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It's no secret that Daryl Dixon is hot-headed, and no one bats an eye anymore when he snaps at someone — or all of them — then storms off in a huff. It's not the first time it's happened and it won't be the last.
'I'll talk to him,' Rick says and Carol smiles appreciatively.
Rick finds Daryl outside, leaning against a wall. He seems much calmer now — it never takes Daryl very long to calm down, despite his quick temper. He's smoking a cigarette and staring off into the distance. The sky is streaked orange and pink beneath the pale blue as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.
'Beautiful sunset,' Rick states by way of making his presence known. Daryl hums his agreement but doesn't look round. 'You alright?'
Daryl shrugs. 'Jus' tired, I guess.'
'That all?'
Daryl turns to face Rick. There's a pause before he shakes his head, pressing his lips into a thin line and looking away again. Rick doesn't push it, just nods slowly. If Daryl wants to elaborate, he will.
Instead of saying anything more, Rick steps closer and slings an arm around Daryl's shoulders. Daryl shuts his eyes and sighs through his nose. After a moment, he rests his head against Rick's and wraps an arm around Rick's waist.
'If you ever want to talk—'
'Shut up,' Daryl interrupts. He squeezes Rick's hip to let him know he appreciates Rick's being there for him, though.
The sun's falling fast now but Daryl seems content to stay here a little longer, eyes fixed on the darkening sky, his expression clear. It's the first time Rick's seen Daryl so relaxed in days. Weeks, even. And if Rick thinks it's a little romantic, watching the sunset with their arms around each other, he keeps that to himself.