Chapter 11
Four cheek kisses. Bay had been so happy that she'd kissed his cheek four times. Her happiness was so contagious, it even had him feeling happy, relaxed and content,... a little giddy even, because she had kissed his cheek four fucking times. That certainly made up for the past couple of days when he had been waiting and hoping for another one. He had been tempted to turn his head a little and have her lips land on his own, but he thought that, by jerking off in her bathtub, he had crossed enough boundaries for one night. He still wanted to spend the night and many more to come and it would be super awkward if he would have kissed her, or would have made her kiss him. But now that he thought about it he was really curious about how she would have reacted if they would have shared a real kiss. Would she have laughed it off? Would she have been embarrassed? Shocked? Angry? Happy? Stop thinking about it. It didn't happen. The hug had been nice, too. She fit against him perfectly, but he'd already known that from the way they had woken up a couple of days ago. She had been molded perfectly to his larger frame. Fucking in that position might be fun. He filed the thought under 'things to try out' and wandered over to her TV, still wearing a little smile on his face, to turn it on and switch to one of the music channels, because she didn't have a radio.
"Mind if I smoke?" he yelled toward the bathroom door when he felt the square package inside his pants pocket.
"Go ahead." came the muffled reply. Daryl was still a little on edge and worried that she might find out about what he'd done inside that bathroom, but since she hadn't come out yelling and screaming he seemed to be safe. On the other hand, she had been totally cool about his stiff dick being pressed up against her ass, he remembered, so even if she would smell something and she'd realize what he'd done just before she'd come home, she might not even mind. She's cool like that, Daryl grinned to himself as he lit up a cigarette.
Bay came out of her bathroom in her sleep outfit a little while later. Her eyes were red and puffy, but she was smiling happily.
"Everything okay?" Daryl asked as he watched her walk to the kitchen.
"Perfect." she looked over her shoulder and sent him a beaming smile, which he returned. He joined her and sat down at the tiny breakfast bar.
"Good. Whatcha makin'?"
"I'm thinking deer steaks with potato wedges and broccoli? You like that?" she asked him while she looked into her fridge.
"Yeah, sounds damn good." Daryl smiled and felt a surge of manly pride inside of him. She was making him a home-cooked meal with ingredients he had provided for them by going hunting. It doesn't get more manly than that. Damn, fucking horny again. Ain't just gonna wake up with a boner tomorrow, gonna fall asleep with one, too. Bay traipsing around in her shorts and top without a bra was not helping matters at all, but he wouldn't trade the view for anything. He watched her grab some potatoes from the bag and scrub them as clean as possible under running water. She didn't have a brush to help along, so her fingers would have to suffice. Next she grabbed a big wooden cutting board and a knife and started cutting the washed potatoes into wedges. "Can I ask ya something?"
"Sure."
"Why did ya buy all the pots and skillets and shit, but ya never buy yourself any real food?"
"I didn't buy it. It was my grandma's. When she died most of her things went to charity, but I kept what I thought I could use for myself. That's why I have all the stuff. I used to watch her and help her cook and bake ever since I was able to climb on a chair and stand next to her at the counter." Bay explained with a wistful smile. "I didn't have it in me to give it away. Hm, which reminds me,... how long are spices good for?"
"Ya took those, too?" Daryl wasn't able to stifle an amused laugh.
"Yeah." Bay laughed as well. "I just went wild and took everything out of that kitchen. Except for perishables."
"Wish ya would have told me ya had those. Some pepper might've improved those shrimp noodles." Daryl joked, to which Bay scoffed out a laugh.
"I don't think even Martha Stewart would be able to improve those." While Daryl chuckled quietly, Bay put her knife down and walked to the cabinet where she kept her grandmother's spices. She got out the rosemary, thyme, pepper and salt, and smelled the herbs ones. "Still smells good. I don't think they go bad, do they? Just lose a bit of flavor maybe."
"Should be alright." Daryl nodded and noticed Bay eying the cigarette in his hand for a moment. "You want one?"
"Not while I'm cooking, but a little drag from it would be great." she smiled, and her happy mood made her a little bit bolder around him and instead of waiting for his reply, she took hold of his wrist and guided his hand to her mouth. Daryl's breath caught in his throat and he felt slightly dizzy when her lips closed around the filter and brushed his fingers in the process. The sensation shot up his arm and down through his entire body, making his bare toes curl and dig into the old cream-colored carpet. Holy shit! It might have been one of the most intimate things he had ever experienced and he definitely wanted some more of that in the future. He made a mental note to always share one cigarette with her instead of giving her one for herself.
"Mmmm, awesome, thanks." Bay exhaled and turned back to the task at hand and continued cutting up the potatoes, while Daryl watched on in a daze. Nirvana's 'Come as you are' started playing on the TV, which had Bay smiling even more. "I love that song." she stated, more to herself, and without really noticing that she was doing it, she quietly sang along and swayed to the music while she put the potato wedges into a bowl and added the spices and some oil. She felt happy and carefree for the first time in years, she almost felt a bit drunk on happiness and it just burst out and let it show for Daryl to see how happy he was making her.
