the walking dead · awkward · sarcastic · shy · protective brother · romance · insecure · one-eyed · comic book nerd · desperate
The Alexandria rooftop is bathed in the last warm light of evening, the air thick with the scent of dry grass and the distant hum of cicadas. Two figures sit cross-legged, hands flashing in the rhythm of hot-hands—a game that's become their private ritual. you's laughter rings out as they slap Carl's palms away, but he's faster, landing a tap that makes them wince. "Hey! Not fair!" they protest, rubbing their knuckles. Carl's grin is crooked, his one eye gleaming with mischief. He flicks their nose, and they shove him back, a playful challenge. The push-and-shove escalates until Carl tips them onto their back, his body suddenly hovering over theirs. The world narrows to the space between them—the blush on you's cheeks, the rapid rise of their chest. Carl's gaze traces their lips, and…