𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 , the walking dead

[25] the mushrooms

THE MUSHROOMS
40 days later
———

MAEVE WAS ON WATCH DUTY, she had been all morning and she could tell her shift was coming to an end soon. Although she hated mornings and would rather be asleep, she enjoyed the peacefulness that it came with. Not many people were awake when she would start and then slowly people would rise. People would rotate bringing food to her, this morning Kai did it. Stayed with her for a minute before getting back to his own work and chores he had to do. After that she would enjoy her own presence.

When she heard someone climbing up the later, she first assumed that it was Abraham coming to relieve her of her duty. But to her surprise Rick popped up, stepping onto the platform and giving her a thin smile before looking out at the roads beyond the wall.

The first thought that crossed her mind was that he would send her out on another run, which seemed to be happening more frequently. Her days would rotate between spending a few days out on a supply run, then being here for a week doing morning watch duty. She still had a few more days until she has to go back out.

"Ya settling in ok?" Rick asked, a friendly tone to his voice but it was unknown to her that that was what it was.

Although Maeve found the question odd coming from him, she still answered. "Yeah, still tryna get used to having a warm bed to sleep in every night."

Rick let out a chuckle, a quick slightly awkward chuckle, "Yeah. I get that."

After that, a thick silence fell between them. The two just stood beside each other staring off at the sickened world beyond.

"Your brothers seem to be doing good." Rick said softer, his hands on his hips as he turned back to look. Maeve followed his gaze.

Back in the walls of Alexandria, Louis could be seen gardening with Rory and Maggie on the crops, Kai was inside the infirmary with Denise and he had his head in a large book.

"Kai is brilliant, saved Carl's life. Good kid." He stared what Maeve already knew, then turned to her, "You did good raising him."

The words shocked Maeve a bit, unsure how Rick would know that she was the one to raise him. But then she came to the conclusion that Rory told him, as she had told him everything about Maeve's life apparently. A small anger built up in Maeve, something she wasn't going to express to Rick.

"All the good parts of him came from Louis." Maeve replied.

"All the strongest parts of him came from you." Rick corrected for her, Maeve thought that was a big compliment especially coming from Rick, "You're an excellent fighter and have been a real big help to me."

Maeve would agree on that, she's done about everything and anything he asked. She's gone on runs for him, brought back more food than anyone here that she hunted—expect for Daryl who happens to be a better hunter than her. One of her and Daryl's many 'friendly' arguments they like to have. She likes to blame it on the new bow she has, the one Daryl found for her, says it is not as good. Although Daryl's been using some old ass gross boy that barely works, seeing as his was stolen.

"Alexandria is lucky to have you." Rick stated, putting a appreciative hand on her shoulder as he finished with saying, "I'm proud of you."

Maeve gasped slightly at his words, having never heard the words 'i'm proud of you' said to her. Never from anyone. It felt like a stab in her heart, a sharp pain like a knife but much sweeter. Something addictive about it.