They agreed to go back to Rick's place. Daryl told Rick that he'd caught a ride with Glenn on the way to Atlanta, and Rick briefly wondered whether Daryl had planned this… God, dammit, this paranoia!
Daryl had added, "My truck's busted, no time to have it fixed," and the way he wasn't looking Rick in the eye Rick knew that wasn't the truth. He was sure now that Daryl hadn't planned this, but he knew something was going on. He didn't pry. Not his business, and he had too many problems as it was.
Once in the car Daryl was quiet. He looked out of the window and seemed almost as preoccupied now as Rick felt. More to keep his mind occupied than because he wanted to hear it Rick finally asked, "Something the matter?"
He wasn't too sure that he didn't sound impatient, but just couldn't bring himself to care. So far, the plan to distract himself from his problems was not working, and he half regretted bringing the other man along.
Daryl looked at him a little hurt, but answered after a moment, "The friend I told you about? With the douchebag husband? I saw her last night, and she's got another black eye."
Rick did feel sorry for Daryl, and the unknown woman, but right this moment all he could think of was how depressed he felt and that this wasn't helping. "Sorry to hear," was all he managed.
He could tell Daryl was still looking at him, but when Rick didn't look back or say anything else he gave a small sigh and looked out the window again. Rick normally didn't take his temper out on others, but this time he was unable to stop himself.
They arrived back at Rick's a little after 10pm. Before getting out of the car Rick leaned over and placed a hand on Daryl's arm. The other man looked at him and Rick leaned in for a kiss, almost an apology. Daryl didn't respond at once but eventually he relented and returned the kiss.
Both got out of the car, and Rick couldn't help surreptitiously checking their surroundings for anyone who might have seen them kissing, but the street was dark and deserted. He led the way into the condo and up the stairs to his apartment. They were inside quickly and Rick shut the door behind them with relief.
He didn't feel like talking, and while he knew it would have been better to offer Daryl a drink first and talk to him for a bit before making his move the rage he felt made all rational thought irrelevant. He closed in on the other man and pushed him against the wall, already busying his hands on Daryl's pants. Daryl let out a gasp in surprise and was again hesitant to respond to the kiss Rick initiated.
Daryl finally gave in and placed his hands on either side of Rick's face, almost as if to try and calm him. Rick pulled back. He wasn't interested in gentleness just now, the rage in his chest was roaring away all other emotions. He pressed himself hard against Daryl, and watched the other man's face closely. When he saw the other's expression change from surprise to resignation he pulled him away from the wall and stripped off Daryl's jacket, tossing it onto the sofa.
Then he maneuvered Daryl towards the door at the other end of the living room. Daryl came without protest now, and they were soon through into Rick's bedroom. Rick toed off his shoes at the same time as unbuttoning Daryl's shirt. He was determined to get him out of that this time.
Rick pushed Daryl harder than he really meant to onto the bed, and Daryl landed with a thump. He looked at Rick with something like alarm, but complied when Rick motioned him to move onto the mattress. Rick followed and pushed Daryl into a lying position.
"Take your shirt off," he growled. Daryl looked terrified. "Rick, what…"
"Take it off, now!"
And Rick was on top of him, pulling at the fabric and pinning Daryl down at the same time, making the whole situation impossible. He held on to Daryl's upper arms with a grip like steel, panting hard and staring down at Daryl without really seeing him.
"I said, take off your shirt." Daryl now fought back properly, trying to wriggle away from Rick.
"No, Rick. Lemme go, it hurts!"
Daryl pushed against Rick, hard, and Rick suddenly snapped back into his head. He saw the terror on the other's face and, horrified, he let go of Daryl. He shrank back off the bed and straightened up. Daryl was also on his feet, hastily buttoning his shirt.
"I better go," he mumbled, and when Rick took a step towards him he flinched badly.
Rick couldn't think what to say. "I'm sorry, man," came out without thought, sounding hollow. He reached into his jeans pocket, pulled out a crumpled twenty and held it out to Daryl.
"Take a cab."
Daryl looked for a moment as if he'd refuse but then took the money. He didn't wait for Rick to do or say anything else but hurried from the room. Rick didn't move, even when he heard the door click shut a minute later.