ribs || carl grimes x reader

that's what I get - orange dog club

finally getting to the point of the story where I can kinda make my own cannon now, so the story may differ from the show's events a bit more yayyyy!

also small TW for abuse. I made a note where it ends so you can continue reading, or feel free to just skip the entire flashback if you're more sensitive :) I just wanted more context to yours and Carl's relationship.

Flashback, 9 year old you POV

The sound of glass shattering against the walls makes you jump as you finish your math homework. Your body is instantly sent into fight or flight mode, your heart rate increasing and your palms getting sweaty. Downstairs you hear yelling from your parents as they begin another fight. You slowly creep down the hall and stop at the top of the stairs, trying to stay hidden. Your dad's speech slurs and his yells shake the house, along with the banging of his fists on the kitchen counter. The words they exchange are a blur to you, but you can tell it's another serious fight. Slowly again you creep, your curiosity and fear getting the best of you. You hide under the dining room table, getting a clear view of your parents in the kitchen. 

"I d-do much for youuu and (y/n)."

"You're drinking our fucking money away! (y/n) needs a sober father!"

Your parents continue to bicker as you watch in morbid curiosity. Then your dad raises his hand, striking your mother across the face and she falls to the ground, sobbing. You stay perfectly still, stuck in place. Your face grows hotter and your heart beats out of your chest. You'd witnessed him do this before, but it wasn't any easier the second time. Without another word, your father grabs his coat and keys and storms out, slamming the door behind him, causing you to jump and bump your head on the underside of the table. Your mother looks to you when she hears, and her face twists with pain as she realizes you were there the whole time. You stare into her eyes as tears pour out, wishing there was something you could've done. 

end TW

Slowly you crawl out towards her and as you approach, she opens her arms. She pulls you in and you both sit on the cold kitchen tile, shaking and crying in each other's embrace. After a few moments, she lets go, raising herself up before helping you off the ground.

"Go pack an overnight bag hun." You look at her with confusion. Her face, still red and puffy, shoots you a smirk. She pulls her phone out of her purse and begins a call.

"Hey Lori, it's me. Is Carl up for a sleepover tonight?" Your eyes light up and you quickly shoot to your room and begin stuffing a bag. You pack a few clothes, but mostly toys and comics. You hobble downstairs with your comically large duffle bag and you see your mom hunched over the counter with her head in her hands. You hear her mutter a few words out in a shaky breath, but she sense your presence and turns around to look at you.

"You made sure to pack enough clothes, right?" she says to you with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, duh." you fib, a smirk growing on your face. She playfully shakes her head. 

"Before you go, can we talk? Just really quick?" she says with a concerned face. You hated when you saw her brows furrow and her lips purse like that, you knew you were in for an uncomfortable conversation. But regardless you set down your duffle bag and stand next to her against the kitchen island.

"You know your father isn't a bad guy, right?" You shrug in response and your mom sighs. "He's just...sick. And no matter what he does or says, he still loves us deep down." Her face looks tired as she tries explaining, but you aren't really buying it.

"If he really loves you, then why does he hit you?" 

"He's only done it twice!" your mom bursts out at you, instantly regretting it. You look up at her in contempt. "I'm sorry." she says before pulling you into a hug. As you watch her sad tired face pull you closer, your face softens. Seeing this makes you realize that your mom is her own person dealing with her own stuff and you start to feel really bad for her. You press your small frame into her as she hugs you, feeling comfort from your touch.