Contagion Chapter Nine
The next morning Jessica chewed on her lip as she sat far off from the farm with Glenn, "We should tell them," she said not feeling right about keeping the secret about walkers in the barn. "We should really tell them."
"We promised we wouldn't," Glenn said he turned to look at Jessica. "If we tell Maggie is going to be pissed at us," he sighed not sure if that would be a good thing. "Your brother will be pissed at you," he told her knowing Taylor had also made Jessica promise not to tell as well.
Rolling her eyes as she was reminded of the fact that she had promised Taylor as well that she would keep this secret Jessica ran a hand through her hair, "I know but we could be risking everyone's safety if we keep this secret," she reasoned as she locked eyes with Glenn. "Kate's pregnant for god sake. I don't want to risk her or the that unborn child's safety."
"We've been safe this far," Glenn reassured her as he reached over and took her hand squeezing it. He could understand why she was afraid but he also didn't want to make Maggie or Taylor mad at them.
Jessica nodded at his words and she squeezed his hand back. They had been safe thus far on the farm even with walkers being in the barn so maybe they could continue to be safe. "I guess you have a point," she conceded finally as she gave him a smile.
Smiling as well Glenn leaned over to peck her lips, "I always have a point," he smirked as he pulled away from her.
"Don't get too cocky on me," Jessica teased as she stuck her tongue out at him and stood up. "I may not have sex with you again if you get too cocky on me," she warned again teasing him before making her way back towards the farm. As she did so she could see Carl and Lori feeding chickens as well as Patricia wheeling something towards the barn. It was the sight of the latter that again made her feel slightly guilty for the secret she was now keeping.
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Standing under a tree near the RV, Taylor held the binoculars as he looked through them towards the barn. He knew he had told Maggie that everyone who had been in the barn would keep their silence but if he was being honest with himself he was nervous. He was nervous at having walkers not far from where he slept at night.
"Could you be more obvious?" Maggie asked harshly as she walked towards Taylor carrying a basket full of food in her hands. "Here..enjoy," she told him when he pulled down the binoculars and looked at her.
Looking down at the basket Taylor raised an eyebrow, "You are going to buy my silence with fruit?" he asked her almost wanting to laugh at that.
"Of course not," Maggie answered as she looked at him seriously. "There's also jerky."
Taylor just sighed, "Will you please tell me why your dad has a secret barn full of walkers. It's creepy."
Shushing Taylor before anyone could maybe hear Maggie kept her eyes on him.
As Maggie shushed him Taylor shook his head, "You know it's creepy right?"
"Just trust me on this," Maggie told him not wanting to argue. She almost wished he hadn't followed her outside and into the barn last night.
Taylor made a face, "I suck at lying. I can't even play poker, it's too much like lying," he told her not sure if he could keep this to himself even if he had said he could.
"You have to keep this to yourself," Maggie warned him as she ran a hand through her hair. She knew last night before dinner her dad had warned the group wouldn't be sticking around for long and she was afraid that if Taylor told he'd throw them off the farm much quicker. "Please," she stated one last time before walking away.
When Maggie walked away Taylor watched her before picking up the basket of fruit and walking to Dale who was pulling out the awning of the RV, "Here's some peaches for you," he told the old man almost feeling guilty for giving away the fruit brought to keep his silence.
"Thank you," Dale smiled as he took a peach out of the basket.
After Dale took the fruit Taylor watched as Andrea left the RV and they both greeted each other by saying good morning and then he kept walking until he reached T-Dog who asked him sup. Pausing he swallowed hard before answering. "Nothing. Nothings up why?" he asked nervously.
Hearing footsteps he turned to see Dale coming to a stop behind him giving him an amused look and he was afraid he'd blow this secret he had right out of the water. Handing T-Dog a peach he turned and walked away once the man had taken it. He was so going to end up telling at this rate.
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Avery raised an eyebrow as she sat in Daryl's tent watching him poke holes in the mesh with one of his arrows. To be honest she was surprised he had let her come in here in the first place but he had though he did mumble some incoherent words to himself. She knew he probably didn't understand why she was here and hell at the moment she didn't either other than the fact that almost losing him had scared her and now she didn't really want to let him out of her sight. She was afraid if she did she'd lose the one person who had been making her feel safe for far longer than she would like to admit.
"You know you keep poking holes in the mesh and soon your tents just going to be full of bugs," she told him knowing she probably shouldn't have talked but she wasn't sure what good his poking holes in the mesh of his tent was doing.
Daryl turned to look at Avery and he gave her a glare, "You're lucky I ain't kicked you out yet," he warned her. "But if you continue to talk I will."
