Layna

Pairing: Dean x reader

Summary: you've loved Daryl's daughter since you met her, but becoming her mama is only recent. Warnings: TWD violence, blood & gore, character deaths, mildly explicit language, implications of sex (kinda), not really proof-read. Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Greene! reader (fluff, angst if you squint, kinda). Setting: Terminus. Credits to: @louifaith for the amazing plot idea, hope you like this! A/N: My first post so please be kind. I tried to keep Daryl's character but it was hard. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I appreciate constructive criticism. ♡

It started on your dad's farm when Daryl got shot by Andrea. Heather, his daughter, was younger then, almost two years old, and to keep her from seeing her daddy in the state he arrived that day, you showed her your childhood dollhouse, playing with her until your dad let you know Daryl was better and resting in the guest room.

You went to visit him, baby in arms, and she immediately jumped into her daddy's arms when she saw him. He invited you to stay a little that night, not even knowing why he did that. You became Heather's (and Daryl's) favorite person since then, and when her daddy was gone she pretty much demanded to be babysat by you and only you.

Then you lost the farm and spent months on the road. Heather became more and more attached to you during this time, who would try to keep her positive and happy by telling her you were all looking for a treasure together. She believed you when you found the prison, where you helped her decorate her and Carl's cell with colored chalks you found.

One day you came back from a run with Glenn and Rick, happy and smiley as you handed Heather the coloring book and crayons you found for her. Glenn told Daryl that the gift almost cost you your life that day.

Too focused on the girl, you missed Daryl's adoring eyes when he looked at you or how he was so protective of you. How he always made sure you and Heather were fed and safe, the subtle blush on his cheeks when you complimented him, or how his eyes never left you if you weren't next to each other.

"I didn't even know 'er," Daryl started. You were sitting next to him on a bench outside the prison watching the sunset as Heather sat on your lap, fighting a nap as she played with the buttons of your shirt. "Her mom," he added, stroking his daughter's downy cheek softly.

Your eyes met his stormy ones, and after staring at each other shortly, he looked away, suddenly interested in the fences.

"Me and Merle had been holed up in our trailer as usual, him bitchin' about how I never wanted to go out no more. Jus' to shut him up, I agreed to hit the bar with him one night," he explained, nervously chewing on his bottom lip.

He didn't even know why he was opening up to you. But there was something about you—something beautiful. His daughter was a shy little girl with most, but she seemed right at home with you, bubbly and happy in your arms.

And his father was no different. His walls came down in your presence, even if he tried to avoid or deny it. And there was something between you and the hunter, everybody knew. Everybody saw it but you two. Idiots.

He believed you only liked him because he was Heather's dad, and because he provided for the group. There could be no other reason. And you believed firmly he was only grateful that you took care of Heather, so he was your friend in return.

"I knew it was a mistake as soon as we walked in. Place was too damn loud, too many people. But Merle shoved a beer in my hand, said I needed to "loosen up." So I started drinkin'," now the nap had won over Heather and she was peacefully resting on your chest. "Merle kept passing me drinks, an' I got real drunk."

"Next thing I know, Merle's leadin' me outside, sayin' he's got a 'surprise.' Turns out the damn fool hired some lady, had her waitin' round back. I told him no way but he kept calling names, tellin' me I wasn't a man…" Daryl talked and lowered his volume as he stared at the girl in your arms, eyes always softer when he looked at her. "Woke up in the mornin' feelin' lower than shit."

"'Bout nine months later there's a knock at the door. This girl's standin' there with a pink blanket inside was the tiniest baby I ever saw. Pink lil' face scrunched up, fists balled at her sides. Couldn't believe somethin' so fragile was spawned from my sorry ass," he chuckled, but it was almost pained.

You wanted to speak, to tell him he was an amazing man, but you knew that right now he needed just you to listen.

"The woman told me if I didn't keep her she was gon' throw her in sum dumpster. I wasn't sure she was mine but I didn't care then," he added, eyes finally making contact with yours again, slightly squinted but as if he was about to tell a joke. "Then she grew into her face and…"

"She's your twin," you giggled and he nodded, his gaze finding his shoes. If only you knew what the sound of your laugh did to him. "How did you choose her name?"

He chuckled again, meeting your gaze again, "she didn' have a name for a month," he explained with a smile. "Then ma uncle said she needed one, and I called her all the girl names I could think of until she smiled at one."

"She named herself," you said with a breathy laugh, placing a kiss on the head of the adorable girl holding you while she slept and his eyes while looking at you were this close to turning into hearts.

The memories seemed too distant now.

The second prison attack seemed like a blur. One moment Hershel was dead, and then Daryl was ordering you to get Heather and leave. Now you both were camping in a makeshift tent five days later, the almost-three-year-old blissfully unaware of the stressful situation, for all she knew, you two were on a little vacation. A girls' trip.

Maybe keeping the girl in such a state of ignorance was foolish, knowing the chances of never seeing her dad again were high, but she was a toddler, a baby, and you'd keep her unaware and happy as long as you possibly could.

Sleep claimed you at some moment of the late night, much to your dismay, since you had been trying to keep watch every night.

