So I haven't updating like I normally do on this and that makes me sad. I really have plans for this story and I let some messages I got get to me. It messed with my muse and I just stopped even really thinking about this story for a bit. After talking with Haitus80 about it and a few ideas she got me leveled out and talked out of a quick wrap of this story. So I wanted to let my mind rest and then come at it with fresh eyes. I'm not sure where I'm going with it. I hope you all are enjoying it though. Thanks for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following. I appreciate it! Now this chapter got away from me and I really didn't realize just how much I wrote setting here. o.O

Carol watched Sophia was she ran around with Carl playing under the thicket of trees that set just off from the main house. It was good to see Carl playing after everything that had happened the past couple of days. She knew Mac felt bad for the boys pain but she also was aware that he'd hated Lori from the beginning. It'd be easy to think that he had let the woman die on purpose but she knew him well enough to know that wasn't him.

Daryl had mentioned in passing that it bothered him that she just kept backing further into the corner instead of coming to him. Mac had told Daryl about how he'd almost got taken down trying to get to her and all she done was kept backing away. It really bothered him but the group hadn't noticed or just didn't care either way. Andrea likely did but then to there was something going on with those two.

Carol's eyes looked around them again and she smiled when she seen Merle, Daryl, and Mac all walking back towards the group. The second they had stepped over that guard rail with Daryl and Merle a weight had lifted off her chest. She had kept her panic in check over him still being in the woods and having sent Mac back with Sophia. The fact that he would take on whatever was out there for her girl to have a chance to get away spoke volumes about him.

His eyes often tracked where her daughter was at and even her like he was always keeping an eye on them. She noticed that not to long after they had joined with the group. Daryl was strong and built for a world like this. It was something she envied in him. She wanted to be able to protect her daughter and herself without having to depend on someone else to do it. She didn't want to be the damsel in distress anymore she wanted to stand on her own two feet.

Carol's eyes went back to Daryl just as Merle clapped him on the back his head falling back in deep laughter. His face colored red and Mac was thrusting his hips and twirling his hand above him causing Merle to laugh harder. She wasn't sure she even wanted to hazard a guess about what those three were talking about. Daryl was shaking his head trying to break away from the pair of them but they both were shadowing his every move. She grinned realizing this must have been something that happened alot. It seemed every move he made they knew and intercepted him before he could get away.

"BOYS!" All heads turned towards the porch seeing Annette standing there her hands on her hips. "Upon my honor wont y'all leave your brother alone!" She was walking down the steps straight for them when she grabbed Daryl's arm pulling him along with her. "And make yourselves useful. Hershel needs some help around back."

Merle crossed his arms over his chest and Mac mirrored him both glaring at Daryl, "And what the fuck is he gonna be doing?"

Mac rocked on his feet then laughed, "Sewing? Cooking? Which is it brother? Gonna trade in your nuts for a spatula and knitting supplies."

Merle and Mac's barking laughs were loud and welcome compared to the usual nature of the group. Most of them had actually moved closer to them listening to their good natured barbs at each other. Carol figured Daryl would have fired some back but he had a smug look on his face and leaned on the step rails.

Annette stepped right up to both Merle and Mac her face set and her eyes flashing. Both steam looked to be leaving the men when her hand slapped across both of their faces. "Both of you need to learn some manners and respect." Her voice was light and motherly but held iron in it, "And don't you talk like that in front of me boys you know better!"

Mac stepped closer to her grinning and shrugged, "Now Nettie."

"Don't you Now Nettie me you snake charmer." She smiled, "Go on and see about helping Hershel before I have you cleaning the stalls out."

Mac and Merle said no more before trotting away. Annette's eye followed them before she turned smiling at the group her eyes searching. Landing on Carol she grinned further. Carol nodded and went back to what she was doing trying to get the heat out of her face from the look Daryl had in his eyes.

"Mama."

Looking up Carol squinted against the sun and smiled, "What is it?"

"Carl wants to go play in the pasture..."

Carol stood up and shook her head, "No. You all need to stay where we can all see you. DO no take off."

Sophia nodded and sighed walking away causing Carol to shake her head. Jacqui set down next to her and took up some of the sewing stuff trying to help out. Andrea eventually made her way over with Amy in tow. It felt comfortable, normal. Something they hadn't had since the attack at the quarry.

