Welcome back, guys! A lot of feels in this chapter. Enjoy!
TWD Chapter 10 – Hallelujah!
3 days later...
"See anything?" The whole group had stopped a way off from a large bridge allowing time for them to get their bearings. Luke stood, map in hand whilst Clementine crawled up a rock with her binoculars to get a viewing of the surrounding area. Rebecca sat down on another pillar of stone nearby accompanied by Alvin. Carlos and Sarah were together not far from the married couple and Nick was sprawled out on the ground, putting on a brave but very broken face. Olivia, however, was spending a moment to herself. After last night... she needed time to think.
"I think it's about time for my watch, don'tcha think?" Luke stretched out his arms and spoke in a muffled yawn, preparing himself for the nights watch.
Olivia scoffed. "Sounds like you could use some more time to sleep."
"Nah. I'm awake. You need to rest though. You've been working yourself too hard these past couple-a-days."
"I'm just trying to do my part." Luke scooted himself beside her on the small log Olivia had chosen for herself outside the abandoned cabin they had found. It was in a much poorer condition than the one they had made a little more permanent. It didn't matter much as they weren't planning on sticking around and it was away from the harshness of the weather outside, even if it was still terribly cold in there. That's more than what they could have hoped for however. It also allowed for a soft bed for Rebecca to sleep in which may ultimately mean less stops on the way of their destination tomorrow, as she may require less breaks.
"You've done much more than just 'your part'... which has got me thinkin'."
"Uh oh. Try not to strain yourself too much." She winked at him playfully which he only just caught in the darkness. Even if he had not seen it, he knew she was joking by the humerous tone in her voice.
He nudged her slightly in the arm. "You cruel, cruel woman!" They both giggled slightly but soon hushed themselves when they realised their volume was increasing.
"So, what were yout thinking about?"
Luke didn't reply immediately. As if he were trying to piece together what he was going to say. Or maybe he was trying to come up with an excuse to back out of it. "It's just... you were so set on leaving us before... the Carver incident. The way you spoke, it was like nothing would get in your way, your dad was all that mattered-"
"And I suppose you want to know what changed?" Luke stared in to her large, sad eyes, as best he could in the shadows, looking for an inkling of whether he should persist with this. Deciding it was safe, he nodded and in response she sighed before glancing down at her hands. Twiddling her thumbs nervously, Olly breathed in heavily before steadily releasing said breath. "My heart changed."
Weighing up her response, Luke patiently waited for her to continue. When she didn't, his curiousity ensured he persisted himself. "What do you mean?" His heart filled with anticipation at the thought that just maybe... just maybe she had been thinking about him, like he had her.
Sighing once again, she gathered the strength to reveal her more secret feelings she kept safe and padlocked from everyone, even herself. "First, I thought it was Clementine keeping me here. I love that little girl so much... too much. It was like she was fixing my broken state because I was broken, Luke. I was." Luke silently agreed. He thought back to how he had found her; in pain, exhausted and starving. Barely alive even. "I had spent so long searching for my dad, disregarding anything else. I had been willing to do anything to find him. I was so convinced on finding something that may no longer exist that I forgot what it was like to have something real. That's what Clementine brought to me, something real. It was like I needed to fill a role for her, any role that kept her safe." Luke knew what she meant. He had taken on the role of protecting this group, if by instinct. He had gotten the same feeling when he found Olivia broken and Clementine bitten. "But then I realised it wasn't just Clem keeping me here... I cared for each of you. Pete, Nick, Carlos, Sarah, Alvin... Hell, even Rebecca! But, especially you."
Luke's heart lurched in his chest and butterflies grew in his stomach. The feeling was a true indication of how he viewed this fiery redhead. Luke was usually the type to think things through rationally and sensibly, but when it came to Olivia, that went straight out the window and across the street. When he was around her, his rationality dissipated and was replaced with an inner turmoil of emotions. He knew the extent of it was a recent development. Of course he had always thought her to be beautiful, anyone would agree, but it had become less about her outer beauty and more about what was inside. Deep down, Olivia Phillips had a big heart which had survived a lot of loneliness and in that one moment, Luke wanted to take it all away.
