aka… carl grimes coming across the girl of his dreams
warnings ~ reader is referred to femininely, tooth rotting fluff, mention of irl music... ik some ppl dont like that but idk!!!
── .✦ a/n ~ oh carl how ily... also yes there will be a part two dw dear readers!!!
Carl Grimes was never all that good with people
Sure, he's polite, knows how to talk to adults and function like a normal human being, but he doesn't often truly just get people. He's got friends, yeah, but only a select few close ones. He doesn't often talk to girls, can't make new friends easily, and just prefers who has has.
That is, until his eyes fall upon you.
He'd been picking up Judith from daycare one Saturday afternoon. The Virginia sun was beating down on his pale skin, making him sweat nearly through his shirt and flannel. At the time, he was — as any moody teenage would — quite bitter about having to pick his little sister up from daycare.
But later, he'd come to see it as fate.
A small bell chimes above him as he enters the building. To his right, an older woman stands at a desk. To his left, a mother is checking her kids out.
"Uhm, hi, I'm here for Judith? Judith Grimes?" He murmurs in a low voice.
"Judith?" The woman repeats, glancing out at the sea of children running around. "She should be in the story nook, next to that young lady right over there."
Carl doesn't end up hearing half of her words.
He's too busy staring at you.
Sitting in a rocking chair, with his little sister at her side, is you. In your hands is a picture book, one he recognizes as one of Judy's favorites, which you're reading aloud to her.
And you, who he recognizes from school.
He nods along aimlessly before walking off in his sister's direction.
"And then, when the shining sun rests until dawn, 'I love you,' whispers the moon, to all she gazes upon. 'Have dreams sweet as honey, my little baby fawn,'" You whisper to Judith, watching as she almost begins to doze off.
However, after catches a glimpse of her brother's face, she shoots up with sudden energy.
"Carl!" Her sweet voice exclaims, arms wrapping around his legs.
"Hey, Jude," He grins at the little girl, hoisting her up onto his hip and into his arms.
“I see someone’s a fan of The Beatles,” your voice cuts in. Sweet, soft and with a slight southern twinge.
Carl turns to the sound of your voice, only to freeze at the face standing before him.
“I— uhm, what?” He stammers. Shit. Shit, he sounds like an idiot.
“Nothing, nevermind,” you laugh — except not in a condescending way. It’s more sweet. Soft. He can’t help wanting to hear it more.
“So, I take it you’re the “big, bad Carl” I’ve heard so much about from this little sunflower?” You continue suddenly while gesturing to Judy.
Your words make him pause. You’ve heard of him? From Judith, no less? What did she tell you, he can’t help wondering. Was it good? Did she make him look cool?
“Uh, yeah, I guess. I’m her older brother.” He replies. His hands begin to sweat and he adjusts his grip on Judy.
“Yeah! He’s the best ever, he lets me stay up past my bedtime when—“ Judy begins, before being cut off by said “best ever” brother.
“Yup! That’s me, I’m so cool…!” He adjusts her once again, fighting the intense urge to scratch at his neck and look only at his feet — a nervous habit he’s had since he was young.
“So I’ve been told.” You smile up at him; that beautiful, big smile.
Christ, he’s already a goner.
“Hey, Carl, can we get ice cream??” Judy tugs on his sleeve as she whispers her request loudly in his ear. Carl simply laughs and shakes his head.
“Sure. Just don’t tell mama and papa, yeah?” He murmurs back with a sly smile.
You just keep staring at him, smiling that wry smile of yours, biting at your nail absentmindedly. You're being so obvious, and yet he doesn't catch on. Cute. Really, truly adorable, actually.
“Well, I hope you two have fun with your ice cream date. And I’m assuming I’ll see this little sunflower next week?” You say — but this time with a sweeter, expectant inflection to your tone. Like you’re saying “I better see you two next week.”
He can feel his cheeks heat up at the near request.
“Uhm— yeah! Definitely! Uh, thanks,” He stammers.
He feels like an idiot. Like a bumbling, weird idiot. Someone who’s blown his shot with the most beautiful girl he’s ever laid eyes on.
Little does he know, he’s accomplished the opposite.
You’re already plotting ways to get his attention in and out of school.
Later, when Carl is buckling Judith into her car seat with trembling fingers, it dawns on him just how far gone he is.
“Miss Sunshine is really awesome, huh?” Judy says, blissfully unaware of her big brother’s inner turmoil on said girl.
“Yep. She’s quite awesome.” He simply says back.
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