So...here is my first Walking Dead fanfic. I hope to join the ranks of the other WD fanfic writers on here, you are all glorious and captivating!

Let me preface by saying that I had an absolute blast writing this and I hope you all have as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

Daryl and Carol...I am profoundly complexed and obsessed over these two. They want to take comfort in each other so badly, at least from my perspective, though neither one knows how. If they do decided to take the plunge, I hope the writers make them sizzle.

To all the men who read this story...my apologies if this makes men seem like pieces of meat. Allow me then to offer this perspective...it's the Apocalypse guys, get over it! Lmao!

Takes place after Pretty Much Dead Already. If Hershel had never skipped out to get drunk, and the farm life went on... could have happened?

There will be three chapters and possibly a sequel. Please read and review! I really hope you guys like this! Next chapter is Hot Hot Hot! Consider this a wet your appetite kind of thing...

Disclaimer: Robert Kirkman, you magnificent bastard...I hereby borrow these characters for a spell!

And to Norman Reedus...you perfect walking emodiment of male sexy...you inspire me.

Let the good times roll...

The axe slung down hard and split the log in two. Daryl bent down to refill the chopping block. The Georgia air was hot, thick and heady, but despite the unsavory conditions, the men decided now would be a good time to begin a stockpile of firewood for the winter. Nearly three weeks had gone by since Sophia stumbled out of that barn, and survival against what could be a lean winter had taken point.

They had been at it since late morning, pausing only to shower themselves with the hose leading from the farmhouse. Shane, Rick and T-Dog had left in the pickup heading for the tree line to load up large blocks of wood and bring them back to Daryl. Glenn gathered the chopped pieces and was using a wheel barrel to cart them to the side of the farmhouse.

Hershel had taken, Carl, Jimmy and Beth to help him in the fields. Dale went along to stand guard. There were some fences to fix and cattle to tend and Carl was going to learn how to milk a cow. Rick thought the activity would be good for his son, so he consented. The rest stayed behind to gather the wood. The women had started canning some of the farms harvest of fresh vegetables for the pantry. It was a long, tedious process and the extra hands in the kitchen were put to good use.

Carol sat on the porch taking a break with a cup of coffee and watched Daryl work. The old tree stump they used as a chopping block sat comfortably by their camp surrounded by trees and tents. The angle from the porch was perfect. She could sit quietly and go unnoticed.

Carol studied Daryl as he planted his feet and brought the axe full circle over his head to split the log perfectly. The muscles of his arms flexed in the rays from the slowly settling sun behind him, his skin shining with sweat. He wore one of those tank top shirts that clung to his body with dark carpenter jeans, ripped in different areas and tight through the hips and crotch.

Turning away from her, he bent to get another piece, and Carol's breath hitched. She bit her bottom lip as she observed his derriere. She smiled to herself, feeling like a naughty teenager. Her eyes followed his movements with the next log, which caused her loins to begin a slow simmer.

Daryl Dixon was truly a turn on.

And he didn't even know. There was nothing sexier on earth than a man who didn't strive to be attractive.

She was startled to hear Andrea settle into the chair next to her, also holding a steaming mug and gazing out at Daryl.

"He sure is a bite of salty goodness isn't he?" she said in a low voice.

She gave Carol a sly glance.

"Enjoying the show?"

Carol's cheeks turned red. She distracted herself by sipping her coffee, unable to answer the woman directly. Together, they watched Daryl in the clearing, moving about to retrieve the logs, bending over to toss the pieces at Glenn's barrel, wiping the sweat from his brow…

They watched as Glenn's grip on a large log suddenly slipped and dropped near Daryl's foot.

"Watch it jackass," Daryl said, glaring at the kid.

"Oh, bite me man it slipped," Glenn bit back.

"Cause you ain't got workin' man's hands," he growled loudly. "Them tiny hands o' yours are only good for haulin pizza's."

Glenn grabbed the barrel and pushed off towards the house.

"Kiss my ass you hillbilly bastard," he shouted at Daryl over his shoulder.

Daryl glared at Glenn's retreating back and returned to work.

"I wonder if he loses that arrogance of his in bed," she said her voice low and hinting towards Carol, trying to gage her reaction.

"No, you need that confidence, or the sex wouldn't be nearly as exciting," Carol said casually. Andrea laughed. Carol blushed deep at her boldness, but kept her head high. Dishing about men with a girlfriend brought back her youth.

"You have a point. I've always had a thing for roughnecks. Lumberjacks, farmhands, construction workers, you know? Rough calloused hands and an exterior to match; beer and scotch instead of martinis and wine; those guys are much more fun in the sack than those suit wearing metros," Andrea said under her breath.

