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Safe Haven in the Chaos	By : IdrilsSecret Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 6517 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the walking dead or any of the characters. No money is being made from the writing of these stories

Chapter List
- 53
- 54
- 55
Chapter 54 Back to Where We Began

A group of Saviors had just come to Hilltop, and Maggie, Aaron and Daryl safely hid in the cellar to escape detection. When it was safe, Maggie left their hiding spot, leaving Aaron and Daryl to work through yet another complication. Both men apologized for their behaviors from the night before, and confessed that neither one wanted to be separated from the other. Now, Aaron and Daryl emerged from the cellar only to find out that Doctor Carson had been taken to the Sanctuary. Everyone was in the yard, and everyone was watching Gregory, waiting for an explanation. Feeling the judgement coming to him, Gregory dashed back into the great house to hide in his office.

“What am I going to do?” Maggie said with genuine concern as she approached Aaron and Daryl. “What if something goes wrong with the pregnancy?”

“Maggie? Hi. I’m Alex. We haven’t officially met.” Alex and Jesus came to her from the crowd gathered outside.

Jesus spoke calmly. “Alex was Doc Carson’s assistant.”

“I learned a lot from him, and he told me a lot about you and your condition,” Alex told her.

“Alex worked at one of the main hospitals near DC. He has some experience with pregnancies too,” Jesus said to comfort her.

“I know I’m not Dr. Carson, but I hope you’ll trust me. You’re not completely without,” Alex smiled at her.

“Thank you, Alex,” Maggie said and she hugged him.

Jesus watched the exchange and glanced over to Aaron and Daryl. His eyes darted away quickly with embarrassment. Aaron knew he needed to speak with Paul, clear the air, and assure him nothing like that would ever happen again.

“Where’s Enid?” Maggie suddenly asked when she realized the girl wasn’t there.

“She’s in your trailer,” Jesus answered. “Maybe you should go lie down for a bit.”

“Yeah. I’ll do that,” Maggie said.

“But before you do, come to the infirmary and let me check you over first. If you don’t mind,” Alex suggested, and Maggie nodded.

Daryl watched Maggie and Alex head off, then he looked at Aaron and kissed him gently. When he looked up, Jesus was going toward the great house. “Why don’t you go talk to him,” Daryl suggested.

Aaron looked over at Paul walking away. “Yeah. Okay,” he nodded with reluctance.

Daryl kissed Aaron once more, their eyes locking before they parted ways. Aaron watched Daryl trot off to catch up with Maggie and offer her his arm. Then he turned back toward Paul, sighed deep and hurried to catch him.

“Hey, Paul. Got a sec?”

Paul stopped, but he only turned his head to the side, as though he wasn’t ready to look at Aaron just yet. “I was … uh … I need to uh–”

“Just for a moment. That’s all,” Aaron said. He closed the distance and came to stand next to Paul. “About last night–”

“I know. I-I’m sorry about that. I was drunk … and … I don’t know what happened,” Paul stammered for excuses.

“I was pretty trashed too. Things got out of hand … and the moonshine … and … Daryl and–”

“You know I’d never come between you two, and if I did anything to screw up your relationship . . .”

“Daryl and I talked. It’s okay. What happened was … awkward to say the least, but … I think in some weird way it helped us.” Aaron didn’t think what he was saying was making much sense, and it wasn’t much of an apology. “You shouldn’t have been caught up in the middle of this confusion, and I sincerely apologize. I hope we can still be friends.”

Paul smiled with relief. “Yeah. Of course.” They shook hands and then gripped each other’s forearms.

As they renewed their friendship, a young man ran up to them. “Gregory wants to speak with you,” he said.

“Of course he does,” Paul said, rolling his eyes in annoyance. Aaron went with him to the great house, but he waited in the foyer while Paul went into Gregory’s office. Paul left the door cracked open, probably on purpose so that Aaron could listen in on the excuses that would pour from Gregory’s pitiful mouth.

There was no one else around. The young man that brought Paul was gone. The foyer was empty. Aaron stood next to the door, back against the wall so he could hear better. Just like they thought, Gregory had plenty of excuses for doing what he did, including helping to protect the temporary residents from Alexandria. Paul was upset that Gregory didn’t fight for Dr. Carson, and accused the man of kneeling too easily. Gregory rebutted as he always did. The argument went back and forth a bit, and ended with Paul threatening to tell the people details of how Gregory folded to Simon and the Saviors. Paul pointed out to Gregory how he would lie and tell the Hilltop that he fought to keep Dr. Carson, and after threats for death and destruction of their community, he let the doc go to protect the greater good. Gregory didn’t like Paul's intimidation.

“Was that a threat?” Gregory said.

“Call it what you like,” Paul said, standing his ground.

“So now you decide to challenge me. Let’s not forget the leverage I have. I’m sure Simon wouldn’t mind taking … extra cargo back with him the next time he comes for a pick up.” Gregory’s words were menacing, and Paul remained silent.

The door to the kitchen opened, and Aaron jumped away from the wall. It was obvious he was eavesdropping, even though he shuffled around, hand behind his neck, and pretending to be waiting for someone. He smiled nervously at the youth who emerged. “Hey,” he said quietly.

The young man nodded, but he didn’t speak as he delivered a bottle of scotch to Gregory. Aaron darted away toward the front door, and slipped outside to wait. He couldn’t help but wonder what secret Gregory held over Paul.

The door burst open and Paul flew out, almost running into Aaron. He kept walking down the steps and into the yard. Aaron chased after him to keep up.