"Mama, mama, maaaama," Heather called you in a sweet, sing-songy voice as she cradled your face with her tiny hands, shaking your face gently. You opened your eyes quickly, instantly searching for dangers, but there was none nearby. It was now morning, though.

Then you realized what she called you, and your heart skipped a bit. She considered you her mom.

"Hey baby," you softly cooed.

"When we gonna eat?" Heather spoke letting go of your face to play with the her bunny plushie. A gift by Daryl last winter.

"Oh, you're hungry? We still got an apple left, let me slice it for you," you said, moving her off you to go get the apple and knife from your bag, and beginning to slice it. A grumble was heard from your stomach, reminding you that you hadn't eaten in 3 days. All the food was for Heather now since it was getting harder to find it.

"Mama hungry," Heather giggled as she took the napkin with the apple slices and started munching on it. You hummed, not wanting to deny or confirm it as you sat next to her. Heather handed you a slice, and even though you wanted her to remain fed, you figured you'd find more food today and took the slice from her hand, eating it slowly to make it last.

Yes, you knew it didn't work like that.

"You know what we're doing today?" You started as you got the baby wipes you found in the last drugstore you came by, cleaning her face and hands. Oh, how you missed showers.

Her cute face lit up with excitement, she had already complained of being bored in the trailer. "We're going on an expedition today!" you explained, eyeing the stain on Heather's shirt she had been wearing for the past couple of days. "We're gonna find food, and maybe new clothes, perhaps a toy, how does that sound?"

"I'm not busy," Heather replied casually, making you laugh, "and we gonna find daddy!" she added with a gasp, beaming excitedly. Your heart dropped, but you didn't let it show, simply faking your best smile.

"Oh, but we're on a girls' trip, honey, daddy will have to wait a little longer."

Heather nodded and you got your bag ready, although it was almost empty. You got your quiver on and held your bow with your right hand, Heather holding the other hand. "Now, remember the rules? If I say yellow…"

"I hide, close my eyes, and be quiet," Heather said, skipping as she walked next to you, "and if you say red we run," she added, looking all adorably serious.

"Perfect," you praised her. "We're also looking for a new place to sleep, would you like that?" She nodded, crouching down to pick up a rock she found pretty.

In the trunk of a car of a man who opted out with a headshot, which Heather was thankfully too short to notice, you were lucky enough to find two bags of chips on the verge of expiring, but still good,along with a bottle of water—it was hot but it was good too. The girl happily helped you put the stuff in your bag before you both, quietly continued your journey in search of somewhere to camp.

On your way, you found a sign with a map. Some place called Terminus seemed to offer shelter for anyone, it claimed to be a sanctuary.

It seemed too good to be true, but it was also too dangerous to stay out here with Heather another night, so you decided to give it a shot.

You walked almost all day, holding Heather when she was too tired, and boy, was she getting heavier, but at last, you found Terminus that night. There, the people seemed kind and attentive, perhaps too much so. Obsessed, almost. Mentioning how rare it was to see a little kid lately, and going on and on about how sweet kids are.

Your gut was telling you to run, to take Heather far from this place, so kindly declining the food they were offering, you took your girl in your arms and told them you still had to find her father, as an excuse.

This infuriated these weird people, making them point their guns at you and the sleeping child in your arms as they threatened you to try and move. Your heart was beating fast you thought Heather would be able to feel it. You begged them to let you go, holding your kid as tight as you could as she stirred away so she wouldn't see what was happening.

"Oh, don't worry, we'll keep you together. Kids and women taste good together," she whispered in your ear as she dragged you to a sort of shipping container, locking you and Heather in there, taking your weapons and bags away.

Silently allowing yourself to cry, you told Heather you were in a cave and you'd be safe here until tomorrow. Rocking her back to sleep.

You got no sleep at night, expecting these cannibals to show up, ready to put up a fight. The kid woke up when you assumed morning came since it was dark inside this place.

To keep Heather from being afraid, you played with her to guess the number, letter, or word you spelled on her back with your fingers, thankfully earning a bunch of laughs from her. But all too soon, one of the men who welcomed you suddenly opened the door ordering both to come with him, dragging you when you begged him to let you go.

He took you to a room with tables that had all kinds of stuff, from toys to jewelry, to clothes and shoes. They were belongings of other people.

The man's voice interrupted your thoughts. "First, take your earrings, necklace, and shoes off, and put them where they belong," he instructed. "The kid can put the toy over there," he pointed at the pile of plushies and toys. Your heart ached for the kids that you assumed died here.

"Mama?" Heather spoke to you, hugging your leg. "Why mama?" You could tell she was getting scared, and you didn't know how to turn this into a game or a story, and only a nervous stammer left your lips.

"I'll come back to let you know when you can take your clothes off," the man said, eyeing you in a way that made you want to poke his eyes out. "Try anything funny and I'll make you watch as we eat her," he whispered in your ear, almost making you gag from the way his hot, stinky breath hit your neck. You gulped, staring dagger at him as he laughed and left through the back door. "I'll be right outside," he said all too cheery.

You felt grossed out. The only difference between these people and walkers was that they were alive and aware, and that thought alone made you feel more uneasy.

