Author's Notes: Chapter releases are gonna be on a weekly basis for the foreseeable future (only hitch will be when we get to Chapter 27, since there's still a scene in progress for that one, but I'm hoping to have it finished before we get there), so keep an eye out. Haven't decided if it's gonna stay on Fridays or go to Saturdays, but it'll definitely be on one of those two :)
3:34 PM - October 1, 2026
Art [Clementine]
The sun rested on her shoulders in a way Clementine didn't like. It was bad enough dealing with the weight on her back, literal or otherwise.
A stag smoothed along a mossy patch of grass, tied to the frame of a small girl - wounds on its leg, and a larger one in its neck. Though it didn't skid quite fast enough, unless you put all your back into it; and that she did. Clem's boots were past the point of being just old and worn, ripples opening in the leather to show off her polka dot socks. The soles would be next, and she was anything but looking forward to it. She'd often stare at her legs, watching them rot. Her eyes happened to stand out when the rest of her face was so full of blood, guts and dirt.
That was the worst part, maybe. With all that carcass on you, stuffed into your travel bag and tied to your waist, you'd be remiss to smell human on top of it. She felt disgusting. They wouldn't let her in anyway, so why bother? A whole trip just to be shot down... and yet there she was, starving in all her non-glory. When Clem saw the gates, her pace slowed instinctively, as if her body finally started to feel the journey there. She had to bite her lip and bear the brunt.
The steps ended when she thought she couldn't take another. Clementine shot her gaze upward and squinted her eyes. It took pulling her hat down a notch to see past the sunlight.
"Hey, Lydia."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
It was one of those days where Carl's hat came in handy. The unrelenting rays of sun bore down their full might, causing beads of sweat to form around her temples, which she constantly had to keep swiping away with the top of her wrist.
The girl almost couldn't believe her eyes as she spotted a figure that might as well have been one of the dead, but thanks to the carcass… and that hat. It was easy to tell exactly who this was.
Clementine was barely recognizable through all of the tattered attire she wore, as well as the muck and grime that coated her body from head to toe. She was fucking alive, and had survived out there for much longer than Lydia would've given her credit for.
She looks like shit …
What else was she expecting? Clementine was cast out to hang and dry, it didn't take a genius to figure out what happened next. If you weren't dead out there already, soon you'd start wishing you were.
"Clementine..." She greeted with a glum look on her face, unsure of what she could even say. It was a miserable sight, one that left Lydia feeling gross inside, much grosser than Clementine looked.
Don 't pretend. This is what you always wanted. Since the beginning.
Art [Clementine]
She'd forgotten the sound of her voice, but somehow the bitter in it was familiar. Good as it was to see a friend, Clem didn't waste Lydia's time with any small talk. "Is Andrea there?" The girl asked, flashing eyes so sweet they'd twist anyone's heart - or make them want to puke.
"Can I come in?"
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Andrea can't make that call."
It was hard to burst the girl's bubble, but that was just the reality of it. The short time it took for everyone to turn on Clementine, it'd been almost equally as fast for Andrea. Whatever favor she still had in here, it'd been snuffed out by the many supporters that'd rallied themselves behind their new snide asshole of a leader.
"It's up to Tripp, and I think you and I both know what he's gonna say…"
Art [Clementine]
Clementine seemed undeterred. "What about you?" She asked, hiding a smile from under her cap. Hadn't been her plan to sneak in, no, but it wasn't really sneaking in, sneaking in. More like... directing you to reception. "Look, you guys are like the only community around. I just wanna sell some stuff. No biggie." Just how much of a biggie was it? She sure as hell wasn't leaving until someone indulged her.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Like I said, I know what Tripp is gonna say." She shrugged, her voice straightforward and by the book, having already made up her mind.
Lydia fell silent again, shooting a small glance over her shoulder before directing it back to the lonesome trader below. No smile, no nothing. "So that's why we're not gonna ask him."
The girl on watch disappeared from view, scooting down the ladder before hitting solid ground. She stomped over to the gate in complete defiance, opening it herself, stepping aside so Clementine could make her way through.
"Tripp can take his bullshit rules and shove them straight up his ass. That's what I'd say." Lydia wanted them to know, not like she gave a shit what they all thought anymore. Hopefully, Clementine had enough time to do what she needed to do before they caught her. "If anyone asks who let you in, you can tell them it was me."
Art [Clementine]
Clementine felt something rise in her chest, and for that short little while she thought it may've been relief. Unfamiliar, like the taste of a warm cup of coffee. The girl took only a few slow steps forward, weighed down by the dead stag she was lugging around… just enough so she could pull Lydia in for a hug.
"I won't tell."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Lydia froze in her boots, uncertain eyes darting all over the place when Clementine embraced her. It was always hard to prepare herself for this type of affection, since the whole concept of 'hugging' was alien to her for a long time, something she had yet to grow accustomed to. It still did feel kind of weird, even nowadays. Still, none of that even compared to the awkwardness of knowing that this was one big undeserved hug.
She returned it the best she could, though, awkwardly patting Clementine on the back, scrunching up her nose slightly at the stench.
"If you get time… come by mine later." She offered, believing that maybe she could try to make the girl's life easier when it came to supplies, but that wasn't the only thing. "I wanna talk." Lydia added, not really knowing how to word what it was about. Clementine definitely needed to be filled in on a few things. "I - If you want."
Art [Clementine]
The biggest surprise was not getting a punch to the face again. Everything else was just a plus. "Let's see if I won't get kicked out first," Clementine said through a whittling breath — the type of answer some stone-cold loner would give, and not her. Besides not knowing what type of crap getting kicked out two times would entail, the thing that terrified her the most was sticking around longer than she had to. Lydia's place included, even though she'd take her up on it in, like, a heartbeat. Clementine made sure her things were strapped and firm, and went on her way.
There was no kind way of saying she stood out. It was like everyone there could smell her coming, and not in any joking kind of way. Kids scrunched their noses as she walked past the park and she stuck her tongue out right back at 'em.
Clem stopped by the church - or more aptly named, her least favorite place in the world. If only those had more gospel singers and less dickhead tyrants. The girl walked right in, stag carcass and all, to whatever welcome they meant to dish out. Honestly, if they fired first they'd be sparing her.
Dot [Tripp]
It was almost time for another Saviors visit. Tripp had been spending the last few days getting everything together, inventorying their shelves and ensuring they had enough to appease their benign overlords. Things were finally starting to make sense around here, so he took a moment to rest, slumping into his chair. He hated this part of the job, but struggled through it all the same. 'You made your bed, now lay in it,' Andrea would say. Could be worse, if she was still in charge.
