Epilogue—I loved you first
Rick stepped through the door, relieved to be off work. He and Daryl had both wanted to take the day off, but it just wasn't feasible since they've been saving up to buy a house. Rick grinned to himself at the thought of finally owning a house, and no longer renting this small apartment.
Since Rick was the early riser, as his job required, Daryl had gone shopping for everything before going into the garage. Rick stepped into the kitchen, taking off his gun belt along the way and laying it on the table. He opened the fridge, and found the steaks that Daryl loved, as well as the vegetables that Rick forced him to eat. He smiled softly.
He was gonna make sure tonight was perfect.
Rick stripped off his Deputy uniform and threw it in the laundry room to wash later. He got out all the ingredients he'd need to cook the steaks, mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables, as well as the stuff for the German chocolate cake that was a favorite of both of theirs. He switched on the radio for some background noise, and got to work.
He hummed along with the song that was playing, thinking about the first time he'd cooked dinner for Daryl. It was also the first time they'd… well. It was Rick's first time.
It was the summer after they first became a couple, and Rick's parents had driven up to the outskirts of Atlanta to drop Carl off at camp. Because they had some family up there, they decided to spend the night.
So Daryl and Rick had the house to themselves.
Daryl hadn't any idea of what Rick was planning, but he'd been hoping that Rick would want to soon. He wasn't shy of asking Rick, though he never pressured. Mostly, when Rick indicated that he wasn't ready for… everything… he'd just smile softly and show Rick what he was missing. Usually with his hands, but sometimes with his mouth.
Daryl had work that day, so he came home sweaty and covered in grease, a big smile on his face when he smelled the chicken in the oven. "Hey, Rick. You makin' dinner?"
Rick returned the smile and nodded. "Yep. Go wash up, it'll be ready soon."
Daryl stalked closer, and Rick's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Sure thing, boss. Jus' gotta do one thing first."
Rick took a small step backward from his filthy boyfriend. "What's that?"
Daryl pounced on him, and picked him up, making sure to smear as much grease as possible onto Rick's clothes and skin. Rick yelled, and squirmed, but he didn't get free until Daryl was laughing too hard to maintain his grip.
"Daryl!" he whined. "Now I'm all dirty!"
Daryl's eyebrow cocked in interest, and a suggestive grin spread across his face. "Well," he said teasingly. "You could always join me in the shower."
Rick kept his expression blank, then nodded solemnly. "Okay." He reached down and stripped off his shirt, then moved to unbutton his pants.
Daryl's smile fell and his eyes grew large. "Wait- what?"
Rick smiled. "I said okay, Daryl. I'm gonna turn the oven off, and I'm gonna join you in the shower. And then, when we're both clean… I'm gonna get us dirty again." He blushed at his words, uncomfortable with speaking about sex still. But he wanted Daryl to know that he was ready. He reached over and turned the oven off.
If it was possible, Daryl's eyes got even bigger, and he stepped closer to Rick, placing a hand on top of his where it rested on the button of his pants.
"Are- are ya serious?" he asked gruffly, his eyes focused on Rick's face. He lifted his other hand and stroked Rick's face gently, his expression so tender that Rick felt his heart melt.
He nodded, more sure now than ever. "Yeah, Daryl. I wanna do this with you." To prove his point, he pulled Daryl closer by his belt loops and kissed him deeply. Daryl reciprocated, pushing Rick up against the counter and sliding a leg between Rick's.
Rick grasped the hem of Daryl's shirt and pulled it off, then unbuttoned his pants. They broke the kiss, and just looked at one another for a moment, breathing heavily into each other's mouths. Then Daryl picked Rick up and tossed him over his shoulder, and proceeded to run up the stairs with him, Rick yelling all the way to let him down, dammit.
When Daryl reached the bathroom, he let Rick down, and before Rick could bitch him out, he pressed him up hard against the wall, and kissed him, grinding their hips together. Rick moaned into his mouth, and Daryl grabbed Rick's pants with both hands and shoved them down past his hips. Rick helped kick them off, and proceeded to do the same with Daryl.
They'd seen each other naked before, but it felt different this time. They broke their kiss and Daryl stroked every bit of Rick's skin he could reach. He leaned forward and placed a single, reverent kiss on Rick's shoulder, and Rick shivered.
Daryl stepped back long enough to turn the shower on, and then pulled Rick in with him to step under the spray. They soaped and rinsed each other off gently, taking their time. Rick explored every inch of Daryl's skin except for the one place he knew Daryl wanted his hands the most, and grinned as Daryl groaned in frustration.
