Chapter 1: Singing Rain
Rating: (K-T) Mostly Family Friendly.
Pairings: Louis/Clementine, etc.
Summary: After so long, after so much loss, after so much suffering, she made it. She's here, surrounded by the people she loves the most. And... with two new little members adding themselves to the mix. I mean, did Clementine ever really say no to kids? - Louis/Clementine - [Family!AU].
A/N: I saw a panel—scratch that, a scene, in the second episode and such. It was towards the end, after Lilly invaded and took three of the kids and such. Where Clementine was telling Louis she knew someone who could help them, and like, they turned. FOUR OF THEM, A.J first, Clementine next to him like a mom, Louis next to her LIKE A GOOD HUSBAND, and Tenn, like a A.J's big bro or something. I dunno, this inspired me a whole bunch for this story. Might be long, might be short, but eh.
Some shorts relating to Clem actually becoming a mom, and Louis being that big ol' goofy loving dad.
"We should totally poke it."
"No. We should not."
"Yes, we should."
"That's dumb, and you know it."
A.J turned to Tenn, raising a brow. "C'mon, state-o. We're what, 15? Clearly we're both old enough to touch big stuff now." A.J told him, staying up top beside Tenn despite what he really wanted to do. And what was it that he wanted to do? Oh, that's right. Poke a dead tortoise.
Tenn shook his head. "For the record, I'm 19, not 15. And yes, we're old enough now," Tenn looked behind him, spotting Ruby caressing a little girl in her arms, "But we both know that it's too dangerous to head outside right now. Plus, we need to keep watch in case Clementine comes back." Tenn informed, giving A.J a blank look.
A.J groaned, knocking his head against the wooden template next to him, where a bunch of his drawing's were sprawled over. It was his most prized possession. After Tenn taught him the beauties of thinking positively and not hearing them at all, A.J decided for himself to explore further into the art spectrum. Of course, music was great too, but A.J kind of got pushed and entranced on the art side. Though, Louis admits that Music is art. Whatever that meant.
"And we need to keep watch over the twins." A.J pointed out, mumbling against the wood, making Tenn nod.
"Especially, the twins." Tenn added, looking behind him once again to see a little 4 year old girl with curly black hair play around with Willy, who was currently dangling a little green leaf over her head for her to reach, and a little boy of the same age scribbling down on a piece of paper with a serious look on his face.
"I swear, they're crazier than I am at times." A.J mumbled, parting away from the wood to look through the trees in the distance. Damn, and to think he got shot somewhere around there so long ago.
"May I remind you that you shot someone in the head near that age spectrum?" Tennessee asked, crossing his arms when A.J gave him a sheepish look.
"Hey man, I was a little kid. I didn't really know any better." A.J defended, catching sight of something lake-blue in the distance.
Tenn was too busy shaking his head in displeasure to notice what A.J spotted. And what was in the woods. "It was pretty brave of you, though." Tennessee complimented, his face falling. "You shooting him and all."
Tenn could never forget the blood spilling onto the ground, staining who he now considered a great mom. Clementine, ever since she arrived, had taken care of him just like she had done to A.J. He'll never forget how strong and understanding she was that night.
Or the night when she left off to face the raiders, sacrificing her own life for him and his friends.
Sacrificing everything, just for their safety. Tenn could remember. It was always bad to remember.
A.J frowned. "I don't think that was brave at all. Frankly, I actually think it was murder." A.J mumbled, fiddling with his brown trench coat. Ever since Clementine told him about what murder was 10 years ago, it never really left him. At times, he would even hesitate to kill animals. But... he only did that because he knew that they were innocent. And even if it's hard to kill nowadays, he knows that people from the school need the food to survive. And he knows that at times, killing is absolutely necessary.
Tennessee sighed. "I guess if you put it that way..." Tenn said, finally spotting the color blue A.J saw from earlier. "Hey, do you see that?" Tenn asked, his solemn tone changing to one of curiosity.
"That blue thing? I thought I was the only one who saw that." A.J said, turning to him. "You think that's Clem?"
Tenn grabbed the binoculars from the stand in front of him, raising it up to his eyes. "Let's see if it is. If it isn't, then we have to do that whole hiding thing all over again." Tenn said gruffly, looking into the binoculars.
"Fuck." A.J cursed, sighing heavily while leaning over against the wall. Great, not once can they get a day of peace. Stupid walkers.
