When Carol woke the next morning Daryl's arm was slung over her and he was still snoring softly. Upon shifting slightly she could feel he was aroused, even through both their clothes. A warm current seeped through her body at the realization and Carol flushed.
She lay still and enjoyed the feel of him, while day dreaming about how much she would love to remove his pants and see him fully erect, touch his dick, stroke it... Carol had to force herself to stop. She was thoroughly turned on by that point with no way to relieve the build up. She seriously considered trying to work a hand inside her pants, touch herself, imagine it was Daryl touching her like she had so many lonely nights back at the prison, but they had already slept late and even the slightest movement would likely wake him.
Instead she took a few calming breaths and tried to think about something else. Carol focused on the news from the night before. Douglas had something to tell her, which likely meant she would be starting her first shift in the bell tower that very day. Her body responded with a different type of excitement. She was really looking forward to being an important part of the community if they were going to stay.
The distraction techniques were going well until Daryl stirred, pressing himself into her, reminding her again what was hiding under his clothing. To make matters worse his hand had moved as well and was full on cupping her breast. Carol actually had to fight off a giggle. Daryl would be absolutely mortified if he knew what he was doing.
Her mind started to wander again. Carol wished she could roll over, face him, hook her leg over his and grind against him, feeling his erection even closer to where she longed for him to put it. She wondered if Daryl ever thought of her the same way. If she wasn't in bed with him that very morning would he have woke up, reached for his dick and pictured her as he jerked off? Would he have thought about sliding into her wet pussy and fucking her until she screamed? It was too much, thinking about how much she desired Daryl. Carol couldn't resist pressing her ass back against him, rubbing against his stiff cock.
He woke instantly and Carol felt his hand release her breast and Daryl roll away from her. She bit her lip, holding back the laugh and pretended she was just waking up. Carol yawned and stretched, "Morning." She tried to make her voice sound as sleepy as possible. Carol rolled over and proppede herself up on one elbow, staring at Daryl's back. He was sitting up on the edge of the bed.
"Morning," he replied, not looking in her direction. "I gotta piss," he added, jumping from the bed and practically running out of the room. He wasn't fast enough for her to miss the sizable bulge in his pants. It's not like she had never seen him trying to hide a woody before. But generally they were just a budding stiffie, not a full blown erection.
Carol laid in bed wondering what exactly he was doing in the bathroom. When she heard the shower turn on she was almost positive he was beating off. Why the fuck not? she thought, undoing her pants. Got time. It had been years now since she had been with a man. Truth was, she preferred her vibrator to what Ed offered, or rather demanded. It wouldn't be like that with Daryl. He would touch her soft and shy at first... Carol slipped a hand inside her panties and touched herself the way she expected Daryl might. By that point she was so horny she could have moved straight to her clit and been done in seconds. Instead she took it slow, teasing herself, prolonging it, imagining it was Daryl's fingers slipping inside her, feeling her wet with desire for him. Carol held back a moan as she lifted her hips, pushing her fingers deeper inside. Oh God Daryl, she screamed in her mind. Carol reached for a nipple with her free hand, slipping the other out and moving her slick fingers to her clit. Rubbing small circles with her wet fingers caused the build up to begin. She pinched and rubbed her erect nipple, while increasing speed and pressure on the swollen nub between her legs. With a sudden jerk and blinding flash of white Carol reached her peak. Heat flooded to her core as she rode the wave, wishing Daryl was there so she could cling to him while she did.
Carol had barely done up her pants when Daryl came back into the room. "Shower's all yours," he announced. "Maggie and Glenn are gone. Thought I would go see what I can find us for breakfast."
"Sounds good," Carol nodded, watching him leave before getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom. After she showered and redressed Carol went down to the kitchen to find Daryl with an open jar of applesauce and a spoon.
"Saved you half," he mumbled, shoving one last spoonful in his mouth and handing her the jar. "And there's a biscuit for you too," Daryl said, pointing at the table.
"A what? Did you say biscuit?" she asked, staring at the fluffy dumpling in disbelief.
"Yup, there's a lady who bakes stuff from scratch," Daryl said, poking the last of his biscuit in his mouth. "We missed out on peach muffins by sleeping in," he added with scowl.
"But how? Eggs? Milk? Fruit?" Carol muttered, taking a bite of applesauce. It was no longer weird to share utensils with him, or anyone in the group really. They rarely had forks or spoons anymore anyway.
"They got chickens here and a couple goats," Daryl explained. "Not sure 'bout the fruit though - maybe some preserves or something?"
