Shadows

1) Fresh Start

Alicia was practically ripping her hair out. They had been gone way too long. Rick had taken them out yesterday to 'take care' of the saviors, and Alicia hadn't slept all night, waiting for their return.

She should've gone, and she was beginning to curse Daryl in her head for making her stay behind.

Of course... he did have a good reason for making her stay behind. After all, how much fighting can you do when you've just found out you're pregnant?

The sound of the door opening startled her, but before the man walking inside could process finally being home, Alicia was jumping into his arms.

"I was so fucking worried." She breathed against his neck. "You were gone a hell of a lot longer than you said you would be."

He nodded, holding onto her as tight as he could. "We had some problems after we killed them."

She pulled away, placing her feet back in the ground. "What happened?"

Daryl sighed. "Some women and one man... they took Carol and Maggie. They're alright now, just shaken up."

Alicia nodded, cupping his face in her hand. "I'm glad you're home."

"Me too." He leaned down, kissing her. "I love you."

"I love you too." She breathed.

"Where's Jordi?" He asked, looking over his wife's shoulder.

"She's in her play pen." They walked into their daughter's room, hand in hand. The now one year old smiled up at her father.

She made a few incoherent noises before managing a small "da-da"

Alicia chuckled. "That's all she ever says."

Daryl smiled, picking her up. "Of course it is. I'm obviously the favorite parent."

"Yeah, I only carried the little shit for nine months and had her in a prison cell."

He shook his head as he laughed at Alicia. "And I'm sure she appreciated all of that... but I'm still better." He stuck out his tongue.

Alicia laughed as their daughter copied him. "Sure you are."

He just chuckled before placing Jordan on his hip, and using his free arm to pull Alicia into his side. "How's the baby treating you?"

She sighed, placing her hands over her stomach. "Well... seeing as though they're the size of a literal grape... there's not too much action."

"Yes ma'am."
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"Babe! Have you seen-" Alicia cut herself off when she walked into the bedroom. She leaned against the doorway, smiling at what she saw.

Daryl was asleep with Jordan in the crook of his arm, also asleep. One of her story books was resting against his chest.

She walked over to the bed, pulling the blanket over Daryl's body, chuckling as he moved around at the warmth.

She leaned down, brushing some hair from his face before placing a kiss on his forehead. A small smile unconsciously spread on his lips as he slept.

Another nocking on the door kept her from slipping into the bed with them, and she walked to open it for the visitor.

When she opened the door she found Glenn on the other side. "Hi." He smiled.

Alicia pulled him into a hug, kissing his cheek. "Did you do it?" She asked.

He nodded. "He's dead Ali. We killed him."

She let out a long breath. "Thank God."

She and Glenn walked into the living room, sitting together on the couch. "You still haven't told Daryl?"

She sighed. "I've told him my father's name before... but I don't think he's made the connection."

Glenn scoffed. "How many people are names Negan?"

She chuckled. "Not many, but I'm not gonna question it. It's best that he doesn't know."

Glenn nodded. "Not trying to be rude Ali... but your dad is ugly as hell."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe the end of the world has taken a toll on him."

He laughed. "Maybe so. Maggie wanted to ask how the baby's doing."

She smiled. "The baby's good." She laughed. "I can't believe Maggie and I are having a baby at the same time." She looked at Glenn. "I can't believe you're gonna be a dad."

He sighed, laying his head on her shoulder. "Me either. I'm terrified."

"So was Daryl." She nodded. "But things turned out pretty ok for him. He's laying in bed, asleep with Jordi right now."

"You think it'll all be ok?" He asked.

She nodded, squeezing his hand. "I promise."