Present Day

In room 243 of the Atascadero Ward for the Criminally Insane in California, holds a patient by the name of Daryl Bell. At the age of 77, he is treated just like any other senior citizen, he likes his jello and loves playing bingo and checkers to pass the time. No one has ever really met such a gentleman like Daryl, his southern accent along with his bright smile, make him even more charming and welcoming than he appeared before. The nurses actually enjoy aiding him unlike other patients. The other men, most of them at least, treat the nurses like objects instead of human beings helping them to stay alive. Not only are the others misogynistic creeps, but they scare most of the staff, they’re in a psych ward after all. The only patient that has won over all of the staff’s heart, and kept it, is Daryl Bell.

You think they would all cower in fear or at least be nervous just to hear him speak, considering the fact that he is a serial killer. Responsible for at least 67 known murders, more than all the other murderer’s count in the Ward all together. But no one is scared of Daryl, everyone looks at him as a grandpa shared among themselves, creating some sort of a weird family within the walls of the ward. Connecting each and every one of them in a different way. 

Most of the nurses and caregivers fight over who gets to treat Daryl each day. And each day Daryl will see and talk to a different nurse or caregiver. Today he is blessed with the company of a sweet girl who goes by Cas. She was very small, she was only 5’0. When Daryl first saw her he thought she was a little girl visiting who got the wrong room. She had her hair in a braid every time he spotted her strolling by in the hallway. She was latina with freckles crossing the bridge of her nose. She had that smile that was contagious, no one was immune to it, no matter how bad of a day you were having. Another thing that made you think she was a kid besides her height, was how energetic she was. She was practically dancing while she readied the blood pressure sleeve for Daryl.

 He always got a kick out of it, how she was still young at heart. Made him miss when he was younger, and still had the thrill of living. Now he’s in this place. Day in and day in, no days out. Well at least everyone here likes me, is what he would think to comfort himself. And he was right, partly because he would always tell stories. Stories about what he did to get there. Stories about the love of his life. Stories about how he never got to start a family. Stories about how he had everything taken away from him in a split second.

“Have I ever mentioned anyone by the name of Rodney Davis before?” Daryl asked, with an unfamiliar mourning in his voice.

“Can’t say that you have,” Cas responded with curiosity, “but I would love to hear about him.”

“He’s  one of my favorite stories to tell,” he paused to clear his throat, “it’s about how I became who I am today.”

Cas could’ve sworn she saw tears in his eyes, but that’s not like him. He’s always happy, and cheerful, he put everyone in a good mood. She was preparing herself for a heart wrenching tale.

“Well,” he started back again, “we met in ‘67. We didn’t know each other existed til’ then. Which was strange givin’ it was a small town.”

March, 1967

Cheatham County, TN

Rodney Davis shuffled his boots against the dusty barn floor as he retrieved the bucket of feed for the horses. Latching it onto the stall door he heard a motor in the distance, that was Mr. Ellison’s truck. Rodney’s eyes widened as he finished by giving the horse a gentle pat on the neck and ran outside, he must need something.

“Hey Mr. Ellison! I didn’t expect to see you ‘til Friday of next week.” Rodney shouted as Ellison pulled up.

“Well,” the old man grunted while stepping out of the truck, “I’m gonna be gone for about a month to visit my sister in Ohio. Why she ever decided to move up to that damned state I’ll never know. But now she’s gettin’ hitched for the 100th time, and she wants her big brother to see it again. Anyway, I’m bringin’ your pay for the next few weeks, don’t want to leave my best worker agitated.” Ellison finished while tossing Rodney the envelope.

He fidgeted the flap open with dirty, callused hands and started shaking when he skimmed through the cash. It didn’t make sense, even for a month’s pay this was still too much.  Rodney thought how this could help to start turning their lives around. His parents have done their best to give him the life every kid deserved, especially his mom. Rodney couldn’t realize how awful his father was, he just thought he wasn’t the best one. He was working at a construction site when one of the platforms collapsed when Rodney was 12. His knee was damaged permanently and he’s been drinking to numb it ever since. Causing him to miss out on his son’s life more, which tore them apart. Since then, his mom had to start working two jobs, hardly paying the bills. By the time Rodney was 15 he was working the ranch, by 16 he dropped out of highschool to work full time. Mr. Ellison always paid him good, so his mom was able to quit one of her jobs. At this point, his dad was hardly even there anymore. Physically he was, but not mentally or emotionally.

“You count this right?” Rodney questioned with his bushy eyebrows furrowed.

“Yeah, it looks like a hell of a lot more all together don’t it?” Ellison chuckled at the sight of  the childish glow on the ranchers face. “Hope that’ll suit you for a while.”

“You know it will sir, thank you.” Rodney strolled out the barn door and hopped in his truck. He couldn’t wait to get home and tell his mom that they were safe for a while. First he wanted to grab a drink because he thought the time called for one.

