After we got back to the farm, we strung the deer up on a tree and hack off all the meat. Then, after wrapping most of it up, we store it in Hershel's still-working fridge. The rest of the group and I roast the remaining meat over a fire.

We're all sitting around the campfire in a ring. Daryl's on my left and Carol's sitting on my right.

Carl says, from across the ring, "I've never ate a deer before. It's pretty good though. Thanks Daryl."

"Don't just thank me." Daryl answers back. "Shy shot it too."

Carol pipes in. "She shot it too? As in you both shot it?"

"Yep." I answer, swallowing a mouthful of venison. "There were two arrows sticking out of that a buck, both good kill shots."

We all continue making conversation as everyone munches on their dinners. As the embers slowly burn down, one by one everyone goes to their tents. By the time only glowing coals are left, Daryl and I are the only one's sitting by the fire.

I grab a stick from the ground and stick it in the coals, poking them idly. I always did this as a kid with campfire, so it's kinda a habit now. After a few minutes of us just sitting there not talking, I break the silence.

"Well, I'm turning in." I announce, standing up. "'Night." I start heading in the direction of my truck, when Daryl yells out for me to wait.

"Where ya goin'?" he asks.

"To my truck, I've gotta have somewhere to sleep. I've got some blankets and pillows I was using on the road, so I'm all set."

"If you want, ya can…um…ya can come sleep in my tent. It's supposed to sleep four, but it's only me, so there's plenty of room. I mean, a truck can't be all that comfortable, and I've got room, so…ya can if ya want." he explains, rambling.

"Um…" I say at first a little surprised by his offer.

"Ya don't have to. I was just offering." Daryl says gruffly, starting to walk away.

Aw man, I think, now I've hurt my only friend's feelings. "No, I want to. I just have to get my stuff first."

He waits a moment before answering and stares at me. "Okay." He finally says. "I'll come help ya carry it."

Daryl grabs my blankets when we get to the silver Ford pickup, and I take my pillows and a bag of my essential stuff. It's got clothes, medical stuff, and other things like that.

He then leads me over to his dark, dusty red tent. He reaches for the zipper, opens up the tent and sets in. I follow, zipping the door closed behind me.

Daryl sets my things down on the side of the tent opposite of his stuff. I follow suit and unload my pillows, bag and all my weapons. I take off my boots too, and then sit down on my pile of blankets.

"Home sweet home." Daryl says sarcastically as he does the same thing.

"Better than a truck cab." I point out.

He laughs a little and nods. "Guess so."

As I tuck myself under my covers I look over at Daryl. "Hey thanks for letting me stay here, and for sticking up for me with Shane today too. It was real nice of you."

"It's no big deal."

"Okay."

I snuggle myself into my pillows and let my mind start to rest. As I'm feeling myself start to fall asleep, I whisper, "Goodnight, Daryl."

I hear him say softly back, "Goodnight, Shy."

A smile plays on my face as I slip into sleep.

A/N~ Thanks so much to everyone who's reviewed, followed, and made this story a favorite. Means a lot!