Murphy was the first one that saw his two brothers walking towards the camp, holding hands and it made his face light up. He was talking to Tara and Rosita, slowly Murphy got to know each of the group. The others all looked in his direction and started smiling and some looked a bit surprised when Daryl and Connor stopped walking and Connor took Daryl's face in his hands and kissed him.
Murphy watched the whole scene and was glad that no one seemed to care about a gay couple in their middle. They only looked surprised. Most of them knew Daryl for so long that it was probably awkward for them. Murphy walked over to his twin and the hunter who where still kissing but stopped when they felt Murphy coming closer. Without saying anything He placed a kiss on Connors and Daryl's temple. Murphy was happy. Or at least he tried to be happy. He still was shocked by the things Connor had been through. And now only 48 hours later he was kissing and smiling. Murphy thought when Connor was this brave, he had to be brave too. But he knew it wasn't just that easy. There was so much more going on.
Daryl looked at him. "Anything happened?"
"No. It was all quiet. Probably too quiet Haven't seen a walker since that one herd on the road."
"Yeah. It feels wrong. As if something is up. Maybe the others come back with news."
"Aye." Connor kissed Daryl again and then explained that he was going to grab something to eat. "see yeh later darling", he whispered and winked. Leaving Murphy and Daryl alone.
"Listen Murph' before you start again, I didn't hurt him."
"Oi. I wasn't goin' to say anythin'. So yeh wanna tell me now how to deal with this whole situation? Because I feel like I want to punch somethin'."
Daryl nodded and stroke Murphy's shoulder. "Come, let us try somethin'."
Daryl grabbed his crossbow and went over to his backpack to grab another knife and then went over to a bunch of trees. Murphy following him unsure what the hunter was up to. Daryl was carving circles into one tree and a face in the other one and Murphy chuckled. "Yer not an artist. Tha's for sure."
"Shut up fuckhead. Yeh wanna learn somethin'?"
"Aye."
"First yeh will throw the knife and try to hit the middle circle. You do that until you feel the rage eating you up. Then I will teach you something else."
Murph wasn't so sure what Daryl was doing but he trusted him so he started throwing the knife but it never landed where it should. Daryl smiled. The knife he had given his big brother wasn't made to be thrown and is was damaged and wouldn't fly a straight line even if you were a fuckin' genius with knifes. But Murphy tried and soon he threw his jacket to the ground, and he looked more and more furious and was now swearing like a troll. "Okay, I think you are angry now, right?"
"Fuckin' am. Tha' knife can't fly straight."
Murphy threw it one last time and then looked at Daryl. "Okay Murph' now come over here." Daryl was standing a bit further away facing the other tree. He held is crossbow to reach it Murphy. "I never shot a crossbow."
"I'll teach you. You are still fucking angry and you still want to punch something. But shooting a crossbow needs concentration. At least when you are hunting. So I want you to think that face is a walker. And you have to be calm in a matter of second. Try it. Hold the crossbow like this.." Daryl showed him how to hold the crossbow and Murphy was shaking. He was too twitchy for this. "I'm too angry", he whispered.
"Okay. Is there anything that calms you? Maybe the thought of Ireland? Or a good memory? A dream?"
Murphy nodded. "A dream."
"Okay I want you to close your eyes for a second, imagine this dream. And then open your eyes and shoot."
Murphy did as he was told and shot. He missed. They did this a several times and Murphy was getting angry again but Daryl always calmed him down. But Daryl knew he was horrible right now. He wanted Murphy to be too angry to do anything. And he was getting there.
The younger twin looked at his friend and was furious. He gave him his crossbow and punched the tree with his bare hands. Daryl didn't see that coming and grabbed Murphy and pulled him away. Murphy was struggling in his arms and started punching Daryl. The hunter made Murphy go down to his knees and pressed his arms to his sides. Murph was yelling now and Daryl let him. "Yer not helpin'"
"I am. Because the pain you feel has to be felt you dumbass. Closing it up like Connor does will make you even more angry and someday it is going to burst out of you. But you need to be brave for him now. I am angry too fucker. If I had known back there what that monster did to Conn' I would have gutted him." Murphy was crying in his arms and Daryl pressed his chest closer to the other mans back. "Shh Murph' it is okay. Cry. Let go." Murphy turned around and hid his face in Daryl's lap. "How..can..I help...him?"
"You can't. None of us can. He told you because you asked him. But he still is denying it. The whole thing. He tries not to sleep and close his eyes. He is blocking it out. He needs time and we need to be ready when it breaks out of him."
Daryl stroked Murphy's head. "I'm glad yer here. Conn' is good in hiding stuff and blocking it. He always was."
"We do this together, okay?"
"Aye." Murphy tried to calm himself and then stood up and put his jacket back on. He wiped his face and smiled at Daryl. Both walked back to the camp and Murph whispered: "Yer lucky to have me brother. Take care of him."
