Chapter 2: Misery Loves Company

Disclaimer I do not own The Walking Dead or The Loud House or anything related to either of them, all are owned by their respective owners and companies.

AN: Hey guys, just want to thank you all for your support and love. I've always loved The Walking Dead. The games, comics and TV shows. Though the games especially Telltale one will always be number 1 in my book. Anyways, you've guys seem pretty mellow about Lincoln being who he is now. Well, I can tell you that might change. Remember Lincoln isn't the same boy you knew and loved. He's seen the worst in people and had his trust and love broken by those who he thought were his family and friends. More of Lincoln's past will be mentioned and even shown. And who knows, you might even see what happened to Lincoln's family and friends. Ok, before we start let me say pairings are still in the air. If have any in mind then leave a review. Alright with that all out of the way… ON WITH THE CHAPTER! Enjoy!

"Man, whatever that thing was it sure knows how to run." Lincoln whispered quietly to himself as he continued to march through the woods. "This fucking rain sure isn't helping. I can't even track this damn thing!"

The frustration Lincoln was feeling was natural and justified. It had been almost an hour since he began his frantic hunt for the animal he chased off. And he was already getting angry. The rain sure wasn't make his search any easier.

The animal's tracks were already almost gone. So it was only a matter of time before he would lose the tracks and get lost. Something Lincoln definitely didn't want.

"Damn it, this is getting me no where." Lincoln huffed out frustratingly as he stopped following the tracks. "I should probably just head back. I'll probably just get a quick wink and then hope that thing doesn't come back."

But before Lincoln did that something caught his eye. It appeared to be a yellow sign near by a down dead tree. Now normally Lincoln could care less about that, but his curiosity got the better of him.

So with that Lincoln made his way to the sign and found something very strange.

"Well, that's one way to kill a walker." Lincoln said simply as he took a look down at the dead walker. Who had the end of the sign embedded in it's skull. "Whoever the hell did that is either very stupid or just plain lucky."

After seeing the dead walker, Lincoln decided to continue to search the area a little more. What he found wasn't too interesting. He saw a makeshift cross that possibly marked a grave. He noticed the river that was beginning to quiet down.

However Lincoln soon saw what appeared to a destroyed dock. Which also meant there were boats near by. And that's something Lincoln couldn't possibly pass up.

With a small sigh, Lincoln made his way to the dock. His rifle being aimed at the ground lighting his path. As he got closer Lincoln began to inspect the damage caused to the dock. The front was completely gone and when he flashed his light down he saw there was some solid ground near the river that was a shoreline

Not thinking much about it. Lincoln decided to carefully jump down off the dock.

After doing so he began to follow the shoreline. Hoping to find anything. As he kept on walking. Lincoln started to have some doubt that he would actually find something. And was about to give up.

But something stopped as his flashlight shined on something that Lincoln wasn't expecting. A girl! A unconscious girl around his age laying on the shore!

A girl who looked to be Africa American and around his age or younger. Her hair was dark brown and was short. She was wearing a dirty blue or purple base ball cap that had a large D on it. The clothes she had on were a dark purple shirt and a baby blue and white striped under shirt. And she had on some grey or black pants.

Lincoln was of course shocked to find a girl out here of places. He didn't know what to do? Should he try to wake her? Or should he just leave her like this? While that would be harsh and cold, Lincoln didn't know a thing about this person.

After giving it some thought, Lincoln let a small sigh and soon he had on a grim expression.

The reason why? Because Lincoln had thought about another alternative. And it looked like he was going to do it.

Lincoln then took aim with his rifle pointed at the girl! Who was still unconscious. He was then about to fire and kill the girl but… he hesitated.

Then with a deep sigh, he stopped aiming at the girl. Afterwards he strapped his rifle onto his shoulder and then made his way to the girl.

"I better not regret this."

An Hour Later

'I'm starting to regret this…' Lincoln thought with an annoyed frown as he kept throwing various sticks and wood in the fire he recently started. 'At least I don't have to carry her anymore. You know for someone her size she's pretty heavy.'

