Daryl And Carol's Last Ride (Re-Upload With Quote Corrections)

by fatcatwalker

Daryl and Carol say goodbye to their family and head for New Mexico and along the way they find love and meet a new group, but will they be a friend or foe? They also have run ins with walkers and a couple close calls, but ultimately a detour to The Grand Canyon becomes their downfall, but if Daryl's going down he's going down his way, but not before saying goodbye to their family.

It had been a year since Michonne found Rick and brought him home. The Whisperers are dead and the survivors are, Rick, Michonne, Judith, RJ, Daryl, Dog, Carol, Maggie, Hershel, Aaron, Gracie, Negan, Lydia, and Connie. After Negan saves Hershel and Maggie, Maggie and everyone else considers him one of them. Daryl and Carol are ready to go to New Mexico. Everyone says goodbye, come back soon, and be safe and they all exchange hugs. Even Negan.

"We'll be back in a few months."

"Here," Rick says, handing them a walkie. "Keep in touch."

"We will." They hug again. They are outside the gates now and Carol hops onto the bike with a big smile.

"You ready?"

"Hell yeah!" He smirks at her saying his words. Daryl revs the bike and she wraps her arms around his waist.

"Hold on!" Two hours in and it starts raining. "We have to find shelter," Daryl says.

"There!" Carol points. It's an abandoned house.

"Nah." Carol laughs.

"I know right. I can't believe it either." By the time he parks and hides the bike, it is pouring down rain and the cold wind makes the rain feel like ice, but they can't just run into the house. They have to clear it first.

"The clothes!" Daryl runs back and grabs the clothes from the trunk. They run to the door, bow and knife up. "Wait here." She gives him a look. "Alright, stay close behind." She nods. Daryl turns the knob and it opens. Daryl slowly opens the door. He knocks on the door to check for walkers. Nothing. It's a small house. They check the two bedroom, one bathroom house. "Clear," Daryl says.

"Clear," Carol says coming out of the bathroom. She shivers.

"You cold?"

"Yeah."

"There are logs next to the fire place." She rubs her hands together. "Let's get a fire going for you."

"How are you?"

"I'm good."

"We need to take these clothes off and let them dry by the fire," Carol says.

"Ok, you change first and I'll get a fire going."

"Ok." Carol comes out and the fire is burning and she hurries over to the couch to sit down in front of the fire.

"I'm going to change."

"Don't be surprised if I'm asleep when you come out." Daryl scoffs.

"Just don't take over the whole damn couch."

"Don't worry pookie. I won't," she says smiling. He scoffs again. He comes out twenty minutes later.

"These damn clothes are a real bitch to take off when they are wet," he says as he approaches the couch. "I …" He stops in his tracks when he sees her. She is lying down on the couch with her head resting on the arm of the couch. The fire light is illuminating her face and her hair is spread out all around her except for a few strands that are out of place. He looks at her and realizes that he's never seen her look more peaceful. With that, the way her hair is, and the light illuminating her face she is beautiful. He shakes the thought out of his head. He is not falling for his best friend. He bends down, gently lifts her head up, and sits down, laying her head down on his lap. Carol is awake now, but doesn't open her eyes she's so comfortable. He carefully moves a strand of hair that's in her face and she smiles. "You awake?" She doesn't answer and then falls back to sleep.

Whiskey

It is morning now and the fire is out. Carol turns her head, opens her eyes, and looks up. She sees Daryl asleep. She carefully sits up, gets off the couch, and then kneels down in front of him. He has his head tilted and his arms crossed. She thinks he looks peaceful too. There was a beam of sun light illuminating his face and he also had strands of hair in his face. He was a beautiful man inside and out. She moves his hair to the side. She also shakes the thought of her falling for her best friend. He wakes up. She gets up and sits next to him. They both wonder if they should say how they feel and just look at each other for a while. "What?" Daryl asks. "Nothing." They hear walkers outside and it breaks the awkward silence. Neither of them have any idea how they are going to tell their best friend that their feelings have changed. They both run to the window. It's nothing they can't handle, but it's still a lot. "What do you think?" Carol asks.

"I know we can fight them, but I'm tiered of fighting."

"Same here. If we're not fighting walkers then we are fighting people. Let's wait it out," Carol says. He nods.

"Alright." Carol smiles. She goes into the bedroom.

"Where are you going?"

"You'll see." While he's waiting he slips his vest back on. It is now dry. She comes out with her hands behind her back. "I know what we can do while we are waiting." Daryl tries to look behind her, but she backs up until she hits the wall. He walks up to her until he is close enough to kiss her.

"You got no where to go, so you best hand it over."

"Sit."

"Yes ma'mm." When he moves away she takes a deep breath. Being that close to him, she was having trouble breathing. Daryl clears his throat, also feeling the affects of being that close to Carol.

"When we were searching the place I found this." She pulls a bottle of whiskey from behind her back and smiles.

"Whiskey." Daryl scuffs. "You really think getting drunk right now is a good idea with walkers outside."

"Who said anything about getting drunk. We'll just drink to pass the time and take some of the edge off. Come on."

"Sounds good."

"Great."

"I never saw you as someone who drinks."

"Me either, but here we are." She sits down next to him. "Ed wouldn't let me drink Champaign or wine. He said it wasn't for people like us. Anything fancy or nice wasn't anything that we deserved, but I knew when he said that he meant me." She starts to tear up.

"Enough tears. Enough anger and sadness. We are starting over out here. I won't have any of that shit ruin our time out here." He wipes one of her tears away and it takes her breath away. She smiles. He's done it before, but his time it's different. It feels different. He hates seeing her cry. She nods.

"I found some cups in the kitchen. I'll go get them," Carol says. She starts to get up, but Daryl grabs her arm. She stands there looking at him and not able to move even if she wanted to because even the smallest touch means so much more then it ever has before. She can't deny how she feels anymore. She has fallen for her best friend.

"Who needs cups." He holds out his hand and she gives him the bottle and sits down. "Looks like somebody already took a sip and decided they didn't like it." He tastes it, turns his head, and then spits it out. "Tastes like shit." He takes another drink. "Here." He hands the bottle to her and she laughs.

"Really? You just spit it out and said it tastes like shit."

"Yeah, you missed the part where I drank it anyway. Ain't gonna kill you. There is a lot of shit that can though, but I think this is the least likely to."

"You're right, hand it over," she says reaching out her hand and smiling. She takes a long drink shocking Daryl. "What? I can let loose." He laughs. "And you're right, it really does taste like shit."

"I hope you don't regret this," Daryl says.

"We have nothing better to do," she says handing the bottle back to Daryl. He takes a long drink too. He wonders if she would be a happy, angry, or sad drunk. Only a half an hour later and he finds out. She stands up, bottle in hand and is wandering the house aimlessly, peeking into rooms and then searching them as if they hadn't already. Daryl gets up and sways a little. He's drunk too. Daryl follows her closely just in case. "I don't need a baby sitter."

"Hey, quit hogging." He wants more whiskey, but he also wants to make sure she doesn't finish most of the bottle, but she isn't having it. He reaches for it, but she just takes another long drink. He's seriously considering holding her down to get the bottle back.

"You want me Daryl …" She quickly corrects herself. "It, you want it Daryl then come and get it." She couldn't have meant it. It was just the liqueur. She leaps onto the bed making sure not to drop the bottle even though a little fell out. She stands up and starts jumping on the bed. Daryl is looking up at her.

"Damn it Carol stop jumping. You are going to hurt yourself." He had to stop looking up at her or he might pass out. "You're making me dizzy."

"Well then come up here and make me stop." He didn't really want to get on top of the bed except to maybe sleep, but he needs to get Carol down before she hurts herself. He carefully gets on top of the bed and slowly stands up.

"Come on, jump with me."

"Hell no, get down here now before I carry you down over my shoulder." She stops and pouts.

"You're such a party pooper pookie." She laughs. "Try saying that five times fast."

"Mhm." He reaches his hand out for her. "Come on." She grabs his hand and they jump off the bed stumbling when they hit the floor and Carol falls into his arms, spilling a little of the whiskey. He holds her up. She looks up at him and he looks down at her, getting lost in each other for what seems like forever until Daryl speaks up. "You ok?" She laughs.

"Yeah, I'm great!"

"I'm going to let you go now." He really doesn't want to and she doesn't want him to either. She nods and smiles. "Whoa." She wobbles a little and she is okay, but Daryl holds out his hands just in case. She drinks some more and walks to the couch, Daryl close behind. He sits down and pats the couch.

"I'm good." She takes another drink.

"I don't think you are."

"Damn, I love you Daryl Dixon." They both look stunned by her words. How many times can it be the whiskey talking. That's the second time tonight, Daryl thinks to himself. Carol can't believe she just said that. She meant it, but now's not the time. She counteracts what she said. "You're my best friend."

"Yes I am which is why I am going to do what best friends do." He jumps up from the couch and pulls the bottle out of her hands. He drinks the rest of it in one shot.

"Hey!" He plops down on the couch. She plops down too.

"Pookie?" Daryl asks. "Why Pookie?"

"At the time that we were at the prison I felt like we were acting like domestic couples and what is one of the most couple thing to do?" Daryl scoffs.

"Pet names."

"Yeah, so I chose pookie. Why you ask?"

"Just wondering."

"Well look at you, you've got muscles the size of your head." He scoffs.

"I think it's time for me to give you one."

"What? Absolutely not!" She gets up fast and then falls back down on the couch. She laughs. "Not happening."

"How about sparky?"

"No, that's a dog's name! Do I remind you of a dog?"

"No, but Pookie's a dog's name. Do I remind you of a dog?"

"Next!" He scoffs.

"So now you want a pet name?"

"Maybe." He thinks about it which is really hard right now considering he is feeling light headed.

"Phoenix?"

"No, that's a last name. Think pet name."

"You mean something as disgustingly cutsie as pookie, but I can stand to say and might bug the crap out of you as much as pookie does me?" He has secretly gotten used to it and now doesn't mind it.

"Go for it," she says worried. She successfully gets up this time and starts pacing, but reconsiders it when she starts to feel nauseous and stops. He sits there thinking about it.

"Got it! Schnookums."

"I hate it!" She actually loves it, but only because she loves hearing him say it. Daryl scoffs.

"Better then pookie."

"Awe, I love pookie."

"It sounds ridiculous coming out of you." Carol laughs.

"Yeah, and Schnookums sounds great coming out of you," she says sarcastically. "Well I'm sorry you don't like it schnookums." He gives her a smirk and she rolls her eyes. "But it's the only thing I can think of that I can barely stand to say." She sits back down slowly this time.

"So who's taking watch first," Carol asks. Daryl scoffs.

"You're in no condition to take watch."

"You know what?"

"What?"

"I think you're right, but I don't think you're doing much better."

"I'm good, I just need to close my eyes for a bit."

"Alright, goodnight pookie," she says trailing off as she lays her head on his shoulder.

"Goodnight Schnookums." She smiles and then goes to sleep and soon after Daryl closes his eyes and lays his head on top of hers. It is morning now and they did not change position all night. Carol is the first one to wake up.

"Oh god." She covers her mouth, gets off the couch, and runs straight to the bathroom not realizing that Daryl was resting his head on hers making Daryl fall over as soon as she got up. He hears her throwing up and he sits up a little to fast having a hangover himself. He puts his hand on his head and slowly gets up. He walks to the bathroom. He sees her kneeling down and throwing up in the toilet. She looks up at Daryl during a brief break and sees him watching her. "Go ahead, say it. I told you so." He goes behind her and pulls her hair back as she starts throwing up again.

"I would never do that." She throws up a couple more times.

"Why aren't you getting sick?"

"I know my limits. Sure, I was drunk, but not to the point where I would be …" She laughs.

"Acting like a damn fool?"

"Wasn't going to say that, but …"

"Yeah I know."

"I was going to say not to the point where I'm going to be jumping on a bed or throwing up the next day, but I will tell you that I do have a slight hangover with a headache that's kicking the shit out of me."

"Lucky you."

"Now you know your limit."

"Yeah well I'm never drinking again."

"Good."

"I'm done." He holds out his hand for her and she gets up.

"You ok?"

"Yeah I think …" She runs back to the bathroom to throw up one more time. Daryl is right behind her ready to pull her hair back again. "Now I'm good." Daryl puts his hand out again, but she puts her hand up and shakes her head. She uses the toilet to help her stand back up.

"You need to take advantage of that bed."

"Look who's talking, you look as bad as I feel." Daryl scoffs.

"Well then let's go to bed."

