Argh I've been trying to write shorter chapters for this fic, but it's just not happening! Sorry :/

Chapter 10 - Row, row, row your boat

Tahlia was confused.

She felt like she was staring at an equation, and although she knew what it should equal, no matter how many times she crunched the numbers, the resulting sum kept turning out to be more. Much more.

It looked simple enough: Daryl had found out it was her birthday and had made a small gesture based on a recent conversation. That's all.

But the bit that wasn't adding up was the very clear memory of Amber complaining how Daryl didn't acknowledge her birthday even though she'd reminded him, and Frankie's comment that 'Daryl doesn't make a deal of anything for anyone. He probably doesn't even say happy birthday to Merle'.

So.

Tahlia was confused.

And in an effort to keep herself from sinking any deeper into that confusion, she kept herself busy.

She'd been to yoga, walked laps around the park, cleaned the bathroom, had brunch with Michonne, done her washing, called her aunt, gifted the meaningless flowers from her dad to her downstairs neighbor, and all that had only taken her through to early-Saturday afternoon, so now she was baking.

Specifically, she was baking brownies with some of the shit-ton of chocolate Daryl had given her. She didn't know if they would work out, and she didn't care. She just needed to keep busy.

And then a welcome distraction appeared in the form of Andrea.

"Hi honey, how you doing? How was yesterday?" Andrea greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and a huge, squeezy hug.

"Lovely, thanks." replied Tahlia into Andrea's shoulder. "Apart from the fact that I am now officially in my 30's."

"Well, you don't look a day over 29!" teased Andrea as she pulled back to hold Tahlia at arm's length. "Seriously though, how are you?"

"Great! Honestly, I had such a nice day." Tahlia told her as she turned to wipe down the bench. "I was wondering though - did you tell anyone that it was my birthday yesterday?"

"Oh." Andrea's eyes widened. "Yeah, I did. Merle and Daryl wanted to know where you were last night, so I told them why you weren't there. I uh… I told them all of it, Tahls. About your family. I'm really sorry, but they were asking and -"

"It's fine! It's fine." Tahlia assured her easily. "It's not a secret, you know that. But… you stayed at their place last night, didn't you? I mean, did you guys come back here?"

"No?" said Andrea blankly, then her memory sparked. "Oh, wait! Yeah, Daryl drove me back here so I could pick up my notes for that workshop today. We weren't here long though, like, ten minutes. Then we went back to theirs. Why's that?"

"No reason." said Tahlia lightly, deciding that, for the moment, she'd be keeping Daryl's gift to herself, and swung into a change of subject. "Oh my gosh, I haven't even asked you how everything went today! Was it all good?"

"Ah, yes! It went so well!" exclaimed Andrea, quickly forgetting about Tahlia's earlier line of questioning and launching into a retelling of that morning's events. When she was done, she moseyed over to the fridge for some water. "If you don't have plans tonight, we should go out for dinner."

"Plans?" laughed Tahlia. "I'm a sad, over-the-hill, 30-something. Of course I don't have plans!"

Andrea snorted and flicked her arm. "Thirty is not a 30-something. You've got a whole year before you can claim that title. And all that you're over, is overworked and overtired."

"Please don't start about my coffee addiction."

"I won't." promised Andrea with a smile. "But I would love to take you out for some Thai food."

"My favorite! So, no Merle tonight? I get you all to myself?"

"A rare thing these days, I know! God, we do spend so much time together, huh? I should just move my things into his place." Then at the look on Tahlia's face, she squeezed her arm. "Don't worry, I'm not bailing on you any time soon, promise. I still need the illusion of having my own space. Ugh, you know, he wants to take me fishing tomorrow?! Hey, you should come!"

"With you and Merle?" scoffed Tahlia. "No thanks. I'll be surprised if you take your hands off one another long enough to get any fishing done. I'd much rather sit here with my no plans and my tray of brownies."

Sunday morning saw Tahlia up early as always, laughing a goodbye to a bleary-eyed Andrea who was shepherded out the door before eight by a loudly impatient Merle.

Enjoying a slow coffee and a few chapters of The God of Small Things out on the balcony while the city stretched and yawned around her, Tahlia was contemplating cleaning the oven, even though she really didn't damn well want to, when she heard her phone ring.

