AN: I was asked by a couple people if I was going to convert this McReedus fic into a Caryl fic as well and I definitely had plans to do so. This was probably the most fun I ever had writing a fic when I did this one so I'm more than happy to revisit it. I will make sure to continue to update Paradise regularly and hopefully this one will be updated frequently as well. Hope you enjoy! This one is quite silly :)

Chapter 1

"Camping," Carol repeated. "You want me to go camping with you?"

"Come on, it'll be fun," Daryl prodded her. "Glenn is going, Andrea, Shane..."

"You mean camping… like, in a tent?" she said. Carol's disbelief came more from the fact that countless times after the incident close to 3 years ago they had all said they would never camp again. She'd camped all the time growing up. But other than those 6 weeks at the quarry during the severe floods that forced so many out of their homes to higher ground… she certainly hadn't camped for enjoyment as an adult and was not expecting to find it nearly as enjoyable as she did when she was 12, but… it wasn't like she couldn't survive a week in the wilderness. "Or do you mean glamping?" She added, with a little grin.

"Glamping? What's that?" Daryl asked. "And yes, of course I mean in a tent."

"Glamping… it's when you take all the comforts of home with you. Or camp in one of those cushy motorhomes with showers and TV and clean, dry beds, off the ground, away from the bugs…" Carol was quickly convincing herself that glamping might actually be the way to go.

"Oh God no, it's you and me and a tent Darlin'," Daryl teased.

Carol thought back to that conversation. When Daryl had said it was just him and her he was only kidding at the time. The plan was for at least 5 of them to go. But one by one they all backed out for one reason or another until it was down to three of them. And just that morning Daryl got a call from Glenn backing out too. It really didn't surprise her. The group of them who had lived together at the quarry had all remained close. It had been a tumultuous month and a half until they were finally allowed to return to their homes… or what was left of them. Three times they heard the evacuation zone was reopening, only to have another ridiculous rainfall putting them back to square one. The amount of time they spent stuck in tents and campers while rain poured down on them… it was enough to drive anyone mad. And they all swore off roughing it - for life.

Carol had still been with Ed when they lived at the quarry. She knew she had that experience and the new friends she made to thank for finally getting away from him. After an argument that led to Ed hitting her, only to be pummeled by Shane moments later, Ed had left as soon as he could and he tried force her and Sophia to come with him, but their new friends protected them and they stayed.

Carol had planned on taking Sophia to a shelter, assuming Ed was likely back at their home, but Lori and Rick insisted that her and Sophia move in with them until they got back on their feet. Lori helped Carol get a lawyer and file for divorce and Rick made them all feel safe - something Carol hadn't felt in years. Slowly but surely she was able to turn things around. She found a job and eventually bought a house in the same area as Rick and Lori so Sophia could continue to go to school with Carl. Her divorce was finalized and other than in court she never saw Ed again.

Carol and Sophia were finally happy. Lori was one of her closest friends, but she wasn't her best friend - that was Daryl. He'd been by her side through everything and he was head over heels for Sophia. She had Daryl wrapped around her little finger and Carol loved seeing the two of them together.

"We could just cancel the trip," Carol spoke into her phone.

"What? No way. I still want to go. I've been looking forward to gettin' away from the craziness. Don't back out on me, please?" Daryl was begging her.

Carol sighed. "Fine, if you really still want to go, I'll go." She was packed anyway and Carol had already dropped Sophia off at Lori's for the week. Daryl still hadn't told her exactly where they were going, just that it was a long drive and they would likely have to stay in a motel at least one night on the way.

"Great," he replied enthusiastically. "I'll pick you up tomorrow night after work and we'll hit the road."

Carol was determined to sleep well that night and she did. When she woke to the alarm she took an extra-long shower, enjoying the hot water she might only get once or twice more when they stayed at a hotel. "Goodbye sweet bed," Carol said dramatically, patting her bed lovingly.

She spent the day enjoying TV and the AC, then around 7PM she picked up the fully stuffed backpack she'd purchased for the trip and slung it on her back, then tucked her sleeping bag under the other arm and somehow managed to pick up her purse. Daryl assured her he would have everything else they needed.

When Daryl arrived and she saw his Jeep 4x4 in her driveway her jaw dropped in shock. It was fully loaded and there was a canoe strapped to the top. "What the fuck?" she whispered, walking up to the SUV with her things. "Why is there a canoe on the top of your Jeep?" were the first words out of her mouth.

"How else do you think we're going to get to our campsite?" Daryl asked with a grin.

"Drive there… in the Jeep," Carol shot back, putting her back pack in the only empty spot left, which was the back seat.

Daryl seemed to be enjoying himself. "The Jeep doesn't drive well in the water."