Payback was a bitch, though, and Daryl gave his cock only a quick swipe before moving on to much less sensitive parts of Rick's body, and only chuckled when Rick pouted.
Daryl turned the water off when they were both clean, and grabbed a towel to dry Rick off, but the other boy shook his head. He wanted to feel Daryl's skin, wet and fresh from the shower, and if he was being honest, he just didn't want to wait any longer.
His erection jutting out from his body, Rick grabbed Daryl's hand and pulled him into his bedroom, shutting the door out of habit. Daryl stood, naked and aroused, in the center of his room, his eyes following Rick's every movement.
Rick moved to the bed, and turned his gaze to the floor, suddenly nervous.
"Hey, now," Daryl said softly, moving forward to grasp Rick's chin and make him meet his eyes. "We don't gotta do anythin' you're not ready for. No pressure, you understand?"
Rick grabbed Daryl's hand and pulled it from his chin, and laced their hands together. He met Daryl's eyes squarely. "I'm not havin' second thought, Daryl. I wanna do this, I just… want it to be good for you. I know you've had more experience, and I just…" He shrugged, unsure of what to say.
To his surprise, Daryl just smiled softly, and gave him a short, sweet kiss. "You idiot," he said fondly. Rick gave him an offended look, but let him speak. "I mighta fucked before, but I never done this. Imagine I'm just as nervous as you."
Rick shook his head, uncomprehending. "Done…?"
Daryl sighed. "This, Rick. I never been with someone I gave a shit about, much less…with someone like you, someone I…."
Rick smiled, and nodded. Daryl hadn't been able to say the words, yet, but Rick didn't mind. He knew how Daryl felt about him. He showed him everyday.
Rick ran his arms over Daryl's shoulders, and pulled their slick, naked bodies together. He pressed their lips together, and felt Daryl sigh into the kiss, pressing his hands into Rick's back to pull them flush together.
Rick backed up towards the bed, and sat when his knees hit the edge. Daryl leaned over him, continuing the kiss, without urgency, just leisurely moving his lips against Rick's, and slowly maneuvering Rick's body up the bed, and following him. At last, Rick was on his back, and Daryl was next to him, on his stomach, still kissing, and Rick felt his tense muscles relax.
Daryl had himself propped up on one elbow, and ran his other hand over Rick's chest, teasing his nipples and pulling lightly on his chest hairs. Rick gasped at the sensations, and Daryl smiled against his mouth.
Daryl's hand slipped lower, and as his hand touched Rick's hard cock, Rick lost all patience. He pulled Daryl on top of him, spreading his legs so Daryl fit between them, and kissed Daryl so fiercely that his lips ached. Daryl groaned as their cocks touched, and Rick couldn't help but lift his hips, seeking friction.
Daryl gave him what he was looking for. He rutted against Rick, and broke the kiss to bury his head in Rick's neck, unable to take in a full breath from the sensations.
Rick lifted his legs and wrapped them around Daryl's hips, pressing his feet into the backs of Daryl's thighs, and silently urging him to go faster, harder.
Abruptly, Daryl pulled back, and Rick reached for him automatically, letting out a pitiful noise that he would never admit to in a thousand years.
"Sorry, sweetheart, I gotta stop or…" Daryl gasped out, swallowing hard. He was just out of reach, hovering over Rick, but their bodies weren't touching, and no matter how hard Rick pulled, Daryl wouldn't move closer. "If you wanna do this, do everythin'… I have to stop, alright?"
Rick bit his lip, and nodded. He understood, but dammit, stop talking and get a move on!
Daryl smirked at him, apparently reading his expression. "You got some slick?" he asked.
Rick nodded furiously. "In—in the drawer." He pointed to his nightstand, and Daryl reached over him to open the drawer. He pulled his hand out, and he was grasping the small tube that Rick had bought when he and Daryl had started going out. He knew he'd want to do this one day, and he knew he'd want it to be Daryl.
Before opening the tube, Daryl cleared his throat and met Rick's eyes. "Do you… have protection?" Rick frowned, but nodded.
"Do we have to use-?"
Daryl hesitated, then leaned forward, resting his weight on Rick again. "It's safer," he murmured against Rick's cheek. Rick turned his head and kissed Daryl's cheek, then jaw. "I… got checked, a couple weeks after we started goin' together, and I'm clean. But, I understand if you wanna use a condom."
Rick shook his head. "I trust you. Wouldn't be here, doin' this, if I didn't."
Daryl met his eyes, swallowing visibly. "You sure?"
Rick nodded firmly. "No condom. I don't want anythin' between us."
