A/N: Hey guys! So here's the second chapter to 'The L Word'. I would recommend reading the last chapter again as a recap. Anyway here you go and I hope you like it and its Caryl Shipping worthy. Love.

Carol had always loved Daryl, she fell for him shortly before they left Atlanta. She could see him changing in a matter of days. After she put a pick ax through Ed's head, and Daryl was there to help her through it. He didn't do much, except give her an understanding nod and help her move the body. She began to love him, though, at the CDC. She saw another part of him, when he was free from Atlanta and his brother, he became the Daryl Dixon who she grew to love more every day.

Except she never expected the feelings to be reciprocated. Daryl didn't love; Not that he couldn't, just never allowed himself to.

"I love you."

"You...what?" Her mind was reeling. Did he just say he loved her? No jokes or teases? She silently pleaded him to say it again. Instead he shoved past her and ran out the door. She looked to Glenn and Maggie, who looked equally as surprised as she.

"Did he just say-"

"Don't tell anyone!" Carol cut Maggie off. "Don't tell anyone what he said until I talk to him." With that she took off after Daryl.

Carol couldn't quite wrap her mind around it. He had to have been kidding. How could he, Daryl, the fearless hunter be in love with her? Quiet, mousy little Carol? He was brave, adventurous, wild, where she was shy, sheltered, and weak. They were as opposite as fire and ice. Perhaps that is why they were best fit? Where she lacked in strength, he provided stability and security. Where his emotions left an open void, she filled with kindness and compassion. She needed him, and he needed her. And she loved him more everyday.

She wanted nothing more than to run into the woods after him.

"Where's Daryl?" Her forceful, yet concerned voice had Rick puzzled.

"Hunting." He replied slowly. Without another word she began to head out, but Rick caught her arm before she even reached the door.

"I need to talk to him." She tried to pull her arm away, but Rick's grip was strong.

"He seemed upset." Rick's voice was full of concern and Carol's look softened. She wasn't the only in the prison who loved Daryl. Rick, his friend, his unblood brother, would be just as concerned as she.

"I have to talk to him." Carol repeated. Rick sighed, but didn't let her go.

"I ain't about to let ya run into the woods after him." Rick said. "You don't know you're way around out there, not like him. Not to mention he'd skin me alive if he knew I let ya go alone." They were quiet a moment before Carol sighed. Rick was right. She couldn't run out there blind after a man she probably wouldn't be able to find. She ripped her arm from Rick's grip and walked back into the prison.

Footsteps behind her pulled Carol out of the memory and back into reality. She didn't have to turn to know who the footsteps belonged to. She'd listened to his boots on the cement floor pacing night after night while everyone else was asleep. It was how their late night talks began and how secrets were shared and when Carol was forced to admit to herself each time he left that her love would never be returned. Or so she thought.

"Hey." Daryl finally grumbled. Carol turned slowly, trying to collect the thoughts buzzing around in her head.

"How was hunting?" She asked. He shrugged.

"Didn't catch anything." He replied. They remained silent for a few moments, the atmosphere tense. Carol couldn't stand it, the awkwardness that hung between them. They'd always had a relaxed feel to their silence; a comfort. Carol opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Maggie flew into the room.

"Carol! Dary's back!" Her sentence faded away as she saw Daryl in the room. "But you already knew that." The three awkwardly glanced back and forth a moment before Maggie spoke again. "Well I'll just be goin. Bye." Carol laughed and Daryl shook his head as Maggie disappeared. Carol looked up and met Daryl's eyes.

"Look about what you said earlier-"

"I meant it." Daryl inturrupted. Carol stood frozen. She was so sure he'd take it back, told her he was joking, say it was a lie. He didn't.

"You did?" She asked quietly. He scoffed and crossed his arms.

"Course I did." He averted her eyes and chewed on his bottom lip. She felt a smile begin to form on her face, one that made her feel like a teenage girl. She took a step forward and placed one hand on his upper arm. He glanced up at her and uncrossed his arms. Carol placed her other hand on the back of Daryl's neck, pulling him closer to her. His hands fell on her hips, keeping her at a comfortable distance as he searched her eyes.

"I love you." Carol breathed. Daryl lifted a hand from her waist and rested it on her cheek, pulling her closer. She closed her eyes as their lips met, barely brushing at first. Not wanting to push him to far, Carol began to pull away before Daryl pulled her closer again, crushing his lips to hers. Carol smiled into the kiss and threw her arms around Daryl's neck. The smile was still plastered to Carol's face as they pulled apart. Daryl rested his forehead against her's and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"I love you." Daryl said softly.

"And I love you." Carol whispered back. Lion and mouse. Fire and ice. Daryl and Carol.

A/N: You guys like it? Too mushy? Please let me know! Love.