Thanks to those who comments ;) you know who you are! And to those who have favourited and followed! Thought I may have had few other comments. I was nervous posting that chapter, so I hope it was well received.
So on with the morning after...
Enjoy!


Chapter 28: Eyes

I woke feeling movement behind me, his breath hitting my shoulder. I smiled knowing it was Daryl. I think I still expected him to be gone when I woke up. I lay there, slowly waking, feeling happy and a lot less stressed. Savouring the feeling of his warm body still pressed against mine. Although some of my body ached in places, as I knew it would, they were good aches.

I knew we couldn't lay here all day though, as did he. I knew he was awake behind me, he made no movement but his breathing had changed. So I broke the silence.

"As much as I don't wanna leave...we should get back before they send a search party out for us" I said sleepily. I noticed the rain had stopped finally, the sun slowly starting to rise, light slowly invading the the small room.

He sighed behind me, squeezing my hip and burying his face into my shoulder. As I tried to move out of his grasp, he held me firmly in place, growling behind me, as I wiggled against him, I quickly stopped, knowing it would end up as round three and we wouldn't end up leave the tower today. As much I wanted to stay wrapped around Daryl Dixon for another day we both needed to get back to reality.

He finally released me with a sigh as I pushed myself up off the bed. I knew he was watching me. I glanced over my shoulder and smirked, "If ya keep looking at me like that Dixon, I'm gonna have to let ya do that to me again." I saw him smirk in return and push himself off the bed, he playfully slaps my ass and gathers up his clothes. I bent down to grab mine and I heard him groan again. I couldn't help but chuckle. We both got dressed, each eyeing each other when the other wasn't looking, satisfied smirks on both of our faces.

We gathered up our belongings and Daryl opened the hatch door, peering out to make sure it was clear. Seeing no walkers in sight, he nodded to me and he went down first, I followed after him, giving one last look round the tower. I would definitely be remembering this. He grabbed my waist purposefully as I neared the bottom. His lips twitching just before he let go. It was as playful as he was probably going to get, now that we had our feet firmly planted on the ground, so I soaked it in, savouring it to remember later when I'm trying to get to sleep. Work myself up just to get frustrated all over again. But if I can get that relief again, it'll be all worth it.


As usual I took point and we both went into hunting/tracking mode as we made our way back to the trailer park. We both knew the dangers of being out in the open, this wasn't a time to screw around. We'd already done that, I thought to myself. And I didn't think we needed to talk about what had happened. I mean I wasn't expecting him to profess his love for me or make me his girlfriend. He wasn't that type of guy. Just as long as didn't go all weird and act like it was my fault and he didn't want it or avoid me, any of those would seriously piss me off. Although I was curious about a few things, like if it was just a one time thing or maybe something more regular. I wouldn't object to the latter. Last night had well and truly sold me. And the scars on his back, I wanted to know more but I knew not to ask. Curiosity was going to kill me sooner or later.

I had a bolt tucked into the string as we neared closer to the camp. Daryl had snagged a few more squirrels, adding them to his string. I saw the movement up ahead. I signalled Daryl to stop. I raised my bow seeing the walker come into view and released the bolt into its skull. We waited a few seconds to make sure he didn't have company, I looked to Daryl who nodded and when no other movement was detected we pressed forward, retrieving my bolt on the way past.

"Guess I should thank Glenn after all" I chuckled. When I heard nothing from him, I rolled my eyes, "Just kidding, not gonna say anything to him" I sighed. He wasn't great at sarcasm. Or having people know his business.

"Was a joke Dixon, I'll keep quiet" I sighed quietly. I had a feeling there was a scowl on his face that was directed at me at the minute. And I wasn't about to turn back to look. I'd seen that scowl enough that it was etched into my brain. So I kept my eyes forward.


As the camp came into view I could see Carl and Maggie on the roof of the trailer on watch duty and probably watching and waiting for Daryl and I to return. Carl had the binoculars glued to his eyes, scanning the area.

We had just reached the fence on the trailer park, when Rick, Glenn, T-dog and Carol came running out towards us. They all looked relieved, although Rick looked a bit distressed himself.

"Was almost bout to send a search party out for you both" Rick breathed.

"Sorry, a big herd stumbled across us and we had to bolt and find somewhere to hold up." I replied

"Had ta wait till the rain cleared, can't hunt or track or hear walkers in that." Daryl said stepping through the gap in the fence. What ever happened to ladies first? I internally thought, smiling to myself. As if he was going to suddenly change because we slept together.

