Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

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Carol had taken the day off and went to see how the Greene's were. The clinic was closed for the day, and she wouldn't mind seeing Shawn and Annette for once. She even wore her boots for riding. She hoped to get in some time with the animals. She loved the cows and the horses and the sheep. She wanted to be around that cuteness and life. She'd been down in the dumps since last Wednesday, and she didn't want to even think about. She'd lost many friendships in the past, beginning or longtime. She'd be fine. She had other friends. And potential baby daddy.

She was greeted by Annette and Patricia, and she melted into Annette's hug. She was the best hugger in the entire world, and Carol needed one more than she thought. She hugged Patricia next and asked how they were doing. She was brought up to speed on the farm life, and she was lucky to have come by today, because they were expecting a baby girl calf today. Carol had helped with the birth of Julie Bee, and she wanted to help with the birth of nameless baby girl who Beth was supposed to name but forgot to. They were just going with baby girl for now.

Carol walked with to the barn and saw Hershel and Shawn, and she greeted them both with a hug. She told Hershel their last conversation was water under the bridge, and he had a point. She still had something to hope for, but it wasn't romantic love. Familial love would do just fine. She felt that even more after helping bring little baby Bell into the world—Beth had texted them with the name after they spent a picture of her the newborn. It was meant to be Belle, like the Disney princess, but she left off an E. There was no going back.

Hershel sent Carol and Shawn inside to clean themselves off and to avoid the rain that was coming, and Patricia asked them to send Otis out. They did as they were told, Carol was glad to have him alone, and Shawn asked her to stay for dinner. She agreed, mostly because she hadn't eaten real food in a couple days, and Annette had mentioned a new pie recipe. She loved pie, and she would be eating every inch of the slice given to her.

"What brings you by?" Shawn handed Carol a bottle of water. "I know it wasn't horror of birth."

She smiled and rolled her eyes, setting the bottle down. I wanted to talk to you about something. It's important.

"Oh? Well, why don't you come up to my room? There's more privacy, and I think this shirt is just ruined."

They headed upstairs as his parents and family friends came inside to seek shelter from the rain, Shawn closed the door behind him, and Carol checked out the window while he changed his shirt. It looked so gloomy, with heavy black clouds overhead and the rain hit so roughly against the house. This wasn't a good storm to be caught up in. Driving home would be brutal.

Shawn moved beside her. "We might have to make up the guest bedroom."

I gotta get home to prepare for the fair on Thursday, she signed. Michonne's opening a pet stall. I offered to help, and I haven't done any of my work.

"That brings back memories." He grinned at her. "Need any help?"

Nah, just coffee and an all-nighter. She returned his grin and moved away from the window. How have you been?

"Applying to some colleges." He sat down on his bed.

Oh, wow, that's awesome. Why the sudden change? She sat in front of him. Because of Beth? She was just goading you.

"I know, but I want to do better for the farm. I'll still come back and take it over, but I want to better for me. I can't explain it in words other than that."

That's great. I'm proud of you.

"All right, so enough small talk. What's been going on with you? Why did you want to talk to me about?" He searched her eyes. "Is everything okay?"

It's fine for the most part. I'm well. I'm not sick or anything, but I do have a... massive request to ask of you. She moistened her lips and just went for it. I haven't had any luck with dating. I seem to chase them off by the dozens, and it's hurtful, but it isn't the men leaving that hurts me.

"Carol—"

No, wait, please. I'm not done. She steeled her resolve. What's hurting me most is that I'm getting older, and I want a child. I adore Andre, but I want a baby of my own, and you're the only guy in this town I can ask. I know you and trust you, and I'd like to ask if you'd...give me your sperm so I could have that baby?

His mouth fell open with nervous laughter, and he slid off the bed. He held up a finger to try and think that over, and Carol sank her teeth into her bottom lip. "You want me to help you get pregnant? Like the sex and everything? You're like a sister to me."

No, not the sex and everything. She stood up and explained. I can just take some of your semen and do...that part myself. I'll do everything myself. You don't have to help me at all. I'm only asking you, because you're the only guy I know who can do this.

"Not true."

You're the only one I trust and know everything about. I'm not looking for an answer right now, but please think it over. I can handle you saying no, too. I'll just have to look at the costly options.

"I don't know how to even...think this over, but I will try." He attempted to smile for her, but it didn't work out. "I promise I'll consider everything before I give you an answer."

