Last chapter before the Epilogue! Please Review! pardon mistakes I am on my phone traveling and wanted to get this out ASAP! :)

Chapter 22

Carol was out in the yard surrounded by some of the children of Terminus. There were only four children, they ranged in ages from 8 to 11 years old. She liked helping the children learn to handle knives. It was something she was continuing on from the prison, except now EVERYONE agreed that the children needed to be taught to defend themselves in any way possible. There was no longer any way they could deny the truth, and the truth was that kids just couldn't be just kids anymore. It was something Rick, Daryl, Carol and some others had agreed on...It was the reality of the world of walkers and cruel men they lived in now.

They had learned a lot since the prison fell. You couldn't save everyone, and if you tried...you may lose the people that were the most important to you. Brutal truth but honest. So, they held tight to the family they'd had since the farm and the prison family...as newer people came in...they all bonded, but often kept them at a distance...knowing if it came down to a "us or them" situation...it would be them. How could they not save their loved ones over others. Rick had learned that truth the hard way. Rick was still amazed that Carol had forgiven him, and he knew if she hadn't Daryl never would have...still Rick had learned that you did what you had to do to save the people you loved. Rick understood Carol now, and they bonded in that understanding.

As Carol showed the kids each type of knife, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rick and Daryl off to the side in the distance. They were looking over a map trying to determine where to explore next for supplies.

Daryl kept glancing over at her, and she couldn't help but smile. Carol noticed how much more relaxed Daryl was now and it showed in his whole body. If Daryl could walk without being heard and move fluidly before, he practically floated now. She swore she had even found him strutting around after they had sex a few times. He was being obvious in his claiming of her as he'd grab her and pull her into his arms in front of everyone. Even kissed her a few times.

Once, after Daryl had pulled Carol into his arms in front of all of Terminus, later Carol had seen Rick approach Daryl in the distance, say something to Daryl...and Daryl punched Rick in the arm, but they were both smiling. Somehow she knew Rick was teasing Daryl about finally owning up to his feelings for Carol. Rick had turned into one if their most loyal supporters for them being an official couple.

It'd been almost a month since she'd told him she loved him, and they had made love for the first time. If she or Daryl weren't gone overnight on runs... then they would make love every day...multiple times. Daryl was insatiable in many ways, and Carol loved it...she loved how he would take the time to explore every inch of her body with his tongue.

Daryl also like surprising Carol...one night he had taken her when she had been closing the kitchen. She'd been wiping off the counter, when she felt his hands on her hips. He'd whispered his wants and needs from her in detail...

Carol had went wet instantly. He'd undone her pants and slid his fingers down the front. Daryl had touched her hard little bud first then slipped his middle finger inside her. She'd tremble against him. Daryl had kissed her neck nipping at it. Still facing away from Daryl...She'd pushed her pants and pulled her panties down...she heard him groan and drag his fingers down her back...Carol bent over and across the counter, then she reached back, grabbed her ass cheeks and spread them for him.

Daryl couldn't hold back any longer. He pushed himself into her, and they both fell into one another. Ecstasy within their grasp. Daryl moaned and Carol wiggled. Daryl pumped hard into her. It didn't silence her...it made her louder, and push back into him more aggressively...it made her want him more. He thrust into her hard. He wanted to fuck her. Fuck her till she begged for release. But he wasn't sure he could outlast her. So he thrust harder and thrust Harder...Again and again. he played with her clit and bit her neck. She whimpered, "more Daryl"...she was close. He could feel the pulsing inside of the beginnings of her orgasm. So, he gave her more. As much as he could without losing himself.

"Oh god Daryl..." Carol gasped. She felt herself shatter into a million pieces. Daryl poured himself into her. This was as close to heaven as he'd ever been. Being able to make love to a woman he cherished and adored...a woman who accepted his faults and saw past his harsh exterior and surly attitude.

"Your mine...and I love you woman." Daryl said resting his head against her back. Sweat pouring off the both of them.

he withdrew from her and she turned wrapping her arms around his neck. "You're mine and I love you Daryl." Carol whispered. They kissed gently and started pulling their clothes on...

carol quickly wiped down the counters, then they headed back to their room to fall asleep in each other's arms.

They'd found beauty in this brutal world...a beauty in and with each other's love.

The End- Epilogue to follow!

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