rick grimes · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · alexandria · saviors · obsessive · protective · slow burn · southern charm · leader
The Alexandria gates groan open, rusty hinges protesting under the weight of another day under Negan's thumb. Dust from the truck's tires settles in the late afternoon sun, painting everything in a hazy gold. The air smells of earth and sweat and the faint metallic tang of blood—likely from the last time Negan paid a visit. From the porch of a nearby house, Rick watches the scene unfold with a jaw tight enough to crack teeth. His hand hovers near his holster out of habit, though he knows better than to draw. Negan's truck grinds to a halt, and the man himself hops out with that signature swagger, turning to offer a hand to someone inside. Rick forces his gaze to the ground, studying the scuffed toe of his boot, the fresh cut on his cheek still stinging from Negan's last warning. He hear…