The Archer's Warrior

| Chapter Twenty-Four | Welcome to the Tombs

No One

Octavia and Merle made their way through the woods, together. Once they were away from the scene, they hid in the woods and heard them take off on the opposite direction.

"Ya shoulda left. Coulda been killed, back there, girly." Merle says.

"Ya.. I could've. Guess you're stuck with me, again, redneck." Octavia says.

Merle scoffs with a smirk.

They continue walking back to the prison, keeping conversation quiet while they keep a lookout.

"Should be about another hour or so." Merle says, when they hear footsteps.

They both point their weapons up only to see it was Daryl, coming out from behind a tree.

He was shocked but the relief on his face was clear as day the moment he laid eyes on his brother and his girlfriend.

He drops his crossbow and wraps his arms around Octavia, tight, lifting her off the ground. Her arms wrap around his neck.

"Ya scared the hell out of me, ya little shit." Daryl scolds.

"You can lecture me more with everyone else at home." Octavia says.

Daryl set her down and cups her face then leans his forehead on hers as she places her hands on his wrists. Daryl kisses her head before turning to Merle.

"Glad yer still alive." Daryl says.

Merle looks at Octavia who gives a small smile then a nod. Merle sighs before dropping his pack to the floor and bringing Daryl into a tight hug, being careful with his arm. Daryl was frozen, stunned. His eyes wide from shock.

"I know I havent always been.. the best brother... but I promise I'll try to be a better one for ya. Can't promise a quick or easy change but.. I'll make it work, little brother." Merle says.

Daryl slowly brought his arms up to hug Merle back. Afraid that at any second Merle would push him away and burst into laughter. But Octavia's face gave him a little more comfort.

They pull away and Merle pats him on the shoulder as he turns to Octavia then back to Daryl.

"You got a good one, brother. Ya best keep her close." Merle says.

"I plan to." Daryl says, wrapping an arm around Octavia, kissing her head.

They all made their way back to the prison. Octavia and Daryl hand in hand. They got there and everyone pounced on Octavia.

"Are you kidding me with this running off shit?!" Bellamy asks as he lifts Octavia in a hug.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry." Octavia says as they pull away.

"I'm extremely relieved to see you alive and well but you can't be running off alone— without at least letting someone know— with this psychopath out there ready to kill any one of us on the spot." Lexa explains.

"He'd kill one of us three instantly because we're the leaders of what's left of our clan. We just worry." Roan says.

"I know. I didn't mean to worry anyone I just.. didn't want Daryl to lose the only family he has left." Octavia says.

Everyone else began expressing their worries and slightly scolding her. 

"She saved my ass. It was my fault she was even out there, though I didn't expect her to come after me. Y'all shouldn't be houndin her or gettin on her for anythin. Y'all can go on and do that to me.. the one who deserves it. Little Grimes ain't done nothin wrong." Merle says.