once outside, with said gate already closed behind them, daryl raised his eyes at rick.
“so, mind tellin’ me what’s with the sudden wantin’ t’ come? thought ya’d wanna stay, oversee stuff.”
a low hum — couldn’t really argue with rick there. just some time ago she was still in her crib. not so much anymore.
“i know, man. i know. only gonna get worse.” reaching up, a hand slapped the ex-deputy’s shoulder lightly before being dropped.
>
Fondly gazing at the tail-wagging pooch, Rick purses his lips and shakes his head.
"Maybe then she'd actually come around for longer than supper." He shrugs, then, leaning back with his hands still on his hips. "She's growin' up, Daryl. Fast." 𝘐𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 >
“hey, if that counts anythin’, she’s also gettin’ scary good at defendin’ herself.”
with their agreement sealed on the walk, the archer pat the side of his leg a few times, signalling for dog to follow as the three of them made their way to the gate.
>
lighting a cigarette, chin held high.
doing his best to ignore the two little girls clinging to his leg in the meantime — at least for five minutes anyway.
adjusting the bow that was thrown over his shoulder, daryl gave a reserved nod after a second of thinking. “sure. ‘s just a walk though if that’s cool?”
“i can lend ya dog.” shoulders rolled into a shrug along with the words as he finally looked up and away from his constant travelling companion.
who was still very much appreciative of rick’s pats.
>
Allowing the smile to tug at his lips when Dog kindly pushes for more affection, Rick obliges, keeping crouched as he roughs up the canine's thick scruff.
"How d'ya think I feel? She's my daughter and I hardly see her." Standing up straight after giving Dog one more good pat >
said pets are always welcome from everyone — rick, especially. so much so that dog ends up nudging the ex-deputy’s hand once they’re gone.
“mhm. tell me ‘bout it.” mutters the archer back as he watched the animal. “feels like she’s comin’ to see him ‘stead of me all the time.”
Crouching down to give a few rough pets to the pooch's head, Rick smiles at Dog before looking up at Daryl.
"This guy's been a great addition to the place. Judith really loves him." 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 goes unsaid.