Well that escalated quickly...

Daryl moved with ease in the wood and released the breath he'd been holding since he'd woke up in that prison. His chest had felt like a ball of lead this entire time and out here though he didn't need to think of all those things. He didn't need to think about the way Sophia clung to him when he tried to leave, he didn't need to think about the things she said about her mother or the things her mother said to him. He didn't need to think of anything but the hunt.

Mac was silent with hi for once and Daryl knew it was more for his benefit then hunting. Mac knew him better than anyone. It was why he drug his ass out here despite the fight him and Merle had this morning about it. They fought like he was a five year old being handed off between parents who couldn't get along or agree on a damn thing. It was too late though because after the idea was planted it took root and he was going regardless. He needed air.

Mac lowered with him as he raised the bow and lined his sights up on it. Two doe and a buck. It was a good haul but he was here for one. Mac shifted next to him his eyes going around as Daryl sighted the doe. He'd leave the other two in hopes that they kept breeding in the area. She fell quickly once he took his shot and barely a bleat from the others was heard before breaking brush was the only sound around them as they escaped.

Mac and him looked down at the deer, "You know we didn't need this right now, right?"

Daryl snorted, "You think it'll go to waste with all those useless fucks in there?"

"Point well made."

Cleaning the kill Mac moved quick and took the load from him as he lowered it. He was going to get soaked in blood. Hell they both already were but fresh meat was something that was worth it. Daryl kept his eyes open as they moved back to the town. He needed to keep his eyes sharp because Mac was defenseless until he dropped the deer and it wouldn't take much for something to get the drop on them.

When they got to the gate a loud whoop above them showed Carter and Martinez on guard. Martinez jumped down and Carter disappeared on the otherside. The gates opening slowly for them. Martinez walked over and whistled low at Mac.

"Look at you el hermano." Martinez smiled.

Mac scowled the doe across his shoulders legs on either side and his arms draped up and around them securing them against him. Daryl walked up behind Mac snorting at the blood that was down his back and over his chest. It was usually him coated like this but today he just had his arms and his jeans dirty, his shirt was mostly spared.

"Gibberish taco bender we talked about that shit." Mac snapped.

Daryl raised a brow as Carter walked out with Brian in tow. Brian's eyes lit up at them as he walked forward him and Carter taking the doe. Mac groaned as the tension released from his body and he straightened fully. Rolling his shoulders and bouncing on the balls of his feet they walked into the gate with Mac throwing punches at Martinez as they argued.

"If you weren't such a bastard I'd like you." Martinez laughed dodging a hit.

Mac sighed dramatically, "If you would open your fucking taco stand I would like you."

Daryl shook his head grinning listening to them as they argued. He's missed these two giving each other shit. He'd been so use to it over the years that not hearing it just didn't seem right.

Daryl scrubbed his hand over his face and into his hair. Shaking his head feeling sweat sliding down his throat and into his shirt. It was clinging to him like a second skin and he wanted to just stand under the water get it as cold as it'd go and wash this shit off. Summer was going to be a fucking scorcher.

"Daryl."

Daryl lifted his head not having heard someone come up on him. He immediately huffed when Mac and Martinez just grinned and escaped.

"What?"

Karen's eyes swept over his arms and shirt where the blood was. "Are you alright?"

Daryl raised a brow, "Fine."

"I could show you how to get those stains out."

Daryl shook his head and walked around her. His eyes went to Mac who was shaking with laughter. He felt his irritation rise. When was this woman going to get the fucking hint he wasn't going to fuck her. Goddamn he bout wished Sophia had done that shit just so he could watch Hannah tear her down.

"It really is easy I wouldn't mind a bit." Her hand grasped his bicep.

Mac's eyes widened and his laughter died as he looked at his brother. Daryl jerked his arm free causing her to stumble. He knew eyes were on him, he could feel them all watching him.

"Are you that fucking stupid that you think I give a fuck about a stain with shit the way it is?" Daryl snapped loudly his voice rising, "Go the fuck on somewhere with that shit. Fucking useless."

Karen's eyes were wide and she made a face, "You don't have to be so rude Daryl. We know Sophia's mothers here and clearly you all aren't together anymore. We can all tell from the way she is with you, it's rude. If you need help I don't mind."

"Excuse me."

"Oh fuck." Mac muttered moving towards them.

"What did you say?"

Daryl's eyes went to Andrea standing there. Her eyes were on fire and she looked like she was about to rip this woman in half.

