Chapter 1: A New Day

Rating: (M) For God's sake, they're teenagers.

Warning: (M) Rough Language, Dark Humor/Offensive Jokes, and possible Suggestive Content.

Pairings: Clementine/Louis, Marlon/Brody, Violet/Minnie, etc. (There's more, but like, that can WAIT.)

Summary: Clementine, a self-reserved girl, likes to have her alone time. But after switching schools, everyone is just dying to know her. Even a specific annoying boy in particular, who seems to love to torture her to no end. Louis/Clementine - [HighSchool!AU].

A/N: Welcome. Hello, yes, Nice to meet you! I hope you enjoy this story. Or not, do whatever you like. I won't judge. Thank you for at least checking it out tho. By the way, this will have the same titles just like in the game. Why? Because why not? It might have different ones, because again, why not?

Edit: Y'all... I had so many mistakes... (I probably STILL DO.) Luckily, I managed to catch the most obvious ones. Chapters may be longer now since I had to add many words to make it make sense.

[. . .]

"Keep that hair short." - Lee Everett, 2012.

[. . .]

"You can't be serious," Clementine murmured dejectedly, looking at him from where she stood in the kitchen. She clenched her green toy gun full of water upon noticing the troubled expression that moved across her guardian's face, ignoring as A.J ran around her squirting water everywhere.

Lee kept scrubbing at the dishes, looking defeated once he heard how feeble she spoke about the news. "I'm sorry, Sweet Pea. I meant to tell you sooner. But yes," He paused to regard her with a pained look, "We are moving." A knot of gloom formed in his stomach when he saw the look on her face.

The toy gun formed cracks from the way Clementine gripped it anxiously, "We're moving? To Macon, of all places?" She asked, her voice seeming placid despite the conflict that twisted in her guts.

He placed the last of the plates down, still full of soap, "I was assigned a transfer to another school in Macon. And considering it's a high school, my pay will rise significantly due to the more advanced profession of the English subject," He explained to her and reached for the handle of the sink to turn on the water.

Clementine frowned in uncertainty.

Lee couldn't stand the sad look on her face. It made him feel sad too. Attempting a calming smile, Lee spoke, "Would it help if I tell you that Duck will be there?"

Clementine hadn't replied, and by this point, A.J had stopped running around to console her about why she looked so sad.

Lee ran the dishes under the running water upon turning back to the chore literally at hand, sighing dejectedly to himself. He should have known his sweet daughter would have trouble with his decision. She meant well, and he would never blame her because of her attachment to this place. Leaving the old home that was so close to her now-deceased parent's house was sure to bring uneasiness from her.

It was where she had grown up. It was a place full of heavy and great memories. And she was forced to leave it.

He could only dream of awarding her this place as a permanent home. But unfortunately, work called to him elsewhere. If only he could make it up to her. He's sure she would love the new and much more spacious house, but...

Turning off the water, he picked up the glassed plates and carefully placed them on the counters, allowing them to dry off before he would need to pack them. "Clementine, have I ever told you the story of me and Kenny back in our day when we graduated high school?" He asked her, grabbing a towel and drying his hands in the process.

Clementine's saddened features had softened to curiosity. "No, I don't think you have." She muttered in reply.

Lee nodded his head in contemplation as he walked past her and into the living room. A.J, who had realized Lee had moved, eagerly went beside the grown-up protecting his little self. "It seems it's time I do," Lee said and smiled warmly at Clementine as he took his seat and patted the side beside it for A.J to sit down on.

Clementine took it as her queue to sit with him as well.

Upon seeing her do so, Lee had let out a nostalgic sigh. "It was in Macon, of all places," He mocked innocently, causing a smile to form on Clementine's face, "My brother and I had just talked to our parents about, well, graduating. And we were already making our ways to say goodbye to all the friends we've made along the way."

Clementine frowned in sadness. "It must've been hard," She told him, and unconsciously, she set the toy gun on the small table that decorated the couch.

Lee nodded solemnly. "It was. And it was especially hard for me since I had to say goodbye to my good friend Kenny."

Clementine seemed a bit confused. "But... you still talk to Kenny. We visit him and Duck every couple of years," Clementine pointed out.

"Yeah! And we eat all their delicious potatoes," A.J piped in, smiling profoundly.

Lee chuckled, both for Clementine's cluelessness and A.J's enthusiasm. "Yes, their potatoes are the best. And yes," He turned to Clementine, still happy, "We do still talk to them."

"But..."

"Let me finish," Lee interrupted with another joyous chortle, "We had to say goodbye, yes. Your uncle Brandon was crying in my place the most, and I'll admit, I cried a bit that day too. But..."

Clementine saw the sudden fondness he cast at the picture frame of all three of them posing for a picnic picture. "It wasn't a final goodbye. I ended up seeing Kenny a few years later during college, and even now, as I've just talked to him over the phone that we'd be moving back to Macon."

Clementine seemed to understand.

"You see, Clem, you can be sad about leaving a place with so many great memories. But you should know it won't be the last time you see it. Believe me when I tell you that you will see your memories again in a better light, and never, is it a final goodbye."

Clementine suppressed the thankful drops threatening to spill. Even if she didn't like the idea of moving away, Lee was right. He was honest, and with new joy, she knew that her hope had sprouted once again. Unfortunately, it did little to truly quench the worry in her stomach.

