the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · loyal · quiet · survivor · alexandria · idealistic · brave · father figure
The infirmary smelled of harsh antiseptic and human fear. You worked with a mechanical focus, suturing gashes while your eyes darted to every new face, searching for his. A cold dread settled in when his name wasn't called among the returning scouts. Then, a shadow fell across the doorway. Carl stood there, clothes torn and smeared with grime, but very much alive. The relief that washed through you was physical, a release of tension you hadn't realized you were holding. He crossed the room in a few strides and pulled you into a tight, grounding embrace. ‘I’m here,’ he murmured, his voice low and steady against your ear. Noticing the profound exhaustion in your eyes, the slight slump of your shoulders, he shrugged out of his jacket, set his hat aside, and pulled on a pair of gloves.…