Chapter Fifty-Four
Warning: The last section of this chapter is some smutty goodness. You've been warned :D
Lori instinctively reached for the pistol shoved into the back waistband of her jeans as the silver Dodge crept down the long driveway followed by the Hyundai and two pickup trucks she didn't recognize. Had some random strangers followed their group home? Surely, Rick wouldn't be so careless. "Hershel! Randall!" she called, her voice carrying through the open screen door. They heeded her call, stepping out onto the porch carrying rifles, ready to defend should the need arise.
T-Dog climbed out of the back of the Hyundai and waved them down. "Ain't no need for that, Doc," he drawled, mounting the steps up to the porch. "We … uh … kinda picked up some strays."
Lori gaped at him. "Are these the same people who were holding Daryl?"
The big man held his hands up in a gesture of surrender. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger. Talk to your husband." He grinned at Hershel. "Everything ok here?"
Hershel nodded as he squinted out into the late morning sunlight where Rick was directing the newcomers. "Just fine, Theodore. I believe Patricia's making venison stew if you're hungry."
"Yes indeed!" he smacked his lips. "Hope she made plenty."
"What's this?" Lori asked her husband, stopping next to him as Randall flew past her to help with unloading supplies.
Rick flinched as he looked down at the thunderclouds brewing in her dark eyes. "Can we do this later? I really need your help getting everyone settled since Carol is out of commission."
Her eyes widened as she watched Daryl jump down from the tailgate Shane had lowered and scooped his wife up in his arms to carry her inside. "Oh, my god, what happened to her?"
Carol threw an arm around her husband's neck, clinging to him so she wouldn't fall and grumbling the entire time. "For god's sake, I'm not an invalid, Daryl Dixon! Put me down!"
"I'll put y' down once I get your ass inside an' Hershel can take a look at y'," he returned, her foul demeanor rubbing off on him.
"He needs to have a look at you, too. You shouldn't be overtaxing yourself with your injury." She winced with each step he made, her side throbbing. Hopefully, Hershel would give her something for the pain. "Hi, Lori," she greeted her friend as Daryl passed her and climbed the steps to the porch.
"Rick Grimes, so help me," his wife growled, "if you don't tell me what's going on –"
"I promise," he cut her off, "later. New members; need to get them settled, ok?" He was running on no sleep and crashing hard, his blood pounding a sick tempo behind his eyes. He wanted to get everyone inside and shown to their rooms before he gathered them all to introduce to his own group. And he was starving.
"Fine!" she hissed, and then caught herself. "Sorry. I guess I was surprised, is all." She reached up and gave him a quick kiss. "I'm glad you're safe and you didn't lose anyone." Her dark gaze found her son helping to unload supplies along with Randall and Sophia. "But we're having a conversation about taking Carl on any more runs."
"Yes, dear."
*.*.*
Daryl glared at Shane, a low growl escaping his throat. "This wasn't my fuckin' idea, Walsh," the hunter snarled, referring to Rick's idea to bring the new group back with them.
Shane planted his hands on his hips and glared right back, not intimidated by Daryl in the least. "No, it was your wife's … and Rick agreed to it. We all have to compromise."
"Are y' stupid or somethin'? Seriously? There's enough people now for what we need. Y' don't need Carol up here in th' middle o' this mess tellin' y' where everyone needs t' fuckin' go, where t' sleep, when t' eat … none o' that shit! FIGURE IT OUT!" Lori's eyes blew wide, the last thing he saw before slamming the door in Shane's face and tromping down the wooden staircase.
"Martine did some mighty fine work stitching you up, Carol," Hershel said with an approving nod as he pulled her shirt down. He'd checked her wound and found no infection, then affixed a clean bandage to her side. "I suggest you rest for a few days, let yourself heal, and take the antibiotics I've given you. Daryl, that goes for you as well, son."
Hershel had already checked his wound, but he knew the hunter wouldn't likely heed his advice to rest. "Thanks, Hershel, for lookin' after Carol. Don't know how much rest we're gonna get, though, with all these extra mouths t' feed."
