Author's Note - I wanted to thank you all for reading this and for the incredible reviews you have left. It's because of your kind words that I'm really focussing on keeping this one going, even though I'm really struggling with motivation right now. Usually when this happens I start something new, but I already have too many WIPs that I want to finish so I don't want to do that if I can help it (even though I have a reallllllly cute idea that's calling to me! LOL). Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that the reviews I have received mean so much to me - especially right now because they're giving me the motivation I need to keep going. Knowing people are still enjoying this fic and are invested means so much. Thank you - so much!
"It looks exactly the same as it did before you started," she heard Daryl say, in that snarly annoyed tone that she found amusing, but made many others bristle. Carol's hair was already cut quite short, but the hairdresser had requested they trim it even shorter. It was ultimately up to her, but the recommendation had come down from the showrunner so Carol agreed. One the positive side it was so short she wouldn't have to sit while they did her hair everyday. Carol looked at herself in the mirror. It was strange how cutting off less than half an inch of hair changed her appearance. It really made her eyes stand out. "Well that was a complete waste of time," Daryl grumbled.
Carol looked over at him. She had to admit his hair didn't really look that much different. But they had added product to make it look a bit sweaty and greasy. "Okay grumpy, I'm off to wardrobe," she announced, standing up. "I'll see you once you get that arm looked at." Daryl scowled, but she could tell by the look in his eyes that it wasn't menacing.
As she was being led to wardrobe she passed the medics who were on their way to stitch up Daryl's arm. She smiled, thankful he was getting it looked after and even more thankful he didn't have to go to the hospital. If anyone understood not wanting to go there it was her.
"Ah, Ms. Peletier, come on in." A young woman was waiting for her. "I have your costume all ready." The pretty brunette sifted through a rack and pulled out a hanger. "Not the most flattering outfit, sorry," she gave Carol a sheepish grin. "But when I discussed your clothing with the writers it was clear they really wanted to play up the idea of your feminism and sexuality being oppressed by your husband." Carol already found it interesting that so much thought and planning went into their costumes.
"I understand," Carol said with a friendly smile. She took the hanger and went into a private room to change. The costume consisted of a rather plain, loose fitting t-shirt, khaki crops and some really terrible sandals.
When Carol looked down at her feet her first thought was how she wished she had painted her toenails, but she quickly realized they probably would have just removed it anyway. She glanced in the mirror and was quite amazed at the story she could already see in her reflection. It was very minimalist. Plain and simple. Nothing that would make her stand out. And sadly, it wasn't too far off from what she was used to. Ned had never let her buy nice things. He never let her feel feminine or sexy. She knew it was because he hated spending money on things he considered a waste, but also because he couldn't stand the thought of other men looking at her.
One too many comments on her long beautiful curls meant he forced her to cut them off. She quit dying her hair at that time too, what was the point really? She'd gotten used to her short gray hair but there were always times she longed to see those perfect ringlets one more time.
Carol emerged and the costume designer was waiting. She eyed her up and down and then started to grin. "It's perfect." She gave Carol a sympathetic look. "Hey, if and when your story warrants it I promise I'll give you some seriously kick ass clothes to wear. Maybe even some amazing boots if possible."
"Thank you," Carol said sincerely. She liked this passionate young woman already. She also liked her positivity even though Carol didn't really think a character like hers would last long on a zombie show. If she made it to season two she would be impressed.
Just as she was leaving to head to the room they were shooting in Daryl was showing up to wardrobe. "You look ridiculous," he said, eying her up and down.
"Shut up," she replied, rolling her eyes. "Let me see," Carol grabbed his arm. "Wow, can't even tell there's anything there," she marvelled. His injury had been covered by some rubbery fake skin type thing and makeup. It was a bit bulgy with the dressing under it, but it certainly wouldn't be noticed in the photos. "Gotta go," she said sweetly. "Have fun playing dress up."
She said it purposely to irritate him as payback for his comment on her costume. Carol knew without even turning to check his reaction that it had worked. She strode confidently to meet the photographer… but once the photoshoot actually started the confidence faded instantly. He kept shouting at her as he snapped photos and though she knew he was just doing his job and he really wasn't being cruel… it was getting to her. "Can, um, can I just have a minute?" She asked.
"Sure," he agreed, wandering off to find a drink.
Daryl had walked into the room a few minutes earlier and was standing alone by the wall so she headed straight for him. "I can't do this," she hissed under her breath. "It's awful. I'm awful. I don't know what he wants from me."
"You can do it," Daryl replied with a nod. "If anyone can it's you." Carol sucked in a breath. "If you want, I can go first because there's a good chance I'm gonna kill him." She felt herself smile. She was being stupid. Daryl was going to have just as rough of a time, if not worse. She needed to suck it up and just get through it. "'Sides, if he keeps snapping at you like that I'm gonna punch him in the face."
Carol gave him a look of gratitude for wanting to defend her honor. "No, don't do that. I'm gonna talk to him before I start again - hopefully it will make things easier for everyone." If she could do anything to help the other - Daryl especially, she wanted to try. "Thanks," she added with a smile before heading over to speak with the photographer.
"Excuse me, Sir?" Carol said somewhat timidly. "I don't have a clue what I'm doing up there. I've never done a photoshoot before and I'm certain most of the people you'll work with today are the same." His face seemed to soften. "I'm pretty sure you're not trying to make me feel bad, but I'm honestly ready to give up."
