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You Are The Wilderness - The Walking Dead Fanfiction

Chapter 4 - Finally Safe?

Kiara's POV
After bringing our stuff inside the group was packed in a massive elevator that led us to lower levels of the research facility. Daryl asked whether doctors always went around packing a heat like that to which Dr. Jenner answered that there were plenty of those lying around to familiarize with and observed that we all looked harmless enough except for Carl which made him smile.

“Yeah, he's a killer all right,” I chipped. That earned me a chuckle from Rick and very obvious eye roll from Lori. She still didn't like me. Well tough shit. I had no tolerance left for her drama. I was tired, hungry and coming down from the high of the painkillers. We were lead through a series of hallways to another room.

“Vi, bring up the lights in the big room,” Jenner called out and the lights turned on immediately, the huge room looked ominously empty. “Welcome to Zone 5.”

“Where is everybody? The other doctors, the staff,” Rick asked walking in, his arm still supporting me, preventing me from collapsing to the ground.

“I'm it. It's just me here,” Jenner replied.

“What about the person you were speaking with… Vi?” Lori inquired.

“Vi, say hello to our guests. Tell them… welcome.” We all looked around as a computer voice roared through the big room saying “Hello guests, welcome,” and then Jenner said the thing I feared we'd hear ever since we walked into the building.

“I'm all that's left. I'm sorry.” Rick and I exchanged looks as we were led to some kind of conference room. Everybody then proceeded to get their blood taken and I waited to go last since my wound would take more time to tend to. It was Andrea's turn and she got all snappy about it, but to be honest I didn't blame her. As she was standing up her head must've spun but Jacqui caught her explaining that none of us have eaten in days.

Jenner then led everybody to a big cafeteria telling me to wait in the conference room. I was looking around when I noticed Rick stayed with me. I took a great delight in knowing that he cared about my well being enough to resist the enticing prospect of warm food. I smiled at him and he smiled back. I could see he was relieved that we didn't have to worry about safety anymore.

“We're finally safe. Jenner will patch you up and you're going to be ok. We're all going to be ok,” he said as if he was trying to reassure not only me, but himself as well.

“Yeah, this place seems safe. You made the right call,” I smiled. He sat next to me and grabbed my hand. I looked up at him a bit startled, but I sure as hell wasn't going to do anything about it.

“You have no idea how good it is to hear someone say it out loud. It sounds even better coming from you,” he smiled lazily at me and my heart began to beat so loud I was sure he and everybody in the cafeteria and even every single one of the Walkers outside could hear it.

As if on cue, Jenner opened the door, small suturing kit and few bottles of pills in his hands and told me to sit on a chair with my chest against the backrest. Rick dragged his chair next to me and sat down, his hand on my shoulder caressing me soothingly, while Doctor unpacked all the essentials for surgery. I just sat quietly with my eyes enjoying the warmth of Rick's hand on my arm completely oblivious to the sensation of needle piercing my skin.

“Wow you are probably the first person who's not fussing about me poking them with a needle,” Jenner joked.

“Well Doc, if I had a problem with needles I wouldn't look the way I look,” I retorted, referring to an extensive tattoo covering my right arm. “Plus the distraction is very effective,” I added smirking and nudging my head towards Rick, who chuckled under his breath, the look he sent my way making me blush wildly.

“I guess that's true,” said Jenner, putting down the suturing kit and picking up sterile bandage to cover my wound. “It required almost a dozen stitches and it is badly inflamed. I brought you some antibiotics and painkillers. You'll take two pills a day – one in the morning and one in the evening. I also brought some clean bandages so you can redress the wound once a day and don't forget to keep it from getting wet. Here's some plastic and tape to cover it for when you shower.” I nodded and wondered if I'd ever enjoy pleasures such as hot shower.

“Thanks Doc, I really appreciate it,” I said and packed all the stuff into the top pocket of my backpack. I was standing up to sling it over my shoulder when my head spun, the exhaustion taking its toll on me, and Rick lunged forward to catch me before I could face-plant on the ground. “Dammit,” I cursed, hating myself for being the damsel in distress, but was too weak to do anything about it.

“C'mon, let's get you to the cafeteria and get you somethin' to eat,” he eased his arm around my body to support me, my backpack and his gear already slung across his shoulder, and set out to follow Jenner and the delicious smell that was coming from the cafeteria, the promise of warm food making our strides quicker.

When we got there, the celebration was in a full swing, countless bottles of booze opened on the table, the delicious smell of pasta making my mouth water. Everybody was laughing on Carl's face as he was getting his first taste of vine. The only one who seemed not amused was Shane. I cracked a smile too, sitting down next to Rick who took seat next to his son, my eyes fixed on the bowl of savory meal in front of us. I grabbed two clean plates and loaded a generous portion for Rick and myself and started to scarf down the heavenly food making humming noises of content. Halfway through my plate I finally looked up, Rick looking at me with amused look on his face and everybody else chuckling under their breath. I laughed myself realizing what I must've looked like mindlessly devouring the dish, the blush rising to my cheeks.