"Only if you join me," she says holding out her hand. He hesitates. He knows she doesn't mean what it sounds like. He knows she would never admit her feelings for him even if she liked him, not like this anyway, but that's all it took to make him go there. Those words and she wasn't even drunk this time. Carol is regretting her words again, but doesn't correct herself this time, thinking he doesn't even like her that way, so it wouldn't even cross his mind, but she does wonder why he hesitates. Then he realizes something in the awkward silence.

"Do you hear that?"

"No." He stands there looking at her until it clicks. "No walkers."

"Yeah." They both go to the window. There isn't a walker in sight. They check the bedroom windows and the one in the bathroom and not one walker.

"Nothing here."

"Same here." They meet again in the living room.

"So like I was saying, you need to get some sleep."

"And like I was saying, only if you sleep … next to me." She was going to mess up her words again and say sleep with me, but this time she caught herself. It's really becoming a bad habit drunk or not.

"I can use some more sleep." She smiles and Carol and Daryl go to the bedroom, sit on each side of the bed, and then lay down. They turn over so they are face to face. Carol holds Daryl's hand and he freezes.

"Thank you for taking care of me earlier pookie."

"You're welcome schnookums." She smiles.

"Seriously though, thanks. Also, thank you for talking me off the bed and just being there and making sure I didn't hurt myself and finish off the bottle."

"I'll always be there for you." She smiles and they close their eyes.

Muddy

In the morning the storm has passed and Daryl wakes up first. They are still holding hands and he watches her sleep. She opens her eyes and smiles.

"Are you watching me sleep?"

"Maybe."

"Why?"

"I was awake first." She was hoping he might say because he likes to. He does ever since he saw her asleep by the fire.

"The storms stopped," Carol says.

"Yeah."

"We should get going soon now that the storm has passed and the walkers are gone."

"Yeah." They both laid there for a moment looking at each other. Neither of them wants to leave.

"I'll start getting ready," Carol says.

"Alright." They finish getting ready and look through the windows again just in case. There is a big mud puddle from the storm, but no sign of walkers. They are still careful as they go outside, Daryl with his bow up and Carol with her knife. They stand there trying to decide whether they should go through the mud puddle. "We'll go around it just in case."

"Ok," Carol says.

"No need to get all muddy if we don't need to." Carol nods. They are about to go around when a walker sneaks up behind them catching them off guard. It comes up behind Carol and Daryl sees it from the corner of his eye. "Carol!" She turns around, but not in time and the walker grabs her shoulders. Daryl drops his bow, goes behind the walker, grabs it's shoulders, pulls it off Carol, and throws the walker aside, but the action makes him slip and he falls right into Carol. They both fall into the mud and Carol yells out as they fall. There is a big splash and mud comes raining down on them. Daryl is on top of Carol and they are close enough to kiss. "Are you ok?" Daryl asks.

"I'm fine just covered in mud." Daryl scoffs. "You?"

"Yeah." The walker is coming closer. "I'm going to take care of that walker," Daryl says.

"Alright." He gets off of Carol and crawls to his bow. He shoots the walker in the head while still sitting in the mud. The walker falls in the mud and they both get splashed again. Daryl carefully gets up. He holds out his hand for Carol.

"Let's get out of this shit."

"No thank you, I can help myself out."

"Suit yourself." He stands by just in case. She is doing just fine until she starts walking and she slips and falls backwards getting a face full of mud this time since Daryl isn't on top of her. She sits up and Daryl is serious at first and then he starts laughing hysterically. He bends down with his hands on his knees in an effort to calm himself. It works for a while, but then he looks at her again as she's wiping away the mud from her eyes and starts cracking up again.

"Okay that's …" She stops when she sees him clearly now. "Enough," she finishes in almost a whisper. She has never heard or seen him laugh so much or at all really. Sure, he's smiled, but laughing like this, it is a beautiful sight and sound. She wants to savor it. He slowly goes serious.

"What?"

"I've never seen or heard you laugh like that. Sure, there was the snowball fight, but this … this is wow."

"Stop."

"You should do it more often."

"Well then you should fall in the mud more often."

"Don't hold your breath."

"Will you let me help you out this time?"

"Fine, but for the record, I got up just fine. I slipped when I started walking." He holds out his hand. "Time for payback!" She grabs his arm with both hands and she pulls as hard as she can and he falls on top of her. She starts laughing. "I'm sorry but, that's payback for you laughing at me," she says as she laughs.

"You should laugh more often too."

"You have some mud near your eyes," Carol says. She reaches up and wipes it away. She smiles. "There." She keeps her hand on his face and caresses it with her thumb. She lifts her head up and gives him a kiss on the cheek, testing the waters. She knows she has to take it slow with him. She looks for a reaction or a look in his eyes. She smiles and he gives her a small smile back. Then to her surprise he leans down, puts a hand on her face too, and caresses it with his thumb. She closes her eyes at his touch. While her eyes are still closed he kisses her on the cheek. He looks at her and she still has her eyes closed. She slowly opens them and sees it in his eyes. He feels the same way. Tears are streaming down her face and he wipes them away.

"Are you okay?"

"Am I okay?" She says smiling. "I'm better then okay. I was going to ask you the same thing."

"I thought it was just me, those times when you were drunk and then when you weren't you said some stuff that had me thinking that you might, but I didn't let myself go there."

"Same here. I thought there's no way you would like me like that. My best friend." She smiles. They both move in slowly and have their first kiss. It is slow and sweet. They pull apart and then move in until they are touching foreheads. They close their eyes.

"How was that?" Daryl asks.

"Perfect," she says smiling.

"Hell yeah." She laughs. Carol slowly moves in and they kiss again and it starts slow again, but quickly becomes passionate. Carol grips Daryl's hair and puts an arm around him, while Daryl puts his arms around her, deepening the kiss. They pull apart, still holding each other. "Holy shit." Carol laughs.

"Yeah, holy shit."

"What do you say we get out of here," Daryl says.

"Let's go." He helps her up and out of the mud and they move in for a quick kiss and Carol throws in another just because she can and this time she makes it linger a little longer. They part. She puts her arms around his neck and smiles. "So, are you all mine now?"

"Always." She smiles and they kiss again. "We really need a shower," Daryl says. "I've got a better idea."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, I saw a lake on the way here."

"Sounds good." Carol smiles. Daryl grabs his bike from where he hid it and he goes on first and she gets on behind him, puts her arms around him, and rests her head on his back. "You ready?"

"Let's go." He revs it up and then rides off.

Cleaning Up

They get to the lake and Carol is quick to react. She reaches for the hem of her shirt.

"Whoa wait, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to skinny dip, are you with me or what?"

"I can't."

"I'm sorry," Carol says. "I was going slowly, that's why I kissed your cheek first. I forgot about your back." She holds his hands.

"It ain't nothing. You go have fun, I'll watch."

"No, it won't be fun without you. We'll come across other lakes and when you feel comfortable enough you can join me." Daryl nods.

"Thanks." She smiles and gives him a kiss.

"Let's just go back to the house and we'll just take showers," Carol says.

"Okay." They kiss again and then head back to the house. They are careful for walkers on the way up to the door. There are no walkers. They walk in. "I'll go into the shower first," Daryl says.

"Okay." Carol waits for him to go in and then gathers his clothes. "I'm going to wash your clothes in the sink."

"Alright. There's soap and shampoo in here."

"That's great."

"Yeah." She looks under the sink.

"I found some hand soap under the sink."

"Alright." She figured she can wash their clothes and then wait for them to dry. In this heat it shouldn't take long and she has an idea. She wasn't planning on letting him pull way again, especially since they are now closer then ever. She starts undressing and throws her clothes in the sink with Daryl's.

"Daryl?"

"Yeah?" He has his eyes closed since he's wetting his hair under the spray and doesn't hear the curtain open. She steps up behind him and wraps her arms around him. He tenses up and Carol can feel it. She sees my scars he says to himself. Then it's as if she heard him.

"You know you're safe with me right?"

"Right, I just … I didn't want …"

"You didn't want me to see your scars."

"Yeah."

"Do you trust me?" He nods. "Can I wash your back for you?"

"Okay." Carol grabs the soap and works up a lather in her hands and then gently runs her hands up and down his back kissing his scars along the way. Daryl isn't tense anymore. He is enjoying the feel of Carol's hands and kisses.

"I'm done. Daryl?" Daryl has his eyes closed and almost falls asleep he's so relaxed.

"Yeah? Sorry, I almost fell asleep."

"So, I'm guessing you liked it."

"It was nice."

"Thanks. Turn around Daryl." He is still unsure about turning around. "Remember you are safe with me." He turns around and all fear vanishes at the sight of her. She has a few scars of her own, but a lot more freckles. He is feeling more confident now and takes the initiative shocking Carol.

"Can I wash your back too?"

"Please," she says smiling. He does the same and runs his hands up and down her back and kisses her scars along the way.

"Done."

"That was perfect. Thanks Daryl."

"Sure." She turns around and gives him a hug. They finish washing up. "Can I wash your hair?" Daryl asks.

"I would love that." He grabs the shampoo and squeezes some into his hands. He rubs his hands together and then starts massaging her scalp. Carol closes her eyes and smiles. "Were you a hair stylist before?"

"Nope."

"That feels really good and relaxing."

"I guess I have some hidden skills."

"I would love to find out some of your other skills."

"Stop. Done." She rinses her hair off.

"Now it's your turn." He turns around. "So, when was the last time you washed your hair?" She asks as she applies the shampoo.

"Don't know."

"Well you are going to love having clean hair."

"Owe!"

"Sorry, you have some knots. Okay, all done."

"Good, that hurt like hell."

"Well here comes the fun part." She puts some more shampoo in her hands and starts massaging his scalp.

"Damn that feels good."

"I used to wash Ed's hair in the shower and he always complained about my nails digging into his scalp, but I know he liked it. He would be talking to me and then trail off."

"I know why. This is some good shit." She laughs.

"I'm happy you like this."

"Like? I love it."

"Done." He rinses off his hair. Carol hugs him. They pull apart still holding each other. "So, what do we do while our clothes are drying?" Carol asks smiling at him.

"You have something in mind?" Daryl asks.

"Yeah I do. I want you to show me your hidden skills." He smiles and nods and they have a long make out session in the shower. They pull apart and Carol grabs his hand and leads him to the bed.

Their First Time

"Carol?" She turns around.

"Yeah?"

"I'm nervous." She puts her arms around his neck and gives him a kiss on the head. "I'm afraid I won't be good enough for you. There was Leah, but that was one night and I loved her, but she wasn't you, but I only realized it here. There had been others, but they were one night stands. Just for fun. It was just sex, but this will be different, this is you."

"You will always be good enough for me Daryl, in every way. This will be different for me too. Ed was my first and I wouldn't even call that sex. With Ezekiel, I loved him, but he wasn't you and I also only realized that here. In the end it led me to something better, you," Carol says.

"I feel the same way." They start kissing again and Daryl picks her up and gets a laugh out of her. She puts a hand on his face and smiles. He kisses her and they continue kissing the rest of the way to the bed. He lays her down on the bed. He gets on the bed and crawls over her kissing her along the way. She smiles. He kisses up her neck, across her cheek, and to her mouth. They continue kissing for a long while. His hair is hanging down and she brushes it back.

"I loved your hair when we first met. I could see every feature in your face, but now it covers your beautiful face. Can I cut …?"

"Hell no." She laughs.

"Okay, whatever you want. I love you either way Daryl Dixon." He lowers his head. "Daryl? Is something wrong? Are we moving too fast? Did I say it too soon?" She puts a hand under his chin and raises his head up. There are tears streaming down his face and she wipes them away.

"Nothings wrong. It was what you said."

"I love you?"

"Yeah, nobody's ever said that to me before."

"Not even Leah?"

"No."

"What about your mother?" He shakes his head. "I'm sorry." She starts to tear up. "I'm glad that I'm the first one to say it."

"Me too." She kisses him.

"Carol …" She puts a finger on his lips.

"No don't. You don't have to."

"I want to." He puts his hands on either side of her face. "I love you Carol. I love you more then I ever thought I could love someone." Tears stream down her face and she smiles. He wipes her tears away and she puts her hands on top of his and they make love. When they are done they are laying down on their sides face to face. Daryl plays with her hair. "I like your hair short, but I love it long."

"Thank you." She's playing with his hair too.

