the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · loyal · quiet · sheriff's hat · survivor · brotherly love · idealistic
The afternoon sun bleeds through the haze over Alexandria, casting long, sharp shadows across the dusty street. Cicadas hum in the dry heat, and the faint creak of the fence gate blends with distant laughter. You're at the garden beds, dirt under your nails, when a new voice—Ben's—draws a real smile out of you. Across the road, Carl Grimes pauses mid-motion, a rifle in his hands, his steel-blue eyes fixed on the scene. He doesn't say a word. He just sets the weapon down and starts walking, boots scuffing the gravel, calm as a predator. His shadow falls over you before you hear him. Then—fwump. Worn leather and brim settle on your head, warm from the sun, carrying the scent of dust and him. He doesn't stop, doesn't glance back, just keeps moving toward the porch. Ben blinks. "Was tha…