Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

"She'll be happy to see you." Carl told Beth, knowing the bond the two has. She had always been so good with his little sister. At her question, he gave a nod in the bedroom's direction, a smile stretching across his lips.



"Maggie's going to be so happy to see you!" And he gave a nod, gesturing for her to follow. Being a married couple, Carl understood that if the bedroom door was closed, that meant they needed privacy... but so caught up in his excitement for this reunion, he went charging in....



"Maggie... I have a surprise for you..."

A dress would look quite dashing. Something in Red. She returned the kiss just as the door open and a very happy Carl stepped in talking about surprises. Maggie pulled the covers up making sure she was covered then looked over at the door. Does the surprise have anything to do with pickles? She asked, not minding the intrusion.

No pickles here. Just me! Beth chimed in from behind Carl. She gave a bright smile and wave to the couple.

Almost forgetting she was completly naked, Maggie started to get out of bed, luckily through her emotional tears she wasn't able to get up and Beth went to her instead, wrapping her arms around her older sister. The two girls were just a mess! Crying and trying to talk and making no sense at all. But it was all happy tears. Then Beth grabbed Glenn and pulled him into the hug fest as well.

Daryl understood that Michonne had time to grieve the loss of Rick. The death had happened weeks ago, and it broke his heart that she had to deal with that alone.She had accepted it and decided to move on. That took strength. The rest of them, with the exception of Glenn, had just found out. It was still fresh and raw and hard to move past the festering wound. He had taken it hard. Rick was his brother and had he been there, this moment would have gone differently. Carl and Judith would have their father. Michonne would have her lover and the group... their leader. Even if it meant he could no longer be here, he would have changed Rick's fate, just as his brother had done for Glenn.


Finally easing beneath her touch and allowing his arms to be wrapped around her, even giving a small squeeze. Comforting, perhaps. From one friend to another, because before this could go any further, things would need to be taken care of. And his biggest concern.....



"What about Carl? You've had time to grieve Rick, but the kid just found out last night. His world just got shaken and he ain't had time to stop that spiral..." He told her, hoping she would understand. "I've seen how you are with 'im. You've been a mother figure to 'im. An'.. he's got enough hurt right now. Don't need him to question if you ever loved his dad. I don't think he can afford to lose that bond with you."

Even though nothing was visible, Carl quickly averted his gaze until he was sure that Maggie was covered, feeling a little embarrassed that he had not considered that she and Glenn were being intimate. Fortunately it didn't seem like that was the case, and he watched the happy reunion, feeling the hot tears burning at the back of his eye.


He stayed back, not wanting to get in the way of this moment between sisters. A small smile tugged across his lips as he watched the pair. He had probably done more smiling in the last hour than he had over the last several years combined. It felt nice.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Glenn deepened the kiss, easing enough to answer her, but all thoughts left him the moment the door went flying open and an excited Carl came rushing in. Then, the reason was revealed and he couldn't believe his eyes. Beth, alive.. and mostly well. A huge smile tugged across his face, happy tears threatening and he wholeheartedly returned the hug when he was drawn into it. They had all feared that Beth was dead... because the gentle souls of this earth usually didn't make it. She had defied those odds.



"I'm so glad you're okay!!" He told her, pressing a kiss against her forehead and giving another light squeeze.



He had soooo many questions, but all of that would have to wait. Right now, the two sisters just needed to be together. They had been separated ever since the death of their father.



"Do you need some time alone with her?" He asked Maggie, tone soft and offering.

Michonne thought that over. Her and Rick were together for a short time. But a short time for her could mean so much more to Carl. Daryl was right to be concerned about the boy's feelings.

Her light touches continued, reaching up to his shoulders and drawing little patterns with her finger on his skin. I'll talk with him. she finally said. If this If I'm something thing you want to pursue. But, I think he would understand.

Anything else we should discuss? Or can we get back to what we were doing before? She asked with a grin.

When the girls finally stopped crying and got their emotions under control, Beth took a big long breath, smiling and hugging Glenn again.

