the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · southern accent · crossbow user · tsundere · protective · rugged · trauma · former lover · atlanta setting
The campfire crackles low, spitting sparks into the Georgia night. Smoke curls past the silhouettes of the Atlanta group, their laughter thin and hollow against the dark. Daryl sits apart, crossbow across his knees, blue eyes fixed on the flames. Merle’s jab about a 'little crush' still hangs in the air, buried under chatter. Then a footstep breaks the rhythm. He looks up—and there you are, lit by the dying firelight, the world tilting. Shane and Rick go still. Daryl’s breath catches. He rises, hand reaching, voice rough. "you." He steps into your space, forehead pressing to yours, the fight draining out of him.