"Oh yeah, where'd ya hold up?" Glenn smirked. I just pretended I heard nothing from him.

"Came back as soon as we could. And we weren't gonna risk coming back in the dark. And sorry to say didn't find too much game either, pretty sure the walkers scared it all off" I said gesturing to the squirrels over Daryl's shoulder as he walked towards camp.

"We're just happy you're both back safe and sound" Carol smiled.

As we walked back into camp I could see Glenn looking at me expectantly, wanting me to "thank" him I guessed or give him details. I swear he was no better than a teenage girl with gossip. I kept my poker face on and acted like I didn't know a damn thing. Deny. Deny. Deny. Its what Daryl would want...at least for now. God I hope he wants to do that all over again. Its definitely a more productive and pleasurable way to relieve stress. Stop thinking about it, your poker face will slip and an ear splitting grin isn't exactly subtle. I internally scolded myself.

I noticed as we got back to camp, Daryl had disappeared from sight. Where he had got to I wasn't sure. I think he wanted to avoid questions and the looks Glenn was giving. Smug bastard knew something was up.

I walked over to the tent dropping my bow, bag and quiver inside. I gave Lori a smile as I walked past and headed up the ladder to Carl and Maggie.

"Bout time you two got back" Maggie smirked at me.

"Before the rain hit, ran into a big herd, kinda got run off, had to hide out for the night" I rolled my eyes.

"How many were there?" Carl asked fascinated.

"Had to be at least forty. They almost passed us too, but the wind blew our scent right to them. Then they were hot on our heels for...I don't know how long. But we're all good. Back now, but only got squirrels this time, sorry bud, no deer." I smiled at him.

"So are ya gonna teach me some stuff today?" he beamed.

"Yeah as long as your mother is ok with it. So maybe after lunch?"

He grins back at me. "Cool I'm gonna go ask Mom now!" he said handing me the binoculars and quickly making his way down the ladder.

I took a seat and waited for the questions I knew she was so eagerly waiting to ask. I wondered whether I should make her sweat a bit first or just tell her. Nah, she needed a little pay back first, both her and Glenn did. But once I say something to him, everyone will know. He's the worst at keeping secrets.

"Sooo..." she drawled taking a seat next to me.

I shook my head. "What were you both thinking yesterday when you put those in my bag?" I said through a poorly disguised glare.

"We thought you both needed a push" she smiled.

"Shit, you know he accused me of planning it, getting him out there in the woods, away from everyone, just so I could jump him. Let's just say when he had pulled them out of my bag he wasn't overly enthused about it" I sigh.

"He didn't start yelling again did he?" she asked concerned.

"No I was lucky this time. Although I'm sure he'll say something to Glenn about it. He deserves to get his ass kicked for that stunt" I shook my head. "So why is it so important to push Daryl and I together? Maybe he's just not that interested. You should have seen how he reacted when I asked him to go hunting this morning...all suspicious." I scoffed. I could see Maggie getting a little worried, maybe regretting it a little. I wouldn't keep her in the dark for long but she needed a little pay back.

"Oh...um...maybe I'll talk to Glenn get him to back off." she smiled.

"Might be a good idea" I weakly smiled back at her.

We were interrupted by Carl coming back up the ladder again in a hurry.

"Mom said its ok, can we go now?" he asked

"After I've had some lunch ok?"

"Ok" he sighed sadly before heading back down the ladder.

"What have I got myself into?" I shook my head. Maggie chuckled beside me. "I better go have some lunch before he comes back up here again."

"Hey sorry about yesterday" Maggie pursed her lips.

"Its fine" I said before disappearing down the ladder. I'd tell her later. For now she can stew a little.

I picked up my bow, shouldering it and walked over to Lori.

"Glad you made it back in one piece" she said.

I smiled. "Yeah thanks. Think we were just lucky to be honest." I say shaking my head, "You're ok about me teaching Carl some stuff?" I ask.

She nodded.

"Think we'll stick to some basic hand-to-hand techniques for now, work up to weapon training" I explained, hopefully putting some of her fears to the situation at rest.

She sighed. "He needs to know it" she said simply. I nodded before walking inside the trailer, looking for something to eat.


I had barely finished lunch and was talking to Hershel when Carl came running inside looking for me.

