "I wasn't sure what kind you like" and offered the cold beer to him.

He was grateful she even thought about him. “This is perfect, thank you” she smiled and gave him a nod. She took his free hand and pulled him to the edge of the stage.

Her hand was warm in his, electrifying actually. Eddie studied their hands for a moment. He liked this. Maybe a little too much.

“I wanted to get close before they started playing” y/n spoke, pulling him from his thoughts. He looked to her face, she hadn’t been paying attention to him.

She let go of his hand. He already longed for the simple touch. “Pretty smart”, he nodded then took a sip of his beer. The cool liquid lining his throat, then hitting his stomach as he swallowed.

“Not my first rodeo” she chuckled, he smiled. Watching as she lifted her glass bottle to her lips. Noticing how they wrapped around the opening- ‘god stop’ he thought, ‘you’re being a creep’. He made a grimace at his inner dialogue.

He knew this crush was wrong, for many reasons. One, she had a kid. Two, she was his friend’s sister. Three, hell there didn’t need to be a third reason, those should’ve been good enough.

They stood and talked while watching as the band set up their equipment. Y/n had made another quick beer run before people started to fill in, in front of the stage.

He kept an eye on her, making sure she was alright. He watched her weave through the crowd forming. Giving a small smile he took the glass from her hand and offered a smile.

The mic screeched with feed back, as the lead singer moved it. Eddies attention turned to him. He wanted so badly to be like his idols one day. To be on stage and perform.

“How’s everyone doing tonight?” His voice was gruff, and echoed through the venue. The crowd erupted in a chorus of responses. “Are we ready to rock tonight?”

Eddie picked out y/ns enthusiastic “hell yeah” out from the rest of the crowd and smiled. She was enjoying herself, at from what he could tell.

“Let’s get this fucking show on the road” the singer smiled. Eddie watched as the guitarist began playing. His fingers moving ever so slightly over the strings.

He looked down at y/n and took her in, noting the way she was glued on the whole scene. She seemed enthralled.

Eddie let loose, screaming lyrics at the top of his lungs, jumping to the beat. He’d almost forgotten he wasn’t by himself.

Y/n grabbed onto him, “this is my favorite song” she screamed over the music. Eddie looked down at her, she was bubbling with excitement. His heart melted. She had indeed needed this, he realized. She wasn’t a mom right now, she was just someone around his age having the time of her life.

He watched as she loudly quoted the lyrics word for word. She was belting them, they were coming from the bottom of her heart. She meant them.

The concert flew by, it was filled with beer, dancing and screaming of lyrics. The both of them would be hoarse the next day but they didn’t care.

Y/n was more than buzzed as she stumbled out to the parking lot. Eddie snorted at her, “careful”, he then proceeded to trip over air. “Shit”, he steadied himself.

She giggled, “you were saying?”

“Yeah, yeah”, he chuckled.

Y/n had decided best if they walked back to their motel, Eddie had agreed. Luckily the motel had only been five minutes away.

Eddie reached into his back pocket, pulling out a black cigarette case. Y/n eyed him, watching as he pulled out a hand rolled cigarette, put it to his lip and then lighting it. Then watched as he slipped the case back into his pocket with his free hand.

She watched as he inhaled, then brought it down to eat at his side. The smell wafted over her, it certainly wasn’t the kind of cigarette she had been expecting it to be.

He glanced at her, she watched realization wash over him, “shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t even ask, I-“

She just laughed, she didn’t care. “Its fine”

“Are you sur-“ she nodded.

Without thinking he offered the joint to her, she took it. Expertly taking a hit, then exhaling out her nose. ‘That was hot’, he thought. He watched as she took another hit. This was almost as good as porn to him right now.

She handed the joint back to him. He finished it off and threw the butt down on the ground using his shoe to snuff it out.

They were both buzzing as they stumbled through the door to their room. Giggling y/n laid on the bed. “You’re beautiful you know that?” Eddie said without thinking.

She sat up on her elbows and looked at him, as if she’d never heard anyone say anything remotely similar before, “you really think so?”

“Oh my god, yeah” he nodded.

She looked him over, trying to decide if she believed him. “Thank you”, guess she did.

Y/n pushed herself off the bed, letting her feet carry her to the bathroom, and shut the door behind her. Eddie began to strip while she was in there, figuring it’d be the best use of his time.

Y/n stared at herself in the mirror. Her makeup had ran. What the hell did he find beautiful about that. She shook her head. Sure she knew she was somewhat attractive, or well used to be, before Jovie.

Now all she could see was the stretch marks, dark circles and the tiniest bit of baby pudge she’d never fully lost. ‘He’s just not thinking right’ she thought. ‘No way he actually means it’

Using the provided wash cloth she rinsed her face of the leftover makeup. The dark circles becoming more prominent. She worked hard to take care of her child. To make sure she had a good life. To make sure she never wanted.

She yawned, the booze and weed weighing on her. Making her limbs feel heavy. God she was exhausted. Quickly she changed into her pajamas and exited the bathroom.

Her eyes were greeted with eddies bare back. Toned and muscled. She watched his muscles moved as he slid a clean shirt over his head and pad to the side of the bed he had claimed for the night.

Now he was attractive, he was tall, muscled and sweet. He hadn’t talked about a girlfriend, so y/n had assumed he was single and how he was single; she couldn’t figure out.