Taking a few moments to locate it from between two sofa cushions, she was certain she'd miss the call – and then when she saw it was an unknown number, she considered just leaving it anyway, but, assuming it would be work-related, she answered in her politest tone.

There was no introduction or real pleasantries from the caller, just a gruff, "Hey. Y'up to anythin' today?"

"What? Who is…?" But she'd recognize that gravelly voice anywhere. "Uh… Daryl?"

"Oh. Yeah. It's me."

"Um… how'd you get my number?"

"Found it on Merle's phone. Ya mind?"

"No! No, course not, I –"

"Good." he interrupted, obviously keen to get to the point and get this over with. "Takin' my bike out for a ride real soon. Thought if y'ain't busy ya might wanna come."

Tahlia's mouth dropped open and she was fairly sure that the sound of her jaw hitting the floor must have echoed down the line. "Really? I would love - oh, wait, I still don't have a helmet."

There was a breath of silence, then Daryl said, "Got a spare ya can use. 'Til ya get one of your own. Come get ya at ten."

And then he was gone.

Tahlia heard his bike long before she saw it, and rubbing her hands nervously on her thighs, she headed outside to meet him.

"Hi!" she greeted him as he killed the engine and pulled his helmet off. "Do I look ok?"

Daryl stared at her like she was certifiable, because (just quietly) she looked incredible no matter what she was wearing.

At his expression, Tahlia laughed and gestured to her jeans, sneakers and black leather jacket. "I mean, is what I'm wearing ok for the bike, or do I need to change?"

Understanding now, he nodded, a corner of his lip quirking. "Yeah. Could almost pass for a biker chick. Just need this." He unclipped a second helmet from the back of his bike and passed it to her. "Old one of mine. It'll do ya."

Taking it from him, Tahlia ran a hand over the smooth surface, then drew her gaze to his. "So… thank you. For the… bouquet. It was very sweet. Literally."

Although pink tinged his cheeks, he rolled his eyes at her lame joke, and just gave a brief incline of his head in acknowledgement. Working his lower lip between his teeth for a moment, he then glanced up at her. "Andrea told me 'bout your family."

"I know."

"It's a lot."

"Mm. It was all a long time ago." avowed Tahlia softly. "She told me some about yours, as well. That's a lot, too."

"Long time ago." echoed Daryl quietly, then he chanced another glance up at her. "M'sorry I been callin' ya Silver."

Letting out a loud laugh at that, Tahlia shook her head. "Don't be. I liked having a nickname from you. Even if it was kind of an asshole one."

Pressing his lips together didn't do much to hide Daryl's small smile, but he wrinkled his nose apologetically. "Guess I was off the mark with that."

"No, you weren't." conceded Tahlia. "I mean, I didn't grow up with money, but I do have some now. My dad put a whole lot in an account for me when I turned 25. Haven't touched it yet, but… guess it constitutes money bags." she shrugged.

"Yeah, well…" Daryl didn't know how to tell her that didn't matter to him anymore. That he doubted there was a single thing he could learn about her that would make him re-erect those walls he once had against her; so he just flicked his fingers at her thigh.

"Ready to go for that ride? There's this lake 'bout an hour northeast. Little town. Real pretty. Nice road out."

Tahlia nodded, and pulled on the helmet he'd given her, and though Daryl knew it was unnecessary, he stood and fastened the chin strap for her, one finger lingering a little too long on her jawline, soaking in the fluttering vibration of her pulse.

Then she was behind him, no timidity this time as she secured her arms around his waist and gave him a little happy squeeze, which earned her an immediate slap on the hands, and he could feel the shudder of her laugh against his back as he gunned the bike out onto the road.

Tahlia thought that the ride out to the lake was incredible – a shimmering blue sky over beautiful scenery and winding, open roads. Not to mention the thrill of being on the motorbike - the speed, the lean, the air, and the most thrilling thing of all which she absolutely, point-blank refused to let herself dwell on for more than a second at a time – Daryl Dixon between her legs.

She could get used to this.

She could definitely get used to this.

Even though her butt was nearly numb after being on the bike for so long, she was still a little disappointed when Daryl slowed as they reached the small lakeside town, driving through quaint, quiet streets to park near the edge of the wide, glassy lake. After securing their helmets to the bike and having a quick stretch, Daryl gestured to the lake.

