The Way Forward

Chapter One - Returning Home

“If I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?”

I looked up at the clouds, Snow Patrol playing loud in my head phones. It had been a while since I’d listened to my beat up old MP3 player. There always seemed to be so much to do, or so much I wanted to distract myself with.

It had been over a year now since Rick had blown up the bridge to save us all. I could tell that Michonne was just itching to leave again. Her and Daryl had continued to search for any evidence of Rick’s fate since the day he’d gone into the river. His body had never been found, so hope was always in Michonne's mind. I’m not sure that Daryl had quite as much hope, but there was something in him that needed to know if Rick was alive or dead. 

Michonne had only given birth to RJ six months ago. He still needed her, he had barely started eating solid food. I could see that while she loved her son dearly and would never abandon him, her head space was getting more and more consumed with wanting to go out searching again. In the beginning I had understood, but now, it has started to get to me a little. Michonne had Judith and RJ to think of and they needed their mum. I didn’t think Rick would have survived, and if he had - why hadn’t he returned home? I felt like with the birth of RJ, it was time for Michonne to stop and finally focus on building Alexandria back up for her children.

I was a little angry with Daryl too. We needed him here with us. We needed more hands to get things done, to build, to help provide. The kids needed him. Judith would often worry about him out there by himself. If I was completely honest, I missed him. I wanted him here. My heart had started to ache for him.

I had been living alone in a little old stone cottage when Aaron and Daryl found me. I had lost my husband and two year old son about a year after the outbreak. I had met my American husband while he was on a backpacking holiday to Australia 5 years before the outbreak. We’d fallen in love and he’d flown back to be with me. We married two years later, and then I fell pregnant with our son a couple years after that. We had come to America for a holiday, to spend some quality time with his family. And then the outbreak happened two weeks into our trip.

We had survived well for a few months, with many members of his family. Then a herd passed through where we were living and in the end, it was just me and my sister-in-law left. She had lost her three children and husband. We were both distraught and didn’t know what to do. We spent one night together and I said to her that I had wanted to go back in the morning, and bury the people we’d love. I fell asleep at some point in the early hours of the next morning and woke up to a single gunshot. I found her lifeless, gun in her hand.

I had wanted to give up. I didn’t want to live. I didn’t want to live without them, or live with the pain in my heart, but I couldn’t leave them to rot in the street. So I went back and found the bodies of my husband and son, and some of his family. It was the hardest thing I’d ever have to do, but I had this strength in knowing it was me being the last to touch them, and lay them in their resting place. It was my honour alone. So I buried them all together and sat there for a few days, mourning them. 

I don’t know how I continued on, other than feeling like I had to. I found a cottage nearby and made it into a home. I scavenged what I could to build a garden, I found someone’s chickens still locked in their chicken coop. I got by with what I could grow and cultivate myself. I grieved my boys in my solitude, I grieved my old life and being away from Australia, my family at home. I processed and survived.

I had lived alone for years when Daryl and Aaron found me. They were on one of their scouting missions. They’d watched me for a couple of days; watched me in the garden, while I tended to my chickens, watched me as I sat and stared out at the world from my back porch, contemplating life. When they knocked on my front door one evening, I thought for sure my time on this Earth had come to an end. Instead, a new chapter began.

I had settled into life in Alexandria easier than I thought I would. Aaron stayed close and was really kind to me. Daryl too. The first night I met them, I told them my story. It seemed to soften Daryl towards me, he stopped being stand-offish after that. When I later met Carol, I figured he must have seen in me, what he had seen in her when she lost her daughter. Daryl would go on scouts and runs and bring me back little things that he knew I’d like. Sketchbooks, CDs, fabric to sew with. He watched out for me and I appreciated it.

Everyone else in Alexandria had been so welcoming too. I was quickly given an all rounder type job; I went where I was needed. A lot of the time, I ended up tag teaming with Carol to look after Judith and some of the other young children, or working in the garden and fields with the crops. I ended up getting closer with some of the group who had joined Alexandria after the originals; the survivors of Terminus.