"I love you hair even more when it's washed, it's so soft," she says running her fingers through it. "And no knots," she says smiling. "That was just like I thought it would be. Amazing, you were amazing," Carol says.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Thanks." Daryl moves in for a kiss and then they have another make out session. When they are done Daryl turns onto his back and Carol rests her head on his chest after placing a kiss on it. She puts an arm around him and Daryl caresses her back. She closes her eyes.

"I love you Daryl Dixon."

"I love you to Carol …What the hell is your last name?" She laughs and opens her eyes.

"Peletier."

"Peletier," Daryl repeats. "I love you too Carol Peletier." They close their eyes and sleep the most peaceful sleep they've ever had. Its morning now and Carol wakes up first this time. Carol straddles Daryl and then leans down to give him a kiss. He still has his eyes closed, but kisses her back and wraps his arms around her. Carol smiles.

"Good morning pookie."

"Good morning schnookums." Carol laughs.

"You know you don't have to say that if you don't want to."

"It's alright, it's growing on me."

"I was hoping you'd say that." She kisses him. "When did you know?" Carol asks.

"The first night when we came in soaking wet and I set up the fire while you were getting dressed. I finished getting dressed and when I came out you were asleep. I looked at you, hair all spread out, face glowing from the fire light. You looked so peaceful, so beautiful." She smiles. "I was in denial though. I couldn't be falling for my best friend." She kisses him. "What about you?"

"It was actually soon after."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. After you lifted my head so you can sit down. I had woken up, but kept my eyes closed. After you moved my hair away I smiled." You asked if I was awake, but I didn't answer you because I was so comfortable.

"You little sneak." She laughs.

"In the morning I opened my eyes and saw you asleep. I carefully got up and then knelt in front of you. The fire was out, but a beam of sunlight was shining on you and illuminated your face. You also had some hair in your face, so I moved it aside. You looked peaceful and beautiful too."

"Stop."

"That's also when I knew and was in denial that I can be falling for my best friend." He kisses her on the head.

"I love you Carol." She kisses his chest.

"I love you too." They kiss and then Daryl suddenly turns over taking Carol with him. She yells out and laughs at the unexpected move.

Dead In The Water

"You know what I want to do?" Daryl asks. She pretends to be thinking.

"Go hunting?" He scoffs.

"Quit teasing." She laughs.

"Come here," she says wrapping her arms around him and pulling him down for a kiss. They make love. When they are done Carol is lying in Daryl's arms. "I'd hate to say it, but we have to go and this time for good or we'll never make it to New Mexico," Carol says.

"I know, but if I have a choice I would stay right here with you."

"Me too." They kiss. "You know what I'm thinking?"

"No shitting me this time?"

"I shit you not. Do you want a hint?" He nods. "You'll have no problem doing this now."

"Skinny dipping?"

"Yeah, what do you think?" He gives her a kiss. "I'll take that as a hell yeah."

"Damn right." She laughs.

"Alright."

"Let's go." They help each other get dressed. Carol buttons Daryl's shirt and puts his vest on him and Daryl buckles her bra and puts her shirt on her. They finish getting dressed, take their weapons and clothes, and then carefully step outside. At least there are no mud puddles not that they would mind. Only good memories with that walker encounter. They make it to the motorcycle safely and Daryl gets on backwards.

"What are you doing?" Carol asks as she laughs.

"Waiting for you, so hurry up, get your ass over here, and hop on, he says smirking and patting the seat. She smiles. She hops on and they are now face to face on the bike. She puts her arms around his neck and he wraps his arms around her waist.

"Great idea Daryl."

"It's been known to happen." They make out.

"You really get my motor running Dixon."

"Really?"

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Was it really that bad?"

"I'm just shitting you. You get my motor running too." She smiles and they continue making out. When they are done Daryl mounts the bike the correct way and they ride off. They get to the lake and Carol hops off and begins stripping as she hurries to the lake, running across the dock. Daryl just stands there watching her. She turns around when she runs to the end of the dock. "Is that a dare," he asks as he slips off his vest and then pulls off his shirt, but while Daryl is taking off his jeans, underwear, boots, and socks a walker pops up from out of the water, grabs her leg, and pulls her under so fast she has no time to yell out and she also hits her head on the dock on the way down. When he's done taking his clothes off he doesn't see her. "Carol? Carol!" He runs to the dock. He sees blood and dives into the water. He sees her right way, knocked out and a walker clearly dead at the bottom of the lake, head torn open and blood and brains floating in the water. He grabs her around the waist and then swims up. He takes a deep breath. He swims to the dock, lifts her onto it, and then gets onto it himself. He checks her pulse and puts his head on her chest to listen for a heart beat. Nothing. "No, you're not leaving me!" He starts CPR. "You're not becoming one of those things, I won't let you," he says as he does chest compressions. "Damn it Carol, breathe!" He says tears streaming down his face. He breathes air into her lungs once more and she wakes up coughing and gasps for breath. Daryl turns Carol onto her side and she coughs up some water. He pulls her onto his lap and holds her. He starts to cry. "I thought I lost you." She looks up at him, puts a hand on his face, and smiles.

"I'm here, I'm alive. You're stuck with me pookie." He laughs through his tears. She wipes them away. They kiss. He helps Carol up. "I think I'm okay." Daryl hurries over to his bike and gets a first aid kit from the trunk. He runs back to Carol. "I'm fine, really."

"Sit." She sits down on his bike and Daryl carefully tends to her wound. "This is going to burn," he says before patting it with alcohol. She makes a hissing sound. "Sorry."

"It's okay."

"What happened?" Daryl asks.

"A walker just grabbed my ankles and pulled me in before I can call your name. I hit my head on the dock and it pulled me into the water. I wasn't unconscious yet, so I fought the best I could considering I was under water and it was hard to see. I grabbed it's head and tore it open. It must have been under there for a long while because when I grabbed it the head just fell apart and when I was fighting it the skin was just peeling off. I could feel myself going unconscious. Then you saved me. She smiles and he gives her a kiss. "So, how did you learn CPR?"

"School. Had to do it for my dad after he drank too much, went unconscious, and then stopped breathing. You would think he would be grateful, maybe even proud considering I was only thirteen when I had to do it, but no instead he told me to go clean my room or he would give me a good whipping."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, what's done is done. I need to focus on the good things in my life." She smiles and gives him a kiss. "Done."

"Thanks." She gets off the bike and bends down to pick up her clothes, but Daryl isn't having it. He starts picking up her clothes. "I can do that myself."

"It ain't nothing." He finishes picking up her clothes and she reaches for them, but he pulls them away. She smiles.

"I can get dressed myself too."

"Stop being so damn stubborn. I'm not taking any chances when it comes to you."

"Yep, you never know I just might accidently put my arm in the head hole." He gives her a look and she rolls her eyes. She stretches her arms out in front of her so he can put her bra on for her. He moves to the back so he can buckle her bra. When he's done he kisses the back of her neck and each shoulder. She looks behind her and smiles. Daryl smiles and leans down to give her a kiss while carol reaches up and puts a hand on the back of his head. "That was nice, thank you." He smiles and puts her under ware on next, Carol putting her hands on his shoulders for support and when he's done he kisses her stomach. He helps her put her jeans on, kissing her legs along the way. He puts her socks on giving each foot a kiss and she laughs.

"Ya ticklish?"

"Yeah."

"I have to remember that."

"I don't think so buddy," she says playfully kicking him. She reaches up and he helps her put her shirt on. Next he helps her with her shoes. "Thank you." She gives him a kiss. He smiles.

He puts his clothes back on and they go onto the bike and ride off.

Bath Time Fun

"Daryl?"

"Yeah?"

"Why are we going back to the house?"

"We are staying over night to make sure you are ok."

"I'm fine. How many times do I have to tell you?"

"Until I believe it."

"And you call me stubborn."

"We're going back. I'm not taking any chances. Now be quiet, I'm trying to drive." She scoffs. They get to the house and he helps her off. They make sure there are no walkers around and then Daryl opens the door and picks her up. She laughs.

"Are you carrying me over the threshold Mr. Dixon?"

"Just making sure you don't get dizzy or nothing. You might have a concussion."

"I haven't shown any signs of one."

"I know, but just in case." He kicks the door closed and then lays her down on the bed. "How do you feel?"

"The same way since you saved me."

"Fine, do you need anything?" She holds out her hand for him and smiles.

"I need you." He grabs her hand and she turns to her side and wraps his arm around her and he turns on his side and scoots closer to her. She holds his hand.

"I don't think you should go to sleep, not at least for a few hours."

"I'm sorry Dixon, but I'm going to take a nap, I'm exhausted, but feel free to check on me every hour, that's what you are supposed to do if you're overly concerned."

"How do you know about concussions?"

"I was looking up how to fix your own dislocation."

"I'm sorry Carol."

"Like you said no need. I want to focus on the good things in my life." He squeezes her hand and gives her a kiss on the head. She smiles. "While I was looking it up I ran into concussions. I thought I'd look it up just in case it got that bad. Daryl? Daryl?" She turns to face him and he's asleep. She kisses him on the cheek. He is exhausted too. She goes to sleep holding his hand. It's morning now and Daryl wakes up and turns over onto his side, but doesn't see Carol. He's worried now. What if she woke up and decided to walk around and collapsed. Or what if it was worse then she thought and she died and became a walker, but she would have attacked him. He frantically looks for her.

"Carol!"

"In here!" He breaths a sigh of relief and then hurries to the bathroom. Daryl stands there in shock. Carol is wearing nothing, but a smile. "Surprise," she says gesturing to the bath tub full of bubbles. "I can't believe we slept in till morning. It was only supposed to be a nap. Sorry for worrying you, but the time has long passed for you to be worried, I'm out of the woods. I wanted to do something for you. I know I was being stubborn about you helping me, but I know you were only worried about me. I like taking care of you."

"Sorry for being controlling."

"Controlling? No that was Ed."

"A pain in your ass." She laughs.

"It's okay, I know you are doing it because you care, but sometimes you care too much, but I love it. Now I want to take care of you. I hope you like baths"

"I didn't like showers before you, so maybe it'll be the same for baths." Daryl starts to take off his vest, but Carol goes up to him and puts her hands on his hands to stop him.

"No, you helped me yesterday, so now I'm helping you." She smiles.

"Alright." She takes off his vest, slowly slipping it off his shoulders and then she takes his shirt off and kisses his chest and down to his stomach. She then takes off his belt, unbuttons his jeans, pulls down the zipper, and then pulls downs his jeans and under ware in one shot. Daryl smirks and she laughs. She kisses his legs on the way down to taking his boots off. She has some trouble and falls backwards taking the boot with her. She laughs. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." She sits back up and this time Daryl takes the other one off. She then takes his socks off.

"You don't have to kiss my feet." She sees the worry on his face and realizes that he's ticklish too.

"Oh yeah, why not?" She asks with a devilish grin.

"Just cause."

"Could it be because you're …"

"Don't."

"Ticklish!" She starts tickling his feet and he starts giggling. "So, Daryl Dixon giggles," she says still tickling him.

"Stop, Stop!" She stops. She finishes taking his jeans and under ware off now that his boots are off. She stands up and put her arms around him.

"I love it," Carol says. He kisses her and then helps her into the tub. She sits up with her back against the tub. He puts a foot in and hears a squeak.

"What the hell was that?" Carol laughs and searches through the bubbles as he settles in the rest of the way. He lets out a sigh.

"Feels good right?"

"Yeah, I can feel my whole body relaxing."

"Got it!" She holds it up. He scoffs.

"A rubber ducky."

"Yeah."

"I used to have one of those the last time I was in a tub, I think I was five. It was the only toy I had and that was only because I refused to take a bath even when I was threatened by my dad that I would get a spanking. Then my dad actually bought me a rubber ducky. He literally threw it at me and said here, now take a bath. I did and I was happy to as long as I had Quackers." Carol laughs.

"Quackers?"

"Yeah, what's so funny?"

"Nothing, it's a very appropriate name for a rubber ducky," Carol says stifling a laugh.

"Oh yeah." He splashes her with water and suzz and she yells out and laughs. He scoffs. "Now that's funny." She laughs.

"Two can play that game." She splashes him back and he splashes her again and they start a splash fight making a mess all over the floor. When they finally stop Carol starts laughing. Daryl has a big puff of suzz on his goatee.

"What?"

"You look like Santa."

"Does that make you Mrs. Santa?"

"Come here Santa," she says laughing and grabbing his hand, pulling him in for a kiss. She wipes the suzz off his face and then they make out for a while. Daryl turns around and Carol makes room for him so he can scoot back and sit between her legs. She grabs the wash cloth and lathers it up with suzz. She wraps her arms around his neck and starts massaging his chest. He relaxes against her and closes his eyes.