"Can we go now?" he grinned.

Hershel and I both chuckled. The energy of this kid. I hadn't seen him this excited about anything in the few short weeks I had known him.

"Sure kid" I smiled.

"Don't let him wear you out" Hershel grinned.

"Fat chance there I think" I mumble.


I had been teaching Carl for the last few hours and it had gone surprisingly well. He was attentive and enthusiastic the entire time. I was sure the kid wouldn't run out of steam any time soon. It was wearing me down though. I thought I was pretty fit but clearly just not fit enough to keep up with the kid. I was thankful I wasn't on watch tonight, will need a good nights sleep.

I had spied Rick, who had come to watch at one point and Lori came with Carol as they did some washing in the river. She smiled over at me and looked pleased with what I had taught him.

"Can we do this everyday?" he asked as he punched the air again the way I had taught him.

Everyday...I'm not that young kid. "We'll see how it goes. I'll do it as much as I can. I gotta help out round camp too" I said with a smile.

"So will ya take me shooting?" he asked.

"Maybe. We don't have a whole lot of ammo to waste, so I'm thinking of alternatives at the moment. And want to teach you techniques as sometimes you might not always have a gun. Plus these things like noise so if I can teach a more silent way of taking them down its better for you and everyone else."

"Who taught you all this?" Carl gestured towards me. I assumed he was talking about my experience with weapons. As I didn't exactly have walker experience before all of this. Well none of us did, as I didn't count Call of Duty style games as practice.

"My dad. He used to take me hunting when I was a kid. Bought me my first bow" I smiled.

"Did he let you shoot guns?" he asked. I was sure that question was to test if I would give in to giving him more gun training.

"Yes but only when we were hunting. I was fifteen before he gave me my own rifle" I said taking a seat on the grass. Carl stopped, watching me as I sat down before he took a seat in front of me cocking his head to the side.

"Do you know what happened to him?" he asked.

I sighed and looked down at my hands. I shook my head.

"Do you think you will get to see him again? My dad found me and Mom. Your dad could find you too." Carl said in all seriousness.

I looked up at him. "Don't know kid. Think he's too far away. But maybe..." I forced a smile. He had good intentions. I pushed thoughts of my dad aside and moved the conversation in a different direction. Distracting him with questions about himself.


Sitting down to dinner I was exhausted. I knew as soon as I was done I was going to sleep. Nothing or no one would keep me up tonight. Not even Daryl. Carol sat beside me handing me a plate of food. I thanked her and started eating. I could see her eyeing me through-out dinner, until she finally spoke up.

"You look shattered" she said in her motherly tone.

"Yeah after yesterday and running round after Carl today has me beat. I'm looking forward to sleep" I said through a yawn.

"You should take the big bed in the trailer. I'm on watch tonight and it would be more comfortable than sleeping in that tent" she offered.

I smiled. "Um thanks. Yeah it would be."

She left me to eat dinner in peace, while my mind wandered. I had just noticed something, I hadn't seen Daryl since we got back this morning. Not that I really had much time to sit there and think today. As I glanced around the group I noticed he wasn't there. I turned my head to see him on top of the trailer on watch, his back to the group. I think I had a hint of concern when I had noticed he wasn't there. Images from last night floated through my head, making me blush slightly. I ducked my head, even though I was sure no one had noticed.

"He's really taken a shine to you" Rick said beside me, pulling from my thoughts. I hope he means Carl.

"He's a ball of energy. I forget what it was like to be that age. He makes me feel old, can't run around as much as him. He's listening though."

"Haven't seen him act this happy in ages, he's almost acting like a kid again" Rick sighed.

"Must be hard for him when he doesn't have anyone his age. Although there are people here who act his age" I chuckle.

"You're probably right about that" he smiled.

"He asked me about my dad today. Said he could find me like you found him and Lori. Didn't have the heart to tell him chances were slim if at all non-existent." I sighed.

Rick was silent for a moment before he spoke. "It was a miracle I found Lori and Carl at all to be honest. Luck was definitely on my side. Waking up from the coma to find what the world had become was...was frightening. I couldn't understand at first. But...after everything that happened, I found them" he smiled.

I know he wasn't rubbing it in. I had come to accept it to a point that the possibility of me going home and finding my family alive was extremely slim. I had a new family.

"Its alright I have a new family" I smiled.