"You get your tent and everything set up?" Jacqui was looking to Andrea and Amy.

Amy blew out a breath, "I'm not so sure she'll even be in our tent."

Andrea glared at her but struggled onwards with her attempts at sewing. "Shush Amy."

"No! We all know you and Mac are up to something the sooner you admit the quicker I can have more room." Amy grinned at Carol. "Besides I'm sure there is enough room in that big ol tent of theirs if Carol isn't in there already."

Carol looked up sharply her eyes wide, "Amy I have my tent!"

"Does your tent come with a Daryl?" Amy prodded on, "Because not a one of has missed the way you've watched him."

Carol shook her head, "I..."

Jacqui's hand set on her knee when her words failed her and her face softened, "Carol honey it's okay to let yourself feel something. We get that you were with Ed but when was the last time you really felt something for that man?"

"That was so long ago." Her voice was so low she wasn't sure they had heard her, "He was happy about the pregnancy up until he found out it was a girl. Things changed so quick after that and he turned into a completely different man. It ended there." Her voice was final.

Andrea set up dropping her sewing stuff, "First off I can't sew worth shit and I'm just making a bigger mess for you all. Secondly, If things were so bad that long ago, and sorry if this is to personal, why didn't you just leave then?"

Carol gave a sad smile, "My family was gone...I was trapped. I had no money, no friends, no family and he moved me states away from everything I knew. He isolated me and made sure his threats stuck."

Amy huffed, "Well good then that Mac done what he done."

All the women looked over at the young girl and the venom in her voice. They settled into silence for a long while Andrea trying to figure out how to sew from Jacqui while Carol tried not to laugh. Andrea's fingers were bloodied and she was cussing at the needles.

"I gotta ask." Amy smiled, "Do any y'all know what that show was Mac was putting on with Merle and Daryl earlier as they were walking?"

All the women laughed and shrugged about the time the door opened back up and Maggie stepped out. She nodded at them and then her eyes went out to the woods around them. There was a heavyness around the entire Greene family that was palpable. Carol wasn't sure what it was but she got the sense that something was wrong.

Daryl stepped out shortly after her his face red and Maggie was smiling at him. Carol couldn't help but look over at them every so often noticing the way Maggie was around him. They all knew each other and if he had something going on with her before the turn then surely he would have been more forward seeing her. And if he did why was he asking her how she felt, what she wanted. He'd made it clear to her or so she thought that he was interested in her and the way he was with Sophia made her feel things even more. Maggie slapped him in the stomach and Daryl grunted loudly. He stepped back from her shaking his head a smile playing around his lips.

Carol looked away and went back to sewing. She wasn't going to dwell on it. She couldn't let herself dwell on it because if she did she was just going to get upset. Her walls had seemingly crumbled for this man and if he had something going on with another woman it was going to destroy her. It would no doubt bother her daughter too but there was nothing to be done about it.

"Carol...Carol?" Andrea's voice was soft.

Carol looked up seeing that it was just her and Andrea. Amy and Jacqui must have slipped away while she had exiled herself in mental purgatory. "Yeah?"

"Get that look off your face." Andrea growled, "Mac told me about Maggie."

Carol raised an eyebrow at her, "I don't have a look on my face."

"The hell you don't. You look like someone just killed your dog." Andrea moved closer to her and her voice lowered, "I was worried when Maggie showed up and I seen how she was with them. I'm sure I looked the same way. Mac called me out on it quickly too."

Carol grinned, "I could see that."

"He was talking about the Greenes. Said that their families basically grew up together and that the Greene family was part of his family." Andrea shifted and looked to where Maggie was talking to Daryl. "He said that Maggie was like a little sister to him and Daryl."

Carol raised an eyebrow, "And Merle?"

"He said he'd say it was like that for Merle too but then it'd be saying his brother was fucking his sister and that was too backwoods for them." Andrea's eyes were bright, "I don't know what the hell to expect out of his mouth most of the time."

Carol felt relief wash through her at the news about Maggie. She looked back towards the porch and Annette stepped out. She grabbed Daryl's arm pulling him back inside despite his obvious displeasure. Maggie was laughing but started down the steps straight for them.

