— WHEN ZOE WOKE UP, HER heart sank into her stomach when she felt like her head was going to explode, like her throat had closed up and like she was sitting in a bath of lava. She was sick. She hadn't expected to get the illness, since she was young and healthy, and Nate was completely fine, but she thought back to Glenn coming down with the flu, and the girl realised that the idea of her catching it wasn't as shocking as she once thought. The second the girl let out a cough, Nate opened his eyes and looked up at her, watching as she then coughed a few more times into her arm, trying to shield it, the sweat dripping down her forehead as she felt like she was going to faint only just after waking up. Zoe looked down at him with a worried look on her face, her eyes tearing up, "I think I'm sick." She admitted, her voice sounding hoarse as the flu was already making its way through her system. When she entered cell block D yesterday, she never expected to fall ill with a flu that could literally kill you, but as she looked down at Nate, completely fine, her heart sank, the girl shuffling away as she climbed out of bed, "I shouldn't be near you, you could catch it." Zoe said, her heart breaking at the mere thought of not being able to touch or be near Nate.
When the girl started dressing, intending to go to the isolation block, Nate wrapped his arms around her, "I don't care. I'm not leaving your side." He told her, knowing that no amount of illness could keep him away from her, he loved her way too much. Even if the girl was bitten, and turning into a walker, he would never leave her, because wether she liked it or not, she was stuck with him for the rest of their lives. When Zoe tried to pull away in fear of getting him sick, Nate didn't let go, "Zoe, I'm not leaving you." He said, the girl sighing as she realised that Nate really wasn't going to give up with the whole 'not leaving' her thing. She was going to have to isolate in the new cell block they had cleared out, and there was no way she was going to let him come with her to increase the chance of him falling ill.
Zoe pried his hands off of her stomach, the man pouting as she stood back and looked up at him, "I love you, Nate. But I'm not about to risk your life. I'm going to isolation, maybe then I could help out Hershel, since I know a few things or two." She explained, feeling awful at the look on his face, "You can visit me whenever you want, but I'm not having you come in with me when you're healthy, I can't do that." She said, smiling sadly when Nate sighed, knowing that she was right. He would go in with her if she let him, but he wasn't about to go against her wishes, either, he respected her too much to do that; he would feel lost without the girl, that was obvious, but now, more than ever, he wanted to find them antibiotics, if not for the others whom had come down with the flu, then for his girlfriend, because there's no way he was going to sit still and not do anything. Especially since Daryl had informed him that he, Bob, Tyreese and Michonne were heading out today to find some medicine, now Nate had even more of a reason to go and help out Zoe.
"Daryl mentioned going on a run to find some antibiotics and any other meds that could help everyone out." Nate informed her. He wasn't going to go, since he wanted to stay here with Zoe, but since she was coming down with the flu, he wanted nothing but to help find that medication for her so she could get better. He couldn't sit back and watch her fall ill without doing anything, it would go against everything he promised the girl, about always protecting her; in some ways, he felt like he had failed her.
Zoe nodded, "That's good. You should go." She encouraged, knowing that it was going to be hard, not seeing him during that time, but she somehow doubted that she would be awake during that time, anyway, since right now, she felt like she could sleep through anything, just standing up right now, made her exhausted, and she just wanted to crawl back into bed. She couldn't imagine getting this flu if she wasn't in the safe compounds of the prison, being on the road feeling this weak would definitely kill someone.
"Are you sure? I could.." Nate began to explain, only for Zoe to hold up her hand to stop him, knowing that it could be good for him to go on a run with Daryl, without her. She loved spending time with him, it was her favourite thing to do, but she knew that he needed to hang out with Daryl just the two of them, knowing that they hadn't done that in a while. Granted, she hasn't exactly spent as much time with Carl as she would have liked, but it's not like she could hang out with him, now, though.
"No, Nate, honestly, it's fine. I feel like I could sleep for days, anyway." Zoe said, giving him a smile that didn't convince him at all. She was feeling rough, and she just needed to sit down. "You go with Daryl, and get me some antibiotics." She added, her smile looking like she had drank a whole bottle of vodka, looking like she was as drunk as anything — the sight made Nate's heart break in two, seeing her look so sick and weak. He knew that he had to go on that medicine run, because he couldn't sit back and watch as the girl became more ill, he was going to get the medicine for her, no matter what.
