~21~

Daryl groans, when the hot water hits his stiff body. Everything hurts. The muscles are sore. He's tense. Pent up.

Suddenly cool air hits him, he smiles, knowing it is Carol, stepping in the shower stall behind him.

Her arms encircling his waist. She presses a kiss right between his shoulder blades.

"This OK?" she asks.

He only nods.

She takes the bar of soap, running it over his body in slow, languid strokes, until he's covered is suds.

She kneads his aching muscles.

She washes his hair, massages his scalp.

He almosts purrs like a damn kitten.

She can ease his pain.