AN: so I was cleaning up my works in progress and I remembered I had always meant to post another chapter to this and I had a few notes written so I decided to finish it off.

I do not own or profit from The Walking Dead

Chapter 2

A year had passed, a year of more changes then Daryl ever thought possible, some he wished were not possible.

Merle had gone to jail. Busted with more drugs then Daryl wanted to think about, sent away for five years, with parole in more than likely in three. It had happened a few months after his birthday. The Birthday he and Carol shared. Daryl was going to be twenty years old, in a few days. He was proud of himself, that he was making it on his own, but he wasn't alone. Carol still lived with him.

The year had flown by, and their never seemed to be enough time. Time to establish what they were, time to become what they wanted to be, or what he wanted to be. Life was always determined to throw a curveball.

She grieved for her mother, for months seeming to walk around in a haze, finding a job, to help with expenses, but not really living. She got up, she went to work, she ate, she slept, she showered. But that was about it. She kept her feelings tightly bottled to herself. She was afraid to feel.

But every night she climbed into his bed, that vulnerable look in her eyes, like she needed him to hold her, to make it through the night. It was killing him slowly every night to hold her every night. He never wanted anything so badly in his whole life, but he forced himself to wait, to let her heal. All night long he held her close, waking her when she had nightmares, or comforting her when she cried out in her sleep. Until one night she broke, sobbing into his neck while she held on to him so tightly. Breaking his heart as her raw pain was so visible.

She seemed better, little by little. Merle going to jail had given them much needed privacy they both desperately needed. The house although run down, was his free and clear. He worked a job and still went to school and she was working while she tried to figure out what she wanted to do. At home they had peace, they could decompress. They could simply be, without fear or flinching. They were everything to each other, but still not at the next level yet. Despite how much he ached, longed to kiss her, to touch her body and claim her as his own, Daryl wouldn't push anything on her she didn't want.

Then Merle was murdered in prison and Daryl fell apart. So many nights spent in her arms as she comforted him this time, showing in return just how much she cared.

The state, had been found liable for Merle's death. Seemed a guard who had taken a dislike to Merle had intentionally put him at risk. Turned the other way, when he was attacked. Daryl had been offered a settlement from the government so he would not sue. He took it for one reason, one reason only. Carol. He wanted to provide for her, to make sure she was okay. To get her out of this crappy neighbourhood.

There was enough money to buy a small three bedroom house in a middle class area of town. A new truck, and car and to pay for Carol to go to school. She had decided to go back to school to become a nurse, she'd been accepted into a program at the same college and trade school he'd recently attended. He'd graduated and was a certified mechanic, a job already waited for him.

She'd been so proud at his graduation ceremony. The small ceremony held by the college. She didn't know about the house or the car or tuition. The one time he'd tried to talk to her about it, she'd been confused wondering why he was asking her what to do with his money. To him it was their money, blood money maybe, not earned, but given in a way that made him angry, but for once he was going to take all the shit in his life and turn it into something good. Something beautiful. To him it was their money because to him, they were already together in his heart.

It was their birthday in two days, and he intended to surprise her, and if fate would allow it without throwing more crap their way, tell her how he felt.

Xxxx

That night came and he'd asked her what she wanted to do, he'd wanted to take her anywhere she wanted, hell he wanted to give her the world, as far as he was concerned it was the first night of the rest of their lives.

She'd wanted to stay home, maybe get take out she'd said. His little hermit he'd thought with a grin, it was exactly what he wanted too.

He picked up some take out from an Italian restaurant on the way home from work. It started raining on his way home, a storm had been brewing all day. As he headed home he realized the power must be out.

The house was quiet and dark when he got home. The rain was pounding on the old tin roof as he called out. "Carol?" He heard her call out that she was in the bedroom, and made his way in the darkness towards it.

He let out a gasp, as he opened the door, the room was light by candles, and she was standing there in the middle of the room, wearing a slip, barefoot, her hair trailing down her back.

The door clicked back as he he leaned against it heavily, a little weak in the knees. Neither had spoken, just staring at each other across the room, knowing so much was going to change, saying so much in a glance.

She started to walk forward towards him, her smile lighting up her face. She was happy, she was truly happy he realized. Daryl wasn't sure the last time he'd seen her look so happy. Maybe never.

She stopped in front of him, her toes touching his, her head cocked to the side like she was contemplating something, then lifted her hand up to touch his cheek. She cupped her hand on his cheek, and he noticed it was shaking. He put his hand on top of hers, squeezing it softly. Turning his head he kissed her palm, and he saw her eyes close, revelling in his touch.

"I wanted to give you something for our birthday..." she whispered. "but nothing seemed right..except this." She murmured. She stepped forward hesitantly and brushed her lips sweetly across his. He groaned wrapping his arms around her, pulling her in closer. Tonight was supposed to be about him giving to her, showing her how much he loved her but she'd managed to surprise him yet again. His fingers threaded through her hair. He would spend the rest of his life making her happy.

"This is what I have to give.." she whispered "I love you...Happy Birthday Baby."