midnight rain | daryl dixon

chapter 15: the homecoming.

Triggers: nothing major! Ali and Daryl are getting closer and its quite cute!

-

Everyone relaxed more and slept a little better than the night before, Alison included. Whether it was the long walk for supplies or the constant worry for her sister, she was utterly exhausted. Although her sleep was entirely dreamless, it was better than nothing and she was enjoying the rest until she was roughly woken.

"C'mon, we've gotta go" Daryl said in a hushed, but urgent tone, grabbing her arm to help her up.

Alison opened her eyes, slowly standing up and grabbing her belongings as she heard the groans of the dead from the distance "Is it the same herd?" She asked, slinging her bow over her shoulder and grabbing her bag as she headed out, along with the rest of the group.

"Don't know, T-Dog spotted them, just torn through the house two down from this one, so we gotta leave" Daryl insisted as they reached the door, everyone looked exhausted but urgently got into their vehicles and left, heading into the woods where it seemed clear before stopping and regrouping.

Rick looked beyond stressed, it was the middle of the night and they were all out in the open with limited ammunition and limited resources.

"We can't stay out here like this, we're sitting ducks," Carol pleaded.

Rick paced as everyone threw around suggestions, some saying they should stay where they were, Beth suggested they go back to the farm to see if anything was salvageable while Lori continued to panic and Carl stated that he was scared.

"Look, I don't know, okay? I don't know, so if anyone has a suggestion or somethin', now is the time" Rick stated plainly.

Alison contemplated if she should say anything, although she had grown to care a lot for the members of the group, she was still unsure about Rick's leadership methods. However, she knew what she had to do, it would be unfair to withhold information that could help a pregnant woman and a child so she spoke up.

"I know somewhere." Alison stated "It's about 20 miles from here, but it's big. Lotta land, and the front is gated." Ali continued, looking over at Rick. William, who was standing beside his sister, knew exactly what she meant, although he knew it was safe there was a part of him that wanted to keep it to themselves.

"Okay, give Daryl the directions and you two can lead the way, the rest of us will follow" Rick replied without question, so they did just that. Everyone once again set off onto the road behind Daryl and Alison. They drove for a short while, before coming to a secluded area, driving down a long driveway before they reached a set of metal gates.

Everyone got out of the cars "We need a crowbar or somethin'" Daryl suggested, trying to think how they could break open the gates "Unless anyone knows how to pick a lock".

The group looked around for suggestions, as Alison reached into her bag and produced a set of keys "Not necessary" She stated, moving forward to unlock the gate. The group looked at her, surprised that she would have the keys to a property this size.

"Wait, how do you know about this place, and more importantly - how do you have a key?" Rick asked, not recognising the property in the dark.

Ali sighed deeply "Well, because technically, we own it." She stated, looking over at her brother solemnly.

T-Dog arched his brow "Wait, you knew about this place the whole time and just what, forgot to mention it?" He asked, clearly annoyed.

William shrugged, "With all due respect, we don't owe you anything." He stated

"I wasn't even sure that this place wouldn't be overrun as well" Alison continued on behalf of her brother.

Rick opened his mouth as if to reply and argue further before Lori stepped in "We are grateful, Alison. Thank you." She said with a cornered smile, gesturing for Ali to open the gates - so she did and the group were met with the biggest house most of them had ever seen.