Carol stared at the biscuit, something she never expected to eat again. She loved fluffy homemade buttermilk biscuits. This would be the closest thing she had tasted to that since the whole apocalypse started. When she finally got the nerve to take her first nibble, she groaned at how delicious it tasted. Carol savoured every bite and it wasn't until she finished that she noticed Daryl studying her with pink cheeks. Maybe she had enjoyed the biscuit a little too much.
"Thank you, that was delicious," Carol said, giving him a flirty smile. She wandered over and bumped him gently with her shoulder. "Let's try to avoid sleeping in tomorrow and see what kind of goodies the early birds get." Daryl nodded as the pink started to slowly fade from his cheeks. "I have to go meet Douglas to find out about the sniper job," Carol said, unable to hide the grin.
Daryl shifted his crossbow to the other shoulder, "If he's smart he'll get you up in that tower."
"Thanks," Carol replied, starting for the door. "See you later?"
Daryl nodded again and followed her out the door, giving her a little wave as he headed in the opposite direction. Carol approached Douglas' house as Regina was exiting. "Go ahead in," she said coldly. "He's expecting you." Carol thanked her politely, wondering what was up with Regina's icy attitude.
"Carol," Douglas greeted her enthusiastically, lifting her hand to his lips once again. "It's good to see you. Did you enjoy yourself last night?"
"I did," Carol replied with a genuine smile. "It was a wonderful evening."
"Great," Douglas nodded. "I'm glad." He wandered closer. "So I'm sure you're anticipating my answer…" She nodded eagerly. "I spoke with Rick and a few others and your skills are highly regarded." Carol felt her heart pounding in her chest. "So if you would like the day shift as our sniper it's yours."
"Yes," Carol said, trying to remain professional and dignified, when all she really wanted to do was flail excitedly.
"I'll have Aaron take you to the armoury to pick out the rifle of your choice," Douglas said, moving even closer. "He should be here in a minute or two." Carol didn't like how close he was, in her space, it was uncomfortable and she hoped Aaron would arrive soon. "Listen, I'm not a fool, I know you have feelings for archer boy, but since you're adamant that you're only friends, that suggests you're single." Carol wasn't sure where he was going with the line of questioning, but she nodded in response. "Must be lonely sometimes, aren't you?"
"I… uh… I'm not comfortable answering these questions," Carol replied, taking a step back. She had a feeling she knew why Regina seemed so cold on the way out.
"I just thought maybe you and I could… meet up later tonight, after your shift?" Douglas said, touching her cheek.
Carol stepped back again, feeling anger boiling inside her. "What about Regina? You know, your wife?"
"She doesn't mind if I stray once in a while," Douglas shrugged. "Been like that for years, even before this all started."
"I'm not interested," Carol said firmly. She felt dirty even being a part of such a conversation.
"Well if you change your mind, you know where to find me," he smiled at her and Carol wanted to slap it off his smug face. "You're a beautiful woman Carol. A mature woman. You have needs… and I can satisfy those needs."
He was still pushing and Carol felt bile rising in her throat. "Just stop," she said forcefully. "I said I'm not interested."
"It might push your Romeo to finally make his move if he finds out you're getting pleasure elsewhere," Douglas gave one last try. He really was good at mind games. He knew exactly where to hit her for the best chance of her giving in.
But he didn't know the strength she had over even her greatest weak spot. "My relationship with Daryl is none of your concern," Carol said calmly. She was amazed at her own reserve. "I will wait for Aaron outside and start my shift in the tower as soon as I have my gun." Carol extended her hand formally and he shook it. "Thank you for the opportunity, you won't regret it."
Carol spun on her heel and left the house. She spotted Aaron right away and hurried to meet him. "I'm told you're gonna lead me to my new weapon?"
Aaron was polite and friendly. Carol took a liking to him right away. He showed her all the options and pointed out his personal favorites. He also showed her which guns they had the most ammunition for and which were running low on bullets. Carol had a gun she loved, but lost it when she was taken by the Greater Good group. In the strange turn of events that occurred surrounding the group she never recovered the precious gun. There was one that was very similar and Carol chose it, hoping it would feel comfortable right away. She knew it didn't really matter which gun she selected. She just had a knack for hitting her target with whatever weapon she used.
Aaron gave her the gun and ammo and walked with Carol to the Bell tower outside the main gates. She would be safe in the tower, though it felt strange to be locked out of the settlement while on duty. It wasn't any different than people leaving on runs or those on the expansion team like Abraham, but Carol had gotten used to wandering the streets and not keeping her weapon close or drawn at all times. She was on the outside again though and on high alert.
