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Chapter 9 -Little Moments- It was a nice feeling, to quietly wait for Rick to pull on his shirt (Daryl was looking down at the bed, grimacing a little uneasily), Rick's gentle, loving kiss as they walked together out of Rick's room. Daryl nudged Rick's hand lightly as they walked side by side. Daryl had one mission that morning and that was to hold Rick's hand, just once. He had never held someone's hand and he wanted to know how that felt and keep it in his mind and heart. Rick raised an eyebrow at him but a smile flitted across his face as he realized why Daryl was knocking his hand against his with increasing urgency. Rick grabbed Daryl's hand and squeezed, making Daryl's heart pitter patter at the simple gesture. Daryl silently beamed, swaggering, proud and happy that he was linked, hand and hand, heart to heart with this man. Rick just chuckled happily as he squeezed his hand, pulling Daryl closer to him so he could kiss him on the cheek. Daryl blushed, 'I can't believe I'm actually enjoying this lovey dovey crap.' When they drew close to the dining room, Daryl pecked Rick lovingly on the cheek, enjoying the roughness of his beard against his lips. He kissed his ear, smiling a little at Rick's little shiver as he whispered, "See ya later, Cowboy." as he took off for the food. Silently, he missed Rick's warm hand in his. …………………………………………………………………… Daryl grabbed some oatmeal with a handful of berries from their little garden at the prison and made his way to his usual seat. He sat down, beginning to eat as his eyes began to wander, searching for a certain blue eyed, curly haired man. He saw him sitting with a new group, probably explaining to them how things worked around here. He sighed and narrowed his eyes suddenly as he noticed Carl a couple of tables away, batting his eyelashes at him, acting like he had been struck in the heart with a arrow and was dramatically dying. Daryl growled and casually flipped the boy off. Carol laughed as she plopped down across from him, "Really Daryl, sometimes I wonder how old you are." Daryl shrugged, grinning as he noticed Carl was doubling over in laughter at Daryl's reaction to his teasing, "Ah, my old man always said I had a baby face." Daryl stiffened in shock, a cold tremor of disgust flooding through him at what he had just said. 'Why the fuck did he just mention his dad?' His dad seemed to be haunting him the last couple of days and Daryl didn't like it, not one bit. Carol didn't notice his reaction or just decided to ignore it as she reached across the table and poked his nose, making Daryl sniff indignantly and glare, "Well? Got some more news for me, loverboy?" Daryl gulped down his glass of water and calmly answered, "Well, nothing much happened, really. Just had a sleepover last night, that's all." Carol's reaction was priceless as her eyes bugged out and she almost plastered her clothes with a spoonful of cereal as she almost missed her mouth, in her shock. She finally got out, "You did what?" Daryl chuckled as he waved his hand in the air, dismissively, "It's not what you think. We just slept together, nothing more. I actually was fully clothed, so Yeah…" Carol smiled, laying her hand on her chest, dramatically, "Ooooh, gracious. I thought my little cookie had become a man." Daryl narrowed his eyes, anger bursting through him, "Don't, Carol. THAT'S not funny." Carol looked a little taken aback, her eyes widening in understanding as she noticed Daryl's clenching muscles and his quick, short gasps. Carol reached forward, patting his hand that was clenching his silverware like he could pop the fork's head off, "I'm sorry, Daryl. I didn't mean to upset you. Are you okay?" Daryl could feel the cold anger and panic getting smaller and smaller inside of him and he forced himself to smile at the apologetic, gentle woman in front of him, "It's okay. I'll be fine. Just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, that's all." Carol laughed and lovingly squeezed his hand, "Well, grumpy, make sure you switch places with Rick before you get up in the morning." Daryl huffed, smiling at his friend, "I'll have to remember that." His eyes lit up as he spied Rick walking by their table, he motioned at him to follow him, then