He smelled Clementine far before she ever showed up at his open door, carrying a deer carcass wrapped over her. He raised an eyebrow, at first taken aback that the girl was even here at all. Of course, he knew that she resided in the mountains — anyone with a sufficient amount of supply runners heard enough to keep up-to-date — but she must've been desperate to come back here.
"Killed that deer on your own?" he asked, looking over her. She was covered in blood and dirt, and if it'd been any other survivor, he might've been impressed. Surviving out there wasn't an easy task. "I s'pose you did," he sighed, pushing himself to his feet. He wasn't going to question how she'd gotten into Jackson in the first place, he already knew, so he indicated for Clementine to head down the hallway a bit more. "Put it down in the stockroom. We'll talk trade, since I know that's what you're here for."
Oughta play along, see what she wants. Quicker I get her out of here, the better.
Art [Clementine]
It's a stag, Clementine wanted to say with words soaked in mockery, but somehow the girl knew better. She did as asked, returning to the hallway empty-handed, barring cold, fixed stares. "I want a horse," she said, instead.
Dot [Tripp]
After Clementine returned, he settled back into his chair, looking over her as she spoke up. His jaw tightened, frowning. "I can't spare one," he said evenly, grinding his teeth. "They're needed for supply runs." And you'll need a lot more than that to get me to hand one over.
"Unless you're plannin' on using it to bring back more, then it isn't worth the trade."
Art [Clementine]
She felt her brows scrunch together. This was her one break, and he shot her down immediately. She was starved and tired, and smelling of death… Now she was good as stranded in that ranch, too. A whole world away from Salt Lake City. Clementine leaned closer to Tripp and slammed her hands onto his desk. "Can't, or won't?"
Dot [Tripp]
Tripp simply let the girl vent, as calm as he was prior to her little outburst. Not like it was difficult to predict her response in the first place. His voice held venom within, shaking his head in disapproval. "I'm not Tommy, Clementine. Having a fit won't get you anywhere with me."
"If you want a horse, you'll have to earn it. The deer's a step in the right direction, but I need more. Hell, I'll loan you one if you go out there and find somethin' worth giving to that asshole you pissed off."
Without more, this next offering would be light enough to put them in deep shit. Jackson County was running dry, and if Clementine wanted a horse that badly, she probably wasn't staying in the area. Might as well put her to use.
"Do that, and you can keep the horse."
Art [Clementine]
Abashed, Clem backed away, refusing to let him have one over her. She felt smaller, then. Not knowing what to do with her arms, or where to step so as not to stumble. "So… I'm supposed to hand over my only food until you feel like paying me for it…" She said, unbelieving. Pissed off. "When's that gonna be?" The girl crossed her arms expectantly, only for her eyes to go round. A siren going off in her head.
"What am I supposed to eat?!"
Dot [Tripp]
You're really trading all of your food for a horse? Kid must be desperate. "Calm down, you're not leaving here empty-handed," Tripp said, holding a hand up to try and quiet her. They may not see eye-to-eye — for obvious reasons — but he wasn't going to cheat her.
"I've been preparing an expedition into Idaho for some more supplies. You can go along, help out. Come back with something, and like I said, you can have the horse." That, and I'm not just letting you leave with a horse without someone to make sure you bring it back. "Carl's leadin' it. I'm sure you two'll get along. Always have. He was supposed to go with one of our resident Saviors, but seein' that it's a long trip, I'm sure they could use the extra help. You'll have all the food and water you'd need for the trip."
"Or you could take your deer back and head home horseless. Your choice." C'mon, kid, I'm trying to help you.
Art [Clementine]
Flushed with anger before, her face had gone pale as snow. Staying that long was just… out of the question. Clementine tried to mutter all sorts of things, just to settle for crushed silence. She couldn't bear to see Lee again… much less Ellie, who's words stung just as they rang true.
But she'd do anything if it meant seeing Mom and Dad again.
"I get a room for the night. And I don't leave without supplies for the way back." Was he as desperate as she was? Clem shot her same knife-like gaze and waited.
Dot [Tripp]
While housing Clementine for the night sounded like a recipe for disaster, given Jackson's opinion on her, Tripp found no reason not to accept her terms. The girl looked exhausted, after all, and Tripp wasn't completely heartless. He nodded to her request, sitting back in his chair. "Meet me here in the morning. We'll talk out the plan with the rest of your group."
"Don't cause any trouble." It didn't need saying, but he wanted to make doubly sure this deal wouldn't come back to bite him in the ass.
Art [Clementine]
Daylight was running short, and so was the time to go through with it. Clementine could've asked for her own room, if there were any to spare, but the thought hadn't crossed her mind. Frankly, she dreaded the thought of sleeping alone that night. At least over at Lydia's place, she could crash without making any more fuss. And without feeling watched.
"Lyd," Clementine yelled softly, knocking at her door. She wasn't sure how to go about it exactly, but Clem had practiced the words. When the door opened, she'd ask, just short of begging...
"Offer still up?"
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"No, you stink. Go away."
Hopefully, Clementine knew that one was a joke, since Lydia was already stepping aside to let her in. Not like she ever was good at being quirky without coming off like a dick, but she tried. If Clem was already here, then it obviously meant that the girl felt like she had no other options. I mean there must be nowhere else to stay… if she's coming to my shitty place…
"Seriously though, didn't they let you have a shower yet?"
Art [Clementine]
She wasn't in the mood for it, if it even was a joke. Stuff like that was just humiliating. "No…" Clementine frowned and looked for what else to say, coming up empty.
It was that silence that broke her. Suddenly, Clem felt no footing at all, holding tightly one wrist while her legs went wobbly and jelly-like. It was a stammer like no other that sealed it, clumsy as her posture. "Could you—"
"Can I use yours…?"
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Oh. Uhm—" The girl's mouth hung a bit, looking over her shoulder towards the bathroom. Only now, she'd realized just how much Clementine was struggling to stand on her own two feet. Lydia knew the signs… and they pointed to that facade of strength the outcasted girl had been putting on beginning to falter, now that she was out of public. "Y—Yeah, okay… sure." She spoke, meeting her somber gaze as she nudged her head in the direction of another door. "Bathroom's just through there."
It truly sucked for the blonde, feeling like there was nothing she could do to make up for what happened, that she had to overcompensate because of it. The mere sight of Clementine wasn't something Lydia ever thought she knew how to comprehend… or handle.
"I have some clothes and stuff that might fit… looks like you need it." Lydia offered, lowering her voice in an effort to be 'polite'. Her eyes glazed over Clementine's crappy clothes, realizing those stupid looking socks of hers were visible through the rotted boots.
Art [Clementine]
Clementine had to smile, though it was fragile and injured. Not wanting to show. "Thank you so much," said the girl, who could hardly help the rush in which she followed her friend in, hugging herself.