Daryl Bell slung in his watch to the middle of the poker table. He knew he would win or he wouldn’t have, this had been his life since he was a kid, around 11 or 12. Sure enough within a few minutes the other players threw their cards down, and mumbled words under their voice as they turned to leave. 

“Awe come on fellas, where y’all headin’ off to?” Daryl called after them in a sarcastic tone while throwing his hands in the air. “They always get sore.”

Collecting his earnings, he lit a cigarette and started to separate the bills to count it all easier. While he shoved the money and coins in his wallet, the amount bounced around in his head like a ball. It was music to his ears: $174. That’s damn good for one game. His thoughts were interrupted when a hand patted his shoulder. Letting out a sigh he immediately knew who it was. He always showed up whenever Daryl killed it at the table. When he turned around he locked onto the squinty, brown eyes of his little brother. Great.

  “Hey bub, you ain’t lookin’ too happy for a guy who just hustled a few idiots out of their paychecks.” AJ genuinely looked confused, like he didn’t know mooching money was something he was an expert in.

“Well I mean I was, but what do you want now?”

“It’s not what I want, it’s what I need,” AJ paused to make sure he still had his annoyed brother’s attention, “the tranny in my truck went out the other day and there’s no way I can make it to and from work another time with it like that bub.”

“Last month the same thing happened right? And the month before and also right before Christmas. So either you’re shitty at fixing things or that’s not what’s goin’ on. And we both know that you’re good at anything you do.” Daryl finished off in a mocking voice.

 He twisted his cigarette out on the edge of the table and tucked away the rest behind his ear. Waiting for his brother’s egotistical remark. But none came because then he would’ve been caught in his lie, instead he quietly stared at his older brother for a few seconds as if he had just been slapped. After a moment AJ realized he wasn’t going to pity himself into seizing some cash, he already cried wolf too many times. With a bewildered look on his face and a slack jaw, he picked the rest of the cigarette out from behind Daryl’s ear, leaving behind some loose tobacco in his hair, and stormed out, causing the room to echo as the door slammed shut behind him.

“Damn.” AJ always got what he wanted, so this doesn’t surprise Daryl at all. No matter how old his baby brother would be, he would still act like a baby.

After this inevitable turn of events, Daryl needed a drink to unwind. He does this every time, and every time he gets mad at me rather I give him the money or not. Maybe I shou-

His train of thought derailed when someone burst through the door, causing it to make swing back and leave a small hole in the panelled wall. At first Daryl thought it was his brat of a brother coming back to tell him off. Turning around he quickly realized it was a complete stranger, and he didn’t wear a scowl; instead, a blinding smile that read ‘I love everything’, it made Daryl want to smile too, but he was too occupied with wondering why this man was so amused.

“You got any Dewar’s?” The young man waited for the bartender to respond but he just poured him a glass and went on about his business.

“That’s some fancy stuff, what ya celebratin’?” Daryl knew this meant something was worth celebrating. Maybe his little girl was just born. Or maybe he got a raise. Hell maybe his wife finally left him. Whatever it was Daryl was dedicated to find out.

“Just had the best payday ever.” The stranger blurted back with no intention of being humble about it.

“I know the feeling actually, it’s amazing ain’t it? So I bet your wife’s happy, huh?”

“It’s Rodney, and I ain’t married yet. Even if I was it would still go straight to my momma, she needs it.” Daryl was curious to know the backstory but didn’t want to sound like he was prying.

“Did you just move here or somethin’?” Daryl didn’t acknowledge what Rodney had said. This bar usually doesn’t have too many new customers. It’s always the locals, and in the case it’s not, everyone would have known about them in less than a week. 

“Nah, I lived here all my life, but I never did finish highschool and I spend most of my time on a ranch. Not much time for stuff like this, tonight was an exception.” Rodney explained. Why is this guy so interested in my life? Rodney didn’t mind the thought of someone actually listening to what he has to say, he was just so surprised by the idea of it.

“Well you ain’t missin’ much. But it’s nice to come here from time to time just to get a drink, ya know?” Daryl wanted to get to know Rodney better, or maybe he just wanted to hustle him out of some money like he does every other drunk guy that has nothing better to do except to scream at their wives. “Say, you any good at poker?”

July, 1967

Cheatham County,TN

“How drunk do you have to be to bet your entire life-savings in a game of poker? I mean, I sorta feel bad for the poor fool. Don’t you?” Rodney was surprised at the length people would go to only have a slight chance at winning.

“After a while you’ll get used to how stupid and selfish people can be when it comes to money. I played against someone who bet their truck, that’s how I got Old Red out there.” Daryl had a hint of nostalgia in his voice, like he had missed the poor souls who would give up everything they had to him. As if he had enjoyed it in some sick way.

