So EnglishPoet18 this wasn't exactly the fourty minutes you and Lucy thought it would take me to write this just slightly over...I want to say that once you see all those posts on that page you'll know why. Also Lucy linked me something that stalled me updating for you. But all the same here is you an update. I hope you feel better m'dear.

Daryl shifted his back scratching against the creeper as he pushed himself further under the car. Norman has disappeared earlier saying he needed to run some errands but needed this done. Daryl didn't give a shit what vehicle it was so long as he could get his hands on it and break it down. Grease, oil, dirt, and grime never bothered him. The dirtier his hands the better he felt. Always left him feeling like he got more done when he had to go home and scrub three layers of work of himself.

He felt bad for leaving Carol so soon after he was out but he didn't even really get a chance to grab his keys and hand them off to Will before Norman had him by the neck. He was use to his grandfather being assertive and more silent but he'd damn near drug him out of there. Daryl shifted on his back and looked over as he heard boots and smirked at the all to familiar pair that came into view.

"Where are you?"

Daryl grabbed the frame and thrust himself out from under the car, "Down here." Looking up at Rick he chuckled as he stepped back suddenly. "Scared? You big pussy."

Rick made a face and kicked at Daryl's boot, "Hell no...this place has always creeped me out you know that."

Daryl chuckled and nodded and looked over, "Hand me my water."

Rick stepped over and tossed it to him hitting him in the chest. Daryl set up and against the car and let out a breath. The heat here alone was sweltering but inside the shop it felt like seven levels of hell burning over him. His shirt was clinging to him and he could feel sweat sliding down his spine hitting the denim of his jeans making him feel even more disgusting. Setting up he tore the shirt over his head.

Rick laughed and nodded, "How the hell have you worked in here without having a heat stroke?" Rick unbuttoned his shirt letting it hang open slightly as started handing tools to Daryl, "Norman has you working in a damn sweat shop."

"Keep talkin' boy and you'll be down there with him." Norman's voice was just behind Rick causing him to jump.

Norman walked in grabbing up a tool box and looked down at Daryl waiting on him to look over. The clatter and thud of a wrench hitting the concrete followed by cursing met everyones ears and Norman chuckled causing Daryl to cuss more.

"Fuck you Norm shit aint funny."

"Is from my end." Norm sniped. "Boy I'll be back in a few your dad needs me to do something real quick."

Daryl looked up at him and set up, "Something wrong?"

"Carol's fine...she's with Meg."

Rick made a face and started laughing, "That's far from fine that woman is trouble." Rick elbowed Daryl and chuckled, "She's gonna be mouthing off to you and beating you in no time."

Daryl stood up and glared at Rick as he lifted the hood, "Just cause Meg knocked you on your ass don't mean Carol is going to me."

"Think cause you been through training you can take her?" Rick taunted.

Daryl looked over arching a brow, "Not in the goddamn slightest. Woman would beat my ass in a heart beat. Aint no way I'd hit her."

"Then you see what I mean."

Daryl turned side way and laughed, "You trying to tell me that a black eye, busted nose, and split lip was your version of being nice to Meg? Cause from my end it looked like she beat your ass without mercy."

Rick picked up a grease rag wiping his hands as Daryl bent over the motor working his hands. Daryl knew Rick was up to something but didn't say anything. They'd been friends for as long as he could remember. As far as family went Rick was a brother to him. A self-righteous one at times but Rick was a good guy who more often than not gave Merle down the road. Daryl snorted at the thought, it all worked out.

The sound of a car pulling in had him turning his head after a while. Rick was off to the side but Daryl stood up and stretched his back popping. The sharp snap hit the hair quicker than his back and the stinging burn felt like his back was split open. Rick's laugh was loud.

Daryl spun and seen his red rag in Rick's hand and glared, "You fucking asshole."

"What's the matter Daryl?" Rick taunted getting the rag ready to whip again.

"I fucking dare you!" Daryl snarled tossing his wrench down.

Taking a step forward Daryl's chest felt that same stinging burn that let him know a welt was coming up. The sharp crack through the air was loud in the garage. He slammed into Rick hard knocking him back against the shelf. Both of them started struggling over the rag at the same time as the sounds of spilling tools clanged around them. They had flipped a shelf and it was raining sockets and wrenches all around their boots.

Rick grunted his back hitting the wall again before his shoulder caught Daryl in the stomach forcing him back a step. Taking that step had him stepping on a tool and Daryl's eyes widened and he feels himself falling quick for the ground. Just as he registers the complete downward shift of his body he sees Rick's eyes widen and grab for him going down hard to his knees.

Rick's hand barely has time to catch his wrist and jerk with his full weight throwing his body off balance. Daryl's body pivots to the side barely missing the frame of a car him and Norman had built before he'd left. Daryl drops back heavily to the ground and closes his eyes his chest heaving. His heart is thundering hard in his chest and each pulsing beat he can feel in his head.

"You okay? Daryl fucking say something?" The worry in Rick's voice is almost overwhelming.

Cracking his eyes open he locks eyes with frantic blue ones, "Fine..."

"What?" Rick looks at him again.

"I'm fine." Setting up and wincing Daryl chuckles looking at Rick seeing his shirt ripped.

Rick shakes his head a small smile on his face, "Why is it every time we fight my shirts get torn?"

Shrugging Daryl winces again and huffs, "Fuck if I know."

