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Snuff - Chapter Four - Stray

Getting back inside was easy, and Daryl made sure they had as little to complain about as possible by sealing the fence back up as good as he could. Which, in his own opinion was pretty damn good. Kira, just stood by and kept her sights on the prison the whole time he worked. He had to admit, while he didn't like having people around, she wasn't so bad. So long as she didn't speak. Plus she was good for a lookout, which was something you could never have enough of out here. He gave the chain a quick tug, and rang it around as hard as he could, smiling to himself when it didn't move. He reached back down for his bow he'd left leaning against the fence and was ready to take on the next task, when he felt a hand quickly and tightly grab his arm. He stood up quickly, expecting danger, a walker, anything other than what he saw. Carol, who had stopped a few feet away to examine, was now making her way towards them, not looking in the least bit amused.

"Daryl..." Kira whispered stepping behind him as she did. He looked back at her and huffed a bit, it was just Carol. He saw no reason to be scared of her, or anyone for that matter. But then again he was Daryl, he really didn't fear any man, woman, or walker. They usually feared him. However he would admit to an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach as Carol finally made it towards them. She didn't say a word, she just crossed her arms across her chest and gave him that classic look she'd give when she wasn't at all happy about a situation.

"Look, I can explain... She..." He was ready to give all the reasons in the world why Kira wasn't an issue and why she should stay. He was even ready to lie, though he wasn't sure why... He had a speech planned out, about how she was amazing with a gun, and had good skills... Even though he hadn't really seen any of them. But she could climb the hell out of a tree... However before he could finish Carol rose her hand up.

"Don't go blaming anything on her!" She snapped back, completely throwing Daryl off guard. He had surly thought she would be pissed about bringing in another burden, but no.. "Where have you been? You can't tell me you ran out to play hero!" She crossed her arms tighter, awaiting a response. Daryl opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off again. "We have so few things going for us right now, you go and get yourself killed and you leave us with fewer!" They both knew that wasn't the case as to why she was mad. Everyone knew she'd grown quite fond of Daryl over their time together, what kind of fondness this was though was unknown to everyone, even them.

Daryl rolled his eyes "calm down woman I went ta get food." Carol looked behind him with a crooked brow. "I lost it, 'k? Damn walkers stole my catch. I ain't gonna hear 'bout it from you though! Least I'm tryin'!" He mumbled a bit more, knowing no one understood it and it was probably a good thing too. "Found dis girl, she's good with a gun, figured she'd be worth somethin'." he shrugged a bit looking away, as he usually did when he just wanted everyone to disappear.

Carol looked around once more at the girl and smiled "anyone good with a gun is welcomed here" Carol then looked towards Daryl who in turn gave her the same look, one that said that while they felt that way it didn't mean anyone else would. "Let's get you both inside then. Breakfast is cold, but edible, and I'm sure everyone would like to meet you..." Kira flinched when Carol reached out, but quickly calmed when the reach turned into a soft brush on the head.

Daryl lead the way, with Kira still latched onto his arm. He tried shaking her off every few steps but the girl wouldn't move. Finally he gave in and let her hang on, ignoring the soft, almost taunting looking from Carol as he did. "You don't talk much do you?" Carol asked to the girl, "You at least got a name?"

"Her name's Kira" Daryl answered before she could. Getting somewhat annoyed at the attempt for small talk. Carol sighed a bit, annoyed at his outburst for an answer. She accepted it however and kept on towards the prison, knowing how he was and that arguing would get them nowhere. Not to mention there would be arguing enough as soon as they got inside, both of them knew that. Poor Kira however had no idea what awaited her.

They made their way inside and almost instantly all eyes were on them. Smiles quickly faded. Very few held, Glenn of course tried to act like all was well and seem welcoming upon seeing the scared girl's face. Rick however didn't care one bit. "What's this?" He asked pointed towards her as if she was a ragged dog brought home in the rain.

Daryl quickly stood between the two. "She's with me, an' she's stayin'." He spat before anyone else could say another word. "She ain't got no issues, she ain't bit. She's alone an' knows her stuff.. She could be of use." Daryl tried to make it sound that he was sure of her, but in all honesty he wasn't. He had only seen her in the face of danger once, and she almost had a melt down. Now here he was sticking his neck out for a stranger and he couldn't even explain or understand why.

By this time, Carol had backed off, and Daryl and Kira were alone on one side of the room, as if they were walkers themselves. "Use? She isn't going to be of use Daryl! She's another mouth to feed, another person to keep count of! How'd she find us anyway Daryl? You runnin' around bringin' home strays?! How do we even know we can trust her?!" Rick shouted, meaning well. Everyone knew he had been on edge, and out of all of them he had more to be on edge about. He had his son, and pregnant wife to think about, out of everyone here his mind was the most burdened.

"I trust her!" Daryl shouted now, leaving Kira behind to be face to face with Rick "That should be enough!"

Everyone in the room fell more silent than before, each looking to Rick for his next move. Rick kept his eye on Kira, the look he gave her made her tremble where she stood. "You're responsible for her, and know anyone she gets killed is on you!" Rick made his last statement before walking off, refusing to speak to Lori who made the smallest attempt to stop him on his way out.

Daryl looked back to Kira who had now placed herself against the wall. Her eyes never left his. "C'mon" he said towards her, leading the way outside.