Aaron said his goodbyes and Carol got set up to keep watch. It was a pretty quiet day for the most part. Carol knew she wasn't to shoot unless there was life threatening danger because the gun shot would draw walkers. She got comfortable and scanned the area through the scope on her weapon. Carol felt a bit like a voyeur as she aimed towards the settlement. The scope was precise and she could practically look into the windows of houses if she wanted to.
Several hours into her shift she noticed activity at the gate and saw Daryl exit and someone lock up behind him. He was making his way to the tower and Carol smiled. She unlocked the door so he could let himself in. "Brought you some water," he said, handing her a bottle. "And a… rice crispy treat. Not homemade this time though, sorry."
"Thanks," Carol replied, taking them both. She was starving and ate the marshmallow square quickly. They got used to rationing and not having much food around, so the small snack would tide her over for a while. "You sticking around for a bit?"
"Yeah, I can… I'm kinda bored," he admitted. "I think I'm going on a run tomorrow, but there's not much for me to do today."
Carol wondered if she should tell Daryl what happened with Douglas. She needed to talk about it, to get it off her chest, but was Daryl the right person? Carol wasn't sure exactly how angrily he would react to the news. And maybe it wasn't the right time. It was really bothering her though. She opened her mouth to speak, but something caught her eye. There were 3 walkers approaching. They would have been an easy shot for her with the rifle, but there was no need to risk attracting more or wasting ammo. "Give me a hand?" she asked, nodding in the direction of the walkers. Daryl peeked out and unsheathed his knife when he saw what she was referring to.
Carol pulled out her knife as well and the two of them barrelled down the stairs. Within 30 seconds they had dropped all three and were wiping off their knives, heading back inside the tower. Carol knew the two of them made a great team, particularly because they had an easy way of communicating without words.
Daryl stayed a while longer and Carol opted not to mention Douglas yet. She would tell him before bed and just push the memories away until then. The rest of her shift was uneventful, yet Carol was never bored, even all alone. When her replacement arrived Carol headed back to the gate where someone was waiting to let her in.
Most of their group had gathered at Rick's for dinner and to talk about their day. Carol slipped in and listened to the excited conversation. It was so different from the things they used to talk about. It was odd because it was so…. Normal. Carol had been through a range of emotions and she found herself yawning, early in the evening. Rick and Glenn were getting out a deck of cards and a bunch of them were starting up a poker game. They asked Carol to play and she declined with another yawn. "Think I'll head back home and call it a night."
Glenn was already dealing out cards as she headed out the door alone. Before she got too far Daryl was on her heels. "Just making sure you're not gonna sleep on the floor," he whispered when he caught up. "Sides, I'm kinda tired too," he added.
"I'm glad you came," Carol said as they entered the house and headed up the stairs to his room. "There's something I wanted to tell you about…"
"What's wrong?" Daryl responded immediately. He had become very good at sensing when something was wrong if she let her guard down enough to show him.
Carol took a deep breath and faced him. "Douglas hit on me today," Carol said quickly. She had to just say it and get it out before she changed her mind. "It was awful, disgusting… I felt so dirty."
"Did he touch you," Daryl asked in a tone Carol had never heard from him before. There was a wild look in his eyes that was actually terrifying.
"No, no," Carol said, reaching out to put a calming hand on his forearm. "He just suggested that we… you know…" she looked away embarrassed.
"I'll fuckin kill him," Daryl seethed, starting to pace. Carol expected him to be upset, but not to be this angry. She had just wanted to talk about it, not upset him, but she should have known Daryl better than that.
"Daryl, stop. I'm fine," Carol said gently.
"What makes him think you would ever let him touch you?" Daryl hissed. "He's married and you're…" His voice trailed off and Carol knew he'd said more than he intended.
But she pushed. "I'm what?" Carol asked. "What am I Daryl?" There were so many things she hoped he would say: 'You're mine. You're taken. You're in love with someone else.'
Daryl hesitated long enough to come up with a different answer. "You're just not that kind of woman," he said, avoiding her eyes because he knew she would see right through him. Why won't you just fucking admit it? Carol wanted to scream. She knew he had feelings for her. And she knew he had to be the one to start things because if she pushed - he would run away like a scared puppy.
"We should get to bed," Daryl muttered, knowing the conversation was over for the time being.
"Yeah," Carol replied, trying to hide her frustration. Suddenly she had a thought. Carol knew she couldn't come right out and make a move on him, but there was something she could do. She could entice him, tease him - force his hand so to speak. "I'm just gonna slip across the hall and get ready for bed," Carol added sweetly as she tried not to laugh at the look of confusion and intrigue on his face. "Be right back," Carol called over her shoulder, trying to think of what exactly she could wear to bed that would catch his attention.