Sorry for the wait, but I just want to tell you all that this is probably one my favorite chapters. I had so much fun writing this and it really didn't take me long to write. It has lots of Caryl, so that's awesome! I hope you all like this update! :)

Enjoy!

This chapter has been rewritten.

Chapter Twenty-One

"You know, on days like this, you can almost forget that the world ended." Carol sat, curled into Daryl's side with her knees tucked under her, as they gently rocked in the swing on Hershel's wrap-around porch.

The day was warm, the sun was shining and there wasn't even a trace of rotten walker flesh in the air. If Carol closed her eyes, she could pretend (if only for a moment) that this was just another normal day for her and Daryl.

"Yeah, I suppose," he said as if he couldn't care less what kind of day it was. Carol elbowed him gently in the side for his tone, which caused him to smirk down at her. Of course, he had been messing with her a bit. "Fine. It really is a nice day, and if we weren't sitting on Hershel's porch, I would think it was just a normal day, too."

They sat there in silence for a few minutes more, enjoying the calm.

"Went huntin' the other day," Daryl spoke, almost out of nowhere.

"Yeah?" From her tone, Daryl knew that Carol was slightly confused about the outburst. After all, he went hunting about every day.

"On the way back to the farm, walked by somethin' you might like."

This perked her up and she shifted to her knees, so that she was at eye-level with him. "What was it?" Her voice betrayed her excitement. Though, it had been a nice, few days, it had also been a boring few days. Which they knew they should be grateful for, but there were only so many hours of doing nothing one could stand.

"Why don't you go and pack a few things, like an extra set of clothes, and I'll show you."

She hopped from the swing with a mischievous grin. "So, I should plan on getting wet or am I just going to lose all the clothes I have on now?" She winked.

"Hmm. Both." Daryl stood before pulling her close to whisper huskily in her ear, causing a shiver run down her spine. "And I if I get my way, you'll be getting wet in more ways than one."

Carol's cheeks turned a bright red, not used to Daryl being the one that talked dirty. She liked it, though. A lot. Giving him a quick kiss on the mouth, she rushed into the house to start packing for their trip.

During that first night together, Michonne and Shane barely spoke to one another. Not for lack of trying on Shane's part, however, The stoic woman who had saved his life just did not seem up to talking and had answered his questions with the most minimal of words.

"Are you alone?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a safe place we could stay?"

"No."

And so it went.

After a while, Shane had had enough and offered to take first watch while she built a fire for their small camp. Walking around the perimeter, he steered clear of Michonne's walker friend, who was tied to a nearby tree. The thing gave him the creeps.

He had also asked about her walker companion, but that had been one of the questions Michonne had ignored completely. Shane was grateful for the woman, but didn't know how long he would be able to stay with her if there was no communication between the two of them.

Waking up the next morning, after he had come back from his watch the night before, he finally realized how empty his stomach was. The adrenaline from the day before had kept his mind off it.

"Do you have any food?" He asked, Michonne, who was sitting on a log by the fire, cleaning her sword.

Instead of verbally answering him (of course), she only shook her head and stood to sheath her sword on her back. "There's a road not far from here." Shane was surprised her voice didn't sound rusty with disuse. "We can scavenge any cars for food and other supplies." She walked over to the oddly still and silent walker and reached for the chain. "Do you have a weapon?"

He held out the gun that had been holstered at his hip. "Just this, and I ran out of ammo awhile ago."

Michonne rolled her eyes and shrugged off the pack she had just put on. Reaching inside, she grabbed something and tossed it at him. It hit the dirt by his boots.

It was a knife.

"It's much quieter than a gun. Hopefully, you know how to use it." She put the pack back on and stood. "We'll look for ammo, though. It'll help is in a pinch."

Shane tested the weight of the knife in his hand and tried to not let the surprise show on his face. That had been the most she had talked to him, yet. "Maybe I could get a sword like yours." He smiled that she would at least crack a smile. He'd been told he could be quite charming.

He got nothing. In fact, she didn't even look his way as she started to walk ahead with her walker. This was going to be a long apocalypse if Michonne preferred her walker's company over him.

"I hope you're well-rested." Andrea reached for Milton's hand squeezed as they walked down the Woodbury streets to get some breakfast.

"Surprisingly, after last night, I am," he squeezed her hand in return and gave her an adorning smile, though his cheeks were a little flushed.

