Chapter Fifty-Eight
Daryl prowled atop the bus overturned by the gate, his sharp eyes scanning the tree line in the distance as he did his turn on watch. At least when he wasn't constantly glancing over his shoulder to check on his girls. He couldn't seem to help himself. The marines had hurried to erect the tents they'd brought along before they commandeered two of the watch towers, leaving the women to rest from the long journey and prepare the evening meal. Some of the women had covered the vehicles with some type of camouflaged tarps, thinking they'd be safe until they could be brought inside the fences. The hunter liked the little woman who'd led the marine group for so long. She was tough and no nonsense, but with a soft core. Much like his wife – his angel – after she'd been free to spread her wings.
He watched Carol begin to dish up their dinner into the tin bowls they used, speaking softly to Kayla and Patricia, his eyes drawn to the little smile on her lips. No matter how bad things were for them, how precarious their situation, she always had a kind word, a smile, compassion and understanding for her 'family'. She was his treasure. As if she could feel his gaze upon her, she caught his eye across the distance, and her smile widened. His cheeks heated as he noticed Patricia nudge her and say something which had the rest of them chuckling. Fuck … caught starin' at m' own wife. He pulled the poncho closer around his sides, battling against the chilly evening breeze. He hoped everyone was planning on doubling up for the night, because it was going to be a cold one.
Movement off to his left had him dragging his gaze in that direction. Rick was patrolling the fence, Lori at his side, her hand firmly clasped in his larger one. Carl and Sophia trailed after them, the foursome checking for any breech which would put them in danger. He admired Rick for his dedication to his family. After Lori and Shane's affair had come to light, it would have been easy for Rick not to want anything more to do with the woman. Instead, they made a real effort to work on their marriage. Hell, he'd even forgiven Shane and their friendship was stronger than ever. It was astounding how dire life and death situations could bring everything into a new perspective. He never would have dreamed he'd find a family of his own. Not in a million years. Then again, he never thought he'd live to see his brother turn all noble and shit, either.
Daryl slung his crossbow across his back as he heard his wife call out to him from the ground, warning him she was climbing up. "Woman, where th' hell is your jacket? Y' gonna freeze," he scolded, reaching down to help her up the rest of the way.
Carol glanced down at her sweater. "It was warm by the fire," she explained. "I just came to bring your dinner, Pookie. You won't eat at all if I don't bring you something."
He shrugged at her reproving tone. "Make sure everybody else has somethin' first. Ain't a big deal." It didn't stop him from digging in to the savory rabbit she'd spent the last hour or so roasting over the campfire. Or the canned new potatoes she'd seasoned with some of the last of her dill and salt. He'd have to make a run in the next week or so to replenish her stock.
"You're important too, Daryl," she sighed, rubbing at her right shoulder.
"What's wrong?" he asked around a mouthful of rabbit, his eyes narrowing as he took in the lines of pain around her eyes.
"It's ok. Just … rifle kickback. I forgot to pad my shoulder." She ducked her head, not wanting to see disappointment in his eyes. He'd warned her to use the padded sleeve he'd crafted for her, but in the excitement, she'd simply forgotten.
Daryl set the bowl down and licked the flavorful grease from his fingers before beckoning her closer. "C'mere an' lemme see, baby," he drawled, peeling back the edge of her sweater. He winced as he looked down at her delicate shoulder already beginning to bruise. "Y' shoulda said somethin' earlier."
Carol made a happy little moan low in her throat as her husband's work-roughened hands smoothed over her weary muscles. "I couldn't. I had work to do. And before you even think to scold me, I had plenty of help. I mostly just had to supervise and get everyone organized."
"Uh-huh." He knew just how much work went into her organizational and supervisory tasks. And it was true for the most part. "I know … watched y'. But then y' personally unpacked an' separated all th' beddin' an' delivered it personally t' each tent."
She chuckled, leaning into his warm touch. "Spying on me, huh?"
"Always," he growled, pressing his lips to her shoulder before he let her go. "C'mon, let's get back. See about getting' y' warm."
Carol pursed her lips and tilted her head to the side, regarding him with a teasing glint in her eye. One he recognized all too well. "It's pretty romantic," she purred. "Wanna screw around?"