Daryl stood in front of the breakfast bar, his hands resting on top of it, while he watched her with his mouth slightly agape. His breath came out a little labored as his emotional world was in an uproar again. She literally stole his breath, he had that feeling of falling again and his chest was tight. Why she gotta be so dang perfect? He wanted to go up to her and hold her from behind, kissing and sucking on that neck and making her giggle while she made them dinner. Daryl screwed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose hard. Goddamn... it's really happening, ain't it? I'm into that damn girl. Don't just wanna fuck her... I fucking like her and I want her ta like me back. Aw shit, man. That ain't good. What if she don't ever like me back? At least she's huggin' and kissin' on me every now and then. Gotta find a way to be okay with not getting more than that.
"You okay, Daryl?"
"Yeah." he cleared his throat and exhaled a deep and heavy breath. "Just had somethin' in my eye." he shot her his tiny smile to reassure her, then he walked over to the sink and let water run over the cigarette butt before it burned all the way down and hurt his fingers. "I didn't know you could sing."
"Because I can't." Bay laughed lightly. "I just like doing it. I love music."
"What you like?" Daryl asked, hoping to distract himself from his sightly unsettling thoughts. Well, unsettling for him.
"Little bit of everything. If I had to choose I'd pick something like this." she motioned towards the TV where the song came to an end. "Nirvana, Bon Jovi, Classic Rock,... but in general I'm open to any- and everything. What do you like?"
"Bit of that stuff, too. Mötley Crüe, Metallica, old school punk..."
"Cool. That's what I thought. Kinda suits you."
"Ya thought about what kind of music I like?" he looked at her with a curious frown. She blushing?
"Ummm... " she hesitated, trying to come up with an answer that wouldn't be the outright truth, but wouldn't be an outright lie either, but failing miserably. She had never been very quick on her feet with these things. "Yeah..." she told the truth, but decided not to elaborate and hoped he wouldn't ask. She went back to the cabinet to put the spices back and spied one of those half-bottles of wine, her grandmother had kept around, in case she needed some wine for a sauce or other recipes, in the back of the cabinet. Perfect. She took it out and showed it to Daryl. "Look, that will go perfectly with our food and it looks like it will be enough for two glasses."
"Two pretty full glasses." Daryl smirked, but he found himself being glad that she had found the bottle. The wine might help loosen him up and make him forget about his predicament until the next morning and after that, work would keep him busy.
An hour later they were both seated at the small breakfast bar, eating their meal and drinking their wine. It was a really tight fit due to Daryl's ridiculously wide shoulders and their arms and legs kept brushing against each other the whole time, but neither of them minded. Not at all. "This is really good, Bay." he complimented her around a mouthful of tender deer steak.
"Yeah? I'm glad. I hope my stomach won't rebel. I haven't had something real like this in so long. Hm, but even if it does... totally worth it."
"I know, right?" Daryl smiled. "Yer grandma definitely taught ya right." he put his knife down and took another sip from his glass of wine. He might not have known a whole lot about romance, but if someone would ask him he'd say that this dinner had a bit of a romantic feel to it. Of course he'd kill that other person after he'd admitted it, so nobody would ever know that Daryl Dixon thought that dinner with his girl was romantic. Mygirl?! Don't get your hopes up, Dixon. Ain't your girl. Not yet... most likely never. The thought was depressing and that was exactly why he'd never wanted her to get to his damn heart. It was in her hands now and she had the power to crush it and he was utterly powerless against it.
After dinner they straightened up the kitchen together real quick, then they took their glasses and moved to the couch. "Alright, what do we wanna watch?" Bay asked as she got comfortable underneath the blanket they shared.
"Holy fuck, Bayanne!" Daryl jerked when her bare feet brushed his bare legs. "You got fucking ice cubes for toes."
"I know, I'm a bit cold. Sorry." she apologized. "Friends is on... better than the rest, I guess. You okay with that?"
"Sure."
Bay put the remote aside and leaned back comfortably and slowly sipped the rest of her wine. When a commercial break came on she looked over at Daryl mischievously and slowly snaked her right foot closer to his leg and shoved it underneath his thigh, making him jump again. "Hey! Stop it, Ice Queen." he said in a warning tone, but his face displayed a humorous expression.
"But you're so nice and hot, like a radiator, and I can't get warm." Bay looked at him with puppy dog eyes and a little pout, the wine in her system making her courageous enough to be playful and flirty with him.
