AN: hey you guys, another day home with my little sickie:( I doubt I will update this as much as yesterday, but I may put another one up if you guys want me to:) let me know what you think:)

I do not own or profit from The Walking Dead

Chapter 6

Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,

And think of you

Caught up in circles confusion -

Is nothing new

Flashback - warm nights -

Almost left behind

Suitcases of memories,

Time after -

~Cyndi Lauper~Time after Time

Daryl sat in his bed a few hours later his back pressed against the headboard watching Carol sleep, or at least he hoped she was sleeping. When they had returned from the run with Carol, Tyreese, and Judith in tow, Daryl had headed straight to his room, depositing her in his bed. Bob had looked her over finding nothing apparently wrong with her, he'd said she had probably succumbed to exhaustion, try to get her to drink if she woke, and watch to make sure she didn't throw up in her sleep.

When Bob had left, Daryl had settled next to her on the bed, then pulled her to him, cradling her across his chest like he might a child. He might never let go of her again, he thought as he brushed his lips to her forehead.

The shock of that door opening and Carol suddenly standing in front of him might never wear off. He'd been rendered speechless, like a weight lifted off his shoulders with relief. When she said his name, he knew she was real , had to touch her, hold her.

He'd panicked when he felt her body go limp in his arm, but quickly realized she was alive. He'd picked her up bridal style much like he had the day he had found her in the toombs. She'd been so much lighter than she had been that day, it made his heart clutch with worry.

His thoughts had been interrupted by Rick who had spoke quietly his voice shaking "That sounds like Judith". The three girls and Rick had run forward whipping the curtain back in their search for the crying infant and had found Tyreese, his arm amputated and unconscious. Sascha had cried out and run to him. Checking his pulse as Rick frantically searched for the source of the crying.

"He's alive" she said as Rick whipped open a closet door falling to his needs.

"Judith" Rick gasped out as he picked her up, almost unable to speak.

Daryl had looked down at Carol, it didn't take a genius to know what she'd had to do to save Tyreese's life, and that she'd tried to hide Tyreese and Judith, not thinking of herself only wanting to protect the two.

"Her gun was empty" Maggie whispered as she checked it

My sweet strong Carol he'd thought with a sigh as he pressed his forehead to hers, wake up.

But she hadn't, and was still sleeping peacefully her head nestled in the crook if her arm. She looked so tired, her cheeks looked hollow. He didn't know what happened to here since the last time he saw her, but whatever it was, it hadn't been good. She'd obviously not been taking care if herself. Putting herself last as usual, that right there would be coming to an end if he had any fucking say in the matter.

There was a hesistant knock at the door,"Yeah, " he called out.

Rick walked in a sleeping Judith on his shoulder followed by Maggie, Sascha and Beth. They all looked a little taken aback and uncomfortable especially Beth, to see Daryl cradling Carol to his chest so tenderly. Fuck'em he thought staying where he was, they needed to know how things were.

Rick sat down on the edge of the bed. "Has she woken up yet?" He asked. Daryl shook his head no.

"Tyreese has, she saved his life" Sascha said, yeah no shit Daryl thought.

"That's not everything" Rick said his glassy eyes on Carol. Rick proceeded to tell Daryl everything Tyreese had told them. All about Lizzie, Mika, her confession, what she'd had to do to keep them alive. Tyreese forgiving her.

Daryl put his head down taking some deep breaths, could she never get a break? Fuck all of this had to be tearing her up inside. He looked up at the faces in the room.

"I'm just gonna say this once, you better put your fucking happy faces on, no one is gonna make her feel unwelcome here, cause if you do, I'll take her and We'll be gonna for good" he said his voice and gaze unwavering.

"Daryl, I can never thank her enough for what she did. When she wakes up I hope I can convince her to forgive me" Rick responded as he rubbed Judith's back

Daryl nodded and the group got up, leaving the room.

He felt her shift slightly then, her hand moving to his chest she turned her head and nuzzled his chest, she whispered his name and then her eyes opened, looking up at him.