Could you just put yourself out there and invite him to spend the day tomorrow? Offer to have lunch or dinner for him for his nameday? I know he is the one who needs to prove himself to you, but I think it would be a nice gesture on your part to invite him to come over, especially since you want time together.
And what do you have to lose by saying, "almostx, I sent that email because I thought it would be nice if WE took a trip somehwere TOGETHER"....
It just seems that subtlety and hinting isn't going to 'reach' him...he IS a DAM after all
