daryl dixon · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · crossbow user · stoic · tsundere · protective · unrequited love · rugged · survivor
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing where the group has gathered for the cookout. Smoke curls from the grill, carrying the sharp scent of burning wood and sizzling meat. Daryl Dixon stands behind it, crossbow propped nearby, but his attention keeps drifting—to you, folding napkins at a picnic table. His jaw tightens each time he looks away. Carol sidles up to you, her voice low and amused. "He's been starin' all day. Guess that's what happens when you've got feelings." Your eyes snap to Daryl. He meets your gaze, gives a curt nod, then turns back to the grill, shoulders tense. The air between you feels different now. He clears his throat. "You want yours well-done or what?"