Andrea nodded at her and Carol smiled as she came to them, "Mind if I set down?"

They fell into comfortable conversation and Carol started relaxing even more. Maggie was a sweet girl with fire in her. No wonder she was able to handle the Dixons so good. Her eyes were bright and filled full of passion when she talked her hands gesturing as her southern twang carried you with her through her stories. She had told them a few good stories on the men and their past giving them a better image of who they were. The one thing that still shined through was how close they really were. The way Maggie talked it seemed there was never a time when Mac and Daryl weren't together.

"So y'all are the two that have managed to catch Daryl and Mac's attention." Maggie was smiling at them knowingly.

Andrea smiled and shrugged, "You say that like it is a surprise to see a woman around them."

"It is a surprise to see a woman around for more than a night." Maggie's smile was still just as bright before she went on, "Mac was a bit of a womanizer never gave them a chance and Daryl just ignored everyone basically."

Andrea laughed and set back looking at her, "Mac? A womanizer...paaalease."

Laughing Carol looked at her, "I'm not so sure what to call him with Andrea here."

Maggie looked thoughtful, "For the first time ever he seems considerate of a woman." Maggie locked eyes with Carol and smiled, "Well Daryl does too but I'm sure you knew that."

"Knew what?" Carol raised an eyebrow.

Maggie looked at the house and then flushed, "Well I thought he had talked to you already..."

Carol shook her head, "Maggie what are you talking about I've only talked to him earlier before your mom came and got him."

"Oh well guess you were going to find out anyways, both of you." Maggie stood up dusting her pants off and put her hands on her hips, "See daddy always considered those boys like his own. Norman was close to my father and well when he passed away it was them that helped him add on to the house and property. They each have their own here...it's been like that for as long as I can remember." Maggie shifted on her feet, "Their family."

Andrea stood up and eyed her, "What are you talking about?"

Maggie jerked her head, "Follow me."

Carol and Andrea started after her. Sophia was Amy as they walked by not bothering to look up from whatever Amy had her interested in. She smiled and kept walking with the women coming around the side of the house. She stopped in her tracks and shook her head. The property was much larger than she had realized.

Maggie stood with them as they took in exactly what she meant. There were five buildings that resembled cabins around the property and then smaller sheds and storage areas. There were three barns all together and it was more, so much more than Carol had imagined.

"Maggie what are you saying?" Carol looked at her.

Maggie shrugged, "See Norman their grandfather had places on his property for us girls too and Shawn. It was just something that happened. We stayed with them in the summer some and then the same here. Mac, Daryl, and Merle each built one of those and it is theirs."

Andrea scoffed, "We get that."

Maggie looked at them, "When my dad and mom were in there talking about where everyone would stay Daryl and Mac both gave their places up for you both." Brushing her hair out of her face her smile got bigger, "Turns out y'all two will be staying in one of their places with your girl and Amy while Daryl and Mac share one them."

Andrea shifted on her feet not sure what to say and Carol done the same, "But the rest of the group..."

Maggie smiled, "Merle wasn't so keen on giving his space up to the group so that leaves two other cabins. There bigger than they look on the inside and the rest of your group will fit."

Just then the back door busted open and Daryl all but jumped from the porch avoiding a wooden spoon being thrown at him. All three women watched as Annette wielded her extra one like a weapon shaking it at him. Daryl was grinning up at her and her face softened.

"Damn Nettie." Daryl rubbed his neck and at the sound of the nickname her mother melted and came down the steps.

Maggie shook her head, "She always had a soft spot for Daryl."

Andrea laughed, "Looks like Mac has a soft spot for her though."

Maggie busted out laughing, "He's been like that since he was in his teens. But it was always Daryl's quiet brooding ass that got her attention."

Annette noticed them and grinned as Mac and Merle came around the house both of them sweat slicked and scowling. Mac eyed Daryl and growled as he got near him, "Figure out which nut your slicing off first to get into those womens panties you seem so fond of sister."

"MAC DIXON!" Hershel's voice boomed.

Mac tensed and shook his head, "Fuckin' hell I'm always getting shit over you."

"Boy learn to talk when women are around." Hershel slapped him in the head as he passed kissing Annette on the forehead and starting up the steps.

