Thread: It Could Be Worse [Lewd Misconduct and randomname98766789]

Nora nodded as they made their way to the road, her eyes thoughtful. I would say its nice to meet youbut the circumstances arent all that great. She said honestly. After all, she stabbed a man who tried to rape her, then left him for dead. She was lucky enough to never have killed anyone since all this started, but it was only a matter of time before it happened. She accepted Daryls hand, her grip was snug but not quite firm. Im Nora. Thanks for the shirt off of your back. A smirk lightened her features. It wouldve been awkward if you hadnt offered it. Hopefully youre not too cold. Nora walked in silence, listening to the quiet of the forest and her own thoughts. As curious as she was about the man next to her, she needed some time to think. Her mind was still resistant to the thought of joining a group. She didnt want to form bonds or rely on others, only to have that safety net taken. She didnt want to mourn anyone else, work to build up the trust of a family. Nora knew thats what it would take and she didnt think she was ready. She was lonely yes, but she thought it was preferable to the alternatives. The sound of Daryls voice brought her back to the present moment and she could feel her nerves working. Being with Daryl was one thing, facing such a large group a group who currently had their eyes trained on her made her both uneasy and shy. Unconsciously, she moved a bit closer to Daryl as they came to a stop at the campfire. There were varying emotions on everyones faces, some seemed worried while others looked at her like she was nothing more than a stray no one wanted. Maybe she was to them. Their stares made her acutely aware that she didnt have much on in the way of clothes, and while she was grateful to have Daryls shirt, it didnt do much to hide the fact that she had no bra underneath. Clearing her throat, hugged her bag and focused on Daryls voice while her eyes watched the dancing fire. It seemed like they might let her stay for the night and for that she was grateful. She followed him to a man whose eyes seemed even warmer than Daryls and she wondered for the first time how they all came together. It really was such an interesting variety of people. Pulling her hair behind her ears, she sat down in front of the man, trying to block out the others that were around until they finished. It seems youve seen brighter days. My names Herschel. If she could smile full on, she would have. Instead she settled for a nod. Havent we all? Nice meeting you. Setting her bag on the ground she opened it and retrieved some medical supplies from the bag. My injuries arent too bad. My wrist needs to be splinted but beyond that Im fine. His face remained passive as she spoke and she that he immediately saw through her lie. Are you now? Why is your breathing so shallow? She licked her blood caked lips and regarded him with curious eyes before shrugging and avoiding giving him a straight answer. Youre perceptive. She lifted her shirt lightly to show the forming bruises and heard someone hiss at the sight. She supposed it wasnt pretty. Nothing is broken, but theyre may be a cracked rib or two. He sighed before asking to touch her and she allowed it, tears coming to her eyes as he pressed against the injury to make sure she was right. When he was done, he made quick work or checking her wrist and wiping her face of the blood with a bit of water. She finished it off with two painkillers and while it hadnt set in yet, she felt much better after treating everything. While Daryl talked to what seemed to be the leader of the group, she spoke with Herschel and answered his questions about where she was from and how she came to be here. She told him about her missing parents, the overcrowding in the city, and her unwillingness to stay in one place long. As she spoke she couldnt help it as her eyes drifted back toward Daryl. Why had hed been in the woods to begin with? After a few more minutes, Hershel excused himself and Daryl took his place. She frowned slightly at his question before leaning in closer to him with a whisper. I dont know. Beyond you and Hershel, I dont really think Im welcome here. Her blue eyes searched his face for confirmation before she pulled his arm so he could sit next to her. Here, let me fix that face of yours. She pulled out the bottle of alcohol and poured a bit into a cloth before dapping it on his busted lip and just under his eye. Sorry for the sting but at least you know it working. Once done, she applied some ointment to the wounds before patting his face gently and sighing, her eyes tired. Im not sure what Im going to do. Its clear that you have good, honest people here, but I dont know. Her eyes fell to her fingers as she splayed them flat on her thighs. Im not used to all of this. You all rely on each other and I havent had to worry about that. My decisions affect only me. I dont like holding peoples lives in my hands She frowned when the words slipped from her mouth as her mind questioned her logic. She loved her job as a paramedic. Loved the process, the adrenaline rush, the feeling that she helped save someone, yet she didnt want to do that now. If everyone is fine with it, Id like to stay until Im all healed. Nothings broken but Ill be less mobile for a few days. After a long day she could see people starting to turn in. In that moment, she realized that while they all seemed to be together, no one had been talking to one another since theyd arrived.