"Daddy!" Heather squealed happily, making you turn your head so fast, but you only found her reaching for the crossbow on the table that had weapons. How did you miss it? It was Daryl's crossbow, no doubt. With the little stick figures that Heather drew on one side. "Mama, Daddy's here!"

"Yeah," you said almost breathlessly as you grabbed the weapon. "He is," you said, still processing the new information.

"Let's go get him!" Heather declared, but a loud explosion made both of you jump, Heather let out a little scream, hugging you again before she started crying. You held her as you slowly approached the door to hear the commotion outside, hearing the guys that were outside the door rush away.

You opened the door, seeing nothing but chaos outside.

You closed it again, setting Heather down and kneeling to talk to her. "Okay, baby, right now we're going to get away, okay? We're going to run. It's red, got it, honey?" you tried to say as calmly as you could. Between subsiding tears, she nodded, saying okay in a whisper.

"I trust you, mama," she said holding you tightly.

After a few seconds, you rushed to grab your bow and arrows, as well as Daryl's crossbow, slinging both on your shoulder before grabbing a machete there was on the table. You held Heather and told her to hold onto you no matter what, hiding her face on your neck so she wouldn't have to see anything.

Everything felt in slow motion when you stepped outside, stabbing in the head the walkers you came across, and trying to find a way out without being bitten. Though a gap in the fence you managed to get Heather through, and you carefully climbed over it.

You walked for about ten minutes until you heard voices. Daryl's voice among them. "Heather and (Y/N)?" he asked. You set Heather down as the two of you approached them, her tiny hand in yours.

"Yeah! I saw them, I thought they were behind us. I called them. They probably didn't hear me!" Carl explained, a hint of stress and sadness in his voice.

"They gotta be still there, I'm goin' back for 'em," Daryl announced.

"You're probably gonna need this!" Heather repeated what you told her to say, as you held the crossbow in your hand. All eyes turned to look at you immediately. There were some new faces, but you were focused on Daryl.

His teary eyes made contact with yours, his breathing was heavy, and his lip trembled. You stared at each other for a minute until his gaze dropped to Heather and he finally broke down. Heather and you ran to him, he and you kneeling for a family hug. "Daddy!" Heather called happily, eyes closed from the big smile she wore.

You were finally home—the three of you were. His arms protectively around his two girls as Heather beamed peppering his father's and mother's face with sweet kisses, drying your tears too. She didn't understand why you cried when she was so happy, but she didn't question it.

Impulsively, he held your face softly with his free hand and his lips met yours. It was a peck, quick so he could pull away before you reacted in case it wasn't a welcomed action. But you grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in again, pouring all the emotion both had been too blind to notice before into the kiss. You only pulled away when you heard Heather giggle next to you.

Taking a proper look at her daddy now up close, she gasped, looking at his blackeye. "Mama, Daddy got a owie," she pouted, "mama gonna make it better," she told her father, placing a hand on his shoulder in utter seriousness.

"I'm sure mama will," Daryl hugged his daughter, meeting your gaze again, but this time his eyes were softer, adoring, and loving, and yours were just the same. Heather nodded before his dad tickled her with his beard, making her laugh loudly, which made the rest of the group smile as well.

Daryl: Kinda wanna kiss ya.

Y/N, not paying attention: What?

Daryl Dixon x Reader | Some smut at the end

Daryl is in a sucky relationship but doesn't see it at first. Reader helps him see and later shows him how a good partnership works.

💘 💘 💘

A Daryl Dixon Drabble

wordcount: 0.6k

no warnings, just fluffy sleepy daryl <3

A/N: this is my first time writing for TWD and for Daryl so have fun ahah

You were looking for food, and you found a bit, so you made your way back to the highway you were walking along.

Maybe it wasn’t the best idea, but it was the safest one, rather than trees, you had open space you could see walkers for miles on, and it was safer, with more supplies available when you needed it, and you had your trusted pointy stick.

You did have a machete as well, but you preferred being able to keep those freaks at a distance, you didn’t want them to get too close.

You moved slowly and quietly, keeping an eye out for any hiding spaces or places that seemed a little too dangerous to for you to go too close to.

Every day, three times a day you would stop, climbing into the nearest available tree.

That’s what you did now, you found a good tree to climb and you climbed up it, resting your back on the bark, looking around.

Reaching into the jacket, you pulled out a photo, and unfolded it, smiling you folded it in half the other way, running your thumb along the forever memory of the man.

“You better be alive you dumb bastard…” you whispered.

You wondered if he had made it, if he was nearby or if he was safe, if he wasn’t even still in the state.

You didn’t know if he was looking for you, part of you hoped he was, but the other part hoped that he had just forgotten about you, and that he was focusing on his own safety.

The thought of your boyfriend from days gone by was the only thing that kept you going, the memories that you had of the pair of you before the world suddenly went to shit.

They kept you alive.

Kept you fighting.

Putting the photo away into the pocket of the jacket you were wearing, you sat there for a shot while, taking a break.

It was safe in the trees, away from the walkers and you had learnt that pretty quickly.

Clasping your hands together, you brought them to to your mouth and blew air into your hallowed palms, letting out a deep whistle, and you extended your fingers to make it higher pitched.

You stopped and listened.

At this point you weren’t expecting a reply, but three times a day you did this in the hopes that you would get one, but you never did.

