Who would you say gets into most arguments in the Ericson Gang gang? I cant decide between Louis and Violet
I think Louis and Violet probably because of their ~sibling relationship~ but I also feel like Aasim and Ruby would bicker like a married couple over stuff that didn’t matter at all. Stuff like if Aasim wiped down the table before a meal or asking if Ruby is sitting far enough way from the fire to stop her from coughing.
Also, I think Marlon and Louis hardcore bicker like an elderly couple lol
Summary: Louis is horribly wounded after the defeat of the raiders.
Preview: “So, we’re just gonna give up and go?”
“I'm not saying that.” Violet rubbed at her neck. “I just... what else can we do?”
“We can stay and fight-”
“With what? Omar’s been shot, Louis is fucking useless, Mitch can only make so many bombs with what he has, and the rest of us are going to need way more time to recover from last night!“ Violet explained.
“Vi, do you understand what you’re suggesting?”
“I do, but I’m not, like, saying it’s the right thing to do or what everyone’s gonna agree with, I’m just saying that it’s an option. I mean...” Violet scowled, squeezing her eyes shut and lowering her head. “... if worst comes to worse.”
Warnings: Louis’ sad, beat up face. :( Also, awkward Aasim is awkward, sorry.
Author’s Note: So... this blog just hit 113 followers? I can’t even believe that! :D So, here's another chapter to celebrate! Also, thank you to everyone who has read the previous parts! I’ve also uploaded this story onto AO3 for those who prefer to read it that way!
AJ yanked on her sleeve, pulling her up off the bench she sat upon. “Clem, c’mon!” Without another thought, AJ ran over to meet Tenn.
Usually, she would’ve called after him, scolding him for his impatience, but it seemed as though her voice had become wrapped up in a thick, cold blanket of anxiety. It traveled through her arms, weakening them until they trembled.
Somethings knocked against the carved stick in her hand. She glanced back at Mitch.
“You goin’?” he asked.
She nodded slowly. With tightened fists and closed, Clem took a deep breath to try and prevent the trembling from becoming obvious.
---
Mitch watched her walk away. Her posture wasn’t nearly as confident as it was before.
He absently flipped his knife over his thumb.
It fell to the ground.
Fuck.
Rosie’s bark caught his attention. He watched her jump up onto the couch with Omar, dropping the ball in his hand and resting her head on his knee.
Picking up his knife, Mitch dragged himself over to the couch, plopping down on the opposite side.
Omar’s brows knitted in discomfort as he shifted, hand stilling on Rosie’s side.
“You gonna live?” asked Mitch.
“Planning on it,” Omar smirked. “You?”
Mitch rubbed at his sore, bruised knuckles. “Probably.”
“Heh, don’t sound so confident- ugh,” Omar hissed. He reached under his knee and readjusted his leg to a more comfortable position. He grumbled, “Two seconds into the fight and I got knocked out... what a joke.”
Mitch picked at a scab, grimacing at the fresh blood seeping through. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine the face he wailed on in his fury, but nothing came to mind. The only thing he remembered was Tenn begging him to stop. Even to their enemies, the fuckers who kidnapped Sophie and Minnie, his goddamn sisters, the kid was soft.
Not a good thing.
Then again...
A droplet of blood fell to the dirt.
...who was he to say...?
Omar leaned back, cranking his neck to stare up at the sky. “You shouldn’t be messing with your hand,” he said. “Looks pretty fucked.”
He grimaced. It probably wouldn’t have been so bad if he didn’t over do it. But, dragging the bodies out one at a time and throwing them into a pile did a number on the already painful digits.
Carving with his knife hadn’t helped, either.
But...
“It is,” Mitch agreed. “Hurts like hell.”
“Hate to be the guy on the receiving end.”
Mitch scoffed.
“Did Ruby look at it?” Omar motioned to his hand.
“She’s got better things to do. Y’know,” Mitch scowled, “like making sure Louis doesn’t die.”
“...Right.” Omar closed his eyes. “...Right.”
Mitch grabbed the ball and threw it, ignoring the aches. Rosie’s head perked up, but she made no move to chase it. He shook his head, chewing on his lip.
“We needed you out there.”
“I know,” Omar frowned. “I’m sorry.”
Mitch said nothing.
Omar didn’t know what stung worse; the bullet hole in his leg or the guilt gnawing along the edges of his mind and heart.
---
By the time Clem reached the stairs, AJ was gone, no doubt sprinting towards the dorms and barging into Louis’ room. That would earn AJ an earful about acting like an animal, Clem was sure.