Strong arms slipped about her waist and reeled her in to press flush against him. "Why y' think I'm ready t' go back? I plan on warmin' y' up … personally," he murmured against her lips before claiming a lingering kiss. His tongue gliding sinuously alongside hers, a flick against the roof of her mouth and she was melting weakly against him.
"You're such a tease," she moaned, burying her face against his throat to nip sharply at his collarbone. "You are not scarring our daughter with your beastly ways."
Daryl huffed a laugh at her prim – but still teasing – tone, and waggled his brows. "I'll show y' beastly, woman." He climbed down from the bus and spread his arms wide, supporting her slight weight and guiding her steps as she followed. His arms tightened around her slim waist as she found her footing on solid ground, his body pressing into her soft curves.
She sighed breathily as his lips nipped and teased at her, drawing on his urgency and making it her own. "Daryl …" she moaned, heat coursing through her and burning her with its intensity. The soft refrain of song reached her ears as her husband dropped his brow to her shoulder, his soft panting breaths warm against her skin. She carded her fingers through his shaggy hair, scratching lightly just behind his ear and he shivered. "What is it?"
"I'm sorry," he rasped, raising his dark eyes to hers.
"What? Why?!"
He struggled with his words, his tongue twisting and threatening to glue itself to the roof of his mouth. "I … I jus' … damnit!" He moved to pull away, but she wouldn't let him go. "What if this place is more trouble than it's worth? What if I cain't keep you an' Soph safe here?"
"It's a risk, yes … but one we all – the whole council – agreed to take. Our whole lives are a risk, Daryl, every day. It was you who told me not to let fear rule my life. I'm not going to let you do the same. Now stop … please." She pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth and felt some of the tension ease out of him. "Breathe."
"Sorry," he apologized, leaning into her touch as she rubbed against his breastbone. "I think of how much I love y' an' what it would do t' me t' lose y' an' th' 'what ifs' sneak up on me."
Carol wrapped her arms around him and sent up a little prayer of thanks for the gift of her husband, the other half of her soul. "I love you too. One day at a time, one more kiss, one more 'I love you' … until we can't anymore. It's why we fight so hard, why we live." She clung to him until he relaxed and the last of his unrest fled his body. His panic attacks were nothing new, and she'd gotten quite skilled in soothing him. It was much better than when he'd take his anxiety out on the group or disappear into the woods for days on end as it had been before they'd fallen in love. His fears for the group, for her and Sophia, for Merle and the dangerous game he was playing with Blake were just more than he could contain sometimes. But he was getting better. The faith Rick had in him went a long way in helping him too, whether he wanted to admit it or not.
Daryl pressed his brow to hers and took a deep calming breath. "C'mon. Need t' get y' warm … even if we gotta sit there an' listen t' Beth's caterwaulin'."
Carol snorted and linked her fingers with his as he led her back to camp. "Don't be mean."
He found an empty spot by the fire between Rick and Lori off to his right, and Shane and Andrea to his left. It seemed as if the two couples had reserved the space for them. The kids were laid out on the other side of the campfire, a checkerboard between them. They'd worked hard today and deserved their fun time before bed. There wasn't much time to be a kid at the end of the world. He pulled Carol down to sit between his legs and wrapped the poncho around them both as he pulled her back against his chest.
It was hard to listen to Hershel's talk of planting crops or T-Dog's ideas of digging a canal under the fence for fresh water when he had a lap full of his wife. There was still no guarantee they would be able to make a temporary home there at the prison while they waited to see if Merle's plans would pan out. Everyone seemed to be more relaxed now they were behind fences, even out in the open yard. Carol smiled at Tori and Alex as they returned from the guard towers, having delivered dinner to Tessa, Brian, Miles and the sergeant, who were still on watch.
Daryl looked over at Shane curiously. "Walsh, y' make out a watch schedule yet?"
The deputy nodded, one arm around Andrea as he dug in the pocket of his jeans. "Yeah. I figured four-hour shifts would do. I got Randall, Rory, Glenn and Maggie on ten to two, you, Carol, me and Rick on two to six and then Lori, Andrea, Carl and Sophia on the morning shift."
He couldn't help but notice the prideful tilt of his daughter's chin to be included in such an important job. "Sounds good," he grunted, returning his chin to Carol's shoulder.
