Chapter 7: Moving Forwards

Lee sighed heavily as he left Kenny and Chuck from the front of the train. His heart ached, for Carley, for Duck, for Katja, even for Lilly, as Lee still remembered the strong woman who once stood by his side before she slowly lost her mind. Lee walked into the box car and met Clementine's and Ben's eyes. One clouded with sadness and the other… guilt?

'Was it Ben? He's been nervous since last night, and he's been sitting in the corner by himself… no, I will not tear this group apart…or what's left of it' Lee thought to himself as he observed the room.

"Hey Ben; do you mind if you give Clementine and I a moment? I have to talk to her for a while so if you don't mind." Lee said. Ben gave him a slight nod and walked outside by the railway. Lee sat next to Clementine and sighed as he wrapped his arm around her. Clementine laid her head on his chest and watched the trees go by as the train passed by them. They sat like this for what felt like an eternity; until Lee broke the silence.

"Do you want to talk about what has happened since we lost the Motor Inn Clementine? I know it must have been really hard for you." Lee said as he gently stroked her hair. Inwardly he groaned of his stupidity.

'Did I really just say that? Her only friend her age just died and Katja decided to blow her brains out. She saw Carley getting gunned down right in front of her and saw me leaving Lilly to die in one of the worst possible ways imaginable. Way to go man. You just won the best father award." Lee berated himself as he saw the hurt clouding those beautiful hazel eyes.

"No not really Lee. I just miss them so much. I…sometimes I just close my eyes and I wish it was all just a bad dream. That if I opened my eyes I would be in my room and you and Carley would be playing checkers. You two laughing together and holding hands under the table, and I would watch you play and color you two a picture. And when I give it to you both loved it and you hanged it on the wall. Everything is peaceful and for once we just forget about the walkers in a few minutes, but then I wake up and I'm back here in the train, and all my friends are gone… the only one left is you Lee." Clementine said as she cried into his chest. Lee slowly rocked her as he hummed her a song that he remembered from his days as a child.

"Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine

Little one when you play
Don't you mind what they say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine"

Lee wiped Clementine's tears and slowly hummed as he gently squeezed her shoulder. He began to hum louder before beginning to sing again.

"From your head to your toes
You're so sweet goodness knows
You are precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine

Baby mine, Baby mine"

Lee and Clementine both sat together for what seemed like hours as they pass the never-ending forest. The calmness that encompassed the two was a nice change from their usual mood. It seemed as though someone from up above was smiling down at them, but like all things that can easily be shattered. Lee felt Clementine fidgeting in his arms and looked down to see hazel orbs reflecting confusion and fear.

"Lee… Am I going to die?"

That single sentence brought whatever peacefulness they had to completely shatter. Lee looked down in shock and gently told her, "We all die eventually Clementine, but you will die of old age and have a happy life. Though why are you asking about stuff like this?" Lee asked as he was concerned of her dark question.

"Chuck told me that I would die. That what happened to Duck would happen to me. You won't let that happened though…will you Lee?" Clementine asked. Her answer came with Lee standing at full height as he clenched his hands. His face looked beyond angry. It was the face of a pissed off father.

"I'm going to the kill that old man." Lee growled as he felt the demon shaking the chains as it tried to escape. However a small yet gentle hand-held back the demon and brought lee back to his senses. He looked down at Clementine and saw the fear in her eyes.

"Don't be mad Lee. Please don't hurt Chuck." She said quickly as she saw the hidden rage come to life before her. However it instantly disappeared as Lee calmed down.

"I won't Clementine, I promise you that. I just need to talk to him; he should have never told you that." Lee said as he left the boxcar surprising Ben who was watching the forest pass by as he though how much he wronged the group. Underneath his jacket there where scratches all over his arms and chest, for last night he dreamt that there was blood all over him. The blood of those who died because of him, and he tried to scratch it off. Ben prayed that Lee would never find out about his actions, for he knew that he would receive no mercy.