You saw a few walkers perk up at the sound, but they carried on about their own business, the sound mimicking natural sounds in a way.

Taking a breath, you stayed there for maybe an hour before you carried on walking, checking car for anything that may be of use, but you didn’t want to stray too far from your camp.

You checked a few cars briefly, and made a mental note of what they had in them and if it was of use before trudging back towards your camp, and you sat between the circle of cars, cooking something to eat.

You had to eat during the day when it safer, and during the evenings you slept, in the night you stayed awake, keeping watch over the road, noting how many walkers there were if you saw any.

Early morning came, and you took a quick nap before making your way down to the cars from the day before.

Grabbing anything you could out of them, you jogged your way back towards your camp.

Climbing up your tree, you grabbed one of the bags you had in there and split the medicines and foods between them.

That’s when you heard it, the sound of vehicles moving and you climbed to a slightly lower branch, sitting down.

They came to a stop a little way up the road and began to search the cars you had already searched.

“Dumbasses… what the fuck are they doing…” you whispered.

You quietly jumped down, walking over to a car you hid behind it, gripping your machete this time.

You didn’t know who they were or what they wanted, so you had to be cautious.

You crept around them, weaving in and out of the cars, and you watched them, not wanting to get any closer.

They seemed like a large group, you couldn’t see them all, a couple of kids, some women, a man with them, but you still kept your distance, they could still be dangerous.

You backed away as they got closer, and ran back into the cover of the trees and up your tree to watch.

You could see more, and more people.

You wondered if he was there, and there was only one way for you to find out, at least up there through the branches and leaves they wouldn’t be able to find you.

You went to raised your hands, but stopped when you saw the horde, and you kept yourself hidden.

You watched as everybody scrambled to find a place to hide.

They weren’t going to last with the walkers and you knew that, and as much as you didn’t want to trust them, you couldn’t let anybody else die.

So you raised your hands and whistled again, leaving it as a long, deep whistle this time.

It drew the attention of the walkers and they kept moving.

Taking a deep breath, you whistled again, keeping them coming towards you, and when they were close enough you stopped.

They weren’t as stupid as they looked, but you knew they were going to keep going up the highway, so you waited.

Everything seemed so tense, so quiet.

“What the fuck was that?” Shane whispered.

Daryl stood up, helping get T-Dog to safety and he looked out on to the road.

“There ain’t no way…”

“What?” Rick asked.

Daryl let out a low and quiet whistle, pushing back Rick and Dale who tried to stop him.

“Just shut the fuck up and listen!” Daryl hissed.

You heard the low whistle, and you whistled again, seeing if it would happen once more.

If it was who you thought it was then he would know the pattern, but if it wasn’t then you knew to stay hiding.

A response came in a slightly shorter, lower whistle.

Climbing down from the tree you walked on to the road, standing on one of the cars to stare at the group.

They all saw you, and raised their guns but nobody moved.

Daryl raised his crossbow, and he whistled again, only a short one this time, maybe a second long.

You jumped down from the car, walking a little closer to get a better view, hand covering your eyes.

“Holy fuckin’ shit…”

Daryl set his crossbow aside and he raised his hands to the others.

“Don’t shoot, she’s human.”

“How the hell can you be so sure?!” Lori hissed.

“You ever heard one of them fuckers whistle? No, so she’s fucking human I swear to god you hurt her I’ll put an arrow straight through your fucking eyes bitch.”

He shoved past T-Dog and Rick, making his way carefully through the cars, just like you were doing.

You stopped, pointing the stick and he stopped as well.

“Are you bit?”

“No dumbass I ain’t bit, you think I’d still be here if I were?”

You shrugged a little.

“Maybe, you smell dead enough.”

“You asshole you can’t smell me from that far away, and you know they can’t talk neither, get over here.” He scoffed.

You lowered the stick and walked over a closer, getting a better look at him and you smiled softly, a few tears brimming your eyes.

“I can’t believe you’re still alive…” you whispered.

“Nah come on, seriously don’t start crying.”

He walked over, taking your weapon he set it aside and wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you into him.

You balled your hands into the back of his shirt, closing your eyes as you tried to fight the tears.

“Come on darl… you know I don’t deal with the crying… I don’t like the crying…”

You sniffled a little, pulling away and draped his arms on your shoulders, clasping his hands together behind your head.

You sniffled a little, locking eyes with him.

“You smell like ass Daryl…”

“Well I’m sorry, I’ll just whip a shower out my ass and clean.”

You laughed a little and he smirked a little bit.

“You don’t smell all too good either you know, I’m pretty sure you could rival the dead with that damn smell.”

“Shut up.” You said.

You sighed, resting your head on his chest again and he placed his hand on the back of your head, kissing your head.

He rested his chin there, eyes scanning over the surrounding areas.

He pulled away and then smacked you upside the head and you smacked his arm.

“Ow! Daryl what the fuck?!”

“The fuck were you thinking running off huh? You fucking stupid or something?”

You rolled your eyes.

“Well I’m sorry, I didn’t exactly plan on a world ending apocalypse you dumbass, I just wanted some space.”

“You ran off you moron! Didn’t even leave a note!”