"You don't have to tell me. And I care for you too fucker."
They laughed and approached to the others. Connor was leaning against a tree, talking to Beth while Daryl checked on everyone. Making sure everyone was fine and then went over to his man. His man. Did he really just think that? He looked at Connor who was starring back at him, Conn's eyes were still a bit sad but his lips were curved into a smile. "Hey Darling", he murmured.
Daryl smiled and slung one arm around the other mans waist and then looked at Beth. "Hoe are you?"
"I'm fine. Thanks. Maggie just took care of the little cuts. But Connor had it worse."
"Yeah he did. Maggie is everything alright? How is Judith doing?"
"She is sleeping. We fed her and Beth sang a little song for her."
"Yeh she has a nice voice. Yeh ever hear her sing?", Connor asked.
Beth smiled at Daryl and he smiled back. "Yeah. Before we got separated. She sang for me."
Connor looked at Daryl and Beth and for a second he saw something between them. "Yeh made her sing for yeh? Did she sing a lullaby for yeh? Do I need to do tha' too?" Everyone chuckled and Beth shook her head. "No I was singing and he creeped up on me and then placed himself in a coffin to sleep there."
Which made Connor chuckle. "In a coffin? Yer jokin'."
"Nah. She's not. It was the most comfortable thing since years." Daryl grinned at Connor and Connor leaned forward to kiss him. "Yer crazy, Dar'."
"I'm in good company then", Daryl replied which made Connor slap his arm.
"Jaysis. Yeh two love-monkeys can't stay away from one another, huh?", Murphy came closer and smirked.
Beth leaned closer to Daryl. "Murphy is a bit jealous. Don't let him get to you. You deserve that."
"Yeah he just needs a bit lovin' too." "Wha' are you whispering there?", the younger Macmanus wanted to know.
"Tha' yer annoyin' baby brother", Connor stated without knowing what the others were whispering.
When Murphy placed himself next to Connor he started chewing an apple that he had found in the truck. "Are you eating again?", Connor asked.
"Yeah. Daryl wore me out", Murphy said with a serious face and then started chuckling when he saw his brothers face. Connor slapped his head for this. Daryl just snorted.
"I haven't even made you bleed kid. Could make you beg for mercy." Everyone was now laughing and Murphy snorted and bit down into the apple as if his life was depending on it. "You three sound like brothers", Beth declared.
"But I can't find out who the older one is", Maggie added.
"I'm the oldest", Conner said.
"Fuck yeh, we don't kno' tha' for sure. Ma' never told us. Yer just behavin' like me fuckin' big brother."
"And yeh like it." Connor ruffled Murphy's hair.
Daryl shook his head. "I'm younger by age but I think I might be the older brother to both of them. Just look, they are fightin' like lil' kids. Ya need a ruler guys?"
The MacManus twins looked at each other and then to Daryl and started laughing. "Yeh kno' Ma once told us tha' the one with the bigger dick is the oldest. So if we are very much a like yeh can try to find out yerself who is the oldest", Murphy said and walked away leaving the other ones with a puzzled face. Connor was blushing and Daryl just had some pictures from earlier in his head. When they looked at the girls they were smiling brightly and giggling. Daryl rolled his eyes and kissed Connors temple and then walked away with a "I have to piss". Just when Daryl came back from emptying his bladder he saw two cars coming back. One was definitely theirs but the other one was a new one. When they stopped the motors he walked towards the first car and saw Abraham an Rosita in it. In the back was Glen. The other car was driven by Rick, Carol next to him. Abraham was the first that stepped out of the car. "Found us another car, just like you suggested."
"Great. Thanks."
"I thought you might like a pick up."
Daryl nodded and waited for Rick and Carol to join them. Rick handed Daryl the keys. "For you and your two other brothers."
"Thanks bro'." Daryl was well aware that Rick was a bit jealous. Or afraid. Daryl couldn't say what was bothering Rick that he stresses "brothers" so different. Daryl had to make sure Rick knew how much he meant to him. He touched Ricks arm. "You all okay?"
"Yeah but we need to talk but first we need to drink something. Maybe you can take lead for a while. We will stay here for the night and we need some more food. Maybe you can try to hunt. Someone should search firewood We have to figure out what to do."
"Sure. I make sure everyone is busy. And before you all hear it from someone else.." Daryl stopped looked around and knew his face was getting red like a tomato. "Yeah?" Rick said assuringly.
"I hope none of you mind that..."
"Daryl, its okay, just say it. We don't judge", Carol said and pressed his hand gently. Daryl nodded and sighed. It was the first time speaking it out loud. "Me and Conn' aren't just brothers. Or friends. Actually I think we are something like a couple." Daryl frowned. Well that sounded weird but he wanted it out and he needed to share it with Carol and Rick. Even so Rick had already seen them.
"Man, I am glad for you. As long as it makes you happy I am fine with it."
