His eye's drifted close as he waited, swaying slightly as the scent of fresh coffee wavered over his nose. It was calming, little noise to be heard from the solitude of the break room. Rick stood, in wait of the glorious caffeine that promised him strength to finish the day. All he had to do was paperwork, fill out a few basic, mandatory forms and then he would be gone, free to go home. At last.
"Hey man, you're still here?"
He hadn't registered a new presence but Rick wasn't startled, only cracking his eyes open to side glace Shane, his partner, as he joined him in his waiting.
"Yeah, just gotta finish up some paper work before heading out."
Shane nodded, "Only down side of the job. That and the occasional assault."
He hummed in agreeance. It could be a real pain sometimes but he was used to it. Every job had it's ups and downs. The paper work he meant, not the assault.
"So, a romantic night at home tonight, than?" Shane wore that shit-eating grin he got when he divulged into Rick's personal life. Although, he would give his friend points for holding off all day before breaching the subject.
The officer couldn't help the smile that spread across his lips as he poured himself his final cup of coffee for the night, "Yeah, he offered to cook and everything."
He knew Shane was baiting him for details but Rick knew better by now. Shane widened his eye's exasperatedly, waiting for him to continue. Rick laughed, "trust me man, you don't want to know anything else."
He passed the coffee pot to Shane, who took it gratefully, "What? I tell you all about my dates."
He took a sip of the scorching liquid, wincing when it burned his lips, "Yes, you do. In explicit detail. And I really wish you didn't."
Shane stared him down, before shaking his head with a grin, "Fine, guess I'll just make something up to tell everyone, depending on how happy and sore you are Monday."
Rick shook his head at his best friends bluntness, taking his coffee as he departed the break room. The sound of Shane's laughter followed him into the hallway, "Go get 'em, Tiger!"
"Shut up," he threw over his shoulder as he found his way back to his desk, thank God it was Friday. He sat down with a smile, the prospect of what awaits him at home spiking his tired mood far easier than the coffee.
It was going to be spectacular. Carl was at his mothers, so they had the whole house to themselves.
An aura of excitement suddenly encased him, bringing him to quickly reclaim his pen in order to finish the work for the day. He didn't want to be late getting home, after all, it was his and Daryl's 4th anniversary.
Rick pulled into the driveway with a content sigh, happy to finally be home. Light shown through the blinds of the kitchen window and Rick smiled warmly when he saw a shadow sweep across the streams. The officer swept up the bouquet of flowers that rest across the passenger seat, as well as a box of Godiva truffles.
He knew it was cliche and that Daryl would tease him to hell and back but he didn't care. Maybe because it was cliche that he decided to gift the love of his life just that. Besides, Godiva was Daryl's absolute favorite, expensive sure, but it was the only thing that his man would ever divulge himself in money wise. And even though he would fiercely deny it, Daryl did love having flowers around the house. The man was quite the closet flower enthusiast, knowing the specific name for many, as well as their symbolic meaning.
Deciding to play the romantic, Rick walked up the porch to his own house and rang the doorbell. He waited only a moment before the door swung open, the love of his life occupying the doorway as he gauged the 'visitor'.
Daryl must have decided to humor him because instead of ushering him inside, the man leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms as he waited for Rick to say his peace.
He almost decided to abandon the entire charade when he noticed that Daryl had dressed in what he knew was Rick's favorite outfit. A pair of black jeans that clung to him perfectly and that white T-shirt that was just ever so slightly see through and showed off his broad shoulders and sculpted muscles. Rick called it his 'compromise for having to wear clothes in public' shirt.
Daryl wore a loving smile, the one that reached his eyes and said that the soldier could see through to his soul.
"Kings County police. Sorry to disturb you sir, but I'm in search of a devilishly handsome man. Armed and dangerous."
Daryl laughed at this, scuffling back to allow Rick to enter the house. The door was barely closed before his love was pulling at his uniform collar, tugging him in for a kiss.
