𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗪𝗢, 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 the cars stopped, Carl could tell Ivy was over the moon excited. Not only did the huge grin on her face give it away, but the way she was so eager to see Carl and to feel his touch.

She quickly ran up to Carl and engulfed him in a hug. Carl felt safe her arms, and Ivy felt safe in his. They were each others rocks, and they were soulmates.

"We can finally have a life." Ivy spoke extremely fast. Carl grabbed her hand tightly as the started to walk towards the gate.

As Ivy looked around, she saw a few abandoned and wrecked houses. But one in particular house caught her eye.

Ivy caught glimpse of a girl that had to be her age. She had beautiful long dark hair, and was overall gorgeous. But Ivy couldn't make out much of what she looked like, because when Michonne blocked her view, the girl just disappeared.

Ivy almost questioned if she was hallucinating for a moment. But that girl was definitely real— well, she hoped.

An unexpected noise came from a trash can and everyone put their fire arms up. It was a habit at this point.

Daryl shot the possum with his arrow and picked it up by its tail.

"We brought dinner." Daryl spoke.

"It's okay." Aaron signaled the group in. "Come on in, guys."

The group all walked in. Carl didn't dare to let go of Ivy. He wanted to cherish every moment he had with her.

The group watched as the gate closed behind them. That was the start of their new lives. They could mourn and experience grief without worrying about being eaten.

"Before we take this any further, I need you all to turn over your weapons." A new man said. The group turning over their weapons is like a kid giving away their hard earned candy.

Their weapons had become a survival tool. The world wasn't about paying taxes, rent, worrying about the super bowl. It was a game of survival, and only some win.

"Stay. You have to hand them over." The man demanded.

"We don't know if we want to stay yet." Rick stated.

"It's fine, Nicholas." Aaron spoke. Ivy leaned into Carls ear.

"So Nicholas is the cunty bitch who I am not gonna like." Ivy whispered. Carl laughed slightly before earning a scolding look from Michonne.

"If we we're gonna use em', we would've started already." Rick asserted.

"Let them talk to Deanna first." Aaron told Nicholas.

"Who's Deanna?" Abraham spoke up.

"She knows everything you'd want to know about this place." Aaron explained. "Rick, why don't you start?"

Rick turned and faced the group. He spotted a walker and signaled Sasha to kill it. Sasha shot it. Luckily— it had a silencer on it, or the people of Alexandria would've gone crazy.

The secondary gate closed, and Rick looked to Aaron. "It's a good thing we're here."

𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗙 the group had already had their interviews. Ivy was one of the last ones, but she still had a couple more members behind her.

When it was finally Ivy's turn, she grew extremely nervous. Carl assured her it wasn't bad, but she was still nervous.

Ivy walked den where Deana was holding the interviews.

Ivy looked around at all the books and pictures. She found herself lost reading the titles of some books. She was familiar with a lot of them, hell, she's read most of them.

"Hello." A voice broke Ivy away from her thoughts. Ivy turned around to see an older woman. "I'm Deanna Monroe."

"Ivy C...." Ivy tried to say her last name, but she couldn't. She was in a new place, meaning she could rebuild herself. Become a new person. Be whoever she wanted to be. She didn't have to be stuck with the same image of her parents getting ripped apart every time she said her own name.

"Ivy Rhee."

"I've been filming everyones talks. Do you mind if I film yours?" Deanna asked.

"I don't mind." Ivy smiled before sitting. Deanna sat opposite of her on a smaller couch.

"How old are you?" Deanna asked. Ivy tried to think.

"I'm either 14 or 15..... I don't really know." Ivy answered.

"Alright. How long have you been out there?" Deanna inquired.

"Since this all started."

"I think its magnificent how you all found each other. You become each others family. Why and how does that happen?" Deanna inquired.

"Nothing about that is magnificent. And we all found each other because maybe, the universe wanted it to happen. And we became each other's family because some of us didn't have them." Ivy explained.