Andrea's face had grown red, too. Last night, they had made love for the first time since the world had ended. They had felt safe, they had a bed and in the morning, Milton was leaving. There was a possibility that he wouldn't come back. Andrea had tried not to let the desperation of keeping him there, with her, in her movements.

She prayed that their baby would not have to grow up without a father.

Andrea hated having those thoughts, but that was what the world had come to, now. One never knew if they would see someone they loved again once they walked out the walls that kept them safe.

Tears formed in her eyes and quickly she blinked them back, not wanting Milton to see them. However, he sensed something was wrong and stopped to look down at her.

"Please," she begged, picking up one of his hands in both of hers. "Be careful out there. I don't-I don't know what I would do if..."

"Hey," he said softly and cupped her cheeks, wiping a tear away with a thumb. "I can't promise that everything will go perfectly, but I can promise that no matter what happens, as long as I'm still breathing, I will always come back to you."

The words were meant to reassure, Andrea knew, but for some reason they caused a sinking feeling in her stomach. She could tell him to stay and he would. For her. But she also knew that he wanted to do something to help out, to provide for the baby when it came, and this was how he could. Andrea couldn't take that away from him.

Instead of telling him to stay, she smiled and leaned up to kiss him. While he was gone, she would pray for his safe return.

Daryl had let Merle and Hershel know that he and Carol would be leaving the farm for a few hours while he waited patiently for his woman to get ready. However, it didn't take long before she was bursting through the screen door leading to the porch. A tan pack was slung over her shoulder and she seemed slightly out of breath, as if she had run down the stairs and through the house to meet him.

"I'm ready!"

Daryl hadn't seen her this excited since the world had ended (there really wasn't much to get excited about these days). It may have had something to do with the fact that their lives were constantly in danger.

"A'right." He made a jerking motion with his head. "Follow me." He descended the stairs of the porch and Carol was close behind him.

"How far away is this place?" She asked, bouncing on her toes as she sped up to walk alongside him. She was like an excited child being told they were going to the toy store

"Probably around a twenty minute walk, give or take a few minutes." He readjusted the strap of his crossbow. There was no way in hell he'd go anywhere without his weapon. Especially when Carol was going to be with him. He needed to protect her at any cost. He wasn't going to allow what happened on the highway to ever happen again. Those few days where he had thought her dead had been the worst days of his life.

They had been walking for ten minutes, side by side, when Carol slipped a hand into his. "Daryl, can I carry your crossbow?"

He turned to her, confused. "Why? It ain't very light."

She shrugged. "I just want to carry it for you."

"What if I need it?" His eyes narrowed slightly, trying to see if he could figure out the real reason behind her request.

"Then, I'll just hand it to you." She clasped her hands and fell to her knees. (Daryl tried hard not to think about how much he liked seeing Carol on her knees in front of him.) "Please, Daryl. I really want to carry it. You always look so badass when you do."

"Fine," he said, after milking it for a few seconds. "Doubt you'll look as badass as me, though."

"Watch me." She took the strap from him and pulled it over her head so that the weapon settled neatly on her back. Afterwards, she struck a pose, hands balled at her hips and face tilted toward the sky.

"You tryin' to look like some kind of superhero or something?"

"Just call me Crossbow Woman." Struggling only a little, she swung the bow around and held it out like Daryl had taught her. "I'd strike an arrow of fear in the heart of my enemies!"

"Bolt."

"What?"

"They're called bolts, not arrows."

Carol rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'd strike a bolt of fear in the heart of my enemies!" She lowered the weapon and pouted slightly at Daryl. "I liked arrow better."

He shrugged. "Sorry."

"Anyways, I'll protect us from evil." Bringing up the weapon once more, she closed one eye and scanned the tree line. Daryl laughed as he watched her exaggerated movements. God, he was so in love with this woman.

"I have a job for you, as well," she said after a few minutes of making sure the coast was clear.

"What's that?" He asked, slightly wary.

"You can be my sidekick." The bow was placed on her back once more and she beamed at him.

"Uh, no." He crossed his arms. "Don't wanna be your sidekick."

"Hmph." She pouted.

However, that didn't last long and soon it was replaced by a wicked grin. Daryl didn't like the looks of it. "Turn around," she demanded.