Rolling her eyes Avery crossed her arms, "What's so wrong with me talking?" she asked trying to sound offended though she was just glad that he wouldn't kick her out if she stayed silent.
Before Daryl could answer her question though Avery looked up as she saw Andrea come in the tent.
Andrea paused briefly as she went inside Daryl's tent. She was surprised to see Avery there but she didn't question it. Instead she gave both Avery and Daryl a smile before turning to look at the man who was laying on top of a sleeping bag. "Hey," she said as she pulled a book from her bag and handed it to him. "This is not that great.." she sighed as he took the book and flipped through it.
"What no pictures?" Daryl asked her sarcastically as he flipped through the book.
Andrea laughed as she shook her head, "I'm so sorry," she said apologizing for shooting him. "I feel like shit."
"Yeah you and me both," Daryl muttered as he laid the book down and adjusted his pillow before he laid back down.
"I don't expect you to forgive me but if there's anything I can do..." Andrea sighed as she shook her head. She really did feel awful for what happened.
Daryl nodded his head understanding why she had done what she did, "You were trying to protect the group," he told her as he picked up his arrow again. "We're good."
When Daryl said they were good Andrea gave him a tiny smile before turning to leave the tent but right as she stepped outside she turned back as Daryl spoke again.
"You shoot me again, you best pray I'm dead," Daryl said once Andrea turned to look back at him from outside the tent.
Avery couldn't help but laugh at Daryl's last words to Andrea and as she did she felt his eyes on her. As she opened her mouth to say something she watched as he threw the book that Andrea had given him to her.
"Read," Daryl growled out knowing her reading would at least keep her quiet.
Picking the book up Avery shook her head, "I still don't understand what you have against me talking," she shrugged as she looked at the books title. The Case of the Missing Man.
Not answering her question Daryl just watched her. He didn't want to admit that he kind of liked her being here in his tent. It made him feel like she had meant what she said last night.
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Zac groaned to himself as he felt a body move beside him on the cot he was sleeping in and he opened his eyes to see the sun streaming through the tent. As he looked around he saw both of his sister's gone and his wife getting dressed. "What time is it?" he asked as he sat up and yawned, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Late," Kate said as she watched him run a hand through his hair which only made his bed head worse. "We overslept today," she said knowing they should have been up hours ago.
"Well maybe we needed the sleep," Zac told her as he stood from the cot and reached for some clothes. "I know you need all the sleep you can get. You are carrying my son inside of you," he said as he gave her a smile.
Kate made a face when Zac called the baby his son, "I swear you and Mac are both convinced it's a boy. It could be a girl," she told him as she smiled. "My poor daughter is probably being called a boy by two members of her family."
"It's probably a boy," Zac told her as he gave her one of his crooked smiles. "I mean my family tends to have more boys than girls in it or did you miss that fact?"
"I didn't miss it I just want to pretend it doesn't," Kate admitted honestly as she walked towards the entrance of the tent after she threw her hair up into a messy bun. "Don't you have that gun shooting lesson with Shane today?" she asked curiously. She knew last night Shane had came by and asked if Zac would come. He apparently wanted to help people learn how to shoot guns correctly. Zac knew though he was only going to help others who didn't know.
Zac groaned again at Kate's reminder, "You should come," he said as he finished dressing and walked to her. "Learn how to be a better shooter," he smirked as he pulled her closer by her waist. "Seeing you with a gun turns me on," he winked before pecking her lips.
Kate laughed as she pulled away from the kiss, "I'll consider it," she nodded before leaving the tent.
At Kate's words Zac watched her leave and he smirked to himself. Maybe he could forget about her kiss with Taylor though he wasn't sure he was ready to forgive her yet.
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Taylor who had again been watching the barn with binoculars turned as he heard Shane call out for him by calling him fruit boy. Rolling his eyes he moved the binoculars down but kept them around his neck as he picked up the basket of fruit before walking to where Shane was at the Cherokee. He was having some sort of meeting with Rick and Beth's boyfriend was also there too. It was probably something to do with the search for Sophia.
Taylor hated to admit it to himself but the longer she was gone the more he had a feeling she wouldn't be found. No kid could survive out there on their own now.
Coming out of his thoughts though once he reached the Cherokee he watched as Rick and Shane grabbed fruit out of the basket.
"My binoculars," Shane spoke as Taylor just stood there after both he and Rick had gotten fruit from the basket.
Blushing at Shane's words Taylor sat the basket down and took the binoculars off, handing them to Shane. He couldn't help but feel nervous being around both Rick and Shane with the knowledge he held about the walkers in the barn. After he handed the binoculars to Shane he picked up the fruit and offered a goodbye as he began to walk away.
