[b]Farren North – Road – Buck Bradley[/b]

Farren’s smile turned into a curious gaze behind the man again when he said he was alone. She knew he could be lying, trying to trick her into an ambush. But she was brought out of those suspicious thoughts when he deemed her brave. She looked at him, blinking in surprise. It wasn’t like she had much choice. It was either keep pushing, moving on, surviving, or dying. Complacency got you killed, if you didn’t go crazy first. She wasn’t exactly sure she’d call what she was doing bravery more than responsibility to her son.

“Nah I’m not sure what it was. But yeah, let’s walk together. A guy as big as you is a little more intimidating to anyone we might come across than a woman with a baby,” she said, weary smile matched with a matter of fact shrug. She let a hand leave Dean to grip the strap of her bag. When he’d mentioned it, a flash of concern went through her expression and she took a step back, biting her bottom lip. It was clear she was unsure about handing over her life line. “Please… don’t steal it,” she whispered, knowing she had little choice if she was going to keep moving tonight but to allow him to help her. 

A defeated look graced her face, hard for her to show she couldn’t do it all, as she slid the bag off and handed it over. When he had a hold of it, Farren unzipped it, rummaging until she found a hammer. She zipped the bag back, feeling the weight of the weapon in her palm. “Don’t worry, it’s in case whatever is behind us gets too close for comfort,” she smirked at him, not wanting him to think she was threatening him in any way. 

Farren began walking with him leisurely, unburdened by the bag and feeling like she could keep going a bit further now. “Nice to meet you, Buck. And no,” Farren chuckled, cheeks turning pink when he asked if Dean was her brother. “I’m his momma. My name’s Farren. This is Dean,” she said gently, kissing the side of her sleeping son’s head before the rustling behind them could no longer be ignored. Farren whipped around, clutching Dean with both hands even though one held the hammer, while panic flickered through her eyes. Out came two walkers, moaning and heading straight for them. She gave a pleading look to Buck, knowing his trust was about to be tested. He could easily take off, with all her things, and let the grotesque things have her. There was no way in her current, sleep deprived condition holding a child that she stood much of a chance against two.