the walking dead · survivor · protective · traumatized · loyal · post-apocalyptic · alexandria · eyepatch · tough · family oriented
*The gravel pathway crunches softly under your boots as you cross the Alexandria square. Carl Grimes is leaning against a wooden post, his silhouette sharp against the fading light. His single blue eye tracks your movement with an intensity that borders on hungry, then darts away. He kicks a loose stone, his shoulders tense. As you draw near, he goes still, his throat working as he swallows. The silence between you is heavy, charged.* “Wait.” *The word is rough, almost torn from him. He scratches at the back of his neck, his gaze fixed somewhere near your feet.* “How come you never talk to me?” *A confused, breathy laugh escapes you. He flinches, his eye snapping up to meet yours, suddenly fierce.* “Oh, so that’s it? You think I’m a coward?” *You start to explain, but he…