Thread: It Could Be Worse [Lewd Misconduct and randomname98766789]

Noras brow rose at his compliment, a small smile playing on her lips, and the blush evident on her face. She thought better of saying anything though. She had a way of putting her foot in her mouth whenever she attempted flirtingnot that she was trying to flirt. She just wasnt that great at accepting compliments. She hadnt really done much in the way of dating before all of this. Sure she had a few boyfriends, and two abysmal nights shed rather forget, but she spent her twenty four years steering clear of men for the most part. They were a bad distraction more often than not. At least the men shed met. His response to her concerns didnt come as much of a surprise to her. Theyd probably been a group for as long as shed been on her own and they knew how to function as a group while she didnt have one clue. Even so, his answer did little to comfort her. Why she even cared was beyond her. Well he did save you, Nora. And hes been more than nice through all of this. Its natural to worry. Letting out a long, hopeless breath she nodded and nudged his shoulder with her own before he got up to stomp out the fire. Just be careful then. Well need more squirrel after all. She watched him go until someone fell into her line of site. Looking up she saw it was the woman everyone called Carol. They hadnt talked yet but their eyes met a few times over the course of the day. The woman was quiet but smiled nonetheless. What can I do for you? Carol right? The woman nodded before sitting down next to her. Carols right. Im sorry were just now meeting, its just been a hectic few days. Nora frowned as the woman spoke. She could hear the sadness in her voice and it reminded her of what Daryl mentioned the night before. If you dont mind me asking. What happened? I dont mean to be rude but all of you seem really down, some of you angry even. Her eyes found Rick and Lori as she said the words. There was tension between them, but she didnt know why. They not only had each other but their kid as well. You would think theyd be happier. Carol rubbed the tension from her forehead before explaining what happened in better detail. How they ended up at the farm, what Hershel had done, even Darryl being injured and the loss of her child. She could feel a knot forming in her throat as the woman spoke but she refused to cry. She didnt feel right crying when they were the ones who lost so much. It seemed like death was on always on their heels and that was saying a lot considering the dead were ever present. How do you deal with it all? Noras voice was a whisper as she tried to speak past the lump in her throat. What do you do? Carol shrugged before looking at her with eyes older than her years. You just keep going. I may have lost my blood family, but the people here are no less important to me. They keep me going, keep me sane. She smiled. Daryl has also been a rock to me although hed never admit it. Hes a little rough around the edges but Ive never met anyone with a bigger heart. Hes a good man, he doesnt hear it enough. Nora was quiet as she let the words sink in. If she stayed, this could be her family. She never found her parents, didnt know whether they were dead or alive. As much as she wanted closure, maybe it was her turn to move one. To find new connections. Hes taken a liking to you. Noras brows rose in question at Carols words, so she elaborated. Daryl. Im sure youve noticed hes quiet, prefers to do things by himself. He wasnt much of a talker, still isnt unless hes with you. Nora snorted but the blush still crept up her neck. I think he just wants to make sure Im alright. She played with the sleeve of his shirt as she thought about their initial meeting. I mean, I was three seconds from being raped before he showed up. I dont think you can unsee that. I certainly cant. The tears shed managed to keep at bay when Carol was talking finally spilled over. She was angry more than anything else, but the gravity of what happened finally caught up to her and Carol held her hand until she calmed down a bit. I cant make you see what I see, but dont jump to conclusions just yet. Everyone has their problems, their demons and now you have yours. That doesnt make you any less deserving of love or friendship. Carol squeezed her hand. And dont ever think for one moment that what happened to you was your fault. Okay. Nora nodded quickly as she wiped her tear stained cheeks, a breathless laugh escaping her lips. Who knew Id get such good advice today? Thank you for saying that. It means a lot even if we are in an apocalypse. Carol smiled before patting her back and helping her up. The two continued talking about their lives and anything in general. It wasnt long before Daryl returned and they gathered up their supplies to continue on down the road to the next neighborhood. She joined Carol, Maggie, and Beth as they entered one of the houses to find supplies. She found canned food, stale crackers, a jacket and a few thermal shirts that were light enough to carry but insulated enough to keep them warm. The house they entered had an adjoining garage where she found a swiss army knife and a jug of gasoline along with a car that held what she assumed was the family. A man and woman with one child in her lap. It was clear they died from carbon monoxide a long time ago. She found she couldnt fault them for wanting to die together. Turning away from the sight she made her back to the women before meeting the others and settling in one of the houses. Nora was making do with the peanut butter and jelly they found, making little cracker sandwiches when Daryl plopped down beside her. She nodded at his concern before popping the food in her mouth. I feel like I should be asking you that question. Youre always off somewhere. Watching you is exhausting. She smiled before tucking her feet under her bottom and leaning into the couch, the fact that it made their legs touch wasnt lost on her. Im pretty good though, just a stiff neck and shoulders. The pain medication helps my ribs a lot. Carol made me cry earlier too but it was for the best. She tucked a stray lock behind her ear as she swallowed. She also told me about your stint with the walker ears and this Andrea woman almost killing you. Looking at him now, she wouldve never guessed that hed ever be in that condition. I thought you told me you never ventured that far. She was curious about what made him do it. Carol told her parts but it was clear, she thought it was something that Nora should hear from him.