Summary:

Carol Peletier puts everyone before herself, including her daughter and the patients she sees as an ER nurse. One night, she finds herself keeping a secret for the mysterious Daryl Dixon, a vagrant bringing his brother in to be treated for a drug overdose. Carol has some secrets of her own, and she soon discovers that Daryl can be trusted with them. But how much can she give to him while still keeping her miserable life with her husband intact? A pre-series AU that will extend into the ZA.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author.  The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.  No copyright infringement is intended. Basically, I own nothing but my feels :)

Rated: E
Categories: Pre-Series, Alternate Universe
Characters: Andrea Harrison, Carol Peletier, Daryl Dixon, Ed Peletier, Lori Grimes, Maggie Greene Rhee, Merle, Original Character(s), Rick Grimes, Shane Walsh, Sophia Peletier, Tara Chambler
Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Porn w/ Plot, Romance
Warnings: Adult Language, Carol/Other (Temp), Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse (Actual), Drug Use, Rape (Implied), Sexual Situations, Violence
Series: None
Chapters: 12 Completed: No
Word count: 39677 Read: 5613
Published: September 09, 2015 Updated: December 13, 2015

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1. Emergency by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 14] (3079 words)

2. Status Quo by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 6] (3698 words)

3. Taking Chances by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 7] (4689 words)

Hi everyone! First of all, thanks so much for reading and leaving so many very sweet reviews! I'm really starting to feel at home here.

This chapter is a little longer than the previous two because I wanted to move the plot along a bit. I'm excited to see what you all think! I'm definitely receptive to any comments or critique you have to offer.

4. On the Run by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 7] (2374 words)

5. Black Sheep by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 6] (2890 words)

6. Fantasy Land by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 6] (2821 words)

7. Take Me As I Am by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 6] (2780 words)

8. Best Laid Plans by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 8] (3437 words)

Hi everyone! Sorry it's taken me a few days to update; work was really crazy this week and my muse didn't want to cooperate. But here it is! Can't wait to hear what you all think :)

9. Now or Never by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 4] (2528 words)

10. Making a Change by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 3] (3773 words)

11. Bend or Break by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 4] (3508 words)

Gah, I know this update took ages but I hope it’s worth it!! Please review :)

12. Let Yourself Feel It by hickandhousewife [Reviews - 3] (4100 words)

Hi everyone! I just want to apologize for how long it has taken me to get a new chapter up. The last couple of months at work have been extremely stressful for me and I've been dealing with renewed anxiety and depression for the first time in a few years. When I get like that, unfortunately, it kind of kills my muse. However, I'm starting to come through on the other side, and I wanted to celebrate that by finishing the next chapter and getting it posted.

Hope you enjoy, and thanks again! :)