When she grew silent, Luke took her hand in his and gave her a reassuring squeeze. Her breath hitched slightly and instantly her cold skin turned warm. "Luke... I..." Feeling as reassured as ever by her reaction, he bravely leaned forwards with the intention of locking his lips with hers. He couldn't deny himself this, he wanted her to understand how he felt and he had never been a good talker when it came to 'feelings'.
He had been inches away before groans were heard to their left, just behind the nearby trees. The moment was instantly crushed and it was back to business. Olly unsheathed her katana and Luke his machete. Turning on her flashlight, Olly pointed it towards the noise, revealing the rotted faces of three roamers. The couple nodded to each other before advancing on the stumbling undead, who were gradually making their way towards their location. Olivia swung her katana horizontally, swiping off the head's of the two closest to her, whilst Luke brought his machete down on the one nearest to him. They both stood silently a second, listening out for any more that may be close by. After a few minutes of nothing, they both relaxed and the silence became awkward.
"You should get some rest." Luke sure as hell wouldn't be able to sleep now anyway and he didn't think he could cope sitting next to her now, not with out wanting to be near her again.
At first she said nothing... she just stood there, unable to do anything but stare. Finally, she dipped her head in farewell, her heart hammering against her chest. Her cheeks were a startling red colour, almost matching her hair. Even in the darkness, she knew Luke's intention had been to kiss her and she had no idea how she felt about that. Olly rushed in to the cabin, stepping over the sleeping forms of her friends. Her sleeping bag lay beside Clementine's who sat up when she entered. Clem opened her sleeping bag for her in which she willingly climbed in to it after placing her katana on the floor quietly, sliding off her boots and setting down her hat on the floor beside her.
"You should be asleep." She whispered to the little girl who just smiled.
"I'm glad you're okay. I heard the walkers."
Olly gave a comforting squeeze to the girl's shoulder. "It was nothing, Clem. We handled it. Now go to sleep, it's another long trip tomorrow." With that, the girl rolled over and Olivia waited until her breathing evened and a slight snore rose from the girl before her thoughts drifted back to what had just happened.
Her admission to him that she really cared for him came as a bit of a shock to both of them she thought. All of her unwritten rules about people had been completely dessimated since meeting this group and everything had changed. The anti-social girl with only one goal... she didn't know who that was anymore. She would do anything to keep Clementine and the others safe and Luke... her heart belonged to Luke now. It was like she was a teenager again and she had never felt more alive.
With a smile on her face, her eyes fluttered shut.
"There's the bridge." Clementine's tiny voice broke her from her thoughts, her eyes gliding over each group member instinctively, ensuring that she didn't let her guard down for anything important.
"Does it look passable?" Luke spoke with obvious hope in his voice.
"I think so."
"Good."
Clementine climbed back down from the rock whilst Carlos spoke. "We need to cross that bridge."
"Whoa, hold on now. We can't all go sprinting across that thing. If we're spotted out there, we're gonna be trapped."
"Luke's right. A large group will be too noticeable on that bridge if there's someone waiting for us on the other side." Luke and Olivia shared eye contact and a smile and she swore she saw him blush.
"Well, going around that lake will take too long." Carlos stood defiant, his hands on his hips.
"Right, but... look as Olly said, we have no idea who's out there. I'm gonna sneak across and make sure it's clear before we bring the whole group over."
"You honestly think splitting up the group is a good idea?"
"I never said it was a good idea, but it's better than riskin' everyone at once. Me and Olly can scout up ahead, make sure it's safe." Her heart fluttered at the thought of them being alone once again. Neither had spoken about what happened the night before and it did seem as if he was avoiding it. She thought he had regretted his advances on her, but maybe he wanted to wait for the opportune moment.
