I was gone for SO long! I'm so so so sorry guys. I feel horribly guilty so I decided to make it up to you ;)

I took a couple days away while I decided which way to take the story. I really hope you enjoy the update!

Thank you everyone who weighed in on the question posed at the end of the last update. I appreciate your opinions and you taking the time answer. I will give a more detailed explanation when my decision reveals itself. I just hope you all continue to enjoy the story regardless of which way I take them!!!!

Please comment/vote!

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Daryl

Jo dropped off to sleep fairly quickly after that. I wasn't surprised, she said she hadn't slept in over a day and she looked exhausted. She draped herself halfway across my chest, tangling her legs with mine and was out cold in minutes. With how tired she was I didn't think she would have trouble sleeping through the night.

I couldn't say the same for me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do something. I couldn't shake the itch between my shoulder blades that had been there since Aaron and I fell into that damn trap. I dozed a few times but whenever I fell asleep I jerked awake to check on her. Every time I woke up she was snuggled safe into my side. My brain kept going about those assholes only fifty miles away and what they did to that camp we found. What they did to that girl we found. I tightened my grip on Jo and buried my face in her hair. She was so warm and peaceful and she smelled like home.

I shifted for probably the hundredth time and Jo murmured in her sleep. I froze, worried I was going to wake her. I tried closing my eyes again but I just kept seeing those bodies over and over again. I slipped out of bed, carefully pulling away from her. I moved my pillow sideways and tucked it against her hoping it would help keep her sleeping. She grumbled in her sleep but soon slung an arm around the pillow and pulled it to her chest.

Satisfied she was all right I stepped out of the room. Before I knew it, I was pacing tight lines across the rec room, running a hand through my hair. I needed to talk to Rick about the camp we found, I needed to make him understand how dangerous those people were.

I looked around the basement. I regretted choosing a room down here. It felt exposed and dangerous. At the time I was only thinking that it was removed from the others, with more privacy, but now it felt vulnerable. There was no way to see someone coming and we could easily be cornered down here.

I paced another line. I wasn't sure who was on watch tonight, I hoped it was one of our people. Earlier that evening one of the idiots from Alexandria had already left the gate open and allowed a Walker to get in. It would be child's play for those assholes to get in here. We were vulnerable.

I scrubbed at my face and took a deep breath. I needed to get a hold of myself. My emotions were all over the place and I was overwhelmed.

I knew Jo loved me, I had known for a long time. It was no secret, it was just a matter of us working up the courage to tell each other. Nothing had changed, and yet I couldn't shake the feeling that everything had changed. The urge to protect Jo was like a fire burning through my veins and it wasn't just from the Walkers that were out there.

Jo was able to take care of herself. Hell she would probably outlive us all. Be the last one standing. For the first time I smiled when I thought about Beth. But it wasn't me who had been made for living in this world. Jo had struggled while I was gone though. She had seemed fine when I left, or I wouldn't have gone. Made me wonder if maybe she needed me as much as I needed her.

There was movement behind me and I whirled around. Jo was standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame. She was wearing only one of my shirts. It fell to mid thigh on her and her hair was sticking up from sleep. She was so beautiful it made my chest hurt.

"What's wrong Daryl?" she asked in a sleepy voice as she rubbed at her eye.

"Just think'in," I responded in a quiet voice. "Sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep Jo." I tried to sound soothing but as usual she saw right through me.

She frowned and I watched the sleep slowly clearing from her eyes. "You need to sleep too," she argued weakly.

I nodded. "I will," I promised. "I'll be in in a minute, I just got a lot on my mind."

Her eyes narrowed at me for a second and then something else moved behind them, something I couldn't quite name. It was almost challenging and in a way impish. She stepped across the plush carpet soundlessly. I found I couldn't look away from her as a slow smirk pulled at the corner of her full lips there was a hint of a promise there.

I swallowed.

She stood only inches away so I could feel the warmth of her skin. She reached up and touched her hand to my chest. She glided her fingers, feather light, across my skin. The tips of her fingers slid across my stomach and back up my side.

I shivered.

She rested her palm over my heart, covering my tattoo. She pushed herself up on her tip toes and leaned in real close. My hand closed on her hip to steady her. She whispered in my ear, her breath was hot against my neck as her lips grazed my ear. "You need to stop thinking."

Done.

