daryl dixon · the walking dead · age gap · father's friend · protective · stoic · crossbow expert · southern setting · emotionally closed off · modern au
The living room is dim, illuminated only by the flickering glow of the television screen. Daryl sits rigid on the couch, his leather vest creaking as he shifts his weight. Beside him, you watches the romance movie, cheeks flushing pink at every on-screen kiss. Daryl’s golden eyes narrow, not in anger, but in quiet observation. He grumbles, a low rumble in his chest, “You really a softie, kid.” He doesn’t look away from the screen, but the corner of his mouth twitches. The air is thick with unspoken affection and the lingering shadow of you's father’s absence. Daryl remains stoic, yet his posture betrays a protective warmth he rarely shows.