It was sometime after giving the fruit to them and handing the binoculars back that Taylor stood by a tree as everyone else except for Glenn and Jessica and probably Daryl and Avery started to head off up to where the gun training would be. Hearing Shane calling out to ask if he was coming Taylor made a face.
"I've got to help Dale clean the spark plugs on the RV," Taylor lied hoping that Shane bought his lie. "Says he is going to teach me mechanics. I should probably go look for him," he said as he continued to lie.
Dale who was leaned against the swing smiled as he heard Taylor lie to Shane. "You found me," he spoke letting Taylor know he was there. When Taylor turned to face him he raised an eyebrow but then turned his gaze to Shane. "He's a good learner."
At Dale saving his ass by playing along with the lie, Taylor watched as Shane finished getting ready and he turned his back to Dale again watching as the others drove away.
"Spark plugs huh?" Dale asked once everyone had left. "Want to tell me what's going on?"
Turning back to Dale again Taylor crossed his arms, "You're old.." he started before making a face knowing that probably sounded mean. "You know things..so what if somebody told you something that somebody else shouldn't know.."
"Taylor stop being dramatic. Spit it out," Dale said bluntly.
"There's walkers in the barn," Taylor admitted feeling lighter now that he had told Dale.
Dale just made a face as he listened to Taylor's confession. That was the last thing he needed to know. Heck thanks to Glenn blurting out Lori's pregnancy news to him confidence this morning he swore he was beginning to learn everyone's secrets.
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Standing at the gun firing range Zac made an impressed face as he watched the group in front of him firing guns. A group that consisted of his wife as well as Beth. He knew he shouldn't but instead of watching his wife his eyes were glued to the youngest Greene girl. She was actually better than Kate though he would probably never admit that out loud or he'd be afraid that Kate would shot his balls off and he really didn't want that.
"You're doing good," Zac spoke as he stepped closer to Beth which made her turn her head slightly to look at him.
Hearing Zac, Beth turned to face him and she blushed again, something that he seemed to be making her do a lot. Something she wasn't sure she actually minded when he did it and she knew that was wrong. She was sixteen and he was well into his twenties and married. She had Jimmy and she shouldn't be developing a silly school girl crush on a married man.
"Thanks," she muttered as she nodded and turned away from him again. She knew the best thing she could do right now was just play off like his compliments and his words didn't affect her.
Smiling to himself Zac watched her turn away, "You know I could take you somewhere privately after this is done and help you more. I think some one on one lessons may do you good," he said honestly knowing with some one on one help she probably could be better than she was.
At Zac's offer Beth felt her cheeks heat up more and she did her best to fight the urge not to look back at him but of course she did. She looked back at him and smiled, "I'd have to ask daddy," she said knowing it would be up to her father in the end. "But if he says yes then I don't see the harm."
When Beth said she'd ask Hershel but if he said yes she didn't see the harm Zac couldn't help but smile more and he also couldn't help but say a prayer that Hershel would say yes. He really did want to teach Beth how to shoot a gun better..and maybe they could also talk about singing, something that he found he missed a lot.
Giving her a nod he then walked over to Kate and whistled softly so only she could hear, "You look smoking holding that gun," he said as he stepped closer to her.
Kate just laughed as she turned to look at him, "I'm surprised you finally noticed me," she said to him as she shook her head. For most of their time here his attention had been on Beth and well she knew it was crazy but she was jealous.
"I've noticed you all day," Zac said though he guessed it was a partial truth since his attention had been divided between both women.
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Throwing the book down after awhile Avery sighed as she looked at Daryl, "Andrea was right. The book isn't he greatest at all," she sighed as she shook her head. "Not my cup of tea anyway."
"And what is your cup of tea?" Daryl asked as he looked up at her. "A romance novel where the leading lady fucks the hot leading man?"
"No," Avery told him as she shook her head. "More into books about scary shit. Though I guess real life is now scarier than any book," she said as she made a face at the thought. "But enough about books. Do you need anything? I can go get you whatever you need," she volunteered knowing she wouldn't mind taking care of him.
Rolling his eyes at Avery's words Daryl shook his head, "I'm fine. I don't need your damn help," he said knowing he was fine without it. "You ain't my mother so stop acting like it by offering to do crap for me."
"I know I'm not," Avery nodded as she looked down at him. "But I want to do crap for you," she muttered as she mocked him slightly. "You're hurt and I want to take care of you. I just want to be there for you."
