I really want to get back into writing, I just don't know what to write exactly just yet. I know a lot of you followed me for TWD content but I do write for a bunch of other games and movies. Here's a list of some things I can and probably will write for:
GAMES:
The Walking Dead Series*
Mass Effect*
Fallout*
Dragon Age*
Detroit: Become Human
Dangerous Fellows
Mystic Messenger
Red Dead Redemption*
Overwatch
Borderlands
Stardew Valley*
Rainbow Six Siege
I’m sure there are more games but I probably can’t think of them right now. If you’re curious if I’ll write for something, don’t be afraid to ask! :)
SHOWS/MOVIES/ANIME:
The Walking Dead*
Haikyuu!!*
Supernatural
The Witcher
Castlevania
Violet Evergarden
The Umbrella Academy
Fruits Basket*
My Hero Academia
Marvel & DC*
John Wick
Star Wars
And as I stated for video games, I’m sure there are more movies and shows that I’ve seen but probably can’t think of them at the moment. So, please, don’t be afraid to ask if I’ll write for something! :)
I do take requests, so request away!
(* This star means that I really like those! I’m a little more passionate about writing for them *)
Warnings: Mentions of blood, kidnapping, walkers, this is depressing
Tags: None
Through the pitch black surroundings, Clem could make out one voice that echoed around her body. She could feel the arms of the person holding her tightly while she sobbed into their chest and she could feel the way their voice rumbled throughout their chest as they brushed hair behind her ear in a comforting manner.
“Sweetpea?” Clem’s eyes flew open as she looked into his eyes, Lee’s eyes, as he smiled comfortingly at her. His voice rumbled through his chest as he opened his mouth to speak and Clem could feel it through her fingertips resting on his chest, “You were having a nightmare.” Clem looked around her surroundings and recognized the old camper, the one where sick Duck resided in, the one where Kenny still had some hope, the one where all of those people were still alive. Looking back at Lee, Clem took in a deep breath and rested herself back into his arms in an attempt to enjoy the moment one last time. “I was having a nightmare,” Clem whispered out as she shut her eyes and focused on the feeling of being held by Lee, “I got bit and... And... I don’t really remember anything after that.” Clem could feel Lee’s body shift after hearing that she had a nightmare about being bit, she could feel that he was upset about it. “I will never let that happen, Sweetpea.”
Clem could feel the cold sweat break out all across her skin again so she pulled herself away from Lee to look down at her arms. She was older again, her body was shaking, and the bite... The bite felt like it was on fire on her wrist. As she looked up she saw she was in a different place, this time she was in that old station where Lee asked to be cuffed, but this time... She was the one cuffed and AJ stood over her. “Where’s Lee?” Clem hoarsely whispered out and with a feverish mind glanced around quickly in an attempt to find the man. AJ didn’t say anything, only stood over her with his little gun being held tightly in his hands for he was aiming at her head. He was shaking and crying, Clem could hear his little whimpers slip past his lips as he lifted his finger on and off of the trigger of the gun.
“You have to do it AJ,” Forgetting about Lee, Clem focused on the little boy towering over her. She lifted up one of her hands and gripped the gun, pressing it against her forehead as a smile formed on her lips, “I love you, goofball.”
The gunshot startled her and she could feel her eyes fly open as she struggled out of someone's arms.
Falling to the ground with a groan and a heavy thud, Clem heaved in breaths into her lungs in an attempt to cool her burning body down. “Clementine?!” She could recognize the little voice calling out to her and she could feel his hands grip onto her weak, hot arm. Looking over, her eyes met with the real AJ’s, not the dream AJ. A shaky smile formed on Clem’s lips as she sighed, her weak arms wrapping around him in a crumbling hug. “I’ve missed you, goofball,” Clem barely whispered out as she savored the moment of AJ being in her arms, probably for the last time. “Clem, we have to go!” Violet, this time, cut through her foggy mind as she gripped onto her other arm to tug her up.
Small bits of memory started to bubble back into Clem’s hazy mind. They broke into the camp and got back AJ but shortly after finding him, she passed out. Someone must have gotten her and dragged her out of the place shortly after she passed out, and she was grateful for that. Clem, stumbling to her feet finally, clung onto Violet’s shoulders with her arm and allowed herself be practically dragged away. She could hear the commotion behind her, gunshots and groans from walkers loudly echoing around them and the musty, humid air hung heavily on all of their skin. Thankfully, it didn’t take all of them long to find a place to sit and calm themselves from the previous situation.
They all sat near a dirt road, the sky turning dark as the sun set somewhere they couldn’t see due to the dense forest surrounding them. Clem sat next to Violet, her head resting on her girlfriend's shoulder as she rested her eyes, they were burning due to feeling extremely dry and she couldn’t help but cry to rid of the sensation. AJ sat on her other side, his hand holding tightly onto Clem’s who held his hand back loosely. They all knew what was coming next and it was approaching much faster than they all liked. Clem, however, smiled at the moment as she opened her eyes and looked over to Violet.
“I just remembered the time when I met Lee,” Clem’s voice hoarsely groaned out as she felt AJ’s hand tighten even more around hers. Violet, turning to look over at her now very pale girlfriend, smiled sadly. Violet’s lips quivered as her smile desperately wanted to drop into a frown, but she held it strongly as best as she could. Clem turned her head slightly to look into Violet’s eyes, and though she felt nothing but a burning sensation throughout her body, she smiled more and leaned over to place her lips on Violet’s cheek. Violet felt her body start shaking as tears now threatened to slip down her face, she was struggling hard to hold them back, however, Clem saw right through her. “It’s okay to cry, you know I love you,” Clem’s free hand cupped Violet’s cheek, her weak and weary smile quivering along with hers. AJ, who hung his head low, let out a choked sob and let his tears slip down his cheeks. Clem, now turning to focus on him, squeezed his hand as best as she could and inhaled deeply. She was now crying with them, she couldn’t hold it back any longer.
The three sobbed and cried together as they huddled closer to one another in an awkward sitting embrace, but none of them complained. None of them had any more words to share, none of them were ready to say goodbye, but it was time. Clem was ready but at the same time not, she didn’t want to leave but she knew all would be well without her. Especially with AJ and Violet taking care of one another. Violet and AJ stood up, both looking at each other with puffy, swollen faces from crying, and then they both looked down to the one person they both loved so very much. Clem looked back with her eyes half-lidded and a small smile, she parted her lips to say one last thing but her body convulsed and she broke out into violent coughs and gasps.
