Unbreakable threads

Chaper One hundred and three: Dont leave me.

As Rick and Alyssa continued their patrol, their identical walks in perfect sync, Rick noticed the subtle glances from the older women of the community. It wasn't just him they were eyeing—Alyssa was drawing attention too.

Rick chuckled softly under his breath, nudging Alyssa. "Looks like we're gaining admirers," he teased.

Alyssa glanced at the women, her trademark sarcastic grin spreading across her face. Without missing a beat, she made a bold, suggestive gesture—putting her two middle fingers to her mouth and sticking her tongue through them.

Rick nearly tripped over his own feet, his eyes widening in shock. "Alyssa!" he hissed, his voice a mix of scolding and disbelief.

"What?" Alyssa said, feigning innocence but grinning wickedly. "I'm just being polite. Returning the energy."

Rick pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to suppress the urge to laugh. "You can't... You're a deputy now, Alyssa. Try to act the part."

"Relax, Officer Grimes," she drawled, her grin widening. "They love it. Bet it'll give 'em something to talk about over their tea."

Rick shook his head, muttering under his breath, "God help me," but he couldn't completely hide the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

As they continued down the street, the older women were left whispering and giggling behind their hands, and Alyssa just walked on, her swagger intact, her sarcasm sharper than ever.

Alyssa turned over her shoulder with a wicked grin, gesturing to the handcuffs hanging on her belt.

"I got handcuffs now, ladies!" she shouted, her voice carrying through the quiet street.

The group of older women burst into laughter, their faces flushed as they whispered among themselves, thoroughly entertained by her antics.

Rick groaned audibly, pinching the bridge of his nose again. "Alyssa..."

"What?" she said, spinning back around and shrugging nonchalantly. "Just letting them know I'm available for...community service."

Rick glared at her, though the corners of his mouth betrayed a faint smile. "You're gonna get yourself into trouble one of these days, you know that?"

"Eh," she replied, smirking. "Trouble keeps things interesting."

Rick shook his head as they continued walking, his exasperation mixed with a hint of amusement. The street was quiet again, except for the faint giggling echoing behind them.

As Alyssa Rick  rounded the corner, they spotted Noah, Eugene, Glenn, Nicholas, Tara, and Aidan gathering supplies and preparing to head out. Glenn was standing with Maggie, kissing her goodbye while she gave him a concerned but supportive look. Noah glanced over and spotted Alyssa, his expression softening. Alyssa caught the look and decided to walk over, Rick  following closely behind.

"You guys heading out for a run?" Alyssa asked, her tone casual but her eyes scanning the group and their supplies.

Noah nodded. "Yeah. There's a warehouse about five miles out—Eugene says it should have what we need to fix the solar panels."

"Should have," Eugene interjected, adjusting his backpack. "Statistically speaking, it's the most logical location within the designated radius."

Alyssa smirked faintly. "Logical, huh? That's comforting."

Glenn chuckled, securing his knife on his belt. "Don't worry, we've got this. Just a basic supply run. Get in, grab what we need, and get out."

Nicholas chimed in, his tone more eager than cautious. "It's a good opportunity to test how well everyone works together. Especially after last time."