"I'm not Shane," Daryl told her as he locked eyes with her. "I'm not going to fuck you. I don't even like you," he said though he knew those last words were probably a lie. He did like her but he was afraid too. She had the ability to hurt him and even though she had said last night she'd never willingly hurt him she had fucked Shane at the CDC and whether she knew it or not that had messed with his mind and his emotions and hearing her say his name that night is what had made him so god damn conflicted now days when it came to her.
He almost wished he hadn't went to her room or that she hadn't kissed his cheek before that even. He wished he hadn't done like Merle had said and taken her hunting when they had been at camp. That was what had lead to her getting under his skin though. He was also sure that was what had lead to her deciding to plant herself firmly in his life at times when he'd much rather she not.
"I never said I wanted you too," Avery told him as she crinkled her nose and leaned down closer to him. "Trust me Daryl I don't even think about you fucking me, even if I do like you," she whispered as stared him down. Their faces were close and she had to fight off the urge to kiss him. She could only hope that he didn't know her words were lies either. She could hope he couldn't see that she did indeed think and wonder what it would be like to have sex with him.
Daryl felt his heartbeat quicken at her closeness and he looked up at her swallowing hard, "You don't like me," he told her as he shook his head. "The only person who will ever like me is Merle and he's gone."
Avery rolled her eyes, "I do like you," she nodded as she moved away from him and stood up. "I like you a lot Daryl Dixon," she said before smiling as she reached the entrance of the tent. "And I'm going to get lunch for myself. Do you want anything?" she asked again hoping that he'd cave and let her do stuff for him but when he just shook his head no she sighed and turned to leave the tent.
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"You are really taking her out for her own private shooting lessons?" Kate asked as she crossed her arms and looked at Zac as they stood in their tent. The group had came back from shooting awhile ago and just a few minutes ago Zac had came in and told her he was taking Beth out on her own for more practice. Apparently she had convinced her dad to see it was for the best and for her own safety.
Zac nodded as he looked at his wife, "It's just to teach her to shoot," he defended as he chewed on his lip. "I figured you'd be grateful that I remembered to tell you I was going out."
"Oh I am," Kate deadpanned as she rolled her eyes. "But I don't trust you going out by yourself with some attractive girl you were giving puppy dog eyes too all afternoon."
Hearing Kate, Zac almost wanted to laugh at her jealousy, "I'm not going to do anything with her," he said as he glared at Kate. "Thought maybe your guilty conscious is making you think I would," he snapped as he walked to exit the tent.
Kate raised an eyebrow feeling confused at Zac's words, "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked him as she walked to where he was and she grabbed his arm to keep him from going anywhere at the moment.
"Figure it out yourself," Zac snapped again as he pulled his arm away from her and left the tent. If Kate couldn't figure it out than she was slower than she seemed but there was no way he was going to tell her that he knew she and Taylor had kissed and that she was keeping that from him. It was obvious she never wanted him to know anyway.
As Zac walked away Kate frowned and walked to the cot eventually where she sat down. She felt again like her marriage was falling apart just when it had gotten better and she wasn't sure what had changed seemingly overnight between them.
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Jessica who had been standing at the sink in the kitchen turned her head as she heard footsteps and she smiled when she saw Avery come in the room. "Surprised you aren't with Daryl still," she laughed knowing her sister had been with the man all day.
"I was hungry," Avery shrugged as she walked to Jessica. "Food will make you leave anyone's side."
"That is true," Jessica nodded knowing she had spent most of her day with Glenn except for when she had left him this morning and then now. He was off doing god knows what for someone since he was always the errand boy around here it seemed. "So how is your loverboy?"
Avery rolled her eyes as she looked at Jessica, "He isn't my loverboy," she clarified as she chewed on her lip. "He doesn't like me like that."
"You're wrong there," Jessica sighed as she looked down. "The night you and Taylor came here Daryl and I went out looking for Sophia," she said as she kept eye contact with Avery. "He asked me randomly if you liked Shane. He could have asked me anything but what he asked was about you and Shane. He likes you but it seems like he is like you were at first. He's in the denial stage of liking you."
After Jessica confessed what she did Avery stood there frozen as she took her sister's words in. So seeing her with Shane had affected him even if he tried to deny it. Frowning slightly she looked away from Jessica. "I think I hurt him when I slept with Shane," she said knowing she felt like shit right now.
"Nah," Jessica muttered as she walked a few steps to her sister and kissed her forehead some. "Bruised his ego more than what it was but I don't think you hurt him," she said as she shook her head and left the kitchen to go off and find Glenn. She almost felt if she was with Glenn she had less of a chance of inadvertently revealing the barn full of walkers secret to anyone.