Daryl kissed him so hard that their teeth clacked together, but Rick didn't care, because he could feel all of Daryl again, could feel him rutting their hips together. Daryl broke the kiss and moved down Rick's body. He opened the tube and slicked up three fingers.
He gently ran them down Rick's jutting hipbone, around his straining erection, and past his balls. Rick's legs were already bent and spread, bracketing Daryl, from earlier. Daryl wrapped the hand not coated in lube around Rick's cock and started pumping.
Rick kept his eyes focused on Daryl as the boy licked his lips, watching his hand as he gently rubbed Rick's hole, not pushing in yet. Daryl lifted his gaze and met Rick's eyes. "You ready?" he asked hoarsely.
Rick nodded, and took a deep breath. Hell, yes, he was ready.
Daryl held his gaze, watching Rick's face, as he pushed one finger in slowly. Rick gasped, and his back arched slightly off the bed. Daryl kept pumping Rick's cock with his other hand, and Rick tried to focus on the feeling.
Daryl pushed his finger in and out slowly, stretching the hole slightly, and then worked a second finger in. Rick's hips jerked at the feeling, and he inhaled sharply. Daryl's eyes watched his face, and Rick could tell the moment he found what he was looking for. Daryl smirked a second before he nudged something in Rick that made stars explode behind his eyes. His hips rose of their own accord, and Daryl picked up the pace on pumping his cock. He thrust his fingers against that spot again, and again, and Rick's whole world went white as he came all over his stomach and Daryl's hand.
By the time he came down from his orgasm, Rick realized that Daryl had three fingers in him, and he pumped once, twice, before pulling out and positioning himself between Rick's legs. Rick pulled him closer so he could kiss him, and Daryl placed his forearms on either side of Rick's head, bracketing his face, and kissed him back tenderly.
"Now, Daryl," Rick said, his voice hoarse. "Please."
Daryl nodded, and moved a hand down to adjust himself, to get himself into position. Rick's legs stayed bent on the bed, but he lifted his hips slightly to give Daryl better access. He felt Daryl's prick, larger than the fingers, and much firmer, press against his hole, and inhaled, holding his breath.
"No, Rick," Daryl groaned. "Breathe, sweetheart. I need ya to breathe."
Rick nodded, and let out a gust of air, and tried to breathe normally as Daryl pushed his cock deeper, deeper, into Rick.
Their balls touched, and Rick realized that Daryl was all the way in. Daryl groaned loudly, his face buried yet again in the crook of Rick's neck.
"Move, Daryl. Whenever you're ready," Rick groaned.
Daryl pulled out slowly, and thrust all the way back in. Rick moaned as Daryl hit his prostate again, and he felt his erection growing for the second time tonight. Daryl could feel it where their bellies were rubbing together, and he reached a hand between them to stroke Rick as he continued thrusting into him.
Rick's head fell to the side as he tried to feel everything all at once, but it was almost too much. He raised his legs again to wrap around Daryl's waist, and he pressed against his back urging him on.
"Fuck, Daryl. Ha- harder. Feel s-so good."
Daryl moaned, and his thrusts sped up, as did his hand on Rick's cock. "Dammit, Rick. Can't… gonna… so close," he grunted.
Rick nodded, their heads pressed together, and whispered to him. "Come for me, Daryl. Come in me."
Daryl let out a sound, almost a whine, but it made Rick feel like he'd finally seen him without any walls up. He felt so blessed in that moment, so perfect, and he wanted it to last, but like all good things, it ended.
It ended with Daryl throwing his head back and coming, his sperm coating Rick's insides, and Rick following right after, for the second time.
Daryl collapsed, half on Rick, half on the bed, and breathed deeply from Rick's neck. He felt Daryl's tongue peek out and taste the sweat glistening on his skin, and he shivered, wrapping his arms around Daryl's back.
They slept that way, Daryl's head on his shoulder, Rick's arms wrapped around him. In the end, it was exactly what Rick had always hoped for, and much more than he'd ever expected.
Now, as Rick stands in the kitchen of his and Daryl's home, cutting up potatoes to boil, he can't help but marvel at the fact that their lovemaking has gotten even better. That first night, he didn't think it was possible to feel more blissful than he did.
That was an instance where he was glad to be proven wrong.
Rick dropped the potatoes into the pot of water, thinking about how much had happened in the last few years. Daryl's father had been put in prison for child abuse, and Daryl'd had to testify in front of him and a roomful of people to make it happen. Rick had been there for Daryl in the aftermath, when he'd struggled with his feelings of guilt and gratitude. He'd gotten better in time, less weighed down, and Rick felt blessed every time one of his walls came down.
