AN: so another little chapter, making my way towards the end. One maybe two more to go. Let me know what you think:)

I do not own or profit from The Walking Dead

Chapter 6

In the dark of night

Those small hours

I drift away

When I'm with you

INXS~By my Side

Daryl awoke to soft humming, flowing throughout his cell, getting out of his bed he made his way down to the eating area, glancing in the empty cells as he passed by. Realizing with a panic, that he was alone, it became vital to find the source of the humming. Coming around the corner into the eating area he found it. She was sitting perched atop of the table, looking down at something she was sewing, humming to herself softly. Carol looked up at him and smiled brightly "Hey Pookie"

He was still for a moment, this wasn't right, but he refused to let his mind venture near the answer as to why. He walked towards her slowly, his heart thudding with every step

"Hey" he responded suddenly feeling a little unsure of himself.

She laughed and grabbed his wrist, pulling him to her. Wrapping her arms around his neck she drew him close resting her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her as well. Sighing with contentment she spoke

"I didn't think you were ever going to get here...I've been waiting on you."

"I'm sorry" he whispered pressing his forehead to her shoulder. Her hands were stroking his back in a soothing rhythm, he found himself relaxing under her touch.

" Don't be sorry, you didn't do anything wrong" she said

Their embrace was comforting and peaceful, but he needed to feel the warmth of her skin, he needed to know she was alive. He threaded his hands up under her shirt his hands splaying across the warm skin of her back.

"I should have told you how I felt" he said "I shouldn't have waited so long"

"Well, I'm not dead yet Daryl, you really think you can get rid of me that easily?" She giggled

Realization was dawning on him, but he fought it, he wanted to stay there with her, he never wanted to let her go

" Daryl, it's going to be okay, ... Wake up okay? Daryl... Wake up...

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He awoke with his face still pressed in her waist, his arm still slung over her abdomen. He shouldn't have fallen asleep, she might have needed him, or the other option was just not one he could even entertain. He couldn't have slept very long, Dr.S or Hershel's hourly visit would have awoken him. He nuzzled his face into her abdomen, not ready to get up and face reality just yet. He imagined that it was just any other day, he was waking up with his arms wrapped around her. He could almost feel her hand threading into his hair as she ran her fingers through his hair. He must have been more exhausted than he thought. He hummed in contentment as her fingers continued to run her fingers through his hair. He really should get up, and check on her, but it just felt so good to lie there and let her caress his hair. He opened his eyes suddenly, he wasn't imagining this, she was stroking his hair.

He turned his head, leaving it resting on her abdomen, looking up at her, feeling as though he could breath again for the first time in hours as he saw her smiling down at him the frown.

"This is a very romantic way to wake up...,if only I could remember my name" she said sadly

Daryl lifted his head in shock looking at her in distress when she grinned

"I'm kidding Daryl, I'm ok, bad joke"

He let out a half sob, half laugh in relief,"You're definetly back to yourself, bad jokes and all"

She started to laugh but then stopped grimacing in pain "Ahh don't make me laugh, it hurts my head"

He got down on his knees next to the head of her bed, leaning over her he placed both hands on her cheeks and pressed a kiss to her forehead, and then pressing his forehead to her own staring down at her he said softly " then don't laugh baby,...and don't ever scare me like that again"

She was staring at him intently, all the answers to his questions there for him to see. He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers lightly, then pulled away to smile at her, his heart warmed by the beaming grin on her face. Lowering his head to kiss her again, he was interrupted by a voice clearing their throat at the door.

Turning with a groan he looked at a grinning Dr.S, Hershel, and Rick in the doorway, alongside a waving Glenn.

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AN: so I hope you guys don't mind I'm using more of Dr.S rather than Hershel just feels like a doctor would know more about human head injuries than a vet. Also I am taking a few medical liberties with multiple progressive concussions and post concussion syndrome. I feel like someone with Carol's past (abusive relationship) has more than likely had more than one concussion in the past. Multiple concussions can be very dangerous and lead to permanent brain damage or death.