‘That was perhaps a mystery for another day’, she’d thought as her eyelids became heavy as she stood. She got in the bed next to him, moving around until she was comfortable. “Goodnight” she murmured.

She wasn’t sure he’d even heard it until he mumbled back a “night y/n”. A sleepy smile made its way onto her face. It wasn’t too long after that she’d fell asleep.

Her breathing evened out, and Eddie closed his eyes. Eddie couldn’t sleep. Normally the amount of alcohol and weed in his system was enough to lull him to sleep but not tonight.

Y/n laid beside of him, mouth slightly agape as she slept. Shirt bunched up under her breasts and her shorts rode up as well. She was a sight to see. She was breath taking.

The more Eddie stared at her sleeping form the more he felt a stirring in his stomach. He knew it was wrong. Hell, perverted even.

He couldn’t help the fantasies. The images of her beneath him, on top of him. Imagining the way she tasted, or how she sounded. It was intoxicating.

He sat up, careful to not wake her. Dragged his feet over the edge of the bed and stood, making his way to the bathroom.

He turned the knob on the shower, watching as the water began to trickle down into the tub. Using his hand he felt the frigid stream, if this didn’t work, he only had one other option.

The water ran over him, cold and repelling. Leaning his head back, he drenched his hair. Eddies skin prickled at the frigid water and yet his cock pulsated. Ached. ‘Fuck it’ he thought

He wrapped a hand around his aching member. He groaned slightly at the feeling. With one motion of his hand, his eyes lulled shut. Enjoying the feeling.

He imagined it was y/n, her lips wrapped around him. Taking him deeply. Eddies mouth gaped open slightly. Soft moans falling over his lips as he stroked himself.

He prayed she was still asleep, unaware of his actions. Unaware of the noises he was making, just by thinking about her. The pace quickened as he began to chase his release. A whimper escapes him, he was close, so close.

“Fuck” he moans, his body shuddering in release. He continued to gently pump his member. Milking out every last drop. He had it bad for y/n. He knew that it was crazy. Knew she wouldn’t like him back. Knew he would eventually get over it but for now-for now he’d just pretend he had a chance.

Chapter 5

The car stayed silent for what felt like hours but in truth had only been a few minutes, but not for Eddie. He didn’t like the silence.

“How’s Jovie?” He asked, glancing at her. Eddie watched as her face fell, he instantly regretted asking. He opened his mouth to speak but y/n instead spoke.

“She’s good” she said, contemplating telling him how she felt. She didn’t want to bother him with her feelings but didn’t want to seem like a bummer all night. “This is the first time I’ve left her”

Eddie felt a ping in his chest, though he supposed he wasn't to blame. “Do you want to turn around?” He was more than happy to miss this concert if that’s what she wanted.

She shook her head, “no, I’ll just call Steve when we get to the motel”. Eddie felt his heart drop to his stomach. Then remembered Dustin mentioning that a Steve babysat his niece from time to time.

“Are you sure?” He looked at her, taking in her tired features.

She glanced at him. “It’ll be fine, plus I deserve a night out, right?” She was asking him. He didn’t know her well enough to say something definitively, but he could assume.

“Yeah, you deserve it” he nodded, drumming a finger on his thigh in a nervous tick. She noticed this and pushed a cassette into the player. A band he knew well began playing, he looked at her in shock. She was full of surprises.

-

The rest of the ride flew by, Eddie told a few jokes, which got him that laugh he was dying to hear. His cheeks stayed red and warm the majority of the ride.

Y/n pulled the car into the designated painted lines, parking and turning off the engine. “I’ll go get our room” Without waiting for a reply she slipped out the car. Eddie watched her as she walked into the office, enjoying every second of it. She was perfect. He didn’t think anyone could be.

He slipped out to greet her as she returned to him, “they only had a king bed” she said. Eddie looked down at her.

He didn’t mind this, however, but figured she might, “I’ll sleep on the floor” he’d proposed.

She grabbed her bag out of the back seat, looking at him. He didn’t miss the subtle look over. “It’s fine, I don’t mind sharing the bed” He went to argue but she spoke again, “seriously, it’s fine.”

With that she lead the way to their room, she dropped her bag in the corner and went straight over to the phone. Eddie sat on the edge of the bed, watching her dial a number she seemingly knew by heart.

“Hey Steve” she spoke, smiling as she heard her child in the background asking for her, “yeah, we made it” Eddie watched her twirl the cord around her finger. “You know me so well” she chuckled.

Eddie had no right to feel the way he did, to feel the anger that brewed in his gut but he did. “Hey baby” this lessened his anger, she was talking to her child. The child Eddie had become somewhat attached to. “I’ll see you tomorrow” he heard her voice crack.

Eddie stood, coming over and laying a hand on her back. She flinched slightly and glanced at him, offering a small smile which he returned. He rubbed a small circle on her back, trying to offer her some type of comfort.

“I love you too, bug” she smiles, a tear falling down her cheek. “I think Steve said you were gonna get ice cream?” Another fell. “Go have fun, bye baby” she hung the phone up, staring down at it.

“Man, ice cream sounds good” Eddie tried to joke, which earned him a small laugh. He figured that was win enough.

She wiped the tears with the back of her hand and sniffed, “let me get ready” he slowly took his hand off her back and nodded, moving to let her head towards the bathroom.

Eddie wasn’t sure how long she’d been in there, but when she came out, god. He wasn’t sure she was the same person. “Woah” he breathed out.

