Author's Note:

Hey Guys, Just wanted to thank you for your patience. I'm on vacation which is why I haven't posted in awhile. But little bits at a time I was able to get this chapter finished. I'm my own worst critic, but I really hope I'm not losing people. I just really really not accustomed to such a slow pace and lengthy fic like this. I know many of you have expressed that you are okay with the pace and still enjoying it and I really appreciate the input.

Also, I was lucky enough to place a few times in the Caryl Daily Fanfiction awards. I'm absolutely shocked - truly. I don't know if any of you voted (someone must have, LOL) but if you did I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I want you to know I'm extremely grateful for your support. I don't know that I deserve it, but I most definitely appreciate it.

It's been an interesting ride and I'm just truly thankful to those who have been there from the start, the new readers who have came along recently and to those who come and go - all of you are amazing - so THANK YOU! Okay - I'm done blabbing - enjoy!

Daryl was one of the first to arrive at the mixer. Rick was already there getting drinks at the bar for his family so Daryl joined him. "Jack and coke, make it a double," he said when it was his turn to order. He helped Rick by carrying one of the glasses back to his table.

"You gonna join us?" Lori asked, when he got to the table. They were having dinner first and then there would be a band and servers bringing around finger foods for dessert while people danced and mingled.

"I have to save a spot for Carol," he replied, looking around to see if she had come in yet. When she asked him to save her a spot he almost said no - Mike's words coming to mind, and his personal vow to be sure he didn't ruin things for her. But he really didn't think he would survive the stupid party without her close. It was a comfort thing even though he knew the night was going to be difficult.

"Of course," Lori nodded. "We're saving a spot for Shane too and that will fill up the table." Daryl was positive that he saw something strange in Rick at the mention of Shane's name. Not surprising though, the scripts and upcoming storyline couldn't be easy for any of them, acting or not.

Daryl was taking a drink of his whiskey when Carol finally arrived. What was supposed to be a little sip turned into a chug when he saw her - it was either that or embarrassingly choke while trying to put the drink down.

"Easy there," Rick leaned over and whispered. "Can't say I blame you though… Wow."

Daryl shot him a scowl but only briefly because he didn't want to miss a second of Carol making her way to the table. The dress she was wearing was not one she had tried on. He'd never seen it at all in fact. But if he'd seen it the day before it would have ruined this moment. It fit her perfectly in every way, accentuating curves he didn't even know she had. Daryl couldn't help but think back to when he'd seen her naked - nope, he couldn't picture her hips swelling the way they were tonight in that dress. The color suited her perfectly and made her eyes pop even more blue than usual… Or maybe it was the make up? He suspected she wore makeup but he hadn't really noticed it until tonight.

Daryl suddenly realized that if he didn't get himself in check he was going to be past the point of no return. "You need another drink?" He asked Rick, downing the rest of his whiskey and jumping up.

"Nah, I'm good," Rick replied. Daryl looked at Lori and she shook her head.

By that time Carol had arrived at the table. "I'm going to the bar, you want something?" Daryl snapped at her. He knew every single one of them was giving him the same look of bewilderment that was on Carol's face but he couldn't help acting like an idiot when he got all flustered.

"Whatever the house wine is - white, please," Carol replied. The confused look gave way to something else just as he turned but Daryl had no idea what it meant, he just made a beeline for the bar.

By the time he returned with drinks Shane had arrived too. He was sitting on the other side of Carol between her and Carl. At first Daryl felt guilty bringing back a drink for Carol and not him but when Shane said something that made Carol laugh Daryl decided he didn't feel bad at all. In fact, he was seriously considering pouring his own whiskey over Shane's head. Stop being such an idiot, Daryl told himself. Shane was a nice guy - he thought about when he'd let him off the ticket the other day. But it still annoyed him how damn charming and handsome the man was. He was like a shiny, polished version of Merle come to think of it. Smooth, easy, yet he wasn't a racist asshole or a druggie.

"Here," Daryl grunted at Carol's back, holding out the glass of wine. Shane looked up and Carol turned. Daryl knew he had completely interrupted whatever they were talking about, but he really didn't care.

"Thank you," Carol said, giving him a smile.

"Sorry, I uh… didn't know…" Daryl stammered awkwardly towards Shane.

"No problem, I'll just go grab something," Shane shrugged it off politely and got up.

As Daryl took a seat he saw Rick's eyes following Shane and wondered if there actually was something bad going on between them. Suddenly there was a hand on his knee and Daryl jumped. "You okay?" Carol whispered. "You're acting really weird… more than usual," she added with a little chuckle. Oh that's just great, he gets a chuckle because she's making fun of him and stupid Shane gets a full laugh for something hilarious he must have said.