Lydia's place was actually better than Clem remembered, despite not changing at all. Tight-spaced, but warm. So warm. The hat went first, laid down on a table, then her jacket, slipping off her shoulders for the first time that day. Under, she had a mucked up gray hoodie, and under that still, a baseball jersey. Clementine couldn't wait to wear something that smelled better. "Won't take long, okay?" Clem assured her, and left.
She flinched as the water fell on her shoulders, carrying mud all the way to her toes. Her hair had withered and turned to threads of straw, but now it fell over her eyes in soft curls, grateful for being washed. She was grateful, too.
Clementine left Lydia's bathroom with a jumper dress much too big for her, hiding her top and shorts as well as her wrists. Her hair, then, expanded like a blowfish, reaching past her back and covering her ears. A different person, if not for the awkward steps and the stiffness in her voice.
"Can I stay the night?" Clementine knew she was pushing when she said it, though she felt ready to do anything for a spot of her own. Even if it meant sleeping on the carpet. "Please."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Lydia retreated towards the trusty portable heater in the room's corner and sat on the ground, arms hugging her knees while she waited for the former Jackson member to finish up. She figured that a clean Clementine would be heaps better than one dripping dead stag juice all over her carpet, so letting her use the shower was a no-brainer, really. Though, it'd be a lie if the girl said she wasn't at least a little concerned to check the condition of her bathroom afterward.
Even from here, she could hear the sound of water droplets constantly hitting the tiles, reverberating throughout her apartment. Being the only user of that room for the longest time, it was weird having to listen to someone else in it. Granted, it was even more bizarre for her to let people inside, let alone use her fucking shower.
Before she could really think about it any further, Clementine stepped out, in new clothes, which looked slightly baggy on her, but brand new nonetheless.
"Can I stay the night?"
It was a request, but Lydia knew it was a plea for help more than anything. What was she going to do, anyway? Kick the kid out after giving her clothes and a free shower? There really wasn't any other option but to let her stay, as much as her instincts were telling her not to…
"Alright." Lydia said after a pause, making it painfully obvious that she'd given Clementine's stay some thought before giving her an answer. "Dunno where you're gonna sleep yet, but I'll make something work... I guess."
Art [Clementine]
Well, that was good. One big weight off her shoulders. "Alright," she sighed, hand on her hip.
"So, what do you do, usually?" Clementine broke the silence. "Like when you're on your own." She walked right up to Lydia and flashed her a smile. "Let's do something fun."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Something fun?
Already, she was put off, belly starting to twist. Lydia wasn't sure if she wanted to find out what her version of 'fun' was. She was also certain that Clementine really didn't want to know what she did alone in here.
"Just... hang around." She replied as quickly as possible, only so it wouldn't look like she didn't know how to answer that.
"Had a PlayStation, but it's gone now." The big raid hadn't been kind, so she was clueless on what to do.
Art [Clementine]
"I know other games," she said coyly.
Clementine sat on Lydia's carpet with her legs crossed and heart on her sleeve. "How about an easy one? Never have I ever. You've done that before." Clem wasn't sure she had, actually. Just felt like a thing everyone did once.
"You have to say a thing you've never done before... but if the other girl has, that's how you win."
"Let's say... the loser has to dress up, and the winner gets to pick an outfit. No saying no."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Never ha-… what?" Lydia confused herself trying to repeat whatever weird phrase Clementine had just said. She frowned, sitting there and staring at the girl opposite her in complete bafflement. Was this really what people their age did for fun?
"This sounds kinda stupid." Her eyebrows furrowed even tighter together after the rules had been explained, vigorously fighting the urge to freak out. It was a recipe for intrusive questions, and Lydia definitely knew how she felt about those.
But…
At the very least, she'd managed to sell her enough on this 'game' to make her curious.
"You go first, then." Lydia sighed out, sending a worried glance in her opponent's direction, preparing for the worst.
Art [Clementine]
Lydia didn't seem all too excited, no surprise. Everyone had their first. "No problem." I should probably go easy on her. "Alright, listen up. Never have I ever eaten a bug!" Clementine exclaimed, trying to force out enthusiasm like you passed a cold: if not by accident, through sheer force of will.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
From the second those words left her mouth, Lydia knew it was over. Immediately, she thought of every time an insect was dug up when they got hungry, it was pretty much a basic practice when she was with the Whisperers.
"This game is shit. I already lost…"
Art [Clementine]
"W — What?" How could she not be stunned, what the hell? "You ate a bug?" Clem's mouth couldn't but quiver at the thought. Though maybe some other stuff was quivering too, like the lunch in her stomach. "That's okay. We're just practicing..." said Clementine, hands raised, with the smile turned anxious of hers. "Do me. C'mon."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Nuh-uh, that was embarrassing for me, no way you're getting away with that." Lydia wasn't about to let Clementine steal the win. "So fine, I'll do you one better, by changing the rules, since you set me up." She said, forcefully trying to hold back the deviant smirk beginning to form on her face. If Clementine wanted her to play, it was going to be by Lydia's rules. This way at least, she could twist it around so she wouldn't have to answer any tough questions herself. I'll show her how to play a game.
"I get to ask you three questions." She started, getting serious again. It was the perfect idea, since Lydia planned to ask her tonight anyway, game or not. "If I think the answers are truthful and worthy enough, because I lost, I'll let you do that weird dress up punishment thing on me."
"Understood?"
Art [Clementine]
"Under...stood," Clementine pouted, looking toward Lydia with peering eyes. What was up with her? Clem had a half mind to say no, but… "Just ask."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Lydia very well realized she was about to turn this 'game' into something heavy, but her brain was screaming for answers. Maybe she'd start with her lightest question first? As time went by, Lydia found it harder to remember the details of that night, but she did recall being pissed off with how cold Clementine's greeting was.
"The night we first met, before the fight… what was your first impression of me? Like, what did you really think?" She traced a finger in circles along the carpet, nervously keeping her gaze towards the floor as she asked.
Art [Clementine]
It wasn't so warm in Lydia's apartment anymore, she thought. It was freezing. Clem's blood stopped running and made her face look powdery white. Gone was her chirpy voice, all the fake smiles and the fake lighthearted attitude. She was Clementine again. Sapped of the talent to act like a girl. What do you mean?
Clementine was scared of telling the truth, most of all. Would Lydia kick her out if she did? Would it be worse if she lied? Clem waited until the last possible second to answer, and felt she could've spent a thousand moments more. Her night of fun had just been fed to the dogs. "I thought... you were kinda bitchy, just 'cause Tommy gave Joel and the rest of us special treatment." The girl had to force the words out, teeth urging to grind each other. "And — I was in a bad mood, alright? So, I was bitchy too." She felt both sorry and frustrated. Looking at Lydia got a little harder, after.