"I prefer less talk and more action." Mac grinned waggling his eyebrows causing the older man to scowl to hide his smile from his wife.

Merle slid up next to Daryl and dropped his arm over his shoulder pulling him into his side causing him to tense. Carol watched still trying to take in everything. It almost felt like the world hadn't ended and she was seeing the Dixon's interact with their family like it was any other day.

"Now Mac you know Daryl here has always been delicate and the sweet one." Merle cooed brushing Daryl's hair off his forehead causing him to scowl and try to jerk back.

Mac appeared on the other side his arm sliding around Daryl's middle and they started walking in tandem forcing Daryl to take steps with them. Daryl's eyes flicked to her quickly and swept the length of her body causing her skin to heat before he was looking away again. She watched as his skin flushed slightly and smiled. They were all but dragging him along and Maggie started trailing after them jerking her head at her and Andrea.

"This will be good." her voice was low.

Carol and Andrea started after them listening to the stuff spilling from both Merle and Mac's mouth.

"So what did Annette have you doing baby brother?" Merle chuckled.

Daryl grunted from a hit and struck back before answering, "Wanted to know about some of the group and she stitched me up."

Mac's steps faltered briefly and he growled, "You didn't tell me you needed stitches." His voice snapped out.

"Don't tell your ass alot of fucking shit, sorry dad." Daryl snapped back just as harshly.

Merle huffed at them, "Wanna know what she had our asses doing while she coddled you?"

"No." Daryl sighed.

"Fuck you." Mac growled his grip tightening on Daryl as they neared their destination.

"Had us out there sweating our balls off in that garden." Merle's arm slipped lower hooking under Daryl's arms and he stopped. "I dare say though your ass needs cooling off though right."

"Don't." Daryl hissed jerking away from them.

Maggie grinned and Carol watched they all three started struggling with each other. Mac was knocked back suddenly and Daryl broke free from Merle causing him to whoop.

"Goddamn he's got some fight in him today." Merle crowed.

Daryl backed away from them slipping his crossbow from his back without even a glance at the women.

Andrea moved closer, "Should we be worried."

Maggie shook her head, "Not yet."

They broke out in a fight Merle and Mac both trying to force Daryl towards the dock over the water. He was putting up a strong fight but they were relentless against him and Carol could see him wearing down. She grinned and they walked closer to them again the amount of cussing and grunts littering the air making her blush.

Mac groaned and then a loud splash sounded with him disappearing from the dock. Daryl stood his chest heaving glaring at Merle who had his back towards the water at the end of the dock. He grinned, "Now brother don't make me kick your teeth in."

"Fuck you." Daryl snarled and slammed into Merle with his full weight taking them both over into the water.

All three them walked down the dock just as Mac pulled himself up cussing. "Goddamn wet jeans!"

Merle and Daryl appeared both swimming for the dock with Merle trying to drown Daryl on the way. "Feel better boys? Get all that extra testosterone burnt off for the night?" Maggie chuckled.

Mac and Merle shook their heads and spoke in unison shooting Andrea and Maggie loaded looks, "No."

Daryl pulled himself out of the water and Carol averted her eyes feeling her face burn red. His clothes looked painted on and the way the water was running down his throat only to disappear into the collar of his shirt and reappear at the bottom was making her mouth go dry. His shirt at the part was pushed up exposing his lower stomach and his pants were hanging lower than normal as water cascaded down him still from being soaked, disappearing into his jean clad groin.

"You know what fuck you Daryl." Mac huffed standing up again, "You know damn well I was bitching about wet jeans the other day."

Daryl looked down at him, "Like you two motherfuckers weren't just about to toss me in there!"

"Not the point little brother." Merle cackled his arm falling over Maggie's shoulder as he started walking away.

"That is exactly the fucking point." Daryl snapped.

Mac stood in front of him, "No your fucking ass was supposed to be the soaked one not me. Now I'm going to have to walk all the way back with wet jeans rubbing my goddamn dick."

"Strip then dick weed." Daryl huffed storming by him.

"Fuck you I will." Mac started working his jeans open.

"Oh god." Carol turned and started walking for Daryl.

Mac laughed, "Hell Carol we're twins go ahead and look at what you'll be getting."