left. Daryl's eyebrows creased together, 'Hmmm… OK. What now, my lovely?' He instantly felt like kicking himself for thinking that Rick was 'lovely'. Oh well, it wasn't a lie. …………………………………………………………………… Daryl walked out of the dining room, into the hallway and felt like his long hair stood on end as a arm snakes around his waist from behind. He relaxed as he breathed in Rick's earthy, warm scent as the other man pulled him close and whispered in his ear, "I'd like to take you away and have you all to myself, for a day." Daryl felt like purring like a cat as he gently leaned back into the other man, "Sounds lovely but haven't we been spending too much time away from everyone?" Rick huffed, twirling a finger through Daryl's hair, "I already gave them an excuse. I want to spend a day with you, so meet me outside when you're ready." Daryl playfully rolled his eyes, grinning, "Your wish is my command." Rick winked at him and slapped his butt as he left, which really was a little annoying but Daryl just laughed it off as he went off to prepare for their 'date'. He grabbed his coat and poncho, slinging his crossbow over his shoulder and he paused as his eyes roamed to his pocketknife and motorcycle keys, laying on a shelf in his cell. He bit his lip, nervously but decided to throw all caution to the wind as he grabbed both of them, heading outside. ……………………………………………………………………… As he walked outside, into the cool autumn air, he pulled a cigarette out of a pouch on his belt. He quickly lit it, taking a long drag off of the cigarette to give himself some extra strength. He walked up to the truck where Rick was sitting behind the steering wheel, waiting with a little grin on his face. Daryl looked down at the ground as he licked his lips nervously, "Uh, Rick?" Rick tilted his head and curiously asked, "What? Why are you turning red and not looking at me? I mean, don't get me wrong, I think you're adorable when you blush, but…" Daryl grit his teeth, took a deep drag off of his cigarette, exhaled with a jumble of words and a cloud of smoke, "Iwannatakeyououtonmymotorcycle, actuallynotliketo, iwouldLOVEtoandIfeellikeadumbbitchforbeingembarrassedaboutitbutIam…" He huffed and puffed, looking at everywhere but Rick as the other man blinked in surprise and smiled. "I'd love to ride on the motorcycle with you. If it'll make you happy, it makes me happy." Daryl grinned like a little boy who had been given his favorite toy as he rushed over to his motorcycle, swinging his leg over the strong metal machine as he settled down, comfortably, behind the handlebars, placing his crossbow around his chest as he prepared to go. He started the engine, enjoying the vibration of the bike under him as he realized something, he pulled his jacket off and pushed it into a very amused Rick's hands, "Here. I don't want ya to get cold." Rick pulled the jacket on and slid behind him. He felt a little thrill run through him as Rick drew close to him. Daryl grinned as he looked over his shoulder at the man he loved, who looked very satisfied and happy. He yelled over the loud rumble of the bike, "Better hold on tighter than that, Cowboy." He smirked, quietly enjoying the warmth and feel of Rick's strong arms around his waist, slipping under his poncho, his hands clutching his stomach. Rick's chest pressed up against his back, his face pressing up against the back of his neck and it made Daryl feel so protective and possessive of this soul behind him. He felt Rick's lips brush against his neck in a light kiss and Daryl's heart jumped in joy. He was going to enjoy every minute of this. -to be continued- Gonna start updating on Thursdays cause it's easier for me to do so. ^^ but I hope everyone enjoyed this kinda short chappie & the next one will be longer & very very sweet & a little angsty. XD See you all next week!!! *hugs u all!* ❤❤❤❤

