Chapter Text
It’d been nine days 'thout shelter when Daryl’d found them cabins. Nine days in the woods. With little food. An’ even less water. Water worth drinkin’, anyways. An’ it were startin’ ta get cold at night. So cold ev'ryone were sleepin’ in a damn huddle. ‘Cept the person on watch. Made Daryl nervous. All a them people that close. Don't mind Rick ‘gainst ‘im, though.
Jesus, 'f Merle were still 'live he’da kicked Daryl’s ass fer not mindin’ that. God knows what he’d a done fer likin’ it. Actually fuckin’ likin’ it. Spoonin’ with a grown ass man like that? Like a couple a pansies. Ain’t s’posed ta like shit like that. ‘Less yer gay.
'N Daryl weren’t gay. Weren’t nothin’. Wouldn’t a wanted Glenn pressed up ta his back an’ his ass like that. Nothin’ ‘gainst Glenn, but Daryl weren’t gay. Jus’ loved Rick’s all. Like a brother. Not like Merle. Like ya love family ‘cuz ya have ta. 'Cuz they all ya got. Loved Rick like what brothers er s’posed ta be like. In them sappy shows on TV.
Loved Rick like a friend. Trusted 'im with 'is life. His heart. Jesus, maybe he were gay. Rick were the one person outta all a them Daryl knew he couldn’t lose. Wouldn’t survive it. Ain’t worth livin’ 'thout yer…Jesus, what was Rick? Partner? Mate? Fuck, he did love him. Fuck. An’ fuck Merle er anyone else who saw shame in it. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with lovin’ someone.
So's Daryl were relieved when they’d stumbled on them cabins up in the mountains. Wood burnin’ stoves fer heat an’ propane fer cookin’. Five a them tiny cabins tucked 'way. Only reason Daryl found ‘em's ‘cuz he’s trackin’ a deer. Lost the fuckin’ deer. But, seemed a fair trade.
A quick inspection showed ‘em ta be in good shape. Secure, too. Even some food in them pantries. An’ Carl’d found a camp brochure with directions ta the market. ’F they was lucky there might even be supplies left. But that’d keep fer 'nother day.
Ev'ryone were buzzin’ with excitement. Like a fuckin’ wasp nest when it’s kicked. Glenn an’ Maggie were gigglin’ an’ Beth were goin’ on 'bout all kinda girly shit. An’ Rick's tryin’ ta calm ‘em all down. Daryl had 'nough ta do ta calm Little Asskicker down. She's livin’ up ta her name. Bouncin’ in his arms like she’s gonna fall out.
Her excitement 's contagious. Daryl blushed at the smile creepin’ onta his face. “Gonna have us a home, Girlie,” he cooed at 'er an’ she sucked 'is finger 's he buried 'er deeper in 'is poncho. Ain’t gonna haveta rely on jus’ that ta keep her warm no more.
“We got five cabins,” Rick were sayin’, “enough for each family to have a place a their own.” He shot Daryl a look that hit him like a 'lectrical charge makin’ his head spin. Each family. “Rhee, Grimes, Greene an…” Rick trailed off. “What is yer last name, Michonne?”
She flashed 'im a smile. Ain’t seen that much lately. Even Michonne were turnin’ inta a giddy teenager over the prospect a Daryl’s find. Of a home. “Never said,” she teased.
Daryl’s breath caught in 'is throat. That's four. Was he s’posed ta take the fifth? An’ not share with Rick? Jesus, he’d even picked out the one he wanted fer ‘em. With a little white picket fence. Paint were peelin’ an’ it were fallin’ inta the ground on one side a the house. But, he always wanted a white picket fence. Like on TV. An’ a family. A real family.
Guess he was gonna take the fifth cabin. But Rick never said “Dixon.” He kicked the ground. Paced with Judith ‘til she settled. Wished he could settle. But he don't know where he stood. Couldn’t pay 'tention ta none a their babblin’ an’ laughin’ as they all dashed off. Glenn an’ Maggie. Hershel an’ Beth. 'N Michonne. She’s the loner a the group. Like Daryl used ta be. ‘Fore Rick. But…fuck, if he were s’posed ta take a cabin alone…
Rick were comin’ closer. A smile on 'is face. Jesus it was good ta see that smile 'gain. Daryl’d do anythin' ta keep him smilin’ like that. Even sleep in a cabin 'lone ta give the man his own space. With his own family. ‘Cept Daryl wanted ta be a part a that. Thought he was…
“Shall we check out our new digs?” Rick clapped 'im on the shoulder an’ led him ta the gate. The gate in the picket fence. Fell off its hinges 's he opened it. “Promise I’ll fix that,” Rick winked. “Know how much it means to ya.”