"Wanna walk 'long the shore or somethin'? Get some feelin' back in your ass." Immediately regretting his choice of words, because she did not need to know that the wellbeing of her ass was currently at the forefront of his mind.

Tahlia snickered and elbowed him as they headed down to the sandy foreshore, shucking their jackets off in the late-morning warmth. "You mean yours isn't numb, too?"

"My seat's got more paddin' than yours. Hey, ya see that heron take off right in front of us when we were comin' over the hill?"

"Oh my God, yeah, I thought we were going to smash straight into it."

"Stupid fuckin' thing." grumbled Daryl. "Y'alright on the ride?"

"Yes!" enthused Tahlia. "It was amazing!"

He couldn't help but smile at that, pleased that something he loved was something she loved, too.

"So…" she ventured, glancing up at him as they walked. "What made you ask me to come with you today? Thought that hanging out with me would be the last thing on your list."

He let the silence hang heavy between them for a long moment, time marked by the soft lap of waves on the shore, then he puffed out a breath and gave a noncommittal shrug.

"You wanted to go for another ride, and I wanted to take ya. So."

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Tahlia poorly attempting to hide a smug smile, and he rolled his eyes in preparation for a smart remark from her, but before she could say anything, a man on the beach just up ahead called out to them.

"Buongiorno! Hello! Hire a boat and explore our beautiful lake!" He gestured to several row boats lined up on the sand around the mouth of the nearby jetty. "Never a better day for it! The water is glass!"

Tahlia just sent a polite smile his way, so he tried again.

"Half price just for you, pretty lady! Row around the island! See some trout!"

"Ooh, trout!" she grinned at Daryl, her eyes sparkling. "Say no more!"

He snorted at that, then raked a contemplative gaze over the boats, before glancing at Tahlia with a shrug.

"Ya wanna?"

Huffing out a little laugh, Tahlia shrugged right back. "Let's do it."

"Yes!" exclaimed the man, clapping his hands as Tahlia fished some money out of her pocket and paid him. "Come, come. This is your boat!"

Pushing a tired looking vessel with flaking pastel green paint into the water, he waded in up to his knees, the water soaking the bottom of his shorts as he dragged it to the edge of the jetty, securing it with a loop of rope before beckoning them over.

First tossing their jackets into the bow, Tahlia gingerly stepped off the edge of the jetty into the boat – it wasn't a big step and she normally had great balance, but she could imagine that it would be just her luck to go toppling head first into the water right in front of Daryl. Thankfully that didn't happen, but she clung to one side of the boat in an awkward-half crouch as Daryl climbed in after her.

She looked up at him sheepishly. "I don't actually know how to row."

He scoffed and pointed to the stern. "Get your ass at the back, then." Then he settled himself on the wide center bench seat facing her and took the oars as the man untied them and gave them a push away from the jetty.

"One hour! Enjoy!"

Effortlessly, Daryl rowed them out toward the small island in the middle of the lake, and although it was all very beautiful, Tahlia was finding it hard to concentrate on much other than the mesmerizing contraction of Daryl's muscles with every stroke.

She decided talking might help to distract her from that, so she flipped her hair over one shoulder. "Ooh, should I be reciting poetry or something?"

"Don't even think 'bout it." Daryl immediately growled.

"How about a song?"

"You're goin' straight overboard if ya start singin'."

Tahlia laughed and shifted slightly so she could trail her hand behind her across the top of the water. "You know, when I woke up this morning, this is about the very last thing I imagined I'd be doing today."

"You and me both, girl." agreed Daryl, turning to look over his shoulder at the nearing hilled, rocky land mass in the center of the lake, tree-lined and empty, save for the wildlife.

"Ain't allowed to walk 'round on there no more, it's protected, but back when we were kids ya could." Daryl told her. "My uncle'd bring us up here sometimes, take a boat out, set up for the day under them trees, go fishin', swimmin', explorin', carvin' our names all over the place."

Tahlia loved that he was loosening up enough around her to share little pieces of himself unbidden, and happily listened to him relate some of his memories, slotting in a few light questions here and there to eke more details out of him, to keep that soft look of nostalgia on his face.

Rowing around the far side of the island, Daryl pulled the oars in as the water shallowed, and pointed over the side of the boat.

"There's your trout."

With a delighted laugh, Tahlia peered over the edge, managing to spot a few of the brown speckled fish darting and flitting beneath them.