Lee seemed to be good at helping her, however. In almost every situation she didn't like, she always found that he had managed to tell her the good it would do to their family, and who wouldn't sacrifice their feelings for the betterment of the family?

And so, it turned out that it worked. Lee did always manage to convince her to do many things.

Because he was right. He was always right.

Maybe it wasn't even the idea of 'convincing'. Maybe it was just the trust she and A.J had for him to help them.

"Try not to beat yourself up too much," Lee then told her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder that made her sad, "You will always turn out okay. I know it. You're a strong girl. I know how hard it is to be that way," He offered her assurance.

Clementine looked at the picture that sat across from her. Her family came first. If she was inconvenienced in her move, it didn't matter. It only mattered that her family was okay.

"Okay," She nodded, sounding very much like her eight-year-old self so long ago, "I'll try."

Lee smiled. "I know. Everything'll be okay, Sweet Pea. Patience is just what we need."

"Yeah..." She muttered and watched him stand again and leave for the kitchen, "Patience..."

[. . .]

August 10th, 7:11 AM

[. . .]

Clementine was not a person who complained. No matter how bad the situation was, she accepted it head-on and confronted it with ease. It was who she was.

However... she had to say that she... did not like anything. At all.

As it seemed, after a couple of days of placing their stuff into cardboard boxes and hoarding things off in a moving truck, Clementine was beyond tired to even think about school or anything else. After finding that the house, which seemed the only thing that she liked, was properly set up, Lee had to do the job of picking up papers to sign in both her and A.J off to a new school.

Clementine was not happy. It was like the idea of school completely flipped her head, and though her old school was quite pitiful in its existence and she hated it, she wasn't too fond of having to change to something brand new she did not recognize.

Due to the ugly tones of green, brown, and orange mixed to mend the prideful colors of the school as a mascot, she found that it was the ugliest mix she'd ever seen from within Lee's car when they approached. Luckily, the school hadn't provided specific uniforms to wear since most of the kids outside were wearing a great display of the spectrum. And from what she could see in the car, many students had their freedom of choice to wear whatever.

That wasn't what entirely concerned her, however. The thought landed on the number of students currently present, and the ones she couldn't see hidden in the school.

It was to be expected. This was a school, after all, and like she's known her whole life, school forced groups of teenagers together to happily bend or bicker inside its walls. It's not like she liked it anyway. It was just an observation from where she sat in the car.

And speaking of observations...

"Are you nervous, sweet pea?" Lee asked, noting the anxious twitch of her fingers every so often.

Clementine turned to him in subtle bewilderment. "No," She denied, "I'm not nervous."

"It's okay to be nervous," Lee pressed, circling the school to check and see if there were any threats to harm his little girl, "It's your first day, after all."

Clementine huffed. "I know. There's nothing to worry about other than my grades." She paused, "Really, it's okay." She gave her guardian a look.

If it wasn't for Lee's helpful guidance, she was sure she would be feeling more troubled than she already was. She had to give him credit for trying to help her.

Lee had sighed. "Are you sure? It doesn't appear that you're alright." He told her, which surprised her. She thought she was doing a pretty good job of pretending to enjoy this whole 'new move' thing.

"Yeah," She murmured, happy yet unhappy to find that the car had stopped directly in the front of the school, "Just a little upset I couldn't sleep last night. You know, different environment and all."

"I understand," Lee nodded as he watched her open the door to his car and exit. "Remember, if you need—"

"I know," Clementine humored him, assuring him it was alright. "If I need something, I'll let you know, okay?"

Lee relented. He was well aware Clementine was trying to hide her anxiousness about this place. As a good parent he should point it out, but also, as a good parent, he should give her the benefit of the doubt that at times, things didn't need a whole love lecture. Even if it pained Lee not to tell her not to worry. He understood that sometimes people didn't wish to talk about things. "Oh alright... Have a great day today, sweetie. Make sure to pick up A.J later, okay?" He called after she did so, offering her the most dad-est of smiles in history. He wanted her to know how much he cared for her.

And she knew how much. Clementine couldn't help but smile back. "You too. And, I will. Love you, bye," She leaned over to press a kiss on his cheek before closing the door of the car and stepping away onto the sidewalk.

She could've sworn he was crying, and she also could've sworn that he muttered something about his 'babies growing up,' but she brushed it off as her imagination. There were other things to worry about.

With a regretful approach, she watched his car leave and depart, and just for good measure, she waved at him when he waved back as another form of goodbye. She would've hoped she had A.J with her, but they'd already drop him off in his school.

She turned around with uncertainty to gaze upon the school properly. So much for a small town... New Frontier High seemed overly massive. She wondered if dorms were even present inside.

She sighed when she realized she was just standing there. She had to move at some point, now. Even if she really didn't want to.

But really, maybe it won't be so bad this year. It is her last year until graduation, and perhaps because of that, problems nor distractions could be avoided.

At least, she hoped.

[. . .]

Needless to say, the students she saw outside were little in numbers compared to when she entered. The moment she walked into the building, four groups of at least seven to ten students strolled by her and toward the entrance leading to the outside, accidentally pushing her slightly due to the crowd. Some apologized while others merely ignored her presence, and she wasn't sure whether to be angry or relieved.

Either way, the point being, there were many students.

