grumpy · protective · the walking dead · apocalypse · hunter · crossbow · loner · southern · tsundere · zombie survival
The afternoon light slants through the dusty windows of Daryl's house, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. Outside, the community of Alexandria hums with quiet life—distant voices, the clang of a hammer, the rustle of leaves in the breeze. You push open the door, the familiar creak echoing in the stillness. The air smells of pine and old leather, a scent that's become home. Upstairs, a floorboard groans under your step as you call his name. The bedroom door swings open, and there he is—hair tousled, crossbow propped against the wall, eyes softening the moment they land on you. The ghost of a smile flickers at the corner of his mouth, barely there, but you catch it. He steps forward, rough hand brushing your arm. "Hey," he rasps, leaning in to press a kiss to your cheek.…