After they'd bobbed around for a while, Daryl slapped his hands on his knees.

"Right. Your turn. Swap places."

With a nervous look and a nod, Tahlia did as she was told, and took up the oars.

"Gotta hold 'em right at the ends. Yeah, like that."

"Oh my God." Tahlia muttered, "I'm not sure if I can…" She trailed off as she attempted a lopsided first stroke.

"Better hurry up and learn, otherwise we gonna be stuck out here for a long time."

Settling himself back to lean against the lip of the boat, Daryl watched in amusement as Tahlia, with intense concentration, attempted to row. Very, very badly. His expression soon turned perplexed.

"How the hell are ya managin' to make that look so fuckin' difficult?!"

"Because it is difficult!" insisted Tahlia, trying to keep a serious look on her face. "We can't all be as exceptionally talented as you!"

Daryl scoffed. "It's rowin' a boat. There's a damn nursery rhyme 'bout it coz that's how easy it is!"

Laughing, Tahlia kicked at his foot. "Shut up. Stop distracting me, I have to concentrate."

Folding his arms, Daryl fixed her with a judgmental stare. "That oar ain't barely hittin' the water! Gonna have us goin' round in circles, y'know."

"Ugh!" complained Tahlia in defeat. "Honestly, I feel like it would be faster if we just swam back."

Daryl chuckled and shook his head. "You're hopeless, girl." Then he stood up. "Alright. Lemme help."

Tahlia started to shift forward so they could switch places again, but Daryl pointed a finger at her.

"Nope. Stay right there. Y'ain't gettin' outta this that easy."

Obediently she stayed, squealing as the boat lurched dangerously side to side with his movement. He stepped behind her, placing one hand on her shoulder as he pushed his shin against her back, nudging her forward on the bench seat. Then he slid down to sit right behind her, his chest pressed against her back and his legs on either side of hers, thighs locked around her, and Tahlia choked a little in surprise.

"'Kay." he said lowly, the word rough and warm against the back of her neck. "Gonna teach ya."

Placing his hands just below hers on the oars, he slowly demonstrated the motion, explaining the angles to aim for.

Even though his mouth was practically against her ear, it was very difficult for her to hear what he was saying because her heart was slamming so loudly in her chest.

"So gonna angle 'em into the water, then pull, lean back, use your legs. Got it? Let's try."

He started to row slowly and Tahlia's eyelids flickered as she felt all his muscles bunching around her, and she let out a desperate little whimper.

"Jesus. God help me."

Daryl didn't quite catch what she'd muttered, so he leaned closer. "Y'ok?"

Um, NO! She wanted to say. No, I'm NOT fucking ok, call an ambulance immediately.

But she shook a bit of sense into herself because this was Daryl. He wasn't the kind of guy for ulterior motives, subtle flirtation or sly seduction – she imagined that if he wanted someone, he'd just stomp right over, then stomp off again when he was done. So she knew that no matter how her traitorous body might respond, for him, this was just the timid beginnings of an uncommon friendship, and the sooner she got her body under control, the sooner she could just enjoy this friendship for what it was.

So she coughed and hoped her voice wasn't too breathy when she replied, "Yep! I got it."

But even with Daryl's immersive method of teaching, she didn't, not really; and although she had soon acclimated enough to his proximity to regain normal brain function, she still hadn't managed to perfect the timing, and after bumping her head on his chin three times as they moved out of sync, Daryl made an exasperated noise.

"Leanin' back too late."

"Sorry!" apologized Tahlia lightly, then bumped his chin again.

Feeling Daryl's sigh right against her neck as much as she heard it, she then felt his left arm wrap firmly around her waist and she gasped.

"Move with me, Silver." he murmured into her ear - no spite, only fondness in the nickname now - and he began to row with one hand, keeping her body pinned against his with his other so she had no choice but to follow his motion.

Then he chuckled, a low throaty noise against her shoulder. "But ya still gotta row. You're in sole charge of that left oar, now. Can't just leave it hangin'."

Tahlia was still equal parts turned on, amused and bewildered by this situation, but she forced herself to concentrate only on the funny side and ignore all the rest.

"Ok, ok!" she giggled, trying to prove that she was capable of multitasking even with Daryl's relentless dry mockery in her ear, and soon they managed to get into a decent enough rhythm that Daryl let go of her waist to put his hand back on the oar (he didn't want to, but they really would end up going in circles).