“Is it bad?” She began to panic. She hadn’t really dressed up since before having Jovie. She was really second guessing her entire outfit.

he shook his head, “no you look good, I mean you look good either way” he stammered out, causing her to smile.

She blushed, Eddie took note of that. “Thank you” she wasn’t quite used to compliments either. She liked hearing them from Eddie though. That much she did know.

She grabbed her purse off the table, looking through it, grabbing her wallet. Deciding she didn’t need the whole bag. “You ready?” Eddie nodded. The two headed out the door

Chapter 4

A herd of corpses had come out of seemingly nowhere. Y/n was shoved underneath a car by Rick who was laid next to her, watching his wife underneath a car opposite of them. It had felt like hours passing by as they laid on the hot asphalt, waiting for the last walking corpse to wander its way by.

A scream sounded, grabbing everyone’s attention, Sophia, Carols daughter was running into the woods, a corpse following on her tail.

Rick slid himself from under the car, y/n following in suit. The two running off into the woods to find the little girl. Daryl had only caught a glimpse of his wife’s backside as she entered the lush forest surrounding the highway.

“Y/n!” Daryl shouted after his wife not caring if there were anymore lingering walkers. He glanced at Carol who was in tears, her daughter chased off by a straggling corpse. His blood boiled, heart pounding in his chest.

“Rick and Y/n went after her, she’ll be fine” Daryl had overheard Lori trying to soothe the distraught mother. He rolled his eyes and followed the direction he saw his wife take off.

The walker that had been chasing the poor child, lay lifeless. Not far from it were tracks, too heavy to be another Walker or a child for that matter. She had to be close.

Faintly he’d heard “Fuck, she was right here”, he followed the direction the voice had come from, finding y/n covered in blood too dark to be her own. She stood, analyzing the area, trying to track the little girls footsteps.

“Psst” he’d hissed out catching her attention, he watched her body jolt and then relax as she saw it was only him. “Come on, it’s getting dark”

She shook her head. “Daryl, she was right here”, sighing he surveyed the area, he’d found her tracks, along with foot prints that were too big to be a woman’s. He automatically thought they had to be Rick’s.

“She’s probably with Rick, back on the highway” and then pointed out the tracks that headed back in that direction. Y/n looked at the tracks, and nodded. Following her partner back to the highway.

Carol looked at the pair, and started crying once again. Lori did her best to comfort the mother. Y/n looked around noticing Rick had also returned empty handed.

Daryl just rolled his eyes at the distraught mother and grabbed y/n by the wrist. He pulled her away from snooping ears, or at least so he thought. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

She crossed her arms, he knew the stance too well. She was ready to defend herself. “What if that had been our kid” Daryl stiffened, this subject had been a touchy one for the both of them.

“Good thing it wasn’t” He wanted her to be safe, he wanted to protect her. The thought of losing her. God he couldn’t stomach it. “You can’t go around playing hero, we don’t know these people”

She scoffed, “I’m just supposed to stay up your ass? Also, who cares if we know them or not they’re all we’ve got now.” She was right about that, the group was all they had left, beside their belongings they’d brought with them.

He grunted, “you’re being stupid” she gaped at him, raising her middle finger at him. He just rolled his eyes. She went to say something but stopped, looking him over. He hated when she read him like that, well only sometimes. Now being one of them.

“Say what you really want Daryl, use your words” she stated so simply, so matter of fact. This woman could get a brick wall to talk back, it was actually quite a talent. Daryl however didn’t want to admit what he was truly feeling.

He opened his mouth before thinking “Do what you want, it’s your funeral” this stung y/n but she didn’t let it show. He cared more than he wanted to admit. She knew it too and as she went to say something Shane came around the back of the rv ready to step in.

“You alright miss y/n?” He said, placing his hands on his hips. Daryl took the opportunity to walk away as she just offered a small smile and nodded her head. Shane didn’t much care that Daryl and y/n were married. He was sure Daryl had to be abusing her in some manner for her to just want to stay with him. Y/n walked away from the former officer, off to find Glenn.

-

They spent hours searching for Sophia the next day, and the next. There seemed to be no sign of the girl, like she’d just vanished. Y/n felt like she was to blame. She turned her back for all of two seconds.

Carol hadn’t really seemed to blame her, at least no more than she had Rick, who indeed was trying to return Sophia back to camp but was cut off by another rotting corpse.

Rick had taken Shane and his son Carl to continue to look for Sophia. While the rest had turned around to head back to the highway.

Daryl had not spoken a word to y/n since their fight. That was alright with her, she knew he’d come around when he’d cooled off.

“What’s with you two?” Glenn asked, walking step for step with y/n. He adjusted the backpack on his back, watching as Daryl had lead the group back the way they’d come.

“Just a little argument” she spoke, like it was no big deal. It really hadn’t been. He’d get over his pouting fit and apologize soon enough.

Glenn, squinted, the sun caught his eyes as he turned his head to look at her. She showed no sign of worry riddled on her face. He opened his mouth to speak when a shot rang out.

Chapter 6

Taglist:

Daryl stared at the roof of their tent, listening as she breathed quietly. Morning light was making its way into the canvas home. He turned his head, taking in her bruised and puffy features.

He rolled to his side and pulled her closer, pressing his nose into her hair. He didn’t want to face the horrors of what they’d walked into when returning to camp last night.