Soon, she found herself hesitating in front of a quiet door. There’s creaking of the wooden floors, then a small whisper from AJ, “Louis...?”
Clem brought her hand up to push on the door.
Her gaze found his face, and it was like someone had grabbed hold of her throat. There wasn’t enough oxygen.
On a single, battered mattress, he lay, visibly trembling. His skin, kissed with bruises, lacked its usual glow. A fresh bandage sat upon his brow and along his temple, only a small amount of blood seeping through. His lip was busted, the gash moving along his chin. His right eye’s nearly swollen over. His shoulder’s wrapped up, but still, blooming welts flower along his collarbone and chest. His wrist had a rope tied around it which linked him to the beaten down nightstand.
A precaution...
Fuck.
Ruby’s there, adjusting the heavy blanket. She placed a hand softly over his damp forehead and let out a little sigh.
And AJ’s slightly hunched over, trying to peer over Ruby’s shoulder without getting too close. His hands were pressed together anxiously.
When Ruby stepped back and faced them, it’s with a small, hopeful smile. “His fever’s gone down a lot.”
Clem didn’t mean to ignore her. She rushed to Louis’ side, kneeled down and pressed the back of her hand to his cheek. It’s warm, sticky with sweat. Up close, she could see his expression twitching in pain, as though he were trapped in a nightmare. Blotches of deep purple swelled on his skin.
“Oh, God...” she whispered.
His broken lips part with a most, stuttering gasp, followed by a whimper. His head turned slightly into her touch. She had to bite down on the inside of her cheek to keep herself from breaking.
She felt AJ lean against her.
“He’s gonna live, right, Ruby?” AJ asked eagerly.
“We...we’re not quite outta the woods yet, hon,” Ruby told him. “Just to be safe, we’re keepin’ a close eye on him. But, if he keeps fightin’ then I’m sure everything’s gonna be fine. He’s doin’ way better than he was last night, that’s for sure.”
Even without looking at her Clem could sense just how exhausted Ruby was.
AJ grabbed Louis’ loosely bound hand in both of his.
“Clem?” Ruby’s hand rests lightly on her shoulder.
She managed to turn away and gaze up at her, who motioned for the door.
Clem hesitated. She glanced down at where AJ and Louis’ hands connected before she stood.
Ruby leaned against the face of the door and rubbed at her bloodshot eyes.
“Ruby? Are you okay?” asked Clem.
Ruby nods. “Yeah, I just...” she lowers her voice, “I’ve never had to patch up somethin’ that bad before. Honestly, it’s a miracle he’s breathin.’ I can’t believe it. For a minute there, I thought…” She straightened herself out. “Things... were lookin’ real scary, at first. He lost a lotta blood, and by the time I was done stitchin’ him up, he curled over and just...” Ruby made a motion with her hands, and Clem got the idea. “I sent Aasim to clean himself up.”
“Is he okay? I’m sure that wasn’t… fun.”
“’Bout made him sick, too, poor guy.” Ruby sighed. “He’s a huge help. Wouldn’t have been able to do it myself. I just didn’t want everyone in here crowding around. I’m… sorry about that, by the way.”
“I understand completely.” Clem bit her lip. “…Has he said anything? Like, has he really woken up at all?”
Ruby shook her head. “Not a word. He was in and out for a while after I sent Aasim away. Vi tried talkin’ to him, told him she had a nice, ripe cantaloupe for him, but he just… stared into nothing before dozin’ off again. I imagine with all the pain he’s in and all those hits to the head, he might not be fully aware of anything for a while.”
Clem glanced down at the floor between them, slowly sucking in a deep breath to calm herself.
“Clem?”
She met Ruby’s eyes, her heart swelling.
“Ruby, I... I can’t tell you how grateful I am. You are so amazing...” She couldn’t help herself. Clem threw her arms around Ruby’s shoulders and held her tight.
“Oh, hon...” Ruby returned the hug, patting Clem’s back.
“Thank you...” Clem mumbled into Ruby’s shoulder. “Thank you...”
“You don’t hafta thank me, Clem.” Ruby pulled back and offered a kind smile which Clem returned with her own grateful one.
“You saved him. You and Aasim, I…” Clem peered back at Louis and AJ. “You should go rest,” Clem said. “We’ll stay here with him.”
“I could use a little shut-eye,” Ruby admitted. She pointed to the nightstand. “There’s some water and a rag if he starts sweatin’ too much, or gets too hot. There’s more bandages and alcohol, too, if ya need. I won’t be far, just in the next room. Holler if anything happens, alright?”
“Of course.”
Ruby gave Louis one last concerned look before leaving.