"But I wanted to be friends. I still want to."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
It sounded about right, her answer. The girl couldn't be angry this time, since she agreed with her analysis on the situation, well… most of it. Lydia was being a super massive bitch, but it might not have been for the reason Clementine may have thought. The whole 'bad mood' excuse was questionable too, but she decided to let it pass unquestioned. Did the blonde really want to tell her the real truth? Why she acted the way she did towards her?
Not really, not today.
Lydia scrunched up her lips, silently nodding with a small shrug. "Fair enough."
"Question two…" She continued, adjusting her posture before meeting Clem's gaze again.
"So, you came to stay here tonight…" A brief pause followed, the crackling of that small heater being the only source of noise for a moment. "Instead of staying at your friend… the teacher's place… or Ellie's?" Lydia wasn't so dense that she overlooked how much Mr. Everett treated her like a daughter, hell, they lived together, and she already might've suspected the situation with Ellie. Still, she wanted to hear it for herself. Something must've gone down to warrant her coming here.
"What the fuck happened between you all?"
Art [Clementine]
Clementine didn't like that question. It was personal, for one, and it hurt to dwell on it besides. She wrung her fingers together, chewing on her lip. "I don't want them to worry about me. Rather they not even know I'm here." She could judge her all she wanted, Clem didn't expect Lydia to understand. Things were messy and downright awful.
"Plus, I..."
"I want to look for my Mom and Dad. Mr. Everett thinks they're dead, so he'd say I'm just wasting my time." It was back again, the contempt in her voice. As if she could help it. Her nails dug further into her shorts the longer Clementine thought about it. And him.
"So, yeah."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Okay."
Answers were lucky to get right now, but wrapping her mind around this one was pretty hard. Who still looks for their parents after so long anyway? Then again, actually wanting to see family wasn't a feeling she could relate to at all, so maybe it was just a thing she'd never understand. It did sound like a big waste of time, though.
"I've seen him in class, he hasn't been looking too good… just so you know."
Lydia was treading carefully with her words, as best as she knew how to. Nonetheless, she saw fit to bring it up, if Clementine even cared or not was a different story. She wasn't about to tell her what to do, or try to get involved in any way.
"I wouldn't worry too much about Ellie, though. She's been enjoying herself since Negan's people moved in, spending heaps of time with her new Savior friend." The frown lines reappeared, and she could feel her fists itching to ball up. Lydia just couldn't help herself, time really hadn't changed her thoughts on Ellie's disloyalty at all.
"Honestly, Clem, I didn't know her like you did. But I thought she was better than... that." As if her no-show at the church wasn't horrible enough, it was like everything they'd lost because of the Saviors didn't matter to her at all. That slimeball of a redhead had done nothing but hide like a bitch since Lydia confronted her, which only confirmed how guilty she was. Fucking whorebag…
Art [Clementine]
It sounded like bad gossip. The made up kind, only meant to hurt you. Ellie making friends with a Savior...? After what they did to her? To Tommy?
To Jenny.
"Is that true...?" Her throat felt mended shut. Clementine rubbed her eyes with one sleeve, looking dead-straight at the floorboards. She... She isn't even upset about us? "Are they… close friends?" Clem wanted to ask if they were dating, straight out. She had hang-ups spilling all over Lydia's apartment. A pretty sight.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Yes. It is." The other girl clearly didn't want to believe it, neither did Lydia. No one could deny the facts though, or what she'd heard and seen of the two. Ellie was just treating her like a used bandage, tossing her out like there was no need anymore and moving on to the next one. When asked if they were close, she could feel the disappointment oozing off her. "Sure looks like it."
Art [Clementine]
She had to think it wasn't. That her best friend would never do that.
But Clementine remembered the last thing Ellie said to her, and Clementine wasn't in the habit of playing dumb. It seemed so unthinkable back then. When they took turns making each other breakfast, or made jests of tying the knot. She'd burned those bridges a long time ago, when she left.
It didn't mean she would forgive her.
"What's your last question...?" Clem asked, monotone and sapped of life. Forcing Lydia to talk about anything other than such a back-stabber. Is that why you weren't there when they voted me out?
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Lydia was more than happy to take a hint and move on, since it was pretty obvious that Clem wasn't so hot after that last question. Luckily for her, there was only one more to go. This one, even the blonde was dreading.
"Um..." She rocked back and forth, cuddling her knees even tighter than before, trying to clear the annoying tickle in her throat... Or was it a lump?
"Sometimes, I don't get how you're so nice." She paused, her eyes trying their best to lock on to anything that wasn't Clementine. "To me."
"I mean, I'm not gonna pretend that I didn't treat you like... dog shit." She frowned at the heater, a look that was intended for herself. Thinking about everything that had transpired recently, and… not so recently, it was nauseating. "For so long." Lydia made it her mission to bring misery on that girl, purposefully went out of her way to do it whenever she could, over the pettiest crap, too. Like so many other things in her life, the cheerful attitude and the request to play games… it didn't feel deserved either.
"Why would you want to be friends with a… s — sadistic fuck like me?" She had to warn her, because there was no guarantee that she wouldn't lose control again and act out. If Clementine thought it was hard enough being at odds with her, then oh boy, being friends was probably even harder. Carl could maybe vouch for that.
Art [Clementine]
"I don't know," Clem told her, as honest as she could be. Up 'till now, she hadn't had that luxury: the time to reflect on things. Always going where her heart led and doing what her gut told her. Even then, something in that rung untrue. She did know, sort of.
Clementine brushed her long hair aside, twirling fingers between the curls. Struggling to say simple things, as she always had. "I think that... when you're mean like that, it's just pretend," Clementine giggled. "Say what you want, you've only been nice to me since I got here."
"And… I guess you're my only friend. Right now."
It stung a little just saying it. Wasn't that sad. "Friends support each other."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
If it'd been the other way around, Lydia was convinced that she'd never ever let the girl within fifty feet of her, let alone speak to her again. Unlike everyone else, Clementine hadn't tucked tail and run, which was fucking mind-boggling to Lydia.
She'd already seen her fair share of crazy outside of those walls, so maybe the crap she saw inside didn't phase her as much as the other sheltered kids, which was… refreshing, honestly.
Didn't change the fact that Clementine still didn't know everything about her, what fucked up stuff was going through her mind on the daily. She couldn't help but wonder what the other girl would think if she knew the truth about Dwight's disappearance, because that's what Lydia was truly capable of when pushed into a corner. Maybe even worse.
Should she say it, too? Her initial thought was… fuck it, wasn't like Clementine had anyone else to tell right now, anyway.
"It's been a while since… I — made a friend." Way longer than a while, truth be told, so this felt new. She crossed her legs now, mirroring the position of her friend. An intrigued look in her eyes, to say the least. "Just warning you. I'm not the best at it, so… I hope you know what you're getting into."
