As usual, I don 't own The Walking Dead nor my beloved Norman Reedus. It's been a good minute, but here's another chapter.

Rick had enough with resting his still aching body. He had to find his family, having wasted time he could have used to get to Carl and Lori.

Morgan attempted to argue some sense into him, but seeing the desperation in the other man's face, he relented. If he had been in the man's shoes and in search of Duane… he shakes his head not wanting to think of a world where his son wasn't by his side.

Leah was containing her annoyance and jealousy. Mac didn't even try to hide his leering of the other women in the camp. Sure they shared a kiss the other day, but that meant nothing for the darker Dixon. She knew she had no claim on him, on either man. 'But does he have to make it so obvious', she rolls her eyes as he took special interest in an older blonde who stood in front of a younger blonde. 'Sisters'?

Merle's guffaw got her attention back to the group of men surrounded by some curious campers as others pretended to go about their usual or simply didn't care. 'Fuckin' idiots need to be careful in who they allow in their group'.

"Why should we let you and your…" he glances distastefully at the two men by her side but returned quickly back to linger at her chest, "group…stay?" The urge to pistol whip the arrogant man for the way he said group was strong.

"I ain't liking it Merle".

"Tough girl. Yer jus' gonna have to put yer big girl panties on an' do as I say". Bitting her lip worriedly as she glanced at her other companions to see any objections, but as per usual, was met with indifference when Merle got to talking.

"Look. It ain't gonna be a good idea to tell these people 'bout ya'll an' ya'lls weird sex thing ya'll have goin on. Shit, I've done some freaky fucked up shit before, but this lot seems to be tight assed as it gets. Don' need them thinkin' we mistreat our girl here." He received a soft nod and a widening smirk. Leah didn't like it, but she knew he was right, the fewer problems the better. She kept quiet as they collected the dead needed for their plan, mindful of their chomping teeth and grasping hands.

Seeing the opportunity to do her part in their acceptance to the larger group, she used what the good lord has blessed her and utilizes her feminine wills in convincing the cop in order to cement their approval. Pushing her chest out, she stepped a bit closer to the man. She could see through her peripheral some movement from her group, but quickly ignored it. 'Fake it til' ya make it Leah'.

Putting on her most innocent façade, she lowered her voice to a huskier tone, "Please Officer. I know how we may come off as, a rough bunch coming onto your group, not knowing us from Adam. I'm just asking for a chance to let us prove our worth, let us pull our weight and provide you and yours with actual meat that we hunt". Seeing his gaze remained solely on her chest as she spoke, she knew they were in.

If she would have turned around, she would have seen a grinning Merle, a contemplative Mac, and a scowling Daryl.

Shane tried to listen to the small woman's words, but he couldn't stop staring at the little moles that were aligned so sinfully along her breast and collar bone. Fortunately, he was able to pick up the last of her words 'we hunt'. The camp was already rationing the little they've collected since evacuating their homes and what the Asian kid was able to bring in from his many runs. It didn't hurt that the woman they brought was what wet dreams were made of. Pretending to ponder on their admittance to their camp, he swiped a hand through his hair. With a heavy sigh he looked back up at her from his lowered gaze, "Okay girlie, I'll give ya'll a chance to prove yourselves".

Genuinely excited, she thanked the man, making sure to stay a good distance as he was really getting on her nerves as he pretended not to ogle her tits. She turned to her men but was interrupted by a loud throat clearing.

"Shane." Seeing her confusion, "My name is Shane, instead of calling me Officer, just Shane".

Realizing she might have to keep her act of being interested in the man, she smiled at what she hoped was a convincing smile and thanked the man again. Turning back to her group she was met with a thoroughly amused Merle. Asking with her eyes where the others went, he shakes his head, "Good idea using your fun pillows to git us in, was fuckin' genius baby girl", he stares off to a distance before returning his attention back to her, "too bad its gonna cost ya". Turning towards to where he looked, she sees the two remaining Dixons setting up their tents looking not so happy. 'Fuck my life.'

They've been at with the Quarry camp for two weeks and Leah's unease only grew since their initial arrival. She knew she should be grateful for more eyes on watch, safety in numbers and such, but these people were worthless. The woman stayed in the camp area and did women's work while the men looked out and 'protected' the group with their meager weapons and skill, or just sat on their ass like some tended to do.

'Fuckin' Ed Peletier'.

Just the name pissed her off.

