As The World Falls

Summary:

Life used to be relatively simple. We were born. We lived. We loved. We cried. We died. It was the only constant life provided for us. Relationships are form ed. Some are broken. Families thrive, while others fell apart. We took the good feelings along with the bad. Life used to have so much to offer.

Now life is not so simple. No. Now the world is much darker, filled with very little hope.

Author's Note: This story will eventually grow into a Daryl/OC. I know, there are plenty out t h ere, but I want to take my shot at it . The story is going to be a long one, many chapters, but will be broken up i n to different Parts, following the Seasons . Th is story follows my OC and her small group of friends as they come across the refugee camp. At least give it a chance and leave a review, let me kn ow what you like about the story and what you don't like about it. I am planning on keeping i t as original as I can while maintaining the original story line.

Part One
Chapter Eighteen
Reprieve

(n) 1. relief of blame, or responsibility. 2. A moment of release, or respite

"Y'have to be the worst look out I've ever seen."

Pulling my attention away from the starry sky, I glance over to see Daryl sitting next to me, a small tick of amusement along his jawline. The group had decided to stop for the night and, once again, I find myself on the roof of the RV. I can sense the desire to ask a question in Daryl's expression as he offers me a cigarette, the half-empty pack he managed to find in one of the cars along the side of the road. Taking the cigarette, I light it up and inhale a long drag, shuddering as the nicotine rush hits.

"I don't recall ever saying I come up here to play watch dog," I state, flashing him a half-smile.

Daryl's head tilts in the slightest manner, "Then...why do ya sit up here all the time?"

"The first night at the quarry, I couldn't sleep. Dale must have noticed me wandering around the camp aimlessly, because he offered for me to sit up here. The first night I sat up here and I saw the stars, I just...couldn't stop," I respond, smiling at the memory of star-gazing many years ago.

"So, what's the deal with you and stars?"

Blinking back the memory, I look over at Daryl for a brief moment before my gaze drifts back up, "Growing up, my grandfather had really been the only father-figure I knew. Once a week, for as long as I can remember, he would take me to one of the observation plots along the mountains. I kind of just...fell in love with it. He used to take trips, little vacations, since he was retired, and I wouldn't want him to go, so one day he took me out and told me that no matter where he was, no matter how far he might be, if I take the chance to gaze upon the stars, I can take the knowledge that he would be looking upon the same stars as me," I snort slightly, "Totally cheesy, but you don't really question these things when you're a kid. After awhile, it just became...a habit. After he died, it became...instinct, I suppose."

Looking over at Daryl, I offer him a small smile and a shrug, "I could tell you a few of the constellations, what's a star and what's a planet, but I actually have no desire for astronomy itself. I was horrible in Science classes."

Daryl chuckles, shaking his head, "Don't y'think keepin' an eye out fer Walkers is more important?"

"Well, I would, but as it goes to show, there's this pain-in-the-ass redneck that keeps joining me up here. I figured, he's more vigilant than I am, so let him keep watch," I snark in return, earning another husky laugh.

"Yer sumthin else, y'know that, right?"

Nodding, I can't help the small laugh that leaves my lips as he nudges the side of my arm lightly, "Oh believe me, before Walkers came to be, I was often looked at like I was 'other-worldly'. Whatever the fuck that's supposed to mean?" I retort with a shrug of my shoulder.

"I dunno what yer goin' on 'bout, but y'keep yer head in the clouds and yer gonna miss stuff like that."

Following the direction of Daryl's nonchalant point, I bite down on my bottom lip at the sight of a nervous Carl approaching Isaac and Mel. My amusement softens when the nervous boy pauses in front of them and wordlessly hands Mel a wildflower. Tilting my head, I muse over the beauty of the flower. The yellow tips along the long, thin petals seems to contrast brightly against the bold red-orange coloring the rest of the petals. I've seen this type of flower very few times before, but not enough to know its name. Seeing the bright smile stretch across my niece's face, a familiar warmth blooms within my chest as Mel launches herself off of Isaac's lap and hugs the small boy. A bright red flush spreads along Carl's cheeks when the small blonde presses a chaste kiss on his cheek, the boy obviously stuttering before sauntering back to his parents.

"Now that was adorable," I giggle, turning my attention back to Daryl.

My eyes widen when I realize I had somehow shifted closer to Daryl, my left side pressing against his right, his right arm angled behind the both of us. He seems equally as surprised and the lightest shudder crawls across my spine as the warmth of his breath brushes across my cheek. A flush floods along my cheekbones when a warm, calloused hand cups the left side of my face, a roughened thumb tracing along my lips. Feeling them part on their own accord, my breath catches in my throat when he dips his head, catching my lips with his own. The warmth wrapping around the instinctive tension along my body causes my eyes to close, a small gasp leaves me at the feel of the tip of his tongue tracing along my lips. The gasp seems to work in his favor, the tremors of my body slowly tightening as his own tongue seems to tease my own into an odd dance. My own tongue tries to follow his own back into his mouth and as my tongue pulls back, my teeth gently nips at his bottom lip.