Daryl hadn’t slept, not much anyways, he was unable to ease his anxious mind. Worried more walkers would wonder their way into camp. However they hadn’t. Y/n stirred, a small moan escaping her lips as she awoke. “Daryl?” She mumbled, eyes opening.

“I’m right here” he mumbled into her hair, rubbing her side gently. She turned to face him. A small smile on her bruised face. “Hey sunshine” he said, returning the smile.

Y/n cupped his cheek, rubbing her still manicured thumb across it. She stared at his face, taking it in, memorizing every small detail. “What’re you doing?” He asked, resting the tip of his nose against hers.

She smiled, moving the tip of her nose against his. “Nothing”

He returned her smile, “nothing huh?”. Daryl moved his hands to her sides and began moving his fingers. A laugh erupted from her throat. He loved that sound. It was music to his ears. He stopped his assault and looked at her. “Alright, I gotta get up”

She watched him as he sat up, reaching over her to grab a shirt on the floor of the tent, slipping it over his head. He exited their tent, going to help with the massacre from the night before.

Y/n sat up, gently rubbing her face. She straightened up her clothes and joined the rest of the survivors, helping dispose of the fallen.

-

The remainder of the group had decided to move camp, so here y/n was packing up what little belongings they had left.

Daryl helped pack, saying nothing. Unsure of what to say. Y/n looked him over, eyes lingering longer on his rear. His jeans hugging his attribute tightly. God, he looked good.

She shook the thoughts from her head as she rolled up the sleeping bag. Now was certainly not the time nor the place. Though, she was dying from the lack of affection in that regard. It wasn’t like the two were sex starved teens but a month without it was definitely a new record.

The two packed in silence, packing away their temporary home and loading it into the bed of that banged up red truck.

Daryl chewed on the inside of his lip as he watched y/n lean against the tailgate. The sun glistening against his gold wedding band around her neck. He reached out, gently taking the ring between his fingers.

Neither spoke, not needing to as she took off the necklace. Letting Daryl take his ring and put it on his finger. Y/n smiled and leaned up, pecking his sweaty cheek. This earned a smile from Daryl as he discarded the chain into his pocket.

Shane and Rick spoke, giving everyone a walkie. They were headed to fort benning. Some survivors supposedly had it good there. The group loaded up in their vehicles and began their journey.

The caravan had come to a halt when the group had happened upon a graveyard of abandoned cars. Y/n hopped out of the truck and joined the rest for a debriefing. There wasn’t much of way to continue forward, and the rv was in no condition to travel. They were sitting ducks at this point.

“Thirsty, ms y/n?” Shane asked, holding a five gallon bottle of water. She went to open her mouth, a grunt sounded from behind her.

She offered Shane a small smile, “we’re alright, thank you.” Shane looked behind her, she didn’t need to look to know her husband stood only a few inches away. Arms more than likely crossed over his chest.

“I don’t like him” Daryl huffed as Shane walked away, “something about him” y/n nodded in agreement. Something about the former officer, made y/n skin crawl. She shuddered at the thought, then turned to join the rest of the women scavenging the abandoned cars.

Chapter 5

Taglist:

“Y/n!” He shouted, looking through their tent that looked untouched and had been for hours. He walked into the heart of camp and looked around. His wife is nowhere to be seen. Everyone stared at him. He scowled as Shane came over arms out, like he was already ready to diffuse the wild animal.

“Daryl, now listen to me man” Shane started, Daryl knew then something was wrong. His breathing became harsher as the emotions sank in. Fear, anger, anxiety. He felt them all at once.

“She dead?” He asked though he was afraid of the answer. Daryl didn’t really see a point going on without her.

“Her and Merle got separated” Daryl lunged forward, trying to grab ahold of Shane, but ended up in a chokehold by some guy he didn’t know.

His other half was missing. Lost in a world she had no idea how to survive. One he was trying so hard to protect her from. He couldn’t bear the thought of this new world tarnishing his love.

“I’m going to look for them,” he said strained, the arm around his throat making it hard for him to speak. He patted the arm to signal he was no longer a threat. He was carefully released.

Glenn looked at him and spoke, “I’ll go with you”. Daryl nodded, appreciating the extra hands. He was coming back with both of them. The officer, Rick, and Daryl had agreed to tag along too. As well as T-dog.

Daryl readied the box truck, that was brought back from the last excursion. He listened to the hushed argument between Lori whom his wife had become somewhat close, and Rick. It was the argument of a married couple.

He and y/n hardly ever argued, but he’d remembered their first. It was over a dumb cat, he smiled to himself at the memory. She’d brought home this orange poof of a cat from work.

Daryl wanted nothing to do with the small creature and swore up and down he was allergic. Y/n ended up winning their argument. They’d kept the cat and named him Norman. He loved that cat, though he’d probably never really admit that. Not to y/n anyway. Even if he had shed a small tear when Norman got sick.

“You ready?” Daryl spoke to the volunteers, Glenn made his way to the driver's seat, and Rick to the passenger seat. T-dog chooses the latter and sits with Daryl in the back.

-

The group of men made their way through the department store quietly. Not wanting to draw any unwanted attention.

T-dog led the way up to the roof, the heavy chain and lock he’d placed on the door still intact. He thanked any god listening, the last thing he wanted was to face Dixons’ wrath. Using bolt cutters he clipped the lock. Rick pulled off the chain as Daryl pushed open the door.