"I can stay here forever," Daryl says.

"Me too. Scoot up," Carol says. She starts to massage his back and his arms, trailing along his arms so she can massage his hands.

"If you are not careful I'm going to fall asleep and then you'll be stuck here until I wake up."

"I have a way to keep you awake," she says smiling. He looks behind him.

"Show me." They start kissing.

"Scoot up." He scoots up and they switch places, but she straddles his lap.

"I love you Carol, thank you for this."

"You're so welcome and I love you too." They start kissing again and they make love. After they make love they get dressed and leave this time for good.

S'mores

A few hours in and they find what used to be a campsite before for people and they even have a camping store. They check it out. They clear it out, but there are only a couple of walkers.

"We meet up here when we are done."

"Alright." Twenty minutes and they are done and Carol has a smile on her face. "Smores kit," she says with a smile on her face and holding it up. He holds up a can of cocktail wieners and a sleeping bag for two. "Well it looks like we've hit the jackpot."

"I also found a manual lighter," Daryl says.

"Oh good." They pass up the tents. They don't mind sleeping outside even though they haven't done it since before Alexandria. Daryl would prefer outside anyways and besides, the weather is perfect for outdoor sleeping. They build a fire. They use a couple branches to heat up the cocktail wieners. "This is fun, just like camping," Carol says.

"Better," Daryl says looking at Carol. She smiles and gives him a kiss. "Did you go camping with Sophia?"

"No, Ed would never let us do anything like that. I used to go with my mom and dad every summer. My dad would go fishing and we would go on a walk. We would cook up the fish and then when we were done eating we would have s'mores. How about you?"

"Camping?" He scoffs. "No, pretty much the same thing. We never went on any family outings."

"I'm sorry I should have known."

"It's okay, you had a better childhood. I'm glad."

"I wish Sophia could have had a better childhood." She starts to tear up and Daryl wipes away the tears that are starting fall.

"Enough about our shitty past, we need to live in the now."

"Yes, so let's eat these cocktail wieners." They feed each other the first ones.

"Tastes like shit."

"Oh come on, it's not that … "Oh okay, there it is. I think we'll be having s'mores for dinner."

"Anything's gotta be better then this."

"You've never tried a s'more?"

"Never."

"Better late then never. Everything will be stale except for the chocolate, but I imagine that it will taste great after it melts and toasts everything." They're ready and again they feed each other the first bite.

"Holy shit that's good." Carol laughs. "What?"

"You have some chocolate on your face." He tries licking it off, but it's not working. Carol smiles. "Here." She wipes it away with her finger. "There." "Thanks." She kisses him. They finish their s'mores and then settle down and cuddle by the fire, Carol resting her head on his shoulder and Daryl puts an arm around her. After a while it's time to go to sleep and they get into the sleeping bag for two and they hold each other.

"I love you Daryl."

"I love you too." In the morning Carol wakes up to Daryl playing with her hair. She smiles and they kiss.

"Good morning Daryl."

"Good morning. We should get gone. Staying in one place for too long isn't good."

"I know, but we have time for a little something, right?" She asks as she straddles him.

"Damn right." She laughs. They make love. When they are done they are in the middle of getting dressed and only have their under ware on when several walkers come along.

"Really?" Carol says.

"We can just go and take our clothes with us," Daryl says.

"We can take them down without a problem," Carol says.

"Let's do what we do best," Daryl says. Carol gives him a smirk. "Stop." Daryl grabs his knives for these ones and Carol grabs her knife. Daryl stabs two walkers at once in the top of the head while Carol stabs two more in the side of the head. Daryl stabs the last one in the eye, but he doesn't hit the brain and when he tries to take out the knife it is stuck and the walker drags him down to the ground with it on top of Daryl. Daryl is now holding the walker up with both hands on it's chest. Carol runs up to Daryl just as he looses his grip and the walker is about to bite him. She stabs it in the head and Daryl pushes the walker off of him. Carol helps him up and pulls him into a hug. She starts crying. They pull apart.

"That was too close." He wipes her tears away and he leaves his hand there.

"I'm fine." She smiles and nods. They kiss.

"I love you Daryl."

"I love you too. Let's get out of here," Daryl says. They finish getting dressed and then leave.

The Flaming Skulls

Fourteen miles out and there is a herd up ahead. "I'm going to ride through it, hold on!"

"Okay!" She tightens her grip around his waist. They are going through the herd and they are almost out when they hear another motorcycle.

"Is that …?" Daryl asks. Carol looks behind her.

"He is right on us!" Next thing they know Carol is being picked up from around the waist and put onto his bike.

"Carol!"

"Daryl!" The biker is gone in a flash going through the walkers without a problem. Daryl is stunned. He finally breaks through the walkers. It feels like Beth all over again. He speeds up, following the trail. No forks in the road this time, but there were a couple turns. His mind was wandering. Are they hurting her? Where did they take her? What if he can't find her like Beth and then he would find her but then … He shakes the thought from his head. He needs to focus. Carol is fuming. "Turn around now!"

"No can do miss! I'm afraid your friend is gone!"

"You don't know him! He's been through worse, now go back or … She pulls out her knife, reaches around his neck, and holds the knife against his throat. "You'll be the one who will be dead once I slit your throat and push you off this bike!"

"You can ride?"

"No, but I'll run back if I have to, now go back!"

"That's a death sentence for someone who's gone! We'll go back tomorrow and if your friend is as strong as you say he is he'll be fine!"

"Stop the motorcycle or I'm jumping off!" He stops and she gets off, but before she can run he pulls a gun on her. She puts her hands up. She can now see him clearly. He's a big man with a long red beard, a red bandana around his head, black jeans, a leather vest that says flaming skulls in the back and a picture of a skull on fire, and black boots.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that."

"Why? I'm nothing to you."

"You are not someone I saved just to send her back to that herd."

"I can take care of myself."

"I have no doubt about that, but that doesn't mean that shit can't still go down now throw me your knife." She throws it to him.

"You are going to regret this."

"What, saving your life?"

"No, when I find Daryl we'll take turns kicking your ass."

"Good to know now get back on the bike will you or do I have to man handle you again."

"Don't touch me! I'll go, but if he's hurt or dead when we find him I'll finish off what I started and slit your throat."

"Well then it looks like I'm a dead man walking," he says as he puts his gun away, picks up her knife, and puts it on him. "Nice knife." She scoffs and gets on the bike. They ride off. Daryl comes to a bar with four motorcycles out front. He gets off his bike and holds his bow up. He hears men laughing. He kicks the door in and they all put their hands up. They all had matching vests and different colored bandanas around their heads.

"Where is she?"

"Who?"

"Don't mess with me! Your asshole friend picked my girlfriend up and off of my bike and onto his and just rode off with her. Now you're going to tell me where he took her or you and your other asshole friends are going to get an arrow in the head."

"Look man we don't know who you are talking about, but we are not like that."

"Yeah, we're the good guys man. If he took her there was a good reason for it. Hey, what if you're the bad guy and he was rescuing her from you. That sounds just like Lenny."

"Bullshit, does a kidnapped women yell for her kidnapper?"

"Yeah, if it's that Stockholm syndrome thing."

"No, your man took her and I'm staying here until he gets back."

"If you are going to be waiting then you might as well have a seat."

"No, I'm staying right here."

"Fine, suit yourself." An hour later they hear a motorcycle ride up.

"Sounds like your friend's back." He aims at the door. "If you try anything you'll get an arrow in the eye."

"So, which is it, the eye or the head?"

"Maybe both." Carol gets off the bike. She sees Daryl's motorcycle.

"Where's Daryl? What did you do to him? If you or anyone else hurts him I'll kill you with my bare hands," she says getting up in his face.

"Calm down lady. Just because his bike is parked out here doesn't mean anybody's being hurt. I've been good to you so far, but you need to calm down." "Yeah, says the man who pulled a gun on me."

"Says the woman who had a knife to my throat before I pulled a gun on you and only because I was trying to save you. Look lady, we can stand out here all day arguing about who likes the other one more or we can go in and see what's going on."

"Fine, you go in first." He laughs.

"Nice try lady, but you'll be going in first, I can't trust that you'll be keeping your hands to yourself." She hesitates to open the door. "Go on."

Who Are You

She opens it and sees Daryl. She runs to him and Daryl drops his bow. She runs into his arms and Daryl wraps his arms around her and holds her tight. They are crying, not having known if the other was hurt or worse. Daryl picks her up like he did when they reunited in the forest.

"I thought I lost you and then when I saw your bike I thought they might be holding you here and they might be hurting you." They pull apart and Daryl puts a hand on either side of her face.

"I'm okay." She puts her hands on his face and smiles.

"Yes you are." They kiss tentatively at first, knowing they have an audience, but they don't care. They need this after not knowing if the other was dead or alive. They kiss passionately, holding each other tighter. Lenny passes them and stands with the others. They pull apart.

"I love you Carol."

"I love you too."

"Who are you?" Lenny asks. They look at them.

"I think we can ask you the same question," Carol says. Daryl picks his bow up and points it at them again. He sees her knife on Lenny.

"You give my girlfriend her weapon back and we'll talk."

"It's a deal, but only if you lower your weapon."

"I don't think so," Daryl says.

"Can I talk to you outside for a minute Daryl?" She grabs his hand and pulls him away while addressing the men. "Don't think of pulling anything or we will be sure to make you regret it."

"Yeah we know. Your boyfriend pretty much said the same thing, but more threatening." They go out the door and the men take a deep breath. They only fight the dead and are hoping it doesn't come down to fighting.

"What the hell happened out there," Daryl asks.

"After we rode off I told him to turn around and when he didn't I pulled my knife out and put it against his throat. I told him I would slit his throat and push him off."

"That's my girl." She smiles.

"He stopped, but when I got off and started to run off he pulled a gun on me. He said he can't let me do that. I asked him why and he said he didn't save me just to have me go back to that herd. He told me to give him my knife, so I did."

"Remind me to kick his ass."

"I'm not too sure."

"What, why?"

"He's going to give me my knife back and he just wants to know who we are. He only asks that you lower your weapon and then he'll say who they are. Seems like a win win."

"Yeah, if they are not lying." She gives him a look. "Fine."

"We can take care of ourselves," Carol says.

"I know."

"What about you Daryl?"

"I followed your trail. All I can think was how I followed that car with Beth in it and I never found her, but then when we did … I couldn't let that happen again, not with you, not when we are together now." He starts to tear up and Carol puts a hand on his face and smiles. She's tearing up too. They kiss. "I saw the bar with the bikes and I kicked the door in and had my bow pointing at them. I asked where you were."

"That's my man," she says smiling.

"They said they don't know who I am talking about."

"Let's go inside and we can make our final decision about them after we hear them out. We've been wrong before," Carol says.

"Alright." They go inside. "Who's talking first," Daryl asks. They see that he doesn't have his bow up.

"So we have a deal?" Daryl nods. "Great! We'll talk first," Lenny says. Daryl nods. They nod or wave as they are being introduced. "I'm Lenny and this is Tom, Jimmy, Mike, and Tim and if you didn't notice by now, Tom and Tim are twins," he says with a laugh. Daryl isn't laughing, but Carol smiles. He clears his throat. "As a motorcycle gang we are the flaming skulls." Carol and Daryl give them a nod. "We knew each other before the world went to shit. We used to hang out at a bar."

"Ironic ain't it," Mike says.

"We always rode together just for fun," Tim says.

"Then we decided to make it official and we got matching vests. Then when it all went down, you guessed it, we were all hanging out at a bar and we left on our motorcycles," Tom says.

"Yeah, one long road trip," Mike says.

"We've ran into herds bigger then the one you two dealt with and plowed right through them," Lenny says. "And we've dealt with as little as five. We've run into our share of good guys and bad guys, but they all ended up dead either because of eaters, people, or us."

"So, that's what you call them?" Carol asks.

"Yeah," Lenny says.

"We call them walkers," Daryl says.

"I like that better," Jimmy says. Lenny and the others agree. Lenny continues. "Like I said out there, we are the good guys. I was out there today because believe it or not, up to a certain point on the road there are no eaters. I'd say you've found that certain point on the road when you ran into those eaters."

"No shit Sherlock," Daryl says.

"We haven't seen any other people either since you two."

"Yeah, it's been like a ghost town here," Jimmy says.

"Sorry that I snatched you up like that, but I could only take one and I'm sure you understand why I took your lady. You would have done the same. Never leave a lady behind and the same goes for a fellow biker, but I couldn't take that risk that you might not make it out, so I took you and told you we'd come back tomorrow."

