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!

18. Confession

Hi! Thanks for the love for the last chapter :) This picks up right where ch. 17 left off. Daryl and Carol are standing in that same field, finally ready to give in to one another. Some sexy stress-relief leads to an important revelation for our favorite couple. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the walking dead

Chapter 18: Confession

In one fluid motion, the hunter snaked his arms around her waist and took her down to the ground. They hit the grass together, both of them laughing.

"Daryl! What are you doing?" She rolled onto her side to face him.

"Whatever I want." He grabbed her waist and pulled her flush against him.

Carol reached for his hair, and held tight to a fist-full as they stared at each other. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," he growled. He licked his bottom lip and tried to slow his breathing.

The sight of his tongue made Carol's body ache and she tugged sharply at his hair, bringing their mouths together. They groaned in relief and ecstasy, each refusing to give the other up. He held onto her slim waist, his fingers inching under the hem of her shirt. She clawed his scalp as the kiss deepened.

Daryl had forgotten how soft her lips were. He caught them between his teeth and applied pressure. Carol moaned as they writhed together in the grass. The hunter liked the way she was pushing her pelvis against his. He pushed back and kissed her harder.

"God," she breathed.

"Ya like that?" he asked, his hand moving to her thigh.

All she could do was chuckle and kiss the corner of his mouth.

The hunter smirked.

"We're stupid." Carol sighed, her hand still tangled in Daryl's hair.

"What makes ya say that?"

"A whole week. We missed out on an entire week of this."

He lunged for her neck, sucking hard.

"Oh fuck!" she whined.

"Jesus I missed hearin' ya say that."

"Daryl…"

He just grunted before moving his body over hers. The lovers were acting on instinct. Her legs parted for him…her fingers lacing at the back of his neck. In an instant he was hovering above her and she was staring up at him. Long, dark strands of hair hung down, tickling her face.

The smile was spreading on her lips; Daryl had to smile back.

"Hi." she chuckled.

"Hi."

The hunter was on his knees, his broad palms flat on the grass as he held himself up. Carol's legs were pressing in against his hips, trapping him.

"Feels nice," he growled under his breath.

"What does?"

"Bein' between them legs."

Carol's lids grew heavy. "You missed it?"

Daryl answered by tugging the neckline of her shirt down and dipping his head to kiss the tops of her breasts.

"Mmm," she moaned, squeezing him just a little harder with her legs.

"You know I been thinkin' 'bout ya right?" His breath was hitting her chest.

"Oh yeah?"

"Mhmm," he grunted, his hand still clutching her shirt. He pulled the fabric down even further and nuzzled her cleavage.

A giggle escaped her.

"Somethin' funny?"

"Your scruff. It just tickles."

"What? Ya mean this?" He bowed his head and kissed her cleavage, making sure to rub his scruff against her skin.

"Yes," she laughed. "Please don't shave it anytime soon."

"Next time your ass cuts me off, I'm shavin'. You think about that when ya get it into your head that you're gonna close up shop for a week."

"Close up shop…really?" she snorted.

"Call it whatever ya want woman…it's bullshit."

"Come here," she smirked as she pulled his mouth to hers.

When their lips met, Daryl eased his body down onto his partner's, letting her pelvis take his weight. Carol groaned into his mouth as her back arched. The hunter responded with pressure. He bucked lightly, testing her. She immediately sank her teeth into his bottom lip.

Daryl's entire frame tensed in that moment. Blood rushed to his groin forcing him to buck harder. Carol drug her nails roughly down the back of her lover's neck. She hadn't relinquished her hold on his lip.

The pain was making him harder. He felt himself jerk and knew he had to act. Snarling, he tore his mouth from hers and tried to breathe. The beating of his heart was a steady thud against his ribs; drops of sweat were sliding down his spine. His mate was warm and restless underneath him.

With narrowed eyes and parted lips, Carol stared up at him and continued to arch. Daryl had moved even closer. Supporting himself with his elbows, he held her gaze and rocked his hips, countering her every move. She could see the way his lip had begun to swell and a morbid sense of satisfaction spread through her. The idea that she'd caused him pain was exciting some dark part of her. Carol knew he liked it. The hardness pressing into her crotch was all the proof she needed. She clawed his neck again and watched his eyes close.

"Fuck…" he growled, his hips grinding slowly into hers.

"Yeah?" she breathed, her lips at his ear.

Daryl nodded, his eyes still slammed shut.

"Good." She sucked his earlobe and pushed her hips up to meet him.

The hunter shivered when he felt her warm, wet tongue against his skin. He was pressing down into her while she bucked, both of them seeking the friction they craved. His member was growing and his pleasure was quickly rushing to the surface. If Carol continued to writhe underneath him, Daryl knew he would lose control.

"Woman," he managed to growl under his breath. His temperature was steadily rising.

Carol grabbed the ends of his hair and pulled before finally releasing his earlobe.

"Motherfuck!"

She smirked, enjoying the sounds of her partner's frustration.

Daryl was throbbing between her legs. He held himself there, wanting her to feel his manhood. He kept the length of it against the warmth and softness of her crotch. She was rocking her hips slowly, rhythmically, savoring him.

He'd missed her. Her body…the way she moved…everything. His lust was beginning to overwhelm him and he could feel himself leaking. He wanted to take her. Right there in the grass, under an open sky. He wanted to hear her scream, but he was already so close. With his cock straining just behind his zipper, Daryl was minutes from climax. He couldn't hope to undress his mate and penetrate her without succumbing to the orgasm he'd been waiting seven days for.

"Babe…" he muttered between breaths.

"Yeah?" she whispered, letting her tongue flick against his ear.

"Christ!"

She repeated the action and felt his hips jerk.

"Quit…"

"Why?"

Daryl swallowed hard before meeting her gaze. He clawed the earth and felt loose dirt under his nails. "I'm gonna come."

Carol bit her own lip and rolled her hips.

The hunter swore and bucked against her.

"That's it…" she sighed, relishing the feeling of her lover's body.

"Naw…" he pleaded, his cock aching for release.

"It's okay."

"It ain't…It…" But he couldn't finish the thought. His groin was demanding all of his attention.

"Hey." She used her grip on his hair to make him face her.

Daryl's mouth was dry as he fought to breathe.

"It's okay." She whispered, her eyes locked on his. "Alright? I promise. It's okay."

He tried to shake his head, but his body was still working towards climax. His strong hips pushed down into the welcoming heat between her legs and she hissed in response.

"Aww…" he whined. The sound of his lover's pleasure was enough to make his cock drip.

"That's it baby." Carol ran her fingers through his long hair.

"N…Naw."

"Please. I want you to."

The hunter stared down at his mate, trying desperately to gauge her sincerity. Her eyes were so blue beneath heavy lids, and her cheeks were beautifully flushed.

"Do it." she breathed.

Overcome by need, Daryl ducked down and caught her mouth with his. While his tongue moved against hers, he carefully reached up and pulled one of Carol's hands from his hair. Grunting, he tangled his fingers with hers and pinned her arm behind her head. Unwilling to let go of his lover, he slid his tongue deeper into her mouth and tightened his grip on her hand.

Lying in the grass, at her partner's mercy, Carol gave in. She closed her eyes and relinquished control. She lost herself in the euphoria that the two of them had created together. The warmth of a slowly sinking sun, the softness of the grass beneath her, the feeling of the hunter's hand gripping hers… The occasional breath of wind across the field was the only thing keeping her from becoming feverish.

Carol's body continued to respond to Daryl's. Her hips rose and fell in time with his while their kisses intensified. He was tasting her…sucking her tongue, stroking it, nipping at her lips… Taking advantage of their seclusion, Carol didn't shy away from letting Daryl know how she felt. She moaned into his mouth and clung fiercely to the back of his neck.

Breaking for air, Daryl took a moment to shake the sweaty hair out of his eyes. He focused on Carol's face…on her eyes…he could see them flicker whenever he pressed his manhood against her. He heard the small gasps that passed her lips every few seconds. Squeezing her hand, he forced himself to slow his pace.

"Wh…what are you doing?" she whispered.

"I'm tryin' not to…"

Carol dug her nails into his neck, making him hiss.

"I told you," her tongue traveled quickly along the length of her bottom lip. "I want you to."

"Fuck woman." he growled, his cock swelling.

Without pulling her hand from his, she leaned up just enough to speak into his ear. "Don't stop. Don't slow down."

"Carol…I'm gonna…."

She nuzzled the side of his face, inhaling his scent. "I don't care. It's been seven days…You need this."

He pulled back, looking her in the eye. "I ain't the only one…that's been goin' without," he muttered, his voice strained.

She kept her eyes on his as her free hand traveled to his lower back. She clung to him, digging her nails in hard. Daryl snarled, his forehead coming down to rest on hers. Breathing in deep and slow, Carol applied pressure to the base of the hunter's spine, urging him to buck down harder.

"Use me." The words were so soft…the ghosts of whispers as they left her lips and wound up on his.

Powerless against her, Daryl satisfied his hunger with kisses and steady thrusts. He wanted to stop…to focus on the woman underneath him…she deserved better. But he was too far gone. He needed the taste of her in his mouth, and the friction between their hips. His pelvis met hers, again, and again. He was gripping her hand so tightly that he knew it must be hurting her. Daryl could feel the muscles in his arms trembling.

Carol enjoyed the warmth of his tongue as they moved together. She kept arching, using her body to give Daryl the resistance he needed. He was nearing his end. The pressure on her hips was increasing each time the hunter pushed. One small hand still clung to his lower back.

