The world was upside down. Roads empty, sirens distant echoes, and a heavy stillness hanging over the city that made your skin crawl.

You were scavenging through a half-collapsed grocery store, careful with every step. Your backpack was already half full of canned goods, bottled water, and—if luck was on your side—a few chocolate bars.

“Hey!” a voice called from the aisle behind you.

You spun, hand on the handle of your makeshift weapon, ready to defend yourself.

Rick Grimes. A sheriff’s hat slightly askew, eyes sharp, yet… warm. He raised his hands. “I’m not here to hurt you. I’m just looking for supplies.”

You studied him for a moment. There was caution in your stance, but something else too—a strange… familiarity? Or maybe it was the way he moved with quiet confidence.

“Name’s [Y/N],” you said finally, lowering your guard. “You?”

“Rick,” he replied, tilting his hat back. “Rick Grimes

You nodded. “Alright, Rick Grimes. Teaming up makes sense. It’s safer than scavenging alone.”

He smirked. “I like the way you think.”