Over the years in Alexandria, my heart began to heal a little. Losing the most important people in my life was never far from my mind, but it stopped hurting as much to think of them. Sometimes, I could even just remember how we used to be and smile. I had found reasons to live, and I wanted to honour the fact that they had lived.

After the war with the Saviours, and once Negan had been taken prisoner, all of Alexandria had a chance to breathe again. But things started to shift and change. Sure we fell into routines and rebuilt Alexandria into a thriving community, but dynamics changed. Tensions began to rise.

It was around the time that Daryl escaped from the Saviours that I began to take notice of him more. I’d find myself looking for him when I left the house, or hoping to bump into him around town. I began to get excited when someone announced that he was back from a run, or if I saw him walking through the gates, crossbow slung over his shoulder. I don’t know where my feelings had sprouted from, but I found myself with a bit of a crush on the man. I wasn’t hugely worried about him when he’d go on runs or scouting because I knew he could handle himself, and that was attractive in itself, but when he’d return to town it was like I’d let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.

He was really great with the kids around town too, especially Judith. They had a special bond, those two. On occasion I’d heard him call her ‘ass-kicker’ and it made me smile. I’d heard about him jumping right into action the moment she was born, going off to find her formula with Maggie. Maggie said he was the first to ever feed her, and she could see so much of his toughness melt away in that moment. 

It made me miss my little man sometimes, watching him with the kids. I sometimes thought about whether one day - if the circumstances were ever right - if I’d want to have another. I was still young enough. But the thought of possibly ever losing another child kept my thoughts at bay. I also couldn't bear the thought of ever leaving a child alone in this world. 

The thought of even having a relationship with someone just seemed far away too. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be over my husband and my son enough to want someone in my space. And my husband had been the love of my life, my soul mate. We’d loved each other wholly and deeply. What could ever come close to that? For a long time, I held the opinion that I was grateful to have ever experienced that kind of love in my life, and that I’d die alone and content with that, because I would finally be with him again in death. I felt that way for a long time, until suddenly I didn’t.

Watching Daryl work on his motorbike or wrestling around with the kids had become my favourite thing to watch in the afternoon. I’d usually have finished my jobs for the day and be sitting down on the porch with a cup of tea, and just watch life in Alexandria. I tried not to stare at him, or make it obvious that he was on my radar, but it was like sometimes he could sense me and where my attention was. He’d suddenly look over at me and make eye contact. In the beginning I’d blush, nod my head and look away. Then after a short conversation with myself about not looking suspicious, I’d smile at him like I just happened to glance at him, and then look away.

I never knew what was going on behind those blue eyes. He kept his thoughts and feelings to himself. He’d give me a nod back or occasionally a little smile. Sometimes he’d come over and have a chat. I didn’t think he had any feelings towards me other than our solid friendship - the same connection he had with Aaron, or Michonne. But it didn’t stop me daydreaming about him sometimes. Especially if it was a warm day and he opted for one of his sleeveless shirts, and had a few buttons undone for some ventilation.

But seeing him unguarded like that, seemed like more of a memory now. Things felt like they had really begun to crumble since losing Rick. Relationships were strained in so many directions. I hated the tension that had come between so many of us. I just wanted us all to live in Alexandria, close to each other so we could love and support each other. But I was a bit of an optimist and according to Daryl, a ‘free-lovin’ hippy’ when it came to dreaming about how things should be. It was true though. I just wanted peace and love, but there was just discord and tension.

Maggie had left after Rick refused to execute Negan. And I couldn’t blame her honestly, I too disagreed with Rick's decision to keep him alive. Negan should have died with all the Saviours that day on the hill. He didn't deserve mercy, we all deserved justice. Others began to leave after the bridge explosion too. Some moved to Hilltop, others to the Kingdom or Oceanside. Carol moved to the Kingdom, and I really missed her too. She was good company.

I enjoyed the other relationships I had made in Alexandria, I was grateful for the beautiful people we had in this community. But I missed my friends. I felt a sense of loneliness I hadn't felt in Alexandria before.

I sighed and pulled my headphones from my ears. I should probably get up and start thinking about cooking some dinner. The sun was beginning to set.