He was met with nothing, no sign of either of them. His lip quivered. The handcuffs Rick had told him about on their drive back to the city dangled from the metal pipe, swaying in the breeze. The side that had been cuffed to Merle was open.

“Fuck” Daryl said, voice quivering. Now back to square one, he began looking around the roof for any sign either one of them had left.

T-dog weighed out his dilemma, speaking. “Dixon, I’m sorry” This earned him a look from the tracker, and continued, “I was supposed to get them but there were too many geeks, and I-“

“You mean to tell me, this is your fault?” T-dog nodded. Daryl clenched his jaw, debating on putting a bolt through his scull but was distracted by a flash of red out of the corner of his eye.

He turned fully and saw an x on the back of a door on the other end of the roof. He walked over and gently ran a finger through it. Lipstick. That was his girl.

Daryl ducked into the doorway, the others following behind him. They descended the stairwell and were met with a small arrow in red lipstick signaling to the left.

Every few feet another arrow would indicate which way to go. Until the group came upon two dead walkers. Neither of them looked like Daryl’s wife or brother.

His wife wouldn’t have been able to kill so brutally, this was his brother's doing. Y/n would’ve been precise and less messy. Merle had found humor in positioning the arm and finger of the dead body to point in the direction they needed to continue.

-

Music played softly around the pair as they swayed. A slow, sad country song but they didn’t care. Nor did they care if they had onlookers.

Daryl rested his forehead against hers as they continued to sway. “I love you” he spoke so quietly she wasn’t sure if she’d heard it at first.

“I love you” she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. Daryl smiled and pulled her impossibly closer, gently dipping her backward. This earned a laugh to erupt from y/ns throat.

“Congratulations” Joe, one of the long-term patrons of the bar said passing by the two. Y/n replied with a thanks and stared at her now husband.

He raised an eyebrow at her, the side of his lip quirking upwards, “What?”. Daryl brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

The memory faded as y/n heard shuffling from outside her hiding place. She had been hidden in the cabinet for what felt like days. It was hot, and she was certainly dehydrated.

She sat still hearing the broken glass crunch under heavy feet. This could be it, her final moments. She prayed to any god listening that it would be quick and painless as the cabinet door swung open. The sun burned her eyes causing her to squint.

A voice etched forever in her mind spoke, “I gotcha” Daryl crouched down to look her over. Tears stung in her eyes as she took in his face. She stumbled out, her legs forgetting how to move from being stuck in a sitting position for days, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

His arms enveloped her, holding her close. Taking in the notes of citrus and sweat. How she could possibly still smell like her shampoo was beyond him. “Where’s Merle?” He asked, still holding onto her, refusing to let her go.

She shook her head, “I don't know, he told me to hide in here” Daryl sighed, it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. Though he knew his brother was tough as nails and could survive this world more than his wife could.

“Let’s get you back to camp” he spoke, standing, making her stand with him. Scooping her into his arms choosing to carry her rather than let her walk.

Daryl wanted nothing more than to look for his brother but his wife looked worse for wear. He also knew his brother could make his own way back to camp. So, he took his wife home.

Chapter 4

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Rubbing at her eyes, she lay there. Staring at the wall of the tent. Daryl was the only thing that kept her going; sometimes even he wasn’t enough. Despite what her mind told her, she still sat up.

Y/n willed her body to stand and walked out of the tent. The sun twinkled in through the tree limbs, the light shifting as the breeze blew through the trees. At least their camp was in a peaceful spot.

“Morning miss y/n” Shane’s voice sounded, grabbing her attention. She smiled and gave a small wave in acknowledgment. He must’ve been making his rounds.

Something about him made her uneasy, though he’d never really done anything to support the feeling she had. However, she did notice he kept an awfully close eye on her husband like he did with another in their group. Satisfied with her response he continued on. The unease she felt, dissipating at his retreat.

She made her way to the large RV, where Glenn was talking to the group about their run. “Bout time you joined the rest of us princess” Merle spoke, voice grating to her. She flipped him off, only earning a chuckle from him.

“You guys still need one more?” She asked, looking at the group who seemed hesitant to answer. Scared of what the redneck would do to them if she got hurt.

Glenn spoke up, “You’re welcome to tag along” and gave her a small smile, which she returned. Merle came over, offering a small pistol which she took. Making sure the safety was on she shoved it in her pack pocket and made her way to the truck

-

Y/n watched as walkers beat at the doors of the shop the group holed up in. The smell was causing her stomach to churn. After a month she should’ve been used to it. Her new reality, but she wasn’t.

“You think we’ll make it back?” She’d asked looking at Glenn. He looked at her offering a small smile and nodded. She returned the smile though it didn’t meet her eyes. She regretted coming out with the group.

Deciding to get some air she made her way to the roof, where her brother-in-law was aiming his rifle at the dead below.

“You know that’s not smart” she spoke, which earned a grunt from the male. He didn’t care. “I’d like to make it back to camp alive” she tried again. This earned her a glance.

He knew what she really meant, she wanted to make it back to Daryl, and he had a soft spot for his brother. Merle sucked on his teeth and slung the rifle over his back.

Y/n stared at the ground that was several feet below them. She never once had thoughts like she had now, the thought to jump but here she was. The ground beckoned her.