"No," he said quickly. There was no way he was going to turn his back to her when had that look on her face. He wasn't stupid. That face spelled trouble.

"Please." She stuck out her lower lip. "I won't hurt you or anything, if that's what you're worried about."

"You'll probably try to give me a wedgie."

"That was one time," Carol protested and stomped her foot. "Please, Daryl."

"Fine." He relented and turned around. He was actually preparing himself for a bolt in the ass, but was surprised when she jumped on his back instead. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs around his waist. Automatically, his arms went under her knees to support her and only staggered a little under the weight.

"If you don't want to be my sidekick, Daryl, you'll have to be my ride."

"I suppose I can, but it depends on what kind of rides we're talkin' about here."

"Oh, I think you know what kind of ride I'm talking about." She licked a line up his neck and sucked his earlobe into her mouth. "And if you want a demonstration of a good one, then I'll gladly show you later."

It wasn't long after that when they finally reached the little pond he had found. Carol still rode on Daryl's back and he didn't mind one bit. It had been awhile since they had been able to act that way. Carefree and having fun. They always had fun when they were together before the walkers.

Once Carol had spotted the pool of water, she slid from his back and gasped, "It's so pretty!"

It really was. (Though, Daryl would never say those words aloud.) Most of the pond was surrounded by tall reeds and cattails. Bushes of Cherokee Roses were scattered throughout the plants, as well. They had been the first thing he had spotted on his way back from hunting. He had planned on bringing back a bouquet for Carol, but had decided to just bring her there, instead.

"So, do you like it?" He watched for her reaction.

"I love it!" She dropped her bag and pulled the crossbow strap over her head. "Can we go swimming now?" She was like a little kid.

"Hold on," he chided and took his precious crossbow so he could place it gently on the ground next to their things. He made sure that it was only a few feet from the bank of the pond so that it was within easy reach should he need it.

Turning back to Carol, Daryl was surprised that she had already started to strip. Her shirt was on the ground and she was working on her pants. Soon, she stood in only a bra and panties.

"You know, we brought extra clothes for a reason," he said, but moved to unbutton his shirt, anyway.

She gave him a coy look and reached down for her discarded shirt. "Do you want me to put my clothes back on?"

His eyes roamed over her scantily clad body. "Hell no."

Carol dropped the shirt and smiled smugly. "That's what I thought." She walked up to him and helped him undress, by pulling down the zipper of his jeans. Daryl had just about to shrug his shirt off when she shoved her hand in his boxers and wrapped her fingers around him.

His knees nearly buckled at the touch.

Her eyes were hooded as she leaned close, breath washing over his lips. "Do you want me to take care of this now or after we swim?"

He grabbed at her wrist to pull her close. Her hand was wedged between them when he leaned down and slanted his lips hungrily over hers. He didn't answer her question.

When Carol's hand began to move, he had to reluctantly step away before things ended a little too quickly. It had been a while afterall. So, he tore his mouth from hers. "Why don't we go swimming now, huh?"

"If that's what you want," she said, looking a little disappointed.

"Not really." He smiled. "But I want to do a little swimming before we get too tired to do anything else."

Carol caught his meaning and smiled widely. He had just managed to step out of his pants before she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the water.

They acted like children.

There was no other way describe how they had played in the water, splashing and dunking one another. Carol had even managed to sneak up on Daryl one time to completely dunk him. When he had come up for air, she had been nowhere in sight.

When her head suddenly popped up in front of him, she gave him a quick kiss and swam away. However, he managed to grab her ankle before she could get too far and dragged her back to him. She didn't resist and allowed herself to be pulled until she was flush to his chest. Fortunately, they were standing in the shallow edge of the pond and could stand.

He kissed her, fingers tangling in her wet hair. "Tired of swimming, yet?"

"Why?" She asked with a mischievous grin.

"Oh, I think you know why." He bent his head and started to sock the wet skin of her neck, knowing she'd definitely get the hint then.

"Hmm. Carry me back to the shore," she wrapped her legs around his waist. "I think my legs turned to jelly." She giggled when he nearly tripped on his way out of the pond.

Safely and securely on solid guard, Carol slid down Daryl's body until her feet touched the ground. She shoved him slightly, telling him that she wanted him on his back, which he got to quickly. She crawled over him with a sexy smile. Daryl reached for the bag behind him and rooted around inside until he found what he needed.