I live by myself mostly now, in a house close to Michonne house and Aaron’s. Carol had lived with me until she moved to the Kingdom. Daryl also had his room in the house, but it was rare that he’d come back and use it these days. He would go out searching, sometimes for weeks. And when he was back, I barely saw him in the house anyway. This time he’d been gone for more than two months. I had begun to worry he wouldn’t come back at all.

I didn’t really feel like being alone tonight, but I didn’t have the energy to be around anyone.

Sitting up, I pushed myself up off the ground. Maybe I’d have a little wine tonight, put on a movie and pretend the world didn’t exist for a while.

I waved at Aaron and Gracie as I walked past their place.

“Auntie Em, can you teach me how to make raspberry tea tomorrow?” Gracie asked me sweetly as I passed their porch.

“Of course,” I said, smiling back at her. “Gotta learn from the best, kiddo! Good night, Gracie! A-A-Ron!”

“Thank you!!” She called, and I could hear Aaron chuckle as I made my way down the path. 

A-A-Ron was something I had started to call Aaron a few years back. I’d found an old hard drive labelled “Funny Shit” on a supply run once and was curious. I took it home and booted up my computer. It had some comedy movies, shows and sketches on it, and I decided to play a few of the sketches when the group was over for dinner one night. Aaron still smiled or chuckled when I called him that and it was one of the small things that made my heart happy.

I turned on my living room light and then the kitchen light and set about making myself something easy. I had a jar of bolognese sauce from the pantry and some fresh pasta dough that I’d made with the kids the day before. I decided to roll the pasta out and cut it into thin strips.

While the pasta was boiling, I turned on my TV and looked through the dvd and video collection I had. I had seen everything there of course, but as a creature of habit, I really didn’t mind watching things multiple times. In fact, it gave me a certain kind of comfort and nostalgia.

I settled on Monty Python’s Holy Grail. It was something that was silly and I just needed something unserious right now. I popped the video in the VCR and smiled as the old familiar music began to play. I looked at my little stash of wine bottles and decided to open a Cabernet Sauvignon. It would go well with the pasta.

Just as I started pouring a glass, there was a soft knock at the front door. I sighed, putting the bottle down and moving to the door. I really didn’t want to ‘people’ anymore today, but I put a smile on my face and opened the door.

I don’t know who I expected, but it wasn’t him.

“Hey.” Came that deep gravely voice, so familiar and yet slightly foreign after so long.

Daryl looked at me, hair falling in his eyes. I stood there shocked for a moment.

“Oh my God!” I said, stunned. “You’re back!”

Getting over my initial shock, I stepped forward and hugged him. I expected him to give me that awkward half hug he always did, but he didn’t. He stepped forward and pulled me in tight.

“I’ve missed you.” I said, my voice slightly muffled by his shoulder and bulky poncho.

“You too...” He said, sighing into the junction between my shoulder and neck. I could feel his breath through the fabric and it felt intimate. 

I went to pull away, but he didn’t let me go so I wrapped my arms back around him. My hand moved of its own accord to the back of his head and stroked his hair a little, sensing something was up.

“You okay?” I asked softly.

He nodded, sighed and then pulled away. He looked up at me and chewed his bottom lip, holding back.

“J’st been a long road, ‘s all.” He said. He cleared his throat. “Missed home.”

I nodded and smiled reassuringly at him.

“Well, you’re home now.” I said, moving aside and motioning for him to come inside. “Come and take a load off. I’ve got dinner cooking.”

He walked inside, closing the door behind him and started to take off his boots. I went back into the kitchen and stirred the pasta. It was almost done. I rolled out another portion of dough and cut it up the same way. I looked over to him and he hadn’t moved from the entryway. He was looking over at me with an expression I couldn’t quite figure out.

I poured him a glass of wine and slid it towards him on the counter. I took the cooked pasta out and put it in a colander in the sink, then put the other lot in to cook. I could feel his eyes on me still. I chanced a look at him and he had taken a step closer but was still watching me with that same look.