Lee continued his march towards Chuck, his anger still boiling despite promising Clementine that his head would be clear when he found him. Still it would be so easy to just lose control. To just go over there and show him what happens when you mess with the papa bear. However a hand on his shoulder put his thoughts to a screeching halt. It brought back memories of going on trips for supplies, walks through the forest, and talking together up on the balcony. It reminded him of hope, trust, and love. It reminded him of Carley.

Lee turn around as fast as he could, but there was no one there. Just an empty walkway; the feeling of warmth and love still lingered though. Lee however was afraid that he was going crazy.

'Pull yourself together man; it is only your imagination. You only had 4 hours of sleep today and were running on adrenaline rushes throughout the day. Whatever you do don't tell the others. The last thing they need right now is someone who sI imagining stuff.' Lee said to himself as he entered the control room and passed by Kenny as he walked to the front of the train. Lee opened the door and walked up to Chuck, Chuck just stared at him with a blank face.

"Hey! You stay away from my girl! You hear me old man! Just stay away from her!" Lee said fiercely as he stared Chuck down.

"Excuse me son?" Chuck asked; knowing that this confrontation was bound to happen. Chuck knew that Lee would not take this lightly, but Chuck knew it had to be done.

"Telling her that she would die, and then turn into a walker. Why the hell would you tell her that?" Lee spat out as he saw the smirk on Chucks face.

"Because she is. I only know a bit of the history of the group, but I can tell you already you guys are doomed when you reach Savannah. Your group is always on the brink of collapsing. The arguments between Lilly and Kenny brought the group down. You guys were unable to protect yourselves from the bandits and you lost the Motor Inn. Lilly went crazy and killed Carley, and Kenny lost his family. Your group was cut in half in fewer than 24 hours. And you guys think you'll make it unscathed in Savannah?" Chuck asked sarcastically. Chuck knew however that it managed to snap Lee out of his anger and that he was pondering what Chuck just said. Chuck continued his piece of advice for Lee.

"I know you are trying your best to keep her safe, but you won't always be there for her. What happened if you two got separated, or if you died somehow? You need to teach her how to use a gun. In this world if you don't know how to your chances of survival is low, but make sure she knows when to shoot. Cause god forgives if she brought a herd of them our way. You also have to cut her hair a bit. That thing is an easy target for walkers. If a walker gets its hands on her… well you know that will only end in tragedy, and for Christ sakes. Find a map and talk to her and figure out a plan. The last thing you want is to go there and not know where the hell you're going." Chuck said; happy to see that the gears in Lee's head where turning and the he was taking this seriously.

Lee realized that chuck was right. That there group was broken, and that the chances of them making it to Savannah and finding a boat was slim to none. That half of their group died in one day. That lee failed to save Carley. That if he couldn't save Carley; then Clementine could easily die. Lee sighed and looked at Chuck.

"You're right. If the worst comes to be then I have to make sure that she will be safe. A haircut, gun training, and have a plan for when we get to Savannah. You're absolutely right." Lee said as he turned away and walked back to Clementine.

Chuck snorted and said, "Off course I'm probably right."

Lee froze as the memories from yesterday decided to attack his mind again. Those five words. The last peaceful moment with her. Lee walked past Kenny and by the tool bin. Lee took deep gulps of air as he tried to focus, but he couldn't. All he could think about was what happened after returning from the supply run.

-Flashback-

Lee walked up the steps to the balcony of the Motor Inn. It had been a long and hard day for everyone, but the situation that has arisen would make life even more difficult. However for a few minutes however he could ease the burden that was upon his shoulder, for waiting for him was the woman who he owed his life to. Someone that he could depend on no matter how bad the situation may be, Carley.

Carley tuned her head and smiled as she saw that it was Lee. She walked up to him and gave him a big hug, one which Lee returned. It was a gentle and loving hug; one which in their minds would make them inseparable. When Carley looked up to Lee she saw the pain and doubt in his eyes and knew that something happened. She stopped hugging him and asked him what happened.