Daryl spun around and was back in front of Mac in a flash his fist connecting with Mac's face. "Don't you fucking talk to her like that."

Carol's eyes widened and Mac stumbled back licked the blood from his split lip and smiling. Mac's smile turned triumphant, "Knew it."

Carol grabbed Daryl's arm and tugged on him when she seen Merle turn looking at them, "Come on."

He growled and turned Mac's laughter following him. "Fuck him."

Merle eyed him as he stormed past Carol's grip on his arm all but dragging her with him. She wasn't sure he was even aware she still had ahold of him but from the look on his face he didn't care. She caught sight of where he was headed and swallowed hard just as he swung the door open stepping inside. The door shutting behind her sealed her into the cabin with only him.

Carol let go of his arm and actually looked around her breath catching at the work that clearly went into the place. She walked further and let her hand run along the large mantle over the fire-place and smiled at the work. "Did you do this Daryl?" She looked over her shoulder and seen him standing there unbuttoning his shirt.

"I did."

"All of it? You built this place?" Carol turned more towards him her eyes getting a glimpse of his chest and stomach where his shirt hung open.

Daryl nodded at her, "Hershel, Norm, Merle, Mac, and Me built everything you'll see here." His boots were kicked off and he huffed looking at them. He turned walking down the hall leaving her standing there.

Carol knew she should have just waited for him to come back out but her feet had a mind of their own. She started down the hall towards where he had disappeared and stepped right through the door. This man had more than shown her that he cared and wasn't just looking to get laid. He'd taken her daughter under his wing before his attraction was ever made clear. He'd protected them both and risked his life for them. They had gotten them somewhere safe that had hope blooming in her chest. But more than just hope for safety she had hope for a life, a life with him. She wanted to be happy and he made her that way. She didn't want to be scared of her emotions anymore and she wasn't going to stand there and pretend she didn't feel the same way for him as he'd made clear for her.

He tensed when she came through the door and she knew exactly why. His back was to her and he didn't have a shirt on. She seen his past on his back clear as day on for anyone to read and see. She understood why she felt so at ease around him now and she swallowed thickly with the amount emotions threatening to spill out. She didn't pity him and she knew that he didn't want any.

Moving closer to him her hand lifted and traced over the tattoo on his back instead of focusing on his scars. He tensed up and his breathing was ragged as her fingers skimmed over his heated skin. Licking her lips she stepped closer to him and kissed just below the tattoo.

"What're you doing?" His voice was hoarse.

Carol smiled and turned her face her cheek setting against his shoulder blade. "Thank you."

Carol let her hand continue tracing faint designs over his skin as her arm went around him. Some of the tension as leaving his body the long she stayed pressed against his back, his scars against her heart. Letting her hand set over his stomach she smiled feeling the smattering of hair there and reveled in the solid feel of his body.

Daryl's head was dropped forward hanging, "Thank you?"

"For looking out for Sophia. For me...for caring." Carol caught his arm and turned him to face her. "For waiting on me to work through my issues."

His eyes were downcast as she talked and her heart was hammering in her chest hard. She didn't want to push him more than he was ready for and she knew that her having seen his scars was bothering him. Wrapping her arms around him she stepped back to him and forced him to look at her. His eyes were bright but something was swirling in his deep cerulean depths. Before she could dwell on it she smiled at him and leaned up letting her lips lightly brush his.

His breath rushed out of him and his arms came around her pulling her tighter against him supporting her weight. His mouth was on hers and his hand was tangling in her short hair. Carol lost herself to the feel of his mouth on hers and just let herself feel for once in her life without worrying about the after part. His hands slid down her back and she pressed into him tighter not paying attention to the feeling of the cold denim pressing right back against her. His hands grasped her ass dragging her tighter into him and she gasped feeling his erection pressing into her. Hands sliding through his wet hair mussing it up he groaned against her lips making the ache between her thighs worse. Her entire body heated up with desire pooling low in her stomach. The kiss became rougher and she moaned nipping his lip as he pulled back panting for breath.

His hand came up his thumb tracing her lower lip and he smirked at her, "You're beautiful." His eyes came to hers briefly before dropping down to her mouth and lips that she knew were bruised from kissing him.