Jesus, he’d 'membered. Daryl don't even 'member confessin’ that sappy desire ta Rick. But Rick did. The lump in Daryl’s throat made it hard ta swallow. Ta speak. “ ‘S okay,” he leaned inta Rick’s embrace 's they clopped up the steps.
Carl were the first one in the door. Runnin’ 'round like a damn kid. Which he were. Checkin’ the place out. One room with bunk beds. 'N one with a queen. Damn 'f that weren’t fuckin’ ironic. “There’s food fer tonight,” Daryl checked the cupboards, “but I should set some traps.” Gotta keep his family fed.
“I’ll do that,” Carl were suddenly older 'gain. “Like you taught me.” He’d been a good student so's Daryl consented.
Rick caught Carl’s arm 's he flew ta the door. “Don’t let yer guard down.” Still ain’t safe. Turned ta Daryl standin’ in the kitchen. “I bet if Hershel gave me a hand we could get that old generator out there workin’.” He seemed nervous jus’ them alone together.
“Good idea,” Daryl croaked. Why’s he nervous? ‘S jus’ me. Me at yer side. Like always. Yer friend…Yer…
Rick moved in fer a kiss on Judith’s cheek where it stuck outta Daryl’s poncho. “See you soon, my love,” he whispered.
Before Daryl knew what hit ‘im Rick’s lips were on his cheek, too. He couldn’t pinpoint the second they landed there. ‘Cuz it were like they’d always been there. B'longed there. Soft an’ warm. 'N Daryl savored the touch. The touch he trusted. That don't make him flinch. The touch he wanted more of. Don't know what ta say. Was reelin’ from the rush. The smell a campfire in Rick’s hair.
So he don't say a thing 's Rick pulled 'way. Not nothin’. An’ cursed himself. Fuckin’ silently a course. But he were jelly. An’ words were beyond 'im. ‘Til Rick's nearly out the door.
“Rick,” his breath caught in his throat like a chicken bone. Suddenly Rick's watchin’. Waitin’ fer his response ta the kiss. 'Sides the blushin’. Ain’t never been kissed ‘fore. Not like that. For real. An’ certainly not by no one he loved. Don't know how ta process it. Don't know what ta say once he’d called 'im back. So's he jus’ tugged Judy’s arm outta his poncho an’ waved it at Rick.
Silly an’ stupid. But it made Rick smile ‘fore he turned on his heel fer the generator. An’ Daryl’d be 's silly an’ stupid as he hadda be ta make ‘im do that 'gain.
“Jus’ me an’ you, little girl,” he cooed at her meullin’ in his arms like a kitten. “What ya say I get us a fire goin’ an’ work on settin’ this place up?” She giggled at him like she knew how stupid he sounded talkin’ ta a baby like she’s s’posed ta understand his ev'ry word. But he don't give a fuck. He liked soundin’ stupid fer her. His little girl.
He emptied the wood basket with one arm, cradlin’ Judith in the other. Soon 's he’d pulled the last log out he slipped off 'is poncho 'n draped it over the inside. “This’ll do fer ya ‘til I get us a fire goin’,” he layed her in the basket an’ bundled 'er up. That’d be a nice little crib ‘til she outgrows it. Rick’d like that.
Don't take long ta get a fire goin’. Ya learn a thing er two fendin’ fer yerself in the woods ‘cuz yer Daddy’s on the warpath an’ yer big brother’s off whorin’ 'round er in juvie. ‘Stead a there ta protect ya. Rick’s always there. Got his back no matter what.
He slid the basket next ta the fire. Far 'nough back ta be safe, though. "That better?” His voice 's sugary sweet like honey. Merle woulda…He don't care what Merle woulda done. Weren’t gonna let Merle ruin this fer him.
