rag doll | TWD

[29] too far gone

runaway --- bon jovi 

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[POV]

The medicine had worked. Those who had been sick were improving hour by hour.

JJ had returned to her usual cell, sitting on the second story and watching the occasional activity below.

Rick came up to her, glancing over as he approached. "You're looking better."

She lifted her head from the metal bar she was resting her forehead against and gave her brother a tired smile. 

"Especially since you looked like shit just last night." 

Her face fell to a deadpan, "Thank you so much, Rick."

Rick chuckled as he settled next to her. 

JJ looked back down to floor below, reminding her brother, "You never told me about what happened with Carol."

Rick glanced around, his expression uncomfortable as he bit his lip. "Had to send her away. She didn't even show any remorse for what she did. Thought she was in the right." He sighed, "Would you have sent her away?"

"I don't know," JJ shrugged, her eyes weary. "I'm just glad I didn't have to make that call."

"Yeah." Rick nodded.

"How'd Daryl take it?" JJ's eyes narrowed as she noticed Rick's hesitation.

Rick met her eyes, "I haven't told him yet."

"Rick," JJ said, a hint of frustration in her voice, "He's gonna flip his shit when he finds out. Especially if it's anyone but you telling him."

Her brother glanced to her, suggesting, "I was hoping you could break the news."

JJ scoffed, a wry grin spreading across her face. "Yeah, no thanks. I'd rather watch that shit show from a safe distance."

She noticed Daryl approaching, his gaze steady and focused. "And here's your opportunity," JJ said, giving Rick's shoulder a light pat before using the metal railing to pull herself up from the ground.

JJ greeted Daryl with a warm smile. "Hey."

"Hey," Daryl replied, his tone softening. "Can we, uh, talk?"

The blonde seemed momentarily thrown off. "Talk? Yeah, we can, for sure... uh, talk."

Rick cleared his throat, a reminder of his urgent need to discuss something.

JJ turned back to her brother with a sigh. "But I think Rick needs to talk to you first." Her eyes met Daryl's, "Find me after?"

Daryl nodded, and JJ slowly made her way down the stairs, still feeling the effects of her recent illness.

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[JJ]

The sun felt indescribable against my skin as I sat on the steps outside, soaking in the fresh air and the warm Georgia sun. I could have easily drifted off to sleep right there, despite the uncomfortable concrete stairs scraping the back of my legs. 

But the peace didn't last long.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by the unmistakable sounds of chaos. We'd been hit.

I scrambled behind one of the side buildings near the courtyard, my heart racing as I took cover. The sudden rush of adrenaline made my senses sharpen, and I could hear the distant shouts and gunfire. Maggie, Beth, Sasha, Bob, and Carl quickly joined me, their expressions taut with fear.

Tyreese, Daryl, and Rick weren't far behind as they ran to meet us in the courtyard. 

Rick waved his arms at us, "Get back!" He shouted.