Daryl muttered a, "Happy Annivers'ry" against his lips that caused him to melt. It was incredible that even after 4 years, that this man still had that effect on him. It was a dangerous power that Rick was more than happy to succumb to however.
When they parted, Rick held up his offered gifts, "Don't laugh."
Daryl did laugh however, "Y'er a pathetic sap. Love you."
Rick smiled, "Love you too."
He handed the box of chocolate truffles to Daryl, before heading for the kitchen to find a vase for the flowers.
His love's voice followed him, "Godiva, m' one weakness. Y're helpin' me eat these."
"Only if we get to eat them together, babe." As Rick found the vase from under the sink, he couldn't help the grumble that flitted through his stomach at the smell of what was sitting on the stove. He placed the glass jar into the sink to fill up with water before leaning over to examine the large pot of soup occupying the burner, "Oh, potato cheese soup, my favorite."
This was one of those secret recipes that Daryl swears isn't a secret. Yet, every time he makes it, Rick eats himself stupid and brings tons of left-overs to the station, where his co-workers praise him to God above. Daryl say's its a standard recipe but every time Rick has tried to make it, it pales by far in comparison. It was something that Rick often practically begs him to make, a large quantity meal that Rick is happy to have for lunch and dinner for weeks.
Shutting off the tap, Rick respectively placed the flowers in the vase, positioning them on the kitchen table. Daryl was watching him from the kitchen entrance, now open box in hand as he nibbled on one of the sweet pieces. He offered the other half to him as he drew near, intending to go up stairs to change. Rick accepted it, popping the treat into his mouth before pecking Daryl on the lips, "mmm, butter creme."
The man chuckled softly as he moved past the officer, entering the kitchen to prepare for dinner. Eager to eat, Rick ran up stairs without another word, changing quickly into some comfortable jeans and a pale green shirt. He dabbed some Cologne on, one of Daryl's favorite scents, before heading downstairs again, finding his love now in the living room.
The lights were off, the room only lit by the TV screen and a few choice candles lit on the coffee table. Daryl was just adjusting the final wick when he entered, two bowls of soup and a plate of garlic toast awaiting them.
Halfhazardly, Rick sprawled himself onto the couch, a chuckle escaping him, "now who's the sap?"
He reached forward, resting his hands on Daryl's waist as he gently tugged the man down on his lap. Daryl didn't protest, only readjusting himself comfortably as he pulled the two bowls of steaming soup towards himself, handing one to Rick.
They spent the next hour cuddled up on the couch, eating their dinner as they watched a movie.
The movie was one of his favorites, one he had seen a million times. He wasn't surprised when he felt his eyes grow heavy, full belly ushering him into sleep. He had Daryl pulled against him, his head resting under Rick's chin upon his chest, letting their feet rest on the coffee table beside their discarded bowls. They affectionately picked fun of each other, conversation dying down as they grew tired and comfortable. It was a pastime that Rick missed, their schedules around work and ariens scarcely lining up these days. It was perfect, romantic, without being over the top and it was all that Rick ever wanted.
He felt a sharp poke in his side, bringing him back from his near dosing state, "D'nt fall asleep 'n me now."
He wanted to retort that given Daryl's gravelly tone, that he was most likely nodding off himself. He could not however, do to his love retracting himself from his grasp and placing hot lips upon his own. They molded into one another, deepening the kiss, a perfect shape that Rick knew better than himself. The kiss turned heated suddenly as Daryl pushed him to the side and down on his back, sandwiching him against the cushions.
He was far from tired now, Daryl's slick mouth working what Rick was sure would be visible marks against his neck. His love trailed his hands up Rick's shirt, caressing the toned features found there. He was glad Daryl had refused to let sleep claim them so early on their anniversary.
The officer let out a throaty moan, letting his head fall back, as Daryl rolled one of his nipples under the pad of his thumb. The soldier took advantage of the space it had given him to lay more kisses across newly exposed skin, muttering between tasks, "Damn y're beautiful." "Lov' th' sounds ye' make f'r me." "Lov' you so much, Rick."
