Hotline

by SamiWammy

Hello : ) This is a series of one-shots based around Carol and Daryl. I am taking requests so content will vary from smut to emotional romance, horror, humor, you name it! If you want to see it happen, just send a PM. I'm a Caryl shipper through and through and I can't wait to see all the ideas you guys have for our favorite couple. Enjoy! 1st chapter is smut!

12. Taste

Hi guys! Hope everyone had fun watching FTWD - our show will be back soon! Wanted to say thank you to all the awesome reviews from the last chapter. You guys are great! I'm really psyched to be posting this because I've kinda had a soft spot for the Daryl and Carol from the haircut mini-series all this time I feel like they have a really fun, sexy chemistry, and I love exploring that! In case you need a refresher - the last time we saw this series, Daryl and Carol were fooling around in the prison shower. Fair warning: taking no prisoners here…this will be smutty! Seriously, they get wild, so brace yourselves! As always, thank you for reading and have fun ; )

Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead…but I have a lot of fan art : )

Chapter 12: Taste

Blood was rushing through Daryl's veins…pounding in his ears like an alarm… His lungs were burning and everything he saw was red. His cold, blue eyes were narrowed to mean slits as he readied himself for the next onslaught.

Glenn's face was twisted into a grimace as he swung his crowbar out at the nearest corpse, catching it in the jaw. There was a soft crack as the creature's head was twisted to the side…it's teeth still gnashing. Glenn didn't waste any time. He swung again, hard…making sure to shatter bone when he hit the walker's temple.

While Glenn fought off the walkers to the left, Sasha took the right flank. She staggered back, stepping aside just in time as a large walker lunged for her. The monster's own momentum worked against it. As the dead weight continued to hurtle forward, Sasha turned, pivoting on her heel. Snarling through clenched teeth, she swung her bat…the dull metal struck the back of the walker's skull. She could feel bone giving way under the impact and the creature let out one last piteous rasp before its knees buckled. The vibrations traveled all the way up the length of the bat, into her hands…making her arms tremble.

"Come on!" she screamed, daring the next walker to get close to her. Blood and brain tissue covered the end of her bat…the gore glistening in the afternoon light.

Daryl knew that his companions were close by…fighting on either side of him. He knew they were probably swearing…crying out in rage…but he couldn't hear them. All he could hear was the strong, angry pounding of his own heart. The exhausted muscle felt so heavy in his chest. Channeling his tension, the hunter exhaled slowly through his nose. With his damp palm curled tightly around the handle of his knife, Daryl placed all of his focus on the nearest target. His eyes narrowed even more while his toes curled in his boots. With adrenaline coursing through his bloodstream like a drug, Daryl rode the high and lunged forward.

Sunlight caught the edge of his blade, making it flash silver before he drove it down into the walker's forehead. His jaw was set hard, and there was a deep crease in his brow as the knife sank into the dead flesh between the creature's eyes. Dark blood burst from the gash… smattering the hunter's arms and chest. With a jerk of his wrist, Daryl twisted the blade. He felt it ripping through the monster's useless brain tissue, and he watched in morbid fascination as the strange light faded from the walker's yellowed eyes.

Breathless, the hunter pulled back, slipping his blade free. The heavy body slumped before him…but there was no time. More monsters were stumbling in his direction…their grey arms stretched out towards him. In that moment, nothing else mattered. The rest of the world dissolved into blackness. There was no Glenn…no Sasha…only the walkers in front of him and the knife in his hand. A bead of sweat slid down along his jaw line and he clenched his teeth.

Two corpses were closing in…their heads cocked at strange, broken angles and their bloodied mouths open. They were hissing, snarling…hungry. But their sounds couldn't break through the sirens in Daryl's skull. The internal alarm continued to sound…blaring in his ears, making his heart beat itself against his ribs. Shaking the damp hair out of his eyes, the hunter pulled back his leg before kicking the nearest walker hard in the mid-section. It lost its footing and staggered but the other corpse wasn't deterred. It's fingers curled stiffly like claws and it reached out for Daryl's arm. But the hunter had no intention of letting the creature make contact. Every muscle in his body was coiled for action…his nerve endings vibrating with trapped energy. Snarling, he side-stepped the advancing walker before driving his blade into its temple. Again, a sick spray of black blood gushed from the wound…the droplets pelting Daryl's skin with a pat sound. The monster groaned, it's body shuddering, and the hunter drove the knife in deeper…hitting the soft brain tissue. Restless, he kicked at the walker, pushing the dead weight away…freeing his knife. Exhaling through his nose, Daryl flicked his wrist. Bits of putrid flesh flew from the edge of his blade.

Lost in his bloodlust, he turned suddenly, descending on the remaining walker. The creature was struggling to push it's wasted frame up off the asphalt, but Daryl never gave it the chance. Dropping to his knees, the hunter gripped the knife's handle with both hands and raised it high above his head. He blinked sweat away from his eyes and caught his bottom lip between his teeth. The muscles in his arms trembled, and his entire body tensed, as he brought the weapon down hard and fast. He gasped, shuddering slightly with the cool metal sank down into the gray flesh of the walker's brow. Bone cracked with a sickening sound, and the blade slipped deeper into the monster's brain. It's dead eyes were fixed on Daryl…it had one thin arm raised…the curled fingers still desperately seeking out living flesh. The cold, pale skin brushed the hunter's arm for half a heartbeat…but it was too late. A final, ragged breath escaped the walker before the last eerie flicker of life disappeared. It's limp arm fell to the asphalt, but it's eyes remained open. The pupils still trained on the hunter. Blood seeped from the place where the knife was lodged. The sticky, black-red liquid trickling slowly down the sunken face. Thick drops slid down, along the sides of the creature's nose…leaving gory trails behind.

Breathing hard, Daryl jerked his weapon free. There was a sucking sound as the blade slipped from the walker's brain. Growling, the hunter forced himself to stand. His knees ached from being pressed to the asphalt, but he didn't care. He shook the sweaty hair out of his face and quickly glanced left and right. Glenn and Sasha were still fending off corpses. The hunter watched as Glenn swung his crowbar, tearing a huge gash in one of the walker's necks. When Daryl refocused on Sasha, he realized that she was struggling… His eyes darted to the ground near her feet.

She dropped the bat…

Sasha was screaming. She had both hands on the walker's shoulders…her knuckles turning white as she clutched at the creature's coat, trying to force it away from her. She was working to keep the monster from advancing, but it was pushing back, growling…rasping at her. Daryl's lips parted when he saw the rotted fingers gripping the front of Sasha's shirt… It's jaw was opening and closing…broken teeth snapping and clicking… Sasha cried out again…the painful sound echoing through the street. It managed to reach Daryl and he realized what needed to be done.

With his jaw set hard, the hunter ran in her direction. He didn't hesitate…he didn't think. There was no time. With a strong arm outstretched, he came to a screeching halt and grabbed the back of the monster's battered coat. His hand formed an angry fist, clutching the fabric tight. Grunting, he yanked the body away from Sasha. Startled and unprepared for the sudden assault, the walker stumbled. Unsteady on its feet, the corpse stood facing Daryl…growls and groans escaping its hungry mouth. The hunter glared at his target and advanced quickly. The walker reached for him, but Daryl was relentless. His hand shot out, pushing the monster in the chest. Dead hands were reaching for the hunter's wrist, fingers closing around it…Daryl didn't care…he couldn't even feel it. All he knew was there was a threat in front of him, and it had to be dealt with. Moving quickly, with his hand still pressed to the monster's chest, Daryl continued to advance…never losing momentum. He moved until he had the creature shoved against the nearest wall. It's grip was tightening on his wrist and its teeth were gnashing, but the battle was already won. Daryl had the walker right where he wanted it. As he stood in front of the monster, staring it down, the hunter could feel his entire body trembling. His heart sped up and he stopped breathing. Every primal instinct seemed to flow through him in that instant. The need to fight….to kill… The urge was overpowering, all consuming, and Daryl snarled as he dove his knife into the walker's left eye.

Blood and bits of tissue burst, spattering the hunter's arm. The creature let out a dying moan before its hands went slack..it's grip finally loosening on Daryl's wrist. The hunter twisted the blade, once…twice….scraping the bone of the eye socket, and ensuring that the corpse wouldn't rise again. Satisfied, he jerked the weapon free and watched as the lifeless body slid slowly down the wall. It seemed to stare up at him, one eye a bloody ruin…the other glazed and strangely empty. It's mouth was open, revealing grey, broken teeth. The hunter felt powerful as he stared down at the corpse. It had sunk to the ground…legs sprawled at awkward angles and head lolling back against the wall while blood continued to trickle down its face.

Useless goddamn bastards…

It didn't matter how many of them Daryl killed…the revulsion never went away. He'd always harbored a deep, seething hatred for the walkers. To him…they weren't people….just mindless monsters…and he refused to let some broken shell of a human being take him out. Whenever walkers were unfortunate enough to stumble across his path, Daryl looked at them with anger, not fear. When the hunter found himself caught in the fray…he didn't just take out corpses….he slaughtered them.

The adrenaline was still singing in Daryl's veins, making him tremble. He was gripping the handle of the knife so hard that his hand hurt. As he stood, looming over his latest kill, the hunter knew that he needed an outlet. Suddenly remembering his companions, Daryl lifted his chin and looked around. His narrowed eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any threats. He saw Sasha…she had one hand cupping her forehead, the other on her hip as she fought to catch her breath. When Daryl glanced to the left, he saw Glenn leaning forward, both hands braced on his thighs… The younger man's eyes were closed as he pulled ragged breaths into his lungs.

The three survivors stood in the parking lot of a grocery store. broken, bloodied corpses were strewn all around them. Daryl counted twelve. Restless, he continued to scan the area. He found himself hoping that just one more walker would stumble around the side of the building…directly into his path. His arm was itching to lash out with the knife…to drive into another target. He knew he should be grateful for the victory. The survivors made it through the skirmish without any injuries, from what he could tell…although Glenn and Sasha seemed a little shaken. But he couldn't allow himself to relax. Some primal part of him craved the fight. He wanted to hear the sound of bone cracking…flesh tearing, and blood splattering on asphalt.

Quit…

Daryl squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and tried to block out the images that were crowding his mind. Still gripping the knife tightly, he blew out a slow breath and eased his eyes open.

"Sasha…" he called out. "Ya alright?"

She was pacing slowly, trying to calm herself, but she managed a nod.

The hunter turned towards Glenn. "How 'bout you?" he growled.

The younger man stood up straight, his hands going up to clasp behind his head. "I'm okay." he called back. "Just need a minute."

Daryl nodded. He understood the need for recovery. His fellow survivors just wanted their hearts to slow…they wanted to let the sweat dry on their skin. But the hunter couldn't shake the feeling that had caught hold of him. He needed to move. With more effort than he cared to admit, he slowly lowered his knife, wiping the grimy blade against his cargo pants. The gore left a dark stain on the faded fabric. When the blade was relatively clean, Daryl reluctantly slipped it back into the sheath that hung from his belt. His fingers were stiff as they uncurled, releasing the handle. He flicked his wrist, trying to shake out the cramp in his hand. Opening and closing his fist, Daryl tried to follow his companions' example and relax…but it was no use. His hands went to his hips as he began to pace.

Once the wave of nausea passed, Glenn released a heavy sigh and rubbed his tired eyes. When he lifted his chin and surveyed the damage, he noticed Daryl. The hunter was pacing back and forth, across the parking lot…as if he couldn't stand still. Glenn's brow furrowed.

"Hey." he called out. "You okay?"

Daryl didn't seem to hear him.

"Daryl!" Glenn shouted again.

The hunter stopped pacing long enough to glance in Glenn's direction.

"You okay?" the younger man asked, worry etched into his features.

Daryl nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Still concerned, Glenn looked at Sasha. The two held the connection, both of them wondering what was wrong with their companion.

Worried, Sasha took a hesitant step in the hunter's direction…the movement was cautious…slow, as if she were approaching a dangerous animal.

Though it was slight, the motion caught Daryl's eye and he looked up suddenly.

Sasha froze. "You…you sure you're alright?" she asked, her voice soft.

As the hunter stared at her, noting the fearful look in her eyes, he realized that she didn't understand. Glenn probably didn't either. He needed the rush that came with making kills. He needed to feel adrenaline surging through his body… He longed for the chance to unleash the aggression that slept inside him most days. It was sick… he knew that. Any rational person would be making every effort to avoid conflict…walkers…threats. But Daryl couldn't help it. Things had settled at the prison, and he wasn't used to the peace…the stability. They'd taken on the Woodbury refugees, and suddenly there were people everywhere…crowding him. He began to feel caged…confined. The restlessness got so bad that he jumped at any chance to get outside the gate. This was the first run he'd been on in a few weeks, and there was still so much angry energy teeming under his skin. His hand began curling into a fist again.

"I'm fine." he bit out. The words were rough growls.

Sasha and Glenn exchanged glances; suspicion evident on their faces.

The silence was making Daryl itch. "C'mon." he called to both of them. "Let's get back." Without waiting for an answer, the hunter turned his head to spit. With his hands on his hips, he stepped over the bodies on the ground and began making his way across the lot.

Sasha and Glenn had no choice but to follow. Retrieving their weapons from the ground, the two survivors hurried to catch up with Daryl, their boots scuffing the asphalt.

As he lead the small group back to their vehicle, Daryl continued to open and close his fist, hoping to control his aggression.

"Sure you wanna drive?" Sasha asked, glancing at Daryl.

The hunter turned the keys in the ignition and shot her a look.

"Just checking." she said softly before turning away from him.

Without another word, Daryl eased his foot onto the gas pedal and the car started to move.

Afraid to say anything, Sasha and Glenn kept their concerns to themselves. The only sound came from the tires humming. The hunter kept one strong hand curled tightly around the steering wheel, the other was at his mouth. He gnawed his thumbnail absently while his narrowed eyes focused on the road. As the asphalt disappeared beneath the car, Daryl was deep in thought.

He tired to think of reasons…excuses…anything he could possibly say to get Rick to send him out again. He knew that if Glenn and Sasha had any idea what he was thinking….they'd assume there was something wrong with him. Maybe there was… Daryl considered that for several seconds, but then shrugged it off. He wasn't crazy…and he didn't have a death wish. The hunter had simply grown tired of spending so much time within the prison walls. It seemed like he couldn't do anything, or go anywhere, without being surrounded by people. They weren't rude; no one mistreated him, but it didn't matter. Daryl just craved the freedom he'd enjoyed before the refugees arrived. He didn't mind having the extra bodies around, but every now and then…he just wanted to escape…to carve out a little slice of isolation for himself. The fact that he hadn't been able to do that lately was making him restless…and his fuse had grown dangerously short. He could feel his blunt nails biting into the leather of the steering wheel.

The hunter was getting a headache as he turned the possibilities over and over in his mind. Maybe Rick would give him the green light for an overnight hunt. Maybe there was a need for more supplies…things that couldn't be found nearby. Daryl wondered if there was any chance of getting sent out on a run to another town…something that could last a day or two. It really didn't matter…just so long as the hunter could get away. Those options sounded decent to Daryl, but he needed more. His blood was up and he was on edge…waiting for the battle that wasn't coming. His heart had slowed some, but the beat was still steady…pounding in his chest. His toes were still curling in his boots and he gnawed his thumbnail harder. His blue eyes occasionally flicked to the driver's side window, and he watched as walls of dark pine trees sped past. Mile after mile, Daryl considered his options….hoping that one would seem viable.

After fifteen minutes of strained silence, Glenn leaned forward from the backseat. "Thank god…" he sighed. The prison gates were coming into view. As quiet as things had been lately, all the survivors harbored the same fear when they went on runs….in the backs of their minds, they each worried that something could happen while they were away…and it was always a relief to see the prison still standing when they returned.

Sasha's lips curved into the makings of a sad smile. She could see her brother in the distance. Tyreese was running towards the gate, along with a few others. She fumbled to unbuckle her seat belt.

Daryl slowed to a stop just outside the gate. Squinting, he could make out the welcoming committee. Rick and Carl were there, along with Maggie. Her eyes shone when she saw that her partner was safe and in one piece inside the car. Daryl sighed through his nose, knowing that he'd have to endure the same claps on the shoulder, and standard lines of questioning that accompanied every return from a supply run.

Tyreese and Rick worked to get the gate open and Daryl pulled the car in slowly. The instant the heavy gate closed behind him, he heard the others jogging towards the car. Drawing on the little bit of patience the day had left him with, Daryl let the engine die before pushing the driver's side door open. As soon as he stepped out into the heat of the day, he was bombarded by greetings and questions.

"Good to see you man," said Tyreese. "You alright?"

Daryl just nodded and kept moving.

"Hey," Rick called out.

The hunter paused, glancing back at his leader.

"Things go okay out there?" the deputy asked.

Again, Daryl nodded.

As Rick held the hunter's gaze, he realized that his friend wasn't in the mood for talking. Not wanting to agitate Daryl, Rick simply held up a hand and waved him on….dismissing him. He figured if the hunter had something to say, he'd say it when he was ready. Although, the fresh blood on the hunter's clothes concerned him…

Grateful for his leader's understanding, Daryl picked up the pace and hurried across the yard. He needed to get away from everyone. He'd seen it all before… Maggie and Glenn clinging to one another as if they'd been separated for days…Tyreese and Sasha hugging, laughing, sometimes crying with relief at seeing each other unscathed. It wasn't that Daryl had a problem with any of his companions, but he'd never really been the sentimental type. He wasn't a big fan of being touched, and watching Sasha and Tyreese only served to remind him that his own brother wasn't there. Desperate for an escape, he continued on his path across the yard.

As the heavy doors that lead to C-block came into view, something seemed to click in the hunter's brain. His lips parted, and he froze just before he reached the doors. In an instant, his entire perspective seemed to shift. He knew what he wanted, and he knew where to go. With a renewed sense of purpose, Daryl yanked the door open and stepped into the cell block.

"Think another bag should do it." said Carol. She stood in the kitchen, watching as Beth worked on dinner.

The girl set down her knife and wiped the sweat from her brow. She'd been chopping potatoes for the better part of an hour. "You think so?" she asked.

Carol gave her a smile and nodded. "Yep. You're doing fine."

Beth smiled back and resumed chopping. "That's nice to hear."

Karen stood nearby stirring beans in a large pot. "Has someone been giving you trouble?" she asked, a teasing tone to her voice.

Beth sighed. "Not really…just…Maggie's always been better at all this. I never spent much time in the kitchen. Feel like I'm makin' mistakes every time I come in here."