"Like Daryl?" Deanna asked.

"Like me."

"Oh.... I thought Maggie and Glenn were your parents." Deanna said. Ivy laughed slightly.

"Nah. They just kinda became my parents." Ivy stated.

"How did you lose your parents?" Deanna questioned.

"I watched em' get torn apart by walkers. That's why I can't go by my maiden name anymore. Every time I saw my last name, I think of them getting torn apart. Watching them bleed." Ivy told Deanna. "Y'all are lucky."

"How's that?"

"Y'all have had walls for all this time. You guys have been protected. Most of the people here probably couldn't even imagine what we've gone through." Ivy explained.

"Well, there's a girl your age that has been through the same thing as you." Deanna concluded.

"I really hope she didn't. Nobody deserves to go through what I've gone through." Ivy said quietly.

Deanna continued to ask questions along the line of 'how'd you find the group' or 'What was your life like before the apocalypse' but the last question stuck out to Ivy.

"What's you relationship with Carl Grimes?" Ivy raised an eyebrow.

"Why does it matter?" Ivy asked, sitting up more.

"He speaks very highly of you. He admires you. He said he loves you." Ivy smiled at Deanna's words.

"He's my boyfriend." Ivy looked down at the ground to hide her blush.

"That's nice. I remember when my sons first started dating. It's sweet, but scary. It really shows that they're growing up." Deanna smiled.

"I mean, I guess." Ivy shrugged.

"Alright, Ivy. I think we're done." Deanna turned off the video. Ivy stood up and smiled. Deanna opened the door for Ivy and she walked out.

After everyone was done with the interviews, it was time to turn in their guns. They all stood around a bin, placing all their fire arms into it.

"They're still your guns. You can check them out whenever you go beyond the wall." Deanna stated. "But inside here, we store them for safety."

The girl that Ivy now knew as Olivia watched in pure terror as the guns piled up in the bin.

Ivy placed her guns in the bin and returned back to her spot.

Olivia began to roll the bin away. "Should have brought another bin." Ivy and Carl laughed slightly.

After everyone turned in their guns, Ivy, Carl and Rick were shown two houses. They were huge and beautiful. These were the types of houses that Ivy's parents always wanted.

"Both of em'?" Rick asked Aaron.

"At your disposal." Aaron smiled. "I'd call dibs on that one. It's got more curb appeal."

"Listen, I know you're still feeling us out, but I'm glad you came. Anyway, Deanna's asked everyone to give you your space, so they aren't all coming at once." Aaron explained. "Take your time. Explore. You need anything, call me."

The three looked at Aaron with confused looks.

"I don't— we don't have phones. I— I mean't..... I'm four houses down." Aaron laughed awkwardly.

"Thank you." Carl spoke.

Aaron walked away and the Grimes men— plus Ivy, made their way inside the house. The house was beautiful inside. Very spacious. The walls were white and blank, but the house was so lively either way.

There was empty picture frames. There was clean clothes on the table.

"Holy crap." Ivy breathed out. She walked around the kitchen, making her way to the sink. She turned on the sink, and to her surprise, water came gushing out.

"Oh my god. Carl, Rick, look!" Ivy signaled the boys over. The men came rushing over. They both smiled at Ivy's excited look.

"So this means I'm showering first, bitches!" Ivy rushed to get a pair of clean clothes.

"Of course. Ladies first." Rick smiled. Ivy looked through the clothes. She pulled out a pair of black jeans, and a white tank top.

"Hey, Carl." Ivy called out. It was like Carl could teleport because he was by her side instantly.

"Yeah?" Carl asked. Ivy turned to her boyfriend and smiled.

"Can you wash one of your flannels for me? I wanna wear one." Ivy smiled sweetly. Carl grabbed her hand.

"Yeah, of course. I'll throw one in now....." Carl trailed off. "Dad! I don't know how to use the washing machine!"

