If Tomorrow Wasn't Such a Long Time

Thanks for all the support! I appreciate it. Still haven't left the TV show just yet. I'm setting everything up still. Trying to work off the present chemistry so I have something established. Really, I don't want to take Carol and Daryl's characters out of character. I don't want them rushing into a relationship and being all lovey dovey. I don't see their love like that. It's slow and diligent. So what I'm really trying to say is sorry it's taking me so long to get to the point of my story. Thank you for waiting and hopefully I can get this story underway.

Also: I own nothing in regards to The Walking Dead. All rights belong to the copyright holder.

Chapter 4

Daryl sat inside the cell with Carol. He'd gotten her to drink and tried to spoon a few mouthfuls of leftover food into her mouth, but she'd refused. He didn't blame her. He didn't quite enjoy the taste either, but in their current situation you couldn't be picky. She'd been in and out of consciousness for most of an hour. Carol would blindly reach out for something and Daryl would quickly grab it for her. Usually it was the bottle of water he'd brought for her. He'd carefully tilt her head up and put the bottle to her lips. Carol would then drink what little she wanted, then fall asleep and Daryl would sit cross legged across from her in idle wait. He was hesitant to leave his vigil. Honestly, he couldn't wrap his head around the idea that he had found her intact and not in pieces.

The entire time he had sat mulling over whether or not to open the door of that broom closet, he feared he would find her remains inside with a walker gnawing on one of her bones or a Carol-turned-walker. He had shuddered at the thought of having to kill her if she was in the process of turning or had been one of those things upon opening the door. He hadn't the heart to do it when they'd found Sophia... And he wouldn't do it then either.

If you expect the worse, you can never really be disappointed. In this case, he had been dead wrong. She had looked so weak and frail it made him furious that it had taken him so long to find her. Daryl partially blamed himself that he hadn't stalked the halls like he had intentioned that night, but to everyone's chagrin they had wanted him there on the block and so he stayed much to his dismay. Carol might not have been found in such poor condition had he just ignored the others' request and done what he wanted like he usually did. He was still much better on his own.

Carol moved, rolling onto her back. Daryl stood up from sitting, feeling his legs begin to cramp. The pins and needles feeling making their way through his calf and down into his toes. Daryl tried shaking out the feeling as he moved closer to Carol and noticed how dirty she looked. Blood splotches and grime plastered her skin. She was almost on par with himself. Dirt streaked across her blood-pocked face. Daryl took the rag from his back pocket and put a corner to his parched mouth, trying to moisten it as best he could with his spit. He began to try and dab as much of the muck off without waking her. He managed to get a few stains out of her cheeks before Carol shifted again. Daryl suddenly felt aware of what he'd been doing. Embarrassed, he pocketed the rag and sat back down. He stared at the ground covering his eyes with his hand.

He felt quite uneasy with everything right now. Daryl's chest felt tight and his palms were clamming up as if he were nervous. He simply felt awkward babysitting Carol realizing that he had been fussing over her like a mother-hen. He clicked his tongue against his teeth and stood up once more. This was becoming absurd. He decided he had had enough of, well, whatever it was he was doing and made his way for the entrance of the cell.

"Daryl."

He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. Carol had sat up, her legs swung over the side of the bed. "Don't get up, you'll fall down." he said and took another step towards the door.

"Where are you going?" she weakly asked. Carol stood up, her knees buckled and she fell forward.

Daryl rushed forward and grabbed her. She fell into his chest, knocking him back a bit. He braced himself, planting his foot behind him to balance the weight. Carol could hear him grunt in frustration. She made brief eye contact with him. A fierce look crossed his features etched with concern. Daryl quickly looked away. He grabbed her firmly by the shoulders and moved her back to the bed. He knew she would try something like that, but wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt that she would actually go through with it.

"What did I just say? Si' down." he snapped.

Carol looked confused and hurt by his change in attitude. Why so suddenly was he being cold? She knew he'd told her not to get up, but she didn't think he'd get that upset over her wanting to move about after being stuck in a broom closet for two days straight. More specifically she didn't want to be alone. She'd been alone too long in the dark. She pursed her lips at him, trying to form words.

Daryl let out a long drawn out sigh and spoke first. "Look, I didn't bring y'all back here so you could fall down and knock yerself out."

He eyed her carefully. Carol's expression softened. She understood what he was trying to say even if what he was saying wasn't what he really meant. Daryl nodded at her and exited the cell. "Holler if you need somethin'. I'll be up on my perch." He called as he left.