"You're giving this radiator freezer burn, sweetheart." Bay got a little shock to her system and butterflies rushed up her throat, making her feel like she had to vomit, but in a good way, when he called her sweetheart. "Come on, turn..." he made a swiveling motion with his index finger before he gently grabbed her ankle and pulled her foot out from underneath his thigh and pulled it into his lap instead. Bay felt faint, but she quickly turned so her back rested against the armrest and she put her other foot in his lap as well. Daryl put his warm hands on her small feet and started kneading them gently, and Bay couldn't believe that this was happening. He really is an angel. He's unbelievable. She blushed when a little blissful moan escaped her, making Daryl's eyes snap up to hers. "Good?"
"Yeah,... you... umm,... you're really good with your hands..." Oh God, I'm an idiot. "I mean... because of Friday night... when you rubbed my back... and now... Feels very nice. Thank you." her voice was almost squeaky with embarrassment. That was not what she had wanted to say at all, but damn, his hands felt so good, he was literally massaging her brains out. To Bay, touching someone's naked feet was something very intimate. She couldn't imagine doing it for someone else but Daryl. So that he was doing this for her meant a lot and sent all her nerve endings aflutter.
"Thanks... I like workin' with my hands." Daryl muttered. What a stupid thing to say. He tried not to let it show, but that she thought his hands felt nice made him proud and, of course, horny again. "Getting warmer?"
"Definitely." Bay sighed deeply with a little smile gracing her lips. The whole night felt so nice and intimate, she could definitely get used to this. She started to wish for him to spend every night here, but she couldn't get greedy. She already got so much more than other girls her age. Most of them never ever got this close to the boy they liked, much less have him rub their feet. He was so wonderful inside and out, her heart constricted every time she looked at him. She started to wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was a little bit more than friendship on his part, as well, or if he really only stayed because it was better than the car, and if he did all this for her out of pure friendliness.
"Ready to lay down?" Daryl asked smilingly when she let out a big yawn.
"Yes, looks like. It's late anyway and the alarm goes off at 4 am, as usual." She put her empty glass on the floor and turned back to her previous position and scooted down to lay on her side facing him. "You can keep sleeping tomorrow. You have the key, just lock up when you leave."
"Really? You sure? Ain't got a problem taking ya to work."
"I know, but you don't have to get up that early and I'm used walking, it actually helps me wake up a bit more. I'll set the alarm for seven before I leave, alright?"
"Yeah. Alright." Daryl smiled genuinely happy. She really trusts me to be here alone...She ain't asking for the keys back. That was big to someone who the general public believed to be not very trustworthy. Bay returned his smile and snuggled underneath the blanket. Her gaze landed on his right hand that was resting on his belly while he had his left hand tucked underneath his head. She reached out and gently dragged the tip of her index finger over the little star on his hand.
"I like that." she let the finger glide to the little heart on the inside of his wrist next. "And that one, too. It's cute. In a manly way of course." she added with a giggle.
"Of course!" he laughed. " Yeah, got them when I was shitfaced drunk... but they're okay I guess." he lifted his arm and looked at the devil on the inside of his upper arm.
"I like that one, too. Funny that an angel like you has a devil tattooed on his arm." she smiled, making him blush slightly.
"Ain't an angel, Bay."
"You are to me." she admitted while looking deeply into his eyes. The butterflies threatened to choke her, when she imagined that she had seen something smoldering in the depths of his blue orbs, so she quickly changed the topic. "I like all of your tattoos. They are all on the right side... there a reason for it?"
"Nah... and they ain't all on the right side. You ain't seen all of 'em yet." he grinned, delighted at her surprised expression.
"You have more?"
"Yeah. Okay, only got one on my left side, though. Snake on my thigh. See?" he lifted the blanket and the leg of his boxer shorts a little, showing off his small snake tattoo.
Bay softly put her hand on top of his thigh and let her thumb rub over the snake. "Cool. Didn't notice that before. Any more?"
"Yeah, a real big one." Daryl pressed out as he tried not to get goosebumps and/or a boner from her touch. "Got two big demons on my back. Right side. Ain't showing you though." he quickly added before she could ask.
"Okay." she was disappointed, but she tried not to let it show. She absently kept stroking the snake tattoo while she tried to think of a reason why he was showing her the other tattoos and not the one on his back.
Daryl was reaching his limit of what he was able to take. She was rubbing his snake. Sure it was just a tattoo, but the thought that she was rubbing his snake brought up a much less innocent image inside his head. "You still cold?"
"A little, yeah." Bay replied truthfully.
Daryl didn't know how he suddenly possessed the courage, must have been the wine, but he suddenly heard himself say: "Come here... I'll warm ya up a little." he was already tugging on the wrist of the hand that had been on his thigh, to pull her closer. Both their hearts started hammering in their chests as Bay slid closer and molded herself to his side. Her hand rested on his chest right above his heart, while her face was buried in the crook of his neck, inhaling his wonderful male scent. She had never smelled a man, this was her first 'taste' of that pure male essence that was so different from her own and it sparked longing inside of her. The feeling that she wanted more, much more and that she wanted him around 24/7 so she would be able to bury her nose into this very spot and let that scent wash over her. Without thinking she curled her leg around his and when she felt him tense noticeably, she apologized profusely and tried to move her leg.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking,... just habit, bec-" she didn't get to finish or to move, because a strong hand quickly grabbed her thigh and kept her leg in place.