Carol chuckled, her arms folding across her chest. "That's the only way to learn."

"Truer words were never spoken," said Karen. She lifted the spoon from the pot and brought it to her lips to get a small taste.

Carol was leaning with her hip against the counter while her companions cooked. All three women were doing their best to keep themselves distracted. No one could ever rest easy when there was a group outside the gates.

Deciding to voice the question that loomed large in all their minds, Beth spoke up again. "Think they'll be back soon?"

The light seemed to fade from Carol's eyes and she focused on her boots. She knew that Daryl could look after himself, but she still worried about him being out there. "I'm sure they will," she answered, forcing a small smile. She knew Beth and Karen just needed to hear the words.

"They will." Karen agreed, driving the point home. "No use in standing around worrying. It won't make time go by any faster."

"I know." Beth sighed. "Just can't help it sometimes."

Karen reached out, laying a hand on the girl's shoulder. "That's why we're here…to keep your mind off of it. Now focus on those potatoes."

Beth smiled. "Fine."

Carol was grateful for their company. Waiting was always the hardest part…and waiting alone was even harder. Scuffing her boot on the floor, she tried to keep her mind off Daryl. She'd always cared about him…as a fellow survivor…as family… But ever since his haircut….since she climbed onto his lap and let their bodies join, her feelings seemed to grow…or change. She couldn't be sure. They'd never put a name on what was taking place between them; she didn't think they needed to. It was just good, and that was enough for her. It seemed to be enough for him.

As she leaned against the counter, it was hard for Carol to accept that it had been two whole months since that haircut. Two months of making excuses, skipping out on chores, and swapping watch shifts just to get a second alone with him. It was hard enough for the two of them to find privacy before the refugees arrived…now that the prison was crawling with people, the obstacles standing in their way seemed endless. They hadn't had sex in three weeks. All they'd had time for was a few moments of frantic, hungry kissing in dark hallways every now and then. She knew it was getting to both of them.

They'd toyed with the idea of just coming out with it…telling everyone. But something about that bothered them. Daryl and Carol weren't ashamed of what they were doing…they were just private. Daryl wasn't entirely comfortable with the intimate details of his life being revealed to everyone in the prison, and Carol just wanted to avoid judgment. She knew their original group…her friends…would accept whatever she told them, but she wondered if the newcomers would look at her differently. All those concerns set aside, there was something fun about keeping the relationship to themselves…Daryl and Carol weren't ready to let that extra edge go.

Frustrated, worried, confused, Carol sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She turned towards
Beth and considered taking over the potato-chopping. Just as she reached out to tap the younger woman on the shoulder, the sound of heavy footsteps made all three women look up.

Beth stopped chopping and Karen stopped stirring. Carol turned to see Daryl walking in their direction. Relief washed over her and she had to fight to keep her whole face from lighting up. "Glad you're back." she said casually.

Daryl nodded a greeting before glancing at Beth and Karen. "The rest of 'em are out in the yard."

The women smiled at him, grateful for the update, but their eyes seemed to narrow as they took in Daryl's appearance. There were stains on his clothes…stains that hadn't been there when he left. His arms were flecked with crimson spots and streaks…signs of trouble. Suddenly worried, a deep crease formed in Beth's brow. "Is everyone alright? What happened?"

He'd all but forgotten his own appearance, and how startling it must seem. Glancing down at his clothes, Daryl shrugged. "Took out some walkers, that's all. Glenn 'n Sasha are fine." He was doing his best to get the words out without sounding angry…or letting his impatience show.

"Thank god," Karen sighed, wiping her brow.

His explanation seemed to satisfy the women, and Daryl refocused on his partner. "Carol." he growled, beckoning her to follow him. He didn't wait, he simply kept walking, his pace increasing as he moved further down the hall, past the kitchen.

Karen and Beth stared at her, confused. The way Daryl spoke to her…it seemed like more of an order than a request. Carol feigned ignorance and shrugged. "Let me see what he wants. You guys alright here?" she asked.

"We're good." said Karen. "You go on."

"Thanks." said Carol. "I'm sure it's nothing. I'll be back soon." She drummed her fingers on the cool counter before heading out of the kitchen. It took actual effort to walk, and not run after Daryl.

Once she was gone, Karen and Beth exchanged glances. The older woman sighed and shook her head as she resumed stirring the beans.

"What?" Beth asked.

"Nothing." Karen shrugged. "Just…the way he talked to her just then…"

Beth smiled as her knife sank into another potato. "Social interaction isn't his strong suit. Never has been."

"Still." said Karen. "You'd think he'd have more sense than to call her like a dog…"

Beth stopped chopping and glanced at Karen. "He didn't mean anything by it. He's just a pain sometimes. Needs to work on his manners…but he respects her."

"I hope so." said Karen.

"He does. They have a thing."

Karen turned to look at Beth. "A thing?"

Beth bit her lip and tried to think of how to explain. "You know…a connection. Like, they get each other. 'N she tolerates him when the rest of us can't."

Both women chuckled at that.

"It's weird." said Beth. "But we figured it's best not to question it. Long as there's someone around here that can get him to calm down when he's riled, that's all that matters."

Karen shook her head again. "Woman's got more patience than me; I'll tell you that."

Beth chuckled again. "She's patient…but she ain't afraid to speak her mind. I've heard her fussin' at him more than a few times…she fusses at Rick 'n Glenn too. Always gettin' after them to take care of themselves."

Karen smiled. "I still think it's strange."

"What's that?"

"You saying that they get each other." Karen explained. "They just seem so different. I don't know that I'd be able to handle his mood swings."

"We're still learnin' how to do that." Beth laughed.

"They really get along? Like…they're actually friends?" Karen asked.

"They seem to be." said Beth. She shrugged, and both women chuckled.

Daryl was a few yards ahead, his pace never slowing as he made his way down the corridor.

Carol trailed after him, her arms folded across her chest. "Wanna tell me where we're going?" she asked, slightly concerned. They were moving further and further away from the more populated areas of the prison.

The hunter rounded a corner, disappearing for half a second. "You'll see here in a minute." he growled, almost speaking to himself.

Carol followed, and noticed that they were walking down another hall…one they rarely used. The walls were still streaked with signs of gore and violence…the floor was dusty, littered with scraps of old paper…wrappers…it was clear that the area didn't see a lot of traffic.

"Still appreciate it if you told me." she said, hugging herself a little tighter.

"I'd appreciate it if ya trusted me." he huffed, his pace increasing again.

Carol rolled her eyes as she worked to catch up to him. "Never said I didn't trust you…"

"You're actin' like it."

She sighed through her nose.

Satisfied with her silence, Daryl rounded another corner. His narrowed eyes strained to see through the gloomy corridor, but he seemed to know where he was going. Still a few steps behind, Carol glanced left and right, taking in their surroundings. She was trying to figure out where they were.

When they finally reached the end of the long hall, Daryl stopped suddenly. Carol nearly ran into him but her hands shot out, hitting his back before they collided.

"Jesus Daryl!" She griped, steadying herself.

He just glanced at her over his shoulder and snorted. "Hush."

Carol glared at him through the dark. "Excuse me?"

But the hunter wasn't intimidated, and he had no intentions of apologizing. Instead, he used one broad hand to push against the door he'd found. Squeaking and groaning on rusty hinges, it swung outwards, letting afternoon light spill into the corridor. The sudden brightness stung Carol's eyes and she had to blink, her hand coming up to shield her face.

Daryl stepped out into the daylight and held the door open as Carol walked past him. He let the heavy door swing shut while he studied his partner. She stood nearby, arms still folded across her chest. She was taking in the scenery, trying to familiarize herself.

"Well," she sighed. "You gonna tell me what it is we're do-"

But he didn't let her finish. Daryl grabbed her by the waist and pushed her back into the brick wall. A small gasp escaped her, but she didn't have time to protest. The hunter stood in front of her, trapping her with his body. Before she could even think or speak, he ducked his head and sank his teeth into the crook of her neck. Her eyes slammed shut and she groaned.

The sound sent blood rushing to Daryl's groin and he began hungrily sucking at her neck. Carol's head went back to rest against the rough brick and she let the hunter take what he wanted. The suction of his mouth was making her weak.

Daryl's eyes were closed as he enjoyed her. He could taste the salt on her skin…and something else that he couldn't name…something that was uniquely hers. He alternated between biting and sucking, his tongue flicking against her skin every few seconds. His hands massaged her hips roughly.

Carol was having trouble thinking…breathing. His mouth felt so good on her body. He was looming in front of her, surrounding her… His scent was suddenly everywhere. An incredible combination of sweat, smoke, gasoline, pine and blood. It seemed to come from his hair…his skin, his clothes…and it was making Carol dizzy. Bracing her hands against the brick wall at her back, she fought to stay standing.

Daryl was making his way up, along the side of her neck, sucking and licking until he reached the point of her jaw, just below her ear. He nuzzled her roughly, loving the way she smelled. "Fuckin' christ…" he breathed, his eyes still closed…his hands still gripping her hips.

Carol swallowed hard. "Wanna….tell me….what we're doing?" she whispered. Her fingertips flexed anxiously against the rough brick.

The hunter's mouth was at her ear, his warm breath hitting her skin. "How 'bout ya tell me…" he growled softly, reaching for one of her hands and guiding it to his groin. He hissed when he felt her cup him.

She bit her lip and whined. He was getting hard. It felt like an eternity since she'd touched him like that. She squeezed gently and he bucked his hips into her hand.

"Fuck…" he breathed against her earlobe.

With her heart thrumming in her chest, Carol began to rub him…up and down, following the outline of his manhood that was straining beneath his pants. As she rubbed him through the fabric, Carol could feel his member swelling. He continued to buck weakly, seeking the friction he needed.

Each time he felt her palm slide along the bulge in his pants, Daryl had to fight the urge to come. His dick was starting to throb…his erection pushing against his zipper. Whining and growling against the side of her neck, the hunter pushed his hips into her hand. He let her play with him while blood continued to pour into his groin.

Carol was lost in lust…she still didn't know what they were doing…why Daryl dragged her out to some forgotten part of the prison and trapped her against the wall. But it didn't matter. She finally had him to herself…her hand on his body and his mouth at her ear. She kept teasing him…rubbing his length and squeezing it tenderly.

Daryl could feel the sheer need coursing through his veins…spurring him on until he was fully erect. He was sucking the base of Carol's neck, enjoying the pressure of her hand. When he was finally as hard as he needed to be, he reached for Carol's wrist…stopping the delicious motion of her hand.

Startled, Carol blinked. Daryl pulled away from the warmth of her neck and held her gaze. The survivors stared at one another…both breathing hard, and both with heavy lids. The hunter tugged at her hand, guiding it to his neck, where she held him. She clawed lightly, feeling the sweat on his skin. The tip of her tongue darted out over her lips.

"What are we doing?" she asked.

Daryl sighed through his nose.

Carol lifted her other hand and began caressing his neck. "Tell me." she whispered.

His eyes had narrowed to blue slits and he continued to stare at her. "Your boots…" he growled under his breath.

A slight crease formed in Carol's brow. She didn't understand. "What about them?"

Daryl lowered his gaze and focused intently on her mouth. "Get 'em off."

Carol stopped rubbing his neck. "What?"

There was a low rumble in Daryl's chest. "I said get 'em off." His rough hands moved suddenly…sliding up from her waist, under her shirt, making her skin tremble.

She swallowed hard, her eyes locked on her partner. His hands moved up, past her stomach until he was gripping her breasts. He hated that her bra was in the way, but the tender flesh still felt amazing in his palms. Daryl gave her a good squeeze, making her gasp. "I ain't gonna tell ya again." he growled. Exercising and incredible amount of self control, he released her breasts and slipped his hands out from under her shirt. Taking a few steps back, the hunter distanced himself from her and waited.

Unsure of what was coming, Carol slowly sank down to the concrete and began fumbling with her boots. She could feel him watching her and it made her nervous.

Daryl's chest was heaving a little as he waited on his partner. He stood a few feet away and stared down her shirt, lusting after what he could see of her cleavage. All the adrenaline that had been coursing through his frame, during the battle with the walkers, seemed to rush back to the surface. He grew more impatient with each passing second.

Carol's palms were damp and she fought clumsily to undo all of the straps on her boots. She cast a quick glance up at Daryl and felt her breath catch. His hands were on his hips and he was staring at her like she was a piece of meat… She couldn't stop her eyes from flicking to his groin…where his arousal was waiting on her. The knowledge of what he had beneath his clothes made Carol's core hurt. Blinking, she refocused on her boots. When she finally managed to yank the damn things off her feet along with her socks, Daryl stalked towards her.

He bent down, offering her his hand. She took it and he pulled her up so fast she nearly stumbled. Without another word, Daryl gripped her waist and turned her around. Just as he pushed her towards the wall, Carol's hands shot out on instinct. Alarmed, she swallowed hard and tried to catch her breath. She could feel the rough texture of the brick wall biting into her palms as she braced herself.

Daryl stood behind her, his hands still at her waist. He reached around to the front of her body and began unbuckling her belt. Carol's core tightened when she felt him pull the leather from her belt loops. His fingers moved to her zipper and her jerked it down forcefully.

"D…Daryl…" she stammered, without looking back at him.

But he didn't answer. Instead, the hunter slipped one hand down inside her panties and growled.

It was Carol's turn to swear. "Fuck…"

His fingertips seemed to find her clit instantly and he teased it while his hips bucked weakly against her ass. He lunged for the crook of her neck, biting it as his fingers continued to toy with her.

It was all too much for Carol…he was everywhere…sucking, playing…his erection pressed to her ass. She could feel wetness building between her legs. While she was distracted by his amazing mouth, Daryl pulled his hand from her panties and gripped her waistband. Desperate to see more of her, he worked the cargo pants down her hips.

Carol's eyes fluttered open when she felt the fabric sliding down her legs. She seemed to realize, in an instant…that it was the middle of the afternoon…they were outside…where anyone or anything could see them. Fear seized her heart and she reached back, grabbing one of Daryl's wrists.

"S…stop…" she breathed.

Daryl sucked her neck hard before pulling back. Carol glanced at him over her shoulder and the two locked eyes.

"What?" he growled, a few strands of dark hair hanging in his face.

Carol's brows knit together and she stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

Daryl ignored the fact that she was holding his wrist, and continued to yank her pants down her long legs. When the fabric pooled at her feet, he ran his calloused hands back up her legs, squeezing when he reached her thighs. He took a moment to grip her ass and stare at her thin, cotton panties.

"Daryl!" she hissed. "What are you doing?"

The hunter's eyes flicked to her face while his fingers curled around her panties. "Fuckin' ya." He didn't wait for a response; he simply slid Carol's panties down, revealing her ass, her pussy…he wanted to stop and stare, but there wasn't any time. Once the underwear joined her pants on the ground, he grunted at her. "C'mon."

Shocked by his boldness, Carol had no choice but to obey and step out of her pants and panties. The second she did, Daryl kicked them aside, out of her reach.

"Daryl…" she pleaded, her eyes still trained on his face. "We can't do this…not here…" She'd never felt so exposed.

"The hell we can't…." Daryl growled under his breath. He was massaging her hips again. "Think I dragged your ass way the hell out here to talk?"

She swallowed hard. "What if someone comes back here?"

The hunter bucked against her ass. "Ain't nobody comin' back here but us."

Carol whined at the feeling of his need pressed against her. "But…someone could see us."

Daryl was done talking. He squeezed her hips and growled. "Best get them hands on the wall."

When she heard those rough, smoky growls leave his mouth, her core tightened again. With her heart beating wildly in her chest, Carol turned away from her partner and focused on the brick. Her fingers seemed so pale splaying against it. Bracing both hands on the wall, Carol closed her eyes and tried to calm down.

The hunter released her body and concentrated on getting his belt undone. He didn't bother taking it off…there wasn't time, he just needed to unbuckle it. Once the ends hung slack, he tugged his zipper down in one quick motion. Staring hard at Carol's ass, he gripped his waistband and pushed his pants, along with his boxers, down his hips, freeing his cock. Taking a few moments to stroke his member, the hunter focused on his partner…her body…her long, pale legs…all the things he'd been missing the last few weeks. As he pulled at his hard-on, Daryl felt himself leaking. "Spread them legs." he ordered, his voice low.

Struggling to breathe, Carol did as she was told. She was torn between her need for release, and her fear of being seen. But she knew Daryl…if he wanted something, nothing could sway him. Resigning herself to the fact that he was going to take her, right there in the open…she let her need for him build.

Daryl's pants and boxers sat low on his hips while his hand traveled up and down the length of his cock. He squeezed and pulled, trying to prepare himself for the pressure he knew he would find inside her. The longer he stared at her ass, the harder he seemed to become. With liquid beading at the head of his dick, Daryl knew he couldn't wait anymore.

He moved in closer, releasing his cock as he bucked against her. The feeling of his bare skin against hers made them both shudder. His hands went to her hips and he held her body in place as he bucked again. Carol moaned, pushing back against him. His thick shaft felt warm pressed to her ass and she wanted it inside her.

Daryl jerked his hips again, loving all the soft flesh surrounding him member. As he bucked, he considered taking her in the ass. They hadn't talked about it, but the hunter desperately wanted to try…and he knew that if Carol let him pleasure her that way, she'd enjoy it.

Not now…

He continued to press against the wonderful firmness of her ass, but the voice in his head was right. He was already pushing the boundaries of their relationship as it was.

Ya got her outside against a wall in the middle of the damn day for Christ's sake…

Grateful for the access she was already giving him, Daryl pushed the distracting thoughts from his mind and refocused on her pussy. He kept bucking, and felt his shaft slide past her core…the moisture making him slip. He wanted to get inside, but he wanted her to want it as much as he did…so he continued to tease her.

Carol didn't understand the sudden hesitation. Her body was ready, but Daryl seemed to be holding back. She pushed back against him, her slickness brushing his cock.

Amused, Daryl gripped her hips a little tighter. "Somethin' wrong?" he growled.

Groaning, she pushed her body back into him again. She was desperate for penetration but she couldn't tell him that. He bucked, countering her movements, and she whined.

The hunter smirked. "Almost seems like ya want me to fuck ya against this wall…"

Carol's fingertips flexed, clawing at the brick.

He ground his hips into her slowly, torturing both of them. "Seems like ya need it." he growled under his breath.

Carol felt so painfully empty. Her head hung low as she pulled a strained breath into her lungs. "I do…" she whispered, almost as if she were speaking to herself.