Thank you, Shawn.

Annette called up to them to ask if Carol was staying for dinner, he automatically asked her, and she nodded, even though they both knew she'd said yes already. They joined his parent's downstairs, Carol offered to help make dinner, and Shawn sat out on the porch to think. Carol hoped she hadn't asked too much of him. She hadn't even spoken to Michonne about it. She wanted her ducks in a row before she made this real. She knew Michonne would want to go over everything that could go wrong and try to talk her out of it by using the wrongs. She wouldn't give the chance. She was going through with this. It wasn't like there was anyone lining up at her door to date her and marry her and have her children. She'd taken her life into her own hands many times before, so what was once more? She'd have something precious and forever once this was over. That made her smile, and nothing would change that smile.

Dinner with the Greene's had been great. Hershel said a prayer for them and their new gift, Carol and his son, and it was very sweet. The conversation was kept light, Carol learned that Maggie was doing great at her career in the big city of New York with her fiancé, and Beth was passing all her classes at university. It was a relief to hear they were settled into their new lives with little friction. Carol had been through a backwards move that was jarring and a full-on nightmare, but she adjusted. Over time and with help from great friends, and she had prayed Maggie and Beth didn't have that same experience, because it left some scars Carol didn't want to think about.

"How is everything with you, Carol?" Annette had taken note of how little talking Carol did, and she was worried after she and Shawn came downstairs looking extremely uneasy. "How is the shop?"

I'm doing well, thank you. The shop's the same as always. We've sold quite a few puppies since the theme park opened, and the beta fish seem to be selling out. Although the hammers haven't had much luck. I'm almost certain the people buying them are feeding them to snakes.

"That's awful."

Yes, it is. Michonne is being careful who she sells them to now. She scooted a green bean across her plate with her fork and glanced at Shawn before scooping it up and eating it.

There were no sounds in the room now, Hershel didn't like the look Carol and Shawn shared, and he cut one of his own to his wife. She shrugged and drank her tea, and Shawn asked about their stall at the fair, reminding them they hadn't told Carol about it. It sent Patricia off on a tangent of baked goods, and Carol was so relieved. She could enjoy her food again, and she was glad, because the pie was coming out next.

After dessert and a cup of coffee, Carol was ready to head home. Annette didn't like the idea of her driving in this weather, but she was sure she'd make it home just fine. She gave her goodbyes and started for the door, but Hershel caught up to her with an umbrella and walked her to her car. She thanked him and rubbed her arms at the chilly rain. She couldn't wait to be home in bed. She was going to melt into her clean blankets.

"How have you been feeling lately?" Hershel inquired, and Carol peered about him. "You were bummed about relationships last time we spoke. Are you doing' better?"

Yes, I'm in the process of making a huge life change, and I'm ready for it. I've been ready for a long time, but it's just lining up now—like you said.

"Oh? That's good. I'm happy for you."

And you don't need to worry about me and Shawn. We just had a... real talk for once. He has a bright future ahead of him, and I'm glad he knows it now, too. She smiled and dug her keys out of her pocket now that her car was in sight. Thank you for walking me. You guys have a good night.

"You too. Take care."

The ride home was nice and made Carol drowsy, and she crawled into bed ten minutes after getting home. She buried her face in her pillow and grinned in it at the possibility of Shawn's answer. She kept in mind it could easily be a no, but her heart was flying at the possibility of yes. She could hardly contain herself, but luckily, she passed out few moments later.

– – –

Tara and Denise entered the general store with the kids, Noah and Enid both bolted for the bathroom, only Enid beat him, and Noah glared at the door, standing to wait. Denise greeted Daryl and Dale and went to get some drinks for the kids, and Tara pre-paid for gas.

"You guys look miserable." Coffee-colored eyes moved from Dale's empty face to Daryl's grumpy one, and she decided to have her head chewed off. "What's going on?"

"I'm fine, but Daryl's been in a mood almost all week." Dale nudged the mentioned man, and Daryl slithered away to restock the missing four drinks. "He's thirty-four going on ten."

She chuckled. "Yes, he is. What happened?"

"I think it has to do with Carol."

"Oh? I didn't even know they were dating." She looked back at Denise and asked her to get some mint gum.

"They weren't, but she was helping him with the house. She hasn't been in the store for days, and he's been even grouchier than usual."

"Maybe he slept with her." Denise set the items on the counter and placed her hands on her hips.