“I can’t do it,” Violet whispered out as her hands covered her face, “Clem, I’m sorry.” She kneeled down and kissed Clem’s lips one last time. Violet could taste the blood that Clem coughed up on her lips as she pulled away, but as she looked back into Clem’s eyes all she saw was a girl content with what she has done with her life. Violet pressed her forehead against Clem’s, both of their eyes closing as Violet whispered out, “Goodbye, love.” Violet then stood up and turned away. She started to walk off but paused, she wanted to turn around and look back, but she didn’t. Her hands clenched and she shook her head as she pushed herself to keep walking.
Now AJ stood over Clem, shaking and crying as he looked down to the girl who he has known all his life. She smiled back to him, her dreary eyes watering up as her lips parted to suck in more air. It was quickly becoming more and more difficult to breathe in, but Clem still struggled and tried. AJ pulled the gun out from his waistband and raised it up to Clem’s forehead, the barrel of the gun nearly resting right against her sweaty skin. He was now sobbing, his finger shakily lifting on and off of the trigger as his eyes flooded with tears. He almost couldn’t see Clem anymore.
She raised her hand and grasped the barrel of the gun, her hand pulling and resting it against her forehead as a shaky and small smile quivered onto her lips, “You know I love you so, so much and you know you have to do this, AJ. This is the last thing I ask of you to do.” AJ nodded his head, a croaking sob wracked through his body, “I love you, too, Clem.”
Off in the distance, the sound of a gunshot echoed throughout the sky.
Title:Â Intertwined (Inspired by this song by Dodie)
Rating: E
Word Count:Â 575 (Pretty Short)
Warnings: None
Tags: None
It was rather strange for a few moments with the sun trickling in and the slight breeze brushing against their skin. One girl lay awake staring at the other in awe, her lips parted as she let her fingers brush strands of hair away from the other girls face. Violet sighed out as she let her finger trail down the side of Clementine’s face, her eyes wandering around all the little details like scars and marks. Thankfully she didn’t wake the sleeping girl, she felt safe from the world and loved the warmth and comfort of their intertwined bodies.
The previous night Clem had gone to Violet’s room in hopes to seek out comfort for AJ had spent the night in Tenn’s room, leaving her to be alone and unnaturally uncomfortable. Though shy and timid at first, Violet scooted over on her bed and patted the space next to her, allowing her girlfriend to lay next to her. They had laid in silence for a while, both unable to fall asleep due to the close quarters, but just as the discomfort was there it disappeared. Clem had broken out into a laugh, her arm finding Violet’s waist as she had pulled her closer and snuggled up. Violet smiled, her own arm wrapping around Clem’s body as she let out a content sigh. The two slowly fell asleep, the warmth and comfort enveloped them and lulled them into a deep rest.
Violet had woken up first and nearly forgot about it all, but the moment she shifted and felt Clem’s arm tighten around her waist it all rushed back in a sudden realization that she was still here in her arms. And so here Violet was, admiring the girl who slept soundlessly in her arms and soaking in the feeling of comfort and love. Though the moment was peaceful for a few moments, Clem started to stir in her sleep, her brows scrunching together and whimpers of discomfort passed her lips. Violet, who didn’t really know what to do, lightly shook Clem in attempt to wake her from the sudden nightmare that flooded her dreams. With a slight jolt, Clem sat up and gasped, her eyes going wide as she cupped her face in her hands to attempt to hide the fear shown on her face.
“You okay?” Violet worriedly sat up, her arms wrapping around Clementine’s waist as she held her close to her body. Clem shook her head, she herself leaning over and resting her head on Violet’s shoulder as she shuddered at the thought of her dream, “Just a nightmare, some things I’m afraid of in my brain.” Violet nodded her head as she turned Clem to face her, her hands grabbing Clem’s and holding onto them tightly, “Just breathe like this. Do it with me.” For a few short moments, the two girls inhaled and exhaled, both calming themselves from the previous situation and slowly, but surely, growing more and more relaxed. Clem stopped and laughed a bit as she quickly wrapped her arms around Violet’s waist, pulling her back down to lay next to her on the bed.
The two girls airly laughed as they stared at one another, both admiring each other’s faces and laughs. “Good morning, by the way,” Violet whispered out, her lips forming into a soft, comforting smile as she held Clem tighter. Clementine giggled quietly as she snuggled up to Violet, her smile growing as she whispered back, “Good morning.”Â
Title: Party Tattoos (Inspired by this song by Dodie)
Rating:Â E
Word Count:Â 631 (Pretty short)
Warnings: Spoilers from episode 2
Tags: None
All you need for a rocking good time is a bunch of people who don’t give a damn. Everyone sat around the fire, smiles and light laughter shared between themselves and regular chatter filled in any empty silence that hung heavily in the air. It was comforting and rather relaxing considering all that had happened and passed.
Clementine running back into Lilly and basically getting beaten down had sat heavily on her shoulders, especially when AJ got shot. His whimpers from the pain, the fever knocking him out, and the scarring that would come. Clem blamed herself, but she knew he was a tough kid, one that wouldn’t give up no matter how much shit flew his way. Now, she sat by the little campfire, Violet to her left and Louis to her right. She stared away into the blazing flames, her eyes ever so often taking glances down at her bruised skin with dried dirt.
After Violet and the others excused themselves for a moment, Louis decided to speak up and look towards the distraught girl. “How are ya holdin’ up?” He leaned over the armrest of the couch and looked at Clem as she sighed. “I’m fine, more worried about AJ... And what Lilly said,” She continued to look at the bruises that decorated her arms and all across her skin, something she found rather distasteful in her eyes.
Louis sighed as he got out of the comfortable position he had himself in and sat down crossed-legged in front of Clementine, his right hand taking her left and turning her arm wrist up. His left hand started to trace delicately around the bruises of her skin, his eyes trailing around with his hand as he made his rounds around the bruises of her forearm. Clem felt her face heat up as she looked into his eyes as he busied himself with her arm, such fondness and care swirling around inside from what she could see. He hummed quietly as a small, soft smile formed on his lips as he looked up to her, “You’re not bruised, they’re just party tattoos. This colorful mess is just... Colorful regret.”
Clem inhaled sharply as she held back a snort and a laugh, a cheeky smile forming on her lips as she whispered out, “You’re so... Cute.” Louis’ smile faltered a little bit, his eyes going wide as his lips parted and stuttered as he tried to find the right words to say, “Cute. Wow, um, hm, that’s uh... Yay!” He pushed himself off of the group and returned to his seat as Clem could no longer hold back her laughter. Her giggles filled the air between the two as Louis watched her with tentative eyes, a smile finding his lips in return as Clem calmed herself down. “Your laugh is really cute,” Louis mumbled out without thinking, his eyes growing wide and his face heating up from the embarrassment.
“What was that?” Clem asked, not catching what he said. “N-Nothing! Just, glad to be of service!” He nervously laughed and scratched the back of his neck as he looked away, his face heating up even more as Clem inspected him curiously.