"A.J..." Tenn warned, shooting him a quick side-eyed glare. Tenn was never really a cursing fan. He actually thought those words were too negative, especially in a frightening or sad situation. Those were the words he always heard whenever in danger, and it frustrated him. Nonetheless, he would at times, allow them to, because again, everyone needs to vent at at least one point in their lives.
A.J ignored him, tired of being told what to do and what not to. He was older now, can't he at least curse?
While looking inside the binoculars, Tenn struggled to make out what exactly he saw. The faces were difficult to make up, but at least he could see that there were two people. Surely it couldn't be them. They went out wearing darker colors to better blend into the surroundings around them. It was a green-and-brown infilled area anyway.
Since Tenn was busy with the binoculars, A.J moped around, clicking and un-clicking his gun. All this stuff about being safe...it was boring. He wanted to help. Seriously, he was old enough now. This wasn't fair.
"Alvi!" Someone petite called from below them, inside from the school they were situated in.
A.J seemed confused and first looked down outside the fence, finding no one there. When the same voice called his name again, A.J turned around and took a look, finding Diana jumping up and down in place.
"What?" A.J asked, raising a brow.
Diana giggled, turning around to check and see if someone was coming. After making sure no one was there, she looked up at A.J again, smiling. "Can I come up there? Mama is coming!" Diana said eagerly, reaching for the ladder.
"I don't know, Danny. Clem said not to bring you or your bro-bro up here." A.J told her, too loyal to even go back on Clementine's orders. An angry Clem was a scary Clem.
Diana pouted, crossing her arms. "I know. But she's coming, I can feel it! And maybe if she see's me up there, she can finally see that it's not so scary for me to be up high!" Diana said optimistically, making sure to keep down her voice over the sake of the newborn baby.
"Diana, no." A.J stated, noticing a gloomy looking little boy about Diana's age making his way up to them. Oh boy, more trouble. Though, this twin is pretty silent. Maybe he won't start crying again..
"Alvin." The little boy said, his little arms crossing against his chest. "When is mother and father coming back?" He asked, his eyes as hollow as ever. A.J was used to that. Often, he would be the one trying to calm him down whenever his parents would leave. It wasn't crazy wailing like Diana(though to be real honest, she rarely even worried about them), but it was soft cries of sadness. It was always like that with Lee. That little boy had a mind as if he lost so many. Well, he might as well have.
A.J scratched the top of his head, looking over at a still Tenn for a split second before facing the twins once again. "I dunno, lil' boy. Maybe soon, since Diana's acting up again." He muttered, shaking his head in dismay when Diana only continued to blabber on about her parents coming back. Couldn't blame her though. Anyone wants their parents back.
Tenn grinned when he spotted Louis and Clem, ignoring the sudden bickering A.J and Diana had started. He was used to those by now. Although, there were times that Tenn would become a little annoyed while he drew with his pencil. How was a man of art and sincere dignity supposed to work over loud noise?
"Clem said no." A.J stated clearly, huffing.
Diana frowned. "Aw, please? I promise I won't do anything stupid!" She pleaded, sticking out her bottom lip while widening her eyes into sorrowful cuteness.
Her brother Lee only went back to the burnt off picnic tables, off to wilt about how hard life was to Ruby.
A.J paused, contemplating. Either two scenarios would occur. One, where he would allow her to be up here, where most likely Clem would become upset or Diana might fall, and two, if he doesn't allow her up there with him, keeping Clem calm, and Diana safe. The second option seemed more likely to be the best. But then again, he was a kid before. And all he wanted to do was hunt and/or patrol, anything useful or what he thought of as 'thrill-seeking'. Of course, nothing stupid.
So... in A.J's case, this decision was difficult.
"Let's get down, Clem's here." Tenn announced, lowering the object in his hands and turning to A.J gleefully.
A.J looked back at him, nodding his head in relief. Thank god. He wouldn't have to live with himself questioning whether he hurt Diana's feelings or something.
Coming down the ladder first, A.J ignored the way Diana stared at him, only worried about the news Clem would bring about moving or not. He's not gonna lie, he actually liked this place.
Jumping off the last step, he landed, emitting a small grunt as his shoes connected with the grass below him. A.J then looked up to find Tenn making his way down, doing the same thing he did before walking towards the now chiseled and rusted metals of the gate.
"What are y'all doing?" Ruby asked, walking towards them while still holding the child in her arms. Little Lee was next to her, clutching onto her pants.
Diana beamed up at her, clapping her hands together. "Mama and Papa are coming back!" Diana said excitedly, her feet gingerly patting at the ground in ups and downs.
