After losing Beth, you and Daryl were a mess. Not on the outside, but on the inside. The glances you threw in each others directions were enough to prove that notion.

The two of you had come across a group of guys. Or rather, they stumbled across the two of you when you were sat in the street, trying to think of any possible way to find Beth; to find who took her.

The were violent, crude, a loud obnoxious bunch. They all looked you and down, gazes predatory. He instinctively covered you. No way in hell was he gonna let anything happen to you, too.

Staying with them was a nightmare, you and Daryl were constantly looking over your shoulders. It’s life or death; you do what you have to in order to survive.

————————————

Four AM. That was how early Daryl had dragged you out of camp to hunt. Well, so he could hunt and you’d be protected. You were both stood in the woods, the silence deafening and surroundings still. Until… A rabbit. He aimed, the sting of the crossbow taut. Just as he released the arrow, another one came from behind you. Both hit the prey at the same time.

The two of you turned around. One of the guys from camp was there, smarmy grin on his face. “What the hell are you doin’?” Daryl asked, the frustration immediately leaking through his words.

“Catching me some breakfast.” He replied plainly, sauntering a bit closer.

Daryl scoffed, turning again and walking toward the rabbit. “That’s ours.” He put a hand on your arm and guided you forward.

“My arrow’s the one that hit first.” Len declared, chest puffed as he got closer. “Cottontail belongs to me.”

“Been out here since before the sun came up.” Daryl grumbled his reply as he got down to pull the arrows out and pick up what was rightfully yours.

“Now, that rabbit you’re holdin’?” The guy stood in front of you both. “It’s claimed, boy…” He looked over to you, eyes narrowing further. “And princess.”

That was when he was going to snap.