Chapter 8 -Babies and Cuddly Porcupines- As evening drew on and it was time for supper, Daryl sent Carl ahead with a sharp "Git!" and a jerk of his head towards the prison. The boy started to take off but turned around quickly to give him a brief little hug, "I enjoyed spending time with you, Daryl." He took off, holding on to Rick's hat to keep it from flying off his head as he ran up to the prison doors. Daryl was slowly following behind him, a little content grin on his face. Truth be told, he had enjoyed chatting and spending time with the boy as well. It woke up a soft, gentle feeling in him that he hadn't known existed in him before. It was a nice feeling. As he slipped into the prison doors, a pair of blue eyes sparked with a gentle fire as the owner of the pair of blue orbs, their heart sped up with a similar feeling to Daryl's. …………………………………………………………………… Daryl decided to duck into the kitchen, his upper lip twisting up in amusement as all the women in the kitchen either grew quiet or turned into a giggling mess, the men just rolled their eyes in annoyance or stole little glances his way. He scanned the kitchen and his eyes lit up as he spied a pile of Ham from the last couple of wild pigs he had found a few days ago. He snatched three pieces and started to chow on them as a familiar hiss filled the air, "Really? Really? Eating with your fingers, Daryl? That's so rude." He smiled at Carol as she huffed in annoyance, placing her fists on her hips as she shook her head, "You can't wait till we got done and took it to the dining room?" Daryl smirked as he downed the last piece of Ham, "Nah, I'm tired so I wanted to grab a little food and head up to bed early. Sorry if I broke your kitchen rules, your majesty." He grinned evilly as he slowly licked his fingers clean. Carol rolled her eyes and the other women squealed or silently started to drool. Daryl pushed through the kitchen doors and shook his head in amusement. He would never understand why people thought licking your fingers was sexy. It was beyond him and he personally thought it was a little silly. His ears perked up as he was heading up the stairs to his cell. Judith was crying. He instinctively turned to the sound and wound up slowly poking his head into Rick's cell. He sighed in relief as he saw Beth was there and not Rick. He really didn't want a repeat of last night. He quietly cleared his throat, not wanting to startle the girl, "Ehem, Hey." Beth looked surprised to see him but her whole face brightened with her gentle, loving smile as she tried to hold on to a fussy Judith who was squirming in her arms, "Hey, Daryl." He felt his lips twitch in a almost smile as Judith saw him, her watery eyes turning bright as she waved her pudgy arms at him, cooing happily in his direction. Beth looked surprised, laughing, "Looks like she's happy to see you. First time she's stopped crying in forever, it seems like." "Can I watch her?" Him and Beth looked surprised at what popped out of his mouth. He didn't know one thing about babies. What the hell was he doing?? Beth looked a little doubtful but she grinned, holding Judith out to him, "Sure. I think she'll enjoy that." Daryl gently took her in his arms and felt a spark of panic as Beth walked to the door, "I just got through feeding her so she shouldn't need anything till I get back." Beth winked, "You'll be okay. I'll go eat supper and be right back to get her." and then she was gone. Daryl's brain was screaming, 'FUCKING RED ALERT, RED ALERT!!!' What did he just get himself into? He'd rather chase down a herd of Walkers than wipe a baby's nose and change a dirty diaper. He caught himself staring at little Judith in plain, cold horror and she was obliviously happy, giggling and pulling his hair. Daryl shook himself as he thought, 'You kill flesh eating Walkers without blinking an eye, you can take care of one smelly baby. Pull yourself together, Daryl!' At that moment, Judith grabbed ahold of his nose and squealed happily. Daryl smiled down at the beaming child, "Guess it's just you and me, little Asskicker." Judith gurgled contentedly as Daryl laid her down on the bed and made funny faces at her until she squealed with joy. At one time, he was a monster that was going to gobble up the little princess. Than he was a horse and a Daryl Jungle Gym. He twirled the laughing baby around in circles and he fell back on the bed with Judith lying on his chest as she giggled, grabbing a fist of his hair and cuddling up to his neck. Daryl felt that warm, gentle feeling that he felt with Carl as he gently squeezed the little baby, holding her to him as he hummed a little tune. It wasn't too long till Judith was breathing deeply, sound asleep with one fist in her mouth, drool