Since the night they had met in the bar, Daryl started to help Rodney learn the game he himself mastered. They became partners and began hustling anyone unlucky enough to walk into the bar they attended. Within the four months, Daryl taught Rodney many of his signature tricks that he wouldn’t reveal to just anybody. Him and his buddy would make a fortune off drunks, sometimes they were just plain stupid. Rodney would feel bad for them, but Daryl had gotten immune to it. Some he’s even happy to take everything, knowing their reputation of the stereotypical whitetrash drunk husband/father. The ones who would leave to go get some more whiskey after beating the shit out of their wife for not cooking dinner by the time they got home. But Rodney would still feel a small hint of guilt, no matter how crappy the person they just screwed over was. He had a good heart, and that was Daryl’s weakness.

Like the time a stray cat ran across the street and Rodney jumped out of the still running truck, leapt over to the cat and made sure it was ok. When he noticed the cat had been injured, Rodney took him in and nursed him back to health. He didn’t have any room for it back at his place, so Daryl let him keep it there, which gave him an excuse to spend more time with him. 

Or like the time when there was a homeless man on the corner of the old bookstore, a cup in hand, begging for spare change. Rodney approached the man and gave him a generous amount of five dollars, and asked if he had a safe place to stay during the night. The man said he was on his way to his sisters, it had taken him two years to make it to the town she lived in. He handed him the crinkled paper that had his sisters address scribbled in faded ink on the top. Rodney recognized the street name and insisted on taking the man to the house. The man was so shocked by the small act of kindness. It was the most he had seen in years.

It was also the little things that made Daryl’s heart melt. Simple things like asking how someone’s day was and listening to every word of the response. Or getting him a beer on ice without even having to ask.

There was nothing Daryl could do except to sit back and watch his emotions spiral out of control, as he falls for Rodney. This kinda thing wasn’t good. If word ever got out one or both of them could be butchered by all the piece-of-shit people in this town. And they would easily get away with. Most would probably back it up saying that it’s better this way.

Daryl would still pray every night to make him ‘normal’. Or to make Rodney love him back. So he could pretend to be ‘normal’ with someone else.

August, 1967

Cheatham County, TN

“How about this,” Rodney paused to put the cream back in the fridge after fixing his morning coffee, “since you want to spend your money on somethin’ you’ll actually enjoy, how about you go and see the new picture they got out?”

“It won’t be fun just by myself…” Daryl trailed off, looking for Rodney to finish his thought for him.

“Why don’t ya take your little brother?” Rodney was desperately wanting to go with his best friend so he could sit and make fun of the poorly acted out movie together, so it could feel just a little more special than the two of them sharing a beer together. 

“Hell no, screw him man, he’ll try to pick-pocket me during the film.” He fidgeted with his watch nervously, looking up at Rodney and back down just as quickly. “I mean… if you don’t have nothin’ else to do that night, then I would have someone to go with?” His voice got high pitched at the end of his question, hopeful for the answer he always wanted.

Cool down. Cool down. Cool down. Rodney repeated to himself a million times before realizing Daryl was still waiting for an answer. 

  “Oh, ummm, yeah. Sure thing bud sure thing. What time?!” Rodney cringed at himself, he blurted it out like a school-girl would if her life-time crush asked her out. It was more or less the same thing. 

“Well uh, ok. And around 8:00 I think. I mean, we could leave for it right after we get finished at the bar. Right?” 

“Yeah, that way we could get a few extra snacks if we win enough, but we have to get some chocolate if we do. Cause that stuff is heaven.” 

“Ok then, even though I hate that, gets stuck all over your teeth.” Daryl chuckled at the slight childish grin on Rodney’s face.

Let’s see how this goes. Rodney thought as he emptied the rest of his coffee into the drain and made his way out to his truck, rushing to the ranch before he could be considered late.

Friday

Rodney slipped on his boots and leapt down the steps, practically floating to the truck, thinking about what might happen later on that night. Jingling the keys out of his pocket he unlocked the door and bounced in the seat, starting the ignition. 

It was 6:30 in the afternoon, which meant the drinking hour started over an hour ago. Friday night meant the bar would be as packed as sardines in a can. Which meant more money in the gamblers’ pockets.

Daryl was already in the middle of a game with a beer in his hand by the time Rodney arrived, he was humming along to the old Willie Nelson song in the background. He loved that sight, seeing Daryl in his most concentrated state, but still relaxed. Watching him mumble lyrics as he did what he did best. Rodney would like nothing more but to see this everyday, but maybe someday outside of the bar. Without a hand of cards between his fingers with a beer, but instead a newspaper and a coffee mug. He would love to see that sight every morning. 

“You bout’ ready?” Rodney tried to seem as casual as possible, careful not to let any sign of his excitement slip out. 

“Yeah give me a minute.” Daryl slammed his cards down on the table chuckling as the rest of the men groaned. Scooping his winnings up in his arms he gestured with his head for Rodney to grab the beer. 

“How much ya got there?” Rodney knew by the look in his friend’s eyes, it was a good amount, at least over a hundred dollars.