"Well as amusing as it was to watch Daryl fall...are you alright?"

Both men turning their heads are met with two sets of eyes. Meg and Carol are looking at them but with different expressions. Meg looks slightly amused while Carol has a look of slight panic on her face. The second Daryl shifts and a flash of pain lights his eyes up she's across the room and in front of him. Shaking his head and waving her away she growls and grabs his wrist.

"Where are you hurt?"

Rick's eyes flash to him, "You said you were fine."

"Because I am."

Daryl stands and Carol steps in front of him, "Answer me."

Meg grinning behind her has Daryl gritting his teeth and he sees Rick watching too. He knew it was weird to see Daryl allow anyone to snap or boss him around. Hell not even Norman or his father done this shit. He sure as hell never let some girl fawn over him. Sighing he gave her a look and she gave him a small smile in return. He just grabbed his water and turned walking out of the garage. He might be okay with a lot of things and this being one of them but he knew Meg...and he knew Rick all he needed was Merle here with them and he was going to get shit for the rest of his life for being pussywhipped.

Just the thought made him cringe. But was it so bad to let her have her way to know he was okay? If not she was just going to worry herself. Not like it really hurt.

Carol trailed after him and he realized with each step he took it was shooting pain down his side. Cringing again he swung the door open and walked down the hall. He knew this house better than his own. Hell he'd spent most of his child hood here.

"Daryl you're limping." Carol's voice was soft and worried.

Opening the end door Carol stepped in and he shut it behind them. This was his old room here. He hadn't slept here in a while. He'd stayed here a lot when he was younger and Will was still actively serving in the military. Then when he'd hit his teens and started working with his grandfather but after he'd got his own place it had happened less. No matter how tired he got nothing beat sleeping in his own bed at night.

Unbuckling his pants Carol's eyes widened at him and he couldn't help the deep rolling laugh that came out of him. He knew that face and seen her face reddened. Shaking his head he let his pants fall open and turned his body slightly looking down at his hip and pulling his pants down exposing his left side.

Carol realizing something else was going on stepped over, "What did you hit?"

"Honestly? No fucking clue but it feels like it might have been a speeding truck." Daryl cringed as her hand touched his bare hip.

"You're already bruising." Carol looked up at him and sighed, "What are these welts from?"

"Rick as an asshole."

Carol smiled, "I seen you two rough housing. Meg said that it's worse if Merle is here."

Daryl grinned at her, "Rick hates when Merle kicks his ass."

Carol laughed and set down as he buckled his pants back and kicked out on the bed. Feeling his over heated body cooling off in the air conditioning mixed with the comfort of a familiar bed as Carol set next to him he felt fatigue set in. Groaning and shifting his body he chuckled when he felt Carol's small body curl up against his.

"Aren't you supposed to be working?" Carol laughed.

Daryl turned his head looking down at her where she was tucked against his side. Her head was just under his chin and he tilted his head down letting his breath fan her hair and pulled her tighter against him. Carol lifted her leg sliding it over his and her knee brushed against his groin. He felt an immediate tightening take place and took a breath forcing himself to rein in his arousal. He couldn't just keep jumping her every time they were alone. Despite what he wanted and wanted fucking badly he didn't want her to think that this was all he wanted from her. He meant it when he'd told her he loved her.

Daryl was more than a hundred percent on his feelings for her. He knew he'd never been in love before her and if this feeling he had no was indication he knew he'd never feel this for anyone else. Just the thought of that happening felt wrong and unwanted to him. It was Carol or no one.

Her soft breath against his bare chest let him know she'd fallen asleep. Daryl shifted and rolled onto his side just enough that Carol fell into the cradle of his body more. The second she did she pushed her leg between his and he groaned at the contact but bit his lip and just wrapped his arms around her. He knew Norman needed to get the car done but all he had left to do was work the belts back on the pulleys and he was done. He'd get that shit later.

Carol smiled against his chest, "Are you still on the clock?"

"Go to sleep."

Carol nodded and snuggled deeper into him and he felt both of their breathing evening out. After last night and not getting to bed until almost day break then her waking up and it starting all over again they were both killed. He felt like he'd been running a marathon non stop. Hell not even boot camp had worn him out as much as Carol had.

"Whatever you're thinking can't be good." Carol mumbled to him.

Daryl looked down at her, "Why do you say that?"

"I can hear your heart..." Carol looked up at him her blue eyes bright and knowing. "I'll be here Daryl when you wake up."

Cupping her face his thumb rubbed along her bottom lip and she exhaled, "You have no idea how much I missed you."

Carol set up more coming face to face with him and smiling sadly, "I do and don't doubt that for a second."

Carol leaned in kissing him her lips barely brushing his before pushing him on his back and following him. Daryl let her take control and groaned when her hands started moving over his body. Every touch had his muscles jerking and moving as if chasing her hands themselves. Every inch of him craved her. Carol pulled back suddenly and kissed him twice more in quick successions.

"Sleep Daryl. We're both tired and after this I fully expect to eat." Carol curled up against him again draped over him, "We're gonna eat...and then...like you said we got somewhere to be."

Daryl groaned at the reminder of having to be at Will's later tonight. Carol's nails bit into his shoulder and he relaxed his body taking her warning serious. He chuckled and she smiled against him again both of their bodies relaxing into each other.