"I know, she told me."

"I'm sorry I pulled a gun on you, but I couldn't risk you going back. You would be safer at the bar and away from the eaters. I couldn't take the chance that you might or might not know how to fight. I didn't save you just for you to die out there for someone who might already be gone. You are the last two people out there for all I know."

"She's probably the best fighter here," Daryl says.

"We go back to the bar and here we are."

"One thing you're right about is that I would die for her." Carol gives him a kiss and he smiles. "Thanks for taking her away from there."

"No problem." The bikers look at each other and smile too. "Now you."

"Knife first," Carol says holding her hand out. He hands her her knife. "Thanks," she says with a smile. "I'm Carol," she says with a smile. They shake hands. "Nice to meet you Carol."

"You too Lenny." The others come up and shake her hand too and she smiles.

"Daryl."

"Nice to meet you Daryl."

"You too." They all shake hands.

"We didn't know each other before," Carol says.

"We didn't get along at first, but that was all me. I was being a major asshole."

"You had your reasons though."

"Yeah." They weren't about to tell some strangers about his abuse.

"We both became close after Daryl could have died looking for my daughter who was chased away by walkers. In the end she was found, but …" Daryl puts an arm around her and she fights back tears.

"She was one of them wasn't she," Lenny says. She nods. "I'm sorry. I lost my son and put him down myself," he says his voice cracking.

"My mom," Mike says.

"Sister," Jimmy says.

"Father," Tim and Tom say.

"I lost a brother," Daryl says. He gives Daryl a nod and Daryl does the same. "We lost a lot of people along the way, but we met a lot too, a lot good, a lot bad, but the good ones, they all became family. We have had several settlements and then finally decided to leave our settlement, our family to see what else is out there. We are headed for New Mexico."

"Cool," Jimmy says.

"Sounds like you're a real badass Carol," Lenny says.

"She is," Daryl says putting a possessive arm around her. He laughs.

"Well then I think there's something in the backroom I want to show you." Daryl steps in front of Carol.

"You best back the hell off."

"Whoa, that's not what I meant. I do have something I want to show her and it's in the back."

"I'm coming with you."

"That's fine with me," Carol says.

"No, stay here it's a surprise." Daryl is pissed off now. Carol comes up and whispers in his ear.

"It's okay pookie, you know I can take care of myself."

"Hurry back."

"I will." She walks away, looks back at him, and smiles. He gives her a small smile back.

Trying New Things

"So, what's up," Jimmy asks. Daryl scoffs.

"You still don't trust us man," Mike says.

"If she comes back safe, then maybe."

"But you thanked him for getting her out of there."

"Like I said." They wait in awkward silence. Ten minutes later Lenny comes out, but without Carol. Daryl puts his bow back up. He puts his hands up.

"Daryl's freaking out out here Carol!"

"I'm fine Daryl, I'm coming out!" He lowers his bow. His jaw drops at what he sees. She is wearing a black top with a deep v- neck, a black leather Jacket, and black leather pants that are skin tight. She smiles and does a slow spin. "You like."

"Hell yeah!" She goes up to him and they start kissing passionately, forgetting about the audience.

"Get a room," Jimmy says. Carol laughs and blushes. Daryl scoffs and even blushes a little himself, but lowers his head before anyone can see. "No I mean you can literally stay in one of the rooms here so you're not going out there at night."

"Let me talk to Daryl." They go to a corner.

"Do you trust these guys?" Daryl asks.

"I think so. You don't?"

"I think so too. It's just over night and I'll keep watch just in case, but I think we are safe for now. I mean, anyone who gives you an outfit that has you looking like a biker babe is alright by me." She laughs. "The others seem okay."

"I agree. I feel hot."

"You are and you are all mine," he says putting his arms around her. He starts kissing her. Tom clears his throat.

"I think we'll take that room now," Carol says.

"No problem."

"Great, show us the way."

"Just one thing," Lenny says.

"What?" Daryl asks sounding annoyed.

"You want to stay the night you have to sing."

"Sing?" Carol asks.

"Yeah." They take them to a room that has a stage and karaoke equipment.

"How is this possible?" Carol asks.

"Batteries. We found a ton of them in the back. Well what do you say?" Lenny asks.

"I'll give it a go," Carol says. "What about you Daryl? I bet you would love to belt out a tune," Carol says sarcastically.

"Stop." She laughs. "I'll just watch."

"Sorry man, but you have to sing too."

"Hell no, I'll just sleep outside." He regrets the words as soon as he says them. He would never leave her in here with a bunch of guys, especially dressed like that.

"If you're sleeping out there then I am too."

"No, you deserve a bed." She smiles. She gives him a kiss. "Fine I'll do it."

"Alright, let's see what you got. Who's going first?" Lenny asks.

"I'll go," Carol says.

"Good luck."

"Thanks." Carol goes up the stage steps and Daryl can't help but admire the view of her in those leather pants. They clap. She chooses a song from the list on the screen. "This one is dedicated to my man Daryl Dixon." He smiles and blushes a little, looking down so they can't see.

"You want a beer man, to help you relax when it's your turn." He nods. He hands him a warm beer.

"Thanks." He is in the middle of drinking when she starts singing and Daryl almost chokes on his beer. He and everyone else are in awe. She can sing. She is singing "Natural Woman." When she sings, "When I knew I had to face another day it made me feel so tiered" Tim yells out, sing it woman! They all look at him including Daryl.

"What? It rings true, especially these days." They all nod in agreement. She looks at him through out the song and when she sings, "close to you because you make me feel so alive" she points at Daryl and smiles. Daryl smiles. When she finishes everyone is whistling, clapping, and hollering including Daryl who has had enough beers to be officially drunk.

"Yeah, that's my woman!" She bows. She walks up to him and he grabs her around the waist and pulls her in fast and hard for a kiss. They kiss. She laughs. "You're drunk."

"And you were amazing up there schnookums."

"Really drunk. Are you sure you can perform up there?"

"I'm good."

"Do you know what you want to sing?"

"If it's on the list, yeah, but it's a surprise." He goes up the steps and Carol can't help but be a little bit worried that he might stumble on the steps, but she also couldn't help but check him out too even though he was in the same old jeans as always she will take advantage of every chance she gets. Everyone claps and he sees his song on the list. The song is "Wild Thing."

"I'm dedicating this one to my woman." She smiles, but is still a little worried because he's drunk. He starts singing and everyone is shocked once again, but none more then Carol. The song does suit him and his voice, but is it because he's drunk, more carefree? After he sings, "wild thing I think I love you" the men sing, "but I want to know for sure." Daryl continues. "Come on hold me tight," he sings as he points to her and gestures for her to come up. She smiles and everyone hollers as she goes up the steps. She holds him tight and then he surprises her when he dips her and kisses her. They holler and whistle. Carol laughs and goes back down the steps. He finishes and Carol is clapping, cheering, and whistling, while the men are hollering, whistling, and clapping. He comes back down, grabs her again, and holds her tight. "How'd I do?"

"You were so sexy." He blushes and puts his head down. She laughs. "I love it when you blush. It's so cute." He looks up and gives her a kiss. "I especially liked when you called me on stage. Who would have known that Daryl Dixon can sing."

"Hell, I didn't know I can sing, but I guess the beer helped a lot." She laughs.

"I think so. I love drunk Daryl just as much as I love sober Daryl."

"I should get drunk more often."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Come here." They start kissing again and Daryl slowly lowers his hands down her back and is about to roam over her backside.

"Daryl!" She whispers. "We have viewers!"

"Damn, sorry I forgot."

"I think we should get that room now."

"Hell yeah."

"That was great guys," Lenny says.

"Yeah, and now you can stay the night," Mike says.

"Let me show you to your room," Lenny says. They say goodnight and Carol says goodnight while Daryl gives them a nod. They get to the room and the bed is a queen size with a blanket and pillows. There are also a couple chairs.

"Thanks man." They shake hands.

"Yeah, thanks," Carol says and shakes his hand.

"No, thank you. Those performances are exactly what we needed here. We're tiered of listening to each other sing every week."

"No problem it was fun," Carol says with a smile. "And I've never seen him like that before. Now we know something new about each other."

"I'll let you guys go now. Sleep well.

"We will."

"Yeah, I'm sure you will," he says with a smirk and closes the door behind him.

A Different Side Of Daryl

"You know, maybe we don't have to keep watch," Carol says. "You need to get some sleep or you're going to feel like shit Daryl."

"No, I don't need no sleep," he says putting his arms around her. "And the only thing I need to be watching is you." She smiles and puts her arms around his neck. "First massaging my scalp and then singing, what other talents do you have?"

"I can show you right now."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She drags a chair to the middle of the floor. She puts a hand on his chest and pushes him backwards until he hits the chair. "Sit," she says firmly pushing him down.

"Yes ma'mm." She slowly removes her clothes, shimmying as she does so. When she has nothing on but her panties she slowly walks up to him with a smile on her face. He grabs her hand and pulls her onto his lap. She is straddling him now.

"Someone's impatient."

"Damn right, after seeing that very slow strip tease." She leans down and gives him a kiss. She starts giving him a lap dance and he puts his hands on her hips. "Where did you learn to do that?"

"What, sing?" She says with a smile.

"Stop."

"This is my first time."

"What?"

"Yeah."

"If I didn't know better I'd think you worked at a strip club."

"Nope."

"Shit you're good." She laughs.

"Thanks." She gives him a kiss and the kiss gets passionate. He picks her up and she wraps her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck while they are still kissing. He takes her to the bed and throws her on it. She laughs and the next thing she knows Daryl is practically ripping her panties off. "Daryl!" He throws them behind him.

"What?"

"I really like this rough Daryl. Maybe you should get drunk more often." He smirks. He takes his clothes off slowly like she did.

"Don't expect a lap dance," he says as he slips off his vest. She laughs. When he's done undressing he leaps onto the bed.

"Am I your prey?"

"Mhm."

"Well come and get me." He leaps onto her and she laughs. "I love you Daryl."

"I love you too." They kiss and make love. In the morning Daryl wakes up to Carol in his arms and he caresses her back to wake her up. She smiles with her eyes still closed.

"Good morning."

"Good morning." He opens his eyes, suddenly remembering everything. "Holy shit how embarrassing."

"What, singing on stage?"

"No."

"Oh good I loved it, it was fun."

"Us, last night and the way I acted. Like a complete idiot."

"I loved that too."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I love it no matter what, but I loved seeing a different side of you in and outside of bed. Speaking of, you think we have time," Carol asks?

"I would love to, but we should get going before they come knocking."

"You're right." They kiss.

"Maybe a quickie," Daryl says. She laughs. They make love and then get dressed. They come down stairs.

"Good morning," they all say at once.

"Good morning," they say back.

"Did you sleep well?" Carol is beaming.

"Yes we did," she says.

"Best sleep I've had in a while," Daryl says smiling at her. The men give a knowing glace at each other. "We really need to get going," Daryl says.

"We understand." They exchange hugs. "Thanks for last night Daryl and Carol. We really needed it," Lenny says.

"Same here," Daryl says.

"Oh, before you leave … He goes behind the counter. "We found a whole bunch of these upstairs, a whole room full, in crates." They are RTE meals. "We've got more then enough."

"Thanks." Daryl gives him a nod. He nods back and smiles.

"Also, we have these." They pull out a six pack of beers.

"We have crates of these in the back too," Tim says.

"We would give you more, but considering your current means of transportation …" Tom says. They say thanks.

"Do you want to come with us?" Daryl asks shocking Carol.

"No, we are safe here," Lenny says. "There are no eaters." The others smile and say yeah in agreement.

"Okay."

"Be safe," Lenny says.

"We will, you too," Carol says with a smile.

"By the way, we got to talking about your vest and we think it rocks," Lenny says.

"Thanks. A special little girl made it for me."

"Cool."

"Yours too."

"Yeah, same here," Carol says.

"Thanks again guys. It's been great knowing you," Lenny says.

"You too man."

"Yeah, thanks for everything," Carol says.

"Our pleasure," Lenny says. They leave.

Deadly Detour

When they get to the point where the walkers were, they are gone. They come to a stop.

"We have to be careful. They aren't here, but they are somewhere up ahead," Daryl says.

"Daryl?"

"Yeah?"

"I know we are headed for New Mexico, but can we take a detour?"

"Yeah, where do you want to go?"

"The Grand Canyon."

"Sounds good. I've never been, but why?"

