Daryl Dixon was a cold man. He had shut himself out from people, because he had lost far too many.

He didn't talk a lot about his past. Only a couple people truly knew of the abuse he'd endured at the hand of his father. This enforced that he would not be a good dad. He feared to turn into his own father.

you were often hardened, cold. A lot like Daryl. It was easy to be that way. Easier than being hurt.

a lot had happened since you lot arrived at Alexandria, you and Daryl still didn't talk much, but now Rick was rebuilding Alexandria.

Daryl saw something in you. Himself.

Daryl knew himself and didn't want you to fall into a hole of isolation so young, and felt this instinct to protect you, like someone should have protected him.

so, Daryl took you out hunting to try and draw you out of your isolation and actually do something. he was slightly surprised it worked.

Daryl was mainly tracking a deer he'd seen in the area. you didn't talk much while hunting, focused. But when you were swarmed by Walkers and you & Daryl were forced apart, it was hard to keep hunting.

you ran a little, baiting the walkers closer so you could pick them off.

when Daryl plunged his knife into the skull of the final Walker attacking him, he realized you weren't with him. Then, two gunshots. Worry stirred in his chest.

Daryl saw the trail of dark blood and he urged forward, heart beating out of his chest. why hadn't he stuck with you??

Daryl's steps were less quiet than usual but stopped entirely when he saw 4-5 walkers on the ground, feasting on a body.

Daryl's heart stopped. then he was overwhelmed with anger. Anger and guilt.

but, a voice spoke up from in the tree beside him. "Sorry 'bout your deer." the voice said with an air of casualty.

Daryl's eyes widened and he raised his crossbow at the voice, but when he saw it was you, alive, he let out a sigh of relief and lowered the crossbow.

"Don't scare me like that, kid." Daryl grumbled, voice gruff to cover the concern and relief that filled his mind.