Fear arose in the pit of Carol's stomach as another walker lunged itself at Daryl. Shrill cries erupted from Carol's throat as she tried to divert the walker's attention with no avail. Luckily, Daryl caught the walker mid jump, plunging a knife into its eye socket. With a deep relieved breath Carol continued to take out walkers from her side of the fence. Finally all the walkers were cleared and the men and Maggie disappeared around the corner.

"I can't see them, can you see them?" Lori asked frantically. Carol felt as worried as Lori sounded. She reached over and took her friend's hand. They could hear the gurgling of walkers, and the clanging of metal on metal, but not much else. Beth glanced worriedly at the women next to her, but didn't say anything. After what seemed like a million years, the group reappeared in front of them. They stood together, discussing something, before pushing on and rushing inside. Daryl paused just outside the door and turned to them. He gave Carol a small nod, which she returned with a smile, before he disappeared with the others.

"They've made it inside." Carol breathed with relief.

"You sure?" Lori asked. Carol smiled at her.

"Positive."

~X~

Finally, Glenn and Maggie returned from inside and opened the gate, letting them in. They walked inside to see T-Dog dragging a body from the room. All of the men and Maggie were covered in blood splatter and looked warn out, but they were alive and that was all Carol could ask for.

"What do ya think?" Rick asked, coming down the stairs.

"Home sweet home." Glenn replied.

"It's secure?" Lori questioned.

"This cell block is." Rick replied. He gave Lori a long stare until Hershel asked about the rest of the prison. "In the morning we'll search for the cafeteria and infirmary."

"We sleep in the cells?" Beth asked, unsurely.

"Found some key on some guards." Rick explained. "Daryl has a set too." Carol felt more comfortable with that thought. The cell block was perfect. Well, as perfect and comfy as a prison could be. Carol peered into one of the cells, seeing a bed she smiled, but it faded as quick as it'd come. Each cell had bunk beds, the beds only big enough to fit one person comfortably. She felt her cheeks heat slightly as she glanced up at Daryl.

"I ain't sleepin in no cage." Daryl said to them. "I'll take the perch." He grabbed his bag and cross bow and walked off. Carol turned to Lori.

"Come on." Carol said softly. "I think the boys need their space." Lori nodded and followed Carol upstairs. They chose a cell close to Daryl, leaving only one empty cell between them and his perch. Carol was grateful that Lori didn't argue with her choice of cell, and they sat side by side on the bed. Carol took a deep breath and looked at her friend. Lori looked exhausted, physically and emotionally. Lori rested back, and Carol held her hand as she slowly drifted off to sleep. After covering her with a light blanket, Carol left the room.

Carol found Daryl on his perch, sorting through his supplies. Carol approached him slowly, unsure how he'd react to her.

"Hey." She said softly.

"Hey yourself." He replied, not looking at her. She stopped in front of him, causing him to look up at her.

"Are you okay?" She asked carefully. His eyes narrowed in confusion. "You've been acting strange."

"Ain't been actin no different than usual." He grumbled.

"Yes you have." She argued calmly. "Ever since-" She didn't want to say it. Maybe he'd been trying to forget it, pretend it didn't happen?

"Since what?" He dared her. "Since the river?" She nodded slowly. "So have you, woman." He stood and walked past her, heading for the stairs.

"Daryl Dixon!" She called after him sternly, causing him to turn to her. She kept her voice low, so as not to disrupt the quiet of the prison. "You kissed me first. Yeah, I kissed you back, but don't you dare pretend like you didn't play a part in it." He walked back to her, stopping inches from her, glaring at her. She glared right back.

"Maybe I did make the first move." His voice was deep, and would make anyone but Carol cower away, but she stood her ground. "But that don't mean I ain't regrettin it now."

A/N: Yeah, Daryl is a brat in this chapter. Sorry. So, I got a lot of positive reviews about the one shot idea, so I think I'll do it. It's my new project. I'll let you all know when it's up. Love. ~Helen