"Rick wants us to meet upstairs in the den in an hour."
Carol cast him a tired smile, the pain medication on top of her exhaustion making her sleepy. "Thank you, Hershel. We'll be there."
Daryl followed him up the stairs to lock the door behind him before returning to Carol's side. He chewed the inside of his lip and fidgeted with the cuticle on his thumb, tossing surreptitious glances at her from beneath his lashes. "Y' sure y' ok?"
She felt better now she was home and had a clean change of clothes, the yoga pants and loose sweater baggy enough not to aggravate her injury. Carol patted the bed beside her, waiting until he gingerly settled at her side before answering. "I'm fine, Daryl. Please stop worrying."
He laid his head down on the pillow next to hers. "Yeah, like that'll ever happen. Don't wanna think o' what my life would be without y'. I'm stronger with y' … focused. I know what I need t' do t' protect you an' Soph, an' it jus' don't work without y'."
Carol reached up and looped her arms around his neck, her fingers toying with the bandage Hershel had wrapped around Daryl's head. For a man who boasted not to be good with words, he knew just what to say to her. "I'm sorry I scared you, Pookie. But you know I'm going to do what I can to protect our people. So will Sophia. I won't be a burden, sitting back and letting everyone else do the hard work. You know that. You can't lock us in a titanium bubble to keep us safe. It's not who we are."
"I know. Wouldn't want y' t' be any different. Jus' need t' learn t' deal with it, I guess."
She yawned widely and blinked up at him. "Good, while you're learning to deal with it, could you please hold me? Yesterday was a mess and I guess I'm still feeling it."
Daryl grinned that half-moon smile she loved so much and slipped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to nestle into his side. "All y' had t' do was ask."
*.*.*
Carol couldn't seem to break herself of that sudden quick intake of breath upon waking. It came from years of living with Ed. Those first moments when she was afraid to open her eyes to the new horrors of the day. But now a smile curled her lips, and though still groggy from the pain medicine, she couldn't wait to open her eyes and see that smoky blue gaze she adored to the very depths of her soul. Even now she could feel his intense stare as his fingers toyed with her earlobe and kneaded the sensitive skin behind her jaw. He knew by now she couldn't resist his touch, work-roughened hands heightening her pleasure. "Mmm …"
"I know you're awake, woman," he growled low in his throat, the sound of his voice evoking emotions only he could make her feel. "How're y' feelin'?"
She tugged on his collar, dragging him down to meet her lips in a gentle kiss. He pulled away before she could deepen it, arching a brow in askance. She sighed. "I've had better days. I've also had a lot worse," she murmured, remembering days trying to care for her house and family when she could hardly stand.
"Hey … don't go there. Y' got this …" His fingers trailed over her collarbone and the side of her breast to her side, skimming over the bandage. " … defendin' your family, your new friends. Th' scar left from th' bolt I took lookin' for Sophia; what'd y' call it? A badge o' honor? That's what this is."
"Really?" she asked skeptically. "I thought you were angry with me."
"Y' scared th' hell outta me, woman, but that don't mean I ain't proud o' y' for being strong an' fightin' t' defend what's yours," he admitted grudgingly.
"What's ours," she corrected him.
Daryl nodded and rolled over in the bed to put his boots on. "C'mon," he urged. "We gotta get upstairs. I already put Rick off for an hour. He's not gonna wait much longer, an' he ain't wantin' t' start without us."
Carol didn't argue with him when he lifted her into the cradle of his arms to carry her upstairs. Her wound pained her, and she hadn't been looking forward to crawling up those wooden stairs. "Since when did we get to be so important?" she grinned cheekily.
"I dunno. Still tryin' t' figure that one out."
She brushed the hair back from his eyes. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Pookie."
"Stop."
They met Shane in the kitchen. "Hey, I was just coming to get you two. Rick's got everyone else assembled in the den … new people too. He saved y'all a seat." He shot Carol a warm smile. "You alright?"
