Chapter 2 – Knee Deep

The next few hours were blessedly uneventful. Gabe managed to keep up without tripping over anything else, and everyone seemed to have forgotten his earlier misstep. They hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary so far, and so Clementine had taken the opportunity to try and familiarize him with the route they were taking. Pointing out landmarks, trails, and potential hazards along the way. By this time, the majority of the actual city was far behind them, with only a few stray signs of Old World civilization dotting the landscape here and there. Nature had most definitely reclaimed this territory for her own. Thick grass, large trees, and heavy brush now taking the place of buildings, cars, and concrete. The sight was somehow serene and unsettling at the same time. The bright rays of the sun were gradually choked out as they ventured further into the canopy of trees, allowing a slight chill to settle in. Despite himself, Gabe felt unease creeping up on him. They were nowhere near the last reported sighting of the unknown hostiles, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't alone out here.

Well of course we aren't alone. This place is probably teeming with animals. You're getting worked up over nothing.

After putting a few more yards behind them, the patrol leader called for a lunch break in a small clearing. Once straws were drawn to determined who was unlucky enough to get assigned guard duty, everyone settled in for a short respite. Gabe was only slightly surprised when Clementine settled underneath a tree a little ways off from everyone else. He knew most people in the patrol groups liked her, but he also knew that she was having a bit of trouble getting used to socializing again. He had noticed her tendency to distance herself from large gatherings, and how she usually preferred to do her work alone if possible. He didn't think she even realized she was doing it, to be honest. It made him kind of sad, when he really stopped to think about it.

Gabe liked being around people. It was one of the best parts of living in Richmond. Being able to look around and see other people who were still living, still surviving. It was a good feeling. It made him believe that maybe humanity could actually beat this thing one day. Even when he was in a bad mood (which he can admit, was quite often), he still preferred knowing there was someone close by. Clementine on the other hand seemed like she'd be perfectly content with just herself. And AJ, of course. She'd told him once that she'd been on her own for a long time before meeting Javi, so he supposed she was just used to it. That didn't mean he had to like it, though. Clementine was far too amazing and wonderful to be alone all the time. He tried to be there for her, but half the time he just ended up feeling like he was in her way. That she was just putting up with him to be polite so she didn't hurt his feelings. It was this thought that caused him to pause suddenly mid-step, unsure if he should sit down beside her or let her have her privacy. He'd been practically glued to her side all day. Surely she was tired of him by now.

Before he could properly make up his mind about what to do, Clementine looked up from examining her lunch bag, raising an eyebrow when she found him just standing there awkwardly. They stared at each other for a moment, before she broke the odd silence.

"What are you doing over there?" she asked, her voice full of amusement.

"Uh, I just… ya know. I thought maybe you might want to eat alone? I mean I've probably been bugging the shit out of you all day, so. Yeah."

She looked genuinely surprised for a moment, and maybe even a little hurt. Immediately he felt a twinge of panic. Had he hurt her feelings somehow? That's the last thing he'd ever want to do. But the look was gone from her face as quickly as it had come.

She sighed loudly and rolled her eyes at him. "That's the dumbest thing you've ever said to me. And that's really saying something. Now get over here, you big dork. Ol' slave driver over there doesn't give us much time to scarf down our food."

Smiling in relief, Gabe quickly jogged over and sat beside her under the shade of the tree. Retrieving his own lunch from his backpack, the two of them settled into a comfortable silence as they ate. Kate had insisted on packing him a lunch that morning, and although he'd initially been embarrassed at the prospect, he was now immensely grateful that she had. He hadn't even really thought about eating out here when he had been getting his gear together, so caught up in not screwing everything up. Clementine had even reminded him that he needed to bring his own lunch just the other day, but apparently he'd forgot. Guilt lodged itself uncomfortably in his gut for a moment. He'd given Kate a lot of grief that morning about babying him. He'd have to apologize and thank her when he got home. Glancing over in curiosity as Clementine unwrapped her own lunch, Gabe found himself smiling when he recognized what she'd brought with her.