The praises he received set his loins on fire, his body now demanding to be satisfied. Blindly finding the edge of the soldier's shirt, Rick pulled it upward, desperate to be surrounded by nothing but Daryl. His love moved fluently with him, sitting up and pausing his assault long enough to let Rick strip him of his shirt. The fabric was flung without a care to the floor, exposing the enticing sight of Daryl's pale muscles.
It had been a week since they had had sex and the moment was enough to light a smoldering flame deep in the pit of Rick's stomach. When Daryl had returned from service years ago, he had known that the soldier would be cut. But it wasn't until their first time of making love that Rick witnessed first hand just how strong and toned his partner was. Even over the years, Daryl continued to work out, claims of not wanting to be out of shape following him around like a vise.
He certainly wasn't complaining. Sure, it probably wasn't very humble of him to hold Daryl's hand in public as if he were a trophy. He just couldn't help making the interested eye's of other's jealous when they went out together. It was a territorial thing he told himself.
Pulled from his thoughts, Rick was forced to sit up as Daryl urged his own shirt up over his head. He complied greedily, lavishing in the heat now radiating from their close proximities, a permanent excited smile plastered across his lips. Their mouths met again in a hungry battle for dominance, each exploring the others already familiar bodies.
The movie had all but been forgotten, sleep a distant memory as they unhinged themselves, chasing each other's breath. Daryl pulled back with a grin, emitting a disappointed huff from Rick. The soldier's grin widened at this as he gave a tug on Rick's belt loops, "C'mon," he grunted as he took his form from Rick's own, standing with a stretch, "I ain't young enough t' be doin' it on the couch no more."
The officer quickly followed, jumping up with an agreeing nod. He was right, Rick himself would admit that he was getting too old for awkwardly angled sex. He wouldn't mind at the time sure, but he knew his body would fiercely curse him in the morning for it.
Rick ran a hand over his slightly growing stubble as he examined his prey with deeply seeded hunger. Daryl had turned from him, beginning to lead the way to their bedroom. He felt animalistic, a near growl escaping his lips as he watched the tightly toned muscles flex on his love's back. He took a moment to admire how absolutely perfect Daryl looked in this moment, jeans sculpting his ass and making it admittedly hard to look away. Ever since he got out of the military he allowed his hair to grow out some as well. It seemed to darken with its' length, brushing his shoulders and nape in a tantalizing fashion, as if demanding that Rick run his fingers through it. And he really wanted to.
He hurried to catch up to Daryl, wrapping his arms around the man's waist as he nuzzled his nose into the soldier's nape. It was like a secret getaway, the one place Rick could take a vacation to simply by inhaling Daryl's scent that lingered there. His embrace however caused them to slow down, doing a swayed shuffle towards the stairs. Daryl chucked, leaning his head back and pressing his back flush into Rick's chest. It only lasted a moment however, as Rick was forced to relinquish his hold in order to get up the stairs. It wasn't until they were half way there that Daryl stopped, making a u-turn, "Shit, candles. Meet ya' up there."
Rick watched as Daryl flew back down the stairs, an excited pep in his step. Rick followed suit, now taking the steps two at a time, unable to abandon the smile that etched his lips earlier. He had just made it to the room, unbuttoning his pants when Daryl rushed in behind him, "allow me, Officer."
The soldier snaked his arms around him, finishing unzipping his fly and tugging his pants until they were half way down his thighs. His love forced him to turn around, pushing him to the bed. With gentle guidance Daryl sprawled out on top of him, half discarded pants still restricting him from opening his legs to accommodate. The soldier took this obstruction as a chance to play with him a bit further, pining Rick's hands to the sheets above his head as he reclaimed his lips. He ravished the heat between them, pulling hot breaths from Rick's very core. It was pure torture, a sin he swore to reciprocate the next time they met in such a fashion.