He placed a hand on my shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. It was then I felt his eyes on me from atop the trailer, burning a hole in the back of my head. Rick risked a glance in Daryl's direction, a hint of a smirk on his lips, before he dropped his hand. I had a sneaking suspicion Rick was trying to rile Daryl up on purpose, his initial gesture, placing his hand on my shoulder, was out of understanding. But once he knew Daryl was glaring our way, and I was certain he was, Rick wanted to elicit a little jealousy. Another source of entertainment I assumed. Regardless that nothing was happening between the Sheriff and I. And I was sure Daryl would question me about it at some point. Even though he knew nothing was happening.


Carol had bought my bag and blankets inside placing them on the bed. Leaving me to change and wash up. I grabbed something clean to wear to bed and changed. I noticed how sticky I felt after the long two days I'd had. There was a bucket with some clean water on the bench. I grabbed a cloth and instantly felt better, washing away some of the last two days, wanting to keep some of him on me. It was the closest to a shower as I could get at this time of night. And I was really too tired to care.

Once clean I made my way to bed, saying goodnight to T-dog who was reading on one of the single beds. I didn't bother shutting the door. Laying down on the bed I felt myself sink a little into the mattress. Carol was right this was much better than the ground. I curled up against the wall, leaving most of the bed free. I was so used to sleeping in tight places, it was on instinct I curled up using as little space as possible.

I drifted off to sleep, occasionally hearing the footsteps from whomever was on watch above me.

I vaguely woke up feeling movement beside, the bed shifting under someone's weight. I didn't know who it was, I guessed it was either Carol or Daryl. I was too tired to bother checking and was falling back asleep within seconds.


I woke stretching out, turning over I noticed I was alone. I still had no idea who had slept there last night. The bed was still warm, so they hadn't been gone long. I wondered if it had been Daryl but he hadn't reached out for me at all last night, so maybe it wasn't him. But I had slept good, no nightmares. At least from what I remember. I had only barely woken up when the person came to bed then I was out to it.

Refusing to keep mulling this over in my brain I decided to get up and go distract myself for the day.

Carol was sitting next to the fire, stirring a pot. I took a seat next to her.

"Thank you for offering the bed. You were right, it was amazing. Slept through the whole night" I smiled.

"You're welcome. You looked like you could use it" she said with a smirk.

"I hope I didn't hog too much of the bed, not used to sleeping somewhere with so much space" I chuckle.

"I slept on the other single bed. I thought Daryl slept there?" she quirked an eyebrow at me.

"Oh...I thought it was you...didn't see who lay down next to me...was far too tired to really care" I stammered. Liar, you care who was sleeping next to you.

Carol noticed my stuttering and just cracked a smile.

"So has Rick said what we're doing today?" I ask, trying to change the subject. My deflecting was a little transparent though, even I didn't believe it.

"He hasn't said yet. You should probably go find him before Carl finds you" she smiled.

I took her advice and went in search of Rick. I needed a distraction. Luckily I didn't have to walk too far to find him. He was crouched on the ground, Daryl, Maggie, Glenn, Beth and Hershel surrounding him. I assumed they were looking over a map. Glenn was the first to notice me walking forward.

"Hey, you coming to help?" he asked.

I watched as I saw Daryl freeze but made no movement to look my way. I mentally rolled my eyes. Great so we're back to this.

"Yeah, where do you need me today? We still got at least a third of the trailers left to search. I thought I would start on them, since hunting didn't go well yesterday" I sigh.

"Yeah we're just making a plan now" he replied. Rick looked up and nodded in agreement with my plan for the day, he still looked a bit hesitant, as at this stage I was going alone.

"I'll go with Camille" Hershel said.

"Good. The rest of us are going to check out a housing complex a few miles up the road. T-dog and Beth are on watch for the morning."

"Ok I'll take over for them in the afternoon, give them a break" I replied.

After a few more instructions and listening to the plans for the rest of the group, we headed our separate ways. The others taking the truck and heading out the gate, locking it behind them. We had a spare set of keys, if in the event we needed to leave in a hurry we could get out too.

I grabbed my machete and waited for Hershel to get what he needed before we headed over to the trailers still left to search.

"Thanks for coming with me today" I said as we walked.

"No problem and we couldn't let you do it by yourself" he replied.

"Rick wouldn't have let me go otherwise" I chuckle.

"You're probably right, but he's just looking out for you. You're part of our family now. And family stick together" he smiled.

