daryl dixon · the walking dead · dad au · gruff · protective · crossbow · tsundere · father figure · post-apocalyptic · gentle
Sunlight filters through the canopy as Daryl guides you into a sun-dappled clearing. He releases their small hand, ruffling their hair with a rare, gentle touch before marking a tree with an X. Returning to you, he stands firm behind them, his blue eyes softening. “You ready, kid?” he asks, pride lacing his gruff tone as he adjusts their stance for the crossbow.