"Come again?" Daryl asked, bucking against her.

"I need it…" she breathed. Sweat was forming at her temples.

"Tell me woman." his cock throbbed as it lay pressed to her ass.

Carol was sure she'd never been more frustrated in her life. Her physical attraction to Daryl…the power he seemed to have over her was almost frightening. She knew, as she stood with her hands on the wall, and the afternoon sun beating down on her back, that her need for him ran deeper than lust. It wasn't just sex that she craved…it was a connection. Something real…and strong. When the two of them were together, he seemed to give her the most incredible high. He made her feel safe, wanted…alive. She knew that no one else could give her those things. Daryl was the only one.

"I need you." she moaned.

The sound was filled with so much longing that Daryl froze. He blinked sweat away from his eyes and stared down at Carol's body. He could see her shoulder blades beneath her shirt…the fabric rode up from her waist. His eyes followed the length of her spine…down to where her pale skin was exposed…further, to her tailbone. Slowly, the hunter moved his hands up from her hips…his thumbs pressing in on either side of her tailbone, massaging her. He stopped bucking, and took a few seconds just to enjoy her.

With his hands on her body, Daryl marveled at the softness of her skin…the smoothness of it. He continued to work the muscles at the base of her spine while one hand slid underneath to splay against her stomach. He could feel it trembling each time she took a breath. Her body was lean, lithe…the hunter knew that their lifestyle played a big part. The survivors had grown used to running, fighting…getting by on less and less. Their day-to-day routines were physically demanding. There wasn't an ounce of spare fat on Carol's frame. She was toned, from her long legs, to her belly, to the tips of her fingers, and Daryl loved every little piece of her. Despite all the changes she'd undergone since the turn, she was still soft to the touch. Each time they were together, the hunter seemed to discover something new about his partner…more and more reasons to want her…need her. As he stood behind Carol, admiring her..touching her, Daryl realized that it wasn't just the heat between her legs that he'd missed…it was everything about her.

The survivors were working to control their breathing while they savored the closeness. Daryl's strong, warm hand was still pressed to her stomach, and it was making Carol restless. His thumb continued to press into her tailbone, easing her aches and pains. Moaning softly, she let him touch her. Neither of them knew when they'd have another chance to be alone together, so they decided to enjoy the time they'd been given.

Daryl loved listening to the hushed, pleading sounds she made. His manhood was still aching…he was still pressed against her. Knowing that they couldn't hold back forever, the hunter decided to push Carol just a little further. He wanted to make sure she was ready. With the tip of his tongue resting between his lips, Daryl slid his hand down slowly, past her belly button…lower, until his fingertips brushed her clit. Carol's body tensed, but the hunter didn't stop. With the tip of his middle finger, he began circling her clit…building her need.

Carol's eyes were slammed shut as she tried to process what he was doing to her. Normally, they were in so much of a hurry that they didn't take the time to tease…foreplay wasn't part of their routine. They rarely even spoke to one another during…the survivors usually ran on pure need. They'd learned to strip in seconds flat…and keep quiet during their orgasms. Once they were behind closed doors, Daryl never wasted any time getting inside her, and Carol didn't mind. She wanted him as much as he wanted her, and their bodies would join in fits of lust that never lasted more than a few minutes. Not that they had any complaints…fast was good. But having him take the time to tease her clit was something Carol could get used to.

Daryl continued to rub her, and he could feel the evidence of her arousal against his cock. With his body pressed up against hers, he felt the slickness building between her legs. Knowing that something so simple was having a very immediate effect on his partner made Daryl smirk. He made a mental note to play with her pussy more often. The hunter was still toying with her sex while his other hand gripped her hip.

"Ya ready woman?" he growled at her.

The stabbing pain in her core had Carol nearing a breaking point. "Yes." she groaned, her nails scraping at the brick.

His finger circled her clit faster. "Don't sound like it." he grunted, his hips bucking gently against her ass.

Carol pushed her body back into him. "Daryl please…"

"Please what?" His hand moved from her hip to her ass where he gripped her hard.

Feeling a rush of heat hit her core, she took a staggered breath and glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes flicked to Daryl's hand…the one that was still buried between her legs. It seemed so surreal…to watch him touching her like that. She lifted her gaze, taking in every detail. His strong arms, the tanned skin flecked with blood and dirt…He wore his vest over a sleeveless shirt..the top few buttons were undone and she could see more scarlet streaks and spots on his chest…his neck… He was covered in sweat. Dark shocks of messy hair hung in his eyes.. . She liked the way he was staring at her with parted lips…his breathing was getting heavier. As much as she loved seeing him naked, Carol couldn't deny that there was something incredibly sexy about the fact that he was still dressed…all he'd done was push his pants and boxers low enough on his hips to fuck her. The way he was standing behind her, holding her in place and looming over her…it made him seem so powerful, and Carol just wanted to give in. He was filthy..his clothes stained with sweat and blood, but she was sure she'd never wanted him so badly.

Their eyes locked, and Carol gave him a look that nearly made him come. Her blue eyes were burning into him and she bit her bottom lip for half a heartbeat. "Do it." she said, her voice low.

Daryl just stared at her, paralyzed by the expression she wore.

Her chest began to heave as her breathing picked up. Carol wasn't interested in waiting. "Put it in." she demanded, her body pushing back against him.

The hunter pulled his hand away from her pussy and gripped his manhood instead.

Satisfied with his obedience, Carol finally turned away and refocused on the brick wall…her hands were still pressed against it. "I want to feel it." she hissed.

Swallowing hard, Daryl stared down at the place where their bodies were about to join. His fingers were wrapped securely around the base of his cock and he began guiding himself towards her entrance. He brushed her wetness and slipped up towards her ass.

"Fuck…" he growled, shuddering at the sensation. Carefully, he repositioned himself near her pussy. He could feel the heat of her arousal on his dick, and he hadn't even gotten inside yet.

"Do it." Carol urged again.

Gripping her hip to keep her body in place, Daryl began to push against her entrance. Her muscles tensed instantly, wanting to keep him out. He'd forgotten how tight she was. But the moisture between her legs, combined with the clear liquid that had already formed on the end of his cock, helped the hunter as he pushed. Desperate to feel the warmth and wetness of her sex all around him, Daryl jerked his hips hard, forcing the swollen head of his member inside. It was sudden, taking the air from both of their lungs. Their mouths were open, and they both had to fight the urge to come. The blunt head had dipped just inside her pussy, making the ring of muscles seize around it. He could feel the intensity of her body's grip on him….the way she was constricting…and his cock leaked again.

The muscles in Carol's core were so strong that she was pushing him back…the resistance forcing him out. But Daryl had a taste of her, and he wasn't about to stop. Before he could slip from her, the hunter moved both hands to her hips and squeezed hard. "I ain't playin' no more." he growled.

All Carol had time to do was take a deep breath and claw at the wall before she felt his pelvis collide with her ass. The thrust was so strong that it made her legs shake. He'd driven the throbbing length of his manhood deep into her pussy in one, violent motion. She swore that she felt every solid inch sliding into her center. A scream was building in her chest, and she was about to let it go, but Daryl leaned over her body, his mouth at her ear.

"Be quiet woman." he growled, the new angle helping him to sink in deeper.

Carol was still in shock; she couldn't breathe, let alone speak. She wanted to cry out, but Daryl's warning echoed in her head.

"Ya start screamin'…'n somebody's gonna come lookin' for ya. Don't go givin' them assholes a reason' to come over here." He breathed.

His rough, warm words hit her earlobe and she swallowed hard, nodding.

Having made his point, Daryl eased back, his hands still securely gripping her hips. He was already breathing hard, and he paused to wipe his face against his shoulder. Staring down at the way their bodies were connected made the hunter restless. He had her perfect ass pressed to his groin, and he was buried to the hilt. His cock was swelling inside her, the thick shaft stretching her walls. As he savored the incredible pressure on his dick, it was hard for Daryl to accept that he hadn't been inside her in three weeks.

That shit stops now.

It was too long of a wait. She was his woman, as far as he was concerned, and he wanted access to her body all the time, everyday. He wanted to know that he could grab her…drag her into the nearest supply closet if he had to, and enjoy the delicious heat between her thighs whenever he felt like it. The Woodbury refugees didn't matter…all that mattered was his need for her. He finally had Carol where he wanted her…at his mercy…her pale hands against the wall…and her sex wrapped around him. It felt so good…like coming home, and the muscles in his belly were already tensing.

Christ…

He could feel her warm, wet walls hugging his shaft…the tension made him harder. Knowing that he had to move, Daryl pulled back with a grunt. The sensation of sliding back through her core made him hiss…he left the tip inside.

Carol whined, her ring of muscles tightening around the head of his member.

Daryl clawed at her hips. "That's my pussy woman." he stared down at it, loving the way their bodies were connected. "I'm gonna tear it apart…don't fuckin' scream." he breathed, dark hair hanging in his feral eyes.

She shuddered, her arms trembling as she braced herself against the wall.

"Get that ass up." he growled at her.

The instant Carol arched her back, Daryl thrust back in…his hard-on slipping deep into her pussy. He could feel the added room…his cock slid inside, further, deeper once her back was arched. Her core gripped him and he groaned.

Carol was breathless. Small tears were forming at the corner's of her eyes and her mouth was open. She'd forgotten what it felt like… He was so thick…so strong, and he filled her until she hurt. It was the most staggering blend of pain and pleasure that she'd ever experienced. Her entire body was tensing around him…resisting the invasion, but there was nothing she could do. She needed him. So, with her eyes closed and her head hanging low, Carol pushed back against her partner, inviting him to take her.

Daryl squeezed her hips and jerked forward, hitting the top of her. A small whimper passed her lips, but she didn't scream. She sounded like she was in pain, but the wetness he could feel all around his dick told the hunter that she wanted it. So he let himself throb inside her for several seconds before pulling back slowly. He savored the way her insides felt against his shaft as he moved. Withdrawing almost all the way, Daryl stared down at his cock. The tip was still resting just inside her tight passage, and she was clenching around it. His thick shaft was glistening with evidence of her arousal…the sight seemed to fascinate him.

"Fuckin' hell…" he growled under his breath.

Carol was empty again and she couldn't handle it. She needed to feel him between her legs. "Please…" she moaned softly.

The hunter thrust back into her with a grunt, his member gliding smoothly through her core. With his pelvis pressed against her ass, Daryl leaned over her back. "This what ya want?" he whispered roughly…his mouth was at her ear. He jerked his hips while he was still buried inside her.

Carol gasped and let the small tears fall. Her eyes were slammed shut. "Y…..yes…" she stammered.

Daryl could feel her core trembling all around him. She was so tight, and the way her body gripped him drove the hunter crazy. He was pulsing inside her, leaking every so often. "God….damn…" he snarled against the base of her neck. His broad hands ran up and down from her hips, along the sides of her lean body. It felt so good to touch her…to be inside her. "This ain't gonna last long." he warned, his eyes closed as he breathed her in. The smell of her hair was making him harder.

Carol couldn't speak. She swallowed hard and answered with a simple nod.

Hungry for his mate, Daryl bit the crook of her neck, and held the tender flesh between his teeth. The instant his teeth sank into her, the hunter felt her pussy clench around him. He grunted against her neck. Knowing that they both needed more, he flicked his tongue against her salty skin before finally easing back.

Sliding his hands back down to her hips, he made sure his grip on her body was secure. He took a moment to widen his stance a little and shake the sweaty shocks of hair out of his face. He wanted to be able to stare down at his partner while he took her. Daryl needed to see her react to him.

"Best keep them legs spread woman." he growled before pulling back. Carol didn't speak, but he could feel her body tensing. With his blunt nails biting into the skin at her hips, Daryl pushed his solid member back in. Slipping into her heat was the best thing he'd ever felt, and he picked up the pace, creating a steady rhythm inside her.

As much as the hunter wanted to see her back arch and her legs shake, he couldn't help but close his eyes. The sensations were overwhelming as he pushed and pulled. The friction between them was making him lightheaded and blood continued to rush to his groin.

"Awww," he whined, a deep crease forming in his brow. He was thrusting smoothly in and out of her pussy, over and over. Each time his throbbing length sank into her core, Daryl shuddered. Nothing compared to the feeling of being buried inside a tight woman…one who wanted him as much as he wanted her. With his hips bucking between her thighs, the hunter let himself groan.

Carol was lost in the motion of their bodies. She pushed back, taking his cock each time he thrust. It was so long and hard that she nearly came when he forced it in. She knew she was supposed to be quiet, but it felt too good…he felt too good. Gasps and moans escaped her as he continued to thrust.

Savoring the heat and pressure of her sex, Daryl began bucking a little harder. He could feel the vibration each time his hips collided with her ass. "Aw," he whined again. "Fuckin' tight…" The hunter continued to hold his mate captive while he took her. He loved being able to grab her hips and keep her body pressed to his groin.

The swollen length of his manhood was pressing into her deepest places and she rode the high, pushing her body back into his. They fit together perfectly…countering each other's movements and panting in unison. She could feel herself nearing the edge…she was starting to come undone. Nothing mattered but the feeling of him inside her. "Harder," she pleaded. Sweat had broken out under Carol's clothes and she began to feel feverish.

Daryl's eyes eased open when he heard her speak. He looked down at her lithe body, watching the way it jerked each time he thrust into her pussy. The sight thrilled him and his swollen cock twitched within her walls. He was clawing at her hips now…desperate to maintain his grip on her. With his mouth open, the hunter began pounding into her…hitting the top each time.

Carol gasped, the sharp sound bursting from her lips as Daryl's cock slid into her again. He was moving faster..in and out of her core. She could feel the rough surface of the brick wall scraping against her palms…her fingertips, but there was nothing she could do. Carol was trapped…her body fused to her partner's. She could only stand, on shaking legs, and let him have his way. She knew, as she felt the merciless recoil of his hips against her ass, that the union would leave her sore and aching.

The crease in Daryl's brow continued to deepen as he fucked her. Every jerk of his pelvis sent his shaft deep into the heat between her thighs. He slid through her wetness, letting it surround him. He could feel it gliding around the head of his dick. Her back arched whenever he thrust, and her soft moans echoed in his ears. The hunter loved taking her from behind, like an animal…claiming her with his cock, over and over…he liked watching her writhe, and feeling her ass press back against him…like she needed him.

Losing control, Daryl started bucking faster…harder. He muttered in time with his thrusts…"Fuck….Carol…yeah….yeah…aw…baby…that's it…keep it tight….yeah… jus…jus like that…aww…hell…" As he moved back and forth through her core, the traction on his dick became overwhelming. He was rubbing her walls with every push and he could feel himself swelling.

"More…" carol breathed, her insides gripping him.

Daryl was giving her strong, rapid thrusts…making her legs shake.

"Fuck me," she begged, her eyes slamming shut as she pushed back into him, letting his length fill her.

He wanted so badly to break her…to feel her come hard around him. The hunter was doing everything in his power to pleasure her…and the building wetness between her legs told him she was close. So he slipped back and forth through her sex, loving the way her smooth walls felt against his shaft. His heart was pounding heavy in his chest as he eased his eyes open. When he glanced down and saw the way his cock was moving in and out…disappearing inside her pussy, he gasped. His hips began moving faster and the friction between them intensified. Daryl was aching for release and couldn't wait to fill her.

Her pussy was wrapped around him…her insides stroking him, and it was all he could do to keep from coming. Those warm, wet walls were closing in, molding around his cock…a perfect fit. The tension inside her made him whine.

"Aww….baby….c'mon….c'mon….that pussy's wet…good lord…keep it tight now… yeah…yeah…aw fuck….shit….yeah….yeah…" He was thrusting hard, hitting all her spots…his breathing had grown ragged. More strands of sweaty hair were in his face as he took her.

Carol could feel more tears welling at the corners of her eyes. Her mouth was open as she let Daryl fuck her. He was so thick…stretching her…breaking her…and she moved back, taking him as deep as she could. "Ohhh," she groaned, feeling him sink into her pussy. "Oh god…Daryl…please!"

He whined again…the sound heavy with longing. Desperate for the orgasm he knew was coming, Daryl forced his hard-on deep inside her. "Jus take it baby….take it all…lord…." his dick was throbbing painfully within her walls and the muscles in his belly were tensing.

Carol could hardly handle the pressure of his cock in her core….but she loved the hardness of it…the unforgiving stiffness as he pushed it in. "I want it in me…" she breathed, her nails clawing at the wall.

The hunter was so close. He held onto her hips and bucked violently between her legs. The slickness eased the way as his member slipped in and out. "That's it…" he snarled, his eyes slamming shut again. "Keep that pussy wet….keep it tight…christ…"

Carol's passage was getting narrow; Daryl had to work to push his cock through. He rammed his hips against her ass…his dick sliding right into her center. He continued to jerk and thrust while his partner struggled underneath him. "Ya like that?" he growled at her.

Carol could hardly breathe. Her heart was beating so fast that it scared her. "I….I…"

"Tell me," he whined. "Fuck…jus….jus tell me…" he was gripping her hips so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

"Yeah…." she moaned, her back arching for him. "I need it…fuck me…please…"

Daryl was drilling her pussy…taking her like he'd never taken a woman before…with pure adrenaline speeding through his veins, and lust spurring him on. He was hard…aching inside her, and he needed to keep going. He sent his cock deeper into her core and felt her clench around him. "baby…" he moaned. "Ya feel so fuckin' good…when ya do it like that….god damn….go on 'n come for me…."

Carol was so wet and she pushed back against him, letting him slide in. His hard-on was filling her sex.

The hunter whined as he thrust desperately against her ass. "C'mon…" he pleaded. "I wanna feel that pussy come."

"God!" Carol cried, her back arching again. He was still so hard inside her that it hurt…but she wanted it.

Slaves to their physical needs, the survivors lost control of their bodies. They didn't have to think about it…or work for it. Their instincts took over. Daryl's hips were moving on their own…the piston-like motion never slowing. Carols pussy clenched around his member every time he thrust…her back arched automatically, giving him all the room, all the depth that he needed. The hunter's grip was secure as he held Carol's body against his groin. Lost in sheer pleasure, the two desperate people let the rest of the world dissolve behind their eyes. All that mattered was their connection…the incredible friction as he moved inside her.

