Moonlight, Dancing, and Pictures
Once Daryl and Rick both showered and got ready they had half an hour before they met up with the others. They walked to where some of the shops were and decided to look around. As they were wandering around they stayed shoulder to shoulder. Rick thought that this is how it should be all the time. He slung his arm over Daryl’s shoulder and pulled him closer. Daryl was perfectly ok with this.
When they joined up with the others Rick’s arm was still slung over Daryl’s shoulders. Andrea giggled into Michonne’s arm. Maggie looked extremely satisfied. They all walked to the buffet. As they were walking by there was a photographer with a gorgeous back drop. They each wanted individual couple photos but also a group photo. Michonne picked Andrea up bridal style in their picture. Maggie and Glenn kissed in their photo. Daryl on the other hand was about to rock Ricks world. Rick stood waiting for Daryl to get in the shot. He saw a flash of mischief in his eyes and was prepared for anything. Daryl came over and jumped on Rick’s back. He kissed his ear and laughed. The photographer caught the most happiest picture of the entire cruise so far. As they were getting in for the group shot Glenn came up with an idea.
“Hey guys! Prom style photos!” Glenn said proudly. He got behind Maggie and placed his hand on her hip. Her hand was on top of his. Michonne and Andrea followed suit. Daryl looked at Rick and got in front of him. Rick’s hand went automatically to Daryl’s hip. He liked the way his heart sped up a little at being this close to his best friend. They all smiled big smiles for the photograph. They were told they could pick up the pictures later.
They finally got to have dinner. They chatted idly. Michonne and Andrea were making plans to go up on the top deck and watch the stars in some of the chairs up there. Maggie and Glenn were talking about maybe visiting the casinos. Rick got up to get more to drink. Daryl used this time to tell his friends what they already knew.
“Guys…. I really like Rick….” He stated quietly. Maggie looked at him with a smug look on her face.
“Dare, honey we already know. He likes you too. That is why we brought you two on this cruise. So you could come to terms with it. “ She said in a reply.
“Well, I have a plan for tonight….” He looked over to make sure Rick was still to far away to hear. “I plan on taking him dancing night in one of the clubs down stairs. You gotta promise you won’t tell him.” He said.
“We promise!” They all shared in a wave of smiles.
“ Dare, if you need anything just let us know and we will help the best we can.” Andrea said laying her hand on his arm.
“Yeah. I will. Thanks guys!” Daryl said and he started chewing on his lip. Rick chose this time to come back with some chocolate desserts. Daryl groaned inwardly at the thought of Rick eating the chocolate. He wrapped his legs around Rick’s and scooted a little closer. Rick started eating the desserts and he was making the noises that had Daryl’s blood boiling. He did not know if he could handle the rest of dinner. Michonne laughed and Rick looked over confused.
“What are you laughing at ‘Chonne? It is just dessert.” He said simple.
“Are you eating that or are you EATING that??” She laughed. She looked over at Daryl and he looked frustrated. Sexually frustrated she thought. She laughed again. Maggie and her shared a look and they both burst into laughter. Rick and Daryl both looked confused. They had no idea what was going through their heads.
“’Chonne? Are you ok? You seem more crazy tonight.” Daryl said playfully slapping her arm.
“Just admiring the view.” She said. She then leaned over and kissed Andrea.
“Alright, Andy let’s go get our swim suits on.” She winked at the rest of the group. They waved their goodbyes and promises of meeting tomorrow. Maggie and Glenn got up a few minutes later and headed downstairs. Daryl was sure Glenn was going to lose. They have played poker before and the poor Asian always loses. Daryl looked over at Rick. The man was licking his spoon clean. That surely did things to Daryl and his groin.
“Let’s go dancing.” Daryl got up and held his hand for Rick.
“Are you sure you wanna see all this on a dance floor? It is not pretty.” Rick said taking Daryl’s hand.
They walked down a few floors and finally came to the dance club they passed earlier. Rick went to the bar and got them both a beer. They drank them in silence. “Stay by Hurts” came on. Rick pulled Daryl onto the dance floor. They started dancing together. Their foreheads were touching as they danced in circles. They were sharing each other’s breathes. Daryl looked at Rick’s lips. Man, he really wanted to kiss those damn kissable lips. He also wanted to do other things to those lips. He shook his head. As the song was coming to an end they almost kissed. Their noses so close to one another. A man shouting across the room broke their focus. They looked up to see what the commotion was about. When they looked back at each other they realized how close they were standing. They each took a few steps back.
“Let’s get out of here. Its getting kinda crowded.” Rick suggested in his ear. Daryl shrived slightly.
“Yeah alright.” He took Rick’s hand and they started walking the deck. They came to a very secluded part of the deck. Daryl looked out over the dark ocean. Rick was looking at Daryl. The moonlight glimmering off his dirty colored hair. He could see the moon reflected back in Daryl’s eyes. He could not help himself. He moved closer. He wanted to capture this moment forever. He wanted Daryl to always have that awed look in his eyes. He placed himself right behind Daryl. He could not distinguish where his body ended and Daryl’s began. He wrapped his arms around Daryl’s middle. They looked over the ocean together. The moonlight shimmering on the waters surface.
Daryl thought he had died and gone to heaven. He liked how natural it felt for Rick to be wrapped around him. In public! He leaned into Rick’s chest. He had no idea how long they stood there like that. He loved the feeling and never wanted it to end. He sneaked a peek at Rick out of the corner of his eye. He saw the most glorious thing he has ever experienced. Rick’s eyes were on him and he saw nothing but the moonlight. It drowned out the normal color of his eyes. He did not know which shade he liked better. This trip was going to be the death of him just from Rick’s eyes. In one day he has seen three shades reflected back at him. He made a promise to keep those shades returning as long as he can.
They could have stood there all night. Daryl was starting to get sleepy. His head was starting to drift on Rick’s shoulder. Rick caught the moment and scooted away from Daryl. Daryl whined a little in his sleepy state. He turned around and looked at Rick. Rick gave him a sly smile. He turned his back on him and looked over his shoulder.
“Come on. We are gonna take you and put you in bed.” Rick said waiting.
“What do you mean?” Daryl asked rubbing his eyes.
“You are gonna get on my back and I am taking you back to our room.” Rick stated. Daryl smiled a little and hoped on. He soon fell asleep on Rick’s back. He could not have been more happier. Rick smiled as heard the soft snores. He giggled to himself. They finally made it back to the room. He opened the door and laid Daryl on the bed. He took off his boots and socks. He went and changed into his pajama pants. He put on a t-shirt and crawled into bed next to Daryl. Daryl subconsciously moved closer to Rick. Rick could not help himself he slowly started playing with Daryl’s hair. He slowly drifted off to sleep.