When The Camellia Wilts | The Walking Dead Fanfiction

Carol's Kick Ass Casserole

Aliya scoffed at her and rolled her eyes, much to Deanna's amusement. "What are you, a therapist?" she sneered, disliking the way Deanna looks at her. She felt like he was belittling her, like Deanna felt that she understood her deeply. It was getting under her skin. Deanna knew her question was rhetorical but still, she felt like answering. "No, but I was a congressperson." 

Deanna could see that Aliya was not amused and not surprised. Aliya stared Deanna up and down before looking away, "Figured as much." she muttered before sitting up straight. Not seeing the others is making her agitated, her skin is prickling in stress. Remembering Aliya's question from before, Deanna called for Aliya, "Security." 

The word hang around the air for some time before Aliya acknowledged it, "What does that have to do with us?" she asked, genuinely wanting an answer. Seeing as they lasted this long, Aliya doubted that they really needed anybody else. "It has everything to do with all of you. I know having you inside these walls, with us, will help us thrive." Deanna uncrossed her legs and stood up. 

"I know it." she nodded with conviction as she watched Aliya stand up slowly. Aliya put both of her hands in her pocket as she nodded, "Okay..." she whispered to herself. Was this really safe for them? For Judith? For Carl? For Daryl? Peeking at Deanna through her lashes, she made eye contact with her, "Okay." she repeated as she nodded. 

Deanna smiled at her and walked towards the door, opening it for her. Aliya took a deep breath and collected her stuff before bidding her goodbye, leaving the room. She thought that leaving the room would ease her tension but the moment she stepped foot out of the room, her body immediately warmed with alertness. 

She jumped when Daryl suddenly appeared in front of her, his worried eyes looking over her entirety. "She do anything?" he asked as he looked into her eyes. She shook her head with a tight smile, caressing his arms to soothe him of his worries. She nodded at the direction of the door, "It's your turn." she reminded him. Daryl looked at his shoes before looking back up at her, "I'll see you in a minute." he mumbled before manoeuvring her to the side, opening the door to Deanna's office. 

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Daryl's interview with Deanna went by quick and based on Daryl's mood, it went okay too. Aliya was watching Daryl gut the possum by the porch stairs when she heard Carl ask Rick if he could tour the houses. "Be quick." he nodded at Carl who immediately jogged towards the neighbouring house. Carol and Rick exchanged glances, as if communicating with their eyes. Without a word, Carol followed after Carl to inspect the next house. 

Aliya looked at Rick and smiled at Judith in his arms. "How are you?" she asked gently. Rick was taken aback for a bit before he nodded at her, "Clean." he answered, making Aliya chuckle. She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head teasingly, "Hmm, I don't know. I quite miss the beard." Rick smiled as Aliya walked towards him and crouched down to be level with Judith, "Right, Judith? Dad rocked the beard quite well, huh?" she cooed, playing with Judith's little hand.