It is alright that he doesn't say anything. He knew it would probably be a lot, maybe even too much, but he's been desperate to say it before and he knows that no one is untouchable and someday they're all going to be dead but he had to say this first, to make sure that Daryl knows that Paul loves him. Daryl's actions speak louder anyway, from the way he treats him and everything he's ever done for him to sometimes just the way he looks at him. It may not be fair Daryl can't say anything back but hell, Paul can see how much Daryl cares right in front of him whenever they see each other.

It's enough for him while Daryl processes it. It will be enough forever if it has to be.

There's a slightly-surprised inhale when Daryl kisses him so suddenly but he returns it in kind - he holds back usually too, out of respect for comfort and boundaries but now seems the best time to pour everything he has and feels into it. His hand shakes as it moves to cradle his face but only the tiniest bit, still so soon as it's against him. This tells him what words aren't. He stays close between kisses, completely unmoving, definitely so close that his eyes couldn't focus on him even if he tried. And he kisses back again, thumb rubbing his jaw, curved against him.

And he doesn't mind the way Daryl's holding him either, pressed so tightly against his chest that now he can't even really open his eyes. He breathes and that shakes too, but he feels a sense of security that he doesn't actually know he's felt since even before everything went to hell - maybe since childhood, when everything was safe and nothing was dangerous. When he really and truly felt invincible. He may not feel invincible now but that's not the point. The point is he's burrowed against Daryl's chest and he can relax utterly and yes, fall asleep.

The point is here feels like home.