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Jo

Sleep was fleeing quickly as I felt the smooth slide of Daryl's warm skin against mine. He was still tense and I didn't want that. He had seemed so relaxed and happy only a few hours ago. Something had happened while I had been sleeping, but I didn't think it was out here. Something had changed in his head. I tried not to think it had something to do with me finally admitting my feelings for him. Self doubt was an ugly emotion, but as I felt him shiver beneath my touch I knew that couldn't be it. There had always been these last few barriers between us. In a way, keeping us safe from one another. But I didn't want to hold back anymore. I wanted all of him.

I could feel the warmth of his skin through the thin material of his shirt. His fingers were strong and sure where they closed around my hip to steady me. I wanted to feel more of him. All of him.

I glided my hand on his chest down the smooth planes of his abs. I took my time, letting my fingers trace the dips and ridges of his muscles. I glided my fingers down my favorite muscle lines above his hips and he shivered. I could feel his control hanging on by a thread. My fingers found the waistband of his boxers and I hesitated. He made a noise in the back of his throat and I pushed myself back up on my toes so I could nip at his ear again.

Daryl had told me he was willing to wait for me, that I needed to take time to make sure I was ready, but I was done waiting. Even here, behind these supposedly safe walls our lives were uncertain. I didn't want any regrets. We said we wanted to started living. Well I was ready to start now.

"Dare-" I whispered, my breath fanning against his skin.

He looked down at me, his eyes were clouded with desire but he was holding himself back, letting me set the pace. He hadn't moved a muscle other than his hand on my hip. I reached up, taking his face in both of my hands and let him see how much I wanted this. How much I wanted him right now.

He moved then, startlingly fast jerking me roughly against him. I sucked in a breath in surprise but he didn't wait or hesitate. His lips found mine in a bruising kiss. One of his hands was at my waist, gripping me tightly while the other one held the side of my face as he swept his tongue against mine. I met his passion with a fire of my own. I felt like I had been holding myself back for so long, and it was a heady release to finally let myself go. I don't know why I had expected him to be slow and gentle, but his passion was intoxicating.

I held him against me, my hands running over his back. My fingers teased along his spine and the sinewy muscle that were intersected by raised scar tissue. I didn't shy away for it though. It was all Daryl, and it was just another part of him to feel and experience. He trembled as goosebumps broke across his skin.

His fingers ran down my sides skimming along the hem of his shirt I was wearing. I shivered and nipped at his lip, I wanted more. As always he seemed to understand perfectly. His hands closed around my hips and he lifted me effortlessly. I wrapped my legs around his waist, rubbing against him, moaning as the friction sent electric pulses along my skin as heat pooled low in my belly. He made a noise low in his throat that reminded me of a growl. I smiled against his lips as he carried me effortlessly into our bedroom.

He crossed the room in three long strides and tossed me onto the bed. I let out an uncharacteristic girly shriek of surprise and he was grinning as he looked down at me. His blue eyes were shinning in the dim light. It was so rare for Daryl to look this happy it made something in my chest tighten. He was so beautiful. He stepped out of his boxers and the smile fell from my face as I bit my lower lip. We were really going to do this. I jerked his shirt over my head and threw it at his face with a grin. He caught it one handed, his eyes glittering with both amusement and desire as he looked down at me.

Since Woodbury my femininity didn't seem to matter. In this world all that mattered was being strong. And yet, as Daryl stared down at me, his eyes dark with desire, I felt not just beautiful, but powerful and sexy. He climbed up the bed, caging me in his arms but still holding himself up, as though he were afraid he would crush me.

He kissed me slowly, as though he had all the time in the world. My toes curled as I felt his heat surrounding me but not fully touching me. I wanted to feel his skin against mine, to wrap myself up in his warmth. I wanted to feel him everywhere. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and tugged on him, trying to pull him closer. He stilled. He pulled back and rested his forehead against mine. He swallowed thickly and licked his lips as he drew in a deep breath. "You sure about this darl'in?" He asked in a husky voice. He was struggling for control but at the same time still trying to protect me. God I loved this man.

I drew in a deep breath and let it out. Feeling for maybe the first time since this all started completely sure of myself and him. I wanted to be with Daryl. I wanted Daryl. And I was done compromising.

"Absolutely," I whispered against his skin.

His stared down at me for a long moment as though he could read the truth in my eyes. I looked up at him, letting him see how much I loved him and how badly I wanted this. We had held back for so long. I didn't need to protect myself from Daryl. He was my protection, just like I was his.