"I don't know about you girls, but I take mine lanky, bold and sweet, with just a hint of exotic," said Maggie from behind them. The girl came forward, also holding a mug and staring at Glenn coming back with an empty barrel, a sparkle of naughty in her eye. She sat in front of the women on the top step of the porch and leaned her back against the pillar.

"Myself, I prefer the strong leader type that looks sexy in a uniform," Lori said, also coming through the door, mug in hand settling in another chair.

Andrea raised an eyebrow. "I could see how that would be attractive," she commented.

The women smiled at each other and silently observed the entertainment.

Together they watched as the pickup truck backed up to where Daryl and Glenn stood waiting. Parking the truck, Rick exited the driver side and walked around the back to meet Shane and T-Dog. Together, they hauled the wood to Daryl.

"The handcuffs are an extra bonus, indulge if you have the chance," Lori said as she gazed at Rick.

All jaws dropped and the giggling continued.

"I've always found myself looking for something sweet, strong and dark, when I was a young girl anyway. Of course in this part of the deep south, it was sort of forbidden back then," Patricia said as she swung the door open and settled down next to Maggie. She stared across the grass at T-Dog, the only one not wearing a shirt, his silky skin shining and the muscles of his back rippling.

"Not that I cared one bit," she continued, gazing at him intently.

"Forbidden fruit baby is the best kind," Andrea commented, her eyes sweeping over to Shane.

The women followed her gaze and basked in the glory of that man's body. As he bent low to snag another large log, the muscles of his shoulders flexed allowing one's eyes to move down to the lavishness that was his backside.

"You could crack walnuts with that thing, my god," Patricia cooed.

"We're fresh outta walnuts, we could try a couple of soda cans," Maggie said as she stared.

"No, no too cliché…how bout some coal? See if we can get us a diamond," Patricia said her eyes wide with mischief.

More laughter sounded. They grew comfortable and began having a good time.

"A nice ass is good, but I've always been attracted to beautiful eyes and a good smile," Lori said.

"I agree with the eyes, as long as they are dark and deep," Andrea added.

"For me it's a broad chest and a six pack, but not steroid style. Just good pecks," Patricia said, staring out at T-Dog, who was lifting logs on his shoulders to haul them.

Carol's eyes found their way back to Daryl again, who was pausing in his work to have some water. He unceremoniously drank straight from the jug, despite the cups provided. Even the smallest rebellion befitted him, she thought. She watched the liquid flow down his chin and neck, pooling into the shirt that stretched across his chest.

Carol pictured her tongue following the same tasty trail. An image of Daryl popped into her head. He lay on his back while her mouth ravaged his body and continued south, holding that furtive expression on his face, grunting as she took him in her mouth; lord have mercy, the very thought nearly stopped her heart. She swallowed thickly, and let out a low breath, careful not to draw attention.

The guys had started an assembly line, loading up the wood into Glenn's barrel.

"God, what is it about hard labor that's so attractive on a man?" asked Andrea.

"Maybe it's the aggression?" Maggie suggested.

"Gotta be the testosterone," Lori said.

"It's the tight pants," Patricia added, nodding.

They laughed again, but all eyes stayed on the men, giggling as they watched Shane discreetly pick up the hose and creep silently towards the guys. You could see the delight in his eyes as he aimed it at Daryl and Glenn.

"Oh yes, get all wet," Andrea said with glee in her voice. A chorus of laughter sounded once again as they watched Shane let the stream loose, a melody of curses coming from his victims throats.

Rick was the first to move. He tackled Shane from behind laughing while the others cheered him on, and pulled the hose out of his grasp. Rick backed up and turned the flow on Shane, who was a good sport, trying unsuccessfully to block the spray with his hands. Soaked, he removed his shirt and tossed it on the ground. They each took turns spraying the water at one another and shaking off the excess.

Carol watched Daryl move his hands through his hair, slowly letting the water drip over his shoulders, flowing down his well-defined arms. He shook his head rapidly letting the wet hair fall naturally. She let a low breath out, not escaping the attention of the others.

"He really is delicious Carol, you should totally do him," Maggie said, tossing her a look.

"Please, look at that man. I wouldn't even know where to begin, I'd lose my mind," Carol said helplessly.

"Just see if you can get him naked first, then it should fall into place… hopefully yours," Lori said covering her mouth and laughing.

The women laughed together, covering their faces and blushing.

The men were soaked to the skin now, everyone following Shane's example and removing their shirts, all but Daryl. He needed to stay covered.