Blood rushed to his member; every pound of his heart made him throb. Images, fleeting flashes of memory sped through his brain. Carol's breasts in the blue bra that he loved…the way her eyes closed when she took him in her mouth…her tight, firm ass… He managed to catch hold of an image before it melted away…his own hands on Carol's hips, gripping her hard… That was the last time he'd touched her. On the bathroom floor…their knees aching… He remembered the way she'd pushed back, letting him fill her. It didn't matter that they'd been fighting. Daryl wanted her whether she was naked in his bed, or screaming at him from across the room, and he knew she wanted him. So they did the only thing they could; they channeled their anger.

There was something therapeutic about it…redirecting so much energy. It forced them both to concentrate, to exercise control...at least until they'd achieved their goal. Daryl found it fascinating that sex didn't erase the anger; it merely transformed it into something more manageable. He remembered the incredible relief that washed over him when he slid himself deep into his lover's core…letting his tension go. She was everything he needed. A partner, an ally, a vessel, and at times…an adversary. She let him use her body then, just as she was letting him use it now.

The knowledge was overwhelming and Daryl bucked hard. Carol's hand trembled in his grip. He pressed himself against her again, making her gasp. He didn't care about breathing or slowing down. All that mattered…all that existed in his world was Carol and her body. He wasn't sure when her legs moved to wrap around him; he just knew he liked it. The hunter was right where he needed to be…on top of his woman…his tongue still in her mouth.

Eager for release, Daryl continued to jerk his hips. The pleasure became too great and he tore his mouth from hers.

"Aw fuck…" he whined, his lips barely touching the crook of her neck.

Carol fought to speak. The rhythm between them was strong…distracting.

"Yeah." she whispered.

"I fuckin' can't." he was growling into her skin.

"You…want it." she managed to mutter as her hips met his.

Daryl snorted, his body still working towards orgasm.

"You do."

The hunter was struggling. His brows knit together while drops of sweat followed one another to the base of his spine.

"S..s…say it," she pleaded.

He could only groan into her neck.

"Daryl…please."

His cock was sore, swollen, and he knew he didn't have much time.

She rolled her hips underneath him, feeling the length of his manhood.

"Woman…" he growled.

"Say it."

Licking his lips, Daryl withdrew from the warmth of Carol's neck and faced her.

She stared at him; his eyes were wide with fear and arousal.

"It's alright. Please…say it."

Daryl's frustration was becoming unbearable. He wasn't going to last…

"Daryl," she breathed, "Say it."

Panting, the hunter locked eyes with his mate. She was still arching for him, sending him closer to the edge.

"Fuck Carol…I want it."

Her insides quivered when she heard the words she'd been waiting for.

"Again," she urged, clawing at his back.

He squeezed his eyes shut as the head of his cock tightened.

"Come on."

"Aww…for fuck's sake…I want it. Alright?" Anger was creeping into his voice.

"Tell me."

His hips were pinning her to the ground.

"I want it. Christ I want it woman."

Her fingers were still tangled with his as they indulged in one another.

"Come," she breathed.

He hung his head. She could feel damp locks of hair hitting her chest.

Every vein on the hunter's shaft was straining; the tip was painfully tight. It was all he could do to keep grinding his pelvis against Carol's. His mouth went completely dry as he forced himself to move. He pressed himself into her; the friction sent a chill down his back.

"Daryl…"

The sound of his own name made him push harder. With her hand in his, and her legs around him, Daryl began to fall over the edge. His thoughts blurred while his body chased the pleasure he'd been so hungry for. He could feel it…everything that had been trapped inside him was about to break free.

His shaft was rigid. Moving on top of his lover, Daryl struggled to breathe. Carol was writhing, twisting just the way he needed her to. She knew how to get him off and more slickness was forming at the tip of his cock.

"Fuck woman."

"C…come," she stammered.

"I…I…" but he couldn't seem to get the words out. The need for release was driving him crazy; he was so close.

"Do it. Come on."

"Fuckin' christ." he panted.

"Yeah." Her hand moved from his lower back, all the way up until she was gripping his neck again.

He couldn't handle it. The way she was touching him, holding him…the way her body reacted to his… Slamming his eyes shut, he snarled and let himself go.

"Godammitt!" He pressed down against her and felt the pleasure ripple through him. His swollen member hardened as the orgasm sped through it. A slight tremor seized him when the semen finally shot from the head of his cock.

Completely overwhelmed by everything he was feeling, the hunter let his forehead rest against Carol's. The creases in his brow deepened as he groaned through his release. His manhood jerked every few seconds, and each small burst was better than the last. The satisfaction was incredible as he continued to come.

He didn't seem to notice the fact that Carol's nails were digging into the back of his neck, and he wasn't sure when he'd started to kiss her, but he could taste the salt of her skin on his tongue. Bucking slowly, gently, he gave himself enough friction to spill the rest of his seed. Whining and muttering, he placed weak, lazy kisses on her brow, the bridge of her nose, and the side of her face.

The lovers laid panting in the grass, waiting for their heart rates to slow. Carol gradually relaxed her grip on Daryl's neck; she could feel the indentations her nails left in his skin. Her other hand was still tangled with his, but only loosely. She'd forgotten how satisfying it was to help him reach orgasm. With a soft smile on her lips, and the hunter's weak groans echoing in her ears, Carol lay content underneath him.

Daryl's world was still hazy. All that mattered were the waves of pleasure still coursing through his frame, one after the other. He tried to keep kissing her, but his movements were clumsy…sluggish. When his lips brushed one of her eyelids, Carol couldn't help but chuckle.

"Hmm?" He blinked slowly and propped himself up to get a better look at his mate.

"You okay?" She asked.

The hunter blinked again, as if he was waiting for his vision to come back into focus.

"You know it's sexy right?"

Daryl shook some of the hair out of his eyes. "Huh?"

"That look you get."

He snorted and lowered his gaze.

"It is. I like it." She was smiling up at him.

"Ain't nothin' special about it," he muttered.

Carol's free hand moved to the side of his face. "You always seem…" she paused, nipping the corner of her bottom lip as she tried to find the right words. "Dazed…or lost maybe…tired."

The slightest hint of color crept into Daryl's face.

"I like it," she insisted. "A lot."

"Yeah?"

Carol nodded.

He snorted again.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like a jackass."

She moved her fingers into his hair. "Why?"

"Why do ya think?"

"Daryl…"

"Naw. It ain't right."

Sighing, Carol used her grip on his hair to bring him closer. "When I said it was fine, I meant it. I wouldn't lie to you. Did you ever stop to think that it might turn me on to watch you finish? That I might like getting you there?"

He managed a small shrug and began to blush harder.

"I like that too," she teased.

"Is there anything that don't turn ya on?"

Carol chuckled again. "Not when it comes to you."

Daryl could feel his lip twitching; he was fighting the urge to smile.

"And the past week? When you was pissed enough to cut me off?"

"I still wanted you."

He hung his head and growled. "I got no idea what the hell goes on in that head of yours. Ya want somethin'…ya oughtta go after it."

"That so?"

"That's the way I see it," he huffed. He'd finally gone soft.

"So you didn't want me the last seven days?"

The hunter was growing increasingly tired of being caught in his own traps. He clenched his jaw and looked away.

"Hey; I think you owe me an answer," said Carol. She tugged his hair a little harder.

"Woman…ya know I want ya."

"I thought that if you want something…you're supposed to go aft-"

"Quit." He ducked down to kiss her.

Carol moaned when his lips hit hers. He released her after several delicious seconds.

"You didn't…answer my question," she said between breaths.

"Think ya already know."

She had to smirk. "You wanted me to cave."

"Ain't that what your stubborn ass wanted?"

"Yes, but-"

"Naw. But nothin'." He was smirking back at her. His partner; his equal.

She started to laugh.

"What now?"

"The fact that we're both that stubborn…I don't know. I was just thinking that's probably not a healthy combination."

He let out a sigh and stared and her lips. "Seven days. Shit. We spent seven days screwin' around when we coulda been-"

"Screwing?" She still had her fingers in his hair.

"Yeah."

Carol studied him closely. His lids were heavy and his eyes wandered to her cleavage every few seconds.

"I don't know about you; but I think maybe we should try and make up for lost time," she whispered.

Daryl answered with a soft growl and nuzzled the side of her face.

Something inside her fluttered.

"You wantin' to get back then?"

Carol clawed gently at his scalp. "What gave you that idea?"

A crease formed in the hunter's brow.

Smiling, she pulled her hand from Daryl's and pushed herself up. He eased back, giving her space as she sat upright. With her eyes on his, Carol let her hands roam from his neck to his shoulders in a continuous, soothing pattern.

"What are ya doin'?"

"Just touching."

Daryl was mesmerized by the look on her face. She was completely focused on him. In that moment, the hunter accepted the fact that he was at her mercy…she could do with him what she pleased. He made the silent decision to be whatever she needed.

"I think you owe me…" she breathed, her lips barely an inch from his.

His heart rate began to speed up as he reached for her waist. "Tell me what to do."

Carol had to sigh when she felt his strong hands on her body.

"Ya want me to eat that pussy?"

"Jesus…" A nervous giggle escaped her and she had to look away.

"What?" he asked, amused by her reaction.

She forced herself to meet his gaze. "Guess I'm still not used to hearing you ask that question."

"Ya oughtta be."

Carol could feel the color creeping into her cheeks.

"What? You sayin' ya don't hear it enough? That it?" he asked, smirking a little.

"God…no…It's just…"

"Go on woman."

"It doesn't matter how many times you've offered. It just throws me every time," she admitted.

"I don't know why." He squeezed her waist a little harder. "Ya know I like it right?"

"Yeah?"

