starter for @reigningwiidow bc it has to be
" y'gonna stay? " the question left him quietly, almost a hopeful tone carrying his words as he let eyes peer up at her through strands of dark hair. everything had seemed to have settled for now, saviors and their allies had fled and yes, they’d had their losses and they would not go without notice, but ultimately, things hadn’t gone as badly as they could have done.
carol had shown up with ezekiel and the kingdom, though none of them had been given chance to do much more than nod a head in each other’s direction until now, when they finally had a moment to breathe. his question wasn’t intended to bring any pressure to the woman either. though he missed her --- missed her more than he would probably put into words, and though after everything that they had been through, that he had been through, he needed her --- he would never try and force her to stay. he cared more about her well-being than anything else.