"Lilly thinks that someone is stealing supplies. There's been pills missing and someone broke the good flashlight. I don't want to believe it, but…" Le said as he trailed off at the end; not wanting to finish his sentence. Carley however knew what he meant to say. There was a traitor amongst them. However that wasn't the only thing on Lee's mind.

"What else happened… is it about what happened when you left with Kenny? You know you can tell me anything, I'm here for you Lee." Carley said gently. Lee smiled as he thought how incredibly lucky he was. Having Clementine and Carley in his life made even the apocalypse have its happy moments. However; what he was about to tell her next would bring that moment to its death.

"When I was in the pharmacy grabbing supplies, I was attacked by a walker. I tried fighting it off but I was having trouble throwing him off me. Kenny saw that I was in trouble, and left me to die. It took me a while but I throw him of me. It was Doug." Lee said as he saw Carley's beautiful eyes full of sorrow.

"I should have done something. I had the gun, I had the bullets, I should have been able to save him." Carley said sadly as she looked down at the gun she held; the same one that saved the group many times. Everyone except Doug it seemed like. A strong yet gentle hand rested on her shoulder.

"You did everything you could have that night. It all happened so fast that it was impossible to do anything at the time. Besides, you had two walkers attacking you. You did what you could have." Lee replied gently and in relief as he saw the sadness and doubt from Carley's eyes disappear.

"Thanks Lee. Though the reason I called you here is about… I've been thinking a lot; about you." Carley said as she looked the other way shyly.

"I Think about you too" Lee said, but instantly regretted it as she quickly stared at him.

'Damn it Lee! I think you just freaked her out' Lee berated to himself, but soon relaxed as she smiled and said, "Our group is small" Carley said.

"You're small" Lee replied teasingly. Carley smiled again, but then looked down at the others; Lee could tell that she was worried.

"You're a convicted killer." Carley said calmly.

"You know if you're trying to be romantic you're doing a pretty bad job." Lee said jokingly, but stopped as he saw the serious face she had. Lee knew that the situation had escalated into dangerous waters.

"Lilly knows of your past Lee. She basically mentioned it today… It's not easy for him to kill TWICE. Larry probably told her of your past, and I can't stand to see her use that against you Lee. You're a good man, but tell me honestly that Kenny won't turn on you if he finds out by Lilly. Yeah he'll be pissed off if he hears it from you, but it will be better that you told him than by Lilly." Carley said.

"You're probably right." Lee said.

"Off course I'm probably right." Carley said as she smiled at Lee, and kissed him on the lips. It was not a kiss you see in those cheesy romance movies where their tongues were dancing, nor was it a sexy passionate kiss where they wanted to have sex in one of the rooms. This was a kiss between two people who genuinely loved each other for who they were, not just a phase. Two people who managed to find love in a hopeless and dark world. Carley looked at Lee lovingly and whispered in his ear, "Don't call me small." She said as she mock glared at Lee. Lee smiled and walked down the steps and returned in ten minutes. Lee stood next Carley nervously as he said, "I told everyone.'

"How did they take it?

I don't know. Clementine is so hard to read; she manages to keep everything on her mind hidden... even I dont know what is going through her head.

"Don't worry about that; she loves you so much Lee. i know that she adores you and thinks of you as her father."

Lee smiled in relief as he glanced at her, but it soon disappeared.

"I told Kenny."

"What did he threaten to kick you out of the group." Carley replied teasingly, but frowned when she saw Lee's reaction.

"That son of a bitch. he is such a damn hypocrite. don't worry about him Lee. if he tries than Clementine and I will go with you to Savannah to find her parents. Or we could even go back to Atlanta, Glenn is still there so we have an ally there.

"That might be a good idea if Savannah is a hell hole. I told Katja...she was ok with my past. though she is worried about Kenny."

"Well duh, Kenny is becoming more and more unstable and power-hungry each day. She probably doesn't even know him any more."

" I told Ben too.

"Why him?"

"I don't know?"

" I take it he was clueless and had no idea what to say."

"Yeah... and finally I told Lilly."

" Did she take it ok?"