The first thing she noticed about the group was the indifference they showed as they see this fat man abuse his mouse of a wife. And the girl. Fragile, thin, timid Sophia. Yet the moment she was alone, the nosy bitches didn't hesitate to ask of HER well-being; to confirm if she was there against her will. At first they believed she was forcibly with the Dixons, or assuming she was only with them for protection. Those theories were soon dismissed as they would see her genuine comfort and ease with the men and encompassing unwavering loyalty towards them.

Speaking of said men, she searched around her surroundings for any sign of her group. No sign of Mac nor Daryl, but she did spot Merle by his bike. Picking up the recently folder laundry, she made her way to their side of camp, Camp Dixon as she dubbed it. Much classier than Merle's choice of Camp Pussy Plowers, crude as it was, it caused her to spit out the water she was in the process of drinking and laugh until she nearly peed herself as she saw the faces the other campers sported. Indignant mothers, offended blondes, shocked men, all levels of disbelief.

Yeah…winning the hearts of many here.

Shaking her head from the memory, she was brought back to the present. She deposited the clothes, leaving them on the cots of their proper owners. Seeing the men's belongings had her sighing for the umpteenth time that day. Ever since they got out the truck and introduced to the group, they had kept their distance from her. Barely acknowledging her presence and if she were honest with herself, felt quite lonely without their antics and attention.

Mac, as predicted, had been getting his taste in the variety of women in the camp. Though no woman has said so, she knew when Mac has had his claws in them. Don't ask how she knows, she just does. The eyes skidding from her and him when in the same vicinity as if it was some huge secret they were keeping or just the fact the Mac boasts of his conquests as if she wasn't sitting right next to him. Something he has taken up, ignoring her completely, which is a bit better than how the quieter man has been towards her. He may acknowledge her existence, but sees her as some tiny maggot that just won't go away. Feeling her eyes tear up, she hastily exits their tent and met with the hard chest of a sweat drenched wife beater of the elder Dixon.

"Whoa there Short Stuff, what's wit' tryin' to bulldoze me over?"

Blinking the tears away, she shakes her head, "Nothin'," she wipes her eyes, "just a little dust that's all".

Merle knew better though. He knew as soon as she started playing her part as the doe eyed damsel, in need of Officer Fuck-face's help, that she was not going to be on the boy's good side. As soon as they made their way to their side of camp, she was given the cold shoulder and continues to do so as of yet. They were punishing her for showing the slightest interest, though falsely, towards the Butthole Cop. The damage was done, and she was just going to tough through it if she ever wanted to get back to their good graces. Something had to give. Blood was blood, he would back the boy's up with whatever as long as it didn't compromise their plans… but Leah had wormed her little Spic self into his life, an unofficial-official Dixon. He wasn't as ignorant as others believed, he could see this situation was doing things to her, one big-ass mind fuck, but he gave her recognition when it's earned and she's earned it. She was putting up with the bullshit provided by the other camp and the crap given to her here.

"Come 'ere girl. Need to show ya something'." She started to follow obediently, "oh, an' bring that camera I got ya". She quickly retreated to her tent to retrieve the object and walked until she found him back to his bike.

Seeing him flexing and posing on his bike had her laughing loud and carelessly. Here stood Merle acting like a jackass for her benefit. She waited a bit until her giggles settled so as to take steady pictures of the wolfishly grinning man.

Mac had his dick down the blonde's throat, Alexandria or was it Amanda, who the fuck cares. The blonde bitch wouldn't shut the fuck up. He had taken her a bit out from hearing distance from the camp; he needed his release and what better than from a warm hole from one of the local sluts from camp. He would have strangled her by now but her sister knew of their fucking so he just roughed her up a bit and would then send her on her way back.

It didn't matter how many times he fucked a bitch, cumming in their whore mouths or ass, it was never enough. This 'civilized' situation wasn't working. He wasn't meant for the domestic life, never will be, his previous life wouldn't allow it. It didn't help that things were tense between them and Leah.

He wasn't some stupid hick, he knew what and why she did it, it just pissed him the fuck off. She had reassured her disinterest in the ex-cop, he even started to believe her, and then she practically flaunted her tits-HIS TITS- at the asshole cop. She belonged to him. He had to teach her a lesson on who was boss. He had allowed her to assume control, but really he wanted to confirm her intentions with her actions, so far he doesn't see her amounting to much. She's proven to not have a clue in what she wants and what she's doing. He would make her suffer until she begged for forgiveness for wasting his time and not putting out …followed by a long overdue blowjob. He smirked, imagining how the scenario would play out. His fantasy was disturbed when the blonde had said something, not even bothering to act like he gave a damn what she said, he zips his fly up and gives her a bored look.