Shortly after that, everyone returned back to the fire after doing a few rounds of checking the perimeter and traps and settled back into their seats. Laughter, smiles, and relaxed conversations filled the empty silence once again, just this time Clem wasn’t really paying attention. She had herself busy with tracing around her bruises on her arms, her eyes no longer seeing them as distasteful and rather seeing them as a colorful mess. Louis as well was distracted. He was busy watching Clem smile at her arms with the sensitive bruises as she traced them lightly with her fingers, his own fond smile forming on his lips.
It was like everything was hot, the sensation just rolling across Clementine’s body in waves as all of her insides started to burn her from her inside out. She held her arm close to her chest, each passing minute it growing more and more numb and weak. Everything was starting to drive her crazy.
The way the other kids whispered about her.
The way Violet wouldn’t look at her.
The way AJ wasn’t by her side.
Clem bit down on her lip as she felt hot, angry tears forming in her eyes. Regardless of her bite, she was still alive for the moment. The least everyone could do for her right now is not treat her like she’s going to die and help her get AJ back, but here everyone was. Timid and afraid, like she was going to drop any minute and turn.
She stopped in her tracks, her shoulders growing stiff and her lungs tightening as she held back the tears and angry yells she wanted to let out, it was all too much. How did Lee do it? How did he get his head together to chase her down? How did he ever have the strength, after he got bit, to go on? A hand lightly touched her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly and turn to see who it was.
Violet, with furrowed brows and a worried frown, stared at her. Clem looked around herself only to see that everyone else was looking at her too, worried and stressed faces surrounding her. “Sorry, I just,” Clem swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat as she looked away from anyone, “I can’t handle this. Everyone is talking about me, you won’t even look at me... And Aj... I let him down.” Violet sighed, her arms slowly snaking around Clem’s body as she held the girl close to her own body in a comforting manner, “I’m sorry,” She whispered into Clem’s ear, her own voice shaking as she continued to talk about her own worries, “I’m not ready to let you go. You’ve come to mean so much to me, Clementine. I can’t-” Violet cut herself off with a sob, her head dipping into Clem’s neck and shoulder as she shook and cried.
Clem couldn’t hold it back either, she gripped tightly onto the clothes on Violet’s back, and cried. Her cries mixed in with Violet’s, the only sound being the two of them crying as everyone else watched, silent tears slipping down their faces as well.
After a few moments, Violet back away and firmly wiped away the stray tears slipping down her reddened cheeks. She inhaled and exhaled deeply and then leaned in and pressed light kisses all over Clem’s face, knowing that these may as well be her last to give. Clem let a soft sad smile form on her lips, her tears still dripping and cheeks growing more red by the second. “C’mon, let’s go get AJ, he’s probably waiting for us,” Violet offered her hand for Clem to take, which she gratefully did, and walked by her side.
They all started to walk again, this time Violet right by Clem’s side with their hands held together tightly. Ever so often Clem would feel hotter or another cold sweat would break out across her skin, but Violet didn’t care. She’d hold on tighter to her hand whenever she felt a change in Clem’s behavior, she’d kiss her brow whenever Clem felt weaker to encourage her, she even offered to carry her when it seemed like Clem’s legs were ready to give out underneath her. Violet wanted to help and she was ready to in any way possible.
Clem, regardless of the fact that she was starting to feel worse, was a little happier.
No one was talking about her.
Violet was looking at her, giving her hand little squeezes when Clem needed it.
And she knew she was going to get AJ back and no one could stop her. Maybe if she were going in alone, but she wasn’t. She had her friends by her side, or her family as she would like to call them. She had her girlfriend holding her hand, keeping her going until she could save AJ. She had everything she needed.
Tags:Â AU where Clementine, after finding and getting AJ back, returns to Javi, Kate, and Gabe
It was like experiencing a long walk on a beach, though Gabe had never walked or been by a beach, it is certainly what he thought it was like. After his father's death and shortly after Clem had left, Javi had taken over and started to make a change. He and Kate started anew, their relationship blooming and the community growing steadily and smoothly. It was the first in a long time that Gabe felt as though everything was going to be all right, that nothing could go wrong for him. And it was like he was right for someone returned who he had missed so dearly.
He was working the main gate, his hands busy with cleaning his gun, when he heard a whistle come from the man he was working with. Taking a glance at the man and nodding, he stood up and rested the gun across his chest as he looked down at the ground to see just who was approaching their community. It was like it all flashed before his eyes, when he first met her, when they fought through walkers, when she said goodbye. But now she was walking towards him with a kid, their hands holding tightly onto one another, and a small smile on her face as she looked up to him. Gabe didn’t even say anything, his hand was already slamming down onto the button to open the door and he was already sliding down the ladder to greet her, just completely ignoring the man working with him yelling at him that he was breaking protocol. But Gabe didn’t care.
The moment his feet touched the ground he was running out to meet her. His feet slid on the gravel underneath him causing him to stumble, his hands catching and pushing himself back up to stand up straight in front of her and the kid. The moment he was right in front of her he froze in his spot, his eyes looking her all over and the kid, his mouth hanging open and his voice stuttering out random gibberish. Gabe was trying to find the right words to say but his mind was going blank and instead, he felt like he was making himself look like a fool, so he shut his mouth with a gulp and a shaky exhale of air he didn’t know he was holding in.
“Hey, Gabe,” Clementine whispered out, her hand releasing AJ’s as she reached her arms out for a hug. Gabe, without hesitating, wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. He could hear and feel her laugh as he lifted her off of the ground, a little spin following after. It was music to his ears just to hear her laugh, a warm feeling rising up in his chest as she pulled away slightly to get a good look at his face. “Damn, you’ve changed!” Clem’s hands cupped his cheeks, her thumbs running across his jaw and cheekbones, a large smile finding her lips. “You have too,” Gabe whispered out as he continued to gaze into her eyes, “and it’s so good to see you again.” With a blushing smile, she looked away and released him, her hand reaching back out to take AJ’s into her own. “This is AJ. You remember me talking about him?” Clem glanced back at Gabe before focusing back on AJ, her eyes bright as she looked at the kid.Â
Gabe nodded before crouching down to AJ’s height. He tried to make the kindest smile form on his face in hopes to have the kid relax and warm up to him but instead, AJ ducked behind Clem’s legs. Gabe let out a relaxed breath through his nose, his smile never dropping from his lips, “Hey there, AJ. My name is Gabe, I’m one of Clem’s... Friends.” AJ stared at him around Clem’s leg, his hand still holding onto hers with a taut grip. “It’s okay, AJ,” Clem whispered out, her hand releasing his and placing it on his back to usher him forward. AJ shuffled forward with great displeasure, his eyes looking anywhere but Gabe. In a reserved and hushed manner, AJ muttered, “Nice to meet you.” Gabe took that as a step forward, his smile growing larger and a little laugh passing his lips as he stood up and looking back toward Clem. She was smiling down at AJ, a sense of pride rising up in her chest.