The hunter nodded slowly. "I love that pussy. Ain't nothin' else like it. The way ya taste…"

"Daryl…"

"Go on 'n get them pants off woman. I'll eat ya right fuckin' here…show ya how much I like it."

Carol was having trouble keeping her breathing under control. Her nails were digging into the leather of Daryl's vest.

With his blue eyes locked on hers, he moved his hands to her belt.

"N..no." She reached down and caught hold of his wrist.

He stared hard, questioning her.

"It's not that I don't want it; I do. It's just…" she blew out a breath and tried to calm down. "It's been seven days…and I think I need more."

"More?"

Her eyes flicked to her partner's groin.

Daryl's confidence seemed to disappear in an instant. His expression was pained when he and Carol refocused on one another.

"What's wrong?"

He swallowed hard before answering. "I ain't there yet…I don't know how long it's gonna ta-"

She silenced him with her lips. Applying just a hint of pressure, she got him to open his mouth. When her tongue met his, she could feel Daryl's hands beginning to travel up her sides. His fingers slipped under her shirt, brushing bare skin. Goose flesh was rising where he touched her.

Carol kissed him like she wouldn't get another chance…tasting him, letting him taste her… She loved feeling connected to him, sharing something so intimate and close. His scruff tickled, his scent was intoxicating and she could hear him starting to groan. The hunter's thumbs were pressing into her ribcage as his grip tightened on her body.

Completely infatuated with one another, the lovers forgot everything else. Carol sucked playfully at his tongue and they both smiled into the kiss. His hands roamed even further up her frame and he shuddered. The smooth cups of her bra felt incredible against his palms. She bit his bottom lip, making them both whine. When Daryl flexed his fingertips, squeezing her flesh, the warmth and softness of her breasts…the weight of them in his palms made his entire body tense. He couldn't stop. Her tongue flicked his, and he squeezed her again, over and over…massaging her chest.

Carol's need for her partner was steadily growing worse. The way he handled her sent jolts of delicious pain straight to her center. She tugged the hair that covered the back of his neck and he gasped, breaking the connection. They slowly opened their eyes.

"Fuck…" he breathed.

She smiled at him, her fingers still winding in his damp hair.

He stared back, panting, and squeezed her breasts a little harder.

"God…" she whined, a deep crease forming in her brow.

"You sure ya don't want me to eat ya?"

Carol had to consider it. She was wet…she could already feel his tongue sliding along her slit. It wouldn't take long. She knew that if he pushed her onto her back, and tore off her clothes, he could consume her. The heat from his mouth…the way he used his tongue could make her come within minutes.

As tempting as it was, Carol needed something more intense. She wanted to feel him inside her, loving her until her body ached. She wanted his manhood between her thighs. The thought of it was making her mouth dry.

"Baby?" he asked in a soft growl.

"I need you to fuck me," she whispered against his lips.

"I ain't there."

"That's ok. There's no rush. We've got all the time in the world."

"Ya sure?"

She nodded slowly and caressed the back of his neck. "I'm enjoying this."

"Yeah?"

"Aren't you?" She glanced down at his wrists; his hands were still under her shirt.

"I am."

"Then I'd say we're on the right track."

Daryl tried to kiss her but she eased back, just beyond his reach.

He huffed, confused.

"I wanna get you where you need to be. Tell me what to do," she said before biting her bottom lip.

So many things sped through his mind in that instant. He wanted everything…to kiss her, fuck her, play with her…

"Daryl?"

"Hm?"

"Tell me."

"Get them clothes off." His own words surprised him. The response came automatically, before he could think to stop it.

Carol felt her face grow warm. "That's what you want?"

He nodded as he began to tug at her bra cups.

"I can do that," she said before placing a light kiss to his lips.

"Best get to it then." His fingertips brushed her nipples.

"You wanna let go?" Carol teased, staring down at his wrists again.

"Not really."

She cocked her head to the side and waited.

Giving her breasts one last squeeze, the hunter grudgingly let go. His hands slid out from the warmth beneath her shirt. Carol released his neck and managed to push herself up off the ground. As he watched his woman stand, Daryl knew that he was no longer in control. Physical hunger had taken over; he was a slave to what his body wanted. He suspected the same was true for Carol.

Sitting on the grass with raised knees, his palms splaying on the ground, he nodded in Carol's direction. "Show me what ya got."

She closed her eyes and chuckled, her hands running over her face. Pacing a little, she tried to focus. When she turned back around, she eyed her lover's groin. "Why don't you get that zipper down?"

"You first."

She rubbed the back of her head and considered obeying.

"Fine." Her arms were folded across her chest. "But…"

"Ain't no but. Your ass better be naked in the next sixty seconds."

"I'll start," she teased, bending down to unfasten the straps on her boots. "But I get to call the shots. Deal?"

Daryl's nails began to dig into the ground. He wasn't in any position to be negotiating with Carol. He needed her body, at any cost. His cock made the decision for him. "Deal."

With a triumphant smile on her face, she began to work the boots off her feet. She could feel his eyes on her and had to laugh.

"What?" A smirk was tugging at his mouth.

"Do you have to watch this part?" She was hopping on one leg, trying to avoid falling as she pulled a sock off.

He snorted. "What else would I be watchin'?"

Carol smiled and shook her head. "I'm not good at this."

"Ain't that my call to be makin'?"

She chuckled, lifting one of her bare feet. "This doing it for you?"

"Maybe."

The two laughed then, loving the fact that they could be themselves. Free. Their eyes met and they silently acknowledged how grateful they were for the respite…a few light-hearted moments they'd stolen from the day.

When the laughter died down, Daryl gnawed his lip. "Keep goin'," he urged.

Taking a deep breath and averting her gaze, Carol reached for her belt.

"Naw."

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"None of that. I want ya lookin' at me."

"Yeah?" Her tone was playful and genuinely curious.

He answered with a slow nod.

Suddenly feeling like a teenager, Carol froze. She couldn't seem to control her fingers, they were shaking a little as they lingered near her belt buckle.

"Hey. Easy." Daryl was speaking in soft growls, trying to reassure his mate.

He continued to stare at her while he reached for his own buckle. He unfastened quickly with deft fingers. His eyes never left her face as he tugged his zipper down. Shifting a little, the hunter managed to push his pants down far enough to reveal his boxers. He liked the way Carol was staring.

"C'mon. I ain't doin' this alone."

Carol took another cleansing breath as the voice in her head spoke up.

You both want it. That's the reason you stopped here…to be together. It's just the two of you. There's nothing to be afraid of.

Nodding to herself, she began to unbuckle her belt. She made sure to place all of her attention on Daryl. As much as she wanted to look away…hide somehow, Carol forced herself to focus on the man she loved.

Love…

The weight of the word made her breath catch. She'd never said it out loud. As far as Carol could remember, she'd never even admitted to it within the safety of her own mind. But it had always been true. Since the prison…maybe even before.

She remembered the way it felt the day Rick pulled into the yard…his vehicle short one passenger. She'd pressed her hands to the grimy glass, her eyes straining to make out a form in the backseat, but there was none. The deputy told her that Daryl was gone, and the statement sounded so strange. She'd rejected it, shaking her head…backing away from the car as if she could escape the new reality she'd found herself in. A world without Daryl.

Every ounce of strength deserted her; she was forced to lean against Rick's side as her eyes grew warm. The sense of helplessness took a physical toll. She remembered struggling to place one foot in front of the other as the deputy lead her back to the prison. Every step seemed more difficult than the last…slow, pained…as if she'd been walking under water.

She was confused about her own grief then. Daryl was nothing more than a friend at that point, if she could even call him that. Carol told herself that a connection existed between them. Sophia, their shared failure, bound them whether they liked it or not. He was the only person who felt the loss as deeply as she did. It cut into him, and they bled silently together, waiting for the wound to heal. She suspected that they'd kept each other from drowning. That somehow…being able to share the pain with someone else made it easier to bare.

Carol's lips parted in awe as the realization washed over her.

That's why it made you weak…when you thought he was gone. When you thought you would never see him again…you loved him. You loved him.

The words were repeating in her head.

You loved him.

"I…" she didn't know what to do…whether or not to speak…

"Baby? You alright?"

"I…"

The words began to change.

You loved…you love him.

As she stood in that field, with soft grass beneath her feet, Carol wondered if she was brave enough to tell him. She'd only just put the pieces together and the knowledge was staggering. The last person she truly loved was Sophia.

Taking a shaky breath, she decided that it didn't matter. Whether she spoke the words, or kept them locked in her head, Carol knew they were true, and that she could get him to understand.

"Carol?"

She blinked, startled, and tried to remember why they were there.

"I'm good," she insisted.

"You sure? We can stop if ya want."

Carol smiled at him. "I don't wanna stop."

Daryl swallowed hard and gripped his waistband, preparing to push his pants down even further.

Feeling her confidence return, Carol pulled her belt through the loops slowly.

Blood was coursing through the hunter's body, returning to his manhood. He was tender in the wake of orgasm and the fresh arousal came with slight pain, making him wince.

She tugged at her zipper, unsure of whether having Daryl watch made it harder or easier to undress. It didn't matter. She'd come too far and needed him too badly. Lust and love were bleeding together. Her entire body craved him. She wanted to feel connected, physically…emotionally.

You just need to get him hard…that's all.

She imagined the feeling of his long shaft slipping all the way into her center.

"Fuck." Carol didn't realize she'd said the word aloud. She was gripping her waistband as she stared at her lover.

"Baby?"

"Hm?"

"Jus lookin' a little hot 'n bothered there woman," he growled.

She didn't answer. Instead, Carol pushed her pants down until the material pooled at her ankles. When she stepped out of them, her eyes flicked back to Daryl.

