#s404 writes

[404writes]

Imagine: Alden and Carl at work

Summary: Alden and Carl are both apprenticing as blacksmiths at Earl's shop in Hilltop, finding comfort in staying late and working on their own projects, bonding over not much else, except Enid.

Notes: Kinda jumbling around the timeline here. Post-whisperer era, Alnid exists

Word Count: 620

A/N: this is just a little imagine type piece i wrote, if this is well-recieved i might write more in this format, it was really enjoyable to write with no real end goal, but rather to play around with a scenario. -404 ~

They'd stayed late again, Earl had left many hours beforehand, and neither of the boys knew what time it was. On nights like these, Alden was usually the first of the pair to depart, leaving Carl to potter around alone for however long he wished. But tonight, they wrapped up around the same time. They usually kept to themselves in this setting, working alongside each other but never questioning what the other was doing. That's not to say they weren't friends, they got along excellently in a social setting, but they mutually understood the boundaries set at work. They both used the place as somewhere to unload and mindlessly do the job they enjoyed, conversation would make it redundant.

A routine had been established, they had their own space, their own equipment, and the handful of phrases that were acceptable to use during a late-night session. Alden would work at the storefront, tinkering with pieces of scrap metal, Carl would stay out back, enclosed in a corner, usually sitting on a bench doing a task secretively. They'd cross paths to remove their tools from the shelf which they all resided, but apart from that there was no physical indication the other was in the shop, only the knowing reassurance that they just were.

Alden was usually the one to initiate the nightly, short-lived small talk, only when Carl was in his physical presence. "Stayin' late tonight?" "Think so, you?" "Yeah, got stuff to do." "Work? Or a project?" "Project, seeing what kind of rings and stuff I can make with that scrap metal Earl left." "Oh, that's cool. For Enid?" "Yeah, she says the rings she steals from the dead hardly ever fit her, I told her she'd have more success taking a less morbid approach to jewellery shopping, but she insists it'd feel immoral to get them from an old world shop. Hopefully she'll let me give her some fitting, handmade ones." "God, I can just hear her saying that. She does it with their pockets too! She'll clear them out and find something she likes, get so excited, and act so stunned that she found it, like she's the luckiest person alive! As if she couldn't have just raided any old house and found ten of the same thing."

They'd both laugh.

After an exchange like that, Carl would wish him luck, Alden would tell him not to stay too late that night. By the time the last sentence was finished, they'd both be out of sight.

~

Although they were decently close, they both got a majority of their information about each other through Enid. She'd tell Alden how awesome Carl was, she'd talk to Alden every time she got back from reading comics in the forest with him, telling him how it was nice to have a friend like that. She'd talk about his family too, walking him through her plans to go back to Alexandria with Carl when he next went back, because she really missed Judith. Alden soaked up the information.

Enid would tell Carl how happy she was with Alden, and how she had a gut feeling he was the man she'd be with forever. She'd tell him how there were still people out to get him, because he was once a saviour, and how it scared her, especially after it once got him badly injured. Carl would agree with her, and tell her that he's happy for her, that she's made a good decision choosing him.

Enid was happy she didn't have to worry about Alden seeing Carl as a threat to their relationship. Even though if he did, she'd definitely see the concern as justifiable. She was also happy that she didn't have to worry about Carl becoming threatened by Alden's position in her life, she was grateful that he was nothing but happy for her.

~

taglist: @unadulterated-syd

[404writes]

being raised by daryl dixon: part one

Masterlist!! Get added to my taglist!!

Being raised by Daryl Dixon masterlist!! Being raised by Daryl Dixon taglist!!

A/N: this is just a little freestyle thing (idk if you can even call it a fic) i wrote. easing back into writing and i've been wanting to make a post like this for a while! hope you enjoy, mwah mwah <3333

-S404

note-able that y/n is the same age as carl. y/n is more feminine, although i believe it is easy enough to brush off if needed.

word count: 1k-ish

At the start, Daryl was just another member of the group, if it weren't for his temper and tendency to separate himself from the bunch, you probably would have been too caught up in everything else to notice him.