“Come, let's go inside. I’m sure Javi would love to see you again,” Gabe placed his hand on her lower back, escorting her and AJ inside. After passing the main gates it seemed that the trio wouldn’t have to look far for Javi for he was already there. “Gabe, what in the world has gotten into you? Just letting a-” Javi was getting ready to lecture Gabe as to why what he did was dangerous until he saw them. He broke off his sentence, his eyes going wide as he looked at the girl holding hands with the kid, “Clem-Clementine?” Javi had whispered out, his arms already reaching to take her into an embrace. Clementine half-smiled and accepted the hug, her arms wrapping around Javi’s body and her head resting against his chest as she closed her eyes. “It’s so good to see you again kiddo, how have you been? And this,” Javi crouched down to eye level with AJ, a bright smile forming on his lips, “this must be AJ.” Clem nodded her head, her hand resting on top of AJ’s back as she looked down at him, “He’s shy, and don’t sneak up on him. He packs a punch,” Clem laughed a bit as she finished her sentence, her eyes watching as AJ looked away, crossing his arms with a pout on his lips.
After a few long moments of talking and catching up, Javi left Clem and Gabe to be alone and offered to take AJ to teach him how to play catch. So now Clem and Gabe walked side-by-side in the busy streets of the community, their talks filled with questions and possibilities of the future. Clem spoke little of when she had to get AJ from the ranch, something Gabe noted as a touchy subject, and mostly spoke of AJ and how much he had grown since she had last seen him.
“So, how have you been holding up?” Clem turned to Gabe who glanced at her, stopping in his tracks to face her as he scratched the back of his neck out of nerves. “Its been a little tough, especially after... After my dad,” Gabe cleared his throat and looked towards the town square, his eyes starting to look a little distant as he thought back to his dad, “After he died, it was strange. I lost him when I had already thought I had lost him.” Clem nodded her head, completely understanding how that feels. With Kenny, it was the exact same way. She remembers what it was like to see him again for the first time, and what it was like to see him go. “I shouldn’t have asked, I’m sorry,” Clem whispered out as she rested her hand on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. He looked back at her, a small smile forming on his lips as he rested his hand on top of hers, their eyes meeting and both glancing away in an awkward fashion.
Gabe let go of Clem’s hand and looked back at her face, his eyes dazzling as he smiled wide, “I really am glad that you’re back. I almost thought for a while you wouldn’t come back.” Clem laughed at this, removing her hand off of his shoulder as she continued to walk with him by her side, “It was only logical. Besides,” She looked at Gabe, her smile growing sheepish as her cheeks heated up from embarrassment, “I missed you.” Gabe could feel his throat tighten up from those words, his heart starting to race in his chest and his cheeks heating up from those words. He reached his hand out and took hers in his own, their fingers sliding between the others as neither of them bothered to look at one another, both too embarrassed to look at one another.
“I missed you, too. Oh, and Clem?” Gabe tugged on Clem’s hand stopping her from walking and turned her to make her face him, their eyes meeting with bright, small smiles forming on their lips as he said, “Welcome home.”
There was a long silence between the two people in the room, neither able to speak up to each other. Louis, who had been sitting on the bench for the piano, inhaled deeply and opened his mouth to speak but paused before he let a word slip. Clementine, the other person in the room who was leaning against the doorway, swallowed down the lump forming in her throat. The two were painfully awkward, given the situation, and both were still avoiding each other. AJ had absentmindedly called both Clem and Louis mom and dad, and without realizing it left the two feeling rather awkward... But happy.
“AJ just let that slip, I’m sure he... Didn’t mean it, y’know?” Clem cleared her throat and rubbed her arm with her other hand, “I’m really sorry if this made you feel uncomfortable.” She whispered out a shallow sigh, her golden eyes looking anywhere but at the boy whom she had grown to adore. It felt rather awkward to her with the air thick with either tension or humidity, Clem really couldn’t tell, and with the ever-growing silence between them. It started to feel like a wall was being built between them and with each brick being placed the more distant Clem felt towards Louis.
Louis, on the other hand, was still calming his thoughts. His hand rested on his chest, his fingers curling into his shirt as his cheeks heated up and eyes sparkled. He jumped up off of his seat and rushed up to Clem, his hands gripping onto her shoulders as he shook her a little, a huge smile forming on his face. “Clem, this is,” Louis’ mouth hung open as he tried to find the right words to explain just how happy he was, “this is so... So! I don’t know! I’m just super happy!” Clem couldn’t help but laugh, a silly smile forming on her face as Louis ran around in a circle. He wasn’t able to comprehend how sweet and adorable AJ had been when he called them his parents, just the way his eyes were wide and how bright his smile was. “Even if he didn’t even mean it, I’m just glad he... He had us to look up to,” Louis walked back up to Clem, this time his hands resting lightly on her shoulders, his gaze looking down to the floor before glancing up to her eyes.
She was looking back at him, her smile soft and her eyes glittering as she reached up and cupped his face, “I’m glad that you’re happy about it.” She let out a soft giggle as she leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Louis’ smile grew as he laughed and wrapped his arms around her back in a tight hug. Quickly, he lifted her up and spun her around. Loud laughter emitted out of the two of them, the sounds of their laughter echoing throughout the room. Louis set Clem back down slowly, his hands sliding down from her back to her hips, and leaned his head and rested his forehead against hers.
They both closed their eyes, the two simply just enjoying each other’s company in the close space. It was silent but the silence was comfy, calm they would even say. A few more short moments passed and the two backed away from one another, both sheepishly smiling and rubbing their arms in an awkward manner. Regardless of how awkward the atmosphere had become, the two still reached for each other’s hands, their fingers sliding between the others. Both in a silent agreement started to walk and as they walked together their smiles grew, their eyes bright with their newfound feelings.
Clem always thought that dying would be the easy part. That it would hit her and that it would take her away fast. But this, this isn’t what she was expecting at all. It was all rather ironic if anything.
She took in a deep breath and gazed down to her left wrist, the small scrapes of missing skin burning and bleeding. Clem rubbed her free hand's fingers around the open wounds on her wrist, the burning sensation growing throughout her arm in a slow fashion. It was almost too much for her to take, but she knew she had to keep going. For the ones she has lost. For AJ. For Violet.