Nate didn't like the idea of leaving Zoe here, in case something were to happen to her whilst he was gone, but at the same time, he couldn't sit around and not try to help his brother getting the medication needed to help all of the sick people. That, and he couldn't exactly say no to this girl, so when she packed a few things and headed to the isolation block, he couldn't do anything but watch her go with a longing look, knowing that he now had to go and find Rick to tell him that his daughter had caught the flu that was killing people. Rick wouldn't leave the prison, no matter what, so he felt better that the man was here looking over Zoe in case anything happened to her, enough that he felt confident about leaving. "Rick!" Nate called out, seeing the man in the farm, minding his own business, a bandage on his hand that he hadn't noticed before today, so it must have happened earlier on in the day.
Rick instantly noticed the look on Nate's face as the boy approached him, and he didn't like it one bit. "What happened?" He asked, noticing that Zoe wasn't next to him, already showing him that something was wrong. It wasn't like the two teenagers were unable to go a minute without each other, but every second they did have, to spend together, they did, knowing that one day it all might come crashing down upon them all — Rick often wished he had done the same with Lori, and he will forever regret that he didn't act like Nate was with his daughter.
Nate sighed as Rick walked the test of the way to meet him; he didn't know how to tell this man that his daughter had come down with the flu, he wished that he didn't, but he knew that Zoe wouldn't ask anyone to do so, not wanting to worry him. "Zoe's sick, she's gone to isolate with the others." He eventually spoke up, knowing that he had to rip it off like a bandaid.
Rick closed his eyes as he ran his hand down his face in stress, "Oh, god." He mumbled, not knowing what to do with this information. The last time he had seen his daughter, she looked completely fine, better than fine, actually, she had handled herself well in the attack in the cell block, and he thought that she wouldn't catch this sickness — she wouldn't have taken herself to isolation if she definitely didn't think she had it. "Is she there now?" He asked, finally looking at Nate, who nodded his head.
"I'm heading out with the others to get the medication. I can't sit around and do nothing whilst she's in there." Nate told Rick, the older man nodding his head in understanding — he would go, but he needed to sort out the murder within the prison for Tyreese. Although, with Nate going along on the trip, Rick didn't doubt for a second that they would be in an out with the stuff they needed in no time, and after that, Zoe would be fine.
When Nate gave Rick a knowing look, the older man nodded, "I'll make sure she's okay." Rick told the boy, knowing that, that is what Nate meant throughout his look. Rick could see the torment in his eyes at having to leave Zoe here in the prison alone whilst she's sick, he would feel the same way if he had to leave the girl or Carl here whilst they were sick; every time he spoke to Nate, he liked the boy more and more, the way he always ensured that Zoe came first. Nate was good for Zoe, they both knew that, as well as Daryl, whom had also warmed up to the young girl after his brother fell in love with her — Rick appreciated how much Nate cared for his daughter, as well as Daryl, the two Dixon's now taking the girl in as their own, even Carl. They had come a long way since Atlanta..
With one last appreciation nod, Nate headed back to the prison, where he would then pack for his trip, thinking about Zoe the whole time..
Daryl didn't hesitate letting Nate come along for the journey, knowing that his brother needed to get out of the prison whilst Zoe was sick and actually do something to help; he understood where the kid was coming from, he didn't exactly want to sit around whilst their people were sick and dying, either. Daryl knew that Zoe would get through this, though, she was a tough kid, and this sickness wasn't something that would take her down, not after everything the group had been through, that, and they had Hershel. Daryl just wished that he could do something that would make Nate realise that Zoe was going to be okay, but he didn't seem to be listening to anyone, just taking his anger out on any walker that came near him, the thought of Zoe deep in his mind.
"You know she'll be alright, man." Daryl finally spoke up, as he filled the car up with more gas as they had ran out. He hated how Nate hadn't said a single word since they had left the prison, he knew that his brother was hurting without Zoe by his side, but he couldn't be reckless out here, since he wanted to get back to the girl. When Nate huffed in response, keeping his eyes out for any walkers around them, Daryl sighed, "Get your head in the game, Nate. If you loose focus out here, your dead, and your girl needs you back home." He explained, shutting the gas cap and pushing the hood down, Nate sighing when he realised that his brother was right.
