"IS THIS WHAT YOU WERE WAITING ON?" Y/N yelled out over the sound of bombs falling, the walking dead groaning in the distance, and the waves crashing up against the motorized dinghy she was currently pushing into the water. Inside the boat was Strand, Daniel, Ofelia, Nick and Alicia. Y/N chose to wait for the second round to ensure Strand didn't leave anyone behind. Alicia had tried to argue and get back out but she was being held back by Nick and Ofelia.

"NOT EXACTLY," Strand called back to her.

Y/N managed to drag the boat far enough into the ocean to allow Strand to start the motor, and soon he was taking the first group toward The Abigail. Once they started to move she crawled back out of the water, running over to where Travis was dragging supplies to the waters edge. It wasn't much, but they at least wanted to ensure their stock pile of food made it onto the boat. Y/N and Travis weren't exactly on speaking terms but none of that mattered for the time being. Her main focus was survival.

She looked over to where Chris and Madison were carrying Liza's body, and she quickly shook away the sadness that overcame her at the sight. Her shoulder was aching in pain, but she pushed it aside and continued helping Travis with the supplies. She could hear the dead getting closer, and she knew if someone didn't come back for them quickly they'd most likely die on that beach.

As if almost on cue Y/N heard the boat returning. She also noticed a walker get dangerously close to Madison, so without thinking she pulled out her gun and shot them in the head. She didn't care about the noise for the time being seeing as they were all headed in their direction anyway. She continued to shoot them in the head, thankful she'd just reloaded with some ammo she had found in Strand's attic, as well as the fact she had extra clips in her jacket.

She could hear the boat pull up, and from the corner of her eye she saw everyone heading over to it and getting in. She backed up toward the water while her focus remained on the dead in front of her that were slowly closing in. The second Y/N felt the water hit her ankles she turned around quickly, running toward the dinghy that was being driven by Nick. Her shoulder was practically screaming in pain but she continued to ignore it as she jumped in, Travis grabbing hold of her when she nearly fell back into the water. She nodded her head gratefully toward him before freeing herself from his grip and sliding further down into the boat.

Y/N noticed blood covering her shirt and face, and knew it was from shooting the dead at such close proximity. She would have used something else besides a gun if it wasn't for the fact her shoulder wasn't getting any better, and lifting anything even remotely heavy caused it to hurt more than anything. Pushing the dinghy out into the water had caused her more than enough pain, though she didn't voice it to anyone.

The ride was rough, but everyone sighed out in relief as they arrived to the giant yacht. Nick drove it right up to the stern, the front of the dinghy getting stuck onto the stern itself. Everyone crawled out, Y/N and Nick getting out last. The two twenty year olds pulled the dinghy up onto the yacht while everyone else walked up to the deck. Once it was secured they walked up as well.

"Y/N?" Alicia said while running up to the girl. "Are you okay?"

But Y/N could barely hear her. Her ears were ringing, and her shoulder felt like it was being torn off. She didn't know what was happening, but when her vision started going in and out she looked at her shoulder, seeing a dark red spot slowly covering her jacket.

"Alicia..." That was the last thing the older girl managed to get out before her vision went black. She collapsed to the floor, and within seconds Alicia and Madison were down by her side.

"Mom, what's happening?" Alicia said panicky while Madison removed Y/N's jacket. When she did it revealed that Y/N's injury had opened back up, and Madison quietly cursed under her breath.

Madison covered the wound while calling out for Nick and Travis. As soon as the two reached the three girls Madison started speaking. "Take her into a room, she reopened her wound and just passed out. I need sterile water and as much gauze as you can find," The last part was directed toward anyone listening, so Ofelia quickly left in search of those things.

Alicia watched with worried eyes as Travis picked Y/N up and started walking into the yacht. He walked down the stairs while Alicia and Madison followed closely behind. Travis walked into one of the first rooms, which held a queen sized bed and gently laid the girl down on top of it. Luckily only the front injury had reopened, but it still wasn't a good sign.

"I thought she was healing," Travis said while looking at Y/N's shoulder.

Madison shrugged while taking the water from Ofelia's hand as she entered the room. "Without medicine she'll probably never heal."

Alicia had watery eyes as she watched the scene unfold. Y/N was still passed out, and Madison was cleaning the wound as quickly as possible. The older woman removed some Neosporin from her pocket before rubbing it gently onto the wound that was still bleeding, although it had started to slow down. She then covered it in gauze, taping it down before going to check the girl's temperature.

"She's burning up," Madison said while wetting a nearby towel and using it to cover Y/N's forehead. "Someone needs to stay with her."

"I will," Alicia cut in. By now everyone knew there was something going on between the girls, so no one was surprised when Alicia quickly volunteered to stay in the room with her.

Madison stood from the bed, backing away and allowing Alicia to lay down beside Y/N. Everyone else began leaving the room, but before Madison did she gave Alicia instructions on how to take care of the girl while she was passed out. Once Alicia nodded in understanding Madison left, closing the door behind her in order to give Y/N some privacy.