Carol noticed him study the other men with a slightly jealous look. She'd skimmed over the story etched into his skin. Licking her lips, her thoughts turned wicked again as she pictured her tongue working its way down over his scars, attempting to wipe away his pain.

Carol's eyes swam out of focus, lost in her daydream.

The sound of metal hitting wood broke through and she inhaled a sharp breath, shaking her head.

The guys resumed their work. Carol watched as Daryl fingered the blade of the axe and broke away from the group, heading towards the shed. Hershel kept a grinder there and Daryl had been using it daily to sharpen several different axes and a few sturdier knives. As he disappeared around the bend, the conversation resumed.

"Each of them is so different. I just wonder what the sex is like," Andrea said.

"I bet T-Dog is real slow you know, savors everything…makes it last," Patricia said, her southern drawl sounding out her words. She twirled a blond lock around her pointer finger, gazing dreamily across the lawn.

"At first sure, but I bet he's a stallion after all that waitin'," Maggie said wrinkling her nose playfully.

The women laughed again, shocked and wide eyed at Maggie's remark.

"Baby, it's been so long for me, I would wreck that man from first to last," Patricia said, giggling.

Andrea spoke up they settled down.

"Slow is good, but let me tell you, there's nothing like a rough and tumble. Shane is quite a sweet ride, with stamina to go with it," she said sipping her coffee. The others whipped their heads around to stare at her, eyebrows raised. Andrea blinked rapidly and bit her bottom lip, wrinkling her nose and glancing at Lori.

Lori was staring into her coffee cup, her eyes a little dreamy.

"Shane is a guilty pleasure," she said smiling to keep up with the group dynamic. Everyone relaxed and resumed watching the men.

"Rick is bit of a wild one though," she let out before taking a gulp of coffee.

All eyes flew to Lori, eager to hear the details.

"We couldn't afford a real honeymoon, so some of our friends took up a collection and sent us to this lavish hotel by a large beautiful lake that had a beach. On our wedding night, Rick insisted we talk a moonlight stroll. So, off we went. We were so hot for each other; we ended up skinny dipping and making love in the water. We must have been real loud though, because the local police sent a water patrol to retrieve us. We spent the rest of the night at the police station. We laughed all the way home though, trying to figure out what to tell our friends."

Lori smiled and shook her head.

"And one night, a few years ago, Carl was sleeping at a friend's and Rick was fixed on us staying at home so we could go at it all night."

They looked back to Rick as Lori told her story.

"He got it into his head that we should have sex in every room of the house. So, while he drew the curtains, I slipped out of my clothes and laid on the staircase, just to start things off in an interesting way. That was the first night those cuffs came rolling out," she said laughing.

"He latched me to the bars and went to town. I got so worked up I busted through one trying to pull myself up," she said wistfully.

"He was true to his word though. We screwed in every single room but for Carl's. Each room had something different to brace myself against and we never did the same position twice. In the bathroom it was the shower stall, the laundry room I was bent over the folding table, the kitchen and the living room well, let's just say, I felt bad entertaining people after that. It was a long night, but a damn good one." Carol watched Lori's eyes swim out of focus falling victim to her memories.

Everyone watched as Glenn passed by, nodding towards Maggie, holding her gaze, while she smiled and blushed.

"So spill it Maggie, what's Glenn all about? I bet he's kind of shy," Andrea said joking with her.

Maggie's gaze fell to her boyfriend, who was dragging the empty barrel back towards the group.

"Yea, he was at first, but now he's real take charge, you know. Makes my knees weak, I swear. The other night, we snuck outside real late and he took me up against the shed," she said lowering her voice conspiratorially.

The girls gasped, shooting looks towards Glenn in disbelief.

"I tried to tell him we could get caught but he just went on kissing me. I was wearing this real short skirt for him and I think that's why he was kind of insistent. He was gentle, but so passionate at the same time. I got lost after that."

Maggie's eyes grew soft as she stared. "We have that whole 'new lovers' thing going on, where everything is a stolen moment. Some of the best times I've had," she said her voice cracking a little.

"The next morning, I woke up and he had left flowers outside my bedroom door," she finished dreamily.

Carol envied the girl. To have a new lover was exciting, but sneaking around with him was even better. You have the luxury of relishing every touch so you could remember later. Experience a constant replay of everything that has happened in anticipation of your next meeting.

Maggie looked down at her feet. "It makes me feel like a fool though," she admitted.

"Oh honey, why?" Lori asked in disbelief.

"The world being what it is now; could that kind of relationship still come to pass? Or is it unavoidable that it ends in pain and death? Why do we even bother?" Maggie questioned, her eyes growing damp as she stared at Glen.

