Cat in a bag | DarylxReader |

Heterophemize

From the way he kept his eyes strictly focused on his arrows and everything coming out of his mouth being a nasty remark of some sort, he was shutting down. But I kept thinking and waiting for an opportunity where we could have some semblance of privacy. It was already unlikely he'd want to talk to me let alone with an audience. Looks like I'll do my own things for a bit.

You wanna know my favourite part of having a cat?

Well, I'm glad you asked!

It's scoopin' their litter tray! And litter is a luxury I've had to make do without.

I've developed a system of refilling the box as I saw fit, then with what I actually scooped I would dig a small hole in the forest to bury. It wasn't a hassle either, ,my tent was right beside the forest anyway.

I did this for a couple reasons:
No.1 we don't have bins.
No.2 don't attract predators including walkers.
No.3 it's hygienic, so no one steps in it by accident and there's no smell.

________________

From a distance I see Daryl standing next to his truck. He's... he's eyeing something in the trucks bed. This is my chance and I'm not wasting it. I thought about what to say, what could make him feel better? To answer that question there wasn't much. finding his brother would make him "feel better", but that was out of my control.

I walked to find him and expected him to notice me immediately, but he didn't. I could hear him sniffling as a result of him crying and muttering something, I paused. "Hey" that startled him a bit. This is all very uncharacteristic...

But he swiftly wipes his eyes "I didn't see you." He doesn't waste any time flipping back to being expressionless.

"That wasn't a fair fight." Not the best start but not the worst.

"Wasn't supposed to be."

I try lightening the mood, "I know you could've taken either of them."

...

"Probably." Oh great that worked well. Smart decision huh? What is there to be said anyway, nothing can make a person 'feel better' after finding out their own brother didn't return from a supply run after being chained and left behind.

"What?"

"Just checking on you."

"What do you care?"

"It's not just me we all do." That's mostly true.

"Sure, you all care so much." Wait. Does he mean that or not?

"I wasn't there you know?"

...

"I wouldn't have left him chained on a roof."

He looks like he wants to scoff at my words. "Oh, and why's that?"

"Merle was a dick sometimes, but he didn't deserve that" His demeanour... softened? "Nobody deserves that..."

"Let me go with you."

To my surprise, Daryl shakes his head. "Hell no. You're stayin' right here where it's safe."

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to help." I protest.

"Oh, like you've been real helpful huh?" What. "You ain't got the slightest clue on how to survive out there." The. "Can't do anything on your own." Fuck?

His sudden outburst caught me off guard and even more so when he continued. "Daryl if you want to be alone that's fine but don't you dare speak to me like that."

"You don't want my help? I'm not gonna offer it." I walk away, back to my tent.
"Whatever!" He snaps back although his voice is shaky just like earlier.

For a moment he considers calling after her, to apologise and ask for her help even.
But he stays silent, picking up his crossbow and going back to the main gathering area.

________________

Glenns already driven the van up to camp by the time I left my tent again. I held my little bucket in one hand ready to collect the quarry gravel from my cat on my back. I watched him pacing in the van as he watched the bargaining happening between Rick, Jim and Dale.

I wasn't really upset at him. He didn't mean what he said and sometimes when you start you find yourself not being able to stop. That's something I understand maybe a little too well. Still, just because I wasn't hurt  doesn't mean I wasn't going to put up a front to show him that taking your anger out on other people was a pretty shit thing to do.

The deal's done and Daryl steps over Glenn stomping on the horn with his foot.
"Come on, let's go!"
Shane's also watching the van drive out. He seems off. Upset and it's got something to do with his best friend.

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I've been stressing over not writing enough. But it's not exactly my fault when this particular episode covers 2 days of events. Maybe I shouldn't guilt myself this much and to do that I'm going to be releasing shorter parts.

I'm just wanting to put out as much content as I can but if longer chapters are more enjoyable please let me know. xx