Daryl was nearing the edge…he couldn't take much more. She was too tight, making him throb. All he wanted was to come, but he needed to get her there first. Daryl never stopped until she came. Her insides were so slick around him, and the softness of her ass felt so good against his pelvis. He kept thrusting, forcing himself into the heat between her thighs, and savoring every second of it. Her core sucked him in each time he bucked, and the sensation made him swear. "Fuck….yeah….baby….aw….that's it….that's fuckin' it….like that….yeah…aw…" he growled, the head of his cock was swelling. Every vein on his shaft was straining with need, and he could feel himself getting harder. He slipped into her wetness, wanting to go deeper. Each time his hips collided with her ass they both groaned. "C'mon….take it…take my fuckin' cock….lord…all of it…aw….baby…god damn…" he was pushing in and her walls were squeezing him.

Their bodies worked in perfect sync as they took what they needed from one another. Daryl's strong hips were pounding into her, making her legs shake. Her arms were trembling with the effort of holding herself up, and the wall was biting into her hands. She knew, as she felt his manhood sink into her pussy over and over…faster, harder….that they'd never had sex like this. It was always fast…always frantic, but this was different. It was raw need. There was something violent, almost angry about the way he was taking her, and the ferocity of his movements left her breathless. He was claiming her…he owned her, and he seemed to be taking all of his frustration out on her body. All she could do was shudder and push back into him…her core seeking the hardness he was offering. He was so stiff, and he felt so good inside her. Carol's brows knit together as she moaned. Her walls were rubbing his shaft…again and again.

"Ohh…Daryl….please…."

He clawed at her hips and bucked harder.

"Yeah…" she cried.

Her passage was too narrow…too wet. Daryl slid his hard-on deep between her thighs and the feeling of her walls against his cock was enough to send him over the edge. More blood rushed into his member, stiffening it to a painful point. The hunter gasped and froze, his entire body going rigid. Carol was still pushing her body back against him, seeking penetration, but he couldn't move. His eyes slammed shut and he dug his nails into her hips so hard that he felt the skin break... Lost in her heat, the hunter let his climax spill forward. He was dizzy, high…he couldn't feel the ground under his feet…only the ecstasy of orgasm as it surged through his aching cock, making the entire shaft swell until semen shot from the tip. Daryl gasped again, the crease in his brow deepening as he shuddered. Wanting to fill her pussy, the hunter began moving his hips again. He was still hard, and he thrust deep into Carol's sex, relishing his release. "Aww…fuck…" he whined.

Carol's body had never stopped moving. She continued to push back, inviting him to fuck her. She felt a spark of pain as he clawed her hips, but that didn't matter. All she cared about was his long, throbbing dick…and the way it was filling her core. Her walls were closing around it, massaging it…and Carol groaned when she felt him come. The warmth of his semen hit her deep inside and she savored the feeling. "God…" she cried, her eyes closing. Daryl was still bucking behind her, emptying himself. Carol desperately needed to come and her body tightened around his thick cock, gripping it with a sudden, startling intensity.

Daryl hissed but didn't stop moving.

Carol's eyes were slammed shut…sweat was slipping down the length of her spine, making her shirt cling to her back. She felt two small, warm tears fall from the corners of her eyes and her back arched one last time. Daryl's hard-on slid in smoothly, right into her center. She could feel it throbbing as he continued to come. Overwhelmed by the fullness in her core, Carol moved back into him, letting him hit her deepest spots. He gave her a few rapid thrusts, the blunt head of his member still spurting, and Carol lost control. A violent spasm hit her pussy, making the muscles convulse around the hunter's manhood. Her legs shook as she fought to stay standing, and her mouth was open in a silent scream. Daryl held her in place as she climaxed…a gush of wetness hit his cock and they both shuddered. He kept slipping into her, letting her strong core milk his erection until he couldn't take it anymore. He throbbed and spurted a few more times while her body coaxed every last ounce of pleasure from him. Daryl was sore…spent, but he was addicted to the feeling of her sex wrapped around him…he didn't want it to end. So he kept himself inside and savored what he could feel of her orgasm….the tightening of her pussy, the added slickness…incredible vibrations in her core as the muscles fluttered along his length. It was everything he'd been missing.

When Daryl's cock finally hit that spot that made her come, the air left Carol's lungs. Her vision went blurry…time slowed to a drag. She couldn't hear her partner swearing anymore, at least not clearly. His grunts and growls were distorted…as if the sounds were reaching her through water. Mind numbing pleasure was radiating outwards from her core…reaching every part of her body. Warm waves rushed through her, one after the other. Daryl's manhood was still so heavy inside her and she wanted more.

"P…Please…" she moaned softly.

The hunter whined when he felt her core squeezing him. He knew what she needed. With his teeth sinking into his bottom lip, he forced his hips to buck again. His cock was still stiff and he continued to pleasure her with it…exploring the deepest parts of her pussy. Daryl was so sensitive in the aftermath of orgasm that each time he pushed himself into her, a shiver licked its way up his spine. More wetness was seeping from her…coating his length, making him slip and slide between her thighs.

Carol let out a long, desperate cry as her partner thrust his member into her heat. She knew they only had a few more seconds at best, but that was all she needed. Daryl's hips began bucking quickly against her ass…his pelvis ramming into her again and again and again. The feeling of being penetrated, while her core was already trembling, caused two more tears to form in the corners of Carol's eyes. It was more than her body could handle…but it was so good…. Her core needed to be filled. She loved the way his long, thick member forced her to keep her legs spread. He slipped in and out rapidly, a few more times, before Carol finally broke. The second orgasm hit her and her pussy flooded. Daryl gasped when the slickness hit his cock…he could feel it leaking from her…all around him.

Carol cried out in ecstasy while her walls slammed shut around Daryl's manhood. Her insides squeezed and caressed every inch of his cock, over and over, loving it the way only she could. Her body massaged his member…her slick, quivering walls pressing in all around it until she felt the hardness starting to subside.

Daryl was sore; all he could do was stand frozen behind his mate while her pussy gripped him. He loved the way her body tensed around his cock, but it was too much. He'd already spilled himself between her legs and every new sensation made him shiver. Her muscles massaged his dick, almost coaxing the hardness from him. He let her insides squeeze and clench until he began to get soft.

With her eyes slammed shut, and her mouth open, Carol savored the feeling of Daryl's cock inside her. Even when the stiffness disappeared, she loved the feeling of being connected to him. Her body was vibrating, glowing...and she couldn't feel her legs. She'd gone numb with pleasure. She knew, the moment he pulled from her, that she wouldn't be able to stay standing. The salty tears slipped from the corners of her eyes and she took a staggered breath.

"Ohh…my god…" she groaned.

Daryl hissed. His eyes were still closed and he wasn't sure he had the strength to separate their bodies. "For fuck's sake…" he growled under his breath.

Panting and aching, the survivors waited patiently for their hearts to slow. Sweat began to dry on their skin and their blood-flow gradually returned to normal.

The hunter grunted as he relaxed his stiff fingers. When his grip on her hips loosened, Daryl let his eyes ease open. He stared down at her body and saw bruises where his fingertips had pressed in…small cuts where his nails bit into her skin… Guilt churned inside him. "Christ…" he breathed.

His voice managed to break through the rosy haze of pleasure that was still surrounding her, and she glanced over her shoulder. "What?" she asked.

Daryl couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze. He stared down at the bruises instead. "Jus…I'm sorry…." he growled softly.

Carol's eyes flicked to her hips, and she could see the damage he'd done. The cuts were tiny, but the spots of blood seemed so bright against her pale skin. She'd been so lost in the friction between them that she never even noticed what he was doing to her hips.

"Hey," she said. "It's fine."

Daryl swallowed hard before finally lifting his chin to meet her gaze. His expression was pained and he looked incredibly contrite for someone who'd just taken his lover in broad daylight…up against a wall…

"It is." she insisted.

But the hunter just shook his head slowly. "It ain't."

"Come on," she said, smirking at him. "I've been through worse. A few scratches aren't enough to break me."

Daryl still felt guilty. "I wasn't tryin' to…"

Carol cut him off. "I know you weren't. Now relax. Nothing a shower and some ointment won't fix. Remember that time in the truck?"

The hunter finally let himself smirk. He remembered the truck…in fact, he'd been thinking about it pretty regularly during their three week dry spell. They'd waited until after dark before sneaking out to where the vehicles were parked. Daryl sat in the driver's seat while Carol climbed onto his lap. Once he was inside her, he'd immediately started thrusting up into her heat while she bucked down. In the cramped space, with the heat of their own breath pressing in around them, the survivors lost themselves. Carol's orgasm had been so intense that she'd raked her nails down his chest, hard enough to break the skin…leaving sticky, red trails behind… Neither of them noticed at the time…they were too caught up in lust. But afterwards…Carol felt awful. Daryl assured her it was fine and they'd crept back into the prison, sneaking down to the showers so she could clean him up and tend to him.

Daryl chuckled at the memory. "We oughtta try 'n quit that."

Carol was still smirking at him over her shoulder. "We can try."

The hunter's eyes flicked back to Carol's hips. "Ya gonna let me help with that?" he asked.

"I'll be fine." she insisted.

"Let me help."

Carol pulled a deep, cleansing breath into her lungs before releasing it with a happy sigh. "Think you've helped enough." she said, smiling.

Daryl held her gaze. "Yeah?"

She bit her lip and groaned, still enjoying the way they were connected. "Yeah."

The hunter smiled before leaning over her body to kiss her. Carol moaned softly when their lips met. They closed their eyes and savored the connection for several heartbeats. When Daryl pulled back, his lids were heavy and he was smirking at her.

"What?" she asked, still glancing over her shoulder.

"Nothin'. That just don't get old."

Carol blushed, not knowing what to say.

Daryl didn't seem to mind the silence. He nuzzled the side of her face, breathing her in again.

"No…it doesn't." she giggled. His scruff was tickling her.

Daryl eased back. "Ya sure?"

She bit her lip and nodded.

The hunter pulled one hand away from her hips and ran it through his tangled hair. "Keep thinkin'…one of these days…you're just gonna up 'n tell me ya don't want it no more."

Carol snorted. "Well you can stop thinking that."

Daryl's hand returned to her hip. He ran it up, along the side of her body, gently mapping out her skin. "That right?" he asked, amused.

She was still smirking at him. "Daryl…if it were up to me, you'd be in my bunk…naked, all day, every day."

The hunter's mouth quirked up as he held her gaze. "Ain't that a pretty thought." he teased.

"It's what gets me through the day." she said.

They both chuckled at that.

"What about you?" she asked.

"Hm?" He was still running his hand along her frame

"I know it's been hard these past few weeks. I'm sorry we haven't had a chance..."

"Quit." he said, interrupting her. "That ain't on you. It's all these goddamn people. Feel like I ain't had a moment's peace in this place since that bus rolled in."

She sighed. "Yeah. Same here."

Silence settled over them; their bodies were still connected and they seemed reluctant to separate.

"So what's been getting you through?" Carol asked, breaking the trance.

Daryl smirked a little as he stared down at her ass.

"I'm curious." she added.

"That damn truck."

Carol blushed again. "Oh really?"

The hunter lifted his chin to meet her gaze. "Been thinkin' about it…that sound ya made when I finally got your ass to come."

She could feel a strong flush creeping up her body, but she intended to hear her partner out.

"Jus rememberin' what it felt like..havin' ya in my lap…how wet ya were…" He paused to buck gently against her ass. His cock had gone soft, but he still liked feeling her wrapped around him.

Carol bit her lip and kept a soft whimper locked in her chest.

"The way ya kept that pussy so tight that my dick was fuckin' sore till the next mornin'…"

She swallowed hard and forced herself to hold his gaze. "So…all you've been doing is thinking about it?"

The hunter smirked at her and shook his head.

Carol's insides tightened around him. She'd never actually seen Daryl touch himself, but the thought was enough to make her core hurt.

"Can't get that shit outta my head. You know I can't even get near that fuckin' truck without thinkin' about ya?" he growled.

"I'm sorry…" she breathed, her blue eyes locked on his.

"Don't be." he held her hips and bucked against her again. "I like havin' ya in my head."

She smiled and pushed her body back into him. "And I like having you in my pussy."

"That makes two of us." he smirked.

They chuckled and felt the vibrations where their bodies were still joined.

Daryl gripped her ass, massaging it. "C'mon. Think we oughtta head back 'fore someone comes lookin' for us."

Carol groaned and finally turned away from him, refocusing on the wall. "Fine."

"Alright." he moved his hands back to her hips; his grip was firm. "Ya ready?"

She blew out a breath and nodded.

Doing his best to be gentle, the hunter pulled back with a grunt. He felt his cock moving back through her narrow core…the walls clung to his shaft, not wanting to let go, but he managed to slip from her in one fast motion. They both slammed their eyes shut and swore.

"Fuck!" she cried out, feeling so terribly empty without him.

"Christ…" he snarled, missing the heat and pressure of her core. He was still holding onto her hips and he could feel her legs trembling.

"Daryl…" she whined.

But he already knew. Moving quickly, the hunter grabbed his partner's frame and helped her ease down to the concrete before she could fall. He found her discarded clothes and handed them to her. Savoring the ache in her core, Carol pulled her panties back up her legs. While she redressed, she stared up Daryl.

The hunter was carefully pulling his boxers and pants back up. She sighed when she couldn't see his manhood anymore.

"What?" he asked, as he tugged his zipper up.

She pushed one leg down into her pants. "Nothing. Just think you're wearing too many clothes."

Daryl snorted while he fastened his belt.

Carol continued to stare dreamily up at her partner. "Tell me again why you need those?" There was a soft smile on her lips.

The hunter smirked and shook his head as he finished with his belt. "Woman…ya always do this. Start talkin' nonsense after ya come."

It was her turn to snort. She kept pulling the cargo pants up her legs. "It's not nonsense. You should be naked…all the time." Her lids were heavy and she was looking at him like she wanted to eat him.

Daryl paused to push some of the sweaty hair back from his brow. "Not sure folks 'round here would appreciate that." he quipped.

Carol smirked at him. "I would."

"Quit." he said, a faint blush was forming on his cheeks.

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Fine."

Daryl stooped to collect her socks and boots. He handed them to her and when she reached for them, he noticed her palms… "Shit.." he breathed.

"What?"

The hunter dropped to a crouch in front of her and took one of her hands in his. "Looks like the damn wall tore ya up."

Carol had been so lost in thoughts of Daryl naked that she hadn't noticed her palms. Leaning forward, she tried to assess the damage. "Wow…yeah. Guess it did." Her eyes narrowed as she stared at her scraped hands. The abrasions weren't terrible, but she knew they'd make things difficult for the next few days.

Daryl's guilt seemed to grow worse. "That's it. No more of this."

"Hm?" her eyes flicked to his face.

"Ain't takin' ya like that again."

Carol pulled her hand out of his grasp and reached for his hair instead. She clutched at the damp locks, wincing when her fists closed around them, but she needed to hold him in place.

"Don't say that."

A crease formed in the hunter's brow and he huffed, his eyes fixed on hers.

"That was incredible. Every. Single. Second." She tugged at his hair to emphasize her point. Before he could respond, she leaned into his space and kissed him. When she pulled back, they were holding each other's gazes.

"But your hands…" he growled softly.

She just tucked a shock of dark hair behind his ear and smiled at him. "I'll wear gloves next time."

Daryl was still blushing and he gnawed his bottom lip. "Ya really liked it then?"

"I did. Didn't you?"

He smirked at her. "Yeah."

They chuckled and she continued to play with his hair. That dreamy look was in her eyes again and she was staring at her partner like he was the most fascinating thing she'd ever seen.

"It was good." she said, her voice low. "Like…really good."

Daryl loved the way she was talking…and how her fingers felt in his hair. "Yeah it was." he agreed.

"Whenever you feel like trying that again…you just go ahead and drag me out here." She leaned into his space again and kissed the corner of his mouth.

Daryl growled when her lips brushed his. "Maybe I will." he said. The words coming out as rough whispers.

With their mouths so close, the survivors gave in to their need for one another. They closed their eyes and kissed with urgency. Soft moans escaped them as they enjoyed the moment…both of them hoping it would never end.

Rick sighed, one hand coming up to rub his temple. He was leaning over a table in the mess hall, studying a map that had seen better days. His tired eyes followed roads, rivers…railways, as he struggled to memorize what he was seeing. Maps had become an incredibly precious resource, and the deputy did his best to familiarize himself with the surrounding areas, in the hopes of planning supply runs in neighboring towns.

The hush of early evening had fallen over the prison, and most of its residents had retired to their bunks. Several volunteers were on patrol along the walkways, and in the watchtowers. Rick and his people were usually the last to turn in, and it wasn't uncommon to see them gathered in the mess hall at the end of the day. Since the refugees arrived, it seemed like the original survivors didn't get as much time together. None of them said it out loud, but they felt the need to stay close…to keep their family strong. Even if all they could do was sit in the mess hall, silently enjoying each other's company. It was important, and had become part of their routine.

Beth was sweeping, humming softly to herself, while Carl paced back and forth, trying to get Judith to fall asleep in his arms. Michonne and Herschel shared a table. The quiet woman was running a whet stone across the edge of her blade with a sssshing sound, over and over, the repetitive motion seemed therapeutic for her.

Herschel's hands were clasped under his chin as he stared down at the worn bible that lay open on the table. He was perfectly still, but for the motion of his eyes as they followed the words on the page.

Glenn and Maggie were nearby, sharing their own table, speaking in hushed tones. They sat side by side. Maggie's arms were folded, resting on the table as she listened to Glenn recount the details of the run.

"They just came out of nowhere…" he said. His mind still grappling with the fact that a dozen corpses managed to appear so suddenly in that parking lot.

Her hazel eyes flicked to his face, a crease forming in her brow. "I'm sorry you had to be out there."

Glenn blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. "I mean…it's not like we couldn't handle it. Just walkers…but…"

"But what?" Maggie asked.

He leaned over the table, mimicking Maggie's pose, before casting a quick glance to the left. She followed his gaze and realized he was staring at Daryl. The hunter was sharing a table with Carol so that he could help bandage her hands.

Maggie turned back to face her partner. "What?" she asked.

Glenn shook his head. "Daryl. He lost it out there….or, it seemed like he did."

The crease in Maggie's brow deepened. "Lost it?"

Glenn tried to think of the best way to explain. "It was like…he was glad…glad that we ran into walkers…"

"Glenn…"

"I'm serious!" he insisted.

Still skeptical, Maggie cast another glance at the hunter. All she could see was his back. He was leaning over the table, focusing on Carol's hand that was partially covered in white gauze.

"You really think he wanted ya'll to run into trouble?" she asked.

