Chapter Ten: The Calm Before the Storm

He should've known it wouldn't be quite so easy, Daryl thought, raking a hand through his unruly hair. Things were never simple where the Dixon men were concerned. He had initially volunteered to come on this retreat to protect his girl. It was an added bonus to finally be able to connect with her, however; to lay his heart on the line and give himself to her completely. Yet, he couldn't shake the foreboding feeling which had wedged itself deep in the pit of his stomach. He'd thought surely Ed would see Carol was happy, that she'd never want him, and he'd move on, but after googling stalkers, their habits, insights into their minds and the lengths they were willing to go to achieve their goals, he wasn't so sure.

What if he wasn't enough? What if he couldn't protect her as well as he thought he could? His doubts crept in to plague his already troubled mind, and he forced himself to take a deep breath to rid himself of the anxiety building in his chest. Rick had messaged him a while ago, assuring Daryl they hadn't let Ed out of their sights, but how long would that last? He was grateful to his brother for offering to make the trip to the island. Merle might be a pain in his ass, but Daryl knew he'd always have his back.

Daryl glanced up at the clock over the resort's reception desk as he continued pacing a hole in the plush rug which adorned the tiles of the little sitting area in the lobby. Carol and Michonne had been at the spa for a little over two hours. How much longer could they possibly be in there? He couldn't even imagine what the staff could be doing to her. Women shit he had no desire to know about, no doubt. His gaze once again flickered to the three exits closest to the spa, keeping a wary eye out in case Ed somehow slipped past Rick or Shane. His muscles were taut, alert, ready to pounce should there be a threat to his girl.

Frankly, he would feel better once he could get her away from the resort, the bed and breakfast, and people in general. It irritated him that she couldn't seem to relax with Ed haunting her steps. The man was slowly ruining her little getaway, and he knew she needed to have just one day where she could be completely free. Mentioning it briefly on the way to the resort, Carol had been thrilled at the prospect of spending the day alone with him. Daryl had studied the map of the island, and he thought he'd found the perfect place to take her. There was a hiking trail leading through the woods which would take them to a cove he was sure she'd enjoy exploring. It was manmade – nothing like they'd find on a seashore – but it had caught his interest. It wasn't far from the marina and there was a little lakeside restaurant where they could have lunch. And best of all, it was miles away from Ed.

A familiar rumble had Daryl pausing mid-pace, the sound of open headers and straight pipes making his heart pound. It was the sound of his own truck zipping through the parking lot, alerting him to his brother's arrival. He felt as if he could finally take an easy breath. Daryl waited anxiously, staring towards the grand entrance leading into the resort, the sense of relief at seeing Merle standing there, simply overwhelming.

Merle took him in with a critical eye, watching Daryl fidget and blush. A wide grin spread out over his face. "Well, I'll be damned. Baby brother finally got his cherry popped."

Daryl groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose before shooting an irritated look at Merle. "I ain't –"

"Oh, please," Merle scoffed. "I've been throwing women at y' since y' turned sixteen. Y' think I didn't see how y' couldn't stand t' have 'em touch y'?" He slung an arm around his brother's shoulders and made his way over to the reception desk to check in. "I'm jus' glad y' finally found yerself a good woman, an' Carol is one o' th' best. Don't fuck it up!"

Daryl rolled his eyes and told the clerk he'd already made a reservation under the name of Merle Dixon. It didn't take the woman long to get everything in order. Merle handed over his business credit card.

His brother didn't look pleased. "Calm down, Darylena … business expense," he grinned.

"How is it a business expense?"

"Because y' an' Carol are m' business," he said with a pointed look as he signed the receipt and took the keys to his room. "Where is she, by th' way? Thought she'd be glued t' yer side."

Daryl pointed to the entrance to the spa. "Her an' Michonne are being pampered. Her spa package was one o' th' reasons she didn't want t' cancel th' trip. She didn't want t' lose out on th' money she'd spent."

Merle arched a brow in his brother's direction. "Looks like y' been in there yerself. What th' fuck are y' even wearing?" he chortled. "Y' look like one o' those preppy assholes who drive a beamer an' lives off a trust fund."

Daryl blushed a deeper shade of red. "Shut up, asshole. I'm s'posed t' be on vacation, an' this is what y' wear. Carol picked it out," he mumbled the last under his breath.