Clem turned to see AJ, oddly enough, squeezing his hands around Louis’ wrist, moving the rope up and down, and rubbing at his forearm. “Keep fightin,’” he mumbled. “Just like Ruby said.” He noticed her staring at him with a raised, questioning brow.
AJ looked away, sheepish. “I want him to know we’re here. That way, he won’t be scared to wake up.”
A small, shuddering breath escaped her. Clem moved to the mattress, setting herself down beside it and pulling AJ closer to her.
“Me and Clem are here,” said AJ. He fumbled with each of Louis’ fingers, careful not to agitate a cut sliced in his pinky. “We’re gonna watch over you.” AJ looked up at her expectantly.
“Yeah.” Her voice was small, cracked. “Louis, we’re here.”
Clem reached and pressed a hand carefully over his chest. She stilled, waiting, and soon she felt a beating against her palm from under the blanket. A heavy sigh trembled through him. She could see goosebumps forming along his one bare shoulder. AJ let go of his hand, tucking it under the blanket and pulling it up closer to Louis’ chin.
“I’m sorry, Louis,” AJ spoke. “I was just scared that man would come back to hurt us. I-I didn’t mean to get grabbed. I’m sorry.” AJ rested his head against Louis’ covered arm. “When you wake up, I’m gonna make it up to you. I promise.”
AJ then grabbed something off the nightstand, and said, “Tenn left these for me.” He lifted the pale purple box of colors and a pad of paper. “Said I should make Louis a card to get better.”
Clem grinned. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Here,” he tore off a piece of paper and handed it to her. “You, too.”
AJ got to work, inspecting and testing out every color he picked up to make sure it was the perfect shade. Clem, with her blank paper in hand, glanced around the room.
It was... very Louis.
It made her smile.
Of course, if she were being completely honest she was hoping the first time she entered this room the circumstances would be different.
The walls were covered in musical posters, some from bands she had and hadn’t heard of, as well as some that clearly belonged in the music room. Above the mattress were a series of drawings, most done by Tenn and a few done by Sophie. Clem noticed one in particular of a cantaloupe, and when she squinted, she saw that it was actually a drawing of Louis as a cantaloupe, signed by Tenn himself. Another was a portrait, one much more detailed of a younger him, signed by Sophie.
There were books and clothes scattered around, and, oddly enough, a strange abundance of pillows. Including the large one his head rested upon, Clem counted a total of twenty-five different pillows of all sizes. Most of them were placed on the couch on the opposite side of the room.
Clem leaned over and set the carved stick Mitch gave her against it, admiring the handy work. She was sure Louis would love it.
Over the arm of the couch rested Louis’ jacket, covered in fresh, dry blood. Pangs of guilt and anxiety shot through her limbs. She could see the tears where the knife cut through.
The paper suddenly felt very heavy in her hand.
---
Aasim was tying up his boots when Ruby walked in.
He straightened up, eyeing her. She leaned back against the door with a heavy sigh.
“Clem’s with him. Her and AJ are gonna stay awhile.” Ruby thought to herself a brief moment. “She seemed awful eager to see him.”
“Oh,” was all Aasim could think to say. He cleared his throat, fumbling with his sleeve. “Um, well… she’s just worried, I guess?” He mentally cursed himself. “I mean, we’re all worried.”
She tilted her head, considering. “Maybe… somethin’ just seemed different. I dunno. Guess it doesn’t matter.”
“Yeah…” Aasim replied, lamely. He racked his brain for something else to say.
Ruby didn’t seem to notice his internal struggle. She sat on the bed opposite of him and rested her chin in her hands. She crinkled her nose at the amount of grime covering the floors. This room was unoccupied. She couldn’t remember who used it before, but she knew it’s been a long, long time since then. But, as much as she’d prefer her own bed, this room was the closest to Louis’. She didn’t have time to come barrelling down the halls if Clem called for her.
She glanced up at Aasim, who, she noticed, had taken an interest in the strings of his hoodie. It was different, she noted, a burgundy with some odd logo on it. A nice, complementing shade on him.
“Did your shirt survive?” she asked.
“Huh?” Aasim’s head shot up. “Oh, uh, no. It’s pretty ruined. I’ll just throw it out.”
“Throw it out? That’s wasteful. All it needs is a good scrubbing,” Ruby frowned. “If it’s too much for you, I can wash it later.”
“No! You don’t have to! I can scrub it!” Aasim blurted. “That’s a thing... I can do. Yeah...” Before he could make an ass of himself anymore, he hopped to his feet, straightening out his hoodie. “You should rest. After everything, I can’t imagine how tired you must be.”