Carol sat in the cell alone despite her inclination to follow after him. She stared at where Daryl had left. She noticed on the ground lay Daryl's red grease rag. It must have fallen out of his pocket as he had moved in to catch her. She reached out to pick it up trying not to lean too far over and fall out of the bed face first. Carol rubbed her fingers over the cloth feeling the fabric. She could see the edges where it had become frayed from extensive use. Likely been used to clean himself or others, maybe even remove dirt and grime from his arrows. She wasn't sure. It had seen it's fair share of use. Her fingers skimmed a small moist circle in the cloth. Smudges of what looked to be blood and dirt accented the circular spot. Carol recalled feeling gentle massaging against her face as she laid in the bed earlier.

She furrowed an eyebrow at the rag in her hands. Had Daryl tried to clean her up while she had been sleeping? She had thought it was just a figment of her imagination, but apparently not. Daryl was often very rigid, but sometimes he would let slip his gentler side showing that he cared. A small smile crept onto her lips. Carol pulled her legs up and laid back down on the bed, tucking the rag into her pocket. She fell asleep with the smile still present.

Daryl sat perched on a rail watching the cell-block. His eyes would linger on each cell for a moment but would always fall on the cell occupied by Carol. He couldn't keep his gaze focused from anything but that particular cell. Daryl was still mulling over the previous encounter with her.

He'd snapped for no real reason. He had just been concerned for her safety and didn't want her getting hurt again. Daryl did not know how to voice that concern without getting angry or frustrated. He had never been one to discuss his feelings with another person let alone allow them to know how he felt. Daryl had grown up with Merle as an older brother and that was reason enough to keep things bottled inside. Anything beyond anger and frustration or the thrill of a challenge were feelings for the weak or women.

Daryl had never agreed with that rationality though. He did agree with the notion that feelings got in the way of the task at hand and made a man think sloppily. He was starting to find himself following that path with this group. Reason being? They made him feel needed. Like he was worth something to them. Daryl had always believed that these city-people would never accept him and would eventually just kick him to the curb. That never happened.

Rick had made Daryl his second-in-command. Everything Rick did, Daryl followed without question. It was often that Rick would look to him for an opinion on what to do next. Daryl was never particularly good at expressing what he thought, but either through a simple nod or gentle disapproving shake of his head got the point across to Rick what he thought of the current situation. He figured since Rick was able to read him without having to ask a single question, Daryl felt understood and acknowledged that that was something worth standing by his side for.

Despite any and all anger Daryl had held for Rick over having handcuffed Merle to the rooftop, he'd accepted that shit happened. Merle had left of his own accord. He'd believed that Daryl wasn't coming back. It was something only a Dixon would do. Always out for themselves until they were with kin. Blood is thicker than water, but Daryl supposed that Merle had only been looking out for his own survival. He would have done the same thing. Maybe not saw off his own hand, but he would have found a way to get loose without hindering his mobility. Especially in this kind of world, you needed every body limb intact.

Daryl's thoughts were interrupted by the clanging sound of keys and a bunch of voices sounding off all at once. He hopped off the railing, hearing Rick's voice from the next room. A grin spread thinly across his lips. This would be perfect. Daryl strode into Carol's cell and gently nudged her shoulder.

"Hey..." he said softly. "Sit up."

Carol awoke and rolled over to look at Daryl with sleepy eyes. She positioned herself on her back and watched as Daryl left the cell. After a moment she could hear several footsteps making their way towards her cell. Daryl led the way followed by Rick. She sat up as he looked at her in disbelief to Daryl then back at her. Rick was speechless. Carol felt herself smiling and she got up, using the bunk bar for support. She reached out towards Rick who had moved in close and pulled her into an embrace. She felt Rick squeeze her tight and Carol couldn't help but squeeze him back just as tight relishing in the moment.

Daryl stood at the frame of the cell and observed the reunion. He bit his lower lip trying to hide back his grin. He felt proud in some twisted way as if he had reinvigorated the spirit of the group. His eyes shifted rapidly to Hershel who had moved in to hug Carol. He adjusted keeping a careful eye on her.

"Fought her way into a cell. Musta passed out from dehydration." He rasped still observing the festivities. The merry atmosphere abruptly changed. Carol took one look at Beth holding their newest member and clamped a hand to her mouth when she realized Lori was nowhere to be seen. She looked to Rick who was blinking back his tears.

