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Safe Haven in the Chaos	By : IdrilsSecret Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 6520 -:- 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
- 62
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Chapter 64 By the Candles’ Flame

It was Aaron’s third day back home. He kept himself busy with Gracie, and loved every minute of it. She was right on the verge of taking her first steps. She was already pulling herself up using the furniture. Sarah told him she’d been doing that for a while. All she needed was the motivation to take her first steps. Aaron swore he wasn’t going back to the camp until she did. He would not miss this milestone for anything.

He wasn’t that anxious to get back to the bridge. It would mean leaving his daughter again, and leaving his home. It would mean seeing Daryl, which he was less inclined to do. However, it would mean being with Paul, and that was a plus.

Paul tried to talk him into sharing a tent when they went back. Aaron negotiated to occasional sleepovers, but not every night. Having Paul beside him made him lust for a kiss, a touch, a warm body to sink into. All of that was very well and fine, but Aaron wanted to be with Paul for the man, not for what the man could do to him. He wasn’t quite ready for that commitment, as the voice still reminded him that it was too soon. It shouldn’t be, and Aaron knew it. Daryl was out of his life. Paul wanted in. Aaron liked Paul very much, and he couldn’t wait to see where things led. There was a tiny spark, nothing as big or life changing as what he felt for Daryl when they first met. It was more of a sparkler of curiosity. Aaron knew Paul would be good for him, and for Gracie too. The man was very sensitive to their situation. Paul was a dream boyfriend, the kind that every gay man would be jealous to have for themselves. He was extremely caring, and sexy as hell. He was good at his craft. Aaron’s mind traveled back to their previous night many times. He wished he could have returned the favor, but Paul insisted it was all for him. He couldn’t wait to give Paul the same pleasure he received. But for now, he just wanted to get to know Paul better without the pressures of intimacy.

It was afternoon, and as promised, Paul was ready to take Aaron out to start up their practices again. Aaron dropped Gracie off with Sarah and met Paul by the gate. They were armed with only their hunting knives, since they were practicing for hand to hand combat. Actually, it was more like hand to walker.

Paul approached him and Aaron smiled. Paul's eyes danced with the anticipation of being outside in the wild. Sometimes, Aaron thought it was where Paul liked to be most. It made him wonder about a relationship with someone who never stayed in one place for more than a few days at a time. If they were serious about this, where would they call home? Would Paul come to Alexandria? Would he expect Aaron to move to Hilltop? Thankfully, they weren’t at that point yet, but it was something to keep in mind for later.

They walked side by side through the gate, and Aaron grasped Paul's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “How are you today?” Aaron asked.

“I’m great … now,” Paul smiled at him. “How are you doing?”

“I’m glad to be able to spend some time with you before we have to get back to camp,” Aaron admitted.

“We’ll have the trip there too. Looks like we’re the only ones going back this time.” Paul cocked a wicked brow in his direction.

“Well now, that is something to look forward to.” Aaron surprised himself by how sultry his voice sounded.

“You know, I never know what to think about you,” Paul said carefully. “Don’t get me wrong. I like it. Keeps me on my toes. Just … you’ll tell me if I’m pushing you or anything, right?”

Aaron hated that Paul felt that way. “I don’t want you tiptoeing around me. God, that’s the last thing I want. I spent too much time doing that myself. Yes, I’ll let you know. No, I won’t be mad if you do. I want to be your boyfriend. I really do. Just, for now, without the benefits. Does that make sense?”

“I understand completely. So, just to be clear, I’ll let you make the first move when the time comes. As long as you know I’ll always be playing the ready and willing role,” Paul said.

“Understood. So, let’s go find us some walkers,” Aaron said, glad the air was cleared and there was a new understanding between them.

>>------->

Daryl was on his way back to the campsite, but he took a slight detour. It had been more than a year since he’d been here. Most of the area was overgrown now. The landmarks he used to find his way were either gone or claimed by nature. Still, he had a general idea of where it was. He needed to see it just one more time, and then he would be through with it all.

He was a real tough ass motherfucker, but this was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do, letting Aaron go completely. He thought it would be easier now that he’d seen him with Jesus, kissing and staring at each other, all googly-eyed bullshit. The things him and Aaron used to say to each other, the promises, the commitments, it was all done and over with. Had any of it ever been true? It must have been. They saw each other through some really tough times, and they did it together. Whatever had happened this time, it had been too much.

Daryl knew a lot of it was his fault. He changed too much, and abandoned Aaron in the process. He hadn’t wanted it to be that way, but there was no choice in the matter. Daryl was going under, dragged out by a riptide, and Aaron would have gone right along with him if he let it happen. It was just one more way to know how much he cared for Aaron, because he wouldn’t let him follow him down. No reason for them both to drown.

That day at the Savior’s outpost, he knew Aaron took the baby back to Alexandria, but he never would have guessed that he’d become her father. It was another reason to push him away. Daryl wouldn’t have been good in a parenting role. Kids looked to him for the wrong reason. They thought he was a badass, and wanted to be like him. He remembered what it was like at the prison, after Woodbury fell and most of their people came to live with them. The kids were always following him around, like he was some fucking pied piper. If he’d been anything like his brother, Merle, he could have influenced a new age of assholes, built an army of them.

The forest opened and a familiar shape came into sight. “There you are,” he whispered to himself as he approached the cabin. “Still standing … barely.”

Vines grew upon the walls. Dead leaves and broken branches covered the roof. It used to look rustic on purpose, but now it looked desolate and sad. Daryl approached with caution, and climbed the front steps, which were beginning to rot. The front door was slightly open. Someone had obviously been here. The windows were so dusty and grimy, he couldn’t see inside, but it didn’t look like anyone occupied the place. Still, he went inside with his knife at the ready.

The inside smelled awful, musty and mildewed. Last time he was here, he tried to patch up the roof. It looked like there were new leaks. Black streaks ran down some of the walls. It was probably mold, and not safe for him to be in here breathing the stuff, but he wasn’t worried. The front entryway was littered with dead leaves where the wind blew them in through the opened door. This wasn’t the luxurious cabin they had originally found. Now it was just as run down and decrepit as most of the structures in the world.

The master bedroom was a mess, but it had been that way the last time he was here. It was way worse, and half of the ceiling had fallen down. The carpet was soiled with leaves and dirt, and water stains were visible on the bottom of the walls.

Daryl went to the living room and stopped. So many memories came rushing back. They were mostly good memories of him and Aaron spending time together, sitting on the couch or by the fireplace. They’d had many conversations on the rug in front of it, learning about each other, confessing their feelings toward one another, while watching the flames dance and crackle. Daryl wished he could go back to those moments. Knowing what he knew now, he would have convinced Aaron that they should stay at the cabin and never go back to Alexandria. This place had always been their safe haven, their secret lair. They could have made a life here, just the two of them.