"Oh my god." Ivy laughed. "Well, while you figure that out, I'm gonna go shower." Ivy and Carl kissed before Ivy walked off with the clothes.

Ivy ran up the stairs and into the bathroom. She locked the door before looking around.

"Finally." Ivy peeled her disgusting clothes off and threw them on the floor. Ivy turned the water all the way up to the highest setting.

When the shower heated up, Ivy stepped in.

The water against her skin felt like heaven. She sighed in pleasure as she felt all the dirt and blood wash off her skin. Ivy took out her braids and let her hair fill with water.

Leaves and branches fell out of her hair and into the drain. She cringed, knowing that they would probably clog up the drain.

Ivy reached for the shampoo. She successfully washed her hair and body.

Ivy turned the water off and grabbed a towel. She wrapped the towel around her body and stepped out the shower.

Ivy walked to the mirror and wiped the fog away. She looked at herself, and she didn't even recognize herself. The last time she looked in the mirror was when her and Michonne found Rick and Carl. But she was so clean now.

Her hair was much longer than it had ever been.

Ivy grabbed a toothbrush and toothpaste, something she hasn't seen in a long time. Ivy wet the brush and put the toothpaste on.

She almost fell over when she felt the toothbrush. The feeling of cleanliness that she missed so much was finally back.

After she finished brushing her teeth(like 5 times), she dried her hair and put on the clean clothes.

Ivy couldn't even recognize herself. Ivy wasn't one to brag, but she had great genes. Her mother was beautiful. Like super model beauty.

Ivy finished getting ready and walked out the door. Her boots that she stole from Maggie— well, they traded shoes, clacking against the floor.

Ivy made her way downstairs. She saw Carl waiting at the table. Carl shot his head up to look at her. His eyes went wide and his mouth gaped.

"Wow...." Carl breathed out. Ivy walked up to the table and leaned against it.

"What?"

"You're so beautiful." Carl went to kiss Ivy, but she pushed him away. "What? Ivy, come on."

"You, brush your teeth, shower, then I'll kiss you." Ivy stated. Carl took of his hat and placed it on Ivy's head. "Um, my hair, bozo."

"Sorry, love." Carl patted her shoulder and walked up the stairs.

𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗪𝗔𝗦 the last to get ready. He walked out a new man. Ivy was in awe when she saw Rick. Rick was already handsome, but without the beard and dirtiness, he was a masterpiece.

Ivy, stop. You're literally dating his son. Get. A. Grip.

Maggie and Glenn walked up to Ivy.

"Wow, you're hair is long." Glenn laughed. Ivy looked to her hair that was halfway down her back.

"Yeah. It's great, right?" Ivy smiled. Maggie wrapped her arm around the girl.

"You are so pretty. You know that, right?" Maggie complimented. Ivy patted her shoulder and smiled at Maggie.

"Thank you. Now, Carl has to give me his flannel before I riot." Ivy's expression went from a smile to an angry look. Ivy walked over to Carl who was near his father and Carol.

"Excuse me sir?" Ivy asked Carl. Carl looked up at the girl. "Where's my flannel?"

Carl grabbed the girls arm and dragged her inside. "Um, why am I being manhandled?" Ivy asked. Carl brought her to the living room where his flannel was.

"Sorry." He held the flannel out. "Here." Ivy took the flannel and slipped it on.

"Why'd you drag me in here like that?" Ivy asked.

"I just wanted to ask.... Are you ok with all of this? I'm just making sure you're comfortable. This is where we're staying now, and I want you to be comfortable." Carl explained. Ivy wrapped her arms around Carls neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I'm fine. I just don't want us to get attached and then something happens." Ivy sighed.

"You worry too much. You just gotta relax." Carl laughed. "I don't want to live in constant fear for the rest of our lives."

"Carl, with all we've seen and done, we are living in constant fear until we go to the grave." Ivy asserted.