"Huh?" Carol was confused.

"The campsite is on an island," Daryl finally explained. "I basically rented an island for a week. We have to canoe to it."

Carol jumped into the front seat with her purse. "And where exactly is this magical island paradise?"

"Oh I didn't say anything about paradise… this is hard core camping..." Carol shot him a look, since he still hadn't answered her question. "Canada," Daryl said, pulling out into traffic.

"Canada? We're going to Canada? You couldn't find a single campsite in this vast country of ours?" Carol said, waving her hand. Luckily she always carried her passport in her purse or they wouldn't be able to cross the border.

"My buddy told me about this place way North of Toronto where you can rent islands. I thought it sounded like a great idea so we have complete privacy," Daryl explained. "I've never stayed up in the Muskokas before but I've heard it's beautiful up there. You'll love it."

"I've heard they have a lot of bugs in Canada," Carol grumbled. "Black flies, mosquitos…"

"Good thing I brought 2 cans of bug spray," Daryl said, shooting her a smile. "What do you have against Canada, anyway? Ain't they like the nicest people on the planet?"

"I know, I know," Carol sighed. "I guess I just wasn't expecting this camping trip to take us out of the country, that's all."

"Well it's not like we're going to Iceland or something, just north of the border," Daryl laughed. "Besides, when I found out it was just the two of us going I planned something fun for tomorrow tonight. We'll take turns and just drive through tonight, and be in Toronto tomorrow afternoon."

"Fun?" Carol echoed. "I'm not sure your idea and my idea of fun are quite the same Daryl."

"Loosen up Pumpkin, where's your sense of adventure?"

"Oh fuck, it's gonna be something crazy, something completely insane…" Carol was only slightly panicked. She was actually very curious about the adventure he'd planned for them. But Daryl loved to hunt and fish and do manly stuff and things… So she couldn't even wager a guess as to what he might find fun and adventurous.

"You're not afraid of heights, right?" Daryl asked.

Carol's heart started to pound. She really wasn't afraid of heights, but there was no way she was about to bungee jump or skydive. "Well, not really… as long as I'm safe and secure…"

"Oh you'll be harnessed, don't worry," Daryl said. "Open the glovebox, there's a pamphlet."

Carol was almost afraid to look, but she focused on the shiny tri-fold in her hand and started to read. "EdgeWalk is Toronto's tallest urban adventure and the world's highest full circle hands-free walk." She looked at Daryl, faced forward, driving. "You're shitting me right?" He simply shook his head. As terrifying as the pictures looked, she had to admit it was likely a once in a lifetime thing, neither of them would forget. Carol was pretty sure there were going to be a lot of things about this trip she was never going to forget. A walk around the outside of the CN tower, followed by a week of camping on a private island. In a tent. With bugs. What on earth have I got myself into? Carol wondered, gazing out the passenger window as the bright August sun was just disappearing on the horizon. She smiled, looking forward to the adventures to come.

CARYL - CARYL - CARYL - CARYL - CARYL - CARYL - CARYL - CARYL - CARYL

"Oh my God, that was incredible," Carol exclaimed as they rode down the elevator at the CN Tower after completing the Edge Walk.

When they arrived over an hour earlier, there was no one around and Carol thought they were too late, but it turned out Daryl had booked a late evening session after the tower was closed to the public. So it was just the two of them and the instructor/guide.

Carol was terrified at first and almost backed out 3 times before Daryl and the instructor convinced her to harness up and give it a try. The air was warm when she stepped out into the night but Carol shivered. Daryl was already hooked up and bravely leaning over the edge. She felt her stomach lurch at the sight of him practically dangling over the city with only a harness, cables and some loops of metal holding him from falling.

Instead of chickening out and running back inside Carol cracked a joke, "should I update my will first?"

Daryl chuckled and she watched the gentle breeze blowing through his long hair. He looked calm and peaceful. And suddenly she wanted to join him. The next thing she knew she was by his side, leaning back over the city, trusting she wouldn't fall.

Carol reached for his hand and squeezed it, to let him know she was fine and truly enjoying the experience. It was not something she would have ever done without him. They walked slowly around the very edge of the tower, looking out at the endless lights of the biggest city in Canada. It was mesmerizing. Breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. She was glad they came at night. She was sure the only time that might have been more beautiful would be sunrise. Carol had a thing for sitting outside watching the night disappear as the sun made its first appearance.

"Wanna try leaning forward?" The guide asked them.

Leaning back was one thing, but they were about to turn around and dangle face first, staring in the direction they would fall if the cables gave way. Carol pushed the nerves away and followed the directions to get into position.