After few minutes of feasting and laughing, Rick stood up clinking a knife on his vine glass and getting everyone to shut up for a moment. “It seems to me we haven't thanked our host properly.”

“He is more than just our host,” slurred T-dog raising his glass towards Jenner who sat a little bit further quietly observing our celebrating group of survivors. Everybody followed his example and cheered thanking Jenner for giving us a chance.

“Booyah!” Darryl toned, few people copying him, Rick lowering his head in acknowledgement, saying:”Thank you.” We all then continued laughing and chatting.

“So when you're gonna tell us what the hell happened here Doc,” Shane started, turning his gaze towards Jenner and making everybody quiet down and look at him. “All the… uh… all the other doctors. They were supposed to be figuring out what happened. Where are they?” I glared at him for bringing it up at that moment and ruining the fun. We needed this so bad, but he just couldn't wait a few hours. Douchebag.

“We're celebrating Shane,” Rick scolded him lightly sitting back down. “Don't need to do this now.”
“Woah, wait a second. That's why we're here right?” Shane countered. He was clearly not happy about the decision to come here. “This was your move… to find all the answers. Instead… we found him.” He snorted and pointed his thumb in Jenner's direction. “Found one man. Why?”

Shane's inquiry was followed by silence that was finally broken by Jenner. “Well, when things got bad a lot of people just… left. Went off to be with their families. And when things got worse, when the military cordon got overrun, the rest bolted.”

“Every last one?” Shane queried, skeptical look never leaving his face.

“No. Many couldn't face walking out the door. They… opted out.” Jenner deadpanned while others were shifting nervously; some were just starring down at the ground. “There was a rash of suicides. That was a bad time.”

I felt sorry for the doctor and I started thinking about my family. My thoughts we interrupted by Andrea asking: “You didn't leave. Why?”

“I just kept working. Hoping… to do some good.” we all sat there quietly not knowing what to say, the silence in the room growing heavy. Glenn came to sit behind the table huffing at Shane: “Dude you are such a buzz-kill man.” I couldn't agree more.

After we ate, Jenner led us through another series of hallways telling us that we'd had to make due here since most of the housing facilities were powered down. He told us not to use anything that draws power and when he mentioned hot water I couldn't believe my ears. Everybody hurried to their rooms eager to get under the scorching hot water. All the doors were shut and the only people left in the hallway were me and Rick. We both looked at the last empty office and then back at each other. My stomach was suddenly full of butterflies and the blush on my face evident. I quickly collected myself mentally cursing myself for being such a stupid head.

“Well… after you roomie,” I smirked and gestured for him to come in first. We were both a wee bit drunk. He gave me his best lopsided smile instead and being the gentleman he is, retorted:
“Ladies first.”

I huffed and rolled my eyes, smile never left my face though, and stepped in, Rick following right behind me. He dropped all our shit on the ground and started to look around the room and then both our eyes shifted to the couch. It was getting awkward with every second so I, being the adult that I am, started towards the couch, plopped myself on it and yelled “Dips!” I immediately regretted my action when the stupid cut in my side reminded itself with a nasty sting.

“Shit, ouch!” I yelped.

“You ok?” Rick asked, concern and amusement battling on his face.

“Yeah, I'm fine.” I picked myself up from the couch, smiling sheepishly.

“Well that's what you get for bein' so inconsiderate towards an old man like me and shamelessly claiming the couch all to yourself.” he retorted with that bloody smirk on his face that made me weak in my knees.

“Yeah right, grandpa,” I rolled my eyes and threw one of the pillows at him. “Why don't you go get one of the cots, huh?” Rick snorted and threw the pillow back at me and went to look for the storage space. When he came back I told him to go ahead and shower first since I wanted to prepare my change of clothes and the plastic and tape to cover up my freshly stitched cut. I lifted up my shirt trying to reach for the bandage covering it but with no success.“Fuckin' hell! This will be the death of me.”

“Need some help with that?” Rick called from the bathroom door making me jump.

“Nope, sir. I'm perfectly fine.” I retorted still trying to reach the stupid thing, no doubt looking like an idiot and making Rick chuckle under his breath.

“All right scardy-cat. Come here.” He turned me around and started peeling of the old bandage. “Better make sure you didn't rip out your stitches with that stunt of yours.” He joked and took it off then replaced it with some plastic sheet from Jenner and secured it in place with tape. “When you get out of shower I'll clean and redress it for you. And you should take some of those pills Jenner gave you.”

