traded my life [TWD]

『26』

"I told you to stop following me," Daryl complains.

"Oh? You want me to lead the way?" I wonder.

"That's not what I said."

"It's what I heard," I dismiss and hop over a log.

"Are you even supposed to be out here?"

"I'm a grown-ass woman, Dixon. I do as I please."

"And yet you choose to stick to my ass."

"Ew, no way. That shit ain't been washed in years."

Daryl scoffs and kneels to the ground. I rock on my heels as he looks at a track I couldn't see- it just looks like dirt and sticks in my eyes.

"You know if you invested in some good shampoo and conditioner, your hair wouldn't be so greasy," I advise. "And I know some great products from Korea to get rid of that acne."

"You talk way too damn much. I should stick a bolt in you."

"That's hot. But, you're not my type, Old Man."

"You ain't mine, either, kid."

"I'm nineteen."

"And I'm thirty-four."

"Damn, okay, Ahjussi."

(trans. ahjussi: a term to address an older man/uncle)

He stands back up and begins following some indivisible trail.

"So, if you're thirty.. is Merle like.. seventy?"

"Fifty-something," he answers.

"I'll get his retirement speech ready," I mumble, kicking a twig aside.

"You worried about your little boyfriend?"

"Boyfriend?"

"Glenn."

I make a face. "Oppa is not my boyfriend. He's not my type, either. He's like a brother."

"You sure got a specific type for someone in the end of the world."

"Dead bitches crawling outta their holes doesn't mean I lost my value."

"I'm so glad you got your self-worth," he says with a sarcastic scoff.

"Ahjussi, I've been through a lot of men.. I know when to throw out the bad ones."

"Bad ones?"

"Cheaters. Liars. Dudes that are almost thirty and still call their parents 'mommy' and 'daddy'. Guys that are in debt because they are fixing up a 'razor' or a four-wheeler. Dudes that judge women who walk by. Groomers."

"You sure you even like men at this point?"

"Oh, believe me, I've tried women, too. Didn't get far there, either."

"You think maybe you're the problem?"

"I am literally perfect, Ahjussi."

Daryl snorts and I laugh.

"Ain't nobody perfect."

"Okay, Hannah Montana."

"Do you even know my damn name?"

I tap my chin in thought. "Deer-yl."

"Stop," he says and rolls his eyes, though I saw the glimmer of a smile on his lips.

"Speaking of deer.. are you gonna get one?"

"Maybe if you stop talking."

Shit. I put my hands behind my back and feign an innocent look like a doting partner.