Walking Dead: Building Your Own Hope

Chapter 15 of my Walking Dead story, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Walking Dead or its characters.

Season 3: Episode 15

Carl took a deep breath as he considered himself in the mirror. It was something he and Jamie had considered putting off, but at the insistence of the others, all of them reassuring them that Eliza would be okay, including Eliza herself, their plan continued. So it was they were set to go on a date, instead of their usual low-scale quiet dates they were finally going on a big proper date. Ready to go Carl smoothed down the blue pants he wore along with dark blue socks, black shoes and a white shirt. Smiling he left his room and made his way down to the living room where his mother was. Looking up and seeing Carl, Lori smiled, a genuine smile, untroubled by the stresses she had dealt with for so long.

"Ah, there's my handsome boy." She said warmly. "Jamie should be here soon, are you ready?"

Carl nodded. "I'm ready mom...I'm just glad the worst is over. All of it, even...Shane."

Lori nodded, a pained expression coming across her face. "As am I...Carl, I'm still so sorry about-"

"Mom...I've already forgiven you for that, I know things got awkward between us. But really...it's over now, let's, let's focus on moving forward." Carl said softly.

Lori smiled in relief and they hugged, before the doorbell ringing announced Jamie's arrival.

Carl grinned and approached the door, opening it he saw Jamie standing there, grinning, clad in black pants with matching socks and shoes and a dark blue shirt.

"Wow, looking great." Carl said with a wink.

Jamie, flushing slightly, laughed. "Thanks, you look amazing too."

The two boys shared a soft kiss before leaving for their date, Lori watching them go with a warm smile. Later, Jamie and Carl were walking together, holding hands, both happy, in Carl's case, also feeling anticipation for Jamie had planned the date.

"So, c'mon, tell me." He asked. "Where are we going?"

Jamie shook his head. "Sorry Carl; no can do."

Carl made a face. "Why not, please, tell me."

"You'll find out soon, we're nearly there." Jamie replied; grinning at Carl's fake pout.

That was too much both boys and they laughed. They finally arrived at the restaurant and Carl's eyes lit up.

"Wow." He gasped.

Jamie nodded; grinning. "Yup, it's that new restaurant you were going on about. I thought we'd try it together."

Carl laughed and kissed Jamie's cheek. "I can hardly wait, let's go."

Jamie agreed and they headed inside. Jamie had already made a reservation, so they were led to their table and sat down. They consulted the menu; the restaurant was advertised to specialize in various foods, from various countries. After consulting the menus and talking to each other, they made their choice. They gave their orders and waited; as they did so, Carl smiled and laid his hand on top of Jamie's. Jamie smiled back; he also noted the other people in the restaurant. Many were giving them curious looks, or smiling and talking amongst themselves. Jamie blushed as he heard the words 'cute couple' being mentioned a few times.

Relieved that nobody seemed to at least be reacting negatively to them here; Carl was about to say something. However he then heard the three teen girls at the next table, talking to each other. One of them said something that confused him.

"Aww, they look like they just stepped out of a yaoi manga."

The other girls grinned and; surprising Carl, Jamie laughed.

Carl looked at him quizzically. "What, what does that even mean?"

Jamie, having an interest in anime and recognising the term, then explained. "It's a male homosexual couple from an anime."

Carl nodded now, understanding; the girls blushed, realizing they had been heard. Shortly after that the food arrived and they began eating. As they ate, the made small talk; Carl was enjoying himself immensely.

'I've never felt happier in my life. Despite all the bad stuff that's happened, we're pulling through things, getting better.'He thought to himself.

They continued to eat and finally; once they were done, Jamie paid, despite Carl's wish to split the bill. Once they left they walked to the nearby shopping mall; heading for the movie theatre. They sat through the movie; holding hands, even sharing a few kisses. It was a movie featuring Carl's favourite actor; Jamie laughed a little at Carl's crush on the actor.

"I should be jealous, you know." He joked; making Carl smile too.

After the movies they began heading back to Jamie's home, as they had agreed and planned. Jamie's parents would be out for the night so they'd have the place to themselves.

Entering the house Carl looked around, biting his lip.

"Jamie, you really mean we have the place to ourselves, your parents won't be home until morning?" He asked nervously.

Jamie nodded. "Yeah...don't worry, I'm not expecting us to, you know...I just thought we needed some time with just us, give us a chance to just relax."

Carl did relax hearing that. He smiled in relief and followed Jamie as they reached his bedroom. Turning to face each other, the happy couple embraced and kissed, the joy of the whole evening filling them once more and prepared to sleep. That night, as Carl lay in bed, he smiled at the intimate moment he was sharing with his beloved boyfriend, Jamie lay next to him, his arms around Carl as he held Carl close, allowing the long haired boy to rest his head on Jamie's chest. Both had removed their date clothing but kept their underwear so Carl was in red boxer-briefs while Jamie wore dark blue boxers. Feeling safe and enjoying the moment, finally finding peace after all the torment they had faced before, Jamie and Carl were able to peacefully drift off to sleep together, their date a wonderful success.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.