"So none of you thinks its awkward?"
"No. Being gay isn't wrong Pookie", Carol replied.
"Good. Good Lord. Its just so weird for me."
Rick chuckled. "Falling in love is always weird. No matter if its with a guy or a girl. Believe me. We have all been there." Then Ricks eyes were sad for a while and Daryl touched his shoulder to make sure he appreciated what his friend just said and that he knows the memories hurt. When Daryl turned around Abraham and Rosita were holding hands and smiled at him. The walked to the others and Daryl gave everyone orders what to do. And went to see Murphy and Connor at last. Both of them were sitting apart from the group, talking. He slowly approached because he didn't want to disturb them but both smiled when they saw him coming "Aye. The others are back", Murphy stated.
"Yeah. We stay the night here. I need to go huntin'. Wanna come along?", he asked the younger twin.
"Aye. If yeh let me come along."
"'O'Course. Can teach you a bit more shooting with me crossbow. But grab your knife just in case." Daryl sat down next to Connor and stroked his friends back. "You should rest a bit. The others prepare some fruits and stuff. We won't be gone long I hope. Just relax a bit." Connor shook his head. "Can't I come along? I am so bored and pissed because everyone is fussing abou' me."
"Yer sick and hurt and yeh have to rest and if yeh come along I will kill yeh myself. But yeh could do somethin' else. Yeh only have the clothes yer waring. The others are in a bag in the trunk. Maybe yeh can wash for us."
"I'm no fuckin' girl tha' washes yer clothes. But fine if yeh two want to go alone." Connor was brooding. He wanted to do something and he wanted to be with Daryl. Latter was caressing his neck and Connor leaned into the touch, closing his eyes. Daryl approached a bit and ran his fingers through Connors hair. "Murph' is right. Don't want you in the woods. You need to heal first."
Connor now met his eyes and he looked hurt and sad but Daryl wouldn't give in. "Please take care of yourself. Don*t wanna lose one of you", he whispered and his eyes were getting wet. "Hey, we come back. We promise. Don't you worry Baby." Daryl raised an eyebrow at himself. Had he just called Connor Baby? What was wrong with him?
Connor smiled a bit and kissed Daryl. It was a short and gentle kiss. Murphy was already standing up, moving towards the woods. "I will leave you alone for a second."
The older twin watched his brother walk away and smiled. He was thankful that Murphy gave him the privacy. Daryl grabbed Connors hand and kissed the other mans neck. He started biting a bit and while one hand was holding Connors, the other was exploring his friends chest. "Wha' are yeh doin? Everyone can see."
"I know. They are okay with us. And don' t worry I won't start taking your clothes off."
"But when yeh go on like this I might want yeh to."
Daryl stopped touching Connor immediately. "Sorry."
Connor chuckled and turned his head to see Daryl again. "Don't be. I would like to continue tha' but yeh should go huntin' Darling before it is too dark. And the sooner yer back the sooner I can sleep in yer arms." Connor hated to admit it but he needed Daryl next to him tonight. Daryl's stomach flipped when he heard that and he kissed Connor, actually pulling him onto his lap. "I am lookin' forward to it", he whispered an slid his tongue in the older ones mouth. Connor tasted so good and he loved the wetness and hotness of their kisses. It was fuckin' hilarious that this was their first real day as a couple. It was weird that they fell for each other so hard, in such a short time and it was slightly amazing. Daryl was high on feelings and he wanted this so much. He wanted Connor so much. Connor was his lifesaver. The Irishman grabbed his hair and bit down on Daryl's lip. "Stop! I fuckin' want yeh. But I can't have yeh righ' now. This is torture." Connor snorted and stood up. His face frowning. Daryl thought Connor looked cute like that and smiled. "I got carried away because you are so..." Daryl swallowed the word cute and said "kissable" instead.
Connor shook his head and one side of his lip was turning up. "I love to kiss yeh too."
Daryl stood up too and hugged Connor, nestled his head in the other mans neck and whispered "I hope you don't just do that because you want to overtone the pain. Don't use me Conn'."
Connor shook his head. "No. Don't yeh dare think I am using yeh. Maybe tha' thing just speeded eveythin' up. I probably wouldn't have gone so far, so soon. I admit tha' but part of me knew that I was fallin' for yeh before I could even admit it. I knew when yeh hugged me and called me "Leprechaun" but I would have never admit it. The reason I ran wasn't only because Murph' was jealous. Part of me ran because I wanted to get away from yeh. From having feelings for yeh. Feelings tha' are weird and confusing. Yer a man after all. But I am not using yeh, Daryl Dixon. I fuckin' love yeh. And don't yeh dare tell me tha' it is fuckin' fast and fuckin' soon. I know tha' but I need yeh and tha' feeling inside of me turned from burnin' into glowin'. I don't want tha' to stop."