He was drinking her in. He loved everything about his woman, but he had a special weakness for her legs. They were long, slender…deceptively strong. He liked the way it felt to have them wrapped around his waist when he was inside her. He liked the way her thighs shook anytime he took her roughly.

"You wanna help me with the rest?" she asked. Her lids were growing heavy.

Daryl beckoned her as his cock continued to swell.

She moved to stand between his parted legs and waited, her heart thrumming.

Sitting up, leaning forward, the hunter made sure he was level with her core. When he caught her scent he whined and gripped the back of her thighs hard, pulling her even closer. Daryl was hungry and couldn't get enough of his mate. Without warning, he nuzzled the space between her legs, pulling deep breaths of her into his lungs.

A loud moan tore from Carol's chest as her eyes went wide. Daryl's mouth was so close to her sex, and it was making her wet.

The hunter was stiff. Her scent had him throbbing painfully. Blood poured back into his groin the instant he nuzzled her. He dug his fingers in, massaging the backs of her legs, keeping her in place. His hands roamed from her thighs to her ass, squeezing and stroking.

Needing to brace herself, Carol reached for his shoulders and fought the urge to swear.

Feeling drunk, Daryl let his cheek rest against the soft cotton of her panties. He savored the closeness, the warmth of her body…her flesh was firm in his palms. She was everything; she was amazing…and she was his.

"That's my pussy," he muttered, his eyes closed.

Carol's nails were digging in where she held him.

"It's mine. I need it."

"Wh..what?" she stammered.

He pulled back, just enough to look up at her for half a second. His gaze was that of a predator. "I need it."

Before Carol could speak, Daryl tugged her panties down to her thighs. There was no time to think…to prepare… The second her core became visible he kissed it. With his hands on her hips, he kept her from moving.

He could feel moisture at the head of his dick. The kiss wasn't enough. He needed more of her. Growling, he let his tongue brush her clit.

"Oh fuck!" Carol cried. Her pussy was getting tighter.

He clumsily pulled the panties the rest of the way down her legs, prompting her to step out of them.

"Get your leg on my fuckin' shoulder."

"Daryl…"

"Now woman."

Desperately trying to keep her balance, she obeyed the order. With one trembling leg draped over her lover's shoulder, Carol tried to breathe.

But Daryl didn't give her the chance. With better access to her sex, he licked her. The taste hit his tongue and he groaned against her pussy. It was better than he remembered. She was wet; he could taste her arousal.

"M…more!" she screamed.

"Aw…baby…jus keep it open."

He lapped at her, his tongue dipping down to find her slit, then traveling back up to her clit. He felt her hips rock slightly as she enjoyed what he was doing to her.

"Jesus…christ!" she gasped.

Having found his nirvana, the hunter savored everything about it. Every detail… The smoothness of her sex on his tongue, the wetness between her legs…that scent that was uniquely hers…that followed him into his dreams at night… Daryl had never been so fascinated by a woman…or by another person for that matter. He wanted to consume her. The heat he could feel against his face was more than he could handle. With one hand holding her leg in place on his shoulder, he licked her harder.

Right then, lost in his lover, Daryl swore she was all he needed. His eyes were closed as he teased her entrance. The sounds she made were the best he'd ever heard. He felt that he could survive on her alone. It didn't matter if everything else was taken from him…if he had Carol, he could carry on. She made him better, stronger…and he wanted to thank her for it.

Her heart continued to pound as she felt Daryl's tongue travel back to her clit. She shivered but held fast to his shoulders. The sensations were unbelievable . The warmth of his mouth, his breath hitting her core…the eagerness with which he explored her sex. Her insides tensed with pain and pleasure each time the tip of his tongue neared her slit. The stabbing was becoming too strong. She knew her core would spasm soon. He licked her as if he craved the taste. Her hips moved on their own, rocking slightly…just enough to encourage him. She could feel the wetness building between her legs. Whether it was the result of her own arousal, or Daryl's saliva didn't matter. She just knew that it felt amazing. The slickness made it easier to buck against his mouth. The sharp jolts deep in her center made Carol cry out.

"Daryl!"

In her delirium, a single, lucid thought shone through. Daryl's firm but tender grip as he secured her leg, the care he took to taste every part of her sex…his complete devotion to her body… Carol knew that it meant something…that she meant something to him. No one had ever touched her like he did. It occurred to Carol, as he paused to kiss her core, that his feelings might mirror her own.

With blurred vision and parted lips, she stared out across the golden field. Sweat was breaking out on every inch of her body.

Does…does he…

"God!" she moaned. The pleasure was too great.

Daryl whined against her core. Being able to taste her excitement was wonderfully overwhelming. He wanted to stay between his lover's legs…stroking her softest parts, teasing her until her thighs shook. The hunter had never considered himself to be an expert when it came to foreplay, but he knew Carol. He understood her body and what it needed. He knew she craved the feeling of his mouth against her heat. So he dipped down further, probing. The flavor changed near her entrance. She was sweeter there and Daryl's nails dug fiercely into her skin. He didn't want to hurt her, but he couldn't stop himself from clawing the pale flesh he'd missed so badly.

"God!" she cried, her chest heaving. He continued to stimulate her with every heavy breath and every flick of his tongue.

It was a selfless act. Daryl's only goal was to give her release…to make her feel good. All he wanted was to feel her orgasm…to taste it. He licked her sex again, and again, growling whenever Carol's hips urged him to apply pressure. He knew she wanted his tongue inside her.

"There! There! Oh…fuck!"

She was getting louder…the wetness was building. Daryl could feel it on his chin. He was fully erect and his cock was dripping. As much as he'd hoped to fuck Carol, he was content to come in his boxers a second time. His mate was nearing her end and he had no intentions of stopping until her climax hit his tongue.

The walls were clenching deep in Carol's core. She could feel Daryl's hands…on her ass, her thigh…squeezing harder… He was going to finish her. The tip of his tongue traveled along the length of her slit and she had to scream.

"S..stop!"

He sucked her clit for several heartbeats before letting go. Breathless, the hunter stared up at his partner.

"You alright?"

Swallowing hard, Carol made herself speak. "I just…I'm close…." Her heart was still racing.

"Good." He leaned in and kissed her sex.

"No. P…please."

Daryl lifted his chin to meet her gaze. He licked his lips, tasting her.

"I want you," she breathed. "Inside me."

Without speaking, he carefully helped ease Carol's leg down off his shoulder. Her body was trembling with need. She released his shoulders and the two studied each other. Neither was willing to look away.

After taking a few shaky steps backwards, Carol reached for the hem of her shirt.

Taking his cue, Daryl worked the vest off his shoulders. As soon as the leather hit the grass, he began unbuttoning his shirt.

Knowing that her lover understood what she wanted gave Carol the strength she needed to keep going. Giddy, she pulled her top over her head, mussing her hair in the process. As she stood in that field, in nothing more than a bra, she had to giggle.

Daryl shrugged his own shirt off and smiled. "What are ya laughin' at?"

She shook her head and reached around to her back. "Nothing. I'm just happy."

"Good." He leaned forward to work on his boots. "Ya oughtta be."

While the hunter was distracted, Carol unfastened the clasp and slid the thin bra straps down her arms. She fought the urge to cover herself.

Grunting, Daryl continued to struggle with his left boot. She slowly eased down to her knees and grabbed the boot, startling her mate. The second he looked at her, his lips parted. She was feet away…naked and glowing.

Carol gave him a small smirk as she worked on his laces.

He felt himself get harder. She was beautiful. He stared at her breasts while she tugged his boot off. Her entire body was flushed with excitement and the light sheen of sweat on her chest was the most incredible thing Daryl had seen in a long time. Hopelessly fixated, he failed to notice that she'd moved on to his right foot.

She paused to wipe her brow and her eyes found his. "What?" she asked, smiling.

He was admiring the curves of her breasts. "Jus…jus damn."

Blushing, Carol glanced down at her body. "You really like all this?"

"Like ain't the word," he growled softly.

She distracted herself by pulling the second boot off. "Like ain't the word…" she repeated her lover's words in a soft whisper. When she began tugging at his socks, Daryl tensed.

"It's ok. I'm just trying to help."

He nodded, urging her to continue.

Once his feet were bare, Carol eased back. "You got it from here?" she asked. With one hand raised, she tried to keep the orange glare of the afternoon sun out of her eyes.

Daryl continued to stare at her as he lifted his hips and pushed his boxers down. He grunted once his cock was finally free.

Carol drank him in hungrily. "You're…you're so…"

Her words made him throb, but he had to keep going. Working to keep his second orgasm at bay, he slid his pants and boxers down his legs. She helped yank the fabric off the ends of his feet. Adjusting, Daryl sat up with his legs crossed and beckoned his woman.

Nervous and excited, Carol stood. She walked until she was standing in front of him.

"This what ya want?" he asked in a low growl. His hands went to her calves and he rubbed the toned muscle in an effort to soothe her.

She could only nod.

Daryl smirked up at her. "C'mon then."

Bracing herself, she eased down slowly to straddle her lover's lap. She wound an arm around his neck loosely while her free hand went to his chest.

"You ready woman?"

Her lips were hovering so close to his. "Are you?"

Daryl instantly sat up straighter and grabbed her breasts.

"Fuck!" she cried, her eyes closing.

"We'll find out here in a second." He squeezed the soft flesh and licked his lips again.

Carol could feel her walls opening.

"C'mon." He urged.

Taking a deep breath, she lifted her hips and aligned her body with his. Her nails were pricking the skin on his back. Daryl's hands went to her waist, gripping lightly.

"Easy. Need ya to go slow."