"Better all turn in. Got a big day tomorrow," Rick said, his gaze flickering to each member present around the fire.
"What do you mean?" Glenn asked. He was ready for anything, but was curious as to what they'd be facing tomorrow.
"Look … I know we're all exhausted and could probably benefit from a day to regroup and rest, but I think we're ready to push on," their leader explained. "Most of the walkers are dressed as guards and prisoners. Looks like this place fell pretty early. It could mean the supplies may be intact."
"It would be great to have more supplies to add to what we brought with us," Andrea added.
"Yeah, they'll have an infirmary, a commissary," Shane mused.
"An armory." Daryl, of course, would think about their defenses first.
Rick's gaze moved over the fence line. "That would be outside the prison itself, but not too far away. Warden's offices would have info on the location. Weapons, food, medicine. This place would be a goldmine."
Lori grinned as her husband's arms tightened around her and he smacked a kiss to her cheek. "I don't know how we'll like sleeping in cells, but it's four walls and a roof, a place we can defend …"
"A place we can make into a home," Carol added. She didn't care where they were as long as their family was intact.
Hershel stroked a hand over his snowy white beard, his brow creased in a worried frown. "Despite our stores of ammo, taking the population of the prison into consideration, we'd run out before we made a dent."
Rick sighed. "That's why we have to go in there … hand to hand. After all we've been through, and with our training, we can handle it. I know it. These assholes don't stand a chance."
"Damn straight!"
"Carl, language!"
"Sorry, Mom."
*.*.*
Carol's brows shot up in surprise as Patricia crouched between her and Lori and offered to take the kids for the night. "Are … are you sure?" she stammered, sharing a look with Lori.
"It's gonna be a while before those two settle down enough to sleep, and me and Theodore don't mind their chatter a bit. It'll give the four of you a breather," the woman said in her soft Georgian accent.
Both Rick and Daryl smirked slyly. "That's kind of you to offer, Patricia. Thank you," Rick accepted graciously, his head already spinning with thoughts of how he'd like to spend a private evening with his wife.
Daryl gave her a nod in thanks as Carol slipped from his arms to hug the woman. "You're sure you don't mind? They can be a bit much."
"Nothin' I can't handle."
T-Dog climbed to his feet. "They ain't no trouble, Carol. They're good kids; got good parents." He called to the kids. "Grab your stuff, you two."
Sophia put the checkerboard away and hurried over to her parents, plopping down onto her father's lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. "Y' be on your best behavior, baby girl. Y' got me?"
"Yes, Daddy," she replied. "An' sleep with my knife under my pillow and my bow at my side. Don't worry; I got this."
He pressed a kiss to her brow and ruffled her messy locks. "That's m' girl," he said proudly, sending her off into her mother's arms to say goodnight.
Carol was still chuckling softly as she and Daryl found their way into their tent and collapsed together onto their bedroll. She nestled into his embrace with a contented sigh as he pulled their quilt up and tucked it around her shoulder. "Did you know Patricia and T were an item?" she asked as his hands roamed over her back and sides, trying to generate enough friction to warm her.
Daryl shrugged. "Ain't m' business. I try t' stay outta all th' soap opera bullshit goes on around here. Had enough of it with Lori, Rick an' Shane at th' farm before they worked it out. Shane hookin' up with blondie didn't hurt none either."
She leaned up on her elbow to look down at him where he was barely visible in the darkness. "Aren't you happy for them? Poor Patricia, I was worried for her after she lost Otis. And T has been such a good friend to her."
"I dunno, woman," he growled irritably. "I ain't thought about it. I'm thinkin' y' jus' want everybody t' be as happy an' as in love as you are." His big hands circled her slender waist, pulling her across his chest so he could nip lightly at her neck. "Why don'tcha lemme make you happy an' stop worryin' about everybody else, hmm?"
Carol sighed, her fingers creeping up his neck to tangle in the ends of his hair. "Oh, I do love the way my husband thinks," she smirked against his lips. "You gonna warm me up, Pookie, like you promised?"
His hand latched onto the back of her thigh, reveling in the heat radiating through her yoga pants, and brought it up to curl over his hip as he rolled over with her. "I'm a man o' m' word, woman," he murmured, a low growl rumbling in his chest as she pulled him down to her lips. Already her deft fingers were working on the buttons of his flannel work shirt. Gawd, how easy it was to get lost in his precious wife.