"Thanks, Shane. I'm ok. I'll mend," she assured him.
Carol's brows shot up as Daryl carried her to the sofa. Rick sat there with Lori on his right and an empty seat to his left where her husband deposited her gently. The room was crowded with their group and Tori's. She just hadn't realized how many of them there really were, or how they'd be nearly piled atop one another in the once spacious colonial.
Lori's gaze was concerned when she met her friend's, but Carol nodded that she was fine. Rick reached out and squeezed her hand. Daryl hunched down next to the sofa at his wife's feet, his gaze quietly observant. There seemed to be a line drawn down the center of the room between the groups, new and old. That will have to change, Carol thought to herself as her eyes scanned the room.
Rick slowly rose to his feet and wiped his palms on his pants, taking a deep breath. "I'd like to welcome you all," he addressed the newcomers. "There is strength in numbers, and we are growing. We have to be strong for what we must face each day, and the only way we can do that is to band together, to pool our resources and learn to survive … together."
Tori nodded gratefully. "Thank you for having us," she said, speaking for the entirety of her group.
"Now that we've taken the time to get acquainted …" He'd made sure of it in the time Carol and Daryl had been resting. "I think we should go over a few things." He gestured to his wife and Carol settled on either side of where he'd been sitting. "My wife, Lori, and Carol Dixon are in charge of all things domestic. I'm not trying to be sexist, but this is a position they chose. They handle all the scheduling … chores, inventory, lists for the run crews, and any questions you might have, they're the ones to see." He nodded in Shane and Daryl's direction. "Shane Walsh, Daryl Dixon … they are my lieutenants. Security and watch rotation are their areas of expertise. Daryl is also our hunter; anyone who has experience needs to get with him. Glenn is our 'go to town' guy. He's the best scavenger this side of Atlanta."
No one seemed to have any questions, but listened attentively to their new leader. Tori was visibly relieved, Carol noted, happy to let someone else be in charge.
"Now you know our strengths and positions in this group, we'll need a full rundown of how best you'll fit in with us. We're all going to have to compromise and learn from one another." There was hope in the eyes of the newcomers, though mixed with a healthy measure of wariness. It would take time, but he knew they would prevail.
"What about training, Dad?" Sophia whispered as she came to sit next to him on the floor. "They can shoot ok, but what about hand to hand?"
The sergeant snorted, having heard her. "Beggin' your pardon, little lady, but my men and I are skilled combat warriors," he said gently, tipping his cover in her direction.
"But that isn't how we fight here," Carl added. "You know how to fight in a war? We know how to fight against the dead."
Daryl ducked his head before eyeing Rick. "I can take 'em out tomorrow, see how good they are."
"Good deal," Rick agreed. "Let's get everyone something to do now. Meeting adjourned."
*.*.*
"Alexandra seems to be working out well on dinner shift," Lori commented as she sat with Carol at the kitchen table going over the week's schedules.
"It's not rocket science, Lori," Carol chuckled. "Though the men seem to be much happier when they have something tasty to fill their bellies. There's not much we can create with the limited supplies we have, so it's nice to have someone who can be a little inventive."
Lori made a notation in the binder and sat back, her hand absently caressing the small bump which seemed to be growing every day. It had been two weeks since the new group had joined them, and she'd be the first to admit their presence had made things a lot easier in some respects. Granted they were jammed into the colonial like sardines – which Daryl reminded them of daily – but shifts seemed to run more smoothly. Watch shift ran like a well-oiled machine, there were more of them to make necessary runs, and things had been quiet. There was the occasional walker which ambled onto the property, but so far it hadn't been more than the group could handle.
Sophia beamed at her mother as she entered the kitchen, Carol's leather jacket folded over her arm. "Hi, Mama. You busy?"
Carol pulled her daughter down to sit next to her. "Not especially. You need something, baby?"
"No … just thought you might like this back. I … uh … I fixed it," she murmured nervously.