No not tonight, You to continue doing what you were doing...With the pickles. We have all day tomorrow to talk!

Maggie pulled her down and hugged Beth tightly kissing the top of her head. And you are going to tell me everything. Where you been and what's happen to you. Promise?

Promise.

Where are you sleeping tonight?

On the couch with Carl. Beth said a bit excitedly.

Maggie looked over at Carl and gave him the i'm watching you motion. Hands stay above the shoulders. She was teasing of course. Even if the two formed that kind of relationship in the future she would trust Carl with her sister.

Beth blushed at that and pushed Maggie's hand down. Oh my gosh! Beth gave Maggie a kiss on her cheek and returned to Carl's side, wrapping her arms around him.

Same goes for you, young lady. But the large smile on Maggie's face didn't hide the fact that she was playing with them both. You two have a good night. There will be lots to talk about in the morning.

After some intense love making. The Wade and Mikko spent a little more time in the hot tub to catch their breath. The then got out and dried off, They both headed to the bed and Wade fell asleep pretty quickly. Mikko on the other hand no longer slept, it was more boring then anything, she didn't feel tired or anything though.

Quietly slipping out of the bed, she got dressed in shorts and a tank top. Pulled her hair up in two pony tails. She couldn't believe how long her hair was, and thought about cutting it.

After putting on a pair of sneakers she covered up Wade and gave him a light kiss before heading out.

Outside the door she ran into a woman looking for Wade. Strange. But Mikko told the woman where he was but that he was sleeping. The woman said she was a friend and hadn't seen him him in years. The stranger spun a good story and Mikko tossed her her key cared and told her to head inside, she wasn't going to keep Wade from reuniting with a friend, though did warn the poor woman about Wade's naked state.

Not thinking any more about it, she headed downstairs and out the building.

Once Mikko was outside, she tighten up her laces and started to run. She jumped the mess of cars that was blocking a hole in the fence and ran to the street. This felt good. Wind in her face, Running. There wasn't much to climb on, unless she ran into the woods and went into the trees. The best part she didn't have to worry about the zombies.

She headed down the road, far from the mall. Soon she did come up to a group of zombies. There was at least twelve of them, a huge one in the center. She ran towards that one and leaped on it's shoulders.

The zombie stumbled and groaned a bit, but then just started to walk as it was doing. Mikko made herself comfortable on it's shoulders.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! EVERYONE SING!
We're on easy street
And it feels so sweet
'Cause the world is 'bout a treat
When you're on easy street
And we're breaking out the good champagne
We're sitting pretty on the gravy train
And when we sing every sweet refrain repeats
Right here on easy street!

It's our moment in the sun
And it's only just begun
It's time to have a little fun
We're inviting you to come and see why you should be
On easy street
Yeah, we got a front row seat
Oh, to a life that can't be beat
Right here on easy street

She kicked her legs and drummed on the dead dudes head.

Bow to your Queen!...

Carl inwardly cursed Glenn's offer, agreed the sisters may need some time together. But he was a bit taken aback by Beth's reply, catching Maggie's 'I'm watching you', but considering how light she was over the whole topic, it seemed she wasn't too worried. And she didn't need to be. Carl had no intentions on trying anything with Beth. He was just going to be there, to keep her company. To make her feel protected, because he would protect her from now on. No one would ever hurt her again.


When Beth returned to him and hugged him, he returned it, holding her close as he gave her a light squeeze.



"Where's Daryl?" He asked with excitement in his usually indifferent tone. "Michonne? They should know she's back.. especially Daryl.."

Maggie was in such a great mood now, and so excited to have her sister back, that when Carl asked about Daryl and Michonne, she didn't stop to think about her words, or how Carl might feel about the two being together.

They must still be in the bath. She told him. I'm sure they'll be out soon though.

Daryl was so out of his element with all of this. The intimacy. He had never allowed himself to get close to a woman in this way. Not for a lack of attraction, but due to his own esteem and feeling that he would never be good enough. How his father, and even his brother had beaten that into his head. How Merle often told him... no one would ever care about him but him. That not even the group loved him, they were simply using him, and laughing behind his back. Rick had put that all to rest... but now his adoptive brother was gone.