Glenn sighed. "No, of course not. But he seemed glad when the walkers showed up…I mean, me and Sasha jumped in, but he took out most of them by himself. It's like he was waiting for any chance to kill something…It freaked me out."

"Think something's wrong?" Maggie asked.

Glenn shrugged. "I don't know. Whatever it was…it wasn't normal. And after we took out the walkers…he…he couldn't relax. Thought about saying something to Rick but…."

"Now hang on…" said Maggie.

"Just thinking it might be a red flag…we don't need another Shane." he muttered.

"He's not Shane." Maggie insisted. "Think he's just havin' a hard time with all this."

"With what?"

"The people." she explained. "All of 'em pilin' in here at once. You know it's gotta be gettin' under his skin."

Glenn sighed. "Guess that could be it."

Maggie reached for her partner's wrist and squeezed it gently. "It is. I'd hold off sayin' anything to Rick…the man's got enough on his plate. Besides…Daryl seems alright now."

Glenn cast a quick glance at the hunter. The man was completely focused on his work as he bandaged Carol's hand.

"I don't get it." Glenn shook his head. "Earlier…he was ready to take out anybody…or anything that got close to him."

Maggie shrugged. "Well…whatever it was…looks like he got it out of his system."

Glenn ran a hand through his dark hair again. "He seems so relaxed now…wish I knew his secret."

Maggie looked over her shoulder, eyeing Daryl and Carol's table. When she turned back to face Glenn, there was a small smirk on her face. "Think I know it."

"You think he's got booze?" Glenn asked in a whisper, a serious expression on his face.

Maggie rolled her eyes. "No. And even if he did…that ain't our business."

"Then what is it? Explain to me how someone, who was ready to throw himself at the next herd that rolled through, now has the patience, and concentration to bandage someone's hand…"

Maggie reached up, rubbing the back of her neck. "When you're tense…what helps?"

A smile spread on Glenn's face and he leaned in to kiss his partner, but something made him freeze. His brows knit together and his eyes grew wide and fearful.

Maggie had to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing at the look on his face.

"No…" he whispered.

"Somethin' wrong?" she asked, feigning ignorance.

"N…no. No….that's….no." He eased back, his hands splaying on the table.

She casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and refocused on her partner. "Glenn…"

"No…" he insisted.

"I'm tellin' you…that's my best guess." she said.

"But…he…how….no."

"Is it that hard for you to wrap your head around?" Maggie asked, amused.

"Yes! Have you met him?"

"It ain't that strange…" she chuckled.

"Yes it is!" Glenn's concern seemed to be growing with each passing second and he looked like he might be sick.

"It's what works for you." Maggie quipped.

"Yeah but we're…"

"Quit." she said, chuckling again. "It ain't a big deal."

"It is!" he argued. "I swear to god he almost killed me for touching his shoulder once…and you're saying he's blowing off steam by…"

"Well folks generally don't mind when it's the right person touchin' 'em." she said, a smirk on her face.

"God…" he said, clearly unnerved by Maggie's statement. "But who would…"

Maggie glanced at the hunter's table again. Glenn followed her gaze. He focused on Carol, on the way she was smiling and staring at Daryl. The two seemed to be sharing a laugh over something.

"No…"

"You've heard my theory." said Maggie.

"They don't…I mean Carol wouldn't…she's…no. I'm not having this conversation." He ran his hands over his face in exasperation.

Still very much amused by her partner's reaction, Maggie rose from the table and clapped him on the shoulder. She leaned down, her mouth at his ear. "Good luck gettin' it outta your head. Night." With that, she gave his shoulder a squeeze and headed towards the metal stairs that lead up to their cellblock.

Glenn groaned. The sound must've been louder than he realized because suddenly the room's other occupants turned to look at him. He felt himself get warm as his companions stared at him, all with questioning looks on their faces.

"You okay?" Carol called out across the mess hall.

He swallowed hard, trying desperately not to picture her and Daryl together… "Fine. I'm fine." he forced a smile. "Think I'm gonna head up."

"Get some sleep." said Rick.

"Take care son." said Herschel.

They all watched as the young man rose from his table and moved on stiff legs towards the stairs.

Carol refocused on her hand. It was laying, palm-up, on the center of the table that she and Daryl shared. "Was I imagining things…or did Glenn just give me a look?"

The hunter's eyes narrowed as he held her gaze. "A look?"

"I don't know," she shrugged. "Just seemed like he was looking at me funny."

Daryl snorted. "Sure it's nothin'. Don't pay him any mind."

She smiled at her partner and watched as he carefully wrapped the strip of clean gauze around her hand.

She told him she didn't need help…that she could tend to the scrapes herself, but Daryl insisted that she let him do it…he still felt like it was his fault. At first, she thought the two of them would bind her hands in the infirmary…isolated and out of sight. She was genuinely surprised when he told her he'd do it in the mess hall. Carol worried that it would seem strange to the others…Daryl tending to her. But if it didn't bother him, then she wasn't going to let it bother her. She wondered if it was his way of gradually revealing their relationship to the group…or at least getting people used to the idea that the two of them were close. Whatever his reasons were, Carol decided not to press him. There was something very freeing about letting him touch her in front of other people. She found that she liked it. The only hard part was trying to keep the dreamy, girlish look off her face while she watched him.

Daryl took a risk when he sat down in the mess hall and set the first aid kit on top of the table. He'd been nervous when Carol sat down across from him, but he told himself that it was fine…that he was doing the right thing. He was getting addicted to Carol…and it was becoming more and more of a challenge to hide what was happening between them. While he wasn't ready to come out with it, in any traditional sense, he felt that he should at least try and get used to being with her…touching her in public. Albeit, there was nothing obviously romantic or sexual about treating an injury. Rick's group probably wouldn't even think twice about what he was doing…but it was a big deal to the hunter, and to Carol. The way Daryl saw it…this was an intimate moment between him and his partner…and he'd managed to summon enough courage to share it with the group.

His blue eyes were focused, and he touched her as if she was made of glass…holding her hand gently, lifting slowly when he needed to wind the cloth around the back of her hand. Every movement was careful, measured, as he worked to cover the scrapes. He'd covered her palms with a soothing salve first. His calloused fingertips had gingerly spread the ointment, working it into her skin. The way he touched her made Carol's heart speed up. No one had ever taken care of her before…

"There." he growled softly, tucking the loose end of the gauze back into the bandage that covered her hand. "That oughtta do it for now."

"Thanks." she said, blushing a little. "Feels better."

"Good," he smiled at her.

She lifted her hands to examine the binding.

The smiles began to fade from both of their faces when they realized that they no longer had an excuse to touch one another.

She slowly flexed her fingers and opened and closed her fists, trying to get used to the feeling of the cloth wrapped around her palms. "Well…I think I'm gonna turn in." she said.

"Yeah?"

Carol gave him a tired smile and nodded.

"Best wash up then…ya can't go to bed like that." he smirked.

She tried to look offended, but she knew he was right. Since their tryst against the wall, they'd both been busy with chores all day. Carol supervised while newcomers trained with guns…she did what she could to help Herschel in the garden, and she'd spent a few hours entertaining Judith. Her clothes were covered in stains…dirt…sweat, her hair was mussed.

Miraculously, the hunter managed to find time to take a shower. He disappeared after dinner and worked quickly to scrub all of the sweat, blood, and grime from his skin. He'd even washed his hair, which was still drying… Carol liked the way it stuck up in different directions as he sat across from her.

"Can't believe you're the one telling me to wash up." she chuckled.

He snorted. "I needed to get all that shit off me."

The laughter died down and Carol's eyes narrowed. She felt that there was something he wasn't saying. She'd seen him collapse on his bedroll with fresh walker blood on his clothes more than once…Daryl normally didn't care how filthy he was before going to bed. The fact that he'd gone as far as to wash his hair, and then urged her to get cleaned up, was more than a little suspicious. But she decided not to question it. She'd planned on showering anyway.

When she finally stood up, Carol had to close her eyes for a second. Her body was sore and aching…everything seemed to hurt. Carrying Judith and working in the garden had taken a toll on her back…her arms. And she couldn't sit, stand, move…without wincing a little at the strong ache between her legs…but that was a pain she didn't mind. It had just been an incredibly taxing day all around and she was ready to fall into her bunk. Releasing a soft sigh, she eased her eyes open and tried to convince herself that a shower would make her feel better.

"Ya alright?" Daryl asked.

She rubbed one of her arms, trying to drive out the soreness. "I'm fine. Just tired."

"Ya sure?"

She smiled and nodded. "Just a long day."

The hunter considered her words for a moment, his fingers drumming absently on top of the table. "Better make sure ya get some decent sleep then."

Carol snorted. Sleep wasn't an easy thing to come by…for anyone. As secure as the prison seemed, the survivors were always bracing themselves for an attack…an invasion. And if they weren't lying awake worrying about that…they were battling the demons in their heads. Some of them were afraid of falling asleep because they knew what was waiting for them on the other side. Dark memories…images they'd rather forget. Most of the survivors only averaged a few hours here and there. When they did sleep, they tended to wake suddenly throughout the night, gasping and clutching at their sheets. Insomnia and night terrors were fairly common amongst Rick's people as well as the Woodbury refugees. Either way, they made the effort. They'd retire to their cells each night and at least try to get some real sleep. Carol sighed wistfully and tried to recall the last time she'd slept through the night. At this point, six hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep seemed almost unobtainable….a luxury in her world.

"Sure." she finally said, giving Daryl another tired smile. She nearly leaned down to kiss him goodnight and ruffle his hair playfully, the way she did whenever they parted ways in private…but she stopped herself. Unsure of what to do with her hands, she slid them carefully into her back pockets. "See you in the morning." she said casually.

The hunter didn't answer, he just smirked at her.

Confused by the look on his face, Carol forced herself to turn away and leave. "Night." she said, addressing her fellow survivors. They nodded, silently acknowledging her departure. The sound of her boots echoed on the metal stairs as she headed up towards her cell. As she climbed the steps, she swore she could feel Daryl's eyes on her back.

When she was finally within the safety of her own cell, Carol began rummaging through her things in the hopes of finding some clean clothes. As she searched, she couldn't help but wonder about Daryl's behavior in the mess hall. Something about the way that he'd smirked at her before she left…

It's nothing. You're just tired.

But the thought continued to nag her. Sighing, and pushing it aside for the moment, Carol bundled a towel and clean clothes in her arms before stepping out of her cell and heading towards the showers. She knew that the cool water would help clear her head, and then she could look forward to curling up in a warm, soft bunk.

Daryl's insides were twisting. He brought his thumb to his mouth and began chewing the nail. Glancing down, he noticed that his left foot was twitching…his boot tapping the floor in a rhythmic pattern. Grunting, the hunter shook some of the dark hair out of his eyes and tried to relax.

Quit.

He made a conscious effort to stop his leg from shaking…but the stillness only lasted a few seconds. His nail cracked between his teeth and he quickly spat out the fragment. Alone and anxious, Daryl took in his surroundings. His blue eyes darted nervously from one familiar object to the next. The night stand…the gas lantern burning quietly….the map taped to the wall… He hoped the scenery would offer some comfort…or at least distract him, but it didn't seem to be working.

Letting his thumb fall away from his lip, the hunter blew out a breath. The muscles in his stomach tensed involuntarily and he hung his head.

This ain't helpin'…

He knew the voice in his head was right. He wasn't doing himself any favors by worrying, but Daryl couldn't help it. He'd never been a very confident person. If he was being honest with himself, he had very few areas of expertise: tracking, shooting, cleaning carcasses and dealing with walkers….that about summed up the things that Daryl had mastered, in his opinion.

Carol was always trying to convince him otherwise. He guessed it was just part of her nature. She told him he was smart…loyal…an asset to the group. It seemed like every chance she got, Carol was giving him some sort of praise. While he appreciated the sentiments, Daryl didn't always take them to heart. He'd been raised on fear, violence, intimidation, and the result was constant self-doubt.

His relationship with Carol, if that's even what it was, helped some. When they were together, her reactions made him feel like he knew what he was doing…like maybe he had another skill-set he'd never tapped into before. She was never entirely submissive. Whether he had her on her back, against a wall, or in his lap…Carol was a willing, and eager participant. She gave as good as she got, meeting him stroke for stroke…pulling his hair, scratching his shoulder blades…even biting him occasionally. And she always came. Each and every time they'd been together, they'd both reached their peaks…sometimes more than once. The fact that he'd always been able to make her come definitely gave the hunter's ego a boost, but he still wouldn't go as far as to consider himself an expert.

Sex was one thing, but Daryl was headed into uncharted territory, and he couldn't help but to be nervous. His left foot was still tapping the floor…his knee was shaking. Sighing through his nose, he willed himself to relax.

It's just her…ain't nothin' ya can't handle.

Daryl desperately wanted to believe the voice in his head.

You're overthinkin' it.

"I know." he muttered under his breath, speaking to himself. He sighed again and scuffed his boot on the floor.

The muscles in his belly continued to tense. It was hard enough for the hunter to take the first step and walk into her cell. The fact that most of the prison's residents were already in bed bolstered his courage. He'd been quiet, careful, treading lightly so as not to attract attention. He waited until the walkway was deserted before making his move. To his knowledge, no one had seen him enter her cell, and that offered a little comfort. But he was still so anxious that he couldn't seem to sit still. Restless, he ran a broad hand through his hair, tugging at the dark locks.

As he sat on the edge of Carol's bunk, Daryl tried to remind himself of why he was there…what the whole point was. Since taking his partner against the wall that afternoon, the hunter had been battling terrible guilt. He knew Carol enjoyed herself…the two orgasms had driven that point home. But he hated the fact that he'd scratched her hips and that her hands had been pressed to that rough wall the whole time… And she hadn't even had a chance to recuperate since then. She'd been busy all day…which was the norm for her. It didn't sit well with Daryl.

He knew how tired she must've been after their time together…but she still managed to run around the entire prison solving everyone else's problems and pitching in where she could. He wanted her to rest. He wanted to take care of her and help her relax. Those things were easier said than done. They hadn't gone public…which meant he couldn't touch her…kiss her in front of the others. That was proving difficult. They each had their reasons for keeping things private, but sometimes Daryl wondered if it wouldn't just be better to lay everything on the line. He couldn't be sure though…the prospect was still very daunting. So he sat on the edge of his partner's bunk and hoped like hell that no one came looking for her. As far as the others were concerned, he had no business being in her cell…and he wasn't sure what he'd say if someone pulled her sheet aside and saw him sitting there. The thought was enough to make his stomach churn.

It had taken just about every ounce of the hunter's courage to step into Carol's cell. As he rehashed his plan, he realized that he needed to get his nerves under control.

Just think about her…remember why you're doin' this.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Daryl gabbed the hem of his shirt and slowly pulled it up over his head. The fabric mussed his hair and he held onto the shirt, wringing it anxiously in his hands.

Shit…

If his being in Carol's cell seemed suspicious before…the loss of his shirt hadn't helped matters. It would be infinitely more awkward if anyone stopped by and pulled the sheet aside. He realized that he had no excuse…no reason he could give for his presence, or his state of undress.

Groaning, the hunter leaned forward and held his head in his hands. Scared, unsure, Daryl briefly considered abandoning the whole thing and slinking back to his perch with his tail between his legs.

Naw.

He sat back up, but continued to wringing the shirt. With his elbows resting on his knees, he stared hard at the map on the wall.

Quit bein' a pussy.

The hunter knew he was crass…short tempered…he swore too much, his hair was always a mess and he didn't play well with others. Daryl Dixon was a lot of things, but he'd never been a coward. He'd fought off herds alongside his fellow survivors, spilled blood in order to protect his people…but now…something as simple as taking care of his woman was making his insides twist. He guessed it had to do with the fact that he was stepping outside of his comfort zone. His confidence was lacking and he didn't know how she'd react to the whole thing…but something told him that it was right. So he blew out another breath and tried to ignore how vulnerable he felt.

Worst thing your ass can do is overthink it.

Daryl huffed. He shook the hair out of his eyes and was about to engage in another pointless battle with himself…but something made him freeze. He could hear footsteps on the walkway.

Fuck.

He wrung the shirt harder while his heart sped up. Whoever was out on the walkway seemed to be getting closer. The footsteps grew louder….

Jesus…if it ain't her…

But there was nothing he could do…nowhere he could hide. If someone decided to pull Carol's sheet aside, they'd see him.

Relax. Ya ain't comittin' a damn crime here…

His knee kept shaking and the hairs at the base of his neck stood up. The footsteps stopped; Daryl could sense someone's presence just beyond the bars. He swallowed hard, bracing himself for whatever…whoever was coming. When the sheet was finally pulled aside, his heart leapt into his throat…but his fears quickly subsided when he saw that it was her.

Carol let the sheet fall back into place behind her. When she looked up and saw Daryl sitting on the edge of her bunk she gasped and dropped the bundle of dirty clothes she'd been carrying.

"Jesus!" she hissed, placing one hand to her chest as she tried to slow her breathing.

"Ya wanna keep it down?" he whispered.

Her eyes were wide, a look of fear and confusion on her face as she stared at him. "What are you doing here?"

"Take a damn breath woman. Lord."

Still very confused, Carol ran her hands over her face and into her wet hair. "Wasn't expecting company." she whispered.

Daryl rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes flicking to her face. "Ya want me to leave?"

Once Carol's heart rate returned to normal, she realized that her partner wasn't wearing a shirt. She glanced at his left hand and noticed that he was clutching the dingy piece of clothing…like a security blanket, as if he was afraid to let it go. She refocused on his exposed skin…his shoulders, his flat stomach…

"N…no." she finally answered, taking a slow step in his direction. "Just surprised…that's all."

"Wasn't tryin' to scare ya." he said, his voice hushed.

She managed a weak smile. "I know. Wanna tell me what's going on?" She stood in front of him with her arms folded across her chest.

Daryl couldn't help himself; the second she was close enough, he dropped the shirt and reached for her body instead. His strong hands gripped the backs of her thighs and he began to rub her slowly, up and down. He liked the soft cotton pajama pants she had on. No belt…no buckles, no straps or zippers. When he glanced down, he saw that she was barefoot. The corner of his mouth quirked up in amusement. It was so easy, it didn't seem fair. He could have those damn pants down in half a heartbeat. There was nothing to get in his way…just an elastic waistband that he could pull down with one, simple tug.