He nodded and he leaned in and kissed me deeply, agonizingly slowly as though he were trying to memorize the feeling. He pulled back just as I was about to run out of air a slow, satisfied grin twisting his lips.

His hand dipped down, skimming my side, my hip, my thigh and up the inside of my thigh. I squirmed beneath his touch, moaning his name. He kissed me again just as his fingers found my core. I groaned into his mouth as pleasure flooded my brain. It had been so long and as much as I wanted to chase that feeling, I wanted him more. I tried to move, to reach for him, but he held himself back as his fingers moved and stroked until I was a writhing, gasping mess beneath him. Just as I was about to peak his fingers stilled.

"Dare please," I gasped.

A slow satisfied smile twisted his lips and he dipped his chin, releasing me for just a second. My mind was spinning and I was gasping as he lined himself up. I writhed at the feeling, spreading my legs wide beneath him. But he didn't slide home, instead he dragged himself along the length of my core teasingly as he watched the pleasure on my face.

"Dare," I gasped his name once more, more desperate this time. I tried to shift, to catch him to end this torture but he prolonged the moment until I was shivering and practically begging. Then he slid home.

I threw back my head with a loud moan as his girth stretch my walls. He froze for just a second, his eyes closed, ecstasy on his face as a shudder wracked his body. He was so beautiful. I felt a strange sort of pride that I had made him feel this way.

I reach up and gripped the back of his neck, pulling him down so I could kiss him. He started moving then, slowly at first, watching my face, reading my every reaction. I sank my teeth into my lip as I fought to stay quiet, but before long I was moaning loudly once more. He seemed to know exactly how to touch me, how to work my body and in moments I felt my orgasm start to rise once more.

"Daryl," I said his name almost desperately. I needed him, needed to come, needed this moment to keep going on forever.

"I've got you Darlin," he promised and he quickened his pace, shifting his hips as he found a new, even better angle. I threw my head back with a shout as my orgasm took me and he quickly buried himself deep inside following me into bliss.

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Daryl

I woke at dawn. I couldn't remember the last time I had slept so hard. I needed to get up and go talk to Rick, but I didn't want to move. We had stayed up half the night but somehow I still felt well rested. I glanced down at Jo. She was sleeping on her stomach her warm, bare skin pressed tightly against my own. She had one arm tossed over my chest and was snoring softly.

As badly as I wanted to stay I needed to talk to Rick. I slipped out of bed. Jo hummed in the back of her throat and snuggled into the warm spot I left. "Shh," I whispered, brushing my lips across her tousled hair as I pulled the blankets up to cover her. I was surprised by the possessive swell that rose up on my chest seeing her like that.

"Love you," she murmured sleepily and she burrowed into the blankets and went back to sleep.

I couldn't help but smile as I got dressed and headed upstairs. I could still smell her on my skin.

Rick wasn't up yet so I went outside to work on my bike. There had been some vibration that I needed to figure out before I took the bike back out on the road again.

I was working for almost an hour when I heard the door open behind me. The sound of Rick's cowboy boots on the porch were unmistakable.

"So was he okay with it?" I asked Rick, without turning to look at him.

"It was pretty much his idea," Rick responded. "He gets it."

"It's got a bed and a bath, but it's still a cage, you know?" I said wiping my hands on my rag. "He saved us."

"He gets it," Rick repeated. "He told me about what happened out there with the trucks."

"He tell you about those guys he met? The W's?" I asked, pushing myself to my feet.

"Like that walker we saw, yeah." Rick agreed.

"They're serious trouble. We found a camp they hit. Tore everyone into pieces 'cept a girl they raped and tied to a tree for the Walkers to find." I told him seriously. "We need to be ready."

Rick nodded thoughtfully. "We need more watch points. I was thinking of asking Jo to head that up, but I wanted you to have a chance to talk to her first. She had a rough couple days."

I nodded but didn't respond.

"Do you think that's a good idea?" he asked and I could tell he was still worried about her. 

I nodded, chewing on my lip. "She'd be good with that," I agreed. "She's good," I clarified so there wouldn't be any confusion. "Giving her something to do will be better than her staying behind these walls."

Rick nodded, though he looked thoughtful. "Good, I'm glad she's good," He shifted his weight restlessly. "I'm going to tell Deanna we don't need to go looking for people anymore."