Further into the house, Daryl found the kitchen. It still looked pretty much the same, but everything was covered in a layer of thick dust, and there were cobwebs all over. He opened the cabinet and found it just about cleared out, except for a few bloated cans of food. The knives were missing out of the butcher’s block, too. Someone had found the place and cleaned it out. It was bound to happen. Nothing was off limits to anyone.

He left the kitchen, making his way to the back door. The glass was broken into a spider web shape, and there were more leaves and dirt on the floor because the door was partially open. Warning signals went up in his mind. If the door was open that meant things could get inside. Daryl turned around to finish clearing the house, and a walker was right up on him, grabbing at him and taking him by surprise. He took a step backward, tripped, and fell over something. The walker advanced and fell on top of him. His arm was pinned beneath him, and he couldn’t reach his knife.

“Fuck!” he yelled to no one. He was alone to save himself. And then the sound of more growling reached his ears. Daryl was trapped and in trouble.

>>------->

Aaron and Paul were a couple miles from Alexandria, trekking through the forest. They found the clearing they liked to use for practice, dropped their packs to the side and stretched before they started.

“Are you ready?” Paul said with a wicked smile. “I’m not gonna go easy on you.”

“Good, I need a challenge,” Aaron said, twisting his head until his neck cracked. “Bring it on.”

They walked around in a circle, eyeing each other. Aaron knew Paul was aware of his weaknesses. It was like a game of poker, watching for the other players to give themselves away. Aaron tried to read Paul, but the man was good at hiding any signs of his next move. He remembered the advice Paul gave him. Aaron had a tendency to lean slightly in the direction he was going to move before he did it, giving himself away to his opponent. Paul stood straight, eyes fixed on his adversary, not giving a single clue. He jumped a couple times, making Aaron think he was about to strike. Aaron fell for it every time, and before he knew what was happening, Paul had him in a choke hold. Aaron gave the signal to surrender and Paul let him go.

“Sorry. I’m out of practice,” Aaron apologized.

“Don’t be sorry. Fight me. Concentrate. You got this. I’ve seen you do it before,” Paul encouraged.

They went a few more rounds, and Aaron started remembering his moves. He was a little rusty, but Paul's patience helped him regain the moves he’d been taught. After a few more attempts, he was gaining speed on Paul. Before too long. Aaron finally outmaneuvered him with a swift kick which sent Paul to the ground. Aaron was sitting on his back, holding Paul's arm behind him in a way that rendered him useless. He let Paul go and both men got back onto their feet.

“I knew you had it,” Paul said.

“I did too. I just had to find it again.” Aaron was pumped, his adrenaline coursing through his veins. “God, it feels great to be out here again.”

“It’s been a while,” Paul agreed. He flipped his hair back out of his face. It was getting quite long. “Okay, now show me what you got.”

They assumed their positions and tried to fake each other out, but neither man was giving in. Aaron was in full battle mode, and watching every move that Paul made. He knew Paul was doing the same. As they fought, they were getting closer to the tree line. Aaron knew he could take advantage of that position. He was anxious to take Paul down again. He liked the feeling of overpowering him. Paul wasn’t easy to catch. That’s what made him such a good fighter.

Aaron lunged for him, but Paul dodged and twirled around. Those were the moves that always intrigued Aaron. He moved like he was dancing, and it was very exciting to watch. Aaron moved in again, but Paul was too quick for him. Then Paul made a move, thinking he’d gotten Aaron cornered. Aaron saw it coming and dodged Paul's attack. Paul smiled.

“You remembered. I taught you that move a while ago,” Paul said.

“I remember everything,” Aaron said.

“I see that, and you’re doing a good job, but you still got a few things to work on. You still give yourself away from time to time. You’re still easily distracted.”

Aaron was surprised to hear this. “I thought I was doing a good job this time.”

“Oh, you are. It’s only a minor–” Paul's words dropped off and he peered past Aaron’s shoulder.

Aaron saw the look in Paul's eyes. There was something close. “What? What is it? Oh shit, is there something behind me?”

Paul didn’t make a move. Only his eyes moved as they looked past him, moving back and forth. Aaron couldn’t stand it any longer. If there was something back there, he needed to take care of it. Just as he started to turn his head to look, Paul lunged toward him, kicked his legs out from under him, and had Aaron flat on his back. It took Aaron a couple seconds to realize he’d been tricked, but the look of victory Paul was giving him was beginning to make his blood boil.

“Hey, that’s not fair. You tricked me,” Aaron complained.

“I told you your concentration was lacking. Or are you just that easily distracted?”

“I’m pretty damn well distracted when you’re looking past me like I’m about to take my last breath. What the fuck, Paul? That’s cheating.” Aaron was fairly upset with him.

“That’s just me proving a point. You can’t let anything throw you off your game.”

“All right, so why don’t we make this more interesting. Winner cooks dinner,” Paul challenged him.

At first, Aaron was confused by the offer, until he realized what Paul was up to. “That’s not a fair bet. You know you are a horrible cook,” Aaron complained.

Paul smiled like a sly fox. “I know. Now you have to concentrate twice as hard because you know I’m going to win.”

Aaron couldn’t help releasing a chuckle. “You’re impossible. All right. Fine. So what do you say we go a few more rounds? Best out of three?”

“You’re on,” Paul said with a smirk on his face.

Aaron wasn’t ready the first round. He was still trying to figure out his moves that might render Paul helpless, but Paul was too fast and bested him.

“I was thinking that if I mix one of those army meals with some beef jerky, I might be able to make a pretty tasty casserole,” Paul taunted. “I think you have some spaghetti noodle too. I could mix that right in.”

“I think I just puked a little in my mouth,” Aaron said, making a disgusted face. “All right. Let’s go again.”

The second round lasted longer. Aaron was prepared this time, and he managed to keep Paul from taking him down. As they fought, they got closer to the tree line. Aaron thought he could use it to his advantage, but Paul was using the trees to bounce off of and to block some of Aaron’s attacks. And then he saw his opportunity as Paul dashed behind a tree. Aaron was close enough and tripped him as he came out from the other side. Paul moved extremely fast, and Aaron wouldn’t have had a chance if he hadn’t remembered seeing Paul make the same move only moments before. His quick thinking anticipated Paul's next move, and Aaron was ready for him. Paul hit the ground and Aaron was right there with his boot at the man’s throat. Aaron smiled as he tasted victory.

“Yeah, yeah, you won that round. I must be getting slow,” Paul said.

Aaron removed his boot and offered Paul a hand to help him up. “Not slow, just predictable.”

“Ouch, that hurt,” Paul joked. “I’ve been called a lot of things but never predictable. I better up my game. We’re tied. Next one wins.”

Both men were performing at their best, and neither one got the upper hand yet. They jumped and jabbed, turned and dodged, but there was still no winner. Aaron’s back was to the trees. He had Paul where he wanted him. Paul was giving him a devious smile, as though he knew what Aaron was thinking, and there was no way in hell he was going to lose this round. Aaron kept a close eye on him, ready for anything, when suddenly Paul stopped and peered past Aaron to the trees.

