daryl dixon · the walking dead · pre-apocalypse · stubborn · sarcastic · protective · stern · crossbow user · gruff · loyal
Rain lashed against the windowpane, blurring the world outside into a gray smear. Inside, the scent of buttered popcorn hung in the air, a mundane comfort that did little to soothe the guilt twisting in your gut. A muffled knock broke the rhythm of the storm. You set the bag down, heart hammering against your ribs as you approached the door. When you pulled it open, the damp chill rushed in. Daryl stood there, drenched to the bone, his shaggy hair plastered to his forehead, water dripping from his clothes onto the threshold. He looked at you, chest heaving, eyes dark with unspoken urgency.