And now, the woman that had snagged Rick's heart had just confessed her attraction to him. And now... she was touching him...



Shaky fingers continued to massage her stiff muscles, out of friendship.. out of attraction and need... he wasn't sure. And he gave an unseen nod at her comment. "I like you..." He confessed, having felt it for awhile, but never admitted it, even to himself. She had shown nothing more than a sisterly friendship with him before. And then there was Carol. The woman that had shown signs, but never came out to say it. And he never acted upon it, fearing damaging the beautiful connection they had. Two tortured souls that managed to survive. Hardened survivors with an undeniable soft side...



"...but,this ain't right, Michonne. Not now. Yer lonely.. I get that..." Because he had been alone forever, and it wasn't easy. Being that outsider, looking in. Witnessing almost everyone else find love, but being left out. "But, if we're gonna do this... we're gonna do it right. An'... when yer sure this is what you want..." Because she had been out there, alone, for so long. The mall was full of people. Attractive, undamaged souls that she would surely find more desirable. 'Super people', even. He felt the lowest of the pile. Her feelings would change, and he didn't want to be hurt. And then there was Carl....



"And.. you have a kid to talk to...."

Ok. Michonne finally said after a bit of silence. He made good points. She didn't really agree with the whole going to him just because she might be lonely. But, she did agree they should talk to Carl. Also, she felt that when he seen her feelings for him didn't change then maybe he would let his guard down some with her. It was kind of crazy thinking she could just hop in the tub with Daryl Dixon and crack that hard shell of his.

It would take time, patients and she wasn't going anywhere.

I'll mention it to Carl tomorrow. Maybe just bring it up. see how it takes it and go from there. But...You know, I'm always sure of what I want.

She gave him a peck on the cheek.

All of those months without Maggie. Not knowing if he would ever see her again, but determined to find her... it was hard making that offer to Beth and Maggie, but it was the right thing to do. They were sisters, after all. They had a lot to catch up on. Things have changed since they had last seen her, and Maggie was pregnant. Surely she would want to tell her little sister about all of that. But then it was decided that tomorrow would be better for catching up, only indicating how extremely exhausted Maggie was...


Then it was mentioned that Carl and Beth would both be sleeping on the couch. Wow! Though, it wasn't his place to speak up, and both were old enough to make their decision but.. Glenn inwardly hoped it was just an innocent thing, for now at least. If something developed between the two, he would certainly be happy for them. The world needed love more than ever. It was the only thing that made all the heartbreak and trauma worth it. But, it was something to be developed.


Then,the inevitable question came. Where Daryl and Michonne ventured off to. Eyes widening, he could only listen in horror as Maggie told him the truth. What to do!! Quickly cover Maggie's mouth?? No. It was too late for that, so he gently bumped her shoulder with his...



"But not together! They're... they're not together in the bathtub... what Maggie meant to say was.."



Okay. How to lie. There was a secret to this ...right?? But OMG.. he hated secrets because secrets got you killed. And lying could do the same!! Sighing in defeat, he wasn't sure how to make this better...


"... I'm just gonna shut up now..."

Carl didn't fully understand what Maggie was saying. Were they in separate baths? There was a hot tub -and- a bathtub, after all. They could be taking baths at the same time... in different locations. But then, Glenn spoke up, and kept hitting on the point that they were -not- together. And there was that unsteadiness in Glenn's tone whenever the guy tried to lie. Yeah. Worst liar in the world! And all the clarification that Carl needed...


He felt... flushed and... heartbroken? Was that it? Let down? Betrayed?? He had just found out about his father, and Michonne had been romantic with him, but it seemed that she was already moving on. That... it fucking hurt! Had she never even loved his dad?? Did she even love him?? The first person he had spilled his deepest, darkest feelings to....


He felt sick. Like, he wanted to cry or scream or just... run. But he had Beth and couldn't do any of those things. He had to hold it together, despite how much he was crumbling inside.