"She did; believe it or not. I was a bit scared, but yeah it will be ok."

"See, I told you it was for the better. Now you know who to trust and who to watch out for. Now you go try to save the group from collapsing. And remember if you ever need help; if you ever need to talk to someone. My door is always open." Carley said as she walked back to her side of the Balcony, but stopped as she turned around to face Lee as he gently grabbed her shoulder. Carley turned around and found herself resting on Lee's chest.

"I love you." Lee whispered lovingly as he hugged her tightly around her waist.

"I love you too." Carley whispered back shyly, as her arms wrapped around his neck. The two oblivious to Clementines mischievous smile as she saw them hug each other. If only sh had more film for the camera.

-End Flashback-

Lee gripped the railing hard as his knuckles began to turn white.

'Is this how it's going to be now? My life haunted by the memories of her. I failed her, and she haunts me to my death." Lee thought sadly as he walked back to Clementine. Clementine was lost in her own mind as she watched the everlasting scenery move, yet never changed. Just the same dark forest that managed to steal Duck and Katja from them. Lee stood by watching sadly until he cleared his throat; catching Clementine's attention.

"Did you to talk to Chuck?" Clementine asked Lee.

"Yeah I did, and I dint get that angry at him I promise. However he did point out some… things that could be a problem later on. Lee said.

"So this means that I'm going to die-

"No! I will never let that happened to you Clementine. However if something were too happened to me or you got lost, you need to learn some skills that will save your life. I won't always be there to save you Clementine." Lee said. He was glad to see some fear leave her face, but to only comeback as anxiety.

"Ok Lee." Clementine said nervously. Still; no matter what they faced Clementine knew that together they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.

AN/ Ok guys I'm so sorry about the wait. I hit a wall and could not determine how the 2nd half of this chapter would play out a while. Thank you so much for putting with my slow updates. And schools starts on Monday for me so I'm still wondering where my summer went. Anyway now its time for my shout out for all my loyal readers and reviewers!

To Purplepox63010- Yep, you have definitely earned the spot as #1 fan :). And I have to thank you for that, your comments make me happy knowing my writing makes someone happy to read.

To Xcite- Haha you sound like my English teacher... ? Is that you Dr. Kaye. Anyway I'm glad you like it and you are totally right, I really have to make new pieces of dialogue for my story. However some lines from the game are so memorable and priceless that I have to use them. But yeah I began to get annoyed at myself for that to. I am glad however that you tink that this is the best WDG fanfic you've read, and how you apreciate the feelings I put into Lee and Clementine, and even Carley through the flashbacks of her :). If you are looking for another great story then try A New Day by SummertimeSadness1. That is my personal favorite fanfic.

To Wolfking98- Dont worry man I will continue this story and wont abandon it untill the end of it.

To super mario 675- Thanks man, glad you like it.

To Phooma12345- Hey I'm glad you enjoy my story :)... Damn i knew i was going to get asked this... Yeah I sided with Lilly all the way. On episode 1 I saw her as a leader who was trying to keep her group safe. I liked the end knowing that Kenny would work with her. I knew it woul be ok. Then Kenny act rash and to some point quite dangerous. saying that he should get rid of the St johns before we knew there secret. Than the Larry situation, I was conflicted and decided that I could no longer trust Kenny. throughout the whole game he let me down and I was so happy to tell to go F himself. Though do not worry, lee will not get bitten by that hobo walker!

Ok and one last thing guys. I WILL NOT ABANDON THIS STORY! I MIGHT TAKE A WHILE TO UPDATE BUT I WON'T STOP. I WILL ADMIT AFTER I'M DONE...WHICH WILL TAKE 10 YEARS I WILL STOP AND WRITE OTHER THINGS. I WANT TO WRITE A DRAGONBALL Z STORY, SKYRIM, AND A GODZILLA STORY. BUT I WILL FINISH THIS BEFORE I JUMP BACK AND FORTH SO DONT YOU WORRY ABOUT A THING.

THIS IS RODAN78 SIGNING OFF :)