I do not own the Walking Dead. I am not associated with the creator, writers, actors or the franchise.

Chapter15

Carol didn't know what to think. Rick had spoken to both of the guys separately, and from what Rick had told Carol, there had been somewhat of a truce declared between Daryl and HIM. Although admittedly it had been tentative.

Carol couldn't believe that their feud was over her. When she expressed that to Rick...Rick just smiled and said she just didn't see what everyone else saw in her...hat he was surprised this hadn't happened earlier.

Secretly, Rick had no problem believing it, and was surprised that this hadn't happened sooner. Even as far back as the farm. Everyone thought she and Daryl had something going on, and back then no one wanted to cross the hunter...or the one person who seemed to be able to calm him down.

Even though, neither outwardly showed it...Rick just figured Daryl had unconsciously claimed Carol, and Carol had subconsciously let him claim her back. That was why Carol had been so hurt by Daryl's interaction with Beth. That's why he believed Carol felt not only abandoned by Daryl but also betrayed.

Over the next week, Rick made sure to put them both Daryl and HIM on opposite duties. Though, Rick had paired Carol up with each them at different times.

The first person he paired Carol up with was Daryl. Rick wanted them to take out a few "new" people to their group, and show them how to do a run for supplies as a team.

At first, Carol had been worried about how they would act towards each other. However, as Carol leaned against the truck, waiting for everyone to meet there she realized she'd had nothing to worry about...As Daryl approached her, she took in his bruised face and cuts on his hands. She couldn't believe Daryl had went after someone he felt was threatening her like he had. She'd seen him do it for Rick, when they were encountering bandits or marauders, but she'd never seen him physically attack someone over her.

Daryl had looked over at her, and did one of his quick half nods and smiled with one of his half smiles. Carol never told anyone, but that was one of her favorite things that Daryl did. It was so simple, yet it was so sincere. Plus, she found it extremely attractive. Though she had gotten used to pushing those thoughts away. Carol smiled back at him. She felt her cheeks blush, and she turned around quickly to hide it. What was happening to her? She wasn't going to fall for Daryl again. He'd hurt her too much in the past. So, solidifying her resolve, Carol prepared to head out with group.

...

Walking up, Daryl took in the group that would be going out him. The only thing he didn't like was that, because this was more of a training run...he would be separated from Carol. He didn't like that, he'd never like that, but Carol wasn't dependent on him anymore. It was something he'd have to get used to...trust that she could and would be able to take care of herself.

There were two others going with them. Two men...they were both in their twenties, and both seemed to think they didn't need this training. They'd come from a group of six that had found Terminus after Rick and their group had taken over.

"I don't know why we have to train for this...seems pretty simple to me." Jack told Carol.

"It's so everyone knows how to work together. It saves people's lives. It has mine." Carol told him. Daryl had been adjusting his crossbow, but had looked up at their exchange. Daryl wasn't liking that Jack was going to be out with them. He seemed cocky and like a know-it-all, both things that led to accidental deaths.

The other guy, named Austin, was a lot quieter, but also seemed to think this was a waste of time. Neither one of them made Daryl feel comfortable going out with them. So, when Rick came up, Daryl pulled him aside while Carol talked to Austin and Jack about how they ran runs. She looked quizzically over at Daryl and Rick.

...

"I don't like this Rick. These guys are asses." Daryl told Rick. Rick looked over at Austin and Jack. He knew they were young, but they had survived this long. He figured they had to have some skills.

"I know, but we gotta teach them to work with us as a team." Rick told him.

"Well, I'll tell ya' now. I'm not letting Carol and that guy go off on their own. That guy is gonna get someone killed, and I'll be damned if it's her Rick." Daryl told him.

This protective, alpha Daryl was something Rick was still getting used to. Something had changed in Daryl. It had since the moment he'd attacked HIM. Daryl questioned Rick more, and didn't just go a long with his plans. He wanted more input into things, and often gave his opinion. Not that this bothered Rick, he just wasn't used to it. Actually, Rick liked it, because it felt that some of the issues they were dealing with, he wasn't alone on.

"All right, stay together. Don't go too far. The small town should be fine. Straggler walkers, still a few supplies...check them out...see if they listen and follow directions." Rick told Daryl. Daryl nodded and swung his bow over his shoulder.

As he walked away, Rick stopped him..."And Daryl...if push comes to shove. Family comes first."

Daryl knew what Rick meant. If came down to them or those guys, then it was him and Carol. It seemed Rick had finally realized what was important, and what would have to be done or accepted in order to keep those things and important people in your life.

Those lessons started when Rick banished Carol, and came full circle...when Rick had to tear a man's throat open, with his bare teeth to save Carl from being violated.

Daryl nodded his head towards Rick in understanding. However, Daryl had already known that family came first. There was no way he'd save one of these guys over saving Carol. She was the priority, and would always be to him.

To Be Continued...

So, the purpose of the above chapter was to show the shift that is happening within Carol towards Daryl. A shift she is fighting.

I also wanted to show that Daryl is turning Alpha and it stems from wanting and needing Carol.

Last but not least, I wanted to show that Rick has gotten his priorities straight, and doesn't choose semi-newbies over long time family.