million dollar man | twd

ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴍᴏᴠɪɴɢ

[ keep moving ]
꧁꧂

The farm had been their last semblance of stability, a place where they had found some measure of safety. But now, it was gone, overrun by walkers in a chaotic blur of fear and fire.

It had been several months since they had been forced to leave the farm. The nights were the hardest, filled with the haunting memories of what they had lost. But they had to keep moving, keep surviving.

Vanessa found herself standing watch with Daryl more often than not. Despite their frequent bickering, an unexpected friendship had developed between them. He was rough around the edges, but she appreciated his no-nonsense approach to things. Plus, he had her back, even if he pretended not to care.

Tonight was no different. They had set up camp in a small clearing, the group huddled around the faint glow of a campfire, trying to find warmth and a fleeting sense of normalcy. Vanessa sat with her back against a tree, her eyes scanning the darkness while Daryl was supposed to be resting.

"Hey," Daryl muttered as he approached her, his crossbow slung over his shoulder. "Thought I told you to wake me when it was my turn."

Vanessa shrugged, a faint smile on her lips. "You looked like you needed the sleep."

"Don't need you playing hero," he grumbled, but there was no real heat in his words. He settled down next to her, glancing around the camp to ensure everyone was safe.

"I wasn't," she replied softly. "Just... couldn't sleep."

Daryl huffed, but didn't push further. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the crackling of the fire the only sound between them.

Across the camp, Carl was dozing off beside his mother, his head resting on her lap. Vanessa's heart ached with a bittersweet mix of joy and sadness every time she looked at him. She was grateful to be a part of her nephew's life again, to watch him grow despite the horrors of their new world. But she also regretted all the lost time and the broken promises.

Carl stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He caught Vanessa's gaze and gave her a sleepy smile. She waved at him, a gentle smile on her lips.

"He's a good kid," Daryl said quietly, surprising her. "Better off with you around."

Vanessa's smile widened a fraction. "Thanks. It means a lot, coming from you."

Daryl shrugged, looking away. "Don't get all mushy on me."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "Wouldn't dream of it."

They fell silent again, but this time, it was a companionable silence.

Even Lori and Vanessa's once strained relationship had begun to grow in their brutal time on the road. Lori was visibly far along in her pregnancy now, her steps slower, her face showing the strain of their endless trek. Vanessa watched her with a mix of concern and admiration. Lori had been a rock for Carl and Rick, and despite their strained relationship, Vanessa couldn't help but respect her resilience.