Violet. Clem bit down on her lip as she thought of her. Tears were threatening to spill out of her eyes but she quickly blinked them away, she couldn’t be weak right now. She had to save her friends- no... She had to save her family. And if she didn’t act fast she wouldn’t have a family anymore. Pushing off the walker that had fallen on top of her, the one whose teeth scraped across her skin, Clem staggered to stand up. Her body already felt significantly weak. That worried her.
Beads of sweat were already forming on her forehead as a cold sweat traveled across all over her body, goosebumps decorating her skin. Swallowing hard, Clem leaned back down to the ground and picked up her hat that had fallen off when she fell, her eyes instantly locking onto the old, dried up and stained blood on it. She felt the corner of her lips turn up in a shaky, half smile. What would Lee think of her now, having seen her get bitten like this in a fashion just like his own? All in an attempt to save her family. Just as he had.
“Clem?” Gasping breaths and shuffling feet grabbed her attention, people had finally caught up to her and were standing behind her and she knew she had to face them. But would she have to tell them? Should she tell them? A hand grabbed her shoulder and tugged her back in an attempt to turn her around and Clem did just so. Her wrist was out in the open for all to see and for most, it didn’t quite register what they were looking at. However, Violet was the first to react.
“No, no. This isn’t real,” Violet rushed up to Clem, her hands immediately gripping onto the arm that was marked with the scrapped bite marks, “you’re going to be all right. We can- We can...” Violet was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling quickly as she felt the panic rise throughout her body. Tears threatened to fall and slip down her cheeks as she attempted to meet Clem’s gaze, but when she looked up at her face she saw the other girl was looking up at the sky. Violet could tell that Clem was holding back tears herself, the way her eyes were watery looking and the way her lips trembled. The two didn’t snap out of their trance of sorrow until Louis spoke up himself, “Wait, where’s AJ?”
Hearing this snapped Clem back down to the reality of the situation and that she couldn’t give up, not yet. “I have to find him, they took him away from me,” Clem inhaled a shaky breath, her hand gripping tightly onto Violet’s arm that gripped her back. “They took him away? What happened?” Violet asked with a distressed tone. Clem shook her head, her mind recalling how they attacked AJ and herself.
It was an ambush, they had jumped out of the bushes and rushed them out of nowhere. She couldn’t do anything as they scouped AJ up into their arms, tying his legs and wrists together and placing a cloth into his mouth so he couldn’t scream. Clem tried to run to AJ but arms wrapped around her own, holding her back as she started to scream and cry out to the people taking him away. This drew the walkers attention and soon enough things turned even messier. People were getting bit, shooting and fighting, but the one thing Clementine couldn’t do was get to AJ.
At that moment it all felt like it was happening in slow motion. A walker had stumbled in front of her as she had her arm extended to grab the man taking AJ away, its teeth and jaw jutted out as it bit down onto her skin, tearing off an ever so small bit of her. In the shock, Clem let out a gasped scream as she stumbled backward as the walker staggered towards her, her hands fumbling around with the knife that she was desperately trying to grab. Her fingers were shaking horribly and the bite on her wrist was already burning, but she managed to grab the knife and yank it out of its sheath. Pulling her arm back and above herself, she attempted to push the walker away, but it already had the advantage. Clem didn’t have stable footing and fell backward, her back and head hitting the ground hard as the walker toppled itself on top her but in the struggle and at some point, Clem stabbed the thing in its head, the black ooze dripping out of the wound like molasses.
“I need to go after them,” Clem hoarsely whispered out as she felt her body shake from the anger, “I need to get AJ back.”
Glasses, mustaches, scars and freckled skin. Ever so often the skin he wore would change, his identity, his life. When it all started, he felt strange about it all, unsafe even, but as time passed he grew used to the constant changes. It stopped bothering him and he even grew used to it all, and that is what bothered him. The fact that he constantly changed, that he was getting used to not being himself, bothered him. But at the same time, it didn’t.
Deacon had gone through a lot, from losing loved ones to discovering himself, meeting new friends and discovering The Railroad. He had gone through many endeavors, some he wishes he could forget and some he wishes never happened. Over time, however, things started to bother him less and less. He grew used to all the bad shit occurring around him and the more he witnessed, the less he started to care. The less he started to care for himself.
But things changed. After the attack on the old hideout, and finding a new one, Deacon had been tasked to look around, seek new people out. The Railroad was desperate for new people but at the same time, they didn’t have the time to train them. They, as a group, were constantly looking behind their backs, checking every corner, holding every breath. They felt as though they were being constantly watched and that every chance that they spent not looking, their enemies grew closer. At least, that’s how they felt.
As Deacon started his work outside, searching and scanning every person that had seemed interesting or seemed to have a certain set of skills, he found them. A Vault Dweller fresh out of the vault. He had watched them stagger outside, their arms flailing around as the sun seemed to blind them as they fell to their knees, their chest rising and falling rapidly. The panic was evident from afar, their body language said it all as they looked around at everything in awe. It was like they were seeing everything for the first time, and yet they knew it was all too familiar. Deacon set down the container he had for clean water, his hand coming up to his face as he adjusted the sunglasses on the bridge of his nose as he watched them. Who were they?
They had piqued his interest. It was shortly after they had gone through Sanctuary that they had saved a group of helpless people being attacked by Raiders. And shortly after that, they saved the Synth Detective from a group of thugs and returned him back to Diamond City. I was there that Deacon learned that this Vault Dweller was searching for their son, their very son that had been kidnapped right out of their now dead spouse's arms. In that short amount of time that they had been out of the vault, the Dweller had quickly become skilled. They were sly, charismatic, strong and enduring. Something Deacon hasn’t seen in a person in a long time. He was rather impressed which was hard to do especially with a person like him.
It wasn’t long until he decided that he wanted them for The Railroad. Deacon knew that they could benefit from a person like them, that they could finally make some progress with a person like them in their ranks. He intended on speaking to them at some point to ask them to meet Desdemona but it seems that wouldn’t be necessary. They had found them.
He knew then and there that this was the start of a new beginning. For himself. For The Railroad. For everyone.
The swirling scent of coffee and tea whipped around in the air, fresh baked goods tempted any persons mouth and stomach that entered the shop, and soft chatter filled the room. People were keeping to themselves in the comforting scent of the coffee shop, most were sipping away at a drink and gazing at computer screens or phones. It was pleasant. It was relaxing- at least it should have been.
Cullen was finding it hard to relax and in the usual comforting scene of the coffee shop, he was finding himself tensing up as each and every person entered and exited the building, his mind racing with jitters and anticipation. Attempting to take his mind away from his lack of patience he glanced down to the coffee cup he ordered a while ago. His fingers still rubbed against the edge of the cup, the saucer underneath clinking ever so often whenever he accidentally moved the cup too much. Letting out a shaky sigh, he didn’t notice the person taking the seat in front of him. “You look bothered,” the voice in front of him made him jump, his eye’s quickly snapping up to meet the gaze of the person he had been looking at for a while now. Clearing his throat and adjusting the collar of his shirt with his other hand, he smiled and nodded.