Clementine stood in front of him and scowled. "You promised you'd take me next time!"
"Oh." Luke looked over at Olivia. The redhead paused, then nodded. "Of course, Clementine. Me and you then." The young girl smiled and then stood beside him, ready to take on the world.
"We'll have a tough time coverin' your back from here."
"Well, we'll just turn back if it gets hairy." Luke was obviously trying to set their minds at ease as they all seemed to be nervous about letting a little girl and a young man alone across an unknown bridge. Olly was a little less uneasy as she knew Luke would protect Clementine with his life, if need be. Not that that was an option. She wouldn't lose either of them.
"Clementine should stay here. She's..."
"She's what, Carlos?" Luke folded his arms, squaring up to the older man who seemed dead set on keeping the girl behind.
"She's just a little girl, Luke."
"I can do it." All eyes turned on Clementine, Luke and Olly's being the only confidant ones.
"See? No problem. It's going to be okay. We'll signal you guys in ten minutes, just watch for a light on the far side."
Nick rose up from his seating position. "I can go too."
Luke's face immediately dropped. "You stay with the group."
"I'm fine, Luke!"
Luke just shook his head. "Com'on, Clem."
Olivia's impulsive nature demanded she say something. "Hey, Clem!" The duo turned at the sound of her voice, with a look of anticipation present. "Look after him, yeah? He's a clumsy one." Olivia finished with a wink causing the girl to smile and nod whilst Luke just rolled his eyes. With that said, they both clambered towards the large bridge which would hopefully lead them to safe harbor. Rebecca gave the young girl a knowing glance which Olly tried her best to ignore it, despite the burning sensation in her cheeks.
They did leave behind a very miffed Nick however. He was slumped on a rock, his rifle clutched impatiently in his hands. Olivia knew she should say something to him, but what could she say? She was sorry? Everyone had already said that a million times before. Everything will be okay? She didn't know that for certain and she wouldn't lie. She was worried about him, but more importantly she was worried he'd do something stupid. He was at breaking point, she could tell.
Olivia paced herself towards Nick, deciding she'd be able to come up with something to say in the inspiration of the moment. He looked at her when she parked herself next to him, in a very uncomfortable position. Suddenly, all words seemed to have left Olivia's vocabulary and the silence that greeted them was deafening. Maybe she should try and change the subject instead?
"So, d'ya think the ski resort will be safe?" No response. "It's large enough for all of us for sure." Nothing. "You know, I always heard that-"
"You don't have to keep making small talk. I'm fine."
"Well, it wouldn't be small talk if you replied." She attempted her most charming smile but received a frown in return. "Look Nick, I know what you're going through..."
"No. No, you don't." He drummed his fingers against the rifle, reassuring the fact she was nervous about him for a reason.
"I do. You know I do. And at least you got to have him for as long as you did, you know? My dad-"
"Yes, I know." Nick ducked his head down in defeat and sorrow. Olly placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder which he immediately shrugged off. "You all think I'm broken! Well, I'm not!" With that he stormed off towards the bridge.
"Hey! Nick! Where are you going?!"
"I'm gonna prove to you all I'm not broken!" Olivia's jaw reached the floor, stuck in a trance. Her fears were coming to light. He was going to do something stupid.
"You better get after him." Rebecca spoke from Alvin's side, her belly covered by a massaging hand. Olivia nodded in understanding and chased after the impetuous boy. When she finally had him in sight, he was pointing his rifle towards... Luke and Clementine? No. There was someone else. Luke and Clem were shouting for him not to shoot, but he wasn't listening. Olly made a dash for the weapon, but it was too late. Nick fired on the stranger, ripping his throat apart with a single shot, leaving only a little time for Luke and Clementine to duck. Rage filled her inside as the stranger fell over the bridge, blood gushing from his murderous wound. By the look on Luke's face, she wasn't the only one pissed beyond belief.