"Yeah..... Whatever. Stop trying to lie. You SUCK at it." He huffed at Glenn, and headed out of the room, almost certain that he was the only one that had a problem with this.

Beth picked up right away on Carl's feelings. She gave the two in bed a quick wave and ran after him. Reaching out to him she snaked her arms around him and laid her head on his back.

If you want to talk, I'm told I'm a pretty good listener. She told him and gave him a squeeze.

__________________________

Back in the room Maggie gave Glenn a death stare. But it soon soften. I wasn't even thinking. That was so stupid. What was I suppose to say though? Dammit. Those two better talk to him if something is going on. At least Michonne needs to say something.

Well that was easy. Too easy. Love. Now looking like the oh so lovely Vanessa. Wade's lost love. Used the card key and headed inside. She didn't need to turn the light on as she was able to see just fine in the darkness. Silently she closed the door behind her and headed into the bedroom.

That was the problem with some people. They trust to much. Too easily.

Slipping inside the bedroom, She sat on the bed beside the sleeping figure. Vanessa was dressed in jeans, a baggie t-shirt and coat. Hair messed up and looking pretty beat up. Love didn't want to appear like she had been having a good time out thee after all. It had to look like Wade's love had been fighting for her life.

She reached over and turned the lamp on then gave Wade a shake.

Babe...Wake up.

Carl's words were like a slap in the face. But, what was he expecting? Daryl and Michonne should NOT be an item this soon. But, Maggie had encouraged them. And then, she had told Carl exactly what the two were up to. Could he really be blamed for being such a lousy liar?


Of course.


After Carl's insult, he sighed in defeat and plopped back against the bed,catching Maggie's death stare. It did little to alleviate how horrible he already felt about the whole thing. Like, Maggie had told Carl how it was, and him trying to fix it only made it worse. Hearing Maggie's self blame didn't make it any better. Rubbing his extremely tired eyes, he then pulled her down to him, nuzzling and kissing her face....


"You told him the truth. No matter how much that hurts, it's always the best... even if painful. Michonne needs to talk to him, though. I mean... she's the closest to him..." He told her, deciding to leave out the fact that Maggie had encouraged Michonne....



"Carl.... hates me...."

Maggie snuggled down against Glenn. She pulled the blanket over them both then wrapped her arm around him. He doesn't hate you. He's angry. At everything. He's a teenage boy that's going through more then anyone should have to. It's a lot for him. And, things just keep getting tossed at him, he hasn't had a chance to to just...Breath. Play. Be happy. Give it time.

She kissed his lips and then both his eyes.

And this one is my fault. I pushed the two together. I still think they would do well together. I just wasn't thinking that Carl would...Feel upset...I guess I wasn't thinking of him at all, and that's my fault completely. But we do have to work on your lying.

Carl stormed into the living room, but was halted in his tracks when he felt Beth's gentle arm wrap around him and her head rested against his back. He wanted nothing more than to go out, try and get his thoughts straightened out. Deal with these emotions ...this... anger... but he had made Beth a promise. He would be here with her tonight...


Sighing heavily, he quietly shook his head. "Talking about it isn't going to fix it. I don't expect Michonne to grieve over my dad forever, but.... I don't know. It doesn't seem right...."

Daryl was relieved that Michonne seemed to understand and was easing off. "Yer... beautiful.." He told her, fighting through the awkwardness of telling her so. He had never felt confident enough to be so open with his feelings. But she had to know, he did find her attractive...



He knew that an intimate kiss would not be appropriate just yet, so he pressed a soft one against her cheek, still working her shoulders and back with his fingers.


"Yeah. The sooner you talk to 'im, the better."

Glenn understood why Carl was angry, but.. he feared that the kid would never forgive him...


"Well, maybe he doesn't hate me.. but, I don't know if he'll ever like me again. I mean, his father isn't here.. because I am..." He told her. Though, her playfulness and kisses did ease some of the heartbreak. A soft smile stretched across his lips and he snuggled against her, pressing a kiss against the tip of her nose.