She reached out to Rick pulling his head close to her face, tears making their way down her cheeks as she whispered, "I am so sorry." She rubbed his cheek trying to offer comfort in the gesture. Carol had seen the mistiness in his eyes at the resurface of his emotional wounds. She hadn't meant to make him think back on that, but she did and she was terribly sorry for having done so. She saw Carl standing near Daryl. He was trying not to cry, his lower lip trembling with the sobs he wanted to let out. Trying to be a big boy and keep his mourning at bay. What a strong and sad boy, she thought as she moved closer to Beth.

Carol opened her arms to Beth wanting to hold the baby. Beth handed the infant over to Carol who couldn't help but let out a joyful sob. The baby was beautiful with big blue eyes and a wisp of hair at the top. Holding her made her think of when she had held Sophia for the first time. She smiled again and another sob escaped her lips.

Daryl couldn't help but be transfixed by the whole thing. She looked so placid and at home with the baby in her arms. Carol had always been motherly and nurturing, but the way she cradled the infant in her arms, it almost seemed like she was glowing with a motherly fervor. Like the baby she held was hers.

"What's her name?" Asked Carol, removing her attention from the baby girl.

Beth coughed and squeaked out, "No one's really found a name for her."

Daryl snorted in protest. "What're ya drabblin' about? Her name is Lil Asskicker."

Carol scrunched her face up and let out a small chuckle. "I'm pretty sure 'asskicker' is far from what she'll be doing anytime soon, Daryl."

Daryl wrinkled his nose and huffed, "Look at that grip she's got. Rip yer arm outta its socket if you gave her the chance."

Carol rolled her eyes at his comment. She turned and smiled at Daryl tears still making their way down her cheeks as she held Asskicker. He couldn't help it, but he gave her a tiny smirk in return. This was one of those moments that was worth fighting and living for in this new world they lived in.

Carol took after him. He was preparing for the mission they were about to embark on. From what the woman Michonne had said, Woodbury was well-armed and dangerous. The chances of all of them returning back alive was starting to really set in. Carol didn't want to see Daryl go. The thought of something happening to him and her not being there scared her.

"Daryl, wait." She called after him. He'd left the comfort of his perch and had headed outside to where the prison yard was. He had wanted to leave the comfort of everyone behind and collect himself before they set out to retrieve Glenn and Maggie. It wouldn't be a simple run in and run out type mission. Shit could go South and he needed to be ready for when and if it did. He heard Carol call out for him, but he had ignored her hoping she would give up and go back to the cell block. She didn't. Daryl wanted to get a good long breath out before facing Carol. He wasn't sure why he was bracing himself, but it felt like one of those moments to him. It was a moment he felt where things were going to be said and things were going to be mistook and things were going to be broken. It was one of those moments. Daryl was never good with those kinds of moments. He always shut himself off when that happened.

"Whadd'ya want?" He drawled, hands on his hips as he turned to face her.

Carol wrinkled her nose at him. "What? I can't say that I want you to be safe? To come back whole?"

Daryl snorted at her question. He shut his eyes shaking his head and chuckled a bit. He found her griping amusing. "I ain't goin' anywhere."

Carol didn't find any of this funny. She was glowering at him now. How could Daryl just laugh the matter off? This was a serious issue. Woodbury wasn't just a few men with pistols. It was a large group of people with high-powered assault rifles and the numbers to back them up.

"You're not invincible, Daryl Dixon. What makes you think nothing will happen to you? Or anyone else?" She asked.

Daryl dropped his hands from their positions. He scowled. He wasn't sure what to say to her. He already knew he wasn't invincible. He knew that first hand when he'd been knocked unconscious and awoke to find a walker gnawing on the toe of his boot. It had been a very close call.

"Yeah... And?"

"And what?" Asked Carol. He was answering her like a child. She didn't like that and assumed he hadn't either since he moved close to her face.

"What do you want from me? Huh?" He asked. Daryl's eyes had narrowed at the question and Carol could feel his hot breath on her lips from his close proximity.

She could feel butterflies starting to bat around in her stomach. She gulped and tried to form her words carefully. Carol adjusted her gaze from Daryl's steely blue eyes to the rag she had been wringing in her hands. Daryl could bolt at any second. Being close to people wasn't something that came naturally to him, however, she and him had already crossed that threshold. They'd already pushed buttons that would cause the other to just cut all ties, but they didn't. They somehow still stuck together despite all their verbal tussles. She had to say something.