"Did you even hear what I said?" His neutral stare answered for him. "I asked when you were going to come clean to Leah. She's always around you and so desperate for your attention", she laughs humorlessly, "she's so pathetic. I bet-", she was unable to continue her insults as a strong hand griped her throat seemingly testing the pressure to crush her windpipe. She wasn't wrong.

Spittle sprayed her face as he got in her face, "Don'chu fuckin' say her name out yer whore mouth. Best be the last time I gotta warn ya. If I catch ya sayin' anythin' else 'bout whu' ya know nothin' 'bout, yer gonna regret it. I can promise ya that." Letting go as her face began to turn colors not her own, he stomped back to camp, not caring if she followed or not. 'Stupid cunt could get lost for all I care'.

Andrea rubbed her neck in hope of some relief from the treatment it received from her lover. Grimacing at what would await for her when she returned to camp. 'Amy is going to have a fit'.

The soft murmurs from the campers were heard, working with the dull scrapings and clangs of silverware being used as they ate. Leah, having grown tired of Daryl's snide and hurtful remarks of her persons, and Mac's retellings of his recent conquests had led her to sit with one of the only people she could stand from Camp Quarry, Glenn. The timid, sweet Asian explained how there was no way Marvel was better than DC with The Avengers compared to Batman or Superman which had her giggling at how much he resembled a child as he spoke so vividly about fictional characters. He may not be apocalypse ready, but his inability to be dishonest and 'sees the cup half full' attitude had her enjoying his company, along with a select others.

Their conversation was cut short as Lori sprouted something at her. Turning she gave the older woman a look as if to say 'repeat yourself'. She didn't know if Lori realized she did not really care or the dumb broad ignored it. "So Leah, what were you doing before", she waves her hand with a flare, "this happened? I can't see you following the Dixon's around like you are now."

'Oh Lord, here we go.' Taking a deep breath and putting on her fakest smile.

"Actually, MRS. Grimes," seeing the snobby woman wince had her smile resembling more of a smirk than a reminiscent grin, "I had just finished my graduate's program at the University of Texas, in history. I had come over here with some friends about a year ago an' began to attend the University of Georgia; they have -uh- had a pretty good music program." She already expected the shocked faces from the campers, but seeing her group's questioning, almost suspicious expressions, felt like her heart nicked. Surely they wouldn't see her any different because she admitted to having had furthered her education then most speculated.

"History? Not a large range of job opportunities in that," came the condescending voice of her least favorite blonde. She didn't understand why Andrea has been picking fights with her lately, always giving her looks like she wanted to scratch her eyes out. She was the one fucking Mac, there was no reason for her attacks but she guessed she was just trying to eliminate the competition. 'Bring it bitch. I do more than hair pulling and slaps. Only pussies get into catfights.'

Shrugging, she feigned to acknowledge their belittling and egging her on into a confrontation, though she couldn't say the same for the ones around them. She knew of Shane's threats to forcing them out of camp should they were to get out of line with the other camp. Even if these women were in the wrong, the others would side with the blonde bimbo and recently widowed whore.

'Play along girl. Fake it 'til ya make it. Believe in Merle's plan.'

"Yeah, but it was for my mom's benefit. She didn't care what I majored in, as long as I had a piece of paper stating I made it somewhere. I'm able to carry a somewhat intellectual conversation with my peers, in which fascinated her when she would come with me to some function or some sort, hearing me rely my ideas and theories with my professors and senior classmen. Always proud of her 'smart daughter' an' gushing on how I could do anything I set my mind on, as long I love what I do. I did." Leah began to get lost in the memories of her mother, her sweet and simple mother who wanted the best for her only daughter. Having raised her alone, working long hours in minimum waged jobs to make ends meet. Her father not caring much for the family he left nor did she care, her mother was her everything. The others picked up on the fondness she portrayed as she spoke softly of her maternal figure, which most likely was lost at the start of everything. Feeling a bit emotional, she stood up and excused herself to her side of camp. No one said a word, just seeing her dispose the remainder of her food in Merle's plate.

Neither Dixon made eye contact with their female group member, understanding the need to be alone, and knowing they weren't equipped with the ability to handle such a situation.

"Fuck my life", she grumbled to herself as the rays of light burned orange hues through her eyelids. Flashes of last night played without her approval as she rubbed the sleep away from her tear swollen eyes. Fearing what awaited her outside her tent due to her emotional exit from last night had her contemplating going the coward's way and hide from everyone as much as possible or brave through it and continue as if nothing with her head held high. Too bad she was in a pussy mood and as soon as she ducked out her tent, armed with her weapons she marched straight into the woods before anyone could spot her.