Carol had to keep herself from groaning as he massaged the backs of her legs. He seemed to be pulling her closer, little by little. He was still sitting on the edge of her bunk. She was standing between his parted legs, staring down at him while he looked up at her.

"I'm likin' these." he said, smirking at her.

She bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Yeah?" she paused to glance down at the long sleeve navy shirt she had on, and the plain, grey pajama pants. "Know it's not the most exciting thing to wear to bed but…"

"Naw," he whispered, rubbing her thighs a little harder. "It's fuckin' perfect."

"Really?" she asked, genuinely curious.

He nodded, his eyes fixed on her waist. "No belt…no goddamn buttons…Ya oughtta be wearin' shit like this all the time."

The meaning behind Daryl's words sunk in and she couldn't help but chuckle. "Ah. I see. You just want easy access." Her arms were still folded across her chest.

He looked up at her, the smirk still on his face. "Somethin' wrong with that?"

His expression made her walls tighten. Carol never imagined that she could experience such intense physical attraction…but all Daryl had to do was look at her…and she'd get wet. A flush was beginning to creep up her frame and she swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure.

"No. Nothing wrong with that at all." she smirked back at him.

"Good." he growled softy before letting his hands travel up to her ass. He gripped her, massaging her flesh…making her weak.

She bit her lip again, fighting the urge to moan. "Y...you still haven't told me what you're doing here."

Daryl squeezed her ass. "What's it look like?"

Carol couldn't handle his voice…the feeling of his hands on her body. "Like you're trying to start something."

The hunter's blue eyes flicked to her face while he continued massaging her. "I ain't tryin'."

Frustrated, she reached back and grabbed his wrists, stopping the motion of his hands. "You really think this is the best time…the best place for that?"

Daryl huffed and held her gaze. "I think…that ya had a long fuckin' day….that them other assholes got no business runnin' your ass into the ground with all them favors they're always needin'….'n I think ya need to spend a little more time worryin' about you."

Carol gave him a tired smile and rolled her eyes. "First of all…" She released one of his wrists and reached out to push the hair back from his brow instead. "No one's running my ass into the ground. I help because I want to. Second…they're not assholes. You know that."

"They are when they're keepin' ya on your damn feet all day…everyday."

"How should I be spending my time then? On my back?"

Daryl smirked at her. "If I had my way…yeah."

She rolled her eyes again and a small chuckle escaped her. "It's great that you're so worried about me. But really…I'm fine."

The hunter was rubbing her ass again. "That ain't good enough."

"What?" she asked, confused.

"I want ya feelin' better than fine."

She sighed and combed her fingers through his hair. "Daryl…"

"Naw. I ain't arguin'." he gripped her ass harder, his blue eyes locked on hers.

The survivors were speaking in hushed tones, working hard to keep their voices down.

"Is this about earlier? About my hands? I told you not to worry about that…." the bindings were damp on her palms; they'd protected her scrapes from the water while she showered.

Daryl used one hand to push her shirt up. He lifted the fabric just enough to expose her belly button and he kissed the spot just below it. Carol's skin trembled at the contact.

"Let me do this. You're always takin' care of everyone else…'n ya let me have at ya whenever I feel like it…just wanna return the favor. That's all. Jus wanna take care of ya." The hunter was still incredibly nervous, unprepared, but he knew he had to keep going.

Carol swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. "I don't need anyone to take care of me Daryl…really." but her resolve began crumbling the second he kissed her skin.

His hands moved back to her thighs and he gripped her gently, his eyes still focused entirely on her face. "Ya deserve it."

Carol's chest tightened…she was at a loss for words. She was used to the heat she and Daryl shared…the raw need that left them aching and sweating on the floor of the infirmary, or up against the door inside the watch tower. But this was something different. They weren't tearing at each other's clothes, snarling and swearing the way they normally did. This wasn't about getting off. It seemed…deeper, somehow, and Carol wasn't sure how to handle it.

With his heart pounding in his chest, Daryl moved his shaking hands to her waistband. His fingers curled anxiously around the fabric and he began to tug Carol's pants down, along with her panties. His eyes flicked to her face, seeking permission. All she could do was nod. Taking a deep breath, the hunter continued to work the fabric down past his partner's hips. His movements were stiff, almost mechanical as he battled nerves and self-doubt. He wondered if he'd be able to go through with it, his gut was twisting painfully and he could feel sweat breaking out on his body…but in an instant, everything changed. He'd pulled her pants and panties down far enough to reveal her core. With his fingers still curled loosely around her waistband, Daryl stared at his partner's sex.

He rarely took the time to admire Carol's core…he was always so focused on getting inside her. But now…the most intimate part of her body was right in front of him, and he couldn't help but stare. His lids grew heavy and he felt warm blood pouring into his groin. She was perfect.

Carol's pants were resting around her mid-thigh. Daryl didn't seem interested in pulling them down any further. She could feel his eyes on her sex and it made her walls tighten. He was frozen, transfixed by her body, and she was afraid to move. He'd never looked at her that way. Not that she blamed him. They weren't in the habit of admiring one another before sex. The need was usually too strong. Even when they'd first crossed the line, after his haircut, he'd only stared at her core for a few seconds before they let things progress. But now…she almost felt like he was studying her…memorizing everything about her sex. She realized that she was trembling.

As he focused on his woman's core, Daryl found it hard to believe that he'd never really appreciated it before…not like this anyway. All those nagging doubts seemed to disappear, and all that mattered was Carol…her body, and how it made him feel. He wasn't nervous anymore…he wasn't restless. He was hungry.

The hunter kept his eyes on her sex as he carefully slid the pants and panties the rest of the way down her legs. She stepped out of them dutifully, but didn't speak. Daryl ran his hands slowly up the backs of her long legs, until he reached her thighs. With his fingers curling around her tender flesh, Daryl used his grip to pull her closer. A small gasp escaped her but she didn't resist.

A sliver of space was all that separated him from her core. He was so close, and he wanted her so badly. Leaning in, he caught her scent, and he felt his cock get hard. Unable to control himself any longer, the hunter closed the distance and kissed the spot between her legs. Carol immediately reached for his shoulders and dug her nails in. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip as she kept a moan locked in her chest.

The second Daryl's lips hit her skin, he knew he was gone. With his eyes closed, and his hands gripping her thighs, he let himself enjoy her. He was quickly becoming addicted to her scent…the heat of her sex…everything about it. He kissed her harder and felt her nails clawing at his shoulders.

"Fuck…" she breathed, sweat already breaking out on her brow.

Daryl groaned softly as he kissed her. He wanted to keep going, but he felt the need to explain his actions. Forcing himself to ease back, he lifted his chin and stared up at her.

"Wh…what…are you doing?" she asked in a strained whisper.

"I told ya." he growled softly. "I'm takin' care of ya."

Carol didn't understand. She wanted to say something, but there was no time. Daryl released her thighs and stood up quickly. She took a step back, giving him room as he reached for her shirt and began pulling it up by the hem. After her shirt hit the ground, Daryl nearly groaned at the sight of her bare breasts.

Carol's chest was heaving. She glanced down at her partner's groin, and noticed his arousal. She moved to touch him, but he caught her wrist.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothin'," he assured her…even though his erection was straining beneath his clothes. "Jus don't worry about me right now. This is about you."

"You saying I can't touch?" she bit her lip and smirked at him, her face flushed.

"Not right now." his hands went to her breasts and he began squeezing them gently.

"Fine. Then I at least wanna be able to look."

Daryl snorted as he tried to count the faint freckles on her chest.

"I'm serious." she whispered, her hands going to his waistband.

"I took my damn shirt off woman…ain't that enough?" he gripped her breasts a little harder.

She shook her head and Daryl huffed.

"You said this was about me…and I want you naked."

Daryl's groin tightened and he reached down to move her hands away from his belt. "Fine. But I'm takin' 'em off without your help." he smirked at her. "I don't trust them hands."

Carol blushed and bit her lip.

The hunter was careful to keep the noise down as he kicked off his boots. He unfastened his belt and slowly tugged his zipper down. Praying to whatever gods might exist that no one heard him, Daryl worked the pants and boxers down his legs and stepped out of them. When he'd finished, he stood with his hands on his hips and stared at her. "Happy?"

Happy wasn't the word. Carol brought one knuckle up to her mouth and bit down on it while she drank him in.

Fuck…

She hadn't seen him naked in a few weeks, and she'd forgotten how perfect he was. There wasn't a single part of his body that she didn't like. From those strong shoulders, to his chest, that flat stomach…her eyes followed the dark trail of hair below his navel and she admired his erection without shame. It was long, thick, the veins on his shaft already straining with need…and the tip was almost purple. All she wanted was to reach out and touch him…to stroke and tease that part of his body that had brought her so much pleasure.

The way she was staring at him made Daryl's cock drip. So much blood was pouring into it and he knew he needed to act while he still had the ability to think straight.

Her…you're doin' this for her.

"Quit," he chided her playfully.

Carol was blushing hard when she met his gaze. "I'm sorry…it's just…It's been a while and you're so…you're…" her mouth had gone dry and she couldn't get the words out, but it didn't matter.

Daryl pointed at the bottom bunk. "Go on."

Sensing that her obedience would be rewarded, Carol tore her eyes from his manhood and eased carefully into the bunk. She and Daryl both winced a little when they heard the soft creak…but it was too late to try and stop. Following his partner's example, the hunter eased onto the bunk.

"How do you want me?" Carol asked, since Daryl seemed to have the whole thing planned out.

He glanced at the pillows. "On your back. Jus get comfortable."

She felt a rush of heat hit her core. They held each other's gazes as she shifted on the thin mattress. The clean, white sheets felt good against her bare skin, and she waited expectantly for Daryl to move his body over hers. Carol smiled at the softness of the pillow beneath her head, and wondered what she'd done to deserve a lover like Daryl.

But the hunter had other plans. Instead of hovering above her, the way he normally would, he moved towards the bottom of the bunk. At first, he sat back on his calves and studied his partner. Her legs were raised and bent at the knee. When he reached for her ankles, Carol propped herself up on her elbows. There was a deep crease in her brow as she stared down at him.

"Daryl?" she whispered, nervousness creeping into her voice.

"What?" his eyes flicked to her face while he continued to pry her legs apart.

Carol's muscles tensed as she tried to resist him. "What are you doing?"

"Ya need to quit askin' me that."

"But…"

"Hush. Just try 'n trust me for once. Alright?" His eyes were still trained on her face.

"I trust you I just…"

"Ya just what?"

Carol wasn't sure how to voice her thoughts. "You don't have to do this."

A crease formed in the hunter's brow as he stared at her.

"Really." she insisted. "I'm fine."

His fingers were still curled around her ankles. "Carol…"

"Hm?" she was biting her lip out of nervousness.

"I know I don't have to. I want to."

The way he was staring at her made Carol's insides tremble.

The hunter kept his eyes on hers as he eased down to lie on his stomach. "Jus relax." he growled softly.

Carol couldn't breathe.

Daryl made himself comfortable between her legs; his hands were gripping her thighs. With a little urging, he got her legs over his shoulders…he liked the way that felt. Carol was shaking. The hunter was finally where he wanted to be…his face just inches from her core. Closing his eyes, he breathed her in. Her scent was intoxicating and he swore he could feel himself getting high. His cock began throbbing, despite the fact that it was trapped underneath him, pressing down into the bunk. He knew then, as he lay between her long legs, massaging her thighs and memorizing her scent, that she was his drug…and he'd never be able to get enough of her. He lingered near her sex, savoring the heat of it… With his eyes still closed, he whispered to her.

"Ya ready?"

Carol groaned softly when she felt the warmth of his words hit her core. His amazing shoulders were supporting her legs and she'd never wanted a man so badly. Suffering with a stabbing pain deep inside, she managed to let a single words pass her lips. "Yes."

"Stay quiet…" he breathed.

"I will." she promised, her body yearning for him. With her heart thrumming, Carol forced herself to lie back and recline on the pillows. Bracing herself for whatever was coming, she swallowed hard and stared up at the underside of the top bunk.

Hungry for his mate, Daryl forced all of the doubt from his mind and let his tongue flick lightly against her clit. They both shuddered at the feeling and Carol's hips bucked on instinct. One taste was all it took. The hunter slid his hands down roughly, along the backs of her thighs until he was gripping her ass. Panting, he used his grip to lift her pelvis and keep her pussy pressed to his mouth.

A jolt of pure electricity sped through Carol's body, shocking her heart and she gasped, her eyes going wide. Suddenly, all that mattered was Daryl's tongue. It was so warm, wet…and it was between her legs. The thought was staggering and Carol could hardly process it.

Daryl licked her without hesitation. The tip of his tongue traveled quickly, from her entrance, all the way up to her clit. He whined at the wetness just inside her slit. The taste flooded his mouth and it was all he could think about. Needing more, he repeated the motion. He made sure to flatten his tongue this time, letting the warm, slightly rough texture slide against her pussy. He did it again…and again, loving everything about her.

It was too much for Carol. When he licked her, a violent shiver sped up the length of her spine, making her jerk. But he held tight to her ass, keeping her close. She could feel his scruff brushing the insides of her thighs, and she rocked her hips, inviting him to explore her. His tongue felt amazing against her sex and more wetness seeped form her.

The hunter was getting lost. Her flavor was incredible and when the added moisture hit her core, he lapped at it. Tasting her arousal on his tongue was making him throb, but he had to keep going. Wanting more of her, he licked all the way up and found her clit again. He wrapped his lips around it and sucked hard.

Carol's body arched and her hand flew to her mouth to cover a scream. She'd never experienced oral sex, and the sensations rioting inside her were almost frightening. Her free hand clutched desperately at the sheet beneath her.

Daryl paused long enough to glanced up at her. He saw her breasts…the way her chest rose and fell with every staggered breath she took…her tight stomach…the way she was writhing. It turned him on and he refocused on her pussy, licking it a little harder.

He was memorizing the different parts of her sex with his tongue. He loved the clear slickness that told him where her entrance was…the softness of her lips as his tongue slid up between them, and the slightly swollen clit at the top. He alternated between licking and sucking it. The hunter noticed that every time he sucked, Carol's hips would rock. He liked that he could make her do that.

Curious to see what else he could get his partner to do, Daryl continued to suck her clit gently, his hands still gripping her ass. He focused, doing his best to build her up. Carol's back was arching as she bucked her hips and pushed her sex against Daryl's mouth. She couldn't believe the way he was making her feel…and with so little effort. All he had to do was keep his lips on the aching nub of her sex…and the suction seemed to put her in a trance.

Her hand had fallen away from her mouth and she'd begun muttering softly… 'yeah…yeah…oh…god…yes..'

A slow burn was building inside her and it made sweat break out all over her body until she almost seemed to glow. Her eyes were glazed…her lids heavy, and she stared at the underside of the top bunk and let Daryl pleasure her. Her hips rocked gently, every few seconds, and her lips were parted. He felt so good…she just wanted him to keep going…

The hunter glanced up at her, his mouth still wrapped around her clit. He could hear those hushed words falling from her lips…the ones that let him know he was doing the right thing. Her body was twisting on the sheets, and he knew he was torturing her. Wanting to get a reaction out of his mate, Daryl stopped sucking and quickly let his tongue dip inward, the tip sliding straight down to her entrance.

Her entire frame jerked and she had to cover her mouth again. Her toes curled, and her back was arching. Trying to keep screams locked behind her lips, she clawed angrily at the sheets underneath her…she felt her nails tearing into the thin fabric.

Fuck!

She'd never felt anything like that, and it was more than her body could handle.

Daryl paused with his tongue near her slit. He wasn't licking, or biting. He simply lingered there…the tip of his tongue barely touching the most sensitive part of her body. Knowing she wouldn't be able to stand the stillness, Daryl waited her out…his fingers massaging the flesh of her ass.

Suffering, Carol slammed her eyes shut and bucked her hips. She felt herself brush the tip of his tongue, but he seemed to be frozen. She needed him to move. She wanted him to lick, bite, suck and explore. The unspoken desires loomed large in her mind and she worried that the frustration would make her scream.

When she bucked her hips, Daryl knew she needed more. Smirking to himself, he licked her pussy, his tongue gliding quickly from her entrance to her clit.

Carol's entire body shuddered, and he dug his fingers into the flesh of her ass to keep her still. "Ya like that?" he breathed, the warm words hitting her core.

She arched her body, pushing herself against his mouth and forcing him to lick her again. "Fuck…" she whispered, the sound laced with need.

The hunter's lips found her clit again and he sucked gently. As he pleasured his mate, building her arousal, one of his hands slid out from underneath her ass. Carol was too lost to notice. She simply whined and bucked, urging him to play between her legs.

As he sucked, Daryl let the tip of his tongue flick against her clit…circle it, one direction and then another…each time he alternated, Carol gasped. It was the best sound he'd ever heard. He couldn't believe the way she was reacting…how much she was enjoying it. He could feel the heat of her sex intensifying as he kept his warm mouth wrapped around her clit. Suddenly, the hunter wanted nothing more than to send his partner over the edge. He wanted to feel her come…to taste it. Daryl was so lost between her thighs, he didn't care if anyone heard them… Moving carefully, he adjusted so that one hand was still clutching at her ass, while the other was poised near her entrance.

Carol still hadn't noticed the change. All that mattered was the way that Daryl was making her feel. She never wanted him to stop. Each time his tongue brushed her clit, she was reminded of how painfully empty her core was. Even while her body longed for penetration, she knew that Daryl could get her to climax just by sucking her clit. It felt too good…she could already feel the muscles tensing in her lower belly. Moaning softly and bucking her hips, Carol savored everything he was doing to her.

The hunter knew she was getting close. She was muttering 'yes' over and over while her hips bucked in a continuous pattern. Lost in her scent…her taste, Daryl continued to suck her clit as he slid his middle finger into her heat. He growled at the slickness inside her…he'd slipped into her sex so easily…

The instant his finger dipped inside, Carol's body went rigid. One hand flew to her mouth to stifle a scream as she arched into Daryl's touch. The hardness was so welcome, so desperately needed and her walls closed around it…trapping it. The strong muscles in her core began milking his finger, but the hunter barely gave her time to adjust. While her back was still arched, Daryl sucked her clit hard and began moving his finger back and forth.

A deep crease formed in Carol's brow when she felt the hardness pushing through her insides. Daryl knew exactly how to touch her, and the sensations were driving her crazy. He continued to work her body. His tongue teased her clit, flicking against it lightly, while he sent his finger deeper into her pussy. Carol could feel the fabric tearing as she clutched the sheet tightly in her sweaty palm. The scrapes on her hand were chafing against the binding, but she didn't care.

