Arrival
It was a quiet day, so quiet that he was giving himself the luxury of isolating himself again to go play his piano. He was playing For Elisa. He knew very well that his companions were not very happy about the fact that he still had that piano and, above all, that he took the time to play it whenever he felt like it, but Louis knew that whether he should stop doing it or not, it wouldn't change anything, it's not like the walkers are going to disappear just because an eighteen years old kid stopped playing music. He continued playing, there was no sheet music on the music stand, most of the music he played, he had learned by ear, in these times it was difficult to get new sheet music and it was also a bit boring to always play the same thing, but it was what there was. Maybe his concentration was not 100% on the movement of his fingers, he was alert for when Aasim or Mitch showed up to complain because he was there "loafing" instead of helping, and not because he was worried, but because that particular day he had no time and don't want listen to them.
— Hey — he heard from the door, Louis stopped playing and looked at who was in the doorway, a young blue-eyed blonde dressed in a school jacket — of course Mitch and Aasim were right — Marlon leaned against the door frame smiling.
— About what? — Louis asked, smiling sideways, moving his right leg to the back of the stool to sit in front of his friend — about how handsome I am? I can understand that they're jealous — Marlon sighed.
— Dude, you know that I have no problem with you coming to play as long as you want, but the others don't stop complaining — the blonde said, approaching him.
— Did Aasim tell you something?
— You didn't go hunting with him yesterday — Marlon crossed his arms and Louis looked away with a frown.
— What a snitch — the dreadlocked boy said angrily.
— Louis, you know the difficult position you put me in — Marlon frowned — I have told you thousands of times that we must work as a team, it's the only thing that has helped us survive since it all began.
— Yes, I know — Louis got up, walked past his friend to look at one of the windows, it had broken glass, in addition to having a vine growing around the frame, the boy crossed his arms in annoyance — it's just.. You know… I like to flow.
— Yes, but you won't always be able to live the same way — Marlon looked at the ground and sighed before continuing — you know how many we have lost along the way and we don't know who will be next — Louis looked at him and scratched the back of his neck in shame — What if the next one is me? The others will probably kick you out of school and you would have to live out there.
— Hey, man, don't say that — Louis responded uneasily — you're in charge, and if you've survived until now, it's because you've done well, right?
— Don't take things for granted, Louis — Marlon told him — I'm not saying that you should make it your life philosophy, but try, at least once a week, to think about the future — Louis snorted.
— It's okay — he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.
— Okay, let's go — said Marlon, heading to the exit.
— Where to?
— To the hunting area, you will do the work you didn't do — Marlon told him smiling before turning his back on him — you have no choice, you will go with me.
— If I have no other choice — Louis said, shrugging his shoulders. They left the music room and headed to the main patio, there several kids were doing various tasks, there were two buildings, one where they had left and another which was on the side of the land, the ruins of another could be seen, but at the same time It seemed like a fire had raged there, throughout the patio, there were picnic tables distributed here and there, a small bonfire with a table next to it, which is where they cooked, the two boys observed the place for a moment, until a young man approached them, Louis growled under his breath.
— Did you manage to get him out of his burrow? — Aasim crossed his arms, looking defiantly at Louis, who returned his gaze.
— If you wanted to see me so much, you just had to ask, darling — Louis responded in a mocking tone.
— Enough, both of you — Marlon scolded him.
— He's the one who came looking for a fight — Louis was fed up.
— And you're the one who doesn't take anything seriously — Aasim said, pointing his finger at Louis. The boy crossed his eyes for a moment and slapped Aasim's hand away.
— Be careful with what you do.
— I said enough — Marlon raised his voice a little more, Louis and Aasim separated and turned their backs with their arms crossed — did you get something? — Aasim looked at him again to respond.
—We only got two fish, that won't be enough for everyone, I thought about going hunting with Brody and Mitch later.
— Good idea — he patted him on the shoulder — don't worry about the traps, this fool and I will take care of that.
— It's the same as going alone — Aasim said, walking away.
— It's the same as going alone — Louis imitated in a high-pitched tone — what an idiot.
— Now, let's go — Marlon scolded him again, they headed to the fence — Brody! — the young man shouted at the surveillance tower that was installed, a girl with copper hair looked out — Any walkers nearby?
—No, everything is clear.
— Well, Louis and I will go out, stay alert — Marlon took a bow that was leaning on the wall along with a quiver, opened the gate and went out with his friend — come on, you can tell me some jokes on the way — Marlon told him smiling Before leaving, Louis shrugged his shoulders and followed him, closing the gate behind him to begin walking down the path next to his friend.
— Was it really necessary for me to come? — Louis asked annoyed.