“$149.00! And to think, if you was here earlier, I coulda probably doubled it. You do enough as it is bud.” He gave Rodney a kind smile and went back to putting away the cash.

Rodney tried not to take the compliment out of hand, given the ‘bud’ at the end. But his mind still wondered, hoping there was more behind it. But deep down he knew that there most likely wasn’t. 

“Well I guess we should get goin’ then? Picture starts in about…” Daryl stoped to check his precious watch, “thirty minutes, and we still gotta pick up some snacks. Since someone needs his chocolate.” He said in a mocking voice. He finished off his beer and they hurried out the door.

Rodney held open the door for his friend as he came out of the candy store with at least two whole bags crammed to the very top. He had never seen so much sweets in his life. Every now and then, his mother would buy him a chocolate bar for his birthday or maybe Christmas. Sometimes both, which was when they had a ‘good’ amount of money.

“Reckon this is enough?” Daryl lifted the bags up with a wide grin on his face.

The sight made Rodney happier than he has been in along time. Seeing this 6’4, beast of a man act like a little kid, it would make anyone happy.

“I don’t know, I mean, I really like chocolate.” He replied, trying to hold back his laugh, feeling as if he didn’t even have to go to the theater to have fun. He could just be a kid again with Daryl, he could have the childhood he never got to experience. 

Daryl just chuckled as he set the bags down in the bed of his truck. They hopped in and headed to the theater. They didn’t say anything on the way there, instead they sat there in a comfortable silence, the kind that wouldn’t exist unless you really liked the other person.

Finally after finding decent seats at the cinema, they relaxed, ready to experience the first time they saw the big projector screen. The dramatically long intro gave them enough time to chat about what they thought it was going to be like, they didn’t have too many expectations, except for both of them unknowingly wanting the other to make a move on them.

The rest of the audience started shushing them once the lights went off, signaling that the movie was finally starting. They also shushed each other while giggling like little kids.

They couldn’t take the movie seriously, all throughout it they were acting like children, horsing around. They got a little carried away and finally called truce, making it official with a pinky promise. 

When the credits rolled, everyone stood up to leave, looking back at them in annoyance. Not realizing what was going on they looked around and noticed the movie ended. The movie either wasn’t that interesting, or they found more interest in each other. Either way they enjoyed it, well at least the company of each other that is. 

As they were gathering their trash, they got into a playful argument, one you would start just to annoy your friend. When Rodney finally shut his buddy up, he mumbled under his breath, not realizing he actually said it,

“Gosh, I love you.” Shit. No, no, no. Please tell me he didn’t hear that. He looked up to see his, probably not now, best friend staring at him with a slack-jaw. Like Rodney had just confessed to murder or something. He thought for sure he was about to call him weird or sissy, or hell, maybe even punch him. Like his dad did when he said the same thing right before he left for his first day of kindergarten. He told him ‘men don’t talk to other men like that’. Soon realizing he had just been staring at Daryl back, and that he didn’t receive any insult or violence as a response, he quickly apologized and began to leave. Before he could, Daryl snatched him back by the arm to talk.

“Why you sorry?” His eyes had the same love he saw in his mother’s, actual love. “You know I love you too right.”

Rodney glanced around the theater to make sure it was empty, “This ain’t right though, I mean, this won’t end well. You know what they do to people like us? My dad always told me about this ‘one he got’ by hooking to the back of his truck, and dragged around until his neck snapped. And for some damn reason, I didn’t give a shit until I realized how I was myself. Now if that ain’t the definition of a selfish and shitty person then I don’t know what is.” Tears were pooling in his eyes, about to leak out. Did I really just say all that? I’ve never told anyone that.

“Calm down ok. Don’t think about that. We’ve been rollin’ around for about half a year now and nobody ever suspected nothin’. Why would they now? You just think they will because they would have a reason. But no one will think that, ok? Nothin’s gonna happen.” Daryl pulled him in a bear hug, allowing him to release all his stress and anger he’d been holding back for years. 

Rodney never realized how much he could cry until he started. They stayed in the theater for about ten more minutes until he calmed down, finally feeling like he could function again. Despite the fact that he just bawled his eyes out, he left there happier than he thought possible. Like a piece of him he never knew was missing had finally been found. He was finally whole.

November, 1967

Cheatham County, TN

About a month after confessing to each other, they decided to move in together. Rodney told his parents it was to make it easier on them, ‘one less mouth to feed’ is how he put it. Convincing them by saying he would bring over some of his paycheck every month, and throw in some of the money from poker. No matter how much money he would gift his mother, she would still miss him. ‘I thought I would die before seeing you move out’ is what she told Rodney before leaving.

Daryl was happy about it though, he would have his best friend and soulmate by his side everyday. He mentioned the idea of him maybe one day attending college to Rodney. His partner was all for the idea, especially after just finding out Daryl always wanted to pursue a career in becoming a detective. Knowing they had some extra cash almost all the time, both started putting back as much as they could to help with the funding. 

