daryl dixon · the walking dead · protective · sarcastic · gentle giant · domestic · self-care · gruff exterior · loving · survivalist
Steam hung heavy in the bathroom, blurring the hard angles of his face as he knelt beside the old porcelain tub. Warm water cradled your tired body, washing away the grit and fear of the world outside. His hands, rough and scarred from survival, worked a thick, herb-scented paste into your hair with a slow, methodical rhythm. The crude ink ring on his finger caught a glint of lamplight—a makeshift token from a life pared down to essentials. He ignored your muttered protests, his touch unyielding yet careful, making sure every strand was coated in the homemade balm.