Connor was pressing him so close to his body that Daryl could feel his heart beating and Daryl's eyes were wet. Of course he knew that there was more to the story than only Murphy's jealousy. But Connor had loved him right from the off. No one ever loved Daryl Dixon right from the start. No one had ever said this to him. Daryl kissed Connors ear and nibbled on his earlobe. "Thank you", he mumbled.
"Geez. I tell yeh' I love yeh and stuff and yeh say "thank yeh"?"
"Yeah? Because ya love me at all. And loved me so soon. So fast. No one ever fell in love with me like this. And I never fell in love like that. I don't even know if I am glowing on the inside or if I was turned into a lightbulp."
Connor chuckled. "Darling yer shining for me like a christmas tree."
Daryl snorted and let go of Connor. "You are gettin' cheesy."
Both kissed and then Daryl finally went after Murphy. He was smiling all the time because Connor really loved him. And he loved Connor.
Murphy of course had seen his brother and Daryl and he was actually crying and hid himself behind one of the trees. He could feel the joy rushing through his brothers body and he felt incredibly happy that his brother was able to have this. After what had happened to him two nights back it was a miracle but both his brothers seemed to need it. Of Course it was weird to see it and of course it was weird to share Connor but he liked Daryl and Daryl was teaching him stuff and treating him like a brother. They were family now and that's what made him cry. He wanted to share all the feelings with someone. Murphy had never admit it to his brother but he felt lonely from time to time. Cuddling with Connor was nice but he wanted someone to hold, someone HE could take care of. Murphy was jealous, not because he didn't want them to be happy, no, because he was so desperate to have something like this. A deep bond, kissing, caring and this glowing. But how can he find this when the person he loves, loves someone else? Doesn't even see him like this. Murphy knew he would die alone. What if his soulmate would never even realize it? What if... His thoughts got interrupted by Daryl who stood next to him and looked worried when he saw Murphy's eyes. "You alright? What happened?"
"Nothing. Just my thoughts."
Daryl stroke his arm and gently asked: "Were you thinking about Conn'?"
Murphy shook his head. "No. But its okay. Lets hunt."
Daryl knew it wasn't okay but he didn't want to dig deeper. Murphy was someone who would talk when the time was right. In that case he was a lot like himself.
They went further into the woods. This wasn't really a place for hunting but with some luck they found some bunnies or squirrels. When Daryl thought it would be a good place to stop, he gave Murphy his crossbow and said: "I told you how to use it. Now keep watch and when you see something, shoot."
"Aye." Murphy held the crossbow exactly as Daryl had told him to and Daryl was surprised that Murphy seemed to know what he was doing. It looked as if he was made for a crossbow. Daryl smiled, it was weird to see how he looks with a crossbow. Did he really look like this, when he was hunting? Jesus. Murphy tried to be silent and patient because for some strange reason he wanted to make Daryl proud. Because he knew that it would make Connor happy when both of them are helping each other out. And when he learned hunting he could help Daryl with it. So his little brother didn't have to do it all on his own. Murphy turned around a bit and bit his lip when he stepped on a twig. "Sorry", he mumbled.
"It's okay. Didn't teach you how to be silent, yet. I can teach you some day."
Murphy shook his head in agreement. When he heard something he turned around and yelled "FUCK!", which made Daryl look at the direction Murphy was looking at and saw walkers coming their way. Daryl ran forward and stabbed the first walker in the head. "Shoot Moron!" Murphy shot and missed the first walker. He reloaded the crossbow and shot a second time and the arrow found his new home in one of the geeks heads. Murphy smiled and reloaded the crossbow, while Daryl was stabbing two walkers in the head and yet there were some more coming and Murphy shot and failed. He was swearing and ran towards Daryl because he was out of Arrows. He grabbed his knife and started stabbing. He kept on and on and lost count of how many walkers he killed and when he heard something behind him he turned around and immediately hit his target but what he saw wasn't at all what he wanted to see. "OH MY GOD", he screamed and looked around. All walkers were dead and he had accidentally hurt Daryl. "You idiot! Didn't you hear that I talked to you?"
Daryl held his shoulder and Murphy just looked at him. "I'm so sorry lil' bro! I thought yeh were one of them freaks."
"Yeah. Asshole." Daryl tried to move his shoulder but it fucking hurt. Blood was streaming through his fingers. Murphy grabbed Daryl's arrows and his crossbow and swung it over his shoulder and then said: "Come on. Lets go and get yeh to the camp. I can hunt on me own later. Taking someone else with me."
"Fuck you do. Today we have to eat what is left. With those walkers here the food is long gone."
