WITH YOU | TWD

[13] BETTER DAYS

Time had passed since the events that had shaken Alexandria to its core, and life had slowly begun to find its rhythm once more. And it was a busy life to say the least.

Charlie found herself attending therapy sessions, trying to cope with the trauma of past. With each session, she felt better and better - thanks to Denise. She prescribed her some pills, what Charlie started calling happy pills, so it wouldn't seem so serious. As the therapy was slowly showing progress, she still refused to practice some task given to her by the doctor.

In the meantime, Charlie also took it upon herself to train Andy in the art of self-defense, determined to help him with the skills he needed to protect himself and others. Hours of training made him more sturdy and he gained some muscles, changing his appearance. He didn't look as sickly as he did when she met him.

The morning sun was climbing higher in the sky, casting long shadows that danced across the ground. Sweat glistened on Andy's brow, and his movements were sluggish, lacking the sharpness and speed that Charlie knew he was capable of.

"Come on, Andy!" Charlie shouted, her patience wearing thin. "You're moving too slow! You need to be quicker, more focused!"

Andy grumbled under his breath, wiping sweat from his face with the back of his hand. "I'm trying!"

"That's no excuse. If you're going to survive out here, you need to be faster. Again!"

He sighed but complied, his movements still too slow for her liking. Frustration bubbled up inside her, and she couldn't hold back any longer. "Do you even want to learn how to defend yourself?" she snapped, stepping closer to him. "Because right now, it looks like you're just going through the motions."

Andy's eyes flashed with annoyance, and he straightened up, meeting her gaze head-on. "I'm doing the best I can. Maybe if you weren't such a drill sergeant, I'd actually improve."

Charlie raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Oh, is that right? Maybe if you weren't such a slacker, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"A slacker, huh? Big talk from someone who used to skip out on chores."

"Yeah, well, I had better things to do than mop floors. Like saving your ass from walkers."

Andy chuckled, the tension between them easing. "Okay, point taken. But seriously, Charlie, I am trying. Just... maybe cut me some slack?"

Charlie sighed, her expression softening. "Alright, alright. I'll try to be less of a drill sergeant. But you've got to promise me you'll give it your all."

Andy nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Deal. Let's go again."

Charlie stepped back, watching as Andy moved through the drills with renewed effort. His movements were still not perfect, but there was a noticeable improvement, and Charlie felt a flicker of pride.

"Better," she called out, her tone more encouraging this time. "Keep it up, and you'll be a pro in no time."

Andy shot her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Charlie. I know I give you a hard time, but I do appreciate it."

Charlie waved off his thanks, a playful glint in her eyes. "Don't get too mushy on me now. We've got work to do."

As they continued their training, the playful bickering between them became a familiar rhythm, a reminder of the bond they shared and the strength they drew from each other in this harsh, unforgiving world.

Amidst this chaos of their daily lives, Charlie found her solace in Daryl. Their connection deepened with each passing day, and their relations never were better. Every free moment they had, they spent together, what slowly turned into an unofficial relationship. Something shared just between the two of them.