“You okay?” I asked. I paused, really taking him in. His hair was the same as ever, maybe slightly longer and still in his eyes. His beard was a little longer and a bit scruffy. His clothes were dirty but tidy. “You seem a bit… hmm… I dunno… out of sorts?”

He cleared his throat again and walked towards the kitchen island, still looking at me.

“Somethin’ changed being out there this time.” He said. He pulled the glass to him. “Just bein’ home again… after bein’ out there… feels surreal this time. Seein’ you, in the kitchen, cookin’ dinner… wine… it feels like I’m in a dream. Can’t remember why I left…”

I took a sip from my glass and thought about how to answer.

“You were gone a long time this time, Daryl. Months…” I looked away from him, feeling a little insecure with his intense eye contact. I’d never known him to hold eye contact with me this long, or anyone for that matter. “Maybe it’s been long enough to remind you what you have back here…”

I finally looked up at him again and he nodded. Licking my lips after another sip, I watched as his eyes fell down to my lips for a moment. He met my eyes before looking down at his own glass. 

“Would you mind if I showered before I ate?” He asked.

I shook my head. “Of course not, take your time.” I said, moving to stir the pasta.

“Thanks for cookin’.” He said and I watched as he walked towards the stairs. He took off his poncho and he had his old vest on underneath. Even fully dressed, just watching him walk or move, made my body awaken. I looked away as he turned to go up the stairs.

I heard the shower turn on and tried not to think about him undressing or lathering himself. What was wrong with me? He was back and all I could think about was him. My stomach had a knot from holding myself back.

I drained the pasta and returned it all to the saucepan. Adding the sauce, I seasoned it with some salt, courtesy of our friends at Oceanside who had started to produce salt to trade. I left it on the stove to heat through and went and sat on the couch, trying to concentrate on the scenes playing in front of me on the TV. Instead, I was hyper aware of the sound of him moving around upstairs.

It felt like ages when he finally came back down stairs. I jumped up and dished the pasta into bowls. Handing him one, he thanked me and we made our way to the couch. Monty Python was still playing, and he seemed to just notice.

“You needed somethin’ to cheer you up?” He asked, looking at me again and sitting on one end of the couch.

I smiled a little and frowned at him. 

“How did you know I needed cheering up?” I asked, sitting down at the other end.

“You always watch Monty Python when you need cheerin’ up,” He said, taking a bite of his dinner. “...or when you’re feelin’ in a silly mood. Somethin’ tells me it’s coz you’re upset.”

I can’t believe he’d noticed something like that.

“You okay?” He asked, seriously.

I poked around the pasta in my bowl. 

“Yeah, I guess. Just feeling… down lately, I guess.” I said. 

He grunted in acknowledgement and shifted on the couch to face me more. I looked away from him, not wanting to elaborate, lest I spill everything I’d been holding in. 

“Talk to me...” He said, his voice deep and unwavering.

I looked at Daryl and he was looking at me intently. I swallowed. 

“Mate, you are looking at me mighty intensely.” I said, trying to break some of the tension and relieve some of my anxiety.

He smiled, like really smiled. My stomach started with the butterflies and I suddenly grew a little hotter under the collar.

“I’ve missed the way you say things, Oz.” He said, still smirking as he stabbed at the pasta with his fork. “Don’t dodge the question. Talk to me.”

I took a deep breath and figured I’d try and tell him without giving away how much I’d missed him, or how I felt about him. Instead, it all just started tumbling.

“All my closest friends keep leaving, and no one agrees on much between the communities. Trade is at an all time low. I love the kids so much and of course will look after them like they’re my own, but I’m afraid Michonne is gonna knock on my door any morning now, with a month's supply of expressed breastmilk, and just disappear into the wilderness. And you’ve been gone so long. I… I’ve missed you. You don’t know how much you mean to me. I mean to the group - the town - everyone. I’m just losing hope here, I’m losing my fire.”

I looked off towards the TV and then back down at my bowl. Suddenly, Daryl's hand appeared on mine and he scooched closer.