I frowned, chewing on my lip and turned away. I wasn't surprised Rick would feel that way. It was dangerous sending me and Aaron out. It was risky sending away two fighters when there was a threat. But at the same time if there were other people out there we were strong enough to help them before they fell into the W's trap as well.

"You feel different about it?" Rick called after me frowning.

I nodded slowly, it wasn't often I disagreed with Rick. "Yeah I do."

"Well, people out there. they got to take care of themselves just like us," Rick said grimly as though that were the end of the discussion.

I shook my head as I watched him stalk away.

Behind me I heard the door open once more. I didn't have to turn to know the nearly silent footfalls belonged to Jo. She stepped up beside me, her arm brushing against mine. There were other people on the street and they kept glancing our way. I wasn't sure if it was me or Jo that was making them nervous. I glanced down at her, but her eyes were on the other people. I bumped her lightly with my arm to bring her attention back to me. She glanced up at me and offered me a small smile, then looked away shyly. A smirked tugged at the corner of my mouth and I reached over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling her into my chest. I wasn't going to let her hide that easily. I brushed my lips across her forehead.

"Morning darlin," I said in a low voice.

She squirmed in my arms and I chuckled low in my throat. She glanced over at the other people milling around, but I didn't give a damn what they thought.

She pulled away gently and looked up at me. "Have you eaten?" she asked in a tone that said she knew I hadn't and didn't approve.

I shook my head, biting back a smile I knew she wouldn't appreciate.

She nodded. "Carol's making breakfast inside," she said jerking her chin towards the door.

I got a decent look at her and realized she was not headed that way. She had pulled her jacket on to conceal her shoulder rig. "Where ya going?"

"There's a couple things Carol wants me to pick up from the pantry," she shifted her weight and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She was nervous. I looked around us, but didn't see nothing that should have made her so uncomfortable.

"I'll walk with ya," I said.

"Dare-" she started to sputter but I set off down the street without waiting for her.

After a few seconds she jogged to catch up to me.

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Jo

I wasn't nervous. Or I was trying not to be nervous or tense, but it was difficult. I didn't like not knowing how people were going to react after my little display last night. I couldn't tell if they were angry or afraid. Angry would be easier to deal with than afraid. Fear made people stupid.

Daryl led the way towards the pantry, completely ignoring the looks we were getting as we passed. He was a decent distraction. After last night I found I was somehow even more aware of him.

When we got there I took a deep breath and led the way inside. Olivia looked up at the sound of the door, a smile on her face. When she spotted us her smile faltered and she fumbled her notebook in her hand.

"J-Jo, Mr. Dixon, wh-what can I do for you?" she stammered.

I dug in my pocket and pulled out the list Carol had given me. "Carol sent me with this," I said handing over the small piece of paper.

Olivia's eyes moved from the paper in my hand to the knife that was strapped to my waist. Her eyes traveled to my jacket, which hid the rest of my knives but she knew they were there. After last night everyone knew they were there. I didn't know why I bothered trying to hide them now, it was more out of habit than anything else.

She reached out with a shaking hand to take the paper and whirled around to gather the things for Carol as quickly as possible. I leaned back against the banister, giving her room so she wouldn't feel any more nervous. Daryl stood beside me, his arms crossed over his chest as he studied the contents of the pantry. I wasn't sure if he had been in here before. More than likely he hadn't.

The door opened behind us and Daryl swung around to face the new comer. I stood on tip toes so I could see who had come in the door. It was Holly. I lifted my eyes to the ceiling and counted backwards from ten. Holly froze when she spotted Daryl and I. Her eyes widened and she looked back and forth from us to Olivia.

"Hi Holly," I said pleasantly, because as much as I was tired of playing the game, if we were going to keep trying to live with these people we couldn't have them terrified of us. I would help take this place if it came down to that, but we needed to avoid that if we could. And if me being nice to Holly and Olivia made that more of a possibility than so be it.

Holly sniffed and shifted so she was standing closer to Olivia than us. "Jo," she greeted primly. Her eyes traveled over Daryl and then she quickly looked back to me.

"I didn't get a chance to finish my lecture, did you want to reschedule that?" I asked.

Holly's eyes widened as though that were the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard. She froze, and seemed to be gathering her thoughts. "I think that's something that needs to be discussed with Deanna," she said simply and then she slipped out the door without whatever she had come to the pantry to get.

"Here," Olivia snapped, practically shoving a small bag into my hands. She looked from me to the door meaningfully.

