How For Teacher ch 3
A/N: Wow! I've gotten such great reviews from all of you…thank you so much! So this is for a fic exchange with Dropkicking Bullet Shells. Go check out Forbidden Fruit! It's an AU where Daryl is a stripper. Yup, a stripper. You need to read it.
Not edited. All mistakes are my own.
Disclaimer: I do not own. All rights go to Robert Kirkman, Frank Darabont, and all others involved. Obviously I'm NOT involved.
Chapter Three
Daryl lived a good thirty minutes outside of town in an area Rick had never been to before. When he turned onto an old dirt road he almost turned back, remembering all of those slasher movies he had seen that started almost exactly like this. Rick didn't even realize he was on a driveway until a large, white house came into view; it was a pretty house, if a bit rundown, and surrounded by farmland. A rundown pickup and an impressive looking old Triumph were parked side by side next to the house. Rick was hoping the bike belonged to Daryl. As soon as Rick pulled up a large, burly man came out wearing dark jeans, a stained tank top and a leather vest-wasn't he dying in this heat? The man eyed Rick when he got out of the car but Rick flashed him a smile, shielding his eyes against the glare of the setting sun. When Rick saw that the man was missing his right hand his smile almost faltered. Almost.
"Hi there," Rick called. "I'm looking for Daryl Dixon?" When the man just kept staring him down Rick was beginning to think he had the wrong house.
"Well come on in, Officer Friendly!" The big man was grinning, holding the screen door open for Rick to walk through.
"Thank you," Rick said and took in his surroundings. The walls were whitewashed, old-fashioned, and furniture was scarce but the interior of the house was impeccably clean.
"You must be Rick." The man urged him into the kitchen.
"I am. You are?" Rick sat at the kitchen table.
"Name's Merle. Beer?" Merle offered him an ice-cold can of PBR which he gladly took. "'M Daryl's big brother."
"I didn't know he had any siblings." Rick said conversationally, drinking his beer. It wasn't doing anything to cool his body which suddenly felt 100 degrees too hot. Rick wasn't sure why meeting Daryl's family made his palms sweat.
"Yeah well, not a whole lotta people talk to that brother a mine. Too shy. No idea where he got it from." Merle's boisterous laugh was infectious and before Rick knew it he and Merle were gossiping like old friends.
The back door slammed and someone could be heard hastily moving about in the other room.
"Merle!" Daryl yelled. "We lost another cow. We're gonna have to kill them coyotes 'fore they get 'em all."
When Rick heard Daryl's voice he thinks his heart literally stops. It's the same voice he remembers only better, more-Daryl. Daryl's words are short and clipped, gruff and singing with a deep southern twang. No longer was he speaking phonetically correct or trying to sound like a dictionary. Now he was simple and straight to the point.
"Come on now, Darlene!" Merle yelled back. "Don' talk like that in front a yer date."
"What the hell're you talkin' 'bout?" Daryl stormed into the room and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Rick.
"Oh hell." Daryl cursed under his breath. "I know I'm runnin' late. Jus' let me get in the shower and we can go."
Rick shook his head, didn't want Daryl to take a shower. Daryl wore jeans that were too large, hanging enticingly from his hips and were covered in dirt and grass stains. His boots had seen better days as had his shirt; the plaid shirt had the sleeves ripped off and was plastered to Daryl's chest with sweat. Rick's eyes roamed the expanse of Daryl's arms and he was finding his jeans becoming too tight because damn, Daryl Dixon had the best arms he had ever seen. The appendages were perfectly defined and just the right size, muscles rippling every time Daryl moved and the sweat that seemed to soak his entire body glistened on his skin. His usually cleanly shaved face had a layer of scruff that was undeniably attractive and the smudge of dirt on Daryl's forehead only added to the man's beauty.
"Holy shit." Rick dropped his empty can on to the table loudly.
"Yeah, I know." Daryl looked uncertainly at his body, moving his arms as though to shield it from Rick's view. "I'm a mess. Jus' let me-" Rick stood, cutting him off.
"I didn't mean it like that." He completely forgot that Merle was in the room with them. "It was like 'holy shit, you're hot'."
"You hear that, boy?" Merle was chuckling again, getting himself another beer. Rick denied when he was offered one. "Yer boyfriend here thinks yer hot."
"Shut yer ugly mug." Daryl punched Merle but they were both smiling.
"Don' you worry yer little head, Darlyna, I'll watch over yer boy while you get ready."
When Daryl looked at Rick through hooded eyes Rick was pretty sure he died.
