A/N:

To the Guest who reviewed this asking what my update schedule is like - I'm going to try and update this story every couple or few days. I recommend making an account and following this story if you really want to see updates. I believe they send you an email when a new chapter is posted - or you can just check on this story every 2 or 3 days for an update. I'll try and not make the wait too long, but I do know I'm going to be busy starting Friday through Monday, so I think that'll be the only time an update will be a LITTLE slow...

And don't worry, I know I'm teasing a lot, but I swear some actual Lousitine will be going on soon. Trust me, the fluff will be worth the wait! And remember, I appreciate the reviews and I'm reading them all!

Louis' P.O.V.

Things were uncomfortably quiet as we watched Clementine's figure disappear to the dorm rooms. Marlon gave us one last look before leaving to catch up with her. I could feel Violet's eyes burning holes into my skull, and I briefly shared the annoyance with a glare right back at her.

"I can't believe you asked that," She said censoriously. I was used to this type of talk, but right now it just felt like she was stabbing me in the heart. It was already filled with regret after what had just happened.

"She wanted me to ask! You guys did, too!"

"Yeah, but I thought it was another stupid one of yours...like if she's ever kissed a guy." I could feel my fingertips burning as she spoke. "I know you like her, but some things...you just shouldn't ask right now."

"Says the one who asked where A.J.'s parents were. I'm not the only one who got a little too personal, Vi."

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes, starting to leave the table. "I'm gonna' go to bed."

I was tempted to roll out something witty, but I didn't have the energy to. With defeat, I gathered up the rest of the cards and finished up the job with nothing left in me. I decided enough was enough for tonight and headed for my own room.

The whole reason I even started that game was to get to know Clem better. I knew nothing about her - and I wanted to change that. I had only one question I really wanted to ask, anyway: if she had ever had a boyfriend. I wanted to know what my chances were...I already knew Violet had a crush on her, and I was getting the impression that she may not be interested in a relationship...And, as opposed to what people thought, I didn't want to keep making my move on someone who I knew I had no chance with.

Her reply was a relief. She at least was into guys, and she had feelings for one before('Dork' is a term of endearment, if you asked me). I felt relieved knowing that I still had some sort of chance. The rest of the game went a little smoothly, all until I won again and had to come up with another question to ask her.

It was a toughie. Something that shouldn't be imposed on someone I didn't really know. But something must've happened to her to become this hardened...I felt a similar way, once. At least I knew now that her past was as dark as I thought it was. Probably even darker, from what I don't know...Stuff I wasn't sure I should know.

As I just came to my room, I heard footsteps come from behind me. I wasn't exactly in the mood for company, but I mentally prepared myself to put on a cheerful face. I turned to see the familiar sight of my best friend and I mentally deflated. Marlon seemed a little happier than when I last saw him at the table, so he must've had a good talk with Clem. Probably apologized on my behalf. I regretted not doing that myself.

"Going to bed so soon, Lou?" He asked.

"Yeah. I think it's best we all do." My voice was as guilty as I felt.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up. I think we all asked some things we shouldn't have tonight." He placed his hands on his hips. "She isn't too worked up about it, if you're wondering. I was actually thinking of letting her stay here."

I perked up. "Oh, yeah?"

"Seems like she could help us around here. And A.J...that kid's something. I haven't seen a tot with that much bite before." He cringed at his words. "Uh...not literally, of course."

"You should keep them here, man." I suggested. This news at least made me feel better. I grew a soft spot for A.J. ever since I watched him, and Clem...well...that would at least give me my chances to begin with. He must've noticed my change in posture and cocked his head to the side.

"Seems a little more than that..." I frowned as he looked me over. "I think you like her."

"No, really?" I answered sarcastically.

"So...what is it about her?" Oh my god. "We've only known her for a day and you're already making moves on her." Marlon, please, stop... "'Ever had a boyfriend?' Really? You only ask that when you're interested, Lou." MARLON! "I just want to know what makes her so special."

"Isn't it a little late, man? We really should be getting to bed."

He suddenly took a step towards me. I held in my breath as I listen to his next words, his sudden seriousness taking me off guard.

"Don't get too attached. I know you're all for the 'living in the moment' bullshit, but something like this can either make you or break you. And in a time like this, it'll break you." His look softens. "Just look at what happened with Violet and Minnie...she's never been the same since."

"Yeah, but..." I find myself having a hard time looking for the positives. "If I have a chance to finally experience the one good thing I have never felt in my life, then I'm taking it."

He hadn't been expecting that reply. His eyes widened and he shut his mouth. I can tell he wanted to know more but was holding himself back. Rolling my eyes, I nudged open my door and rested my body against the door frame, motioning inside my room with a wave of the hand.

"If you're going to keep judging me, then I'd rather you do it someplace I already judge myself."

He chortled as he walked past me inside my room. "Whatever, man."

I quickly followed him from behind and carefully closed the door from behind me. My dorm room wasn't anything special - just one bed placed to the side surrounded by piles of things I really should clean soon. On my nightstand were a collection of photos and memories I'd decided to keep - and everything else on my walls were either maps or hunting plans or just posters and shit I kept after all these years. Everything was worn down.

I used to share my room with Marlon, but after being elected as leader after all the adults left, he moved to the office and bunked in there. I didn't mind having a room to myself; I liked having all the alone time in the world. Gave me lots of space to think of new jokes and shit...or deal with the intrusive thoughts that came with growing up.

