Waiting for the Hunter

The Wait

Daryl grunted as he readjusted the limp rabbit on his shoulder as he neared the gates of alexandria. He had went off for a short hunt, more or less to clear his mind more than anything. He didn't like being cramped in these walls, with people that were just acting like the world never ended. Like their loved ones weren't moping around the world decaying and eating each other right outside the comfort of these walls. Everyone knew this was Daryl's escape, so no one questioned when he headed out for a hunt, despite their stocked pantry.

As he rounded at the gate, one of the fellow Alexandrians spotted him and rushed over to pull pack the rusty bars, giving Daryl access back in, "hey nice catch!" the younger, cleaner looking man said as daryl entered. 'This hare wasn't even big, the fools in this town would think anything's a nice catch,' was all he thought but he nodded nonetheless and kept walking, starting his path towards the house rick and his family were occupying. Once he made his way over, he was relieved to find no one outside to bother him, and plopped down on the porch stairs, as he slung the rabbit off his shoulder and drew out his knife. Right as he began skin the small creature, he heard movement in the house behind him before the front door opened, and someone stepped out. Not wanting to prompt a conversation, Daryl payed no mind to the person behind him and kept his focus on his pray. He knew it was Rick, he has learned the mans footsteps ages ago.

Despite Daryl's obvious efforts to trying to be left alone, Rick made his way to the steps and sat down beside him, "Hey, nice catch" rick said as he looked over at Daryl, a small smile on his face. 'Not you too,' was all Daryl thought. The rabbit was actually embarrassing and he felt hot under Rick's gaze, he regretted even bringing the thing home. Daryl always liked to impress Rick with his hunts, and hearing him compliment something as lousy as a skinny bunny made what was left of his ego want to cry. Rick stared a little longer before he looked back at the glass that was now aparient in his hands and took another swig of whatever was inside.

As Rick started to lower his glass, opening his mouth to say something else, to break the silence, Daryl huffed and slammed down the rabbit, "Man what're we doing here?" Daryl stared down at the carcass now laying on the stairs in a awkward position, avoiding Ricks eyes as best as he could. Rick reached out his hand, landing on daryl's shoulder and squeezed. Daryl side eyed him and huffed, this was bullshit. This whole town, fitting in. They were safe and that was great, but for how long? How long with people who can't even aim a gun let alone hold one.

"Do you know how thankful I am for you?" Rick said abruptly, staring into Daryl, like he was staring into to his soul, trying to make his words have more impact.

"Man, what?" Daryl was a bit thrown back at the words spoken so abruptly and out of place. All Rick did was smile and squeeze his shoulder.

"I mean it, I may not thank you enough and i'm sorry for that, but truly, you're my best friend." Daryl squinted as he searched Rick's face, searching for a deeper meaning, or waiting to hear some bad news that seemed to have to follow, that being the only reason Rick was complimenting him.

Daryl shrugged off Rick's hand and shook his head, "Man what'r' you on bout this for right now?"

"I just... I was thinking while you were away" Daryl's heart couldn't help but to flutter at the mention of Rick thinking about him while he was gone, " I was thinking how no matter what you're there for me, wether that be physically, emotionally or somewhere in between. I just wanted to thank you, you may not realize it Daryl, but you've been my rock in alla'this." Daryl just blinked at him, as he was starting to get an idea at what kind of liquid was in the glass he was holding.

"it's what we do Rick, we're family. I ain't there for you no more than anyone else from the group." Daryl stated, but Rick only smiled and shook his head.