Olly pulled the weapon from his hands roughly, whilst Luke squared up to him. "I told you not to shoot!"
"What? Wha- Who was that guy?"
"Why didn't you wait for a signal?! Both of you!"
Olivia frowned at him, slightly disheartened that he hadn't grasped her intent. "I tried talking to this maniac back with the group but he just stormed off. I came to stop him... I was just too late." That's when Olly noticed the marks on Luke's face. He had been hurt. "Wait- what happened to your-"
Nick growled at over her, grabbing the weapon from her hands. "I was protecting the group!"
"Dammit, Nick! I told you not to shoot."
"How was I supposed to hear you? You gave me a clear shot."
"Well I heard him just fine! You're just making excuses."
Nick was taller than Olivia so it was easy for him to look intimidating when he glared down at her, but she wouldn't back down.
"Stop it, both of you. That shot ran out for miles. We need to get off this bridge. Let's go." Luke signaled to the rest of the group who had stayed behind. Once they had caught up, they began their trek to the small cabin which presumably had been claimed by the stranger they had just murdered.
Once they had reached the other side, Rebecca sat on a conveniently placed log allowing everyone else to gather round. "Who the fuck was that back there?"
"I don't know." Luke gasped, obviously trying to expel the adrenaline coursing through him.
"Looks like he had a gun on you." Alvin spoke honestly.
"That asshole drew on me! He was going to shoot!"
Clementine, who had been silent up until now, spoke hesitantly. "I don't think he was going to do anything."
Nick glared at the little girl which only made Olivia angrier. She had seen it too. Nick drew first. "I know what I saw."
"Either way, you coulda hit one of us."
"Well, I didn't."
"Look Nick, I know Pete was close to you... but you can't just-"
"Don't even fucking talk about him, Luke!"
"Do you think he was with Carver?" The usual voice of reason, Carlos, spoke for the first time. No longer seeming to be the confident man he once was.
"I don't know. No, I don't think so."
"We need to keep moving." Luke was just about to agree with Carlos before Rebecca pleaded for an extra minute. They all took advantage of this time, mulling over the recent events, trying to keep their emotions intact. Carlos asked to speak to Luke to Olly's dismay. She really wanted to make sure he was okay. His face had a nasty cut. On the other hand, it would give her a chance to speak to Clementine who had some noticeable wear and tear poking out of her usual strong presence.
The little girl just finished talking to Nick when Olivia joined her. "You okay, Clem?" She nodded. "You ran in to a little trouble, didn't you?"
"Luke fell through the bridge and there were walkers."
Olly couldn't help her shocked expression. He could've... "Well, I'm glad you were there to save him. That's the last time anyone underestimates you, I think." They shared a loving and mischievous grin, if only to lighten the mood. Deep down, her stomach was experiencing one heck of a roller coaster ride and was entering unknown territory.
"Hey Oliver, you got a second?" She turned to the familiar voice before looking down at Clementine asking for silent permission.
"Alvin asked me to check the cabin for food anyway."
"Okay, but be careful." Clem nodded then headed towards the newly deserted building.
Olivia looked back to Luke and her heart clenched at the sight of his wounds. A reminder that he had almost left them... left her, alone. On impulse, she pulled him in to a tight hug, her arms wrapped around his neck, whilst her cheek was planted firmly against his heart. It was still beating.
Luke tensed slightly, before relaxing. He managed a tiny chuckle whilst wrapping his own arms around her waist.
After a few seconds, they released each other. "You know, my comment about you being clumsy was only supposed to be a joke." Her mischevous grin was betrayed by her sad, concerned eyes.
"Clementine told you what happened then." Luke nervously rubbed the back of his neck, then stopped when a jolt of pain shot through him.
"Yes." Instinctively she placed a soothing hand over one of the grazes on his face, causing him to wince. "You should get Carlos to take a look."
"Nah, no need to trouble him with this. It'll heal by itself anyway. Probably."