“I thought I heard something,” Paul said.

“Yeah sure,” Aaron said skeptically.

“No, I’m serious, Aaron. Hold up a minute.”

Paul was playing this whole thing out. Aaron was shocked by how convincing he was, but he’d be damned if he was going to get hoodwinked. “I’m not falling for that trick again. You get me to turn around and then–”

“Aaron! Move!” Paul shouted. There was genuine panic in his voice and on his face.

Aaron stopped and put his hands on his hips. “Nice try. If you think that’s going to work again, you’re–”

Something pushed Aaron hard, making him fall down. Whatever it was fell with him, and instantly Aaron was pinned down by a walker. He hardly had a moment to realize what was happening, but the close up view of gray teeth snapping at his face was enough to make him come to his senses.

>>------->

Trapped by a walker, pinned to the floor and unable to reach his weapon, Daryl used his free hand to try and push the thing away just enough to reach his knife. This one was strong, he thought, and there were others ready to join it. From the sound of it, he guessed two more walkers emerged from the hallway. Daryl berated himself for not doing a complete sweep of the house first. His mind had been elsewhere, reminiscing about days long gone, a happier time when it was just him and Aaron. That didn’t matter now. He was alone to save himself, something he’d done many times over before he teamed up with everyone. It had been a long time since he had to fight off a walker alone. It should have been easier than the men he had to fight off at the Sanctuary, but he wasn’t prepared for this attack.

Rotted teeth and stinking flesh, too close for comfort as he fought back. He pushed on his enemy, and felt the thing’s skin move in an unnatural way, sliding across bones, no muscle connected to hold it together. He kept it at bay, and somehow managed to get his pinned arm free. It went straight to his knife, and he pulled it from his belt. Still, he was in a bad position and couldn’t get enough momentum to stab at the walker’s head. Stabbing it anywhere else was a waste of energy he couldn’t afford.

His eyes caught movement, and saw the other two walkers closing in. If they fell onto him, he would be doomed. There was no way he could hold off three while lying flat on his back. He had to kill this one first, roll to the side and use the temporary lull to get onto his feet. If he could just get on his feet he could kill them easily.

Daryl felt one of them bump into his foot. It was time to make a move. He brought his hand up over his head. Thinking of where the walker’s skull was located, he used every muscle in his arm and brought it straight down. The thick hunting blade slid in and the walker went slack. There was no time to stop and regain himself. Two more dead were about to fall on top of him, but he still had to get out from underneath this one. Using his arms and legs, Daryl pushed it off and it rolled to the side. He crab-walked backwards to put some distance between him and the other two walkers, and then realized his knife was still in buried in the head of the first one. The two others were almost upon him when he felt his back go up against a wall. Looking to the right, he found a cabinet blocking his escape. He would have to go left, but one of the dead was shuffling in that direction. Daryl was about to get trapped without a weapon, alone with no backup.

This wasn’t the first time he’d been in a situation like this. He remembered when he went out alone looking for Carol’s daughter. He’d gotten himself in trouble, injured, by his own arrow, hypothermic and hallucinating that his dead brother was there making his life miserable again. He reminded himself that he was in a lot worse shape back then than he was now. So why was he having such a difficult time fighting off a few walkers? And then it dawned on him. Maybe he wasn’t fighting as hard because he had nothing worth fighting for. What kind of life did he have now? Leader of a community of fuck ups and killers who he could hardly control. He hated being at the Sanctuary, the place that screwed up his life to begin with. The thought of going back to that place was worse than being trapped by walkers. He was supposed to be in charge, but that place still made him feel small and worthless. Maybe Aaron was right, and the only reason he agreed to go there was that he felt like he deserved it. He knew he could very well have joined the Saviors if he hadn’t met Rick and the others first. Saviors were more like the people he associated with before society collapsed. He would have fit in easily. But that’s not how things worked out for him. He’d gotten in with a good group of people who showed him the right way, the fair way. Aaron had made him a better man, helped him claim his independence from the wicked memories of past hurts. He was no longer like those who followed Negan, and he didn’t deserve to be put in charge of them. He might know how they acted and thought, but he was not one of them.

He had to get out of this place. These walkers weren’t worth dying over. The cabin was basically gone, no longer a safe haven. Those good days were all gone. Aaron was gone. Life moved on, and Daryl knew he had to move on with it. Find your strength, get out of a bad situation and concentrate on tomorrow.

He turned to the cabinet next to him, got his fingers behind it and pulled. The cabinet was heavy, but it didn’t seem to matter now that Daryl found his second wind. It moved away from the wall enough that he got his hands behind it, pushed with everything he had and managed to tip it over. Once it started to go, Daryl rolled away from it. The tall piece of furniture tilted forward slowly until gravity took over. It crashed down onto one of the walkers, pinning it underneath. This distracted the second walker. Daryl got up, using the wall as leverage, dashed past the one remaining walker, pulled his knife from the head of the original one, and brought it down, sinking into another skull. He walked over to the last one, still growling and squirming beneath the curio cabinet, and stood above it.

“I’ll go when it’s my time, and I ain’t ready yet. I was made for this world. I’m a survivor. And you? You’re just some dead prick. Fuck you, asshole.” He brought the blade down and sunk it into its head. He pulled it out and wiped the gore onto the dead one’s shirt before putting it back in his belt.

Daryl went to the living room and glanced around the cabin. This felt like it would be his last time here. This place was just a shell of what it used to be. There was nothing for him here because this chapter of his life had ended, and he wasn’t that man anymore.

He was reminded of a time when Beth was still alive, after they escaped the Governor’s attack on the prison. Separated from the rest of the group, he’d bonded with Beth. She had seen the good in him back then. She’d been the one who told him he was made for the new world. She had been the one who helped him claim his newfound freedom from parts of his dysfunctional past when they burned down a trailer home they were using as refuge. At the time, setting that place on fire was like therapy. It was almost an exact replica of the home he’d grown up in, down to the number of cigarette butts in the ashtray. Lots of bad memories in that place, the beatings, the secrets, the times he escaped before his father could put another belt to his back. He burned down that old place to help wipe out the horrible memories, and end the first chapter. Looking around the cabin, he got the same feeling back, but instead of bad times it had been good times here. He had found himself with Aaron, faced up to who he was always meant to be, and realized that he’d always been a good person, but he had just been thrown into a bad life. Chapter two was ended, with Aaron gone from his life and starting something new with someone else. This place represented all that he and Aaron had together as a couple. It was a good place, and something he would never forget. But life moved on with or without those he loved. It was time for Daryl to move on too. He would go back to the camp and talk with Rick about finding someone else to head up the Sanctuary. He didn’t want that life anymore. It had been more than a year, and they were still struggling. Perhaps he would go to Hilltop where he could help Maggie out. He liked it there, liked the people, the setup. Farming wasn’t his thing, but he would be a scavenger, maybe a guard. He could be Maggie’s strong arm when she needed him to be, take charge of their army, that kind of thing. He didn’t want to be a leader. That he knew for sure, but he could get behind someone who was. Yeah, maybe that’s what he would do.