“Hey. Wait. What happened back there?” Aaron said from a distance.

Paul stopped, hands on hips and head bowed. “That son of a bitch,” he seethed.

“What did he say?” Aaron asked.

“Same shit he always says. He’s only doing what’s right for the community. Fucking asshole let them take Doc without challenging them.”

“Maybe we can get him back. We need something to bargain with though.” Aaron started trying to figure out what to do.

“We can’t. They took Dr. Carson because … because their doctor is dead. And fucking Gregory basically handed him over with a big purple bow and a smile.” Paul stopped and glanced back at Aaron. “Hilltop had two doctors in the beginning, not for long though. Dr. Carson had a brother … the other doctor. They didn’t exactly get along, and the guy hated Gregory. I think he wanted to take over Hilltop, though I never found any proof of that. It was just a feeling. The guy made bad decisions. He was rash, completely opposite of the gentle nature of our Doc. Gregory threatened him to get control over his brother or he’d be sent away. Needless to say, it wasn’t working out. But before Gregory could kick the guy out, the Saviors found our community. That first meeting was brutal, and ended with the death of an innocent sixteen year old. Everyone was terrified, but Dr. Carson’s brother wanted us to rise up and fight against them. He got into an epic argument with Gregory, and when the Saviors came back, Doc’s brother went with Simon and his men to live at the Sanctuary. Of course, Gregory played it up and solidified his leadership role by telling everyone that he sent the doctor away, and if anyone else wanted to challenge his authority, they could go live at the Sanctuary too.” Paul looked back at the great house and then to Aaron. “Gregory is going to make everyone think he fought to keep Dr. Carson, but to avoid more killings, he had to let him go. This is how he stays in power.”

“He’s not a leader. He’s a fool,” Aaron said. They started walking again, but this time at a slower pace. It seemed like they were heading back to Maggie’s trailer. “Is that why you never tried to take Gregory’s place as leader? You were afraid he’d send you to the Sanctuary?”

“People hinted around that they wanted me to take over. I never tried, but rumors reached Gregory’s ears. I wasn’t always a team player and he let me know that. But it wasn’t me he threatened to get rid of, because he knew he could never do that to me. I was always one step ahead of him, and he hated that. No … he found out that Alex and I were … together, and Gregory promised to send Alex away instead.”

It began to make sense to Aaron, the reason why Paul seemed to back off from confrontations with Gregory. It also made sense why Paul didn’t stay at the Hilltop for long periods of time. Maybe things would have been different if that threat wasn’t always hanging before him. Maybe he could have had something more solid with Alex. Aaron had sympathy for Paul's situation. It wasn’t a very good position to be in. He started giving more thought to how lucky he was to have met Daryl and have him in his life. Even after all their complications, they still managed to be together and work through them. This latest challenge was the toughest yet, and it almost broke them, but after their last and most recent conversation, they both admitted to how fortunate they were.

They were approaching the trailer, and Aaron caught a glimpse of Daryl turning the corner behind the infirmary. “If you don’t mind, I need to find Daryl and speak to him about something,” Aaron said.

“Sure. I’m going to check in on Maggie,” Paul said and smiled. “Thanks for listening to my rant.”

“Any time,” Aaron answered, and he went off to find Daryl.

“Hey, Daryl. Hold up,” Aaron called out.

Daryl stopped and turned to see him. “What’s up?”

Aaron took Daryl’s wrist and led him between two empty trailers. He put his hands on Daryl’s shoulders and gazed at him. “What are our plans?”

“I thought we were here to help train their people,” Daryl answered.

“Do they really need us? They’ve already got Maggie and Sasha, and a couple people here already have the skills. They could teach the others. And now, with Rosita here . . .”

“What are you getting at?” Daryl questioned.

“I’m suggesting that we go home.”

“Back to Alexandria?” Daryl asked, unsure.

“We’ve tried to run. We’ve tried to disappear. They still found us at the cabin. I don’t think there’s anywhere we could go that the Saviors won’t find us. I’d rather go home and fight to keep our community. There’s safety in numbers, right? Isn’t that what we’ve always said?” Aaron pleaded desperately with Daryl, hoping to make him see his opinion.

“Rosita updated Sasha about the others. Seems as though they’ve run across some weird group of people willing to help fight, though she’s not completely sold on that idea. She doesn’t trust these people, but Rick and Michonne are working with them. They’re out right now looking for weapons to honor some deal they struck with this new group. Rick’s building an army,” Daryl told him.

“Maybe it’s time we were a part of that army. We’ve got to make a move, Daryl. We can’t stay dormant any longer. Soon, it’s not going to matter whether you escaped the Sanctuary or not. Negan’s going to die. The Saviors are going to die. I want to be a part of that, and I want you at my side.”

“Come here,” Daryl said as he pulled Aaron against him, holding each other tightly within their arms. “I want that too,” Daryl admitted. “I’m going to go on your lead. God knows the directions I’ve taken lately were all wrong turns.”

“You’ve been preoccupied. It’s completely understandable, but I think you know now,” Aaron said.

“I know a lot more now than I did before,” Daryl said, leaning into Aaron and capturing his lips. “I know that this is always right, no matter what else happens.” Their kiss deepened, and Daryl’s tongue pushed past Aaron’s lips. How long it had been since they shared this much intimacy, and it was only a kiss. Their bodies were pressed together, and Aaron could feel Daryl’s growing desire. It excited him knowing Daryl was returning to his former self.