“I’m sorry! God! Don’t get so pissy about it, you told me to leave.”

“Jesus Christ (Y/N), we had an argument, course I told you to leave, I didn’t think you actually would.”

You shrugged a little, putting your hands in your pockets as you grinned sheepishly up at your boyfriend.

He rose a brow, crossing his arms as he looked down at you unamused.

“I love you?”

“Damn straight you better, now where’s your crap? You’re coming with me.”

He grabbed your weapon and you led him back towards your tree so you could grab everything you were stashing.

Daryl kept his eyes glued to you, making sure you didn’t vanish again, because he wasn’t all that sure you were actually there, and that it wasn’t his mind playing tricks on him.

While he was staring at you he clicked on to the familiar jacket you were wearing.

“Dammit (Y/N), you’re the reason my jacket went missin’? Seriously?”

“Oh pipe down.” You laughed.

Daryl shook his head, but he did smirk a little bit.

It was definitely you, because only you could piss him off that much and he still have a soft spot for you, just like he always had.

Daryl Dixon’s Fluffy Hc Alphabet:

A - Attractive (what about their partner do they like most?)

Daryl loves a partner that cares a lot about other people. Those who put themselves before the betterment of the group are not people who Daryl can ever get along with. He finds kindness, compassion, honesty, and openness attractive in particular.

B - Banter (How do they tease each other? Is it always friendly/ flirtatious or does it turn nasty?)

Daryl doesn’t conventionally tease his partner. But in an unconventional world he thinks their version of teasing fits right in. Instead of the jovial picking other couples do, Daryl will often come over and say nothing but simply take a bite out of his partner’s food, smiling devilishly as he continues on his duties. While walking on patrol together, Daryl and his partner will go from walking hand in hand to playfully bumping each other to shoving each other off the path and into the plant life that lives along the side of the road. Neither partner can always read the other’s emotions so if Daryl is in a dark head space he will lash out if his partner tries to tease him. The same however can be said too for his partner.

C - Cute (Cuddles, Handholding, Sweet Touches, Caresses, Sneaky Moves)

Mr. Dixon is not into PDA. He doesn’t like people having the upper hand on him with information that could be used against him. Plus he’s really really busy a lot of the time. It’s not until the pair are alone either in the darkness of the night or shrouded in the forest that he allows himself to become more vulnerable. Taking his partner’s hand when there are no Walkers about he rubs his thumb over the back of their hand as he whispers plans about the day to come.

In the dead of night he’ll pull his lover close letting them cuddle close to his chest. He’d run his fingers through their hair. It would be a peaceful silence with a few shared kisses simply listening to their shared breaths and heartbeats. As sleep over takes them both and the last thing either of them hear is “I love you” from either partner.

But Daryl isn’t all innocent and shy all the time. Sometimes when things are good he’ll come around and smirk at his partner as they work. Walking up as they bed over he pinches their ass and covers their mouth telling them to meet him in the house in ten minutes.

D - Dates (What kind of dates do they like to take their partners on Are they creative with their date ideas?)

In the post apocalypse there isn’t really time for what we would consider real dates. There is no movie theater. No restaurants. No Pools. No beach. No hotels. Daryl couldn’t do the things he really desperately craved to do with his partner and it killed him. This topic has sparked more fights in your relationship than either of you would ever care to admit. Daryl wanted to provide for you and take you out on real dates. You however saw the sweet scenic bike rides you both took as date enough. His partner saw scouting ahead on a peaceful day as a date. Or even just doing nothing within the walls talking about everything. Eventually you both agree to disagree.

E - Eat (Do they have similar tastes in food or do they share food at the dinner table? I. E. Swapping the tomatoes on the burger for the pickles on their partner's chicken sandwich)

There is no room to be picky after the turn. With good food so scarce if someone didn’t like dinner that night they just didn’t eat. But Daryl hated it when his partner didn’t eat. So he went out of his way to find food they liked when dinner was something he knew they wouldn’t like. He’d offer them the stuff they like off his plate and took the food they didn’t like. No problems or fuss. He loved you.

F - Fire (What drives them the most in the relationship?)

Seeing you survive. Daryl couldn’t live with himself if he ever lost you. And he knew that it was unrealistic to try and expect that his partner would live well past when he would live. That he would die long before his partner and be waiting wherever it was on the other side for them. But it made him so sick thinking about the opposite so he simply did his best to keep you safe.

G - Generosity (How do they show their partner they care?)

Daryl was extremely caring in his love. He may not always show it or even say it but he is always thinking about his partner’s wellbeing. He looks for safer paths to take when they scout together, ones they can’t be ambushed on or that are easier to walk on. He always checks you over for cuts and bruises when he sees you before hugging you too tight or kissing you. He is on high alert outside of the camp at all times ready to protect. He gives his food to you when you need it.

H - Hot Head (Are they quick to anger? Are they spiteful in a fight? Will they say things they don't mean just to piss their partner off? Or are they easy going?)

Oh sweet lord. Yes. This man is a hot head. He is like a volcano. Full of anger and negative emotions that when placed under pressure will make him explode and cover other in the anger and negativity. But understand that this is a product of a horrifically broken home. He tries like hell to keep from erupting all over you. But sometimes it just happens and he never means for it to get as out of hand as it gets.