"You know," said Tahlia, leaning back on Daryl after she'd received another gruff scolding about angles, "If it wasn't for you barking orders in my ear every five seconds, this would almost be relaxing."

"Relaxin'?!" declared Daryl incredulously. "This is 'bout as relaxin' as sharin' a boat with a baby giraffe!"

Tahlia tipped her head back to laugh at the absurdity of his remark, accidentally brushing her cheek against his, because his head was bowed over her shoulder. Then she quickly grew serious.

"Wait. Am I the giraffe in that scenario?!"

"Well," smirked Daryl, "Your rowin' skills are probably 'bout on the same level. Actually, that ain't fair to the giraffe."

Elbowing him indignantly as she cracked up again, Daryl couldn't help but chuckle too, and it wasn't until he ended up with some of her hair in his mouth that his brain churned back into gear and blared the question he'd so far successfully been ignoring – what the hell was he doing?

Teachin' her to row a boat. He told himself stubbornly. What kinda person doesn't know how to damn well row? And, he added for good measure, we just spent an hour on the bike in the reverse of this position, so what the fuck difference does it make to sit like this with her now?

But the fact that he was getting so defensive about it to himself spoke volumes.

Puffing out a sigh of irritation, annoyed that he'd let himself think too much and feel all awkward and ruin the moment, he tapped her thigh and pointed to the opposite seat.

"Alright. Scoot. Ya done enough."

"Aw, I was getting the hang of it."

"Ya think? Well, I wanna get home 'fore midnight, so I'll take it from here."

"How rude." she huffed good-naturedly as she reluctantly moved to the stern, feeling much more in control of her faculties now that there was breathing room between them, and gave him a cheeky grin. "Thanks for the lesson."

His lips quirked and his cheeks warmed, but he attempted a withering look all the same. "Didn't do ya much good, though, did it?"

Laughing, Tahlia flipped him off and shook her head and contentedly lounged back as he rowed them to the jetty.

Climbing out of the boat, they were greeted by their enthusiastic boat-man.

"Hello! How was it?!"

"Oh, very relaxing." grinned Tahlia, making Daryl snort out a little laugh behind her.

"Here, wait! Now I take your picture. It is included in the hire." He lifted a Polaroid camera from around his neck. "Smile! Ah, yes. Beautiful couple."

There was no point in correcting him, so they just thanked him as he shook the picture then tacked it onto a card printed with a wide shot of the lake.

Walking off the jetty, Tahlia held the picture up for Daryl to see.

"Aw! Look how cute we are!"

The snap had been taken just as Daryl had ducked his head bashfully, a little smile on the corner of his lips and his eyes on Tahlia who was looking up at him over her shoulder, her face bright with amusement.

Rolling his eyes, Daryl nudged her. "Shuddup. Ain't cute."

"You want to keep this, or should I?"

Daryl wanted it, but he couldn't tell her that. "S'all yours."

"Don't worry, I'll make you a copy. Or maybe I'll have it put on a t-shirt for you." teased Tahlia. "Now, all that rowing has left me starving! Want to get something to eat?"

"Huh." he smirked. "Didn't know that watchin' someone do all the work could make ya hungry."

Wandering back up to the main drag, they found a little coffee shop, and sat at one of the outside tables with sandwiches and coffee.

"Hey," said Daryl through a mouthful of bread. "I been thinkin' 'bout your car."

"Rhonda the Honda, you mean?" asked Tahlia innocently.

Daryl fixed her with a flat look as he swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "Yeah. Your car."

"Mm hmm - Rhonda."

"Ain't callin' it that."

"It's a 'she', and I'm sorry, but I can't discuss her with you unless you're going to call her by her name."

Staring at her dangerously for a long moment, Daryl heaved a tortured sigh. "Fine. Thinkin' 'bout Rhonda and –"

"Her full name."

Daryl tore off a piece of his crust and fired it straight at Tahlia's face, where it bounced off her forehead.

"Naw."

Laughing, Tahlia rubbed at her head then held a hand in the air, conciliatory. "Ok, ok! We'll meet in the middle. What about her?"

"Thinkin' ya need to trade it in. I mean, you could fix it up, get a new battery and all that, but still, the safety ratin' ain't that good."

"Aw, you care about my safety?" teased Tahlia.

Daryl frowned. "Course I do."