“When do you want to leave?” Daryl asked.

“We could go now and be home just after nightfall,” Aaron suggested seductively, his hand traveling along Daryl’s neck to cup it and pull him in for another kiss. Daryl moaned as he did.

“The sooner the better,” Daryl agreed. “First I want to check in on Maggie, let her know what we’re doing, and see if anyone else wants to head back with us,” Daryl said.

They turned back and went to Maggie’s trailer. She was inside with Enid, who was fixing some oatmeal.

“Hey guys,” Maggie greeted. She smiled but it was veiled. She must have still been worried about Dr. Carson being gone. “It’s nice to see you two together again.”

“If I had a dollar for every time you’ve said that,” Aaron joked.

“Still wouldn’t matter,” Daryl pointed out.

Aaron laughed. “I guess I need to find a better saying, switch out dollar for bullet or knife. Gun maybe?”

“Aaron and I were talking, and I think it’s time we went back to Alexandria,” Daryl informed.

Maggie looked concerned. “Are you sure? I thought with the Saviors still looking for you–”

“That’s exactly why we want to go,” Aaron interrupted. “If we have to pick a place to stand in battle, it’s got to be home. Once Alexandria is fortified and ready, the Saviors won’t be able to get to Daryl. It will be the safest place he can be.”

The door opened and Paul came in hurriedly. He seemed surprised to see Daryl and Aaron there. He looked around and set his eyes on Enid. “Can I talk to you … outside?”

Enid nodded and followed Jesus out. Aaron looked at Maggie for an explanation, but she was too indulged in her oatmeal. Daryl felt the anxiety that Jesus brought with him, and went to the window, glancing around the yard. He came back to Aaron and put a hand on his shoulder, wordlessly telling him to stay put. Then, Daryl went outside too.

Jesus and Enid were talking quietly, and they stopped as soon as they saw Daryl. “I can’t help but notice who’s not at this little meeting. Where’s Sasha and Rosita?” he asked accusingly.

Jesus glanced at Enid, and then he touched his hand to her arm. Enid nodded and went back inside the trailer. That’s when Aaron came out. Both could tell something wasn’t right.

“Look, we didn’t tell Maggie that Rosita was here,” Paul admitted.

“And why not?” Aaron asked.

“She wasn’t here to train, was she?” Daryl demanded.

Jesus sighed and crossed his arms. “She came here to see Sasha. Rosita wants to take out Negan, and she brought the sniper riffle.”

Both Daryl and Aaron knew what that meant. There was only one among them who had almost perfect aim when it came to sniping. “They went to the Sanctuary,” Aaron said, completing his thoughts.

“They must have slipped out when the Saviors arrived,” Paul admitted.

“Fuck,” Daryl grumbled beneath his breath. “We need to get home now. We gotta tell Rick what happened. If Sasha is successful, the Sanctuary will hit us hard.”

“What if they get caught?” Aaron said worriedly.

“Then there’s no doubt that Negan’s paying a visit to Alexandria.” Daryl huffed with anger. “What the hell are they thinking? This fuck’s everything up.”

“I should have kept a closer eye on them,” Paul admitted. “I had a feeling something was up when Rosita arrived.”

“We need to go … now,” Daryl said anxiously.

“Let’s go then,” Paul said.

“Wait, you’re coming with us?” Aaron asked. He didn’t expect Paul to come along.

“I want to help. Besides, I don’t think Hilltop is a target. And if Negan’s coming to Alexandria, you’re going to need me,” Paul said, stating his case.

“Hilltop’s not a target now, but when the Saviors see you at Alexandria, they’ll be at the top of the list,” Daryl noted. He didn’t think it was a good idea.

“I don’t think that matters anymore. Negan’s coming for us all. No more hiding. It’s time to stop talking about our communities working together and start integrating. No time like the present,” Paul said.

“I’m coming with you, too,” Enid said after approaching and overhearing their conversation.

Aaron went to her. “I think you should stay here. If the Saviors are coming to Alexandria–”

“You heard Jesus. It doesn’t matter anymore. They are coming to every community, but they’re going to Alexandria first. I want to be there. I want to fight for my home. And … and I want to be there with Carl.”

“Enid–” Aaron started to say.

“No,” she interrupted him. “You have Daryl. You know what it’s like to want to protect someone you care about. Well, I want to be there for Carl.” She stomped her foot and crossed her arms. “If you don’t let me ride with you, I’ll still find my own way. I’m going whether you want me to or not.”

“All right. Let’s go then,” Daryl said, short of patience. “We’re wasting time.”

“I’ll get the car,” Paul said, and he ran off without waiting for further argument.

>>------->

In a couple hours, they arrived at Alexandria. Father Gabriel was on duty, recognized Jesus as he waved from the car, and called down for the gate to be opened. They drove inside and parked. It was quiet and dark, Daryl noticed.

“Wonder where everyone is?” he said aloud.

“Rick called a meeting. They’ve got some new information and he wants to discuss it with the others,” Gabriel informed. He looked at Daryl and smiled. “It’s very good to see you. Welcome home, Daryl.” He offered a hand.

Daryl looked at him a moment, and then took up the man’s hand. They shook and Daryl took comfort in the welcome. Aaron noticed how Daryl couldn’t look Gabriel in the eyes, and took his arm to lead him on. “Let’s go see what the meeting is about,” Aaron said.

“This should be interesting,” Jesus commented. He put a hand on Enid’s shoulder and everyone headed to the meeting.