Since Thanksgiving had just passed, that meant Christmas was just around the corner. And Daryl had the perfect present for Rodney planned. But as the holiday grew closer, he began to realize that he might not be able to have enough to pay for it, even with all the extra poker games he’s been winning.

Christmas Eve

Daryl felt like crying for not being able to give his soulmate the only gift he knew he would love for sure; so instead he bought him a puppy. Knowing that this isn’t a bad back-up gift. Rodney loves anything with fur, and Daryl knew this. He knows as much as he possibly could about him. Whenever Rodney starts talking about something Daryl never heard him mention before, he would drop whatever he was doing just to stop and listen. So when he heard him say he wished he could leave this place to somewhere more open-minded, Daryl took action immediately. But it will have to wait until next year.

The next morning, Daryl woke up extra early to get the puppy out of the shed, and put it in the box he had poked holes in a few days prior. Making sure he had a comfy blanket and a bone, he wrapped a red silk ribbon around the lid and carried it inside, placing it carefully under the tree.

Before waking Rodney up, he fixed him a cup of coffee so he wouldn’t be completely pissed, humming the same old Willie Nelson song as he did so. Setting the cup down on the coffee table, he looked around making sure everything was perfect. Then he headed down the hall to wake up his partner.

“Wake up, waaaakkee uuuppp.” Daryl yelled as he threw a pillow in Rodney’s face, causing him to grunt. Many throws later he was finally able to wake him up successfully. 

Rodney calmed down a bit when he realized Daryl made him coffee, sitting down he glanced at the two presents under the tree. Daryl was trying to hide his enthusiasm as he looked at Rodney’s confused face. Probably wondering why his present looked massive compared to the one he got Daryl. He could’ve gotten Daryl a  pack of matches and it wouldn’t bother him. Just as long as he was happy, Daryl was too.

“You wanna go first?” Rodney asked, watching the excited look on Daryl’s face as he turned to look at his present, then turned back to flash a smile at Rodney. Giving him a silent ‘thank you’.
Daryl picked up the box and carried it over to the coffee table, carefully sitting it upright, cautious to not mess it up in any way. Taking the fold of the newspaper on the side, he unwrapped the box and threw the wrapping aside. He glanced at Rodney who gestured for him to continue. He excitedly agreed and opened the lid, confused at what he saw at first. It was a smaller metal box, brand new, with a handle at the top. He pulled it out and set it down to give it a quick once over. He unlocked the buckles on the side and lifted the top, separating it from the bottom. He pulled out the little container on the inside by the ring at the top. It held a full set of poker chips and a brand new deck of cards. The chips were in four stacks on each side, with the cards placed in the middle, making it look organized and clean.

Daryl turned to Rodney and gave him a tight hug, thinking about how he would be able to show these off at the bar every night. Rodney hugged him back, waiting to hear what Daryl thought of the poker set.

“I love it, thank you. I’ll use it every night. Promise.” Daryl was beaming while inspecting the cards. Admiring how perfect they were, he shuffled them a few times to help break them in. “Wanna open yours now?”

Rodney hummed in agreement and made his way over to the tree. Before he could pick it up Daryl told him not to.

“Just leave it under the tree. I-it might, be too… heavy. Yeah. Just open it there.” Well now he doesn’t suspect a thing. He mocked himself for sounding as suspicious as possible.

Rodney just gave him a weird look and started opening the gift where it was already placed. Once he got the very loose newspaper off, he was perplexed by the many holes in the box. Jumping back when the box scooted forward. After realizing what was going on he quickly took the bow off and removed the lid. Still smiling as the puppy leapt out from the container knocking him to the ground. All he could do was laugh while being trampled with affection from the pup. Once the dog saw Daryl, he ran over to him and started doing the same, Rodney followed its lead. 

“You got me a dog?! A puppy?! I couldn’t be happier, oh my gosh thank you so much D!!”

That was the first time Rodney ever called him that. And the joy from that nickname, Rodney hugging him, and the puppy licking him, had him overwhelmed. This is easily the best Christmas he’s ever had. Probably the best day he’s ever had. There will definitely be no day like this again.

April, 1970

Cheatham County, TN

Locking the truck after he pulled into the driveway, Rodney glanced down the one lane dirt road, seeing five dark figures outlined in the moonlit night. He could tell who two of them were just by their shape. The tall scrawny, almost anorexic looking guy, was the son of the very round old farmer down by the cross roads. Or at least he thought so. They were standing close to each other in a line, all of them with their hands in their pockets. Turning their head ever so slightly to exchange words, still looking at Rodney the whole time.

Turning to go into the house, his mind immediately started to wonder. What the fuck do they want? Did they see somethin’ that made em’ suspicious? Should I tell D, would it worry him too bad? Think I should tell him, maybe he’ll do somethin’ about it.

