*Authors Note*

So, guys….. I decided to write a new story. That doesn't mean I will stop uploading to my other story though! (Although I don't really do that often anyway). I'm hoping for this story to be completed by the end of the year, it's gonna be a long ride. I would just like to warn you, this will NOT be faced paced because I care about my characters and their development. So if you're looking for a one-shot or a quick story, THIS IS NOT IT. Otherwise, I hope you guys enjoy!

Prologue

Carl's arms are tight around my waist, cocooning my body like a caterpillar against his chest. The heavy blankets -strewn across our entwined figures- are tossed haphazardly over the bed.

I am warm, and I am safe.

I feel better than I have in a long time, these feelings and sensations almost unrecognisable to my senses.

The constant shiver in my bones that had once shaken me uncontrollably had finally subsided.

The slight tingle on my neck that would warn me of a dangerous approach rarely appeared.

Even the panic and madness that overtook my mind had locked itself away and thrown away the key.

But it never truly went away.

I could feel it; the place in the back of my head that felt fragile and on the verge of collapse.

It was only a matter of time I kept telling myself, until another disaster would happen.

More deaths, more screams and more loss.

More walkers.

I shudder at the thought of the rotting undead corpses that plagued my daily life. It was true; Alexandria's walls are sturdy and they keep the dead out. But I could still hear the occasional lifeless moans, or thuds against steel if I tried hard enough. I suppose it was a good thing, I would never forget the true horror beyond the walls.

''Avie?'' Carl's sleepy voice drags my attention from my own thoughts.

I breathe out an answer, rolling over to face him. His shockingly blue eyes meet my deep green, although his are full of concern.

''Do you think we're safe here? I mean…. really safe. Not like the prison or even like Terminus was supposed to be, just is it….'', he sighs, unsure of his words, ''is it safe enough that we don't have to starve anymore, or risk our lives everyday?''

My expression softens, and I reach out to touch his face. He leans in to my soft hand on his freckled cheek.

We had been thinking about the same thing, I realize. It wasn't just my meaningless worrying, Carl thought about it too. It probably crossed everyone's minds at least once, considering we are all still sticking together. After all that has happened, we weren't quick to trust and separate.

''Carl to be honest, we're never truly safe, no matter how strong the wall or how many guns we have. But there are good people here, I'm sure of it. We can be happy here; you and Me.'' he smiles at my words.

''And Judith and my Dad'', I raise your eyebrows, ''and Daryl'' he adds with a laugh.

I hug him, giggling like a child. I feel better now, and am convinced that I could find happiness here in Alexandria. I could finally be happy with my family; Carl and Judith, Rick, Daryl, Michonne, Glenn and Maggie, everyone.

I give a toothy grin to Carl and he grins back, before kissing me right on the mouth; still smiling. You kiss him back, tangling your hands in his long dark hair.

We part, both gasping for breath. My cheeks had reddened from the exhilaration, so Carl smirks at me. Pouting, I try and turn away from him but he grabs my waist and kisses all over my face. I can't help but let out a laugh, and squirm about in his grasp.

''C-Carl! You'll wake….everyone…up!'' I gasp out between giggles.

I suddenly grab his hands and hold them still, giving a serious expression.

''Go to sleep'' I order him, mocking a stern voice.

He chuckles and releases his hands saying, ''aw Avie, you're no fun''.

''We need the rest'' I reason with him.

He looks down admitting defeat.

''You're right'', then he quickly looks up at me from behind his eyelashes, ''as always''.

I stick out my tongue at him and roll over, so my back is against his chest. ''Bully'' I sulk.

I feel the vibrations of his chest when he laughs, as he wraps his long arms around my waist once again.

''G'night Avery Sinclair'' Carl whispers in my ear.

''Goodnight Carl Grimes'' I reply softly.

I close my eyes.

And I dream about The Sinking Girl.