The man smiled at her. "Come with me," he said. "I wanna show you something." He led Carol to the camera and tapped a few buttons. A photo of her he'd just taken appeared on the screen and she gasped. It was gorgeous. "You are doing exactly what you need to do and so am I." He flicked through a few more photos and showed her. "I was told that they want Carol to look scared, uncertain, lacking confidence…" He stopped on another photo, a close up of your face. "Isn't that exactly what you see here?" Carol nodded, stunned into silence. "So when I make you feel uncomfortable up there it's giving me exactly the photos I need," he explained. "I know none of y'all are actors - yet - so this really is the best way to get the kind of photos we're looking for." Carol glanced over at Daryl and he followed her gaze. "I might need security for that one - I was told they want 'angry redneck' stills," he said with a chuckle.
Carol laughed. "You should be able to get those without provoking him. Hair, makeup and wardrobe already have him completely pissed off."
"Are you ready to finish up?" He asked. Carol nodded. "Okay, I'm going to keep doing what we were doing - try to feel exactly what you were feeling earlier. And if you want to express even more emotion - if you're able… please feel free."
Before they started she quickly gave Daryl a confident smile and mouthed "I'm okay." She hoped he wouldn't try to interfere. It only took another 5 to 10 minutes to finish up and thankfully Daryl kept his distance, even though she could definitely see him brooding. As they switched over so Daryl could take his turn she spoke to him. "He's really good, just let him do his job okay? You'll be just fine." Daryl grumbled something and headed over to get started.
Carol watched the whole thing. She could almost feel his irritation from across the room. But she no doubt the pictures the photographer was getting would turn out perfect. She marvelled at how much he relaxed when they put the prop crossbow in his hands though. It was crazy how much the weapon set him at ease. Even his body language changed and there was an air of confidence that hadn't been there before. It made her want to go out in the woods and watch him hunt. She already knew his tracking skills were incredible and Carol was pretty sure the man was also a damn good shot with his crossbow.
Once she was confident Daryl wasn't going to kill the photographer after all she let her mind wander a bit while she appreciated the sleeveless costume. The man had incredible arms and such broad shoulders. He had the athletic build of a swimmer - which she had seen in all it's glory the other night. The ladies were going to fall in love with Daryl instantly. And Carol knew he was going to have an extremely hard time with that. Rick would be dealing with the same thing, likely Shane too - perhaps they could help Daryl figure out how to handle the attention.
"Hey," a voice said, snapping her out of her daydream. "I have a couple of itineraries for you and Daryl to look over while you wait. Once all the solos are done we want a few group shots." A young woman handed her over some papers. "There'll be a meeting later in the week to go over everything - and they should have scripts ready for the first two episodes to hand out. Exciting huh?"
Carol felt a flutter in her stomach. Her contract was signed. She had just done her very first photoshoot and by the end of the week she would have a script in hand. "Exciting," she repeated with a nod, faking a smile. It was exciting, but also completely nerve wracking. There was no turning back now.
"Thank God that's fucking over," Daryl grumbled as he joined her.
"Not quite," she replied, handing over his itinerary. "Reading material while we wait to do group shots."
"Are you fucking serious?" Daryl groaned. The Grimes family was already being photographed and Carol noticed Glenn had arrived too. He looked so young in the ball cap they had him in. Dale entered the room too and stood talking to Glenn. Carol had to hold back a snicker. His costume was kinda silly, but she had to admit it suited his personality.
Her and Daryl took a seat by the wall and she started to look through the papers. Wow, they would be filming in less than 2 weeks.
"They're starting while Merle is still in rehab?" Daryl commented. "How does that work…" He looked confused but also a bit angry about it.
"Maybe they can start and just add in his scenes later," Carol offered. She really had no idea how things worked. And none of them had a clue what the storyline was going to be until they got the scripts.
"Yeah maybe," he muttered. "The fuck's a mixer?" Daryl asked, leaning over and pointing at something that was to occur the following Saturday evening.
"It's a party," Carol replied. "Like, an event for people to get to know each other I think…"
"I ain't going to no work party," he huffed.
"I don't think it's optional," she replied, trying to hide her look of amusement. Damn, he was so moody - like a toddler really.
Daryl grunted something she couldn't make out and then spoke, "Well there better be booze."
"Yeah, because that worked out so well for you last time," she drawled. Daryl glared at her and snatched his itinerary away to keep reading.
Carol had barely got back into looking hers over when he spoke again. "What's a - uh - Comic - Con…" Daryl asked.
Carol flipped to page two and scrolled down to a date in July. ' San Diego Comic Con' it read. She quickly read the details and her heart started to pound. "I remember Ned talking about this thing once…" she whispered. Ned was a massive Star Wars fan. "It's a huge thing for TV shows, comic books, and even movies…" Carol looked at him wide eyed. "Movie stars like Harrison Ford attend…" She swallowed a lump of terror in her throat. "There are literally hundreds of thousands of people that go..." Daryl was starting to look just as nervous as she was. "You think this one might be optional?" She finished weakly.
"Probably not," Daryl muttered. They both looked at each other for a moment and then back to the papers, but Carol couldn't focus any longer - she was already panicking about this Con thing - even though it was well over a month away. Too late, she told herself. You already signed on the dotted line. It was the first time since this whole things started that she truly wished she had never showed up for that audition a couple weeks earlier.