“I wouldn’t if I were you” Merle spoke, arms crossed over his chest. Her cheeks burned as she stepped back. Y/n was unsure if she was embarrassed he knew what she had thought about or because she was actually considering it.

They stood in silence for a moment until the stairwell door creaked open. T-dog stood, glancing between the two of them. This earned a scowl from Merle. Though he hated the man for other reasons.

The group accumulated on the roof, looking for vantage points, trying to escape. Y/n tried to help the group when Merle began using colorful language towards t-dog.

Y/n threw herself onto the back of the large man. This did nothing, however, other than earn her a fist to the face. “Hey, enough!” Glenn yelled directing it toward Merle and pulling her away from him.

Y/n watched as the officer Glenn had saved handcuffed her brother-in-law to a pipe, he deserved it. This certainly wasn’t the first time he had been cuffed, however, it might be his last.

“You alright?” The officer spoke, eyes checking her over. She only nodded. The pain that radiated in her cheek overpowering the need to speak.

She listened as the rest of them came up with a plan to escape their possible tomb. Offering to be the one to stay with Merle and uncuff him when the time came.

-

Y/n sat on the roof with Merle, staring at the ground as he whistled. She wanted to yell at him, tell him to shut the fuck up but her face was sore from the right hook he’d swung. No doubt swollen and puffy, on track to be bruised later.

Merle stopped whistling abruptly, “He’s gonna kick my ass” he’d said. She knew he meant Daryl. She also knew he was right, Daryl would indeed kick his ass.

She said nothing, as he continued, “yah know I always thought you were too good for him”. Y/n looked up at him, blinking. He nodded. “You’re smart as a whip, good looking too”

She mustered the words to form, wincing as she spoke “Why are you saying this now” Merle barely spoke to her let alone something so sincere.

“I don't know,” he spoke truthfully. “Must be the heat" It was sweltering, and the sun beat down on the both of them brutally. Y/n had sweat pooling in places she didn't think was possible. "I wanna thank you"

"For what?" she squinted, the sun pooling into her eyes, making it hard to see. There was nothing to really thank her for, she'd done nothing in truth.

He seemed to hesitate as he spoke, "For making him happy" This confession took her aback. She knew Merle wasn't all bad underneath but to actually have him voice his care for his brother was a shock. Y/n was unsure of what to say so she didn’t say anything.

Pushing herself up, she leaned over the edge, looking down below. Noticing blood covered beings. It was odd, they didn’t look like the corpses below that’s when she realized. The group had left them.

Chapter 3

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Two hours ago the TV they kept turned on in the living room had gone blank, then displayed an emergency broadcast. Now the phones wouldn’t work.

Her husband was working at the local garage this morning, one of the few odd jobs he did. If she knew her husband well enough he’d be speeding home in that banged-up red pickup.

Just then Daryl walked through the door, clearly rattled. “Pack a bag, we gotta go,” he said hurriedly.

“What’s going on?” He brushes past her opening the hall closet grabbing his crossbow and holding it out to her. “Daryl”

“Y/n we gotta go, now” he looked over his shoulder at her. His eyes were wide like he’d seen something that had shaken him. She said nothing and grabbed the bow setting it on the back of the couch.

She watched as he grabbed their backpacks out of the closet, then began to frantically pack clothing, and canned food into their packs.

Y/n went into their bedroom, grabbing Daryl’s wedding band. One of the few sentimental things she didn’t want to leave behind. He hardly wore the band but it still meant a lot to the both of them. The second thing she grabbed was a necklace chain, placing his wedding band onto the chain, then clasping it around her neck.

She opened their closet door and began digging for the hunting knife Daryl had gifted her one year. It was missing, “I grabbed it” Daryl spoke behind her. Watching her as she stood and turned to look at him.

He noted the worn golden band on the silver chain around her neck. He should’ve known. She stepped closer to him, worry in her eyes. With his free hand, he rubbed her cheek, leaning his forehead against hers. “I love you” he spoke. Hearing those words was a rarity.

She sighed closing her eyes. This was it, the end of the world. Though it’s not how she thought it would happen. She guessed it didn’t matter. “We have to go get Dad” she spoke quietly, he only gave a curt nod.

Daryl jerked away as he heard the screen door creak open. “Stay here,” he told her. Grabbing the hunting knife from her pack. She watched as he walked down the hall, disappearing from her sight.

“Son of a bitch” she heard, albeit muffled, “Merle you can’t just-“ the rest she couldn’t make out. She made her way back out to the living room, where Merle and her husband stood.

“Hey princess” Merle drawled, smirking down at her. She shuddered, hating the nickname he’d chosen to call her over the years.

“You finished packing?” Daryl turned to her, eyes soft and questioning. She simply nodded, even though she wanted to pack the whole house in those two packs. Daryl sighed, knowing what she was thinking. He wished they could too.

Merle whistled, “Alright lovebirds, let’s get on with this shit show” walking to the screen door. It groaned as he opened it, stepping onto their porch.

Y/n followed behind him, turning to watch as Daryl locked and shut the door. He walked past her and down the steps of their porch.

The stairs creaked as she stepped down them one last time and over to the beat-up red Ford truck. Daryl held the door open for her as she stepped up into the truck.

Daryl slammed the door shut as she stared at their home. She barely noticed as he slipped in beside her. The engine of the old truck roared to life. Suddenly their home became smaller and smaller as he backed down their driveway.

