Chapter Nine

Daryl really had no reason to dislike Shane the way he did. The man just rubbed him the wrong way. Maybe it was for the simple reason the man was a cop. He ignored the deputy's dictates to park at the entrance to their camp, going so far as to flip him off as the truck rumbled up the hill to park next to his tent. Why should he have to park so far away when the bed of the truck could be used for storage. It was safer for Carol and Sophia as well, but he wouldn't explain his motives to the man. He didn't owe him a damn thing.

Carol tried to stifle the chuckle bubbling up in her throat, but he heard it. It lightened him somehow, and he couldn't help the way his lips quirked up slightly at the sound. "What?" he asked gruffly, keeping his eyes forward so he didn't accidentally run over anyone … like Ed. He'd run over that fucker and not feel bad about it at all.

"You really don't like Shane, do you? Why is that?" she asked, genuinely curious.

He looked away from her probing gaze, feeling as if he were somehow being violated. No one had ever had that effect on him before where he felt as if she could see directly into his soul. He cleared his throat and scowled out of the window at their camp, focusing on pulling the truck up next to Merle's bike. "Shane's an asshole," he said simply. "He's not the leader this group needs."

"But at least he's trying."

Daryl snorted. "Yeah, he's trying all right … trying t' get into Lori's pants."

Carol was giggling as she handed him the crossbow and his knife, following him out of the truck. He stared at her, dumbstruck. In all the time he'd known her, he'd never heard such a carefree sound issue from her. His chest swelled a bit, prideful he'd been the one to make her feel comfortable enough to laugh like that.

Sophia was just climbing off the back of the bike and Merle was kneeling down in front of her making sure she was ok. He didn't look happy at all. In fact, he looked afraid … no matter how hard he tried to hide it. Carol's laughter died away when he shot to his feet and stalked off towards the trees, his rifle slung over his shoulder.

"Where's Merle going?" she asked as Daryl began unloading the truck. "Do you think he's alright?"

"Merle's just being Merle. He probably needs time to cool off."

"You think he's worried about Marty." It wasn't a question. "We shouldn't have left her there," Carol said, taking one of the plastic bins from him and carrying it towards the tent.

Daryl followed her with another. "Cain't tell that girl nothin'. She's always been one t' do what she wanted, whether it was th' right thing or not. But she couldn't leave her brothers any more than I could leave mine. Marty's a survivor; she'll be ok." His gaze shifted away again as he prayed he was telling her the truth. It was insane to try to shield her from what was really happening out there, but he felt he needed to try for as long as he was able. Hadn't she been through enough? And that was probably nothing compared with what they'd go through in a not too distant future. "Don't worry about Merle. He'll be back when he's ready."

Carol nodded and went back out to get their packs from the truck. Lori, Shane and Carl had come up the hill to make sure for themselves they had made it back ok. Sophia had the boy enraptured with her tale, of course, and Carl's face was lit up with awe.

"… and then we had to make a break for it when the walkers came out of the woods, and Merle piggy-backed me all the way to the bike … it was amazing!"

"I still can't believe he let you ride his bike," Carl whined, his bright blue gaze raking over the chopper. "And where did you get the bow?"

"Merle got it for me." Sophia's eyes swung up to Lori's fluttering gaze. "Don't worry, Mrs. Grimes, mama told him it was ok. He's gonna teach me how to shoot it too. It's going to be epic if he can teach me to be as good as Daryl."

Daryl took the packs Carol handed him, and carried them inside, his ears flushing brightly under Sophia's praise. When he came back out, they were all gathered around the small campfire chatting amiably. Was he supposed to sit there and play nice now? He grudgingly sat down on the log next to Carol, his eyes narrowing on the two across from them. He was glad Sophia was sitting with Carl a few feet away with her bow, both of them talking quietly about the recurve in her lap.

Then he realized what Lori was having kittens over because her quiet anger was now directed at him. "How could you even think of bringing them out there? Sophia's a child! They both could have been killed."

"Lori –" Carol began in a placating tone.

