It was cold the next morning. Daryl had found them all heavy jackets and hats and they stood on the porch of their little love nest, sorting their bags. Daryl decided Beth's was too heavy and began transferring canned goods to Rick's pack, with Rick pretending to be bowed down from the weight as Beth giggled at his actions. Daryl loved seeing them like this, just for this brief moment. The mood was light, and ridiculously so, Daryl thought, considering the size of that herd, "Not busting anyone's bubble, but we've got a shitload of territory to cross before dark. Time to go."
Both Rick and Beth stilled, and Daryl fought a chill at the idea of losing either one of them. Rick could handle himself, and Beth was becoming a badass, too, he thought, remembering the 3 dead men at her feet in that clearing, but still, they were his whole world. Abruptly turning, he stomped down the porch steps, knowing they'd follow behind.
A lifetime in the woods had given Daryl an accurate internal compass, but he didn't know exactly what would be in their path, what detours they'd have to make. For the first hour, they moved swiftly and silently. Daryl was damn proud of the way Beth had learned to walk quietly and alertly. After the prison fell, and it had just been the two of them, he'd taught her as much as he could, and she was a quick learner.
Though his eyes were constantly searching for any sign of threat, his mind replayed the last three days. He'd never been happier in his whole sorry life, and a part of him expected them to realize just who they'd hooked up with and walk away from him. Another part of him could see them finding a safe place and maybe one day starting a family of their own. He loved Beth, the light that shone from her soul lit him inside and she was the most beautiful woman to walk God's green earth. And Rick, he admired everything about the man, and was still a little stunned at the sexual attraction. Other than the first night at their safe haven, Rick hadn't touched him, other than hugs and a kiss here and there with Beth in the middle. Daryl, on the other hand, constantly touched both of them in bed, and he knew Rick liked his touch, though he'd limited it to caresses and had yet to touch him there. Give the man time, he told himself, be patient. Even if it went no farther than exactly what they had now, the three of them were still perfection.
Hearing a branch crack to his left, Daryl stopped abruptly, holding up his hand, and smelled the walker before he spotted it. The walker appeared to be a teenage boy, missing most of its chest and one arm. As it got closer, Daryl also realized it was missing its lower jaw. Behind him came the sound of Beth notching an arrow, "Got 'em," and she knocked it dead, almost squarely between the eyes.
Rick whispered, "Good shot," nodding at Daryl to continue. Beth was beaming and the sight made Daryl's lips quirk a second before he remembered to focus.
They finally stopped mid-day, and Daryl reckoned they had about 3 more hours of travel ahead of them. The days were growing shorter and the nights longer. Even with the sun high above, the day hadn't warmed much. Daryl set about opening a few cans, while Beth dug out the water and Rick went on guard, circling the area. Beth and Daryl ate quickly, sharing the mix of cold chili, green beans, and peaches, leaving enough in each can for Rick, who went to quickly switch places with Daryl, but Beth stopped him, "I've got this. Take a breather."
They both smiled a little as she took over watch, Daryl watched Rick eat, the food disappearing fast. As Rick tilted the peach can to his lips, draining the last of the juice, a trickle went down the side of his mouth. Daryl swooped in, holding Rick's eyes, as he licked the peach juice from Rick's mouth and even from the corner of his beard.
Both of them were breathing harshly and Daryl closed the distance and settled his mouth on Rick's. The passion was instant, and even though Daryl knew they shouldn't be doing this out in the open, Beth was on watch, and he couldn't help but worry that once they reached the group, stoic Rick would be too swayed by family responsibilities to ever kiss him like this again. Rick's hands were in his hair, tugging it slightly and Daryl thought he might explode from this simple touch. He pulled his mouth away and wrapped the other man in a bear hug. Rick grunted, but hugged him back.
As they separated a bit, Rick's hands stayed in Daryl's hair and touched their foreheads together. Sadness was in both their eyes as they acknowledged, if only between them, how hard it was going to be.
As they stood, they clasped forearms, having one of their wordless conversations where they promised they would try, but both recognized it would be hard. When Rick's eyes flashed to Beth and then back to him, Daryl knew he was offering to step back, to let the two of them be together.
"All or nothing," Daryl whispered.