Rick wasn't sure how to go on a date with a man. With a woman he would hold the car door open for her and when she got in he'd carefully close it, he'd compliment her dress, bask in her sweet perfume and tuck her hair behind her ear. As he and Daryl walked out of the house and towards Rick's car he was at a loss; did he open the door like he normally would or let Daryl take care of it himself? Daryl saved Rick from his own mind when he opened Rick's door for him, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, not meeting his eye. Rick stopped and stared at Daryl in awe. Daryl was standing in the sun just so, his silhouette outlined in the last rays of light in a way that made Rick's words catch in his throat. Daryl wore dark jeans that fit more snugly than the dirty ones he had on earlier, one hand shoved deep inside the front pocket and the other still on the car door. The black long-sleeved sweater looked thin but Rick thought Daryl was probably still hot in it, the material stretchy and formfitting and no matter how delicious Daryl looked Rick found himself missing Daryl's skin.
"Thank you." Rick winced when he heard his voice, soft and breathy and more than a little feminine sounding. Daryl just smirked, closing the door and jogging to the other side of the car. Once he was seated he looked expectantly at Rick.
"So where are we going?" He asked, licking his lips.
"It's a surprise." Rick took pride in the blush that spread across Daryl's face. It was light, barely noticeable but he saw it.
"Going all out, huh?" Daryl asked, sounding like a teacher again. Rick frowned.
"Why do you do that?" Rick plucked up the courage to ask once they were on the road.
"Do what?" It seemed like Daryl never really stood still, always touching something whether it be his mouth or a loose thread on his jeans.
"You have an accent but I never would have known it when I met you." Rick wasn't about to say that he had noticed but only because he was obsessing over every little bit of the man in a probably unhealthy way.
"Oh. That." Daryl was quiet. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Never got no respect when I was in school, they all thought I was just some dumb hick." He glared at Rick. "I ain't."
"I never said you were." Rick shouldn't have been shocked by the other man's defensive posture but he was. Had he already messed up their first date? "I don't think you are, either. Carl's school is one of the best in the area."
"I graduated top of my class. Pretty good for a stupid redneck, right?" Daryl looked proud and it made Rick proud, too.
"Plus I don' want my bad habits brushin' off on them kids. I'm just a math teacher; they shouldn't be pickin' English up from me, too. I know how I sound."
"I like the way you sound." Rick reached over with one hand and touched Daryl's cheek and frowned when the other man flinched. It was slight, barely there and anybody else probably would have missed it. He kept his fingers there, eyes on the road and only pulled away when he came to a stop sign.
"Yer crazy." Despite his words Daryl looked happier, accent coming back full force. It made something stir in the pit of Rick's stomach, not to mention his pants.
The rest of the drive was pleasant and full of small talk, Rick feeling lighter than he had in years. Daryl was interesting, that's for sure; he was older than Rick had initially assumed, closer to 40 than he was to 30, and he had done so much more in his life than Rick ever had. Rick wasn't complaining, even though his life with Lori hadn't worked out the way he had planned Carl was worth every second of it. He was a father and nothing would ever give Rick more pride or meaning than that. Daryl didn't have any children, he's never been married and with another endearing flush he even admitted he had never been in love before. Rick couldn't help but think every man and woman out there was crazy for not loving Daryl.
As soon as he was in the restaurant parking lot Rick felt like he had made the wrong decision; it was a nicer place, the kind where you need a reservation for a table, and a perfect first date spot. Except when you're trying to woo Daryl Dixon. Daryl seemed easy to please and not in a bad way, taking joy out of the simpler things in life. A fancy dinner with cloth napkins and a snooty waiter stuck up their asses just didn't seem like the best idea now that they were there.
"Wow. Nice place." Daryl looked at the building with an unreadable expression.
"We can go somewhere else if you want," Rick wiped the sweat from his brow.
"No, this is fine. Never been here before." When Daryl turned around his face was glowing, the wrinkles around his eyes crinkling handsomely.
Rick nodded and raced out of the car, tipping over his own feet in his haste to open Daryl's door. He saw Daryl laughing at him but he couldn't find it in him to be embarrassed, laughing right along with him and beaming when Daryl brushed a hand along his arm when he stepped out of his seat. They stared at each other a long moment before Daryl smirked and walked ahead, arms swinging, gait confident. Rick would be lying if he said he wasn't checking out his ass.
Rick held the door open for Daryl loving the way the other man looked away as if unsure of himself. He saw a few people he knew, nodding politely their way as they followed the hostess to their table. Rick had requested one in the back corner and not because he was ashamed of Daryl but because he seemed like a man who respected his privacy. His conscientious thoughts were rewarded with a comforting smile as they sat. Words seemed almost unnecessary. Daryl played with his silverware, fiddling about with the metal and looking everywhere but Rick. It was charming but Rick was a little curious as to where the self-assured Daryl went from the other night when he had been so sure of himself asking Rick out. Sometimes Daryl seemed so in charge of himself and others completely unaware of his own body.
