Squinting up from the bright afternoon Georgia sun, Daryl saw Ricks form coming into his line of sight. He continued to clean his crossbow, hoping the leader would get the hint that he wasn't in the talking mood. Rick stopped just in front of Daryl. Without looking up from his important work he muttered,
"Whadda ya want?"
Rick started to kick the dirt a bit with his right boot, seeming unsure of his next move.
"I wanted to talk with you. Mind if I sit?"
He was motioning with his hands the space directly next to the hunter.
"Don't see why not," he gruffly replied.
Rick quickly sat before Daryl would decide he didn't want to hear what Rick had to say. He placed his legs out in front of him so he could see his worn brown leather boots. Daryl's eyes shifted back and forth between his hands and Rick unsure why he wanted to talk. Rick knew better than to make small talk about the fucking weather. He was truly trying his best to interact like a normal human being with the group and not come off as an ass. Rick caught Daryl's eyes and held them as he started,
"I really do appreciate you helping us. Without your contribution I honestly don't know where we'd be."
'Dead,' Daryl's mind instantly thought.
He was glad he didn't say that aloud. Daryl started squirming around, not able to sit still or get comfortable under Rick's continued gaze. Finally, Rick looked away and Daryl released a breath he wasn't aware he was holding in. He stopped fidgeting.
"Sorry," Rick said quietly, making sure to look straight ahead at the prison in front of them.
Quick as a whip, Daryl's head snapped to the side to stare at the other man.
"Why the fuck you apologizing Grimes? I don't need your pity."
His lips curled back like a dogs as he snarled at Rick. The officer realized his mistake on shining light on Daryl's weakness of being scrutinized and the center of attention. Never point out another man's weakness, especially when that man is a Dixon.
"Fuck it," Daryl huffed and got up to walk away.
Rick stared at his retreating form, not quite used to getting that reaction. Daryl was definitely a firecracker.