"Damn, you just immediately go to "they shacked up"?" Tara smirked at her wife. "Pervert."

"I am not. It's Daryl. He's been alone this entire time, and Carol is trying to be his friend. She's nice to him. Maybe too nice, and he misread the situation. It could have happened."

"That doesn't sound too...oh, I dunno, consent friendly?"

"Let's not talk about it," Dale suggested.

"I didn't mean to imply he forced her. Maybe she gave into lust? Maybe it almost happened? Who knows for sure." Denise crossed her arms. "I'm not a pervert."

"Uh-huh." Tara slid her card when Dale gave the total. "He hasn't said anything?"

"Not a word, and I haven't seen Carol within a mile of the store in days." He bagged their items. "She's at the pet store right now. I bet the kids would like to see the new beta fish Michonne brought in."

"Are we really those kinds of people, though?" Tara looked at her wife, who ached a brow at her. "What, I have to pretend like we're not for a second."

"You should get the kids. Why don't I... check it out? It's not prodding. I'm worried about Carol. She's been in a bit of a mood since she and Rick broke up. I want to be sure she's okay." Denise cleared her throat and took the gum. "I'll see you over there in a few minutes."

"You're such a lair." Tara kissed her. "But it's a good intentions lair."

"I think you wrote that in our vows." She grinned and headed over to the pet store.

"I did," Tara confirmed to Dale. "Made her brother laugh."

"I'm sure it did." He shook his head at them. "You kids are...something else."

"But we're something else that's working," Tara added. "If you'll excuse me, I have kids to keep from destroying the bathroom."

"Thank you for being so considerate."

"It's my job."

As Tara went to break up a fight between her kids, Denise walked the few blocks to the pet store, and she found Carol inside with Michonne and Andre, a couple of tourists oohing over the new fish Michonne had brought in. Denise would have to look at them later, because they looked so pretty, but she had a mission right now.

"Hey, Carol." She pulled out a smile. "I need your help."

Of course. She returned the smile. What can I do for you?

"We were thinking about getting the kids a pet. Do you have any first pet suggestions?"

Oh, Michonne would be better to answer that than I would. I'm not sure what she started Andre off on but she's learning towards hamster now. You should ask her. If you need any help with the food or diet, I'd be more than happy to help.

"I'd feel more comfortable asking you."

But...you know Michonne as well as you know me. There's no reason for you feel uneasy. She didn't like where this was going and noticed her fidgeting, her fingers closed around a packet of gum with an orange expiration sticker on it. She scoffed. You came from the general store?

"Huh?" She looked down at her hands and swallowed. "Not directly."

But indirectly you just came from the general store? Why come and see me? Did Daryl say something about me? Her heart hurt at the thought of Daryl senselessly trashing her behind her back. Did he?

"No, no." She could how sorrow flitting through Carol's eyes more and more with each question. This wasn't what she intended to do. She simply wanted to know if Carol was all right. She'd been through a shit ton, so Denise had to know she was at least stable. Damn it. She shouldn't have started the conversation out like this. "This isn't about you and him or whatever happened between you two. I—Daryl is in a mood, and Dale said you hadn't been by in a few days. I was worried about you is all. Honestly."

Nothing happen between me and Daryl, and I will be just fine if you can keep your nose on your own face. She stormed off to the back and threw the apron she wore off, ignoring how the always loose nametag clattered to the floor. She couldn't believe this was happening. What the hell was Daryl doing or saying that made people come and seek her out for answers? First Nadia and now Denise? God, if she had to go over there and make him shut up, she would. He made it seem like something huge had happened between them when it was nothing but a couple of days of painting and distance. Ugh, he was such a worm if he was spreading rumors about her. She didn't think he was that kind of guy, but honestly, she didn't know him, so it didn't really matter. She needed to nip this in the bud.

Michonne had Andre man the counter and went after Carol, setting a hand on her shoulder and turning her around. "What's going on? You all right?"

No! That asshole has made two people come over here and beat around the bush asking me how I am! God only knows why they're so concerned. We weren't even friends, so what is he telling people? She was furious and wanted to knock his lying teeth down his throat. Why does he think it's okay to spread bullshit? God, I should go and show him what it causes.

"Hey, hey, hey, calm down. You don't know that he's started anything. People notice things and get nosy. It's probably some old Betty starting shit, stirring the pot. You know how they are."

