Disclaimer: I don't own the Walking Dead but what I would give to own Daryl/Norman =P

A/N: So, seems like most people enjoyed the quarry scene; there shall be more Daryl/Cat goodness, I just don't know when, since the trip back into Atlanta's coming soon… What do you guys think? Also, I put a poll up for whether Cat should go to Atlanta on my profile, as well (if you wanna just vote there or you can just put it in your reviews).

Chapter Eleven: Explosion

Brows high, I stared up at him, beyond floored. His brow furrowed in confusion at my expression, but I couldn't get past the idea that Rick Grimes was alive and there would be hell to pay when he found out his wife and his best friend were together.

"Cat, I got some bad news about Merle," T-Dog frowned, staring at the ground with the guiltiest of expressions.

Scratch that; there would be hell to pay when Daryl found out something happened to his brother. Shit.

Something suddenly caught Rick's attention over my shoulder, and he grinned broadly. Offering me a distracted 'scuse me', he pushed past me and jogged over to Shane. With broad, shocked grins – mostly on Shane's side – the two of them hugged, chuckling and patting one another on the back.

Something else caught Rick's attention, one that had his jaw dropping and tears welling up in his eyes. He raced toward Carl, catching him in his arms and hugging the life out of the little boy. Lori, floored, gathered her husband and son into her arms and just bawled.

I didn't know what was more awkward, seeing the family reunion and feeling like an intruder, or seeing Shane staring at the group with a look of abject dejection on his face.

Turning to T-Dog, I queried seriously, "What happened?"

He sighed heavily and dropped his head in guilt, "It was all my fault; I dropped the key. See, Merle was tweakin' out, flippin' his lid, and Rick handcuffed him to the roof. He was shootin' at walkers and caught their attention, so we were trapped in the department store. I went to unlock him but I tripped and the key fell into a drainpipe. We left him on the roof; the walkers swarmed the place and we ran away."

"So you left him chained to the roof in a building full of walkers?" I queried, mouth running dry. Oh God, Daryl was going to be absolutely livid when he found out. I mean, everyone knew that Merle was a bastard and probably deserved to be chained to a roof, but to go out like that… My God…

"I tried, Cat, I did," he begged, rubbing his forehead in frustration, "I went back for him… I was gonna unlock that racist bastard, but I dropped it and I panicked… Where's Daryl? I have to tell him."

"He went out huntin' a few days ago; hasn't been back yet," I replied, biting my lip and trying not to show my worry.

"Finally realize the two o' you are crazy about each other?" T-Dog cracked a grim smile, one that disappeared almost immediately.

Offering a small smile, I nodded, "Yeah… Oh, God, T-Dog, he's gonna kill you…"

He let out a sudden, anxious laugh, "I know, girl… You got my back?"

"I'll try to keep him from killin' you, if that's what you mean," I replied with a nervous smile, patting his arm and returning to the others, who seemed to be talking about the exact same thing.

"Who's gonna tell Daryl?" Dale seemed beyond concerned, dark brow furrowed and a frustrated frown tugging at his mouth.

"It's gotta be me," T-Dog replied, bracing himself, "I'm the one who dropped the key; it's my responsibility."

"Wouldn't it sound better coming from someone… white?" Glenn queried anxiously, shooting T-Dog an apologetic frown, before looking between Shane and Rick, almost as though torn between who to follow. Rick must've made a pretty big impression on the Atlanta group if Glenn was willing to follow his orders over Shane, who everyone pretty much released the reigns to.

"I'll do it," Rick stated grimly, "I'm the one who locked him to the pipe. I know how to handle situations like this one…"

"Maybe it shouldn't be either of you," Jim noted, eyes darting to me. Everyone's gaze zeroed in on me and I raised a hand, offering a sheepish smile and wave.

"Cat?" Rick inquired, stepping up and placing a hand on my shoulder, "you and Daryl are close?"