Daryl made his way out of the rundown cabin and looked back at it. Covered in leaves and branches, he knew he could set it on fire and it would burn easily. It helped him transform the first time with Beth. However, he didn’t think burning it would help him this time. He was already making peace with his former life with Aaron. God, he missed him terribly. For so long he felt incomplete without him. Burning the cabin felt like an insult to the memories. Leaving it here for nature to claim seemed like a better homage. And with that thought still fresh on his mind, Daryl set out for the camp.

>>------->

“Shit!” Aaron complained loudly. His knife was in his belt, but it was taking both of his hands and all his strength to keep the walker at bay. He pushed with all his might, hoping to push it away, giving him the time he needed to reach his knife.

Unexpectedly, the walker was pulled off of him, and Paul was standing over him. “You all right?”

“I think so,” Aaron said in a daze. Paul helped him up, but with their attention turned to the one walker attacking Aaron, they didn’t see the rest closing in on them. About a dozen walkers were pushing down on them, stumbling over each other to get a bite. One of them fell and grabbed Aaron’s ankle. Paul went into battle mode and stomped on the walker’s arm, making it release its hold on Aaron. At the same time, Aaron slipped his ankle out of its grip and moved away. But while helping Aaron, Paul's leg was grabbed and he went to his knees.

“Paul!” Aaron shouted, but he couldn’t help. He had to kill one of the walkers that was about to attack him. He pulled out his knife and stabbed it in the head, taking it to the ground as he frantically yanked his knife out of skull bone. Once free, Aaron called to Paul again, and was met by another walker. He realized that there were a few of the dead between him and Paul. The only way to get to his friend was to stab his way there. They were almost overrun, trapped and caught off guard. It was all in Aaron’s hands, but there were too many between them.

“Aaron! Get out of here!” Paul shouted. Still pinned to the forest floor, he was struggling not to get bit.

“Not without you!” Aaron, fighting off his own walker, shouted in return. Somehow he found his super strength, stabbed it, and went to the next one, taking down four altogether. He finally had eyes on Paul, who was still on the ground, barely holding off two walkers while four more were approaching and dangerously close. Not once did Aaron think any of this was beyond his capabilities. All he knew was that Paul was in trouble, and he was the only one who could help. He stabbed one of the walkers and pulled it away from Paul, giving him the chance to stab the second one so he could roll away from the bodies and get up.

Both men looked at each other to make sure they were okay. They had an unspoken connection, since there wasn’t enough time to voice their concerns. Once they were sure they were good, they got themselves regrouped and teamed up to take on the rest of the dead.

Fighting side by side, they kicked, slashed and stabbed, taking out the remaining threat. This was what Aaron had trained for. Working alongside Paul gave him an adrenaline rush like he’d never experienced before. They fought as one entity, as they moved in a dangerous dance together. It also made Aaron realize that Paul was good for him, and that he needed this in his life.

They stood beside one another, breaths heaving from the exertion of the fight, muscles still tense and flexing, weapons at the ready. After a few silent moments, when they were sure the threat was gone, Aaron turned to Paul and reached out for his arm.

“Are you all right?” Aaron asked with concern.

“I’m good. You?” Paul said, briefly observing him from head to toe.

“Never better,” Aaron said, his deep voice surprising him. Parts of his body stirred and came to life. His heart beat rapidly, but not just from the fighting. “When I saw you on the ground, surrounded . . .”

“I’m fine,” Paul reassured. “As a matter of fact, I–”

Aaron cut off his words with a fiery, demanding kiss, forcing his tongue into Paul's mouth. Paul answered by allowing it, and pulling Aaron closer to his body until they were flush against each other. Aaron’s hands went to Paul's hair, grabbing and twisting his fingers through the long dark locks. He felt Paul's hands grab and squeeze his ass, felt the solidity of their cocks as they pushed against each other. Aaron pulled away, looking Paul in his deep blue eyes.

“I’m done waiting. I want this. I want you. I need something solid in my life, something intimate and meaningful. When I thought I was moving on, I was only lying to myself. I’ve put it off long enough. Let’s go home,” Aaron said with deep passion tinging his words.

“All right. Let’s go,” Paul agreed.

>>------->

Daryl made it to the camp, and went straight to Rick, who was surprised to see him so soon.

“How’d it go in Alexandria?” Rick asked.

“Not so well, but that’s okay. I’ve made my peace.”

“You’re a braver man than I am,” Rick said.

“I need to talk to you about the Sanctuary. I don’t want to be the leader anymore. I need to step down and let someone else have it.”

Rick seemed slightly surprised by Daryl’s calmness. “Daryl, I put you there because I knew you could handle them. I know Carol volunteered to take over, but that’s only temporary. She runs the Kingdom with Ezekiel.”

“You put me in charge because you think I’m like them,” Daryl accused.

Rick seemed hurt. “No, that’s not it at all.”

“I came from a place with people like the Saviors, but I got out. Every day that I’m there, I can feel it pulling me down. They don’t want me there. They still see me as the enemy. It’s not working out, Rick.”

“It has to work. That’s the only way to make sure we all have a future,” Rick argued.

“You’re forcing them to participate in something they don’t want any part of. They’re being treated like prisoners, forced to work for the people they hate. This isn’t how you change the future. This is how you grow new enemies. I say cut them loose. Keep an eye on them in case they try to build that place back into what it was before.”

“We’re setting an example to other likeminded people. We don’t have to like each other, but we have to find a common ground. They’ve seen what happens when they try to go against us. They’ll come around when they start seeing the results of their hard labor.” Rick was adamant about his theory. Daryl was doubtful.

“They see their leader being held prisoner, and it just fuels their anger.” Daryl paced the floor like a trapped animal, frustrated by Rick’s stubbornness. “He should be dead.” He was, of course, talking about Negan.

“Killing him would make him a martyr, and you know it. Keeping him alive shows them that we’re trying to get back to a normal society.”

“In a normal society, he would have been put to the chair for what he did to Abraham and Glenn,” Daryl reminded him.

Rick had nothing to say to that. Daryl thought he might start to be getting through. Rick looked at the ground and shook his head back and forth as he sighed. “We’re obviously at separate ends on this, but I’ll consider your request for replacement. In the meantime, I still need you in that position. Will you stay on until I can find someone else to run the show?”

He didn’t want to. He wanted to wash his hands of it all, but Daryl wouldn’t turn down his best friend. “All right, but I’ll do it here at camp. I’m not going back to that rundown piece of shit factory.”

Rick gave him a nod of agreement. “All right then.” Daryl started to leave, but Rick stopped him. “Hey, I need you to do something for me before you get settled back in here. Can you run a report to Hilltop? And while you’re there, see what you can do to get Maggie to send some extra supplies here to the camp.”

Daryl looked skeptical. “You know she thinks she’s sending more than her share as it is.”

