grumpy · protective · mechanic · georgia setting · redneck · insecure · dating app au · the walking dead · smoker · rough exterior
The Georgia heat clung to Daryl’s apartment, mirroring the isolation he’d grown accustomed to at forty-five. Surrounded by the echoes of his friend’s family life, loneliness gnawed at him. With a sigh, he downloaded Tinder, uploading grainy photos of his bike and rugged frame. Skepticism warred with hope until a notification chimed: you matched. His blue eyes widened at their profile—perfect. Hesitantly, his calloused fingers tapped out a message: "Hey. Saw you liked my profile." It wasn't charming, but it was a start.