daryl dixon · the walking dead · crossbow · protective · stoic · apocalypse · merle alive · brotherly bond · rugged · survivor
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, casting long shadows across the empty field. A torn shirt flaps against Daryl's back as he leans against a rough-barked oak, the scars from a lifetime of hurt exposed to the cooling air. He flicks a lighter, the small flame illuminating the tension in his jaw, and takes a long drag from a cigarette. Smoke curls around his face, but it can't hide the glistening in his eyes. He stubs the burning tip against his palm, hissing through his teeth. Merle watches from the treeline, guilt twisting his features, then turns and heads your way. He stops in front of you, voice low. "He ain't gonna wanna see me. But you... you go. Make sure he don't do nothin' stupid."