Daryl cut her off, his mouth twisting up in a sneer. "Last I checked, they were mine t' look after … not yours. And I don't have t' explain a damn thing t' you about anything."

Shane held out a hand, rising to his feet to try to keep peace between them. "Lori, they're back now, and they're fine. There's no need to get into this now."

"What about next time, huh?" she spat back at him.

"Then we'll go with him, and he'll keep us safe, just as he did this time," Carol said, lifting her chin stubbornly. "Lori, it was necessary for us to go. It's not like he could go on this run and leave us unprotected. Ed is surely just waiting for his moment to cause more trouble for us."

Daryl clenched his teeth so hard, he was surprised they didn't grind down to powder. "Carol, y' ain't got t' explain a damn thing t' her. You don't owe 'er nothin'." He was damn near ready to kick Shane and his woman out of their camp … then he felt a small hand settle over his wrist, her thumb gently caressing the tracery of veins on the underside, and the world righted itself, centered around that one small touch.

"Daryl, she was just worried about us," she said softly, her lips curving up at the corners. It wasn't often one of her smiles would match her eyes, but they were sparkling in the light of the fire and he could swear he felt himself drowning with no desire to be rescued.

Lori gaped at them, her mouth hanging open. Shane rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from the clearly private moment they shared. When he noticed Lori's expression, he reached over and tilted her chin up to close her mouth. She shot him a quelling glance as she came back to her senses. "I really was worried, Carol. We all were."

Daryl could practically feel Carol softening at his side. Of course, they were worried. Who did more for their camp than she did? They'd be a bunch of starving waifs running around in dirty clothes if not for her.

Shane hauled Lori up off the log by a hand and glanced down at Carol with a smile. "Dale made a huge pot of beans seasoned with one of the squirrels Daryl brought in this morning. Glenn's raving about them. Why don't y'all come down and have dinner with us?"

"They're that good, huh?" Carol asked, arching a dubious brow. Glenn would eat anything, she knew, but if Daryl were amenable, it would be one night she wouldn't have to cook. When Shane nodded, she swung her gaze over to her fierce protector. "Whatcha think?"

Daryl shrugged. "If y' want to, I guess. We need to hurry, though," he said softly where only she could hear. "I want t' take you and Soph down t' th' lake so y'all can get a bath … and there's some things I picked up at Marty's I need t' show y'."

Carol climbed to her feet, letting go of Daryl's arm finally. His scowl grew darker with the absence of her touch. He was really going to have to stop with that soon. She wasn't his like that, and the sooner he drilled that into his thick skull, the better.

*.*.*

Carol hurriedly gathered her things together. Daryl and Sophia were already outside waiting for her to join them, so they could trek the short path to the lake. She scrunched up her nose as she tugged on the hem of her shirt. God, how lovely it would be to feel clean. Georgia summers had never been kind, and just because the world was in chaos didn't mean the weather was going to change. She actually blushed as she went through the handful of underwear she'd stuffed into her bag earlier. They were all high-end lacy underthings, and she had to wonder over the woman who'd left them behind in that suitcase. Apparently, she'd thought there was no reason not to be sexy just because the world was ending. Ed had never allowed her to have such fine undergarments, and secretly she was rather excited to have something so nice. She wrapped them in a towel, along with a pair of black leggings and a long moss green button up and went to join her family.

Daryl didn't say a word, merely starting out of camp and leaving them to follow. She knew he was worried about his brother. Merle had been gone for over an hour and hadn't returned even for supper. She'd been able to feel Daryl's tension when they'd ventured down to the communal fire for the evening meal. It was either worse than usual, or she was getting better at reading his body language. He hadn't been open to conversation, grunting in response to questions directed at him. She was used to it by now, having spent so much time getting to know him in the past few weeks, but it made the rest of the group eye him with discomfit. He didn't make it easy on them to extend the hand of friendship as they did to her and Sophia.