As they walked along the streets of Alexandria, Aaron fell back a little so they could talk. Aaron realized that this was the first time Daryl had been back since he’d been captured. He said as much to start the conversation.

Daryl nodded in agreement. “It’s the first time I’ve been home on my own terms. Negan brought me back, but I wasn’t free then.”

“I forgot about that. I wasn’t here. I wish I had been,” Aaron said solemnly.

“I don’t,” Daryl said in barely a whisper. “I think the sight of you would have made me do something that would have gotten me killed. Or worse. It might have gotten you killed like … like it did Glenn.”

“Daryl, please–”

“No, I know it was my fault. If I just hadn’t . . .” Daryl said quietly, remembering that night, and how he let his anger get the better of him when he struck out at Negan. His lips drew into a line as he tried to hold back his emotions. “It could have been you that Negan killed. He didn’t know then, but he knows about us now. Next time, if things go south–”

“Then there won’t be a next time. We’ll get him before he gets us,” Aaron assured him.

“He’ll be after me, and he knows how to break me now.”

“I won’t let Negan or the Saviors get to you. I’ll do everything in my power to not allow that to be our fate,” Aaron stated with confidence.

Meetings were always held in the church, and that’s where they went. Inside were all those important to Rick’s plans, and all those who would participate in them. Rick stood before his people, and Tara was at his side. He mentioned something about the whereabouts of a cache of weapons, but that they weren’t theirs for the taking. They belonged to a new group of survivors. This was where he let Tara take over the meeting. She talked about the people of a place called Oceanside. They were made up of mostly women and children, no men. They had helped Tara when she was injured, but when they asked her to stay and she refused, they tried to kill her. They said they couldn’t risk letting anyone leave for fear of them telling others where they lived. Tara went on to give a brief history of these people. They were a group of survivors, men, women, children and elderly. They didn’t live by the ocean as they did now. Unfortunately, the Saviors found the group, and when they retaliated, all their men and boys were slaughtered. Negan was going to force the women to provide for the Saviors, but they wouldn’t have it. They slipped out in the dead of night, and eventually came to take up residence by the ocean. They had houses, the old worn out bungalows of a seaside resort. It was a good location, nestled back within the trees, hidden from plain sight. They had a weapons locker filled to the brim.

“We need these weapons more than they do right now. If we want to win against Negan and his people, we have to have help. Michonne and I have found help, but they want weapons … and we need weapons as well,” Rick explained.

“So we’re just going to go in and steal from Oceanside?” one person asked from the crowd.

“They won’t negotiate, according to what Tara has told me,” Rick said.

“And how does killing more people for weapons make us any better than the Saviors?” asked the same person.

“We’re not going to kill them. We’re going to do this as peacefully as possible,” Rick told them. “If they want to join the fight, I’ll welcome them. But if they won’t, I’m still taking their guns.”

“And what if they won’t do this peacefully?” the person wondered with skepticism.

Tara took a step forward to speak. “I’m going in first, and I’m giving them a chance to do this our way. I think I can talk them into this plan, but if not, the rest of us go in with force.”

“Not to kill,” Rick made clear. “We’ll detain them, do whatever we have to do. Some might die, and that can’t be helped if they try to kill us first. Our main goal is to leave the majority of their community alive and take only their weapons. Now, Tara will explain in more detail what we’re going to do. Those of you who want to help should be at the gates at sunrise. That’s when we’re heading out.” As Rick finished up the meeting, he glanced toward the church doors and saw Aaron standing with Daryl. Relief washed over his face when he saw his longtime friend, and he left the altar to join both men.

Rick grasped Daryl’s forearm and then pulled him in for a brotherly hug. “Daryl, I’m glad you came back. I heard you left the Kingdom, but I didn’t know where you’d gone.”

“I was with Aaron. We made our way to Hilltop to check on Maggie and Sasha,” Daryl told him, careful not to mention the cabin or their run in with the Saviors that they killed. He did, however, tell him about Simon’s group who came to Hilltop and left with Dr. Carson.

“What about Maggie?” Rick said with concern. “When the baby comes–”

“They have someone who can help. He’s not a doctor, per say, but he’s pretty knowledgeable and has medical background,” Aaron said.

“Hilltop is getting ready,” Daryl said, to bring the subject back to the current plan. “They’re spitting out spears as quickly as possible, and their people are being trained for battle.” Daryl looked down and wrapped his hand around the back of his neck. “There’s only one problem.”

Rick’s brows drew together with more concern. “There’s always one more problem. What is it?”

“Sasha and Rosita left Hilltop,” Daryl said.

“Let me guess … to go after Negan,” Rick said and shook his head.

“Maybe they won’t–” Aaron started to say.

“Doesn’t matter. Whether they kill Negan or not, the Saviors will retaliate. I was hoping for a surprise attack, but that might not happening now.” Rick paused to think about his plans and how it would change them. “All the more reason to get those weapons. The Oceanside plan is still a go. We leave at first light. What about you two?”

“We’re in,” Daryl and Aaron said simultaneously.

“I’m in too,” Jesus said, just coming into the church. “I don’t know what, but I’m there.”

Rick smiled and shook hands with him. “Good to see you here. Tara will go over all the details. I’ve got some other things to attend to. See you all first thing tomorrow morning.” Rick went on his way, and the other three took a seat in the front pews to hear Tara’s plans.