"Who in the fuck do you think you are?"

"I'm Karen."

Andrea looked her up and down her face completely displeased, "Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

Karen's face morphed into one of anger, "What are you even doing here you aren't apart of this town."

Andrea's eyes flashed faster than her hand as it connected with Karen's face, "If I hear you say one more thing about my friend OR Sophia's father..." She slapped her again and Karen stumbled.

Daryl's arm went around Andrea as she drawled back to strike her again. She swung her hand still connecting. Karen swiped at her mouth as Andrea's feet left the ground. Daryl seen it before Andrea did and she swung at her but Daryl spun keeping Andrea out of her range. The hit connected with his ribs and he grunted. He felt a sharp pain shoot into his side but kept Andrea snugly against him even as she tried to get free to get at the woman again. What the fuck was with the women in this town?

"KAREN!" Merle barked.

Daryl and Mac stood back watching as Merle parted the crowd. Andrea was panting against him her anger still raging. Karen paled at his brother's voice and she looked over.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Merle barked again.

Karen motioned to Andrea who Daryl still had a grip on, "This outsider came in here and started a fight."

Mac scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. It was enough to get Merle's attention and he raised a brow. Mac knew just how to get Merle on his side, "This bitch was over here running her mouth to Daryl about Sophia and then Carol saying shit that don't involve her or concern her. Blondie over here heard her and Karen decided to run her mouth to her too." Mac's eyes flashed dangerously at Karen as she wiped more blood from her lip.

"What the fuck you even doing concerning yourself with it?" He snapped at her.

Karen blanched, "I offered him help!"

"HAS HE ACCEPTED ANY OTHER OFFERS FROM YOU BEFORE!" Mac yelled.

Merle looked at him and Daryl did too. Mac's chest was heaving and he looked a sight painted in blood and his face angry. Karen was looking at him wide eyed.

"Karen do yourself a favor and stop pursuing my brother. He's made it clear he don't want you time and time again." Merle warned, "Stop."

Merle stormed off and Daryl let go of Andrea as she settled down. Mac looked right at Karen, "Whore."

"Screw you Dixon." Karen snapped.

He turned and looked at her crowding her, "You mistake me for my brother thinking I wont slap you to the ground you uppity fucking cunt." Mac snarled his fist clenching, "Get the smug look off your face before it gets stomped off bitch. I don't like you and I'll be goddamned before I see my brother with someone like you even if he did decide to like you."

Karen's mouth hung open and Daryl stepped forward grabbing Mac, "Come on."

"No fuck her." Mac snapped. "Bitch needs to learn her fucking place."

Daryl's eyes lifted to Martinez and he grabbed Karen and started pulling her the otherway. Daryl stepped around in front of his brother. Mac was still barking shit at her as she was pulled away and Daryl grabbed his face forcing him to look at him.

"Fuck her!" Mac sneered.

"I'd rather not personally." Daryl said straight faced.

Mac met his eyes and Daryl seen amusement lace into his eyes dancing with anger.

"I'm pretty sure I'd catch something. Only thing that woman has to show for herself is that callus on her back."

Mac laughed loudly and leaned his forehead against Daryl's nodding. "I hear ya."

He threw his arm over Daryl's shoulder and spun on his heel. Andrea appeared on his otherside working to keep time with their steps. Daryl snorted knowing that she was struggling.

Mac forced him to slow down and Andrea let out a breath. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to slap that bitch." Mac chuckled, "Goddamn that was good shit."

Daryl snorted and Andrea grinned proudly, "I don't like her."

"No one does." Daryl muttered.

"Why would she even mention Carol?" Andrea huffed.

Mac's head fell back with laughter and Daryl wanted to escape. "Because she thinks Daryl's giving it to her."

Andrea hummed in her throat, "SO that is what gets under her skin." Her voice at a malicious quality that Daryl didn't like, "It'd be a shame if she got her heart crushed even more by these thoughts."

Mac spun away from Daryl and walked backwards in front of them, "I like you." He looked at Daryl grinning, "If you weren't already fucking Carol I'd say go for her and all that fire."

Daryl's face reddened as people's heads turned hearing his brother's loud ass. "Shut the fuck up you loudmouth bastard."

"He has a point Daryl if you and Carol weren't already together I'd totally let you tap this."

"Fuck this." Daryl stormed off with the sound of their laughter following him.