"We fight, we live, fuck, breathe. We survive together. Never alone."

MAC/Daryl- 8 yrs. Old.

The two boys sought shelter from the cold rain. Going home was not an option; neither was lingering around the trailer park, they would not receive any help or pity from their neighbors. The water stung as it hit their abrasions, but neither complained. Dixons didn't whine like bitches, they dealt with the pain like men.

"Hurry up Daryl, 'fore we git caught again."

Daryl had been lagging behind and Mac was getting increasingly worried that his old man was going to catch them and go for another round of Punch the Fuck Up Son. He and his cousin barely made it out of the trailer when it started raining. Hiding their trail, not that either of their fathers would come looking for them, their only goal was to put distance between them and the men they know as their fathers before one or both of them end up dead.

"Shut the Hell up Mac, do ya even know where ya goin'?" The blonde haired boy huffed, his small body quacking from pain he received for no other reason but for breathing. The cold water did little as relief for their wounds, dampening their clothes and onto their still fresh cuts and bruises, weighing them down.

They ran, fighting exhaustion that their bodies screamed to rest, until they made it to their secret hiding spot. A tree fort hidden in the tree's foliage, their sanctuary that they visit numerous times together when Mac stays for the summer or when Walter wants to escape his life and Luna Mesa for a spell. Merle had showed them it's location before he left to join the army, his last gift of defense from the world he left the boys in. Quickly undressing to clean and bandage their afflictions, they dressed in the spare clothes they leave for times like these.

Huddled together for warmth, surrounded themselves with a thin sheet, their only blanket. They sat in silence, a nice reprieve from the chaos they are accustomed in the homes. The quiet was broken by Daryl's sniffling, the day's horrors catching up with him. A lump formed in Mac's throat at the sound, since he could remember, he would give his all to protect his younger cousin. Daryl was a sweet kid that didn't deserve the hellish life he was born into, an always lit mother who sat in the same chair with a half-lit cigarette dangling from her mouth and an asshole of a father. His home life wasn't any better, mother abandoned him in the middle of bum-fuck Utah with a man he would never have guessed to be his father. The bastard wetback would make him do a whole lot of questionable things that seem to get worse as the years went by. Oh, and the beatings, how could he forget the beatings with the Ol' Man's bat.

Yeah, his Dad took the cake, fucken monster.

Daryl's crying had long ceased as he got lost in his head, a habit he tends to do when things were fucked. Looking down at his sleeping kin, he adjusted his body so the boy would be comfortable through the night.

'No need to wake wit' an achin' neck to go wit' everything else'.

He whimpered when Mac accidently lost his grip on his arm, landing heavily on his back. Mac winced, having forgotten about that certain injury. Uncle Will had used the buckle end of his belt this time. Anger burst from his chest, engulfing his body, much larger than Daryl's. At least Walter had the decency to feed him, some shit about appearances. They were too young to be worrying about the shit they do. They should be riding bikes and getting into small fights with the local children, not their fathers. Eight year olds shouldn't be treated the way they do, but they were dealt with this life and will just have to make do until they were old enough to leave home.

"Mac?" came to small sleep filled voice from his side. He grunts in reply, not trusting the emotion to seep out. "What are we gonna do when ya leave?" Daryl bit the side of his thumb, a sure sign that he was either nervous or thinking; at this point it's the combination of the two. Mac was to be going back to Utah with his dad, having heard the blonde bitch was coming back for vacation with her husband. He hated the whore, she came every year to fuck his dad then would leave at the end of the summer she would go back home, leaving Mac to deal with his father's intense beatings due to a broken heart.

'Dumbass. Getting himself messed up over a cheating broad'.

"Don' worry Cuz, we just gotta put up with it for ten more years an' then we can leave fer good". They always spoke of leaving their shit lives when they were grownups, away from the abuse and pain, to a better life. Maybe with Merle, but he was always gone and doing his own thing so they never gave it much consideration. It be just the two of them. They wouldn't be fending for themselves against their father's hand, or other children at school thinking they were better than them so they would jump them, trying to keep them down. No. Not for long. Just a bit more time and it will be over. Just Mac and Daryl… the two of them… never alone again.

'Never alone'.

"Come on Sugar-tits, why don' we go out an' have us a good time, huh? Our bodies witherin' on the ground as we bump uglies. Whu' do you say?" Andrea's look of disgust increased the more he spoke.