“Yeah, I know, but you got to spend a little to make a little. Just see what you can do,” Rick nodded.

“I’ll go in the morning,” Daryl said, and he left to go back to his own camp and try to get some sleep. It had been a long, emotional day.

>>------->

Aaron and Paul arrived at Alexandria just after the sun had set. They hardly spoke a word on their way back. The anticipation of what they were about to do made for some heavy tension. As they passed through the gate, Aaron stopped.

“I need to stop by Sarah’s before we go to my place,” he informed.

“You gotta pick up Gracie,” Paul said.

“I’m going to see if she’ll keep her for the night. I’ll get her in the morning.” Aaron gave Paul a sideways glance and a half smile. “Why don’t you head on to the townhome? I’ll be along soon.”

“I can do that.” Paul came around to face Aaron, and cupped the side of his face with his hand. “You sure about this? If you’ve changed your mind, or if you don’t want–”

“I do want,” Aaron interrupted, taking Paul's hand and kissing his palm. “I’m very sure.”

“Okay. Good.” Paul gave him a smile and gazed at him with those piercing eyes. “Hurry home.”

As Aaron walked away, he tried to think of anything but Paul in order to keep himself from an embarrassing situation. His blood stirred and flowed south. He had to keep it together just a little while longer.

The light was on in Sarah’s house. Aaron lightly knocked and she answered and waved him inside. “Hi Aaron. Here to get Gracie?” It could be any time of the day or night, and she would always greet him with a smile.

“Actually, if it’s no trouble, could I possibly leave her here? Just for tonight, I promise. And I’ll be here first thing in the morning,” he pleaded.

“Of course,” she answered, but she looked concerned. “Is everything all right?”

“Oh, ha, yeah, there’s nothing going on. Well there’s something going on … uh, something’s about to happen … I mean, I’ve got a … a … thing, and, well, I kind of need–”

“You brought a date home and want to have a quiet, uninterrupted evening?” she asked with a sly smile.

Aaron let go of the breath he was holding and relaxed. “Is it that obvious?”

“You only stammer when you’re being bashful. It’s all right, Aaron. You’re allowed to have a life outside of fatherhood. It’s healthier for the child to see a parent happy.”

“Thanks Sarah. I owe you a hundred times over.”

“Nonsense. So, is it safe to assume that Jesus is the lucky man?”

Aaron felt himself blush. “Yes. Yes it is, but I might be the lucky one.”

“I like him. He’s a very sweet man, and he’ll treat you right.” She covered her mouth after she said it, as though it was a mistake. “Not to say that Daryl treated you bad. I like Daryl too, but if I may be honest, Jesus seems like a better match.” She waved her hand in the air to stop herself. “Don’t listen to me. I’m just … well, I’m glad to see you happy, that’s all.”

“Thanks, Sarah. That means a lot to me.”

Gracie was asleep, but Aaron peeked in on her anyways. She looked so peaceful, and he was glad for it. Satisfied with what he’d seen, he thanked Sarah once more and headed for home. He thought about what Sarah said. She was an outside observer looking in, and she hadn’t known Aaron and Daryl when they were together. It made sense that she would think Paul was a better match, knowing Daryl now. He wasn’t the same as he was when they were happy together. Aaron didn’t think Paul was a better match. It was a different chemistry. They were attracted to each other, of course. They had a lot in common. It would seem they made the better couple, but Aaron wasn’t sure he would ever have with Paul what he had with Daryl. That kind of love was once in a lifetime. He was far from declaring any such feelings for Paul. Right now it was new, even though they’d been friends for the past few years. Aaron was going to take his time with this relationship. No rushing into anything deep like he had with Daryl. He needed to stop thinking about him or he might not go through with tonight.

When he got home, candles were lit throughout the living room. A throw he kept on a chair by the fireplace was carefully draped over the couch. On the coffee table, there was a plate with grapes, sliced apples and goat cheese, which one of the Alexandrian’s had recently mastered making. And, to his surprise, two glasses and a bottle of wine. It all looked very romantic.

The door to the den opened, and Paul came out wearing a white t-shirt and a pair of grey, cotton lounge pants. His hair hung loose and freshly brushed, and his eyes reflected the flame of a candle near him.

“Hey there,” Paul said, almost shy in tone.

“Hi,” Aaron smiled nervously. He looked around the room. “I like what you did with the place.”

Paul seemed to force himself to look away from Aaron, as he glanced around. “Oh, it’s nothing. I just wanted it to look nice for you.”

“It’s cozy. I like it. Thank you.” Aaron glanced at the wine. “How did you manage that?”

“I traded for it a while back with someone at the Kingdom. I was … holding on to it for a special occasion.”

Paul picked up the bottle and poured it into both glasses, filling them half way. He handed one to Aaron.

Aaron observed the dark yellow color. “This is wine?” Aaron questioned.

“Actually, it’s mead.” Paul said. “Honey wine, some call it. Came from Ezekiel’s private stash.” He held up his glass to a candle and watched it swirl. “Nectar of the gods.”

“Makes sense that Ezekiel would have some. It was the preferred drink of Royalty dating back thousands of years,” Aaron said, tilting his glass and watching how it clung to the sides. “It’s quite possibly the oldest alcoholic drink on earth. I’ve had a version of this before, but it was manufactured more like wine.”

“This here is the real deal, and I’ve been told it’s quite potent,” Paul warned.

“Then we better be careful. Don’t want to do anything to thwart our evening,” Aaron said seductively.

Paul gazed at him with smoldering eyes. “No, we wouldn’t want that.”

They raised their glasses to their lips and drank in unison. As the sweetness of the honey touched Aaron’s tongue, he closed his eyes and savored the delicious flavor. “Mmm, this is fantastic. You must have traded something really good for this.”

“Actually, I did a favor for the king, something he wanted me to find for Carol, but that’s all I can say. It’s kind of private,” Paul said, taking another sip.

“You went out scavenging without me?” Aaron sounded almost hurt.

“Like I said, it was a private matter, but worth it.” Paul's eyes fell upon Aaron once more, scanning him from head to toe.

Aaron had only taken a few sips, but the warmth that purled in his stomach was spreading throughout his entire body. That combined with the anticipation of the evening was making him very sexually aroused. He decided to finish off what was left of his drink and use it to knock the edge off of his nervousness. When he was done, he set his glass on the coffee table. “Drink up,” he told Paul, who obeyed.

Aaron watched Paul drink, noticed how his Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed, imagined him swallowing other things, and felt his cock straining within its confines. There was something submissive about Paul, the way he drank without argument, the way he watched Aaron over the rim of his glass, as though waiting for another command. He’d never pegged Paul as the humble obedient type. Maybe it was because Paul had been his teacher, and pushed him hard to get him to learn how to fight like him. But now, alone, just the two of them, and on the verge of … something more meaningful, Aaron got the feeling that Paul was quite the opposite in the bedroom. This excited him. It had been a long time since Aaron was the aggressor.

