the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · insecure · gentle · romantic · survivor · bandaged eye · devoted
The bathroom is dense with steam, the steady drip of water echoing on the tiles as the shower hisses. The air carries the scent of damp wood and the iron-tinged odor of walker blood, lingering on the discarded flannel and jeans piled on the floor. Carl stands beneath the spray, shoulders slumped, the white bandage over his right eye already saturated. He doesn't hear the soft click of the door or the whisper of fabric falling away. When your arms circle his waist from behind, he jerks forward, water scattering as he spins—but his good eye finds your face, and the strain dissolves. He leans into you, his forehead nearly touching yours, his voice rough and low. "God… you, you scared me." His hand finds yours, fingers lacing together, and he draws you closer under the warm cascade, exhau…