There were even a couple of mascots that followed after the huge herd, resembling that of a deformed cactus or flower. Or were they all dogs? Cats? She wasn't sure. And she wasn't interested in knowing.

As if the sudden crowd wasn't enough, her eyes had unintentionally noticed the rows of students perched beside the lockers. Some, with their mobile devices, had ignored her uncommon presence in the middle of the hall while others seemed surprised to see her, which was... to be expected.

It wasn't like she enjoyed feeling their invasive eyes on her. Others even had the balls to point. Truly, was she that much of an outsider that everyone suddenly found her intriguing?

With slight annoyance, she puffed up her chest and exhaled, repeating necessities in her head to keep herself from yapping at them to look in another direction.

She could sense her introvert tendencies kick in the longer they stared and the longer she walked. She wasn't completely sure if she was even heading in the right direction. She needed to go to the office and pick up her schedule... So far, all she's been able to see are lockers. Which was really annoying.

This move was a bad idea. Clementine wasn't the kind to get nervous out of nowhere or for stupid reasons. Which was why, at this moment, when she reached into her pocket to remove her earphones to listen to some tunes, she had resented and cursed everybody in this school for even existing. She just... does not like public things. People, in general.

Why?

Well, because she was nervous.

And unfortunately, she had to spend the rest of the year in this weird place.

[. . .]

After grabbing the schedule from the office that took her almost fifteen minutes to find, she had begun her journey toward her first class.

Throughout her time searching for her classroom, she had soured significantly when students hadn't bothered to move out of her way. Some would push and others would shove, and Clementine retained the urge to bewitch this entire school with her strength. It was all too much to bear, especially when she would have to press herself against the lockers to avoid being touched by other's shoulders.

It was the worst.

Actually—no, it wasn't. What was worse was that her schedule, which she thought was normal just like any other schedule that has information, had no room numbers. Only the names of the teachers and subjects were present, and Clementine had paled at the realization. What type of horrible school is this?

Fortunately, she didn't have to look so long. And she hadn't gotten lost, not completely anyway. She managed to find her classroom, as the name of the teacher was eagerly colored and pasted on a wooden and glazed door. It looked almost like a grade-school door. Which was interesting, but a little degrading. This teacher might force her to introduce herself.

Hopefully... not.

Suppressing the urge to run away, she squared her shoulders and reached for the glazed and wooden door, opening it. She stepped inside the cool classroom, silent, and swift. She hoped nobody was around. Kids usually didn't enter their classes earlier than the time. Some preferred to ditch. That thought made Clementine more comfortable.

A grateful smile almost formed on her face when she saw only the teacher and his assistant, Ban. Or was it Ben? She couldn't read the yellow card on his shirt very well. He was turned. At least she wouldn't suffer for a couple of spare minutes.

Letting out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, she casually walked over toward the teacher's desk, apprehensive. She said nothing when she placed her schedule onto his desk.

The teacher smiled. "New here, aren't ya?" He asked her, grabbing the schedule and giving it a once-over.

"Yeah," She replied simply, watching him reach under and pull a drawer to take out a pen.

"First impressions?" He opened the pen and signed next to his name.

Clementine shrugged. "Nothing yet. Just here," She said, grabbing her schedule back.

"Well," The teacher said, still smiling, "I hope you like it here. I'm Mr. Thomas, but the kids around here know me by Omid," He introduced, bright.

Clementine nodded in greeting. "It's nice to meet you. I hope so too." She replied, not bothering to state her name, assuming he read it already on her schedule.

With only another smile to signify he heard her, Clementine parted from his desk and looked around the classroom, finding the one seat separated most from the rest of the other chairs. She immediately made her way to it, hoping it was enough to get away from everyone.

Silent now with the exception of her music, she allowed the senseless void to swallow her whole as she waited.

Minutes into her musical vacancy, the bell rung over her head. She hated to admit that her stomach had dropped at the sound, and the anxious nature she thought she had forgotten had come back.

The seconds that passed after the bell had rung were agonizingly slow, and Clementine, through the music attempting to calm her, could hear the rustling and bustling of students walking in every which way direction.

Slowly, it came to the point where students were coming into this very room. She found herself faced with a place full of students almost as instant as it started.

She kept her eyes glued to the now extremely distracting old desk in front of her, choosing not to look at the shadows that passed by her and sat next to her. She preferred... Solace. Although meeting new people wasn't quite the trouble for her because of her politeness, she would rather spend her time alone. It was more comfortable that way.

"Aha, so," Someone said, male, Clementine noted, "I see we've got ourselves a newcomer around these parts, huh?"

There was an annoyed grunt on her other side. "Don't even start with that shit." The voice muttered, snorting, "It's clear by the way she ignored you she doesn't wanna talk."

Clementine was unsure whether to feel grateful that the hoarse girl voice scolded the male voice, or annoyed that the girl seemed amused by it all.

A third voice came in the mix, this one much lighter yet masculine in tone, "Um... Violet... That's my seat." He said, and Clementine ignored him just as she ignored the others. She even ignored the small 'Ow' and 'I think you broke my finger,' whine coming from the guy. Though it was becoming harder to do so the more noise infiltrated her ears from the others.

"You know, she's kind of pretty," The same goofy voice said.

She suppressed a glare.

"Quit being creepy," The girl hissed at him.