"You could say that," I replied, brows high on my forehead, "but I don't think he'll listen to me; not after this… Merle is his only brother, the only person he had in this world and you chained him to a pipe." Rick frowned and lowered his gaze as I continued, "There's no way to sugarcoat it, even if it's coming from me. But… I'll give it a shot. But if he bites my head off, I'm blaming all of you."

"Don't think he will, Cat," Shane strolled up to my side, offering me a reassuring smile, "if anyone can keep him calm, I'm puttin' my money on you…"

Well, that I highly doubted. They all seemed to take the fact that this was Daryl's only sibling lightly, not to mention the fact that he was about as cantankerous as a bull and just as dangerous. While he hadn't flipped on me yet, I wouldn't put it past him just because we made out.

"Where is Daryl?" Glenn inquired, looking around camp for the AWOL hillbilly.

"Out hunting; it's been a few days since he's been back," Lori stated, casting me a wide-eyed look, as though I'd go blabbing about her lurid affair with Shane. Believe me, woman, it wasn't my place to tell…

"Well, we gotta be ready to tell him whenever he gets back," Rick sighed, returning to Lori and Carl, wrapping an arm around his wife and pulling his son into his side. They clung to each other, a really heartwarming image if Lori wasn't looking so absolutely guilt-ridden.

"Great," I sighed heavily, looking over to the kids and shaking my head, "yeah, class is over for today…" I had to get some kind of speech ready, something with a lot of persuasion and appeasement, or the camp was liable to go up in flames the minute Daryl Dixon returned.

WDWDWDWDWDWDWD

Pacing inside my tent, I chewed on my nail. Still hadn't found out how to approach Daryl with the revelation of his abandoned brother. Snapping me out of my reverie was a high-pitched scream a few feet into the forest.

Racing out with my crossbow in hand, I passed the kids, who were running into the safety of the camp, and followed the men and Andrea into the woods. The blonde ran to her sister, holding her tightly as the men easily dispatched a walker that had been feasting on a deer with three long crossbow bolts embedded in its side.

Daryl emerged from a thick patch of woods, a scowl on his dirty face as he knelt beside the deer. Cursing, he examined the walker-inflicted wound to its neck and queried, "Think it'd be alright if we cut around it?"

I wanted to run to him and kiss the life out of him – as well as beat him over the head a few times for being gone so long – but refrained. Didn't want to make an ass out of myself in front of everyone, now did I?

"Can't risk it," Shane commented with a frown; obviously Daryl wasn't the only one upset at the prospect of losing something so valuable as an enormous buck.

"Damn," Daryl grunted once more, standing and yanking the bolts from the deer, "took me three days to track this thing down." He wiped the bolts off and tucked the dirty rag in his back pocket. He shouldered his crossbow and observed the group before him, eyes settling on me almost immediately. He strode over, taking my arm in his muddied hand and carefully pulling me away from the others.

"Welcome back, Daryl," I grinned, swallowing my unease at the bitterness and fury he was going to unleash once we informed him, "had me worried there for a while…"

"Like any walker could take me down," he bragged, smirking, "should know me better than that by now, Kit."

"Kit?" I queried with a laugh, "where'd that come from?"

"Kitkat's dumb as hell and I already told ya I don't like cats," he replied with a snort, offering me a slight grin, "an' I had an aunt named Cathy…"

"Right," I replied with a smile, "I like it…"

Amy's scream and Andrea's scoff of disgust drew our attention, though they weren't staring at us; the walker on the ground had its yellow eyes open and was snapping at the two of them.

Daryl stepped away from me and raised his crossbow, sending a bolt through the head without flinching, "Don't ya know ya have t' shoot 'em through the head?"

Retrieving that bolt, he moved past the group, shoulders tense, and bellowed, "Hey, Merle! Got us some squirrels!"

Offering the others an apologetic frown, I moved past them. They followed after me, but Rick caught my arm, holding me back from the others, "Maybe you shouldn't be the one to tell him… I didn't realize that the two of you were…"

"No offense, Rick, but I don't think it's gonna sound any better coming from you," I replied with a quirked brow.