“Nervous, really. I was uh... Thinking about this date and all the possible ways I could mess this up,” He chuckled and looked up at their face. They were smiling wide, crinkles forming at the corner of their eye’s and their cheeks warming up slightly, “And here I thought you were the confidence man, Mr. Rutherford.” Cullen and let out a nervous chuckle and looked back down to his cup of coffee, “I’m actually rather... Pathetic - timid even - when it comes to things like this,” he swallowed hard and met his date’s gaze, he himself admiring their warm and comforting smile, “but that day I asked you out... I knew I needed to. You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met.” He noted how they looked away from his gaze, their cheeks heating up from his affectionate words. “Smooth talker...” They airly laughed at him as they looked back up to his face.
After ordering a new drink and ordering a drink for his date, Cullen continued to make conversation with his date. Everything was going well and to his surprise he found himself relaxing more and more as time went on. Cullen talked a little about his work, how he worked alongside two other women he has known for a while. His date talked about their life, some of their stresses and struggles and some of the good things that were happening.
After reaching a moment of silence between the two of them, Cullen found himself wanting to tell his date more. “Just so you know, I haven’t been on a date in... Well, a long time. This is the first time I’ve had a really good time with someone else... This was- is! Is really nice.” He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck as he felt his cheeks heat up from slight embarrassment. His date warmly laughed and smiled, their eyes glittering in amusement and contentment. “You’re so cute.” Cullen could barely hear them whisper those words, but he caught on to it. He could feel his neck and face heat up again but a smile found his lips as he let out a quiet chuckle.
Shortly after finishing yet another cup of coffee, Cullen and his date headed out of the shop. Standing right outside he turned and faced them, his hands meeting theirs in a soft grasp and a warm smile forming on his face. “Before... Before you asked me out on a date I had found myself looking at you and thinking about you... That’s weird now that I think about it,” Cullen found himself laughing at their words before they continued on with flushed cheeks, “Anyways! I just want to say that I... Would like it if we did this again.” He meekly smiled and leaned down to kiss their cheek and after pulling away he nodded and cleared his throat, “I would really like that.”
He parted ways with his date and started to head back home, his mind racing and his lips unable to loosen the wide smile on his face. He was ecstatic, enthralled to see them again. Cullen couldn’t wait to see them again.
She could feel her heart pounding, her head aching and head hurting. Clem tossed and turned, slashing around in her sleep, she could even feel the cold sweat sticking to her skin. “M... Mmm,” She groaned in her sleep, her mouth dropping open into a gasp from the dream. “Clem? Clem, honey. Wake up,” A hand touched her shoulder, shaking her slightly to try to wake her. Clem, startled, shot straight up in the car seat, her eyes looking around wildly and her breathing rapid. Clem met with her mother's eyes, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the car and felt her mouth fall open. She looked down at her hands, them looking seemingly smaller than she remembers, and looked back up to her mom who was looking right back at her with concern.
“Sweetie, did you have a bad dream?” Clem continued to breathe hard, her mind thinking back to Lee, AJ, Luke, Kenny, and so many others. Had she just dreamed them up? Was that all really just a dream? “I’m... I’m fine, mom. Uh, where are we going again?” Clem could hear her parents laugh, her father looking at her in the rearview mirror and chuckling even more, “You really don’t remember, do you? Sweetpea-” Clem felt her throat tighten up upon hearing those words, her eyes watering up at the reminder of her lost friend. “Sweetie? Why are you crying?” Her mom turned even more in her seat to get a better look at her, her eyebrows furrowing in worry. “Nothing! Nothing, don’t worry,” Clem wiped away the tears that were forming in her eyes and cleared her throat. “Well, since you forgot, we’re heading to Savannah! You begged to go with us, don’t you remember?” Clem’s dad chuckled even more at his daughter's absentmindedness.
The radio cut out into the silence, like headlights in fog. Clem felt her throat close up and her breathing grow shallow, she knew that voice, she could remember that said person talking to her on nights she was hungry, cold, sad. “Carly..?” Clem whispered out, making sure her parents didn’t hear her. She could hear her reporting on a case that she felt that was all too familiar. Lee Everett, the man she grew to love like a father figure, the man she trusted with her whole entire life. She shook her head suddenly, her mind rushing to AJ. “AJ... AJ? So he,” Clem swallowed hard, suddenly feeling dizzy and confused. “I’m going to sleep,” Clem laid herself back down and closed her eyes, some part of her wishing to go back to where she was. With AJ. With Lee. How could she dream up all of those years?
Upon resting her head back down on the seat, she immediately felt herself somewhere else, her head resting against something else. “Hey, sweetpea.” The deep, gravel sounding voice woke her up from the confusing slumber, her eyes fluttering open and her head dizzy once again, “Lee?” Clem swallowed hard and looked up and met his gaze, “Lee!” She jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug, tears building up in her eyes. “Sweetpea, are you okay?” He hugged her back, a deep laugh resonating deep within his chest. Clem laughed a little and nodded, pulling away from the hug and sitting back down next to him. She looked around, noticing Ben sitting in the back, Duck laying limply in Katjaa’s arms, and Kenny driving the RV. She’s had a dream like this before but she was more unaware of the fact that it was a dream. This time, she knew.
The dream before this was like what her life would have been like if the world hadn’t gone to shit. This was completely different this time, she knew what was coming up with Lee, Duck, and everyone else. “Lee, can you and I just leave? We can go somewhere else,” Clem could feel her throat tighten, well knowing that this was just a dream, that Lee wouldn’t listen to her. “What’s gotten into you, hon? Duck needs our help,” Lee rested his hand on top of her head. Clem relished in the touch, her eyes closing and a sad smile forming on her lips, “I miss you, Lee.” She had whispered out, her voice wavering for she felt the dream fading away, “I miss you too, Sweetpea.”
Clem opened her eyes and this time she was somewhere else. For a moment she didn’t recognize it until she glanced at the big Christmas tree in the large open room. “Hey, Darlin’,” Kenny walked up to her, taking a seat next to her on the couch, the large open fireplace feeling cold even though there was a raging fire. “Kenny,” Clem scoffed in a laugh and rolled her eyes, “so you’re next?” Kenny chuckled, seemingly aware of the fact that Clem was just dreaming this all up, “Is there a problem with me?” Clem shook her head and smiled with a deep inhale, “With each dream I have it seems like every person becomes more and more aware.” Clem grumbled out and looked towards the fire, her mind confused. “Well, you’re getting older and we don’t need to baby you as much anymore, Darlin’.” Clem scoffed again and rolled her eyes, a smile forming on her lips. “AJ has grown up well. You raised him right,” Kenny chuckled and looked towards the fire, his arms extending to the warmth. Clem swallowed hard and glanced over to Kenny, her head nodding as thanks. “Don’t let him end up like me,” Kenny whispered out as he stood up and walked towards the fireplace, his arms crossing in the process as he continued to focus on the flames.
