You let out a soft grunt as you place yet another crate beside the gate of Richmond, carefully counting each one, knowing that one of the leaders would kick your ass if they found out you missed one—or you got one extra than they needed.

“You done there, yet?” Ava calls out from the lookout, leaning over the wood barrier, “looks like you’re taking a while, forgot how to count, princess?” She says lightly.

You roll your eye in response, “ha-ha, very funny.” Slowly, you open the gate, “and, yeah, I’m done over here. Can you call over Joan? Just to double-check?” You ask.

“Nah, it’s fine, just bring it, who cares.” She dismissed your concerns, climbing down and helping you carry them in.

You open your mouth only to be cut off by gunshots.

“The hell?!” Ava exclaimed, dropping the crate and running off to the commotion.

“Hey!” You called out to her, cringing at the sound of the crate’s impact on the floor. “What on Earth is going on?” You mumble amongst yourself.

You follow closely behind Ava, peering over the fence, David steps into line beside you, arms folded as he shot you a glance. “See who they are?” He asks, causing you to flinch.

“No…can’t make up their faces from here.’’ You tell him, arms firmly placed on your hips, “why are your men firing shots? You gave everyone else in there a scare.’’

David’s shoulders tensed as he continued to look forward, they’re a threat! No one leaves or comes in within Richmond unless we know they’re no harm to us or our community.”

‘’Doesn’t mean you shoot at them!” You retort, “and what if they’re friendly? What use are they with a bullet between their eyes?”

David’s eyes narrow at your boldness, he roughly grabs your wrist, “remember your place, mocoso.” He spat, the words like venom and you reluctantly nod.

‘’Yes, sir.’’ You say quietly, looking towards the concrete ground.

“Please! Just let us in! We have wounded!” The person yells, taking another step forward, arms thrown out in surrender.

You felt something knot inside your stomach, and your eyes snap towards the figure. You’ve heard that voice before, you’ve heard that same voice whispering things into your ear and telling you secrets that no one else ever knew.

‘’Is that…’’ you murmur, jogging closer to the voice, ‘’it can’t be.’’ You continue.

“Oye! What are you doing!? Come back here!” David hollered, stalking towards you with a mixture of worry and frustration, “stop being an idiot and get behind the barrier, now.’’ He hisses.

Your eyes set on the group of people, but someone caught all your attention, like he always used to.

Javier.

“We came here all the way from the other side of the state—hell, I don’t even remember! Please, we’re all tired and hurt, we just need—” Javier pleas filled the air, and you exit Richmond, now standing right in front of him and his group.

You felt raw—vulnerable. You felt like you were turned inside-out for him to see all of you, to see how you’ve grown, how you’ve changed for the better or the worse. “Javi,’’

His eyes go wide, he feels as if his world had narrowed down to you and only you, ‘’mi cariño?” He asks, mirroring your surprise, your love, your warmth and everything in between. “Y-You were gone, I remember you being overwhelmed by all those Muertos!’’ He exclaims in disbelief.

You stepped into his arms, already wrapping your arms around his torso, “you’re alive.” You whisper into his chest, tears nearing your eyes, threatening to spill.

He slowly registers that you’re here, you’re in his arms, you’re alive and, god, you’re safe. He pulls you impossibly closer, “I never stopped looking for you.” He speaks softly, lacing his fingers with yours. Just how he remembered, always was a perfect fit.

“Oh, great, you know her.’’ The teenager beside him remarks, impatiently tapping her foot, ‘’it’s sweet and all—but why don’t we have this reunion when we’re inside!?”

“Javier.’’ David growls under his breath, pushing past the guards, snatching one of the guns from them, “you’re alive,” but the way he said it, it sounded like he wasn’t so happy about it.