"What?" The male replied, "I didn't mean it in a weird way! Honest. She's pretty. In an uh, factual kind of way."

Clementine almost sighed. Almost. This was already troubling...

"Yeah... She kind of is."

"You want me to break your finger for real, Gabe?" The girl asked.

Gabe, as the soft voice was now called, yelped. "Uh, no! I think I'd like to keep my finger, haha..."

"Cool. Then shut up."

"Oh come on, Vi. How else are we gonna make friends?" The boy whined.

Vi, Clementine noted, had face-palmed. Or, well, Clementine assumed she did. There was the sound of a smack. "Oh, I don't know," Vi spoke sarcastically, "Maybe by talking to her?"

Clementine had to disagree. Sure, talking to someone allows you to meet them. But the thing with her was that she didn't want to be met. She was fine by herself.

There was a snap. "Good point." He said, "It was pretty obvious."

"No shit."

"You guys do realize you aren't being real subtle about this whole conversation, right?" Gabe asked, quirking a brow.

Vi and the boy seemed to have gone silent. Good. That way, Clementine can spend her first-class undisturbed.

Ah... but alas, her chances at a calm school year were never there to start with.

"Hi," The voice named Gabe had greeted, much closer now than where he was, "I-I'm Gabriel, it's nice to meet you."

Clementine ripped an earbud out of her ear and stared at him. A boy her age wearing a teal-blue hoodie and a red beanie stood by her desk. She contemplated whether to ignore or respond. Though ignoring someone would be rude... Besides, she was already looking at him. No point in turning back.

Softening the permanent stoic look on her face, she replied, "Hello—"

"Clementine?" A curved voice spoke out to her, addressing her eagerly, "Ain't no way that's you!"

And Clementine looked up and glared. "Duck..." She murmured, immediately annoyed.

"Clementine huh?" The flirtatious boy said, which caused more nuisance, "Now I know the gorgeous woman's name." He cooed.

Ignoring another smack that was probably from the Vi girl, she narrowed her eyes at the freckled boy that sat in front of her with his hair longer than she remembered it.

Duck smiled at her. And then he looked at her head, noticing the blue hat. "Hey, ya still have this dirty ol' thang huh?" He observed, flicking it with his finger when he reached toward her.

Clementine remained passive.

"Gotta say Clemmy, yer' face hasn't changed a bit!" He chortled, unbothered by the aggressiveness her features presented, "Still as low-tempered as ever, huh?" He smirked at her.

She rolled her eyes. "Sure, you can say that," She replied in a bored manner, and leaned her head on her hand.

And then he grabbed her hat. "It's in pretty good condition," He nodded his head and hummed, examining it more, "The D is comin' out, though."

"That's what she said," The boy said.

Another smack.

Clementine snatched her hat back from him, surprising him. "I'm not in the mood for any of your dumb games, Duck," She muttered, settling the hat on her head with vexation.

Duck's grin became bigger. "What, yer' mad about movin' here? I thought you'd be happy to hang out again, buck-tooth!" He nudged her.

Clementine resisted the urge to flick him off.

"You know," The boy said, and Clementine turned to see a guy with dreads rubbing at his face, "Considering how lame Violet is," The boy flinched when a hand came in and missed his head, "She's giving off a lot of her vibes. You two know each other?" He asked, pointing from Duck to her.

"You betcha," Duck replied, "We go waaaayyyyy back."

"Unfortunately," Clementine sighed.

"We're practically Kin!"

"So you two are related?" Gabe asked.

Duck pondered. "No, but we're kind of like brother n' sister. Ain't that right, Clemmy?"

Clementine said nothing and merely glared.

"You guys act like complete opposites. You can't be her brother!" The boy pointed out.

"Did you not hear what this loser just said, Louis?" Violet asked, and went in for another smack the boy was prepared to dodge, "I swear you're an idiot."

The boy named Louis pouted at her. "I'm just double-checking!"

"Why?" Gabe asked.

"Because," Louis replied.

Gabe stared at him tiredly.

"Because...?" Violet pressed.

"She's interesting."

"The only thing interesting about me is my fist," She warned, staring at him exasperatedly.

Louis looked like he swooned.

"This chick is the only person in this entire school that has remotely come close to smart," Violet crossed her arms, "Unlike you three dunder-heads."

"Shut up, you're just jealous I made a new friend," Louis stuck his tongue out at her.

Violet blinked, "Yeah, sure. A friend that just threatened you. Sounds so friendly."

"I'm just that good."

"Oh my god, shut up."

"So... since yer' here..." Duck fiddled with his hands, "Is Lee back here? In Macon?" He came closer, gleaming, "With you?"

Clementine pushed his face back. "Obviously. Why do you think I'm here?" She asked.

"To be mine." Louis piped in.

Violet smacked him again.

"He's a teacher, right? Is he gonna teach here? I think he's here," Duck rambled, and Clementine closed her eyes with a sigh.

Duck grabbed the schedule on her desk, "I think you have him for one of yer' classes... What a crazy coincidence!" He pointed at the paper.

"Duck, Lee isn't going to teach here," She grumbled, rolling her eyes, "He's—"

Louis snatched the paper from Duck's hands and looked at it for himself. "Is it Stanley?" He turned the paper to her, "Lee Stanley? He sucks..."

