Hey!
New chapter and a long one.
We will finally arrive in Washington - just to find...yeah well..
We will meet new people and have some more love and smut. (Yeah I just can't live without it...)
I am off work next week so I guess by the end of next week or maybe a bit earlier I will be done writing this fic. The ending is already written and I am filling the spaces right now. Unbelievable that I am ending this. I could write forever about them but I have a new fic in mind plus I am writing on a novel with a friend. So I am kind of busy :D -
It was midday when they reached the university of Washington, where the lab was. They all looked to the fences that were built around the facility. Rick and Abraham stepped out of the cars and walked to the gate. There were no signs, no humans. Nothing.
"I really have a bad feeling", Abraham said.
"Yeah. It is too quiet. But we should look inside. Maybe Eugene will find something."
Both nodded and opened the gate, walked back to the cars and drove in. After that they closed the gate again and Abraham was leading the way. Eugene telling him where he thought they would find the right section of the facility.
They stepped all out of the cars and rick ordered Michonne, Glenn and Maggie to keep watch. Murphy, Connor and Daryl were searching the basement, while the others were searching the first ground. "D'yeh hear tha'?", Murphy asked.
"I can't hear anything", Daryl replied.
"Exactly. Nothin'. Shouldn't there be any kind of sounds?"
"Aye. It's deathly quiet. It is as if someone sucked the whole city clean."
Daryl thought about that. "You mean they cleaned it, ready for a restart?"
All three looked at each other.
"We should go upstairs. If they are rebuilding this city there has to be a camp nearby", Connor disclosed.
They went upstairs and ran into Maggie and Glenn who were watching the entrance. "Anything?", Glenn wanted to know.
"Nothing", Murphy answered.
They waited for the others to join them and Connor was thinking so loud, that Daryl and Murphy kept looking at him. But as much as Connor wanted a new plan, he couldn't think of anything. When they wouldn't find anything here, where would they go or should they stay in this city and wait? He wouldn't mind staying in a hotel room with Daryl for the rest of his life. He wouldn't mind anything as long as he was with the two man that looked like twins. Especially now that Daryl's hair was shorter.
After a while the others came back, with the same expression on their face. "Eugene", Rick said, "where do we go now?"
"I don't know. The next great camp was in New York but last I heard they got overrun."
"Something feels wrong", Carol mentioned.
"Aye. We agree", Murphy added.
Rick sighed and looked to his friends. "What do we do?"
It was Connor who stepped forward and said: "We all want to find that cure and we have Eugene, so it is our responsibility to help this world, but I think we should try to be careful, drive to New York but not in a hurry. We should search safe sleeping places each night. Make sure we don't lose more people. We still don't know why this city looks untouched. Maybe it is a trap or maybe they already found a cure and are now waiting for people to find their camp. We don't know and I think we should really be careful. And for the night we should go back to the hotel or another one. Let us find a map to New York, search for roads apart from the main roads. Fly under the radar." Abraham and Rick nodded, while the others agreed too. Abraham then spoke: "I think Connor is right. We lived a long time without the cure now. We can last some more weeks."
Rick gave them a sign to step into the cars. Murphy, Connor and Daryl were sitting in the Pick-Up together. Murphy's head was resting on Connor's shoulder and his eyes were closed. Connor's hand wandered to Daryl's thighs and he started rubbing it. "Stop", Daryl whispered.
Connor just smirked and let his hand move upwards, grabbing between Daryl's legs what made him growl. "Connor", the hunter said harsh.
"Okay." Connor frowned and took the hand away from Daryl and started stroking Murphy's head instead, who opened his eyes again. "This is all fuckin' shit. Nothin' makes sense."
"Aye, little brother, I agree. I thought we go here and find tha' cure and than we would all settle down somewhere. I'm tired."
"We all are", Daryl answered.
Back at the hotel they met in the room they celebrated just hours ago. But this time Abraham, Connor and Rick were looking at maps and everyone else was waiting for their decision and new plans. Daryl looked around and could see the same expression on every face: disappointment. Everyone was hoping for a new home, a cure, peace. But finding nothing but silence and emptiness in the city was the least thing they expected. It nearly was like the shelter before a storm. And they all could feel it. Abraham was right, there was something huge coming and they needed to be prepared.
Daryl approached Connor and held his hand while watching at the plans. Connor was marking possible hide-outs for them, while Abraham was working on a different plan, in case they were forced to go another route. Something Daryl couldn't get out of his mind was the fence around the building. Why would there be a fence when there is nothing in there?