As he walked through the door his boyfriend and dog greeted him with all their love. He squatted down to pet his dog, which they named Peeve, just for the sake of the pun. His tail wagged faster with each ‘what a good puppy’ that came out of Rodney’s mouth.

“How’d your day go?” Darly plopped down onto the sofa after grabbing each of them a cold beer. 

“Well, it was payday so how’d ya think?” He said with a smirk, flashing the cash at Daryl.

“Oohh yeah, so that means you’re off tomorrow! What do you wanna do?” His face immediately lit up when he realized he would get to spend time with the person he loved most.

“We could just stay in, I’m sorta tired and would like to just be able to be able to lounge around. But there is a baseball game tomorrow, if you would rather go to that. It’s up to you D.” As much as Rodney loved going places with Daryl, he was hoping he would choose to stay inside for his day off. 

“We should stay inside then, I would love to just be able to spend time with you, no one else around, ya know? S’pose to be around 90 tomorrow anyway. And I think Peeve’s missed ya real bad too.” 

“I believe so. Yes I do, yes I dooo.” He said to Peeve’s in a baby voice, causing the dog to get excited and jump up on the couch so he could get his belly rubbed. 

They both giggled at the sight of him, laying on his back with his mouth open and tongue out to one side. Rodney always thought of him as their actual baby, he acted enough like one anyway. Except for when he would howl at the other dogs or when he barked at the mailman.

“I think reruns of Gilligan’s Island is on tonight, ya wanna watch it. You know how bent it is. It’s hilarious.” Daryl tried to convince Rodney to stay up a little later that night so he could watch his favorite show.

“Sure I mean I still gotta take a shower anyway.” He gathered a towel and a clean set of pajamas and went into the bathroom. Showers always make him feel better and that’s what he needs right now after remembering the five men clucking like hens outside earlier.

The next morning Daryl woke up later than he had planned, around 11:00, with Rodney still passed out beside him. He wondered if he should wake him up or let him rest a bit more. Who doesn’t love breakfast in bed? He thought to himself as he quietly crawled out of bed, letting Rodney sleep until he finished breakfast.

Peeve’s greeted him as soon as he stepped foot out of the bedroom, and followed him all the way into the kitchen, knowing he was going to open the fridge. Daryl picked a pan off the wall and set it on the stove, lighting it up. Opening the fridge, he grabbed a few eggs and cracked them over the pan, waiting for them to cook. He took out another pan and put it over one of the other burners, grabbing some fresh sausage out of the ice box, throwing them in there as well. I can’t forget the biscuits, he always needs his biscuits. 

Gathering the biscuits out of the oven, he joined them with the sausage and eggs on the plate. Giving Peeve a small smackerel of the eggs, causing him to wag his tail down the stretch of the hallway, all the way into the bedroom.

Peeve jumping on the bed woke Rodney instantly, as well as the smell of the breakfast, putting a smile on his face. Like how a baby would smile if you offered them something they weren’t supposed to have. Daryl handed him the tray while he sat up, still holding a smile.

“You’re so sweet. What did I do to deserve somethin’ as good as you?” Rodney looked like he was somewhat worried about something. Daryl didn’t know why though.

Daryl let out a small chuckle, “I think it’s the other way around sweetheart, nothin’ I have ever done, in my whoolee life, is good enough for you. But I still think we belong together, even if I don’t deserve you. Some things are just meant to be.” He kissed him on the forehead before sitting down next to him.

“It’s true.” Rodney glanced at him, “About us belonging together, ya know. Ain’t never seen nothin’ like it.” He gave him a slight smile.

“Maybe one day, just maybe, they’ll be queer rights movements. I ain’t never heard of queers gettin’ rights; but hell, our parent’s generation never heard of black gettin’ some. But times are changin’ for the better. They’re finally treated like people, so maybe one day, people like us will be too.” He was hopeful for it, hoping it would be the next thing that brought people together so their voices could be heard.

“I think it’ll happen, possibly soon. Hopefully soon.” He agreed right before stuffing his mouth with a spoonful of eggs. Finishing them off and moving on to the rest of the biscuits.

“Wouldn’t that be great though, if you think of it. We could get married, leave this place, bring Peeve and possibly get our dream jobs. Ya know, the white picket fence, apple pie life. The one everyone else gets to have. What’d ya think?” He said as if he thinks about the idea everyday, which he does, late at night when he can’t sleep. Just fantasising of what could be.

“I would love that D, very much. But we still ain’t near the amount it takes for your college. So that could take a real long time. But we could do it; together.” Flashing an innocent smile he finished his breakfast, setting the plate on the side table. He thanked Daryl one last time and walked to the bathroom.

The whole day they talked about what they wanted their lives to be like. Hopefully one day maybe being able to start a family of their own, and growing old together. Rodney kept going on and on about how he wanted to live it somewhere else though. ‘Somewhere with folks like us’ is how he put it. And Daryl aspired to do just that. Take him somewhere else where he could be really happy.