At this, Ruby smiled, releasing a small breath. "Thank goodness they made it back. I thought somethin' happened to em'." Ruby said mournfully, watching as Tenn pulled the gates open.
"Don't worry, Rubber. I would know first if Mom and Dad were dead." The child said happily, despite the dark theme surrounding her words.
Nonetheless, Ruby still chuckled. "It's Ruby, sweetheart." Ruby cooed, looking down at her baby briefly before looking back at Diana.
Diana frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry. I keep forgetting how to say stuff." She apologized, looking down at the floor. Diana only hoped that one day she would be as smart as her mom. She didn't know about her dad though, since Clementine did say he was a real dummy at times.
Her brother watched her, noticing her sadness. He could definitely relate. Often he asked himself, why couldn't he be a strong big boy just like the others? Louis told him that he was, though he had trouble believing him. All little Lee wanted was to help and not find himself in a dark and gloomy corner.
Ruby bent down a little and placed a gentle touch on her head, patting it softly. "It's okay, sweetie. Boy, you are much smarter than I was at your age." Ruby said affectionately, recalling her havoc and adventures when she was younger. I mean, she was at troubled youth, no?
Diana brought her head up to look at her supposed Aunt. "Really?" She asked, a little hopeful.
Ruby nodded. "Of course. Everyone starts off young'n innocent. Growin' is what helps us learn." Ruby advised, parting Diana's hair away from her slightly dirty complexion.
Diana smiled shyly at her, her self-esteem increased greatly. If second momma Ruby said she was great, then she was exceptional! Oh, what a happy day indeed. Well, mostly. Diana could always sense a chill around this area.
"Clem!" A.J said happily, following after Tenn who quickly motioned him to be quiet.
"The others are back?" Aasim asked, coming down from the steps of the school.
"Yes." James muttered, hands busy carving something wooden with a small knife.
Aasim smiled at James and left off for the front, greeting Ruby with a quick kiss before catching up with A.J and them.
"Oh no," Aasim said, placing a gentle hand over Diana's head. "You can't go outside, kid. Too dangerous." He told her, brushing past her and into the outside.
Diana humphed, crossing her arms in distress. Why does everyone keep telling her that? She's big enough to go outside! Whatever. It may have something to do with her still being so young. Even if, she still didn't find it fair.
"Uncle Ass is right." Her brother told her, tone dry and meaningless. "It is very scary and bad outside." He explained, brushing past her to sit back at the picnic tables. There was letters he needed to write.
"Don' call him that." Ruby chuckled, shaking her head while following after Aasim—making sure to stay inside the school.
Diana frowned as her brother left, a bit annoyed. Of course. Her brother just had to say something didn't he?
Turning to the gate, Diana ignored the rush of overwhelming emotions that came at her, only trying to focus on the arrival of her parents.
Waiting at the gate, Diana watched the group of three greet her parents, happily chatting away while they discussed what else they would need to do. It seemed that they had brought back a good load of rabbits along with duffel bags that were most likely filled with food.
Sighing, she retreated to one of the less likely broken picnic tables, sitting down to wait. Standing up too much bothered her, and it often itched her to go do something. It was one of the weird but lovable traits about her, the traits her parents both claimed to love. She would sit next to her brother, but he never really wanted company. Something about focusing on work. Whatever that meant.
Kicking at her dangling legs and feet back and forth, she idly waited for her parents and her friends to come back in, only hoping that she would see them again. She knew nothing would happen today, she could feel it. But her mom would always remind her that through life, unexpected changes happen to everyone. And that in many times, those changes were never good.
Her dad though, he said that changes were always bound to happen. But those changes will always have a good outcome, a good positive vibe that might not help one, but all.
It was funny. Her mom said one thing, while her dad said another. Maybe that's why she always saw her dad smiling, and her mother serious. Different personalities. And what was cool about it, was that they both still love each other no matter what. Even after Rosie, their lovely pet dog's death. That was the first time Diana experienced something like that.
Diana frowned as she recalled her death, her eyes beginning to water. Rosie was such a good and loyal dog. Rosie protected her from many things, including the time when Walkers invaded the place, the time when Willy accidentally left the gate open during the night. Rosie was there for her, ushering her inside while also killing the walkers in the process.
It was sad witnessing all the walkers who used to be people fall to the ground and die, but she knew that it was a normal thing now. Killing was always the answer. Well, maybe not always. But it seemed to be a solution.
Diana sniffled, rubbing the back of her hand across her eyelids. She missed Rosie.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her brother traveling his way to her side, though she couldn't tell if it was to lecture her or if he was concerned.