"I see Kate packed you a lunch too, huh?"

"Yeah." she said, smirking slightly at the thought. "She handed me a bag full of stuff when I brought AJ over this morning. Told her I already had food packed, but apparently she and Javi didn't think it was enough."

Well, that's two things he'd have to thank Kate for when he got home. Since Clementine had been back, it had become an unspoken rule in the García household to do whatever they could to take care of her. Even if it was just something small. As far as they were concerned, Clem was one of the family, even if she tried to deny it. In fact, Javi had been on a mission for the last three months to convince Clem to move in with them. They had plenty of room, but she always turned the offer down. Her excuses ran the gamut.

"It's okay, I'm fine on my own. Really."

"I don't wanna intrude."

"AJ tends to cry a lot, I wouldn't wanna keep everyone up all night."

"I'm a really bad roommate. You'd get sick of me pretty quickly."

On its own, Gabe wouldn't think too much of her persistent refusal, but it was just one of many ways in which Clementine tried to keep everyone at arm's length. She avoided any community events, and didn't really spend time with anyone outside of work, despite how much most people seemed to like her. She was trying her best to live in Richmond without actually being part of the community. She contributed plenty, always pulled her own weight and worked harder than anyone he knew, but there always seemed to be an impenetrable wall between her and everyone else. And sometimes when Javi asked her over for dinner or a movie or something, she'd get this look in her eyes for a split second. Maybe he was just seeing things, but to Gabe it always looked like fear. Maybe even panic. Almost like she was afraid of what might happen if she said yes. He could understand her being afraid of getting too close to people, but he'd hoped that he and his family might be exceptions. He'd hoped that he might be an exception.

Glancing discreetly in her direction, he couldn't suppress a smile. Seems like smiling was all he could do around her most days. She was always beautiful, but the sunlight filtering through the tree leaves above them accentuated her in a way that had him riveted. The pleasant breeze and light birdsong in the distance were the perfect compliment to the sight before him. Somewhere in the back of his mind he recognized that this was the perfect moment, he just wasn't sure for what. But one thing he was sure of, he would never give up on her. She was stubborn, and frustrating sometimes, but little moments like this made it all worth it. He'd continue to be her friend, even when she acted like she didn't want one. And secretly, he'd continue to hope that one day maybe he could be more. For a good thirty seconds he simply started at her, his lunch held loosely in his hands, long forgotten. The dopey expression on his face earned him a few quiet chuckles from a group sitting across from them, but they could've been a thousand miles away for all the attention he paid them.

As if sensing his eyes on her, Clementine turned from her food to face him, pausing with her mouth full when she noticed him staring. He felt his smile grow at the sight of her cheeks all stuffed with food, and the slight 'deer in the headlights' look as she was caught unawares. In the few times she'd been convinced to come over to his place for dinner, he'd learned that Clementine was not a dainty eater in the slightest. He found this little detail strangely endearing. When he continued to smile at her without saying anything, Clementine raised an eyebrow at him.

"What?" she asked.

Or at least, he's pretty sure that's what she'd said. It was kinda hard to tell with her mouth full like that. Shaking his head in amusement, he waved her off.

"Nothing, nothing. Just eat your food."

Mumbling something about him being weird under her breath (again, it was hard to tell exactly what she was saying), Clementine returned to devouring her lunch. Attempting to snap himself out of his stupor, Gabe decided that he'd better do the same, before the patrol leader called an end to their rest.

The rest of their break passed in relative quiet, occasionally punctuated by the jokes and laughter of those around them. True to Clementine's earlier claim, they'd barely finished eating when the patrol leader gave the signal to pack up and move out. With that, the two of them set about cleaning their mess and gathering their things, falling into light conversation as they did so.

"So, how much further out are we gonna go?" Gabe asked.

