ribs || carl grimes x reader

blue eyes like the devil's water - mccafferty

Carl's POV

My dad and I walk through the gates, which are already wide open. We see a crowd gathered around. Deanna pleads to her son to stop whatever he's doing.

"Why did you let these people in here?" he asks his mom. 

Glenn responds "Because we actually know what we're doing out there." Then suddenly, Aiden takes a swing at Glenn, who ducks just in time to hit him back, knocking him onto the ground. Dad and I run in to try and stop the fight. Then this guy with curly hair charges and raises his fist  to hit Glenn, but (y/n) gets in the way, and takes the blow instead. I watch her body fall to the ground, seemingly knocked out cold, and I immediately rush to her side. I hold her in my arms and examine her wound. Not only do I already see a bruise forming, but he managed to cut her face open, causing blood to drip down the side of her face. The curly haired dickhead looks down with genuine fear and regret in his eyes.

"Kid I am so sorry. I was aiming for Glenn I didn't have enough time to-" I cut off his little apology.

"If you guys didn't start a fight in the first place, this wouldn't have happened." I glare at him. He gives me a sad look and walks away. 

"It's gonna be ok (y/n). I'm here. Just stay with me, I'll take care of you..." I whisper in her ear as her eyes finally flutter open. She sits herself up and touches the pool of blood on the side of her face.

"Let's get her to the infirmary." Deanna helps her up and we both get her to the doctor. 

As (y/n) lay unconscious, Dr. Anderson scrambling around to retrieve his supplies, Deanna and I stand alone in the corner. 

"I don't mean to pry but I'm a very nosy creature, so I'm gonna ask anyways. How long have you loved her for?" I feel a warm blush creep onto my face.

"W-well she's been my friend my whole life. So I guess I've always cared about her to some...capacity..." I try to play it off, but she just gives me a smug grin.

"Don't wait too long to admit it Carl, ok? Especially in this world, you never know when it might be your last chance." Her eyes are playful, yet serious. I nod my head.

"I know you're right. I'm just...a little scared. I'm more scared of that than the walkers." Deanna chuckles lightly. She places a firm hand on my shoulder.

"There is nothing to be scared about with love. I'll tell you what, I've been planning a welcome party for your whole group tonight. How about you come and tell her there? Everyone will be in a good mood, and if it goes bad and you need some time alone, everyone will be busy at the party." I sigh as I take a second to think. It sounds like a decent idea to me, but before I can say anything (y/n) wakes back up and I immediately run to her side.

Your POV

Ron's dad puts the last stitch into my head and snips the rest of the string off. 

"There ya go (y/n). I can take the stitches out in a few weeks..it might leave a bit of a scar." I sigh. 

"I really don't want to have an ugly scar on the side of my face for the rest of my life. Thanks Nicholas." you think to yourself. Crowded around you was Deanna, Carl, Ron, Enid, and Rick. You felt really crowded as everyone watched your entire medical procedure. 

"You guys really don't have to stay. I just have a small headache, but I'm fine now." You hop off the chair where you sat. They all look around at each other and realize how claustrophobic you must feel. Everyone says their goodbyes individually. Lastly, Carl walks up to you.

"I'm guessing that was a really nice way of asking everyone to fuck off?" he jokes, getting close to your ear to make sure no one else heard. You giggle and nod.