They'd graduated high school of course, and had been together a year and a half as they walked down to receive their diplomas. Rick was so proud that day, so full of joy for himself and Daryl.
Rick frowned as he thought of the fights that came after. He moved out to the back patio to fire up the grill for the steaks, flashing back on the hurtful words they'd both said back then.
Rick had been accepted to college, and wanted to go, but wanted Daryl to go with him.
"What, so I can be your little wife at home? Doin' the laundry, makin' dinner, stayin' up late while you're at your little study groups, wonderin' when the hell your gonna be home? No thanks, Grimes. I'm fine righ' here."
Rick ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "That's not what I'm askin' you to do, Daryl, and you know it! You can get a job there, and we can live together, just us. I want you there, Daryl. Please." His voice had grown softer as he spoke, and he could see Daryl's defenses crumbling.
"I know, 's just… maybe you'd be better off, Rick," he said quietly. "You ever think o' that? Maybe you'll go up to college, and you'll meet someone; someone smart, or funny, or good-lookin', and … you'll wonder what the hell your doin' with a guy like me."
Rick's fists clenched, so angry he could barely speak. "Fuck you, Daryl. Fuck you, and your self-deprecating bullshit. I don't know how many times I'll have to say this to you, but I'll keep sayin' it 'til the day I die if I have to." He moved forward quickly, shoving Daryl back against the wall of his bedroom, and braced his hands on Daryl's shoulders, squeezing.
"I love you, you dickhead. You are smart, and funny, and fuckin' gorgeous. Half the time I look at you, I can't believe how beautiful you are. You make me so happy, I feel like I'm gonna explode. A day without you feels like a year, and I don't wanna live a day without your smart mouth, your hostility, or your honest –to-goodness, worst taste in movies I've ever seen. You are the best person I know, I want you there because I love you. I know exactly who you are, and I love everything about you, good and bad."
Daryl was quiet for so long, Rick wondered if he had anything to say. "I'm sorry, Rick. I'm sorry I keep doin' this. If someone tells you you're shit for sixteen years… it's hard to forget, you know?"
Rick's face softened, and his voice was gentle when he spoke again. "I know, Daryl. But try to listen to the people in you life that care about you. I love you more than I ever thought I could, and my parents love you like a son. I think Carl likes you more than he like me sometimes. And Merle loves you, I can see it every time we visit him. It's the same way you look at him, Daryl. We all love you. You just gotta learn to trust in that."
Daryl nodded, his eyes red rimmed, and he pulled Rick into a hug. Rick rubbed his hands down Daryl's back soothingly.
"I'll go. I'll get a job, and meet yer stupid, stuck up college friends. And then we'll move back here, and start a life. Yeah?"
Rick pulled back, and grinned broadly. "That's the best think I've heard come outta your mouth all day, Dixon."
Daryl smirked. "Well, ya know, Merle's gonna need a place to stay when he gets out in a coupla months…"
Rick grimaced, but then shrugged. "If it means you'll come with me, I'd be happy to have Merle there. That's how much I fucking love."
Daryl's eyes got big, obviously shocked at Rick's answer. He shook his head. "I swear, Grimes, yer language gets worse every day. Think I need to wash yer mouth out with soap…"
Rick smiled as he flipped the steaks on the grill. Those four years in college had been full of arguments, and bickering, and the occasional fight. But they were also full of makeup sex, and romantic nights all to themselves, and too many good moments to count.
His good times with Daryl had always outweighed the bad.
Rick got his degree in Criminal Justice, much to Merle's chagrin and Daryl's amusement. Merle had ended up staying with them for a few months, but found his own place after a while, back in their hometown. Dale even hired him back on, after getting Daryl's assurances that his brother was on the straight and narrow.
Merle had slip ups over the years, and sometimes Daryl would be gone for a few days to help sort him out, but he had a support system now. In Daryl and Rick, and even in Beth, who'd come to appreciate Merle's lewd sense of humor and love for his brother.
After Rick graduated, he and Daryl rented this apartment in their hometown, and Daryl started working at Dale's again. Rick applied for a position as a Sheriff's deputy, and Daryl was almost disgusted that he'd found his life partner in a cop. Rick couldn't help but be amused by that.
Years passed, and Rick watched Carl go through high school, with the same teachers he had, and at least one more: Carol.
The three of them had lost touch over the years, but when Daryl and Rick moved back, they found out that she'd become the English teacher when old Ms. Thomas finally retired. She and Daryl had at least one day a month to just hang out, catch up, and generally take comfort in each other's company. Rick was so happy that Daryl had someone else in his life that he was comfortable with, he couldn't find it in himself to be jealous. They had Merle, Carol, and Rick's family over sometimes; barbequing and making everyone get along.