Ruby gazed out through the curtains of the window. “Tired enough to pass out while the sun’s still shinin’.”
Concern tugged at his features. “You gonna be okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m just worried ‘bout everything... Louis, the raiders, the rest of us... God, what a fucking mess.”
“Seriously.” Aasim stood, stretching his arms over his head, trying to loosen himself up after a short rest. He headed for the door but was stopped by Ruby’s soft voice.
“Aasim?”
“Hm?”
“Thank you,” Ruby smiled, “'fer steppin’ up and helpin’ me. It’s not that I don’t trust the others, it’s just... I know that they can be difficult, and they wouldn’t always listen to me. I mean, can you imagine Mitch or Vi helpin’? You heard them bickerin’ out there. Anyway,” she glanced up at him, warmth spreading across her cheeks. “It... was very sweet. I don’t think I coulda done it without you.”
Thousands of words.
Thousands that wracked his brain.
Thousands of them that he could’ve picked.
Thousands of things he could’ve said to express what a real, kind, beautiful hero Ruby was.
And he went with, “...Cool.”
Fucking fuckity fuck-
Ruby’s sweet smile turned confused. He was sure that the panic was obvious on his face.
“I-I mean... uh... yeah...” He gave her a thumbs up.
And, suddenly, he wished he was dead.
His head fell forward and his shoulders slumped in defeat. He lazily pointed at her. “You need sleep. And I need to scrub that shirt. So, we’ll do that and... that’s that.”
He didn’t wait for a reply. He was gone, cursing at himself all the way down the hallway, leaving Ruby alone, puzzled, wondering if she said something wrong.
---
A string of hushed profanities echoed in the hall. A little alarming, Clem thought, until she also heard Violet’s voice.
“Woah, Aasim, watch it.”
Violet entered with a soft knock, peeking in.
“Hey,” she greeted.
“Hey.”
“Hi, Vi,” AJ peered up from his drawing, giving Violet a small wave.
She entered the room, arms crossed and the worry clear on her face.
“I thought you were going to lie down?” Clem asked.
Violet shrugged half-heartedly. “I tried. Couldn’t do it. Too much to think about.”
Clem understood completely. She herself was running on about two hours of sleep, maybe. She scooted over and patted the spot beside her. As Violet sat, AJ proudly showed them his drawing.
“What do you think? Looks like him, huh?”
Clem grinned, taking the drawing and looking it over. It was certainly Louis, from the dreads on his head down to the boots on his feet. Clem praised him, “You definitely got his smile right.”
“He’ll love it,” Violet agreed. “You’re becoming quite the artist.”
“Like Tenn?”
“Like Tenn.”
AJ beamed. He went back to work. “I’m gonna add us, too, so that he’s not alone.”
“Great idea.”
A groan vibrated from the bed.
They froze.
Louis peered at them through slitted eyes, unfocused and watery. A tiny tear slowly slid down his cheek as they fluttered.
AJ’s hand was on his arm in an instant. “Louis?” he asked.
Clem quickly reached over and carefully grabbed the bowl of water and the towel. She rung out the towel and pressed it lightly over his less swollen cheek. He flinched away from the touch, grunting.
“It’s okay,” she murmured. “It’s just me.”
His teeth ground together, locking his jaw as he turned his head away from her. She pressed the cool rag against his neck.
Violet noticed the tremble in her wrist but said nothing.
“He looks mad,” AJ noted. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” replied Clem. “He’s probably having a nightmare.”
“Probably because he got stabbed,” said Violet. “Twice. I’d be pissed, too.”
AJ reached over and poked Louis’ cheek.
“AJ!” Clem scolded.
“What?”
“Don’t jab him like that.”
“I’m just trying to wake him up,” AJ frowned.
“It’s not that easy, kiddo.” Clem sighed. She pulled the rag away and set it aside without moving away from the mattress. She brushed aside one of his dreads covering his eyes and lay the back of her hand against his jaw. The coolness of her fingers seemed to somewhat relax him.
Violet watched curiously as Clem leaned back, eyes closed, a look of...
Huh.
That’s familiar, she thought.
But, now wasn’t the time to address that...
“Clementine,” Violet said suddenly with a serious look. “We... we need to talk about what happens next.”
“Right...”
“We need a plan,” Violet started. “Everything’s just so fucked right now, and the others are talking. Mitch is already making more bombs, but he’s running out of materials. And Omar’s leg isn’t letting him move around all that much. He says that he can still cook, but that’s about it. Willy and Tenn are pretty shaken up, too. And Louis...” Violet cursed to herself, “I mean, fuck, Clem, who knows where he is?”