"Aye." Murphy carried all their stuff and they were talking to each other and didn't hear that they weren't alone. Both of them stopped walking when they heard a gunshot and Murphy looked shocked when Daryl got down on his knees. His face full of pain and holding his stomach. Daryl felt an incredible pain in his stomach and he sank down to his knees. Murphy was getting down, throwing the crossbow to the ground, his hands grabbed the familiar guns in his peacoat and he aimed at the direction the shot was fired. They were too far from the camp as that the others could have heard them and Murphy gave Daryl a sign to move against the tree and be silent. He hid behind another tree and as soon as he heard someone coming closer he looked around the tree. It was a man with a 9mm. He looked like a freaking maniac. "Who are yeh and why did yeh shoot at us?"
The man laughed. "You are one of them. I saw you. Your friend got bit."
"Yer mental? He didn't."
"We are all goin' to die." Murphy looked at Daryl and rolled his eyes. When Murphy stepped forward he looked at the man and without hesitation raised his gun. "Let go of your gun or I will shoot." His words were confident, the childish look on his face gone and Daryl thought that Murphy looked like a serial killer. Yeah well, basically he was that but he looked evil. The moment the man was rising his hand to shoot, Murphy shot his hand and the guy let go of his gun. Murphy had to be fast and so he just left the prayer out and shot. One clear headshot. As soon as the man was falling, Murphy grabbed Daryl's stuff and asked if he can walk. Daryl shook his head. "No. I think he missed my organs but the bullet is stuck in me."
"I will carry yeh."
"No. Just go and get someone."
"No."
And with that Murphy shoved one arm under Daryl's knees and Daryl put his arms around his big brothers neck and mumbled "sorry".
"Yeh shut up. Not yeh fault but mine and that bastards. Hurtin' me brother was enough to be shot without a prayer."
Daryl smirked and he felt dizzy but tried to stay awake. Murphy tried to go as fast as he could and was glad when he could step out of the woods. Daryl was losing his conciousness. "Daryl. Stay with me. Don't yeh dare lose it now. Come on. Talk to me. I can see the camp already."
"I'm so tired", Daryl whispered and added "Want to see Conn'."
"I can see Conn' already." It wasn't true but he could see some of their group and he yelled. "HELP!" He wasn't sure if anybody heard him but he tried because he was getting slower and Daryl closed his eyes over and over again. He was relieved to see that someone came running towards him. It was Carl. "What happened?"
"He got shot. Go and get yeh Dad lad. I can't carry him any longer."
Murphy nearly sank to his knees but he stumbled forward. It wasn't so far anymore and Carl was already yelling at Rick, who came running as fast as possible. "Give him to me." Rick was carrying Daryl now and Murphy sank to his knees, his arms in front of him. He was trying to hold it all together but it was just too much. Connor was hurt, Daryl was hurt and part of it was his fault. Everything was his fault. Connor wouldn't have run if not for him. Daryl wouldn't have gotten hurt if he hadn't talked to him and distracted him. Murphy started crying and it didn't surprise him that no one was looking after him. But what hurt the most was the image of Daryl falling to his knees. The sight of him in his arms. Just like Daryl had carried Connor before. Why did everything hurt so much? Why did it hurt him to see Daryl like this? He heard everyone moving and they were talking to Daryl and he heard Connor yell. Connor would be so angry with him but then he heard Connor yell "Murph'? Where the fuck is me brother?"
Then he heard footsteps and Connor was getting down on his knees. "Yeh alrigh'? Wha' happened?"
"I...I am sorry", Murphy spit out.
"Why?"
"This is my fault. I stabbed him and then he got shot by some maniac. But I took care of that freak. Shot him. This is my fault because I distracted him. And it is my fault yeh are hurt and everythin' is always my fuckin' fault."
Connor just grabbed his brothers face and put a kiss on his forehead. Tears running over his face. "Nothin' of tha' is yer fault. Listen? Only the stabbing, maybe but wha' happened to me wasn't yer fault and tha' maniac shooting Dar' wasn't either. Now come on. He needs us. And I want to be there for him."
"Aye", Murphy agreed but wasn't so sure tha' Daryl would like to see him. They had carried Daryl to the fireplace and he was not moving. Carol, Maggie and Beth were hovering over him, ripping his clothes off of him. Connor slowly moved forward, while Murphy leaned against the truck and looked from a distance. When Daryl died he would never forgive himself. Because he would take Connors happiness away. He would break his brother. Murphy was yelling at himself inside his head. And he would deeply miss Daryl. Yeah, that was the secret, that hunter was growing on Murphy. If Daryl would die, Connor wouldn't be the only one feeling the loss.
