Thank you all for the reviews, comments, follows, and favorites. It's encouraging to hear that someone is enjoying this besides me. I don't think of myself as a writer, so putting my stuff out there is rather intimidating (read: terrifying). So thanks! And extra thanks to the guest reviewers - I can't reply to you, but I want you to know I appreciate the input. A little liquid courage helps, too - I'm making good use of some great recipes for Sonic Screwdrivers. ;)

Rick wandered off to take watch and Lori trailed after him. Daryl watched them go, shaking his head. He was mighty grateful he didn't have to deal with that woman. He glanced at Carol who was settling down by the fire with the others. Dealing with his own woman was enough trouble, thank you very much.

His own woman? Where did that come from? Sure they were friendly and spent time together, but that was nothing really. Looking out for someone didn't make her his. That was just his still-eager dick talking. Damn dick, makin' him think stupid things.

Carol stared into the fire, looking worried. Rick's plan for clearing the prison tomorrow must be making her fret. Daryl frowned a little in disappointment that she'd shrugged off his flirtations at the bus so easily. Maybe he'd lost his touch after so long – he'd never had trouble attracting women, but it had been a while. Plus, unlike before, he actually knew and liked this woman.

He rearranged his poncho and sat down next to her. She jerked away from him a little. Her whole body seemed tense. His face softened. She was always so worried about everyone in the group – she cared so much about all of them. Knowing the dangers they'd face in the morning must be upsetting her. She shivered and pulled her sweater tighter around her shoulders, inching away from him as she did so. Eyeballing him out of the corner of her eye, she wrapped her arms tightly around her knees. She all but vibrated with tension. He scrunched his eyebrows. The hell? Why was she pulling away from him? It's not like he was going to jump over and bite her.

Oh.

Oh!

He kept his eyes firmly fixed on the fire, but couldn't quite control the grin that tried to fight its way out. Maybe he hadn't lost his touch after all.

Daryl woke the next morning in the dark before sunrise. He intended to go for a short hunt to try and bring in something for them to eat before they pushed farther in to the prison. The relative security of being behind the yard's fences allowed him to relax a little bit. He didn't want to get up just yet – spending a few more minutes wrapped up in his poncho wouldn't kill anybody. The sky began to lighten with the approaching dawn. Carol was bundled into her blanket nearby. She had tossed and turned the night before, apparently unable to sleep, but now she rested peacefully next to him. She was curled on her side facing him, her head resting on her pack, and the blankets bunched in her fists up under her chin. Her lips were slightly parted as she breathed steadily, and her lashes fluttered softly against her cheek. In the barely-there morning light, she looked so delicate, but he knew the strength she had hidden inside her.

Hell, he'd better get up before he started writing poetry or some shit.

Besides, they really did need something to eat. This was going to be a long, exhausting day, and if he didn't bring something back now, they wouldn't have anything at all. They'd finished everything they had left last night, and even if some of them could manage without eating for a day, some of them couldn't. Carl and his little half-sibling still had a lot of growing to do.

He stood and stretched the kinks out, then gathered up his bow and makeshift quiver. He paused long enough to take one more look at the woman next to him. Then he turned and strode toward the gates, nodding at Maggie who was on watch, hefting his crossbow to indicate his intent to hunt.

He wasn't gone long, but managed to bag three squirrels and a good sized rabbit. He also took a few minutes to relieve his aching balls while he had a little privacy. It was rough hardly ever having a moment to your own damn self. When he returned to the prison, the rest of the group was starting to stir. The morning chill was already gone – it was gonna be a hot one today. He grabbed a couple bowls from one of the packs and made his way down toward the fence away from the group to clean his kills. He settled onto a concrete block that used to support a flagpole and started to work. At least they could start the day without rumbling bellies.

The rabbit was first. He slit it open, gutted and skinned it, then went to work taking the meat off the bones. He'd just finished dropping the last of the bones in one bowl and the meat in the other when he heard light steps approaching. Of course it was Carol, probably looking to start cooking up some breakfast. He gave a brief nod of greeting.

"Hey," she said. "You were up early."

"Didn't wanna listen to everybody bitchin' all day 'bout their empty bellies."

She smiled but didn't reply.

"You here for the meat?" He gestured with his bloody knife toward the bowl full of rabbit.

"You know I am."

He paused. "Uh..." He glanced quickly up at her, then back down to the squirrel in his hands. "I ain't done yet."

"I'm more than happy to help you finish," she drawled, kneeling down next to him. He felt more than saw her smile widen.

He flushed furiously. Did she think she was being funny? Did she even realize what she said? "I got it."

"Mmm." She hummed her understanding. "I see. You don't mind taking things into your own hands, then. No problem. I'll just watch." She settled back on her heels and blinked up at him sweetly.

"What? No...I, uh..." His head felt all mixed up. "Go on back. I'll be up soon."

She laughed. "God, I hope so!"

Shit! He knew his face must be beet red. He scowled down at the squirrel in his hands.

Still laughing, she stood and started heading back to the group. He sighed in relief. She stopped abruptly and turned back to stand behind him.

"Oh gosh, I almost forgot the rabbit! Could you – oh, never mind. Your hands are full. I got it."

Her thumb slipped down the side of his neck as she put her hand on his shoulder. As she reached forward and around him to pick up the bowl, he felt her breasts brush against his back. He jerked stiffly upright, but the hand on his shoulder held him firmly in place. He could feel her breath on his neck. She picked up the bowl, but remained pressed softly against him. Her lips moved against his skin, just behind his ear. A rush of heat surged in his groin.

"I'll be up the hill...if you want me."

And she was gone.

Dammit!

Dammit, dammit, dammit.

Thank fuck he'd rubbed one out already this morning. Otherwise he'd have embarrassed the shit out of himself. He breathed hard as he clenched the squirrel and knife in his fists. That woman was out to kill him, he was sure of it.