The next morning Jessica chewed on her lip as she sat far off from the farm with Glenn, "We should tell them," she said not feeling right about keeping the secret about walkers in the barn. "We should really tell them."
"We promised we wouldn't," Glenn said he turned to look at Jessica. "If we tell Maggie is going to be pissed at us," he sighed not sure if that would be a good thing. "Your brother will be pissed at you," he told her knowing Taylor had also made Jessica promise not to tell as well.
Rolling her eyes as she was reminded of the fact that she had promised Taylor as well that she would keep this secret Jessica ran a hand through her hair, "I know but we could be risking everyone's safety if we keep this secret," she reasoned as she locked eyes with Glenn. "Kate's pregnant for god sake. I don't want to risk her or the that unborn child's safety."
"We've been safe this far," Glenn reassured her as he reached over and took her hand squeezing it. He could understand why she was afraid but he also didn't want to make Maggie or Taylor mad at them.
Jessica nodded at his words and she squeezed his hand back. They had been safe thus far on the farm even with walkers being in the barn so maybe they could continue to be safe. "I guess you have a point," she conceded finally as she gave him a smile.
Smiling as well Glenn leaned over to peck her lips, "I always have a point," he smirked as he pulled away from her.
"Don't get too cocky on me," Jessica teased as she stuck her tongue out at him and stood up. "I may not have sex with you again if you get too cocky on me," she warned again teasing him before making her way back towards the farm. As she did so she could see Carl and Lori feeding chickens as well as Patricia wheeling something towards the barn. It was the sight of the latter that again made her feel slightly guilty for the secret she was now keeping.
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Standing under a tree near the RV, Taylor held the binoculars as he looked through them towards the barn. He knew he had told Maggie that everyone who had been in the barn would keep their silence but if he was being honest with himself he was nervous. He was nervous at having walkers not far from where he slept at night.
"Could you be more obvious?" Maggie asked harshly as she walked towards Taylor carrying a basket full of food in her hands. "Here..enjoy," she told him when he pulled down the binoculars and looked at her.
Looking down at the basket Taylor raised an eyebrow, "You are going to buy my silence with fruit?" he asked her almost wanting to laugh at that.
"Of course not," Maggie answered as she looked at him seriously. "There's also jerky."
Taylor just sighed, "Will you please tell me why your dad has a secret barn full of walkers. It's creepy."
Shushing Taylor before anyone could maybe hear Maggie kept her eyes on him.
As Maggie shushed him Taylor shook his head, "You know it's creepy right?"
"Just trust me on this," Maggie told him not wanting to argue. She almost wished he hadn't followed her outside and into the barn last night.
Taylor made a face, "I suck at lying. I can't even play poker, it's too much like lying," he told her not sure if he could keep this to himself even if he had said he could.
"You have to keep this to yourself," Maggie warned him as she ran a hand through her hair. She knew last night before dinner her dad had warned the group wouldn't be sticking around for long and she was afraid that if Taylor told he'd throw them off the farm much quicker. "Please," she stated one last time before walking away.
When Maggie walked away Taylor watched her before picking up the basket of fruit and walking to Dale who was pulling out the awning of the RV, "Here's some peaches for you," he told the old man almost feeling guilty for giving away the fruit brought to keep his silence.
"Thank you," Dale smiled as he took a peach out of the basket.
After Dale took the fruit Taylor watched as Andrea left the RV and they both greeted each other by saying good morning and then he kept walking until he reached T-Dog who asked him sup. Pausing he swallowed hard before answering. "Nothing. Nothings up why?" he asked nervously.
Hearing footsteps he turned to see Dale coming to a stop behind him giving him an amused look and he was afraid he'd blow this secret he had right out of the water. Handing T-Dog a peach he turned and walked away once the man had taken it. He was so going to end up telling at this rate.
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Avery raised an eyebrow as she sat in Daryl's tent watching him poke holes in the mesh with one of his arrows. To be honest she was surprised he had let her come in here in the first place but he had though he did mumble some incoherent words to himself. She knew he probably didn't understand why she was here and hell at the moment she didn't either other than the fact that almost losing him had scared her and now she didn't really want to let him out of her sight. She was afraid if she did she'd lose the one person who had been making her feel safe for far longer than she would like to admit.
"You know you keep poking holes in the mesh and soon your tents just going to be full of bugs," she told him knowing she probably shouldn't have talked but she wasn't sure what good his poking holes in the mesh of his tent was doing.
Daryl turned to look at Avery and he gave her a glare, "You're lucky I ain't kicked you out yet," he warned her. "But if you continue to talk I will."
