Daryl Dixon x Reader One-shots

Daryl x Wiccan!Reader

Requested by Elliane_Blackwing

*Set in Alexandria*

You bounced on the balls of your feet, nervous energy coursing through you. You knew you needed to calm down. Closing your eyes, you slowly breathed in and out rhythmically, shaking out your hands as if you were dispelling the negative energy from your fingertips. Your eyes snapped open as Carol spoke.

"You worry too much," she said as she placed her hand on your black-clad shoulder. The oven timer let out a loud shrill and Carol perked up excitedly. Hurrying over to the oven, she pulled out the tray of cookies. The lush warm smell of vanilla filled the air, making your stomach grumble as you eyed the golden bakes. 

"I can't help it," you murmured, thinking back to the energies you had been feeling the past week or so. "I just feel like something bad is about to happen."

The woman delicately removed the cookies from the hot pan and placed them neatly on a plate, the growing golden mound looking picture perfect.

"Well we are in the middle of the apocalypse," she grumbled. Being here in Alexandria had been a nice change. The group had changed with the scenery - everyone went from wild and dangerous to being what could only be described as... domesticated. Though some characteristics still remained, like my sense of worry and Carol's cynicism.

"This is different," your eyes met hers, pleading for some form of understanding. That was something you hadn't ever really received an abundance of. When you first met the group at the prison, they had been wary of you but willing enough to let you become part of their family. Much unlike the people at Alexandria. Upon arrival it was clear to the Alexandrians that your group was different, strange - but you stuck out more than the rest. Your heavy combat boots, black ripped jeans and flowy black blouse that billowed behind you when you walked left them staring, and you could sense the old world beliefs that lingered in their hearts. It took a long while before they stopped eyeing you with distrust and fear. Even so, you still kept to yourself. Rick's group being the exception.

"How is it different?" She questioned you, ignoring the cookies and taking a seat next to you on the kitchen counter. A concerned yet tired look was prominent on her face.

"It just is," you said after a moment, deciding it was easier to not explain.

"I'm sure you'll feel better when Daryl gets back. You always worry when he's gone," Carol pointed out and you placed your head on her shoulder. Out of everyone here, the two of you loved him the most, without a doubt. Daryl was an outsider like you, and you instantly felt drawn to him. It seemed it was the same way for him because despite his antisocial manner and distrust for the general human population, Daryl stayed near to you. The familiar sensation filled your body and you hopped of the counter excitedly.

"He's back!" You exclaimed and headed for the front door, only to hear Carol mutter a soft 'how the hell does she do that?'  as you sprinted into the street and to the front gate. As if on cue, the gate opened. The low growl of a motorcycle announced Daryl's arrival, followed by the car with Rick and Glenn. Your eyes stayed trained him as the motorcycle came to a sudden halt a few feet away from you. The familiar twinge of excitement pulled at your chest when he looked at you. He made you feel as if you were the only person on earth, the way he looked at you. Moody yet soft eyes, shaggy hair, the ghost of a smile; all of which made you love him more.

Daryl climbed of the motorcycle and headed towards you, his crossbow slung gracefully across his back.

"Did you get it?" A mixture of excitement and anxiousness coursed through you. You hoped he remembered. With a small nod, Daryl fished a bag out of his pocket. Running towards him you crushed him in a quick hug before heading off in the opposing direction.

Soon your house came into view. You hurried through the wooden door and down the stairs into the small basement. A few moments later Daryl entered. No one came down here except for you and occasionally the archer; he was the only one you trusted enough.

Placing the bag Daryl handed to you on the small table, you pulled out the last two things you needed; a black candle and star anise. 

"I feel like something bad is going to happen. Without knowing what, this is the best I can do for now," you spoke with you arranged the ingredients on the table. Daryl didn't need to say anything for you to know he was curious.
His footsteps came closer and you could feel his light breaths coming from behind you as he watched you work. The flame of the match burned brightly as you lit the smudge stick. The aromatic smoke filled the air as you moved the stick delicately across the space and over the delicate stones, each wisp of smoke filled with intention. That was followed by lighting the black candle.  After that, you crushed white sage and rosemary, adding it to the oil that filled the small bowl in the center of the salt circle. Soon you had completed almost all of the steps. Carefully, you placed the perfect star anise in the center of the oil-herb mixture. Taking in your handy work, you smiled. You had a good feeling about this. Maybe it was starting to work already.

"What now?" Daryl questioned your pause, and you pulled out a crumpled paper from the pocket of your black jeans.

"Now I read the prayer," you answered simply, the glanced over the scrawled words before beginning to read them. Finally, your protection spell was complete.

"You're crazy, ya know that?" The man joked and lightly placed a warm hand on your back. Scoffing lightly, you turned to face him.

"I might be crazy, but at least I'm careful." A smile stretched across your face as Daryl leaned forward and placed a kiss on your forehead. Butterflies erupted wildly in your stomach at the contact.

"Come on, let's head out. Carol made cookies," you informed him as you held out your hand. After a moment, he took your small hand in his large one.

"What flavor?" He questioned after a few moments.

"Vanilla."

"Hell yeah," he said softly, but childlike enthusiasm coated his voice.

"You're adorable," you teased him as you walked down the streets, hand in hand.

"Shut up," he grumbled, though a small smile flickered on his face.