>>------->

It wasn’t until much later in the day that Aaron and Daryl finally went to their house. They spent the entire day preparing, going over plans, loading vehicles, and making sure everything was a go for the morning. They were dirty and exhausted, but relieved to finally be home. For Daryl, it was the first time he’d come home since he was taken by Negan. Aaron watched his reaction when he entered the house. Daryl stopped at the front door and looked around.

“It looks the same, except for some missing furniture,” he said.

Aaron looked to the living room. “Yeah, they took a lot of stuff. Took some of the antiques too. Mostly the bigger ticket items are gone, like the washer and dryer, food, some chairs … the bed and mattress.” Aaron said this last part with regret. They’d lost the mattress at the cabin too. “Seems like we don’t have much luck with those.”

“We still have a shower. That’s all I care about at the moment,” Daryl stated with exhaustion.

“And hot water. Still have the solar panels, and the generators have been running without trouble for a while now.”

Daryl went upstairs to take a shower, and Aaron followed to make a bed on the floor. There was a linen closet at the end of the hall that the Saviors didn’t think to raid. It was full of towels and extra blankets and pillows. The thick comforter from the bed was still bunched up in the corner of the bedroom, so Aaron used that for their bed, spreading it out on the floor. He made it softer by putting the extra blankets on it, leaving only one for them to sleep under. When he was done, he laid down on their makeshift bed to test it out. Not bad, he thought, but not as good as a regular bed. It would have to do for now. Eventually, they would scavenge to replace the missing furniture, if they still had a place to call home after everything was said and done.

Daryl came out of the shower toweling his hair dry. He wore a pair of Aaron’s lounge pants, since he didn’t have any of his own. Before leaving Alexandria and being kidnapped, he had moved out of the house following a huge argument with Aaron. None of his things were here. They were at his old house, the one he lived in when Aaron and Eric were still together. Morgan took up residence there now, and Daryl didn’t feel like going over there to get his things. He was just too tired.

Aaron watched Daryl while his head was covered by the towel. He observed all the scars and newly healed wounds. This must be what the bodies of the knights of old looked like, he thought, after serving in multiple battles for their kings and countries. Here, they were only fighting to stay alive, but the battles had been no less bloody or for any less purpose.

Daryl lowered the towel, his eyes falling on Aaron’s, catching the man gawking. Aaron could feel himself blush, and wondered why after all this time. “How’s your wounds?” he asked to divert their attention.

Daryl looked at his shoulder where he’d had a gunshot wound. “Still hurts sometimes, but it’s all right.”

Aaron’s sight fell to the stab wound on his side where Brady had cut him. It seemed to have healed well, so he didn’t ask. Besides, it might bring up bad memories. Just as he thought this, Daryl switched the towel to his other hand and moved it to hide the old wound. Still a sensitive subject, Aaron thought to himself.

“They took a lot of our shit,” Daryl said, looking at the blankets spread on the floor.

“They burned all of our mattresses,” Aaron said softly. “They didn’t even need them. It was all out of spite and to teach us a lesson.”

“They’re gonna pay,” Daryl commented in a low, dark tone. “For everything they’ve done.”

“I’m glad I’m on this side. I think we’re going to win,” Aaron said.

“I know we’re going to win. We have to and that’s all there is to it,” Daryl said with confidence.

“It’s gonna be bloody. People will die.” Aaron’s concern was plainly viewed on his face. Daryl went to him.

“As long as it’s neither one of us. We got to look out for each other and fight as a team.” Daryl took Aaron’s chin and tilted it up to look into the others eyes. “Losing you is not an option.” He kissed Aaron slow and cautiously. Aaron’s heart pounded from hearing Daryl say this. There was a time when he thought they had lost this kind of connection.

To be back in Alexandria and in their own home was exactly what they needed. Having Daryl initiate the kiss was wonderful. Having him deepen it, take Aaron in his arms and crush their bodies together was more than he hoped for. Aaron’s body began to ache for Daryl’s touch. It had been a long time and he wanted this more than anything. It felt good and it felt right, but Aaron needed to make sure Daryl wasn’t just going through the motions like he did before. When he pulled back, he cupped the side of Daryl’s face to gain his full attention. “I want you to be very sure of this. I don’t want you doing anything you’re not ready for, and you know I’m willing to wait as long as it takes.”

“All the shit I’ve done, all the shit I’ve put you through … put us through, and you’re still here. I’ve asked myself why so many times, as though I was always needing a different answer. I’ve pushed you so hard that you should have left weeks ago, but you’re still here. I’ve lost my head, tried to force you to take a different path, and you’re still here.”

“You’re still here too,” Aaron whispered. “It’s not just you … or me. It’s both of us. We are still here.”

Daryl nodded, looking deep into Aaron’s eyes. “My answer is yeah. Yes, I am ready. I’m ready to be with you, to move forward, to pull you to me not push you away, to never ask you to do stupid shit again. I’m ready to rediscover what I foolishly thought I’d lost, when it was right in front of me all this time.”

“I’m before you, beneath you, behind you, beside you, wherever you need me to be. I will always be there for you,” Aaron whispered and kissed Daryl again with deep passion and need.

“You don’t know what it means to hear you say that, and to finally hear what you’re saying.” Daryl removed Aaron’s shirt, pulling it over his head and throwing it on the floor. Aaron felt himself being pulled against Daryl’s body, bare chests crushing against each other. He could also feel Daryl’s desire through the thin pants.