"Rick, did you see any cameras or something at the university?"
The former sheriff looked at him. "No. Why?"
"The fences. Why would someone built a fence around a building that is empty?" Abraham and Connor moved their faces towards Daryl and suddenly Connor said: "To keep something in or out."
"Yeah, but we didn't find anything."
"Well, we only checked one of the buildings. The one with the labs", Eugene said.
"We should have checked the adjoining buildings, too", Rick explained.
"I don't think we would find anything there. It is just a thought but what if this was some sort of test? Trap? Maybe we should have checked the buildings on the campus", Daryl concluded "Because if I would be in charge, I would hide in the less important buildings."
Everyone went silent for a moment and then Connor smiled and kissed Daryl. "Smartass."
Murphy moved from his corner next to Daryl. "I think our lil' bro' is right and the walkers, well if the military is there, then they found a way to keep them away from the city. And I have an idea how."
"And what would that be?", Abraham asked. "Something like "Anti-Zombie-Spray"?"
Murphy gave him an annoyed look. "No yer idiot. Blood. Think about it, the only thing that attracts the walkers is noise and smell. So what happens if someone sprays human blood on a road?"
Everyone looked surprised at that thought. "Jaysis Murph' how did yeh get tha' smart?"
"I had a pretty good teacher." Murphy winked and punched Connors shoulder playfully.
"But this means there must be someone here and there must be a road or something that attracts them. Maybe around the city and they lead them to one point and kill them there. And Walkers can come from any direction. So there have to be more than one road. Maybe we should try to find a herd outside of town and follow it", Rick suggested.
Beth and Carol stepped forward and said: "We can't go all together. Three or four should go outside town but the rest should wait here. It is too dangerous. We need to think about Judith."
"She is right", Abraham added.
They decided that Abraham, Glenn and Bob would go outside town, trying to find a herd and follow it until they know where they go. Another group, including Daryl and Murphy was going to another direction, to see if they could find walkers. "I think we should all rest now", Rick said and left the room to move to his own one and so everyone followed. Connor, Daryl and Murphy went upstairs and Murphy stopped in front of his room. "Can I talk to yeh for a minute?"
"Aye." They went into his room and Murphy sat down on his bed.
"I wanted to apologize for the last days. I am sorry I freaked out so much and that I slept between yeh. Wasn't righ' to do tha'. So yeah, I'm sorry."
Connor smiled and sat next to Murphy. "Nothin' to be sorry abou'. I kno' yer worried sick and afraid to lose me and him. We love yeh' an' I forgive yeh." He hugged him and kissed his temple. Daryl stood there and answered: "Yeah. We love you and we all freak out sometimes."
Connor and Murphy looked at each other for a while. Connor knew that Murphy wasn't okay but that he was trying to get into control and fake his smile once more to come off stronger than he was. He knew that Murphy's feelings were still confusing because he could feel the confusion in his own body. He was thankful that his twin tried to give them space. Murphy was still angry and jealous and sad but he knew that he wanted Connor to be happy and the only way possible to have that was to let him go and be with Daryl. Murphy's eyes wandered to Daryl and he felt his heart sink. Without him everything would be different. Without him Murphy wouldn't feel so bad.
"Yeh should rest now", Murphy said. "We need to be prepared."
Connor hugged him one last time and stood up. "Sleep well."
"Yeh, too."
It was still bright outside and the sun wouldn't go down for another hour. Daryl and Connor were lying in their bed, both in thoughts. "How do you feel today?", Daryl asked.
"Better, but I still have the feelin' somethin' is goin' to happen."
Daryl moved himself on top of Connor. "I won't let that happen. I am your shield now."
Connor laughed. "Yer so sappy sometimes."
"Your fault. I was never sappy before you stumbled into my life. I was more the grumpy and angry type who was afraid to speak." Daryl placed a kiss on Connors lips.
"And now yer all cuddly and sappy and loving. Awww", the Irishman teased.
"Shut up", Daryl hissed before pushing Connor's arms over his head, straddling him and kissing him. His lips trailed down the jawline and he gently bit down on Connor's neck. He let go of Connor's arms and placed himself next to his man. He closed his eyes, trying to calm down. They couldn't have sex again. All they ever did was having sex and he thought this wasn't supposed to be a fuck-relationship. "Why did you stop?"; Connor asked.