Aaron went to Paul, stood in front of him and gazed into his eyes. Paul held onto his gaze, both men caught up in the moment, the last time they would face each other as platonic friends. It was up to Aaron to make the first move. He reached with his hand and took Paul's hair between his fingers. His hand snaked around to the back of Paul's neck, and he drew him in for a kiss. It started out slow, lips upon lips, and then tongues caressing in unison. Breaths became heavy with need. Bodies hardened and writhed. The thin material of Paul's pants allowed Aaron to feel his need. Aaron’s own cock strained against the inside of his khakis, needing to be set free. Hands were now roaming over muscles and ass, grabbing, squeezing, needing more than what they were allowed for the moment.

Aaron led Paul to the couch and they sat down. With the mead fueling his bravery to drive the evening forward, he wasted no time and leaned over Paul, kissing him once again, but with more vigor. His hand slipped down, finding the ties to Paul's loungers, and pulled, making the waist go slack. In the same move, he dipped inside, and found Paul hard as stone. He began stroking him, his thumb spreading the wetness at the tip.

Paul's hips gyrated with Aaron’s rhythm. “Aaron, I–”

“Shh,” Aaron said, cutting him off.

“But if you keep this up, I’m going to–”

“I know,” Aaron whispered into Paul's neck, a devious smile spread across his lips. “I want you to.”

Paul stopped trying to hold back, and fucked into Aaron’s hand. Aaron continued kissing and nipping at Paul's neck, moaning so the vibrations would travel through his body. Paul's hips went rigid as he thrust up, and Aaron watched him spilled onto his white t-shirt, leaving a trail from stomach to chest. He cried out as he came, and Aaron thought he might spend himself too. It was all very exciting and sexy, unexpected behavior for both of them so soon into the evening.

Paul's head laid on the back of the couch, eyes closed, and breath rapid as he came back to reality. Slowly, he looked up at Aaron, who was still hovering above him. Aaron rolled back and sat next to him. Paul sat forward and took his shirt off, bunched it into a ball, and dropped it on the floor at the end of the couch. Then he turned his attention to Aaron, kissing him seductively. Paul's hand went to his belt and started unbuckling it. “May I?” Paul asked for permission.

Unable to form words, Aaron responded with a nod, and he slouched down a little for better access.

Paul used both hands, concentrating on the belt, the button and the fly. As he worked, he purposefully rubbed along Aaron’s hardened cock, piercing blue eyes peering at him through long thick lashes, and a smile trimmed with lechery. He tugged on Aaron’s pants, and Aaron lifted himself a bit until they were loose enough. Then Paul pulled down the waistband of Aaron’s boxers, and his cock finally sprang free. Paul moaned deliciously, got down on his knees and crawled between Aaron’s legs. Hot breath washed over the wet tip of his cock, and then a tongue darted out, tasting, teasing until Aaron thought he couldn’t take much more. He felt Paul's full lips, so warm and wet, slide over the head, and his tongue circled the rim. Aaron’s head fell back, just as Paul's did earlier. His hands went to Paul's silky, long, straight hair. His fingers played with Paul's ears a moment before they circled around to the back of his head. Paul started moving up and down, stern lips surrounding him, a flat tongue caressing the bottom side, and just the slightest grazing of teeth.

“Oh, Paul,” Aaron moaned on an exhale of breath. It was the first time he’d said the man’s name in pleasure, and it felt … good. So did the things Paul's mouth was doing to his cock. He couldn’t hold off any longer, even though Paul had just started working on him. His body needed release. Too much pent up desire for too long. His hips started moving on their own accord, trying to get as much of himself into Paul's mouth as he would allow, and he realized Paul was allowing all of it. The suction around his cock tightened, as Paul could tell he was close to completion. Aaron’s mind blocked out everything but the feeling of fucking this beautiful man’s mouth. Then, his ass came off the couch, body straining, and shot off. Paul accepted every drop. He steadied Aaron’s hips with his hands, and milked his cock with his tongue until Aaron was completely spent. Finally, Paul slowly released him, and the air felt cold after being inside his warm mouth.

What seemed to last forever had happened in just a few short minutes. Paul got off his knees and joined Aaron on the couch again. Both men sat slouched down, and enjoyed the vestiges of their bliss. They seemed almost too shy to speak to one another. Aaron thought it would last longer than it did, but his body was overly anxious to get this first time out of the way.

“I--It’s been a long time since I’ve … done that,” Aaron admitted, embarrassed and feeling the need to explain. “Not just the sex, but … taking control like that.”

“Same for me, but … you know … the opposite.” Paul paused and he could tell Aaron was waiting for an explanation. “Alex … he was the, uh, receiver in our relationship.”

That made sense. Alex seemed exactly the type. He was probably a twink back in the club days. “I wasn’t sure, since you’re always so in control out there in the real world,” Aaron confessed.

“I think it’s naturally like that, don’t you? We’re usually opposite of ourselves in the bedroom. Out there I’ve got my shit together, but in here . . .” He paused and smiled. “I’m yours to command.”

Hearing Paul admit to this was making Aaron hard again. Just the thought of making Paul do whatever he decided upon was exciting. “Hmm, I like the sound of that.”

“You know, I haven’t been with anyone in a long time either. Alex and me, we, um, we kind of took a break, but I just never went back to him. It was never serious. We never had the chance to see what would happen if we were. So it turned into this unspoken agreement that kind of worked for us.”

“He was your booty call. I get it. Nothing wrong with that,” Aaron said, and he felt Paul's chest rumble with a quiet laugh.

“Did you ever have one of those?” Paul asked.

“No, I was more the type who led someone into thinking we had a relationship until something real came along and I dumped him. I know. I’m an asshole,” Aaron said, leaving Paul looking confused. Aaron explained. “The man I was seeing before I met . . .” He didn’t want to say his name, not here, not while he was building something new with Paul.

“Before Rick and he people came to Alexandria?” Paul said for him, making it easier to converse about the past.

Aaron nodded. “Back then, I think I was more afraid of being alone, so I jumped into something with someone I liked being with, but never really loved.”

“I think you mentioned him briefly, when we became friends,” Paul said.

“Eric. Yeah. That was him. I felt guilty about what I did to him for a long time, even after he died, but I made my peace with it. That was a long time ago, though,” Aaron confessed.

“What about now?” Paul dared to ask, his voice soft and quiet. “Do you feel guilty … about us?”

Aaron moved so that he was looking at Paul when he spoke. He shook his head slowly back and forth. “No. Not this time. I’ve had a long time to think about it, and I made sure I was ready to move on.” How he would move on with Paul was another thing. It was too soon to predict where this would go. He knew he couldn’t promise the kind of future he expected to have with Daryl. Neither would it be more than just a night here or there. Paul deserved better than that. He knew it would never be as serious and as deep as what he had with Daryl. What they had was unique to them, and them alone. And it would definitely not be as empty and one sided as what he had with Eric. What he hoped for was something very meaningful and special.

