A/N: Okay, so I am new to all of this and I just wanted to take the time out to thank all those who commented and follow my story. Your input is VERY much appreciated. This chapter is freaking long. I skip parts only because I am hopeful that all that are reading already know the storyline. There isn't much between Lake and Daryl at this point but I hope to reach that in future chapters. In the next chapter I will pretty much go out on my own(no set storyline). I will be relying on your input on whether or not it's any good.

-Three-

Lake stood in stunned silence.

"Someone is letting them in!" Rick frantically searched for an escape as walkers closed in on all sides. Lake's eyes darted to Daryl, as he shot down the nearest walker.

She jumped as Maggie grabbed her shoulder and pulled her in the direction of the cell block. Tearing her eyes away from the men amidst battle, she struggled not to look back as a masculine scream followed her into darkness.

Falling to her knees on the river's edge, Lake scrubbed the blood stains on her hands and fingers. No matter how hard she tried, it just wouldn't go away. She choked on a sob as the pain of her raw skin became apparent.

"You have to help me; I don't think I can do this on my own." Maggie's eyes shimmered as tears threatened to appear.

Lori groaned from the dirty, concrete, floor of the boiler room. She inaudibly mumbled something about 'saving her baby' but the pain wavered, pulling her in and out of consciousness.

Lake continued to stare at Lori's writhing body until she was shaken out of her stupor. "Lake! Lake, listen to me!" Maggie was crying, tears streaking down her cheeks.

Lake nodded continually as she pulled out of her shocked state. It was then, that they set in motion the delivery of Lori's baby.

She stood stoically as she watched a mother say goodbye to her child. For Carl, she refused to cry. She needed to be strong despite the pressing urge to fall apart. Her mind traveled to Daryl, who if lucky, had survived the attack.

It had been almost a week since she joined the group and initially met resistance from most. However, it didn't take long for everyone to see that Lake could pull her own weight and distribute positively. She took turns helping the women with the caring of Hershel, the old man whose farm they had recently left. She often helped Daryl when he went out on hunting excursions and it was during those trips that she learned more and more about the guarded, almost shy man. Lake would never admit it aloud, but she enjoyed his company. She soon realized that she'd actually care if something happened to the idiot. That scared her.

"Do it." Lake knelt next to Lori as she looked up at her. "You've got to cut me open." Lake fought the rising chills that spread down her spine. She glanced to Maggie to catch her watching her in return. A mutual agreement passed between them both as they nodded solemnly.

Lori looked to her son one last time, "Don't let the world spoil you." Carl cried as he tightly hugged his mother. "You are the best thing I have ever done." She whispered into his ear.

Lori gently pushed Carl back before nodding her approval. Lake pulled her blade as Maggie scooted closer.

A twig snapped and Lake froze. Turning her head slightly, she caught the tall silhouette of someone she had subconsciously been dying to see.

"Ya left." He stated uncertain of what to say.

Lake turned back to the water as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Daryl tsk'd as he knelt beside her.

"Don't you do that now, don't ya hide your tears." He used a finger to tilt Lake's head to face him. Cupping her face, he thumbed away what was left of her tears as he stared into her green eyes.

A knot welled up in Lake's chest, "He shot her." A sob broke. "H-he shot his own mother. How could I allow that poor boy to do something like that?" The damn broke and Lake sobbed. She was crying in front of a man after she vowed never again to allow one to see her break. For some reason, however, Daryl made the pain better. He made her feel safe. Looking to her hands, Lake twisted them together in her lap. "I can't get her blood off of me, Daryl." Her tears slowed, as searched his blue eyes for any answer that could help with her struggle. "I just see her all the time. All that blood."

Daryl nodded as he scooted to her side and took hold of her hands. Leaning them forward, he quietly massaged her hands in the cool water. Just this simple act of kindness, sent Lake into another fit of tears. What was wrong with her? Never in her life, even the times her father beat her bloody, did she cry. Yet Daryl said nothing; he only ran his rough, strong, fingers over her own ridding her of the memories the blood provoked.

"How did Rick react?" She asked as Daryl used the bottom of his plaid shirt to dry her hands.

"As expec'td. He still hasn't come out from inside tha prison yet." Lake nodded. "The baby is beautiful tho."

His eyes were soft and Lake decided she liked him best that way.

"Ya took off 'fore Rick went crazy, but he doesn' seem to want anythin' to do with the lil ass kicker." Daryl smiled. "She is somethin' tho."

Lake snorted. "Lil ass kicker? Daryl, you cannot think to call that little girl that." He grinned and Lake froze. He was truly a sight to see when he smiled. She couldn't imagine how handsome a true smile would be.

Daryl coughed uneasily, his smile vanishing into his fist. "Yeah, well the ol' man says she won't last long without baby formula so me and the Asian's girl is gonna go out and try to find somethin'."

"You're leaving with Maggie?" Lake wasn't jealous, of course. She was just surprised Daryl hadn't asked her to go instead.

Daryl pushed to his feet and held out a hand, pulling Lake from the ground. "Yeah, but I'll be back soon and I trust ya with the kid an all…" His voice died off leaving the obvious unsaid.