Carol took it from her and brushed her fingers over the worn leather, taking in the neat stitches her daughter had made. "I was going to do it," she protested. "I just …"
"You've been busy, Mama, and it's not like Daddy has let you out much lately. I've been working on it while on watch with Carl. It wasn't easy as thick as the leather is, but I managed ok," Sophia trilled proudly.
"I didn't even know you could sew."
"Daddy said it's important to know how to do little things like this."
Lori's brows shot up. "Daryl taught you how to sew? Is there anything that man can't do?"
Sophia nodded. "We can't depend on Mama to do everything for us."
Carol smiled, her husband's thoughtfulness never ceasing to amaze her. "I'm surprised you're not out with him. He chase you inside for chores?"
"No, he's having some kinda pow wow with Rick and Shane, but he wouldn't let me and Carl sit in on it. Figured he'd tell you later and then you can tell us," she smirked.
Lori ruffled the girl's hair affectionately. "I'm sure they had their reasons, Sophia."
"But you won't be privy to what they're discussing unless your father says it's ok. No eavesdropping, baby," Carol warned with a stern look.
"Fine!" the girl bemoaned, hating it when she was left out. She leaned over and dropped a loud smacking kiss to her mother's cheek. "Gotta go, Mama. I promised I'd help Kayla and Tori with the laundry today."
Carol tapped her pen against the binder, wondering what the men were plotting. She shot her friend a suspicious look. "What say we go find out what our husbands are up to? The run team won't be back for a while yet, so we have time before we have to inventory what they bring in."
Lori pushed her chair back, a smug smile teasing at her lips. "That sounds like a wonderful idea," she replied.
Carol eased herself out of her chair, her wound – though nearly healed – still twinging uncomfortably at times. The pair made their way through the large house, already having an idea of where they would find the men who led their group. If they were discussing something important, they wouldn't be where the others could listen in. She followed Lori out to the long driveway where their vehicles were parked facing out towards the road for an easy escape.
Shane and Rick were perched on the tailgate of Daryl's pickup while the hunter paced anxiously before them. He seemed agitated, and Carol could only think he didn't like whatever it was Rick was suggesting. He paused mid-prowl as he saw her approach. "Woman, you're s'posed t' be restin'," he growled.
"I'm fine," she insisted as his arm curled around her waist, drawing her into his side. "Lori and I just finished the schedules for this coming week. What are you men doing out here?"
Rick and Shane both shifted uncomfortably under the weight of Lori's glare. "Nothing," Shane answered, looking away guiltily. He could only be thankful Andrea was on watch – having recovered sufficiently enough to resume her duties – and wasn't there to lend a hand to the interrogation the women were sure to begin shortly.
"Why don't I believe you?"
Daryl grunted as Carol poked him sharply in his side. "Rick wants us t' take a run out t' th' prison Merle circled on th' map." He wasn't in the habit of keeping things from his wife. Not when his decisions might mean life or death for his family.
"The same prison your brother warned us to stay away from?" Lori asked, directing her venomous stare at the hunter. "That prison?"
"It's just a run to take a look, Lori," Rick said, hopping down from the tailgate to curl his hands over his wife's shoulders in an effort to soothe her ruffled feathers. "We won't be getting too close, and we won't be seen."
"Why do you want to take a chance?" Carol asked, her worried gaze directed at her own husband. "A trip out there – at least a county away – is going to keep you away for at least three days if the roads are as blocked as they were when we left the farm."
Shane scrubbed a hand over his face and sighed. "Things are getting a might crowded, Carol. We're living right on top of each other. What if we find more survivors out there? Where we gonna put them?"
"The prison might be a better solution," Rick added.
Lori planted her hands stubbornly on her hips. "Merle said –"
"That's all m' brother's been doin' … talkin'," Daryl snarled in disgust. "He's got all these big plans for us a safe haven, but he ain't done shit t' make it a reality, an' he won't even let us help him. What if this prison is what we need? I don't like bein' exposed like this with no fences or walls t' keep th' walkers out."
"I don't like this, Rick," Lori grumbled. "What if the governor's men are watching it, and just waiting to report that you three are sniffing around? What then?"