"We can't just have sex again."
"Why not?"
"Someday you are going to be bored because we only have sex and nothing else." Connor closed up to Daryl and kissed his cheek. "Yeh funny. We can't go on dates. I really would like to go to the movies with yeh, take yeh to a restaurant and go for a walk until we end up in bed."
"And you tell me I am cheesy."
"Never said I didn't like it a bit romantic and sappy." Connor straddled Daryl and looked at him.
"I would take you out on my bike, drive you to a nice place in the woods and we would have picnic."
"That I would like", Connor mused "if we have sex in a field or forest."
Daryl shook his head. "Are you a sex-addict?"
"Maybe. Or maybe I am just addicted to yeh." Connor pressed his lips to the hunter's and Daryl couldn't resist any longer and placed his hands on his mans hips, flipping him over, so he was on top. If they are going to do this, he wanted to be in charge. His rules, his needs. He had been gentle with Connor and let him have his control but somehow he needed to show him, that he, too, was a man.
He started undressing Connor and then got rid of his own clothes. Connor just looked at him, with these piercing blue eyes and Daryl couldn't help it and smiled. He still wasn't used to the fact that he was in love and not only this "Oh god he is hot I want to fuck him"- kind of thing, no, he was in love with what Connor was. His soul. The protective, caring and charming guy. The one that made everyone laugh in the group, the one checking twice that everyone was save. The one sharing everything he had to offer and that to a point where he gave himself away. Daryl kept looking at Connor and could see right into his soul, his other half. Connor could be dangerous, just like him and he was wild and sometimes reckless and yet he was the most fragile thing Daryl was ever confronted with. Daryl's heart was twice the size now. It was beating for someone else and it always would.
"Yeh alrigh' Darling?" Connor was up to his feet, facing him. Daryl slightly nodded and placed a kiss on Connor's lips. His arms finding their way around his mans waist. "Just thought about how much I love you and that you are the best thing that ever happened to me." Connor's face lit up and he hugged Daryl, then locked eyes with him. "Yeh kno' my little hunter, I love yeh, too. Yer a good man and yer so amazing to me and me twin. Yer astonishing and everyday we've been together I find more things I love about yeh. I love how yeh always trying to be grumpy towards everyone when everyone already knows that yeh love them and take care of them. How yeh look around to make sure everyone is alright and how yeh protect them. I love how yeh opened up to me and finally started healing. I love yer strength and yer weakness. Oh Daryl, I wish yeh could see yerself with my eyes. Yer not just extremely handsome, no, yer soul is wonderful. I love yeh."
Daryl felt tears streaming down his face, of joy, happiness and love. He grabbed into Connor's hair and kissed him, lifted him up and carried him back to the bed.
After prepping Connor he placed him in the middle of the bed and turned him around. Connor obeyed and gave his control to Daryl. Sometimes he needed to be the one that obeyed. Because being in charge all the time was exhausting. Daryl placed himself over Connor and pushed into him. Making moves as if he was doing push-ups. His thrusts were fast and hard and he needed it. He needed the roughness and the violence in it. One of his hands was slowly pressing Connor deeper into the mattress and he grabbed Connors hand, tangling their fingers together and pressing it into the sheets. Daryl could see the muscles on Connor's back working, he could see how his tattoo moved and he fucked him even harder. Connor let him do it. Connor didn't flinch, he knew Daryl needed it and he would let him have it. Some part of him did like the way Daryl was using him. But before he could end that thought, Daryl's pace got slower, the hand around his neck disappeared and were replaced by kisses. Daryl had to slow down or else he wold already come. He flipped them both over, without pulling out of the warm body. Connor was now lying on top of him and the hunter kissed his shoulders, neck and started biting on the Irishman's ear. His hands wandered over his body, pinching his nipples and play with them for a while. Connor was moving on top of him, which drove Daryl insane. "Stop moving or I will come." Connor stopped and let Daryl do whatever he wanted and it seemed that he wanted to play. His hands were teasing him everywhere and Connor's whole body was soon covered in goosebumps. His cock was hard and he wanted him to touch it but he knew he had to wait. Daryl looked at Connor's closed eyes, the way his lips were parted drove Daryl crazy. He moved a thumb over those damn lips and Connor's tongue licked over it, which made Daryl put his whole thumb into Connor's mouth. Connor nearly smirked at how predictable Daryl was but didn't. Instead he started sucking at the thumb in his mouth.