Lake was flattered and nudged Daryl with her hip. "Well, well, if I had known the stupid redneck would be such a gentleman then I may have considered joining the group earlier."

With a playful push, Daryl chuckled. "Shut up, I ain't decided on whether you ain't some axe murderin' bitch yet." Lake threw a dramatic hand to her chest and gasped.

They walked side by side until they reached the prison. Maggie walked out as Daryl pulled on poncho next to his bike.

"Hey." Maggie's eyes still held the fresh pain of loss. Lake squeezed her shoulder before nodding. Maggie pulled her into a hug and Lake tensed. With a encouraging look from Daryl, Lake slowly wrapped her arm around Maggie and squeezed tightly. When they separated, Maggie was tearful.

"Drive safe." Looking to Daryl, Lake pointed. "Both of you come back in one piece understood?" He gave a mock salute before throwing a leg over his bike and cranking its engine. Maggie smiled and took the spot at the back of the bike.

Lake stood watching Daryl and Maggie until they disappeared around the bend. Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, she returned to their dwindling group alone.

The tiny bundle in Lake's arms whimpered. She leaned down and whispered soothing nothings into the little girl's ear. Across the cell, Hershel sat silently with an empty stare. His daughter, Beth, leaned her head on his shoulder and stroked his forearm. Hershel had been quiet ever since returning from burying three of our own. Glenn only appeared for a moment before heading back to the watch tower. Carl stood guard at the outside of the cell, large pistol attached to his hip. His face one of a child forced to grow up way too soon.

He was worried about his father, who had not been seen since Lori's death. Carl's sister wiggled and Lake smiled as the ass kicker gripped her finger tightly with her tiny hand. Daryl's nickname for the child was the only name given to her as of current but Lake wouldn't be the one to reveal it to the group.

Later in the day, Maggie and Daryl strode into the prison. Lake smiled broadly as Daryl nodded towards the large bag Maggie held that contained baby supplies. He walked up and looked down at the sleeping child in Lake's arms. His hand gently settled on the small of Lake's back causing her to look up into his face. He looked uncomfortable as he rubbed the baby's cloth covered arm with a knuckle. Lake turned, held her out, and was pleased when Daryl's arm's reached up to cradle the little girl. His massive biceps dwarfed the baby to the point she almost looked out of place in his arms. A pang formed in Lake's chest as she watched a broken, dangerous man reach out in kindness to something so small and fragile. It was quite a beautiful sight.

"She needs a name." Carl broke through the moment. He went through the many names of those we had lost, all being wonderful choices as both a name and memoriam. Although, how could one choose?

"She's a lil ass kicker." Daryl watched approvingly as the baby latched on to her bottle of formula. "Her name should be ass kicker." He suggested.

"Daryl-"Lake started but paused as soon as the others burst into laughter. Unable to resist, she joined in. Daryl smirked, proud of himself and he rocked back and forth.

The next morning, Lake found Daryl at Carol's grave. She placed a tender hand on his shoulder as he laid a Cherokee rose on the fresh pile of dirt.

"I never did find her kid for her." He spoke to no one in particular.

"That wasn't your fault." Lake touched Daryl's elbow in order to get his attention. His eyes held a haunted emptiness. "If she wasn't infected and locked in a barn…if she was still alive, you would have found her. I would bet anything I have on it."

Unsure of why, Lake wrapped her arms around Daryl's torso. His strong heart beat against her own as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Daryl fingered the back of her tee as he rested his chin on top of her head. With a sigh, he stepped back and tucked a strand of Lake's long brown hair behind her ear.

"You've gone soft mr. redneck." Lake whispered.

"Like hell I have." Daryl pulled away and Lake cursed her big mouth. "Let's head inside."

With the moment obviously gone, Lake followed Daryl without another word.

Lake could tell that Daryl was struggling with the loss of Carol. Even though she had only known her a short time, Lake liked the woman. She was a kind soul and Lake could connect with her as a woman who has suffered abuse. He was quite as the others ate lunch. Nobody moved when Rick, newly cleaned, walked in.

He walked to Carl and checked on him but refused to look at the baby in Beth's arms. Glenn reported that he and Maggie were going to make another run for supplies while Daryl swept the bottom sections of the prison.

Clearly satisfied, Rick left without another word. Glenn whispered something to Maggie and she frowned. Wherever Rick was spending his time worried them and therefore worried Lake. She hoped their leader found the strength to pull through his struggles. Grief was never a good motive for revenge. It was a dangerous hole for anyone to fall into.

"You really like her don't you?" Beth asked as Lake took the baby from her.

Lake nodded, "Yeah, she has grown on me. She has spunk. She's a fighter."

"You like Daryl too huh?" Her question caught Lake's attention.

"Why would you say that?" Beth shrugged. Lake sighed. "Daryl and I have a lot in common. We both have suffered at the hands of people who were supposed to love us. I like him, he is a pain in my ass, but I respect the hell out of him."

"Well, Daryl has become an avid member of this group." Hershel crutched himself in the cell and groaned as he settled down on the cot. "It pleases me to see how much more involved he has become. Not out on his own so much…I think that is great."