"I suppose you're right. Besides, I think it's a slight improvement from your usual dreary face." The duo shared a chuckle, but once the laughter died... an understanding occurred between the two of them. "Try and be more careful."
"I will." The demanding groans of incoming roamers soon diverted their attention towards the bridge. "Okay, break times over guys. We gotta git."
Olivia noticed Alvin and Clementine exit the small cabin, wearing worried faces. She grabbed Clem's hand and pulled her close as they all sprinted off, faster than they really needed to.
It felt like they had been running for miles, perhaps it had been. Luke insisted they keep up the pace, allow distance between the roamers and themselves. Once the ski resort was in full view, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, especially Rebecca. It was high up and was mostly boarded. The group couldn't believe their luck, especially with night time quickly approaching.
"Well, what are waiting for?" Rebecca choked out her words in breathy pauses. She was obviously feeling the strain.
"We have to be careful." Olivia was glad to hear the more collected Carlos she had grown accustomed too. Maybe the ski resort was a sign of hope for him and was providing him with a little faith.
"Careful? We've been on the road for five days. My back is done being careful."
"Doesn't look like anyone's home." Doesn't mean there isn't anybody nearby, Alvin..."Damn, nailed down tight." Alvin was tugging on the boards closest to him. Not achieving anything, him and Carlos went to check the front of the building.
Clementine strolled over to the edge of the decking, looking across the horizon. Olivia and Luke both noticed and soon joined her.
"Well, it'd be good to know if anybody's back there. Could probably get a better look from up there. You'd have an easier time gettin' up there. Fancy takin' a look?" Clem was silent for a second before nodding and made her way towards the ladder. "Just take it slow, and I'll catch you if you fall. Probably."
Clementine's face twisted in to an unconvinced expression which only made Olly giggle. "Nobody can trust your clumsiness. Don't worry, Clem. I've got your back." Luke scowled at her, but his eyes were amused.
Slowly, she ascended the ladder whilst Luke desperately tried to make small talk. "When we were kids, me and my friends used to jump rooftops. Now that was fun."
"That sounds stupid!"
"Yeah, yeah it was. The trick was to not look down, though..." With that, Clem's foot slipped causing all three of them to panic. "You're fine, you're fine. Look at me, you're fine."
"You just told me not to look..."
"Er... good point." Olly giggled at his bemused expression.
Once Clementine reached the top she called out in victory, "Made it!" allowing them both below to breath a sigh of relief.
"Well, do you see anythin'?"
"No... not yet. Wait, I see a light! And there's another!" Clem turned at the sound of yelling from a little ways off. "Luke!" Luke conflicted, looked at the young girl and then the rest of his group.
"Go. See what's going on. I'll help Clementine." With that, he sprinted off. Clem slowly descended the metal death trap, Olly prepared to catch her if she fell. When her feet were safely planted on the floor, Olivia grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the commotion.
"Listen, everyone, just stay calm!"
"Who are you? Are you trying to rob us?!" The voice was foreign and not just because Olly had never heard it before.
"Excuse me, honey, but do I look like a fuckin' theif?" In that one moment, Olivia was happy Rebecca had a big mouth. From what she could see, there were three of them there. A woman, a man aiming a gun at them, and another who was trying to defuse the situation. We outnumbered them... if the worst came to pass, we could take 'em.
Clementine seemed to be trying to push through the crowd, Olly tried to shield her, but she managed to get through... and her eyes lit up.
"Kenny?!"
Okay, welcome to the longest chapter of the story so far. It's the least I could do considering I spent so much time away. Sorry about that. After playing episode 4 however... well, I knew I had to get writing because I have A LOT of ideas. There will be quite a lot of angst in the coming chapters, there's no escaping that. An idea came to me a while ago when I first started writing this and it should come to pass in the next chapter. Sorry again for keeping everyone waiting. Your kind words have been very encouraging. Unfortunately, I'm just a very unpredictable writer.