Cowboy

43) Judith

The group stood in the cell block of the prison. Alicia was leaning against the wall, Judith sleeping soundly in her arms. Carl was standing right beside her, smiling whenever his little sister yawned.

Rick placed in gun back inside the armory. "Fields filled with walkers. I didn't see any snipers but we'll keep Maggie on watch."

Daryl walked down the stairs, walking towards Alicia. "I'll get up in the guard tower.  Take out half them walkers, give them guys a chance to fix the fence." He suggested.

"Or use some of the cars to put the bus in place." Michonne added.

"We can't access the feild." Hershel sighed.

Alicia nodded. "Yeah, not without burning the a shit ton of bullets we won't." She agreed.

"So we're trapped in here." Glenn sighed. "There's barely any food or amo."

Alicia watched as Daryl chewed on his finger nails. "Been here before. We'll be alright."

"That's when it was just us. Before there was a snake in the nest."

Alicia grimaced as Daryl's demeanor changed. He turned towards Glenn, his eyes darkening. "Man we gonna go through this again? Merle's staying here. He's with us now." He glanced at Alicia before looking back to Glenn. "Get used to it."

"Hey." Rick said gently.

"All yall." He walked away, shaking his head as he went.

Alicia sighed, repositioning the baby in her arms. "I'll go talk to him."

"No." Rick shook his head. "We need your opinion on this matter."

Glenn shook his head. "Seriously Rick. I don't think Merle living her is really gonna fly."

"I can't kick him out." Rick snapped.

Glenn got in his face. "I would ask you to live with Shane after he tried to kill you!"

"Glenn." Alicia said sternly, shaking her head. He nodded, taking the message to calm down.

"Merle has military experience." Hershel spoke. "He may be erratic... but don't underestimate his loyalty to his brother." He looked at Alicia. "We have a newborn baby and Alicia is pregnant. Even if Merle doesn't like her... she's carrying his brothers child. We can use that to keep him on our side."

Glenn shook his head, still not convinced. "What if we take care of both problems at once? Deliver Merle to the governor. Bargaining chip. Give him his traitor, maybe declare a truce."

Alicia raised her eyebrows. "You men do whatever you think is best. I just know that Daryl's not gonna be happy with any plan that involves giving up his brother." She looked at Rick. "I have to stick behind Daryl."

Glenn scoffed. "You're gonna stand behind him after he left you?"

Alicia nodded. "He came back. You didn't hear his apology. He won't leave me again."

Rick put his hand on her shoulder. "I understand." He nodded. "You have to stand behind the person you love. I respect that."

—————

Alicia walked into her and Daryl's cell, Judith still snuggled in her arms. Just as she entered, Carol was walking out.

They shared a smile, before Alicia continued into the cell. "Hey." Carol called to her.

Alicia turned to look at her, furrowing her brows as she motioned her away from the cell. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"Nothing." She smiled. "I just wanted to know what you thought of this?" She pulled a tiny onesie from her pocket. It unfolded as she hung it in the air.

"That's adorable!" Alicia laughed, taking the onesie from Carol. It was pink and blue, perfect for whatever gender the baby ended up being.

Alicia pulled the older woman into a side hug, carful not to squish Judith. "I love it, thank you."

"You're welcome." Carol chuckled. She looked over to the cell that Daryl sat in. "He's in there brooding." She rolled her eyes.

Alicia laughed. "Thanks for the warning."

She walked back into their cell. Daryl moved his legs so she could sit down, throwing her own legs over his lap.

She leaned back against the wall, pressing a kiss to Judith's forehead. "She's adorable isn't she?"

Daryl nodded. "You sure we can handle one of these on our own?"

Alicia scoffed. "Please, we're gonna be great parents."

The couple looked at each other before laughing. Daryl shook his head. "Who lied to you?"

She smacked his arm. "Oh come on, we'll be fine. We handle Judith pretty well."

"Yeah but we don't have to change her diapers. That's all Rick." He chuckled.

Alicia nodded. "That's true."

She held the now awake Judith up in the air, smiling as she giggled. "You're not so difficult are you?" She asked in a baby voice. "Daryl doesn't know what he talking about."

He rolled his eyes, laying his head back on the pillow. "Shut up."

Alicia tutted to the giggling Judith. "He's just a grumpy old man. Yeah, he's just being mean."

Daryl's head popped up, looking at Alicia like she was crazy. "Old man? Who you calling an old man?"

"You." She shrugged.

"I am 43." He scoffed.

Alicia's eyes widened. "Damn! I didn't realize I had a sugar daddy."

Daryl's mouth fell open. "I know you didn't."

Alicia began to laugh. "I did."

He shook his head, throwing a pillow at his face. Alicia feigned shock. "Unbelievable." She scoffed. She turned Judith around to face him. "Say no no." She laughed, waving Judith's hand.

The baby laughed, making random sounds at Daryl. "She thought it was funny." He grunted.

"I'm on Ali's side." Beth said, leaning in the doorway. She walked to Alicia, outstretching her arms. "My turn."

Alicia chuckled, handing Judith over. "Watch out. She's in a fighting kinda mood." She warned Beth as she walked out, laughing.

Alicia watched her leave with Judith, not realizing Daryl, who was making himself comfortable on her chest.

"What are you doing?" She asked, looking down.

He looked up at her, a grin stretching across his face. "Taking a nap."

Alicia shook her head as Daryl snuggled into her, placing his hand on her stomach.

"I love you, Daryl Dixon."

"I love you too, Ali." He breathed.