She closed her eyes until she was in place and then opened them, gasping at the sight before her. She looked over at Daryl and they shared a smile. This was an experience that was impossible to describe to someone who hadn't done it. It was something special they would always share and Carol was incredibly thankful she found the courage to be right where she was.

The hotel was a bit of a drive out of the City. As they rode along the DVP, which was busy even late at night, they relived the moment, both babbling excitedly.

"Hey, I hope you don't mind I only booked one room tonight," Daryl said as they pulled up to the hotel. "I figured we were sharing a tent all week..." His voice drifted off.

"You got two beds right?" Carol asked. It was going to be weird enough sharing a tent, sleeping side by side, she wasn't ready to just jump in the same bed with him. Not that she had never thought about being in Daryl's bed. She was often very flirtatious with him. He was very sexy and she was a heterosexual woman - certain thoughts just couldn't be helped, even if he was a close friend.

"Oh fine," Daryl jokingly grumbled. "I'll ask them to change the king to two queens."

Carol entered their room and tossed her stuff on the first bed, "claimed."

Daryl laughed and threw his own backpack on the other bed, then he looked at her suggestively, "screw around?"

Carol crossed her arms, "I'll go down first." She was kidding of course.

Daryl reached for his belt, "even better."

He started to undo it and she panicked. "What… what are you doing?" she stammered.

"Huh? You're giving me head aren't you?" Daryl said, continuing to remove his pants. Carol stuttered, trying to put together a proper sentence, until finally Daryl started to laugh. It had taken so long for him to start flirting back with her that sometimes it still caught her off guard.

"Relax, I'm just switching to pajama pants, I'll leave my boxers on… unless you want me to take everything off?"

Carol rolled her eyes and dug through her bag for her own pajamas. "I'll go change in the bathroom," she said, ignoring his last comment. She pulled on the flannel pants and the matching tank top, opting to leave her bra on – for reasons. By the time she moved back out to the main room Daryl was in bed, remote in hand, the blankets covering his legs, but the top half of him was exposed. Carol tried to convince herself that the increase in her heart rate was the exertion of walking and had nothing to do with Daryl's broad shoulders, bare chest or delightfully sculpted collarbones.

"Anything in particular you want to watch?" he asked as she pulled back the covers and hopped into her own bed. "There are movies for rent… or 'movies'," Daryl said, flipping to the porn collection on the menu. "Oh damn… they have some good ones… Ocean's 11 Inches, Blowjob Impossible, Free my Willy, oh oh and my personal favourite – White Men Can't Hump. Not true, by the way," he said, grinning at her.

Carol thought he was making shit up until she looked at the screen and started to giggle. The hotel had a vast collection of porn to choose from and Daryl was reading real titles. "Oh my God," she laughed. "Saturday Night Beaver? Ha, Blown in 60 Seconds. Holy fuck, okay this one is my favourite – Glad he ate her," Carol was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. "Like Gladiator… so funny," she snorted, which only made them both laugh harder. "Do you think the movies are as high quality as the titles?"

"Let's find out," Daryl said, selecting one and pressing the purchase option.

"You didn't?" Carol said, looking at him in shock.

"I did," Daryl said. "Get ready for How Stella got her Tube Packed."

Carol couldn't keep a straight face and burst out laughing again. The movie started with terrible music and even worse acting, and never got any better. They spent way too much time laughing and making fun of the actors for the movie to have any effect in the libido department. When it was finally over Carol's sides were hurting from laughing so much. "Okay, seriously, I'm still laughing at the 'mind if I smoke while you eat?' line," Carol said, barely getting the words out, before flopping back on her pillow in a fit of giggles.

"I don't think I ever got past the 'I'm your doctor Stella, and I'm gonna take your temperature with a very special thermometer'," Daryl added, mocking the horrible acting and making her laugh even harder.

"How the hell am I supposed to sleep now?" Carol asked, once she could speak again.

"I've heard people sleep better after an orgasm," Daryl offered.

Carol felt her cheeks flush. The flirting department was usually completely controller by her, but Daryl was on a roll. "Yeah…." she said, reaching for the light as Daryl turned off the TV. "I think maybe I'll just try closing my eyes." She was used to his normal flirting, usually in response to her own but Carol noticed Daryl had really raised his game. Raised his game, she repeated the thought in her mind, which sounded far dirtier than intended.

"Well if you change your mind and need a hand… or something…" Daryl said with a yawn. "Just wake me."

"Goodnight Daryl," Carol said, smiling in the dark. She knew he would be asleep in an instant given he'd done the lion's share of the driving the night before.

"Night Carol."