Merle loved nothing better than to tease his baby brother. It was all in good fun, especially when Daryl was just so damn sensitive, but he was thrilled his brother was finding happiness at last. Merle's presence on the island was proof positive he wasn't going to allow anything to fuck it up for him. "What's the word on Ed? He still being a creepy bastard?"

"Yeah, but Rick and Shane are keepin' tabs on him. They send me an update every few hours. I'm gonna keep Carol away from th' group for th' rest o' th' day so she ain't gotta look at Ed's ugly ass. She needs t' try t' enjoy herself this weekend."

Merle set his bag down by his feet and crossed his arms over his chest, his deep blue eyes troubled. "What y' plannin', boy? I ain't tryin' t' pry, but I need t' know where you'll be if I'ma help y' keep her safe."

Daryl sighed. "I'm takin' her t' th' other side o' th' island. There's a cove she might like. We ain't gotta be back until this evenin'. 'Chonne has some kinda boat ride we're s'posed t' go on at sunset."

"A'right," Merle nodded, scratching at the stubble on his chin. "I'll stick close, get a feel for this place. I ain't gonna lie, lil' brother. This whole situation gives me th' creeps. What he's doin' t' her …"

But Daryl was no longer listening to him. Carol and Michonne had just stepped out of the spa and were heading his way, and Daryl was enraptured by the picture she presented. Her skin glowed with a healthy vibrancy, and her shoulders seemed to have shed some of the tension she'd been carrying around, but it was her smile which held him transfixed. Just a small upturn of her lips promising untold pleasure and just a hint of mischief to make his heart pick up its pace, her eyes holding his lovingly. "Beautiful," he breathed, feeling it was nowhere near an apt description for his girl.

Carol gravitated towards him and laid a hand on his chest as she leaned up to kiss him softly. He let out a whoosh of air, not having realized she'd stolen his breath. "Sorry I kept you waiting for so long." She turned her smile on the eldest Dixon and leaned in for a hug. "Merle! I'm so glad you decided to join us," she said honestly, relieved to have him near. He might have been Daryl's brother by blood, but he was her brother by choice.

Merle squeezed her tightly, lifting her off her feet in a bear hug which had her swatting him playfully. "Y' look good enough t' eat there, darlin'." His face transformed into a lascivious grin as he glanced over at his brother. "But somethin' tells me m' brother's already tried."

Daryl pulled Carol away from Merle and wrapped an arm around her waist, their faces matching shades of red. "Goddamnit, Merle!"

Michonne giggled and then squealed as Merle hugged her next. "And if you ain't a goddess, sugar, I don't know who is," he teased, landing a loud smacking kiss to her cheek. "Y' ready t' leave Deputy Do-Right for me yet?"

She swatted him, the back of her hand bouncing off his abs as he let her go. "You wish." She took it in the teasing manner it had been delivered. She'd been around Merle long enough to know when he was ribbing her.

Daryl led the way out to the shuttle which would ferry them back to the bed and breakfast, Merle and the girls following. "Where y' gonna be, brother?"

Merle fished a pack of cigarettes from his vest pocket and lit one, taking a long drag as his smile dropped into a serious frown. "Don't y' worry about me. I'll be around. Y' worry about yer girl." He blew out a thin stream of blue smoke and rested his hand on Daryl's shoulder. "Let Rick an' Shane know I'm here. Make sure they keep me posted."

A shiver tripped up his spine as Daryl took in the icy coldness in his brother's eyes. He knew better than anyone what Merle was capable of. "What're y' plannin'?"

Merle just grinned, stubbed out his cigarette and turned to re-enter the resort, a cheery tune whistling from his lips.

*.*.*

Daryl looked at Carol over the top of his menu. The trek through the woods – on the hiking trail he'd suggested – hadn't been all that tiring. Only about a mile and a half, yet his girl seemed tired. "Y' wanna take th' shuttle back t' th' bed & breakfast?"

"What? Why? I enjoyed the hike … even in sandals. The terrain was rather smooth," Carol protested.

"Well, we got that cruise tonight, an' I don't want t' wear y' out where y' cain't enjoy yourself t'night."

Michonne had booked the tour, wanting to observe the entire group as they partook of the different wines and the samples of uniquely crafted dining fare to be paired with each one. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to relax on an eighty-five-foot excursion yacht?

"No, I really don't want to miss it. Just think, Daryl, how lovely it will be to cruise the lake and enjoy the sunset together. Pretty romantic," she added with a teasing grin. She leaned over the table, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "We can even screw around if you want."