“I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long.” He said. “I didn’t plan on bein’ gone so long, I’ve just been so lost…” I looked into his eyes and found him sincere and apologetic. “Then I stopped and sat for a few days, j’st thinkin’ and I realised that I wasn’t supposed to be out there anymore.”

He removed his hand from mine and I felt sad at the loss of contact for a moment, but he put both of our bowls down on the coffee table and scooched even closer to me.

“I’ve been runnin’ all my life.” He admitted. “No where has felt like home, ‘n all I want to do as soon as I get somewhere, is run again. I’m really tired of runnin’...”

I searched his eyes and he searched mine.

“I never thought I was worth anythin’, certainly not meant for a life like this. Done my best to outright reject life every time it’d come knockin’.” 

His bottom lip trembled and my heart hurt for him. 

“I been hurt a lot in my life, and I thought if ain’t got too attached, I can’t get hurt. But I got attached anyway, couldn’t help it. I don’t know why I haven't just given in earlier, coz I fight for all ya’ll as my family anyway. Bein’ on the outside is an illusion…”

I looked down to see him moving his hand to take mine again. His hand was warm and surprisingly soft. I ran my thumb over his knuckle.

“You are the head of this gigantic family, Daryl.” I said quietly. “None of this is the same without you… you are so worthy of the life you’ve been denying yourself. You deserve so much happiness…”

He was so close I could smell him. He smelled of soap and leather. I looked into his eyes and found him intently searching mine. I struggled to be able to get enough air in.

“I never meant to hurt anyone…” He said, his other hand coming up to cup my cheek. “I never meant to hurt you, by leavin’...”

I didn’t know what to say. I was hurt by him leaving, I’d missed him, but having him here so close to me, I couldn’t be mad at him. All I could feel was elated that Daryl was here with me. My eyes darted from his eyes, to his lips, and back again. That was all the invitation he needed.

His lips crashed down on mine, strong and sure. I gasped in shock, and then kissed him back. His hand shifted to my neck, holding me close. My body flushed hot and sparks flew to my core.

His lips massaged mine with strength and passion and I couldn’t help but reach my hand up to his head. I held him close as my lips massaged his. He tasted like the dinner I’d just made, and a little like tobacco. He tasted like Daryl, and he was delicious. 

My tongue lightly ran along his top lip. He answered with his own tongue on mine. Our tongues danced as the kiss deepened. My body arched into his and I moaned into the kiss. He groaned lightly in response. I couldn’t get enough of him, his lips, his taste, the way he smelled. He was intoxicating. He sucked my bottom lip in a little and I moaned again. 

I broke away from his lips to get some air and found I was panting like I’d run a marathon. He was breathing hard. His hand was still on my neck and he looked at me intensely again.

“I’m not leavin’ ya again…” Daryl said. “World be damned, I wanna be here with you.”

I felt like crying. This time I pulled him back to me. I kissed him hard, like if I kissed him hard enough, he’d know how I felt. He groaned again and it shot straight to my core. I moved my hand to his chest and could feel his hard muscles. 

His lips felt so good on mine. His tongue began to invite mine to play again and I could barely believe this was happening. I wanted to scream with all the butterflies in my tummy. His hand wound into my hair and I felt myself losing control. He pulled away and I was left breathing hard again.

He started kissing my neck and I couldn’t help the breathy “Ohh..” that escaped my lips. That seemed to ignite him further and he kissed his way back up to my mouth and began his assault on my mouth again. My hand grasped his shirt, bringing him closer to me. Our lips danced and his hand went down to my waist to pull me closer. 

Pulling my lips away, he tried to follow me. I leaned my forehead against his, catching my breath for a moment. Then I pulled back to look him in the eyes.

“Daryl…” I breathed, and then I blushed. “I want you…”

He looked like I’d just punched him in the heart for a moment, before launching at me again. He kissed me hard, grabbing my head with both hands. I kissed him back, pouring myself into him, every little feeling.

Suddenly he pulled away and stood up, grabbing my hand.

“Upstairs.” He said, voice incredibly deep.