"And you're sweet."

Daryl shook his head and stepped back from her letting his hold on her go. The sound of the door to the cabin opening had his head lifting and he growled causing her to look over her shoulder. She mourned the loss of his body pressed to hers but was glad someone wasn't going to walk in on them.

Mac appeared suddenly at the door his shirt all but gone and his jeans dry. His eyes widened when he look at her standing there with Daryl. She didn't get the look on his face till she looked at where his eyes were studying. Daryl still didn't have a shirt on and was standing there his belt hanging open and glaring at his brother. She swallowed thickly able to see his obvious arousal and felt that ache start all over again but spreading further through her body almost like a drug.

"What?" Daryl snapped.

Mac looked off and then back at him sighing leaning against the door, "You can't hate me forever Daryl...god knows you try often enough." Carol looked between them and then Mac shoved off the door walking over and jerking the dresser open and tossing shit at him. "Change before you do get sick and Nettie really does tear my ass."

Daryl gave a lopsided smile and started laughing, "Maggie told on your ass didn't she?"

Mac looked disgruntled and huffed, "Carol avert your eyes or watch do something so he'll fucking change." Mac leaned heavily on the door frame blocking her exit and winked at her "And fuck yeah she did, told her that me and Merle were starting shit with you and got you upset."

Carol blushed and just kept her back to Daryl hearing his clothes rustling behind her. Mac was studying her critically and she felt like she was under a microscope. She had no doubt that if she hurt Daryl that Mac would be out for blood. She got the sense that whatever happened to them in the past was worse on Daryl than the rest of them. She smiled at him and his smiled changed suddenly turning from critical to almost warm and inviting his eyes dancing.

"He tell you that you're staying in my place with Andrea and her mini me?" Mac's voice was softer than his usual harsh tone.

Carol looked at him and shrugged, "Maggie was trying to tell us something about it."

Mac opened his arms wide and jerked her into his chest and spun out the door. Carol got a brief glimpse of Daryl pulling a shirt over his head and walking for them. He was shaking his head as Mac pulled her along.

"Me casa su casa." Mac chuckled. "Besides me and Daryl will get to have slumber parties and talk about girls."

Carol started laughing and Daryl groaned behind them causing both of them to look at him. His hair was still mussed up from her roaming hands but his clothes were dry and he dropped down into a chair. "Fuck you Mac. Get Merle to paint your toe nails and talk about pussy."

"Oh no brother." Mac swung around setting by waggling his eyebrows at Carol,"See this is already to interesting to not talk about...I mean what did I interrupt?" His eyes locked on to Carol as she blushed and he smiled at her wolfishly, "Don't think I didn't notice brother...cause I fuckin' did."

Carol set on the arm of the couch and looked at Mac, "What are you doing on about now?"

Mac leaned forward and smiled at her, "Really wanna know?"

"Shut up Mac." Daryl growled jerking his dry boots on.

Carol eyed him before looking back at his brother, "Yes."

Mac licked his lips leaning forward but Daryl slapped him in the back of the head with the wet shirt he'd stripped out of. "Shut the fuck up and lets go."

Carol fell in step with them walking next to Daryl his frame brushing hers with each step he took. Mac kept grinning at her and giving her pointed looks but she chose to ignore them in favor of not slapping Daryl's brother at the moment. Annette was standing on the back porch and Mac huffed.

"Man." He jumped up the steps his arm going around her, "I thought we had something Annette...something special." He purred leaning his head against hers, "Besides from the looks of things earlier you've lost your favorite to Carol here."

Annette smiled at her, "Sophia was looking for you sweetie." She swatted Mac and looked at him, 'IF you or Merle either one say something like you did out there at that water and start stripping again you'll pray for close to be covering you when I belt you."

Mac guffawed and followed after Carol through the door, "Nettie making threats like that only make me wanna do it more."

"You're soft in the head." She huffed walking on by.

Daryl chuckled and slipped around them. Carol followed him hearing Sophia already talking to him as she walked for him. He set down heavily on the chair across from Hershel and nodded at him, "I'll be out before first light." Sophia almost climbed on his lap yawning as her head dropped against his chest.

Hershel looked up his face holding pain and nodded, "Thank you son."