"Remember when we escaped the CDC and we were on the road and the RV broke down where all those cars were and …" She stops, remembering Sophia. She starts to tear up.

"I know." She takes a deep breath.

"Right before the RV broke down Rick and Lori were talking about a trip they took to the Grand Canyon, but never made it because Carl got ill. They talked about going back and Sophia asked if we can come too. Rick said we would never go without you and your mom, so now I want to go."

"Let's go." She smiles. They leave. They make it to the Grand Canyon without a problem.

"We made it!" Carol yells over the motor with a big smile on her face.

"Yeah." They turn a corner and there's the horde that they faced before, but before Daryl can stop and turn around they are surrounded. They are going to speed through them. "Ready!"

"Yeah!"

"Hold on!" They speed through parting the herd as they do so. They are almost out when Carol falls off the bike. "Carol"! He stops and bends down to help Carol back onto the bike, but when he's till bent down a walker bites him in the side of the neck. He cries out in pain and Carol pulls out her knife and stabs the walker in the head. He grabs her hand and pulls her back up. She quickly gets back on. "Hold on tight!" They make it the rest of the way out. They speed ahead until they are clear of the walkers and they can stop at a safe place before they catch up and they have to move again. Daryl parks his bike and they get off, Daryl stumbling on the way off.

"Daryl!" She puts a hand around him and helps him sit, but cannot hold him up anymore and lets go halfway down. He falls to the ground. He takes his bow off. "What is it Daryl? What's wrong?" She asks as she cringes.

"It looks like I should be asking you that."

"It's nothing." She kneels down and cringes again.

"Bullshit. Show me." She lifts up her shirt and shows him the bite in her side. He starts crying. "No." She starts crying.

"You got bit too, didn't you?" He shows her his bite. Carol hugs him and they hold each other for a long time as they cry. They pull apart still holding each other.

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you," he says as he cries.

"Are you shitting me? I'm sorry that you got bit saving me, so don't you dare apologize Daryl."

"But …"

"No, I don't want to hear it," she says putting a hand on either side of his face. She wipes his tears away. He does the same also putting a hand on either side of her face and wiping her tears away. "I love you Daryl Dixon."

"I love you too Carol Peletier." They kiss slow and sweet.

"I want to call them before we're too weak to talk," Carol says.

"Alright." They grab the walkie.

Saying Goodbye

Everybody is outside enjoying the day. Rick and Michonne are playing with Judith and RJ, Aaron is playing with Gracie, Maggie's playing with Hershel, and Negan, Lydia, and Connie watch.

"It's Carol and Daryl is anybody there?" They all hurry over to Rick, who carries the walkie. Rick answers.

"We're all here." Hearing the excitement in everyone's voices makes this even harder and they both start to tear up. "Everyone's here. What have you two been up to since we last talked."

"We are an item now," Carol says. All of a sudden they hear cheers and they smile and tear up. They kiss.

"It's about time," Rick says.

"Everyone here has been waiting for it," Michonne says.

"Some longer then others," Maggie says.

"Congrats," Aaron says.

"I'm so happy for you two," Connie signs and Aaron says speaking for Connie so Daryl and Carol can hear what she says. Everyone including the kids know sign language now, so no one needs to speak for Connie, but since Daryl and Carol aren't there Aaron will speak for her.

"You two crazy kids deserve it," Negan says.

"Congrats," Lydia says.

"Yah!" The kids yell and jump up and down.

"Thanks guys," Daryl says.

"Yeah, thanks. Guess where we are Rick." He smiles and starts to tear up, the memory hitting him hard.

"The Grand Canyon," he says smiling.

"Yes," she says smiling and tearing up too.

"It's a shame that Sophia and Carl can't be there, but me, Michonne, RJ, Judith, and the others can meet you there."

"I would love to go to The Grand Canyon," Negan says. "Me and my Lucille wanted to go, but …" Lydia gives him a hug. He told Lydia and the others about Lucille.

"We want to go," all the kids say at once.

"Me and Eric went once. I would love to go again with the rest of my family." Connie doesn't need anyone to speak for her anymore because everyone including the kids have learned sign language, but Aaron will speak for her now since Daryl and Carol can't see her and she can't see them. Everyone also signs when they speak so she can join in the conversation.

"Me and Kelly went once," Connie signs. She starts tearing up and Michonne comforts her.

"We went as a family once," Maggie says. "I would love for Hershel to experience it. I wanted to go with Glenn some time, but …" Michonne, Aaron, and Rick comfort her and Negan lowers his head.

"My dad and I wanted to go, but my mom would never let us do that," Lydia says.

"Now you get to go with us kid," Negan says putting an arm around her.

"That sounds wonderful, but I'm so sorry that's not going to happen," Carol says.

"Not with us anyway," Daryl says.

"What? Why not?" Rick asks.

"The place is surrounded. It's not safe," Carol says.

"We can all clear it out together," Michonne says.

"Yeah, we've done it before," Aaron says.

"Even if you did come and you cleared them together we wouldn't be there to help," Daryl says.

"What? Why not?" Rick asks. Everyone catches on, but Rick and they start tearing up or crying. Everyone is comforting each other, Michonne holding RJ and Judith, who are crying. Rick sees Michonne, Judith, RJ, and everyone else crying or tearing up and it clicks, but he's in denial. "What is it?" He asks his voice cracking.

"We were bit."

"It's okay. We'll go and we'll bring the doctor. We'll do what we have to do and then the doctor can stitch you guys up and we'll take you to the infirmary for you to heal. Everyone pack up."

"Rick," Daryl says, but Rick continues.

"Doctor, pack up everything you need for a couple amputations."

"Rick," Carol tries, but he's not listening.

"Michonne, help the kids pack." She doesn't know what to say. She just cries and shakes her head, still comforting the kids. "Aaron, Maggie, help Gracie and Hershel." They just look on not knowing what to say either.

"Brother!" Daryl yells. He stops. He knew it would get his attention because that's the first time he says it.

"No," he says starting to cry reality setting in.

"It's too late for us Rick. We're dying. By the time you get here we'll be gone and I'll be damned if I loose most or all of my family for nothing," he says his voice cracking.

"Lydia," Carol starts. "I know you didn't want me to think of myself as your mother, but I did and it just grew. You saved my life when I truly wanted to die. I'll always be grateful for that," she says as she cries. Lydia speaks.

"I never admitted it, but I thought of you as my mother. You accepted me with Henry and helped me fit in. I had to save you. I need you in my life."

"And me you. You truly made Henry happy."

"Daryl," Lydia starts. "You are one of my father figures here." She looks at Negan and smiles. He smiles back. Daryl smiles.

"Aaron told me that I would make a great father. I got to experience some of that with you."

"Thanks," she says crying.

"I was right," Aaron says smiling.

"You would know, you are a great father Aaron. Take care of your little girl."

"I will." Gracie smiles up at him and he holds her hand and smiles back.

"Aaron," Daryl starts. "You made me feel welcomed there from the start. I was stubborn and anyone there who knows me well knows how it's hard for me to open up."

"That's for sure," Michonne says. They laugh through their tears.

"I'm getting to you soon enough." She laughs and Rick wipes her tears away. Aaron speaks.

"It's been a pleasure knowing you Daryl."

"You too man."

"I found it easier talking to you more then even my Alexandrian family, even though I did most of the talking." He says as he laughs. They all laugh. "We are complete opposites, but I found myself desperately trying to get you to open up to everybody because I knew how it felt to feel like everyone is scared of you and I didn't want you to feel that way."

"Thanks." Aaron speaks to Carol now.

"Carol," he laughs. "I had a suspicious feeling about you. We had some of the nicest people here, but you," he laughs, "you were over the top. I imagined that you were really a badass that can take down any walker or person with ease. Little did I know," he says as he laughs. She laughs.

"Thanks. You are a real badass too."

"Thanks."

"I think you're the first Alexandrian I trusted."

"Thanks." Daryl speaks.

"Negan, you used to be an asshole, but now you're just a pain in the ass."

"Language!" Everyone laughs.

"Sorry Judith."

"It's ok, you may continue."

"Alright," Negan says. "Now where was I? Oh yeah. Well thanks Daryl, that was very touching," he says putting a hand on his chest. Everyone laughs.

"Seriously though, you have redeemed yourself and I consider you family."

"You too man. I always liked you even if you were a tough nut to crack."

"Take care of Lydia for me."

"You know I will." He puts an arm around Lydia and she gives him a side hug.

"You saved Judith, Hershel, and Maggie. I think that's when I truly saw you differently. I will always be grateful for that."

"Awe, thanks Daryl that really means a lot. I love you too."

"Don't push it Negan." Everyone laughs.

"Got it boss." Carol speaks.

"Negan, when I first met you I used you. I'm sorry I wasn't grateful. You risked your life to get the job done and that's when I realized how desperately you wanted to redeem yourself. I wanted you to stay at the cabin because you deserved a safe place away from Maggie. I said that I did it because I didn't want your blood on my hands, but it was more like paying you back for me yelling at you after you didn't kill Alpha fast enough."

"It's okay, I know that you were hurting and you only did it because you blamed your self for not being able to do it." She starts to tear up.

"It's true."

"You are a true badass Carol and I knew it as soon as I met you and not just because of the stories I heard, I can tell." She smiles.

"Thanks Negan, you are a real badass too."

"Thanks." Daryl speaks.

"Connie, I never met anyone like you."

"Yeah, I'm deaf," she signs. Everyone laughs.

"Yeah, but you inspired me to learn sign language and I carried a sign language book everywhere I went. You became my family fast and I opened up to you faster then even my other family members." Connie signs.

"Daryl, you are beautiful from the inside out and that is rare before and after the apocalypse." Dog barks. "I think Dog agrees," Connie signs. Everyone laughs. "Thanks Connie, you too. I love you boy," he says his voice cracking. He barks again and starts crying. "It's okay Dog, you have a lot of people who love you." The kids hug Dog.

"The kids are hugging him," Aaron says.

"He'll be fine," Daryl says. "He's got you now kids. Would you like to take care of him for me?"

"We would love too," Judith says smiling. The other kids yell yeah.

"Good. Connie, will you help them?"

"Of course, he's a good boy," she signs petting him.

"Thanks." Connie signs.

"Daryl, you saved me when I first met you, but when you went after Henry, that's when I knew you were different from other men I knew. You wear your heart on your sleeve. You care about your family and are loyal to them. You would do anything for them and I was so happy when you confirmed with me that we are family by signing it after I just did," she signs tears streaming down her face. Michonne hugs her. Carol speaks.

"Connie, when I blew up the cave with you and Magna in it I felt like the biggest peace of shit in the world," she says getting emotional. Daryl puts an arm around her. "In the process I almost lost my best friend." Daryl looks at her and smiles. She smiles back and they kiss. Connie starts to tear up. "You helped me in the cave and then that's how I repay you."

"You didn't know. I never blamed you." Carol smiles and has tears streaming down her face.

"Thank you." Daryl wipes her tears away. Maggie speaks.

"We are always leaving each other, but we always come back, but this time … She starts crying and Aaron hugs her. "You are not coming back," she finishes. They start crying. "I remember meeting you guys on my daddy's farm. Carol, most of your family were good fighters, but you were inexperienced, scared, and soft spoken. Daryl, it always seemed like you were angry bruiting, and kept to yourself. Then you became part of the group, part of their family. Carol, you became a badass and saved all of us."

"You've changed too Maggie," Carol says. "You became stronger. A fighter, a leader."

"Thanks. Daryl, we bonded more over the death of Beth and then after Glenn and they took you away, I couldn't bare to loose you too. And then when you came back you couldn't face me. After Rick I left and you left too, but you were still here."

"Take care of Hershel. He's a little Glenn," Carol says.

"With my life." She picks him up and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Carol, you left."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me most," Carol says. "I wasn't a good friend," she says tearing up.

"You didn't know. I'm glad though or you wouldn't have met Ezekiel, Henry, or Jerry."

"Don't forget Shiva," Carol says.

"Yes, of course." They all smile. "We would have never met them or had a new community. I had the rest of my family there for me. You were busy making a family of your own." She smiles. Daryl speaks.

"I told you I would get back to you Michonne." She laughs. "We didn't get along at first, did we, Daryl says."

"No, you pointed your bow at me and threatened me. You said that I better start talking or your gonna have a much bigger problem then a gunshot wound. That was also the same day that you found Carol."

"One of the best days of my life." He smiles at Carol and she gives him a kiss. "Another one is meeting you Michonne."

"Same here, the both of you."