Lincoln of course was talking about the girl he "saved" and brought to his camp. Something he was still debating was the right choice. Either way, what's done is done. And he couldn't do anything about it.

It had been over an hour or less since he managed to carry the girl from the river to his camp. Which was slightly difficult to find when navigating in the dark. But not as difficult as getting that girl and himself off that shoreline. Thankfully though he managed and got himself and his guest back to camp with no problem from walkers or animals.

After arriving in camp he placed the girl in his sleeping bag and covered her up the best he can. He couldn't risk for her getting sick and die. Not after all the trouble he went through to save her. Another thing he was going to was change her clothes that were still somewhat wet. But after thinking about it he decided not to.

Undressing a unconscious girl he found out in the woods really didn't seem like a good idea. Lincoln was many things, but being a pervert was not one of those things.

So, Lincoln decided to let the girl stay where she was.

However that didn't mean he trusted her. He'd be a complete idiot to do that.

There was no telling who this girl was or why she ended up washed up on the shore.

While Lincoln didn't trust this strange girl one bit, it was safe to say that she wasn't too dangerous. But Lincoln hasn't survived this long on being careless.

Guess that's how come he moved his pack and weapons away from his guest. He wouldn't want her to find a weapon and cause an… accident.

After awhile, Lincoln just sat there by the fire, armed with his rifle and sidearm strapped to his hip. While his crossbow was securely strapped to his backpack. Lincoln kept his eyes on the girl sleeping in his sleeping bag.

'Well… even I got to admit she's kind of easy on the eyes.' Lincoln thought as he kept staring at the girl. He soon then stopped as he realized what he just thought. 'What am I thinking about?! I don't even know who this chick is! The last thing I need is to be thinking about some girl I just found in the middle of nowhere!'

Lincoln then with a huff decided to occupy his time with something else.

He eventually decided to keep the fire going and check on his beans. Which were cold when first came back to camp with his guest. Luckily though he could still heat them up again with no problem. And he did just that.

A Half An Hour Later

The first thing Clementine felt was warmth. The last thing she expected to feel after what happened to her. Her eye then began to flutter as she started to wake up. The first thing she saw was a small fire with what appeared to be a small pot hanging over it. And then she noticed a strong smell, the smell of something cooking.

"Well, look who's awake." A voice called out in a soft yet sarcastic tone. "Thought you were gonna wake up as a geek. And make me get my sleeping bag messy."

Clementine then immediately looked to where the voice was coming from, and saw a boy probably no older than her. And to say the least she was shocked by what she saw.

The barrel of a rifle being pointed at her! Which made Clementine freeze in fear. So much that she wish she hadn't waken up at all.

After a full tense minute later, the mysterious boy withdrawal his gun and looked down at the girl who still seem terrified.

"Don't worry, if I wanted to kill you I would have done it at the river." The boy reassured in a soft tone. He then strapped the rifle to his shoulder. "You look hungry, let me get you some chow."

The look of confusion and shock on Clementine's face said it all. The last thing she was expecting when she saw a gun being aimed right at her face was food.

Clementine was still slightly afraid but was a little bit more calm than she was a minute ago.

As the mysterious boy walked to the pot over the fire. He grabbed a small bowl that was also near the fire. Along with a spoon as well. After that he carefully opened the pot and heat and steam immediately vented out. The smell alone made Clementine's stomach grumble. Something the poor girl was clearly embarrassed about.

The boy also noticed but decided to stay silent and get the girl some food. He was using the spoon to pick some of the left over beans he had cooked and placing them in the bowl.

After getting enough food in the bowl, the boy began to make his way towards Clementine. Who still very cautious towards the boy who saved her. Something the boy picked up on. And thought it was nothing to worry about. At least for right now.

"Here you go, while it isn't a first class meal this will fill you up." The boy declared with a small smile as he offered the bowl of beans to Clementine. Who still looked very skeptical and afraid. Seeing the skeptical look on her face, the boy decided to reassure his intentions were pure. "Look, sorry about the gun and everything it's only… there are only so many people who you can trust. And there was no telling if you were going to wake up… so please. Take this food, something tells me you've had a long night and some good needed chow might help you out a lot."

