not a big deal~carl grimes

<thirty>

we took everyone into the sewers, hiding out where siddiq was down there. carl joined us later. as i saw him turn the corner, i ran past everyone sat along the sides, jumping into his arms 'thank god you're okay.'

his arms wrapped around my waist, tightly holding me up as my feet were a few inches off the ground. he buried his face in my neck, taking in a deep breath of y shampoo from the shower i had taken that morning.

we sat in the corner, near siddiq as Judith came over to us, sitting down in my lap. she sat one one of my legs, facing forward and leaning back on me as i had my hands gently around her. my leg was shaking p and down from anxiety.

carl put his hand on my thigh to stop me. i looked at him as he reassured me 'it's going to be okay. i promise.' he kissed the top of my head.

his long, shoulder length hair was damp from grease but mainly sweat. he looked pale but he wasn't sick and beads of sweat dripped down his forehead. rick and Michonne saw him kiss my head as they came down a few minutes later. Judith climbed off my lap to go to her dad.

i was tired so i laid down, putting my head on carls leg, facing up at him. he ran his fingers through my hair 'are you okay?'

i didn't want to speak so i just nodded. we waited it out down there until the others came to help. carol came back with the leader of the kingdom, ezekiel.

it was all over by the morning. walkers were inside and alexandria was burnt to a crisp though. daryl and rick had taught me to drive earlier on, so i grabbed carl and a bag and we left before one of us got bit.

we drove for about 20 minutes before i saw carl looking scared 'what?'

'do you actually know how to drive or are you winging it because we needed to get away?'

i chuckled at him 'your dad taught me. i know what i'm doing.' he relaxed after i assured him.

'so.' he paused 'what's happening with...us?'

i sighed, keeping my eyes on the road 'what do you want it to mean?'

'i want you back. i really miss you.' he paused 'well you know that, i already told you.'

'look carl,' i looked over to see a disappointed look on his face, 'i want you back. i did all this time, but i need full transparency here. why did you break up with me?'

he took a deep breath before explaining 'i wasn't doing great at the time. to be honest, it was mainly because i was insecure.'

'why were you insecure?'

'because.' he let his head hit the headrest behind him with a soft thud 'i lost my eye. i guess i was scared of you seeing what's under the bandage and thinking i'm a monster and break up with me. so i got that part out the way.'

i pulled over on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere 'carl, you're not a monster, okay. ron was the monster for being the one to do that to you, or eve trying to kill your dad because he was trying to save you.' i pulled his face in so he would look at me 'I've seen what's under there and, to me, you look no different. i still see the sweet, strong boy i've known since i met you. nothing will change that, no matter how you look.'

he kissed me 'taylor, i don't know your middle name, white. will you be my girlfriend again?'

i laughed 'yes.' i kissed his lips softly 'and for the record, it's audrey.'

'taylor audrey white. I like it.' he smiled, making me blush.

as we pulled up to a gas stop, i asked 'what's the date?'

'i think it's July 7th. why?' he answered, following it with the question.

i shrugged, never mind.' i headed for the door 'can you fill the tank while i go inside?'

he odded. there weren't any walkers inside, i guessed it had been cleared early on as it was also nearly empty inside. i found a bit of water, pringles and gummy bears but not much else that both me and carl would eat.

i went back out and found him just getting in the car. he laughed when he saw what i had in my hands 'no real food? just snacks.'

'what? there wasn't much there, at least i got water. besides, i deserve it, it is my 16th birthday after all.'

his jaw dropped 'you're 16?!' i nodded as he pulled me in to pepper kisses all over my cheeks, on every single freckle on my face.

when's your birthday?' i asked.

'april 16th.' he answered, pulling away and sitting back.

i climbed onto his lap in the passengers seat 'i missed your birthday?'

he shrugged 'yeah but we were broken up, it wouldn't have made a difference. we were broken up and not talking. it's not like we would have done anything.'

'well it does make a difference because we were 14 when you got to alexandria, meaning i missed 2.' i held his face 'what's something you've always wanted to do? or something you want that i can go find for you.'

he thought before saying 'I've always wanted to fly.'

i smiled, chuckling 'something doable.'

'you never clarified.' he joked 'you know i never spent the night in a hotel. i was always at home, never really went on vacation. when i did it was to my grandparents so i stayed with them.'

'that's what you want to do?' i questioned 'spend the night in a hotel?' he nodded 'well then, i will make it my mission to find the fanciest hotel that's safe.'

he laughed as i climbed into the drivers seat and speeding down the road.