"Fine," he grumbled, avoiding eye contact. Before she could say anything else the evening got underway and Mike addressed them all from a podium near the front. He explained how the evening would work, encouraged them to mingle and meet the cast, crew and executives they hadn't met before, and ended by telling them to have fun. Fun, Daryl almost snorted out loud - this was not even close to his idea of fun. He glared at Mike from across the room.

"Seriously, Daryl, what's wrong?" Carol asked again as the servers started to bring dinner. "Did I do something?"

That caught his attention - which annoyed him because he knew Carol was smart and he knew she'd said it purposely to get an answer - she knew she hadn't done anything wrong. "Course not," Daryl replied, allowing his voice to soften a bit. "This just ain't my kind of thing."

"Me neither," Carol whispered, finding his hand under the table and squeezing it. Daryl felt goosebumps cover his body at her touch. Anyone else he would have yanked his hand away, but nope, not her - she gave him goosebumps. "You clean up good," she added. When he met her eyes there was a sparkle there and Daryl felt a weird swirling in his chest.

Luckily he was saved by the server who interrupted the moment by setting down food in front of them. Daryl focused on the meal. It wasn't his usual type of food, but as each course arrived he couldn't help but admit that it was all very delicious. Carol tried to talk to him a few more times and he gave her one word answers or grunts. Eventually she gave up and by the main course she was fully involved in conversation with the others, mostly Shane.

Daryl was feeling so conflicted he wanted to punch something. He didn't want to talk to Carol because he was trying to put a little distance between them, just a little - but it seemed he was more working towards building a wall - which he really hadn't intended. And at the same time… even though he didn't want to talk to her… he certainly didn't like the fact that Shane had her full attention.

When the band started Amy came over and asked Shane to dance. High five blondie, Daryl thought. The actress that was playing Carol's fake daughter Sophia asked Carl to dance. The kid blushed fiercely but he let the little girl lead him on the dance floor. Carol kept looking at him through the whole song and Daryl tried to ignore her. When a second song started Daryl noticed Andrea had taken Amy's spot with Shane. He tried not to smile - High five blondie number two.

Rick and Lori danced to the next song and Carl had gone off with a group of kids leaving him and Carol alone at the table. "You want another wine?" Daryl grunted, standing up. No way he was gonna survive sitting there alone with her without making conversation.

"Was actually hoping you might ask me to dance," she muttered, giving him a look. "But yeah, another glass of white please," she added with a sigh.

Daryl made sure to take his time so Rick, Lori and even Shane had returned to the table before he did. About 10 steps from the table he froze and watched Shane hold out his hand, Carol place hers in it and the two of them walk hand in hand to the dance floor. Daryl's grip tightened on the tumbler of whiskey and he really wanted to smash the wine glass. He made his way slowly to the table. Shane was holding her close and Daryl felt his chest get heavy. When they spun and he saw her face, smiling, happy… he slammed the drinks on the table and took off. "Daryl?" he heard Rick calling after him. But Daryl didn't stop. He headed straight out back and lit a smoke. It was half gone before Rick caught up.

"What the fuck is up with you tonight?" Rick gasped.

"Ain't nothing," Daryl snapped. "Just go back in."

"Is it Shane?" Rick asked. "He's not always my favorite person either, but he's my best friend and I promise you - he's a good guy."

"Ain't Shane," Daryl growled, hoping if he sounded angry enough Rick would just go away.

"Carol?" Rick asked, his voice soft.

The sound of her name made his chest tighten even more. "It's nothin', I just wanted a smoke," Daryl hissed. "I'll be in when I'm done."

"Listen," Rick said, starting to back away. "I don't know what's going on with you - but I do know you're hurting her feelings." The words stabbed Daryl right in the chest. "She cares about you - a lot… whether it's as a friend… or something more…" Heat coursed through Daryl's body as Rick spoke. "Don't matter… just don't treat her like shit because of your issues - whatever they are."

Daryl was about 3 seconds from completely snapping when Rick stopped talking and was gone. Silence. He finished the first cigarette and pulled out a second. Before he could light it he wasn't alone once again. Someone had joined him - her. Carol. She reached up and gently took the smoke and lighter from his hands. Daryl let her. As angry and upset as he was… he just let her. Carol tucked them in his pocket… and he let her.

"Talk to me," she said, looking up at him with those big blue eyes. "You have never acted like this before - something is wrong - something happened… talk to me." Carol shivered. It was a chilly night. Daryl didn't usually notice things like that but he found himself taking off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

"I can't… be around you so much anymore," Daryl said, looking away.

"What? Why?" she gasped. "Oh God… was it Ned? Did he find you? Threaten you?"

"Huh?" Daryl was shocked by her reaction. "I ain't scared of that pussy," he hissed. If he ever saw that scumbag again Daryl was pretty sure he would pulverize his face.

"Then what?" Carol asked. "We were fine… everything was fine…"

"I just can't," Daryl tried again. "Go inside," he added.

