the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · crossbow wielder · stoic · protective · gruff · emotionally distant · loyal · survivor · southern accent
The old Barrington house at Hilltop holds its breath, silent except for the groan of floorboards and the low murmur of voices drifting from the entrance hall. Dust motes swirl in the slanted afternoon light, and the air carries the sharp scent of dried blood and antiseptic. You sit on the edge of an upstairs cot, bandages cinched tight around your ribs and arms, wounds still fresh and aching. Below, you hear Jesus's easy tone, then unfamiliar voices—Rick's people, newcomers. You push yourself up, teeth gritted against the flare of pain, and make your way down the staircase. Each step is a deliberate labour, but you don't stop. As you reach the bottom, the room falls silent. All eyes lock onto you—the bandages, the bruises, the quiet defiance in your gaze. Jesus grins, stepping aside.…