"I... want you... to come back... safe..." She looked up at Daryl this time. A look of slight shook etched its way into his current scowl. He had not been expecting her to say something like that. To really care so much for his safe return. He only assumed she said it because it was easier than saying: good-bye every time he left. Just something said out of necessity.

Daryl backed off a bit. He cocked his head at her as he began to chew the inside of his cheek. Carol could feel his eyes focus in on her. Daryl was studying her for some sort of answer. Perhaps maybe to see if she was being genuine. Carol wasn't sure. She sensed that he had never been told such similar words. She knew Daryl had been abused such as she had, but the extent of that damage on him was starting to show through his tough exterior.

"Can you do that for me?" Carol meekly asked.

Carol had grown accustomed to having Daryl around. She enjoyed his presence even if it was a rather quiet one. He had been the only one to truly keep hope that he would find Sophia or even offer that consolation to her when she desperately needed it. Everyone else had all but given up. Daryl wasn't a quitter. He'd be the last man standing if it came to that. He was that much of a survivor that Daryl would do whatever was in his power to live. He had offered that will power to finding Sophia, but... unfortunately he had been too late.

Daryl spoke. "Yer wastin' your time on me. I ain' worth a lick of what life you've got."

Carol bit her bottom lip. "Daryl... Please don't say things you don't mean." She moved towards him and touched his hand.

Daryl quickly recoiled from the touch. He looked at her unsure of whether that had been the proper reaction. In that moment, he knew it was not. He had hurt Carol. She had only wanted to get close to him and he'd closed himself off.

Daryl huffed in exasperation bringing the heels of his palms to his eyes. "Ugh, I'm no good at this junk. I really fuckin' ain't." His scowl deepened as he started pacing. Carol blinked at him curiously. He was a torrent of mixed emotions spilling out. As quickly as he could be calm and collected, he could instantly slip into a rage-filled chasm and bark out the most hurtful things. Where was this sudden self-doubt coming from?

She let out a long sigh and glanced at Daryl. "I'm sorry, Daryl. I shouldn't put this on you like this since you're leaving." He stopped his pacing and removed his hands from the constant raking of his hair like he had wanted to yank the chunks he had fisted out.

He focused in on her. "What?" he asked confused.

"Forget that I ever said anything. Just come back. That's all I ask."

Daryl stared at the ground in contemplation. His eyes were moving back and forth rapidly as if he were reading an invisible book. He let his eyes fall back to her and he started to move his lips to form words, but quickly shut his mouth turning his back to Carol. He kicked a rock across the yard and finally uttered, "I ain't promisin' anythin'."

Daryl slowly turned to look at Carol curious to see her reaction, but noticed she was fidgeting with something in her hands. Carol saw his gaze fall to the grease rag she clutched tightly. She felt slightly embarrassed that he had caught her with his rag in her hands. It had been something of comfort to have with her as she talked with him.

"Oh! You dropped this earlier." She said and offered it back to Daryl. He hesitantly grabbed it and put it back into his pocket.

"Was wonderin' where I left it. Didn't take you for a pickpocket." He said smirking at her.

"Beware, I'm a stealer of nail files and dirty rags."

There was a brief pause before Daryl chuckled at her joke and looked back at Carol, their gazes meeting one another's. He saw the concerned expression written in her eyes. He had just found her when she had believed all hope was lost and now he had to leave. He understood where she was coming from. Daryl had been her rock. Always was. He had been the only person to really try to comfort her and bring her back to the group when she had wanted to pull away. To have him leave and have no clue of whether or not he was coming back was a scary thought. If he could offer up some sort of comfort it would be to just utter a few words.

"I'll come back." Their eyes met for a moment. Carol's eyes were searching his face, rapidly moving over his facial features. Perhaps seeking out if what he was saying was just something to ease her worries, but Daryl knew that he had meant it whether she believed him or not. After a few seconds of this, Carol smiled and nodded. That's all she wanted. All she really needed to hear from him. Her eyes seemed to light up.

This pleased him.

"C'mon, let's head back." He said and ushered her back to the cell-block.

A/N: Sorry this was so long and drawn out. I tried condensing as much as possible and plain removing stuff for the sake of length. Please review and let me know what you guys think. It really does help me out and gives me insight to whether or not I should continue writing this piece. Thanks!