seeping out and onto Daryl's neck and the other fist in his hair. He sighed. If he was honest with himself, he could really get used to this, being a father. Just that one word, 'father', sent a chill down his spine and made the scars on his back ache with a dull, phantom pain. He never knew what a real father was like. He didn't know if he could actually be one. He didn't know if Rick would even want him to help him raise his children… He sighed, closing his eyes as he cuddled around the precious bundle in his arms. He kissed Judith's little hand that was tangled in his hair as he fell into a calm, deep sleep. ……………………………………………………………………… Daryl twitched as something tickled his ear, he squeezed his arms tighter around Judith and felt something tap his forehead. THAT woke him up. His blue eyes snapped open and saw a very amused Rick, smiling down at him. Rick gently took Judith from Daryl's arms as he apologized, "I'm sorry for waking you but I needed to put this little monster to bed." Daryl shook himself, stretching and yawning as Rick walked over to little asskicker's crib, laying her down like she could break, "Nah, don't worry about it. I need to go to my room anyways. I was expectin' Beth but I'm actually glad you came instead." Rick turned from the crib, a little smile on his face, "Well, she 'was' coming back but I told her I could do it since I was going to bed anyways." Daryl's eyes widened, his now awake brain, very much kicking him in the mental seat of his breeches as he realized what type of situation he was in. 'Oh Dear God, I'm in 'his' bed, 'laying' in his bed, 'asleep'! Oh Shit!' Daryl jumped up like he'd been burnt, almost squeaking, "Well, I better go. You probably wanna sleep, so see ya later, Rick!" He froze as Rick gently grabbed his arm, his voice inviting as he softly asked, "Why leave? Why don't you stay?" Daryl turned and felt like the bottom of his heart had fallen out at the silent plea in Rick's bright blue eyes. There was a gentle yearning about his face and his touch was gentle, not rough, letting him silently know that he 'could' refuse, if he wanted to and leave. But he wasn't going to. Daryl lowered his eyes, slightly nodding at the other man. He was surprised and silently happy to look up and see such happiness and pleasure on Rick's face. Rick silently began to unbutton his shirt and Daryl looked away, his heart pounding loudly in his head. 'You forgot a slight, little detail Sherlock. You gotta take off your clothes to sleep together.' Panic hit him like a ton of bricks. No clothes = Scars. Scars = Questions. Questions = Recalling horrible memories. Plus No Clothes and slipping into bed with someone who was sexual was like dangling sardines in front of a hungry cat. He was just about to say that he had changed his mind but stopped, quiet and still but slightly shaking, breathing like a freight train as Rick gently cupped his face in his calloused, lovely hands as he stared lovingly into his eyes, "You just do what is comfortable for you, nothing more. You hear me?" Daryl nodded, gently slid out of Rick's reach and sat down on the bed, shakily pulling his boots as he felt Rick climb into bed behind him. Daryl took a deep breath and didn't look at Rick as he slipped under the covers, fully clothed. He didn't wait for the other man's reaction as he scooched over to Rick, wrapping his arms around the man's smooth, lithe back as he pressed his face against his bare, hard chest, enjoying the feel of Rick's heartbeat under his ear as he sighed happily. He smiled as Rick wrapped his arms around him and kissed him on top of the head. Daryl snuggled up to Rick, squeezing him tight as Rick chuckled. Daryl's eyes narrowed as he tilted his head up, looking at Rick, "What?" Rick grinned as he reached up to run his fingers through Daryl's hair, "Ah, I was just thinking. About how you're like a cuddly porcupine." Daryl glared up at the man, "I don't think that's a compliment, dear sir." Rick laughed at Daryl's silent pouting as he explained, "I say that cause you're really tough with a sign stamped on your forehead, 'Warning: Don't Touch Me or Die' written on it.", Daryl growled, reached up and pinched Rick's ear as he yelped, "BUT you're really a gentle sweet person who likes cuddling and children." Daryl