You were interested in what business he had being around the group, he didn't fit in whatsoever. Occasionally, Shane or Rick would catch you staring at him curiously, they'd redirect you every time, they didn't want you bothering him.

After getting over the hurt of losing his brother, Daryl started to involve himself in the group and became helpful. At some point he began noticing you.

You'd been orphaned shortly after the beginning of the apocalypse, both parents dying on the highway into Atlanta. If it weren't for Carol a few cars behind, immediately taking you in with her family (much to Ed's dismay), you would have died there too.

After learning that information, as well as of the hesitance of the others to take you under their wing, Daryl constantly kept an eye out for you from a distance.

It first happened around the campfire at dinnertime. He'd notice you weren't sitting with the kids, and would be quick to appear at your side. He'd look at you, decide you were getting too thin, and shovel half his food onto your plate most nights. Of course, making sure no one was looking at his display of affection first before taking action.

Still, he never spoke a word to you, and wouldn't be caught tending to you if there were others observing, he couldn't let himself be seen as weak, or 'motherly' as Merle would call him if he was there to see.

Daryl didn't know how to care for a child, that was apparent. He'd watch Carol during the day, and see how she loved you and made you smile. He took serious mental notes.

He got better as time went on, asking "How're ya doin' kiddo?" frequently, and letting it be known to the rest of the group that this kid was his. You tried to hug him a couple of times, but his still stature made it clear this wasn't something he was open to.

At the CDC you saw him happy, he was laughing and conversing with the rest of the group, cracking jokes and getting along with people. It was definitely a sight.

At dinner one night, Rick let Carl try some wine, afterwards you looked straight over at Daryl and he said "No way in hell," to which everyone laughed. He never said anything, but that moment was special to him, he knew he had won you over after that, you had looked to him for approval first in that moment, even though it was over something so trivial.

Daryl was furious at Dr Jenner after he revealed the CDC was going to self-destruct, not because he was betrayed, but because you were. Shane had to restrain him from punching the Dr square in the face.

Everyone grew bleak after the CDC, especially after Sophia went missing. You lost Daryl for a while there, he was gone all day and even nights sometimes, searching for her. You spent all your time with Lori, sitting with Carl, you two had grown close.

One night after returning to the highway, Daryl noticed you waiting on top of the RV with Carol, it took him a while to realise you had been waiting for him. It clocked to him how absent he'd been. He came back with a stuffed bear for you the next day.

After Carl got shot, a lot changed. No one had attention to give you, except for Carol. So far she had acted as a maternal figure to you, her presence brought you comfort whilst Daryl was gone, you knew he trusted her. She was projecting her lost daughter to some extent, and you were aware of that, but you let her braid your hair and tuck you in at night anyways.

A few days into your stay at the farm, you were reading a book next to Carol when Maggie came over to introduce herself. She thought you were Carol's daughter, which stung for both parties. Later that night whilst looking for Daryl, you stumbled across Carol crying to him about the earlier exchange.

You watched Sophia stumble out of the barn, you were in the back of the crowd. Everyone fell silent, frozen, some cried, you just stood there. You weren't exactly close with Sophia, but it felt more real than any death you'd experienced thus far. Daryl had to restrain Carol for several minutes, although after the first the hold seemed like more of an embrace.

Eventually, after everyone else had left the scene, you walked up to the pair who remained. Daryl, upon seeing you, moved closer, he held you in his arms for the first time and did not let go. In that moment, he swore to never let you meet that kind of fate.

You watched him blame himself for Sophia's death for months. You'd stay awake some nights and eavesdrop on him and Carol talking. He'd be talking to her about everything that had happened, and without prompting, she'd periodically tell him it wasn't his fault, that he couldn't have prevented it, and that she didn't blame him. He hated that it worked.

On the night the barn burnt down, you had been playing cards with Glenn, you left in a car with him and Maggie. He drove as Maggie held you in the backseat, you were weeping, scared of the uncertainty in the group's survival.