Carol set down on the other side of her and pulled Sophia back so she was resting against her chest. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep and start sprawling out over the couch. Hershel smiled at her his eyes bright when Sophia's legs swung up into Daryl's lap and he didn't even pay attention. He was talking to Merle as she done it but his hand dropped down to her legs holding her steady.

"Ladies I've already talked to the rest of the group and Merle showed them where they'll be staying. Has one of these here boys talked to you about where you'll be sleeping?" Hershel's voice held an air of authority that had all three Dixons looking at him.

Andrea spoke up before Carol, "Yeah we're staying at Mac's."

He nodded standing up, "Over look what I'm sure is a mess in his place." Hershel shook his head and told them good night.

Mac grinned at Andrea, "Just over look my porn..I'm sure your use to the rest."

Merle laughed loudly and Sophia shifted rolling over her face pressing into her stomach. Daryl shifted and stood up the same time Mac did and Merle shook his head at them.

"Fuckin' twin shit."

Both of them smiled and Daryl stretched his back popping, "Am I gonna have to drag both of you out of bed in the morning or are you all starting later than me?"

Merle and Mac's face both turned serious, "We'll be up baby brother."

Daryl nodded at them turning to walk out when Sophia caught his hand swinging out her prone position. Mac walked on by them talking to some of the group and Carol stood up trailing after Sophia. She still had ahold of Daryl and he was following after her.

"They said we were staying back there." Sophia nodded as she stood on the dark back porch.

Daryl looked out at Mac's, "Yeah..."

"I don't wanna walk out there what if something is waiting on me? Are you staying there too?" Her voice was hopeful and Daryl's eyes flicked to Carol's.

Her arm went around Sophia's shoulders, "Honey he's gonna be right over there."

Sophia tensed her grip tightening on Daryl, "I don't want us to be apart."

Daryl started down the steps and Sophia rushed after him, "You'll be fine Kit...can't say I blame you for not wanting to sleep in Mac's mess though."

"HEARD THAT!" Mac barked from a distance.

Daryl didn't slow down and suddenly Mac was squatting in front of Sophia, "What's bothering you Kit?"

Her lip quivered and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Mac didn't even stiffen but stood up taking her with him his arms supporting her weight, "I don't want to sleep there."

"I'm not that dirty." Mac huffed.

Sophia shook her head and turned it just enough to look at him and Daryl. Mac followed her eyes seeing Carol standing by his brother and Carol sighed. She knew what her daughter wanted but wasn't about to push Daryl. Mac grinned at her again and she felt her face heat up.

"You want to stay with Daryl?"

Sophia leaned back and smiled, "Is that allowed?"

"Oh yeah he loves slumber parties..." Mac taunted.

Mac spun on his heel taking off with long strides straight for the cabin Daryl claimed. Carol watched him and felt her heart hammering in her chest at the thought of sleeping in the area with him. She didn't understand why she was panicking like she was. Hell before they had nothing more than thin tents between them but things had changed.

Daryl sighed and started after his brother and Carol fell instep with him. "Are you okay with this?"

Looking down at her he nodded, "Are you?"

Carol thought it over and licked her lips, "I am. She feels safe around you two."

Stepping through the door loud peels of laughter met Carol's ears and she followed the sound seeing Mac kicked out on the bed. Sophia was on the floor looking through a book laughing and flipping pages oblivious to them.

"Brother now unless you plan on Carol and Sophia sharing a bed with you looks like I'm staying at my place." Mac grinned at him a gleam in his eyes. Carol shifted and looked at him, "Don't worry Carol I say this cause I like to sleep in the buff."

Mac swung his feet of the bed and scooped Sophia up dumping her on the bed. She sprawled out much like Mac had and smiled, "I wont forget what you said Mac."

"Good on you girl." He winked.

Mac slipped past them his hand brushing her shoulder lightly as he spoke to Daryl. "Me and Merle are hitting out the back part figured you move faster and track quicker so you'd take the northeast."

"Got it."

And with that Mac was gone leaving her alone with Daryl again. Sophia was already snoring her tiny frame swallowed by the larger bed. Carol looked around and realized it must have been a boys room from the way it was set up.

Daryl cleared his throat and looked at her, "It was Noah's room."