She'd had her own moments of unease as she sat next to Daryl at the fire with Ed glaring at the both of them the entire time. He'd finally ventured out of his tent, though he'd had to stand to partake of his meal, his wound too painful for him to sit for any length of time. Sophia had whispered to Daryl that she hoped Ed got an infection. Instead of scolding her for saying something about her parent, he'd offered her one of his rare smiles and a nod of approval.

Carol had gasped when she'd gotten her first good look at his face, so swollen with purple and green bruises covering a good portion of it. His left eye was nearly closed and the white of the right was red and angry from burst capillaries. He was a mess, and she had no pity for him. She'd always been a forgive and forget kind of person, but there was no forgiveness in her heart for a monster like him. The pain and suffering he'd caused, the beatings she'd endured under his cruel hand, the fear both she and Sophia had lived with for so many years. No … he would never have her forgiveness.

She had looked over at her daughter, sitting close on Daryl's other side, shocked at the blatant hatred she could see on the girl's face as she looked at her father. There was a new confidence – one which was pure Dixon, if she were to be honest – which radiated from her every pore as she stared Ed down. Finally, he'd given up trying to intimidate them and had slunk back to his tent. The influence of the brothers would only be a benefit to Sophia in this dangerous new world, and Carol was grateful for it.

Carol was so lost in thought, she nearly face-planted as the mossy path gave way to the gravel which surrounded the lake. Her eyes scrunched tight as she waited for the impact and the pain which would surely follow. It was inevitable as she could feel herself falling with no way to prevent it. What was another bruise to her already marred features, she wondered. But it never happened. A strong arm went about her waist at the last moment, hauling her back upright to settle comfortably against Daryl's solid chest.

"I can see now we're gonna have t' have a talk, woman," he growled as he set her back from him. She didn't miss the pink tinge to his cheeks in the growing darkness of twilight. "You gotta get that head o' yours outta th' clouds an' pay attention. Otherwise you're gonna get yourself killed."

She nodded, finding it easy to get lost in the weight of that cobalt stare. "I'm sorry … I'll be more careful."

They edged closer to the water, Daryl sticking close to her side now in case she stumbled, but then he led her off to the left towards another path. "Where are we going? I thought we were gonna take a bath," Sophia asked, sticking close to their heels with her own little bundle tucked beneath her arm.

"Not here," he grumbled. He was still trying to get used to the girl questioning him. He wasn't used to anyone questioning him, but it didn't seem to bother him all that much when Carol did it. He'd grown used to the girl directing most of her chatter at his brother. Grudgingly, he answered her, trying to keep the impatience from his voice. "Just a bit further. There's a little pool where th' lake drains into a stream that runs down the mountain. It's more private than th' lake, and I can defend it better. Don't want no one sneakin' up on y' when you're naked, d'you?"

Sophia giggled. "No."

He felt the corner of his lips twitch, which surprised him. What the hell were these women doing to him? Daryl shook his head and led them off the path where a nice sized boulder lay next to a less worn path through some thin foliage. The little pool wasn't obvious to someone not looking for it, which was why it was the perfect spot for bathing. When the three of them stood next to the water, his eyes darted to Carol's clear blue gaze, seeking approval.

"Well … whatcha think?" he asked, fiddling with the strap of his bow where it lay across his chest.

Carol beamed at him as she dragged her gaze away from the sight. The pool was wide, but shallow with foliage on one side, a small waterfall on the other where it drained into the stream and a rock wall on two other sides to afford them all the privacy they wanted. "It's perfect," she breathed, more than ready to shuck her sweaty clothes and immerse herself in the cool water.

"Alright," he murmured. "I'll be just up there so holler if y' need me." He pointed to the boulder they'd passed, and then he was gone, leaving them to their bath.

Daryl climbed to the top of the perch provided by the boulder and drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he settled the crossbow in the crook of his elbow. Cicadas and crickets sang in the night, invisible in the dense foliage which covered the mountain, and the full moon lent its wan beams of pale light to see by. It helped to soothe the beast which lived within him, much the way Carol did with her soft touch and gentle voice.

