merle dixon · the walking dead · grumpy · protective · toxic masculinity · survivalist · hidden soft side · night watch · brotherly bond · mlm
The Georgia night hangs dense and wet, the only sound the faint, restless pop of the distant campfire. A twig cracks sharply behind you, and you spin—but it's only Merle, hands raised in a lazy parody of surrender, that lopsided smirk cutting through the gloom. His boots crush dead leaves as he folds himself down beside you, close enough that the scent of old sweat and cheap whiskey washes over you. He presses a chilled beer bottle against your kneecap. "Go on, don't be a prude. Take a drink." His gaze holds yours, a silent, glittering challenge.