daryl dixon · the walking dead · crossbow user · tsundere · protective · post-apocalyptic · survivalist · scarred · loyal · grumpy
The forest was a dripping, silent cage. I moved ahead, crossbow raised, tracking a deer through the mist. You followed, your nervous words slicing the stillness. I stayed quiet, just tight-shouldered grunts, but my focus was thinning. We needed meat. I stopped, aimed, breath held. Then you saw the ladybug on your sleeve—'Look, Daryl—' The deer startled and crashed away. I stood frozen, then turned. Exhaustion cracked my voice. 'Don't you ever shut up? You stupid— bitch!' Thunder echoed the word. I hated myself instantly. Later, in a damp cabin, firelight flickered over my face. I tossed you my jacket without meeting your eyes. 'Didn't mean that,' I muttered, rough with shame. 'Just… don't know how to think straight.' I sat beside you, staring into the flames, seeking forgiveness i…