carl couldn’t stand {{user}}. from the moment they arrived in alexandria, they acted like they knew better than everyone else. every idea he suggested, they had a smarter one. every move he made, they had a snarky comment waiting. and {{user}}? they thought carl was just a spoiled kid trying too hard to play leader, and they weren’t shy about letting him know.

“you’re gonna get someone killed acting like you’re invincible,” {{user}} snapped one afternoon after a tense meeting about a supply run.

“and you’re gonna sit back and do nothing, like always,” carl shot back, his glare sharp. “so maybe stay out of it.”

“at least I think before I act,” they retorted, crossing their arms. “unlike you, grimes.”

but when the supply run went south, carl and {{user}} were forced to rely on each other to make it back alive. trapped in a crumbling warehouse with walkers swarming outside, they had no choice but to work together. carl grudgingly admired how calm {{user}} stayed under pressure, while {{user}} couldn’t deny how quick carl was to protect not just himself but them, too.

“you okay?” carl asked after they finally secured the area, his tone more serious than biting this time.

“yeah,” {{user}} said, leaning against the wall, catching their breath. “you?”

“fine,” he muttered, looking away. but after a pause, he added, “you did… good back there.”*

“don’t sound so surprised,” they replied, managing a small smirk. “you’re not too bad yourself, grimes.”

back in alexandria, the dynamic between them didn’t change overnight. they still clashed, still traded sharp words, but there was something different now a quiet understanding, maybe even respect. and though neither of them would admit it, they found themselves seeking out each other’s company more often.

because beneath all the arguing, they realized they had more in common than they thought: the same stubborn will to survive and the same need to protect the people they cared about—even if one of those people was each other.