He pursed his lips but nodded and the two of us returned to the camp, where Daryl was pacing, brow furrowed in confusion and concern. "Merle!" he barked, stalking toward their tent and dropping the squirrels outside of it. He peered inside and, as everyone watched him nervously, I jogged up to him, swallowing my heart.

"Daryl," I called, touching his arm. Something in my voice must've caught his attention, because he tensed, turning to me with narrowed eyes, running them over my carefully neutral face. Lip curling, he glanced at the others, picking up on their anxiety just as easily.

"The hell's goin' on?" he questioned, his voice dangerously calm, "where's Merle?"

"He didn't come back, Daryl," I replied resolutely, "he's not here." Bracing myself for his explosion, I watched his jaw clench and his hands fist until his knuckles were white. I swear to God, if he hit me, much as I liked the guy, he wouldn't be standing by the time I got through with him, whether I had to use a huge branch or just my fists.

Shoulders straight and taut, he leaned down, inquiring, "What'd you say?"

"He was a danger to the group," Rick piped up, holding his palms out in what he hoped was a calming, almost submissive way, "he was shootin' at walkers, drawin' attention to us… He brought half the city to the department store we were in…"

"You left my brother t' die?"

There it was. His tone was loud, his demeanor threatening as he stalked up to the Rick, shoving himself into the ex-sheriff's deputy's face and snarling.

"Listen, Daryl, I know how you feel, and it was wrong of us to do, but I decided it was in the best interest of all of us that…"

"An' who the hell are you?" Daryl growled, stalking back and forth through the slowly retreating crowd, glaring dangerously at them all, myself included.

"Rick Grimes," the soft-spoken deputy replied, "I'm…"

"Well Rick Grimes, who the hell you think you are t' leave my brother behind?" Daryl seethed, getting back in the man's face, shoving his chest and sending the smaller man back a few steps.

"It was my fault, Daryl; I dropped the key," T-Dog grimaced when Daryl turned his murderous gaze on him.

"What key?" Daryl bit out, furiously wiping his eyes as tears welled up in his baby blues. Biting my lip, I desperately wanted to go to him, tell him it would be okay, but I didn't really want to be shoved to the side or hear something I really didn't want to hear him say. Anyway, anything I would have done for him wouldn't have any affect.

"I handcuffed him to the roof," Rick sighed, shoulders tensed resolutely. He had a hand on the butt his gun as Daryl hoisted his crossbow up and aimed it at him.

Shane and Rick drew, and I snapped, racing forward and pushing myself between the feuding factions. Dale called my name nervously, but I pressed a hand to Daryl's heaving, sweaty chest, and lowered Shane's and Rick's guns with one arm.

Turning my back on the two deputies, I grabbed his face and drew his attention down to meet my gaze, "It's not worth it, Daryl…"

"Why the hell ain't it worth it?" he snarled, slamming his crossbow to the ground, eyes cold and dark as they burned into mine, "you sayin' my brother deserved to die chained to a pipe on th' top of a damn roof?" He huffed, lip curling, "Prob'ly glad he's gone, aren'tcha? Don't have t' worry 'bout him botherin' you, callin' ya names… You can just strut around camp an' not have to put up with his shit now, right… Frickin' bitch…"

Stepping back, I dropped my hands, heart plummeting into my stomach. I knew he was upset and knew that something like this would happen, but that didn't make it any better to hear him call me a bitch, let alone think I'd be glad that he lost his brother.

"Hey, now!" Shane growled, pushing past me and muscling Daryl back away from me, "keep that shit to yerself! Might not wanna fight the only one on yer side right now…"

Daryl's gaze reluctantly turned to me, but I raised a threatening eyebrow, shrugging Riley's consoling hand from my shoulder and shaking my head. I went to say something, but thought better of it – probably didn't want to curse him half to hell while he was feeling so volatile and I certainly didn't want to say anything I'd regret later – so I rolled my eyes and stalked away from camp.

Fuming, I jogged down to the quarry, S&W in hand, and disappeared into the forest. Shoulders tensed and muscles clenched, I plodded into the woods, not caring if I came across a walker at this point. In fact, it'd be nice to encounter one; I could take out all my irritation with Daryl out on it.

