Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

WASHINGTON

Kennedy's POV

The sun hung high in the sky, casting long, hazy shadows over the road as we made our way toward Washington on foot. Despite it being only a few hours from Alexandria, the tension in the group felt like it stretched on for miles. The air was thick with it. Daryl led the way up front with Dog trotting alongside him, while Glenn and I stuck closer to the back, keeping our distance from the others. Somewhere behind us, I could hear Negan's low, constant mumbling, grating over the uneasy quiet like nails on a chalkboard.

"I don't know why I'm here," he muttered, loud enough to ensure his complaint was heard. "Dragged out on some merry little walk when we all know damn well none of y'all want me here in the first place."

I clenched my jaw, doing my best to block him out. I'd promised Daryl I'd ignore Negan and avoid giving him any attention, but every snide comment made my muscles tighten. Glenn, walking just beside me, shot me a glance, his irritation as clear as mine. Neither of us had said a word to Negan since we'd set out, and I was determined to keep it that way.

Negan, though, had other ideas.

He sidled up beside me, matching my pace. "What's up with the silent treatment, huh?" he drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. "Usually, by now, you'd have told me to shut my big mouth. But here you are, all quiet. That a new strategy or somethin'?"

I kept my eyes ahead, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Glenn shifted beside me, glaring at Negan with a look that could cut glass.

When I didn't respond, Negan huffed, the sound mocking. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Cat got your tongue? Or maybe Daryl did. Told you to stay quiet, didn't he?"

I bit my lip, trying to tune him out, but his persistence chipped away with each taunt, his voice growing louder, more relentless.

"Oh, come on. Just a word or two? Don't make me beg." His smirk practically rang out in his voice.

Finally, with an exasperated sigh, I glanced up at him, tone flat. "Fine, shut up." I met his gaze squarely, feeling Glenn's watchful presence beside me. "Happy now?"

Negan grinned, that smug satisfaction blooming across his face. "Yes, ma'am," he said, leaning in just slightly.

I could feel Glenn tense beside me as he shot Negan a withering look. From up ahead, Daryl glanced back at us, his eyes locking on Negan walking far too close for comfort. His expression tightened, and he gave me a pointed look before shaking his head and turning back to the front of the group.

"Great," I muttered under my breath, feeling the weight of his silent disapproval. Negan caught it, too, and let out a low chuckle.

"Oh, is that what this is?" he asked, amusement dancing in his voice. "You're actually in trouble right now? For speakin' to me?"

Before I could respond, Glenn reached over and grabbed my arm, pulling me slightly ahead. "Let's just leave him back there," he muttered, his pace quickening. I didn't resist, more than happy to get away from his incessant taunting. We moved faster, our boots crunching against the gravel as we caught up with Daryl.

Daryl looked over at me, his brow furrowed. "Thought you were gonna ignore him."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I'm trying," I said, the frustration clear in my voice.

"She really did try," Glenn added, glancing between the two of us as if to back me up.

Daryl gave me a look, the corners of his mouth tight. "Try harder."

I huffed, the comment stinging more than it should have. "Right," I muttered under my breath. I knew he was right, but that didn't make it any easier. Ignoring Negan was like trying to ignore a fly buzzing around your head. Eventually, you just swat at it. I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep this up, but I wasn't about to argue with Daryl in front of everyone.