Rick liked it.
"You ok?" Rick asked and set his hand atop Daryl's to calm the fidgeting, the other man's hands feeling warm and rough and perfect.
"Fine. Never been to a place like this 'fore. It's a little expensive." Daryl was looking at the menu uncomfortably.
"Don't worry about the bill." Rick gave his hand a squeeze before letting go, looking at his own menu. "Tonight is my treat."
"I don't need no charity." Daryl's eyes narrowed marginally. Not threatening but as if he was waiting to be put down.
"I know that, Daryl. This isn't charity. It's a date."
"I have money but I take care of Merle and the farm. He doesn' work so I pay all the bills."
"Family is important, I get that. I think it's great you help him out." And Rick did think it was great.
"He can't really work." Rick could literally see the second Daryl started opening up. "He got into some trouble back when I was still a teenager. Got busted 'n was in prison for a few years. Wasn' his fault or nothing, did what he had to do. So I make sure he's got everything he needs."
"Is he alright with you being out with a cop?" Rick asked but almost didn't want to know the answer. He'd gotten a lot of flak from people for being an officer of the law.
"He ain't mad, if that's what yer thinking."
Rick was going to question Daryl more when the waitress showed up, introducing herself as Rebecca and asking what they would like to drink. And don't think Rick didn't see the looks she was giving Daryl. They both ordered beer-Daryl was disappointed when they didn't have PBR-and crab cakes for an appetizer to share. Rebecca walked away with a less-that-subtle wink at Daryl, her haps sashaying as she went. Daryl wasn't even looking at her, though; instead staring at Rick with a type on intensity that would have been threating coming from anyone else. It was as though Daryl didn't see how mesmerizing he really was.
"Carl talks about you all the time," Rick said, clearing his throat.
"He's a good kid." The fondness in Daryl's eyes touched Rick.
"You're his favorite teacher. He talks about you like you're some comic book character."
"Yer exaggerating." Daryl glances down at the tablecloth, hands wringing in his lap.
"I'm not. Every day when he gets home we talk about your class. He says everyone loves you."
"I like teaching. Means I did something with my shitty life that was actually worthwhile." Rick could tell he really meant it, see the damage of a hard life all over his body; the calloused hands and somewhat chapped lips, wrinkles from years out in the sun and a hardened body from a lifetime of manual labor.
"I always kind of had a privileged life," Rick said feeling miniscule next to such a good man.
"But yer a cop, you must have had to work hard fer it." Daryl thanked the waitress offhandedly, never looking away from Rick.
Rick: 1
Rebecca: 0
"Of course but my parents kind of coddled me. I was an only child in an upper-middle class household. Hell," Rick took a long sip of his Fat Tire. "I never worked a day in my life until I was eighteen." Daryl snorted on his drink.
"Are you serious?" He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, Rick noted fondly.
"Sure am. I had everything I wanted, too all I had to do was ask."
"You spoiled asshole."
"I most definitely was but I'm trying not to do that to Carl. I think it's good for a man to work."
"Been workin' all my life." It was obviously something he was proud of, looking wistful. "Merle taught me how to hunt when I was five years old. Been in the woods ever since."
"You hunt?" And really, Rick shouldn't be surprised because this man was apparently full of them.
"'Course I do, Me and Merle both do."
"Does he still hunt?" Rick wanted to ask because of his hand? but didn't, not wanting to cross some line.
"Merle would hunt with no hands, I'm tellin' you. Toughest bastard I ever met, my brother. You give him a hammer and he'd crap out nails."
Rick laughed, already having the best date of his life and it wasn't even over yet.
They left the restaurant laughing and in high spirits, Daryl holding the door open for Rick who felt like a giddy school girl when he blushed. Daryl was more at ease with him, more open and when Rick leaned in for a kiss he found himself thankful Daryl didn't shave. The scruff against his chin was new to Rick but he found himself leaning into the gentle scratch, tongue lapping out to run against lips that were more chapped than he was used to. Rick had Daryl crowded up against the passenger side door, hands at his side but itching to move, to touch. Daryl groaned low in throat and Rick went wild, hands moving to grip at Daryl's hips, pushing their lips in impossibly closer.
"So what's next?" Daryl asked when Rick finally pulled back.
"Another surprise." Rick was breathless.
"Casablanca in the park?" Daryl raised an eyebrow at Rick.
"What? It's romantic." Rick actually felt like he had done a good job with the part of the night. Wasn't sitting together on a blanket in the park watching an epic romance move the perfect day? It must be because the park was packed with couples.