With Judith happy an’ warm an’ safe in her new crib he went 'bout cleanin’ up the place. Like Snow White er some shit. Dusted an’ rearranged shit. No singin’ an’ no help from little woodland creatures, neither. Jesus, that really woulda been gay. Waste a good food, too.
By the time he’d played Sally Homemaker ta the front room Judith'd been lulled ta sleep by the fire. So he’d save the kitchen fer later so’s he could get the bedrooms while she ain't gonna miss 'im.
He lugged their bags 'n his crossbow through the hall. Ta the bedrooms. Shit. He was torn. Should he an’ Rick take the bunks? Er should Carl? Knew what he wanted. Fuck it. He propped his crossbow 'gainst the wall by the queen bed. Claimed.
He found clean sheets in the linen closet an’ remade them beds. Shook out them curtains. Shit like that. Moved some a the books an’ shit inta Carl’s room. Found some comic books. Gave those ta Carl 's well. Things were lookin’ pretty good by the time he were done. An’ with the doors open ta let the heat in even the bedrooms was warm an’ cozy. The bathroom were 'nother story. Spiders an’ shit. Real shit. But he cleaned it. Fer his family.
Nothin’ left but the kitchen. Scrubbed it clean 's best he could with jus’ water an’ dish soap. Ain’t got no 409 er nothin’. Used all that on the bathroom. He’s cooked in worse. ‘Course he usually cooked outside. Squirrel er possum. Ain’t got none a that t'night. No deer neither. Jus’ canned spaghetti sauce an’ noodles. How the fuck ya cook that? If ya couldn’t skin it an’ roast it over a fire he don't know what ta do.
“Guess I’ma haveta read the directions,” he chuckled. Judith jus’ kep’ sleepin’. Er don't understand. Either way she's silent an’ he don't see her move er nothin’.
Weren’t hard makin' spaghetti 's it turns out. Hardest part were chiselin’ the garlic powder outta the jar with 'is knife. That shit were caked t'gether like cement. But that jarred sauce sure needed somethin’. Next time he’d scavenge some mushrooms fer it er somethin’. Do it up right.
Judith started fussin’ once he had ev'rythin' percolatin’ on the stove. “Ya tryin’ ta tell me ya don’t like m' cookin’?” He picked 'er up an’ tickled her with the scruff on his chin. She loved that shit. “C’mere,” he cuddled her an’ pulled out some formula an’ a diaper from the bag by her basket. Had ‘er changed in no time. She don’t fuss fer him like she does fer Carl an’ Rick.
All she needed were her bottle. Took it like she ain't eaten in days. Made him realize how long it’d been since he’d eaten. Really eaten. At a table an’ shit. With forks. Not no cold beans scraped outta the can with a knife.
She finished all her bottle an’ he burped her. She’d a put Merle ta shame. “Good girl,” he cuddled her. She was up now. Drowsy with food, but not goin’ down jus’ yet. He cocked her on his hip an’ tried ta keep dinner from burnin’.
“Smells good,” Rick’s hands were on the back a his hips ‘fore he heard him come in. There were kisses fer Judith. An’ a nuzzle a his cheek. Best he could hope fer with Carl standin’ right there.
“Hope yer hungry,” Daryl dished it up on the plates he’d set out. “Better eat up.” Not that he hadda tell ‘em. Not when they’d been survivin’ on so little fer so long. “Ain’t got a way ta save it.” He peeked out the window ta check fer smoke comin’ outta the other chimneys.
Dinner was nice. Talkin’ an’ laughin’. An’ Rick smilin’ some more. Jus’ like a family. An’ they sat thigh ta thigh, joined under the table 's Carl sat 'cross from 'em holdin’ Judith. Smirkin’ an' teasin’ him. “Who’d a thought Daryl Dixon could do all this?” Carl winked.
Jus’ ‘cuz he ain’t had a home growin’ up don’t mean he don’t know the meanin’ a it. “There’s a few things ya don’t know ‘bout me,” Daryl gulped. Gonna figure ‘em out quick, though. Maybe Michonne won’t be on 'er own afterall. Maybe Carl’d go sulkin’ off ta live with her. But Daryl wanted them ta be a family. Like this moment. Havin’ dinner t'gether.