Your group was the last to make it to the highway, everyone was relieved instantly after your arrival. Although you had all mostly made it to this checkpoint safe, the group had to deal with the question, where to next?

~

taglist: @unadulterated-syd

[404writes]

There is a Light That Never Goes Out - (Carl Grimes)

Masterlist !! Taglist !!

Summary: You and Carl are finally allowed on a run by yourselves. As you settle down for the night in a small house in the woods, Carl discovers a record player. Word Count: 1.8k~ Pairing: Carl Grimes / Female Reader

Warnings: None ! Just some one on one Carl time, featuring a little bit of kissing. A/N: This fic is loosely based off of "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths, it is also the song I listened to while writing this fic. Feel free to listen to it or any song by The Smiths while reading, I think it matches the fic.

-S404

~

Runs with Carl were always fun. You weren't the most successful pair, and you never came back with more supplies than expected, but these small outings gave you time to be outside the walls, to be free. Usually you were accompanied by another person or two. Rick said it was for efficiency, but you both knew he just wanted the two of you to be the safest you could possibly be out there. This time it was different though. After telling Rick repeatedly that he's "16 now" and can be trusted on a short overnight run, Carl managed to gain his father's trust, and Rick agreed to send the both of you out locally for the night to scavenge. It might not have been anything that special, just a two day expedition ten miles out from Alexandria. On a mission to search nearby hunting cabins for guns, canned food, anything that you could scrape up really. However it was special for you, you'd never been away from Alexandria without multiple other members of the group for a long time, ever really.

~

"Alright you two, remember no detours, and if anything is the slightest bit off you come straight back." Rick was going through both of your bags, making sure you had the correct supplies and protection. He had a mixture of worry and pride on his face. He wasn't against the idea of you two having independence, this just wasn't his ideal way of allowing it. "The car should have enough fuel in it to get you there and back easily, remember all the things I taught you in your driving lessons, don't be stupid." You wondered how long he would have gone on if Carl hadn't stopped him. "Dad we'll be fine. I know you have doubt, but we can take care of ourselves and each other out there." The worry in Rick's face didn't subside.

You couldn't help but be excited, not just for the adventure or the independence, but for the time you'd get to spend with Carl. You knew he'd indulge any urge you had for something risky or adrenaline-inducing, unlike the others. You felt like an adult in the most childish way. ~ Daylight was burning. As you and Carl hopped into the car, you occupying the passenger seat, Michonne and Rick put your bags into the trunk. You agree they were being overprotective, but no one could really blame them.

In this world all it took was one bite or a scratch and you were as good as dead.

The pair of you waved and said goodbye as Eugene opened the main gate, Michonne looked over and said something to Rick which you couldn't hear over the car engine, however after that Rick appeared more at peace.

~

It should have only been a fifteen minute drive, but Carl's dodgy driving was easily going to make it double. The second you had exited the gates of Alexandria you had taken your seat belt off unadvisedly, however the piece of polyester made you feel restricted.

You reached your hand out to roll down the window. It was one of those old-fashioned cars, grey exterior, two-seater, and an inside that smelt like your grandparents house did.

"I've wanted to do this forever," you said as you re-positioned yourself sideways and leaned your head out the window. The wind blew over your bare shoulders as your hair floated in the breeze, your upper half covered by nothing but a dark green tank top.

As you climbed back inside the car, you peered over at Carl to see a smile emerging on his face, the flannel he was wearing was slightly blowing backwards at the gentle wind that managed to reach his side.

"You're easy to please," he said with a slight chuckle.

"It's called having fun, you should try it sometime." Your words earned another smile out of the man.

~

The rest of the ride was a peaceful one, the area was decently clear, so walkers weren't something you had to look out for and could almost avoid completely.

It was also a quiet ride, after pulling the window back up and eliminating the whistle of the wind, the only noises to be heard were the occasional remarks about Carl's terrible driving, and comments about a certain protective and bearded man.