December, 1974

Cheatham County, TN

It was a week before Christmas and Daryl was on his way to get Rodney the perfect Christmas present. It might take a while too, considering it was a little bit of a drive there. But he would drive through a whole state if he had too, because he was sure this would make Rodney happier than he has ever been. Not being able to gift him this for his past birthdays and holidays  before due to last minute emergencies, he would sneak out at two in the morning to gain some extra cash, just in case something went wrong this year.

As he got back in the car, he put the two plane tickets to California into the glove box, huffing as he relaxed. I finally did it. Finally. Pulling out onto the road he was overwhelmed by joy. But the closer he got back home, the more nervous he became. Turning back into their county, his mind filled with ‘what ifs’. What if he changed his mind? What if he just said those things in the heat of the moment? What if he wants to go but without me? He began to wonder if this was a bad idea, but when he pulled into the driveway, and saw his love, he knew what he did was right. All doubts and worries fled his mind when he saw that warm, bright smile. Standing on the porch with his arms crossed, Peeve at his feet.

“Hey D!” He called out as he ran over to the truck’s rolled down window, Daryl’s arm halfway out. “Did ya get what ya went for?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” He retorted back, with a smirk on his face.

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” Rodney had no idea what it was, but he knew it was for him. He had a smile on his face the rest of the day, imagining what he was getting for Christmas the entire time.

Christmas Day

Rodney was woken up by Peeve licking him in the face, he gently pushed him off the bed and watched him run over to the halfway opened door. Daryl standing in the frame with a cup of coffee in his hands. He knows me so well. Getting out of bed he let out a dramatic sigh and stumbled his way over to Daryl. Smiling as he took the cup of coffee from his hand.

“Good morning sunshine.” Daryl said without so much as a thank you. But the sight still made him smile.

Daryl led him into the living room, tossing him his present as soon as he set down his cup. Telling him that Daryl might be more excited than he was. This must be good.

“Open it.” He demanded. Seeming a bit cold.

Rodney found the edge, picked at it and then started to tear it. When he got it all off, he realized  that underneath all the wrapping was just a small cardboard box. The suspense was killing him so he just opened it without any hesitation, pulling out the contents and laying them on the table. He was rendered speechless. Not knowing how to react, he looked at Daryl to see what to expect. He was happy, but shocked, it sort of felt like a dream.

“Well…” Daryl was still waiting for an answer to the obvious question that he never even had to ask.

“Yes! Yes of course! I will go with you, oh my gosh! When should we leave?! Should I start packing now!?  But what will I tell my parents?! What will everyone think?! They’ll definitely know something’s up then!” Rodney was panicking, but that didn’t stop him from being ecstatic about the fact that they were going to leave their hometown.

 “Hey hey hey, look at me,” he paused until Rodney gave him his full attention, “we will figure it all out. Down to the very last detail, ok? We got nothin’ but time, so don’t worry about it sweetie.” Daryl rubbed his back to help calm him down, patiently waiting for a response.

“Ok. Ok. Yeah you’re right D. Thank you so much, couldn’t of asked for anything better. Can’t wait to start our new life there. Peeve will love it too, ya know it?” He gave Daryl a bear hug and led him back to the bedroom so he could get some rest, considering he just made the decision to move away from everything he’s ever known, he needed some. 

Daryl respected that and decided to open his present without Rodney. Ripping the good sized, flat square surface free from the paper, revealing a brand new record. Willie Nelson was front and cover, making Daryl squeal, he was hoping he would get something like this. Ever since his old record broke a few years ago, he hasn’t been able to listen to him at all. And sure enough it was the same old album, his favorite song coming back to him from the heart. 

Humming along to it as he steadied the needle on the record player so he could actually hear it. In so many ways it reminded him of Rodney, from his angel blue eyes to his sweet and kind ways. It was their song, without either of them knowing it.

Swaying to the music, he went to open the curtains for the view of the frosted over pasture across the road, it always made him feel content. Before turning away, he noticed five men, standing in a line, down on the corner of the dirt road. He recognized all of them. He beat every single one in poker, and every single one looked mad, or disgusted, he couldn’t tell. Hopefully they’re just mad at the past. I’m sure that’s all it is. He reassured himself as he continued to sing along, heading back to the bedroom to go back to sleep.

February, 1975

Cheatham County, TN

Daryl and Rodney had their bags packed and were ready to leave the next morning. It only took them a few months to get everything sorted out, including Daryl’s college fund. He should be able to apply when they get settled in California, somehow making him even more excited then he was before.

