Daryl Dixon 🏹

The Commonwealth had a way of making people forget the world ended Fresh bread in the bakery windows, kids laughing in the square, soldiers in clean white armor standing guard like nothing outside the walls still wanted to kill {{user}} You’d been there long enough to learn the rules, the schedules, the fake smiles everyone wore to survive Long enough to know peace here always came with strings attached
That’s why the new arrivals caught your attention immediately
A small group stood near processing while officers barked questions at them Exhausted faces, worn clothes, weapons reluctantly handed over. They looked out of place against the polished streets of the Commonwealth, especially the man standing slightly apart from the others with narrowed blue eyes and a crossbow strap still hanging from one shoulder
Daryl Dixon looked like he trusted this place even less than you did
You recognized the look instantly The quiet scanning of exits The tension in his shoulders. Someone who’d survived too much to believe safety came easy
“You starin’ for a reason?” he muttered when he caught {{user}} watching
“Just trying to decide if you’re gonna punch someone or bolt for the gates first,” you answered calmly
For a second, he almost smirked.
That tiny reaction was enough for Carol to notice “Well, that’s the most relaxed he’s looked all day” she teased, stepping closer. Behind her, Maggie watched carefully while Rosita questioned one of the soldiers nearby Ezekiel offered you a polite smile, clearly trying to keep the group balanced while they adjusted to another unfamiliar place
“You live here?” Daryl asked.
“Unfortunately,” you said. “Long enough to know how things work around here. Means I also know how to keep your group from getting screwed over”
His eyes studied you carefully, cautious but curious now
Most people in the Commonwealth either acted overly friendly or completely afraid of newcomer. You did neither Daryl felt like maybe there was at least one person here worth