I Saw The Lights Go Out - Carl Grimes

I wouldn't say that anyone from my group adjusted to being behind the walls of Alexandria smoothly, myself included. For the first time I really doubted my previous beliefs; that a secure base and nothing to worry about was all that I wanted. In reality, all the luxuries that came with Alexandria were nothing compared to what I really needed. Sure, the running water was clean, hot food served on a plate was undoubtedly tastier, and the plush comfort of a bed was all an upgrade. As much as I missed all of those things from before, they were no longer the things that satisfied us. Although I knew Sasha or Abraham were on constant watch in the tower I still looked over my shoulder, stopped at any sudden noises, and spoke in a whisper. I wouldn't say that this community felt wrong, but just incomplete.

Before wandering out for the day, I slipped back into the second house and down the basement steps again. The house was quiet as no one had been in it since the first day we were here. This morning, I overheard Rick suggesting we slept in the other houses soon and I wouldn't mind getting first pick, so that's exactly what I did.

Rounding the corner in the basement, the small and quaint bedroom came into sight. With a bathroom attached there was no wondering how quickly someone else would snatch this up. For now and for once, I wanted my own space. Though it was going to be weird not sleeping with the rest of the group like I'd been doing for so long, I knew I'd be happy to have my own serenity, much like my cabin.

Before leaving the room I dropped my bag onto the bed, claiming it. Regardless, I doubted many people would come check the basement for a place to sleep. Most basements we've seen had been crawling with walkers or flooded with who knows what lurking in the waters.

A few days passed since we first arrived at Alexandria. After meeting Ron I had no desire to go back to his house just incase Enid and Mikey were there. I knew I should be giving them another chance, but it was hard to do so when their intentions were so bold. I wasn't planning on heading back to Ron's house anytime soon, that was until I realized my jacket still lay forgotten on his bedroom floor thanks to Enid's overreaction.

Walking back over to the first house I stepped through the front door with my shoes thudding against the hardwood in the silence. I frowned, to myself confused as to where everyone went for the day as the living room turned barren. Then it clicked in my head and I laughed to no one. Almost everyone had a job and most started today.

I wandered around the staircase and into the kitchen to find only Carl, he sat at the island reading a comic and nibbling on a bag of fruit snacks. I walked up behind him though he didn't seem to notice, too engrossed in his story. Then I ran my hands up his back before pressing my chest against him, my arms around his neck. At first his muscles stiffen, not knowing who had snuck up behind him, but as he came to realize he leaned into me further. Carl turned his head to the side, his long hair skimming across my face before he pecked me on the cheek. His lips were as soft as ever as he planted another one, his minty breath so close to my ear.

"Good morning." I hummed into his hair. "Whatcha reading?" I sang and he turned around, still holding me close.

"Morning. Just some random super hero comic again." He shrugged tossing it onto the counter behind him. "That's not important. How did you sleep?" Carl asked.

"With you by my side? Just fine." I giggled and leaned into him.

"I think you've used that line before." Carl laughed with me, moving his hand to push back the hair falling into my face.

"As long as it's working." I shrugged, my eyes wide as I trailed off.

A moment of comfortable silence hung over us as we breathed in sync in the vacant house.