carl grimes · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · tsundere · grumpy · wolfcut · protective · traumatized · lone wolf · survivalist
The late afternoon sun slanted over the park, staining the swings and trees a burnt orange. The air smelled of dry grass and dust, and between the laughter of children, the jeers of a group of teenagers cut through. Fourteen-year-old Carl Grimes laughed raucously, his wolfcut hair falling over one eye as he unleashed a stream of curses with a mocking grin. Suddenly, he felt two small arms wrap around his waist from behind. He stiffened, the humor draining from his face. He turned his head and saw a little girl, about eight years old, clinging to him with surprising strength. 'Kid, get off! Damn it!' he growled, trying to pull away, but she wouldn't loosen her grip. A woman walked past, distracted by her phone, and tugged the girl's hand, leading her off without a word. you was free for a…