That name crossing Rick's lips so casually caused an old pang of hatred to flare to life in Daryl's gut, like smouldering embers being agitated. It was a little surprising, after all this time, and yet not. The hatred had grown in direct proportion to his regard for Rick, and sometimes it just wasn't easy reconciling who Rick used to be with who he was now, forgiving him for his past willful blindness that had nearly cost him his life.
Even back when it was happening, it had infuriated Daryl. His instincts about Shane the first time he'd laid eyes on the man had been absolutely accurate, untainted by familiarity or bias. He'd known Shane as the snake in the grass that he'd eventually proved himself to be, and had also known no one would have heeded one word he had to say on the matter. Likely would've just exiled him from the group for speaking against the man. Only Dale had been willing to listen, probably because Daryl's opinion had suited his own agenda at the time, but it was already too late then.
And truthfully, maybe he was jealous, just a little. That no one had ever — or would ever — have that level of blind faith in him or his integrity, would never give him the benefit of the doubt time after time after time like Shane was given. But that was an even older resentment that had existed since before the world ended. One borne of being treated like backwoods ignorant trash his entire life, of being dismissed because of his upbringing and appearance. Strangers never looked at him and saw a good person, one worthy of any respect, and instead allowed their own prejudices to colour their perception. The apocalypse certainly hadn't changed that.
Letting out a breath, he wrapped his arms around his knees and lowered his head until his chin rested against them as well. He remained silent and watched Rick with a remote expression, curious about his answer.
no subject
Even back when it was happening, it had infuriated Daryl. His instincts about Shane the first time he'd laid eyes on the man had been absolutely accurate, untainted by familiarity or bias. He'd known Shane as the snake in the grass that he'd eventually proved himself to be, and had also known no one would have heeded one word he had to say on the matter. Likely would've just exiled him from the group for speaking against the man. Only Dale had been willing to listen, probably because Daryl's opinion had suited his own agenda at the time, but it was already too late then.
And truthfully, maybe he was jealous, just a little. That no one had ever — or would ever — have that level of blind faith in him or his integrity, would never give him the benefit of the doubt time after time after time like Shane was given. But that was an even older resentment that had existed since before the world ended. One borne of being treated like backwoods ignorant trash his entire life, of being dismissed because of his upbringing and appearance. Strangers never looked at him and saw a good person, one worthy of any respect, and instead allowed their own prejudices to colour their perception. The apocalypse certainly hadn't changed that.
Letting out a breath, he wrapped his arms around his knees and lowered his head until his chin rested against them as well. He remained silent and watched Rick with a remote expression, curious about his answer.