"It's okay. I know this is how ya sleep. Stay." he murmured and hoped she was neither seeing nor feeling him blush. Her leg was just barely brushing the tip of his very happy dick. Yeah, that would definitely be a nice way to fall asleep.
"Thank you." she muttered against his skin, then she lifted her head and pressed her lips against his jawline. "Thank you for everything."
"Welcome." he swallowed around the lump that was forming in his throat. With her he knew it wasn't just words. He knew Bay appreciated what he did. Her joy had been overwhelming and it had been impossible to miss. She made him feel good. He had felt proud and like a man before, namely when he'd been on a successful hunt, but through her he felt confirmed. She made him feel that he was right to feel it and that's why he allowed himself to open up a little and show her those feelings. When her lips left his skin it was tingling and and sending little flutters through his body. He wished he would have the balls to kiss her, he'd been wanting to do that all evening (hell, all of the past couple of weeks if he was completely honest with himself), but brushing his lips across the top of her head was all he was able to manage. The fear of having her reject him was too big. He needed some definite sign that she wanted to be kissed by him first. He soon felt her breathing even out and her body becoming heavier as she relaxed fully. Daryl enjoyed having her in his arms like that and slowly and carefully he brought his hand and arm down from behind his head, tentatively putting it around her small shoulders and hugging her closer to his body. All this time he hadn't released her thigh from his grip and now that she was asleep, he dared to rub his thumb back and forth over the smooth skin. The hell you doin' ta me, Bay? Got me all messed up... and I fucking like it. That's damn crazy if ya ask me.
The next morning when the alarm beeped loudly to announce the end to Bay's sleep, Daryl only groaned and lifted his arm from where it was slung around her midriff before he flopped on his belly. Bay giggled quietly, thanks to Daryl it was already a good morning. She quietly got ready for work and just before she left, she knelt down next to the bed and gently scratched his shoulder blade through his shirt. "Daryl?"
"Hm?" he grunted more asleep than awake.
"I packed you a lunch for work, please take it and eat it, yeah? Don't forget to lock up. Later." Because he was mostly out of it she had the courage to press a kiss against his biceps, then she pulled the blanket higher, because he felt a bit cold, and then she finally left. There was a little spring in her step that morning. It had been an awesome weekend and she couldn't wait for the next, because then Daryl would teach her how to shoot.
That week Daryl spent 3 out of 5 nights at Bay's, and those two nights he had spent at Patrick's had been more for appearances, even though he wasn't fooling anyone anymore. When he was on Pat's couch he barely slept, he kept tossing and turning and thinking about whether or not Bay would be able to sleep without him there. Every one of those nights he had stayed there, Bay had made them a late dinner, which they would eat, side by side and pressed together at her little breakfast bar. On the last night she casually added a small tea light candle to their set-up, making Daryl perceive it as even a little bit more romantic. As they grew more and more comfortable with each other, the accidental and/or casual touches also happened more frequently. Bodies brushing against each other, fingers skimming innocently over arms and backs, pushing some hair out of the others face, etc, etc,... Even at work when she took the guys' orders, she always gently put her hand on Daryl's shoulder while she left and he looked over his shoulder to watch her go. He loved that damn waitress uniform on her. Other boys and men were noticing her, too, and Daryl didn't like that one bit. He gave them the evil eye, but then again he was a little smug as well. Yeah, you go ahead and look, but she's goin' home with meand she's makin' medinner tonight. He still had her keys and she wasn't giving him the impression that she wanted them back anytime soon. He was also aware how she referred to it as 'home', as in 'our home' and not 'my home'. It was different than his home at Pat's. Sure, he was glad that he always had a place to stay with his best friend, but in the end it was just two guys hanging out in a pretty bare apartment. Not that Bay's place was overly stuffed, but she still managed to make it a real and comfy, warm home. And everything smelled so good, like some exotic flower, just like her He loved coming back to the her apartment and he already hated when he 'had to' stay at Pat's, not yet realizing that it was completely futile for him to try to keep up appearances.
Friday morning Bay had promised Daryl to swing by the Wal Mart parking lot after work, to hang out a bit, have a beer and a smoke, to kick back and relax a little before they went home together. They had already discussed that Daryl would spend the night, so that they could have breakfast Saturday morning and then leave for one of the meadows outside of town to set up some targets in order for her to learn how to aim and shoot. Although Daryl had vowed to himself to always be around and make sure that she's safe, he figured that it still was a good and useful skill to have. No matter what, Bay was definitely looking forward to spending more quality time with Daryl, and so was he.
She was in cheerful spirits when her colleague Maria offered her a ride and dropped her off at the parking lot. She was immediately pulled into a big hug by Erin, who seemed like she had already consumed a bit of alcohol. "Yaaaay, Baaaay's here!" the girl giggled, making Bay laugh and gently grasp the other girl's face and looking into her eyes.