Daryl gets mean when he’s pissed. He gets nasty and spiteful. He will pull up shit from past fights just to fuel the fire of the argument and keep it going until he feels like you’re just as pissed off at him as he is at himself.

Whatever you do… do not give this man alcohol and expect him to be ok. He is an angry drunk and has no self control. He will get into an argument sometime into the night and it will be more than either of you can handle.

I - Interest (What are some of the interests they may share?)

Before the turn you both enjoyed bike rides and the occasional night out.

But now that the turn happened, you both like the time you spend together hunting and scouting. You both love providing for your camp. And you both still love riding.

J- Jealousy (Are they the Jealous type? How would they act if they were?)

Sweet God yes he’s very jealous! He trusts Rick more than anyone in the group but he looses his mind when you walk into Rick’s house alone to babysit Judith alone to just let the ex-cop sleep. One time when you all first moved to Alexandria a guy outside the walls approached you, Daryl, and Aaron asking if you wanted to go with two real men for a night of “fun”, Daryl beat him into a bloody pulp for thinking about it.

K- Kids (Do they want kids?)

Yes. If the world had never changed. If the dead never walked. He would give you all the children in the world, even though the thought of being a dad scared him more than anything. But now. He worried about the life his children would live. He worried for their safety. He wanted them so much but to put them through hell just because of his selfishness… he didn’t know if it was right.

L - Likes (Favorite things about relationship and partner)

Daryl loved waking up next to his partner each morning. He loved looking into his partner’s eyes and knowing that silent communication was all they needed. He loved the feel of their hand on his telling him it was ok. He loved knowing that without gaining to look you always had his back and he had yours. He loved feeling safe and secure for the first time in his life and he hoped with all he had he gave them the same feeling.

M- Marriage (Are they interested in getting married at all?)

At one point before the turn he actually bought a ring for his partner. He wanted to marry them and do the whole family thing. But once the turn happened that all got shoved onto the back burner. And while you and Daryl never really “got married” you both consider yourselves one step above boyfriend and girlfriend in this new life. Whatever that means to you both and no one opposed it.

N- No (Pet Peeves in a relationship)

Daryl refuses to tolerate a partner who intentionally hurts someone he loves. Betrayal is something he’d been through a lot in his life and he can’t imagine if his partner ever betrayed him.

Letting Daryl protect you is crucial. He can’t stand to loose you and if your constantly throwing yourself into harms way even when he advised you not to it will spark arguments

He must truly and fully trust his partner in their entirety. He wants full honesty from them. If they lie once he considers it a complete breach of trust and it will take a long time to heal that.

O - Orange (What color reminds them of their partner?)

Blue - he sees his partner as the color blue. They are truthful, merciful, loving, tranquil. They remind him of the sky on a clear day. They are calming and serine and they always manage to make him smile even when he wants to scream. He thought of you in his darkest times and felt the most free from all his problems.

P - Proposal (How would they or how did they propose?)

If Daryl would have gotten the chance he would have gotten down on one knee in your favorite spot after a long bike ride feeling you pressed up against his back.

But now it was in the Prison that you two talking jokingly about marriage. What it must have been like to do such a thing and have children. Daryl pulls an old ring on a chain out from behind his shirt. It’s aged. A little tarnished. He tells you about his failed plan. Smiling he tells you that he kept the ring as a piece of you to hold close you his heart.

Q - Queen (King) (What traits makes them a KING or a QUEEN?)

He is the ultimate King! Daryl goes out of his way to make sure that his partner is well taken care of and happy.

God forbid the day that the two of you are ever separated either by accident like at the Prison or by force. He will put his body through the ultimate test and hell in order to get back to you. Everything that stands in his way are simply obstacles to overcome. Day and night he will search until he finds you and if someone has you... god rest their soul.

He is always willing to share. Food, heat, shelter, water, medicine... whatever you need in order to survive.

Daryl can communicate with his partner with just a look. He loves them whole heartedly. He can just feel when something is wrong. It's like a sixth sense. No words are ever needed to be said. However he is always willing to listen if you need to talk.

Family is direly important to him. If you ever were to start one with him he would become all the more protective.

R - Rain (What was the most romantic gesture they have ever done for their partner?)

He made you a necklace...

The day that a good friend of yours turned...you were heartbroken and distraught. You refused to leave your cot in the prison for a full day. You had seen it before. You had even seen other friends turn and it affected you but never like this. Daryl hated seeing you like this. So taking a walk and giving you space he started looking. Looking for things that reminded him of you... Of brighter days. It was then he realized... that was exactly what you needed.

And so he started to look for things to brighten you. To make you smile. Things that reminded you of your lost friend based entirely off of stories you told of them. He found a shiny stone deep in a river bed recounting the tale you told him of the day you and your friend went tadpole hunting when you were young, splashing each other with the mud. A blueish black feather laid perfectly on a rock and reminded him of the myths his mother used to say about the crows and ravens bringing peace to those who grieve. A discarded bear tooth reminded him of the first time you had introduced him to your friend, the three of you hunting into the evening only to find a hare and two squirls.