She nodded as her mouth went dry. Carol stared hard at her man until he nodded back at her. With her tongue caught between her lips, she let herself sink down. When she felt the tip of Daryl's member hit her sex she sighed.

"Easy," he growled under his breath, his own eyes closing as the heat from her core added to his arousal.

Carol clawed him harder and prepared for the pain she knew was coming.

"That's it…c'mon woman. I wanna come in that pussy."

"Oh god!" she was shaking.

His hips were jerking slightly, just enough for the head of his cock to brush her slickness.

"Don't ya want it?" he breathed.

"God I do."

"Then let me in. I need to be inside ya."

She could feel his nails digging in at her waist. His hands were sweaty where he held her.

Still shaking, Carol sucked in a sharp breath and forced her body down further. The wetness between her thighs helped and the lovers both swore when the tip slipped inside her. The sudden penetration made them freeze.

"Motherfuck…" he whined.

"I…I…."

"Jesus woman. I swear to christ…ya got the tightest fuckin' pussy."

"M…more." she pleaded. The muscles at her entrance were clenching and releasing every few seconds…squeezing the head of his dick.

Mastering himself, Daryl eased his eyes open and blinked away drops of sweat. "Shit. You're gonna make me come."

"N..n…not..yet." she stammered.

The hunter leaned in, whispering roughly into Carol's ear. "Then you better open wide woman."

His breath hit her neck and she moaned.

Daryl was amazed by the moisture he could feel just inside her slit. He wanted more of it. "I know ya want it. Go on 'n take it. Take it deep." He nipped at her jaw line. "Take it before I fuckin' come."

With a broken cry, Carol forced her walls to open as she bucked down. Daryl countered the action, pushing up in the same instant. Together, they achieved their goal. His thick cock slid up into her sex, rubbing her walls.

Carol wrapped her legs around his waist and tried to adjust to the feeling of his member inside her.

Daryl's mind was reeling. The pressure between her thighs was almost painful. When her legs wound around him, he felt himself sink in just a bit deeper. Her body was fused to his.

Groaning and clawing at the back of his neck, Carol let her walls grip him. He was stiff, strong, pulsing in her sex. She was already so wet that his shaft disappeared inside her easily. She'd forgotten what it was like to be full. Her entire frame was already aching. Carol sighed as she waited for her body to adjust.

"Baby," Daryl moaned. He twitched inside her and the powerful muscles in her core tightened in response.

"Fuck." The hunter was trying to remain calm. His breathing had grown shallow and he could feel his temperature rising. He let his forehead rest against Carol's chest while his hands continued to knead her lower back. Unable to stop himself, Daryl kissed the space between her beasts.

"Oh." She shifted in his lap, rocking just slightly.

The motion was enough to make them both whine. Her fingers moved up his neck, into his long hair. It was damp with sweat…warm to the touch and she clenched her fists, holding on as best she could. The dark locks were slipping through her fingers.

When he felt fists forming in his tangle of hair, Daryl's member leaked. His shaft was already so rigid and he couldn't take much more. He focused on her chest in an effort to distract himself. The skin was soft and smooth. Each time he kissed the tops of her breasts he could feel her sweat on his lips. Her body was glistening. The hunter didn't understand how every part of her could taste so good. Carol's slit, her tongue…her skin…it was all perfect. Every time the flavor hit his tongue his body tensed.

"Daryl." She tilted her head back and moaned at the sky while he kissed her.

With his lips on her body and his manhood filling her core, Carol knew she'd never felt more alive. She was already drowning in physical pleasure and they hadn't even begun to move. Their connection was enough to make her question everything. Nothing had ever felt that good…and she suspected nothing else ever would. She pulled his hair and felt his cock jerk.

The hunter snarled as he lunged for her nipple. As soon as he got his lips around it, his hands slid down to her ass. He squeezed her hard and sucked, enjoying the way she tightened in his mouth. He teased her with his tongue, flicking and circling the small peak.

Carol's eyes flew open at the new sensation. "Oh god Daryl…" Her nails raked his scalp as her hips moved on their own.

He sucked her nipple even harder and felt her back arch. She was clawing him…her body began to rock on top of him. His dick was buried inside her and he knew she was ready. He let his tongue brush the tight peak one more time before releasing her.

"Aw…woman…that's it." Daryl bucked up, working to stay inside. He used his grip on her ass to push her body down onto his hard-on.

Carol threw her head back and screamed.

"Fuck me. Go on. I need it." He begged, his nails digging into the flesh of her ass.

She pulled his hair angrily as she lifted her hips. They both hissed when her walls rubbed the length of his cock.

"Yeah," Daryl groaned, his eyes closing.

Swallowing hard, Carol took half a second to prepare herself. The first few inches of his member were still inside her. She was clenching involuntarily and the muscles in her belly were tense.

"Now?" she asked in a strained whisper.

The hunter forced a small nod. His palms were damp against her tight ass.

Desperate to feel full again, Carol slammed her body back down. She bucked hard, taking every inch of Daryl's stiff cock back into her pussy.

"Fuckin' christ!" he snarled. His nails clawed her skin while his hips jerked. He pushed himself up, invading her sex. The heat inside her was amazing. He was surrounded by it, buried in it.

Carol whimpered while she clung to Daryl's hair. It felt too good.

He didn't know whether to cuss or kiss her. She was better than he remembered. Tighter…wetter.

With his eyes still closed, Daryl let his tongue flick against the center of his woman's chest. Her walls hugged him in response.

"Move for me." He breathed.

"Wh…what?" Carol whispered. She refused to let go of his hair.

Daryl slid one hand up to her waist and lifted his chin. He licked his lips as he tried to slow his breathing. "Move for me baby."

Nodding, she rocked her hips again.

"Aw…aw fuck." He let his forehead rest on her cleavage.

"Just tell me what you want." She breathed.

"Like that."

Wanting to give him everything, Carol lifted her hips before coming down around him again. She took his member, letting it fill her core.

The hunter trembled at the sensation. Keeping one hand on her waist, and the other on her ass, Daryl worked to control her pace. He knew that if he let the momentum build…if she moved too fast he would come.

"B…baby…" he muttered into her chest.

"Yeah," she groaned.

"It's so good baby."

Carol's heart skipped a beat when she heard him whining. She could feel those strained words hitting her skin. Ducking down, she placed a quick kiss to his hair while her body continued to move. Gently riding his hard-on, Carol wondered how long they would last. He was pulsing inside her.

Daryl couldn't seem to open his eyes. The pleasure was too much for him. His brows knit together while he held tight to his woman's body. He was panting as she worked him. Every little move sent a chill up his spine. So many wonderful feelings were battling for his attention….soft hands pulling his hair, warm thighs in his lap and a strong core gripping the length of his manhood. She was sending him closer and closer to the edge; he wanted her there with him.

Gasping for air, Daryl reached for her shoulder blade and clawed hard. She instantly tensed around him.

"Fuck!" Carol cried.

"Yeah?"

"You're so big…god." She let her body slide down his cock again. She could feel the tip pushing so far up into her center that it hurt.

"Ya like it?" He panted, his fingers splaying as he held her ribcage.

Feeling more like a woman than she ever had, Carol tugged sharply at his hair, forcing him to look up at her.

Daryl blinked sweat away from his eyes and focused on his partner. She was still riding him. Their rhythm was perfect.

"I love it." she breathed.

"Then show me."

Carol clenched deep inside and heard her lover gasp.

"Use it." he growled. "Use it till ya come."

Overwhelmed, she bucked against him. "Keep it hard." she moaned.

"Baby I will." He squeezed her ass and thrust up into her wetness.

A scream tore from Carol's chest and Daryl jerked underneath her. They moved together, countering one another. The heat between them was making their hearts race. Carol wanted to keep him inside her. Nothing could compare to the feeling of being connected to him. He had the power to control her with a glance, and set her free with a strong thrust.

Dizzy with want, the lovers cried out in ecstasy. Her body took him in, over and over…her walls stroking and welcoming him. Each time he slipped into the wetness between her thighs Daryl had to cuss. He barely fit, but Carol took him anyway. The way she was writhing on his lap made the head of his cock tighten.

Still clinging to his sweaty hair, she forced her body to move up and down her partner's length. He was thick and she could feel the veins on his shaft. The hunter's body never ceased to amaze her. In the short time since their relationship changed, he'd given her more pleasure…more climaxes than she would've ever thought were possible. With barely any effort, Daryl could make her scream, beg, and tear at her own hair. On more than a few occasions the intensity of her orgasms brought tears to her eyes. He'd even made her come with nothing more than a finger…

To finally be alone with him again…to be naked, wet, with his cock in her pussy…it was everything. Carol began to fuck him harder. She rocked her hips, hungry for his hardness, and took him as deeply as she could.

"Shit…shit….aw….shit…" Daryl swore as Carol slid up and down his member.

He couldn't recall if they'd taken each other that way before, with her in his lap…but their positioning seemed to awaken something in her. She moved with purpose and he realized that she was setting the pace. It didn't matter how tightly he held her; Carol refused to slow down.

Lost in his lover, the hunter marveled at her passion. She'd all but demanded penetration. The instant their bodies joined, she came to life. Daryl remembered sex before the turn. It was quick, convenient…serving a single purpose. He fucked when he felt the need, using partners whose faces were little more than blurs. All he ever wanted was enough heat and friction to make himself come.

What was taking place between him and Carol was a completely different experience. They were working together…for each other. He wanted her, not just her body. He wanted her warmth, her cries, the scent on her skin… He needed to touch her. The pressure inside was keeping him rigid.

Even as she rocked on top of him, Daryl couldn't help but to look forward to the next time. She took him into her heat and he sighed. With her walls molding around his shaft, Carol threw her head back and bucked.