Nate sighed as he repeated his brothers words over in his head a few times, he was being reckless, and stupid, not thinking through his movements as he trailed onwards to get this medicine, his worries about Zoe were plaguing his mind constantly since he first left the prison, and he could barely focus on anything else. But he knew he couldn't risk it, no matter how much he worried for her well-being and how much he loved her — he needed to keep his head in the game. "She's my life." Nate told his brother, Daryl nodding his head at his words as he knew how much Nate cared god Zoe. Hell, he did, too.
"I know that. But she'd kill me if I came back without you." Daryl chuckled, shaking his head in slight amusement at the fact that Zoe would definitely do that for Nate — that girl was so in love with him, that even if she hadn't killed any living human, but for Nate, she would do so. "That girl is a lot stronger than anyone gives her credit for, you shouldn't worry about her, I'm positive she'll be okay." He told him; patting his arm comfortingly, which Nate appreciated greatly. They had never been a touchy family; they barely huffed, they barely had heart to hearts, not like most other families did; but that's just how they always liked it, and how they will carry on, it was normality.
Nate smiled at his brothers words, knowing the truth behind them, "She is, isn't she?" He laughed along with him, he liked to know that Daryl liked Zoe, it was one of the main things he cared about; having his approval. He would date Zoe and love her no matter what, but knowing that Daryl liked the girl he loved was just a huge bonus. Nate sighed, reliving Daryl's words again, "You're right, I'm being reckless. Stupid." He scoffed, shaking his head in annoyance — he couldn't believe he had been acting so dumb this entire trip.
When Daryl finally fixed up the car, he was glad that his words had gotten through to his brother, and taking one look at his brothers face, he was positive that he had gotten through to Nate; whistling, he called for the others to join them, now that the car was fixed. And just like that, they were off again, heading towards their destination, everyone sitting in silence as the drive went on, it didn't take long for them to get there, but eventually, they made it, the whole place seemed like a ghost town, but Nate knew that they were all just hiding, ready to come out when they least expect it, hitting them at their hardest.
Walking through the main doors, Nate stuck close to Daryl with their weapons raised and their eyes peeled for any danger, slowly moving their way forwards as quietly as they could, before they entered an empty classroom with empty cages — medication was scattered throughout the room, and Nate didn't think twice before grabbing any that he could and shoving it inside of his backpack. A small nod in the direction of Daryl, the group as on the move again; another room, and more medication, multiple bags filled as much as they could fit, finally ready to leave. "You got as much as you can?" Daryl asked, everyone nodding their heads as they swung their bags around their shoulders, ready to move.
Nate, wanting to get the medication back to Zoe and the others as soon as possible, spoke up. "We should get going, then." He said quickly, the others agreeing and heading into the hallway with their flashlights drawn, the lack of sound making them all feel uneasy.
Daryl held his hand up to stop the others from doing any further, everyone pausing, "Whoa, whoa, whoa." He whispered, looking through the window to see multiple walkers, the things all have blood leaking down their eyes, indicating that they all had the disease before they died. Unlucky, they saw their flashlights and alerted them immediately, causing them to head into the opposite direction, into a darkened hallway, their flashlights being the only source of light, none of them liking it one bit. When the door they needed to shut was busted, they headed onwards, eyes peeled through the darkness, Tyreese grabbing a walker and smashing their head in with his weapon, the others watching nervously as they knew he was on edge because of his girlfriends death — Nate knew for a fact that he would probably be worse than how Tyreese was acting; he didn't blame the man one bit.
Michonne went to open the door for the next hallway, when multiple hands shot through, trying to grab them, "How many is there?" Nate asked, holding his flashlight up to them as he tried to count the hands; they couldn't handle too many in such a dark and small space.
"I can't tell." Michonne replied, knowing that they couldn't fight them off, too; they needed to figure out a plan, quickly.
Just as they said this, the busted door flew open, the multiple walkers from the other side pushing their way in and towards them, "We can take 'em." Tyreese said, knowing that he would be able to take them all, with or without them.
"No! They're infected!" Bob interrupted, "Same as back at the prison! We fire at 'em, get their blood on us, breathe it in. We didn't come all this way to get sick." He told them all, not wanting to risk getting sick for some medication.
"We didn't come here to go back empty handed, either." Nate told him, not liking that the man wasn't as enthusiastic as the rest of them with getting this medication back to the prison.