'S over too quick. The food were gone. He's so full he don't wanna move, but dishes needed doin’. An’ 's gettin’ dark. Lots ta do ‘fore bed. He tried ta stand, but Rick’s hand was on his shoulder. “I got this,” Rick cooed in his ear. “You cooked, I’ll clean.”
Carl jus’ rolled his eyes. “I’m going to bed.” He put Judith in her crib by the couch an’ stalked off. Stopped ‘front a Daryl, though. “Thanks,” he bent down an’ gave Daryl a hug. Looked 's awkward as it felt. “Thanks for making things, you know…nice.”
Daryl tried ta smile. Couldn't make his lips work. Too fuckin’ shocked. Prob’ly looked like a sneer. “Weren’t nothin’,” he patted Carl’s back.
Carl finally pulled back. “When Dad says you’re family I hope you know that goes for me, too.” An’ with that he was gone. So's Rick. Puttin’ him ta bed er somethin’. Er havin’ the talk.
Rick were gone awhile. Gave Daryl 'nough time ta work his way ta the couch. An’ start dozin’ as he chewed his thumb. Jesus, maybe Rick’d changed his mind an’ taken one a them bunks. Maybe that were the plan all 'long. Jesus, maybe he saw the crossbow an’ thought Daryl’d claimed the big bed fer 'imself. Fuck. 'F only he were better at communicatin’. Words an’ shit.
A gentle hand ta his cheek roused him from his nap ‘front a the fire. “You okay?” Rick was at his side. Like always. Like he’s s’posed ta be.
“ ’M sleepy,” Daryl tried ta wake up. Clear his head. “Forgot what 's like ta eat too much.” His belly were bulgin’ an’ his lids were heavy.
“Forgot what it was like to eat enough,” Rick teased, leanin’ inta him. “Best I’ve had since I can remember.” Rick’s arm 's 'round him. Pullin' him in so’s his head rested on his shoulder. Not a bad place ta lay fer a nap. “Yer a good cook, Daryl,” Rick squeezed him. “An’ provider.”
Daryl grunted out a laugh. “That make me the husband er the wife?” He’s teasin’. But 's a fair question.
“Makes ya appreciated,” Rick’s beard was scratchy 'gainst Daryl 's he spoke. Daryl don't mind. 'S kinda comfortin’ knowin’ he was there. “Think I better get ya off to bed,” Rick brushed the bangs outta Daryl’s eyes.
Somethin’ ‘bout that gesture, an’ those blue eyes lookin’ back at him made Daryl slip even further over the edge. So tender. So lovin'. Ain’t never been loved b'fore. Looked after. Hell, he been lookin’ after 'isself 's long as he could remember. His whole life. On his own. ‘Til Rick.
“Sounds like a plan,” Daryl sighed. Let Rick fuss at him an’ get 'im up. Man, all that spaghetti made it so’s he couldn’t on his own. Seemed a long walk down the hall. Arm in arm. Ta the bedroom.
That bigass bed was b'fore 'em like the elephant in the room. Daryl paced like a caged animal. Helped him think. Helped him process this. Funny how ya c'n want somethin’ so bad ya c'n taste it. Then, when it’s yers all ya wanna do 's run an’ not fuck it up. ‘Cept runnin’ were 'xactly what would fuck it up.
His stomach flopped. Weren’t sure 'f it were all the food. Er the butterflies. He actually had fuckin’ butterflies. He paced an’ paced an’ came ta rest by his crossbow. ‘Cuz he knew that were his. All he knew ‘bout Rick were that he wanted him ta be his. What 'f he’d read it wrong? What 'f Rick were jus’ gonna help 'im ta bed an’...leave?
He chewed 'is thumb. Ached fer Rick. Loved him. Couldn’t bear it 'f he jus’ layed him down an’ left. His thumb were practically bleedin’ by the time he noticed Judith’s crib'd been moved while he dozed. Ain’t no way Rick’d not have her with him.
“Daryl,” Rick called him back from his panic. He were sittin’ on the bed. Facin’ Daryl. Lookin’ at 'im with…kindness…love? Please be love…"You okay?” Rick stood an’ closed the gap 'tween 'em. “Did I misread things?” He slipped his hands over Daryl’s. Gently eased his thumb outta his mouth an’ caressed the gnawed on spot.