As the car halted in what used to be a forest-enclosed picnic site, you were quick to analyse the surrounding area. Rick had purposely sent you to a place which he knew would be clear, but nevertheless it was important to check anyway. As expected there was no immediate threat in sight.

You picked up the map you had been receiving directions from off the dashboard as both you and Carl exited the car. Whilst picking up your backpack from the trunk, you took mental note of the area for future reference.

"Alright Mr. Grimes, there are seven cabins marked down on this map, and we have around four hours of sunlight to get through as many as we can, the rest we can finish tomorrow." You knew you'd only get a couple done today, but at least the work ethic could be appreciated.

"And how far out's the first one?" Carl asked.

You told him that by the looks of it you'd be walking for another two miles, that was enough to make him pick up the pace.

~

The first three houses were slow; supplies were minimal, and few walkers had dared to show their rotting faces. By the time you reached the fourth the sun was beginning to set, you mutually decided to take refuge there for the night rather than continue.

After clearing the house, you both took the extra "leisure time" to scout around for any tidbits you could take home for yourselves.

You managed to gather a small blue cat statue for Michonne, a couple old comics, and some pencils. You were about to assess the sleeping situation just as you heard Carl call out from the main room.

"Y/N! Come check this out!" He sounded more than mildly excited, you quickly poked your head around the corner to see what he had found.

"Get a load of this, a record player!" It was the clunkiest thing you had ever seen, a giant hunk of square. You had to laugh at least a little at the oddities of the man.

"Carl we are not taking that home with us." As much as you wanted to entertain the idea, it was just mildly preposterous.

"Yeah well I know that, but look what else I found." He put down the machine and picked up something else sitting to his side.

He held the record up beside his head, "It's one my mom and I used to play, I think you'd like it too. I thought maybe we could give it a listen." Still standing in the doorway you threw him a nod, to which he quickly started assembling the machine.

~ As the music began to play, so did Carl. He started making emotive gestures and lip-syncing with the music. You glanced at him disapprovingly from across the room, to which he walked over and reached out his arm.

"M'lady?" Carl bowed down, removing his hat with his free arm.

Letting out a small sigh, you took his hand. He pulled you out into the middle of the room, where you both began to dance slowly.

"Can you tell I've never danced like this before?" Carl whispered the words gently in your ear, as to not disturb the slow rhythm of the music.

You chuckled before answering, "No, not at all. You're doing great."

The music was harmonic and slightly dull, but it spoke to you all too well. The pair of you stumbled around for the next twenty minutes, bumping feet occasionally and rarely making eye contact.

It was peaceful, even before the world ended you'd never felt this kind of enjoyment.

As the music slowed and eventually stopped all together, so did you.

You pulled away from the man soulfully. Still holding onto to one of his arms, you performed just one more twirl. Finally focusing in on his face, you could see him smiling, looking right back at you.

He looked in awe to an extent, maybe because he'd never been this close with somebody before, or maybe it was the effect you had on him. Either way, you felt the same.

You came closer to him once more, this time just slightly elevating yourself on your toes, bringing you at eye-level to his face. You leaned in, gently leaving a delicate kiss on his lips. As you smiled and pulled back, he became mildly flustered, his face turning a light shade of pink.

~

No words were exchanged between the two of you in the moments after that kiss. You did however, feel his gaze on your presence as you turned away and headed toward the record player, removing the vinyl and placing the circular disk in your backpack.

"Well you're easy to please," you finally broke the silence. You found it humorous how effortlessly you bewildered the man.

"It's called having fun, you should try it sometime," he spoke in a comical voice, obviously imitating you, however the voice was not one bit accurate. He looked across at you, awaiting validation for his joke.

"Well, I call dibs on first sleeping shift." You began to run to the bedroom only halfway through your sentence.

"I hate you, you know?" Carl shouted out still standing boggled in the main room.

"Sure you do Grimes, sure you do." The second phrase came out as no more than a whisper. Pleased with yourself, you crawled into a comfortable position on the bed, closing your eyes.

In the lack of visual stimulation, you could almost feel the man outside slouching down against the wall, and it was all because of you.