We've gotta stop meeting like this, Rick whispered kissing Daryl roughly. He pushed the archer into the wall of the watchtower. You smell good, he muttered breathing into his hair.
Jus' showered before shift, Daryl replied leaning his head back. The exposure of his neck was too much for the former sheriff. Bringing his lips close, he grabbed Daryl's arms and raised them above his head.
Knew I was comin'? The sheriff pressed his body against the archer's, removing all if any space between the two. Lowering one of his hands he reached down to stroke the bulge in the younger man's jeans.
Jus' wanted to smell nice for you, Daryl breathed into Rick's ear. His breath hitched with lust. It felt good. More than that. Rick's beard was rough against Daryl's skin.
You ain't gotta do anything, Rick undid Daryl's belt and pulled it off in one smooth motion. To make me want you more. Undoing the buttons on Daryl's jeans, reached his hand in and grabbed ahold. Tell me you want me. He kissed Daryl again, this time softer and with more meaning behind it. He needed to know that the younger man wanted this…wanted him.
Wan' you. Daryl thought it was obvious. It was all he'd wanted for a long time now. He ran his hands through Rick's curls. He realized the older man was nervous. He didn't like that. Rick was older than Daryl. Hell he was probably wiser too. Daryl brought his lips to Rick's with an unexpected softness. Need you. Gon' show you. Daryl dropped to his knees and took the reigns. Moving the older man away from the window, he pulled down his jeans and pressed him roughly into the wall. Dare ya' to ask me again if I want you. He took the man into his mouth and breathed deeply. The not so soft moan that escaped Rick's lips encouraged him to continue. He licked his way down the older man's shaft, and grabbed his thighs. Lost in the haze he didn't hear Rick.
Daryl, Rick breathed deeply. Someone's coming. Daryl too caught up in his work, didn't hear him. Rick didn't think he could make him stop. He heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Shit. Daryl, someone's coming, he whispered.
Already? Damn…didn't know I was that goo…
No, fuck not me…I mean… Rick pushed him off gently and quickly pulled up his pants. Daryl heard the footsteps and realized what Rick had been trying to say. He hastily buttoned his jeans and both men turned away from the door and headed back to Daryl's post by the window.
It was Glenn.
Hey guys, Glenn greeted them normally. It really wasn't uncommon for Rick and Daryl to be anywhere together. Everyone knew they considered each other best friends.
Damn, that time already? Daryl stretched his arms and yawned. Well best be gettin' to bed, he smirked. Rick gave him a stern glance telling him to be careful.
The men chatted for a few minutes before Rick and Daryl took their leave and headed back to the cellblock.
Want to take this back to my bunk, officer? Rick pulled him into the shadows and brought their lips together. He kissed the younger man slow and deep, as if they had all the time in the world.
Want? Yes. Rick said wrapping his arms loosely around Daryl's waist. But- I still need to check in on Judith and wouldn't want Carl to wake up and worry.
Daryl nodded and the men separated. Rick looked back as they separated. He wanted to follow him, but didn't. He had his own responsibilities to the other members of his family. He slouched against the wall of the prison and slid to the ground. Whatever this thing was with Daryl was complicated. Good, but complicated. There wasn't many good things left in the world. He was fortunate enough to have his children. That alone made him luckier than most. They had this prison. They were surviving. Maybe someday they'd be able to start living again. Somehow, that seemed in a much more distant future.
Dad? Rick looked up to see his boy walking over to him.
Carl? What are you doing out here so late?
Woke up and you weren't around…again. The again was barely a whisper, but it pierced Rick like a dagger.
I'm sorry, I was just up in the watch tower checkin' in on things.
It was Daryl's shift. He coulda handled it on his own.
You're right, I just wanted to talk to him about some things is all. Rick offered the best explanation he could. Carl stood in front of his father.
I'm not stupid. He stared down at his shoes. I just really miss mom. Rick motioned for his son to sit down.
I miss her too.
You don't act like it anymore. You're always laughing with Daryl. Rick forgot how innocent his son was in so many ways. Pointing out the obvious, but not realizing it's implication.
I miss her. I'm just trying to move forward. She would want that. Especially for you. Carl wasn't satisfied.
You're going to move on, and forget her!
I'll never forget her. I loved her, Rick sighed deeply, running his hands through his hair. He knew what was coming next.
Just promise me, you won't replace her. With anyone. Carl was hurting. More than he had thought. As his father, he shouldn't have missed such pain.
I would never replace her. Rick drew his son in for a warm embrace. She wants you to be happy though. You've got to try. Alright? Carl nodded. Go on to bed, I'll be in soon. Carl stood to leave and said goodnight to his father.
Rick realized that he wasn't being careful with his family. He was going to have to cool things down with Daryl, and give Carl some room to breathe. To heal. What a mess.