No, it's him. I know it's him. He's trying to blow me off for some total crap reason, and I'll make him see how wrong he is.

"Okay, you aren't doing that. You'll just make it worse."

If he's going around talking shit about me then I will make it worse. We didn't sleep together or anything like that. There is no drama to spread. So, he must be lying! He's inadvertently sent Nadia and Denise over here to talk to me. A grandmother and therapist, Michonne. He has to be talking out of his ass for that to happen.

"He might be, or he might just be expressively grumpy. People talk over cracks in the sidewalk in this town. They have nothing better to do. Just sit back here and take your fifteen. Please don't make an ass of yourself. I'll get the facts form Denise. Okay?"

Fine, but if he is talking about me, I'm going to kick his ass.

"Okay, and I will help you. But take a twenty and calm down."

She huffed, panting from how fired up she'd gotten just talking about the likelihood of Daryl talking about her behind her back, and she looked at Michonne. You said 15 before.

"And I tacked on five more minutes. You look like you need 'em. Just make some tea and breathe. Don't jump on the misunderstanding bus, please."

All right. She wrapped her arms around herself.

"Thank you. I'll tell you everything I know after I speak to Denise. Enjoy your break."

Carol curled up onto the couch and buried her face in her hands, slumping down to her side. She heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes. She wasn't going to linger on this. She had no reason to. If he was talking shit, she'd deal with it. If not, she'd deal with whoever was trying to stir the pot. She didn't move out here to live in a drama hole. She moved out her for peace and a good life. She'd talk to anyone who was trying to change that.

Back at the general store, Daryl stocked the missing bottles and carried the crate to the back, overhearing Tara and Noah talking about meeting their mother at the pet store. He stopped walking and heard them mention Carol and himself. He set the crate down inside the doorway and threw open the door to ask what she'd just said, but they were on their way out at that point.

"Dale." He jogged over to the counter, startling the old man, who gripped his heart and wide-eye glared at him. "Sorry, man. What were they talking about? With Carol?"

"I don't know, son. They didn't speak loud enough for me to hear."

"It involved me, though. Why?"

"I have no idea." He inhaled deeply. "Should it involve you?"

"What? Of course not. We aren't a thing. Or even friends. I... made sure she knew we weren't friends."

"Now why would you go and do a thing like that?" Dale's lips turned downward as that familiar disappointment settled in, and Daryl internally groaned into the void.

"Because I just did. I ain't the friend type."

"Oh, baloney." Nadia entered from the backdoor, pushing her sunglasses up. "That's full-on baloney."

"No, it's not. I'm only friends with y'all 'cause you forced it on me."

She marched over to him and narrowed her eyes. "We both know that isn't true."

"Yeah, it is! You made me go to dinners and parties. You practically sat in with me on my lunch, and I can't even buy booze here, because you're like disapproving parents I sure as shit didn't ask for." He spewed. "So, yeah."

"I know that much, but you are full of it if you think you and Carol aren't a thing."

"But...we aren't," he reminded her. "I've only talked to her through y'all. Mostly. There were a few times outside of here, but just a few. They didn't mean anything."

"Daryl, sweetheart, I do love you, but you aren't the brightest bulb in the understanding emotions batch." She crossed her arms. "If Carol mean nothing to you, you shouldn't be such a sour puss right now."

"She tried to use me to get her friend a better deal on the house. I know the type. She tried to play it like she wanted me to stay, but she was just trying to throw me off. I caught on, and now it's over." He shrugged a shoulder. "Don't push this."

"I think it's too late for that." Dale exhaled. "Daryl, son—"

"Stop with the "sweetheart" and "son". I'm not either. I didn't ask to be. Carol is just some stranger who happens to have painted the study in the house I'm selling. That's it."

"You learned a new language just to speak to her. That isn't nothing," Nadia protested. "And what is so wrong with that? Hmm? Human connection is one of God's best gifts, you know. Don't fight it so much."

"I learned how to understand her, so I didn't have to wait ten minutes for her to scratch out a reply on a notepad. That doesn't mean shit. It looks good on my resume, too, that I know ASL. That's why I learned Spanish. For my future and for whatever jobs I may take."

"That's a terrible thing to say." Nadia stepped back from him. "Go home, Daryl. I don't want you here today."

"What?" Daryl sneered at her. "Because I'm being honest?"

"Because you seem to lack empathy, and I don't want you here today." She turned on her heel and slipped through the back door.