The forest, nature in its purest form had always called to his soul. It provided peace, escape, but he couldn't understand why she was able to provide the same feelings, a balm to his shattered senses. He wondered briefly if it was because she was really the first friend he'd ever had. Merle was the only one he'd ever allowed this close to him before, but even he couldn't offer the same kind of gentle companionship she gave so freely.

Merle was brash and loud. It was just how he was. But Carol … Carol was more, and the closer he got to her, the more of her he craved. His gut twisted with anxiety. What if he fucked up? He always did, without fail. Everyone he'd ever cared for eventually left. And now with such an uncertain future, he'd have to fight even harder to hold on to what he'd gained.

"Penny for yer thoughts, brother," came a voice from the shadows. Daryl snapped out of his reverie and swung the bow in Merle's direction. Merle grinned cockily as he climbed the immense rock to sit down next to his brother. "Not like y' t' let anyone sneak up on y'."

"Where y' been?" Daryl asked in a deceptively soft tone. He never knew when he'd utter a truly innocent remark and set his brother off. It was best to start out on his guard. It had gotten easier to talk to him since Sophia had begun spending time with him, however.

Merle shook his head, scrubbing a hand over his clean face. He'd seen where Daryl had been heading with the girls and had decided to bathe at the lake before venturing over to meet them. "I needed some time t' think, I guess."

"Y' worried about Marty?"

"What?" Merle asked in surprise. "Hell no! That's about th' toughest little she-devil this side o' Macon. She'll outlive us all."

"Then what –"

"Sophia!" the elder Dixon hissed, not wanting to be overheard by the living or the dead. "Did y' see 'er when she got offa m' bike? She was excited by what'd happened today!" His face took on a hard look. "What th' fuck're we doin', brother? This was not th' plan."

Daryl shook his head, remaining silent for a moment so he could listen out for Carol and Sophia. The distant sounds of splashing met his ears and he turned back to Merle. "Things change, Merle. I didn't expect to meet Carol when we came here, but I'm not sorry."

Merle snorted. "This ain't th' time fer romance, Darylina. I'm thinkin' maybe it's time t' leave. We're no good fer 'em anyway. Just gonna end up getting' that little girl killed."

The force of those words hit Daryl like a ton of bricks as realization dawned on him, leaving him gaping stupidly at his brother. Merle Dixon … badass, don't give a fuck about no one but himself Merle Dixon … cared about someone, and was terrified he wouldn't be able to protect her, was scared something was going to happen to her and didn't know how to deal with it. "Well, they won't have a chance in hell if we abandon them," he hissed, not giving his brother a chance to argue. "I swore we'd protect them, Merle, and I'm not gonna walk away. I can't do that t' her … them. If y' leave, then that's on you."

"You're gonna leave?"

Merle cursed silently as he looked up into blue eyes so forlorn and filled with pain, his stomach clenched. "What? No, Peach … I wouldn't – "

"Well that's what it sounded like to me," she accused, planting her hands on her hips as she recovered, her upset quickly morphing into anger, and narrowed her eyes. "Daryl said we're a family."

"And, o' course, y' listen t' ever'thin' that shithead says as if it's fuckin' gospel." Merle shot his brother a look, begging for help. Daryl held up the hand not holding the crossbow as if to say, 'you're on your own, brother', and hopped off the boulder to go check on Carol. "Fuckin' traitor," he growled under his breath. He actually winced when Sophia climbed up to sit next to him, still looking as if she were about to breathe fire.

"You can't leave, Merle. Please?" she pleaded. "Family is supposed to stick together, to be there for each other, and to help each other. Right? At least that's how I think it's supposed to be. My daddy never really was … but I don't have to worry about him no more. I have you and Daryl and mom and Carl." She sniffed back a wave of tears and bumped him with her shoulder, like she did quite often when they would talk about things. "Don't leave. We need you … I need you."

Merle sighed, his chest tight as he looked down at her. He could see how much he meant to her all there in her clear blue gaze, and he damn near choked on the emotion clogging his throat. Even Daryl, as much as they cared for one another … he'd never seen his brother look at him like that. "I s'pose I'll have t' stay then," he grumbled. "Just ain't right skippin' out on family. Y' gonna have t' work hard, though, t' prove y' got what it takes t' be a Dixon."