Shane shook his head. "You really think Daryl can't get us close enough without being seen? C'mon now."
Carol shot him a pointed look. "That was never in question, Shane, and you know it. Daryl has more than proven his skills."
"There are more than enough of us now to go in and clear it. We just need to see for ourselves if this is a good place for us. At least until Merle Dixon can come through on Woodbury."
Lori glared at her husband, feeling helpless to change his mind. "Well, the three of you haven't led us wrong … yet," she admitted grudgingly.
Carol studied her husband's stoic features, seeing he'd already made up his mind to follow Rick on this mission. She wasn't going to try to change his mind. "How many of you are going?"
"Five," he answered, his fingers pressing into her uninjured side. "Me, Rick, Shane … you an' Soph. We'll take th' Hyundai an' slip in nice an' quiet like."
"What?" Shane glowered at him. "You want to take them into unknown territory? That's crazy, Dixon! Carol's not even completely healed from -"
"Let it go, Shane," Rick warned.
"Ain't leavin' 'em for that long, Walsh. They go, or I stay. Take your pick," Daryl smirked. He was well aware the others wouldn't feel comfortable about going into unknown territory without him to guide them. Even injured, his wife was a better shot than the former deputy, and he trusted her to have his back.
Carol sighed, relieved she wasn't going to be left behind to worry over his safety. "I'll go pack a bag. When are we leaving?"
Rick looked at the others, confident it would be an easy run. "First thing in the morning."
*.*.*
It was late in the evening when Carol slipped into the shower with her husband, her arms curling around his torso as she rested her cheek against his shoulder. She could feel his sharp intake of breath and the stiffening of well-worn muscle beneath her hands.
"Where's Soph?" he grunted, lowering his head under the spray. It had been a long day, and she knew he was ready for it to be over, to claim his reward of sleep in her arms. "She settled in for th' night?"
Her lips ghosted over the demon tattoos on his right shoulder blade as her fingers trailed over his abs, slowly drifting lower. "She's bunking with Beth tonight. Something about board games and girl talk. Poor Carl's feeling left out, I'm afraid."
He could just imagine the boy was down after his mother had refused to allow him to go on the prison run. Daryl caught her hand just as her fingers wrapped around his cock. "Carol … y' gotta stop. Hershel ain't cleared y' yet."
His breath came in uneven pants, his heart thundering. Carol smiled. "Don't you want me, Pookie?" she whispered teasingly against the shell of his ear. "It's been so long."
Daryl braced his free hand against the cool tiles of the shower stall to maintain his balance as his wife continued to roam his body with her soft touch. He shivered despite the hot water cascading over them. "Y' know it ain't like that, woman," he moaned, feeling lightheaded as all the blood in his body rushed south. "But I ain't gonna risk hurtin' y' either."
Carol bit her lip seductively as she slipped around in front of him. "Look … Hershel removed my stiches this morning. He's quite pleased with my recovery so far, and he thinks I'm well enough to resume my normal activities. No restrictions," she purred, pulling him down into a searing kiss.
God, how she'd missed being able to touch him like this. He'd been treating her as if she were a piece of spun glass, and she was tired of it. She wanted him back, his rough hands on her flesh, driving her to that place only he could bring her. Even now she could feel his restraint as he reached out to brush the pad of his thumb over the shiny pink scar.
His lips quirked up into that half-moon grin she adored. "We match."
"Quite fitting, don't you think?" she breathed. It was all she could manage as his hands curved over the swell of her heart-shaped ass.
Daryl searched her face for any sign of pain. "Y' sure about this? That we can –"
"I'm sure. I need you."
That was all he needed to hear, never having been very good at denying her anything she wanted. He cut the water, not wanting to waste when so many others depended on it for their own needs, and reached for a towel, hurriedly drying them off before his mouth was back on hers. He backed her out of their small bathroom and across the room to where their bed had never looked more inviting. "Y' locked the door when y' came down?"