"No," she replied defiantly, crossing her arms inside the jacket.

"Go," he said louder, his voice angry, getting in her face in hopes she would listen. "I don't need this," he growled, moving at her a little more.

Carol flinched but held her ground. And his heart broke. "I won't let you pull away," she said softly, tears shimmering in her eyes. Daryl felt like the biggest asshole on the planet. A man, yelling at her, getting in her space… She'd had enough of that for a lifetime.

"I'm sorry," Daryl whispered, knowing his words weren't nearly enough, yet they were for her. Carol nodded and gave him a little smile. He sighed. "It's Mike…"

"Mike…? The showrunner?" Carol looked confused, but calmer than she'd been all night.

"He thinks we're… Too close… Ya know?" Daryl felt his face burn just putting the idea out there. "Said it could jeopardize our characters… The show… If something happened."

"Fuck him," Carol replied. Daryl gaped at her. "I'm serious. Fuck him," she repeated. "There's not a damn thing in our contract that says we can't be friends. Or lovers…" Her words seemed to hang in the air forever and Daryl couldn't speak even if he wanted to. "I have spent too many years with a man who kept me from being happy, from doing things I wanted to do…" She stepped closer and Daryl resisted the urge to step back. "We are friends. It's that simple. He can't take that away from us… Please don't let him," she begged.

"I don't want to do anything to ruin this for you," Daryl muttered.

"This is for me?" Carol asked softly. "You've been giving me the cold shoulder for my benefit?" Daryl shrugged. "Well you can stop okay?" He nodded. "Good," Carol said. "Now please, can we finally have that dance? Before Shane asks again…" Daryl stiffened. Coincidence? Or did she know how to play him? "He's a sweet guy but he's just not my type and I don't want him getting the wrong idea…"

It suddenly felt like his head was full of a thousand little minions celebrating a victory. "But won't he think you and I are…" Daryl couldn't help but ask.

Carol took his hand once again. "Sometime that's what friends have to do for each other," she said, giving him a sly grin.

"Friends… Yeah…" Daryl repeated.

She tugged his hand. "Come on." From that moment, with her hand in his, it was a completely different night. They danced, more than once and he ignored the look of disapproval from Mike. Instead he focussed on the way Carol fit in his arms so perfectly. And how she would hum along softly to the songs she knew. He liked the way she hesitated and lingered when the song was over. Usually, on the rare occasions he danced he wanted to get off the floor and back to his drink as quickly as possible but for some reason it didn't bother him the way she took her time.

"We should mingle a bit," Carol whispered to him as the song came to an end.

"Do we have to?" Daryl whined. He would have just sat at the table and let her go on her own but he worried she would be gone too long and he didn't want that rage he'd felt with Shane to resurface.

Carol gave him a look and he groaned but followed her. She was a master at working the crowd and she made it easy for him. It actually wasn't all that bad given he was a bit buzzed and so was everyone else. Daryl actually found himself laughing and making jokes. The new guy Morgan was really nice. And there were a couple of crew members who rode and they talked bikes.

The band announced they were playing their last song and the dance floor filled. "One last time?" Carol asked. It made him sad to think the night was over when he was having such a good time with her. The song was corny and not his style at all, but as they swayed to What a Wonderful World Daryl found himself thinking about so many things he shouldn't have been thinking of like how soft Carol's skin was and how he liked the feel of her breasts touching his chest. He also started to fixate on what it would be like to kiss her. Those soft, full lips… So close to his own already… Before he got too far gone again Daryl shook off the thoughts - friends, he reminded himself.

When the song ended people started to gather their things and leave. Daryl finished his drink and went outside with Carol to wait in line for the next cab.

"Did you have fun?" She asked, looking up at him with pink cheeks from the wine and a shine in her blue eyes.

"Guess so," he admitted begrudgingly, giving her a little smile to let her know he truly had enjoyed the evening.

As the cab pulled up and it was Carol's turn he noticed Mike was milling around. She noticed too. "I had a great time," she replied, a little louder than necessary. Then without warning she grabbed his face and kissed him quickly. It was just a peck really but it was full on the mouth. With her back to Mike Carol winked at him and turned to leave.

Daryl was momentarily stunned but he quickly regained his composure. "Hey," he said, stopping her for a moment. "You look amazing tonight." Daryl's eyes washed over her one more time, wanting to commit the vision to his memory. "You didn't need my help. You never will… You've got this all on your own." He wasn't just talking about the dress shopping and she knew it. It was everything about the night, the job, Mike… All of it.

Carol took a step forward and placed a lingering kiss on his cheek. "I know," she whispered in his ear. "But sometimes it's just really nice to have someone in my corner." With that she was gone and Daryl was left watching her cab drive away… A lazy, semi intoxicated smile on his handsome face.