“How about some more mead?” Paul said, breaking up the serious moment. He reached for the bottle and poured some into each glass, handing one to Aaron. Then he held it up for a toast. Aaron did the same. “Here’s to old friends and new lovers, to new beginnings.”

“Here, here,” Aaron said with a smile. They clinked glasses, drank deep, and savored the rich heady flavor. Then they sat back on the couch and let the wine warm and entice them.

Aaron looked down at Paul's hand resting on the couch, and covered it with his own. They made eye contact, and Aaron leaned into him. They kissed gently, but before long their need grew again. The mead was like a love elixir, Aaron thought to himself. It had heightened his senses, making him get hard sooner and for a longer period of time. He liked the effect it had on him, and wondered if Paul was experiencing the same thing.

“I say we take this upstairs,” Aaron suggested, his eyes darting toward the stairs. He got to his feet, and offered Paul a hand to help him stand. They kissed as they made their way to the stairs, stumbling as they went. They couldn’t tell if it was the mead or their clumsy walk that made them this way, and they didn’t much care. Aaron went first up the stairs, with Paul following close behind. Once at the top, Aaron pushed Paul backwards towards his room while devouring his mouth.

It felt like this was taking forever. Aaron just wanted to get them both naked. He wanted to plunge inside and be consumed by heat. He didn’t want to take his time. He needed Paul now. Without hesitation, Aaron slid Paul's lounge pants down. They pooled on the floor and Paul stepped out of them. He glanced down at Paul's toned body, excitement making him stiffen. Paul was built like a sculpture.

“You look … amazing,” Aaron complimented as he brought his eyes back up to meet Paul's. He was answered with a deep hot kiss. Paul's tongue pushed past Aaron’s lips and he gladly took him in. He broke away reluctantly, but he needed to be flesh to flesh with Paul. Aaron removed his shirt and pants, and Paul helped him as he undressed.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” Paul said as he observed Aaron’s nakedness.

“It’s all that practice,” Aaron responded, moving closer until their bodies were flush against each other.

“And now I’ve got a new kind of lesson for you,” Paul said seductively. He turned them so that Aaron’s back was to the bed. Then he pushed him roughly, and Aaron fell backwards onto the thick blankets, his head bouncing in the pillows.

Aaron watched Paul climb on top of him, straddling his thighs. He wanted nothing more than for Paul to move up some and impale himself upon Aaron’s painfully hard cock, but Paul had other plans. He leaned down, stretching out and covering Aaron. Their lengths slid alongside one another, and Paul deliberately made a circling motion to entice.

“Keep that up, and I won’t last,” Aaron warned.

“Oh, I don’t think so. We’ve got the whole night, and I’ve got lots of ideas.”

This was a side of Paul that Aaron had never seen. “Who are you?” he wondered, and Paul started laying kisses along Aaron’s neck and chest. Teeth grazed over each nipple before being sucked into a warm wet mouth. Aaron couldn’t help the whimper that escaped his lips, and he felt Paul smile against his sensitive skin. Moving lower still, Paul made his way down Aaron’s body, kissing and licking, leaving a wet trail that cooled when the air touched it. Finally reaching his prize, Paul flicked an eager tongue over Aaron’s tip and around the rim. Aaron’s hips involuntarily lifted off the bed, his need to be swallowed making him insane with lust. Paul's tongue now flattened and traveled along the underside of his cock from balls to tip. Then, without warning, he was swallowed whole. The suddenness of it almost made Aaron come, but he didn’t want to spend himself just yet. This felt too good to let it be over this soon, so he focused to control his desire. Paul's hair cascaded over Aaron’s thighs. His lips were firm as they caressed along Aaron’s length, and his tongue flicked wildly, manipulating him even further. But this wasn’t what Aaron wanted. He had already experienced fucking Paul's mouth. Now he wanted more.

Aaron sat up on his elbows and watched Paul. Those piercing blue eyes glanced up at him while he worked Aaron’s length. Then Paul abandoned him and crawled on hands and knees up to meet Aaron face to face.

“I know what you want,” Paul whispered. “Because I want it too.” He moved off of Aaron and onto his knees while he inched his finger at him. Aaron got onto his knees too, and Paul turned his back to him.

Aaron observed the man before him, eyes roaming down his body. His fingertips followed a light trail along Paul's spine to the dimples above his ass, a tight firm ass. It only took Aaron a second to retrieve the lube from his nightstand drawer, and he was back to where he’d just been kneeling. After preparing them both, Aaron pulled Paul to him, against his chest, his cock pushing against Paul's ass.

“If, uh, if you change your mind or it’s uncomfortable, just say so and I’ll–” Aaron started to say.

Paul interrupted. “I don’t want you to be nice or gentle. I want you the way you like it, the way that satisfies you most. I know it’s been a long time since you’ve let yourself lead, and I think you understand what I mean. I like it this way. I want it this way, so don’t hold back.”

Those words were enough to set Aaron’s carnal desires loose. He took up Paul's hair in one hand and swept it to the side while grasping his shoulder with the other. Paul tilted his head, giving full exposure to his neck. Aaron kissed and sucked, nipped at the delicious flesh, and marked him. His body was pressed against Paul's back, and he reached around to take Paul's cock in his hand. His hand was still slick with lube and it slide easily along Paul's length. At that moment, Paul pushed his ass back against him, enticing Aaron to move on with the evening’s games.

“Fuck me, Aaron, please. I need you inside me,” Paul whimpered submissively.

Holy shit, Aaron thought, as Paul begged. No one had ever been this ready to yield to him before, and it was a major turn on, not to mention it was Paul, one of the best and strongest fighters he’d known. He was right about some people being complete opposite in the bedroom from who they were in the real world. Out there, their worlds were reversed, but in here, Aaron seemed to rule, and he liked it.

Aaron pushed Paul's shoulders, making him bend down to his hands and knees. He grasped Paul's hips and brought him close. Paul bent down further until his head was on the bed, and his long hair swept across the sheets. Aaron watched Paul as he writhed before him, ready and willing, and then positioned himself. He entered, slowly at first, and then his lust seized him. There were no reservations, no tip toeing, just sexual drive and a willing partner. And Paul was more than willing.

Paul whipped his hair to the side and glanced back with a look of bliss, blue eyes begging for more. He didn’t have to say a word. Aaron knew what he wanted, and he thrust deeper and faster. Paul was groaning with pleasure, inner muscles squeezing Aaron’s cock. Aaron was almost at his breaking point, but he wanted to give Paul more. He leaned in slightly and took Paul's cock in his hand. Now Paul was crying out with every pump of Aaron’s hips. Aaron rode him hard without apology. It had been so long since he’d had this kind of control, and it was pure ecstasy. He lost himself in the moment, and focused on his own pleasure. Grasping Paul's shoulder with one hand, and anchoring the other to the bed, Aaron thrust hard and deep. Paul finally let go, spilling himself and calling out Aaron’s name as he did. A few more thrusts and Aaron buried himself to the hilt, held himself there, and spilled inside his lover. As he did, he released his hold on Paul, and arched his back, needing to feel every part of Paul around him. It felt like an eternity before he slowly slid out. Both men collapsed on the bed, facing one another, eyes closed, and lost to their own euphoria. Aaron was trying to catch his breath, and opened his eyes to find Paul watching him with a smile.

