-Epilogue-

As she stood on the wall watching the perimeter in the light of the hunter's moon, Emma reflected on how much life had changed in the past year.

She'd abandoned her small room next to the kitchen and moved in permanently with Daryl. They had taken quarters above the kitchen that were large enough for a double bed, a couple of chairs and a desk.

Daryl had insisted on bringing the gatehouse desk with him. It had been a bitch to move up the awkward and narrow fort stairs, in the end they had to haul it up over the balcony using ropes. When the others asked why Daryl needed it moved, he'd smiled and said simply "Good memories."

It was now general consensus that Emma wasn't do to a long circuit without Daryl. No-one enjoyed the grouchiness that would be brought on by her prolonged absence. He could tolerate it for a morning, or an afternoon, but at night he wanted her next to him.

Not that she minded. Daryl's presence kept the nightmares that had plagued her at bay. She loved the end of the day, when they curled up under the covers together. Emma would often speak softly about her day, Daryl just listened. Sometimes, he'd stop her mind from spinning with a well-timed kiss. Other times he'd distract her with his lovemaking.

He could be rough, and he could be tender. She was never sure which Daryl she was going to get. Either way, she was always happy with the result.

"You're relieved." Sal came up to her on the wall. "Get a good night's sleep. Lots to do tomorrow."

"G'night." She waved him off and made her way down to her room.

She was halfway down the narrow staircase when a pair of arms pulled her off the stairs and pressed her against the wall.

It was Daryl's favourite game. "Hey." He leaned in to kiss her soundly as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hey yourself." She said when he released her mouth.

"Been thinkin' 'bout you all day." His voice was low as his hand travelled down to grab her ass.

"How do you know it's me coming down the stairs?" She asked. "Aren't you worried that you'll grab the wrong person someday?"

"Naw. I'd recognize 'em boots anywhere." He pulled her by her arm towards their room, stopping briefly to give her another grope before they disappeared into their quarters. He closed the door and pushed her up against it.

She reached for his belt buckle and undid his pants with quick fingers. "I take it.." She was panting heavily as he leaned in to suckle on her breasts. "..we aren't going to make it to the bed tonight."

He quickly undid her pants. "'fraid not." Daryl pulled her pants down in one swift movement. He hiked her leg up on his hip, but she was tangled in her breeches. He cursed, belatedly realizing he couldn't whip off her pants when they were tucked into her riding boots.

He spun her around to face the door. Grabbing the chair from the desk he sat down in it and pulled her into his lap, impaling her on his stiff cock. She spread her legs wide as he reached a hand around to rub her clit and nuzzled into the back of her neck.

She released her hair from her braid, letting it fall down around her shoulders. Grabbing Daryl's free hand she placed it on her breast. He obliged by rolling her nipples in his fingers.

She rewarded him with a moan and turned her attention back to his cock. She rocked and ground into his member.

Apparently not fast enough for Daryl.

When her orgasm came her picked her up and leaned her against their desk. He entered her again from behind and began pumping furiously. She braced herself with her arms as his free hands massaged her breasts. He came with a roar inside of her.

With the last of his strength, he pulled her back onto the bed with him. As she lay on top of him, he slowly tangled his fingers in her hair. "Damn boots." He cursed.

"You wanted to christen the door, didn't you?" She chuckled. Daryl had been trying to fuck her on every piece of furniture they owned.

"Would've too. Damn boots got in the way."

"Hey, these are my lucky boots!" She said rolling over to look at him.

"Lucky?"

"I was wearing them when I found you, wasn't I?"

He traced a finger down her cheek he stared into her eyes. "Lucky for me then." He planted a tender kiss on her cheek. "Sleep love. In 'bout an hour we're goin' back ta tha door."

Emma Archer realized it was probably a good thing that their rooms were quite far away from everyone else's.

-Author's note:-

This story has a sequel... "Archer's Errand" and also "Dixon's Dilemma"