"Diana?" Someone called to her, rushing over to her side.
Diana looked up to see her mother drop her things over to Tenn and go over towards her, a worried expression on her face.
"Mama..?" Diana whispered, small tears falling from her eyes.
"Whoa, hey! Diana? What's wrong?" Her dad exclaimed, doing the same thing Clementine did before coming to her side.
Her parents were now in front of her, looking concerned for their beloved daughter.
"What's wrong, Danny?" Clementine whispered, her hand softly going over to pet her curly hair away from vision. "Did something happen?"
Diana sniffled, rubbing her eyes again. "N-No.."
"Did Violet tell you something mean again?" Louis asked, crouching down.
Diana shook her head, her lips trembling to answer.
A.J went after them, equally worried. Did Diana get hurt? Did something happen?
"What's wrong, then?" Clementine asked, desperate to know. Did some stranger come by and threaten the group? Threaten her? The mere thought of such a thing angered her.
"It's okay if you tell us, sweet'so. I won't kick their butt, I promise. I know how much you don't like us killing stuff." Louis said, still frowning despite his joke.
Diana hiccuped, casting a quick eye to her brother who was now beside her, sitting down. "I dunno...I am just sad." Diana said, swallowing thickly as she rubbed her cheek with her yellow sweater.
Louis looked at Clementine worriedly, Clementine doing the same.
"Are you sure you're only sad? It's not about us leaving again?" Louis asked, waving at his son affectionately before turning back to her. He needed to know what occurred so that he could figure out something that might make her happy. Though, he always managed to make her smile everyday.
Diana nodded, wiping the remnants of her tears away.
"Father, she is only sad about Rosie." Lee said softly, clutching onto a piece of scribbled note book paper. Little Lee could understand. He is her brother after all. And as siblings, they should always stick together no matter what.
That's what Clementine told them, anyway.
Family first.
Louis could feel a sting inside his chest at the mention of their lost companion friend, taking a quick look at Clementine.
Clementine looked at him too, equally upset. She sighed. Of course Diana would feel this way. It was the first time she ever experienced... loss. Clementine thought it wouldn't affect her this much, that maybe with some quality family time, she would feel a little better over what happened. But alas, Diana was different. Her little munchkins were always different.
Looking over at Lee, she saw that all he did was stare at her, equally mournful.
Clementine shook her head.
"Diana," Clem spoke, softly laying a hand on her shoulder. "Please don't be upset. I know it's... difficult.. But it's best if you try not to think about it, okay?" Clem said, rubbing Diana's arm softly. "It's hard to handle the fact that someone we loved died." Clementine whispered, her eyes casting her son a mournful glance.
Her son only stared back at her, eyes just as upset as Diana's. Certainly, their expressions matched, though her son wasn't crying at all. He was hurting, however.
"Tell you what," Louis started, standing upright while dusting his pants off, "What if I take you inside my musical environment, and sing to you your favorite song? Does that sound good, little dudette?" Louis asked, now smiling kindly at her.
Diana sniffled and rubbed her eyes again, her yellow sweater a little too big for her to fit in. "Okay.." She whispered, dropping her head low out of sadness. Often she would love to forget this stupid sadness. All it did was hurt her.
Louis frowned and reached for her, lifting her up with ease. Her head was against his shoulder, her arms draped across his back laying motionless.
"Don't worry, sweet'so. It'll be okay." He promised her softly, patting her little knead of hair on her head.
Diana only sniffled in his arms, her mind relaxing now that she was with her parents. Her sorrowful eyes looked at her brother, her hand softly lifting up and motioning for him to follow.
Little Lee looked at her, nodding his head. "Mommy," Little Lee whispered, going towards Clementine and tugging at her rusted up jeans.
Clementine looked down, laying a gentle touch on his own curly hair. "What is it, Ken? Is there something wrong?" Clementine asked, dragging her fingers along his soft hair.
Little Lee pointed at Louis who was slowly making his way towards the inside of the building, off to probably do as he said. "Can we go too? For Diana?" He asked, pleading up at his mother.
Clementine smiled sadly at him, picking him up as a response. Little Lee wasn't really a fan of getting carried, as he thought it felt unnecessary especially in a world like this. But this was his mom, and since he hadn't seen her since before morning, he missed her and wanted to spend time together. Everyone, together. "Of course." Clementine told him, wrapping her arms around his tiny frame with much protection.