He couldn't say he wasn't enjoying himself however. Quite the opposite, there was nowhere else he would rather be in fact. Daryl gave his hand a squeeze, relinquishing his lips in favor of sitting up to pull the remainder of his partner's clothes off. Freed at last, Rick sat up, pulling Daryl's own fly loose and forcing the fabric down. It was a bit of an awkward struggle for a moment but finally they matched in outfits. That being none.
Wrapping an arm around Daryl's neck, he forced him back down, the familiar form of mouths meeting yet again. The officer was eager to say the least, letting his hands roam wherever they could reach.
The thing about life right now, was that there was little room for complaints. He couldn't really complain about his job, considering it was all he had dreamed of doing since a young age. He couldn't complain about his divorce, seeing as he and Lori were on fair terms and Carl had been a result of their failed marriage. He couldn't complain about stress, due to situations like this that made him forget he had ever experienced such a feeling before. And he certainly couldn't complain about his life right now, thanks to the presence of Daryl, who made him a better person and made him see everything in a better light.
After his divorce, Rick had felt lost, empty and betrayed but free in a relieving way. This freedom was far from any he had hoped for however. His house now empty, the officer gladly buried himself in work. This was admittedly not his greatest decision. The mounds of paper work and occasional horrific scenes he would cover were anything but uplifting. Shane always tried to get him to go out more, to drink and mingle with the bar crowd but he never could get himself to unwind amongst the beer drinkers. More often than not he would just wait for Shane to become distracted and quietly slink out, returning home.
It had been years, secluded from anything close to more than acquaintance. That was until he met Daryl. He remembered the moment he laid eyes on the man, the way the sight of him took his breath away. He recalled the way his thick southern drawl sung chorus lines through his ears, breaking down his carefully built wall. He was sure the neighbors talked, when a stranger from out of town suddenly took residence in his house, no one knowing more than that the man was in the military.
He had restrained himself so well back then. From not only trying to seduce the stranger he had his eye on but from telling the neighbors that they could stick their biased opinions where the sun doesn't shine. He had wanted to, oh how he had wanted to. To skip the formalities and 'getting to know each other' phase and simply ravish the man into agreeing to be his. But he was smarter than that. And he was glad he had been. After knowing Daryl for over four years now, he knew that if he had pushed too fast, he would have never seen the soldier again, probably sporting a black eye too. Daryl has made it clear that he is anything but easy.
It had been worth it however. Hell, had it been worth it. To this day Daryl still gave him butterflies.
He was pulled from his wandering however, do to an enticing sensation, courtesy of Daryl's calloused hands. His love had wrapped his long fingers around his erection and began pumping, pulling several moans from him. Over the years he had learned that Daryl got off on him being loud and he was more an happy to let loose if it meant Daryl would pin him with those man-eating eyes of his. He wanted more and he knew just how to get it. It required a bit of acting but not much. Rick knew he just had to pretend to be completely unwound, otherwise Daryl would tease him until he truly were. And while that wasn't a completely unpleasant experience, Rick was just desperate to have Daryl fuck him after a long day. "Skipping the foreplay" if you will.
His breath was already ragged and uneven, he just made it more pronounced, "baby, please?"
He gasped slightly when slick fingers met his entrance, pushing in without hesitance. Daryl set a quick pace, still pumping his cock in order to distract him from any uncomfortability. There was none to be felt however, only the heat radiating from his love's hands as they worked over him in masterful expertise. Daryl's breath was hot against his skin as he laid out sloppy open mouthed nips and kisses along his jawline, panting with his own exertion. He ceased however, much to Rick's temporary displeasure, as he sat up, withdrawing his fingers.
He was in a slight haze, too familiar with their sexal process to take any notice of Daryl's trouble with the lid to their bottle of lube. He was however, quite captivated with the sight of Daryl using his teeth to rip open a condom packet before rolling the rubber over his member and coating it with slick. It was always a necessary process that got him excited for what he knew was coming next. And if his eyes weren't dilated before, he was sure they were now.