"Relationships are all we have now honey," Lori said to her soothingly. "Lovers or not, what we do with the people we have is what defines us, makes us human. Besides, you and Glen are so right for each other. It's inspiring to the rest of us that part of our old lives still exists somewhere in this world."

Maggie smiled at her and turned to stare at Glen.

Carol stared at the young woman's back, knowing she wasn't really convinced.

"That's how I would want it with Daryl," Carol said boldly. "We're alike in a lot of ways. We've each lived in our own personal hell, and now we're just…free," she whispered.

"After everything that has happened, what he's done, I would be a fool to not want him."

They turned as one to stare at her as she spoke, almost hypnotized by her soft voice.

"It's his intensity that's so attractive, so perfect. No matter what he's doing, he can completely focus on it," Carol said.

"Quite a good quality in a man if you want him as your lover," Lori said carefully.

"I never had a true lover," Carol whispered, staring at her feet. "I don't even know what kind of qualities to look for if you want to know the truth," she admitted. "All I know is that when I look at him, something inside me comes alive that was dead for so long…"

"Is it courage?" Maggie guessed.

"Hope?" Patricia asked.

The woman shook her head.

"Passion," she said.

A small smile spread over Maggie's face as she watched the woman's eyes.

"If it was going to happen between us, there is nothing I won't do for him. Daryl, he's the type that would be fervent and unbidden. But, I wouldn't just want Daryl as a lover. I would want him around for the long haul. And that I think is going to take some time, if it even happens at all." Carol said with certainty.

"You would be with a man like that again? Almost like married?" Andrea asked incredulously.

"I married Ed almost right out of high school. Didn't really know any better. Daryl is my fantasy come to life. He's the man I should have married."

"Carol," Lori said, her face wrinkled with worry.

The woman held up a hand, firm in her resolve. "I know, Lori. I didn't even know Daryl before the world went to hell. He was a different person then, so was I. But, he never would have let Sophia out of his sights, had she been his. Ed wouldn't have given a shit. That was all I meant." Carol's throat flexed at the thought, the memory of him tearing into her was still fresh and painful.

"I just know that being with Daryl will sear the memories into my skin. Good memories, fond ones. He would let any moment steal us away; he's a rebel like that."

Carol looked down at Maggie.

The girl gazed up at her, hanging on every word.

"It doesn't matter what kind of world we live in now. You have to follow your desire. That is neither foolish nor stupid. Daryl and I could have a life together; one we both want to remember. I've earned it and I will wait till it's just right between us. I won't force a single thing on him," she said slowly.

"Besides, he would make every horrible day with Ed seem like a brief nightmare, and that's well worth the wait," she finished, taking a final sip.

The women grew silent, letting Carol's words resonate over the group. A few moments passed and Carol looked up as Daryl came from around the side of the farmhouse and strode quickly back to the group, gripping the axe tightly. He rejoined the guys, who were done loading the last of the wood.

Silently, the women stared at the men they wanted allowing their desires free mental range.

The guys were breaking up, finally forgoing the workday and heading in different directions. Rick and T-Dog were walking towards them, speaking in low voices, while Shane went into his tent and came back out wearing a new shirt and his shotgun in hand. He headed towards the RV where they kept all the ammo. Glenn disappeared around the side of the house, with the last of the wood. Only Daryl remained, standing quietly picking at his hands and gazing out at the fields.

"Well," said Andrea after a few minutes. "This conversation has me properly frustrated. Think I'll make my way to Shane and see if he's going to patrol." She left the porch and headed inside with her mug.

"Suddenly I feel like reporting a crime," Lori said, her eyes on Rick.

"Maybe Glenn could take a break and show me where he picked those flowers," Maggie said hastily, flying off the porch in his direction.

Rick watched the girl run after Glenn, amused. He approached the women, slowly climbing the porch with T-Dog just behind.

"Afternoon Ladies," he said. The women smiled at him.

"Officer Grimes, I'm glad you happened by. Seems we have a cat up a tree," Lori said giving her a sly look.

Rick raised an eyebrow.

"Well if you'll just show me the way ma'am, we'll see what we can't do about that," he said, not missing a beat.

As the couple exited the porch and headed for their tent, T-Dog nodded to Carol and spoke to Patricia.

"Sure is hot out here," he said, smirking at her.

Patricia blushed and smiled.

"Would you like something to drink?" she said coyly.

"Yes ma'am," he said, making eyes.

Patricia led him into the house. They passed by Andrea, who was coming back out the door, her hair loose over her shoulders and face still moist from washing.