— Well, you are the one who makes the least mess when you free a walker from the traps, plus you are, in my opinion, the strongest of the group — Marlon smiled sideways.
— Well, it's not like the rest let me help them hunt — the brunette said looking to the side with disdain.
— Maybe they would let you hunt if you learned to use a bow — Marlon looked at him seriously — but you won't do that because you don't want calluses on your hands.
— Hey, under other circumstances these girls — Louis said, raising his hands, — would be worth a million dollars or more.
— You've said it, in other circumstances — Marlon laughed and Louis grunted — don't take it the wrong way, I love your music, but the world has changed.
— I don't think it's wrong to enjoy those pleasures in life, right?
— I never said it was wrong — Marlon looked at him, Louis also looked at him trying to decipher what he was going to say — I find it admirable that even with all the chaos around, you continue to focus on what you like and love... And for me you can continue doing it — Marlon stepped forward before Louis intervened — I'm just saying that with that passion that you play the piano, you protect those who are with you, those you love, that's all — Marlon finished, Louis looked at the floor with a little shame, how did he tell his friend that there was nothing at school that inspired that passion in him? Maybe for Violet and Marlon he was willing to sacrifice some of himself, even a little for the little ones, but the rest of the kids kept demeaning him and making him feel bad, he knew that he wasn't perfect and that he tended to be lazy, but he did what he had to do, so he didn't understand what their problem was. He could have continued thinking about it, but a loud bang was heard near them — What the hell...?
— What happened?
— It was near the train station, let's go see — Marlon told him, starting to run.
— Yes — they both started running, they advanced quite quickly, before reaching the train station, they saw an overturned red sport car — I can't believe there is still one of those — Louis said surprised, at that moment he saw Marlon shooting an arrow.
— There's a child there — he hit a walker who was approaching the little boy — come on, there's surely someone else — they both ran to the car, once close, Marlon got rid of all the walkers who were approaching with a well-aimed shot to the head, Louis went to look out the driver's door, he saw a girl who was held by the seat belt to the seat, she had blood running down the side of her head and she was moving her head even though she was conscious, even with everything, he thought she was pretty, the prettiest girl he had ever seen — Louis, move! — Marlon took the child out.
— No... Don't take him... please — the girl stretched out her hand, half unconscious, and collapsed. Marlon looked inside the car again, took a backpack that was there, and put away the knives, the gun, and a cap that was there next to the girl — take her out and let's go! — He ordered.
— Don't worry, you'll be fine —Louis crawled into the car and stood under the girl, he unbuckled the seat belt and she fell on him, he grabbed her by the waist, turned her around to put her on the ground so he could get her out, he came out at full speed and then he dragged the girl out of the car, there he took her in his arms and started running, he saw how Marlon had the child resting on his left shoulder while he shot arrows with some difficulty, he carried the backpack on his right shoulder — Doesn't look very good!
— I know, let's get Ruby to check them! —Marlon responded, shooting one last arrow before starting to run.
They ran until they reached the safe zone, there they stopped and lay down next to some trees, both letting the wounded rest in their laps. Louis recovered his breath and looked at the girl again, yes, he confirmed it, she was very pretty, she had a scar over her right eyebrow, but these days, who didn't? She was pale and haggard, as well as very thin, he removed a lock of hair that she had in her face, leaving a trail of blood in its path.
— Hey, stop looking at her, I think you're drooling — Marlon joked with a smile, Louis felt his cheeks burn.
— Hey, you don't see a pretty face every day — Louis joked smiling, but there was a lot of truth in his phrase.
— I also noticed that she is very pretty, but now that is not important, we must get to school and take care of them — Marlon got up and approached Louis to extend his hand to help him get up with the girl in his arms — then you can ask her what her zodiac sign is — he said jokingly causing his friend to laugh. They walked quickly and soon arrived at the school. Brody, who was watching, saw them in the distance and, scared, jumped down and opened the gate for them.
— What happened? Who are they?
— They had a car accident, we have no idea of their names — Marlon responded, entering through the gate — where is Ruby?
— Over here! — a red-haired girl stepped forward and headed to where Marlon was — take them inside so I can check them — Marlon and Louis started walking again — Tenn, Violet — speak to a boy with a scar and a very thin blonde girl — bring the first aid kit and bandages that I have in the admin building.
The three headed to another of the buildings, Ruby opened the door for them to pass without problem.
— Let's take them to the room that belonged to Sophie and Minnie — Marlon indicated so that Ruby went ahead to open the door.
— And what will happen to Tenn? — Louis asked placing the girl in her arms, she was already starting to feel heavy.
