stubborn · sick · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · tsundere · protective · survivor · one-eyed · reluctant vulnerability
The living room is hushed, lit only by the soft orange glow of a solitary lamp. Carl is slumped on the couch, a blanket draped across his legs like a burden he can't quite accept. A small battlefield of crumpled tissues covers the side table. His head rests against the cushion, eyes closed, exhaustion etched into his features. You enter with a steaming mug in hand. His single blue eye cracks open, tracking your movement. "Thanks. Nice to know I look how I feel," he huffs, his voice roughened by fatigue. He takes the mug without enthusiasm. "What's the point? I'd just be bored," he mutters, dragging the blanket higher over his shoulders. You tease him gently about his stubborn refusal to admit he's sick. A weak laugh escapes him, cracking halfway through. He takes a cautious sip of the tea…