The first year of their son's life comes with many ups and downs, many milestones and even more smiles.

(This is a three-part sequel to illuminate the heart. I have included a brief recap of that fic in case you haven't read it or have forgotten what happened. Since this story is just one big ball of fluff, you don't necessarily need to read the longer fic that preceded it, although I recommend it to understand the details better.)

Daryl has a rather unsettling day, and it is the worst time to be having thoughts about settling down.

A short series of missing moments and extensions from 6x11. Spoilers.

Daryl and Carol are the only people who go to the store early on Saturday morning. In aisle seven, their paths eventually cross.

Eager to start over, Carol moves into a new apartment. When she meets Daryl, she's given a very different chance for a new beginning - and for a happy ending that she stopped believing in.

In the darkness of his cell, Daryl is confronted by his demons. Spoilers for 7x03.

What we expect to happen and what actually does happen are rarely the same thing. Daryl knows that feeling all too well.

twenty four unrelated, smutty ficlets to pass the time until christmas

An unexpected and foreign veil of sadness clings to her at the idea of him having no friends at all.

Carol and Daryl's paths cross as they try to escape their pain - if only for a few hours. She shares her sanctuary. The river. The grass. The silence. (high school AU)

Five times Carol held Daryl's hand and one time he held hers. Plus one more very special time.

Daryl and Carol are studying for an anatomy test. When something doesn't quite add up, it's up to Carol to prove Daryl right.

All he wanted when he stepped into the shop were some flowers. He never expected to get so much more.

Carol and Daryl are no longer together. But neither of them can truly let go.

Daryl and Carol get carried away in the shower.

this is set in the illuminate the heart universe, but can be read on its own.

Carol and Daryl were married before the Turn, but the loss of Sophia tears them apart.

After the fall of the farm, Daryl and Carol never reunite with the group. After a few harsh, brutal months on the road, they settle down in an abandoned cabin. Fluff ensues.