"You sound so much like my father right now...this is probably the part where I roll my eyes at him but I'll give you another month or so before I start doing that to you too" I laugh, as did he.

Searching the trailers with Hershel was not as bad as I thought it would be. We chatted about my family and he told me some stories about Maggie and Beth when they were younger. He wouldn't tell me the embarrassing ones which I had tried to pry from him. He eventually gave me one those pointed looks that said "You're about to step over the line" and "Watch it missy."

We had come across only four walkers so far, three of which had been inside trailers. I had to take them out. I knew Hershel knew how to handle weapons, he grew up and lived on a farm but he never raised a hand to them. Well almost never, he had pushed one back that advanced on him but I was the one who took it out.

"You know eventually you are going to have kill some of them, otherwise they're going to kill you Hershel" I say a little breathlessly as I pull the machete from the walkers jaw.

"I know" was all he said. And I left it at that. I wasn't sure if it bothered me that he had hardly attempted to kill one of them. It was what our world was now, sooner or later, doing nothing would get him killed. But because I respected the man I hadn't pushed the subject any further.

We were silent for a while, only speaking when we were signalling each other or when I came across something I thought could be useful but needed Hershel's opinion on whether we would take it or not.

About an hour later we were back to chatting again. The tension had eased slightly. But I made a point of not bringing up the walker conversation again. I'd said what I had needed to. Hershel was quite curious about my dad, I think because I had compared him to my father on several occasions. And for once I felt happy talking about my dad, recounting the memories I had of him to Hershel.


After filling two big bags with an assortment of necessities we decided to head back. We had probably only cleared half of the remaining trailers. But we were carrying as much as we could, without breaking either of our backs. And the trailers weren't exactly going anywhere so we could search them later or tomorrow.

I helped Lori with lunch, delivering some up to Beth on top of the trailer. I came to sit next to Lori as we quietly ate. Carl was sitting in the shade engrossed in a book. I was surprised when I had come back to camp he hadn't immediately asked to do some more training. Maybe I had pushed him too hard yesterday and he was hurting or maybe the novelty had worn off.

I washed up, Lori tried to help but I shooed her away, giving me a small smile. She did a lot around camp, cleaning and cooking and not to mention she's pregnant, she deserves a day off. And I'm sure once she starts showing people will be more eager to help her out more.

Once I was done I went and took a seat next to Carl, who looked up when I plonked myself down.

"Hey kid, I didn't wear you out yesterday did I?"

He scoffs at me. "No way" he says rolling his eyes.

"Alright punk, you up for some more?" I say nudging his side.

"You sure?" he asks frowning.

"Of course, wouldn't be asking otherwise. I'll just clear it with your mom first" I say pushing myself up.

I walk over to Lori and I'm pretty sure she knows what I'm going to ask by the look on her face. She smiles and raises an eyebrow at me.

"Just wondering if you mind if I take Carl for a bit more training down by the river. We'll fill up the water jugs while we're down down. Shouldn't be too long" I aks hopefully.

"No problem. He's safe with you. I trust you" she said smiling.

We grabbed the water jugs, I had my machete on my hip and bow over my shoulder just in case. Carl walked beside talking animatedly about a book he was reading as we walked down the road to the river. I peeked back over my shoulder to see Beth wave from the top of the trailer. She would be able to see us clearly atop the trailer.

"So what are ya teaching me today?" he asks as he fills up one of the jugs.

"Get you to practice some more of the stuff I taught you yesterday, see if you can remember it" I grin.

"I'll be better than you soon enough. I'll be a silent ninja stalking the walkers" he said as he threw in some movie-inspired kung fu moves. I couldn't help but giggle. After all that has happened, he can still smile and make me laugh.

He's been punching my hand with the combos I taught him and he's caught on pretty quick. I'm not turning him into a ninja as he described it but just some basics that could come in handy in a variety of situations, and not just with walkers.


I had been showing Carl some moves on how to deflect weapons for the last half an hour. I'd had a strange feeling since we had been out by the river I couldn't quite explain it. And it was distracting me, Carl had caught me off several times, which had delighted him but only made my fears increase.

"Stop, just wait a minute" I motion to Carl.

Carl looked to me confused. "What is it?" he whispers as his eyes dart around.