As Clementine followed after Louis, Little Lee waved at A.J, who in return, thumbed up at him and ran along with Willy, who was probably off climbing the school's roof again.
"In the Rain, where all seems lost,"
A note on the piano was played, echoing a low sound.
"There is nothing, nothing nothing, at cost.."
The lower notes continued, playing in saddening rhythms.
"You will see... that in a clearing,"
"You are hearing, my tune, my song,"
The lower notes hung out, stretching the sad melody.
"There was never, never never, a path so short, yet so long,"
As the tune continued, the lower notes gradually changed to higher, complimenting each other in total opposites of such a beautiful pattern.
"But the sound,"
"Of your heart,"
"And the sound,"
"Of your parts..."
The voice rang out gently, it's tune beautifully mending along with the notes playing.
"You will see, that in the Rain,"
"There is nothing more than pain,"
"That life moves on, and you're not gone,"
"In the middle, middle middle,"
"Of the rain.."
The last of notes played on, the voice slowly fading off into blissful nothingness.
Diana watched as her father eventually ended the song, her melancholic mood lifting into one of acceptance. Her eyes no longer watered, and her chest no longer stung.
All she could hear was his music, the soft perfect tune of the old wooden piano replaying over and over again in her head. His voice, it's tone giddy yet mournful, a perfect stance for a perfect song.
Louis turned to her, his famous charming smile replacing the frown he wore earlier.
Diana smiled back at her father, her eyes still holding onto that sadness. Though, now, she felt better.
"I hope we didn't miss out." Clementine announced while coming in, pushing the door open with Lee in her arms.
Louis grinned. "Hardly. In fact, I was just starting on the next one!" Louis said enthusiastically, placing his fingers on the keys once more.
"Father," Little Lee said, tugging at his mom's shirt to signal her to place him down. "How is Diana?" He asked, pleased that his mother got the clue and allowed him back on his feet.
Louis smiled kindly at his son, seeing his own amber eyes staring right at him. "Well, I can't decide that for myself little dude. Diana?" Louis turned the question over to her, the little girl brightly looking up at him. "How are you doing?" He asked, making sure to stop his frown from showing. He has to represent that she should be happy all the time. That's all he wanted, anyway. For his family to be as happy as they can be.
Little Lee glanced at Diana, Diana fiddling with her little delicate fingers. "I think I feel better." He heard her say, making the entire room smile at the admittance.
Clementine walked towards the piano, Little Lee following behind her with a relieved expression on his face. "That's good to hear, kiddo. Do you want daddy to play more?" Clementine asked, crouching down in front of her.
Diana smiled at her, jumping in her seat. "Yeah, yeah! It would be really cool!" She said, hardly patient for her father to start singing again. Everyone could say that Louis had no actual talent, but for the twins—even Clementine—they could say that Louis was the most talented person they ever met. Well... when he wasn't being a dunderhead.
"Lee?" Clementine spoke, motioning him to come closer. "Would you like your dad to play you a song too? I know it won't be dumb, promise." Clementine said, getting a humorous 'hey!' from Louis.
Lee looked at his father, who in turn gave him a thumbs up.
Smiling, Lee sat at the small stool next to Diana, still holding onto his supposed homework. "Okay. Just this one time." He said, looking down at his work before reaching over and placing it on top of the piano in front of them.
"Great! I know just the one..." Louis narrowed his eyes at the keys, trying to remember if he recalled the notes or not. A flash of recognition went across his face a second later, and his fingers finally pressed at the keys.
"Oh my darlin'... Oh my Darlin'... Oh my Darlin', Clementine...!"
Clementine face-palmed, making her children giggle and clap their hands.
"You were lost and gone forever, dreadful sorry, Clementine..."
Louis continued to sing, winking at Clementine while she shook her head in annoyance.
Sigh. Him and his dumb antics...
Clementine took a look at her kids, a smile stretching across her lips when she noticed the happy faces of everyone in the room.
Why complain, if she had her family right here?
"Tch. Dork." Clementine stated, the smile still on her face.
"I agree." Little Lee said, nodding. "Though I have to say, this is my favorite song." Her son stated, getting a bright smile from his father.
Diana smiled, looking down at her hands. Even if it is hard after you lose someone you love, there's still others around that make it worth it to live. To keep going. Because no matter what happens, there will always be happiness coming your way.
That's what Diana was thankful for.
Her family, her friends—there to guide her through the good and bad.
I guess her father was right. There's always something to be happy for.
A/N: Frick, I wanted to write down a family AU for so long...SQUEEEEEE
Toodles~
Ana.