Clementine was still silent as she kept her gaze on the boy and then the food. After a few seconds of debating, Clementine relented and decided food was probably the one thing she needed the most.

So, with no problem at all. Clementine accepted the bowl of food. And for the first time spoke.

"U-um… thank you. For… everything." Clementine thanked the boy before she started to eat. Then after getting a taste, she quickly dug into the first decent meal she had in a long time. This caught Lincoln by surprise but he still kept quiet as he just stood there watching inhale almost all the food. After a good minute, Clementine finally realized what she did and stopped. With a small blush and embarrassed face, she apologized. "Uh, sorry about that. It's just so good."

"Oh well thanks, I try my best when I'm cooking." The boy reassured Clementine with a small smile. He then offered his hand to the girl. "I'm Lincoln, Lincoln Loud."

Clementine then let out a smile before accepting Lincoln's hand and shaking it.

"I'm Clementine."

An Hour Later

"So, that's how you ended up on shore eh." Lincoln said with small shake of his head and sympathetic expression. "That's… rough."

"Yeah… I still don't know if Christa is still alive." Clementine admitted sadly with a somber expression. "I hope she made it."

Seeing the expression and hearing the sadness in her voice, Lincoln gave the best reassurance he could give.

"I'm… sure she made." Lincoln reassured the girl best he could. But he knew the chances of that were slim. And of course he had to that without realizing. "Though, who knows if she did and then you got no idea where she is. No telling how far you got from here to there."

After realizing what he said, Lincoln immediately started to apologize.

"Shit, I'm so sorry! It's just that I don't know how to shut my damn mouth when I need to." Lincoln immediately apologized in a panicky tone. "Geez, I'm so sorry."

Clementine only gave a small sad smile before saying anything.

"It's alright, I know it's slim if Christa got away." Clementine admitted with a regretful tone and smile. "But I until I see a body… I can't give up hope."

Immediately after that was said Lincoln could only look at the girl in bewilderment. Lincoln always saw the bad in a situation and just came to peace with it. But this girl, it's like she was the exact opposite of what Lincoln thought.

'Hope… maybe she's right. What if her friend is still alive?' Lincoln thought with a sad expression. 'Maybe… Pop-Pop could still be alive… or maybe not.'

Clementine then took notice something was bothering Lincoln.

"Um, is everything alright Lincoln?" Clementine asked in a worried tone. "You seemed troubled."

Lincoln then immediately shook out of his funk and looked to Clementine. Who gave Lincoln a very worried look. Something, Lincoln haven't got in awhile.

"Oh, Um yeah I'm just… thinking is all." Lincoln finally answered with an apologetic smile. "Sorry if I worried you there.

The girl's only response was a small nod and a smile, that Lincoln had to admit was… cute.

It had been over an hour at best since Clementine woke up. And in that time Lincoln and her have gotten to know about each other. Well, Clementine has been the one sharing her past here and there and of course how she ended up near the river. And how she got separated from Christa and was attacked by scavengers. Also where she and Christa were heading to. A place called Wellington, somewhere in Ohio.

Lincoln on the other hand was still hesitate to say anything about where he was heading or why he was alone. But who could blame him. After everything he's been through, it was fortunate he was even talking to Clementine at all.

Something that Lincoln still couldn't believe he was doing. Talking, having a nice meal with someone that didn't want kill or rob. Or have you as the meal. Overall it made Lincoln feel… normal.

After awhile in silence, both kids just kept quiet. Which was starting to get a little bit awkward. Eventually Lincoln finally decided to speak.

"So, what's your plan?" Lincoln softy asked Clementine as he looked towards her. "I mean, I'm sure you want to search for your friend. Or maybe head towards Wellington and hope you run into her. Anyways, what's your plan?"