Art [Clementine]
That… was a pretty funny way to reciprocate. Lydia was pretty funny. "You kiddin'? Know it too well," she overstated, pointing to one eye with a smile on her lips.
"Seriously. I'm your friend. I'm happy to be your friend. So don't sweat it."
Clementine gave it some thought, staring at the ceiling while her head bobbed from side to side. Her eyes darted back to Lydia. "Just don't call me names again."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Her answer helped ease the nerves, or at the very least it made Lydia feel a tad more comfortable to be in her presence.
"I won't... " She reassured, a semblance of guilt in her eyes. Unless you piss me off again… Lydia's mind traversed through all the times she called Clem something nasty, or thought about saying something rotten. It was too many to count, but it was also nice to know that the other girl was willing to put it behind them.
"You answered the questions. So, I'm keeping my end of the bargain."
This was gonna be bad, but she was hoping Clementine would show some mercy with the aforementioned punishment.
"Welp. Fuck me up." Lydia smiled, all the while dreading to see what she'd do.
Art [Clementine]
All that doughy stuff aside, this is what Clem had really been looking for. The girl stood up at Lydia's signal, stomping her bare feet in excitement. "Awesome."
Clothes, clothes, clothes. The first thing to do was find some. Not the ones Lyd kept in her closet, not those. Clementine was looking for the real finds: junk from the old owners. Where the apartment was at its most untouched, Clem dug tirelessly, peeking through every corner. There wasn't much, for sure. But when Clem was so close to giving up... "Lucky day!" She roared from across the room.
Out came Clementine with two items of folded clothing in her arms. On the left, Clem held a dark blazer and a bowtie, typical gala type thing, and as boyish as could be… but instead of bringing slacks, she had a pair of shorts. At least the colors matched.
On the right, the gaudiest prom dress, red as wine. This one was actually pretty, even though it showed a little much. She could almost picture the girl who got it, saving it for a special night that hadn't come. It sort of hurt to see a plastic around it. "Take your pick. To make it fair, whatever you choose, I gotta wear the other one."
"C'mon. Ready for the ball or what?"
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Lydia stood up, lazily dragging her feet along the carpet, following Clementine like a fussy child that would rather be anywhere else.
She was okay, everything was going fine. Up until she saw the two costumes that were pulled out. That was when she froze in panic. Eyes bulging out in horror at the revealing outfits. So swept up in that game, it made her forget. Now she felt like a complete idiot for agreeing to these conditions. Her heart raced, thinking of something she could say to save face… without ruining the fun.
"Just — one second." The flustered girl darted past Clem, not giving her a chance to respond as she made her way to the same place the other girl was digging around. There was one in here, wasn't there…? Yes!
She found it, another white collared shirt that would match with the blue overalls just fine. Under different circumstances, she would've taken the dress in a heartbeat, really wished she could.
"Hey, I pick the boy outfit." She turned back to Clementine, showing her the new piece of clothing in her hands.
"But I'd rather wear this shirt under it, more my style."
She held her breath, hoping Clementine wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
"Okay?"
Art [Clementine]
"Makes no difference to me, Blonde." Clementine shrugged. Would've been a big lie saying she saw her choice coming, honestly. Did the dress look that excessive? Her lips pursed just a tad bit more, looking at it with her round, curious eyes. It didn't last long, since the nervousness made her chuckle. "I'll go change."
It slipped right onto her shoulders, almost like it'd been sown just for her. You could tell it wasn't, though. For one, the owner was a lot taller. The skirt brushed past her knees, though it probably shouldn't have been. Not to mention it kinda felt a little tight around the waist.
As… freaking silly as she looked, deal was a deal and she wasn't one for backing out. I look cute, Clem decided.
She left the bathroom as confident as she could, upright and beaming — if you could forgive the blushing. "How do I look?" The question drained all of that courage away, sudden as it left her. Clementine held her own hand, tying one set of fingers over the other… pressing both lips together.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Lydia could only stand frozen, boots planted firmly on the carpet as she watched Clementine emerge from the bathroom, looking just about ready for one of those Jackson soirées they used to throw. The ones you never went to…
"Hmmm." She placed her index finger and thumb to her cheeks, squinting with a cheeky smile. Deliberately, she was dragging out her answer, only because it was funny to see the other girl squirm. The judge was in the midst of making her decision. This silly game was kinda fun, though she was sure her opinion on this would soon change when it was her turn to get into the tuxedo thingy.
"Elegant." Lydia finally decided, which was the truth, from her point of view. "Throw some earrings on, and you might even look better in it than I would." She teased.
Lydia thought Clementine already did, she just didn't want to admit it.
Art [Clementine]
Was that the first time Lydia complimented her? Might've even said she looked pretty, if you squinted a bit. Clementine showed off her teeth again and crossed her arms, covering herself. "Y'know what? Thanks." In her own clumsy way, Clem walked up to Lydia like she was parading on a catwalk, spinning around once, and falling to a giggle. Elegant, really? It's all downhill from here, isn't it?
"Earrings," Clem echoed, amused if nothing else. "Maybe I'll take you up on it, if you think I look so good." She was poking at the beehive with that one, flashing daring smiles. It was like that stupid rich-kid dress was giving her some confidence, some way or other. Who knew.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
So this is what you 're really like? Huh…
Lydia fought the urge to roll her eyes, yet laugh all the same as Clementine pranced around like an idiot. On first impression, she never would've pieced it together, this mushy side of hers. It was... jarring to see.
"Okay, Princess Clementine, let's not get carried away." She chuckled, unwilling to let the other girl poke fun at her… compliment, she supposed. "Be right back."
She shut the door behind her, tiptoeing across the tiles to avoid any wet patches on the floor from Clem's prior shower. The outfit fitted on pretty easy, since the previous owner was clearly a few sizes above her. In comparison to what she usually wore, it felt like cold cardboard against her skin, which wasn't the most pleasant feeling. After fiddling with what felt like a million buttons, she was done. Though, not once had she looked at herself in the mirror.
Reluctantly so, Lydia emerged from the bathroom, walking in the oddest of postures with her arms outstretched, as if her body instinctively wanted to get out of the costume. "This is so retarded…" Not to mention it was even more embarrassing. She probably looked ridiculous in this thing, and any second now Clementine would burst out into laughter.
"Can I take back everything I said before? I hate you again."
Art [Clementine]
Despite covering her mouth, Clementine laughed like a wild hyena. "You look like a little boy," she uttered through her fingers, and the thought only made her laugh all the louder. That night was totally worth it. Maybe it was as close as she was ever coming to getting back at Lydia. Had only Clem not worked so hard to make friends… she might've come up with some more colorful taunts. "I'm sorry," Clementine instead apologized, even if through a mocking smile. "Don't be mad."