raised an eyebrow at that last comment and Rick grinned down at him, "I saw you with Carl today." Daryl blushed, hiding his face in Rick's chest as Rick snorted, gently grabbing his chin, pulling his face up so he could look at him. Daryl was blushing and feeling like a fucking girl while Rick dreamily looked down at him, running his hands through his hair and caressing Daryl's face as he continued, "When I saw you with Carl and later, with Judith, I just fell harder for you. You looked so happy and content with my children and they with you. It was beautiful." Daryl felt like melting as Rick kissed him gently on the lips, his eyes sparkling in the dark, "You'll make a lovely father to both of them." Daryl wanted to cry, smile and Hug this beautiful man, all at once and damn it, if he didn't do just that, a little whisper escaping his trembling lips, "Thank you… Thank you." Rick held him close as he gently ran his fingers through his hair. Daryl couldn't remember ever being happier in his life as he held on to the other man, falling into a deep, restful sleep. …………………………………………………………………… "Hey! Hey! You sleepyheads, wake up! You gonna sleep all day or what?" Daryl stirred, slowly opening his eyes and slowly realizing that it wasn't pillow fuzz he was staring at but chest hair. He had strong arms wrapped around him and a puff of hot air rustled his hair and… someone had woke him up? He looked around, felt shock and adrenaline course through him as a cooing, smiling Judith was wriggling in a very happy, beaming Carl's arms, "You guys awake?" Daryl blushed, diving under the covers, listening to Carl laugh and a very sleepy Rick tell him to not be a smart ass and go eat breakfast. Rick burrowed under the covers with him, kissing him on the nose as he chuckled, pulling the still shocked Daryl in his arms, "We need to get a door huh?" "Hell Yeah, we do!" I guess that meant they would be sleeping together again. It was awkward but Daryl was happy. Oh so happy. -to be continued- Ugh sorry I was so late in getting this up! I've been so busy it's been ridiculous! But I hope u enjoy this chapter cause I really enjoyed writing it and was squealing and getting all fangirly with it lol. But see ya next week, at Wednesday! ;) much love!!! ❤😘

Chapter 7 -Acceptance- THIS was sudden and Daryl was very torn on what to do about the situation. After their passionate kiss outside by the prison gates, somehow Rick had led him to his cell. RICK'S cell! Little Judith was sleeping in the corner in her little crib that Daryl, himself, had made for her and Rick was sitting on the bunk, slipping his boots off. Daryl panicked. Was this a silent invitation? "Um, I guess I'll see ya in the mornin' then." He felt like a coward but he didn't even stop to see if Rick would protest or not. He raced to his own cell, heaving a sigh of relief as he dumped his crossbow and poncho on the floor. He was so exhausted that he just fell on his bed, fully clothed. Daryl sighed, closing his eyes as he gently touched his chapped lips with trembling fingers, "So, that's what a kiss feels like..." He fell asleep with a smile on his face and the memory of Rick's lips on his. …………………………………………………………………… The next morning, Daryl woke up and went to eat breakfast. He sat down, starting to devour a bowl of oatmeal when he saw Rick out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't help but look and see where he was sitting. He was a little disappointed to see him make a detour to sit with Glenn, Maggie and Michonne. He heard his brother's snickering, annoying voice in his head, "First you fell for a pair of balls and now you're acting like a girl? You're fucking pathetic." For once, he had to agree with the voice in his head. He was acting like a lovesick girl, the man can sit anywhere he wanted to, didn't have to be glued to his hip. "Hey! What happened to those 'dirty little details' I asked for? I've got some juicy info coming my way, mister." Daryl play glared at the older woman and she winked and smiled at him, sitting down beside him and nudging him gently in the side, "Well, well… what happened, Romeo?" Daryl slurped down a mouthful of oatmeal, "Well, we talked. I told him everything and he said, he wanted to try 'this' and that he cares about me a lot." Carol stared at