"So you, Daryl, and....Emery?" Lori glanced at me, unsure of the situation, "That's your big plan?" "It's not going to be so simple," Rick said turning to me. "It's up to you if you really want to go. You know the city too, more than me at least. We can always use more hands." I nodded feeling Daryl's burning, narrowed gaze on my face.

"With that said," Rick turned to Glenn with an insisted expression. Honestly I have to say I feel bad for the Korean. He ventured with us last time and is smarter than possibly everyone here, but sometimes I feel like everyone pushes him around, especially Daryl. Glenn kind of reminds me of Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Afraid of walkers and getting killed, but he'll help in the end. That's why I like hanging around him.

"It's not fair of me to ask, but I'd feel better with you along," Rick continued after Glenn's slight protest. "That's just great. Now you're gonna risk three men and a woman," Shane grumbled. My eyes automatically flicked to his. I could tell I was frowning mostly because of the emphasis he put on woman. Really, the world turned to shit and sexism hasn't dissolved with it. If anything ladies, we're put back on square one.

Guns, that's what the conversation amounted too. I knew about them, According to Rick, the bag he dropped dead in the middle of the street is full of them, ammo included. In a world of walkers, that's hitting the jackpot. I just couldn't see how we could pick them up with the dead lolling around, looking for lunch. We are moving out on a whim for this one, and because of a walkie talkie.

I get it though, for Rick to risk his life to save some man and his son. Daryl had done the same for me, even though at first he wasn't clear on who I was at the time. Logan and I ran out of gas in our car and attracted three walkers. We didn't want to stray too far from the road eithers, so into the trees we went. It was the worst and best thing we could have done. All I can clearly remember is my brother pulling me to him, trying to protect me even though I was the oldest by four years.

Then a clean arrow shot through the walker's skull right when it spotted us behind a thick tree. I swear I thought I was dreaming when Dixon walked out to retrieve his bloody arrow. Merle taking care of the other two walkers easily enough, but there he was, bearing a crossbow. Of all weapons, it's actually a smart way of choosing.

A small smile found its way on my lips from the memory, but I didn't want to think about it. That was before we stumbled upon the others, before Logan was dead. I looked around, not realizing the matter was closed. The sun wasn't too intense today. So far, I listened to the dirt and rocks under my feet as I made my way to the back of the truck we were taking to the city. Hoisting my bag in the back, I stepped up and climbed on.

A hand wrapped around my arm, but I pulled away. "What are you doing?" I asked Daryl. He eyed me like I was crazy. "Helping the lady aboard," he said, that hard attitude framing his voice like I did something wrong. Maybe I did, but it wasn't the normal thing for him to do, to help anyone, really.

"Thanks," I said kicking my bag over as I sat down in the back. "Whatever," Daryl shut the back of the van after Rick got in the passenger seat. The truck rocked a little, making me put a hand on the cold floor for balance. I leaned back and closed my eyes. If I was going to try to stay calm, now would be the time to do it. I just wish I had my music with me.

"Don't get too comfortable," Daryl sat heavily beside me. With his handkerchief in hand, he stared down T-Dog. "He better be okay, that's my only word on the matter." He was slouched, leaning into the corner. I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Daryl to make this tight drive fill with tension. If it was my brother, I'd act the same.

"I told you the geeks can't get at him. Only thing that's gonna get through that door is us," T-Dog once again assured. At least he chained the door last minute, but usually when walkers want something, they find a way to get it. I'm sure Merle wasn't too intent on keeping his mouth closed while he was stuck up there.

Daryl wiped his mouth with the red cloth, his eyes saying he didn't believe it. Dust and dirt smudges were on him: his sleeveless shirt, arms, neck, and face. His blue eyes appeared lighter against the sun reaching us through the front window.

When Glenn pulled the truck to a stop, I knew it was time to be more aware of my surroundings. Already, the sky wasn't as bright as it was back at camp. The two of them got out before me. As soon as I was on my feet, Daryl was already pulling me aside.

"What?" I asked glancing at the others who were already on their way. Daryl took his thick knife out of its place at his side. He looked at it for a second before extending the handle to me. "Just take it. It'll give me some peace knowing you at least have that instead of your flimsy pocketknife." He grunted hurrying his pace to catch up with the others.

"Grimes didn't stop to give you a gun or anything." I hadn't even known he was upset about it. Right now it felt like you either had something to protect yourself or you don't. "We're in a rush to get back before the sun is down. Besides, guns aren't my style. They're heavy, loud, and cold. I mean look at this thing," I indicated his knife.

"Don't wave it around like that," Daryl stepped away. "I thought I told you how to use that thing." I felt a smirk on my face. "You did." I had been sketchy about it at first, when it was just he and I in the woods. He was teaching me to catch a rabbit, not that it paid off. That was when he pulled his knife on me. No, not to stab me, just to show me simple uses of self-defense. It was fun until I actually made him bleed.

"Right, just don't cut me this time," Daryl eyed the others as we approached a large fence. "That was an accident, how many times do I have to tell you," I stopped short when he turned on me. "Maybe one more time will do," Daryl murmured keeping eye contact on purpose.

My heartbeat sped up at how close his mouth had inched to mine. On instinct I quickly moved away, knowing he was pushing my buttons to get a reaction. This one seems to satisfy him. "Can we get back to why we're here please?" Rick cut through Daryl's smirk when we all went through the hole in the fence. "Merle first or guns?"

This brought Daryl back to his vengeful state. "Merle, we ain't even having this conversation." "We are," Rick challenged but then let Glenn decide. "Merle first," Glenn reasoned, setting our course ahead.

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