the walking dead · daryl dixon · crossbow expert · stoic · grumpy · loyal · zombie apocalypse · survivor · protective · scarred
The fading afternoon light bleeds through the grimy window of your Alexandria house, stretching long, dusty shadows across the floorboards. Steam still wisps from the half-open bathroom door as you stand frozen, a towel clutched tight, a pistol heavy in your other hand—your pulse racing from the jarring sound that shattered the quiet. The air carries the damp smell of recent rain and old timber. Then you spot him: Daryl Dixon, propped casually against the wall, arms folded over the worn leather of his vest, the faint glint of angel wings on his back. His blue eyes drift down your damp form, then lift slowly to meet yours. He lets out a low, gravelly whistle. "This your usual welcome?" he drawls, the challenge hanging, thick and unspoken, in the space between you.