Tying his treasures onto a long piece of twine he fashioned a necklace and brought it home to you placing it around your neck and telling you it would all be alright.

S- Smooches (Who gave the first kiss? When do they kiss their partner? How often do they kiss their partner?)

Having met Daryl before the turn, you both had more than your fair share of kisses. But your first one... well Daryl claims it was an accident. A heat of the moment reaction of passion.

Merle had been hounding you all day. He had known you were dating Daryl but to him it was just a word until he saw the proof. You were outside with Daryl at the time. Watching him work on Merle's POS truck when Merle came home from work on his bike. The older Dixon immediately swooped in and tried to get fresh. Playing grab ass and trying to get you to go inside with him. Daryl flipped his shit. Throwing the tools to the ground Daryl flew into a rage, pushing Merle away from you and into the house. He was still pacing for 20 minutes before you were able to get him to look at you. Before you could say anything he grabbed you by the hips and pulled you close, gripping your hair and kissing you deeply, muttering that you were his and his alone and if any man touched you like that again he'd cut their hand off. Needless to say he didn't get done with Merle's truck...

Now that the world is upside down Daryl tries to be more purposeful with his kisses, he wants them to mean something if they're the last they are ever to share as a couple. It was hard for his partner to understand at first... but he explained that he would hate it if he kissed his partner simply to end a fight no other meaning behind it and something happened. He wanted passion and romance behind his every action while they had the time.

T - Travel (Do they like to travel with their partner? Where do they dream of traveling to?)

God... does Daryl want to travel with his partner. He often dreams of the days before the turn. Dreams of taking you to far away places. Safe places. But the world is no longer that place... and so he tries to stay realistic in his waking life. Safety means stability. If he can have a stable life with you then he can start a family... He simply wants a safe stable place to settle... but he knows that may not always be possible. And so he roams looking for the perfect place for you both to live out your days.

U- Universal (How Public are they with their affection? Are they very open with PDA? Do they brag about their partner?)

Daryl is incredibly reserved. He always has been. He doesn't like the attention that PDA brings. He would much rather recede to the privacy of the forest or a darkened room/hallway than to make his move in front of the others. If Daryl was ever to talk about his personal life it would be to Carol (for advice and advice only about his partner's wellbeing) or Rick (To ask for dating advice/ and maybe to brag)

V- Valentines (First holiday together. How did they prepare? How did they celebrate?)

While holidays no longer exist and have no meaning after the turn, he often thinks to the only holiday he ever got to spend with his partner, properly.

It was Christmas. A holiday he and Merle had long since forgotten. One they had abandoned long before either of them were out of primary school but still knowledgeable enough to decipher that Santa Claus was a classist jackass. You had insisted they each give it a shot. For you. No religion involved just free shit. Daryl was hesitant. He didn't want to be disappointed again. Merle however was defensive. He wanted nothing to do with the holiday and often ridiculed the entire idea of it in it's entirety. But... the two relented after hearing that you would be cooking for them all weekend long. Merle complained and bitched the entire time you decked the halls of their trailer. "This sparkle shit better come out of my God damned carpets! I don't need ta find it in June!" You couldn't find a tree at a price any of you could afford but Daryl cut the biggest limb off a nearby pine and hoped it would be good enough. You were able to make stocking for each of the boys and on christmas eve you stuffed them with gifts and laid their presents under the makeshift tree. In the morning... they both stared at you nervous and akward. Like they both wanted to move and tear into shit but were scared they'd get in trouble. So you sat them down and handed them gifts. It wasn't much. You were working with a waiter's salary... but it was more meaningful to either of them than you ever knew. When Merle growled, embarrassed he didn't get you anything you simply said that spending the day with them meant more to you than any gift and you thought... for a second, that you watched both men's hearts grow three sizes that night.

W- Wicked (What do they do that purposely pushes their partner's buttons?)

Daryl will pull shit up from the past and use it against his partner to start a fight. He does this the most when he's feeling shitty about himself or a situation he's in and can't fix. He wants his partner to be just as upset and angry at him as he is with himself.

He has a really... really bad drinking problem. He is a mean drunk. If he wants he will find alcohol and drink in front of his partner knowing they hate it when he acts vindictive and hateful.

He gives the best silent treatment in the entire apocalypse. He could exist completely silent for literal weeks. (please do not mistake his need for space with the silent treatment. He gets over stimulated a lot and needs space)

Straight up disappears for days without ever telling his partner where he's going or when he'll be back. This gets worse after the Sanctuary.

Calls them pet names they despise (this is normally in retaliation to pet names they give him)

X- Xylophone (What song fits the relationship?)

Y- Yearning (When do they miss their partner the most? What do they do to placate themselves in the mean time?)

Daryl misses his partner so much when he's out on a run that lasts longer than a day. He worries about them constantly. If he can't bring them then he tries to bring a part of them, something to remind him of them. A trinket he can worry until he can get home. But if he can't or it's an emergency and he didn't have time. He always has a matching tattoo on his arm that you both got on your one year to remind him to come home to you...

Z- Zipper (Do they let their partner pick their outfits?)

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Setting: Alexandria Era

Warnings: None

Summary: You want to make the holidays something special for Daryl. Throw in a little Christmas magic and it just might mean something more to you too.