Aaron backed away and knelt down on the makeshift bed. He waited to see what Daryl would do. Daryl got onto his knees too. They made themselves comfortable, and sat side by side. Tension bear down on them as they seemed to become a little nervous. Aaron huffed a laugh. “Kind of feels like it’s our first time.”

“Sorry,” Daryl said, head hanging.

“No, don’t be.” Aaron gave a shy smile. “It’s nice to be like this with you again. I just … I don’t want to make a wrong move or say the wrong thing. I want you to be comfortable. Maybe you should take the lead here tonight. Whatever you want, I’m yours.”

Daryl lifted his head, eyes coming to rest on Aaron’s. “I want to kiss you,” he admitted.

Aaron leaned towards him and they slowly came together, lips upon lips, tongues slipping in between. It was nice. It was easy being with Daryl this way. Then, Daryl moved so that Aaron had to lay down. It was much more comfortable like this too, even on the hard floor with nothing but layered blankets beneath them. Daryl came to rest at Aaron’s side, and continued to kiss him, nipping at his chin or his neck every now and then. When Daryl’s hips pushed against Aaron’s thigh, it was very evident that Daryl was ready to take things further, at least his body was. As for his mind, that was another thing.

Aaron felt Daryl’s hand come to rest at his waistband. Calloused fingers teased the elastic, unsure whether to advance or not. Then the decision came, and Aaron’s pants were being pushed down. He lifted his ass and allowed Daryl to remove them as far as he could before taking them the rest of the way off, and kicking them to the edge of the blankets. He laid naked before Daryl, cock hard, chest heaving with anticipation. “Take your time,” he reminded Daryl.

Daryl’s eyes scanned Aaron’s body, thinner now than it had been the first time they made love. His muscles were a little more defined. He did a lot more work now than he did back then, more heavy lifting. Daryl noticed, too, as his hands moved over chest and stomach, fingers tracing muscle.

Now, Daryl lifted himself and settled on top of Aaron so they were face to face. He still wore his pants, but they were only a few tugs away from being naked as Aaron was. It seemed that the thin barrier was helping Daryl continue on. It was safe to be together like this, with only the light cotton material separating their bodies. There was no commitment to going any further at this point. For now, they kissed and touched. Hands roamed, rubbed and squeezed flesh as they became reacquainted with one another. Aaron’s fingers found their way just inside Daryl’s waistband, but he froze.

“It’s all right,” Daryl whispered, warm breath caressing Aaron’s ear.

Aaron slipped his hands inside and squeezed the taut ass within. He exhaled loudly as his fingers kneaded flesh. After a few moments, Daryl pushed up on his hands, straddling above Aaron.

“Take them off,” Daryl commanded in a sexually charged whisper.

Aaron pulled the pants down as far as he could in his position. Daryl kicked them off, much like Aaron had done earlier. When Daryl lowered his body, they were finally flesh to flesh with no barriers. Their hard cocks rested against one another, chests, abdomens, hips, thighs, every part of their bodies together again. Their kisses had become heated and demanding. And then, it all stopped.

To say he was disappointed would have been an understatement, but Aaron was patient and he loved Daryl to the point that he’d follow the man’s lead at any time. He hid his frustration with a smile, but his eyes spoke the truth.

“It’s fine. Maybe next time you’ll–”

“No. I want this. Just give me a moment,” Daryl interrupted.

“Okay. Take your time,” Aaron said, misfortune seeming to turn around. “Is there anything I can do to make this better for you?”

“No, I gotta do this on my own.” Daryl allowed a brief smile, “Well, maybe not all on my own.”

“Will it help to tell you how much I’ve missed this, and how badly I want you right now?”

“Yeah, that helps. What else?” Daryl encouraged, gazing into Aaron’s eyes.

“I’ll tell you how much I love you, and how good it feels to be in your arms. I can’t imagine being anywhere else but right here, in our home, in our bed … or the place where our bed used to be,” Aaron said, laughing as he spoke the last line. “I knew from the first moment I saw you that I was in love with you. That’s never changed. My feelings for you have never faltered, no matter what’s been thrown at us or what’s come between us.”

Daryl watched Aaron intently, looking deep into each other’s eyes. Something changed in that moment. Aaron could see Daryl’s confidence returning. He could feel Daryl’s love for him emanating between them. “I’ll tell you that I’m with you in every decision you make, including whatever happens right now. If you’re not ready, I’ll understand. But … I’ll also tell you how much I need you right now.”

“God, I love you,” Daryl said and then he devoured Aaron’s mouth. He moved his hand down along Aaron’s sides and hips until they reached his thigh. His fingers dug into flesh, pulling Aaron’s leg up, gesturing for him to lift them. Aaron did so, wrapping his legs around Daryl’s waist. The hand then moved to his own cock as he positioned himself at Aaron’s entrance. He pushed in slowly to give them both time to adjust. Aaron moaned with pleasure as he invited him in, inch by inch.

“You are incredible,” Aaron said to embolden Daryl. “Make love to me.”

Daryl pushed in until he was completely engulfed. His arms came up behind Aaron’s shoulder blades, anchoring himself to his lover. Aaron’s hands moved to Daryl’s ass, feeling every gyration. The man knew how to move his hips like a dancer. He knew how to move within, touching places that released those secret yearnings, triggering him to make him want to come.

“You feel so good,” Aaron whispered.

Daryl was making more noise than he ever had. Usually, he was a silent lover, with just a moan as he released, but now he was making quiet sounds with every pump of his hips. He buried his face in Aaron’s neck, adjusting his position and going deep inside.