Daryl blushed. "Stahp," he growled, looking around the little lakeside restaurant to see if anyone had overheard.

Carol chuckled softly and returned to perusing her menu. She knew she shouldn't tease, everything being so new to him about their relationship, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't love the way color flooded his cheeks and made him a stammering mess. He was precious, and she loved him with her whole heart. Eventually, he would lose his shyness, and she was certain she would miss it.

"Why ain't they got a burger on this menu? All I see is fish," he grumbled.

"I think I saw one on the kid's menu," she deadpanned.

Daryl snorted.

Carol lowered her menu, so she could look at him. He had wanted to take her to lunch near the small harbor, something nice and away from Ed's prying eyes … only to have it backfire on him. "We can always go back to the resort, Daryl. They have a nice restaurant."

"Naw," he said with a shake of his head. "This'll do. We got us a nice quiet table next to the windows where y' can watch th' boats. I'll find somethin' t' eat here." He reached across the table, his hand covering hers to give it a gentle squeeze. "Then afterward, we'll go check out that cove."

Carol felt her heart rate pick up to see him trying so hard. "You don't have to try to impress me. You already own my heart."

He twined his fingers with hers, a half-moon grin lifting one corner of his mouth. "Maybe I want t'. Now that I got y', I wanna make sure I keep y'."

He didn't let go of her hand even when the waitress returned to their table with two tall glasses of sweet iced tea. Seeing the sparkle of happiness in his girl's eyes, he no longer cared about lunch. "What're your specials?" he asked, never breaking eye contact with Carol.

The girl smiled at the couple, her name tag bearing a smiley face sticker next to the name Melanie. "There are two actually," she began. "We have a lovely freshwater bass served over penne pasta and topped with a light cream sauce with your choice of side. And our second special is fried catfish – caught fresh from our own lake – served with a twice baked stuffed potato and your choice of vegetable. The bacon wrapped asparagus seems to be really popular today."

Even Daryl couldn't pass on fresh fried catfish. He loved fried seafood as much as he did a hot juicy burger. Carol ordered the same. The wait for their food was short since the restaurant wasn't busy, and in no time Daryl had devoured all of his lunch and half of hers. She refused to give up her potato, however; though he did offer to arm wrestle her for it.

A full stomach didn't stop him from dragging her down the boardwalk and out onto the sand to walk along the lakeshore. Her eyes widened as they rounded a bend and came upon the cove he'd wanted to show her. It wasn't what you'd find on the seashore, but it was secluded and idyllic, a perfect place to spend the afternoon together.

He grinned at Carol like a big kid seeking approval, but he needn't have worried, the joy on her face clearly evident. There was a picnic area with grassy umbrellas to shade the fair-skinned from the sun, a dotting of wildflowers, carefully groomed along the border where grass met sand, but what had intrigued Daryl most was the rock formations on either side of the cove. Once they'd stepped onto the sand, the world had simply fallen away, leaving them in their own private hideaway.

Daryl kicked off his sandals and dropped to a knee to help remove hers, smiling as she wiggled her toes against the warm sand. He peered up at her from beneath his fringe of shaggy bangs before running his hands along the backs of her calves, pressing a light kiss to the inside of her right knee. Carol blushed prettily and bit her lip as he rose and took her hand.

"C'mon," he urged with a toss of his head towards the rocks. "Let's see if we can't get a better view."

The rocks were flat in a good many places, perfect to have a seat and watch the boats on the lake. Daryl kept her close to his side as they climbed, ever watchful of Carol's every step to ensure she didn't take a tumble. Near the top, he found a natural outcropping which would give them privacy from anyone who might happen to venture below. He sat down and sighed, pulling her to sit between his legs so he could loosely wrap his arms around her waist.

Carol leaned back against his broad chest and took in the view, a small smile etching her lips. "This is beautiful. How did you know about this spot?"

Daryl rested his chin against her shoulder, rubbing his scruff over her bare shoulder and watching the gooseflesh spread over her arms before dropping a kiss to the sensitive spot below her ear. "Maybe I jus' wanted t' be alone with y'. That make me selfish?"

She tilted her head to the side to give him better access. "No, not at all. I'd much rather be here with you than surrounded by my friends and classmates. I'm greedy when it comes to you," she purred softly. "Though it still doesn't answer my question."

He shrugged and unconsciously tightened his hold on her. "I had a look at that map 'Chonne gave us, an' while y' were at th' spa, I asked the desk clerk at th' resort if she thought it would be a nice place t' bring my girl." His lips teased the ivory column of her throat as she pushed her ass back into his groin. "I don't like t' share, Carol Ann … even if it is with your friends."

