Summary:

This is AU - no zombies. Sophia is a newborn, and Carol is married to Ed. Daryl lends a hand to protect them. Eventual Caryl.

Rated: M
Categories: Alternate Universe
Characters: Abraham Ford, Alpha (Whisperer), Andrea Harrison, Carl Grimes, Carol Peletier, Dale Horvath, Daryl Dixon, Ed Peletier, Eugene Porter, Glenn Rhee, Hershel Greene, Judith Grimes, Lori Grimes, Lydia, Maggie Greene Rhee, Merle, Michonne Hawthorne, Milton Mamet, Original Character(s), Phillip Blake, Rick Grimes, Rosita Espinosa, Shane Walsh, Sophia Peletier, Tara Chambler
Genres: Angst, Baby Fic, Drama, Dramedy, Hurt/Comfort, Porn w/ Plot, Romance
Warnings: Carol/Other (Temp), Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse (Actual), Domestic Abuse (Implied), Dubious Consent, Rape (Implied), Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 25 Completed: No
Word count: 39182 Read: 6524
Published: August 12, 2020 Updated: February 12, 2021

Print or Download Story:

1. Shopping Rules by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1244 words)

Multiple triggers. See warnings.

2. The Offer Of A Plan by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1709 words)

This is the chapter that starts it all. This is where Carol is presented an opportunity that will change her life.

3. Escape Plans by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1173 words)

Merle, Maggie and Daryl organize Carol and Sophia's escape.

4. House vs Home by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1029 words)

The show down at Ed's house. Warning for language.

In the last chapter, Carol filled out a questionnaire. I wanted to let you know that the questions on them are verbatum to one used by a rescue organization in my state.

5. The Farm by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1650 words)

Daryl, Merle, Maggie and Rick accompany Carol and Sophia to the Greene farm.

6. Rick's Story by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1982 words)

This chapter is pretty dark. Several trigger warnings. Depictions of violence, spousal abuse, child abuse, child sexual abuse, suicidal ideations, suicide, brain tumors and mentally ill persons, and dellusions. Rick shares his own surprising story involving his family.

7. The First Night by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1628 words)

This chapter is not very action packed. After the day of hell for Carol, I wanted some home spun comfort for our favorite newly single mother. What is more home spun comfort than baking with Annette? So, here Carol bakes while learning some new things about her friends.

8. Three AM by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1496 words)

Some insight into what Daryl and Carol are thinking on the first night of Carol’s freedom. Build up for the next chapter which is my favorite so far.

9. Charges Pressed by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1829 words)

Ed’s showdown with the law and with Carol. All statutes listed and their punishments are exactly the same to Georgia Law. This is my favorite chapter and didn't make any big changes because it flows really well . Lots of details about what Ed did. I tried to inject just the teeniest bit of humor with the cop talk. I'm a geek, I know.

****I posted 2 chapters today, so check to see if you read the previous chapter.

10. Reflections by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (2410 words)

This chapter follows Ed’s arrest. I wanted to give a recap of the story as well as move it forward with a new character (an OC). Also, as mentioned in chapter one, Daryl has worked hard to be able to talk more. The position he is in as a member of the group, as a rescuer; requires him to be a good listener as well as use his words. Let me know what you think!

11. Mommy Dearest by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1335 words)

Carol speaks with her mother. Introduction to my OC Connie Mason. Some insight into how Carol grew up.

******Past readers:
I changed Connie's character a bit from the original way I depicted her. She is a tad softer here, not as cruel with her words. I also changed her story line quite a bit. There is an upcoming chapter where Connie is featured that is 100% new material.

12. Daryl's Story by Amwaaker [Reviews - 1] (1805 words)

Daryl tells Carol his story as they go on a walk.

13. Empty Rooms by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1557 words)

Daryl shows Carol his home as well as his vulnerable side.
***** Past readers be aware that I completely rewrote this chapter. Daryl's house description is the only thing that stayed. I also killed a sub-plot. I hope you enjoy.

This is the second chapter today, so you might want to make sure you read the last one.

14. Of Bikes & Bastards by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1294 words)

Negan and Connie meet. Negan's story of why he is a member is told through his thoughts.

Author's Note:
Some qualification about character ages was requested.
Carol, Daryl, Maggie, Glenn, Rick, Michonne, Ed in 20s
Merle, Andrea in 30s
Connie in late 40s
Negan in early 50s
Hershel, Annette in mid 60s

**In this story, Lucille is not Negan's wife.
**I am taking liberties with crime scene evidence procedures.
**See if you can spot a season 4B ancillary character. They only appeared in 4B.

15. Mamas & Their Daughters by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1524 words)

16. Just Another Change Of Address by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1456 words)

The meeting with Connie brings both problems and solutions.

17. Daddy's Seed by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1405 words)

Picks up from where we left off in Senoia. Some references to past chapters.

18. Houseguests by Amwaaker [Reviews - 5] (1897 words)

Carol ponders her bloodline. Houseguests are present. Changes in the group are made by a surprising source. Feedback is love.

A/N1:
Here is the delayed next chapter. That muse bitch came by and forced me to add some things. This is now estimated at 33 chapters. A HUGE thank you to Wanda for her inspirational thoughts. They formed words of advice given by Beth and Hershel.

A/N 2:
There are several Easter eggs here. See if you can find them all! Calling up moments of the show in a non-ZA story is one of my favorite things. I also am slightly obsessed with writing twins. I hope you enjoy!

19. Turning the Bad Into Love by Amwaaker [Reviews - 3] (1611 words)

Maggie intends to have Glenn become part of the group. Maggie shares her story. How Glenn came into Maggie's life. A vote is held. Cue up awkward Glenn. 

20. A Midnight Move by Amwaaker [Reviews - 4] (983 words)

A little humor. A little angst. Maggie versus Hershel on the topic of sex.

21. Dèjá Vu by Amwaaker [Reviews - 2] (1834 words)

Chapter Summary:

Daryl corrects Glenn's misconceptions. Daryl shows off some serious skills. Logistics for the new housemates.

Author's Notes:
This chapter let me play on the brewing bromance between Glenn and Daryl. Glenryl is my favorite bro pairing.
Thanks to Holly P for inspiring the "crown" mention.
This chapter is light hearted. The next chapter definately is NOT, but I think it will be a favorite. That should be up tomorrow.
Finally, to my baby sister who has NEVER watched TWD, but enjoys my non-ZA stories - Brenda, I promise to message you more Daryl pics soon!

22. The Prisoner Shuffle by Amwaaker [Reviews - 3] (2146 words)

A look at Ed's new accomodations.

EXTREME CONTENT WARNING regarding Ed's loathsome racist, sexist, and homophobic attitudes

****** two chapters in less than 24 hours. Please make sure you read the last chapter posted. 

23. Exta! Extra! by Amwaaker [Reviews - 3] (1174 words)

The aftermath of Ed Pelteier -vs- Joe Williams.

24. Changes by Amwaaker [Reviews - 3] (1815 words)

This chapter is a quick update on the characters, followed by some shopping. I loved writing this one because it opens so many new doors of opportunity.

25. A New Rescue by Amwaaker [Reviews - 4] (1196 words)

Daryl and Dale get pulled into a new rescue. Addition of some familiar names.