“No,” Daryl were suddenly breathless. Legs turned ta fuckin’ jelly. “I want this,” he choked on his words like foreign objects in his throat. “I want…” his voice dropped ta a whisper, “you.” Wanted him bad. Fer so long. So fuckin’ long.
“An’ I want you,” Rick were pullin’ him in ‘til his whole body was white hot. Burnin’.
“Carl okay with this?” Daryl tried not ta succumb ta the gentle strokin’ on the back a his neck. But his hair stood on end an’ he layed his head back. Leaned inta it. “You’s gone a long time.” Long 'nough he thought this weren’t gonna happen.
“He said he went ta bed early ta give us privacy,” Rick assured him with little kisses ta his throat. “Said we deserved ta be happy.” The next kiss were ta his lips. His fuckin’ lips!
Soft an’ sweet. Kinda chaste really. Took his breath 'way. Like their lips were huggin’. Then their lips started wrestlin’. He were gaspin’ fer air. Gaspin’ fer Rick. Lappin’ him up. Clutchin’ at him. Pullin’ him in ‘til they's one. Clumsy an’ all, but he couldn’t get Rick close 'nough.
It felt so right. So meant ta be, the way their bodies fit t'gether like two pieces of a puzzle. Rick’s warmth was makin’ him sweat. Makin’ him hard. He was embarrassed as hell. But he don't care. Jus’ wanted him. All a him. An’ he felt Rick respondin’ ta him, too 's they made out.
He was awkward at first. Bangin’ teeth an’ shit. Bit Rick’s lip twice. Ain’t never kissed no one b'fore. ‘Cept Mama. Least of all a man. With a few weeks scruff rubbin’ his cheeks off. But, felt so good. So tender. Even the scratchin’ was tender. Made his eyes roll back in his head 's he scrunched ‘em up.
Was he s’posed ta close his eyes? Peeked ta be sure Rick weren’t lookin’ at him, waitin’ fer him ta open ‘em er somethin’. Rick’s eyes 's closed. Peaceful. Like he’s sleepin’. Jesus, he was gonna get ta sleep with an’ wake up ta this man. ‘Bout fell on his ass at the thought.
Rick caught 'im, though. Like he always does. Led him ta the bed. That fuckin’ queen. “I got you,” Rick was sayin’. Both their eyes were open now as he eased him down. Rick slipped off Daryl’s boots. Then his own. Their belts, guns, knives. All a the shit that don’t b'long in bed. Rick’s gaze plugged inta him like a socket 's he reached fer the buttons on Daryl’s shirt.
Daryl flinched. Not at Rick. Trusted Rick with his life. With ev'rythin'. Flinched at what he’s hidin’. He grabbed Rick’s hand, caressed it with his thumb even 's he stopped him. “I got scars,” he shrugged. Many a beatin' from the old man left his back an’ chest lookin’ like a fuckin’ mess. “Ain’t pretty.”
Rick nudged Daryl’s head inta his neck. “Yer beautiful ta me,” his voice cracked like his heart were breakin’. Man, prob’ly was. “I promise,” Rick stroked his hair so softly he wanted ta purr, “I won’t let anyone hurt ya like that again.”
Daryl choked on a sob an’ tears stung at his eyes like daggers. Felt vulnerable. So vulnerable ‘front a Rick. But, mostly he felt safe. Safe 'nough ta sob like a little girl 'f he needed ta. But, he don't. Don't think he’d ever need ta 'gain.
Fer a long time he jus’ sat there. Nuzzled inta Rick's neck. Lettin’ him rub his head. His back. Washin’ 'way the guilt an’ shame an’ all a the shit he grew up with. Not sayin’ a word. Don't haveta. Rick understood. They’d always been like that.
When he finally spoke his voice 's raspy. Rusty from not bein’ used fer so long. “I ain’t never done this b'fore,” he croaked. There, he said it. He sat back an’ put Rick’s hand ta his shirt. His heart. Knew it were okay ta be scarred. Ta be scared. Ta need.
“Me neither,” Rick brushed Daryl’s bangs back fer a kiss. Sweet an’ givin’. Not at all selfish er desire er want. Selfless. So fuckin’ selfless. An’ the slow burn percolated in Daryl’s brain like a coffee pot when it’s ready. He was so ready.