He closed his eyes as Daryl encompassed him, rough hands running up his hips. He had missed this, the familiarity, the care, the love. There was never any pain or mistrust with Daryl, only the feeling of comfortability, of passion, and trust.
He remembered so well, the night he had broke. His will shattered beyond repair and it was at that moment that Rick knew he had fallen. Fallen so far that there were no signs of light, no chance of rescue. But this place, this tomb that kept him trapped was one like no other. This was a place where he felt whole at last. Where he was never cold or distressed, where depression was too scared to seek him as it had before. And just as he had found it, he remembered how swiftly it had been taken away. How quickly he remembered that Daryl wasn't staying forever.
He wasn't quite sure at first, what exactly he had felt when he first met the soldier. Well, sure, on the surface, he had felt desire, interest. But underneath that? Under all of the primal need and want, under all of the shallow hunger, he hadn't quite known what it was. All he remembered while standing in the airport and on the ride home, was that he needed to know this man, one way or another. Preferably, another.
After a few weeks of Daryl occupying his house, he felt like he was living in some cheesy romance movie. At work he was often jostled from his daydreams, to the sight of an amused Shane. All that took residence in his thoughts was Daryl. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he so easily took care of Carl, as if he were his own, and the way it felt like Daryl just belonged. When he was home he just wanted to soak up the man's presence, whether they talked or not and when he was at work all he wanted to do was get home so he could simply see him, to remember that he was real, not a dream.
The night before Daryl left, he was frightened, yet pleased to see that the soldier was just as insecure as he was. At the back of his mind there always lay that fear that Daryl didn't really want him. That he was just enjoying what he could get or worse, just didn't know how to tell Rick that he wasn't really interested. He feared that after Daryl left, he would forget about him, find someone new, or finally sort out his priorities.
After dropping him off at the airport, during the quiet ride home, Rick felt empty. Hollow, as if a black void had opened in his chest, swallowing every bit of happiness he were capable of. He remembered the way his knuckles turned white from his grip on the steering wheel. The way every pore on his body was screaming at him to turn the car around. To race back there and catch Daryl before he boarded his flight, to beg him not to go if he had to. Hell, than he really would have felt like he were in a romance movie. But he didn't care, he wasn't ashamed, because every bit of sanity he had was stolen by that soldier headed back to service.
Rick could never ask for a more perfect way to wake up. The sunlight was dim, streaming in through the blinds with the promise of a beautiful day. The comforter formed a pocket of content warmth around his torso and down, the fluffy material caressing his naked skin. An arm had been snaked around his waist, pulling him into the soft torso of his one and only love. It was perfect.
Not a worry crossed his half-awake mind. Only the thought of how ideal the birds chirping outside of the window sounded on such a wonderful Saturday morning. The post-sex smell clung to the air, not at all unpleasant. There certainly was a different scent from 'just sex' and 'making love', the later being a sweet and pungent smell that brought a smile to his lips.
With a large intake of breath, Rick turned over, digging his nose into the crook of Daryl's neck. Intertwining their arms, Rick ran a hand up Daryl's back, settling into his torso just right. Daryl didn't open his eyes, just lifting his chin up enough to accommodate the officer.
It was here that Rick felt safe, content. Try as he might, he couldn't remember how he had managed to sleep without Daryl. He couldn't remember what it had been like to do a lot of things actually. To get ready for work, to cook dinner, to spend his free time, to smile, to laugh, to simply breath. It was all so mundane, stupid but simple, yet there was such a difference.
All he knew now though, was that the man beside him was his everything. That the entire world could disappear or go up in flames and he wouldn't mind as long as Daryl was there to keep him strong. That he would be happy, truly happy, as long as he could be here. Here with his love from Italy.
Sorry it took a while to finish this, I just wanted it to be perfect. I've been quite busy too, with work and I just started college. It's been a few hectic weeks!
I hope you all liked it! I know I had so much fun writing it! Thank you all for following me on this little journey, especially BC for the wonderful prompt!