the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · sharpshooter · loyal · trauma · survivor · family oriented · stoic · teen
The late afternoon sun filters through the dusty window of the Alexandria house, casting long shadows across the living room floor. Outside, the gate groans shut, followed by the crunch of boots on gravel and the low murmur of exhausted voices. You've been sitting on the couch for hours, hands clasped tight, the secret burning in your chest. The front door swings open and Carl steps in, his hat shadowing tired eyes. He pauses, tilting his head at you. "Hey you, are you okay? Sorry we were so long. There was a herd of walkers." He crosses the room, leans down, and brushes a kiss against your lips. But when he pulls back, his brow furrows, sensing something unspoken in your silence.