Alicia scooted right up next to Y/N, though she kept her shoulders propped up against the headboard. She slowly allowed her slender fingers to run through Y/N's hair gently while she used the other hand to grab hold of the older girl's hand. She squeezed Y/N's hand slightly before leaning down and kissing her cheek, allowing her lips to linger there for a moment before pulling away. Shaky breaths filled the room while Alicia watched Y/N breath slowly.

She knew Y/N needed medicine. She also knew Y/N didn't trust herself, but maybe the older girl would trust her. Alicia vowed to take care of her.

"I'm gonna take care of you," The younger girl whispered aloud into the quiet room. "I know you're scared to take pain medicine, but I promise I'll keep you safe. I won't let you get like before."

Although Y/N was still passed out, Alicia just knew the girl was hearing what she was saying.

Three hours had passed, and Alicia felt herself slowly drifting off to sleep. She had fought it as hard as she could, but her tiredness was starting to win. However, before she could fall asleep completely she heard a groan escape Y/N's lips. When Alicia looked down she saw the girl's eyes opening slowly and sighed out in relief.

"Y/N," Alicia said gently while cupping her cheek. By this point Alicia had removed the cold compress, so Y/N's face was now clear beside the few stray hairs sticking to her slightly sweaty forehead. "Oh god, babe how do you feel?"

"What happened?" Y/N asked. Her voice was scratchy, and Alicia smiled slightly at the sound of her speaking.

"You shoulder injury reopened," Alicia began to explain. "You passed out as soon as you got onto The Abigail. Travis carried you down here and my mom covered it up. You've been out for about three hours."

"Fuck," Y/N muttered while attempting to push herself up. A low gasp escaped her lips as a pain shot through her arm, and Alicia gently held her down to keep her from trying to continuing sitting up.

"Hey," The younger girl said softly. "Just stay down, okay?"

Y/N nodded while lowering her head back down on to the pillow. "Will you lay down with me?"

"Of course I will," Alicia said while moving her body further down the bed so that she was now face to face with Y/N. Y/N was laying on her back, but Alicia laid down on her side so she could see the girl's face. Alicia had used the wet towel from earlier to clean the blood off of Y/N's face, so now it was clean. "How are you feeling?"

"Just peachy," Y/N said sarcastically while turning her head to look at the younger girl, causing Alicia to grimace slightly. Y/N noticed and quickly corrected herself. "Fuck, I'm sorry, Alicia. It hurts but I don't mean to take it out on you."

Alicia smiled. "It's okay, I understand. I guess that was a stupid question anyway."

A lone tear fell from the corner of Y/N's eyes, and Alicia gently wiped it away. "I don't know how to get better, Alicia," The older girl said, her voice breaking slightly.

Alicia felt her heart break as she heard Y/N's voice crack. She knew how Y/N could get better, but she also knew the girl was scared. She was scared of herself, and that made Alicia's chest tighten even more.

"Do you trust me?" Alicia asked. Y/N seemed confused by this, but nodded in confirmation anyway. She trusted Alicia more than anyone. "Then trust me when I say you need to take medicine. You need something stronger than Advil or you'll never be okay."

Y/N shook her head slightly. "I can't."

"You can," Alicia nodded. "I won't let you take anymore than you need. I promise you I won't let you get dependent, Y/N. I'll take care of you."

"I'm scared," Y/N muttered out which confirmed Alicia's suspicions. "I trust you but I don't trust myself."

"We can get through this together," Alicia said while grabbing ahold of Y/N's hand. "You might not trust yourself but I trust you."

Y/N scoffed slightly at this. "What'd I do to deserve that?"

"You saved me," Alicia said gently. "More than once. I trust you more than anything. Just trust me. Let me save you. Please, Y/N."

Y/N laid in silence for a minute, weighing the options back and forth in her head. She knew Alicia was right of course. Without something stronger she would never be okay. Plus, she meant it when she said she trusted the girl. She knew Alicia would do everything in her power to keep her from tipping over the edge. In the week they'd spent together at her house as well as Strand's, Alicia spent nearly every moment with her. She kept an eye on her, made sure she was eating and staying hydrated, and even sat outside the bathroom every time Y/N showered just in case anything happened.

"Okay," Y/N said after a minute, causing Alicia's head to perk up. "But I'm begging you...don't let me go over the edge. I'm stronger than I used to be, but I give you permission to literally beat me up if I try and take more than needed."

Alicia laughed gently as Y/N said this, but agreed nonetheless. "I promise to use gentle yet effective force if you even think about taking more than you need, babe."

"I like when you call me that," Y/N smiled. "It makes everything feel more real."

Alicia simply smiled, wrapping an arm around Y/N's waist and sighing contently when she felt Y/N interlace their fingers. Neither girl ever expected to get along, let alone be this close.

"Hey, Alicia?" Y/N said after they laid in silence for a few minutes. Alicia hummed, leading Y/N to continue. "I think I should take a shower. I can literally feel the dried up blood."