Of course, I would react the same way if someone left Jake to fend for himself without a weapon with a horde of mindless killers, the rational side of me mused. Still, being called a bitch by the one person I got along best with wasn't something I was entirely fond of.

Kicking a fallen log, I dropped myself onto it, looking over the gun in my hands. I really wanted to shoot something. Stupid Daryl. Stupid Merle for getting us into this mess. I mean, if Merle was drawing the attention of hundreds of walkers, I'd be hard-pressed to keep from putting a stop to it. Still, leaving him to die, no matter how shitty a person he was, would've eaten at me. No pun intended.

Letting out a grown of frustration, I stood and turned, catching sight of a low-hanging branch and taking aim. I put a good five rounds into it before lowering the gun and sighing heavily. At least I didn't picture Daryl's head on the branch; that would've boded horribly for him whenever I returned to camp.

That done, I had to admit, I did feel a bit better. Shoving the gun in my waistband, I continued on into the woods a bit, making sure to maintain my bearings out there. Like I mused with Daryl, I was crap with directions, especially when there were no landmarks to tell me where to go.

Crouching low, I looked around the forest, wondering if my shooting drew in any walkers. I didn't see any dark, bloody bodies powering toward me, so I figured I was good. Waiting and watching, I found a raccoon scurrying down from a tree. Taking aim, I quickly lowered the gun, frowning. It was a little thing, a baby probably.

Shivering, it slowly approached me, sniffing my outstretched fingers and backing away quickly when I tried to pet it. Smiling slightly, I reached for it, cooing. Slowly, it crept forward, putting its little hands on my own, and sniffing my palm. Carefully, I began to pet the little critter and glanced around the treetops.

I had to recall the raccoon from a few days ago and wonder if it had perhaps fallen prey to that stray walker. I mean, it might have been gnawing on the neck of Daryl's deer, but those things were pretty insatiable.

The baby cried out, crawling onto my hand, and I picked it up, carefully cradling it to my chest and hoping it didn't have rabies. What? I didn't want to get taken out by rabies in a walker-infested world. After seeing Cujo, I didn't know which was worse.

Still unable to find any sign of its mother, I snapped a few berries from a twig and offered it to him.

Making my way back toward the lake, the raccoon happily munching on the berries, I breathed heavily. I really wasn't looking forward to getting into another confrontation with Daryl, but I wouldn't abandon him when he needed me the most.

Breaking through the underbrush, I found myself on the edge of the lake once more. It was on the verge of twilight; fortunately I made it back before it got too dark. If there was one thing I would be terrified of it was being lost in the woods in the dark. Normally, I probably wouldn't have cared too much, but the threat of walkers in this new, dangerous world was too nerve-wracking to consider.

I was on the opposite side of camp – not where I had taken off but fortunately still within walking distance of home – and began the trek back. The raccoon snuggled up to my chest as I walked and I grinned, positively smitten.

"Cat!"

"Cat, where are you?"

Startled, I looked around, squinting through the dimming light across the lake. I saw a few flashlights waving in the darkness, their owners' forms only barely recognizable. Making my way back toward camp, I called out to the nearest form, "I'm right here!"

The figure ran at me, gathering me in a tight hug. Danny breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank God, Cat; we heard the gunshots and everyone started flipping out…"

Apologizing, I patted his shoulder and smiled, "C'mon, let's get back to camp…"

As we neared, everyone we encountered called to the next searcher that I had returned safe and sound.

Lori gathered me in a tight hug as Rick touched my arm gently. The mother patted my back and questioned, "What happened out there? Did you run into walkers?"

She led me over to the fire, like I had been through a horrifying ordeal, and sat me down. Jake latched onto me, hugging me tightly, and I found myself biting my lip in embarrassment. Rubbing his back, I kissed the top of his head; hadn't I told him I'd never abandon him? What did I just do? Go missing for what was really a few hours, shooting off my gun and leading everyone to believe I had been attacked? I felt like I tool.