AJ quirked a confused brow. “He’s right here.”
“What I mean-” Violet let out a frustrated sigh. “Who knows where he is in his brain? He’s barely conscious, and when he is awake, it’s like he’s not… really there. He doesn’t say anything, he can barely move, his eyes....” Violet paused.
“I know,” Clem said. “But, he’s alive. Louis is stronger than you think. He’ll wake up. We’re all just freaked out. But, we won, Vi. Lily and those assholes are dead.”
“Yeah...but, that doesn’t mean it’s over. Clem, there’s a whole community of them.” Violet argued. “If they come back for us, there’s not much we can do to protect him, or ourselves. And...” Violet stopped, suddenly discouraged.
“What?”
“And...if we leave...”
“Leave?” asked Clem, astonished.
“Yes, leave,” Violet said, “If we have to leave, escape, whatever, how are we supposed to carry him?“
“Wait,” Clem completely turned towards her. “You want to leave?”
“There will be more of them, Clem. They’ll come looking for Lily and the others with more guns and more cages. And when they find out we killed them?” Violet scoffed. “We were lucky the first time. The odds of us pulling it off again aren’t the same as they were before.”
“So, we’re just gonna give up and go?”
“I'm not saying that.” Violet rubbed at her neck. “I just... what else can we do?”
“We can stay and fight-”
“With what? Omar’s been shot, Louis is fucking useless, Mitch can only make so many bombs with what he has, and the rest of us are going to need way more time to recover from last night!“ Violet explained.
“Vi, do you understand what you’re suggesting?”
“I do, but I’m not, like, saying it’s the right thing to do or what everyone’s gonna agree with, I’m just saying that it’s an option. I mean...” Violet scowled, squeezing her eyes shut and lowering her head. “... if worst comes to worse.”
Clem was astonished. “Of all people, I never thought you’d even consider that. Vi, you were the one who stepped up, remember? To do what Marlon couldn’t? To protect us?”
“I know!” exclaimed Violet. “Believe me. I want to fight. I want to stay here. We have walls, we have shelter, we have hunting grounds! This is home! And...” Violet hesitated, finally meeting Clem’s eyes. “...You were right. We have no fucking idea what it’s like out there. We’ve been here since the beginning. I don’t know where we’d go or how we’d get there. The odds of us finding somewhere like Erikson…? It’s fucking terrifying. But, the only option is to fight, and I don’t know if that’ll be worth it again.”
“We’re leaving?” AJ’s panicked eyes darted back and forth between them. He’d been so quiet that Clem actually forgot he was listening in.
“No,” Clem told him. “We’re not. At least, not if we don’t have to.”
“Fuck...” grumbled Violet.
A knock on the door interrupted the tension.
“Vi?” Tenn’s timid voice came from behind the door. “It’s your watch.”
Violet groaned. “I’ll be right there,” she called. When she looked at Clem, her face had gone from upset to guilty.
“I’m... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...” she shook her head. “We can talk later, okay?”
Clem’s expression softened. “Yeah.”
“I’ll send someone to take over-”
“No,” AJ interrupted. “We’re gonna stay here. We’re sleeping over.”
“Oh?” Violet looked to Clem, who firmly nodded.
“Don’t worry about us, or him. And, let Rudy rest for as long as she needs. We’re okay to stay.”
Something strange crossed over Violet’s features. It looked as though she were trying to put puzzle pieces together.
“Well... in that case, I’ll have someone bring you dinner later.”
“Thanks, Violet.”
As she left, it occurred to her. That look in Clementine's eyes was one Violet had seen before.
Minnie used to look at her the same way every time she’d gotten hurt.
---
They spent the night in Louis’ room. Clem ended up on the couch since AJ insisted on sleeping on the floor next to the mattress. He piled up a bunch of pillows and spread himself over them, claiming they were more comfortable than any bed.
Tenn brought them their dinner. AJ tried to entice Louis awake with the smell of rabbit stew, but Louis didn’t budge. Clem told him to not get discouraged. Louis would wake up eventually, and when he did, he was sure to be starving.
Clem didn’t know how much sleep he got. She could see him reaching over every once and a while to touch Louis’ hand, trying to get some sort of reaction.
And every time... nothing.
But, that night, angry clouds formed in the night sky and thunder threatened the area. Soon, rain dripped lazily down, scattered and unassuming. The wind barely blew.
By the time morning came, it was a total downpour.
alright alright I’ve heard a TON of violentine/clouis/viclouis hc (keep them comin tho, they really make my day) but!!! what about some ruby/aasim (rasim? aasuby?) hc!!!!