Daryl moved again, pushing in and out of Connor, who moaned while sucking at his thumb. Daryl let his other hand grab the cock of the man on top of him and moved it up and down. When his man let go of his thumb, Daryl moved his hand around Connor's throat and pulled him a bit up, so that his head was resting next to his own. Connor's eyes were black from arousal, his face red and he was biting his lip. He let go of Connor's cock and rested both his hands on his hips to steady him. He thrusted harder and faster into him, which made them both groan and Connor pressed his lips on Daryl's. "Touch yourself Leprechaun." Connor did as he was told and started jerking himself off, while Daryl hit is prostate with every thrust. Soon they both were gasping for air, noises of pleasure coming out their mouths and Daryl kissed Connor to silence the loud "Fuck" that was lingering on his tongue. One last thrust and he came, hard and only seconds later Connor climaxed. Both looking at each other. "Darling, yer a wild animal."
Daryl smiled. "Wild and cheesy." They kissed for a while and Daryl pulled out of Connor, so he could stand up and clean himself. After that they dressed again and went to sleep.
They were woken by a knock on the door and Daryl stood up and asked who was there. "It's me, Murph'", and Daryl opened the door. "What's up?"
"Hurry, get dressed, I heard footsteps downstairs. I wanted to go out and get fresh air when I heard it. Come on." Murphy seemed nervous and Daryl went back into the room, shaking Connor awake and put on his boots and grabbed his crossbow and backpack. "Conn' come on. Get out of bed and hurry." Murphy shook Connor and slapped him. "The fuck?", he awoke and Murphy was already holding his peacoat and his boots and the weapons. Connor hurried and then asked "Wha' happened?"
"There is someone in the hotel and it's none of our people", Murphy explained.
They waited behind their door, weapons in hand and when they heard someone on the hallway they raised their hands. A knock on the door. "Who is there?", Daryl asked.
"Open up. It's me",Ricks voice came from the other side. Daryl opened the door.
"What is going on?"
"You need to come downstairs. We have...", Rick scratched his beard. "Visitors."
"Aye. An' who?", Murphy asked.
"Military. Said they had seen us. Want to talk. And I need you with me."
"Aye. Move", Connor agreed.
The four men walked downstairs where everyone else of the group was already gathered together. Abraham was talking to a guy in uniform and when Rick approached the man said. "Everyone of your group here now?"
"Yes."
The guy stepped in the middle. "My name is Captain Samuel Lambert, those are Officer Weber and Officer Davis." He pointed at the two men left and right from him. Samuel Lambert was a grey-haired, black eyed and tall man. The other both looked average and were both blonde with blue eyes. "We saw you this morning at campus. What were you searching there?"
Rick stepped forward. "We were searching for a sign where to go next. We heard that there was a camp in Washington for refugees." Rick decided not to tell them why they really went there. He didn't trust them.
"There was but then the government moved it. Some were left to wait for people and to clean the city. As you might have noticed the city looks untouched."
"Yeah we did tha' how did yeh do it?", Connor interrupted.
The soldier looked at him. "We lured them into a trap and the military always had a stash for supplies."
Murphy snorted. "Bullshit. Wha' is really goin' on?"
Daryl held both of them back and slowly shook his head. Rick nodded to them and then looked at Captain Lambert. "Listen, we don't want to question your work. Just let us stay here until we decide where to go. We are all tired from fighting and nearly starving."
The Captain smiled. "Yeah. See, that's the problem. We can't have you here. We need to bring you somewhere...safer."
"And where would that be?", the former Sheriff asked.
"Our base outside town. But before I do so I need to know what your fighting skills are."
Murphy and Connor simultaneously drew their guns from their peacoats and soon the officers found themselves looking at four guns. And a crossbow. Daryl didn't even think about it when he saw them pull their guns out he positioned his crossbow.
"I see, three fighters. That crossbow will come in handy. What else?"
"I think yer askin' far too many questions. Yer not takin' us anywhere. We won't fight yer fight and we are no soldiers. This group has damn good fighters and we can survive on our own", Connor hissed without lookin' at Rick. If he had he would have seen a smirk in Rick's eyes. "My friend is right. Just let us go our way. Leave Washington."
Abraham looked at the Captain. "I'm a soldier and I will guide them somewhere else if this is bothering you. Those are good people, good fighters and if anyone can make this world work again it's Rick Grimes and his family."