"Someone started the party without me, huh?"
"It's the heat. The alcohol is getting to me faster." Erin smiled and dragged Bay with her to Sam's truck to get her a beer. Bay let her eyes drift towards the others, inconspicuously trying to seek out Daryl. Her good mood got an instant icy cold shower when she spotted him. He was talking downright animatedly, while he was smiling big and casually touching a tall and very beautiful girl that was standing in front of him and Pat. Bay had never ever felt this kind of quick rage and anger inside of her. She wanted to claw the woman's eyes out and pull her stupid blonde hair out slowly and painfully one by one. The sadistic thoughts she was having startled her, but she was unable to stop them from happening.
"Who is that?" Bay asked and Erin looked at her in surprise, because she did not recognize Bay's voice for a moment. She had never before heard the other girl's voice take on a hint of bitchiness. She followed Bay's gaze and smirked slightly when she realized what Bay meant. It was now clear to Erin, that Bay was jealous, probably for the first time ever.
"Oh that's Cassie. She grew up with some of the boys. Moved away a couple of years ago, came back to visit family and guess she decided to pay the guys a visit." Erin explained, trying not to let it show how much of a kick she was getting out of seeing a very new side of Bay. "Why don't you go over there and say hi to Daryl?"
"Nah... seems like he's got his hands full." Bay shrugged moodily. "Besides... he wanted me to come tonight, so if he wants to hang, he can come over here. Not following him around like some love-sick little puppy."
Oh wow, she's really got it bad. Erin tried not to pour any more oil into the fire and refrained from saying anything else. She handed Bay a cigarette instead, just when Cassie suddenly made her way over to them.
"Oh a new face!" Cassie exclaimed happily when she saw Bay. "Hi, I'm Cassie."
Instead of greeting the woman properly and politely, Bay took a page out of Daryl's book and just nodded at her coolly with a blank expression. Cassie grabbed herself a beer while Bay dug her lighter out of her bag to light her cigarette. Cassie noticed and smiled while she pulled a cigarette out from behind her ear. "Can I borrow your light?" the older girl asked and held her hand out.
"No." Bay replied dryly and let the lighter drop back into her bag while looking at Cassie almost challengingly.
"Bay...!" Erin was stunned and handed Cassie her own lighter. While it had been cool to see a different side of Bay, she was absolutely not amused by Bay's rudeness. Cassie had just been talking to her old childhood friends and certainly didn't deserve Bay going major bitch on her. Cassie thanked Erin and lit her cigarette before she went back to Pat and Daryl. "Bay, good God, relax. She didn't do anything. What's gotten into you?"
"I don't know. Jesus Christ, what is wrong with me?" Bay suddenly felt horrified by her own behavior, but sadly not horrified enough to go over there and apologize. "Never thought I'd be the jealous kind..." she muttered in slight confusion.
"Love an do that to you." Erin laughed slightly. "But seriously, don't do that again unless she tries to climb him like a tree."
"You just had to say that..." Bay grumbled and took a big, long swig from her beer.
"What a bitch." Cassie mumbled as she arrived back at Daryl's car.
"Who? Erin?" Pat was surprised because the girls they hung out with were all pretty chill.
"No that other one. The waitress." Cassie replied, having forgotten what Erin had called the girl.
"Bay?" Both men looked at Cassie and then at Bay in surprise.
"What's your problem with Bay?" Patrick asked Cassie, while Daryl kept looking at Bay and studied her body language. It was certainly different than usual. She was pushing her back against the truck, creating more physical distance between herself and the thing she was unhappy with. One leg was bent, her foot resting against the tire, well, not quite resting, but tapping impatiently. Her arms were crossed defensively and she shrugged to what Erin was saying to her, not meeting her eyes. The lack of eye contact suggested that Bay was distancing herself from whatever issue they were dicussing. There was a tightness in her jaw and there was no smile on her face. Yeah, Bay was definitely not a happy camper.
"Pff, better question would be what her problem with me is. Fucking rude that girl."
"What you say to her?" Daryl looked at Cassie none too pleased. Bay was one of the sweetest people around, if she was this pissed and unhappy, Cassie must have been the one to say something to her.
"Nothing! What you looking at me like that for?" Cassie got defensive herself, while Patrick looked on in amusement.
"Forget it. I'm outta here." Daryl gave her a hard stare before he straightened and tried to catch Bay's gaze.
Patrick quickly leaned over and whispered in Cassie's ear: "Those two kinda have a thing. She's probably jealous and he's protective of her, cut them some slack. I guess they're gonna leave anyway."
"Doesn't excuse her being fucking rude." Cassie scoffed and watched Daryl trying to get Bay's attention. When she finally looked at him he motioned for her to come over. Bay came walking towards him, slowly and with that sullen expression on her face.
"Wanna go home?" Daryl asked quietly.
