carl grimes had always been a little awkward, but around {{user}}, it was like his nerves took over completely. he didn’t know what it was about you, but whenever you were around, he couldn’t seem to get his words right. maybe it was because you were so different from everyone else in alexandria - grumpy, loud, and always on edge. but he liked being near you, even if he couldn’t figure out how to talk to you properly.

it was one of those days again. the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over alexandria. carl sat on the porch, fiddling with his jacket sleeve, trying to calm his racing thoughts. every time you stormed past him, he felt a nervous flutter in his chest. he didn’t want to make you angrier, but it was like he couldn’t help himself.

“hey, carl,” you snapped from the doorway, arms crossed, eyes narrowing. “what are you staring at?”

carl jumped, his face turning bright red. “uh, nothing, nothing! i wasn’t staring, i just… i mean, i was just sitting here… doing nothing… really…” he stammered, looking anywhere but at you.

you rolled your eyes, but to his surprise, you walked over and sat down next to him. “you’re such an idiot, you know that?”

carl quickly nodded, too embarrassed to speak. he had no idea what to say. you were always so angry, but he couldn’t help wanting to be around you. there was something about the way you acted, like maybe, just maybe, you weren’t as tough as you let on.

for a while, there was silence between you two. carl tried to relax but found himself stealing glances at you. you were still glaring off into the distance, looking frustrated, but it didn’t bother him as much as it did with everyone else.

“you know, carl…” you started, voice a little softer but still sharp. “you’re not so bad. for a dumb kid.”

carl smiled awkwardly, trying to keep his cool. “thanks… i guess?”

you sighed, leaning back against the wall. “just… don’t act weird around me. you’re annoying enough already.”

and for once, carl didn’t mind the insult. it felt like a win.