Disclaimer: I don't own AMC's The Walking Dead or any of its characters, wishful thinking aside.

Authors Note #1: Direct spoilers for "Consumed" as this fic draws on key scenes from this episode in terms of character development and allusion. My take on what happened after Carol went back to their room and let Daryl handle the mother and two children in the battered woman's shelter.

Warnings: *Contains: adult language, adult content, references to past childhood trauma/abuse/neglect, as well as domestic violence. Also expect angst, season five spoilers, reference to the usual emotional/physical trauma that comes with Daryl's upbringing, as well as hurt and comfort.