He had told Rodney they should leave tomorrow because he kept seeing those same men almost every other day, he left out that part though. He didn’t want to put him under more stress than he already was. Word had been quickly spreading that they were moving away together, no one knew where to, or for how long. Except for Rodney’s parents and Daryl’s brother. But they were convinced they were going there for better working opportunities. Daryl threw in the detail that California women were prettier so they wouldn’t suspect anything. But they must’ve told somebody, leaving out an important detail, which leads to speculation.

So to avoid any trouble, Daryl rushed Rodney as fast as he could without him realizing it. Packing his things for him without telling him and making sure he was well rested each night. And this one being their last one here, Daryl was relieved.

“Tomorrow D, tomorrow. We’ll finally be free!” Rodney yelled ecstatically. 

Daryl replied with a bright grin, checking the window nonchalantly, noticing the five men were gone. Seeing everything was going to be alright, Daryl asked if he could go down to the bar for old times sake. Just to screw over a few of the asshole regulars.

“Sure D, just don’t stay out too late, big day tomorra.” He replied, giving him a forehead kiss as he drifted through the door.

Daryl stumbled through the driveway around twelve in the morning, he wasn’t drunk, just tired. He looked down the street before running inside, empty. Good.  

As he went inside he realized he never had to unlock the door, it was barely even shut. That’s strange. Where’s Peeve? Ain’t like him to be quiet when someone comes through the door. Daryl knew something was going on, he was just hoping everything would be alright. Walking down the hallway, he heard a soft scratching noise from the bathroom. He opened the door and Peeve ran out, completely ignoring his presence.

Peeve started scratching the floor and walls, sniffing around like there was a groundhog under the floor. Then after scruffing up the hardwood floor, he started barking and howling like a wolf to the moon. He became more vicious looking, like every bit of his k-nine instinct kicked in, scaring Daryl somewhat. His mind was blank, all that remained was fear and worry. What the hell is goin’ on? 

He followed Peeve, keeping some distance, as he sniffed down the hallway. The whole time Daryl was silent, not knowing what had gotten into the dog. Thinking Rodney might have let him out, allowing him to catch rabies, and now he’s letting the dog go to his love’s room, which might not end well.

Peeve made it to the end of the hall and pushed the door open with his snout, sniffing more aggressively than before. Daryl stepped in after the k-nine fully entered, noticing the room looked like it was glistening in the moonlight. He thought it was very odd, but pretty. While he was approaching the bedside lamp, he steps became stickier like he kept stepping on a piece of gum. His shoes began to glisten.

The light flickered on, making a buzzing sound as it tried to hold a steady voltage. No more glistening. All he could see was red. Red sheets. Red curtains. Red floor. Red shoes. Rodney’s once jet black hair had a red tint. That’s all he could think. Red. His breathing stopped for a while, having to force the intake of oxygen. His chest was on fire, with pain, with pressure, with grief. Tears falling from his eyes he finally blinked, causing them to burn, making him realize this was real. 

A thud shook the floor as he plunged to his knees, grabbing Rodney’s hardly attached head and resting it in his lap. Caressing his face gently, whispering ‘I’m sorry’, over and over again. ‘I love you’, over and over again. Wiping the blood from his bruised forehead and giving it one last kiss. Holding his hand, covered in defense wounds, one last time. His eyes were glossed over, staring blankly at the ceiling. Daryl looked in those angel blue eyes before closing them, for one last time. He began to sing aloud:

In the twilight glow I see them

Blue eyes cryin' in the rain

When we kissed goodbye and parted

I knew we'd never meet again

Love is like a dyin' ember

Only memories remain

Through the ages I'll remember

Blue eyes cryin' in the rain

Some day when we meet up yonder

We'll stroll hand in hand again

In a land that knows no partin'

Blue eyes cryin' in the rain

 Two days after finding Rodney, Daryl went and bought a newspaper. The front page read:

Cheatham County Massacre 

Five men were found gutted in barn, early yesterday morning. Victims include father and son: Ferris and Eugene Reynolds, both were local farmers. Three regular drunks: Norman James, Ryan Bates, and Gordon Walker, all of which were claimed to be good men. All tragically lost in one brutal massacre. The law officials have no leads so far on to who may be the killer. Although he seems to leave behind a trademark of carving the letters R and D. The police have yet to know rather it’s initials or some other sort of message. But whatever it is, we are not safe until this coldblooded killer is found and dealt with.

Daryl laughed as he threw the newspaper away. Knowing damn well all five of them deserved every bit of torment he inflicted on them. And with Rodney in a vase in one hand and Peeve on a leash in the other, he headed to the airport. Ready to live out their dream.

Present Day

Cas wiped tears from her eyes before saying anything. Wondering why someone would be locked away for something so justifying.

“How did you get caught then, if you went to California?” She was very curious of the answer.

“That’s a story for another time, but please, take these.” Daryl threw a stack of newspaper clippings and articles on the table. All of which dated back to at least 1976 in California. “This, this is my legacy.” He finished with a sense of pride in his voice.

Cas took the bundle and began studying the mind of the infamous Daryl Bell.