I SHIP IT

Once again want to reiterate how significant it was that they had Jesus

1) Be at the sanctuary to begin with

2) Stay at the sanctuary specifically for Daryl

3) Witness Daryl beating fat Joey to death. And Jesus is taken aback. But it’s not out of horror or judgment for what Daryl is doing/has done. It’s for Daryl himself. Jesus is concerned for him. He is taken aback about the horrible condition Daryl is in and what he’s been driven to do. Daryl is in a complete frenzy in that moment- he seems outside of himself, almost unaware.

4) And Jesus has the most…perfect response he could ever have. He says Daryl’s name- not loud or demanding, just trying to gently capture his attention. And when it doesn’t work the first time, Jesus repeats it a little softer. And then Daryl sees him, he doesn’t see someone looking at him like he’s a monster or a threat or a pawn in some game. He sees someone who obviously cares, who is there for him and making sure he’s okay.

5) And let’s think about this for a minute: Jesus saw how Negan treated Daryl but he still has no idea what Daryl has been through, not totally. Therefore, he doesn’t know if Daryl has been brainwashed or gaslighted. Even with him killing Joey, it doesn’t prove he’s on the same side as Jesus. There’s still no way of knowing how aware Daryl is in that moment and if he could hurt someone else. AND their first meeting wasn’t exactly flowers and hugs. But Jesus doesn’t look scared of Daryl. He doesn’t think Daryl is going to attack him. He knows better. And Daryl sees that reflected when he looks at Jesus.

5) Jesus is there to WITNESS what likely amounts to Daryl’s lowest moment. He’s been through the worst trauma he’s likely experienced since he was a child. He’s filthy. He’s completely vulnerable. He’s alone, separated from his family, those who love him the most. And it’s not Rick that brings him back. It’s not Carol. It’s Jesus.

For no other reason than they made it be Jesus.

Okay, I’m putting my shipper goggles on for a small breakdown of this GIF/moment.

To someone else, this just looks like Daryl being annoyed and frustrated that this man keeps being thrown on him.

But, look a little bit closer.

Every time Jesus landed on him, he’d look at Rick. He’d examine Rick’s reaction to Jesus laying on him.

Every. Single. Time.

It’s ESPECIALLY noticeable here. It’s like he’s looking for Rick’s approval, or something.

Every time I watch this scene, I think back to what Norman said about Daryl being a “prison gay” in a rather dated interview.

When Daryl is confronted with the idea of being gay, he gets all awkward and off-putting. That’s what Reedus meant by “prison gay”.

So, I think if Rick weren’t there, he’d be fine with Jesus laying on him.

He seemed to be mulling it over, here, too.

I mean, just look!

And then this asshole comes along and throws everything in a tilt-a-whirl.

Oh god and that super underrated moment when Jesus is telling them about the Hilltop and Daryl like “casually” rests his arm on a random shelf IN THE WEIRDEST, MOST AWKWARD WAY IMAGINABLE. Someone with giffing skills really needs to link that gif bc it was like “Daryl what the hell are you doing?” The body language was so….weird and out of place for how Daryl normally acts.

Daryl & Jesus -> “Ain’t a prick no more.”

Always keeping my eyes on you

“You mean as in like a lovey dovey thing?” (This took me HOURS omg)