Home Is Your Heartbeat ('Home Is' Book Two - Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 81 - The Speed Of Pain (Marilyn Manson)

NATE

"Whoa!  Awkward....much?"  I whispered to Carol after we entered the auditorium.

It's packed to the rafters with all the main players from the Kingdom, Hilltop and Alexandria. They've gathered here to walk through whatever final plans are going to be put in place.

Because we're taking our dealings with the Saviors to the next level....tomorrow.

The hubbub swirled on, but a couple of people turned around to see who'd rocked up late. And she gave a tiny, horrified grin (grimace rather)....back at me.

My poor Juliet.

She doesn't have to ponder on 'Where for art thou' her Romeo's are!  😏

***

The morning after the Saviors second major salvo against us?

Our return walk back to the Kingdom took a little bit longer. And this time, I tracked our route on a map I'd swiped from Deanna's study.

I knew the estate of Alexandria wasn't actually in  its namesake city. But I was astonished to realise just how close the Kingdom is to the heart of D.C!

And that brought on a little frisson of excitement I certainly wasn't expecting. Especially given the events of the previous twenty-four hours.

Leo and I had spent nearly two weeks exploring the city. And....rewind!

Leo and I had spent nearly two weeks in  the city.

I  explored. Got myself happily lost in the myriad of museums and galleries. Whereas Leo lost himself in little bars or cafes. Or shopping in his beloved antique and designer clothing stores.

Ok! I'll admit it. In between being a tourist? I'd hit up a few stores of my own.

I wonder if I'll ever get a chance to show Dixon? One special little ensemble that I've managed to keep in my possession all this time.

Focus, Derpa!

When this is all over, maybe we can start venturing in? There are all sorts of old pioneering things on display there that we can put to really good use now.

Eugene and I might....Oh....  ☹️

Kept it together somehow. When Daryl told the rest of us about my bud's little speech....and his defection.

I flatly refuse to let myself believe it, though. Have to hold onto a thread of hope that he's simply playing them like I had?

But I could tell that Dixon was only buying time....and a bigger bad was coming for all of us.

Hate it even more now when I'm right  🥺

What Maggie and I needed to do will stay with us forever. Bringing home for the last time someone we both love so much. Bringing Sasha home, I mean. By giving her a final death.

And I silently hope against hope. That we won't have to do it again in the future?

Jorge and Leo returned to their old home for the night to give us some privacy. Took the Mutt with them.

I had what I pray will be my last big sobby fit over losing Sash. While Dixon held and rocked me for ages.

Another very  doubtful hope.

My Sasha....my beautiful brave Sasha....

Dixon disappeared for quite a while once I managed to convince him that I'd be fine. Promised to eat something and try to sleep. It was the early hours of the morning when I felt the mattress dip.