She fell asleep surprisingly quickly. Sometime in the middle of the night something woke her. "Daryl? What are you doing?" she asked, feeling him climb into bed beside her. He didn't speak, simply moved closer and reached for her hand, pulling it towards his groin area, allowing her to feel his erection. Carol knew she should pull away, but she couldn't. Instead she wrapped her entire hand around his girth and squeezed lightly, feeling him throb in response. "Do you want this?" he whispered, voice low and sexy. "Yes," she breathed, feeling her entire body catch on fire at the thought of him fucking her. Daryl reached for her pants and pushed them down, with her help, as she wiggled and lifted her hips. He spun her so they were spooning and lifted her leg, then slowly eased into her. "Oh God," she cried. "Fuck that feels so good…." He pushed into her over and over and Carol sighed and moaned with each thrust.

Suddenly his voice was calling her, "Carol… Carol… wake up… It's morning…" she sat bolt upright in bed and looked around in horror. Her face was burning with memories of the very vivid dream. "What were you dreaming about?" Daryl asked. The look on his face told her he knew exactly what she'd been doing in her dream. "Sounded like you were enjoying something…"

"Fuck off," she said, throwing a pillow at him. Daryl caught it with a smile. "I'm going to shower," she said, climbing out of bed. She ignored his comment about taking a cold shower as she grabbed the clothes she was going to wear and quickly made her way to the safety of solitude.

Carol had just worked up a lather of shampoo in her hair when she heard the bathroom door open. She peeked her head out, hiding behind the curtain and as expected Daryl had just walked in. "What are you doing?" she asked suspiciously.

"Brushing my teeth," Daryl replied. He had showered before waking her up.

"But I'm showering," she hissed.

"You're behind a curtain, I can't see anything." Carol watched him put a glob of toothpaste on his brush.

"But how did you even know for sure I was in the shower yet? What if I… um… what if I had to poo first?" she said, trying to prove a point.

"I peeked in. You weren't pooping. You were in the shower, so here I am." It irritated her that he had a logical answer for everything. What's the big deal? She asked herself. He really couldn't see anything. It didn't matter, did it? Carol decided to stop acting so prudish and just finish her shower while he brushed his teeth. She rinsed the shampoo out of her hair and went to reach for her soap. "Dammit," Carol muttered. She peeked out again and sure enough, the soap was still sitting on the counter. She sighed, "Daryl, can you pass me my soap."

"Good thing I was here isn't it?" he said with a satisfied smirk, handing over the bar, then exiting the bathroom. Daryl was the most adorably frustrating person she had ever met. Even when he was annoying her he was still too cute to be mad at. She knew he might be the only person on the planet she could spend an entire week with that wouldn't have her praying to get home for alone time after only a couple days. When she stayed with Lori there were days she needed to take long walks, just to have her own space for a little while, but there was something about spending time with Daryl that didn't leave her needing that space.

He was packed up and waiting, playing with his cell phone, which was odd since he barely used the thing, when she finally emerged from the bathroom. "Ready?" Daryl asked once he noticed she had everything put away. Carol nodded and lifted her backpack. It was weird to be in a hotel room with a backpack instead of a suitcase. "Since we're in Canada I figured we would hit the Tim Horton's drive thru for breakfast," he said.

"Oh yum, they make great coffee I heard," Carol said, looking forward to the biggest cup she could get. They had her usual Starbucks in Ontario too, but she loved trying coffee from different places and she knew Timmies was delicious.

An extra-large black coffee and a toasted pretzel bagel with light cream cheese for her and a large iced-capp and a plain bagel with strawberry cream cheese for him and they were on the way. Daryl merged onto the 401 East and after a few kilometers they turned onto the 400 to head North.

The drive to where they parked the Jeep was just over 2 hours. They climbed out and Carol looked at the lake, spotting at least 7 islands in the near vicinity. "Um, how do we know which one is ours?" she asked.

"They have numbers at the docks," Daryl said, pointing at the closest island. Carol could just make out a little sign, but had no idea what number it said. "But that one there is ours," he pointed again and she followed his gaze to an island even further away. "I studied the map. We're site number 23, it's that one."

"You're sure…" Carol said, not wanting to be skeptical because she knew he was an expert tracker, but he was a man after all.

"Yep, let's get this canoe down and get loaded up," Daryl replied, reaching for the ties to undo it. "Islands in the stream, that is what we are…" he started to sing. Carol began to untie the back strap, but couldn't help watching him. He looked so happy and carefree. Daryl could be very moody sometimes, though lately she'd noticed he was more often in a good mood than not. But there was something just a little bit different and Carol loved it.

"Um, Daryl," she said, not wanting to interrupt his serenade, but she did have an important question. "Did you, uh, take some time to consider the capacity of the canoe when you were packing?"

He stopped and looked at the tightly packed Jeep and then up at the canoe. Daryl frowned, "Well fuck."