The responding groan from him causes me to shudder, my palm pushing against his chest lightly. Getting the hint, Daryl breaks away from the kiss, his forehead resting against my own. A blush heats my cheeks as I peer into the uncharacteristically warm blue eyes. The cheeky grin I receive in response to my blush causes me to sneer playfully, shoving his shoulder back.

"Don't get cocky, backwards hick."

"Y'mean, being able to render a city-girl like ya speechless ain't a reason fer me to be cocky?" Daryl quips teasingly.

"Now you're just being a dick," I retort, feeling the tension fade from my body.

"Oh? Yer wantin' that too?"

Knowing I am not going to win this one, I shake my head and glance away. Seeing Isaac's light blue eyes blatantly staring, I bite down on the inside of my cheek. Damn. So much for keeping this budding relationship between just the two of us.

"Can we talk?"

Running a hand through my short hair, I glance up at Isaac, nodding slowly, "Sure."

"I'm sorry. I know it was wrong of me to attempt to stay behind, but...it would be wrong of me to leave Andrea behind," I glare at the name, Isaac raising his hands defensively, "Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly happy that she was about to use Amy's memory to opt out. I was insulted on Amy's behalf and wasn't thinking right."

Knowing how passionate Isaac can get, I nod slowly, patting him on his back, "I'm just glad you're okay. Sorry for punching you."

"Pft," Isaac snorts out, waving his hand dismissively, "I would've punched you if you had pulled a stunt like that." Isaac pauses, glancing over at me before looking away, "Does he treat you right?" I nod slowly, realizing what he is talking about, "Good. Just...be careful. You know how Colt reacts to you getting all...close to other people."

"Yeah, well, if Colt pulls the same shit he did with Jamie, I'm going to rip him a new asshole."

Isaac lets out a burst of laughter, clapping me along the back of my shoulder, "No doubt about that. Are you riding with Daryl?"

"Stupid motherfuckin' piece o'shit!" Isaac and I both look over to see Daryl climbing out of the beat up blue truck.

I motion for Isaac to wait before I approach the irritated Daryl. A quick observation causes me to realize the truck finally kicked the bucket. Musing over what to do, I tell Daryl to pull our bags from the bed of the truck and I turn back to the Livingston truck. Signaling for Isaac to help me pull my bike down from the truck, making more room for the additional bags.

"Ready to ride, Daryl?" I quip playfully, seeing him cock an eyebrow, I motion toward the motorcycle in the bed of his own truck, "Unless that's just all for show."

Seeing the playful glare shot in my direction, I chuckle as Isaac smacks the thin-leather, riding jacket against my chest. Slipping it on, my gloves soon following, I rev the engine of the bike. Hearing an answering rev, I glance up to see Daryl smirking at me, straddling his own bike. Knowing my bike is built for speed, where his is built for endurance, I take the helmet from Isaac and hook it under my arm.

"You do know noise attracts Walkers right?" Colt points out needlessly.

Glancing over at my brother, I hear the instigating engine rev from Daryl, "Walkers are nothing. This is a matter of pride. I'm about to wipe the fucking floor with Daryl's skull if he keeps it up." Seeing the gleam of concern in Colt's eyes, I slap the top of my helmet, "Chill out, Colt. After everything that happened yesterday, I need this freedom. Besides, think of us as a pair of scouts," Knowing Colt as well as I do, I can see the shift from civilian to soldier in his demeanor, "We'll go no further than ten miles ahead, see if there are more vehicles we can scavenge from, or maybe even shopping centers. If we come across any Walkers, Daryl and I have the quickest vehicles and the most silent weapons."

"At least let Rick know your plan," the stern instruction built into the mindset of a commanding officer.

Giving him a mocking salute, I motion for Daryl to wait as I head over to where the majority of the group are, talking and debating over where to go. The argument falls silent as Rick takes notice of my approach and the smile I receive from the group leader causes me to nod respectfully in return. His gaze takes in my helmet and leather before flicking behind me, seeing Daryl sitting on the bike and my bike waiting for me.

"You're not thinking of leaving, are you?"

Rick's question causes me to tilt my head in confusion before I realize what our situation might look like, and I shake my head, "Oh, no. Daryl's truck kind of took the proverbial shit and he doesn't want to leave Merle's bike behind. Figured we can go on ahead and get a better idea of what we're coming up to."

"On motorcycles?" Andrea's voice questions, her tone suggestion a lack of thought on my part, "I thought you didn't have a death wish."

Ignoring Andrea for the time being, I bow my head briefly to Rick, "Our bikes can maneuver easily and quickly, far faster than any Walker can react to, and our weapons are the quietest. They won't know what hit them until they're dead..." I pause, morbidly amused, "again. I already told Colt we won't go any further than ten miles up the road, see if we can find buildings to hold up in during the night."