Rolling her eyes Avery crossed her arms, "What's so wrong with me talking?" she asked trying to sound offended though she was just glad that he wouldn't kick her out if she stayed silent.
Before Daryl could answer her question though Avery looked up as she saw Andrea come in the tent.
Andrea paused briefly as she went inside Daryl's tent. She was surprised to see Avery there but she didn't question it. Instead she gave both Avery and Daryl a smile before turning to look at the man who was laying on top of a sleeping bag. "Hey," she said as she pulled a book from her bag and handed it to him. "This is not that great.." she sighed as he took the book and flipped through it.
"What no pictures?" Daryl asked her sarcastically as he flipped through the book.
Andrea laughed as she shook her head, "I'm so sorry," she said apologizing for shooting him. "I feel like shit."
"Yeah you and me both," Daryl muttered as he laid the book down and adjusted his pillow before he laid back down.
"I don't expect you to forgive me but if there's anything I can do..." Andrea sighed as she shook her head. She really did feel awful for what happened.
Daryl nodded his head understanding why she had done what she did, "You were trying to protect the group," he told her as he picked up his arrow again. "We're good."
When Daryl said they were good Andrea gave him a tiny smile before turning to leave the tent but right as she stepped outside she turned back as Daryl spoke again.
"You shoot me again, you best pray I'm dead," Daryl said once Andrea turned to look back at him from outside the tent.
Avery couldn't help but laugh at Daryl's last words to Andrea and as she did she felt his eyes on her. As she opened her mouth to say something she watched as he threw the book that Andrea had given him to her.
"Read," Daryl growled out knowing her reading would at least keep her quiet.
Picking the book up Avery shook her head, "I still don't understand what you have against me talking," she shrugged as she looked at the books title. The Case of the Missing Man.
Not answering her question Daryl just watched her. He didn't want to admit that he kind of liked her being here in his tent. It made him feel like she had meant what she said last night.
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Zac groaned to himself as he felt a body move beside him on the cot he was sleeping in and he opened his eyes to see the sun streaming through the tent. As he looked around he saw both of his sister's gone and his wife getting dressed. "What time is it?" he asked as he sat up and yawned, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Late," Kate said as she watched him run a hand through his hair which only made his bed head worse. "We overslept today," she said knowing they should have been up hours ago.
"Well maybe we needed the sleep," Zac told her as he stood from the cot and reached for some clothes. "I know you need all the sleep you can get. You are carrying my son inside of you," he said as he gave her a smile.
Kate made a face when Zac called the baby his son, "I swear you and Mac are both convinced it's a boy. It could be a girl," she told him as she smiled. "My poor daughter is probably being called a boy by two members of her family."
"It's probably a boy," Zac told her as he gave her one of his crooked smiles. "I mean my family tends to have more boys than girls in it or did you miss that fact?"
"I didn't miss it I just want to pretend it doesn't," Kate admitted honestly as she walked towards the entrance of the tent after she threw her hair up into a messy bun. "Don't you have that gun shooting lesson with Shane today?" she asked curiously. She knew last night Shane had came by and asked if Zac would come. He apparently wanted to help people learn how to shoot guns correctly. Zac knew though he was only going to help others who didn't know.
Zac groaned again at Kate's reminder, "You should come," he said as he finished dressing and walked to her. "Learn how to be a better shooter," he smirked as he pulled her closer by her waist. "Seeing you with a gun turns me on," he winked before pecking her lips.
Kate laughed as she pulled away from the kiss, "I'll consider it," she nodded before leaving the tent.
At Kate's words Zac watched her leave and he smirked to himself. Maybe he could forget about her kiss with Taylor though he wasn't sure he was ready to forgive her yet.
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Taylor who had again been watching the barn with binoculars turned as he heard Shane call out for him by calling him fruit boy. Rolling his eyes he moved the binoculars down but kept them around his neck as he picked up the basket of fruit before walking to where Shane was at the Cherokee. He was having some sort of meeting with Rick and Beth's boyfriend was also there too. It was probably something to do with the search for Sophia.
Taylor hated to admit it to himself but the longer she was gone the more he had a feeling she wouldn't be found. No kid could survive out there on their own now.
Coming out of his thoughts though once he reached the Cherokee he watched as Rick and Shane grabbed fruit out of the basket.
"My binoculars," Shane spoke as Taylor just stood there after both he and Rick had gotten fruit from the basket.
Blushing at Shane's words Taylor sat the basket down and took the binoculars off, handing them to Shane. He couldn't help but feel nervous being around both Rick and Shane with the knowledge he held about the walkers in the barn. After he handed the binoculars to Shane he picked up the fruit and offered a goodbye as he began to walk away.