Smiling sheepishly at the others, who all watched me carefully, concerned, I replied, "Just blowing off some steam… Didn't run into anything except this little guy." I showed them the raccoon, who was burrowing into my shirt.

"Thank God for that," Lori sighed, running her hand through her hair, "gave Daryl a good scare, though."

"Where is he?" I queried, glancing around at the familiar faces, unable to spot the one I wanted.

"She back yet?"

Glancing over my shoulder, I watched Daryl stalk toward the fire, toward me, and stood. Tucking the raccoon tightly against my chest, I headed over to him, taking a deep breath.

He glanced at my new companion, unimpressed, but his sky eyes spoke volumes. Almost hesitantly resting a large, calloused palm on my hip, he frowned, "'m sorry."

Raising a thoughtful brow, I nodded slightly, giving him a slight grin, "I should hope so." Wrapping my free hand around his neck, I pulled him down to my level, kissing him firmly.

There was a small round of clapping from the campfire, to which Daryl flipped everyone off, and I returned to my perch on the log. Daryl dropped heavily onto it beside me and questioned, "What was with all the shootin'?"

"Stress reliever," I replied quietly, "be glad I wasn't picturing your head while I was doin' it."

He snorted, shaking his head and jerking a chin at the raccoon, "Take it you aren't lookin' t' eat that thing?"

"Hell no," I replied, stroking the small animal's head. He huffed in amusement, before staring down at the fire, his gaze hooded, distracted. Nudging him, I subtly took his hand in my own, "I'm sorry, too; for leaving you here. And scaring you. I wasn't thinking."

He looked at our intertwined hands, an uncertain glint in his light eyes as he hastily looked around, checking to see if anyone else noticed, before shrugging a shoulder, "Don't matter… Felt like a pussy for cryin' in front of everyone, though…"

"I think they were more afraid of your temper than your tears, Daryl," I noted, before querying, "how're you feeling?"

He swept his gaze over my face, brows settling low over his eyes, "Apparently th' door was chained; walkers might notta reached Merle. We're goin' back into the city t'morrow t' find him…"

WDWDWDWDWD

A/N 2: Hmm, so, I was gonna prolong the conflict between Cat and Daryl but just couldn't bring myself to. He's one of my major weaknesses unfortunately! =P So thank you to all who reviewed; I would very much appreciate more of them! Again, hoping Daryl didn't seem too out of character; I know from Cherokee Rose that he has a sweet side, so him not yanking away from Cat holding his hand or giving her a nickname doesn't seem too atypical, but who knows. And what should I name the baby raccoon?

Readergirl66: Thanks! Ah there may be a little break because of the Atlanta trip, but rest assured there'll be some hot stuff at the CDC!

MigratingCoconuts06: Hehe, I'm thinking you're right! I'm not too great writing that stuff but I'm more than willing to make an attempt with Norman Reedus as my muse ;D

Dalonega Noquisi: Thanks! I know, I wasn't looking forward to them either!

LovelySpecter: Haha thanks! I was so excited to bring Rick in; I want Cat and him to be close. He's such a nice guy and I think I could use that for some mucho jealousy later on :D

WolfAngel75: Woo! I'm so glad you liked it!

Ivycake101: heehee thanks!

Nekuranekomegami: Thanks! I always try to do my best with this story; I love the show so much! I might make it M; I'll have to see if I can write M scenes well enough haha

Azalia Fox Knightling: Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!

Grim1989: heehee I liked it too! Ah I love Peter Facinelli – as if my Carlisle/OC story didn't show it! I tried that link you sent me but I couldn't find the picture =(

Gurl3677: I know… I'd love it!

xXx Tinkies xXx: Woo! Thanks! So glad you liked it; I was worried it wouldn't turn out how I wanted it to! I'm really considering it; it's so tempting! I blame Norman Reedus for that ;D

Kim: Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

Nelle07: Wasn't looking forward to their conflict but I think it was pretty Daryl-ish!

Leyshla Gisel: Aw yeahhhh haha