His frankness took her by surprise, and the smile quickly dropped from her lips. "Oh… ok."

"Anyway, there's a used car lot down the road from my work, seen a couple of nice options there that might suit ya. If you're interested."

"Ugh." groaned Tahlia, propping her chin up on one hand. "Thanks, but I don't know the first thing about cars. I wouldn't have a clue what I'm even looking for. I think I'll just bury my head in the sand for a bit longer and pretend that Rhonda's just fine."

First taking a big gulp of his coffee, Daryl then said, "I know cars. I'll come with ya. Help ya find one."

"Really?!" beamed Tahlia. "You would do that?!"

A one shouldered shrug was all she got in response, but she was happy to take that as assent, until a realization dawned and her face clouded over.

"You don't have to do all this, you know. Like, hang out with me and be nice and do things for me just because I helped Merle."

Staring at her, his expression inscrutable, Daryl then shook his head. "That ain't why."

"You sure?" asked Tahlia, "Because it feels like all of a sudden you've gone from barely speaking to me to… to…" she gestured between them, "…this. And I just… oh. Is it because of what Andrea told you? You feel sorry for me, or something?"

"Naw." Daryl immediately replied, narrowing his eyes. "Nothin' to do with none of that."

Tahlia's brows were raised in question and she hadn't taken her eyes from him, so Daryl turned his attention to a knot in the table and started scratching at it with his thumb.

"I don't do shit I don't wanna do." he mumbled tetchily. "And bein' 'round ya ain't as bad as I thought it would be."

Tahlia could see that he felt put on the spot, so she opted to keep things light and let out a short laugh. "Wow, that's some seriously high praise from you! Ok then, if you don't mind helping me, that would be amazing. When suits?"

Relieved that she'd glossed over what he'd just said, he peered back up at her again. "I gotta work next Saturday, but am free the one after that if ya wanna do it then?"

"Perfect." smiled Tahlia, reaching for her mug. "So, Merle tells me you've been working at that place for a few years now. Says you're doing really well. Practically running the show. Would you think about going out on your own?"

"Actually…" started Daryl, his thumbnail between his teeth, "I ain't told no one this yet, but my boss has been talkin' to me 'bout buyin' into the business. He wants to start steppin' back a bit, then bail out in the next five or six years, hand the business over to someone else. So he wanted to give me first option, like, buy in a little now, then eventually the whole thing when he goes."

"Wow, that's great!"

"Uh, yeah, I guess. But I dunno if it's a good idea. I don't know shit 'bout managin' a business."

"I bet you'll find that you know way more than you think you do." Tahlia assured him. "You've already had a hand in managing the staff, and there's plenty of time for you to learn before you take sole charge. It could be a great option – a way to own part of the business without having to put up a whole lot of cash now, you get to help make the decisions, and you have someone to shoulder the responsibility with while you're finding your feet."

"Hmm. Guess it would be cool to know I'm workin' towards ownin' my own business." mused Daryl, nodding slowly. "So… ya think I should do it?"

"Well," shrugged Tahlia, "That really depends on the terms. Have you seen the books? What percentage share is he offering? And will you be a co-owner or partner?"

Daryl's face opened in panic. "Uh… I dunno… I… I ain't sure exactly what… fuck." He folded his arms moodily. "I don't know shit. This ain't a good idea. Ain't gonna be able to do this."

"Whoa, whoa." Tahlia reached out and lightly tapped the table in front of him. "You absolutely can do this! You just need some help to understand what's on offer and if it's a good move for you."

Daryl remained silent and miserable, so Tahlia spoke again.

"I'm offering. To help. Read through the terms and all that."

"Really?" Daryl's brows pitched hopefully.

"Yes, but…" Tahlia wrinkled her nose. "I do criminal law, not corporate, so I'm not exactly the best person for the job – "

"Never mind, then." he interrupted, his face darkening again. "I'm just gonna –"

"Shh!" she hushed him with a laugh. "That doesn't mean I'm completely useless to you. I'm still going to help. We can start by going through the documents together, and it just so happens that Michonne does corporate law, so I'll get her to have a flick through as well."

Chewing on his lip, Daryl began to look heartened, and he nodded. "Alright, yeah, that'd be good, thanks. I'll talk to Axel and probably have something by the end of the week."