It was sometime after giving the fruit to them and handing the binoculars back that Taylor stood by a tree as everyone else except for Glenn and Jessica and probably Daryl and Avery started to head off up to where the gun training would be. Hearing Shane calling out to ask if he was coming Taylor made a face.
"I've got to help Dale clean the spark plugs on the RV," Taylor lied hoping that Shane bought his lie. "Says he is going to teach me mechanics. I should probably go look for him," he said as he continued to lie.
Dale who was leaned against the swing smiled as he heard Taylor lie to Shane. "You found me," he spoke letting Taylor know he was there. When Taylor turned to face him he raised an eyebrow but then turned his gaze to Shane. "He's a good learner."
At Dale saving his ass by playing along with the lie, Taylor watched as Shane finished getting ready and he turned his back to Dale again watching as the others drove away.
"Spark plugs huh?" Dale asked once everyone had left. "Want to tell me what's going on?"
Turning back to Dale again Taylor crossed his arms, "You're old.." he started before making a face knowing that probably sounded mean. "You know things..so what if somebody told you something that somebody else shouldn't know.."
"Taylor stop being dramatic. Spit it out," Dale said bluntly.
"There's walkers in the barn," Taylor admitted feeling lighter now that he had told Dale.
Dale just made a face as he listened to Taylor's confession. That was the last thing he needed to know. Heck thanks to Glenn blurting out Lori's pregnancy news to him confidence this morning he swore he was beginning to learn everyone's secrets.
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Standing at the gun firing range Zac made an impressed face as he watched the group in front of him firing guns. A group that consisted of his wife as well as Beth. He knew he shouldn't but instead of watching his wife his eyes were glued to the youngest Greene girl. She was actually better than Kate though he would probably never admit that out loud or he'd be afraid that Kate would shot his balls off and he really didn't want that.
"You're doing good," Zac spoke as he stepped closer to Beth which made her turn her head slightly to look at him.
Hearing Zac, Beth turned to face him and she blushed again, something that he seemed to be making her do a lot. Something she wasn't sure she actually minded when he did it and she knew that was wrong. She was sixteen and he was well into his twenties and married. She had Jimmy and she shouldn't be developing a silly school girl crush on a married man.
"Thanks," she muttered as she nodded and turned away from him again. She knew the best thing she could do right now was just play off like his compliments and his words didn't affect her.
Smiling to himself Zac watched her turn away, "You know I could take you somewhere privately after this is done and help you more. I think some one on one lessons may do you good," he said honestly knowing with some one on one help she probably could be better than she was.
At Zac's offer Beth felt her cheeks heat up more and she did her best to fight the urge not to look back at him but of course she did. She looked back at him and smiled, "I'd have to ask daddy," she said knowing it would be up to her father in the end. "But if he says yes then I don't see the harm."
When Beth said she'd ask Hershel but if he said yes she didn't see the harm Zac couldn't help but smile more and he also couldn't help but say a prayer that Hershel would say yes. He really did want to teach Beth how to shoot a gun better..and maybe they could also talk about singing, something that he found he missed a lot.
Giving her a nod he then walked over to Kate and whistled softly so only she could hear, "You look smoking holding that gun," he said as he stepped closer to her.
Kate just laughed as she turned to look at him, "I'm surprised you finally noticed me," she said to him as she shook her head. For most of their time here his attention had been on Beth and well she knew it was crazy but she was jealous.
"I've noticed you all day," Zac said though he guessed it was a partial truth since his attention had been divided between both women.
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Throwing the book down after awhile Avery sighed as she looked at Daryl, "Andrea was right. The book isn't he greatest at all," she sighed as she shook her head. "Not my cup of tea anyway."
"And what is your cup of tea?" Daryl asked as he looked up at her. "A romance novel where the leading lady fucks the hot leading man?"
"No," Avery told him as she shook her head. "More into books about scary shit. Though I guess real life is now scarier than any book," she said as she made a face at the thought. "But enough about books. Do you need anything? I can go get you whatever you need," she volunteered knowing she wouldn't mind taking care of him.
Rolling his eyes at Avery's words Daryl shook his head, "I'm fine. I don't need your damn help," he said knowing he was fine without it. "You ain't my mother so stop acting like it by offering to do crap for me."
"I know I'm not," Avery nodded as she looked down at him. "But I want to do crap for you," she muttered as she mocked him slightly. "You're hurt and I want to take care of you. I just want to be there for you."
