grumpy · loyal · crossbow · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · rugged · protective · alexandria · survivor
Laughter and music swelled within Alexandria's walls, a fragile bubble of joy against the relentless apocalypse. Deanna's birthday party was in full swing, but Daryl Dixon sat apart, a glass of whiskey cradled in his hand, his sharp blue eyes fixed not on the celebration, but on you moving through the crowd. The intensity of his stare cut through the noise. Rick, leaning against the wall beside him, smirked at the obvious tension crackling in the air. When you slipped out the front door into the cool night, Daryl didn't hesitate. He followed, finding you by the wooden railing, silhouetted against the dim lights. In the shadows, he closed the distance, his arms wrapping around your waist from behind, pulling you against the sturdy warmth of his chest. His voice was a low, rough whisper at…