So I was seriously considering leaving it as it was, but then I got some inspiration. I've got at least 2 more chapters in me; who knows after that. Thank you so much for all the reviews; it's what keeps me coming back.

****Beth****

After they had miraculously survived the overrunning of the storage unit, things had been touch and go for a while. They'd lived hand to mouth, sleeping in their cars and scavenging any chance they had. All the while, the days got hotter and the walkers seemed to move more quickly. They were everywhere; blocking the groups' path and forcing them to change their plans again and again.

It had been the loneliest time for her since they left her home on the farm. Most of the winter had been spent in the hotel or the storage units. All day, everyday, had been spent together. It wasn't like much of that time was enjoyable; they were usually hungry or cold, but they'd been together. After they had been chased out of the storage units she, all of them, passed their days in their cars and then slept in those same cars at night. Her father was the only person she saw consistently and as much as she loved him, she got a little sick of his face.

So she watched with a wonderful sense of relief that she stood on the outside of the fence surrounding the huge prison and watched as Maggie and the men cleared out the inner courtyard. They had found a safe place for Lori to have the baby. They wouldn't have to speak in hushed voices for fear that Walkers would find them. It would be secure behind the strong fences and walls.

After that, things got better. They were sleeping in beds again and there was plenty of food; everyone was in a happier mood and as a result everyone's interactions had improved. Well, maybe not everyone's; Rick and Lori couldn't seem to have a conversation without it turning into harsh words. But others were more cheerful.

Maggie and Glenn were always sneaking away to the watch tower when no one was looking. Beth had never seen Maggie happier than when she was sitting close to Glenn and he had his arm around her. Honestly, Beth had been a little jealous. There was no one around even near her age. She knew Carl had a little crush on her. He'd made a habit of bringing her things or checking on her, asking if she was alright. It was sweet; she liked Carl, but not like that. Even Daryl, who had been so cold and isolated before, was starting to open up. He smiled more and laughed a little; especially with Carol. Beth couldn't be sure, they never did anything obvious like hold hands or kiss, but she thought maybe there was something between them.

Then everything had changed, again.

It started with the herd coming through the prison. It had been worse because they had been so comfortable, so unprepared. Even though the baby had survived, they'd lost Lori and T-Dog and for a few short days Carol had been counted among the dead. Those days had been some of the worst since the epidemic had begun. Every bit of hope seemed to have been sucked from each of them, but they had struggled on determined that they would live in order to honor those who had died.

****Hershel****

It seemed a sad irony to him that in order for something good to happen in this world, bad things must follow close behind. Just when they'd found the safety of the prison, people they loved had been ripped from them. The joy of a baby accompanied the loss of its mother and the return of Carol just as they learned of the kidnapping of his daughter and Glenn. There was no time to sit and enjoy the good moments, which was a shame since they came so few and far between.

Hershel had seen how devastated Daryl had been at the supposed death of Carol. The gruff man hadn't reacted with the intensity of their leader, but it didn't mean that he didn't feel it as sharply. Daryl had continued to be an active member of their group, but the sorrow wore on him and he looked older, beaten down.

When Carol had been returned to them alive, if not a little worse for wear, Hershel had noticed how Daryl immediately relaxed as if everything was right with the world. But, again, there was no time for joy let alone relaxation. Perhaps only hours after she'd been found Daryl had left with the others to find Maggie and Glenn. Of course Hershel was grateful, but he couldn't help regretting the necessity of separating them so soon.

****Glenn****

He'd known that he was changing, becoming more cynical. Harder. Honestly, he hadn't thought it was a bad thing. But when you've been taken hostage, beaten, threatened with a Walker, and seen the woman you love debased, it's hard not to let hate take over. Glenn was so full of anger and hate he could give that badass, Daryl Dixon a run for his money.

It was part of the reason he couldn't allow Merle back at the prison. He could truly understand where Daryl was coming from, but if that bastard ever came within a hundred yards of him or Maggie again he'd fucking kill him. So he'd let Daryl leave, knowing it would hurt all of them, but not being able to care enough to put his rage aside.

****Rick****

As they drove back to the prison Rick felt himself tense just as he had when Glenn had asked Daryl what they were supposed to tell Carol. The fool had said she'd understand. Maybe he was right, but she'd still be heartbroken.

Rick knew how much Daryl loved his brother, but he'd assumed that considering everything, he'd choose the group, his family over no good Merle. He'd assumed wrong and now he was regretting not trying to work out a compromise. Now they were one more man short in the upcoming fight against this "Governor" and he had to tell Carol that her man wasn't coming home.

They may not have made whatever they had public knowledge, but it was clear that they cared for one another deeply. As far back as the farm, Rick could tell something was brewing between the two lonely people, but it wasn't until the night the storage units were overwhelmed that he'd been sure. Daryl had gone after her, leaving the rest of them to their fate, only concerned about her welfare. He'd only been mad for a minute; he would have done the same thing for Lori and Carl if he could.

After that they'd been practically inseparable. When Daryl wasn't hunting or patrolling and Carol wasn't fussing over Lori, Carl, or Beth they were together, sitting side by side, their shoulders rubbing together. Rick never heard the words that passed between them, but every once in a while they'd laugh or smile together. It had warmed his heart to know that two such good people had finally found some slice of happiness.

Rick slowly got out of the car. As the other drove away he winced at how she checked the car. There could be no denying that she was looking for him. When she didn't find him, her scared gaze looked to him.

After he'd explained he wondered if it might not have been easier to say he was dead.

****Merle****

Fuck-in A! He'd been following his little brother for hours as Daryl doggedly tramped though the thick forest. He'd come this far, finally found the little shit, and no way he was going to leave him now. Going to the prison, meeting up with the people he'd done terrible things too, scared the hell out of him. Scared him so bad that he'd let Daryl go for nearly an hour before he set out after him.

Merle had thought it would be easy to take his brother and go, but he'd changed. He'd said he was going back where he belonged; to them. It made him angry that Daryl didn't understand that they belonged together. Their places were at each others' sides. And that's what sealed it for him; Daryl had to do what he had to do and Merle would be there to have his back.