"Not too much further today. We're almost at the-"

Clementine's response was abruptly cut off by a loud bang, echoing furiously between the trees. It took Gabe a second to recognize the sound. Gunshots. Before he even knew what was happening, Clementine had grabbed his hand and jerked the two of them behind the tree they'd been eating under only a moment before. Somehow, he'd had the presence of mind to hold on to his rifle in the chaos. Slumped awkwardly against the rough bark of the old tree, he now clutched the weapon with a desperate, white-knuckle grip. By this time the sound of gunshots had multiplied as the others in their group had taken up positions and returned fire on their unseen assailants. A quick glance to his right revealed Clementine leaning around the other side of the tree's massive trunk, taking careful aim through the treeline in the distance. Only to jerk back suddenly with a loud curse as a bullet bit into the tree mere inches from her face, sending bits of wood flying in all directions. His friend's close call was enough to snap Gabe into action.

Get a grip, stupid! You can't just sit here useless while Clem's in danger! Get up and do something!

Easing up into a crouching position, Gabe leaned closer to Clementine, yelling slightly in an attempt to be heard over all the noise.

"Can you see them?!"

"Not really!" Clementine's frustrated reply came through clenched teeth. "There's some movement in the treeline up that way," she gestured angrily in the direction she'd been firing. "but I'm basically just taking potshots at this point! Son of a bitch! How the hell'd they sneak up on us like this?!"

In the distance Gabe was sure he could hear the voice of their patrol leader frantically shouting orders, but the cacophony of gunfire and screams made it impossible to make out his words. Everything was happening so fast. Gabe's head was spinning. Thoughts racing faster than he could keep up, and he wasn't sure what to do. As was so often the case lately, he turned to Clementine for direction. She was still attempting to return fire cautiously, mindful of incoming bullets and her own limited ammunition. Taking a deep breath, Gabe clutched his rifle tighter, readying himself to enter the fight. Closing his eyes for a second, he thought back to all the lessons Clem had taught him in the last few weeks. As the memories came, he gradually felt himself calm. He could do this. He wasn't alone. Clementine was counting on him to have her back. He couldn't let her down. Unclenching his hands from their death grip on his rifle, he repositioned them on the stock the way she'd showed him. A few more breaths later, he felt as ready as he'd ever be.

Opening his eyes, Gabe spun around on his heels, facing the direction the assault was coming from. Leaning cautiously around the tree trunk, he peered down the gun's sights at the treeline ahead. At first he couldn't see anything except trees. Resisting the urge to rush, he carefully scoped out the distant area, watching for any sign of moment. Tuning out the ruckus around him was proving to be a difficult endeavor. All around him people yelled and screamed, profanities and cries for help merged into one. A man to his right went down with a sharp cry, but he couldn't afford to take his eyes off the treeline. There wasn't anything he could do for the man even if he tried. After a few seconds, his patience was rewarded. A shadowed figure moving in the brush. It wasn't much, but at least it was something to shoot at. Taking careful aim, Gabe held his breath and squeezed the trigger. The recoil barely phased him after all the shooting practice he'd had lately, and for that he was grateful. He didn't need anything else messing with his concentration. He couldn't stop to think about his situation right now. He knew he'd start to freak out if he did. He had to stay focused. Clem had been trying to teach him this before.

"When things get frantic, you can't afford to panic. Panic gets you killed. You have to stay focused. Find something to concentrate on. The weapon in your hand, the threat in front of you, whatever it may be. Anything, really. Just make sure you don't let your mind wonder."

She made it sound so easy. Made it look easy too. Clementine never lost her cool. Gabe barely had a cool to lose, most days. He just didn't know how she managed it.

After several long moments of exchanging fire passed with no real progress being made on either side, Gabe had to wonder what the end goal of their attackers actually was. At his side, Clementine ducked back behind the tree, quickly ejecting her rifle's magazine and exchanging it for a fresh one pulled from her back pocket.

"This is my last one. All our other ammo is in our bags. After this, I'm down to just my pistol." Her words were brimming over with barely suppressed frustration.