Seeing as it was important to avoid being killed in her sleep, Clem tried to come up with a compliment to go along with the teasing. She scratched her nose and stared at nowhere in particular, forcing out words. "I think — I think you look attractive. In that."
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Dressed like this, she was certain no one would even touch her with a ten foot pole. Clementine's laugh was contagious though, and Lydia did her best to try and hold hers back. Still smiling, she rolled her eyes, waiting for the chuckling to subside.
Is she kidding? I look ridiculous. Lydia didn't know if she was calling her attractive just to be nice, but it was the perfect opportunity to get back at her. If Clementine was so eager to ride off of Lydia's compliments before, then she might as well do the same, times ten.
"Woah, what was that?" The blonde swayed her weight onto one foot, crossing her arms as she tossed the girl a quirky glance. "Is the Princess trying to seduce me?" Lydia squinted.
Art [Clementine]
She'd caught her like a little fish. And, gosh, Clementine looked like one, fighting to breathe above the surface. "No, I'm not!" She looked so pale, the red in her face turned pink. The dress, at least, was matching something other than her socks. "Take it back," the girl said, squinting back at Lydia. For once, she was unamused.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
She didn't laugh it off, at least that would've been the expected reaction. Instead, she got… defensive? That was a weird way to respond to what Lydia considered to be a harmless joke, or mistake apparently, according to Clementine.
Why is she so red?
Was it true, then? At the very least, it might've been an indication of what she'd already heard… and suspected.
"Okay then…" Lydia uncrossed her arms, the playful aura having left her eyes, slight offense taken. The girl was unsure how to retort this time without making it more awkward, just about ready to shrink back into the shell she'd emerged from. It was a miracle that she'd gone this long already.
Art [Clementine]
Clem was unconvinced. She shrunk, too. Folding one arm, brows knitted. "Okay 'you'll take it back' or okay 'I'm a liar?'"
She knew how dumb it was, to keep it a secret. Especially now. But like a bunch other things, Clementine was too nervous to admit that she liked girls the same as boys. Lydia wouldn't get it — or she'd call her freaky. Clem was sure of it.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
"Take it how you want." For a split second, the old Lydia was back, tone spitting venom again, though she instantly regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth. It felt like a stalemate of awkwardness, that was the best way she could put it. An impasse that'd only let up after one of them broke the ice. Evidently, it looked like they were both equally as awkward.
"I mucked up the game… didn't I?" She asked, guilt in her voice, gaze shifting to the carpet. See what happens when you get overexcited? You say stupid things.
Art [Clementine]
Funny to hear Lydia say it, because Clementine felt the same way. "No, no, that's—" …All she could get out before the air in the room caught her in a chokehold.
Why did she have to say it like that? Of all the thousands of words in the dictionary — attractive? How could Lydia not think she was freaky? "Sorry," Clem apologized, nervous and scared out of her mind. Maybe she could shrug it off, but how could she? It was so embarrassing. She'd just admitted to it. Out loud.
"I..."
I wasn 't trying to seduce you!
No! I don 't like you! Not like that. Just that… I mean, if you wanted to…
I just meant that you 're really pretty. That's totally normal. Lots of girls are pretty.
I think boys are pretty too.
"…had more fun today than I had in months. Don't worry." Clementine smiled confidently, shrugging it off.
LadyLedge [Lydia]
Just … bury it.
In hindsight, getting touchy over small comments was in no way, shape, or form something Lydia had the right to give Clem shit about, even if she wanted to. Knowing she was no different herself, it'd just make her the biggest hypocrite ever.
Yet, as odd as the two of them could be, they'd managed to have a good time for a while there, which was… something. Lydia felt the same, when it came to the most fun she'd had in ages, too.
"Well, I'll admit you can be more fun than ya typical, unbearably snobby, every day Jackson kid." Or should we call them Savior kids now? Lydia said, whilst awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. Clementine was willing to try and salvage the moment, so the blonde would play along too.
"So, you're forgiven." Lydia smiled back, accepting her apology, finally bringing herself to look at the other girl in the face again. There was a small pause, before she remembered what Clementine was making her wear, and for how long. Already too long.
"I think I wanna get out of these clothes now, we've suffered enough."
Dot [Ellie]
"You didn't tell me you had a fire pit back here," Ellie beamed the instant Kat had taken her into her backyard. "I would've bought marshmallows a long fucking time ago!"
It was another one of those nights. The ones where she'd slip out of the house after the cover of dark to hang out with her friend again, where no one could see them. No Lydias… just some weed and a heaping sum of carefree spirit. The stuff that made hanging out with Kat a need these days, when life grew grim and fun became a thing of the past.
As soon as Ellie heard about Kat's fire pit, though, she knew exactly what to do. A pack of beer (stolen from the fridge at home), a bag of marshmallows, and a guitar later, they were set to have a great, if chilly, night.
And, with one look towards the sky, she knew that no other night would be like this. "And, damn, look at all the stars you can see out here. It's always so bright by my place."
Vi-ntage [Kat]
"Hey, I can't give away all my secrets at once." There was this little laugh Kat seemed to let out at the expense of their excitement, however it wasn't the mean spirited one she'd do if she watched someone trip, or when she'd pelt her friends with the hundredth snowball that day. This one was quiet, almost unhearing to ears that didn't deserve it. Sweet. Almost as if it wasn't so much as meant to be a laugh, more it being the only physical sound she can make in response to how cute she found her friend's excitement towards something as simple as a firepit that barely took time to fix.
Katrina had took up following behind Ellie, allowing her to get a feel for the area herself while she carried in the firewood she collected earlier that week. As comments of the night sky were said, Kat took to lighting the pit. It'd be a lie to say it was difficult, and it'd be even more so to say she enjoyed using matches to do so. However, safety first and all that... bullshit.
As the fire crackled and burned, the air around it finally felt warm, enough for Kat to abandon her jacket and leave it tied around her waist. Seats surrounded the fire, some comfortable… some not so much. However, for Kat, she tended to enjoy taking a seat on the ground, just close enough to the fire that she could feel wisps gently kiss her face. "It pays to live on the edge of town. Much nicer sky. More company than the rest."
Dot [Ellie]
"Yeah, for sure," Ellie had said, astonished almost to the point of speechlessness. She sat down in a chair, leaning her guitar against it while holding the bag of marshmallows in her hands, crinkling the bag idly. The fire finally made her put it down to reach out her hands, thankful for the warmth.
"The more I live near downtown, the more I realize how nice it is out here," she continued, trying not to let awkwardness settle into her voice. "Less people. Which means less shit opinions you gotta hear. Ever listen to Seth rant about how the youth are ruining this town? You'd want to rip your ears off."