Her lips made a thin line. Do people not know personal space around here?

"Can you return her paper and stop being such a rude piece of shit?" Violet asked him, glaring. "What the hell?"

Louis realized what he was doing and then looked at her. A sheepish smile appeared on his face when he noticed how angry she looked, "Whoops, hehe..." He put the paper down, "Sorry, Queen."

"Bruh, shut up."

And the bell rung. Class officially started. Well, as official as it could be since Clementine saw the teacher get up from his chair and make his way to the front board. Why were there multiple bell sounds? This school was already giving her a headache.

"Okay, so, what, she wants to be referred to as King? Is that it?"

Clementine allowed satisfaction to course through her upon hearing a very loud spank.

Though... Satisfaction did not last when she realized that the students she had briefly interacted with were going to keep talking until the class ended.

[. . .]

At last, when the end of class came to be and the bell rang, the students had scrambled from their seats and scurried out the door.

Briefly, however, most, almost unanimously, noticed her presence right after. She didn't let it show that she noticed, really, because she didn't want to bother herself. Instead of her usual glare, she focused on gathering her belongings until most left. It annoyed her that some had the nerve to stay a few seconds just to look at her. The least they could do was approach her for a conversation.

Releasing a huff of frustration, she zipped her black backpack shut and swung it over her shoulder. She stood and walked to the door, shooting a small nod toward the teacher who, in return, departed with his own nod. She would thank him another time for not introducing her in front of the class.

She stepped out of the cold room and adjusted the straps of her bag, taking a glance at the schedule in her hand. Her brows furrowed.

"Having trouble?"

Clementine blinked and snapped her head at the sudden voice, seeing the boy with dreads leaning casually against the lockers. She raised an eyebrow, "I'm fine." She replied, and returned to her paper.

He inclined his head slightly to the side, studying her. "Really?" He asked.

"Really." She answered him, and though troubled that she probably wouldn't find her class, she decided to walk away and attempt to do so anyway.

She heard him move away from the lockers, "Are you sure?" He questioned, and she stopped, realizing that he was right in front of her, "I know my way around here pretty well. I could show you." He offered, polite. Behind his confident facade, Clementine noticed the shy demeanor he was trying to suppress.

Clementine stepped back and made no comment on his pleasant physical appearance, "Look," She paused, thinking.

"Louis," He told her, grinning.

"Right. Louis," She looked at her schedule again, "I appreciate the offer, but I can manage. I'd rather not waste your time," She said and moved past him.

Louis shrugged, making no comment on her pleasant scent when she walked by. "Suit yourself. I'll be here though," He crossed his arms, smiling coyly, "Just in case you get lost."

Clementine rolled her eyes.

She would be fine.

[. . .]

No, she was wrong. She would not be fine.

"What?" She whispered, looking around, finding the boy waiting right where she left him, just like he said. Somehow, she had managed to make a whole circle back to the class she started with. All in five minutes.

"So," Louis spoke up, facing her with his back to the lockers once again, "How was it?"

Clementine glared at him. "What?" She hissed.

Louis waved his hand. "Nothing, nothing," He chuckled, fidgety, "Are you going to accept my offer, now?"

Clementine crossed her arms. "Do I have a choice?"

Louis perked up, "You do, actually! You can say yes and leap into fate with prince charming, or," He pointed a thumb to the side, "You know, get lost again."

Clementine narrowed her eyes. "I'm starting to think getting lost sounds like a better option," She mumbled, glancing quickly to her schedule once more. Stupid no-number having...

"So, a no?" He stared.

Clementine looked at him again, eyeing the spark that glittered from the pocket of his jean jacket that flickered through the sun rays coming through the big windows of the school hallways. It was quite distracting, and for a moment, she forgot she needed to answer. She was studying him now, scrutinizing his build and the mischievous look he wore possibly as a resting face.

Everything about him screamed smugness, but somehow, she could tell that he wasn't all boast. There was something kind about him as well.

She clenched her jaw, thinking. She had nothing to lose but time. If he was going to offer, she'd take it. He didn't seem that much of a threat, anyway. She could probably take him in a fight. The only problem she had in the first place was if this Louis guy would lead her somewhere else and ruin her first day. Though, if he did, she'd make sure he'd regret it.

Louis sweated a tad from the deep look on her face but said nothing. He wanted to be her friend, and she was shy. He didn't wanna scare her off, so he'd have to keep his mouth shut as Violet informed him to when he met someone new. Sometimes he had the bad habit of including someone so much to the point he'd annoy them. Though, it wasn't often. That was mostly Duck's job.

"Alright," She answered him, and Louis blinked out of his stupor.

He brightened. "Really? Neat." He said.

She scowled again, "Only because I'd waste more time looking for it myself." She growled.

Louis nodded, humming. "Yeah, of course, of course." He smiled warmly, "You won't regret it."

Clementine's features softened slightly. A thought occurred to her. "You better not get me lost on purpose," She warned and walked toward him when he began to move.

Louis seemed surprised, though didn't let it show. "Wouldn't dream about it." He said, cheeky. He looked behind him, "What's your name again?"

She stopped walking when he stood in front of her again. "Clementine," She answered, deciding to be civil.

Louis didn't look at her face as to not make her uncomfortable, and instead, took his time to read the class written on her paper. "Oh, right," He said, and stepped back with a grin, "Allow me to show you your destination, Clemster."