him, drinking water slowly out of her cup as she raised an eyebrow at him, "And?" Daryl glared, "And 'what'?" Carol rolled her eyes and punched him in the shoulder, "Well, did you two make out, kiss, WHAT!?" Daryl turned red and he got frustrated at getting embarrassed so he laid his head down on the table, covered his head with his arms as he mumbled, "We kissed…" Carol cocked her head, "Huh? What?" Daryl growled, "We kissed!" Carol smirked, cupped her hand near her ear, asking in a sing song voice, "Whaaat? I didn't hear youuu." Daryl slammed his hands down on the table, raised his head up and yelled, "WE KISSED, DAMMIT!!!" Carol was laughing like a loon at Daryl's purple/red face as everyone in the cafeteria stopped to stare. He covered his face with his hands while Carol hugged him, kissed him on the cheek as she announced to everyone, "We were just talking about a dream he had last night, that's all." But Daryl glanced at Rick, to see his reaction and he was smiling from ear to ear, a dreamy, happy look in his eyes. Daryl's heart skipped a couple of beats. ………………………………………………………………… Later, Daryl decided he would take fence patrol, going through checking on the fences and killing any Walkers pressing up against the weak spots. He took the patrol because he had thought he would have some time by himself. But as he was driving a long, sharp, rusty rod through one Walker's head, he was surprised to feel someone beside him, pushing a knife through the next Walker's forehead. Daryl felt a little alarmed to see Carl standing beside him, a little smile on his face, "Hey." He scrunched his eyebrows together and nodded at the boy, walking on by him to the next Walker. "I know about you and dad." Daryl froze, his hands shaking a little as he drew the rod out of the Walker's smashed face. He took a deep breath and turned to meet Carl's steady, strong gaze. Daryl gulped, "You do, huh?" Carl shifted a bit as he bit down on his lip, "Dad told me yesterday, while you were gone." Daryl sighed as he sat down in the middle of the worn out path, moving some rocks out of the way as he patted the spot beside him, "Come here, kid." Carl looked a little annoyed at the 'kid' remark but he plopped down beside him. Daryl chewed on his lip nervously as he nodded at Carl, "You got somethin' to say, say it." Daryl was struggling to look and act calm on the outside but he felt like a hurricane was churning inside of him as he waited for the boy to speak. Carl tipped his hat up and cocked his head to one side as he looked up at Daryl, "Well, I wasn't TOO surprised, actually. I knew you and dad love each other but I didn't know 'like that'." Daryl ran his fingers through his hair and sighed as Carl continued, "I'm okay with it, really. Dad needs someone and you make him happy and smile." Daryl felt relief wash over him, 'Dear Lord, he's okay with it.' Carl scrunched up his nose in that cute way he does when he is thinking hard as he innocently said, "Although, I'm confused. How are you two going to be together? I can't understand how two men have sex?" Daryl's eyes grew wide, 'Oh sweet mother of God, this is awful!' Daryl blushed as he spluttered out, "I…I really think you should ask your dad that question but damn Carl, I ain't a sex dictionary!" Daryl scratched his head, uncomfortably as he tried to explain, "Well, uh, me and your dad, we care about each other and we want to be together but not in 'that way'." Carl nodded, "Ah… okay. I think I understand. You both love each other but don't want to have sex together." Daryl nodded, a little grin on his face, "Yeah. But seriously, Carl, I wanna ask your permission to love and take care of your dad, you and Judith. I can never and will never try to take the place of Lori but can I be a part of your family?" Carl sucked his bottom lip in his mouth as he looked up at Daryl, emotions rolling in his eyes as he answered, "Well... on one condition. That you promise to make my dad happy. Happier then my mom made him. She hurt him a lot before she left … I don't want to see him hurt again." Daryl felt his throat closing up as his chest fill with emotions at the heart felt words and the pain behind those words as Carl stared up at him, intently, waiting on his answer. Daryl tried to push back tears as he whispered, "I'll