Little things change after that. Or maybe, Daryl thinks, it's always been like this between him and Rick, only he was wound up too tight to notice. In any case, he doesn't mind. He actually rather likes it.
Likes it when Rick comes over for a quick hello every time Daryl enters a room.
Likes it that Rick's last act of each day seems to be to catch his eye and give a little nod and wink goodnight.
Likes the times when Rick comes and sits down next to Daryl on the sofa or the porch, always making sure their shoulders or legs are touching.
Likes it how Rick learns to read his mood.
When Daryl starts feeling trapped inside the house Rick brings over Judith and places her in Daryl's lap. When he thinks Daryl is up to it he involves him in conversations or takes him out on patrol with him and Michonne. When Daryl feels particularly anxious Rick suggests he visit the horse.
Rick never misjudges Daryl's mood, and if Daryl has trusted him with his life for a long time he now also begins to trust him with his soul.
One morning, two weeks after they arrived in Alexandria, Aaron tells Daryl that Deanna has asked them to start scouting for people again.
They are working with the horse again. Aaron has brought a saddle and while Daryl strokes the animal and talks to him gently Aaron approaches with the new object. They are still taking it slow, get him used to everything gradually.
When they are finishing up Aaron mentions Deanna's request. Daryl nods. "Gettin' a bit claustrophobic in here."
They agree to meet after lunch to go for a test run. Daryl has fixed Aaron's bike and is looking forward to trying it out.
He goes home for his lunch. Rick is in the kitchen preparing sandwiches.
"Good timing," he greets Daryl. "Sit down, I'll make you one too. The others are all out, and Judith is down for her sleep."
Daryl is no longer surprised by Rick's kindnesses and accepts them usually with good grace. He lays the table for both of them and gets two sodas from the fridge.
Then he goes to stand close to Rick, shifting his weight from one foot to the other for a bit. Rick looks up. "Aaron wants to go out this afternoon to scout."
Rick nods. "Good. You are starting to go stir crazy, aren't you?"
"Bit, yeah."
Rick doesn't look at him for a moment, then raises his gaze again. Daryl is aware how close they are standing. He mostly doesn't notice it now, it's become so normal. And it's not just Rick anymore either, he himself seeks out the closest spot to Rick whenever possible. Just like he did now.
Now Rick leans in even closer. His hand comes up and sneaks behind Daryl's neck. Only weeks ago Daryl would have flinched away, now he holds perfectly still, keeping his eyes locked with the other man. He feels Rick's hand thread into his hair, stroking his neck.
"Just make sure you come back to me in one piece." Rick's voice is only a whisper, but Daryl has never heard a message so loud and clear.
Daryl enjoys spending the afternoon outside and hearing about Aaron and Eric's experiences with survivors. They don't come across any people on their first foray, and only once do they encounter walkers.
When they are on the way back Daryl realizes that his thoughts have been full of Rick all afternoon, reliving the moments in the kitchen, Rick's hand in his hair. For the first time in his life Daryl yearns to get home; someone is actually anxious for him to return.
When Daryl opens the front door he is met by a quiet house. For the second time in a day there is only Rick to greet him. Daryl has a sneaking suspicion that this might not be chance. Maybe Rick thinks Daryl still needs his space, just like the horse.
But for once, Daryl actually doesn't want space. He's just been out, riding his bike and enjoying it. Now, his mind is on other things. He goes into the kitchen, and Rick greets him with a smile. He is leaning against the counter in the middle of the room.
"Good day? Want something to eat?"
Daryl shakes his head. "Maybe later. Rick…" he begins, but then doesn't know what to say next. But there is more than one way to communicate. Daryl closes the distance between them, until they are only inches apart. He puts his hand on Rick's chest, not looking at him.
Rick holds perfectly still. He neither moves closer nor does he shy away. With a sigh Daryl leans in and rests his forehead on Rick's shoulder. He remains like this for what feels like a long time, inhaling the other man's scent. He smells of the soap they are all using, of gun oil and a little bit of Judith, too.
Daryl feels Rick's hand on his shoulder and looks up. There is a question in Rick's eyes when they meet Daryl's, and Daryl hopes that Rick can read the answer in his face.
Evidently, Rick can. He places his other hand on Daryl's chin and tilts his head up, brings it close, until they are almost nose to nose.
And then they are kissing, slowly and hesitantly at first, but with more and more fervor as the minutes pass. When they break apart to catch their breath Rick speaks. "I've been wanting to do this for a long time, you know?"
"Then why didn' ya?" Daryl is a bit breathless, but also amused. "Wouldn't have said no." He considers this for a moment. "Prob'ly."
"Didn't want to spook the horses," Rick smiles. "Was worried I'd scare you off, and that would be that. You finally showed me how to do it right."
Daryl knows Rick means he's been approaching him like he himself approaches the horse. Daryl can see the logic. He knows he's more of a wild animal than anyone Rick has ever known, so in his book Rick's was a clever move, and Daryl is grateful.
Now, though, he wants to reap the reward of the long preparation just as much as Rick. Daryl glances down and hooks a finger into one of the belt loops on Rick's jeans. He pulls the other man close and goes in for another kiss. This time it's rough and fast, lips and tongues exploring. Daryl hopes Rick won't mind some stubble burn on his newly shaven face.
For Daryl the kissing isn't enough for long. He lets his hand glide down Rick's body, feeling the muscular arms, his flat stomach, finally coming to rest on the bulge in Rick's jeans.
Rick pulls away. "Daryl…" he seems unsure how to say it, even now. "Are you sure? Do you want this? We can take our time, there's no rush…"
"No," Daryl interrupts. "You've waited long enough. I'm ready… we are." And with that Daryl takes Rick's hand and leads him towards the stairs, and a new experience for them both.