I stood and he led me up the stairs into my bedroom. Thankfully it was tidy and the bed made today, or I’d have been a bit mortified. I closed the door gently behind me. 

Daryl walked back to me, slow, like a hunter with his prey cornered. Then his body was pressed up against mine, pushing me into the door. He bent and roughly captured my lips again.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and moaned into his mouth. His tongue was strong and exploring my mouth like he was on a mission. His hand came up to unbutton the first button on my shirt. He pulled back and looked at me like he was asking permission with his eyes. I bit my lip and moved my hands to his shirt, swiftly unbuttoning the first one. 

Daryl smirked and moved his hands lower, undoing each button until my shirt was open. He kissed me again and suddenly I felt his hand on my breast. I gasped into the kiss and he thumbed my covered nipple lightly before releasing me. He traced his finger under the lace, teasingly. 

I fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, trying to get them undone. Running my hands up his stomach, his chest and up to his shoulders, I pushed his shirt down his shoulders and arms.

I kissed and licked my way down his neck and across his shoulder. He groaned and bent his head back a little, his hand in my hair. I kissed down across his chest, licking my way across a long scar, before reaching his nipple. I swiped my tongue across it and it hardened almost immediately. I licked and sucked as my hands travelled down his stomach. I reached for his belt and unbuckled it swiftly. 

His hands came back up to my face, kissing me again, and turning us towards the bed. The back of my knees hit the bed and he pushed my shirt off my shoulders. Darly reached around and unclasped my bra surprisingly easily. Looking into my eyes, he grabbed the straps and pulled them down, fingers grazing my skin and exposing my chest to the air. He threw the bra to the ground.

I felt a little self conscious, feeling my nipples pebble in the cold air. Pushing me gently back to lay on the bed, I scooched back as he started to climb over the top of me. He looked at me hungrily and then took a nipple in his mouth. He sucked and swirled as his other hand came up to squeeze my other breast. 

I moaned, loudly.

“Oh Daryl…” I breathed.

Daryl groaned in response and it sent vibrations through my breast and shot down between my legs. I began to throb. I needed more.

He released the nipple with a gentle pop and greedily took the other one in his mouth. His hand was on my waist tracing the underside of my other breast. He flicked his tongue and I moaned again. My body felt like it was on fire, I couldn’t remember being so turned on.

He kissed back up my chest and I hooked my hand around his neck to pull him in for a kiss. He rested some of his weight on me, straddling one of my thighs. My leg curled around his pulling him a little closer to my core.

Daryl groaned and his hand was suddenly there, palming me over my jeans. I moaned and broke the kiss. He sat back and unbuttoned my jeans. Sliding them down, his eyes followed and he looked like a man starved. My underwear quickly followed and he looked into my eyes as he touched me. He ran a finger up and down my slit and I bit my lip, stifling a moan. 

“Fuck… you’re soaked…” He said, his voice gravely and deep. 

He slid his finger up to my clit and gave it a gentle rub. I moaned, throwing my head back. He continued on, exploring me with his fingers and then coming back to rub my clit. I opened my eyes to look at him and bit my lip hard, trying to hold back. 

“Let me hear you…” He groaned, slipping his finger inside me.

I couldn’t help but moan loudly. His finger felt so good as he worked it in and out slowly and deeply. I gripped the blankets beneath me as he began to curl his finger and hit that magic spot inside me. I closed my eyes hard, feeling my orgasm start to build.

“Oh fuck!” I cried out. 

He continued a little longer before pulling away entirely. I opened my eyes to see him jump off the bed and take off his pants and underwear. He climbed back on top of me, settling between my legs. I spread my legs wide and reached down to take his cock in my hand. I gently stroked him in my hand and he kissed me deeply, groaning.

I rubbed his cock up and down my slit and spread my juices over him. I paused when I had him lined up with my entrance. Daryl let my mouth go and pulled back a little to look into my eyes. He started to slide into me slowly, watching my face as he entered me.

My mouth fell open, feeling the delicious stretch.

“Oh fuck, Daryl…” I moaned. 