“Aaron … I love you … love you so much,” he whispered as he pushed in.

“Faster,” Aaron said, hoping he wasn’t being too demanding, but Daryl responded positively. A few more pumps, and Aaron could feel himself getting close. He told Daryl as much.

Daryl unwrapped himself from Aaron, and lifted his body, hands on the floor, arms straight, and looked down upon Aaron. “I need to see you … your eyes. Don’t look away. Please. I think this is what I need.”

Aaron nodded, mouth agape, panting, body filled, heart pounding. Daryl continued the fluid motions of his rhythm, pulling almost completely out, and then pushing into Aaron’s body to the hilt. The sensations it cause made goose bumps break out on Aaron’s skin. But looking into Daryl’s eyes, and finally seeing the man, the love of his life, he knew without a doubt that no matter how bad their situation was, they had each other. Nothing could truly come between them, and that was the beauty of it all.

His body aching for release, Aaron finally cried out. Daryl’s hips pumped faster to catch up, and as Aaron was hitting his most intense orgasm, Daryl spilled within, cock pulsing and deep. Just as Aaron felt himself coming down from his high, Daryl touched that spectacular spot, and a second wave of euphoria burst through his body. At that point, both men cried out, neither one holding back. A shudder ran through Daryl’s body before collapsing onto Aaron. They were both short of breath, and completely spent, but Daryl’s hands came up behind Aaron’s shoulders again, and his face, wet with tears, buried into his neck. He was crying silently and trying to hide it as he held onto Aaron for dear life.

This had never happened before, in all his years of relations with men, but this was something completely different happening with Daryl. He had denied himself any kind of sensual feelings, relating it to the horrible things that happened to him at the Sanctuary. For the first time since being kidnapped, Daryl let himself truly feel every emotion, and some of those were linked to the recent past. Aaron let Daryl have his moment, allowed himself to be crushed beneath his lover as he let go, the bottle uncorked and everything good and bad spilling out.

“I love you so much,” Aaron told him, and a single tear fell from his own eye. They silently held one another for the next few minutes, and let the moment ride out as it should.

Finally, Daryl pulled himself together and came to rest by Aaron’s side. He wiped his face with the back of his hand and laughed. “I’m such a pussy.”

Aaron laughed too, another tear falling. “Oh my God, you’re anything but that.”

They laid in silence together, and noticed the light tapping on the bedroom window. It was raining, appropriate for the moment that they shared. The skies were weeping too, or so it seemed. Rain meant it would be a quiet night. No one would be out. No one would come knocking needing them for something. Tonight was supposed to be about them only, about healing wounds, closing doors and sealing them off for good. They felt like they were entering another phase in their lives together, having gotten through the last one. It had almost ended it for them, but love endures and eventually conquers.

They faded in and out of slumber, for how long they couldn’t say. It was enough just to be next to each other. They were content with the silence and the dark, and the rain tapping on the window. Daryl turned onto his side to face Aaron. He watched him, memorizing every inch of his face, studying new scars and wounds still healing. Daryl realized Aaron had taken more of a beating than he first thought, when the Saviors came to Alexandria once. Aaron’s eyes were closed, but he smiled.

“You’re staring at me, aren’t you?” he said.

“I can’t help it,” Daryl replied. He touched the newly healed wound on Aaron’s right cheek. It was about three inches long and looked like he had needed stitches. “You’ve got a new scar.”

“Yeah, well . . .” Aaron said as he reached up and took Daryl’s hand. “I guess we both do.”

“I don’t like to see you hurt,” Daryl told him. “Looks like they beat you pretty bad.”

“Looks are nothing. At least I still have my charm and my sense of humor,” Aaron smiled.

“And what’s all this?” Daryl asked, fingers brushing along the beard Aaron now had. “I thought you liked to be clean shaven.”

“Haven’t had much opportunity to manscape,” Aaron laughed. “Why? Don’t you like it? Beards are all the rage now.”

“I’m not complaining. I’m not one to talk anyways.”

Aaron ran his fingers through Daryl’s hair, still damp from the shower. “You won’t hear me complaining either. I like you just the way you are.”

“I’ll tell you what I do love,” Daryl said, leaning in. He kissed Aaron hard, ending it with his teeth pulling at Aaron’s bottom lip. “Mmm, I love that pouty lip.”

“Well, it’s yours,” Aaron agreed, and he kissed Daryl. He could feel himself recharging, but he didn’t want to move too quickly. “Everything I have is yours … everything.”

“So … we’re good now?” Daryl asked.

“Better than good,” Aaron replied.

“Good,” Daryl said, and he nipped at Aaron’s neck, moving down to his chest and lower. “Because I want you again. I want to make you scream my name.”

“You’re heading in the right direction,” Aaron joked, but his body convulsed as Daryl took his cock in his mouth. Aaron’s fingers dug into the blankets on either side of him. Daryl was sliding up and down his length, strong lips and eager tongue quickly bringing him around. Aaron was losing it, it felt so good. Then, just when he thought Daryl was about to finish him off, he stopped, and crawled back onto Aaron’s body.

“What is it? Everything all right?” Aaron questioned. Daryl wouldn’t meet his eyes, but it seemed there was something he wanted to say. “Daryl?”

“I … I want you to take me,” Daryl said.