"Don't call me that."

"Oh, whoops, Clem."

"Just take me to the damn classroom."

"Haha, right."

[. . .]

Along the way towards the classroom, Clementine was at least thankful for the fact that Louis remained silent for the most part. There were brief moments he would ask her innocent questions such as the relations of her attire and what exact color her eyes were, but those were fine. Just as long as he avoided anything personal, she could grow used to his company.

She stopped herself.

Used to? As if she was going to interact with him again. Chances were he would avoid her now, anyway, considering how rude she was.

There was a slight sensation of error that sprung from her chest. This is why she never wanted to talk to anyone. She always came off the wrong way.

Too late now, she supposed. Just as long as she knew her way, she wouldn't bother him anymore.

"We're here," He notified, aiming to give her another one of his innocent grins.

Clementine looked at the open door and peered inside to find the classroom mostly full with the exception of the empty seats in the back. Surprisingly, none were taken. She looked at Louis, hoping the weary feeling hid well behind her blank facade, "Are you sure?"

Louis pointed at the door, "Positive. His name's on the door," He said, and then reached into the pocket of his jeans to take out a paper for himself, "If you really don't believe me, I have his class too. Awesome, right? We're class buddies!"

Clementine did as he said. When it turned out he was right, she nodded, conflicted on whether to feel happy that she found her class or annoyed that Louis had it with her. Considering her options, however, she decided to be rather thankful he did. She didn't have to enter by herself, and Louis was loud enough for everyone to put their full attention to him and not the inconspicuous new girl beside him.

First though... She needed to hand credit where it was due. "Thank you, then," She told him, earnestly, partially grateful he helped her out in her tiny dilemma.

Louis's smile became bigger. "No problem," He motioned with a nod of his head to the door, "Shall we? Ladies first."

At this, Clementine paused. "Then go in," She deadpanned, completely void of humor.

The smirk that appeared on his face was almost broken from the bubbling laughter that was threatening to empty from his throat. Unaware of what she just said, Clementine watched as Louis walked past her and into the room, where she soon stepped in to join him.

Invasive eyes greeted her, and in that simple moment, the bell that she was worried would ring, rang.

"Mr. Kyng."

Clementine turned to see a tall, overweight old man with a large nose and glasses glaring at both of them. His presence was intense, harsh, and serious. In that split second, she compared and came to the awareness of just how tall Louis actually was. Granted, the old man was shorter, but even so...

"Glad you could make it before the bell," The old man spat sarcastically, issuing a more profuse and intense gaze toward the young teen beside her.

"Thanks, Larry! You're too kind," Louis replied, granting the elder one of his trademark grins. Though, it fell immediately, as if he just realized something. Glancing at Clementine, Louis smiled once again, "Oh, right, duh." He cleared his throat and handed Clementine's schedule he had been carrying to the angered teacher, "Guess what, Mr. McGover? You have a new student in your class!"

Clementine heard the murmurs before she could register what just transpired before her.

"Is that so?" The teacher's snotty voice spoke, snatching the paper from his hands.

"Extremely so," Louis said.

Larry scowled, "Then go sit in your seat. And keep that smart mouth of yours quiet before I send you to the principal's office." He snapped. Clementine, already, did not like this teacher.

Louis shrugged and walked by him without much of a comment. It surprised the girl, but her surprise soon dwindled when he turned around and shot her a quick wink.

Clementine decided to ignore him and the uneasy feeling of being alone now with all the eyes to look at her. She figured if she ignored them, they'd ignore her. She should've realized that such hopeful thoughts were in vain.

Holding the glasses to his face, the old big-nosed teacher's eyes narrowed into slits that followed along on the paper. His lips moved, mouthing to which Clementine thought was his own name, and a sigh became the silence. Carelessly, the teacher removed a pen from the pocket of his plastered shirt and clicked it. The sound of the click was almost defeating within the silent classroom, though not quite so since the students had begun to whisper among one another.

The hazel-eyed girl tried not to picture them talking about her as the teacher quickly and sloppily signed her schedule. Not that she dutifully cared what they thought, she just didn't appreciate the attention.

"Miss Everett," The teacher called, handing her the paper. She took it without another word.

Larry looked around at the classroom and eyed a particular seat beside Louis. Although grim, he motioned his hand toward the empty seat, "Sit beside Mister Kyng for now. I'm sure you'll manage to keep his mouth shut," He grumbled, and stomped past her.

Simply following directions, she walked by the rows of students and resentfully sat down beside Louis as she folded her schedule in her hands to stuff it inside her pocket again. Part of her was thankful as it seemed he was the only other person in the class that she knew besides the girl and Gabriel from earlier. The other part of her was cautious, though. She was well aware of talkative he was, and she questioned if she should ignore him or not.

Either way, she didn't need to do anything. The blonde girl seemed to be occupying much of the boy's attention.

"What fucking took you so long?" Her spiteful voice asked, clearly annoyed.

"I was helping out Clementine."

"Who?" The blonde girl snuck a glance at her, "The new girl?"

"No, Violet," Louis rolled his eyes, "The ghost from the boy's locker room."

"I'm telling you guys, he's real," Gabe muttered.

Violet glared. "She asked for your help? She doesn't seem the type," Violet said honestly.

"No, I offered."