Clementine looked hesitant to speak, a look of worry soon appeared. The reason was because she didn't have a plan. Of course she wanted to go out searching for Christa. But how though? She didn't know where she was. How far she went from Christa to here. Or even if she was still alive. And even if she wanted to go looking around, she wasn't armed or even had any supplies. Basically, she didn't have a plan.

"I… really don't know." Clementine honestly admitted with a bit of shame and sadness. Something Lincoln knew quite well. "I don't have any supplies, weapons or even know if Christa is alive. I'm… alone I guess."

Alone. Alone was something knew very well. That's pretty much what he's been doing this whole time. While he was alive, well fed and we'll stocked on supplies. It wasn't no picnic. Being alone… was miserable.

Lincoln then took another look at Clementine, who still had a very downcast expression. And Lincoln couldn't help but feel bad. While he could handle being alone, even if he didn't have weapons or supplies. But could Clementine handle it?

After a good minute of thinking about it. Lincoln finally decided on what he was going to do.

"Clementine, if you want… I can help take you to Wellington."

That immediately got Clementine's attention, she of course shocked by Lincoln's offer.

"Do you really mean that?" Clementine politely asked in a still shocked expression. "I mean, I really appreciate it. But, why would you do that? We just met and you don't really know me."

Lincoln responded with a smile.

"Let's just say, I know how it feels to be in your shoes." Lincoln said giving out a smile that made Clementine her… feel funny. For some reason her face started to heat up and he heart started beating faster. But the girl ignored it and only responded with a nod. "Ok, we'll get moving when it's first light. Until then, get some sleep. It's a long way from here to Ohio."

Clementine soon gave another nod and then she proceeded to let out a small yawn. Afterwards she then started to get comfortable and catch some well needed rest. But before she did that, she did something unexpected.

"Um, Lincoln… thank you… for everything." Clementine thanked Lincoln in a very sincere tone. "I know you don't have to help me, and I really appreciate what your doing."

"No problem Clementine." Lincoln simply said with a smile. "Now, catch some sleep. I'll be on watch so you got nothing to worry about."

Clementine gave a small nod and soon started to snuggle in the sleeping bag.

Lincoln on the other was doing what he was said. Taking first watch with his crossbow in hand and other weapons close by. But before he could do anything else. Clementine had one last thing to say before she went off to sleep.

"…Goodnight Lincoln…" Clementine said in a whisper with her eyes shut as she started to drift to sleep.

Lincoln took a somewhat shocked glance at Clementine. He then smile.

"Goodnight Clementine."

With that things were quiet once again. The only thing heard was the fire burning and crackling and of course the occasion cricket heard here and there.

Lincoln could only look on as the fire burned on, the embers gently flying in the air like fireflies. The young white haired survivalist then took a glance at his crossbow. Something he's become pretty able to handle. His thoughts then went back to Clementine.

His opinion about her was that she reminded him a lot like… like one of his sisters. And for the first time in a long time, Lincoln's thoughts went to his family, his friends, his old group at Gil's Pit Stop… to Becca and Ronnie Anne. And of course about his Pop-Pop

While he admit what his so called family did to was wrong. Lincoln couldn't help but feel what they did was right. What if he was a jinx. His so called bad luck. After all, the recent things he's done. It wouldn't be wrong to think he deserves to be alone. But as he thought such things.

He couldn't help but feel grateful towards Clementine's presence. After all… even misery loves company.

To Be Continued

AN: And done! Hope this chapter wasn't too boring. Also sorry for any spelling errors and mistakes. Now, I'm so happy you guys are enjoying this story so far. Also if love other Loud House AU stories look up my profile. I have one where Lincoln is the older brother and ran away and is back home. It's called Loud House: A Family Together! Hope you give it a read. Anyways expect things to get interesting for Lincoln and his new found companion. Will they run into problems? Also will they encounter some unexpected people? Well, find out next time! Oh and for any questions or any idea leave them in a review! And if you have any ideas for pairings I'm open to suggestions. Alright, thanks reading and I hope you have a good one. See ya!