“I don’t know how this works,” Rick was sayin’, "but we’ll figure it out.” ‘Least he were willin’ ta try. The mechanics of sex with a woman were 'nough of a mystery ta Daryl.
“No,” Daryl blushed, “I mean I ain’t never done it with no one b'fore.” Man er woman. Ain’t never found love b'fore. An’ cheap sex weren’t worth the clap an’ all the shit Merle used ta get. All Daryl ever wanted were love. 'F it came with sex, fine. 'F it came with Rick Grimes, perfect.
“We’ll take it slow,” Rick assured him an’ layed him back onta the pillow. We not I. Always we. “I jus’ wanna be with you,” Rick cooed in his ear as he climbed inta bed next ta him. Nuzzled in close fer a cuddle. Was willin’ ta take it 's Daryl were willin’ ta give. Even slowly.
‘Cept take weren’t the word. Daryl weren’t one fer words, but take were wrong. Take was selfish. Rick were willin’ ta receive it in any way er amount Daryl was ready ta give. “I love you, Daryl.” Rick settled in fer the night, arms 'round 'im. Protectively. Not possessively.
Daryl rolled on his side. Wanted ta look Rick in the eyes. What a beautiful man. Dirty, scruffy an’ beautiful. He cupped Rick's face. Savored the feel of it in his hands. “I love ya, too.” Always have. An’ he drifted off ta sleep. The best fuckin’ sleep a his whole life. Knowin’ he was safe. Knowin’ he was home. Knowin’ he was loved.
Daryl woke first the next mornin’. ‘Cept fer Judith. She were sittin’ up in her basket. Cooin’ an’ droolin’ an’ ready ta pitch a fit. Rick were in a deep sleep. Fuckin’ coma. But if he don't get Judy fast she's gonna ruin his beauty sleep.
“Mornin’, girl,” he slipped outta Rick’s embrace knowin’ it was always open fer him. “How ‘bout we let Daddy sleep?” He trilled 's best he could in a whisper. She was all smiles at seein’ him an’ he picked her up. Poncho an’ all.
Paddin’ down the hall he realized the fire’d gone out. Fuckin’ cold 'thout Rick next ta him. He tucked Judith inta the couch an’ set ta work on a fire. Gettin’ low on wood. Gonna haveta chop some t'day. 'Nough fer now, though.
Cold an’ tired he fumbled in the diaper bag fer supplies. Judith was damp an' he don't wanna leave her in the diaper she’d slept in. Wouldn’t wish that on no one. Had her changed in no time an’ she was gurglin’ an’ makin’ her hungry noises.
“Le's see what we c'n rustle up,” he carried her ta the kitchen with her bottle an’ formula. Don't trust the house water fer drinkin’ yet. So's he filled her bottle from one a them Evians they’d packed in. Shook it ‘til the mix resembled milk. Looked awful.
She took it, though. Sucked it down. Then she's sleepy 'gain. Lollin’ on his shoulder. Cuddled inta his neck. Family. “Go ta sleep, Girlie,” he kissed the top a her head. Her fuzzy curls. “Gonna get Daddy some coffee goin’.” Gonna haveta boil the water first. Make sure it’s safe. No sense takin’ chances.
He filled the percolator with grounds an’ went 'bout riflin’ the cupboards an’ pantry fer breakfast. One-handed 's he held Judith on 'is hip. Powdered eggs. Powdered pancakes. Jus’ add water. Like them fuckin’ Sea Monkeys Merle got him once as an apology fer not bein’ there when the old man had knocked him 'round. What a fuckin’ disappointment those were. Breakfast better not be that big a jip.
Even found maple syrup. Mrs. Butterworth’s anyways. Corn syrup more like it. That shit don’t go bad er nothin’. Sniffed it ta be sure. Seemed okay. But, what did he know?
Berries’d be nice. Seen some yesterday ‘hind them cabins. Time ta bundle up. Got Judith situated an’ put ‘er ta his chest ‘fore slingin’ his poncho over ‘em both. Damn boots were in the bedroom. Weren’t like it was snowin' er nothin’…an’ he were gonna be quick. Jus’ grabbed a bowl an’ padded down the steps barefoot. Cold an’ damp. Weren’t gonna get frostbite, though.