"We can't forget these," he said, holding up a foil package.

"I know," Carol said, looking slightly disappointed. "First, we have to get naked."

Reaching behind, Carol unclasped her soaking bra and let it fall away from her body. Daryl never tired of seeing her naked chest. Without hesitation, he took one in his hand and ran a thumb over the sensitive skin. Slowly, she started to move away from him, down his thighs, taking his boxers with.

The cool water had done nothing to dampen his desire for her.

Once he was completely naked, she stood and shimmied out of her panties. While she was doing that, Daryl rolled on the condom so he was ready for her. It was a weird sensation, since he had never worn one before. Carol had always been on the pill.

Carol crawled back over him, her naked body covering his, and pressed her mouth against his in a hungry kiss. He responded eagerly and tangled a hand in her hair to keep her close.

Daryl moaned when her tongue slipped past his lips and his mouth flooded with the taste of her. He couldn't get enough. He needed more.

She must have sensed his impatience because her hand slipped between them once more and wrapped around Daryl. "You ready?" She asked, though it was a question he should have been asking her.

"Fuck yes." If they didn't join soon, Daryl knew for sure that he'd die right there.

Finally, she slowly started to sink down on him. It was the best feeling in the world to be surrounded completely by Carol. If a walker were to come, then, and bit him, he'd know that at least he'd die happy.

"Shit, you feel so good," he gasped, slowly rolling his hips up into her. Carol's only response was a smile as she continued to move with him in a slow rhythm.

It was fucking torture.

His hand tightened on her hip, hoping to urge her faster. "Carol," he moaned with impatience.

She gave him a smug little smile and picked up the pace only slightly. It was clear that this was her plan, to torture him. But wasn't going to allow that to happen. With a quick, smooth move, he flipped them until she laid beneath him. She pouted at the loss of control, but then he started to thrust faster and that pout went away. Wrapping her hands in his hair, she pulled him down and smashed her lips to his.

Sweat covered their bodies as they panted into each other's mouths. Daryl was close, but Carol wasn't there, yet. He reached between them and found that spot that had her back arching in pleasure. When she finally cried out his name, he followed quickly after and they both laid there in a spent heap.

Daryl wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes. "We definitely need to come here more often."

"I agree," she yawned and snuggled closer to him, content with just lying there.

"Hey, Bruce Lee! Hold up a minute, will you?" Merle had finally caught up the Asian man just as he stepped into their camp. Rick was still with Lori, who was doing much better now that she had some antibiotics in her system. T-Dog was already lying down in one of the tents, even though it wasn't night yet.

From the distance, Merle saw Glenn heave a sigh and roll his eyes. "He's Chinese."

"Shit, I didn't know and I don't think I know any famous Koreans."

Glenn sighed in annoyance again, already accepting that this was the best he was going to get out of Merle. "So, is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Yeah. Maggie told me what happened on that run."

The other man's eyes widened. "She did? She told me she didn't want you to find out."

"Yeah, well, I got it out of her." He scratched the back of his head. "And I just, uh, want to...uh. I wanted to.." He clamped a hand on Glenn's shoulder and squeezed. "Just, thank you. For saving her life." It was rare that Merle ever thanked anyone, but this man deserved it. Especially since Maggie could be dead if it wasn't for him.

"Uh, well, you're welcome."

"Now, don't go around tellin' people that I thanked you, ya hear? I'll deny it if you do." He towered over the man and crossed his arms, hoping to intimidate him a bit.

For once, Glenn didn't seem phased by the imposing man. "Fine," agreed. "But there isn't anything wrong with thanking someone, you know."

"Merle Dixon doesn't say thank you to anyone and if you hadn't saved my wife, you sure as hell would have never gotten one. So, you best consider yourself lucky, cherish it and keep your mouth shut."

This time when Merle tried to look menacing, Glenn's eyes widened in fear. "Got it."

"Good." But he took pity on the man, and slung an arm around his shoulders. "Now to return the favor, I've seen you makin' eyes at the little blondie up at the house and-"

"I haven't been-"

"Shut up, boy. I've seen you! Anyways, I'm going to show you more of my thanks and I'm going to teach the ways of wooing a Greene woman."

Next chapter we'll see what happens on the run with Milton, more with Shane and Michonne and of course, hopefully some more Caryl! :)

Thanks for reading!