"Sooo, you're going to teach me the art of lying?"

Beth stood with Carl, she kept her arms around him and head against him. At his words she gave him a gentle squeeze. Of course it doesn't seem right. She told him. Her words where low, only meant for his ears.

She's like a mother to you and didn't come to you about things first. It's understandable that you're hurt and angry.

She let him go only to stand in front of him. She reached out to take his hands, but noticed the bandages on one of his wrist and instead took only his good hand. She pressed a kiss against his knuckles.

It's wrong of them to not talk to you first. But I know both Michonne and Daryl love you. I understand if you want some time to yourself, I'll be alright here for awhile. I'll keep your spot on the bed warm for ya.

She gave him a sweet, genuine smile. The way she looked at him spoke volumes to how she felt for him, no longer looking at him like a child. When she realized she was staring a bit too long at him a light blush formed on her cheeks and she looked away with a bigger smile on her face.

Sorry. I know babble.

WHERE IS SHE!? WHERE THE FUCKING FUCK IS SHE!? Negan's screaming could be heard all through the town, whoever was sleeping wasn't anymore. Inside his humble abode, Negan was taking the poor Lucille out on everything. There was glass everywhere.

Raising the bat he came down on the glass coffee table.

GET OUT HERE NOW! NOW FUCKING DAMMIT!

The women in the house creeped out of their bedroom and huddled in the door way of the living room. Negan turned to them and pointed Lucille at their faces.

One of you whores know where Beth and that brat went, don't cha. Someone better start talking. NOW!

But they didn't know. They had no idea Beth had run off with Kai and told him so. Negan grabbed a woman by random and pulled her outside by her hair telling the other girls to follow. he led them all to to the town center where a large platform had been made when he first called the town his own. One the way he yelled for everyone to get outside.

Soon all nine women were on the platform with Negan. They were dressed in night cloths and keeping close together out of fear, and to try and stay warm.

Beth is missing! Ran away from us! He told the gathering audience of men, women and the remaining children. I want her found. Her and My bastard kid.

It was then that a brave soul interrupted to inform Negan that Lexi was also gone, as well as one of the demon horses and Lazarus. Now it was all making starting to come together.

Everyone get your fucking asses out there and find all four of them! The time is...Ten pm. Starting now. Every hour they aren't back. One of these women dies. IN A FUCKING FUN AND FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC WAY!

He grabbed a dark haired woman and pushed her to the ground and placed a heavy foot on her head. Well...You better go find them.

Michonne was not expecting the compliment. But it was welcomed. She took one of his hands and kissed it. Yer quite the looker your self, handsome. She gave his hand another kiss then let him go. With a nod she finally sat up from him and turned to face him.

You know, Once we know Carl is ok with us, our next bath together is going to be very different.

She flashed him a sly grin and leaned close to his lips, but, remembering he wanted to do things right, she gave him another kiss against his cheek letting it linger for a few short moments before pulling away.

I'll hop out and let you actually have some time to yerself.

Rick chose to make that sacrifice, you didn't ask him to do that. I think Carl gets that. But he's still going to be angry and he needs to focus that anger on something...Someone. I'm sorry that it's you. But it wont be like that forever. He will heal, and he wont hold that anger forever. I seen the way he and Beth looked at each other...I think she's good be good medicine for him, to help him through that healing process.

Maggie thought for a moment.

Better keep an eye on those two. She added with a grin.

No I'm not going to teach you. Then you would know all my secrets and I wouldn't get away with nothing. She said in a playful huff and stuck her tongue out at him.

Carl felt the need to run- the need to be alone. But... the way she held him, touched him... this, it felt ... right. And as much as he wanted to disappear, he couldn't remove himself from this comfort. It was unlike anything he had felt before, and all those times he had gotten irritated with Maggie and Glenn for being touchy-feely'... now, he understood. This... it's what made life and the struggles that came with every second well worth it.


When she was finally facing him, his eye met hers and there was a genuine look of gratitude as he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against her lips. No fear, only the need to convey his gratitude, and... the attraction he felt towards her....