Violet nodded. "Alright, then." She crossed her arms and leaned back on her chair, "Anything interesting?"

Louis grinned. "I'm surprised, Vi. You normally don't care."

"And I don't. She just seems a bit off." Violet shrugged.

Louis threw a dry look in her direction. "You think everyone's off."

Violet scowled. "So?"

"So, you need to chillax. She's actually pretty nice," Louis complimented, smiling, "She acts like a nice version of you."

Gabe seemed shocked. "Is that even possible?"

"Believe it, baby," Louis winked.

"Can you guys shut up?" Another girl said, this time from upfront.

Clementine stopped listening to the conversation about her to regard the new talker. A girl with a shaven head and three piercings on her right ear was glaring at the group, twisting her body in order to do so. She sported ragged clothing and a jean jacket that Clementine had to say was pretty cool.

Violet replied with the birdie.

The girl growled.

"Sorry about that, Ava," Louis drawled out in a whisper, clearly sarcastic, "I'll make sure to tell Gabe to shut up."

"Hey!"

Ava glared, "Keep everyone's mouth shut including yours, then I'll consider believing you," She sassed.

"Quiet in the back!" The teacher scolded, instantly quieting the entire room. Violet snickered along with Louis, and Ava instead flicked them off.

Clementine internally humored at the exchange. At the very least, the conversation about her was over.

For a good amount of time, people were quiet around her. With an ongoing lesson that the kids were clearly bored of, Clementine appreciated the tranquil atmosphere. At some point, the teacher passed out one of the first homework assignments, and nothing much happened afterward.

Only until the teacher handed out a few papers at the end of class regarding the new school year and how various activities were now available for the students to participate did something shift. Though Clementine could care less, the annoyingly persistent boy beside her was certainly interested.

"Hey," He whispered to her, leaning fairly close that she could smell a hint of cologne and something else, "Clementine."

Reluctantly, Clementine looked to acknowledge him.

Again, she found him grinning at her. Holding the blue flyer, he waved it around, "Are you joining anything?"

Clementine shook her head. "Not really, no." She paused, considering. Softening, she spoke, "Are you?"

Louis also shook his head. "Nah, not this year. I would join the band, but the teacher already has me playing for a talent show in May. So, I have access to the room anytime."

Clementine nodded, wanting to ask what he played. She'd played before, too, an instrument, though she considered it unimportant. So, she decided asking was irrelevant.

"What's your next class?"

Clementine looked at her schedule again. "Art." She replied, showing him, "Why?"

Louis smiled at her, "Do you need help getting to your next class?"

Clementine wanted to say no.

Somehow, she found herself saying yes, anyway.

[. . .]

The fourth bell rung, rattling her ears in distress. Although pained from the noise, she was thankful that the class was finally over.

After getting help from Louis two times already—three if she counted earlier—Clementine was now sure she knew her way somewhat around the school. She didn't ask for much, but she hated to admit that she deeply appreciated Louis' aid. The times he'd show her the way to the classroom, he had talked about the workings of the school, telling her things that were both useless and useful.

Granted, she drunk the information up like a sponge despite that. They were all interesting.

There were names mentioned, some that she knew like Violet and Gabriel, but most she didn't. She assumed he was talking about his friends, and from there, she gathered that he was a social person.

Very, very social. So social in fact, that when he passed by, most students would greet him.

She was quite annoyed when the people asked about her too, and she was forced to be polite and introduce herself. Thankfully, it seemed Louis knew of her demeanor, and always ended the conversation before it escalated further. Clementine assumed it was because you only had so much time to get to class.

And speaking about class... It was over, and it was finally lunch.

Slowly gathering her things, she closed her backpack and slung it over her shoulder and onto the other. Setting it properly, she began to walk out of the class before she was stopped.

"Clem!"

Clementine rose an eyebrow and crossed her arms as Louis closed the door of the classroom, finally out. "What?" She asked, bothered. Why was this guy so damn persistent?

"Uh, hey," Louis greeted awkwardly, "It's lunch."

"Yeah, it is," Clementine agreed.

Louis cleared his throat. "Are you... Are you planning on doing anything?"

Clementine almost said yes, she was planning on spending it alone on a bench somewhere. Again, the nagging feeling made her say otherwise. "No."

Louis brightened, "Neat! Come hang out with me and my friends. Get to know them, a little." He offered, running his hands up and down the straps of his backpack.

Clementine stilled. Hanging out? With people? Potentially like Louis? She... didn't seem too fond of that. "Why?" She asked, a tad too harsh.

If Louis noticed, he didn't let it show. "Well, to make friends, of course."

Clementine didn't like making friends. Having friends was alright, making them... was another story. She narrowed her eyes. "Who's exactly going to be at this table?" She questioned, unsure of what to make of his offer. Should she go alone, or make friends? She preferred lonesomeness.

"People that I know." Louis snidely remarked, and Clementine made a face.

"You're making a terrible effort in convincing me to join you." Clementine deadpanned.

Louis chuckled. "It'll be fun," He insisted. "I swear."

Clementine didn't want to. "I don't really like crowds."

Louis offered her a kind smile, "I know, but these people aren't so bad," Louis said, making a mental note to himself that her eyes were pretty even in the dim lights of the hallway.

Clementine really didn't want to. Though...