*Click here to be added to taglists.

part one

pairing: daryl dixon x reader

summary: things aren't the same between you and daryl.

warning: still sad

a/n: i am planning on doing a part 2 but i needed to give you daryl's side first (also, I know this is in 3rd person, but it's giving a bit of insight on Daryl's thought process so I'm labeling it as his POV)

Daryl sat outside on the porch, staring into the sunset, his mind lost in a maze of thoughts and responsibilities. He pulls the cigarette snug between his fingers to his lips. As he took a drag, the smoke curled into the air, surrounding him before disappearing into nothing.

You were inside the house, with RJ and Judith, the sounds of laughter and the occasional clanging of pans echoed from inside the house. RJ and Judith were a constant reminder of the world they were trying to preserve, but the weight of responsibility had carved a gap between you and him.

Daryl knew things haven't been right between him and his lover. He's known for a long time now, but he doesn't know how to fix it. Daryl couldn't pinpoint the exact moment things took a turn, the exact moment he started to pull away from you. It just sort of happened. Things would be easier if he simply just stopped loving you, but that wasn't the case.

In reality, Daryl loved you so much that it hurt him. He loved you so much that he didn't know what to do with it, he'd never loved anyone like this before.

The absence of Rick and Michonne took a toll on Daryl. He's the one that took the biggest hit, for obvious reasons. Suddenly he had two kids, suddenly everyone was asking him the important questions. Suddenly he wasn't just a redneck with a crossbow, he was a leader- the leader. He could feel the weight of everyone's expectations, the burden of leadership now resting solely on his shoulders. He was a tracker, a survivor, but a leader – that was a role he never asked for, a role that felt like an ill-fitting mask.

The pressure was suffocating, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was failing, not just as a leader but as a partner.

There were too many things that needed to be fixed, too many people to please, too many walkers to be killed. Daryl felt like everything he was doing just wasn't good enough.

He knew it wasn't fair. He knew the community deserved a good leader. A leader that knew what he was doing, someone that was a natural born leader, someone like Rick Grimes. Daryl knew he wasn't no Rick Grimes. Daryl knew it wasn't fair to the kids. They deserve to be raised and loved on by their parents.

Most importantly, he knew it wasn't fair to you. You, who had stood by his side through thick and thin, weathering the storms of this apocalyptic world together. You deserved more than a love burdened by the weight of his insecurities and doubts.

Even knowing that, Daryl couldn't bring himself to take action in his own home. So the gap between the two of you grew with every passing day.

The front door swings open, "Dinner's ready!" RJ sticks his head out of the doorway, sending Daryl a toothy smile.

Daryl grunts, "Be right there." RJ runs back inside, leaving the door open. With one more drag, he snuffed out the cigarette and heads inside.

Judith is setting out plates while you bring the food to the table. Your eyes meet his and it's almost instinct for you to immediately look elsewhere. Everyone takes their place around the table, Daryl taps the top of the kids heads as he passes. With a slight hesitation, Daryl places a small kiss to the top of your head before settling in his own seat.

"Thanks for cookin," Daryl mumbles to you. You're looking at him with slightly wide eyes before you nod at him with a small smile.

After dinner Daryl volunteered to clean up around the house, relieving you from your regular routine so you could relax a bit before bed. Admittedly, Daryl took his time, not exactly rushing to get everything in order.

Daryl locks all the doors and turns off all the lights before entering the bedroom. The bed was empty and the bathroom door was wide open. Daryl pauses in his place for a moment, debating whether or not he should go back downstairs and wait for another hour.

Daryl shakes his head, stepping towards the bathroom before he could psych himself out. You were laying in the bathtub with your eyes closed, completely relaxed in the warm water.

Your head turns at the sound of his footsteps and your eyes lazily open to see Daryl leaning against the bathroom doorway. He offers a a half smile, feeling a twinge of guilt for intruding on your relaxing time.

You close your eyes again, resting your head back on the rolled up towel. Daryl shifts towards the sink, starting his nighttime routine.

"Do you want to join me?" Your voice cuts through the silence. Daryl glances over his shoulder towards you, who still kept your eyes closed. Daryl stood up straight, clearing his throat slightly.

"Yuh want meh to?"

"Wouldn't ask if I didn't want you to, hotshot." The nickname that you coined him early in your friendship tugged at Daryl's heart. Without a second thought, Daryl rid himself of his clothes.

You sat up in the tub, allowing room for Daryl to slide in behind you. It was strange for the both of you, being so close, so intimate. You let yourself settle into his body, as stiff as you both might be in this moment.

You rested your head back onto his shoulder, soaking in this rare moment between the two of you.

"Y/N... We should t-"

You shake your head, quickly shushing him.

"We do." You agree with him. "But not right now. Just want to enjoy this."

Daryl hums lowly, before allowing his body to relax. With unsureness, his hands wrap around you, landing on your stomach and pulling you close to him.

Daryl tells you about Leah, now you don't know how to tell him about your surprise

"Hi D, I have your supplies here!" You say to your fiance, pulling him into a hug with a giddy smile. "Hmm" he replied back not really returning the hug. You pulled back with your brows slightly furrowed "Whats got your panties in a bunch?"