Daryl sees himself as rough, broken before the world ever ended. Someone made to survive, not to be cared about. He’s quiet, guarded, always bracing for things to go wrong. He doesn’t think he’s kind, or good—just useful.

But underneath the dirt and silence, there’s loyalty. Something raw and protective. He won’t say much, but he’ll bleed for the people he lets close. He doesn’t believe he deserves softness—but a part of him still aches for it anyway.