try, Carl. I'll try with all my heart to make sure that your dad is happy. I'll never hurt him on purpose, you have my word on that." Daryl held his breath as he waited in uneasy silence for the boy's answer. Carl stared at him silently then slowly smiled, throwing his arms around Daryl's shoulders as he hugged him tight, "You'll make a ugly girlfriend but I give you permission to date my dad." Daryl laughed, squeezing the boy tight, "Thank you." He pulled away and knocked Carl's hat off of his head, "That's for sayin' I'd make an ugly girl. I'm tellin' ya right now, if I tried, I'd rock a dress and makeup, thank ya very much." Carl shoved his hat back on his head and smirked, "Does this mean I get to braid your hair?" Daryl rolled his eyes and pushed him, playfully towards the next Walker, "Maybe. Now get goin' joker." Daryl was happy that the boy had accepted him and his dad, it made his heart light and full of joy. Maybe it was a sign of more happiness to come? -to be continued!- Warning: Fluffy cute chapter ahead! XD I've been planning the next chapter for a while and dang, it's making ME fangirl lol. Hope you all enjoy this chapter & look forward to the next one! See you all Tuesday!!! :3❤ *much love & hugs to everyone!*

Chapter 6 -Reflections- Daryl laid in his bed that night, thoughts filling his head and keeping his eyelids tied open. On the way back from their hunt, Daryl had stayed on his side of the Jeep but his eyes and his thoughts kept traveling to the man beside him. He had heard a quiet laugh escape Rick's lips and he had startled at the brush of Rick's fingers trailing down his arm but he had relaxed with a sigh, closing his eyes as he caught ahold of Rick's hand with his and tangled their fingers together. Daryl looked up at Rick, a shy feeling gripping his chest as he shakily smiled at the other man. Rick looked like, if it was possible, he was going to burst from happiness as he smiled back at him, squeezing Daryl's hand. They had stayed like that all the way back to the prison, warm and a gentle feeling surrounding them as they held hands in the comfortable silence. Daryl had never experienced this feeling but dang, he could get used to it. When they had arrived back at the prison, they had gone their separate ways and Daryl began to choke on black anxiety. And well, here he was, staring holes in the prison cell ceiling, his heart about to jackhammer outta his chest and his thoughts running around his head like a herd of runaway racehorses on the racetrack of his brain. He sighed, "Fuck this!" He pushed his tired body off of his bed and quickly snatched up his poncho and crossbow. His troubled mind and heart was yearning for the sounds of the woods, the feel of the cool breeze in his hair, so he took off for the woods. He briskly walked down to the gates and paused, his heart skipping beats at the sight of who was watching the gate this early in the morning. Carl. He cursed at himself, in his thoughts, for being a pussy as he nodded at the boy, "Hey kid. Can ya open the gate for me?" Carl blinked, tilting his dad's hat out of his eyes as he shifted back and forth on his feet, making Daryl grin at how much he reminded him of Rick as Carl asked, "Sure. But why are you going out again? You and dad just went hunting yesterday." 'Damn the kid for being so observant.' Daryl huffed, pulling his crossbow up on his shoulder, "Just need to go out for a bit but I'll be back by evening. And tell your old man, not to worry, I'll be okay." Carl looked confused, his nose wrinkled up as Daryl sniffed, reaching over to push the kid's hat down over his eyes, "Just open the gate, Cowboy." Carl narrowed his eyes but smirked playfully as he pulled on the chains to open the gate, "I ain't no Cowboy, ya hillbilly." Daryl laughed as he walked out of the gate, sending the boy a little wave over his shoulder as he walked into the forest. He couldn't help but sigh in relief as the sounds of birds chirping, squirrels chattering and crickets squeaking washed over him in a familiar wave. He made his way to a thicket that he called his 'hideaway' and it was the place of his 'Thinking Tree'. He always went there when his mind was troubled, it was his secret, safe place. He climbed up in the huge tree, settling himself down in a