The bowl was difficult ta balance while holdin’ Judy. Pickin’ berries one-handed weren’t easy, neither. Dropped his haul twice ‘fore he got the rhythm down. Weren’t lettin’ Judith go, though. Fed her 's he went. Ta make ‘er smile 's much ta keep ‘er quiet. Could still be walkers up here.
Jesus, his knife were still in the bedroom. Fuckin’ crossbow, too. This was stupid. Ran back ta the house ‘fore he had somethin’ ta regret. Gettin’ soft. All gooey-eyed an’ domestic.
Was startin’ ta warm up in the house. His feet sure needed the heat. Ice cold. ‘Least his little excursion netted a few huckleberries fer the pancakes. An’ he’d seen the other chimneys come ta life. Ev'ryone else was startin’ ta stir. Made it through the night.
Daryl cuddled Judith by the fire, warmin’ her rosy cheeks. An’ his feet. Stupid. Stupid. Weren’t much time ta curse 'imself when there was a knock at the door. Timid. Glenn. Don't haveta check ta know. ‘Course he peeked out the window anyways. Ya c'n never be too careful. ‘Specially when the world’s gone ta shit. No more berrypickin’ barefoot an’ unarmed neither. He’ll be pickin’ daisies next. More like pushin’ up daisies 'f he ain’t careful.
“Ev'rythin' okay?” Daryl asked Glenn 's he opened the door. Maybe they ain't got 'nough food er firewood fer breakfast. Er propane.
“Yeah,” Glenn tromped in. “Just checking on everyone’s all.” He was pokin’ 'round all wide-eyed. “Jeez, you really set this place up.” Seemed baffled by it. Like it ain’t possible ta be a hunter an’ a homemaker at the same time. “This is so…” Glenn struggled fer words, “Domestic.”
“Ya jealous?” Daryl carried Judith ta the kitchen ta work on breakfast. The coffee were finally startin’ ta percolate. So was Glenn’s imagination, prob’ly.
“I’m happy for you two,” Glenn couldn’t wipe the smile off'n his face. Funny thing was Daryl didn’t want to neither. “ ‘Bout time,” Glenn clapped him on the shoulder 'fore he headed ta the door. “Everyone’s getting together after breakfast to make a plan for the day.”
“ ‘Kay,” Daryl went back ta cookin’. Gonna haveta rouse Rick soon. Good thing the coffee was done. Why can’t people jus’ let the man sleep?
“What’s this?” Carl poked his head in the kitchen.
“What’s it look like?” Daryl teased but it came out gruff. Damn he needed coffee.
“Looks awesome!” Carl searched the cupboards ‘til Daryl pointed him in the right direction fer coffee mugs. “Smells even better,” he poured a cup a Daryl’s tar fer himself an’ passed one over.
Daryl took it. Good an’ strong. “ ‘S all I could find,” he shrugged. Weren’t nothin’.
“Pancakes?” Rick was up. Snugglin’ up ta Daryl at the stove ‘til he couldn’t get nothin’ done. Damn, he don't wanna neither. Jus’ wanted ta stay in that embrace. Forever. “I think it’s even Sunday,” Rick dozed on Daryl’s right shoulder, Judith on the left. Fuckin’ perfect. Jus’ like Daryl'd imagined it. Dreamed it. Willed it fer so long now.
“ ‘Cept these aren’t burnt,” Carl threw a huckleberry at his dad. Lori’s was always burnt. Rick’d always said that. Suddenly Daryl felt flushed. Jus’ the reference ta her made him feel like Carl were gonna want her back. ‘Stead a him.
Carl offered Rick coffee with his apology. “I just meant…” he stuttered, “Daryl’s look better.” Carl looked 'way. Sipped his coffee. “Daryl’s better for you, Dad.”
Daryl ‘bout dropped the spatula. Bein’ better fer Rick were obvious. ‘Cuz he loved Rick. But ta hear it. Outloud. From Carl…"Jus’ drink your coffee,” Rick groaned at Carl. But fer Daryl he whispered in his ear, “Yer the best.” An’ less softly, “When’d he start drinkin’ coffee?”