The Capitol's ubiquitous cameras had captured all too many private moments shared between Rick, Daryl, and Beth, their concern for one another, their small gestures of affection. And none of it was fabricated or a ruse to lure in sponsors, it was the truth of their friendships laid bare for public consumption. That it was used as propaganda to fuel gossip and entertain the masses was disturbing enough, but to have it flung in their faces so crassly like this... it was nearly too much. It hit a little too close to home, and the implication that they'd ever prey on Beth like that was beyond vile.
Jason's words caused Daryl to grow very still, his expression closed off in a way that, in the past, had often preceded violence. But he refused to give the Escort the satisfaction of it here. His anger was a different animal now, slow burning and patient, something he could employ with greater precision and use to his advantage. The thing of it was, there was no clear advantage to be gained here. It was in Beth's best interests if they played nice with Jason, and she would be the one punished if they didn't; Jason had the upper hand.
And it was truly a goddamn shame Rick also recognised that fact and let the remark slide. Daryl would have liked nothing more than an excuse to bust open the Escort's face against the table, let him choke on his own blood for his audacity.
He couldn't wholly mask his anger, and it was there in his face when he met Rick's glance. But it hardly mattered. In all things, he had his friend's back no matter what, always would, even when questioning his decisions and sensing the disaster they might cause. Whether this would turn out to be one remained to be seen — Jason's apparent honesty was something, certainly more than expected, but the colour coming to his face seemed incongruous, raised more questions than it answered.
Leaving the condiments on the counter, Daryl returned to Rick's side, body angled toward him but keeping Jason in his sight. It galled him something fierce that gratitude was expressed to the guy at all, and he knew better than to even open his mouth at this point, not trusting what words might fall out. Instead he conveyed his thoughts with a touch to Rick's arm just above the elbow, and held on, fingers curled into a tight grip.
no subject
Jason's words caused Daryl to grow very still, his expression closed off in a way that, in the past, had often preceded violence. But he refused to give the Escort the satisfaction of it here. His anger was a different animal now, slow burning and patient, something he could employ with greater precision and use to his advantage. The thing of it was, there was no clear advantage to be gained here. It was in Beth's best interests if they played nice with Jason, and she would be the one punished if they didn't; Jason had the upper hand.
And it was truly a goddamn shame Rick also recognised that fact and let the remark slide. Daryl would have liked nothing more than an excuse to bust open the Escort's face against the table, let him choke on his own blood for his audacity.
He couldn't wholly mask his anger, and it was there in his face when he met Rick's glance. But it hardly mattered. In all things, he had his friend's back no matter what, always would, even when questioning his decisions and sensing the disaster they might cause. Whether this would turn out to be one remained to be seen — Jason's apparent honesty was something, certainly more than expected, but the colour coming to his face seemed incongruous, raised more questions than it answered.
Leaving the condiments on the counter, Daryl returned to Rick's side, body angled toward him but keeping Jason in his sight. It galled him something fierce that gratitude was expressed to the guy at all, and he knew better than to even open his mouth at this point, not trusting what words might fall out. Instead he conveyed his thoughts with a touch to Rick's arm just above the elbow, and held on, fingers curled into a tight grip.