AN: hey new chapter, let me know what you think :)

I do not own or profit from The Walking Dead

Chapter 2

The diner was busy today. Carol moved through the tables, with an easy smile, and a practised ease. But the super rush had slowed, and a few stragglers remained.

Waiting tables paid her school bills, but the diner has become almost like a family to her. One that she hadn't known she needed until she had found the place.

Dale and Irma, had given her a job, no questions asked, when Ed had made other jobs out of her reach. Every job she'd managed to secure, Ed had harassed her, non stop, making life a living hell for her employers until they'd had no choice to let Carol go.

Andrea had sent her to her uncle Dale's diner for a job, and Carol had been totally upfront about the situation she was in.

Dale had given her the job, that had set her on the path to getting on her feet. The money wasn't the best but the tips were and she had quickly accumulated a small nest egg, that had helped her work her way through school.

Ed, had tried his usual crap, coming to the diner to harass her, but Dale had ensured that her schedule coincided with a group who had quickly sent Ed running.

Shane was Irma's son from her first marriage. He was a cop and helped Dale and Irma, on his days off. He was engaged to a beautiful redhead named Karen. She'd come to the diner, and sit and write and study. Carol had never seen a happier couple.

Big Tiny, the head cook was intimidating as

hell from the outside, even if he was a big softie. He was also wrapped around the finger of his wife Jaquie.

Perez and Miller were two teenage busboys who worked with her out in the main restaurant. They were friendly and funny and she loved working with the boys.

T dog was the other waiter on her shift. She'd grown to love him like a brother.

Ed had made one mistake in trying to harass her at work. He'd been met with five very angry faces. The boys had become like brothers to her after that, her family. As had Karen and Jacqui. Work was a refuge, when it was quiet she could spend her time studying. But it was rarely quiet.

Carol was working her way through school part time. It was difficult, that was for certain. But she was proud of what she'd accomplished. What she had become.

"Earth to Carol."

She spun smiling at Miller who had caught her gazing off into space.

"What's up Millie?" She said with a grin. It was the latest nickname. The boys were trying to find one that bugged the boy, but Carol had never met someone so laid back. Miller didn't seem to care what the boys called him.

"T-Dog's sister called his mom is in the hospital. " Miller put his hand up as Carol gasped putting her hand to her mouth. "She's okay, she thought she was dying but I guess it was just gas. But T had to leave for the rest of his shift. Shane asked if you can cover his tables on your own. Only an hour left of your shift, I'll help." Miller said. "I can take table eleven...I don't like the way that dude is staring at you." Miller muttered. "Like he's a diabetic and your chocolate."

Carol looked up in surprise, she hadn't even noticed a new customer come in. His head was down, staring at the menu. She was sure Miller was exaggerating. He looked up then, and his eyes met hers.

She took a step back. His eyes, seemed to bore into hers. It was as though an electric charge hit her square in the gut. She took a quick breath.

She'd never felt such an intense thrill of lust course through her. He was handsome sure, but it wasn't that. There was just so much pain, and anger in his eyes. But there was also heat.

She felt as though she was locked in his intense stare, like she was in the path of an oncoming wave. Like she was staring her future straight in the face.

"It's ok Millie, I don't mind." She murmured, grabbing her pen and pad. She was walking towards him before she Miller could protest.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

This was a horrible, terrible, awful idea. This was the worst idea ever. What the fuck was he doing here? This was creepy as fuck. He shouldn't be here. This was some shit Axel and Merle would do. Whoever she was, she didn't deserve this. He knew that. But fuck it. He needed to do something.

Daryl sat in the booth fidgeting as he went over the plan in his mind. Mess with Ed Fucking Pelletier. Steal his fucking girl. He would never get the chance to pound the shit out of that asshole thanks to the one way ticket that asshole Ed had bought to prison. The pain inside him needed something. This had to be it. Revenge.

He lifted his head, and he met her eyes. She was across the restaurant behind the counter, talking to some kid. Carol. Axel had asked a buddy. She was the only woman on this shift at this diner. It had to be her. Daryl had not learned much about her, he hadn't wanted although he was sure Axel could have given him all the details. Axel had said that she and Ed were not together. Only that she was Ed's ex and Ed wanted her back something fierce.

Daryl could understand why.

Fuck. Before he could stop it, a surge of lust cursed through him. She was...beautiful. Those eyes, fuck, he could see the blue burning it seemed straight to his soul from across the room. Daryl swallowed thickly.

He wanted her. This was a mistake, he should get up and leave. He knew it, as surely as he knew he wasn't going anywhere. Christ he couldn't even break eye contact as she walked towards his table. His heart was thumping painfully in his chest, something inside him was yelling Mine.

"Hi there."

He was silent, as she stood there, order pad ready, smiling at him. He watched as she waited, her cheeks flushing brightly, as he continued to stare.

"Uh sorry.." he coughed staring down at the menu, like an idiot. "I'll have ..." he scanned the menu, trying to find something he wanted.

Fingertips brushed his hand, and he looked up, she was soft he knew she would be.

"No rush, take your time, we aren't busy, can I bring you a coffee, to start?" Her fucking smile lit up her face. He wanted to take her hand and bring it to his chest. Maybe, it would take away the pain that seemed to permeate through him. But he slid his hand away, nodding. This was never gonna work, he absolutely had no game.

She turned and smiled over her shoulder "I'm Carol."

He grunted as for the first time, since all this nightmare began, he felt some happiness slip past his walls into his soul.

"Daryl."