Rick smiled as he remembered some of the fun they had. And some of the more drama-filled times, like when they found Merle sneaking a puff of a joint to Carl and his dad had punched him. Or when Carol had broken down and confessed that her boyfriend was physically abusing her.
Rick had to physically restrain Daryl and Merle that time. He'd gone over to the bastard's house within the hour though, with his uniform on. If the guy was a little bruised by the time he made it to the station, well… Rick wasn't perfect, either.
One of the best night, though, was when Daryl had come bursting through the door, later than usual, and swept Rick up off the floor faster than he could think, 'What the hell?'
Merle came in after his younger brother, much calmer, but still grinning widely. Daryl set Rick on his feet, but kept his arm around him. 'What's goin' on? What happened?" Rick asked, eyes wide.
He'd rarely seen Daryl so happy.
"Dale, Rick! Dale offered to sell me and Merle the garage! We're gonna buy it!" Daryl said, his voice so full of joy that Rick had to reach forward and slap Merle's shoulder before embracing Daryl again. The man was almost vibrating with energy, he was so thrilled.
It had taken a few months to hash out all the details and finalize everything, but by the end of the year, Horvath's Motorcycle Repair had become Dixon's, and Daryl was coming home happier than Rick'd seen him since he bought his first bike.
Daryl had always loved his work, but he had big dreams about owning his own shop. As the years passed, and Rick began his career, Daryl had felt stagnant. But after Dale had sold his shop to the Dixon brother, all of that had changed.
It had been a few years since then, and Daryl loved his job as much now as he had then. They were also bringing in more money, which is what finally motivated them to start saving for a home.
Rick was tired of holding the barbeques in his little backyard, though it was less crowded since Carl went off to college in Atlanta. He would be back in year or so, though, and Rick wanted to be settled before then. He could barely wait.
Rick walked back in the house, steaks ready and on a plate, and set to work preparing the cake. He placed the steaks in the oven to keep warm, and made the batter quickly. He realized after the mixer shut off that the music had stopped, and turned his head curiously to listen.
-reports have indicated that the incident in Los Angeles was not an isolated event. Authorities in New York City, Columbus, Boston, and Dallas have all released statements confirming cases of this virus. Residents have been asked to stay inside while authorities and the CDC figure out how to cure—
Rick's attention to the broadcast was broken when he heard the front door open. He listened as Daryl's heavy boots made their way through the hallway, then stopped. Rick could see him in his mind's eye, conscientiously taking off his dirty shoes. It'd only taken six months of promised sexual favors and pleading for that habit to kick in.
Rick felt arms wrap around his waist, and he leaned back into Daryl's embrace.
"Mmmm," Daryl groaned. "You smell good."
Rick laughed. "You don't."
Daryl chuckled, then ran his nose along Rick's jaw, and up to his ear. He breathed deeply, and Rick closed his eyes, content. "Happy tenth anniversary, Rick."
Rick smiled, so happy he could burst. "Right back atcha."
Daryl leaned down and licked a stripe up Rick's neck, causing him to shiver. "Had cake batter on ya. Mmmm, tastes good."
Rick laughed breathily, and turned in Daryl's arms, capturing his lips in a quick kiss.
"Glad you're home," Rick said softly.
Daryl nodded, and kissed him again.
-so far, the CDC hasn't issued any reports as to what this virus might be. The White House has issued a statement, advising residents of the infected cities to remain in their homes, and only venture out when needed—
"What is this shit?" Daryl said, and stepped around Rick to switch off the radio. Rick shrugged.
"Dunno. Was listenin' to music, then the news came on."
Daryl rolled his eyes. "Don't need the new to tell us the world's mostly fucked up."
Rick shook his head, amused. "Come on. Steaks and veggies are done. I'm gonna put the cake in the oven, you mash the potatoes."
"Yes, sir," Daryl responded, and Rick grinned, pouring the cake batter into separate pans and then sliding them into the oven and taking the steaks out.
Rick watched as Daryl drained the potatoes, and added milk and butter to the pot. He was pulling out the mixer when Rick couldn't hold it in anymore.
"You know I love you, right?"
Daryl turned, his face serious. He nodded, then moved closer to Rick, hooking his fingers into Rick's belt loops and holding him there. He met Rick's eyes.
"I love you too, Rick." And he smiled.
I know, I know, I'm an evil person, but I really wanted to keep this open for a sequel, because I just love these boys. Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!