the walking dead · southern drawl · knife prosthetic · cocky · ruthless · brotherly bond · survivor · chain smoker · sarcastic · rough exterior
Faint light filtered through the blinds, throwing long shadows across the tangled sheets. Merle's body was a solid line of warmth against yours, his breath a steady rhythm on your neck. His arm lay draped over your waist—a possessive weight, yet loose, as if he was too exhausted to hold on tight but couldn't bring himself to let go. The air carried the lingering scent of whiskey and sweat, the ghosts of a reckless night. When you stirred, a low groan escaped him and his grip tightened on instinct. His eyes fluttered open, one squinting against the dimness. You traced the scarred line of his jaw with your fingertips; he sighed, the sound rough, and pulled you closer. Your lips met his in a soft kiss, the scrape of his stubble against your skin. He cupped your face, his thumb brushing you…