VILLAINESS [TWD]

➴27

Ellie and Maggie walked out of the house with interlocked arms, smiles, and laughter.

Ellie had never felt this close to Maggie. She was growing to love the change up, though.

"Hey, you two," Glenn greets as he and Noah walk over.

Ellie was hesitant around Glenn, still. Not just hecause she now looked at him as a stepfather- her mom's husband.. but, because she wasn't over the Tara ordeal.

"Hey," Maggie returns. "We were heading to the party."

"Yeah, us, too. Had to talk this guy inti it," Glenn teases Noah.

"Same here," Maggie laughs. She turns a bit more serious as the four fall into step. "Everything go okay today?"

"He's getting there," Glenn sighs.

"If that's what you wanna call it," Noah scoffs.

"What?" Ellie finds her voice.

"Run crew," Noah pauses walking to fall beside Ellie and continue to the party. "Aiden and Nicholas- some dudes on the team, are assholes."

"Deanna's sons?"

"Yeah. Glenn knocked Aiden on his ass yesterday. It was wicked."

"It was not. He swung first and I just did what I had to. I didn't-" Glenn tries to defend his actions.

"Come on! You were like a superhero! All I could do was stand on the side and mean mug 'em."

Ellie was planning on reporting everything back to Rick first.. Maybe Glenn needed the information more, though.

"Did you go on a run with them?" she wonders.

"No, not yet," Glenn answers, surprised that the girl was speaking to him to begin with. "Why? Something you need?"

Ellie nibbles at her bittom lip as the house containing a party comes into view.

"I met some people today. They're dad was like you. He went on runs before coming here and got used to it. He joined the run crew to earn their keep and.."

Ellie pauses, her steps slowing.

"Ellie?" Maggie questions.

"It's just.. his first run with Aiden and Nicholas.. he died."

Maggie looks at Glenn. Concern in her eyes. Glenn smiles reassuringly. Another part of him feels excited. Was Ellie trying to look out for him? Were they getting back on track?

"We'll keep our guards up," Glenn promises.

"And if anything happens, Glenn can just knock 'em out again," Noah adds.

They finally reach the stairs of the house and they pause in hesitation. Glenn takes the first step up, looking back to Maggie. Maggie feels his strength wear off on her and steps up. She doesn't force Ellie along, but she gives a gentle tug to coaxe her.

Ellie looks up at Noah who was staring at the door like it was a new danger. With a smile, Ellie uses her free hand to slide into Noah's. He takes a deep breath and squeezes her hand back. The four walk into the house together.

Ellie and Noah were both iffy about the whole thing. But, they were trying to be strong for each other and Maggie found that adorable.

Noah had really become one of the family. Beth decided it when she got close to him. Maggie was happy that the loss of their mutual connection didn't hinder their own relationship. If anything, it got them closer.

Noah had two younger siblings. He lost both. Ellie lost Beth. In a way, they got closer as the other helped fill the void left behind by passed family members.