The roads twisted as they made their way to her father's. The two sat in silence as he turned down the gravel driveway. Y/n noticed the front door was ajar as the truck came to a stop.

She went to get out but Daryl put an arm over her chest, stopping her. He slid out of the truck, rounding the front of the truck. Y/n watched as he made his way inside. Deciding not to wait she got out and headed inside.

A heavy metallic fragrance sat in the air. Instantly she knew the smell. Blood. “Daryl” She called out quietly, stepping a foot over the threshold of the door. There was a scraping noise, like an end table scuffing against the floor.

Y/n didn’t have a chance to react as she was tackled to the ground. She tried to push the being off of her, but with no luck. Screaming, she tried again as it snarled and lunged at her.

Y/n struggling against the being on top of her for what felt like an eternity. Then suddenly the thing on top of her went slack. She cried out pushing it off of her, scrambling to get far away from it.

“Y/n you alright?” Daryl asked crouching to her level, “did it get you?” She shook her head, gasping for breath as she looked at the person lying limp next to them.

“What the fuck” she breathes out, still unable to comprehend what had just happened. Her dad, they were here for her dad. “Where’s dad?”

“Y/n” he spoke softly, like he was speaking to a wounded animal. Her stomach dropped and she shook her head, tears forming in her eyes.

She scrambled to get up, Daryl stood with her grabbing her as she tried to make her way back into the house. There was no way he’d let her lay eyes on the scene in her father’s bedroom.

“No” she croaked, pushing against Daryl. He only held onto her tighter. “No” was all she could say before sobbing into his chest. He was unsure of what to say, so he just held her.

Neither of them had heard Merle approach the porch until he spoke, “As touching as this is, we need to get on the road” Daryl glared at his brother, though he was right but he wouldn’t admit that out loud.

Y/n sniffled, as Daryl released her from his grip and ushered her back to the truck. She stared down at the floorboard, unsure of how she’d gotten back in the vehicle. Daryl had spoken to her, but she hadn’t paid attention.

She wanted nothing more than to curl in on herself, maybe even wake up cause this had to have been a dream. Right? Y/n rested her head against his shoulder, staring at the road ahead as he drove.

When y/n graduated highschool, she had run away with her lover leaving their mom distraught. Y/N returned almost a year later, heavily pregnant, crying about how her supposed highschool sweetheart had left her. 

Y/N didn’t really like to talk about it in detail, Dustin understood that there was more to it but never pushed. He was happy his older sibling was back, and enjoyed being an uncle. 

The loud banging on the door startled the boys, all eyes looking to y/n. The banging continued, causing Dustin to scramble up and jerk the door open. “Dude” he hissed looking up to the curly headed senior. 

The smile on Eddie’s face faltered, confused at the not so friendly greeting, “that’s no way to greet a guest Henderson” even his normal speaking voice was boisterous.

“My sister’s asleep on the couch” Dustin spoke quietly causing Eddie to try and peek around the foyer to see for himself. He gave an apologetic smile and pushed past the younger boy. 

“What’s the plan, boys?” Eddie asked, trying to be quiet. They all shrugged, unsure what would be quiet enough to not wake the two fast asleep on the couch. 

Dustin spoke “y/ns usually a deep sleeper” shrugs and continues, “we can just try going ahead with the movie marathon” The rest of them nodded in agreement, Dustin went to the kitchen and began gathering snacks, the others followed in order to help. 

Y/n jolted awake, unaware of the group of teens in the kitchen, or the repeat senior who was supervising them. She looked down making sure the small child wrapped in her arms was still asleep. 

She took the opportunity to unwrap from the child and stand, stretching. Y/n took the blanket off the back of the couch covering the toddler with it. The quiet chattering of the teens had reminded her of Dustin’s plan. She felt awful as well as embarrassed. 

Y/n made her way to the kitchen and leaned against the frame, “if I ordered pizza would you boys eat any?” This caught the kids off guard causing them to jump, y/n chuckled not aware of the taller man on the other side of the room. 

They talked amongst themselves and then nodded in agreement that pizza would be good. “I’ll go order, Dustin can you-“ she didn’t even need to finish her question before he nodded understanding to keep an eye on the toddler. 

Y/n called the local pizza place putting in a decent sized order. Treating the teens was the least she could do, especially as she’d realized they had tried to be quiet and still were. 

She took the opportunity to freshen up, which just consisted of fixing the loose ponytail and brushing the sleep smell off her breath. Y/n wanted nothing more than to curl into the bed and go back to sleep, but that wouldn’t be fair to either Dustin or her child. 

The outfit that was currently being worn was fine, she was going for comfort rather than impression. When y/n came back out and glanced over at the couch her child slept on, tucked into the corner of it was a tall curly headed man. 

Dustin had mentioned Eddie before, however, the thought of him being what looked to be almost her age never crossed her mind. He looked at her child as if she was a bomb waiting to go off. Normally she wasn’t much of a worry, but there was no telling today. 

“Here let me-” Y/n  started and bent down to pick up her child to give Eddie more room, as he was frantically telling her it was okay. Jovie was picked up carefully and carried to the room she shared with her mother. 

Mike smirked and looked at Eddie, “Scared of a baby Munson?” Eddie went to say something but stopped when y/n walked back into the room and spoke, “What’re we watching?”

Dustin had no qualms against his sister joining, she was into just about the same things he was. “I think we’re going to watch a bunch of horror movies” he looked to the rest of the group to make sure they were in agreement. 