Vi-ntage [Kat]
"Yeah, because it's totally young people and not the walking bags of misery outside the walls that are causing the issues." She spoke with a gentle laugh to back it up, her head resting gently on her knees. This was comfort. It was warm, she had her friend by her side, and here no one can tell her off for a title she didn't even want. Here, she can be happy, for just a moment, and no one could take it away from her. Not in her house.
As Kat's laughter died down, she allowed herself to settle back into the grass behind her, gaze now focused on the night sky once more. "Why don't you move? Not too many people begging for places around here... and it beats walking through midtown if I want to pick you up for a talk. It'd all just be more... convenient, I guess."
She was looking around for something in the collection of stars. Her eyes were full, dancing around as if two orbs were attempting to locate a place to land. Her search only occasionally interrupted to look to Ellie, a simple acknowledgement that she was still listening to the conversation.
What could she possibly find up there, anyway? One will have to wait and see.
Dot [Ellie]
"I've thought about it," Ellie admitted, shrugging her shoulders in defeat. "I don't know if Joel'd like that. I've been nagging him about the cabin in the backyard. Seems livable enough. Would feel nice to have my own place."
But, that was a pipe dream, right? Ever since the Fireflies, and especially ever since that last bloater, all Joel seemed to do was keep an eye on her. Bet he's real happy Tripp took me off the scavenging team. Now I can't leave the walls.
And, with a hint of a snort, she turned towards Kat, pulling out a beer from the box placed between them. "Hey Kat, looking for a roommate?" The can opened with a satisfying tschk, leaving Ellie to curse as foam started to pour out.
Damn it…! She guzzled what she could, trying to keep it from soaking her pants. Knew carrying all this shit was a bad idea.
Vi-ntage [Kat]
"As fun as that'd be, I only have one bed, and I don't think ya like me that much." There was a hint of teasing in her tone as she looked over. Kat offered as much as a single wink before looking away, her hand idly finding its way to her pocket to pull out a pre-rolled blunt. As her search came to its close, she sat up once again, lighting her choice of smoke for the night in her hands. The long drag she took, followed quickly by the puff of smoke she exhaled was the start of shaking off the day's issues.
"Maybe he'll back off eventually. He can only be overprotective for so long before it bites him back. Just be honest when necessary and it'll be fine."
Dot [Ellie]
Ellie would nod if she wasn't choking down terrible beer, but it was nice to hear all the same. She appreciated Joel, don't get her wrong, it's just that sometimes she wished she had more… freedom. They'd spent so long out on the road. She's practically had to be an adult her whole life. Why can't he treat her like one now?
"Still would rather deal with him than Seth," Ellie said, smiling all the same. "But I think you're missin' one little detail about your ole shack out in the boonies."
A toothy grin stretched her lips.
"Your couch isn't so bad."
Vi-ntage [Kat]
"My couch is pretty nice. Tell ya what, in the future, if you need a place to crash, you're welcome to borrow it. However, I will not be apologizing for the smell of weed in my house, we're a package deal. Frankly, the very thought of it smelling of anything else feels like a crime." Finishing her rather dramatically said sentence, she took another hit from her joint, passing it off towards Ellie just so she could take a stand and stretch out the day's worries from her back.
Today had been especially long, a lot of shit being prepared for a trip she didn't want to take. A break from this place would be nice though. Anything to escape cruel words from people she barely knew. That don't know her. Just her, a horse, and Carl... whoever that was. Kat eventually took a seat again, this time directly next to the chair Ellie had claimed just so she could lean her head on the armrest. "So, what have I missed in the Magical Land of Ellie, huh?"
Dot [Ellie]
Ellie accepted the joint, taking a drag as she settled into her chair. Honestly, there wasn't much to talk about in her life. One of the worst cons of being 'grounded' to staying within the walls.
"Well, I learned how to deal with the flu. Fascinating stuff, right?" She let out a dry chuckle as she passed back the joint. "Turns out, it's very hard to deal with in the apocalypse. Whaddya know?"
"It's not so bad," she continued, a bit more serious. "I mean, I owe Eleanor a lot for taking me in after Tripp took me off the team. I could still be in classes with Lydia right now."
"What about you?" She asked, glancing towards the girl next to her, chuckling. "Should I even ask?" A lot of Kat's stories about work usually tend to end with how shitty Jackson folks are to her. Usually made her want to go find one and punch them in the throat.
Vi-ntage [Kat]
Immediately, the girl let out an over exaggerated groan, taking a long drag from the joint. As she breathed out, her face was buried into the arm of the chair, muffled swears coming from her before she flipped her head over to actually respond to her friend's question. "I did so much work."
Her blue eyes burned into Ellie's, exhaustion understandably clinging to the bags under them. "It was mainly prep work today. Getting used to the horse I have to borrow, packing a bit of supplies to survive the trip… One I don't wanna take, mind you. I'm going on quite the supply run with this guy named Carl. Never met him, and now I'm going to be stuck on the road with him. Ellie, I don't want to go, please put me out of my misery." As she spoke, Kat made a motion with her fingers, mimicking a gunshot to her temple.
She had nothing against whoever the fuck Carl is, but that didn't mean she wanted to stay over night anywhere with a man she didn't know. The most she knew was that he's around her age, which was only slightly comforting. Why couldn't they send any other Savior? Avalia? Victor? Either of them would love a break from Jackson. They get the same amount of shit she does, and Vic, the poor guy, gets into more fights than should be allowed… none of which he starts surprisingly. Man didn't even really like Kat because of Ava, and he still found himself venting to her some evening. It's a mystery why the three of them haven't just skipped town by now.
Dot [Ellie]
The news took her by surprise. Kat was going on a supply run? For how long? With Carl? This smelled like some Tripp bullshit. And why did her friend leaving town for who knows how long feel like twisting a knife? She was more than capable of being on her own for a while. She did it all the time, nowadays.
But knowing that she had someone to confide in gave her comfort. Made the days easier. Having that be gone for a while…
Goddamn it, I'm hopeless. Despite that, she took in a deep breath, forcing herself to think. Only one option presented itself. The only one that felt like a solution.
"I could ask Tripp if I can go too, if you want. I was one of his best, even if he won't admit it. And you don't have to go alone." She paused. "Plus, I know Carl. He's not so bad."
Vi-ntage [Kat]
The corners of Kat's lips curled into a smile as Ellie rambled on excuses to follow allowed. Endearing is the word she'd openly use for it. "Aw, you can't even let me go for a few days? You must really like me, E." The girl laughed, scuffing out the remainder of her joint on the bottom of her boot.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you may even love me. Do you love your little friend?" The amount of teasing in her voice was enough to signify it was a joke, and probably a lot of it had to do with discarded joint she tossed in the firepit. Yet still, she laughed and teased nonetheless.
"I'd greatly appreciate the company, because frankly I don't like being trapped with strangers. So, thank you for the offer. I hope you can come."