He hadn't even thought about that. They'd abandoned their bags in their haste to get to cover when the shooting started. Now the bags, and all their supplies, lay just on the other side of the tree they were crouched behind. But seeing as how said tree was the only thing between them and a bullet in the head, he didn't think there was any chance of retrieving them. It was only now that Gabe became painfully aware of the fact that he and Clem were essentially stuck where they were. They couldn't get out from behind this tree without being shot full of holes in less than a second. Desperately swallowing down his panic, Gabe resumed his firing position, searching in the distance for the telltale sign of hostiles.

Just stay focused on the task at hand. Don't fuck this up.

Without warning Gabe felt a sharp, stinging pain as something struck his exposed arm. Rocking back from the force of the blow, he landed painfully on his back, dropping his rifle in the process. Clementine was immediately at his side.

"Gabe! Oh my God, are you okay?!"

Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed him by the collar of his coat and drug him sideways, ensuring his entire body was protected behind the cover of the tree. Spotting the rapidly spreading spot of red on his right upper arm, she leaned over his prone form, stretching the small hole in his coat sleeve to examine the wound beneath.

"It's not that bad, you're gonna be alright. I just need something to stop the bleeding." Her voice was shaky, but the relief in her tone was unmistakable. "Here, sit up a bit. I've gotta get your coat off."

As Clementine slipped her hands beneath his shoulders to help him up, Gabe's addled brain slowly began to catch up with his situation. A sharp pain. A force that knocked him back. Blood on his arm. Holy shit. He'd been shot. The proof was right there, in bright red on his arm, but the thought just didn't compute. Instead of cooperating with Clem to help her save his worthless ass, he just sat there, dazedly staring at her. She didn't seem to notice the fact that his mental faculties had completely shut down, frantically trying to get his coat sleeve off and watch for hostiles at the same time.

"I… I've been shot." he finally managed to say.

"It's okay, Gabe. It's not bad. It's-" she stopped abruptly as she looked up at him, noticing his distress for the first time.

Temporarily abandoning her struggle with his coat, she grabbed his face in both hands and gently forced him to look at her. It took several seconds and her calling his name twice before he was able to lock eyes with her. Still, she waited until he did before speaking.

"Listen to me, okay? Yes, you've been shot. But it's not bad. I can treat it, even with no supplies. I just need to wrap it with something to stop the bleeding. It's not bad. You're gonna be fine, okay?"

Her words were spoken calmly and slowly, providing a startling contrast to the frantic noise around them and the burning pain in his arm. And while some part of his brain still wasn't connecting properly, the steadiness of her voice and the warmth of her hands against his face helped him ground himself to reality. Swallowing thickly, he nodded at her, mumbling a choked affirmative response.

"Okay. Good. Now, I need you to help me get your coat sleeve off."

Receiving another nod in response Clementine once again took ahold of his coat sleeve, gently but quickly tugging it down. Gabe fumbled in his attempt to help her free his wounded arm, becoming increasingly frustrated with himself, which only added to his mounting anxiety. After a few tense seconds, their struggle was interrupted by a familiar yet wholly unwelcome sound. Distant and mostly drowned out by gunfire, Clementine wasn't sure she'd actually heard anything at first. When she heard it again she froze, hands stilled with Gabe's coat sleeve half off, exposing his bloodied shirt. Her suspicions were confirmed but a moment later as someone screamed out a warning.

"Walkers!"

Cursing quietly, Clementine chanced a look around the tree and felt her stomach drop at what she saw. Walkers pouring in from the surrounding trees, no doubt drawn by the excessive noise in the clearing. Everywhere she looked people were being taken by surprise as the dead descended on them from seemingly nowhere, unable to hear their approach through the deafening sounds of the gunfight. Distant screams of distress told her that their unknown assailants were also caught unawares. She took some small satisfaction in that fact, despite how dire their situation had just become. Within mere moments the chorus of growls and groans had risen to join the ongoing ruckus around them. People abandoned their positions and made a break for the relative cover of the surrounding trees. It was pure chaos. Turning back to Gabe, Clementine quickly grabbed his left hand and placed it firmly over his still bleeding wound. The sudden movement snapped the boy's eyes away from the horrifying sight around them. Clementine's eyes were full of sharp focus when he looked at her, and he felt himself straighten up unconsciously from the sheer force of her gaze.

