#(daryl threads)

Daryl was exhausted, to say the least.  He knew that if they stopped while it was daylight, it would make for a lot longer of a trip.  Despite the fact that he knew all of this, he stopped to lean against a tree.  His back was killing him, his leg was bothering him.  He felt like maybe this time he’d overdone it.  But it had been so long since something like this had happened.  It had been back to back commotion since they ran into the whisperers.  

❝Thanks for savin’ the day.❞  Daryl was a man of very few words,  and he hoped he could properly convey how proud he was of Lydia for facing down her mom like that.   She was dealing with more than anyone should ever have to.   He knew he shouldn’t have asked if Lydia had managed to kill her or not.   He’d been thinking about her response all day.   He still wasn’t sure about his answer.

Daryl whistled for Dog.  He walked around the corner to see him with Gracie,  head up but otherwise making no move from where he was laying on the grass next to her feet.  Daryl knelt down to scratch him behind the ears and gave Gracie something like a smile.  ❝Between you and Judith spoilin’ him,  he’s gonna be useless.❞  He teased.

Since Daryl returned to Alexandria after helping The Kingdom relocate,  Dog has kept himself attached at Daryl’s side.   Unless he was with Judith.   Dog has also been seeing exactly what he can get away with without Daryl scolding him.   Daryl guessed it was being around all the new people.   He was a good boy,  but not without his mischievous and playful days.   And it was one of those days.   Dog was using every single way possible to attempt to get Aaron to pet him  --   nudging with his snout,  pawing at his hand.

❝Dog,  c’mon.  Quit.❞    Dog reduced to licking Aaron’s hand instead.   ❝I’ll put you back outside.❞   Daryl threatened,  as if Dog understood.   Which he must’ve to an extent because he laid on the ground next to Aaron’s feet instead of continuing.

Dog had nosed his way in-between where they were sitting until he comfortably had a seat touching them both.   ❝He’s too much.❞   Daryl eyed him,  a cross between a glare and something fond.   Dog didn’t notice,  he was resting his muzzle on Carol’s knee.