He took one step in before covering his nose and waving his arm in the air. "Aw, dude, you really need to get your shit together. Smells like a skunk died in here."

"And, apparently, like your hair."

Marlon gave me a look that could kill. "I thought you wouldn't bring that up."

I held my arms up in defense. "Just saying. Neither of us are spotless. Our rooms, ourselves..what's the difference?"

He shook his head and looked away from me, deciding to rest on my bed and covered every inch of it with his body. I sat down on my chair, backwards(just like I did during the game), and prepared myself for the question extravaganza he'd be asking me tonight. It's been awhile since we've had a proper talk...Clementine and A.J.'s arrival just distracted us. Or nearly everyone, for that matter.

"...So...you and Clem, huh?" He brought up. My cheeks burned and I chucked a nearby baseball at his head.

"REALLY, man!?"

He caught it ease and laughed, throwing it in my closet and practically breaking whatever I had in there. "Haha! Priceless! I haven't seen you like this ever since...well, ever."

I tried my best not to flush, and I did good except for the fact that I felt my ears burning. Marlon noticed it but ignored it. He said nothing as he propped his head up with his arms on my bed and started whistling a tune. I watched him with a crossed look...I didn't exactly know where he was going with this.

"You know, if I recall correctly, I don't think you've told me what's so special about her."

"Does there have to be a reason?" My response was too quick. "You've hooked up with girls you barely met."

"Yeah, but this is different. This is YOUR first girl."

"She's not mine."

"Well, she could be. I'm just saying; stranger things HAVE happened."

"What happened to all this 'don't get attached' bullshit?" I was starting to get a little agitated. "Now you're suddenly rooting for me?"

"Go ahead, call me on my bullshit, but I just like seeing you like this." He grinned cheekily. "You, flustered, over a girl...honestly, man, I know you're a flirt, but you usually just shrug this shit off."

"She means more to me."

"Obviously." He snorted. "C'mon, we're...y'know, bros. I'd like to know why you're into her."

I sighed and finally fessed up. This would go nowhere if I didn't. "I don't know, man, with someone like Ruby around all the time so insistent on manners and shit, it's just nice to see a girl have the decency to belch like we do. And she kicks walker ass better than we can."

"No shit. I heard she saved Aasim's life."

"I don't know, she's decisive and doesn't take crap from anyone. I just like that." My heart was going a thousand miles per hour. "But I...you know...she's-"

"-Hot?"

"I wouldn't say that."

"Then what would you say?"

"...Cute."

"I like 'hot' better."

I looked at him with severe disapproval, tsking him lightly. "Your taste in women has not changed, I see."

"It's not like it matters anyway. Bro code says she's all yours, bud." He sat up in my bed and rested his arms on his knees. "She's one hell of a fighter, though."

"And if she ever heard you called her hot, she'd probably shove your balls up your throat, dude."

He laughed, but it was cut short as he looked at me sternly. "-But, uh, seriously, dude...don't let it become too big of a deal. Love just causes trouble in the apocalypse. And the last thing I think she needs is you clinging onto her arm. She's already got a kid."

"Hey, she said she's liked someone before. She can give it a chance again, right?"

He looked around my room contemplatively before meeting with my eyes again. My smile dropped once I saw how serious he was. I must've came off to hopeful. I clench my teeth as I wait for what he's going to say, already knowing it won't be good.

"...What if she doesn't like you?" He asked me carefully.

I swallow. A little too hard. "Then you can't say I didn't try, right?" I laugh weakly.

Marlon can tell the question unsettled me and decided to call it a night, standing up and giving me a firm pat on the back. I didn't bother saying anything as I listened to him leave the room, and once the door was closed, I sat there in silence alone with my thoughts and the uneasiness our conversation left me with.

I get up out of my chair only when I hear footsteps down the hall, and start to shrug my trench coat off and place it on the back of the chair. I go to the bed and let myself fall in the mattress - the comfortable confines of my own quarters. I stare the ceiling until all I hear are the crickets outside. It's actually nice - I could feel a cool breeze settling from the cracks of the boarded up window.

At first, I try to think about what else has happened today, in an attempt to forget what Marlon brought up. But no matter what I thought about, my mind went back to Clementine. Again and again. Even when I rephrased my argument with Vi, where I obviously had the upper hand, I just found myself thinking about Clem's face and everything she answered tonight.

I eventually came to the point where I was mentally arguing with myself.

You know, he brought up a good point.

What's that?

What if Clem DOESN'T like you?

Well, let's not go down THAT route, brain...

I'm serious. You'd be such a liability to her. You saw her face. She's stiff.

Maybe she just needs to appreciate life.

Why the fuck did you ask her if she killed someone she loved? Are you some kind of idiot?

You know what, yes I am.

You'll never be HER idiot.

I'm my own idiot.

Why do you even like her so much?

At that point, I was digging my hands in my hair. I found myself so stressed that I had to relax myself, sitting up in my bed and taking in a deep breath of air. I didn't like overthinking, and I especially didn't like beating myself up. I know I'm a screw up - fuck, I proved THAT tonight - but I can move on so easily. That was my best quality!

My doubtfulness went on for the rest of that night, but by the time I woke up in the morning, I had already forgotten what kept me up. I decided to dedicate a certain part of my day with Clem - see if I really was that into her as I'd been leading myself. And if I was, hell...

I was practically hers.