She stared at the back of Kenny’s head, the hat on his head reminding her that she had it stashed away somewhere from when Kenny had given it to her. Clem inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly, her mind going blank as Kenny turned to face her, a sad smile forming on his face. “It’s about time to wake up, Darlin’.” Clem stood up suddenly and rushed up to Kenny, her arms wrapping around his body in a tight hug. Kenny chuckled and hugged her back, his sad smile dropping into a sad frown. “I’m gonna miss you,” Clem whispered out, her mind fading away and lights around her growing bright.
Her heart started pounding, head aching and head hurting. She let her eyes flutter open, the not yet familiar room surrounding her. Clem glanced over to the other side of the room and noticed AJ sleeping soundlessly, unknowing of her strange dreams. Her parents, Lee, and Kenny, everything resting heavily on her heart and mind. Swallowing down her nauseous feelings, Clem laid back down unable to sleep.
“I’ll raise him right, don’t worry,” Clem whispered out into the silence of the room, her heart believing that they were listening to her. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, Clem turned to her side and watched over AJ until the early morning sun started to shine through the cracks of the boards on the windows, a small smile forming on her lips as she watched AJ’s eyes started to flutter open.
“Knock the legs out first, then,” Clem, in one swift motion, kicked a walker down by hitting it in its knee’s, “while they’re down, you can just stab them in the head.” Her knife slashed swiftly into the walkers head, the sound of mushy flesh collapsing under the blade of her knife filled the silence between the two girls. Pulling the knife away from the walkers head, the oozy, black blood dripped out of the walkers wound. Violet nodded at Clem, ever so in the slightest impressed by the other girl's moves. “An old friend taught me,” Clem exhaled a breath she didn’t know she was holding in and turned to look at Violet, a small smile on her lips.
Clem handed the knife to Violet, their hands brushing against one another as Violet took the blade away from her. Feeling her face flush, Violet glanced around their surrounding area and finally found and saw a walker staggering around aimlessly and unknowing to the two girls presences. Violet crept up to it as quietly as possible, her fingers rolling against the grip of the knife. She sucked in a deep breath as she knocked her foot against the knee of the walker, itself falling with a loud thump and a gravely sounding groan. Swiftly sticking the knife into the head of the walker and yanking it right out, Violet let out the held breath that sat heavily in her chest. It was an effective move, one that Violet knew she’d use more often now that she knew how to do it. Clem clapped her hands and smiled at Violet, cheering her on for her work well done.
“That was great!” Clem smiled at Violet as the two of them made their way back to the school. Violet sheepishly smiled and rubbed the back of her neck. She could feel her face heating up and she cursed in her head, she thought she probably looked ridiculous to the girl walking next to her. “Thanks, it’s all thanks to you.” This time Clem felt her face redden, she herself looking away and unable to look at Violet. They walked in silence for a while, both struggling to find the right words and topics to say to one another.
Violet finally thinking of something to think of, opened her mouth and glanced over to Clem, “So... You know Louis likes you, right?” Clem stopped walking and stared at Violet with wide eyes, “He what?” Clem replied in shock. Violet laughed, her arms wrapping against her stomach as she stopped too, her smile growing as Clem seemed flustered. “He likes you, he looks at you all the time, constantly talks about you too,” Violet smirks a little before remembering her own emotions, her smile dropping and her head turning away to avoid Clem’s gaze. “Violet? What's wrong?” Clem took a few steps towards her, making Violet suddenly clammy and nervous, “N-Nothing! It’s just... Nothing, don’t worry about it,” She cleared her throat and shook her head, her arms swinging before she placed them back at her sides, “Let’s just go.” Violet turned and started to walk away but a hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
“Violet, please talk to me,” Clem’s voice barely came out as a whisper. Violet gulped down the lump forming in her throat, her heart starting to pound in her chest as she turned around slowly with her gaze focusing on the ground. Clem still didn’t let go of Violet’s wrist and with her free hand she placed it under her chin and lifted Violet’s gaze to her face. Violet took in a sharp inhale through her nose as she saw Clem’s face, her brows furrowed and her lips turned downwards with worry. “Clem I... I shouldn’t do this but-” Violet swallowed down her fear and grabbed Clem’s jacket collar, pulling her into a kiss. Clem, shocked and startled, pushed away with her mouth hanging open and her eyes wide. Violet gulped and released her jacket, pushing herself away and quickly turning around to run, but once again, a hand stopped her.
Clem tugged Violet around and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, her lips meeting with Violet’s once again. Violet relaxed into the kiss, her hands finding Clem’s hips and holding her in place. Pulling away for a moment, the two girls looked into each other’s eyes before rushing back in for another kiss, and then another, and another.
After moments of shared kisses, they pulled away from each other. They stared at one another and smiled, both of their faces flushed and jittery giggles passing their lips. “Louis can gawk all he wants, I’m yours,” Clem whispered against Violet’s lips, the two staring into each other’s eyes. Violet smiled, her grip on Clem’s hips tightening as she nodded and leaned in for one final kiss. Clem laughed against Violet’s lips as she kissed back, her heart filling with bliss.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away,” Louis’ voice was loud and clear, sweet and steady, everything about him was confident. Clem couldn’t help but admire him as he played the well out of tune piano, and even though the piano didn’t sound that great, Louis’ voice stood out and was rather... Comforting.
Clem shut her eyes as Louis continued to sing away, his eye’s stealing glances at the girl who unknowingly smiled as he sung. He couldn’t help but smile himself as he felt as though this is the first time he’s seen Clementine relax, and he could even say he was feeling a little smug for being the first one to see this side of her. After finishing the song he slowly pulled his fingers away from the dirty, ivory keys. Daring to look back to Clem, Louis felt his breath hitch in his throat as he noticed she was already looking at him. The two quickly looked away from one another, both feeling their faces flush.
Clem wouldn’t admit to anyone that she had been admiring Louis, she could barely admit it to herself. Sucking in a deep breath, she shook her head and looked back towards Louis, but not exactly at him, “That was really nice, I haven’t heard that song since I was... A kid.” Clem felt a sad smile form on her lips as she thought back to her mother, which now she could scarcely remember her face, who had sung it to her once when she tucked her into bed one night. Louis felt his heart drop as he saw Clem’s eyes soften at the memory, her lips going from her sad smile into a thin line. “Hey, c’mere. I can teach you some of the notes,” Louis gestured for Clem to sit next to him, his hand patting the bench he was sitting on.