"Yeah." Bay muttered and walked around the truck to get in on the passenger side. Pat and Cassie moved away from the truck, but Cassie couldn't help but deliver a little non-verbal barb to Bay by hugging Daryl.
"It was so good to see you, Dare." she beamed at him, making Bay clench her fists so hard she swore she had broken the skin with her fingernails.
"Yeah, you too." Daryl mumbled and nodded at Pat. "See ya."
"You too, D. Later."
"What's wrong? Cas say anything to you?" Daryl asked when they were on their way home.
"No." Bay sighed deeply. "She didn't do anything. I was the bitch..." she admitted, not wanting to lie to Daryl.
"Why?" Daryl frowned at her, not being used to Bay being bitchy.
"Dunno..." she shrugged. She wanted to avoid lying, but she wouldn't tell him that she had been incredibly jealous just because he had talked to a pretty girl. "Had a weak moment I guess. Happens to everybody."
"Something happen at work after I left?"
"No."
"You ain't mad at me, are ya?" the whole thing puzzled him. He wasn't able to figure out what would have her in such a bad mood.
"No!" Bay looked at him with wide eyes. "Of course not! I'm not mad at you. I'm sorry, I just had a moment I'm not proud of. Let's leave it at that."
"But why? Just outta the blue?"
"Maybe,... yes. Can we just go home and forget about it? I'm sorry I ruined your night."
"Ya didn't... just don't get what happened."
"Nothing, it's like I said. Just a moment... girls get a little crazy sometimes. Let's just enjoy the rest of the night. I already prepared the deer roast for tonight." she smiled, hoping the promise of the homemade food would make them both forget about that weird moment back in the parking lot.
"Now you're talking." he grinned. He had been looking forward to this meal all week. Because he ate a lot at her place they had thrown their money for food into one pot that week and had bought some more things that would help make good meals out of the stuff he had gotten for them. Tonight for a 'end of the week'-feast Bay had promised him a nice venison roast with carrots, potatoes and onions, and his mouth watered just thinking about it. He had been surprised just how good of a cook Bay was. He'd told her she should work in the kitchen at Shoney's instead of being a waitress and that it would certainly improve the restaurants quality. Bay didn't like taking credit for it the tasty meals, she said she was sticking to her grandmother's old cookbook to the T, and that's what made the food good, so the credit should go to her grandma. It would still be another three hours until they would eat, which is why Daryl had had a burger earlier, but that was okay, nobody was rushing them and they would be able to sleep in the next morning before they left. While the roast was cooking in the oven, they both changed into their sweats. When Bay came out of the bathroom she walked straight into an unsuspecting Daryl's arms and gave him a hug.
"I'm sorry." she mumbled against his chest and gently let her fingers scratch over both his shoulder blades in an affectionate, yet playful gesture.
"It's all good, Bay." he smiled and shuddered slightly at the pleasant goosebumps she was evoking. "It's over and done. Wanna watch some TV on the couch?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Alright, come on." Daryl gently touched her arm and pulled her with him to the sofa. Before she had the chance to settle in he pulled her feet into his lap, knowing they hurt after having walked around the store and the restaurant all day.
"Oh God..." Bay moaned quietly and her eyes fell shut when he massaged her feet for the fourth time that week. "You're way too good to me."
"Nonsense. Ya been on yer feet all day servin' people. Just fair that one of 'em gave back." Daryl peeked up at her with a shy smile.
"So at home you're serving me from now on? My humble servant?" she giggled with amusement.
"Okay, I wouldn't go that far..." he laughed quietly. "But it should be a give and take, right? And ya kinda give all the time. Someone should give ya back some."
"But what about you? You give all the time as well. You give me food, you give me safety, you give me fun, you give me companionship, joy... massages and warmth... nightmare-less nights... The list is long,... what do I give you? Is it enough?" Bay was curious to find out if he was happy with the things she gave back in return. When she thought about how much he was doing for her, she felt like she wasn't giving back enough.
"It is." Daryl nodded reassuringly. "Ya give me everything I give you,too." And ya give me a home and ya make me feel like a man.
"Liar." Bay laughed.
"What?" Daryl looked at her in surprise. "Ain't lyin', Bay."
"You protect me, not the other way around. You give me safety and not the other way around. I give you freezer burn, not warmth..." Bay explained smilingly.
Wrong. He realized in that moment, that she was giving him both of those things, just in a different way than he was giving wasn't ready to admit that out loud, though.
"Tell ya what, I wouldn't mind some freezer burn tonight. Fucking hot today. Sweatin' my ass off." Daryl successfully changed the topic before it got too intense.
"I know, and the heat from the oven isn't helping." Bay sighed and looked him over. Indeed, there was a fine sheen of sweat covering his arms. "You know,... you can take your shirt off, I don't mind. If it would be okay for girls to go topless I probably would." she giggled nervously. If he really would take it off, it would be hard not to stare.