She eyed the dark hallway. That path wasn't too welcoming.

She sighed. "Okay." She conceded, deciding to give him a chance to prove it. Meeting people wouldn't hurt her too much, would it? So far, it didn't seem so bad. Here, she supposed. Other than the constant staring, everything was fine. Maybe she should decide to get out of her bubble for a change. Lee did want her to feel happy here. She'd do it for him. "Yeah, okay, fine," Clem repeated, uncrossing her arms.

Louis beamed brightly. "Awesome! Follow me, then, Miss Clem."

"It's Clementine."

"Haha, oops again."

"You said that on purpose."

"Maybe."

"I'm not going anymore."

"Okay! Sorry, sorry, Clementine."

She gave a nod. Unknowingly, the smile on Louis' face never vanished.

[. . .]

"Oh, hey Clementine!" Gabe greeted happily, waving at her from the table. "Glad you joined us!"

Clementine gave a nod back at him, hiding a wince upon hearing the volume of his voice.

Louis waved back as well, though Gabe knew it was in harmless mock, so he stuck his tongue at him.

Upon his calling, the others around the table stopped talking to look.

Louis arrived first and stepped in front of one end of the table with his traditional giant smile on his face. "Hey, losers, first of all," He paused and gave a good eye sweep of all of them, "Hope you guys are doing as badass as I am. I have news."

"News?" A guy with a book asked, not bothering to look.

A male with shaggy hair rose an eyebrow from the other end of the table. "Does it involve the chick behind you?"

"Oh? The hot girl? Why, of course," Louis stepped aside to allow them to see her while Clementine glared at him, "Meet Clementine, the girl of my dreams."

"Hey."

"Hello."

"Yo."

"Sup."

"Hn."

"Heya."

"Oh," The guy with the book set it down to look at the apprehensive girl, "So this is the sister Duck won't shut up about?"

Duck sneered, "Shut up, Assy boy."

"Aasim," The boy heatedly corrected.

"Alright, cool it, you two." A girl scolded. Softening, she turned to Clementine with a smile that spread to wrinkle her freckled cheeks. "I'm Brody. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Ruby," Another girl piped in, accent thick, "And this here grumpy man is Aasim," The red-head pointed, to which the boy attended with a nod just as she had done.

Gabe turned to a girl wearing a pink hood, "That there is my sister, Mariana. Beside her sits Willy and Sarah," He informed, and they all waved.

"And the twins," Louis put in, "Sophie and Minnie." Then he grinned at the blonde girl, "That's Violet, but you already know that."

Clementine said nothing, surprised to find that the blonde girl issued a polite nod to her.

"That's Omar," Louis pointed at the quiet curly-haired boy simply staring at them, "And last but not least..."

"Marlon," The blonde boy with a mullet finally said, standing up and leaning over to offer her a handshake, "Glad to make your acquaintance. Hope you get to like it around here," He smiled.

She grasped his hand firmly, which seemed to surprise the jock, "Likewise." She replied, and let go. Incredulously, Marlon lifted his hand up to his face.

"Dude."

Clementine backed off and almost bumped into Louis when Mariana tugged on her clothing, "Your hoodie's sick." She drooled, staring starry-eyed at it.

Clementine attempted a smile, "Uh... Thanks..."

"It's very pretty," Sarah's timid voice uttered in agreement.

Marlon shook his head. "Can't believe this shithead didn't tell you about us. Did he just bring you here all blindly?" He asked, chuckling.

"Pretty much," Clementine said.

Louis laughed. "Oh please, all she needed to know was me." He waved off. Clementine said nothing and crossed her arms.

"Don't mind him, he's really stupid," Brody said, giving Clementine a sheepish look. Clementine appreciated her humility.

"Correction, the best kind of stupid." Louis corrected, and Brody rolled her eyes.

"Well, anywho, it's nice to meet you," Marlon said sincerely, and the table erupted in agreement.

Clementine felt a little out of place, but she did feel lighter.

"It's uncommon getting new students every once in a while. Small town, you know how it goes." Marlon said.

Clementine nodded. "Yeah. It's a nice change from the big city," She admitted, catching further interest from everyone present at the table.

"A city?" Sarah asked, turning to Duck, who proudly gleamed at the thought of Clementine being his first friend.

"What was it like?" Violet asked, curious as well.

"Dude, is that where you got that killer hoodie?" Mariana chatted, earning a weird look from her brother.

And then the table fell into another conversation regarding her, and based on the intrigued looks on their curious expressions, she assumed they spoke about good things rather than bad.

It made her smile.

Even if she wasn't necessarily included in the discussion, she felt a bit happy with herself.

Maybe making friends isn't so bad.

"So," Louis cleared his throat and Clementine looked at him, "What do you think?"

Clementine's smile was quite apparent on her face when she spoke, "It's not that bad." She told him, watching his face brighten with joy. This guy... he seemed very... eager. Happy. It was weird, but not unwelcome.

"Glad to hear it," He said, pulling at his jacket.

She felt the unease of burden lift off her shoulders.

Then, "So, wanna go out?"

Now she felt the weight of a headache.

[. . .]

A/N: Edit: I think I like this now. Satisfaction, you know? Onto the next fifteen chapters...

The song that inspired me? VIBE by Alan Love. It's good, I tell ya. Huehue.

Toodles~

Ana.