“Whoa. Whew,” he panted. “I gotta … I gotta catch … my breath.” He watched Paul for signs of exhaustion, but there were none. “Aren’t you … worn out?”

“I’m sated, but we’re not done yet,” Paul answered, his eyes swooping down to see Aaron’s pulsating cock.

“I’m not done either. Just need a breather. You wore me out,” Aaron confessed. He was trying to sound unaffected, but it wasn’t working. Paul laughed. Then it occurred to Aaron that he didn’t know Paul's age. “How old are you?” he asked curiously.

“Why, will that make a difference?” Paul teased. “I’m twenty eight.”

“Huh,” Aaron considered. There were more years between them than he thought. No wonder Paul was built like a Greek god.

“So you’re, what, thirty two, thirty three?” Paul guessed.

Aaron smiled and couldn’t help laugh. Then he saw Paul wasn’t laughing. “Oh, you were being serious. Well, I appreciate it, but … no … I’m actually thirty seven.”

Paul sat up on one elbow. “No. Really?”

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

“No, I didn’t mean … I thought you were younger. Not that thirty seven is old or anything,” Paul backtracked.

“Oh, it’s like that, is it?” Aaron feigned taking offense. He could see Paul starting to squirm. “Relax. I’m not going to keel over on you or anything.”

Paul laughed that time. “Well, you fuck like a twenty one year old.”

“That might be the nicest thing anyone has said to me,” Aaron joked.

Paul moved closer and cupped Aaron’s face. “I’ve wanted this for a long time,” he said on a more serious note. “I’ve always found you very attractive. But when I learned you were … involved, I made sure to keep my secret and be happy with being your friend.”

“And now, here we are,” Aaron whispered, closing the distance between them.

“We are most definitely here,” Paul said in return. They started a slow meaningful kiss, which turned into needing something more sensual. That eventually led to Aaron taking Paul again, this time face to face, and easing into it slowly. For the first time in a very long time Aaron was enjoying himself, thrown back into the role he played in his younger days. And it felt great.

It was late in the night, and both men had exhausted themselves to their slumber. Aaron woke up and looked at the man sleeping next to him. He was gorgeous, sweet and caring, a bad ass fighter, and a humbly obedient lover. Aaron enjoyed being with him and fucking him. He just wasn’t sure where any of this would lead. It was too early in the game to know what they could become in the future, and Aaron wasn’t going to waste the time or energy trying to figure it out. He just hoped he could live up to Paul's expectations. Aaron wasn’t leading him on. They both wanted the same thing at the same time, but he wasn’t sure he could give Paul everything. There were still parts of his heart that he hadn’t taken back ownership of. Those pieces laid in the hands of another man. Only time would tell whether or not he would get those parts back or not. For now, Aaron would give Paul as much as he could afford.

“Hey, you’re awake,” Paul said in a groggy tone.

Aaron nodded and sat up in bed. Paul, who had been on his side, turned and sat up to join Aaron. “Everything all right?” Paul seemed concerned.

Aaron turned to him and smiled. “Better than that. I just … I … I like you, Paul, and I’m glad we’re together, but–”

“Oh God, not ‘but’. I hate that word,” Paul feared.

“No. No, nothing like that. I want you. I want to be with you, but you do realize what being with me means?”

“I know every angle of what it means. And when you need time to yourself, I will give it to you. I understand that you’re still healing. I want you to be able to talk to me anytime you need an ear to bend. I’m not the jealous type,” Paul said.

Aaron smiled at him. “I’m a lucky man.” Then he leaned forward and kissed Paul.

“Yes,” Paul agreed. “You are.” He proceeded to disappear beneath the sheets. Aaron laid back and watched as Paul crawled down his body, felt him take up his cock and begin working him until he was stiff and wanting. He gave in completely as Paul took him in his mouth, and let the night continue with Paul driving him to completion once again.

Morning came too soon, and their comfortable spooning was interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Paul was nuzzled up against Aaron’s back, his leg draped over Aaron’s. Neither man moved until the doorbell chimed a second time.

“Fuck,” Aaron complained, and he started to get up, but Paul's strong leg clamped onto him.

“Don’t go,” Paul moaned, his voice rough from lack of sleep.

“I have to. It might be important,” Aaron said reluctantly. “Believe me, last thing I want to do right now is move from this spot.” That response got a smile from Paul as he released his captive lover.

“Hurry back then,” Paul said, and Aaron kissed him before he got up, threw on his pants and his flannel shirt, and made his way downstairs.

“I hate this townhouse,” Aaron mumbled to himself after descending two flights of stairs. He could see a silhouette of someone outside on the stoop, and opened the front door. It was John, one of the younger Alexandrians. He held a letter in his hand.

“Michonne said I’d find Jesus here,” John said nervously.

“Yeah, he’s here. Why?” Aaron asked.

John glanced at the way Aaron was dressed and turned a slightly darker shade of pink. Aaron realized he hadn’t buttoned his shirt. He thought how funny that this could still embarrass some people. “It’s okay. He’s my boyfriend.” The word felt strange, but in a good way.

John handed Aaron the letter. “This is for him … from Maggie.”

Aaron accepted the letter. “I’ll give it to him. Thanks.”

John hesitated to smile before he turned and left the townhome. Aaron watched him leave in a hurry, and then went back inside. He laughed to himself as he shook his head. He turned the letter over several times, wondering what it was about. Meanwhile, Paul had dressed and was coming down the stairs. He saw the letter right away.

“What you got there?” Paul asked.

“Oh, letter came for you from Hilltop. Maggie to be exact.” Aaron handed Paul his letter.

Paul opened it, but the seriousness on his face said it all. “I’m being called back home.” He looked up at Aaron. “Maggie’s been attacked.”

“My God, is she all right?”

“Yeah, but there’s to be a trial, and since I’m part of the council I have to be there.”

Aaron laid a gentle hand on Paul's shoulder. “I’m going with you.”

“No, you don’t have to.”

“I want to. Besides, we use the buddy system, remember? I’m not going to let you go alone to Hilltop. That’s half a day’s ride.”

Paul smiled softly. “I’ve made this trip many times over. Don’t you need to be here with Gracie? You’re going back to the camp soon.”

Aaron nodded. “You’re probably right, but I want to be there for you. It’s just how I do things.”

Paul pulled Aaron close and kissed him. “All right. I won’t argue, but we’ll need to leave soon.”

“Okay. Just let me pack a bag and we’ll go. First I need to stop at Sarah’s.” Aaron had to ask her to once again keep Gracie. Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem, but he still felt guilty. Right now, he needed to focus on Maggie and whatever happened at Hilltop.
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Safe Haven in the Chaos