The one thing about Daryl was he didn’t much like being the sheath. Aaron could count on one hand how many times they had reversed their roles. After recent events, this seemed like the last thing Daryl would want, but here he was demanding it. Aaron searched his face, but Daryl still wouldn’t look at him. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”

“I think I do,” Daryl countered. “I need to know I can do this and it won’t send me reeling into that nightmare.”

Aaron wasn’t sure about this. There were many times when Daryl tried to punish himself, and Aaron wouldn’t be part of it, if that’s what this was. He shook his head. “Daryl, I … I don’t think you should–”

“Please,” Daryl begged. “I’m sure about this because I know you’ll be easy and take your time. I trust you and I love you, and I know that we have to share all things in this relationship. That includes our intimacy. And despite what you think about my opinion in this, you’ve always made it good.” With his last sentence, he finally looked into Aaron’s eyes. He moved slowly to kiss Aaron, deepening it to regain the previous moment. “I want you, Aaron. I want you inside me.”

To hear Daryl plead for this was exciting. Aaron couldn’t hold off any longer. If Daryl thought he was ready, then he was. He wouldn’t have asked otherwise. The kiss became more heated and demanding until Daryl rolled from Aaron’s body. Aaron turned to his side, and then he gestured for Daryl to do the same so that his front was to his lovers’ back. Aaron prepped them quickly and then nudged Daryl’s legs to separate. Taking him in this position would insure that Aaron wouldn’t become carried away and hurt Daryl, but still be able to hit his most sensitive spot. He gently circled Daryl’s entrance with careful fingers. Daryl tensed, which was to be expected.

“It’s okay,” Aaron said to ease his mind. “Tell me to stop if–”

“I don’t want you to stop. I want to feel you. I want to feel all of you,” Daryl replied.

His words alone almost made Aaron spend himself. Never had Daryl begged like this. Without any more hesitancy, Aaron brought his cock in place. He eased himself in, giving Daryl time to adjust. He was extremely tight. “You have to relax to get the most enjoyment out of it. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You’re not. I swear. Just go slow,” Daryl said.

“Of course.”

To help the moment move on, Aaron reached around with one arm and took Daryl’s hard cock in his hand. He set a slow, steady rhythm that would allow him to enter Daryl easier. It seemed to be working. Daryl’s body relaxed just enough to keep going. Daryl gasped and held his breath. Aaron coaxed him into releasing it, and that helped tremendously. He pushed forward a little more until he was inside his lover. Then he slowly made circular motions with his hips. Daryl moaned and accepted it.

“More. A little more,” Daryl coached. Aaron obeyed.

It was extremely warm and tight as muscles clamped inward. Aaron sucked air between his teeth. “You’re so hot,” Aaron commented. “And tight. I want you so bad.” He eased in a little more, and Daryl cringed. Aaron started to change his mind. “I … I can’t. I’m hurting you. Maybe we should–”

As he spoke, Daryl pushed back against Aaron, forcing himself onto his cock. Daryl let out a strangled cry, and Aaron stayed still. Daryl pushed even more, but this time his moan was one of pleasure. With the barrier broken, he began to relax and enjoy the feeling. “Stay here like this,” Daryl said.

Aaron did, and he made circular motions instead of pulling back. He knew what Daryl was feeling. It wasn’t about the in and out. It was about coaxing the one place that brought the most pleasure. As he moved, Daryl started moving with him. They moaned in unison, both men experiencing the same state of gratification. Aaron stroked Daryl’s cock again, and he kissed the side of his neck and his shoulder. Daryl turned his head to Aaron to kiss him. Their bodies moved in time, a rhythmical dance that spanned the ages, and brought with it erotic pleasure.

As Aaron moved within, he kept a steady pace, careful not to speed up with anticipation of the orgasm building. Daryl was moaning most wonderfully, and moved in perfect sync with Aaron’s gyrations. No words needed speaking to know they were both close to completion. Aaron gave up and gave in at the exact moment that Daryl whimpered and cried out as he spent himself. It was a sound Aaron had not heard escape the man’s lips before. It was complete and total release of mind, body, and emotional barricades. Daryl was giving in to everything, and allowing the beautiful moment to exist at its fullest without any grievance or mental obstructions. There was no guilt, no ghosts, no anxiety harboring itself in a deep corner of his mind. This was just Daryl and Aaron, together as one, vulnerable in each other’s presence, trusting their very souls to one another.

Aaron pulled Daryl against his chest as they tried to regain their breaths. Daryl turned his head and Aaron kissed him lovingly. Their eyes met, and they smiled together.

“Don’t move. Not just yet,” Daryl pleaded.

“Wouldn’t think of it,” Aaron replied, remaining close and buried within. They stayed in that position for a few long moments until Aaron softened to avoid any discomfort. When they finally separated, they came to rest side by side looking up at the ceiling.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to go through with this,” Daryl said honestly. “But I needed to know I could, and that no one but me controls my thoughts and my actions.”

“And how do you feel now?” Aaron asked.

“Liberated,” Daryl sighed with a stretch.

Aaron smiled and turned on his side, facing Daryl. He nestled his head against Daryl’s shoulder and laid a hand on his chest. “I love you,” he whispered.

Daryl lifted Aaron’s chin with his fingers and gazed into his eyes. “I know things were tough. I did and said some things I shouldn’t have. I almost gave up, and in more ways that you know. But I can say with all honesty and from the bottom of my heart that I never … never, for one solitary second, stopped loving you,” Daryl admitted. “And I never will.”

“We’re in this together, for always,” Aaron said.

“For always,” Daryl agreed.
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Safe Haven in the Chaos