Alana's POV

Daryl kisses me hard. At first I thought the thumping was zombies trying to break through Glenn's barricade but standing outside of Daryl's door I realized it was Glenn trying to break through Maggie. We stand in the doorway lost in one another until I have to pull away to catch my breath. Lungs burning. Daryl is standing so close to me as he searches my face with those serious eyes. I take in another breath and touch his face, bringing his mouth back to mine.

That seems to be all the reassurance he needs as the door closes and he picks me up in his strong arms; never breaking our kiss as my legs wrap around him and my back hits the wall. A moan escapes me between his kisses - his body pinned against mine as he pours every ounce of yearning into me. Another moment passes and I'm lying on the bed as Daryl advances on top of me, trailing his mouth down my neck.

"Alana," His voice is whisper quiet as he pulls back just enough to look into my eyes. "Are you sure?"

I nod my head and find his mouth again, pulling him back to me. This is the first thing I've been completely sure of since the world went to hell. Daryl doesn't ask me again - instead he slides his hands up my shirt and removes it quickly, consumed with desire as the rest of our clothes disappear and we lose ourselves in each other.

x-x

An hour later were standing at the door as Daryl straps his gun to his hip and slings the heavy cross bow over his shoulder. He turns and looks at me slowly, surprising me with a grin on his handsome face. Before he opens the door to return to hell on earth he closes the space between us and kisses me softly; cupping my face with his hand as our lips touch. He doesn't say anything.

He doesn't have to.

Glenn and Maggie meet us in the hallway and we descend down the stairwell and back into the city. For once luck seems to be on our side and we only run into a handful of zombies as we finish raiding the small shops at the edge of the city. We're back in the car an hour later and make it nearly home before it sputters to a stop with an empty tank. Each of us carry a trash bag full of supplies as we walk - the recent rain has caused the sun to burn brighter over us. I feel parched. "Just another few miles and we should be back at the cabin." Glenn assures quietly as we continue on our way.

The others are happy to see us once we make it to the cabin. I feel completely drained as Rick hands us a bottle of filtered water from the stream. I drink mine down in three quick gulps. We hand of the supplies we were able to gather; Daryl goes with Rick and the others to return the guns to the back room. I find myself standing in the small kitchen with a basketful of vegetables that need cleaning. Just as Daryl passes the doorway I catch his look; the earlier sly grin still on his face.

For once in a long while I feel like I'm not alone.

x-x-x

Two weeks later.

"Lana."

I open my eyes slowly as they adjust to the darkness and Daryl comes into view. He's knelt beside me with his hand on my arm; causing me to sit up in a panic. I search the room quickly with wide eyes. "It's okay..." He assures, pulling me to my feet as we make our way outside.

He guides me down the steps and behind the cabin; kissing me quickly with both hands on my neck - sliding into my hair. It's not the first time since the hotel room that we've snuck out back but this time seems different. Something is different about him tonight. I pull away and take in a breath, kissing him on his jugular. A groan escapes him. "Fuck, Alana..." His words are desperate against my lips as we continue to kiss; my back against the cabin as he presses his body against mine. Daryl pulls away from me just enough to search my face; the moonlight shining down on us - illuminating his features.

"I want to fuck you."

I'm use to his low quiet voice but when he says things like that to me, with so much emotion in his words, it makes my insides ache. I swallow hard; searching his gray eyes with my lighter hues and nod. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

He kisses me harder this time; desperately as if this is our last encounter. After a moment he's inside me and I cry out; clutching his shoulders with my short nails as he pours a weeks' worth of desire into each thrust. He's definitely lost in his own thoughts - trailing kisses down my throat as he continues his delightful torment on my body. I know zombies could be anywhere - more than likely it's Carol's night to keep watch and she's giving us privacy but I can't stop the quiet moans that escape me.

"Lana," Daryl's mouth is against my ear, kissing me just below the lobe. "I'm so close." He groans, running his hands over my breasts and down to my waist. "Come for me baby." I whisper, causing him to close his eyes and cuss under his breath. When he opens them again he's completely lost in the moment - staring at me with a look I've never quite seen before. He keeps one hand on my hip and leans forward with the other, supporting his weight as he finds his release; burring his face in the bend of my neck.

He stands completely still for a moment before finally looking at me; that unknown look still on his face. "Baby," He whispers, cupping my face with his hands as his eye search mine in the dark. He's never called me baby before. "Yeah?" I answer with a whisper, kissing him softly.

"I love you."

He continues to look at me; completely serious. I idly wonder if he's ever said those words to anyone before me. "I love you too." I touch his face, concerned with the worry and emotion in his eyes. He finally looks away - putting some space between us. He's shaking. "Daryl? What's wrong?"

I reach out and touch his arm, bringing him back to me.

"A bad dream." He said quietly; "I thought I lost you." His eyes fall at the thought and he shakes his head. "I don't ever want to lose you."

x-x-x