"Come on, Casanova." Daryl grabbed Rick by the hand and pulled him into the crowd to find a good spot to lay their blanket down.
To say the move was awkward was an understatement. The pair sat close together, Rick could feel Daryl's warmth through their clothes, but people would occasionally send them judging glances. Daryl didn't seem to notice and Rick assumed he was probably used it but Rick wasn't. He had always lived a rather cookie cutter life, white picket fence and all so the scrutiny was making him uncomfortable. Daryl seemed to notice because he left his eyes on the movie and his body an acceptable amount of space away. Rick appreciated it but that didn't stop him from feeling guilty. This had been Rick's idea, after all. Finally the movie ended and as soon as the credits started rolling they both jumped up, rushing toward the car.
"That was terrible." Daryl stated bluntly while he waited for Rick to unlock the car.
"You're telling me. Worst idea ever." Rick opened Daryl's door for him and was rewarded with a chase kiss on the lips. Rick's eyes grew wide and he made a strange noise, Daryl laughing even as he close the door. He didn't think he'd ever get used to that.
"Why don't we just go back to my place for a drink? Merle always has a bottle of Southern Comfort lying around."
"Uh…" Rick was at a loss, stammering like a fool.
"We don't have to do nothin'." Daryl panicked raising his hands up in defeat. "We got a spare room or you can call a cab. Just figured you might want to."
"I'd love to."
Merle was still awake when they got back, lying on the couch in nothing but a pair of jeans. He had a beer in his good hand and the other arm resting under his head. The Dixon household didn't seem to have an air conditioner so the summer heat was stifling at night, the mild breeze blowing through the window welcome. Merle was lightly dusted with sweat but looked comfortable, laughing at whatever was on the television. The elder Dixon looked up when they entered, smile growing wide with joy. Happiness looked a little out of place on the man but it seemed genuine.
"What're you guys doin' back?" He finished his beer.
"Came to drink," Daryl called over his shoulder. When he came back he had a 12-pack, a bottle of liquor and shotglasses.
"That bad?" Merle sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Not bad, Merle. Just wanted a drink." Daryl sat on the floor in front of the couch, setting the alcohol on the small table. There were four shot glasses in his hand. Daryl saw Rick looking. "We're gonna play quarters."
"I haven't played that since college." Rick happily took a seat next to Daryl on the floor, leaning in close to breathe him in. He smelled like the rain and the grass and something Rick couldn't place.
"Me'n Daryl play all the time. Be prepared to get drunk." Merle smirked at him.
What the hell had he gotten himself into?
Rick was drunk. Rick was shitfaced. Rick was I want you naked gone. He couldn't tear his eyes off of Daryl and he knew Merle noticed. Daryl just kept playing quarters, eyes half-lidded and looking the sexiest he had ever looked and he had absolutely no idea. Rick wasn't sure why that turned him on so much but it did, licking his lips and drinking half his beer in one go. He felt like if he stopped drinking he would say something completely inappropriate. When he looked at Merle Rick realized he wasn't the only one that was drunk; in fact, both Dixon brothers were plastered, telling stories from when they were children and acting like Rick had known them their whole lives. Daryl was in his element, in his home and relaxing enough for Rick to get a really good look at him.
"Well, little brother," Merle stood, almost falling back down in the process. "I think I'ma head off to bed. You two be good now, ya hear?" Merle laughed all the way up the stairs.
Next thing Rick knows he's got Daryl underneath him and they're sprawled out on the couch. Things are a little blurry and little sloppy but Rick didn't want it to stop. Daryl is groaning from below him, moaning obscenely and wriggling around in a way that made him literally have to hold himself back. Daryl reached up and unbuttoned Rick's shirt, hands roaming his bare skin and touching just so, causing a delightful shiver to attack his body. Rick was hard, needy and almost desperate but when he tried to pull Daryl's shirt off the other man pulled back so fast Rick didn't even have time to blink. Daryl was panting and leaning on his elbows, biting his lip as he looked away.
"What's wrong? Did I do something?" Rick searched Daryl's face.
"You didn' do nothing." When Daryl didn't look back Rick leaned in for a kiss, the urgency of the moment gone.
"Are you sure?" Rick saw Daryl pulling at his shirt.
"Yeah, nothin' is wrong. Just don't want to take this too fast."
"Why don't we just go to sleep? I don't have Carl tomorrow."
Rick fell asleep that nice spooned behind Daryl's warm body.
A/N: Holy crap! Over 3,800 words. I think that's the longest chapter I've ever written for any of my TWD stories. Yup, Merle is a good guy in this one. And don't worry, the Dixon brother's background will be a part of this story. I hope you enjoyed! I'd love for you to review, suggestions and helpful comments always welcome.