He groaned loudly hearing his name. He continued until he was fully inside me. He stayed there, letting me adjust and kissed me deeply. Pulling out almost all the way, he then thrusted back in again deeply. I groaned into his mouth and he released my mouth.

“Fuck, you feel so good…” Daryl groaned.

I couldn’t help but moan again, his words going straight between my legs. He buried his head into my neck and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. He began a delicious slow pace, thrusting deeply into me with intention. I was throbbing so much, I swore he’d be able to feel it. He ground into me, each time pushing me into the mattress as he went deep.

He shifted and put a hand on either side of my head. He gave a few more slow, deep thrusts before picking up the pace a little. I ran my hands all across his chest, before gripping his biceps.

He started to thrust harder and faster and I moaned as he grabbed my breast roughly, his thumb brushing over my nipple.

“Yes…” I breathed, holding his gaze.

Darly looked like he was going to devour me, and I found my legs spreading wider for him in response. His thrusting started to get harder and the pace started to become a bit more frantic. I pulled his hand away from my chest, up to my mouth and started to suck on two of his fingers. 

“Oh fuck woman…” He groaned, dropping his head as he focused on his pace.

I just moaned and sucked harder. He sat back, resting back on his feet and pulled his fingers from my mouth. He grabbed my hip with one hand, starting a slow pace again. The fingers that had been in my mouth he moved to my clit. He began rubbing gentle circles around it and bucked up into him.

“You like that?” He asked, rubbing harder.

“Mmm-hmmm…” I moaned, my eyes shutting hard. 

He started to rub more furiously and my orgasm built faster. But I wasn’t ready to come yet, I wanted to come with him. I pulled his hand away from my clit and pulled him back down on top of me.

“God I need you, Daryl” I said breathily. “Fuck me, please…”

“Fuck, you’re undoing me…” He said.

He started to fuck me hard and deep. The sound of skin slapping skin filled the room, along with heavy breathing. 

“Ohmygodohmygodohmygod…” I moaned, feeling so deliciously filled. I couldn’t stay quiet if I tried at this point.

“Fuck!” He cried. “I can’t last much longer…”

He continued pounding and I grabbed his ass with one hand and began to rub my clit with the other.

“Come with me…” I said. “I’m so fucking close…”

He grunted and fucked me into the mattress with all he had left.

“Oh fuck, feels so good!” I cried. “I’m gunna come!”

“Come for me, baby.” He groaned, so close himself. “Come all over my dick.”

And that sent me over the edge. My orgasm hit hard. I arched up into him, my mouth open wide in a silent cry. My body spasmed, as wave after wave hit. He kept thrusting hard all the way through and just as I felt the last wave crash, he bucked into me hard and deep and he cried out.

“Oh fuck!” He shouted. “Oh jesus…”

I wrapped my arms around him, holding him deep inside as he came. He pushed me up the mattress with each spurt, emptying his load inside me.

Darly rested his forehead against mine, both of us trying to catch our breath.

“Holy shit…” I breathed, smiling.

He looked at me with a tired smile. 

“Holy shit…” He agreed, kissing me slowly and deeply.

He went to pull away but I tightened my legs around him.

“I’m not ready yet…” I said, pulling him into my arms.

He rolled us so he was on the bottom and I was straddling him. Then he pulled me down and wrapped his arms around me. “Don’t want to crush you.”

“Mmmm…” Was all I could manage.

With my head on his chest, I could hear and feel his heart beat. I rested my hand across his chest and took a deep breath.

“You okay?” He asked.

I looked up at him and smiled, my eyes half closed in post-coital bliss. I nodded.

“Better than okay.” 

I shifted and moved up his body, letting him slide out of me. I gasped at the loss. Kissing him sweetly, I moved some of the hair out of his eyes.

“You okay?” I asked.

He smirked up at me and grabbed my ass in both hands.

“Imma have you walkin’ funny tomorrow.” He growled. “I want to be inside you as much as I can be tonight…”

His words went straight between my legs and I smiled widely.

“Do you know what your words do to me?” I asked, biting my lip.

He smirked again and smacked one of my ass cheeks playfully.

“I have some idea…” He said, cheekily.

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