I sighed. "Thanks," I called over my shoulder.

"Ya got any bolts?" Daryl asked suddenly.

Olivia's eyes widened in fear.

"Ya know, for a crossbow?" 

I rolled my eyes. "I need to get this stuff back to Carol. I'll meet you back at the house Daryl," I called as I pulled the door shut behind me.

I was halfway back to the house when I heard someone call my name.

"Jo!"

I turned around to see Rick trotting towards me. I turned to face him, arching a brow.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Daryl talk to you about the people they ran into out there?" he asked, getting down to business immediately.

I nodded. "Yeah, I want to start going out with the two of them so we have more of a presence."

Rick paused and frowned as though he hadn't considered that as a possibility. "Look Jo, I understand why you would feel that way but we really need to set up more watch points around here. You helped control the Pete situation so everyone knows you are capable."

I was a nice way of him saying people were now aware of what I was capable of. There was no reason for me not to take more a more hands on position with the compounds defenses. Especially not after Holly made it perfectly clear she didn't think I should be teaching anymore. I was sure she wasn't the only one who felt that way. I stopped and chewed on my lip. I didn't want Daryl and Aaron going out there alone, but I understood. It felt selfish for me to insist on going out when they clearly needed my help back here.

Rick watched me for a few minutes. "Think about it," he advised. He jerked his chin towards the car Aaron and Daryl had brought back that was parked a little ways down the street. "I've got some things to take care of and we can talk more about it tonight."

I nodded, "okay, you got it. Be safe out there," I called to Rick as he walked towards the car. He waved over his shoulder.

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Jo

I ended up helping Carol inside the house for the rest of the morning. I didn't feel like dealing with all the stares and fearful looks. Not that the looks themselves bothered me, it felt strangely freeing, but it was worry some for our group as a whole. So while Carol was preparing meals for some of the others in the community I pulled off my jacket and started washing dishes. She glanced up at me and smirked.

"What?" I finally snapped.

"You lasted longer than I thought," she said flashing me a smile.

I chuckled and shook my head. "You probably would have been better off picking someone not quite as damaged next time," I added wryly.

She laughed. "And who exactly do you think that would be?" she asked arching a brow.

I laughed out loud. "I see your point. Maybe Aaron and Daryl can find a psychologist to bring in next."

Carol nodded, a smile still playing on the edge of her face.

The front door swung open and Rick and Morgan practically ran in. Rick looked over me and Carol. "Somethings happened," he said grimly. He was covered in dirt, but for once I didn't see any blood. "Where's Daryl?" he asked looking around the living room.

"He's upstairs putting Judith down for nap," I said.

Rick's eyes were a little wide around the edges and he shoulders were tense. His hand was resting on the gun at his hip. The fact that he hadn't brought his gun back to the armory was proof enough there was something going on. "I need you to get him. We need Michonne and Abraham too. Carol can you stay here with Judith?"

"Of course," she replied, frowning in concern.

I headed towards the stairs to get Daryl. It must be something bad if Rick needed all of us.

"Carol do you know where Michonne is?" I heard Rick ask Carol as I jogged up the stairs.

The door to Rick's room was slightly ajar and I pushed it open silently. Daryl was sitting in the rocking chair in the corner, Judith in one arm and a children's book in the other. He was more relaxed here than I had ever seen him except when we were alone. Judith was snuggled up in his arms, her small head resting on his shoulder as she slept. Daryl looked up as soon as the door moved. His eyes were wary for only a moment until he saw it was me. Then he flashed me a devastating smile. He looked down at Judith and something in his smile changed. It became so radiant and loving it made something in my chest constrict and I had to look away.

When I looked back at him he quirked a brow, concern in his blue eyes. I just shook my head. I licked my lips to tell him Rick needed us, but he held up a finger. He moved the book from his lap, setting it silently on the floor. Then he stood, with exaggerated slowness so as not to disturb Judith and laid her down in her Pack-and-Play. He moved with such gentleness and when Judith shifted he froze, his eyes widening in fear of waking her. I backed out of the room and waited for him in the hall as memories of Thomas and Michael threatened to overwhelm me.

He stepped out into the hall a moment later, closing the door silently behind him. "What's going on?" he asked quietly.

"Duty calls."

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Well...I hope you liked it. Please comment/vote. I'm so sorry against for such a long delay between updates. I'm normally so much better about only making you guys wait a couple days at the most.