"Yeah, how do we even know the ones in there aren't any different?" Tyreese agreed with Nate, knowing that he wasn't about to give up just because of the sick walkers; he didn't want anyone else at the prison to die because of the sickness.
Daryl broke off the debate, breaking a table leg off of the small table in front of them, "Ready?" He asked Michonne, Nate and Tyreese, making sure they were prepared for the amount of walkers he was about to let out. Opening the door, Nate threw his blade down on one of the walkers head, whilst Michonne chopped the other two heads off in one motion, the hallway now being clear of any walkers and allowing them to carry on heading onwards to get out of the building.
With daylight now in sight again, the group jogged up the stairs, the walkers gaining behind them; into another hallway, walkers everywhere, Michonne led the way, chopping off a walkers head in the meantime as Bob threw chairs down behind them to slow the walkers down.
"We don't have an exit." Michonne informed the group, when the exit door wouldn't open, Nate cursing under his breath as he threw down his blade on a walkers skull behind them, pushing another back.
"Then we make one." Daryl told them all, Tyreese throwing a fire extinguisher at the window as he shielded away from it to avoid getting cut. Nate helped Michonne up onto the walkway below before climbing up himself, making it outside and jumping down onto the walkway, the foundation wobbling under their weight. The others followed soon after, Bob jumping out last as his bag flew over the side of the walkway, the tenths of walkers below grabbing onto it and making it impossible to pull back up.
"Leave it, man! We have plenty here!" Nate shouted, knowing that he had picked up loads of medication for the people back at the prison.
With multiple of them telling Bob to let it go, he just wouldn't listen, keeping hold of his bag like it held priceless jewels he robbed from a bank, fear on his face at the mere thought of leaving the bag behind. Even Daryl told him to let it go, just as Bob finally yanked it away, throwing the bag to the side as it clattered, glass clearly inside. Nate looked to the side and saw Daryl picking up a bottle of alcohol that had fallen outside of the bag, anger immediately growing inside of him at the fact that whilst they were all looking for medication, Bob was filling his bag with alcohol, being selfish and only thinking of himself. Since Zoe was back at the prison, sick, Nate didn't for one second try to think from Bob's point of view — he had lived with an alcoholic throughout his whole life, he didn't sympathise with him. "You got no meds in your bag? Just this?" Daryl asked, pushing Nate back as he could sense the anger radiating from his brother. "You should have kept walking that day." He threatened, about to throw the bottle away, only for Bob to yell at him to stop, his hands reaching the gun on his side.
Before Nate could even step in to teach this guy a lesson, Daryl walked up to Bob, pressing his forehead against his threateningly; he wasn't happy about what Bob had done, either, since so many people back at the prison needed that medication, including Zoe. He would die before that girl died. He pulled the gun away from Bob, grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer since the alcoholic tried to back away, Nate watching with a clenched jaw, wanting nothing but to punch Bob in the fact. "Just let it go, Daryl." Tyreese requested, knowing that they didn't have time for this and they had to get back to the prison with this medication. "The man's made his choice. Nothing you can do about it. You just gotta let it go." He said.
"I didn't wanna hurt nobody." Bob said, unable to look any of them in the eyes, especially Daryl and Nate, who had family sick back at the prison. "It was just when it gets quiet." He reasoned.
Nate grunted in anger, pushing past Tyreese who held his hand out in front of him to stop any fight from happening, grabbing the alcohol from Daryl's hands, and glaring at Bob, "My girl is back at the prison, fighting for her life, waiting for the medication that will save her, whilst you took the time during this trip to go a little window shopping. I swear to god, if you take one sip of this before any of those people back at the prison get this medication that we risked our lives getting, you'll be dead before you can even swallow it. You hear me?" He threatened, standing dangerously close to Bob as Daryl made sure to hold his hand out in case things were to get violent; he knew that Nate would do anything for Zoe, so he didn't want to risk anything between them.
When Bob didn't answer, instead, keeping his eyes gazed onto the ground, Nate shoved the bottle into his hands, the man stumbling back from the force of it; he wanted nothing but to beat Bob to the ground for not taking any medication from this place, instead, a bottle of alcohol, but they didn't have time for it, they needed to get this stuff back to the prison and get it to their sick people. But he knew one thing for sure, and that was, if Bob even so much as looked at that bottle before Zoe got better, he was going to kill the man himself. No one messed with the girl he loved.