Louis didn’t expect her to actually do it but she did. She walked over slowly and when she reached the bench, she stood there for a moment. Louis had gawked at her for a moment but quickly shooked his head and smiled and slid over and patted the seat once again, offering her to take his side so they could play together. Clem smiled and took his offering to sit next to him, her eyes still avoiding his own as he looked at her to show her each note. Slowly but surely she caught on to the music, all the notes, and as they both got more comfortable with each other and the music, Louis started to sing.
“You told me once, dear, you really loved me. And no one else could come between. But now you've left me and love another. You have shattered all my dreams. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away,” Louis’ voice faded out as he looked towards Clem, the two of them brushing fingers against each other on the ivory keys of the piano. She slowly reached over with her hand and let her fingers slip between his own, her head slowly meeting up with his gaze. Louis’ and Clem’s breath hitched in their throats as they stared into each other's eyes, their hearts starting to pound.
They both started to lean in, their breath’s mingling together in the small space that was growing smaller as they grew closer. Lips just an inch apart. She was going to do it, she was going to kiss Louis, the boy who charmed his way into her heart. But right as their lips were about to meet, the door to the room swung open.
Standing in the doorway was AJ, his eyes sparkling and his smile bright. “C’mon, guys! Dinner is ready!” Both Clem and Louis jumped away from each other, their faces reddening and their mouths agape from shock. “R-Right, we’ll be right there, kiddo.” AJ laughed and rushed off, probably straight back outside to grab his own bowl of food. Clem smiled and cleared her throat as she stood up and turned to face Louis, but still not meeting his gaze, “Thank you for, uh... This. It was a lot of fun.” She took a couple steps backward before turning on her heels, slowly making her way out of the room. Louis, who was panicking on the inside, jumped off of the seat and rushed up to Clem, his fingers wrapping around her wrist to stop her. Tugging on her arm slightly, she spun around and fell into his arms, his free arm wrapping around her waist. Clem gasped quietly, her eyes still unable to meet Louis’.
“Clem, look at me,” Louis whispered out, his arm around her waist tightening slightly. Clem felt her face and the tips of her ears flush as she slowly looked up and met his eyes. Louis’ brows were slightly furrowed and his lips formed into a charming, small smile. He started to lean down, his head turning to the side slightly to meet with Clem’s lips easier. She, in return, grabbed the collar of his coat and pulled him down, their lips meeting in an amateur kiss. Both inexperienced but both blissful in the moment. Pulling away slowly from each other, they looked into each other's eyes, both with flushed cheeks and shaky breaths.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,” Louis softly sang under his breath as he let her go from his grasp but his hand sliding down to meet her own. Their fingers slipped between each other’s and their smiles growing on their faces. “I really like you, Louis.” Clem openly and quickly admitted which caused Louis to laugh, “Well I sure hope you do! After that kiss, I really hope you do,” His voice faded out into a whisper towards the end, his eyes looking down to their hands as he let his thumb rub against her other fingers. Clem smiled and laughed, her hand patting his chest as she pulled him towards the exit. “C’mon, let's go get some dinner, AJ is waiting,” Clem’s smile grew as Louis chuckled, nodding his head as he tightened his grip on her hand.
Hesitance. She stood and watched, her eyes scanning the crowd around her as they all stood still, jaws slacked and eyes wide. AJ, standing apart from the crowd, felt his hands shake as everyone stared at him. Marlon had collapsed into her arms, his blood streaking down her cheeks from the gunshot, and slipped down onto the ground. The rain was the only sound that she could hear, she almost didn’t register what AJ had said. “What? I didn’t hesitate...”
“AJ..?” She felt her throat croak as she stared down the child that she so loved. She now regrets ever teaching him that. Maybe she should have told him the other things Lee had taught her- like aiming for the head or perhaps to save the last bullet. But no, teaching him to never hesitate has caused this. This wasn’t AJ’s fault. It was hers.Â
Louis was the first to step forward towards his now dead friend, his hands gripping onto his locks as his eyes burned from the forming tears in his eyes. Clem turned and looked at him, her mouth shut as she swallowed hard as she watched the boy who she turned to trust her rather than his own friend. Quickly realizing that AJ was panicking, his breathing rushed and tears quickly slipping down his cheeks, Clem rushed up to the boy putting her hands on his shoulders and gripping the clothes he was wearing.
“What did he mean?” Louis whispered out, bearly audible due to the loud rain. Clem glanced back at him and shook her head, her throat tightening as she tried to explain herself, “I... This isn’t... This is my fault,” Clem cleared her throat as she pulled AJ to her chest, he himself burying himself away from everyone’s gaze in her arms. “I taught him... Not to... Not to hesitate.” She could now feel everyone’s eye’s on her. She shivered and at this point, she wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or the looks she was receiving.
“You taught him how to kill?! You taught a child how to... You killed my best friend,” Louis’ voice started out as a growl and then faded into a sobbing whisper. Clem hesitated to even look at anyone, let alone Louis after his aching words. But she did. She had to. There was no other choice.
Most were hugging themselves or someone else, Violet had walked next to Louis to comfort him, and AJ continued to hide behind Clem. She was wholeheartedly ready to take the blame, she’d just have to have a long talk with AJ later. Help him make sense and understand what he did was wrong and that he shouldn’t feel bad, that all of this was her fault.
“I-I’m so sorry, this is all my fault. AJ didn’t do anything wrong, it’s what I taught him. It’s my fault,” Clem choked on her words, tears brimming her eyes now that she turned to face AJ who was still cowering to himself. She knelt down and lifted him up into her arms, she herself having a hard time breathing in with the humid air and all the stares. “We all just need to rest, this has been... Just... We all need to rest and wrap our heads around this.” Violet lightly pushed Louis towards the building and everyone else slowly, and on their own time, dispersed.
Clem and AJ still stood outside, Clem’s right hand pressing tightly against AJ’s head and her left arm tucked underneath his legs to hold him up. He had his hands grasping tightly against her shoulders, his head tucked between her neck and shoulder. “I-I didn’t do anything wrong, right?” His voice, barely above a whisper, wavered and cracked. Clem let out a shaky, airy laugh and shook her head no, the rain now mixing in with her own tears that she let slip.
For the first time in a long time, Clem felt truly lost. But she knew, like always, that she would get through this. She and AJ would get through this. She would no longer hesitate to take care of AJ and teach him in all the right ways. She would fix this. Like she always would.