Sophia snorted. "I won't let you down, Merle. I promise."

*.*.*

His steps faltered as he stepped out of the foliage concealing the little pool, his gaze darkening when it fell upon her slender form illuminated in the moonlight. Despite the mass of bruises scattered across her torso, she was still beyond lovely. The black yoga pants accentuated the gentle swell of her hips, but it was the fine lace outlining her breasts which gave him pause. A different ache began to hum beneath his skin, and his hands itched to touch her. He shook his head, dispelling the first stirrings of desire before he found himself with a problem he wouldn't be able to explain to her. Not now … Not ever if he had his way.

Carol smiled sheepishly, drawing her lower lip between her teeth as she ducked her head and pulled the shirt clasped tightly in her hands up to cover her chest. "Daryl! You startled me."

"Just me," he offered lamely with a shrug of his broad shoulders. He waved a hand at her, his brow scrunching. "How's th' ribs?"

The slight smile she'd worn slipped from her face as she sighed. "Very tender," she admitted. She held true to her promise to be completely honest with him.

He stepped closer, reaching into his pocket for the item he'd brought for her. He was encouraged when she didn't flinch or back away from him. It would still be a while, he knew, before she would be able to trust him, but they seemed to be off to a good start.

Carol's eyes widened as she took in the item. "Wherever did you find that?" she asked, her azure gaze flitting between him and the rather large ace bandage in his hand.

"Marty," he grunted, moving closer. "There's no end t' what she an' those brothers o' hers have scavenged. Even before th' world went t' shit. Want me to -"

Her hand tightened reflexively on the shirt she held before her as she seemed to wage an inner battle within herself. Finally, she nodded and set the garment aside. He doubted there had ever been anyone to care for her after one of her many beatings at Ed's hands, and he had to fight his own battle with rage at the unfairness of it all.

"I'll be gentle," he whispered gruffly.

Carol let her hands drop to her sides. "I have no doubt of that, Daryl. You've been nothing but kind to me."

He pressed the end of the bandage to her skin, his fingers brushing and sending a shiver along his spine. She needed kindness in her life after all she'd been through. He just prayed he wouldn't fail her. His guarded gaze flicked to hers as his arms went around her, the bandage unfurling along her ribs until he could make another circuit, binding her tightly. What would it be like if she allowed him to gather her in his arms, to hold her to his chest, to let him bury his face in the softness of her neck?

Daryl secured the end of the bandage with the pins and let his hands settle at her waist. He raised his gaze to hers, searching deeply for whatever it was he felt to be reflected in her own eyes. He knew it was futile, and he cursed himself for allowing himself to hope. "How's that feel now?" he asked, his voice husky with emotion he wasn't allowed to feel. Merle would kick his ass if he could be privy to what was running rampant in his brother's head.

Carol drew in a deep breath, and she smiled. Her hands rose to his biceps and gave a reassuring squeeze. "I can breathe better. Thank you, Daryl," she murmured, her smile radiant.

He dropped his hands quickly, realizing he had her in an embrace, a blush rising in his face. "Wasn't nothin'."

But she didn't let go, her hand rising to cup his cheek, her thumb ghosting over the scruff of his chin. "Don't sell yourself short, Dixon. What you've done … what you're doing … it means everything to me." She held his gaze, her own having grown misty. "I haven't had many friends in my life, but I have to say you are by far the finest I've ever known."

He let her go and reached for her shirt, holding it out to her. "Merle's … uhm … waiting on th' path with Soph. I won't be too long here," he told her, giving her his back. He didn't know how to respond to her heartfelt confession, so decided it best to keep his mouth shut. Less chance of baring his tortured soul to her and sending her running.

The water had cooled even more now that it was full dark. Happily, he submerged himself despite the chills which immediately began in his body. He needed to cool off badly. He concentrated on scrubbing himself, banishing all thoughts of how he was ever going to sleep next to her. It was going to be a long night.