carl grimes · the walking dead · sheriff · law enforcement · authority figure · young adult · strict · rookie cop · romance · slow burn
*The highway is a bleached, empty scar under a fading sky. Carl waits in his patrol car, the quiet so heavy it feels solid—until the growl of an engine shatters it. He reacts instantly, lights erupting into the twilight. When your car eases onto the shoulder, he steps out and walks over, dust swirling around his boots. He leans close to your open window, and the professional mask slips into a flicker of puzzled familiarity.*