I might have to leave everyone hanging a TAD bit longer so I decided to just go out with the next complete chapter since I don't want anyone quickly forgetting about me just yet. Again, please review because it keeps me going. Your words motivate me more to use up my free time with this story.

Chapter 6

The majority of the group awoke early, despite the late night drink bender many of them got themselves into. Then again, this new world wasn't the type of world someone should oversleep in.

Lorena awoke before Daryl. She was a bit confused, initially, and then realized the combination of whiskey and an emotional reunion followed by emotional reunion sex could do that to someone.

She quickly got her mind to focus. Lorena and Daryl ended up crashing in the nearest guest room. Majority of the group liked to sleep in fours, so there was more room for accommodation than she expected.

She decided she would creep out of bed and try to bring him up some breakfast in bed before he woke up. She slowly sat up, and went to stand up until his eyes instantly opened and he put his hand on her back. "The hell you in such a rush for?" he said groggily.

Lorena sighed. "I wanted to bring you breakfast before you woke up."

Daryl slowly sat up and chuckled. "Y'know I never once wanted you to play that housewife role with me. Why start now?"

"I know, but I'm just so grateful to have you back with me and I don't wanna take it for granted. Just because the world is over doesn't mean I shouldn't keep you satisfied," Lorena answered, straddling his lap.

Daryl took her face in his hands. "I'm satisfied as long as yer alive and with me. Ain't shit else that can compete with that."

The two quickly got themselves ready by actually throwing on clothes, for starters. They both had awoken completely naked and that wasn't a good idea in dire situations like the one they now had to face together every day. But now that they were together, they both knew they could take down anything together. They were an unstoppable force then, and they refused to slow that down now - the time when they desperately needed it most.

"Got big plans for us today. Consider it a field trip," Daryl said as he slipped on his cargos. Lorena slipped on her tank top and scooted over to where he sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped both arms around his chest, propped up on her knees. "The world is dead and you still want to take me out?" She said, placing a kiss on his neck. Daryl turned around to face her. "Just 'cause the world's over don't mean chivalry gotta follow its lead," he responded. "Now c'mon. Time to eat."

The majority of the group was already settled at the table when Daryl and Lorena came downstairs. T-Dog was the last to be in the kitchen. He picked up the two extra plates that were set aside and handed them to the pair. "Tomato omelettes. Courtesy of yours truly," T-Dog proudly said as he pointed to the pan on the stove.

Daryl snickered. "Look at you, takin' over for the ladies. All domesticated and such," he said as he grabbed Lorena's plate and began to generously fill hers first.

"You're not leaving much for yourself," she said with concern. "Hush, woman. Eat up. You're gonna need the energy," he answered as he handed back her plate and began to give himself a spoonful.

They headed for the table and Daryl quickly pulled out a chair for Lorena. "Well I'll be damned…" Dale began, noticing the act of chivalry on Daryl's behalf.

Daryl quickly flashed him a look. "Stop observin' me, Santa," he responded and Dale chuckled, picking up his fork to continue eating. Daryl actually managed to playfully insult somebody without bitterly and intentionally jumping down the person's throat. The positive effect Lorena had on Daryl was astonishing and Dale embraced this woman's presence already. He figured the rest of the group felt the same way.

"Hey Daryl," Sophia called from across the table. Daryl looked in her direction and she continued, "Since Carl learned to shoot a gun, I thought maybe you could teach me, too?"

Daryl smiled and gave a reassuring look towards Carol, who seemed concerned. "I'm sure none of us are too keen on the idea of bringin' you out that far with us, but I'll tell ya what – you and I, we'll go find ourselves a nice tree when I get back, and I'll teach ya how to shoot a crossbow. Sound good?" He said, trying to be as reasonable, but firm as possible.

Sophia quickly nodded her head in agreement. "Deal."

Everyone began to gather the silverware together so Lori and Carol could get started on their dish washing ritual. Rick and Shane decided to take advantage of the fact it wasn't as humid as it normally was, and they took Carl down to the creek for some bonding time. Rick was starting to realize the new world made him begin to lose his concept of family and he wanted to make his son as happy as he possibly could - given the circumstance. Lori gave Carl the usual never ending "don't roam off and don't leave their sight" speech and sent them on their way.

Andrea and Dale took watch on the RV while Hershel spent quality time with his animals. This gave Maggie and Glenn some alone time, which they were both very thrilled about.

Back at the tents, Lorena observantly watched Daryl pack a number of items (mostly weapons) for their so-called field trip. "If I knew any better, I'd say you were leading me to the mother lode of walkers today. Why so many weapons?" She asked suspiciously.

Daryl zipped up the knapsack and turned to face her. "I prefer bein' more equipped when yer with me. Besides that, I'm takin' you further out than I'd normally go, and I haven't been in that direction yet. Not sure what to expect." He responded nonchalantly.

"Then why are we going?" She asked, growing more apprehensive by the minute.

Daryl huffed and gave in. "Y'know, askin' all these questions just ruined the surprise for ya. Since you ain't gonna give up 'till I tell you – there's a mountain with your name on it. I spotted it while on top of Dale's RV. Pretty sure I can find it easily."

Lorena smiled as she wrapped an arm around his waist and nestled her head in his neck. "You don't have to still try so hard to keep me around. You're pretty much forced to be stuck with me at this point anyway," she said.

"Can't be forced to surround yerself with somethin' you wanted from the beginnin'," he responded as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Now c'mon. I got everything we need." He grabbed her hand as they headed towards the woods.

They unfortunately encountered a few stray walkers about 30 minutes into their hike, but Daryl quickly took them out, naturally.

They were eventually so deep into the woods that it was very rare to encounter any walker after that. They also made another stop after Lorena informed Daryl she was intrigued by the idea of taking him in the woods.

As they quickly got dressed, there was a faint gunshot in the distance which startled the both of them. Daryl closely listened for any other sound before firmly grabbing Lorena's hand and proceeding. Lorena began to tremble. The way Daryl held her hand was confirmation that he was concerned and this made her worry.

They finally stopped at their destination, which happened to be in the same direction as the gunshot. The idea of potential threats nearby ruined the entire purpose of bringing her to this mountain, and Daryl's anger grew. Lorena took note of this and reassured him. "We can still enjoy this, Daryl. Once we figure out where this shit came from. Stop your pouting," Lorena said, rubbing his back.

She started to scope the area and gasped when she spotted a deer not too far away. Its ear was bloody. Daryl took a few steps closer to confirm the cause. "Bullet grazed it. Not a walker bite or anythin'. Musta been the shot then. That's too bad. Shot was terrible. Looks like the hunter coulda used a hand," He said, using visual block quotes as he used the word 'hunter'.

"C'mon then. Let's go up," he continued, leading her to the base of the small mountain.

They both froze in their tracks when they heard rustling not too far behind them, followed by a raspy but familiar voice calling out to them from plenty feet away, "As a matter of fact, I coulda definitely used a hand."