"Off I go," she said to Carol in passing.

"Happy hunting," Carol said in a low voice. They acknowledged one another with knowing looks as Andrea headed off after Shane, who had emerged from the RV, holstering his sidearm.

And then there were two.

Carol gazed out at Daryl as he took up the axe again and slammed it down on the block, leaving it to sit for later use. He sat down, pouring water into his mouth again and staring out at the tree line.

Carol was suddenly sad. In all her dreams and fantasies, a man like Daryl would never want her the way she wanted him. In the end, she'd always be a giver.

Suddenly she craved distraction. Maybe the RV could use some tidying.

She set her mug aside and moved down the porch steps. As she passed by Daryl, she smiled at him in greeting. He nodded his head towards her and Carol's heart sank a bit. He never acknowledged her directly unless she did first. She paused by the campfire to pick up a few stray cups and a dish.

"Hey, you got a second," he grunted from just behind her.

Carol jumped, surprised.

"Sorry," he said smirking.

She grasped her neck, shaking her head at him. "What's up?"

"I got splinters."

"Excuse me?"

"Splinters," he said holding out his hands. "Think you could fix me up?"

"Oh um, yes" she said, distracted, and motioned for him to follow as she headed for the RV.

Inside, he sat at the table while she retrieved some supplies. She laid some alcohol and gauze in front of him and dug in her purse for tweezers.

"Pretty sure I'm not going to need a grenade," he said smiling a little.

She smiled and finally produced the small silver object. He laid his hands down and she bent over them, focused on the task before her.

He had five in one hand and seven in the other. Carol soaked some gauze in the alcohol and rubbed them over the tweezers. She leaned forward.

"How come you didn't wear gloves?" she said without looking up.

"There for sissy's," he said and winced a little as she pulled out a long one.

For some reason, the noise struck her stomach and shot straight to her heart. She swam in the euphoria for a moment and reached for his hand once more.

Carol worked in silence, trying not to produce that sound again. Each time she pulled out the irksome shards of wood, she would wipe the area with alcohol and proceed to the next one.

Daryl was silent as well, watching her. He studied her face and his eyes slowly went south, trailing over her shoulders and down the slope of her neck, pausing to gaze down her low blue top. Each time she leaned forward, he could see more skin. He couldn't quite tell if she was wearing a bra. Curious, he leaned forward slightly to get a better view.

Carol could feel his eyes on her and when she glanced up, he sat back quickly, with what she swore was guilt passing over his features.

Was he just looking down her blouse?

Carol pushed the thought away and bent over his other hand. She continued working in silence watching him in her peripheral vision.

She could see his eyes move cautiously back to her when she looked away. Carol felt the intensity of his gaze burn into her flesh, to the point where he had stopped squirming from the pain. She bit her lower lip, and moved forward a few more inches, allowing him to see whatever he wanted.

Pulling the last piece out, she set the tweezers aside and stood, going over to the sink. She turned on the water and motioned for him to join her. They stood close to one another as she lightly ran a stream over the cuts, caressing his hands. Carol could feel him staring at her face, but knew he was easily startled, so she resolutely kept her eyes on her work, allowing him the comfort.

She grabbed some liquid soap and spread a good amount over his hands, working gently to get a good lather and slowly working the foam over his dirty fingers. Carol went on like that for a bit, pretending to wash his hands, all the while drinking in his presence to reflect on that night, when she would surely be alone and free to fantasize. Out of long habit, she glanced at his face briefly and was stunned.

Daryl stood next to her, his head bent a little and eyes shut. Carol quietly turned off the water and reached for a small towel. She dabbed at his wet skin staring into his face. He opened his eyes and locked them with hers, each listening to the other breathe.

"Thanks," he said softly.

He stared hard into Carol's eyes. He seemed to be holding himself under rigid control, but was on the brink of letting loose. The earlier conversation on the porch fueled her nerve. She wanted this man, and suddenly her impatience took control.

Impulsively, she leaned in and kissed him softly. The sharp intake of Daryl's breath snapped her back to reality and she backed away, covering her mouth. He stared at her, confusion decorating his face.

"I'm sorry, Daryl. I wasn't thinking," she muttered, echoing words she once spoke to her husband. Placing the towel down and moving back to the table to collect the supplies, she prayed he wouldn't start ranting again. Carol's face turned red and her heart sank as she listened to his footsteps move towards the door, no doubt pissed at her lack of boundaries.

There was a click.

Carol looked up to see him standing by the door, which was now locked. Daryl turned his head and his gaze joined with hers. Her pulse quickened as a chill struck her spine.

Stolen.