"Fuck!" he moaned.

"Yeah…" she gasped.

Daryl dug into her shoulder blade again.

"Oh…oh…yeah…Daryl…" Carol was grinding her pelvis into his, enjoying every second.

He managed to ease his eyes open. All he could see were her perfect breasts…sweat beading between them. When she arched her spine, leaning back, his cock hit a deeper spot inside her. He gripped her ass and pushed himself into his mate.

"There." she cried. "Oh…right there."

Daryl kissed her chest, his breath hitting her skin. "Go on woman. Tell me what ya want."

Carol's teeth sank into her lip as he filled her. She never knew anything could feel so good. His solid, throbbing member in her core…his lips brushing her chest… She wanted to feel him come again. Clenching her fists, she pulled his hair and used the leverage to sit up straight.

"Christ!" He snarled before biting the side of her breast.

She held in a scream and continued to move her hips.

The hunter couldn't understand how such a simple motion could send a rush of pure adrenaline through his frame. It made his fingertips twitch until he had to claw her. He froze when Carol hissed.

"I'm…sorry…" he breathed.

She swallowed hard and met her partner's gaze. "Don't be."

Daryl licked his lip.

Moving one hand to his cheek, Carol stared dreamily at his mouth. "I like it."

He shook a strand of hair out of his face.

"Come on." she urged softly.

He squeezed her ass hard and felt her shudder. "Like tha?" he growled softly. His drawl always worsened when he was close to climax.

She nodded, her body still rocking on top of his.

"Fuck; it's good woman."

Mesmerized by the fluid motion between their hips, Carol kissed her lover's mouth. She gasped when his tongue found hers. He was invading her sex…demanding attention. He kept his hands on her body while they loved one another. The constant up and down was sapping them of their strength, but neither was willing to stop what they'd started.

Carol was as starved for his orgasm as he was for hers. She was doing everything she could to coax it from him. Her walls hugged him tight while she brushed his cheek with her thumb. She could feel his scruff and it made her smile into their kisses.

"Wh…what?" He asked, panting.

"Nothing. I just want you."

Daryl gripped her ass and bucked underneath her.

"Fuck!" She cried.

"Ya got me." He whispered.

Consumed by her need for him, Carol wound her arms around his neck. His hands roamed to her waist. They held on to one another as their bodies moved. Eyes closed, brows creasing, the lovers kept pushing each other. Sighs and staggered breaths mingled in the small space between their lips.

She clung to the shocks of hair that covered the back of his neck. There was pressure just below the point of her jaw and she realized he was kissing her…nipping at her skin every few seconds. Despite the urgency of their union, Daryl was being tender with her. She knew that he was holding back…working not to bite her too hard.

Carol let the familiar scent from his hair surround her. He smelled like the grass…the trees…like sap and smoke. She could taste him. Taking another breath, she shuddered at the crisp hint of pine. It was maddening. She'd never wanted anything as badly as she wanted Daryl.

She was impossibly smooth. The hunter gasped when his manhood slid up into the heat between her thighs. He never wanted to be free of her. She was his. With his hands at her waist, he could feel the way her body moved…the way her hips rocked each time she took him in. Every little motion was deliberate. She didn't slow down and she didn't hesitate. Daryl could hear her whimpering as he filled her core. She seemed to be taking pleasure from everything he did to her.

Before Carol…he never understood the importance of making women feel good. It was an afterthought. But to bear witness to it…to see, feel, and hear the effects he was having on her…it was the most powerful high Daryl had ever experienced. It was difficult to accept the fact that he was the one making her cry out. He was the one making her core tighten. His lips brushed her neck and she groaned. Knowing that she was going to hit her peak with his member inside her was enough to make Daryl's breath catch.

"C'mon woman." He growled softly as he kissed her jaw.

"I…I…"

"Baby…I wanna feel it."

She could hear the need in his voice. Easing back, Carol met his gaze. Her lips parted in awe. He was breathing hard, moving with her…holding on to her. His eyes were open and she knew they'd never been so vivid. The shade of blue that was unique to him…it was sharp and she swore she could feel it cutting into her.

"Woman." He muttered, licking his lips afterwards.

Their momentum began to build. Her hips were moving faster. The pressure between their bodies was too much and Carol knew she was going to break. He was reaching places that made her heart race. She pressed her lips to his temple as her eyes closed.

The lovers were writhing together in the grass, struggling. Tired but relentless, they continued to enjoy each other. They were both glistening. Carol could taste his sweat on her lips. She wondered if it was the heat from the sun making them glow…or if it was lust.

Every muscle was being utilized. Hands were squeezing…roaming. Shoulders began to tense. Fingertips pressed in hard. Carol was panting as she rode his erection. He felt better than she ever imagined any man possibly could. His member was so strong inside her. She was always amazed by the self control he managed to exercise when they were together. No matter how much he was enjoying himself…how close he was…Daryl always held back for her. He wouldn't let himself come until he could feel her orgasm. All it did was make him that much more attractive. Just thinking about it was adding to Carol's arousal.

She didn't know what she'd done to deserve him, but Carol knew he would be the last man to touch her. She couldn't stomach the thought of sharing her body with anyone else. He was perfect. She wanted to give him everything…her whole self. So she forced her hips to move as her walls massaged him. She clenched around his hard-on and felt it jerk. Each time he slid into her core Carol moaned.

They were nearing the edge and their breathing had grown shallow. Daryl countered her as she bucked down. He grabbed her breasts and snarled at the pressure surrounding his cock. She was warm and wet…clinging to him.

"Ya feel…so good baby."

Carol rocked her hips, savoring the thickness between her thighs. Daryl was tugging at her nipples. The pleasure was more than she could handle. Naked, free, under a molten sky, she pulled her lover's hair and cried out.

"Daryl!"

With his calloused hands cupping her breasts, the hunter thrust up into her heat.

"Tell me woman."

She hissed as he filled her sex again. "I…I…"

"Go on." He urged. His manhood was pulsing.

"I think…" she was still riding him. "I think I…"

Daryl's shaft was rubbing her walls. "Aw…christ…woman…"

Carol felt the head of his cock penetrating so deeply that it hurt.

"I think I lo…" She couldn't get the words out. The pleasure seemed to disrupt rational thought. She couldn't make sense of anything other than her lover's body and the connection they shared.

It can't be real.

Her eyes closed as she took him in. He was using just the right amount of force. His lips hit the center of her chest again and she heard him whine against her skin. That was when she knew…there was something more taking place between them. It was more than the release they'd been waiting for. The lovers were both starved for physical attention and should've reached their end within minutes of their bodies joining, but they were still moving.

Daryl and Carol were savoring one another. She wanted to wear his scent on her skin. Her nails raked the back of his neck while he squeezed her breasts. It wasn't just the hunter's manhood that was making Carol weak…it was his hands, his mouth, his hips…his dark hair…the sounds he made… She was hopelessly attracted to every part of him. She loved him.

The hunter felt torn. He wanted to stay inside his woman, rocking with her. He wanted to keep her naked, in his lap, but he knew it wouldn't last. The animal in him needed to feel her come. Her core was too strong. The walls were pressing in close, building his need. His hands continued to explore her chest while her moans grew louder. It would be over soon.

A breath of wind rushed over the field, cooling their brows for half a heartbeat. Carol was trembling as she moved on top of him. The sheer ecstasy of it was staggering. His hardness belonged inside her. She did everything she could to keep her walls open wide enough for his whole cock to fit. She wanted to surround him.

Every time they took each other, part of Carol worried that it would be too much…that the rush would overpower her. Since their relationship first changed, Daryl had proven that sex was so much more than a physical connection. There were layers…details that Carol had never noticed before. The pleasure she'd grown addicted to had a thousand sources.

When the hunter's eyes were locked on hers; when his lips brushed her forehead and his fingertips traced the curves of her breasts…that was passion. The heat between them came from subtle glances and whispered words. It came from trust. Letting someone get close was a new experience for Daryl and Carol. By making themselves vulnerable, they'd formed a bond stronger than either of them had ever known.

As she let her body sink down again, Carol heard her partner's breath catch. It was all the motivation she needed. Daryl was the one that kept her alive. He was the one who bound her to the waking world after Sophia. She'd had every intention of following her daughter into whatever lay on the other side. The hunter stayed her hand. Whether he'd done it consciously or not was irrelevant. Carol was alive…she was a different person, a stronger person, because of Daryl. For that; he deserved as much thanks and as much joy as she could possibly bring him.

Using her body, she did her best to show him what he meant to her. Strong walls stroked his shaft as she moved. The heat was becoming oppressive. Daryl's sweat mingled with hers as the lovers grew lightheaded. Carol's fingers moved further into his hair.

Her heart was in her throat and time was running out. She could feel herself nearing a breaking point. Daryl refused to stop pushing. He was still hard and he made sure to send himself up into his woman's center. He knew she wanted him to explore every part of her sex. Sliding back and forth through her heat gave him a thrill unlike any other. It made his toes curl and his hips jerk. Her breasts felt so tender against his palms; he had to squeeze them. He wondered if she could feel how close he was.

Carol couldn't stop herself from pulling her lover's hair until his lips were pressed to her chest again. His warm tongue lapped at her skin and her entire frame shivered.

"D…don't stop…" she breathed.

"Jus ride it woman."

"Yeah…yeah…fuck!" Her body was aching. His hard-on was stretching her but she had to keep going. She had to take him deeper. Bucking harder, Carol used his body the way he wanted her to. She lifted her hips before sinking down onto his cock.

"Shit…yeah."