"I'm glad you brought me here," she admitted honestly. She could hear the note of possessiveness in his tone, but it was nothing like what she'd encountered from Ed. Daryl wanted to protect her, cherish and love her where Ed was just creepy and delusional. It warmed her to hear him confess what was in his heart. She wanted to belong to Daryl.

Carol turned her head, capturing his lips and sliding her tongue along the seam, begging to be let in, but Daryl didn't want things to escalate too quickly. He knew it was inevitable, the fire already building in his blood, just not yet. There were things he needed to know. He'd never had a relationship before, not with the fairer sex and never of a romantic nature, and though he was terrified to subject himself to rejection, he would never know if he didn't ask.

He allowed the kiss to deepen, giving in to his longing for her briefly before he pulled away and rested his brow against hers, his breathing labored. Daryl didn't like the frown now pulling at her lips. "What's wrong?" she asked, carding her fingers through the hair at his nape, turning more until she was facing him.

"We … ah, need … t' talk about some stuff," he said, his ears reddening as he leaned back against the smooth rocks behind him. "I know I ain't right – normal – when it comes t' relationships an' shit."

Carol brightened, grinning as she nodded. "It's new for you," she agreed. "Daryl, there is no right or wrong. Every relationship is different. Do you trust me?"

"Y' know I do," he insisted, giving her a squeeze.

"Then don't be afraid to talk to me about anything. Tell me what's on your mind."

He sighed, lifting his gaze to hers and fighting the urge to get lost in the deep blue pools of her eyes. "I got so wrapped up in y' last night; I didn't even think about using a condom." And gawd knows Merle shoved nearly two boxes into my bag before he'd let me leave! "What if y' get pregnant? Y' ain't even finished college yet, Carol, an' I don't want t' do anything t' add stress t' –"

Carol pressed her fingers to his lips before he could get himself worked up. "I'm on the Depo Provera shot, y'know birth control. We don't have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy neither of us is ready for."

Daryl gnawed anxiously at the inside of his lip, a nervous habit he'd never been able to break, and sighed in relief. Not that he'd mind having children with her, but he didn't think either of them was ready for that. It didn't stop the multitude of questions swimming in his head clamoring for answers. "What happens when we get home?"

She rested her head against his shoulder, knowing him well enough to sense his unease, and that it would be easier to talk to her without having to maintain a steady stream of eye contact. "What do you want to happen?"

He didn't even realize when his breath hitched and then froze in his chest as he gathered his courage. He knew Carol loved him, of that he had no doubt at all, but would she want the same things he did? "Will y' stay? Even when Ed's no longer a threat? I like havin' y' there, Carol. You've turned our apartment into a home, an' I don't want t' lose that. But I won't crowd y' … I'll give y' whatever space y' need."

Carol could hear the underlying insecurity in his voice, and it tore at her heart. It would take more than an admittance of feelings and one night spent in each other's arms to overcome a lifetime of self-doubt and fear. "I don't know," she whispered, a teasing tone in the timbre of her voice. "Do you think there's room up in that loft of yours for me?"

His fingers tilted her chin up to meet his gaze, his smoky blue eyes intense as they studied her face. "I'll make room. An' if it ain't big enough, I'll hire a crew t' come in an' build onto it." He brushed his lips ever so lightly to hers, a mere breath of touch, and her body came alive in pure sensation. "Lemme love y', Carol … lemme be what y' need."

"Oh, Daryl," she breathed, chasing his lips with her own, enjoying his own efforts at teasing. "Don't you know? You already are. You're my everything."

Carol turned, straddling his lap as her arms wound around his neck and her lips crashed against his. His hands moved to her bare thighs as the skirt of her sun dress bunched around her hips, her weight bearing down on his burgeoning erection. "Show me, baby," he croaked as his lips trailed a hot path to her ear.

Her eyes darkened as heat coiled through her, and she didn't hesitate, yielding to his soft command.

A/n: I thought we could all use a little fluff before the angst train barrels through in the next chapter. I hope y'all enjoyed it. I cannot begin to tell y'all how much I appreciate the love you've shown for this fic. Also, a big shout out to my 'blood pony' girls for listening to me moan and complain about all the fluff and what a trial it was to write this chapter. Marie1063, Geektaire, BettyBubble, and CLADD y'all are just amazing!

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