The officers looked at Abraham. "I understand. We are just careful. Lot of freaks out there.", then he faced Rick again. "You should come with us. We have electricity, warm water, beds and food. We need new people to help us. We lost a lot of people who were sent to different states. We wanted to gather all people here and look if there are any medial camps, medical centres like the CDC or military stations left. But most groups never came back."
Rick nodded. "It's rough out there. Humans killing humans. Saw some soldiers murdered. A Helicopter back at Atlanta. Think some freak that attacked us too killed them. He had a tank, too. We will help you, but I want my kids to be save and the women. No fighting for them. You have docs?"
"Yes. We will get you all checked and patched up. Children and Women will help inside the camp."
"Good. We will join you. But if I say we leave, we will leave again. I am not risking this group and I am not losing one of them."
Lambert smiled and nodded. "Go grab your belongings and we will guide you."
Murphy and Connor still had their weapons in their hands. "I swear to god, if yeh tryin' to make life a hell for us we will put bullets through yer head", Murphy threatened, not trusting this guy for one bit.
"No need for that. You seem to have quiet a temper", Lambert said.
"Aye." Connor gave Murphy a nodd and they hid their weapons.
Ten minutes later they were following them to that secret camp. Daryl was driving while Connor and Murphy sat next to him. They were all tense and brooding over the new situation. Connor grabbed Daryl's hand, which was resting on the gear knob. They interlaced fingers and Murphy started biting his thumb. "Wha' if this is a trap?"
"Nah. It's not. Think he was honest. An' made sense wha' he said. An' if it is they will pay for it", Connor tried to shush his brother even so he had doubts himself.
"Conn' is right. Won't let anything happen to anyone in the group."
"By the way nice move with the crossbow earlier", Murphy stated.
"Yeah?" Daryl smirked.
"Yeh really could be one of us. Imagine Conn' doin' family business with him." Murphy was already planning life with a cure. Connor just nodded. "Aye. Think he would do great."
"You okay?", Daryl asked him because Connor's voice was a bit too distant.
"Aye. Just a bit worried."
"abou' wha'?" Murphy asked.
Connor looked at him and sighed. "We don't kno' them and wha' if they are against...Yeh kno'...Homosexuals", Connor stressed the last word as if it was some sort of curseword.
"If they do me bro' I will lecture them until they are blue in the face with green stripes and pink polka-dots", Murphy said with a straight face. Daryl started laughing. "I bet you would."
"Listen, me brother is happy for the very first time in his life and if anyone wants to get between the two of yeh I will beat the living shit out of them. I am the only one who is allowed to be bitchy." Murphy flashed them a smile and the two others just shook their head. "Thank yeh", Connor whispered.
"Always Conn'. Yeh kno' I care for yeh. I always did."
Connor let got of Daryl's hand and took his brothers face in his hands, kissing him on both cheeks and his forehead. "I love yeh baby brother."
"Thank yeh. BABY-brother. Yeh still not over the fact I am older, righ'?"
Daryl snorted. "You two are pretty childish all the time. If I wouldn't kno' better I would think I am the oldest."
The twins giggled. "Yeah. papa grumpy."
Daryl rolled his eyes and concentrated on the way ahead of them. Connor was gabbing his hand again and Murphy was playing with Connor's hair. Murphy was still annoyed and sad about the whole situation with Daryl but he needed to try to be better for them and he really didn't want to be the reason that his brother and friend had to hide and have less hours for themselves. And they really had no idea what was coming next and they all needed to be one, one piece of a whole. Murphy rested his head on Connors shoulder and snuggled himself closer to his brother. He was afraid to lose him and that made him still act like the younger one, even so it was pretty clear that he wasn't. Connor again, let go of Daryl's hand and cuddled with Murphy. Daryl watched them with a smile and sighed. He hoped that they really could find a cure, just to know that those two are save. If anybody was supposed to live in a world that needed faith, hope and trust, it was them. Their love and trust into other people are worth everything. Daryl felt something inside of him growing, not his love for these two, that was already on the highest level he was capable of. No, he felt happiness and hope. The last month hope was the one thing that kept him alive and now he needed it just like he needed air to breathe. He hoped for a future, for a home and for his friends to be saved. He had hope that they would find a cure and a new life. The twins were still cuddling and much to Daryl's surprise he wanted to cuddle with them. Just like they had when Murphy slept in their bed. Murphy looked at him, while he was stroking Connor's hair and when their eyes met, Daryl smiled at him and Murphy reached one hand for him, which Daryl took. Murphy saw how Daryl wanted to be with them but he was still driving, so he reached him his hand and opened for a very short time his link to him. "We belong together. Three pieces of a whole", he said in his head and Daryl looked at him surprised. He nodded and then stared back on the street. How was it possible he could hear Murphy in his head? But he couldn't think much further because the car in front of them was slowing down. Daryl stopped the car and waited. He couldn't see anything. "Murph' can yeh see anything?"