“Ok dad.” I said and made a run for the bathroom door shutting it right behind me before he could retaliate. I hated myself for being so childish but I had to get out from his reach or I wouldn't be able to restrain myself. I swear I'm never going to drink again in his presence or I'm afraid of what I might do to him. I started my shower before my mind could wander any further and I would have to exchange the luxury of hot water for cold one instead in order to calm the fuck down.

As I stepped in and felt the first drops of hot water fall down on my skin I couldn't help but giggle from the sensation and started humming Sinking Man from Of Monsters and Men in satisfaction. I washed my body thoroughly not leaving any bit unattended and enjoyed the moment best I could.

After twenty minutes in heaven I was walking back into the room dressed in my favorite flannel shorts and my brother's AC/DC T-shirt, the only thing I had left after him, and bumped into Rick who was returning back from the hallway looking even more drunk than before. He grinned at me and I returned the favor. His smile had always been very contagious.

“Well good evening miss. How was your shower?” he slurred at me making me laugh.

“Quite delightful sir, thank you.” I retorted swallowing my pills gulping them down with water. Then I grabbed the clean bandage from the table only to have it snatched from my hand by intoxicated former Officer.

“Here let me.” Rick insisted lifting up my T-shirt a bit. I swallowed hard trying to concentrate and asked: “Are you sure you're capable of doing that right now?” I teased.

He chuckled and teased right back: “Please madam, I am more than capable to tend to your injury.” I elbowed him into his ribs lightly which made him laugh even harder. He knew I hated when he called me madam. It made me feel old. He peeled off the plastic, cleaned the area with some sterile gauze and put on another clean bandage.

Moments later he was pulling my T-shirt down, but his hands were still lingering on the small of my back making goose bumps rise all over my body, the feeling of his breath on my neck making me weak in my knees. I began to breathe hard and turned around to face him. I looked up into his brilliant orbs biting my lower lip trying to figure out what to do, but my brain refused to cooperate. I looked down and saw him move even closer his hand finding its way to my left cheek and stroking it softly making me look up again. I saw the look on his face – a beautiful mixture of vulnerability and need – and I placed my right hand gently on his chest, my blush turning crimson red. He placed both his hands on either side of my face, lowering his head ever so slightly. I closed my eyes, my breath hitching in my throat with sweet expectation of what was to come and then I felt his lips on mine and I stopped perceiving everything around me except for the sensation of his lips moving against mine and his hands entwined in my hair. For a moment there I forgot where we were, I forgot about everything, I forgot about the death that was still lingering outside. It was a moment of pure magic. He pulled back catching his breath.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that,” he breathed out and I crushed my lips against his in response, grabbing him by his T-shirt. He hummed into the kiss, pulling me even closer, his hands in my hair and on my back, enveloping me in a crushing embrace.

I heard the door open and we both jumped and turned in the direction looking for the intruder and found Carol staring at us dumbstruck. “Oops... uh… sorry I, uh just wanted to ask if you want to say goodnight to Carl. I'm taking the kids to say prayers and sleep.”

“Yeah, sure. Is he here with you? “Rick asked a bit stunned and stepped towards the door and I followed right behind him.

“Goodnight Carl. Sleep well; we don't have to be worried anymore.” Rick said with smile on his face, kissing his son on top of his head and ruffling his hair.

“Goodnight dad, goodnight Kiara.” Carl said and gave me a hug. I stroked his hair in return and said: “Good night buddy, go get some sleep.”

I followed Rick inside, closed the door and rested my head against it, small smile on my face.

“Soo… that was…interesting.” he said making me turn around and look at him. He was standing right behind me. I rubbed my foot against my calf staring down at the ground, my nerves getting the best of me.

“Well that's an understatement of a century.” I joked. He looked up and smiled sheepishly, his right hand on nape of his neck. Then he pulled me into a tight hug, giving me a chaste kiss and started swaying slightly from side to side. He rested his chin on top of my head and I closed my eyes, my arms clutching at his shirt as I was enjoying the peaceful moment.

“C'mon we should get some sleep,” he let go of me and set out to prepare the cot for sleeping. He lied down and patted the mattress next to him for me to join. I hesitated only a moment and then lied next to him on a make-shift bed, cuddled against his chest, his arms wrapped around me. I'd never felt so safe in my entire life. He kissed the top of my head and muttered:”Goodnight Kiara.”

“Goodnight Rick.” I replied and started to drift into sweet oblivion of a dreamless slumber.
Or so I thought.

Notes

So Rick and Kiara finally got some action :D I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Any feedback is more than welcome :-)

Comments

Please update soon!! I really like this story

I am really enjoying this story. I hope you go through all five seasons and beyond.

Natalie73 Natalie73
6/22/15

Omgsh, its getting crazy!! Hopefully kiara wakes up soon.

Xxjerr19xX Xxjerr19xX
4/1/15

Can't wait for updates! I'm hooked

Ashleyziur Ashleyziur
2/20/15

aww poor Kiara

Blakeray Blakeray
2/11/15