"I don't know...We should head back" I say lowly, as my eyes slowly move around our surroundings. "I'm sure it nothing but let's head back anyway" I say trying to smile as I reach for the jugs. Carl grabs a jug and reluctantly heads back with me. I keep glancing over my shoulder expecting to see something. But every time I looked there wasn't anything there.

I pasted a smile on my face as we walked back into camp. Lori gave me a look, questioning me, she didn't seem to believe my fake smile either. I just shook my head and tried to smile again.


I head for the trailer, wanting to ease my mind by continuing to scan the surrounding woods. Whether I come up with something or not. I hope for the latter, I think.

I pull myself up the ladder.

"You haven't seen anything suspicious out there lately?" I ask as I reach the top.

"Nah, its been really quiet. Whys that?" Beth asked

"Just a feeling. I'm sure its nothing" I force a smile. "Its about time I took over for you anyway, so you go take the rest of the afternoon off" I say reaching out for the rifle.

"If you're sure..." she says a little doubtfully.

"Yes I'm sure, now go" I smile, shooing her towards the ladder.

I watched the woods and the surrounding trailer park. Looking for what the feeling I'd had since I was out training with Carl just after lunch. I couldn't quite explain it but it felt like we were being watched. But I hadn't seen or heard anyone and I seemed to be the only one who had this feeling, which didn't make things any better. I'd like to think its just my brain training me to think there's danger around every corner but this time I just can't brush it off.

So I scan every bit of the trees I can from my position. I still see nothing. Which only seems to frustrate me more. Shouldn't I be glad I'm not seeing anything?

T-dog comes to relieve me just as Rick and the others have returned. I shrug off my bow as I take a seat sitting back from the fire. I've got my head down as I hug my knees loosely with my arms. I'm deep in thought when Maggie pulls me from my thoughts.

"What's wrong with you?" Maggie asks as she sits next to me.

"Oh...um...its nothing I'm sure of it. Just had a weird feeling today...Anyway how did today go for you?" I ask trying to change the subject, more for myself, to be distracted by something else.

She told me about the gated community of houses they found and how they could be where the group would possibly head to next, depending on the circumstances and if the place was still vacant when we moved on.

When dinner was ready, Carl came over with two plates of food, handing me one. It was too cute.

"Thanks kid. You know I could have gotten it myself" I smile.

"I know..." he says rolling his eyes, before he sighs, "Are you still worried about this afternoon?" he asks quietly.

"Nah, I'm sure it was nothing" I say trying to paste on another smile. He seems to buy it for now. So while I start to eat my dinner I try to push thoughts of earlier out of my head and listen to the conversation around the fire.


Daryl had hardly taken his eyes off me since he had sat down for dinner. He had walked in when most of us were half way through. He had sat in the shadows away from the fire, like I had, but in my line of vision. I wasn't sure if it was making me nervous or uncomfortable or worried. He hadn't directly spoken to me since we left the ranger tower. So of course my female-over-analyzing brain was in overtime at the moment. The way he was looking at me had me on edge and I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. And lucky me I would get to analyse this when I take over watch in the early hours of the morning.

After barely making conversation during dinner and with Daryl watching me throughout dinner for what ever reasons I was unclear about, I decide to turn in for the night. Its been a long enough day and I'm not really in the mood to deal with Daryl tonight. I have enough on my mind without thinking about him too, not that it stops me.

I walked back into the trailer determined to get some sleep and try forget all the thoughts of Daryl Dixon in my brain right now. At least my uneasiness about earlier had subsided, for now.

And I know I had said to myself we didn't need to talk about it, and I honestly thought we didn't. But I had hardly seen him since we got back from the tower yesterday, he hadn't said a direct word to me either and then he just kept staring at me through dinner. I wanted to stop analysing the situation but I couldn't help it. Damnit I had feelings for the redneck. And sex just intensified it.

It was more than obvious that when we got back he didn't want to be questioned. And of course Glenn had a shit-eating grin on his face, like he knew exactly what happened. Hell I hadn't told him he was right and I wasn't about too, not yet. But now I felt like he was avoiding me at all costs. Was it regret? Was he embarrassed? So much for not over-analysing the situation. I think tomorrow I would have to corner Maggie and fess up. But also get her opinion, she would give me an "I told you so" look, but she would actually listen and not judge and if I told her not to say anything to Glenn I know she would keep the secret too.