The hunter had to focus. His cock was still smothered underneath him, aching for release, but he ignored the need. As far as he knew, the rest of the world had fallen away. All that remained was his woman…her body. His finger was buried inside her and he pushed and pulled, trying to hit all the spots that made her weak. It didn't matter how many times they were together; Daryl would never get used to how tight she was. Having his cock inside her was one thing…but using his finger…actually being able to touch her down there…gave him an entirely new appreciation for the wonderful heat between her legs. She was so slick and warm around him…her insides smooth and soft. He felt the muscles clench around his finger. He began moving it faster, letting her ride it as she rocked her hips.

Daryl couldn't stop himself from groaning as he touched her. The way his finger was slipping through her passage, right into her center, made his dick hurt. He wanted to come with her…but he fought the urge. This was about her…he could wait. The whole reason he'd snuck into her cell and started all this was to help her relax…he just failed to realize that helping her relax would be so exciting. He felt like a damn teenager as he laid in that bunk with her…his enthusiasm kept building as he pleasured his partner. He wanted to taste every part of her.

Finally releasing her clit, Daryl fought to catch his breath. He was panting, his hand still working between her thighs. His face was flushed with arousal and his dark hair was mussed…a few shocks hanging in his eyes.

Carol gasped when the warmth of his mouth disappeared. Propping herself up on her elbows, she stared down at him…sweat glistening on her body. Her chest was heaving, and her lungs burned, but she made herself look at him.

The hunter's blue eyes flicked to her face when he felt her watching him. Breathing heavily, the lovers stared at each other. Carol swallowed hard. Her brain was having trouble processing the scene in front of her. Her long legs were still draped over his shoulders…his perfect, strong, amazing shoulders…and he was working his finger in and out of her sex. Carol's lids were heavy as she focused on his lips. They were parted to make way for ragged breaths…she could feel the warmth against her pussy. As she studied her partner, Carol found it difficult to believe that she'd gone her entire adult life without having a man go down on her. A strange thrill raced through her frame as she watched Daryl panting, at the bottom of the bunk…between her legs…

Undaunted, Daryl continued to hold her gaze while he touched her. Some part of him liked that she was watching. He toyed with her sex, enjoying the sharp little gasps that escaped her, and the way her brows knit together. Having her eyes on him was turning the hunter on. As he worked to get his breathing under control, Daryl curled his finger inside his mate, hitting her g-spot.

Carol's teeth sank into her bottom lip and fresh sweat seemed to break out all over her body. She didn't understand how he could give her such intense pleasure with the just tip of his finger. Her thighs were quivering and her insides gripped him hard. She kept staring at him…trying to convince herself that he was real…

Daryl massaged her g-spot, loving the pained expression on her face as she tried to keep herself from crying out.

Go on 'n scream if ya gotta…

The hunter knew it was just lust talking…if the rational part of his brain was still functional at all…he'd be terrified of either of them making too much noise. He slid his finger back into her sex, moving deeper. Carol bucked her hips, inviting him in, and he growled.

She couldn't take it. He was so good to her…touching all the right places, and she needed his mouth back on her body…but she didn't know how to ask. Gnawing her bottom lip, she stared at him while her chest continued to heave.

Daryl found that he really, really liked being watched. Something about it spurred him on. He gave her a few more good strokes with his finger before slipping it free.

She hissed, feeling empty without him.

But Daryl wasn't finished with her. He gripped her thigh, squeezing the tender flesh while they studied one another. His gaze seemed almost predatory as he turned his head to bite the inside of her thigh. Carol jerked, but his grip was strong and he held her in place. His feral eyes were trained on her face as he paused to kiss the now bruised spot on her inner thigh.

Carol was whining softly, battling sexual frustration that was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Knowing what she needed, the hunter refocused on her pussy. He stared down at it, fascinated, before flattening his tongue and pressing it against her entrance. He could taste…feel her arousal…and he had to close his eyes for a moment. She was better than booze…better than any pill he'd ever taken. All it took was one taste of her…and he'd lost himself. He savored the slickness that was leaking from her core, and let his tongue travel up slowly until it brushed her swollen clit. He felt her shiver…heard her swear, and his blue-grey eyes eased open.

"Daryl?" she panted.

The hunter squeezed her thigh, her ass, and glanced down at her pussy before his eyes flicked to her face. "I'm tellin' ya right now…" he breathed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We're doin' this shit again."

Carol's insides fluttered. She couldn't imagine anything sexier than the brooding, relentless, hunter between her legs…his dark, messy hair…the eyes that made her weak…and that damn smirk on his mouth.

Moving both hands to her thighs, Daryl pried her legs further apart with a grunt. "Now…" he licked his lips and shook some of the hair out of his eyes. "Want ya to tell me…what it is ya need."

She swallowed hard, not knowing what to say.

The hunter stared down at her pussy while his fingers remained curled around her thighs. "Tell me woman."

Carol slammed her eyes shut and clawed at the sheet underneath her. "Lick me…" she breathed.

Daryl smirked and let his tongue flick lightly against her slit. "Like that?"

She nearly growled as she rocked her hips. "More…" she pleaded.

The hunter ducked his head and licked her a little harder, his tongue pressing in against all the softness of her sex. "How 'bout now?" he asked.

She pushed her hips towards his mouth, but Daryl refused to give in. "Naw." he growled under his breath.

Carol felt his words hit her core. "Lick me…please." she begged. Her eyes opened slowly so that she could look down at him…see what he was doing to her.

Daryl smirked at her. "That all? Ya jus want me to lick ya?"

She was confused…and her body was demanding attention. The crease in her brow deepened as she stared at him.

"Or ya want me to eat this pussy?" he asked in a low growl.

Carol felt herself get wet all over again. Her walls tightened and she couldn't take it anymore. "Eat me." she whispered.

"That what ya want?" he asked, teasing her as he rubbed her thighs.

"Fuck," she groaned, collapsing onto her back and pushing her hips up to his mouth. Her hands went to her hair, tugging at it while her eyes slammed shut. "Just eat me…" she whined.

That was all Daryl needed. He used his grip to pry her legs further apart before ducking down to taste her. He let himself groan as her taste flooded his mouth. Keeping her spread open, the hunter enjoyed every part of his mate. His tongue traveled up and down the length of her pussy. Each time he slid back down to her entrance, he forced the tip of his tongue just inside her slit, tasting the wetness that waited for him.

"Oh…fuck…" she moaned, feeling his tongue push into her.

The hunter tightened his grip on her thighs and licked her harder. He flattened his tongue against her pussy and felt the way her hips rocked.

Carol's eyes were still closed, sweat beading at her temples as she let Daryl eat her pussy. She gasped and shivered each time her hips bucked against his warm mouth. Every time he lapped at her, he seemed to bring her entire body to life. Carol loved the feeling of his warm tongue sliding through her wetness, but she needed more.

Losing herself, she reached down and grabbed a fist-full of her lover's hair. Daryl growled, but didn't stop what he was doing. He licked and sucked, nipping gently at her lips every so often. Carol's teeth sank into her bottom lip and she tugged sharply at his hair, urging him to apply more pressure…to fuck her with his tongue.

Daryl's cock throbbed when he felt the sharp sting of Carol pulling his hair. She used her grip to keep him pressed down in the heat between her legs. He was suffocating, surrounded by her, but he didn't care. If she wanted more, he was going to give it to her. Letting his tongue explore every inch of her pussy, the hunter fought off the orgasm that was brewing inside him.

All that mattered was her scent…her taste. He wanted to stay lost between her tender thighs all night. The slickness continued to build as he licked her. Her fist was tight in his hair, forcing him to work harder…and her hips were bucking faster as she pushed her aching sex up towards his mouth. His strong hands pried her legs even further apart, and they slid suddenly from his shoulders…but he didn't care…and neither did she. She wanted him to have all the room he needed.

Grunting and growling, the hunter licked her rapidly…from her entrance to her clit, applying more pressure each time. Her taste was overwhelming…

Carol was clawing his scalp…ignoring the way her scrapes chafed against the binding on her hand. She just needed him to go harder. Her body continued to arch for him, and she pulled him down into her heat, trapping him…keeping his mouth against her. "Oh….oh god…oh fuck Daryl….jesus christ….yes….don't stop….fuck….that feels so fucking good baby….god…oh…I want it….I want it…like that….mhmmm….fuck….eat me baby….please….just eat my pussy…god…harder…" She was whining softly…the sounds desperate as they echoed in the small cell.

Her words were making the hunter's cock drip. He could barely breathe, he was suffocating between her legs…but it didn't matter. She was the only thing he wanted. With his lungs burning, Daryl used the tip of his tongue to tease her slit.

Carol shuddered at the sensation. "God Daryl…I need you inside me…"

Knowing he couldn't give her everything she needed with just his tongue, the hunter refocused on her clit, sucking it, catching it lightly between his teeth every so often. He moved his hand back towards her entrance.

She was rocking her hips as he pleasured her clit…his tongue circling it, so wet and warm. Her grip continued to tighten on his hair. "Baby…" she groaned. "Yeah….like that….I just need it…I need you…"

Daryl loved the feeling of her swollen clit against his tongue. He liked the way her hips moved, and the way those words sounded falling from her lips…but he knew his mate. She needed more than his slick tongue exploring her pussy. Growling against her sex, he thrust his middle finger back inside.

Carol froze, her eyes fluttering open in shock.

"Ya need it…don't ya?" Daryl muttered around her clit.

All she could do was pull his hair and whine.

He felt her slick insides wrapping around his finger, squeezing it. "Ya need to be fucked hard?" the hunter growled before circling the aching nub of her sex with the tip of his tongue.

But Carol was done talking. All she could do was buck and whine as her body savored the hardness of his finger.

Daryl smirked against her pussy as he began to toy with it. He moved back and forth, thrusting his finger quickly in and out of her core. As he pleasured his woman, the hunter noticed that her legs were spreading wider…giving him more room. He knew she wanted it deep. He kept sucking her clit…his tongue slipping down towards her entrance every few seconds. Daryl wanted to taste all of her. He grunted, adding a second finger…pushing harder into Carol's heat.

Her insides quivered and tensed around the invading hardness. His fingers were rubbing her walls…pushing into the softness deep inside her…curling to hit her g-spot. Every stroke made her want to scream, and her clit was aching as he teased it. With her back arched and her legs open, Carol gave in. She pulled angrily at her lover's dark hair, forcing him to suck her clit harder. She couldn't breathe. The sensations were too strong, the pleasure too great… Her walls opened wide, letting Daryl's fingers sink all the way in. His tongue was hot on her clit…his breath was warm. He was growling…grunting between her thighs… and Carol just wanted to give him everything. Losing herself, she began to buck wildly, riding Daryl's stiff fingers…her wetness gliding around them. She felt him increase the pressure…he was sucking her clit…his fingers moving back and forth, in and out of her pussy.

It was all too much, and suddenly…he seemed to hit a weak spot deep inside her. The friction…the wetness of his mouth…the way he pushed his fingers in mercilessly while her thighs trembled…it broke her. Her body locked up, caught in the grip of incredible pleasure, and sparks flew behind her eyes. Arching, moaning, clawing at the sheets, Carol felt the orgasm rush through her frame with frightening speed and intensity. It seemed to come from the very center of her being…hot and wet…the wave of release surging…crashing between her thighs….washing out around his fingers. The muscles in her core began convulsing rapidly, clenching and unclenching the hardness that was still buried inside her. Weak, and utterly satisfied, Carol let the pleasure ripple through her body. Her toes were curled as she savored the fluttering in her sex.

Her teeth sank into her bottom lip and she twisted on the sheets, trying to memorize every sensation that was coursing through her body. She was sure she'd never felt so good. The pillows felt cool, soothing beneath her head as she reclined on the flimsy mattress and waited for the sweat to dry on her skin. The burning in her lungs began to subside, and her heart rate slowly returned to normal. She'd been so lost in the haze of her own pleasure, that she failed to realize her lover had slipped his fingers from her sex, and he'd pulled his mouth from her clit.

She continued to arch her back and groan softly, her eyes closed and her body glistening. Daryl was gripping her thighs as he watched her. When her orgasm struck, he forced himself to keep going…to keep touching her deep inside. He'd pressed into her heat and felt the gush of wetness coating his fingers while her walls trembled. But as she rode the waves of her climax, and moisture continued to flood her pussy, Daryl knew he needed to taste it. He purposely waited until she'd exhausted herself…her head going back to rest on the soft pillows.

He'd finally pulled his fingers from her core, and released her clit. Once his hands were on her thighs…he kept those beautiful legs apart and ducked down to flatten his tongue against her pussy.

A deep crease formed in Carol's brow and she gasped, unprepared for the added heat between her thighs.

The hunter wasted no time. With his eyes closed, he breathed her in and lapped at the slickness that was leaking from her entrance. His hands moved from her thighs to her ass and he gripped her hard, tilting her pelvis up and keeping her against his mouth. Her orgasm…the clear liquid coming from her slit…it was the best thing that Daryl had ever tasted. His warm tongue passed over her entrance again and again…and he moaned every time. The incredible flavor flooded his mouth and he felt himself get harder.

Carol let him eat her…she didn't have the strength to fight anymore. She loved the way his tongue felt on her pussy. Each lick seemed to give her a wonderful aftershock…and her walls would tighten, making her bite her lip. Exhausted, blissful, she bucked her hips weakly…riding the waves of her climax while Daryl enjoyed himself between her legs.

The intensity of her orgasm left Carol feeling weak and used. Slowly, her stiff fingers uncurled and she finally relinquished her grip on Daryl's hair. Her hand fell limp to the mattress. She sighed and groaned softly, marveling at the way the hunter handled her body. She felt so sedated…so wonderfully dizzy, and the room seemed to be spinning slowly around her. The only things that existed were the sheets, the flimsy mattress, the pleasure radiating outwards from her sex, and Daryl…his perfect hands still gripping her ass.

Carol didn't realize that she was smiling. Her back continued to arch weakly as she stared with dreamy eyes at the underside of the top bunk. Her lids were heavy, and she wondered if she'd ever emerge from the blissful haze surrounding her. Somewhere, between her legs, Daryl was still tasting her. She was dimly aware of his mouth on her body. Carol sighed again, her hands slowly moving up to tug at her own hair while she bit her lip.

"God…" she breathed. As he licked her, Carol swore she could feel herself melting into the mattress.

The hunter heard every little sigh…every groan that passed his lover's lips. Eventually, her hips stopped bucking. She was limp in his grasp, and he knew she was spent. Letting his tongue travel up the length of her pussy one last time…Daryl finally stopped clutching her ass and let her pelvis ease down. She moaned, and he couldn't stop himself from crawling over her.

Delirious with pleasure, Carol forgot the underside of the top bunk, and refocused on her partner. He was suddenly close…his body looming over hers. His broad hands were splaying on the sheets, on either side of her face.

"Hey…" she said, giving him a lazy smile. Biting the corner of her lip, she moved her hands to his shoulders. For a moment, she rubbed him, loving the way his skin felt. As they stared at one another, Carol's hand's traveled up, along the sides of his neck, and into his hair. He was so sexy as he hovered above her, dark hair framing his face…and blue-grey eyes burning beneath his lashes.

"Hey," he growled softly.

Carol's hands formed fists in his hair. "Hey," she said again, laughing lightly. Her brain couldn't seem to produce new words…

Daryl could see the satisfaction…the pure bliss on her face, and he had to kiss her. Growling, he ducked down and caught her mouth with his. She gasped at the unexpected pressure. Daryl was still struggling with his need, and he pushed his tongue into his lover's mouth. She moaned against his lips when she caught her own taste…there was something exhilarating about it.

The hunter kissed her with urgency, exploring her sweet mouth. Carol let him in, her tongue caressing his. They teased one another, sucking, nipping at each other's lips…only breaking apart when the need for air became too strong.

Daryl was clawing at the sheets while he let his forehead rest against hers. They were panting…warm breath mingling in the small space between their lips. "Fuck…" he breathed.

Carol combed her fingers through his hair. "You okay?" she asked.

The hunter swallowed hard before glancing down between their bodies. His erection was pressed to her lower belly. When he lifted his chin, meeting her gaze again, he sighed through his nose. "I'm fine. How 'bout you?"

She laughed lightly, one of her hands slipping down to caress the back of his neck. "I'm…" she blinked a few times, trying to figure out how to answer him. The smile was still on her lips, and she couldn't hide the joy that was bubbling up inside her. "I'm great." she finally whispered, knowing that the words fell short.

"Yeah?" he asked, his hips bucking down gently into her.

A hushed giggle escaped her. "I just…I don't even…wow."

"That good huh?" he asked, smirking at his mate.

Carol nodded, biting her lip.

The hunter ducked his head, kissing one of her collarbones. When his eyes flicked back to her face, he smiled. "Glad ya liked it."

"God…" she giggled again, her fingers playing with the ends of his hair. "It's scary…"

"Hm?" he gave her a quick kiss on the lips before easing back.

Carol clawed lightly at the back of his neck. "How good you are in bed."

A hint of color appeared on Daryl's cheeks and he averted his gaze.

"No," she smiled, tugging his hair and forcing him to look at her. "You are."

He couldn't stop the corner of his mouth from quirking up. "Just wanna keep ya happy." he growled softly.

"You do." she smirked at him.

The hunter blushed a little harder.

Carol's fingers were caressing his neck again. "You gonna let me return the favor?" she asked, glancing down at his arousal.

Daryl sighed. "Told ya not to worry about me. I'm fine."

"You're hard." she whispered, shifting slightly underneath him.

"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to put your ass to bed…ya came hard, now ya need to sleep." He moved, trying to ease off of her. Sitting up, Daryl ran a hand through his hair before rubbing his eyes.

Carol grunted as she forced herself to sit up with him. While they lingered on her bunk, she studied him with critical eyes. He pushed the dark hair back from his brow and wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist. Before she could process what was happening, he was easing off the bunk and standing, his hands on his hips.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her brows knitting together.

Daryl glanced at her over his shoulder. "Gonna get dressed. Head down to the showers."

"And that?" she asked, gesturing at his cock.

He followed her gaze and sighed. "That ain't nothin' for you to worry about. If a cold shower don't take care of it, I will."

Momentarily distracted by that mental image, Carol lost her train of thought.

Daryl took advantage of the vacant look in her eyes and stooped to grab his pants from the floor. The movement seemed to break her trance and she blinked. "Wait." she said. "You're really gonna go?"