comfortable spot, leaning against the tree trunk and closed his eyes, laying his crossbow across his lap. He enjoyed the gritty, hard but soothing feel of the bark through his clothes as he breathed in the cool forest air as he started to search his thoughts. He didn't know why he was so anxious. Damn, he SHOULD be happy but inside, he was edgy and nervous. He pulled and twisted round his troubled thoughts, looking at them at every angle, trying to find 'why' he was so troubled. It hit him like a Mac Truck going full power down the interstate. He was happy. THAT'S why he was upset. He could hear his brother saying, after Daryl got one of his regular beatings from his dad, a sad look in his eyes, "Ah, stop crying! You a fuckin' baby? Dixons don't cry and they don't ever stay happy so you better get used ta cryin' brat." His dad loomed up in front of him, a evil laugh sliding through his mind like a cold, venomous snake, "Heh, what makes ya happy, Daryl? I'm gonna enjoy takin' it from ya, piece by heartbreaking piece, you little shit!" Darkness and cold slammed into him and Daryl startled as his eyes snapped open, he scrambled to keep upright and his crossbow in his lap as he almost fell off the limb. He shook his head, shivering at the memories as he whispered, "Dixons ain't happy. Can't be happy... but... " 'Rick.' Rick made him happy, just him being in his life, alive and breathing made him immensely happy. He had grown to love the other man, first like a friend, someone who wouldn't hurt him at the first chance he could get and someone who valued his thoughts and feelings. Then it grew to more. He just couldn't believe that this beautiful person, this man wanted to love him and cherish his soul. It just… it was unbelievable. And Daryl was afraid it would disappear, something this lovely, this good couldn't last. Not for him. Dixon's NEVER stayed happy for long and all his life, that line had been proven true time and again. And Daryl Dixon was afraid. He didn't want the happiness to end. He never wanted what was growing between him and Rick to end, to go away. He wanted Rick. He wanted to be happy. He shivered as he snuggled into his poncho, wishing he had a certain person's arms around him as he fell asleep. ………………………………………………………………… When he woke up, he was shocked to see stars twinkling above him and darkness around him. 'Good Lord, Rick's gonna kill me!' He hurried back to the prison, cutting through some Walkers with a hunting knife as he jogged through the opening gate. He gulped, tempted to run right back out with the Walkers as he realized who had opened the gate. Rick glared at him, his eyes and body screaming out pure anger as Daryl squeaked, "I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stay out this late. Time kinda got away from me. I…" Daryl blinked, "Wait a fucking minute, why am I apologizing? You ain't my mom!" Rick snorted, pulling Daryl close to him, his blue eyes sparkling with emotions as he growled out, "Shut up!" as he pulled Saul's face to his, placing a rough kiss on his lips. Daryl was too shocked to respond, his eyes wide in surprise as he registered Rick's hands gripping handfuls of his hair as he passionately kissed him. Daryl pushed Rick away, his blue eyes staring into blue as he felt the strong man trembling under his hands, "Rick? Are you okay?" Rick shakily smiled, "Heh, I give you your first kiss and you're too busy worrying about me. I'm fine, you idiot." Daryl's breath came out in a gasp as Rick pulled him into his arms, holding him tight as he whispered, "Just don't do that again, please… I hate not knowing where you are." Daryl's eyes widened as a thought clicked in his mind. Rick was afraid as well. He was afraid of losing 'this' too. Daryl grinned, tightening his hold around the other man as he gently kissed the side of his neck, "I'd never leave you. You're my happiness. Only Death can take me from your side and I plan on living for a long, long time Mr. Grimes." And he meant it. He was going to break the Dixon tradition. -continued in chapter 7- Ugh this chapter was hard to get out for some reason but I hope everybody likes it anyways AND I have ideas for the next chappie so hopefully it won't be so blah next time. But love you all and I hope to see you all again next Tuesday! :3