South Tree * TWD

63. How To Sit

"GLAD TO SEE you made it back safe." A voice approached the house. Lillian turned her head, looking over. It was Rick. Lillian heard the walkers that followed Rick home, she heard part of his speech but didn't bother to move from her seat on the rocking chair. She wasn't really sure what to do anymore, what to think.

She nodded in response. "You too." She mumbled. Rick stepped up onto the porch, his hands resting on his hips.

"I heard about your sister." He said softer.

"Yeah. Tragic." She mumbled, looking away. Slight sarcasm in her voice, she didn't really want to talk about it. She just wanted Colton, Glenn, Daryl, Sasha, and Abraham to walk through the gate alive and unharmed.

"It is. I'm sorry."

"She wouldn't have made it anyways. She's always been too good for this world." Lillian continued to mumble, picking at the thread of her jeans.

"What happened to her...?" Rick asked carefully.

"One of those guys invaded the house, killed her after she tried to defend herself. Stabbed her in the chest." She told him, her voice numb. "I should've been here protecting her."

Rick nodded as he looked away, before glancing back at her. "Maybe you should have. But you can't change that factor now. What's done is done. I'm glad you were out with us today, you did good. It's important to keep your head up, atleast while we push through what's happening around us—" He motioned around them. "The others will make it back, lead the group away but until then— we need to stay focus. Keep alert. We need protectors. Can you do that?"

Lillian glanced up at him and nodded. "Yeah."

"Good. We will need your help. Judith will need your help." He pointed to the house. Lillian nodded. That's how she'd help. That's how she'd make up for her mistake from today of not staying. Protecting Judith.

Rick split off, leaving Lillian alone. She still sat on the front porch, unsure of what to do even with Rick's request. They were out of direct danger, for now at least. Lillian watched as Carl walked up onto the porch, he seemed cautious as he stepped up the stairs.

"Hey." Carl said softly.

"Hey." Lillian mumbled back.

"I'm sorry 'bout..." He trailed off.

"Me too." She nodded. She watched as he stood awkwardly, he was unsure of what to say next. He didn't need to say anything though as Lillian stood up and walked over to him, standing on her toes to wrap her arms around his shoulders. His arms wrapping around her stomach.

"Glad you're okay though." He mumbled. Lillian hugged him a little tighter, she could feel her heartbeat in her fingers as she leaned away from the hug, looking at Carl's face. She felt an urge, something she'd never felt before. Something she felt like she needed to do given all of the factors of their situation. She carefully pressed her lips against Carl's. The kiss lasted a couple of seconds before she pulled back to look at Carl. She felt her cheeks burn, his cheeks slightly tinted as he looked at her confused.

"I need to know. No more I don't knows, no more maybes, no more loops. I want to know if you like me or not." She told him, her voice stern but quiet.

"I—" Carl started but was interrupted by another voice.

"Woah. That is new." Both of them turned, jumping away from each other as they faced Mikey. "Listen, Carl. I heard Lilli say she was a fag. I'm pretty sure her sister was one too, the way she was close with this one other girl... what was her name—" Before Mikey could finish, Lillian basically jumped off the porch as she balled her fist, sending it flying into Mikey's face causing him a groan and reAch for her eye as he hunched.