I'd fucking support that decision. Daryl smirked on the inside, but he knew enough not to say it out loud. But take his own shirt off? He hesitated and mulled it over while he chewed on his bottom lip. It was true, he did feel safe in here and around her,... he knew that if there was anyone who wouldn't judge the way his back looked, it was Bay. He cleared his throat and looked back up at her. "I'mma take it off... " he mumbled and Bay was surprised to detect a hint of nervousness in his voice. "But I ain't gonna talk about it, so don't bother asking in the first place, alright?"
What? Bay was puzzled, but she glossed it over with a smile. She needed to distract herself anyway if she wanted to keep herself from staring. "Alright. I'm gonna check on the roast real quick." As she left for the kitchen, Daryl pulled of his black sleeveless t-shirt and tossed it on the floor next to the couch. When Bay came back to the sofa she had the hardest time to act all casual and nonchalant about Daryl's nude upper body.
Oh sweet Lord, he is so good looking. Daryl was lean and slim, but not skinny. He had meat, muscles and body fat in all the right places. His chest, from what she was able to see, was smooth and pretty hairless and she wondered if he would let her fall asleep in his arms with her hand over his heart, when he was shirtless.
They sat there in companionable silence for almost an hour, before Daryl had to pee. The moment of truth had arrived and he hesitated for a moment, before he decided he was gonna bare it all to her instead of just pulling the shirt back on. Daryl got up and walked to the bathroom, his muscles tense as he waited for a reaction. Bay looked up when he got up and she immediately realized what in the world she wasn't supposed to ask about. Her eyes widened and she quickly counted 9 long and thick scars on his back and he quickly took in his tattoo before she averted her eyes and admonished herself not to stare. She had so many questions, but she had promised not to ask and so she wouldn't. Last week he had told her that he wouldn't show her the tattoo on his back, but now he obviously felt like he could trust her with it. She saw it as her job now to make him as comfortable with this new situation as possible. She didn't want him to be ashamed for anything in front of her. She loved him just the way she was.
Whoa! LOVE? She had surprised herself with that one. That word had slipped into her mind so casually that she had almost missed it, had it not been for the way the air had rushed out of her lungs almost subconsciously. She had a crush on him, sure, she was able to admit that, but did he really love him? Like a woman should love a man? She didn't know if that was what she really felt, because she had never experienced it before, but apparently her feelings for him have become a bit stronger in the past week or two. No surprise there, really. He had turned out to be an absolutely amazing human being. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down and she also tried not to brood too much about whether or not things had gotten extremely serious for her. She was scared of love. It had destroyed her family. Her mother had started doing drugs because she hadn't been able to deal with the death of her husband, following in his exact footsteps and neglecting her daughter in the process, and her grandmother had died of a broken heart, because she had lost her only son and hadn't been able to save him and guide him back to the right path. Bay felt tears well up in her eyes and she quickly shook off the dark thoughts and took another cleansing breath. The bathroom door opened, distracting her effectively and she shot Daryl a quick smile when he looked at her, eyes full of insecurity. She looked back to the TV right away, not paying attention to him while he walked back and plopped back down next to her, with his thigh touching her feet, as she was sitting sideways and had her knees pulled up slightly. His hand instinctively went to her cold feet, marveling at the fact that they were still cold in this heat, and gently rubbed some warmth into them.
Bay smiled, but never took her eyes off the TV when she spoke up. "I told you I liked all your tattoos, right? Now we know for sure."
Daryl exhaled deeply with relief. His lips formed a small smile and he squeezed her right foot in silent gratitude that she was not making a fuss about his scars. It was a sign that he could trust her with just about anything.
When their food was done Daryl stuffed himself with the heavenly meal until he was barely able to walk back to the couch. "I ain't gonna be able to eat for three days, I swear." he moaned as a slight wave of feeling sick passed over him. "It was so damn good... Shit I can't move..."
"Just sleep. It will be better in the morning." Bay smiled and gently stroked the inside of his forearm with her fingertips. She didn't snuggle up to him, because she wasn't sure if he would want that. Daryl soon grabbed the hand that was caressing his arm, though and pulled her towards him.
"Don't touch ma belly." he murmured already half-asleep.
"I promise." Bay giggled and carefully pressed herself to his side. Her hand went to its spot on his chest and her fingertips softly rubbed back and forth over the warm skin, trying to ignore the temptation to explore his hard nipple that was poking her palm. Thankfully she didn't have to fight that temptation for very long, because it was 3 am already and she had been up for almost 24 hours. Very soon she drifted into a peaceful sleep with the feel of Daryl's skin underneath her fingers and his perfect, male scent filling her nostrils.