"Well, lets see what it's like here. My dad is gonna let us look around." Carl smiled. Ivy nodded and kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too." Ivy began to walk away but Carl stopped her.

"That was the first time you told me you love me." Carl stated. Ivy turned around and kissed him again.

"I love you, Carl Grimes." Ivy smiled as they began to walk out the door.

"You two can look, just be quick." Rick spoke. Ivy and Carl thanked him and ran down the steps. Carol tagged along as well.

Ivy, Carol, and Carl all looked around the house.

Carol and Carl were done looking, but Ivy wanted to stick around for a bit.

"You two coming?" Carol asked. Carl nodded and started walking towards Carol.

"Yeah.... I'll be there in a minute." Ivy answered as she looked at the books on the walls. "You guys can go."

"Are you sure?" Carl asked. Ivy nodded and smiled. "Ok. But if you're not back in 10 minutes, I'm coming back."

"Ok." Ivy smiled before Carol and Carl walked out. "I have my knife if anything."

Ivy looked around before going upstairs. Ivy cautiously walked up the stairs. She looked around at all the rooms and furniture.

Suddenly, Ivy heard thumping. Ivy grabbed her knife quickly and held it up. She walked towards the door she heard the noise from.

Ivy hesitantly opened the door and looked inside. It was an unfinished room with comic books laying around, posters, cds, and coloring things.

Ivy picked up a comic that slightly seemed interesting to her. She flipped through the pages and closed it.

Wouldn't hurt to change up my taste. Ivy thought.

Ivy finished up in the room and left the house.

A couple hours later, everyone sat in the living rooms of one of the houses. Ivy and Carl looked through the comic together.

"This one is boring, I don't like it." Carl protested. Ivy looked at him with a confused look.

"I like it." Ivy scoffed. "It's nice. I think it's interesting."

"No way—" Carl was cut off by a knock at the door. Rick opened the door and it revealed Deanna.

"Rick, I— wow." Deanna said once she caught glimpse of Ricks face. "I didn't know what was under there."

"Listen, I don't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to stop by and see how you were all settling." Deanna looked around at the group all huddled in the living room. "Oh my. Staying together. Smart."

"No one said we couldn't." Rick commented.

"You said you're a family. That's what you said. Absolutely amazing to me how people with completely different backgrounds and nothing in common could become that. Don't you think?" Deanna smiled.

"Everybody said you gave them jobs." Rick brought up.

"Mhm, yeah." Deanna nodded. "Part of this place. Looks like the communist won after all."

Ivy tried not to laugh when everyone in the room stayed silent. It was sad that no one laughed at Deanna's joke, but Ivy thought it was hilarious.

"Well, you haven't given me one." Rick replied.

"I have. I just haven't told you yet. Same with Michonne. I'm closing in on something for Sasha. And i'm just trying to figure Mr. Dixon out, but I will." Deanna stated.

"Good luck with that." Ivy joked. Ivy felt something get thrown at her head, and she looked to Daryl who had a smirk on his face. "Dickhead."

The group laughed before turning back to Deanna.

"You look good." Deanna said to Rick before walking out. Rick looked around awkwardly before closing the door.

"Someone's got a crush on you, Rick." Ivy laughed. Rick tapped her head slightly. "What the hell! Y'all, leave my head alone."

"No." Daryl spoke. The group knew Daryl had a soft spot for Ivy, that's why they jokingly argued.

"Take a shower bitch, you stink." Ivy spat. Rick shot Ivy a scolding look.

"Watch your mouth." Rick scolded.

"Sorry." Ivy looked down to her hands. Carl laughed at Ivy slightly. "Don't laugh at me." Ivy snapped her head at her boyfriend.

"Sorry." Carl laughed even more. " It's just that Daryl threw an empty knife holster at you."

"I'm gonna kill myself." Ivy sighed and put her face into her hands.

"Ivaline Khaleesi Castillo, do not joke about that!"

"Sorry Rick!"