Lake nodded in agreement as she began to gently bounce the bundle. "Rick?" She asked.

Hershel frowned. "He needs time. Rick is a strong man but losing your wife just isn't something even the strongest of men can prepare for. He just needs time."

"We will be okay. We protect each other. He can take as much time as he needs." Lake cooed at the fussing girl who decided to wail. Standing, Lake rocked her back and forth as she paced the floor.

Hershel cleared his throat and Lake stopped. He was looking past her at the opening of the cell. Lake turned to find Rick standing with red eyes. He walked close and Lake held out his daughter for him to take.

Rick took the child and held her close. His voice was too low to understand as he talked to his newborn. He looked up at Lake, "Thank you." His eyes moved to Beth and Hershel who both nodded in understanding.

Taking his daughter, Rick left the cell. Lake fought the urge to follow. As much as she hated to admit it, she loved the tiny baby already. Lake was concerned but knew that with Rick no harm would come to her.

"I'd say our leader is back." Lake stated as she walked out of the cell and stretched. "I am really proud of him ya'll know?"

"I'm not sure I could have had his strength…shoot, I know I wouldn't." Beth smiled at Lake's side.

"Me either." Lake gave, instantly thinking to Daryl. Pushing the thought from mind, she turned to see the object of her thoughts walking in their direction carrying a body.

Beth sucked in a breath as she rushed forward, "That's Carol!"

Daryl walked past and into the cell carefully laying Carol onto one of the cots. "Found her in a closet. Bout dead from dehydration." His voice shone with pride, "She fought those walkers with T-Dog."

Lake lowered her eyes at the thought of the sweet tempered man who always seemed to find the positive in everything. She was told that it was his screams she heard as she fled the walkers. She would miss him but was now satisfied that his sacrifice wasn't in vain.

Beth held water up to Carol's lips and she drank greedily. The color returning to her face was almost instant. "Thank you." She replied weakly.

"You just rest." Hershel was now at her side, examining his new patient.

Lake turned and found Daryl gone. She wondered where he went, but her question was quickly answered when he returned with Rick and Carl; baby in arms."

Lake takes the baby as Rick embraces Carol. She saw the child and immediately cried with Rick. "I'm sorry." She kept repeating.

Lake gave Beth the kid and strode from the cell. She wasn't heartless; she just didn't do well with others emotions. It was then that she saw the thin, black woman watching the interaction from locked inside the common room.

"Who are you?" Lake asked.

"Who are you?" The woman shot.

"I'm Lake." She didn't feel like arguing with a prisoner. The woman watched her through wary eyes. Lake smiled. "You have a tough resolve. I like that." The woman arched a thin brow. "I was a lot like you when I first came here. We aren't so different you and I."

"What makes you think that girlie?" She scoffed at Lake. "I don't sit around babysitting all day."

Lake didn't take offense. "We all have to contribute to the group. Since the kid was born, I stick close." Lake picked at a fingernail. "I guess you can say I'm attached."

"Attachment is a weakness. It'll get you killed." Lake shrugged.

"I suppose so. But she doesn't have her mother. Lori died to give her life. The girl needs someone." She leaned against the wall as the woman slid to the floor on the opposite side of the bars. It became apparent that she was wounded. "You okay?" Lake asked.

"Just fine." But the wince betrayed her tough façade.

"Have I earned your name yet?" Lake smirked.

"Michonne." Lake nodded and Michonne rolled her eyes.

Daryl walked up followed by Rick and some guy named Oscar that Lake rarely ever spoke to. "Ya'll getting' cozy?" He asked eyes never leaving Lake.

She flicked him off and smile when Michonne laughed sharply.

"Get. We got man business to attend ta." Lake's eyebrow shot up and she placed her hands on her hips.

"Excuse me?" She asked.

"Oh shit. Our boy is in trouble with his girl." Oscar exclaimed. Daryl shot him a warning glare.

"I ain't your boy." He turned back to Lake before continuing. "And she ain't my girl." Something passed in his eyes but Lake was too upset to care.

"Fuck you." Was all she said before pushing past and returning to the cell with the others.

"We're leaving." Rick stated. "They have Glenn and Maggie. We have to rescue them." Beth began to cry and Hershel fought his distress to comfort her.

"Oscar, Daryl and I will follow Michonne to wherever she says they are being held." Rick looked over his shoulder where a none too happy Michonne sat glaring.

As the men began loading the car with weapons, Lake held the baby and watched Daryl. He hadn't spoken to her since their fight in the prison and she couldn't be happier. She wouldn't care of this was the last time she ever laid eyes on Daryl Dixon.

Shushing the baby, she nudged a somber looking Carl as he walked up next to her. "What is up kimosabe?" She asked.

"Judith." Lake looked over to him confused. He sighed. "Her name. We decided on Judith." He looked off towards his father.

Lake elbowed him softly, "I think Judith is a beautiful name. Your mother would be so proud."

Carl's eyes shone as he nodded. Lake caught Carol talking to Daryl. He nodded before looking in their direction. Their eyes met but Lake turned and walked away. She kept walking even after the car was far from view. She never looked back.