Murphy and Connor stopped their hugging and Murphy leaned out of the window. "Nah. Nothin'."
"Maybe Walkers", Connor suggested.
"Lemme check", Murphy said and headed outside, running to the other car. Daryl watched him and couldn't help but think that as much as they looked alike, Murphy was moving way different then he ever would. But then there was this one move of his arm. That annoyed gesture when they wanted to underline something they said. Murphy was annoyed right now. He could tell by the look on the twins face. Murphy jogged back to the pick up and Daryl opened the window. "What is it?"
"Lambert is talkin' to the camp with such a military communication thingy an' they don't wan' us in there. But he is yellin' at them like a maniac. Told me we have to wait a little."
"Then come back in", Daryl smirked, wondering why Murphy didn't come back into the car.
"Nah. Have to take a piss." He jogged off again behind one of the buildings and Connor snorted. "He has a bladder like a 100 year old."
"Can I ask you something before he is back?"
Connor tangled their fingers together. "Sure."
"Why do I hear him in my head?"
Connor frowned. "Murphy?"
"Yeah." Connor sighed and grabbed the seat a bit harder with his other hand. "Because he is your soulmate, too." There was no way of denying it and there was no lie he could tell. "Why can't I hear you as clear as him?"
"Because I don't want you to hear me and Murphy and I stopped doing it, too. It gets annoying after a while. When we were younger we did that a lot and it was fun for a while. Until I thought I was going insane. Imagine being in class and suddenly your twin is talking to you about a girl. Or one time he was talking to me about how much he wanted to jerk himself off but Ma' was at home and I was at church helping our priest clean up. That's why we don't do it that often. But if I want I could do it."
Daryl shook his head and Murphy was already coming back. "Can I do it too?"
"Try it. Just like yeh sent me those dreams yeh can sent me words. Or him. Yeh have to concentrate on me, try to reach me, feel me inside of yer chest and then talk. It is very exhausting in the beginning but after a while yeh do it blindly. Murphy and me were born with that connection."
"Wha' are yeh two monkeys talkin' abou'?" Murphy asked when he was back on his seat.
"The connection", Daryl answered and watched the twin, who bit his lip and nodded.
In his head Murphy was forming the words: "I can talk to you both at the same time if I want, to. Right Conn'?"
Connor looked at him. "Right", he said out loud. Daryl concentrated on Connor first and when he thought he found the connection he said "I love you, baby and I would like you to kiss me."
Connor moved closer, smirked and kissed him. Then he tried to reach Murphy, which was more difficult. "Fucker?"
Murphy snorted. "Yeh could at least say somethin' nice when yeh talk to me in my head", Murphy voiced. Connor shook his head. "If I wouldn't be used to this I would think we are freaks."
"We are", Daryl stated.
"Aye. From one freak to the others, I love us the way we are", Murphy said.
They looked at the truck which wasn't moving. "Hell, how long do we have to wait?", Daryl mumbled. He let go of the wheel and leaned over to Connor and whispered into his ear: "I hope we get to shower together." Connor answered in his head: "Mr. Dixon, yer gettin' all pervert. I created a monster."
"Fuck you. You are the pervert", Daryl replied in his head but failed and only recognized it when Murphy started giggling. "Dar' I think that was the wrong line."
Daryl blushed and when Connor looked at him he was biting his lip and looked embarrassed. After that they sat in silence and waited for the cars to move again. Daryl thought it was way too long until they saw the car in front of them turn on their engines. When it finally did, Connor cheered and Murphy just smirked. Daryl himself had enough time to think. New people always meant trouble or a shit ton of showing them that they were good and wouldn't harm them. And military was a bit different then invading a farm or a prison. He was betting that they had to prove them selves to them by doing stupid jobs and killing walkers. After 15 more minutes they finally reached the end of town and stopped for some minutes until they all drove past a gate, which was closed behind them. The area looked like a Hospital. "Oh fuck me. I knew it. National Military Medical center. I knew it", Connor mumbled. He had seen it on the map but he thought it would be too obvious to put the camp in there. The area was big enough to put a camp there, find places to sleep and to find enough medicine. Of Course.
