The Grind *Rickyl*

1. Fresh Morning

Daryl woke up with a smile on his face, which wasn't very often. This morning just... Felt better to him, it was cool, but sunny. He put on his work outfit, usually just some dark jeans and a grey t-shirt. His job didn't really have a dress code, just nothing slutty or too revealing. He wore aprons anyways. He grabbed his hat and keys and walked out of his apartment and down towards the lobby. As soon as he got to the shop, he started making a pot of fresh black coffee. He looked at the clock across the room that read, 5:55. Just on time.
   The shop opened at 6 and started to get busy the moment it opened. People knew that this place was the best, The Grind's coffee was always the best. Not to mention people seemed to really like Daryl. He took time with his costumers, treated them like he wanted to be treated. Daryl washed his hands and gave the young lady he was assisting her muffin, then smiled. She smiled back and walked out the door. Daryl turned around and started to mess with some cups and straws, restocking.
   "Uh... Hello?" A scratchily familiar voice said from behind him. Daryl swiftly turned again and bumped his knee in the process.
   "Shit..." He whispered underneath his breath.
   The officer chuckled, "Are you alright?" Daryl wasn't gonna lie... This guy was hot... REALLY hot. He came in every morning and ordered a coffee with his douche co-worker, who he called "Shane". "Uhm... Hello.?"
   "Hm, uh sorry, what was that?" Daryl replied.
   "Are you okay..?" The officer chuckled again and Daryl felt his cheeks flush.
   " 'm okay, thanks. What would you like?"
   "Caramel macchiato, with an extra shot."
   "Comin' right up, officer." Daryl got to work on his macchiato, trying his best to make it perfect. When he was don't he grabbed a sharpie and scribbled, Officer Friendly on his cup.
  The officer took the cup into his ha da and looked at the writing. "Thank you." He smiled and walked away, towards "Shane."
   Daryl just nodded and took the next few costumers with head in a daze, still thinking about the guy. It wasn't like he's ever been interested in Daryl, that's just not how it worked. After hours of work, the clock hit 9:30, meaning it was closing time. Daryl locked the doors and started to clean up, all of his co-workers had already left. He was always the one who didn't mind locking up the place. He threw away all of the used coffee filters and restocked them, along with cups and napkins. Daryl's phone started to ring, blaring through the empty room.
   "Hello?" Daryl scratched out.
   "Hey ya big ole' pussy!" Yeah... That was Merle. His older brother, who had no shame in disrespecting anyone... At all.
   "Yeah, what's wrong?"
   "I'm stoppin' by tomorrow." Merle said nonchalantly.
   "I don't think it's a good-"
   "And I don't give a monkeys left nut. See you tomorrow."
   The line dropped, Daryl sighed and brought the phone back down. "Damnit Merle, fuckin' tool." He threw on his leather vest and combed his bangs over his face. Daryl rushed out the door and locked it again.
   By the time he got to his apartment all he could think about was Merle and that officer... The way his lips curled when Daryl gave him his coffee... It was utterly hot. Daryl threw himself on his bed and gave into the warmth of his pillows and blankets, falling asleep in literal seconds.