I took my bow off and leant it up against the wall. I sat down on the bed as I dug through my bag for something to wear to bed. I untied my boots and peeled my jeans off, laying them on top of my boots for when I woke up, I stripped my hoody, top and bra and shrugged on the t-shirt I was wearing to bed. I climbed into the big bed and moved over to the far side, pulling the blankets up to my chin. The nights were getting colder but the trailer provided extra insulation we had missed while sleeping in places like the barn.

I was just starting to drift off to sleep when I felt the weight shift on the bed, then covers being adjusted and the warmth of a body very close to mine. I was still quite hazy as I had almost been asleep, I wasn't quite certain that there was anyone next to me. I could be dreaming again, right?

"I know yer' awake" he drawled quietly behind me.

I wasn't sure if I was surprised that he was here. Ok, maybe a little surprised, this is the first thing he's said to me all day.

"Barely" I yawned.

He stayed quiet for a few minutes before he spoke again.

"Yer' on watch later?" he asks.

"Yeah, that's why I went to bed early" I say through another yawn.

"Thought ya might 'ave been avoidin' me" he mumbles out.

I couldn't help but chuckle. Had he been over thinking things today as well? "Not avoiding you Dixon, I guessed you wanted space so I kept myself busy. And I didn't say anything to anyone, ok?" I turn over to face him, "Now, any more question's or can I get some sleep?" I smile, my fingers tracing down his arm. He shook his head. I roll back over on to my side, reaching back for him, urging him to cuddle up against me. He wavered for a minute before shuffling towards me.


I wake to hear the beeping from the watch, telling me it was my turn to take over watch. I shut it off and feel his arm tighten around my waist,

"I gotta go take over watch" I mumble, rubbing my fingers over his hand, which he tightens once again on my waist. He murmurs something incoherent behind me. I turn over facing him, lazily smiling at him. He's still got his eyes closed, he's barely awake at the moment, his breathing still even.

"Go back to sleep" I whisper against his cheek, kissing his cheek softly. I feel the corners of his mouth twitch, as he lets out a big breath and rolls his head to the side.

"Why ya awake?" he gets our sleepily.

"I'm on watch remember?" I reply.

"I like ya better 'ere" he drawls out, his voice still thick with sleep.

"I like it better here too but its my turn for watch. I'll make it up to you later" I grin, kissing his cheek again.

"I'll hold ya ta that" he yawns pulling me further on to his chest, till I was half-sprawled out across him. He wasn't making this easy.

Dragging one of my legs over his, I pulled myself over till I was straddling him, both of his hands firmly grabbed my hips then before I could move off him. Really not making it easy for me. I groaned quietly, his fingers digging into my hips a little tighter at the sound.

"Dixon" I growled quietly.

His fingers loosened and I felt his silent chuckle roll through his body. I took this opportunity to lift myself from him and shuffle off the bed. I grabbed my jeans, a clean top, my bra and hoody and slowly got dressed. I sat back down on the bed, lacing up my boots. I could hear him slowly starting to drift off to sleep again, his breathing starting to even out.

Before I left I kissed his lips and was surprised when he kissed me back, I thought he would have been asleep by now.

"Go back to sleep Dixon" I whisper against his lips, kissing him once more.

I grabbed my bow and silently made my way to the door, quietly opening and closing it behind me. The morning was cold. I shouldered my bow and made my way up the ladder. T-dog looked my way when he heard me coming up.

"Morning" I whisper. "Hows it been?" I ask pulling myself up onto the roof.

"Mostly its been pretty quiet" he says with a little uncertainty.

"What do you mean?" I say flatly, taking a seat next to him.

"Um...few hours ago, I saw torch shine from across the river, its was only for a minute, I haven't seen it since. And heard nothing since then either. No walkers. No people." he said as he looked in the direction he had seen the light.

"We'll just have to be careful. Its late, you go in and get some sleep. I'll be ok. I'll holler if I need help" I say taking my bow off my shoulder and laying it beside me.

"Just keep your eyes open" he smiles, it looked forced. I think he's trying to mask the creepiness he felt from earlier. He wraps the blanket around me and pushed the rifle next to me. I nod and after a few seconds he starts to head back tot he ladder.

"Eyes open, ok?"

"Yes sir" I smile.


I thought Daryl was acting all cute while he's sleepy at the end of the chapter. I like sleepy cute Daryl!
And I like the interactions between Carl and Camille. She's like a big sister to him I think.
As always I'm a sucker for reviews!