He turned to face her, the pants clutched tightly in his hands. "Woman…whole point of this was to help ya unwind. Ya ain't gotta worry 'bout me, now get under them covers 'n sleep."

Carol's eyes narrowed, her head tilting to one side as she stared at him. "You think I could just go to sleep?" she said, her palms flat on the mattress as she slowly pushed herself up from the bunk. "Knowing you're awake…and hard?" Standing on weak legs, she took a step in his direction.

Daryl backed away. "I'm givin' ya the green light to check out after ya come…that's the best goddamn sleep your ass can get…'n you're sayin' no?" he asked, incredulous.

She took another step towards him and nodded.

Daryl was kneading the pants he held in his hands. He slowly backed away, creating space between himself and his partner.

Carol's gaze was predatory as she advanced.

"Woman…" he growled, warning her.

But she wasn't afraid. She kept moving towards him until his back hit a wall. Standing in front of her partner, Carol took the pants, gently pulling them from his hands. She tossed the clothing aside and refocused on Daryl.

He sighed through his nose, his fingers splaying as he reached back and pressed his palms against the wall…bracing himself.

"Did you really think I was gonna let you walk out of here? That I was gonna let you take care of this on your own?" She glanced down at his erection before her eyes flicked back to his face.

Fresh sweat was beginning to form at his temples. "Jus thought ya'd like it…gettin' off, then goin' to sleep. Wanted to take care of ya."

"You did." she smirked at him. "And now I just want to take care of you."

"Carol," he growled softly. "Ya ain't gotta."

She placed one hand on his slick stomach and let it trail down until she was gripping the base of his cock. He groaned, jerking in her hand…the tip leaking.

"I know I don't have to. I want to." she whispered, echoing his words from earlier.

Daryl whined as she tightened her grip. He knew then, as she kept her blue eyes locked on his, and her soft hand on his cock, that he couldn't fight her. At her mercy, the hunter let his head fall back to rest against the wall. His breathing had picked up, and his eyes closed as he waited for her to move into his space.

Satisfied with his submission, Carol leaned in. She ran her thumb across the hole at the tip of his member, and whispered into his ear. "Relax."

A crease formed in Daryl's brow and his lips parted. He managed a weak nod and waited for the sweet pressure of her mouth on his. He swore he could already feel her soft lips gliding along his…her tongue sinking under his… His eyes were shut tight, and he waited with agonizing patience for her to close the small distance between them…but she didn't. His palms were clammy as they remained pressed against the wall at his back. Seconds continued to tick by, and he didn't understand why Carol wasn't kissing him. He focused on the feeling of her fingers wrapped around his shaft.

Feeling like she'd finally cornered her prey, Carol moved slowly, easing down until she was on her knees…her hand still gripping her partner's manhood. For half a heartbeat, butterflies frenzied low in her stomach, but she ignored the sensation.

It's going to be fine. You're doing this for him.

Much like her partner, Carol didn't consider herself to be any sort of expert between the sheets. But she and Daryl always had a good time together. Part of it was just good chemistry…their bodies fit together perfectly, and they wanted each other. She guessed that the rest came from a genuine, shared desire to please one another. They were generous in bed…and it had worked pretty well for them up to that point. With all those things in mind, Carol shook off the doubt and decided to focus on Daryl.

Swallowing hard, she reached up and used one hand to grip his thigh. Her fingers dug into his flesh, holding on as she grew restless. Her other hand was still wrapped around the base of Daryl's thick cock.

The hunter hissed, sucking in a sharp breath of air when he felt her clutching at his thigh. His eyes flew open and he couldn't stop himself from looking down. When he saw his woman kneeling on the ground in front of him, his excitement seemed to rise a hundred-fold. His member jerked in her grasp, and his heart leapt into his throat.

Daryl didn't know what was happening…or his brain couldn't accept it. It was too good to be true.. He couldn't process the scene. He was staring down at his lover. Her entire body seemed to glow in the aftermath of her orgasm, and her perfect chest was heaving as she held his gaze. He watched her breasts rise and fall.

Her nails were digging into the meat of his thigh, and her grip was slowly tightening on his cock. His breathing picked up as he watched her. Carol's studied his member, her lids heavy as she focused on it. Her sudden fascination with his manhood made Daryl's stomach flip. She studied the swollen tip for a few more seconds before lifting her chin and locking eyes with him.

His mouth had gone dry, and his blood pressure was climbing. "Car…Carol…" he muttered. "Wh…what are ya…?" But the hunter never got to finish his sentence. His heart beat was a deafening pound in his ears, and the hairs at the base of his neck stood on end as Carol took him into her mouth.

Daryl made a sound…something between a gasp and a whine. His mind reeled as he struggled to accept that the most sensitive part of his body was now surrounded by incredible warmth and wetness. With his mouth open, and a deep crease forming in his brow, the hunter fought to keep himself from coming. All she'd done was take the tip of him in…she was giving him time to adjust, but it didn't matter. Just knowing that her mouth was on his cock..being able to look down and see it…made him want to let go. He gasped again as he felt his member jerk.

Carol's eyes were closed as she struggled to focus on Daryl. She clawed his thigh a little harder and felt the tip of his cock dripping…the liquid hitting her tongue. Something about that thrilled her and she sucked gently, experimentally…just to gauge his reaction.

"Fuck." he whined, his blunt nails clawing at the wall. Beads of sweat were slipping from the ends of his hair, rolling down the length of his spine. The softness of Carol's lips around him, the feeling of her tongue beneath the tight, swollen head of his member…it was maddening, and he needed more. The hunter's breathing had grown shallow, and his skin felt damp, feverish as he waited for Carol to act. His lids were heavy, brows knitting together. He stared across the cell, at the sheet that kept him and his lover hidden…Even as he stared, knowing that someone could stop outside Carol's cell at any moment…pull the sheet aside and reveal what they were doing…Daryl knew he was powerless to stop what she'd started. There wasn't a force on earth that could make him push her away.

Memorizing her partner's taste, Carol flicked her tongue against the tip…teasing it. She heard Daryl suck in a sharp breath. Knowing that he needed more, she tightened her grip around the base of his shaft, and held firm as she took him deeper.

The hunter's body went rigid and his chest began to heave. He was slipping into her heat, inch by inch. Her lips moving over him, her tongue wet and smooth against the underside of his shaft. A chill raced up his spine making him shudder.

Working to relax her throat, Carol took him as deep as she could. She could feel him twitching, and wondered how long he would last. With her eyes closed, she moaned softly around him.

The subtle vibration against his cock was enough to make the hunter growl. He let his head fall back to rest against the wall as fresh sweat broke out on his body….glistening on his stomach, his arms…He couldn't believe he was in her mouth. But the warmth was real…the slickness of her tongue…

Loving his taste, Carol gripped the base and began sucking. She was moaning, humming as she did everything she could to coax pleasure from him. Her mouth moved along his shaft, and she sucked a little harder each time she reached the tip…holding it between her lips.

Daryl couldn't breathe...or think…at least not about anything other than Carol's mouth. He could feel her muscles working as she sucked. The pressure was so fucking good, and she paid special attention to the tip, letting her tongue swirl around it. He knew he was leaking…that she could taste it, but he didn't care.

She sucked slowly at first, savoring it…savoring him. Her tongue caressed the rigid shaft..her teeth barely grazing the head as she moved. She noticed, as her nails continued to press into his thigh, that he was starting to respond to the rhythm she'd created. His hips bucking just slightly each time she sucked.

"Yeah…" he groaned. He was still leaning back, letting his head rest against the wall. "Aw fuck baby…" His eyes were slammed shut, the crease growing deeper in his brow.

Carol's hand moved from the base of his cock as she began to squeeze him tenderly, the motion of her mouth never stopping. She loved the way his engorged member felt in her grasp..in her mouth. She continued to moan, and she swore she felt him get harder.

The pleasure was beginning to overwhelm him. Losing himself, Daryl reached blindly for his mate. He let his hand rest against the back of her neck, while the other remained pressed to the wall. He didn't apply pressure, he simply enjoyed what she was doing while he lightly stroked her skin. "Fuck Carol…god damn…"

She hummed as more clear liquid dripped onto her tongue. She licked at the underside of his shaft, caressing the rigid flesh.

When he felt her tongue flicking quickly, smoothly against his cock, Daryl began to lose control. Suddenly, he was gripping the back of her neck…using his hand to push her down onto his dick. He wanted her to take it. As he pushed, Daryl let his hips buck a little harder. He forced himself into her mouth again, and again. Each time he felt his shaft slide smoothly past her lips, he shuddered.

Carol was startled when he gripped her neck, but she quickly adjusted. Moving faster, she did her best to give him what he needed. She felt him thrusting his hips, sending his manhood into her mouth, and she let him set the pace.

"Aw," he groaned. "Baby…that's…..that's it….like that."

She moaned around him and sucked harder.

"Fuck," he growled, pressing down on her neck again.

Carol nearly gagged, but she fought the urge and focused on pleasuring him.

Daryl was gnawing his bottom lip, and the muscles in his lower belly were tensing. He continued to buck into her mouth, his hips moving back and forth…gaining enthusiasm with each passing second. Part of him worried that it was too much for her, but he couldn't stop…and she didn't seem to mind. His eyes were slammed shut as his need continued to build. The incredible suction of her mouth…the traction on his dick was mind-numbing.

Carol squeezed and tugged at his shaft, her fingers curling around it while she sucked. She could taste the pre-cum leaking from him every few seconds, and the knowledge that he was close spurred her on. She had to fight to hold on as his strong hips jerked.

With his broad, sweaty hand pressed to the back of her neck, Daryl forced her to take him. "Car….aw….baby….fuck….go on…..jus…like tha….yeah…yeah…shit…" He was getting harder.

She groaned as his hips continued to thrust. The muscles in her mouth worked to massage his aching shaft…her tongue wrapping around it, flicking against the hole at the tip.

Daryl's heart was beating so fast that it scared him. And the temperature in the cell was rising with every shallow breath he took. Warm air pressed in around him, making him sweat and whine. Hair was plastered to his brow, his temples…his body was covered in a fine sheen of moisture and the muscles in his stomach continued to tense. He could feel himself getting stiffer, longer as he pushed his hard-on into her mouth. "Baby….god damn….jus….keep goin'….fuck…I'm gonna come…."

Carol's eyes flew open. She could hear the desperation in his voice. She continued to suck and lick as she glanced up at him. She saw the way his chest was heaving…the sweat that shone on his skin…she'd never seen anything sexier. Suddenly, the hardness of the floor under her knees didn't bother Carol…the ache in her jaw seemed to disappear. All that mattered was the man above her, and the pleasure she was bringing him.

Blood was rushing in Daryl's ears as he felt himself nearing the edge. He fought to breathe, but the feeling of Carol's wet mouth around his manhood seemed to make it impossible. "Aw….fuckin' hell…" he groaned, bucking his hips faster and faster. Her tongue was gliding against the underside of his shaft…allowing him to slide in. "Aw…" he applied pressure to the back of her neck. "Yeah….take it….jus….jus suck my cock….baby….please….go on…"

Carol gripped the base of his shaft and sucked the tip of his swollen member. Her blue eyes were still fixed on him. She was looking up, hoping he would meet her gaze. She wanted him to see what she was doing.

When she increased the pressure, sucking harder, the hunter had no choice. He had to look. With a grunt, he opened his eyes and glanced down at the woman kneeling in front of him. He wasn't prepared for what he saw. His lover, his mate…on her knees, gripping his manhood…clawing at his thigh. Her lips were wrapped around him and she was moaning, squeezing…sucking, begging him to come. His hips continued to buck and she took everything he had to give her. He became hypnotized by the sight of his swollen cock in her mouth, and he pressed down harder on her neck, forcing her to take him in.

"Holy fuck Carol…" he whined. "Damn…jus suck me off…I'm gonna come….jesus…..I want ya to take it….fuck I'm gonna come…" The hunter wore a pained expression as he stared down at her.

She held his gaze, silently begging him to come, while her mouth caressed his shaft.

It's okay baby…let go…

Daryl was panting, his hips bucking faster and faster…the warmth, the pressure, the slickness of her mouth became too much and the head of his cock tightened. He gasped, his brows knitting together, as he felt the orgasm rushing from his groin, down the length of his cock. All he could do was buck his hips and stare down at his woman as semen shot from the head of his member. He saw her blue eyes grow wide, and thought she might pull away, but she didn't. The hunter watched in amazement as she kept her lips around him and sucked, drawing the pleasure from him. She coaxed the orgasm from his shaft and moaned as she swallowed.

Daryl shuddered when he felt his seed slipping down her throat. She held on, letting him ride the waves of his climax. His hips bucked weakly into her mouth as he waited for his cock to finish spurting. She let him come…savoring his orgasm. Her tongue caressed his member until it began to grow soft between her lips. Carol could feel it where she gripped his thigh…he was shaking…trembling in the aftermath of his climax. She could hear his ragged breathing, and his lids were heavy as he stared down at her…strands of dark hair hanging in his face.

The hunter sucked in greedy mouthfuls of air and realized he couldn't feel his legs. Swallowing hard, he let his hand fall clumsily away from Carol's neck, and his hips finally stopped moving. His lids were heavy, and he looked drugged as he stood there…leaning back against the wall, letting it take his weight. The concrete was cool on his damp skin; he stared dreamily out at nothing and waited for the room to stop spinning. "Fuck…" he breathed.

Knowing that her partner had nothing left to give, Carol finally let herself ease back. She pulled him carefully from her mouth before sitting back on her calves. Reaching up, she wiped at her mouth with the back of her wrist, and tried to get her bearings. Her breasts rose and fell as she worked to catch her breath.

"You okay?" she asked, running a hand through her mussed hair.

Blood was slowly returning to the hunter's brain. All he could manage was a groan.

She smirked, amused by the dazed look on his face as he leaned against the wall. "Daryl?"

He slammed his eyes shut and lifted his hands, running them over his face. A heavy sigh of satisfaction escaped him. "Fuck." he muttered under his breath.

Carol was flushed, her body aching and glowing. She couldn't believe what had taken place in her cell. "Guess you liked it?" she chuckled softly her hands resting on her bare thighs.

Daryl finally seemed to emerge from the haze of sexual pleasure. He released another sigh and pushed the damp hair back from his brow. "Hm?"

With a grunt, Carol forced herself to stand, her body leaning into his. She let her palms splay on his slick chest as she whispered to him. "You enjoyed yourself?"

The hunter stared at her, his lids still heavy. "Fuckin' hell…" he growled softly, pushing himself away from the wall.

A nervous giggle escaped her and she backed away as he advanced. He was unsteady on his feet, but he continued to move towards her, his eyes on her mouth. When she felt the backs of her legs hit the bunk, Carol clumsily sank down on the flimsy mattress. Daryl clambered in after her and the two collapsed in a sweaty heap.

The lovers were tangled together…wrapped around one another, lying above the thin sheets. The cotton stuck to their damp, pulsing skin. Their hair was mussed, their bodies were spent, aching, blissful, and they began chuckling softly.

"The fuck did that come from?" Daryl asked, one hand coming up to cup his forehead. He rolled onto his back, and pulled Carol up to lie on his chest.

She snorted, smiling at him. "You tell me. You started it."

He growled, letting his fingertips trace the ridges in her spine. "Well you sure as hell finished it."

Carol blushed, biting her bottom lip. "I tried."

The hunter propped himself up on his elbows and stared hard at his mate. "Baby…ain't no tryin'…ya got me off like fuckin'…I don't even know…just…damn. Got a mouth on ya."

She traced patterns on his chest with her fingertip and smiled. "You saying you wanna do this again?" she asked, the smile turning into a smirk.

Daryl's eyes narrowed as he smirked back. "That's what I'm sayin'."

Carol blushed harder, a soft chuckle escaping her.

He ran his hands up and down her sides. "I'll eat that pussy every goddamn day if ya let me."

Her walls tightened as she considered taking him up on the offer. "And I'll be happy to return the favor. Any time."

Daryl was still smirking. "Good. Cuz I'm gonna want it. Hell…" he moved one hand to her breast, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm already thinkin' about gettin' that mouth of yours back on my cock."

"Oh really?" she asked, her nails clawing his chest a little.

"You bet your ass." he rolled, trapping her underneath him.

She giggled, leaning up to kiss him. The lovers smiled into the kiss, their eyes closing. They lay in Carol's bunk, sweat drying on their skin, and felt perfectly, wonderfully free. They enjoyed the connection for several heartbeats before easing apart.

Completely spent, Daryl shifted to lie down on his side, right next to her. She turned to face him and they smirked at one another. Naked, happy, Daryl and Carol simply enjoyed being together…sharing the same small space as their hearts continued to slow.

The hunter finally reached for his mate, pulling her back into his chest. She sighed, content when she felt his body curling protectively behind hers. His skin was warm, the cell was stifling, but it didn't matter. She wanted him close. Curled together above the sheets, the lovers savored the lingering effects of their climaxes.

Daryl nuzzled her shoulder blade, and kept a strong arm curled around her middle, keeping their bodies close. As his breathing continued to slow, he let his eyes close. Sensing that he was close to falling asleep, Carol glanced over her shoulder and whispered to him. "Were you staying?"

He grunted, shifting behind her, his hips bucking weakly against her ass. "Don't it look like I'm stayin'?"

She smiled in the dimly lit cell. "And you're okay with that? What if someone comes by in the middle of the night. What if Rick needs help with Judith? You alright with him finding you like this?"

But Daryl just tightened his grip on her body and kissed her shoulder. "Hush. I ain't goin' nowhere."

Carol sighed. "Now who's the one talking nonsense after he comes?" she teased.

"Ain't nothin' wrong with me stayin'."

"I know." she whispered. "Just figured you wouldn't want to. You never have before."

"Well….I wanna, so I'm gonna."

She chuckled. "And if someone sees you? You're naked…"

He snorted. "Woman, turn the damn light out and quit. Some asshole comes in here 'n sees the two of us…they'll learn to fuckin' knock."

Carol couldn't stop the laugh that burst from her lips as she leaned over the side of the bunk, reaching for the lamp on the nightstand. She turned the knob until the flame disappeared, leaving the cell blanketed in darkness. When she eased back onto the bunk, she smiled through the gloom. For the first time, she'd be falling asleep in her lover's arms. Happiness coursed through her and she wondered why they'd waited so long.

I'll just be standing next to the open fridge….hope you enjoyed! If you liked it, please let me know ; )

-Sami