Carol broke their kiss, a furrow appearing between her brows. "Did you hear that?"
Daryl's lips changed direction, trailing over the smooth curve of her jaw to tease at the sensitive pulse point beneath. "Ain't heard nothin'," he grumbled, irritated by her distraction.
"I know I heard something," his wife insisted.
The same noise resounded, and he wasn't able to ignore it this time, his head jerking up to stare at the nylon wall of the tent as his hand slipped beneath their pillows for his knife. "Th' fuck?!" His face twisted up first into a mask of confusion, followed by undisguised disgust. He looked down at Carol who had covered her mouth with both hands to try to muffle her giggles. "Y' hear that kinda shit on th' Discovery Channel. Th' hell is Andrea doin' t' th' poor man to get him t' make that sound?"
Daryl rolled over onto his back and threw his arm over his eyes. Maybe it wouldn't last much longer …
The moans and grunts from Shane and Andrea's tent were joined by the same from Rick and Lori's which sent Carol into more paroxysms of gleeful laughter. "Ain't funny, woman! If we can hear this shit, y' can bet your sweet ass our kids can too!"
Carol scooted closer to her husband and rested her head on his chest. "Aw, Pookie, cut them some slack. We've all been crammed up in that house for weeks. You and I have been the only ones able to have any privacy because you were adamant about not sharing our basement with anyone aside from Sophia or Carl … and the children mostly stayed in the den with their friends. This is most likely the first time they've been alone with each other in a while."
"Don't mean I wanna listen in, for fuck's sake! I'ma kill those marines for settin' up our tent right in th' middle o' this burlesque show!" Daryl lifted up the waistband on his cargos and let out an undignified little sound as he glanced at his flaccid cock. "Look, Carol. Prob'ly never get it up again," he groaned. "Every time I go t' touch y', I'ma think of those four havin' sex! Cockblocked by people who're s'posed t' be our friends."
"Could have been worse," Carol murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Pray tell … how could this possibly be worse?"
"You could have walked in on them."
Daryl cursed and yanked the pillow over his head, hoping he could drown out the noises … and the mental images he now had to go along with them.
*.*.*
Daryl stood at the gate leading into the inner courtyard, securing his weapons for what seemed like the umpteenth time as he waited on the others. He was trying his damnedest to get his head in the game and focus on the upcoming purge instead of letting his worries for Carol and Sophia overwhelm him. The outer yard was secure, no breaches along the fences. Watch had been posted in the towers, and those left in the yard all had work to do. They would watch out for one another, for his girls. This purge of the inner courtyard was just another step to provide the group with a stable home. He wouldn't let them down. Rick and Shane were excited to move into the cellblocks, for once not at odds over a decision. Daryl didn't know whether he should take that as a bad omen or not.
He was drawn from his reverie by a small hand on his arm. "Daddy? Can I talk to you for a minute before you and the others go inside?" his daughter asked, her troubled gaze meeting his.
Daryl slung his crossbow onto his back and hugged her to his side, his large hand settling over her slender shoulder. "What's wrong, Soph? Y' worried? I toldja there ain't no reason t' be."
She glanced behind her at the walkers milling around the courtyard behind the fence before she shot him a skeptical look. "There's about fifty geeks in there, Daddy … maybe more. Yes, there's reason to worry."
He shot her a squinty-eyed look as he dropped to one knee so she wouldn't have to look up at him. "Y' don't trust me t' stay safe?"
Sophia shook her head. "No, it's not that … but you're going in there without Mama at your back. I understand you wanting to protect her, it's just … what if the others don't look out for you like she does? Mama's your partner. You've drilled it into me and Carl over and over again how important it is to look out for your partner, yet you're not bring her in with you."
Daryl couldn't help the swell of pride which filled his chest at her words, to know how well she heeded his teachings. "I cain't take her into that, Sophia. I cain't put her at risk." He rubbed his hands over her arms, noticing the shiver which shook her lithe frame, offering her warmth and comfort. "I will be better focused if I know she's safe. Y' understand?"
"I want you to be safe, too."
He caught her as she threw herself into his arms and rested her head against his shoulder. "It's gonna be ok, baby girl. Rick, Shane, T-Dog, Glenn … I trust 'em t' do it right. We've trained together, fought together on runs. We can do this."