"Listen to me, Gabe. We can't stay here any longer. We have to make a run for it."

His eyes widened at her words and he opened his mouth to protest, but she didn't give him the chance.

"I know we're still under fire, but we'll just have to chance it. We have to leave, now." She lightly squeezed his left hand that she was still holding to his injury, and offered him a weak smile in apology. "Keep your hand there, okay? Keep pressure on it. I'm gonna try to grab our bags, and then we need to leave."

He almost did a double take at that. "Are you crazy? They're still shooting at us! You're gonna get yourself killed!"

"I'm gonna try anyway. Keep a lookout for me, okay? Make sure nothing gets me from behind."

Before he could respond in any way to that, she'd already turned from him and was readying herself by the side of the tree for what Gabe was sure would be a suicide run. Against his better judgment, he did as she asked. Keeping firm pressure on his arm, he swept his eyes around behind their position. For now, the area was free of muertos. If they were lucky, they just might be able to lose their attackers in the thick brush behind them.

After taking a few seconds to pick her moment, Clementine jumped out from behind the safety of the tree, quickly crossing the few feet to their abandoned bags. When she was close enough, she skidded to a stop, hastily reaching out a hand to grab the nearest one. When her fingertips brushed the top of the thick canvas material she was forced to jerk back as first one, then two bullets tore through the bag, followed by three more impacting the ground behind her. In a panic, she stumbled slightly, falling to one knee in the dirt as yet another bullet embedded itself into the tree where her head had been just a second before. For a brief moment, Clementine thought that this might be it. That she'd finally made her last mistake. Everyone slipped up eventually. She was shaken from her thoughts by a series of unexpectedly loud gunshots to her left. A quick glance in that direction revealed Gabe rushing around the tree wielding the rifle she'd put aside to ensure her hands were free. With Gabe laying down a thick layer of suppression fire, Clementine made a beeline for the cover of the tree, grabbing him by the arm and jerking him down with her on the way. Cursing her stupidity as well as her failure, she took a moment to catch her breath and calm her frazzled nerves. That had been a little too close.

She was startled by the feeling of Gabe's hand on her shoulder. Chastising herself for being so jumpy, she turned to face him, making sure to school her expression so as to mask her fear.

"Are you okay? You didn't get hit did you?!" He was obviously scared out of his mind, but at least he seemed to have snapped out of his shocked state.

"No, I'm not hit. I'm fine. Thanks to you." Somehow she managed a genuine smile, and was rewarded with one of his own, but the moment was over quickly. They still had to get out of there. "Alright, forget the bags. That was a supremely bad idea. But we still need to leave."

"You're right," Gabe replied. "It's risky, but more muertos are still coming, we're sitting ducks out here."

As if in response to his statement, at that exact moment a walker came stumbling out of the brush in front of them, lunging at them a second later with a terrifying growl. Caught in a vulnerable position sitting at the base of the tree, the two of them were barely able to throw up their arms and legs in time to prevent the creature from tearing them apart. They struggled frantically for several long seconds under its dead weight as it thrashed and clawed at them. Looking to her right, Clementine locked eyes with Gabe, conveying a wordless message that he somehow seemed to understand. Nodding to her, he started a whispered countdown.

"One."

"Two." she whispered back.

"Three!"

With a simultaneous shout, Clementine and Gabe kicked out at the walker's midsection with both legs as hard as they could. The combined force was enough to propel it several feet away from them, where it landed with a sickening thud. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Clementine jumped to her feet, grabbed Gabe's hand and made a run for it. As soon as they were no longer hid behind the tree, they were immediately a target. Bullets ripped through trees and brush around them as they ran, but they payed them no heed. As long as they kept moving, they'd have a chance at getting out of this alive.