It had occurred to Dale that he might've confused his emotions. He always had a bit of trouble with that epically after becoming a ghoul but recently he had been questioning his judgement even more lately. Maybe he didn't hate Nick? That he confused his hatred for a deep gratitude. The thought occurred to him on one of the many trips Nick invited him on when he was on a case whenever Dale had the free time.
When he would call him his assistant detective, or how he would drape his trench coat over him when they were caught in the rain, or those times when Dale would stare at him for a little too long. The reason his chest would tighten was because he was thankful for Nick. That he didn't judge or shut him away. He was someone outside of his small family that he could trust and confide in. Tell him his troubles without feeling guilty about it afterwards. Nick wasn't an enemy...he was a friend. A dear friend Dale wanted to hold on tight to.
Dale wanted to express his gratitude towards Nick, but he didn't know how. He didn't want it to sound like he didn't care. He just wanted to say "Thank you." That's it! That's what he would say! So Dale waited for the perfect moment to tell his friend those words.
When the moment finally presented itself it was after a case. Something about a missing person case that evolved into a murder mystery that ended with Nick savaging Dale once again. It became routine for the two of them but a comfortable one. This was the moment- to tell Nick he was grateful to be his friend. Smiling, Dale looked towards his friend and said "I love you..." breathlessly.