Carol nodded, pulling him down with her as she crawled backwards onto the center of the bed. "No one is going to disturb us tonight … I promise."
She took advantage of his loss of balance, pushing him down onto his back and crawling over him, his skin still damp, a few water droplets clinging to the sparse hairs on his chest. She ducked her head, her lips closing over one flat nipple, her teeth dragging over it until it pebbled. A smug smile teased at her lips as he arched beneath her and moaned out his approval. "I missed you, Daryl," she cooed, treating the other to the same exquisite attention.
His rough hands cradled her face, the pads of his thumbs ghosting over her cheekbones with the lightest of caresses. "Missed you too," he panted, his gaze drifting to her lips before pulling her down to him for a kiss. "I love you, Carol."
She would never tire of hearing those three hallowed words pass his lips, knowing how difficult it had been for him to confess for the first time. And now, each time, the way they formed on his tongue, the whisper of sound so reverent and profound as they slipped past his lips, and how her heart stuttered with joy … nothing was more precious. "I love you, too," she murmured against his warm flesh, trailing her lips in a gentle exploration of his body she already knew so well.
Daryl's hand squeezed gently at her shoulders, trying to urge her to come back up so he could kiss her again, but she shrugged him off. She nipped softly at the tender skin below his bellybutton, and the air hissed passed his teeth. "Stop playin' with me, woman!"
Carol giggled and ventured lower as she wrapped her fingers around the base of his erection. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and desire, her other hand cupping his balls, pressing them close to his body. "Ah, but I've missed playing with you, Pookie."
"So, you're tryin' your damnedest t' put me in an early grave, s'at it?" he moaned through clenched teeth as he gaped down at her. She shrugged and gave his tumescent cock a long lick with the flat of her tongue. She was pretty sure he stopped breathing at that point. "Fuckin' Christ, woman! Y' ain't … don't have t' … ungh!"
He gave up his protests and she took him fully into her mouth, the tip pressing into the back of her throat as she held him there for a long moment. She'd never considered herself skilled with anything pertaining to sex, but it was the one thing Ed had never found complaint with. She'd never liked doing it for her former husband for the simple fact he enjoyed it so much. But then, any form of sex with Ed had made her feel dirty and cheap. Not so with Daryl. The flush of pleasure on his face made her feel proud to know she was making him lose his formidable control.
Carol lost herself in her task, feeling the intense heat radiating from her core as she continued to lap and suck at him. How many times had he used his mouth to bring her to the brink of madness before finally granting the release she craved? It was only fair she could return the favor. She gave his balls a gentle squeeze as she swirled her tongue around his tip and he howled, drawing ever closer to his peak. She hadn't considered his desperation, however.
Daryl grasped her arms and pulled. She gave a little shriek as she found herself dragged along his body, his mouth hungrily slanting over hers. He flipped her onto her back, lips, teeth and tongue raking over her flesh, marking her, claiming her as his own, his arousal sliding sinuously against her sodden core. Carol moaned, her hips rising to meet him. Yet as mindless as he was in his passion, those smoky blue eyes still sought hers for permission. "Now, Daryl," she gasped, "Please."
And the world fell away as he filled her. Walkers, worries or the world going to hell … nothing mattered in that moment but the man in her arms. The man who had saved her over and over again. The man who had taught her how to love again with his sweet words and tenderness. He set a gentle pace, savoring every thrust, every kiss, every touch as he fought to hold on, her pleasure tantamount. She lost herself in him to be reborn in his love, holding his gaze as he brought her to the precipice, stealing her breath and pushing her over.
He followed soon after, burying his face against her throat as he fought for breath, whispering nonsensical words of praise against the whorls of her ear. She didn't know what the morrow would bring, but for that one perfect moment, all was right with the world.
A/n: When unsure of how to end a chapter … write smut :D hahaha! So, they're slated to go check out the prison. I'm so looking forward to it. But you know things aren't going to be easy for them. When is it ever? Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Next time: The run crew encounters a stowaway, Carol has some valid concerns, and Sophia runs headlong into a Woodbury scout.