"I'm not Shane," Daryl told her as he locked eyes with her. "I'm not going to fuck you. I don't even like you," he said though he knew those last words were probably a lie. He did like her but he was afraid too. She had the ability to hurt him and even though she had said last night she'd never willingly hurt him she had fucked Shane at the CDC and whether she knew it or not that had messed with his mind and his emotions and hearing her say his name that night is what had made him so god damn conflicted now days when it came to her.
He almost wished he hadn't went to her room or that she hadn't kissed his cheek before that even. He wished he hadn't done like Merle had said and taken her hunting when they had been at camp. That was what had lead to her getting under his skin though. He was also sure that was what had lead to her deciding to plant herself firmly in his life at times when he'd much rather she not.
"I never said I wanted you too," Avery told him as she crinkled her nose and leaned down closer to him. "Trust me Daryl I don't even think about you fucking me, even if I do like you," she whispered as stared him down. Their faces were close and she had to fight off the urge to kiss him. She could only hope that he didn't know her words were lies either. She could hope he couldn't see that she did indeed think and wonder what it would be like to have sex with him.
Daryl felt his heartbeat quicken at her closeness and he looked up at her swallowing hard, "You don't like me," he told her as he shook his head. "The only person who will ever like me is Merle and he's gone."
Avery rolled her eyes, "I do like you," she nodded as she moved away from him and stood up. "I like you a lot Daryl Dixon," she said before smiling as she reached the entrance of the tent. "And I'm going to get lunch for myself. Do you want anything?" she asked again hoping that he'd cave and let her do stuff for him but when he just shook his head no she sighed and turned to leave the tent.
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"You are really taking her out for her own private shooting lessons?" Kate asked as she crossed her arms and looked at Zac as they stood in their tent. The group had came back from shooting awhile ago and just a few minutes ago Zac had came in and told her he was taking Beth out on her own for more practice. Apparently she had convinced her dad to see it was for the best and for her own safety.
Zac nodded as he looked at his wife, "It's just to teach her to shoot," he defended as he chewed on his lip. "I figured you'd be grateful that I remembered to tell you I was going out."
"Oh I am," Kate deadpanned as she rolled her eyes. "But I don't trust you going out by yourself with some attractive girl you were giving puppy dog eyes too all afternoon."
Hearing Kate, Zac almost wanted to laugh at her jealousy, "I'm not going to do anything with her," he said as he glared at Kate. "Thought maybe your guilty conscious is making you think I would," he snapped as he walked to exit the tent.
Kate raised an eyebrow feeling confused at Zac's words, "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked him as she walked to where he was and she grabbed his arm to keep him from going anywhere at the moment.
"Figure it out yourself," Zac snapped again as he pulled his arm away from her and left the tent. If Kate couldn't figure it out than she was slower than she seemed but there was no way he was going to tell her that he knew she and Taylor had kissed and that she was keeping that from him. It was obvious she never wanted him to know anyway.
As Zac walked away Kate frowned and walked to the cot eventually where she sat down. She felt again like her marriage was falling apart just when it had gotten better and she wasn't sure what had changed seemingly overnight between them.
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Jessica who had been standing at the sink in the kitchen turned her head as she heard footsteps and she smiled when she saw Avery come in the room. "Surprised you aren't with Daryl still," she laughed knowing her sister had been with the man all day.
"I was hungry," Avery shrugged as she walked to Jessica. "Food will make you leave anyone's side."
"That is true," Jessica nodded knowing she had spent most of her day with Glenn except for when she had left him this morning and then now. He was off doing god knows what for someone since he was always the errand boy around here it seemed. "So how is your loverboy?"
Avery rolled her eyes as she looked at Jessica, "He isn't my loverboy," she clarified as she chewed on her lip. "He doesn't like me like that."
"You're wrong there," Jessica sighed as she looked down. "The night you and Taylor came here Daryl and I went out looking for Sophia," she said as she kept eye contact with Avery. "He asked me randomly if you liked Shane. He could have asked me anything but what he asked was about you and Shane. He likes you but it seems like he is like you were at first. He's in the denial stage of liking you."
After Jessica confessed what she did Avery stood there frozen as she took her sister's words in. So seeing her with Shane had affected him even if he tried to deny it. Frowning slightly she looked away from Jessica. "I think I hurt him when I slept with Shane," she said knowing she felt like shit right now.
"Nah," Jessica muttered as she walked a few steps to her sister and kissed her forehead some. "Bruised his ego more than what it was but I don't think you hurt him," she said as she shook her head and left the kitchen to go off and find Glenn. She almost felt if she was with Glenn she had less of a chance of inadvertently revealing the barn full of walkers secret to anyone.