His member was growing inside her…liquid leaking from the tip. Nothing felt better than having her pussy wrapped around him. He grabbed her hips, urging her to move up and down. Every heart beat made him throb.

"Ya feel that?" he growled under his breath.

"God!" Carol cried.

"You're gonna…make me come."

Her core tightened. "Do it!"

The hunter clawed her hips. "Naw. You…first." He was still thrusting underneath her.

"I'm so close. I'm…I'm…" Carol's body was in control. Her walls opened and closed while her hips ground into Daryl's. His manhood filled her, over and over. The long shaft slipping into her sex. She couldn't believe that she'd found someone with the physical stamina, and the desire to make her feel so good.

As he disappeared between her legs again, Carol stopped breathing. Her spine arched and her eyes slammed shut while her lips parted. She pulled his hair angrily and had to scream. He'd found her spot.

Daryl hissed at the pain but didn't stop moving. He knew that scream; he'd been waiting seven days to hear it again. That was the sound his woman made when she reached her peak. Grunting; he tightened his grip on her frame and pushed himself up through her pussy.

"That it?" He asked, his eyes on her breasts.

Carol let him all the way into her sex. Every inch of his cock was pulsing. She bucked hungrily against the stiff shaft, pleasuring herself with it…using it.

"Fuck!" she whined. A powerful rush of heat hit her core as she lost control. "Oh…oh god. Daryl!" She couldn't seem to make her hips move; the sensations were too intense. She'd locked up around him…her pussy tensing. Throwing her head back, Carol let out a broken cry that echoed throughout the field.

"Fuck yeah." He snarled "That's fuckin' it." She was so tight…her walls clinging to his dick. He kept his hands on her hips, holding her body down. He wanted to stay buried inside her.

Frozen in her own bliss, Carol barely noticed that her core had begun to spasm…the muscles contracting almost violently. She squeezed and released her lover's manhood, her body seemingly in awe of the length and thickness. Every time he took her, Carol swore his cock reached a deeper place in her sex. He wasn't afraid to test her limits and she loved him for it.

She whimpered in ecstasy as she came hard on top of her partner. Dripping with sweat, her skin hot to the touch, she let the release cripple her. Carol's entire frame stiffened. There was nothing she could do. Feeling almost as though her true self had disappeared, leaving only her body behind, she indulged in everything she could hear, taste, feel, smell…

Brilliant colors were bursting behind her eyes. With clenched fists and a speeding heart, Carol felt her pussy flood. She couldn't stop it. She didn't want to. It was everything she needed. Her body was humming with absolute satisfaction as the euphoria made her dizzy. She forgot about the turn…about who and where she was… The warm wetness between her legs was coating Daryl's shaft. She could feel him moving deep in her center…the base of his cock keeping her open.

The white-hot joy of it was mind-bending. He fit so perfectly within her walls. She was full…she was free. Breathless, weightless, Carol surrendered to her lover…letting him take whatever was left of her.

"Aw fuck!" The hunter cried out. "Aw fuck baby…" He was still thrusting underneath her. The power in Carol's sex made him whine. The muscles were clamping around his member, squeezing tighter as she worked through her orgasm. But Daryl didn't care. He forced himself to move. The resistance he could feel in her pussy was turning him on. The way she rubbed every inch of him…the slickness that seemed to guide him right into her spot…

Fighting to breathe, he moved one hand to her ass. She was firm, warm…everything he wanted. She was the best he'd ever had. He knew that it was more than sex. Their bodies were in tune; every motion resulted in pure pleasure. Whenever he was inside her, the lovers achieved perfect rhythm, balance…forcefulness. Neither needed instruction.

"Woman…" He muttered.

She sucked in a sharp breath but couldn't speak.

Daryl could feel the rush coming. He'd begun to tremble. With her warmth all around him, he had to close his eyes. The hunter needed to be closer. It didn't matter that they were entwined. He wanted more. Still sending himself up through her passage, he lunged for her neck. The taste of her skin made him gasp. He felt her insides tense as he pushed harder. Right then, with Carol's sweat on his tongue and her long legs circling his waist, Daryl gave in.

His teeth sank into her shoulder as the climax surged through him. The unstoppable force was almost unnerving. A wave of pure energy traveled from his lower belly, down into his groin. He clawed at her body while his member stiffened. The wave gained speed and momentum, moving into his manhood. Biting into Carol's flesh, Daryl felt himself swell within her walls. The tip of his member was so tight…he couldn't contain the feelings that were stirring inside him.

Overcome, he released her skin long enough to cry out. "Carol! Aw…Carol…"

She tugged weakly at his hair and opened her walls to receive everything he had to give her.

Bucking one last time, he forced himself to fill the space between her thighs. Secure inside his woman, the hunter finally came. He throbbed painfully as the orgasm burst from the head of his cock.

"Christ!" He whined into her shoulder, his brow furrowing.

With a strong hand on her hip, Daryl kept his lover in place. He needed her to be still…to stay on top of him as he finished. Heat and pleasure coursed through his length, forcing his seed to spill. Carol's walls pressed against every inch, as if her body was hungry for his release. She stroked him gently while his cock continued to spurt. Every twitch and jerk brought fresh pleasure.

"Aw…aw…goddamn…like tha…yeah…"

Carol sucked in a sharp breath when his warmth hit her core. "Just let go. Let it all go."

The hunter was in ecstasy. Surrounded by an amazing woman…her hushed words echoing in his ears…he let his semen fill her. His member pulsed until the sensations became too much. Still trembling, he alternated between kissing and biting her shoulder.

Carol felt the throbbing subside. He'd spilled himself inside her. Knowing that she'd driven him to that point made their entire union that much better. Nothing gave her greater satisfaction than pleasing her partner. She wanted to stay wrapped around him.

Thoroughly exhausted, Daryl and Carol clung to one another and savored the aftershocks. Chests were heaving and mouths were dry. Feeling slowly returned to their limbs.

Grunting, Daryl clawed at his woman's hip.

Her brows knit together as she adjusted slightly in his lap.

"Woman…" he sighed.

"Mhmm."

"Fuck," He breathed before sucking lazily at her neck.

She had to smile. His scent was everywhere. The feeling of his tongue on her skin made her pussy tense.

"Easy," Daryl hissed.

"God…"

"Yeah?" He asked, still hidden in the crook of her neck.

"Yeah."

The hunter chuckled and Carol felt it in her core. She used her grip on his hair to ease them apart. Dreamy eyes fluttered open and the lovers stared at each other. They were both sporting tired smiles and slightly swollen lips.

"So?" she asked, her head cocked to the side.

All Daryl could do was smirk.

"You ok?"

He blew out a breath and massaged her hip. "I feel like I'm fuckin' drunk."

Carol studied his heavy lids. "You look it."

Moving both hands to her ass, he squeezed hard. "That right?"

"Fuck…" she loved having him inside her…his hands on her frame.

"Baby?" He growled softly.

"Hmm?"

"Ya wanna let go?"

In the incredible chaos of their climaxes, Carol forgot that her fists were still clenched in her mate's hair.

"Sorry." she whispered. Her fingers were stiff as she released him.

"God bless!"

Daryl instantly reached up to rub a sore spot on the back of his head.

When Carol finally glanced at her hands, her lips parted. A shock of Daryl's hair was plastered to her palm. "Oh shit…"

The hunter was still focused on the tender spot on his scalp.

"Baby; I'm sorry…I…" She was stammering.

He followed Carol's gaze and blinked when he noticed the dark strands between her fingers.

"Jesus."

"I'm so sorry. I didn't…I didn't realize…"

Daryl just snorted and shook his head. "Quit. Ya got nothin' to be sorry about. Ya did what ya had to."

"I wasn't trying to hurt you."

He rubbed her lower back with two strong hands. "I'll live. I just like knowin' your ass was that into it."

They laughed then, sweaty and happy.

"I must've been. I'm still sorry."

"Stop."

She brushed the hair from her palms.

"Always like seein' ya like this."

"Like what?" she chuckled.

He ran his fingertips lightly down one of her arms. "Happy."

Carol smiled at her partner. "Looks pretty good on you too."

Daryl wrapped his arms around her. With her lips grazing his collar bone, and his chin resting in the crook of her neck, they held each other captive. Their aching bodies continued to recover as they enjoyed the stillness together.

The hunter was breathing her in slowly; he made a low humming sound each time he exhaled. His eyes were closed and he couldn't help but to nuzzle his woman's neck.

"Mmm." she groaned softly as she drug her nails down his chest.

"Ya like that?"

She kissed his collar bone before answering. "I like you."

He smirked against her skin and made the humming sound again.

"You're amazing." Carol giggled.

"I ain't shit."

"Hey." She pushed his chest to put a little room between them.

He stared at her from beneath the shocks of hair that hung in his eyes.

"You're everything."

Daryl wasn't sure what to say.

Carol reached for his face and held him still as she studied him. "You are."

With a small smile, he shook his head. "Nah. It's all you woman."

"I'm done arguing with you." She teased

"Good. We oughtta be gettin' back anyhow."

"You sure?"

"You tryin' to stay out here all day?"

"Maybe." she smirked.

"I gotta be honest with ya…think I'm down for the count." He glanced at his groin and then back at Carol.

"You?" She arched an eyebrow. "The man that made me come four times in one day?" Her walls hugged him involuntarily.

"Woman; that was one fuckin' time. I ain't a machine."

"Could've fooled me."

The hunter snorted. "Trust me. If I could stay in that pussy all fuckin' day, I would."

"Can't you?" she asked as her nails pricked at his chest.

"Carol…"

Finally resigning herself to the fact that Daryl needed a break, she rolled her eyes and let out a sigh.