"Is she serious?" Daryl turned to her husband.

"Go home. We'll discuss this day after the fair."

"That's bullshit. She talks about people to kingdom come, but I get honest for one second and I'm the shit stain?" Fire lapped at his insides, and he couldn't calm his breathing. He wanted to rattle Dale for some logic in this decision, but Dale was adamant. "Fine."

"I'm sorry, Daryl."

"Sure, you are." He stomped out the front door without bothering to clock out, cursing under his breath, and he unlocked his truck, seeing Michonne reflected in the side mirror. He wanted to just leave and say fuck it. Fuck this town and fuck her, but he couldn't. He would regret doing just that, because he was pissed the fuck off and wanted to go off on everyone in this stupid, everyone-knows-everyone, shit ass town.

"Wow, you look pissed." She strolled over to him. "You and Carol got that in common right now."

"Why the fuck is she mad?" he growled. "I didn't do anything to her."

"I know that. It's people. They talk in small towns." She ran her eyes over him. "You leavin' now?"

"Yes, I'm...goin' home for the night."

She bobbed her head. "You want company?"

"Tssh, from Carol's best friend? Why?"

"Because I am Carol's best friend."

He darkly chuckled. "Yeah, you cozy right on up with her ex after she dumps him. Some friend you are."

She didn't flinch. "Rick and I are friends. We both have kids. We can relate to each other. There's nothing wrong with that."

"Right, and when you fuck him, it's still nothing?" He shook his head. "No, I'm good. You can go back and be a shitty friend to Carol. I'd rather have no friends than one like you."

"You're so angry with the world and take it out on everyone else. That's the real shitty thing here, Daryl."

"All you want to know is if Carol and I screwed around, but we didn't, okay? Are we good here?"

"I know you and Carol didn't do anything, and I don't care if you did. I just want to know that you're going to leave her be. She's had it difficult, Daryl, and you can't know the half of it. She reached out to you, and you kicked her away. If that's how you want to play this then fine, but you'd better mean it. Don't come near her again."

"Difficult?" His mouth dried out. "Difficult how?"

"You're not interested in being friends, so that's her business. She didn't tell you, and neither will I." She shifted back. "I mean what I said. Keep your distance if you don't want friendship. Even more distance if you're trying for a relationship with her. You're too angry, and you'll hurt her. I won't let that happen, so...remember that."

"Okay, Mom, I'll be sure to." He climbed into his truck and slammed the door, pulling out and onto the road.

Michonne lifted her chin and drew in air to her lungs. Being a mom and knowing Carol as well as she did was exactly why she'd made this choice. He was the type to hurt her, and he would never meant to, but it would happen. Michonne would cut him out of the equation, and things would be fine. She'd seen Carol bounce back from worse break ups, and Michonne would be right there for her as long as Carol would allow her to be.

––

Daryl cracked open the bottle of scotch from under the sink, carrying it upstairs with him, and he decided this would be his dinner for tonight. After the crud he'd been dragged through today, he deserved a liquid meal. Spike could beg for his breakfast. He might even just make the damn dog some eggs, so they wouldn't go bad sitting in his fridge.

He plopped down onto his bed and looked up through the ceiling at the bright ass afternoon sky. He groaned and brought the bottle to his lips, his brain recalling his conversation with Michonne without his consent. He didn't want to remember that uppity bitch telling him what was what and claiming to be Carol's friend. He'd seen her out with Rick four times since Carol and Rick broke up, and they were chummy. It didn't take much thought to see there was something more there than two friends chatting on kids and exes. He wouldn't be the one to tell Carol, but once it came to light, Michonne wouldn't be the best friend she thought she was. He would almost pay to see that fallout. He hoped Carol decked her for it. People couldn't claim to have your best interest in heart and hold a knife in your back at the same time.

He swallowed hard and thought of what Michonne said about Carol having a difficult life. He wondered what she meant exactly. He'd gotten Nadia pissed at him for the first time in two years by insulting Carol, which he would admit he was in the wrong—an utter fucking jackass—and now Michonne said that. It didn't make sense. Everyone in this town talked, but not once did he hear about the deaf woman who pretended to listen to music on walks. So, what the hell was so nightmarish about Carol that meant don't talk about her? He was curious, but it wasn't his business. He wouldn't make it his business. He would just work and move. It was all he was good at anyway so why break the pattern?