"Very obvious", Murphy said.
"Maybe that's why they did it. It is so obvious that everyone would think it can't be there."
They stopped the cars in front of one building and Lambert told them to leave their stuff inside the trucks. Everyone followed him inside the building and Connor, Murphy and Daryl stayed behind the group. Rick had given Daryl a sign to stay back. In case something was happening. Lambert guided them in a big room, with lights on. "Geez. Electricity", Conn' said way too excited.
Lambert told them to wait in the room and sit down. Everyone did. Except for Daryl who was standing next to the door, his crossbow in hand. He wanted to be ready if he had to kill someone. He didn't trust anyone. Connor was sitting on the opposite site of the table, watching him and Murphy sat next to Rick, his back to Daryl. But Daryl knew they were all three in "observing-mode". Murphy opened his link and said: "I don't trust this."
"Me neither", Connor replied and Daryl just nodded at Connor, who looked at Murphy, telling him something in his mind. Daryl kept his eyes on Connor, who was in thoughts and he knew that his man was scared. He could tell it by the way his eyes were looking inward and how he was massaging his hands. He tried to find the line to Connor and send him the words "I love you, Leprechaun. Don't be scared." Connor looked at him and smiled. "Love you, too."
Murphy had a hard time to not turn around and say something to Daryl, because he knew the words were meant to be for Connor alone. Murphy shut down all links, all lines, blocked it out because it wasn't fair to listen to them. After some minutes Lambert entered the room again, with three new people. One was wearing a white tunic, a women wearing jeans and a tanktop and she had a knife and a gun in her belt. The third man was obviously a soldier with a higher rank than Lambert. "Captain Lambert told me about you all and I am not happy that he brought you here. Now that you are here we will give you a place to sleep, food and safety as far as anyone is safe in here. In exchange you will help us out with killing walkers and rebuilding the city. Anyone of you have any medical experiences?" The new guy spoke without saying who he was. Murphy eyed the man. He was short, dumpy and his white hair was cut very short. Murphy thought he looked ridiculous. Rick spoke now. "No. We don't. We learned some stuff while on the run but no one is trained. Are you working on a cure here?"
"That's none of your concern."
"Maybe it is.", Abraham replied.
The man moved his head towards Abraham. "You are a soldier."
"Yes."
"Why would you think it concerns you."
"Because we are all humans and we need a cure. And maybe we have someone who can help with that."
"That would be a miracle."
"Yeah, so tell us", Abraham commanded.
"We are working on a cure. But our resources and scientists are low."
Eugene looked at Rick and Abraham who both nodded.
"Maybe I can help then. I am a scientist and I have information about the cure."
"What?", Lambert yelled.
"Yeah."
"You could have told me that when we were in the hotel."
"Too risky", Rick replied.
"Shut up! Both!", the higher soldier told them and then spoke to Eugene "You are goin' with Dr. Hale after this conversation." Everyone looked at the doctor. Brown hair that was sticking to every side of his head, brown eyes, skinny and nervous. He was too young to be a real Doc.
"May I ask who you are?", Rick finally asked.
"I am the boss here. I am James Frederic Kennedy. And before you ask, yes, My parents thought it was Funny to use the initials J. and F. I am Leutnant. And who are you?"
"My name is Rick Grimes. I was a sheriff back at my town. Those are my son Carl and my daughter Judith."
The man looked at the kids. "Great. We have some more kids in your sons age." Everyone told them who they were, only Murphy, Connor and Daryl were left. Daryl slowly moved to Murphy and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I'm a hunter, Murphy is a former police officer an' Connor was working at the movies but he's good with weapons, too."
He heard a quiet "What are you doing" in his head. "Is that so? You twins?"
"No. Murphy and Connor are." Daryl would protect them at any cost. In case they had still records or something about those two he would have to make sure that they were safe.
"Alright. Lambert will show you your new sleeping place and introduce you to other people. It is Wednesday and I think we will leave you out of business for another week. But I want Dr. Hale to check all of you for injuries and take blood samples to see if anyone has major diseases."