"No Merle. I don't know how many times I have to remind you that I don't want to sleep with you and neither does anyone else here", she gives Leah a scathing look as she sees her grab another squirrel to skin, "well maybe not everyone". Merle seeing the small exchange between the women had him retract from the blonde's personal space, "Ya know whu' blondie, maybe another time. Yer probably on yer rag with the way ya been bitchin' over our girl over there, an' quite frankly it makes ya ugly". With that he returns to his camp, leaving a dumbstruck ex- civil rights attorney.

Leah finished skinning the last squirrel, turned to Merle as he sat in his old lawn chair, "Ya didn't have to say that Ol' Man". Grabbing one of the rabbits to start on, she hid her smile when Merle grunted in reply.

"Chick is probably a dyke anyway, with all the time I catch 'er lookin' at ya" takes a swig from his bottle of Southern Comfort, "not that I blame 'er. Gots a nice pair of titties on ya". She deadpanned, "Thanks Merle". Ignoring her sarcasm, he grinned foolishly at her, "No thanks necessary Liddol Lady".

The 'thunk' as another squirrel fell from its tree was music to the hunter's ears; another person would be fed because of the little guy. It gave the man meaning in this new desolate world, people- men, women, and children- relied on him to keep them from starving. On his second trip of the day, having stopped by at camp to drop off his first kills for Leah to take care of, leaving without making a snide comment or hurtful criticism for once. He was ashamed by the way he's treated her since their arrival, but for as much as he tried, he couldn't keep from throwing insults at her. Not wanting to admit it, but the act she pulled on the cop was too real for his liking, Mac having had similar thoughts spent his time in the other camp's women, if his dick wasn't in one already, he was planning a new conquest, then relay all the filthy details when Leah was in the vicinity.

Yeah, they've been dickheads, but she shoulda kept her titties to herself and let them handle things.

Readying a bolt to continue with his hunt, he stops when the soft echo of a trig crunch under someone…or something's steps. Not hearing the familiar moaning and groaning nor uneven footing from a twisted leg of a corpse, he knew it to come from a living, breathing person. Keeping hidden in the mass of trees and using his vantage point on top of the incline of a hill, he was able to see the form of a familiar figure. Seeing Leah following a trail had him scowling. Too focused on the prints and not focusing on her surroundings will get her killed. He thought took him back to the day they had met. Seeing this slight thing stuck on top some big rig, surrounded by Geeks, she was good as dead. He rolled his eyes as Merle made his way to the girl, most likely turning on the Merle charm that to this day baffled him on how it worked. The moment her large eyes met his, he never felt more transparent, as if she was silently measuring his worth. A part of him scoffed, not giving a flying fuck what she thought, another, smaller part thought otherwise. Biting the side of his thumb nail, a nervous habit he just could not break, secretly begging at some higher power that she approves of his kin, of him.

Having the woman join them was not what he expected it to be. He truly thought they'd be doing more, pulling her weight as she fucked Merle or Mac, or both, while he hunted to feed the extra mouth. Fortunately, she was a quick learn, listening carefully to what they said or taught her, and absorbing what they didn't.

She listened to him, didn't just agree with him so to hurry things along, but asked questions or to show her when she couldn't grasp his meaning or the situation. A few weeks in and he allowed her to tag along on hunting trips when Mac and Merle were too lazy or high to accompany him, and like he said, she was a quick learn. Her footsteps may not be as silent as them but they've been doing it for years so he didn't fault her for it as long as she tried.

Deciding to change course and follow the woman, he noticed the tracks she was stalking, deer. 'Smart girl', Daryl decided to stay close behind her, out of earshot in case she lost the trail or missed the shot, he tried to convince himself it was for the benefit of the camp.

After taking a much needed shower, the former officer felt more like himself than he had in ages. Shaving his growing beard, buttoning up a crisp, clean uniform, and going through the same routine he's done thousands of times, it was easy to pretend it was just another day as King County's Deputy Sheriff.

Saying goodbye to his savior and new friend, and promising to keep in contact, was more difficult than he previously though. Supplying them with some of the station's guns and ammunition. He had to believe that they could make it. Now all was left is to get to the refugee camp stationed in Atlanta and find his family. He'd then meet up with Morgan and Duane once again, both families will be together and safe.

But as usual, the fates intervened once again.

Running out of gas had put a damper on his plans, but seeing what remained of the old farmer and his wife had rendered his spirits low. Spotting the lone horse quickly revived his hope, whispering promises of a better life, the horse allowed Rick to mount. It had been a while since he's ridden, but like all good southern boys, he was able to get accustomed to ridding again and mighty quickly. As he neared his destination, anticipation and longing heated his heart.

'I'm comin' Carl. Lori. Wait for me just a bit longer'.