Fuck You, Dixon! (Daryl Dixon x reader)

Chapter 74: Kindred Spirits

After Rick, Daryl and Michonne had left to meet with Andrea, there wasn't much else to do but to wait for their return. Luckily, there were a few chores here and there to do to keep me occupied whilst they were gone, but it wasn't anything exciting, still though, I'd do just about anything to distract myself from my worries.

The first thing I did once the three of them left was to check in on the kids and Beth. I knew they were alright, but I'm sure they must've been a little worried, as no-one had told them what was going on. That, and I'm sure Carl was worried about his father leaving.

In my opinion, I didn't agree with keeping the kids in the dark about all this. I understood Rick and the others wanted to protect them, but sheltering them would do more harm than good, not to mention, if we shelter them from conflict, they'll only be confused and scared when the time does come that they witness it. And let's say this does end in war, if they don't know what's going on or how to protect themselves...

I knocked on the cell door that the kids, as well as Beth, were sitting and playing in.
"Can I come in?" I announced.
The moment the three of them looked up and saw me, smiles graced their faces.

Beth was sat on a chair in the corner, cradling and looking after Judith, whilst also watching over the younger kids. As for Sophia and Carl, they were both reading a couple comics on the prison bed.

Beth gave me a warm smile and started to raise from her seat.
"Of course, let me move so you can have my seat."
I held my hand out to her and shook my head as I leaned against the doorway.
"No, no, stay in your seat, its alright. I just want to check up on you all."
Carl frowned.
"You're not going to stay?"
I chuckled at him.
"I have things to do, little man. We can play another time."
He grumbled, though it sounded more cute to me than annoyed.
"Carl, Y/n's busy. She can't always stop by to play." Beth said gently.
"I want to learn more traps, not play." Carl argued.
Sophia pouted.
"But we miss her..."
I gave them both a soft smile.
"I'll visit more often, I promise. I've just been a bit busy."
Carl's and Sophia's ears perked up.
"Really?" They both asked.
"Mhm."
I looked to Beth.
"I'll give you some more archery lessons soon too. I've just had my hands full."
Her eyes twinkled with excitement, but then she frowned.
"But what about Judith? I need to look after her.."
I tilted my head in thought, then smiled.
"I know the perfect person to babysit."
"Really?"
"Mhm."
The two kids pouted.
"Not fair! What about us?" Carl said.
"I want to spend time with you too.." Sophia said.
I smiled.
"We will, I promise. We can play more often."
"Playing is for kids. I'm not a kid." Carl said sternly.
He crossed his arms.
"There's no time for kid stuff anymore."
I frowned.
"Who told you that?"
He was silent for a second.
"Dad did."

I went silent and hummed in thought.

I'm sure Rick meant well, he loves Carl dearly afterall, and I know he's just making sure Carl can protect himself, but...no kid stuff? I know kids have to grow up faster in this world, but....I don't know, I just don't agree with it.

Perhaps that's hypocritical of me, since I didn't agree about keeping them in the dark to protect them, but...there's a difference between protection and forcing them to grow up so fast. They can still protect themselves whilst having the freedom to still be a kid, and we're in a safe enough space, for now anyway.

Now that I think about it...the kids don't actually have any toys, or things to keep them entertained. Sophia only had her doll that I had found her with all that time ago, and Carl only had the comics I had found for him too, not to mention he only ever read them in secret. Not even Judith had anything to play with! Though, I think in Judith's case, it's more because of the sound she'd make. But still, this place was safe, and even if it wasn't, we're strong enough to kill a couple walkers just so the kids can have a little time, well...being kids. Even Beth deserved some freedom to just act like a teen should.