"You too Michonne."

"I was looking at you reuniting with your family through the bars and I remember feeling lonely and wanting to be part of that." Rick gives her a kiss. "After I was confirmed as one of you by Carl …" Most of them start tearing up at the mention of Carl, even Negan. "After that everything fell into place and I was determined to make you smile or even laugh by throwing little jabs at you and then after the snow storm when we went back to Alexandria there it was, you smiled, you laughed, and you just had fun."

"That was a rare moment for all of us really. Not just seeing you like that, but everyone," Carol says.

"That was fun," Daryl says. "We needed more of that, I did," Daryl says.

"It was awesome!" Judith yells.

"Yeah!" RJ yells. They laugh.

"When we reunited at Hilltop I was so happy that you were okay and you and your brother were reunited. He wasn't the same without you."

"I wasn't either," Daryl says. "That visit to Alexandria was more torture then what they could ever put me through. I felt ashamed and like I didn't deserve to be there."

"I wanted you back brother, but Negan wouldn't allow it."

"Well, sorry. At the time I felt justified. You know I'm happy things worked out in the end," Negan says.

"We know," Daryl says. "I thought I lost you Rick," Daryl says. "Then Michonne left and I lost both of you and then you came back just for this to happen. It ain't right," Daryl says his voice cracking.

"Damn it Daryl, it's just like you to die saving someone you love, but it was for nothing because you got bit too Carol," Rick says.

"I wish that you two could be here surrounded by your family," he says as he cries.

"We do too," Carol says as she cries too.

"Daryl, I know I already thanked you, but thank you for helping me look for Rick and then continuing on your own."

"I had to, he's my brother. I couldn't give up on you Rick. I knew you were alive."

"You know I would have done the same for you."

"I know. Eventually I had to stop. My family needed me."

"We always needed you," Judith says starting to cry.

"We do," RJ says tearing up. The others tear up too and agree.

"I love you Uncle Daryl," Judith says.

"I love you too Judith," he says tears streaming down his face. Carol wipes his tears away.

"I love you Aunt Carol,"

"I love you too Judith," she says tears streaming down her face. Daryl wipes hers away too.

"I love you RJ," Carol and Daryl say.

"I love you too."

"Also, thank you for helping me find Judith all those years ago. I know it cost you."

"It cost you too Michonne."

"Yeah, but you could have lost an eye. That arrow just missed it."

"It ain't nothing, I would do anything for Judith."

"I would do anything for you too," Judith says.

"We didn't get along either when we first met, did we Daryl," Rick says.

"Hell no." Everyone laughs.

"But we made it there and I confirmed it when you were willing to sacrifice yourself when Joe and his men were going to kill me, Michonne, and Carl. You are my brother Daryl Dixon," he says crying.

"And you are my brother Rick Grimes," Daryl says as he cries too. "I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner, but it's always been true."

"Thank you for taking care of Judith and RJ when I was gone Daryl. You've always been there for her when I couldn't be, thank you."

"It goes without saying."

"Carol, I wish I can take back sending you away. At the time it felt right. I was protecting my kids. You were unpredictable, but now I think, thank god I did or we would all be dead. When you left and me and Morgan went looking for you, Morgan asked me if I would kill you if you did that today. I said that I would thank you and that you were right to do it, so thank you Carol for trying to keep all of us safe. You always kept us safe ever since you gave me that grenade. Once again we would all be dead if it weren't for you."

"You put the grenade in your pocket."

"Okay then we can call it team work." Carol laughs.

"Yeah, team work."

"Lil ass kicker."

"That's me." Everyone laughs.

"What, no language?"

"No, I love my nick name, but anything else besides that from now on …" She starts to cry knowing there won't be a next time. Michonne and Rick comfort her. "I'm sorry Judith," Daryl says his voice cracking.

"Its okay, you did nothing wrong."

"You didn't either."

"I know."

"There was no way in hell I was going to let you die when you were born. Me and your Aunt Maggie went to find formula for you. When we got back the bottle was made and you were crying, basically starving. I took you and the bottle from your aunt Beth and I fed you and you were so adorable. Carl was thinking of names and I thought of lil asskicker and they laughed. It sure suits you now though." Everyone smiles. Michonne, Rick, and everyone else agree.
After your dad disappeared I knew I needed to be there for you more then ever and then your mom left too."

"I think I can speak for everyone here, almost everyone here," he says looking at Negan. "We love you guys and will miss you so much," he says crying. Everyone returns his sentiments.

"We love you too," Carol says crying.

"Yeah, I love you all," he says crying too.

"Now I will not go as far as to say I love you guys, but I will honestly say that I will miss you guys too."

"Thank you Negan," Carol says.

"Yeah thanks man."

"Sure."

"This is Carol Peletiere,"

"and Daryl Dixon, over and out," they say. Rick gives the walkie to them so they can pass it around.

"This is Lydia,"

"Negan,"

"Connie," Aaron says.

"Aaron,"

"Gracie,"

"Maggie,"

"Hershel,"

"Judith,"

"RJ," Dog barks and everyone laughs.

"Michonne"

"and Rick Grimes over and out." There is only static now and most of them cry and everyone comforts each other.

The Last Ride

Daryl and Carol hold each other and cry for a long while. They kiss for a long while too and then put a hand on either side of each others face.

"I want to go out my own way, not because I got bitten by a walker," Daryl says. "Do you trust me?" He asks.

"Of course."

"Good, because I'm not doing this without you. I want to go out like Thelma and Louise."

"Really?"

"Yeah, stupid right."

"Hell no," Carol says and he smiles at her words. "It sounds just like you, just one thing."

"What?"

"If the fall doesn't destroy the brain then we walk with the walkers forever."

"Oh yeah, forgot about that." There is a moment of silence and then Carol starts laughing.

"Owe." Daryl starts laughing too and then they are suddenly in hysterics now. "We are dying, so why are we laughing?" Carol asks still laughing. Daryl calms himself so he can speak.

"I think because we are at peace with it. Of course, we don't want to leave our family, but we are at peace with dying."

"We are," Carol says smiling. They kiss.

"You know what though," Daryl says.

"What?"

"We'll be together for eternity and we won't have to worry about hurting anyone. We are never getting out," Daryl says.

"That's true. Let's do it," Carol says.

"They are coming," Daryl says. They are barely able to get up, Daryl helping Carol up. Carol helps him take off his vest and she lays her knife on top of his vest. Daryl picks his bow up and leans it against the canyon wall next to the vest and the knife. They head for the bike and they take out the beers and the meals. Daryl puts them down next to the other stuff. Luckily the bike is already in position for his idea because he had the idea in mind since they got bit. Daryl helps Carol get onto the bike and then Daryl gets onto the bike backwards so he can face her. "We ride together, we die together, Daryl says.

"Damn right," she says smiling.

"I love you Carol Peletier," he says starting to cry. She starts to cry too.

"And I love you Daryl Dixon." They kiss passionately.

"You ready for our last ride?"

"Ready." The walkers are feet away. Daryl shifts the gear to reverse and starts the motorcycle. They hold each other, look into each others eyes, and smile as the bike speeds toward the edge of the canyon. The motorcycle goes off the edge, and crashes, throwing them off as it hits the bottom of the canyon, but they are still holding onto each other with a death grip and they stay that way for an hour until they turn. They slowly start to get up and they seem to have some recognition of each other when they look at each other and hold hands. Together for eternity.

Finding Carol And Daryl

The next day everyone decides to go to The Grand Canyon to see if they can find, put down, and bring Carol and Daryl's bodies back home. The kids reluctantly stay home. They take several cars and when they get there there is not a walker to be seen. They see Carol's knife, Daryl's vest, the meals, the beer, and his crossbow leaning up against the canyon wall.

"They didn't get those from us," Negan says referring to the beers and the meals.

"Where ever they found them or who they got them from, we can only hope that they were good people, Rick says."

"Where's the bike?" Maggie asks.

"They have to be somewhere around here, look everywhere, they could have turned then wandered off," Rick says.

"Or Daryl could have ridden to a safer place while he still can," Connie signs. Negan looks over the edge of the canyon.

"Holy shit," he says in almost a whisper. "Guys, you gotta see this." They hurry over and look over the edge. They see the bike burnt and smashed to smithereens.

"Where are Daryl and Carol?" Rick asks.

"What if they died and didn't become walkers, so the walkers would have …" Michonne stops, not able to say it and holding back tears. Rick puts an arm around her.

"I think I know what they might have done," Negan says. "What if they pulled a Thelma and Louise?"

"A what?" Lydia asks.

"Some badass chick fugitives drove their cars off a cliff after they are surrounded by cops in a classic. I think that's what happened."

"That sounds just like Daryl," Rick says shaking his head and smiling.

"Yeah, it does," Michonne says smiling.

"He wanted to go out his own way and with the love of his life," Rick says smiling. They run along the edge. "Be careful guys," Rick yells.

"Over here, I see them!" Aaron yells. They come running. "There!" He points.

"Is it just me or are they …?" Lydia asks.

"Holding hands," Maggie finishes in shock. Everyone else is in shock too, but smiles and most of them tear up.

"But how?" Michonne asks.

"Their connection was that strong," Rick says smiling at Michonne and holding her hand. She smiles back and they kiss. Everyone smiles even Negan. "Something like me and my Lucille."

"Me and Glenn."

"Me and Eric."

"Me and Henry."

"And now they'll be together forever," Connie signs. They stand there watching them for a while.

"Hey, is Carol wearing leather pants and jacket," Maggie asks. Michonne laughs.

"She is."

"Damn, I would love to hear the story behind that one," Negan says. Rick picks up Daryl's vest, Michonne picks up Carol's knife, Maggie picks up his bow, and Negan picks up the beers and the meals.

"It's going to be dark soon," Rick says.

"I saw a bar on the way here. They might have rooms above the bar," Negan says.

"That sounds good," Rick says.

"I saw it too," Connie signs, "but I saw five bikes out front, so what if they're bad people."

"We can handle them, but if they are good then maybe we can bring them back with us," Aaron says.

"Maybe," Rick says.

Not Again

They arrive at the bar and quietly make their way to the door, weapons up. Rick and Michonne are at the front. He puts his hand up and then brings it down fast, signaling them they are going in. Rick swings the door open. "On your knees!" Lenny and the others put their hands up and get on their knees. Lenny and the others look at each other.

"I hope this turns out to be another Daryl and Carol," Mike says. They look at Mike and the others in shock.

"What did you say?" Rick asks coming closer to Mike and putting a gun to his head.

"No don't, please!" Lenny yells. "We'll tell you, but I don't understand. You knew they left, so why are you acting like they are missing?"

"They are not missing they are dead," Rick says. The bikers are in shock and start tearing up.

"But how?" Mike asks. "They were alive when we last saw them."

"Why don't you tell us," Rick says.

"We cared about them. We would have never hurt them," Jimmy says.

"Never, they were good people," Tom says.

"Our friends," Tim says.

"Family," Mike says.

"They were bitten," Rick says.

"They said goodbye to us over the walkie," Michonne says.

"We went to the Grand Canyon to retrieve their bodies," Maggie says.

"Yeah, but when we came they were nowhere to be found," Aaron says.

"Yeah, just their things, except for Daryl's motorcycle," Lydia says.

"We also saw some things we didn't give them," Rick says.

"Beers and RTE meals," Michonne says.

"That was us!" Mike says.

"You have to believe us," Lenny says. They ignore him and continue.

"Then we saw them down in the Grand Canyon as walkers, along with Daryl's bike that was smashed to smithereens," Negan says. "I was thinking they pulled a Thelma and Louise, but now we wonder."

"Explain," Rick says.

"Lenny saved Carol when her and Daryl were on his motorcycle and surrounded by walkers. He could only take one, so he took Carol. She demanded he turn around so they can go back for Daryl …"

"That definitely sounds like Carol," Maggie says.

"Sure does," Rick says. "Continue."

"They told us their story and we told them ours. Do you want to hear it too?"

"Maybe. If we decide we can trust you." They continue.

"Carol trusted us first and then …"

"So that's why Carol was dressed like that," Michonne says.

"Yeah, Daryl loved it. I think that's what helped him to trust us, giving his lady a makeover. They wanted to stay over night and we agreed, but only if they did some karaoke and they did, but Daryl was reluctant at first."

"Big surprise there," Negan says. Everyone laughs.

"He gave in after we told him it was a package deal."

"I can't believe Daryl did karaoke," Michonne says.

"Carol is already unbelievable, but Daryl?" Rick laughs and shakes his head.