"Ok, shall we do it on the weekend? I have a thing on Friday night. Saturday? Oh, no, you're working."

"Finish at 4. Could come round after that? If… if y'ain't got plans."

"I mean, I do have a date with my blanket, pizza and the tv, but I suppose I could reschedule that if I had to." grinned Tahlia, and Daryl was helpless but to smile right back at her in return.

After lunch, they ambled down the street, and Tahlia sparked up with childlike enthusiasm as a secondhand book shop came into view, and she tugged Daryl straight inside.

She pored over book after book complete with dust and tea-stains, and he ribbed her for being a giant nerd, and she tried to keep a straight face and ignore him. When he started fake-sneezing and loudly declaring that the dust was giving him allergies, drawing disapproving glares from the owner, Tahlia, through her giggles, shoved him back out onto the street.

Then he spotted an antiques store across the road, and dragged her there, where he scrutinized the woodwork of weary cabinets and inspected rusty tins while she fake-yawned and teased him for being an 'old timer into old tut'. Then, after flicking through a box of worn 45's, Daryl turned around to find that Tahlia was nowhere to be seen. Searching through the store, he eventually found her in a corner on her knees in front of a bookshelf, her nose buried in a beaten-up paperback. Suppressing a smile, he sighed loudly, pulled her to her feet, forced her to relinquish the book, and marched her out of the store with a playful, "C'mon, ya big geek."

They walked slowly back to the bike, peering in shop windows and pointing things out to one another, and at one point, while Tahlia was engaged in polite conversation with an old woman selling homemade jams outside a textiles store, Daryl stood a few paces away and took a breath. A moment of reflection.

When he'd phoned her that morning, he hadn't really been thinking. Hadn't let himself. Because if he thought too much about anything, he got all tangled in knots. So, with zero expectations, he'd offered her a ride and refused to think about anything beyond that. Yet somehow, it had led to all this.

He didn't know what this was, but it was surprising, and he liked it.

He did know this much, though: she was relaxed and soft and sweet and easy company and he enjoyed hanging out with her and wanted to do it again.

On the ride home, torn between an urge to wrap her in cottonwool and an urge to thrill her, he compromised by taking it easy on the corners and gunning it on the straights. Although, there was one maneuver that landed undeniably in the thrill category - on a long, empty stretch of road, he picked up speed and pulled the bike into a brief wheel stand, feeling her laughter against his back as she clenched her arms around him. When both wheels were back on the ground, he patted her hand to check that she was ok and she gave his fingers an exhilarated squeeze.

When they finally arrived back at the apartment, Tahlia slid off the bike and pulled her helmet off, laying it on the ground at her feet so she could run her hands through her hair, and although Daryl stayed on the bike, he removed his helmet too, resting it on the fuel tank.

Tahlia jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "Do you wanna come up for a bit? I've recently come into a large supply of candy, and I'd be willing to part with a piece or two."

Chuckling, he gazed up at her through his hair. He did want to come up, but after the day they'd had together he was on a high and he didn't want to ruin it by doing something stupid. Exactly what 'stupid' might look like, he wasn't sure, and that was all the more reason to take a little space and get his feet back on the ground.

"Naw. Taken up enough of your day. Gonna leave ya to it. See ya Saturday?"

"Ah well, more candy for me, then." replied Tahlia breezily. "Yes, Saturday. And I'm going to call you tomorrow and tell you exactly what information you need to get from Axel." Then she tapped his hand that was closest to her, still resting on the handlebar. "Can you just...?"

"What?" He lifted his hand free and opened his palm to the sky, unsure what she wanted.

"Perfect." she grinned, pushing it out to the side so she could step in close to him and wrap her arms around his shoulders in a hug.

He gave a loud groan of protest, but slipped an arm around her waist all the same.

"Thanks for today." she said when she finally released him. "It was a lot of fun. Oh, here." Picking up the helmet, she held it out to him. "This is yours."

Squinting up at her, he shook his head. "Nah. You hold on to that for now. Might need it again sometime soon."

Then in a roar, he was gone, and Tahlia was left with a helmet in her hands, a warmth in her belly, and a smile on her face that was bright enough to light up the heavens.

And although she was no less confused as to the reasoning behind the birthday gesture, she decided it didn't matter. Didn't matter why he'd done any of the things he'd done for her, because slowly, they were getting closer.

And to her, that's all that mattered.