"Okay," Alicia said while pulling away from the older girl. "But you have to be really careful while you're in there. I don't want you to start bleeding again."

"Maybe," Y/N cleared her throat slightly. "Maybe you could...take one with me? You know to make sure I'm safe and everything."

As Y/N said this Alicia propped her head up on her hand, blushing slightly at the thought of them showering together. The thought didn't make her uncomfortable, just nervous. No one had ever seen Alicia like that before.

Y/N sensed the girls nerves and spoke back up again. "If you don't want to that's totally okay. I can shower by myself. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"It's not that," Alicia said quietly. "It's just that, well, what if you see me like that and don't like me anymore?"

Y/N's eyes widened as Alicia said this, but then her gazed softened when she realized Alicia genuinely meant it. "Baby...you're the most beautiful girl I have ever met. Nothing would ever change my feelings for you. Especially seeing you...ya know," Y/N cleared her throat slightly, feeling a little awkward that she was saying this out loud. "naked..." She mumbled out. "But if you're uncomfortable just wear a bathing suit! You're not going to offend me."

"I'm not uncomfortable," Alicia insisted. "I want to take a shower with you. It's not like it's sex."

"What's wrong with having sex with me?" Y/N mocked being offended, though she quickly continued when she noticed Alicia thought she was being serious. "I'm kidding, love. I'd never push you into anything you're uncomfortable with, okay? I promise it's just a shower. I don't want you to ever feel like you have to do anything you're uncomfortable with."

Alicia melted at Y/N's words. If she was being completely honest she never would have expected Y/N to be so sweet. The older girl had a slight reputation in high school for hooking up with people, so hearing Y/N say those things took her by surprise. It also made her realize how lucky she was to have someone so amazing want to be with her.

"Let's go take a shower," Alicia said warmly.

"Really?" Y/N couldn't even pretend to not be excited. "I mean, y-yeah let's go take a shower."

Alicia rolled her eyes before standing up and helping Y/N get out of bed. Once the two girls were standing Alicia went to lock the bedroom door while Y/N headed into the en-suite bathroom. They were lucky Travis had decided to put them into one of the nicest rooms on the boat.

Y/N had already started peeling her tank top off when Alicia walked into the bathroom. The younger girl closed the door behind her before turning to look at Y/N, who was smiling warmly. That was all Alicia needed to follow her lead, and soon both girls were left with only their undergarments on. It wasn't anything neither girl had seen before, but it still caused both of their hearts to nearly beat out of their chest. Y/N went and turned the shower on in order for it to be warm by the time they were ready to get in. Luckily, Strand kept the bathrooms stocked with all the shower necessities, so all that was left was getting completely undressed and hopping in.

"Want me to get in first?" Y/N asked when she noticed Alicia still seemed a bit nervous. "Then you can undress alone and hop in whenever you're ready. And if you don't get to that point it's completely okay."

Her words just confirmed to Alicia that she had nothing to worry about, but she agreed to what Y/N said anyway. Y/N nodded in understanding before removing her sports bra and underwear. Alicia tried not to stare, but it was almost impossible not to look at the now naked girl in front of her. Her jaw nearly dropped as she took in Y/N's figure, but she quickly averted her eyes as Y/N looked up. The older girl then smiled before opening the shower door and stepping inside.

"Water feels great!" She called out after a few seconds, causing Alicia to laugh slightly.

The brunette wasted no time taking off the remainder of her clothing, and soon she was joining Y/N in the shower with a nervous sigh. When Y/N heard the shower door closing she turned around, her heart nearly combusting when she saw Alicia standing there.

"Holy shit," Y/N mumbled out.

Alicia grew nervous at this, and had the urge to cover herself. "What?"

"You're just so fucking beautiful," Y/N shrugged.

And with that all of Alicia's worries washed away. She should have known Y/N would never judge her, but she figured every girl had a fear of their body being judged at some point. But when you're dating the sweetest girl ever it probably didn't hurt to not worry about it anymore.

"So are you," Alicia said while taking a step closer, allowing the water to gently cascade down her body.

Y/N smiled at her before moving even closer to the girl, so that they were now standing only a few inches apart. She then grabbed Alicia's hand, spinning her around so that she was now facing the wall instead of Y/N. Alicia felt Y/N place the hand she was holding rest on her stomach as Y/N kept her hand on top of it, though she made no move to pull her closer. Y/N wanted to make sure she was comfortable, which she was. To prove this Alicia took a step back, allowing Y/N to pull their bodies together underneath the steady stream of water. The older girl pushed Alicia's hair to one side before pressing a soft, open mouth kiss against her neck while wrapping her other arm around Alicia's stomach as well. Y/N then rested her chin in the crook of Alicia's neck as both girls took in the feeling of their bare bodies against one another.

Alicia sighed out contently at the sensation, and she realized she'd never been happier. Everything almost made her forget about how fucked up the world was getting.