"I know, I can't believe it either," Connie signs.

"You're deaf," Lenny says as he signs. Connie smiles.

"Yes I am."

"We all know sign language. We learned because it was a good way to not draw in walkers."

"Yeah, we happened to run across a library and I saw a book titled Sign Language Made Easy," Jimmy says. Connie smiles.

"Great idea." Jimmy smiles and signs, thank you.

"That's nice," Negan says, but back to the pressing matter at hand, boy would I have loved to have seen that," Negan says.

"You can!" Lenny yells louder then expected. Rick lowers his gun.

"What?" Rick asks.

"How," Aaron asks.

"Can we show you?" Tom asks. Rick nods and signals for the others to lower their weapons. They take them to the karaoke room.

Everything Gets Returned

"This is where they sang and believe it or not, that karaoke machine comes with a video camera. We video taped the whole thing." They turn the screen around so they can see. They sit down and watch intently. They press play. They were laughing and crying at the same time while watching them sing.

"That outfit, wow," Negan says.

"I agree," Maggie says.

"I've never seen Carol dressed like that," Rick says.

"None of us have," Aaron, says.

"She's beautiful," Connie signs.

"She is," Lydia says.

"I agree," Michonne says, "but I think being with the love of her life contributes to that." They smile when Carol says this is dedicated to my man Daryl Dixon. After she sings, "when I knew I had to face another day, it made me feel so tiered," and they hear Tim yell off stage, sing it woman, they laugh. They smile as she points to him when she sings, "close to you because you make me feel so alive." When she finishes they hear Daryl off stage yelling yeah, that's my woman and they smile. They see her bow. They watch Daryl go on stage and say I'm dedicating this one to my woman Carol Peletier. They laugh when Daryl sings, "wild thing I think I love you" and the bikers sing, "but I want to know for sure" and then when Daryl sings the next line, "so come on and hold me tight," and they watch as Carol comes up and they smile as she holds him tight and they laugh through their tears as they watch Daryl dip her and they smile as for the first time they see them kiss.

"If you couldn't tell already, Daryl is really drunk."

"Yeah, I think we can," Michonne says smiling and tearing up.

"He's happy," Lydia says.

"Yeah, and it's not just because he's drunk," Connie signs. They watch as it fades to a blank screen. Rick and everyone else stands up. Rick goes up to Lenny. "Thank you for this, we really needed it," he says smiling. The others smile and nod in agreement. "He was my brother," Rick says tearing up.

"They were family," Michonne says tears streaming down her face. Rick holds his hand out and he shakes Rick's hand.

"I'm Rick Grimes and this is my wife Michonne." She shakes his hand and smiles. "And the rest of my family, Aaron, Maggie, Connie, Lydia, and Negan."

"Cool bikes and vests man," Negan says. They smile and say thanks.

"This is my family, Tom, Mike, Jimmy, and Tim and I'm Lenny." The others shake their hands and say thanks too.

"I like your hand made prosthetic," Mike says to Aaron after shaking his good hand.

"Thanks," Aaron says with a smile. A man named Earl who was a blacksmith made it for me. He was family."

"You should see his second attachment, it's really badass," Negan says with a laugh.

"Is it some sort of weapon?"

"Yeah, a morning star."

"Damn, that really is badass. I would love to see you at work," he says with a smile.

"Maybe we can go some where where there are a sustainable amount of walkers and you can watch me fight them."

"I would like that." Aaron smiles and gives him a nod. The others smile, being able to tell that they like each other.

"We were going to ask if we can spend the night." Rick asks. Lenny just looks at him with a smile on his face and then it clicks. He laughs and shakes his head. "You want us to sing."

"That's right."

"Let me talk to my family outside."

"Sure." They go outside.

"What do you guys think?"

"They gave us a priceless gift, so this is the least we can do," Michonne says.

"Yeah, and humiliate the shit out of ourselves in the process," Negan says.

"I'm not worried," Connie signs smiling and shrugging. They laugh.

"Ha ha so funny," Negan signs. Connie smiles, winks at him, and then nudges him. He smiles and nudges her back.

"I'm with Michonne," Rick says. She smiles and gives him a kiss.

"I'm with them," Maggie says.

"I'll try," Lydia says. Negan rolls his eyes.

"Fine." They go back inside.

The Second Act

"We'll do it."

"Good, who's going first?" Lenny asks.

"I'll go," Lydia says wanting to get it over with. They clap, whistle, holler, and cheer as she goes up the steps and they do the same for the rest of them as they go on stage. She looks through the list and finds a song. The song is "I Will Survive." Her dad would sing it to her letting her know that she will survive her mom and the apocalypse. She starts singing. She can barely be heard and she sounds like she's talking rather then singing. "I'm sorry, but I can't do this."

"It's ok Lydia. We'll find another place to spend the night," Michonne says. She's about to go off stage when Maggie comes up the steps.

"I'll sing with her."

"You don't have to."

"I want to," she says putting an arm around her. They start clapping to encourage her. "I'll start," Maggie says. Lydia smiles. "At first I was afraid, I was petrified …" Lydia hesitates then starts to sing the next part. They take turns singing and when the song gets up beat so does her singing.

"Go on now go, walk out the door, just turn around now cause your not welcome anymore. Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye. Did you think I'd crumble? Do you think I'd lay down and die …" They both sing the chorus and Lydia sings the rest of the song. When they are finished the whole room is clapping, hollering, cheering, and whistling and do the same for the rest of the performances too while Connie makes a heart in sign language and Negan whistles.

"Who's next?" Lenny asks.

"I am," Aaron says. He walks up the steps. He chooses a song. The song is "Don't Stop Believing." As soon as they hear the beginning the crowd goes wild, the song being a classic before the apocalypse and also a karaoke favorite. Everyone is singing back up off stage except for Lydia who doesn't know the words, but still enjoys watching and Connie can hear the music through the vibrations and enjoys watching too. Jimmy really enjoys watching and is smiling through out the performance and feels like Connie and him are doing a duet. Aaron feels the same way with Mike. When he is done Michonne and Rick come on stage.

"We want to sing a duet."

"Sounds good," Lenny says.

"We'll see about that," Negan jokes. They laugh. They choose a song. The song is "I've Got You Babe." When they sing "I've got you babe," everyone sings along, Lydia catching on even though she doesn't know it. Connie sways in her seat. When he sings "I've got you to hold my hand," she holds his hand. When he sings "I've got you to kiss goodnight," they kiss. When she sings "I've got you to hold me tight," he holds her tight. When they are done they kiss.

"Saving the best for last I see," Negan says. Everyone laughs. He walks up the steps. He chooses a song. He laughs. "Perfect." The song is "Bad To The Bone." He starts singing. The bikers are really into it, but the others aren't sure how to act. He is family now, but the song is a reminder, but halfway into the song they get into it, realizing that the song is a perfect fit for Negan's personality and it doesn't have to represent his past. "Well we all sang or if you want to call that singing, so can we stay the night or what?" Negan asks.

"Excuse my friend here," Rick says. "We really needed that and we'll always be grateful to you for giving us one last moment with our lost family members, but we all need a place to sleep."

"We came up with a last minute thing. We want to hear all of you up there," Lenny says.

"I know you said that there are no walkers around here, but I'm surprised that we weren't heard by the walkers," Aaron says.

"If not then I think this will do it," Negan says.

"We've been doing this for years now, including all of us on stage and still nothing. I think it will be ok. We just sang as a group a few days ago, so what do you think?" Lenny asks.

"What do you guys say?" Rick asks.

"We've gone this far, why not one more song," Negan says.

"I feel more confident now," Lydia says.

"That was liberating," Aaron says.

"Yeah, that was fun," Maggie says.

"Yes it was," Michonne says smiling at Rick. He smiles back.

"I would love to see that," Connie signs.

"Alright, we are in," Rick says.

"Great!" They all go back on stage except for Connie. Michonne and Rick look through the songs. Michonne and Rick see the song they want and they smile and start tearing up. The song is "More Then A Feeling."

"That was a perfect day," Michonne says.

"Yes it was," Rick says. They kiss. They tell the others and they agree. "We are dedicating this song to our son. We were listening to this song one morning and by the end of the day we were officially a couple," Rick says.

"Also, me and Carl had a heart to heart that brought us even closer together," Michonne says. "We also met Jesus."

"What?" Connie signs and Lydia and the bikers ask. They laugh.

"Paul Rovia. Only his friends call him Jesus he said when me and Daryl first met him. It took a while, but he became family and we were calling him Jesus." They start tearing up.

"He was an amazing man," Aaron says. Mike puts a hand on his shoulder and Aaron smiles.

"I wish I could have met him and your son," Connie signs smiling.

"Me too," Lydia says. The bikers agree. They start singing in duets. Michonne and Rick, Negan and Lydia, Lydia reading the words on the screen, and Maggie and Aaron. When the chorus starts then they all sing. Connie is dancing in her seat when Jimmy comes up to her and holds out his hand for her. She smiles and grabs his hand. They start dancing and he spins her and then dips her. She laughs and he brings her up fast and she laughs again. They finish singing.

Going Home

"Thank you that was fun," Connie signs.

"My pleasure."

"Well we just butchered one of the greatest songs in history. If that doesn't call walkers over then I don't know what will," Negan says.

"Yeah, that was pretty bad," Michonne says with a laugh.

"I agree," Aaron says as he laughs.

"Me too," Maggie says.

"Thanks, we needed this too," Lenny says.

"Yeah, we did," Jimmy says looking at Connie. Connie smiles.

"I couldn't agree more," Mike says looking at Aaron. Aaron smiles.

"Now you've earned your place here," Lenny says.

"Thanks," Rick says. Lenny shows them to their rooms. Rick and Michonne get their own rooms as well as the others. In the morning they all come down stairs where the bikers are waiting.

"How did you all sleep?" Lenny asks.

"Great, thanks," Rick says. They all agree.

"We have a parting gift for you. The same one we gave to Carol and Daryl." He pulls out a crate of RTE meals. "There are crates of these upstairs. Also, you're going to want something to wash that down with." He pulls out a crate of beers for them too. "There are crates of these upstairs too."

"Thank you," Rick says. Rick gives Michonne a smile and Michonne gives him a knowing smile and a nod. They look at the others and they smile and nod. "Would you like to come with us?"

"Daryl and Carol gave us the same offer. We didn't want to leave this safe place, but now after knowing your connection with Daryl and Carol I think we would be happy to." He looks at the others. "What do you guys think?"

"This is a sign," Tom says.

"Yeah, we are getting a second opportunity. Like it's meant to be," Jimmy says looking at Connie. She smiles.

"I hear you man," Mike says looking at Aaron. He smiles. Tim agrees.

"On one condition," Lenny says.

"What is it?" Rick asks.

"We can take the karaoke machine."

"Deal," Rick smiles and holds out his hand. They shake hands and he smiles. They pack up their things and they take the karaoke machine and the rest of the beer and RTE meals and they ride and drive off. They go home and Rick and Michonne make the bikers feel at home and they each get a house. Rick and Michonne give Daryl's vest to Judith. "I think Daryl would want you to have this." She starts crying and Rick and Michonne hug her.

"Thank you." Michonne keeps Carol's knife and Rick keeps Daryl's bow. Judith modifies Daryl's vest and paints the other wing purple. She shows Rick and Michonne and they smile and start tearing up.

"It's beautiful Judith," Michonne says.

"Yes, it's perfect," Rick says.

"Do you think they would have liked it?" Judith asks tears streaming down her face. Rick and Michonne wipe them away and smile.

"They would have loved it," Rick says tears streaming down his face. Judith wipes them away and they hug. They make gravestones. Carol's says, A friend, a fighter, a sister, an aunt, we will miss you. Daryl's says, A friend, a fighter, a brother, an uncle, we will miss you. The bikers rev up their motorcycles one at a time and everyone tears up, even Negan.

Epilogue

Within the next year, Mike and Connie become closer and Connie moves in with Mike. Jimmy and Aaron get closer and Jimmy moves in with Aaron and Gracie and Gracie considers him a father too. Aaron and Mike take a walk and Aaron shows Mike how he fights with his weapon hand.

"That was amazing!"

"Thanks." They share their first kiss. They make a sound proof room where they have karaoke Fridays and all the kids love singing on stage for everyone and they memorized every song that is appropriate for them. The bikers love the kids and they love them too and consider them family. They sing with the bikers on stage too. Mike and Connie have a baby girl she names Kelly. Rick and Michonne have twins, a boy and a girl who they name Daryl and Carol.