Dot [Ellie]
Ellie snorted, shaking her head. "In your dreams." Still, the joke got her to forget about the worries of the day. Kat tended to have that effect.
"Don't worry, Tripp's a real pushover. I'll see you at the gate bright and early. With coffee, if I can steal some from Joel." Late nights and early mornings don't mix.
Grabbing her guitar, she plucked a few strings, getting a rhythm going. Soon, it'd be time to dig into the sickly sweet goodness of marshmallows, but until then, this was sweet enough.
Vi-ntage [Kat]
Kat's smile ultimately softened as the gentle sounds of music faded in, her body instinctively backing up to give them room to play. Her arms wrapped carefully around her knees, eyes glued to the girl whose fingers danced so effortlessly across the strings. Kat never understood how anyone could learn to play the guitar. So many chords to memorize, and the world already gave you plenty of callouses. Her house came with a small guitar, less strings than the one Ellie had. She'd never been interested in learning to use it personally, but perhaps it will do well with them rather than on her wall for decoration. She'll have to think about it.
The only instrument she had any experience with — and it's not much at that, is the piano. She remembered those days fondly, her friend trying to guide her fingers over each key to play the simplest of songs. She never did learn how to play it past the chorus, and she argued she might not even remember how it went. Not like there were that many pianos just laying around that weren't destroyed. Who knows, maybe she'll be able to learn again someday.
Katrina's mind wandered back to reality, head shaking slightly as if she had no other way to force away the memory. However, despite no longer thinking of it, the feeling still lingered.
How nice is that?
Dot [Ellie]
Soft and sweet. Slow and atmospheric. She always liked this tune. Ellie took in a deep breath.
"I feel so extrordinary. Something's got a hold on me…"
And as quickly as the singing started, it faded away, voice cracks and all. Nervousness that snuck up on her like a stalker.
All Ellie could do was put on a brave face, casting small glances towards her friend nearby. "Sorry… not used to having an audience."
Vi-ntage [Kat]
"Shit, uh—" Katrina's smile remained despite the sudden second-hand embarrassment, her hand hiding her face as she held back laughter.
"That's my bad for staring — Would it be better if... maybe I didn't look?" Kat's eyes peeked through her fingers for a moment, head resting on her knees. She was ready to hide it if it helped, or completely ditch music if it meant making them comfortable. "Or, whatever's easiest for you! Obviously I'm not about to force you to play if you're too nervous to!"
Dot [Ellie]
Ellie returned the smile, shaking her head. "No, it's okay. I promise." Playing those first few chords again, she picked back up right at the beginning, continuing on with as much courage as she could spare.
"I get this feeling I'm in motion. A certain sense of liberty. I don't care 'cause I'm not there. And I don't care if I'm here tomorrow. Again and again, I've taken too much. Of the things that cost you too much…"
The chorus came and went, while soft crackles of flames and distant chirping of crickets filled the air with its own music. By the time she'd finished, it was all that was left.
For a second, it seemed like nothing could pull her out of her reverie.
Until she laughed.
"You have no idea how much time I spent learning that."
Vi-ntage [Kat]
Kat had always enjoyed music. There was the kind she heard around her house growing up — records that somehow survived despite everything going on — then there was the bit she had now. Songs she practically memorized all the lyrics to with how often she played them. How she hadn't just burned holes into the cassette, she'll never know.
However this was different.
She couldn't explain it, really, she tried to justify any of this with some sort of explanation as to how it felt, but nothing came to mind. Nothing logical anyway. She was fine moments before, a perfectly normal hang out with her friend. There were no strings attached, just, peace. The sudden tightness in her throat didn't make any sense. It was just a song, one that meant nothing to her. She had never even heard it before — making the reaction she had even more confusing. Katrina felt warm, self conscious even. It was as if hundreds of pairs of eyes stared at her in her friend's single gaze. It was Ellie's laugh that finally dragged her back into reality, the previous confusion replaced with slight embarrassment. No offense to her friend, but she still had some practice to go — by no means does that make her bad... so why did that feel so weird?
"Practice is paying off, E. Sounded pretty good." She was playing it cool to the best of her ability, officially way too sober for this evening. For fuck's sake, she needs a break. Can't she get one normal night?
"You'll have to teach me how to sing like that some time. I definitely have a thing or two to learn." It was probably best she not mention anything, for who the hell knew what was going on. Maybe she just liked the song more than she thought, she'll have to figure out where Ellie learned it so she can read the lyrics... or... something — That's likely the issue. Her soul resonated with it, nothing else.
This was a perfectly normal night with her friend. Nothing else.
Nothing.
Dot [Ellie]
Ellie responded to the compliment by trying to brush some hair out of her face, smiling faintly. "It's a date, then. Just don't expect me to be able to teach you guitar or anything." She let out a nervous laugh, putting the guitar down on the opposite side of her chair from where Kat was.
Vi-ntage [Kat]
If there was one thing Kat was thankful for it was the fact it was night time. The soft glow of the fire wasn't enough to make how red her face had gotten at Ellie's comment apparent. A date, something she obviously knew was a joke. Ellie was her friend, and friends do not go on dates... as far as she's aware anyway. She doesn't have many friends, this could be a thing and she's completely clueless.
"Definitely. No need teach me that. I uh — Don't need to mess my hands up anyway. Can't make art if I did that, you know?" That was a lie. When the fuck did she start lying?
This whole situation got weird, something she never really expected to happen when all they were fucking doing was what they normally do when they hang out. Maybe it was the change in the weather, or a moon cycle had passed? Full moons make people feel weird, right? Looking up to the sky for just a moment, she was met with a waning gibbous — which was definitely not a full moon. A sign some may know as time to let go of everything that caused one strife. However, she couldn't just let go of this. Kat visibly deflated, eyes still lingering on the stars above.
She needed answers, help from someone who knew the reasoning for feelings. Katrina needed her dad to tell her it was going to be fine, and that all of this was going to be just a pleasant memory some day. She needed him to hold her, squeeze her, and never let go. She needed Malachi to explain everything in a way that made sense, tell her what she could do to fix it. Tell her it's okay.
"When are you going to give me a sign that you're listening—" Kat mumbled to herself for a moment, eyes practically burning into the sky above in search of answers. Anything to tell her how she was stupid enough to let herself fall for someone she can't have again. Why now? What was the point of hurting her further?
The universe was a fucking bitch.
Dot [Ellie]
Ellie could only smile back, looking forward to it. Not every day you got to be the teacher instead. But, for now, she'd just kick back and relax, before the real test began.
Dealing with Tripp in the morning. Leaving the walls again.
But with Kat there, it'd be more than endurable. Just her, Carl, and Kat on the road together. Sounded like a goddamned road trip to her.
Until then, she'd roast some marshmallows and enjoy the rest of the night. The way nights should always be.