Connor looked down on Daryl. He didn't move and it hurt him that everyone could see his scars now. He knew Daryl wouldn't want this. Connor moved again and knelt down to put Daryl's head in his lap. Carol nodded and Beth put a hand on his knee to make sure that they care for Daryl. Connor concentrated on Daryl's face. He stroke the hair out of his face and gently let his thumb fondling Daryl's jaw. The older one was crying, but he didn't care. He just wanted Daryl to wake up. He started praying, grabbed his rosary and took it off. He kissed it once and then put it around Daryl's neck, letting it rest on his chest. With closed eyes he prayed and prayed and prayed. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up. Murphy was kneeling next to him. His rosary dangling in front of him and he grabbed his brothers hand and replaced the missing hand on Daryl's face with his own and he looked at Connor and then both of them started praying. Like they had done in their past life. They stopped when they both felt a movement under their hands and they opened their eyes to see Daryl's eyelids flatter. Connor bowed down. "Daryl, we are here. Don't move." Carol was trying to get the bullet out of Daryl and the pain must have woken him up. She stopped her movements and everyone was steading Daryl now, afraid that when he moved they would hurt an organ.
"Angel, please don't move. Look at me." Daryl opened his eyes and looked right into Connors eyes, which were hovering over him. "Leprechaun", he whispered. His eyes already closing again. "I'm here."
Daryl opened his eyes again and Connor gently stroked his jaw. "Yeh need to be calm. Don't move an inch. Carol will go on now. She needs to get tha' bullet out. Concentrate on me. Yeah?"
"Yeah", the hunter's voice was shaking. "And don't you dare give up fightin' moron. If yeh die, Murph' and me will follow yeh and kick yer fuckin' ass."
"Aye. Listen to Conn'. I'm sorry Dar'. Should have taken more care of yeh."
Daryl smirked and Connor shook his head. That fucker was smiling as if he was saying "yeah yeah you talk. its just a scratch."
Connor bowed down some more and kissed Daryl's forehead. Ignoring his own pain. His knees were hurting and the position was not exactly comfortable for his back but Daryl needed him now. Daryl was just staring into Connors eyes. He knew he shouldn't move but he wanted to touch Connor and make him smile again. He wasn't supposed to cry. Daryl didn't like to see him cry. Daryl didn't like the way Murphy was crying too. And in general Daryl didn't like to be taken care of like this. He was well aware of the fact that he was bare chested. He concentrated on his mans face, his eyes, his voice. Just as he had told him. He wanted to be alone with Connor. everything was good when they were alone. Yes. And he wanted a kiss. Now. He opened his mouth and whispered. "Kiss?"
"Are yeh high or somethin'? Murphy joked.
But Connor was leaning down and pressing his lips to Daryl's. It was awkward from this position but he was willing to do everything that Daryl wanted. Just like he had done 2 days ago.
Connor went on putting little kisses to the hunters face and was rewarded with a little smirk and glowing blue eyes. Connor took off his peacoat and rested it under Daryl's head, then he lay down, his head to the side of Daryl's face, making sure he wouldn't be in the way of the others. He was kissing Daryl's ear and whispered: "Love yeh me little hunter. When I said I can't wait to sleep in yer arms I didn't mean to share a sickbed with yeh. But no, yeh had to run into the woods and come back injured."
"Sorry", Daryl mumbled.
"Nah. Yer not. Yeh like to be in danger. Yer my little Robin Hood, remember?"
"Shut...uuup", Daryl spit. His stomach fuckin' hurts and they weren't making it better.
"Should I leave yeh alone with the ladies?" Connor hovered over Daryl's face and raised an eyebrow.
"Leprechaun, no."
Murphy started laughing. "Yeh sound like Conn' is yer dog and yer tellin' him to not chase after the bunnies."
Connor chuckled. "Yeh think, maybe I am the bunny and Daryl is the dog."
Daryl closed his eyes. He had a hard time not to laugh. Despite the pain he loved that moment. Murphy and Connor were just two fuckin' fuckheads and he fuckin' loved to hear them talk.
Murphy was standing up and said "I'll be back. I'll tell them that he is awake."
"Aye."
"It's out", Carol finally said.
"Yeh hear tha'. Now they patch yeh up and yeh as good as new." Connor mildly put a kiss on Daryl's lips and the hunter opened his eyes and smiled a bit. He concentrated on Connor's face. His little Irish mojo. "We have to move him up so I can bandage him", Maggie said. "Aye." Connor embraced his friend to steady him and Daryl tried to shift his weight on his own arms. He didn't even flinch when the others touched him because he was blocking the others out. There was only Connor and him. No one else was there. He felt strong arms around his body, Connors head resting on his head and one hand was playing with his beard. When Maggie was done she said: "We will leave you two alone for a second. We should carry him into the truck. He needs to rest."
"We will go and search Murphy", Carol added.
When they all were gone, Connor let go of Daryl's head and rested him back on his jacket then he placed himself next to the hunter and they looked at each other. "How d'yeh feel?"
"I'll live."
"Yeh better! Not goin' to lose yeh asshole." The Irishs rosary was still around his friends neck and he positioned it right now. It was now right above the wound. "Can you bring me a new shirt?"
