This started out as a role play between myself (gunslingerdixon) and my Carol rp partner untapdtreasure (nolongeraxburden), and it was mutually decided upon to share with the rest of FF as a fanfiction. So here it is! Enjoy!

If y'all are interested in following us just go to: nolongeraxburden. tumblr .com or gunslingerdixon. tumblr .com

Also: we own nothing in regards to The Walking Dead. All rights belong to the copyright holder.

Daryl:

He welcomed the cool of the steel door against his forehead, mouth open in a heavy pant from running trying desperately to catch his breath. He could feel the walkers on the other side scratching and pawing at the door trying to get through with each grunt and moan. The slivers of light that filtered through beneath the door, his gaze fell to the floor as they strained to gauge how many were shuffling about outside. Daryl couldn't tell and he neither cared at that point as his body was exhausted and his mind mentally drained of the previous conversation. He could feel the ache and pain in his joints and the taut muscle having worked too quickly for what he had to do.

Carol's voice broke the silence, his name barely heard above a whisper. He pushed away from the door with his hand, turning his body to look for her keeping pressing his back against the door to continue to rest. In the dark of the bathroom they'd locked themselves in he couldn't see a thing. His eyes hadn't quite adjusted properly to the dim filtered light of the moon through the sun vents at the crest of the roof and wall.

"Yeah?" He gruffed after a moment, squinting a little to try and get a better focus on the silhouettes in the dark. His eyes vaguely scanning about to find her figure steadily settling on the gaudy shine of a water faucet from what little light could find its way in.

Her voice warbled with a tremble of fear and he was suddenly reminded that she was somewhat claustrophobic as she had mentioned back at the CDC. He hadn't been too keen on being underground either, but that had been an opinion not shared— his observations held at bay. Daryl knew that any words he had to say at the time wouldn't matter none as everyone had made large efforts to stay out of his way or simply ignore him altogether— which was something he had been fine with.

He had been considered one of the undesirable members of the group due to his association with his brother. He scoffed at the thought at how that had drastically changed over the course of time he had spent with the group. It amazed even himself that he had eventually become a valued member. Someone that they oftentimes looked to for a plan or some remote form of advice.

When his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, Daryl keened his gaze on Carol whom was huddled at the back of the bathroom her back against the wall, knees drawn up to her chest. Pushing away from the rattle of the door, he padded towards her carefully stepping over their effects and bags that had been carelessly tossed in their haste to get inside and away from the just present danger. He paused in front of her before crouching down onto his haunches, legs coiling beneath him as he sought out her eyes.

"Yer safe. Took out what all was in here earlier 'fore I found ya." He replied in a throaty growl trying to offer some sort of reassurance to her fears. Daryl was sure her mind was whirling about in regards to possible escape routes that could be managed and the small closed off space they were stuck in for the night.

Carol:

Carol had heard him before she saw him clearly as he squatted down before her. Their eyes met in the darkness, and that alone helped, but it wasn't enough. She reached out then, touching his arm gently, before holding on tighter to him in case he were to suddenly disappear. She wanted to push herself against him, beg him to hold her, but she couldn't do that to him. Not after everything. All of this was because of her in the first place. She'd taken enough from him considering all things that had happened since she'd taken two lives.

Her lips quivered just a bit. "I wondered how you knew this place was here." She was glad that he had, or they'd still be out there searching for an escape from the walkers that were still desperately trying to get in the door by clawing and snapping at it. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them wide again when the darkness just made it worse.

There was a reason she never slept with her cell door closed. It had just been easier for her. She let out a shaky breath then. "Looks like we're stuck here? At least for the night?" She lowered her hand slowly, letting her fingers move down his arm and find his fingers. She gave them a squeeze and wanted to hold onto them forever. Or at least until the light began to show, but she let them go reluctantly.

Her lips pressed together then. She shifted slightly and moved so that she was on her knees. Her lips then parted slightly and pressed against his cheek. She let them linger for a few seconds longer than she probably should have, but how often did she get to thank him for saving her ass?

"Thank you." Her voice was soft, tugging at the muggy air that hung between them as she let them float gently to his ears. "Could've left my ass to get eaten out there, but you saved me. You always do…" And she meant it in more ways than him physically saving her hide. He'd saved her in so many ways. A lot of those ways she couldn't even begin to express with words.

Please review and let us know what you thought! Cheers!

*Note: This is also not 100% written by myself. I owe a lot of credit to my wonderful partner as she is Carol and does a phenomenal job. Send her some love too at untapdtreasure here at FF!