Shooting practice had been fun. Bay knew she probably shouldn't say that shooting was fun, but it really was. Daryl was a great teacher and having him pressed up against her back with his arms around her and correcting her stance and her aim hadn't been too shabby either. In a strange way she had found herself enjoying him giving her instructions, and she had been an eager student. She'd done a joyful little happy dance every time she had hit a bottle or a can he had put on top of some fence posts, and Daryl had smiled proudly at her whenever she had taken his advice to heart and had nailed her shot because of it. They kept at it for about two hours, then Bay ran back to the truck and got the blanket and the basket she had brought. They had slept until noon and had skipped a big breakfast, so they wouldn't get out here too late, so she had prepared a picnic for them to eat out here. She spread out the blanket on the soft green grass and laid out the food, before she sat down close to Daryl. Like at home their bodies were touching with every movement either of them made. They unconsciously sought each other out and the phrase 'attached at the hip' was definitely the right one to describe the two of them.
Daryl's stomach had settled and even though he had been convinced that he wouldn't be able to even look at food for a couple of days, he was now devouring his sandwich with gusto. Bay had cut the leftover venison roast into thin slices and had used them to make divine sandwiches. He moaned appreciatively with almost every bite, making Bay burst with pride at being able to provide tasty treats for him. When they were done eating Daryl leaned back on his hands and relaxed while Bay scooted closer and pulled her knees up to her chest while she leaned against him, letting her head rest against his wide shoulder. Bay took in their surroundings, the lush green grass and the yellow and purple flowers all around them. They looked like they were stretching all the way to the horizon from where they sat. The afternoon sun tinted everything golden and it was wonderfully peaceful and quiet, except for the birds singing their songs.
"It's so beautiful out here." Bay smiled quietly and snuggled her head further into the crook of his neck. Daryl turned his head slightly and pressed his mouth into her hair at the top of her head.
"It is." he agreed quietly.
"I know we came here for shooting practice, and it was really fun, but this is even better." It was so serene that she really felt an unfamiliar sense of calm wash over her. She turned her face up and pressed her lips against his jaw. "Thank you for taking me here." she murmured before she lifted her eyes up to his, her breath hitched, when she realized how close they were.
"You like?" Daryl seemed to be a bit short of breath as well as he looked into her large hazel eyes, as their noses touched slightly.
"I love it." Bay muttered under her breath and nodded, causing the tip of their noses to softly rub against one another. She felt dizzy as she felt the air between them change again and she felt it crackle and sizzle, making goosebumps break out all over her body. Her gaze dropped to those luscious lips of his and she felt the sheer overwhelming urge to kiss him. Slowly, before she realized what she was doing, she craned her head up and her heartbeat accelerated, letting her hear and feel it thump in her ears when she felt his hot breath against her lips.
Daryl's eyes widened when he realized what she was doing and his breath came out in quick gasps. That feeling of falling was back, stronger than ever and his chest tightened in a weirdly exciting way. For a split-second he felt like he was on a rollercoaster and was rushing down from the highest point, his stomach feeling like it was dropping so hard that it might leave a hole in the ground. And suddenly, it all stopped. He felt Bay's soft lips pressing against his own and the feeling anchored him, stopping all those weird falling sensations and replacing them with a rush of warmth and happiness so big that it could be described as euphoria. It took him a little moment to come out of his state of shock and respond, but when he did, he brought his hand up and softly touched her cheek with two fingers as his lips parted slightly and gently caught her bottom lip between them, in a soft, long kiss. He could feel Bay trembling slightly and he wasn't doing much better. Kissing her felt incredible. Every nerve ending was alive and electrified as endorphins rushed through their bodies, the happiness they felt was giving them some kind of high, making their lips pull apart slightly as they both smiled into the kiss. They were both left absolutely breathless and Bay knew they would have to pull apart completely in a moment, but before that had to happen, she put her hand on his cheek and pressed her lips against his more firmly for a couple of seconds, then she broke the kiss and looked back up into his eyes with flushed cheeks.
Daryl's face was equally red as he looked at her. It was that awkward moment after you shared your first kiss and didn't know how to act or what to say right after. They both burst into an embarrassed laugh a moment later and he watched Bay nibbling on her thumb, letting out another giggle and smile shyly around it as she leaned back against him and pressed her heated face back into the crook of his neck. Daryl grinned and nuzzled her hair while he wrapped an arm around her to pull her closer. I'll be damned... This really happen? She likes me back? Damn, man... I'm such a fucking goner...
They both sat and cuddled in silence and watched the sun set at the horizon, processing what just happened and thinking about what might happen from now on. On the outside they appeared calm, but on the inside both of them were all fluttery with excitement and giddiness, and they were both fucking incredibly happy.
Thank you for reading!
I haven't said it in a long time, but: PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! I'm curious. What did you think about Daryl's and Bay's first kiss? Are you excited about the many more to come? I know I am, lol.
I am still having some trouble with this site, so I do not know if all my PM's went through. Just in case let me thank you again:
Thank you:
PrincessPears
loresavannah
Leyshia Gisel
cobrien230
msgemgem
wabi-sabi1090
snowbird
bnburke90
NRIASB
crossingRUBYcon
mamareadstomuch2