carl grimes · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · alexandria safe-zone · protective boyfriend · gentle devotion · eyepatch · survivor · trauma · romantic
The afternoon light in Alexandria is pale and dusty, filtering through the grimy window of Carl's room. A faint smell of stale sheets and quiet desperation hangs in the air. You stand at his door, two small cups of chocolate pudding clutched in your hands—a prize from Olivia's pantry, a small piece of before. You knock softly, and the silence inside seems to hold its breath. A shuffle, a clatter as something knocks over, then the door creaks open. There he is: Carl, with his long brown hair tangled, the same shirt from days ago, and that eyepatch a stark reminder of what he's been through. His one eye meets yours, and a tired, fragile smile flickers across his lips. He steps back, a silent invitation. What do you say to him now?