"Thank you", Rick said and when Kennedy left the room Lambert sighed. "Okay guys, that went easy. He is not always that nice. Once he knows all of you he will be a lot easier. The women here is my wife Anna. She will show the women where to sleep. Are there any couples? You can of course stay together. We have rooms for two or three people. No single rooms. So everyone has to share. We prefer the girls in one wing of the building and the guys in another one. But both are guarded. And couples, as I said. Stay together. Rick, you and your kids get a single room. We have to find a little bed for Judith. I can go and get one later. So, couples?"
He looked around and Daryl kept his eyes locked with Connor. Connor was shaking his head. Barely noticeable. "We are", Glenn and Maggie said and Abraham and Rosita joined them. So did Bob and Sasha. Lambert nodded and told the couples to go with Anna and the girls should follow too. Eugene was going with Hale and everyone else went after Lambert. "Yeh two take a room together, right?", Murphy asked.
"Aye. Yer okay with that?"
"Yeah. Even so I have to share my room with Eugene."
"Maybe you can come over sometimes and cuddle, hm?", Daryl tried to calm Murphy and make him feel better.
"Aye."
Lambert led them to their rooms. Murphy took the one next to Connor and Daryl and Rick and the two kids the one next to that. "Okay guys, the trucks have been emptied and your stuff should be waiting for you down that hallway. Grab your stuff and rest for the rest of the night. In the morning I will wake you up so you can be checked by our Doc. G'night."
He walked away and Daryl looked at their beds. Two small beds that were standing away from each other. First thing he did was to shuffle them together, while Connor was going to grab their stuff. When he came back both placed them on the bed. Too awake to sleep but they tangled themselves together and kissed. Connor soon turned around and let Daryl spoon him. The hunter kissed Connor's head. "Goodnight Baby."
"'Night Dar'."
After some minutes Connor moved again. "Are you still awake?"
"Yeah. Can't sleep."
"Me neither."
"You worried?"
"Aye."
"No one will harm you. Won't let you out of my sight."
Just when Connor wanted to answer, they heard a knock on the door.
"Come in", Connor said. When Murphy entered he smiled. He had known it was him. Murphy was unable to sleep in places he didn't know and with people around he didn't know. At the hotel he had known everyone but here it was different. Murphy stood at the side of the bed. "Can I stay here?", he whispered.
"O'Course, right?", Connor answered and moved his head to Daryl. "Yeah, come here." Murphy went around the bed because there was more space at Daryl's side and he placed himself behind Daryl, tugged his left arm under the hunters head and his right arm rested on the hunters side, so that his hand was touching Connor. Connor bend his arm and interlaced his fingers with Murphy. The twins were trapping Daryl in their middle. Just when Daryl sighed and tried to relax, he felt Murphy kissing his neck. "Thank yeh for lettin' me stay." Daryl turned his head a bit and Murphy raised his torso. "Kiss him", Daryl heard Connor in his head and looked at his boyfriend's back. "What?" he whispered. "Kiss him. That's what I would do now", he heard the reply in his head. Daryl shook his head and looked at Murphy again, putting his lips gently on his cheek. That was all too fucking weird and at the same time, again, it wasn't. He started chuckling when he was back in his sleeping position.
"Why do you chuckle?", Murphy asked.
"Looks like the beginning of some freaking threesome gay porn. You two are making my thoughts all about sex."
"Well"... Murphy mouthed and let go of Connor's hand and started to put his hand on Daryl's body, sliding underneath his shirt. Daryl froze. "MURPH'"; Connor said harsh. "Stop that shit or I will kill yeh. Daryl is my boyfriend and a fucking threesome is not happenin'. Yer an old big tease."
Murphy giggled and moved his hand back on Connors chest. They fell silent and soon they could hear Murphy snoring and Daryl snuggled closer to Connor. His hand moved under his friends shirt, resting over his heart. He needed to feel the heartbeat and the movement of Connor's chest when he was breathing. Daryl needed something to ground him and to make this weird feeling go away. A weird feeling he couldn't even name. He didn't even know where it came from. But it made him nervous. Connor let go of Murphy's hand and turned around. Grabbing Daryl's hand and giving him a kiss. Something seems to bother Daryl, he could feel it but he had no idea what it was. Probably they were all scared and excited at the same time. Because soon there could be a cure and a new life. Everything was possible and that was freaking him out.
Daryl and Murphy have a connection like Connor and Daryl do. Who would have guessed that, huh?