million dollar man | twd

ǫᴜᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴛɪᴍᴇ

[ quality time ]

꧁꧂

It had been six months since the group took in the people from Woodbury. Every single day had brought small improvements, transforming the prison into a place that felt almost like a home. The once-barren courtyard now boasted a dining area with an awning, and vibrant flowers and herbs thrived in carefully tended gardens. The front meadow was alive with the sounds of pigs and horses, while rows of crops stretched out under the sun.

A water pump had been installed, bringing fresh water into the prison daily. With gas coming in from supply runs, the generators hummed to life from time to time, providing much-needed electricity. Hunting parties ensured a steady supply of food, and while there wasn't plenty, there was enough to go around.

"Hey, you comin' or what?" Daryl yelled.

"The sun is barely up, Daryl, Jesus. You know I'm not a morning person," Vanessa sighed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Come on, I don' got all day," Daryl yelled again, impatience tinging his voice.

"I know that these runs with me are like the best parts of your week, but you don't have to yell at me to get more time with me. Just ask," Vanessa teased, grabbing her gear and walking toward him.

Daryl grunted, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get movin'."

He wouldn't say anything but he found himself grateful for these weekly runs, the rare moments when it was just the two of them, away from the constant demands and watchful eyes of the prison.

They were planning on hitting a Big Spot store nearby. One of the new people at the prison brought it up, thinking it might be a good place to find new materials. Rick, who'd given up most of his authority to the council they set up decided to let them decide themselves if they wanted to go.

But when they arrived, they saw that the parking lot had been fenced off, used as a refugee site in the early days. Now it was overrun with walkers. Vanessa peered through the binoculars, grimacing at the sight.

"We could set up a distraction," she said, lowering the binoculars and looking at Daryl.

"Distraction?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you know, cut a hole in the fence and leave one of the cars or something nearby playing music to draw 'em out. Then come back in a week."

Daryl glanced at her, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Not a bad idea."

Vanessa rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Glenn isn't the only smart one, you know?"

Daryl smirked, shaking his head slightly. "Never said he was."

They spent the next few minutes discussing the best way to implement the plan, deciding on the specifics and the timing. Once they were satisfied, they turned their attention to the immediate task at hand—hunting for food.