"Hey." He tightened his grip on her body and sat up straight. "Ya best roll them eyes back into the forward position."

She bit her lip and stared at him. "You know what position I'd rather be in?"

"I got an idea…ya pervert. You're like a damn cat in heat."

Blushing slightly, she lowered her gaze. "Guess I can't help it. You make me want it."

"Good." He grinned before catching her lips with his.

Carol whined into their kisses and swore she could feel herself falling in love with him. He was still holding her; she never wanted him to let go. He pressed into her gently, making her moan. What she felt in that field with Daryl...it was all the goodness she'd been denied before and after the turn. When Atlanta fell, when she lost her child…Carol was convinced that all of the tenderness had been stripped from the world. She thought she'd lost everything, but it wasn't true.

Happiness found her. Despite the wreckage and failure that seemed to follow the survivors wherever they went…it found her. An all-consuming sensation took control. She had someone to love and fight for, something to protect. With his lips on hers, Carol was reminded of the second chance she'd been given. She wasn't beyond redemption, and neither was he. They could start again. Together.

Finally succumbing to the need for air, the lovers broke apart. Daryl stroked her cheek and tried to catch his breath. She turned slightly, kissing his wrist. The hunter's hand moved to the base of Carol's neck before his fingertips inched cautiously into her hair. He smiled when he felt the familiar softness.

After he'd been staring at her for several seconds, Carol felt compelled to break the silence. "Has anyone ever told you you're really good at all this?"

"Hm? All what?"

Carol's eyes narrowed.

"I'm askin'." He insisted, a confused look on his face.

She rubbed the planes of his chest. "Can I use the 'R' word?"

Daryl was still lost.

"Relationship." The second it left her mouth, she wondered if it was the wrong thing to say.

The term startled him, but he tried not to let it show. He kept his fingers in her hair and maintained his composure.

"Daryl?"

After taking a calming breath, he met his woman's gaze. "That really what ya think?"

Carol's brows knit together.

"That I'm good at it…" he explained.

She let out a happy sigh and closed her eyes for a moment. "Yes. That's really what I think."

He smirked. "Sure ya ain't just sayin' that because of what we just done?"

"I'm sure." she laughed. "Don't get me wrong. You're really, really good at that."

Daryl gave her a quick kiss.

Carol's face hurt from smiling. "It's not just the sex."

"Naw?"

"It's all of it."

He cleared his throat and looked away.

"What? Has no one ever told you that?"

Daryl had to make himself look at her. "I ain't…I never…"

"Tell me." she pleaded gently, one hand going to his face.

"I ain't ever had one." he admitted.

"A relationship?"

He nodded, his eyes downcast again.

"Hey. There's nothing wrong with that. I've never been in one either."

Daryl lifted his chin. "Ed?"

"Let me rephrase. I've never been in a healthy relationship. Me and Ed…that was a prison sentence that went on ten years too long."

The hunter let his hand slide down slowly, from her neck to her chest. He cupped her breast and looked her in the eye. "So this…" he massaged her flesh. "This is new for you too?"

"That's what I'm saying." She tried to contain a moan.

"I think we're doin' alright then. For a couple folks ain't never been through this before."

"Just alright?" Carol asked, an eyebrow arching.

Moving both hands to her breasts, Daryl squeezed.

"Fuckin' amazing." He grunted.

"That's more like it." she teased.

"Guess we better keep at it then."

"Yeah?"

"Since we're so good 'n all."

"Guess we better." Carol echoed.

She leaned in and kissed him softly. To anyone else, the gesture might seem simple…common. But for the two survivors, it was extraordinary. Neither imagined that they'd have someone to kiss and who would gladly kiss them back. Knowing that they had a regular source of affection, comfort and affirmation was changing them. They were becoming dependent on the rush that came from touching each other…spending time together.

Carol needed to feel his scruff beneath her fingertips and Daryl needed the scent from her hair on his pillowcase. They held the connection a moment longer, wanting to drag the seconds out. Their minds were hazy when they separated.

"I could do this all day." she groaned happily.

"Told ya. I would if I could."

"Fine. I'll cut you some slack, but I'm not done with you."

Daryl grabbed a handful of her ass. "You give me some downtime when we get back, 'n I'll get between them legs again. Anything ya want."

"You mean that?"

He licked his bottom lip. "However ya want, wherever ya want it."

"We might not have the house to ourselves…"

"Don't matter. I told ya I ain't goin' without no more. Neither are you."

"So you don't care if they hear us?"

The hunter had to think about that. "I ain't keen on the idea, but if them assholes don't make themselves scarce…I ain't just gonna wait on 'em to leave."

His determination was sexy; she could feel her walls clenching around him again. "We can make a game of it." she offered.

"A game?"

"Trying to keep quiet."

Daryl snorted. "Woman; you ain't gonna be able to keep your damn mouth shut."

"You seem pretty confident."

"Once I get inside ya…I'm gonna make ya cuss."

Carol shivered slightly. She knew he was right. He was too good of a lover.

"Maybe I can keep the cussing down."

"Guess we'll see."

"It's a date." She laughed.

"First; we gotta get outta this field. I'm fuckin' sore."

"Alright. Just hold still."

Daryl's hands moved to the grass, his palms splaying as he readied himself.

Carol was sweating again. She unlocked her legs and forced herself to stand. When their bodies separated, she cried out in pain. His thick member slipped free, leaving her emptier than she'd ever been. The sudden ache was too powerful and she stumbled before sinking to the ground.

"Shit!" The hunter growled, collapsing onto his back. His cock was spent.

Unable to move, the lovers lay panting on the grass. The blades were soft and cool against their backs. They closed their eyes, slowly stretching and groaning.

Carol kept her legs clamped together as she enjoyed the lingering effects of her orgasm. She ran her hands through her hair and felt every ounce of stress melting away.

"It's insane." she chuckled.

"What is?"

Turning to face her partner, Carol smiled. "How good this feels."

Daryl rolled onto his side. "It's somethin' ain't it?"

"I can't believe we're out here."

"You ain't never done it outside have ya?"

She blushed and shook her head.

"We can do it again. If ya want."

Her teeth caught the corner of her bottom lip.

"Just say the word, 'n we can tell Rick we gotta make a run."

"I'll keep that in mind."

His eyes began to wander as he took in the shape of her body. The long, perfect lines of her legs…the curve of a freckled shoulder and the rise of her hip. Her entire frame was flushed. The way the rosy, afternoon light reflected off her skin forced him to stare. The hunter couldn't help but to think she belonged there. Naked in the grass beside him…his captive. There was something wild about her. He wasn't sure if it was the way her eyes shone, or those slender fingers wound in her hair.

Carol held her breath as he watched her. She didn't want to disturb him. Before Daryl, she never knew it was possible to be the sole source of another person's fascination. The undivided attention was surreal. When he looked at her, Carol felt beautiful. She did her best to remain still.

He stared longingly at her chest. A soft snort escaped him as he thought about how long she'd kept her incredible body hidden from him. The breasts that fit so perfectly in his cupped palms, the smooth, flat stomach he'd run his hand down a thousand times, and her supple thighs. He could feel her. Without touching, he could still feel how soft she was.

Carol grew restless under his gaze. Her toes curled as she tried to keep from reaching out to him. Everything about him was enticing. She loved his eyes, the ones that seemed to see through her… She'd never seen any that could hope to compare. They were a cold blue, flecked with the subtlest traces of green that only revealed themselves in certain light. The way those eyes narrowed when the hunter was focused on something made Carol's stomach tremble. A breeze rushed over the field, ruffling their hair. Daryl blinked as dark strands flew in his eyes and Carol wondered if he had any idea how amazing he was. She didn't understand how she'd wound up lying beside someone like him.

The only sound came from the soft thudding of their hearts as they studied one another. It pained them both to think that the other didn't have the slightest idea of their worth. Daryl knew that Carol would never see what he saw when he looked at her. She sighed softly and accepted that her partner would always think of himself as unworthy. Even though the knowledge stabbed at them, Daryl and Carol made silent vows to spend the rest of their days convincing each other.

Tortured by the space between them, the hunter finally touched his mate. They smiled as he smoothed the hair near her temple. The contact was slight, but it still managed to make Carol weak. She felt his fingertips brushing her skin. He grazed her ear and they both chuckled.

"What?" he asked, his voice low.

Her smile faded as her expression grew solemn.

"Carol?" He cupped the side of her face.

She inched even closer and wondered if she was doing the right thing. But it didn't matter anymore. The feelings were too strong. The words she wanted so badly to say were chiming within her mind. That simple phrase ringing out loud and clear, repeating like a chorus until she could hear nothing else.

Closing her eyes for a moment, Carol took in all the details. She could feel the warmth of a brilliant sun bathing her body, the cool grass sticking to her skin, and the ache of her own pounding heart. Naked, baring everything, she braced herself and eased her eyes open.

"Woman?"

"I just…"

Daryl waited for her, his thumb following the curve of her cheek.

"I wanted to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

She stared at the man beside her and let go of every reservation.

"I'm in l-"

The last word was stolen from her lips when Daryl kissed her. He moved in until he could feel her body against his. Lost in the heat of her skin and the sweetness of her mouth, the hunter groaned. They tasted each other as deeply as they could...exploring and indulging until their lungs ached.

He nipped her bottom lip before releasing her. They were breathing hard as they stared at one another. Neither seemed to realize that they were trembling. Carol didn't know what it meant. Wide-eyed, she waited for him to say something…anything.

Daryl kept his palm pressed to the side of her face and tried to draw strength from her. With his eyes locked on his lover's, the hunter made himself speak.

"Me too."

---

I hope you had fun! :) Please review Thanks!

xoxoxo

-Sami