Sophia's bright blue eyes glimmered with unshed tears as she pulled away. Without explanation, she unbuckled her belt and tugged her knife – sheath and all – from the leather. "Take my knife … for luck. It was the first one Merle ever gave me, and it hasn't failed me yet. Please, Daddy?"
Daryl stared down at the ebony handled hunting knife in her hands, remembering the day he'd first taken them to the bunker after Ed had ruined Carol and Sophia's clothes. Oh, how far his girls had come since then. The corner of his mouth curled up into a half-moon grin. "An' whatcha gonna use if y' need it, hmm?"
She pointed down to her boot where the knife Daryl had given her peeked out. "Always have a spare. It's the Dixon way. Never be caught off guard," she smirked.
He shook his head, huffing a laugh as he stood. Unbuckling his belt, he slid the sheath holding her knife onto the leather to rest next to his own. "I'll bring it back t' y', Soph … promise."
Sophia wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. "You better. I love you, Dad."
Daryl dropped a kiss to his daughter's soft curls, catching Carol's gaze where she stood next to the fence watching them. "Love y', too, Sophia. Now, g'on an' find Lori. Make sure she's keepin' Carl outta trouble."
He watched her go, his eyes soft as he tracked her movements over to where Lori stood with Rick and Carl. It seemed as if all their women were fraught with nerves over what the five of them were about to do. Maggie stood with Glenn, their hands clasped, their lips silent, simply saying with their eyes what they couldn't otherwise convey with words. Lori listened attentively as Rick tried to put her fears to rest. Patricia handed T-Dog a sharpened piece of rebar they'd brought from the colonial, warning him to be careful, and Andrea tried to hide her anxiety for Shane behind an over-bright smile. Time was short, he thought, his eyes seeking out his own wife and holding out his hand to her.
Carol didn't hesitate to step into the circle of his arms, her hands fisting in the leather of his vest as she fought to stave off an onslaught of tears. His eyes remained open as he brought his lips to hers in the softest of kisses, unwilling to look away from her for even a moment. The rough pads of his thumbs traced over her cheekbones as he pulled away enough to rest his brow to hers. "Don't be scared. Trust me," he whispered, losing himself in the deep pools of her eyes.
"I do, Daryl, with everything I am," she breathed airily against his lips. "I love you."
"I love y', too, woman. Sometimes, there ain't words strong enough t' let y' know jus' how much."
A muted whimper bubbled up from her throat as a lone tear trickled from her spiky lashes. "Don't you do that to me," she hissed. "It sounds too much like you're saying goodbye. You have to come back to me."
"Y' know I will," he promised. "An' there ain't nothin' wrong with a man tellin' his wife how much she means t' him. Don't be scared, baby, please? Y' gonna be right there at the fence with Lori an' Andrea. Y' should have me in your sights th' whole time." He pressed another kiss to her trembling lips. "Don't be scared."
Carol drew in a deep shuddering breath and willed her thundering heart to slow. "Don't worry about me, Daryl. Go in there and do what you do best. Take out the threat, and come back to me, to our daughter. Focus. And for the love of god … watch your back. I need you to stay safe. As much as I love every member of this group … you are my heart, Daryl Dixon."
His fingers trailed lightly over the smooth curve of her jaw as he committed her face to his memory, all the love in the world shining in her eyes, her petal soft lips parted and curved into the barest hint of a smile, the sweet upturn of her button nose. "Ain't nobody ever loved me like you do," he whispered reverently.
Her arms twined around his neck, her lips soft against the shell of his ear. "You're mine to love, and I will with my last breath." She spoke from her heart. It might sound sappy and sentimental to anyone else who might hear, but it was no less true, and what her husband needed to hear. "Now get your head in the game, baby, and make us proud."
Daryl felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and he smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
Rick cleared his throat and Daryl turned to find the others staring at him and Carol. "You ready to do this?"
He let go of his wife, giving one last reassuring squeeze to her hand and marched to the gate to stand with the others, bow and knife ready in his hands. "Yeah, let's go. Game on!"
A/n: I hope y'all enjoyed the update. This was a fun chapter to write. Next time: The purge begins! The kids find their own brand of mischief. Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing! *hugs*