“Oh! In that case-” she held up a hand, hurrying off to her room again, this time returning with a stack of movies. “Steve dropped these off” Dustin carefully took the stack and looked through it, passing the tapes to each of the boys to get approval.

“Half of these are new releases” Mike states, in shock. Y/n shrugged unsure of what to say, though she knew the gesture was more than just friendly from her babysitter. She wouldn’t entertain the idea. 

“You guys cool with these movies then?” Dustin asked and each of them voiced an agreement. He made quick work to start up the first movie, while y/n paced waiting for the pizza afraid that the doorbell would wake up her child. 

Eddie made his way to the foyer once the smell of melted cheese wafted into the living room. “Need help?” he asked lowly, y/n gasped not expecting the voice behind her. “Sorry,” he apologized. 

Y/N shook her head, “No, you’re fine.” Said nothing else handing over two boxes of pizza. He made his way back to the living room strumming up excitement with the food. Y/n follow behind him shortly after, as she went to set her two boxes down an all too familiar cry erupted. “Fuck, I’m sorry boys” everyone but Eddie mumbled out a dismissal, not caring about the one small cry. 

She went to go check on the ill child, Jovie stood in her crib, face crumpled in a grumpy expression. “What is it grumpy butt” y/n asked as she picked up the disheveled child. “Hungry?” Jovie nodded, placing a small hand over her left ear. “I know, time for medicine.” Jovie fussed, y/n bounced her trying to soothe the child “Hey, Uncle Mike and Lucas are here” This seemed to perk the child up. 

Y/n smiled as she made her way back to the living room, “My and Lu!” Jovie shouted grabbing everyone’s attention. Making grabby hands at the two boys sitting next to one another.

“Hi Jo” Mike said just as excited, albeit fake enthusiasm. Mike also knew y/n disliked- no hated her child being called Jo. So this was his way of annoying her like any “normal” sibling would.

Jovie’s feet made contact with the floor and went to the two boys, dustin looked over them catching y/ns attention “want me to wait?” He’d been asking about the movie, she shook her head not wanting to throw more of a damper on their movie night even more than she already thought she had.

Dustin went ahead and started the tape while y/n grabbed the medicines from the kitchen. “Come in booger butt” she said sitting on the floor in front of the couch that still held an enamored Eddie.

Eddie watched as y/n expertly spooned each fruity smelling liquid into the toddlers mouth, then rewarding with small cut up bits of pizza. As if they still wouldn’t taste like the gross fruit flavored medication. As much as Eddie wanted to watch the movie, he’d be completely fine watching her all night.

Y/N barely made it through the first movie, Eddie noted when he had glanced from the screen to her. The child however was wide awake, being entertained by Dustin at least at the moment.

In between movies Dustin laid a blanket around his older sibling careful not to wake her, especially as he places a couch pillow behind her neck. It was clear to Eddie, Dustin cared deeply for his sister almost more than some siblings would. Eddie may have thought her ex or baby daddy or whatever, was just a piece of shit and left her to raise the baby on her own. Which is why Dustin cared so much.

Two more movies down and everyone decided to pause for a bathroom break. Eddie was the first back to his seat, noticing the toddler sitting in the middle of the couch as if waiting for him to return, “heydoh” she said clearly trying to say hello.

“Hi” he said, unsure what was happening. Then looked around for Dustin, “I’m Eddie” he continued holding out his giant ring clad hand.

Jovie examined his hand and took her tiny one wrapping it around his pointer finger. He’d almost melted at the gesture, never having an interaction like this before.

She tried to say something but whined placing a hand over her left ear. Eddie looked down to y/n to see if the sound had woken her up but she might as well have been dead.

“Your ear hurt?” Jovie nodded in reply to his question. He glanced around the room trying to find the medicine or grab Dustin’s attention.

Dustin who had overheard was already preparing the medications came over and handed the small measuring cup, “how do I-“ Eddie went to ask but was ignored, he swallowed down the anxiety.

Jovie instinctively opened her mouth ajar, Eddie carefully placed the rim of the cup against her lips and tipped it back. She coughed causing Eddie to curse “oh shit”

“She’s fine” Dustin stated, “she’s dramatic, aren’t you Jovie” she giggled like she knew exactly what he was saying to her. “Thanks for doing that”

Eddie mumbles a no problem as the child crawls in his lap. His arms fly up into the air unsure of where to put them. Jovie made herself comfortable in his lap, uncaring of who he was and focused on the movie. One that he wasn’t sure she should even be watching but if Dustin wasn’t concerned; He wasn’t going to be either.

Hours went on, the Hendersons’ mom had come home to a living room full of sleeping teens and her grandchild. She let them be and went on to bed herself, y/n awake, panicked as she was unable to find her daughter. She stood looking around only to find her tucked away in Eddie Munsons arms as he laid flat across the couch. She smiled softly at the sight contemplating on pulling her from his arms.

Y/n had no intention of waking him up but she’d feel safer if her daughter was asleep in her crib. As she tried to gently take Jovie from his arms, they tightened around her slightly and y/n decided to not worry about it. Her brother wouldn’t be friends with some weirdo, right? She made sure to place a blanket over the both of them, once she was satisfied that Jovie wasn’t going to roll off the couch she made her way back to her bedroom, changed her clothes and crawled back into bed.