"Aye. Gimme a second." Connor ran over to Daryl's bag and searched for a new shirt, when he found one he hurried back. He forgot that he was still hurt and shouldn't be running at all. When he came back he helped Daryl put on his shirt, while doing so his hands explored a bit of his friends skin but not too much. Connor started looking for his twin but instead he saw Rick coming closer. The ex-sheriff knelt next to Connor. "Daryl, do you think you can stay awake a little longer and listen to what we found out?" Daryl nodded. "Yeah. Sure. Just let me sit somewhere."
Rick and Connor helped Daryl stand up and support him while they walked to the truck, so Daryl could lean against it. But Connor shook his head and placed himself behind Daryl, his hand searching Daryl's and the hunter interlaced their fingers. His head was resting against Connors shoulder and Rick was smiling down at them. When he knelt down in front of Daryl, he patted his knee and then his cheek. "You really have a thing for bullets."
Daryl tried not to chuckle and failed. "People seem to like to shoot me."
"I will bring you some cola, hm? I spared it but I think you need it today. You two can share. And of course you are both out of business for the next days."
"Nah. I am fit again. I will help yeh. I can do the stuff Daryl did before."
"No. You are not. You take care of him." Rick smiled and Connor met his eyes and smiled too. He was glad that Rick supported them. "I can do tha'. It's a pleasure actually. Righ' Darling?"
"Can ya stop callin' me that?"
"What? Darling? Sure can honey."
Daryl rolled his eyes and smirked. Rick shook his head. "Young love. How wonderful."
"Aye. Are those love-monkeys in action again?", Murphy said from around the corner and came closer.
"In Action? I wouldn't say they are in action", Rick answered.
"Better. Don't wanna see them stick their tongues into each other."
Connor shook his head. "Will yeh ever grow up yeh fucker?"
"Nah. Growing up is highly overrated."
Slowly the others were filling the place and they all sat down on the ground. Daryl closed his eyes for a while until Connor whispered into his ear: "I can't wait to cuddle tonight." Daryl pressed Connors hand in response. He knew he would fall asleep as soon as they would be alone but he was looking forward to some hugging and kissing.
When Rick started to speak he opened his eyes. "We went to town today. And it looks more deserted than any other city we have ever seen. It looks like there have never been any walkers. There are no cars, no bodies, no nothing. I want to go back there and drive a bit further into the city. I think we should maybe drive to another border tomorrow. Something is very odd there."
"I agree. Eugene, Rosita and me went through different cities and every city was full of walkers. It was kind of scary that there wasn't one. Maybe we should drive around the border for a while to check. Maybe enter some building first before we drive to the university. Thats where the military camp is", the redheaded soldier explained.
"If it is still there", Carol added.
"It would be great to go in two groups. Daryl and Connor are out. They stay in the camp, they need to heal. Carl, you will watch your sister. So now, who wants to go?"
"I'm goin'", Murphy replied and watched Connor who looked a bit startled by this. He knew his brother tried to find a place in the group. Proof them what he was capable of but Connor was afraid that he might lose him.
After a while there were three groups. Murphy and Rick, Carol, Tyresee, Abraham and Glenn, Michonne and Bob. Connor looked around and he knew that he wouldn't stay in the truck tomorrow because the only real fighters that were left behind were Rosita and him. The others could probably shoot but they were all just girls and a kid. There should always be a man protecting them.
"Aye. I'll keep watch with Rosita while yer gone."
"No. You are not", Rick commanded.
"Aye. And who will keep watch? Maggie and Carl should look after the baby. Beth is injured, Tara seems not to be a big fighter. Sasha can shoot. But I think there should be a man involved somewhere. And sorry but me and Murph' are the best gun shooters in this camp. Except Abraham."
"If I say no you would do it anyways, right?" Connor nodded and smiled.
"Yeah. I'm already bored with the whole resting and healing thing."
"Okay. It's your life. Okay. Now we don't have any meat today. We all eat the rest of the stuff we have. Tomorrow we should check out if we can find new supplies."
Then everyone walked away and Rick and Murphy carried Daryl into the truck. Connor thought it was funny that they put Daryl on the right side so that there was enough space for him on the left. Rick said goodnight and Murphy was staying, looking at them. When Connor was lying down, Murphy mumbled: "I'm sorry."
"Yeh don't have to be Murph'. I kno' yeh wanna help the group. But come back in one piece."
"Not wha' I'm talkin' about. I mean Dar'."
"Fucker didn't do anything", Daryl explained.
"Yeh not angry with me?"
Murphy thought he earned a proper punch or yelling or angry comments. He had stabbed his little brother and he felt so guilty about everything. He needed to go with the group because he hoped that he got injured. He always had so much luck because Connor watched after him. Connor was always the one that had more bruises, more cuts, more gun wounds, more pain. Murphy knew it was his fault. When Connor was a lucky charme, he was probably the opposite. "I'm not angry with you. Come here." Daryl opened his arms and Murphy shook his head. He didn't want to hurt Daryl.
