The Apocalypse Witch || Daryl Dixon

Bonding with Shane Walsh

Anastasia was someone who was extremely observant and despite her outgoing personality, she was often found sitting by herself, watching those around her. She saw how the Dixon brothers were often used for protection and a means to eat due to their hunting skills and yet, weren't appreciated the way they deserved. She saw the adorable looks exchanged between Carl and Sofia, and though they are young, they found a love that they could understand to the best of their ability.

However, one thing she noticed more than others was the heartbroken and longing looks Shane Walsh would send Lori whenever she was with her husband. Ana had her fair share of heartbreaks throughout her thousand years of living, though she felt as though they weren't as intense as others had experienced but decided not to complain because she knew how painful it could be whilst seeing her friends go through it. Truth be told, she was rather fond of both Shane and Rick, but she did feel on edge whenever she noticed the crazed look in Shane's eyes.

So, being the woman that she was, she decided to take Shane on a run for some supplies, not that it was really needed but she felt as though the man deserved a break. The man was confused by the offer at first but relented when she explained she needed some personal items, which was a complete lie but thought perhaps the other women in the group would appreciate it nonetheless.

"Are ye sure ye wanna go with him?" Merle asked in concern, glancing towards the man who was packing up one of the cars with weapons. Daryl stood beside his brother, biting on his thumbnail as he looked down at her, a look of worry and a hint of frustration. Ana couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her face at their concern, she found it adorable but knew whatever happened, she wouldn't be hurt.

"I'll be fine, he's harmless" she waved off their concern, receiving a look that showed they did not believe her but they knew she could take care of herself, even if they didn't like her not being in their sight.

"Be careful" Daryl mumbled, making her smile widen.

"Of course, sweetheart" She responded, placing a kiss on his cheek and doing the same to his older brother, making a blush form on their faces.

"Ana? You ready?" Shane called out, gaining her attention.

"Behave you two" She teased, making Merle chuckle whilst his younger brother simply grunted in response. She approached the man who was standing by the driver's side door, a smile on her face and nodded, indicating that she was ready.

"So, why did you want me to come with ya?" Shane asked as they drove through the abandoned streets. Ana turned to look at the man with a raised eyebrow, noticing the anxious look on his face.

"You've been stressed lately, it's understandable of course but with taking care of the group and sending those puppy dog eyes at Lori, it must be tiring" His head snapped towards her with wide eyes, taking glances at the road for safety but remained shocked that she had noticed.

"How?" He mumbled, turning his attention back on the road to avoid her gaze. She smiled sympathetically and turned her body slightly to face him.

"Shane, you aren't exactly discreet about it, plus I'm rather observant.  I'm going to give you some friendly advice and I hope you take it" He looked at her for a moment before nodding slightly.

"You're a great man and could be an excellent leader, but having to look after a group in these circumstances are fucking stressful and it's okay to share the responsibility. From what I've heard, you and Rick made great partners before this happened and I don't see why it cannot happen again. I understand you're in love with Lori and you both had something going on before Rick returned but Shane... They're a family and during these horrible times, that is something to be proud of. Tell me, were you in love with her before this started?" She could tell Shane was listening intensely to her words and he shook his head rapidly at her question.