"That's...actually a very good idea," Rick states, most likely surprised that we hadn't come up with this idea before hand, "Just try to stay safe. Don't do anything reckless."

Amused, I let out a small laugh, clapping Rick on the shoulder, "Me? Reckless? You're sense of humor kills me every time." Rick snorts with amusement and I step back away from the group, my gaze settling on Andrea, "And if I were you, I wouldn't make comments about death wishes. I nearly lost an important member of my family because of your irrational behavior."

"Irrational? So sorry you didn't have to kill your own flesh and blood," Andrea snarks, my words obviously hitting a sensitive nerve.

"No. I just had to kill the only person outside of my family that understands me better than myself half the time," I shoot back, my tone curt and my irritation mounting as the realization flickers in her gaze, "and Isaac practically witnessed our family dying, probably by his own hand. If you want to insult the memory of your sister's life by throwing away your own, so be it, but don't drag my family down with you, you dumb bitch."

Not allowing her the chance of responding, I give Rick a mocking salute before turning on point and stalking back to my bike. Slipping the helmet over my head, more out of habit than need, I straddle my bike, revving the engine to grab Daryl's attention. Pulling him from a silent conversation with Isaac, I earn a nod in return before I pull up the kickstand and hit the throttle.

"Eat my dust, bitch!" I call out to Daryl as I speed off, my hand slapping the visor down.

Hearing the rumble of the engine behind my, I smirk inwardly. The dangerously fast speed and long stretch of barren road allows my tension to fade.

Sorry for the rather long time between updates. I'm afraid I've become terribly sick and can hardly breathe half the time without feeling like I'm about to lose a lung. Thanks for reading and I hope you guys enjoy it. Although, I do have to give an awesome, warm and big as THANK YOU to the sudden incline of reviews and Minions. Seriously, you guys make me so proud! Reviews = Cupcakes...Author likes Cupcakes! Cupcakes makes Author hyper. Hyper-Author writes more! See pictures?

Pein's Kid: Aww...sorry I made you almost cry. Next time, I'll be sure to make you lose a tear! hahahaha (evil me). Thanks for your review!

Ravenclaw Slytherin: Yes...too cute!

DementorsKiss95: You made me grin hard core! My OC's are based off of people in my life, important people in my life. At least, personality wise. The reactions they have and the way they communicate is based off of real conversations.

Dee: hehehe...I'm glad you guys seem to adore Isaac so much. Ironically (or not so much so), I do have a step-brother named Isaac, who's been going through a lot of trouble, so I kind of just...wrote him into the story and he's just...kind of grown into it.

Emberka-2012: Aww...welcome to the home of my Minions that keep demanding more of me (grins). Thank you for your review and I look forward to your thoughts in the future!

SimbaSockz: I'd put the period between your two names, but it tends to just...ex out the majority of your name, so Simba it is! And yes, that has always been my thoughts. I can't say I've had the easiest life, nor the greatest memories, but I have never honestly turned to suicide. I've always maintained the mentality of 'push through'. Kind of like 'Just keep swimming' (love Finding Nemo!).

TO MY GUEST THAT I HAVE NO NAME FOR: I thank you sincerely for your reviews. As the author, I would like to explain some of the things you've mentioned. 1) Charlie's description was a quick and simple description in Chapter One, when she is in the gas station bathroom with Mel. As this is in first person, descriptions of her appearance is when she is actually looking at her reflection, as we generally know what our appearances look like. 2) lol...'well-developed breasts' is not what I was inferring. She is a petite, small framed, so by the use of 'ample breasts' I mean she's proportionally average (A-B cup). In the chapter where the Vato, Miguel, states he didn't know she was a woman, her glance down at her chest was more because she was wearing a halter top (one of her constant pieces of clothing), than her having sizable breasts. Thank you, again, for your reviews. I'm glad you are enjoying the story!

AN: The entire subject of suicide is difficult to swallow, especially at the moment. My ex-boyfriend, best friend of more than eight years and father of my beloved, beautiful daughter (I'm nearly twenty-five people), died almost a month ago (my 'vacation' wasn't typical 'get away') and a few days after the memorial service, I got a phone call from my step-father telling me my step-brother tried to swallow a bunch of pills. Thankfully, he's fine and when he comes home from 'his' vacation, I'm allowed to give him a heavy punch. So, actually, you all reading and reviewing as I write this story has helped me cope with the loss, and potential loss, of important people in my life, so when I say thank you, I truly mean it!

For my Followers (who some know I refer to as Minions) Thanks to each of you:

Freckles the Wanderer
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Coming Next Chapter: Daryl and Charlie come across a turn off marked with a warehouse shopping center. What happens when the two most reckless and hot-headed members of the group end up in a competition to see how many Walkers they can kill? Charlie contemplates cutting her hair. The gang take a much needed rest in the safety of the store! What comes up in the 'group conversation'?

THANKS AGAIN! You guys are awesome! Leave reviews and let me know what you think! Cupcakes are golden tickets!