"Will you come now you bullhead." Murphy slowly placed himself over his little brother, Making sure, that he wasn't touching his stomach. Daryl put his arms around him and stroked his head. "Thanks for carrying me all the way back. Thanks for shooting that fucker because without you he would have finished me right there. I am not mad at you. I'm glad I have you."
Murphy started crying and rested his head on Daryl's chest. He felt another arm around his waist and saw that Connor was looking at him with tears in his eyes. "Yeh kno' baby brother, it was a hard day. There was a lot information for yeh and a lot of pain. It's okay to be tha' confused. Hell, I'm too. But yeh not guilty. I can feel how yeh struggling. Please don't do tha'. Dar' and me love yeh. Yeh wanna sleep here tonight?"
"Yeh kiddin' me? I don't want to be near yeh two lovesick fuckbunnies. I promised Rick to keep him company tonight. I like to be on watch with him. Yeh can really talk with him."
"Aye. Do yer work then. And yeh really not guilty of anythin'. Reason I ran wasn't only because yeh were jealous of Dar'. I ran because I was fallin' for him."
Murphy's head moved from one man to the other. When Connor nodded he smirked. "Yeh tellin' me this was some sort of love-at-first-sight thing?" Murphy knew the answer already.
Daryl ruffled his hair. "You are nosy. Now off with you, I wanna sleep."
Daryl was getting tired and he really wanted a bit more time with Connor before he closed his eyes. Murphy just nodded, pressed his lips on his forehead and did the same with Connor and then climbed out of the truck. Not ten minutes later Beth climbed in and looked at them. Connor was snuggling in Daryl's armpit and Beth smiled. "Don't want to interrupt for long. I just thought you two want the blanket. Its very soft and I had it the last nights." She was unfolding it and threw it over them. Daryl smiled at her. "And Rick asked me to give you this." She handed Connor a can of cola and some apple slices and some berries. Then she looked at them somehow nervous. She knelt in front of them. "I never...I never thanked you Connor. You didn't know me but saved me and you got hurt. Thank you!"
Connor rose up and touched her hand. "No need to thank me. It was and still is me job to slay the wicked and evil. To cleanse this world from mobsters. I would do it again, without even thinkin' abou' it. Yeh are important to Daryl. And so I had to save yeh anyways. Yeh kno' I hadn't anythin' to loose and I was tortured with the thought tha' I would die there. But still I would do it again. So don't thank me. Just stay alive."
Daryl was shielding his eyes with his hand because he didn't want them to see his tears. Connor was much like him. He would have died to save her. Beth was crying too and she whispered: "You are much like him." She pointed her head to Daryl. Both looked at the hand in front of the hunters face.
"Yeh I thin' we are much alike. And yet we are completely different."
She nodded and wished them goodnight. When she was gone, Connor took Daryl's hand from his eyes. "Why yeh cryin'? Yeh in pain?"
"No. Ya' said ya' hadn't anything to loose but you had Murphy and me." Connor sighed and stroked Daryl's cheek. "I thought I lost yeh. And Murph' is a tough fucker underneath all the childish behaviour. He would have lived on without me."
Daryl shook his head. "No."
"Can we not talk? Can we drink and eat and then try to sleep?"
Daryl agreed and so they shared the food and the coke. Connor started feeding Daryl which the hunter didn't like at all but he let him. Connor's thoughts were somewhere else. He couldn't concentrate on Daryl right now because he was thinking about what he just said. Would he really do it again? Is he really insane enough to go through things like that again? Something in him had changed and he wanted to be selfish because right down in that basement he thought he was dying without having experienced love and without knowing how it is to be happy. In that basement he thought of all the things he wanted to do but never did because of their life. He thought of all the things he could have done without Murphy. Because to be honest taking care of his Baby Brother had held him back. It was always Murphy first. God second. But when was it Connor first? He felt Daryl grabbing his hand and stroking his finger and he looked down on the other mans face. No, he wouldn't do it again because now he had something to lose. Something great. Someone special. His someone, his man. No, Connor wouldn't go through hell again to save anybody. Except his two soulmates. He kissed Daryl passionate and the hunter responded this kiss. Connor sighed and whispered: "Now I have something worth livin' for. Yeh the only thing tha' keeps me alive. I love yeh, Daryl Dixon."
Daryl didn't answer with words he just kissed Connor and held the other mans hand and pressed it gently. He shifted his body to the side and Connor was snuggling closer to him. Daryl nestled his head in Connors neck and embraced him from behind. Connor was trying not to touch Daryl's stomach with his back, but Daryl was coming closer and whispered: "G'night lil' irish fighter." Daryl thought Connor was the strongest person he knew. Connor was also the most beautiful guy he knew and he was his. "G'night my lil' hunter. See yeh in yer dreams."
That's how they fell asleep. Back to chest, head to neck, their fingers entangled on Connors chest and their knees intertwined.
I am not even sorry!