*Bbbrrringgg* *Bbbrrring*

“Fuck, what now?” Taylor exclaims with annoyance. It was late into the night and no one should have business with Taylor. Also, Taylor’s recent kidnapping had put him on edge, so he wasn’t in the mood to be receiving calls right now.

Taylor sees that Daryl is calling and silences the phone before just letting it ring. Taylor then leans back on his bed once again, trying to relax, but his mind couldn’t avoid focusing on his phone.

The phone continues to vibrate for a while before Taylor gave in. “Fuck,” he says as he picks up the phone and answers it. “What?” Taylor asks, not trying to hide his displeasure.

“Taylor,” Daryl calls out, his voice in a hushed tone. “Are you home?” Daryl asks, still trying to keep quiet.

“Where else would I be? It’s already past midnight,” Taylor says sarcastically.

“I’m outside. Come out and let me in,” Daryl says with a hint of pleading.

“What? Why are you outside my house? We’re not 12 anymore Daryl; unless we’re hammered I refuse to have random sleepovers with you,” Taylor says frankly.

“Fuck off. Just come outside and let me in,” Daryl says anxiously.

“Fuck; fine,” Taylor says before hanging up and making his way to the front door.

Taylor arrives at the door and immediately after opening it, Daryl rushes in before closing the door behind him and locking it.

“Fuck. Why are you so jumpy? What’s happening?” Taylor asks, bewildered.

“Someone is watching my apartment; I don’t think I can stay there right now,” Daryl says before moving to the window to watch the surroundings.

“Fuck, are you high? Why would people be watching your apartment? And don’t you live in a house?” Taylor asks, almost 100% sure that Daryl was on something.

Daryl turns back to Taylor and laughs awkwardly, unsure of how to explain it. “Well, you know that side business I had?” Daryl asks, easing into the subject.

“Yeah, what about it?” Taylor asks, feeling that he wouldn’t like what he was going to hear.

“I’ve been dealing coke. Mostly to the kids at our high school who don’t know where to get it. But lately, the operation has gotten out of hand, and I’ve been intruding on the territory of some local gangs. I’m not entirely sure how things work with these gangs, but I’ve been seeing the same vehicle following me all day. I’m not sure if its cops or if someone is trying to get rid of the competition,” Daryl says before making a throat-cutting gesture.

Taylor’s eyes open wide as his mind was blown. “What!? Tell me you’re not fucking serious!? Are you fucked in the head!?” Taylor says, attempting to keep the volume of his exclamations lower. Taylor continues to viciously berate Daryl for being an idiot for a while before he ran out of breath. “If you’re being followed, then why the fuck did you come here? Asshole, my whole fucking family lives here. Fuck, come on, we got to go. We can’t stay,” Taylor says before putting on his shoes and pushing Daryl out of the door. Taylor also exits the house and locks the door behind him. “Come on. Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Taylor says before speed walking away while attempting to look casual.

…

…

Deeper into the night.

“That’s the car. Don’t turn. Come on, let’s go into the park,” Daryl says in a controlled voice.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck. How the fuck did I end up in this situation?” Taylor couldn’t help but complain while following Daryl’s instruction.

“Shut the fuck up. Come on. Keep it casual,” Daryl says as he walks into the park. After walking further into the park, Daryl suddenly starts running. “Come on, run for it!” He yells to Taylor.

“Fuck,” Taylor says before beginning to run.

…

…

“It’s in the parking lot,” Taylor says as he crouches from behind a tree.

“Are you sure?” Daryl asks as he takes a look, but he couldn’t quite make it out.

“I’m sure,” Taylor says as he considers his next move. “Hey, Daryl,” Taylor says as he continues to watch the car in the distance.

“What?” Daryl asks, still trying to figure out the car model.

“Guns are illegal in this country right?” Taylor asks as he watches two figures leaving the car.

“Yeah, why?” Daryl asks, giving Taylor a bewildered glance.

“Just making sure,” Taylor says before standing up. “I’m going to go over there. If they’re cops, you’re on your own, but if someone is really trying to kill you, I’ll try to fight it out,” Taylor says before walking forward. “Stay here,” he says before running forward.

“What!? Are you fucking dumb!? You’re going to get yourself killed!” Daryl says, fighting the urge to follow after. After a moment of consideration, he thought that, depending on the situation, that could make things worse.