— He'll be fine, he's been staying with Violet for months, anyway — Marlon responded without interest, Ruby opened the indicated room, letting the two young men enter. Marlon went in and laid the boy on the bed on the right side and Louis laid the girl on the bed on the left side.
— First I will check the little one — Ruby approached the child, observed him, raised his arms and examined if he had scratches — fortunately nothing serious, he must be unconscious due to a blow to the head, he will wake up in a few hours, I am worried about the fact that a child so small was out there, he's no more than 6 years old, maybe younger.
— I guess we'll get an answer until she wakes up — Marlon pointed to the bed where the girl was, Louis had stayed next to her.
— If she wakes up — Louis said, a little distressed — she looks very bad — Ruby approached and Louis moved to one side of her.
—That blow to her head is serious… any walkers bite her, right? — Ruby asked fearfully.
— I don't think so, the walkers couldn't reach her easily.
— Anyway, I'll check her — Ruby rolled up the sleeves of the girl's jacket and sweatshirt, on her left arm she had a very large scar, it almost covered the entire forearm, her hands had scars from small cuts and they looked quite calloused, she had several bumps and bruises that could have easily been from the car overturning — look away — she told Marlon and Louis, they obeyed and turned around, although Louis was very curious, he turned his head slightly and saw that Ruby had unbuttoned the girl's clothes to check her, on her left shoulder she had a scar like a gunshot, he turned his head quickly — the blow she has is serious, but it seems that this girl has gone through real hell out there.
—Does she look that bad? —Marlon asked.
— Quite, I wonder how long she's been taking care of herself, she seems to be about our age — Ruby buttoned her clothes again.
— And especially because that boy is with her, they don't look alike at all, so it's obvious that they're not even siblings — Marlon said crossing his arms. Louis looked at the girl lying on the bed. What was her story? What did she have to go through?
— Here's what you asked of us — Violet entered the room without hesitation, looked at the girl and put on a surprised expression — is she even alive? It looks like a corpse.
— Yes, but I don't think it's because of the blow, she's very thin, she's probably not eating well — Ruby answered, cleaning her hands with alcohol.
— Well, the boy looks quite chubby — Louis said with disinterest.
— Of course, even we have done it, giving food to the little ones even though we are dying of hunger — Marlon replied — nothing is easy these days.
— The child is very small, that means that he was born some time after everything started — Violet added with her arms crossed.
— Adults abandoning a baby, I'm not surprised — Louis said with a frown and crossed arms.
— Louis — Marlon spoke to him a little loudly, he just looked away.
— Maybe they have abandoned him and this poor girl has taken care of him — Violet said looking at the child — we also had to take care of younger children.
— But in the safety of this place, they… — Louis spoke, looking at the girl again who was being attended by Ruby — they were out there
— Let's wait for them to wake up to get answers — Marlon said, suddenly they heard Ruby cutting tape.
— What are you doing? — Louis asked, watching as Ruby tied the girl's wrist to the bar of the bunk bed with the tape after bandaging her head.
— She may recover, but it's better to be warned, you know how these things are — Ruby said with her hands on her waist and a little distressed.
— Someone must stand guard — Violet said.
— I can stay — Louis stepped forward, Marlon looked at him with an arched eyebrow.
— Are you sure?
— Yes, according to most of you, I have nothing better to do, so I'll stay here — Louis shrugged his shoulders.
— Tenn, could you come check on the girl in about two hours? — Ruby asked.
— Yes, I'll take care of it — answered the boy with the scar.
— Okay, Louis, stay, inform us of any eventuality — Marlon told him — apparently we won't sleep tonight.
— It would be difficult — Violet replied — probably in a few hours there will be a lot of walkers surrounding us.
— Well, let's go out — Ruby said to everyone — thank you very much, Louis — she said before leaving, after her Tenn, Violet and Marlon came out in that order, the latter waved goodbye before leaving, Louis alone shrugged.
He looked out the window and saw that it was starting to get dark, he took the chair that was in front of the desk, he sat facing the backrest so he could lean on it, he wanted to focus his mind on other things, but he kept seeing that mysterious girl, someone taking care of a child in this horrible world couldn't be a bad person, so he admitted that he was very curious to meet her. He started humming songs to pass the time, he was already very used to doing it and it really helped, because he was aware that a little over an hour had already passed when the boy started to move. Louis approached and the boy's eyes widened.
— Hello, little man! — he greeted when the boy looked at him, the boy just walked away, sticking to the wall next to the bed — Don't worry… — Louis squatted down to be even lower than the level of the bed — I won't hurt you, no one will hurt you .
—And Clem? — The boy asked with tears starting to come out of his eyes.
— Clem? — Louis looked at him strangely — are you referring to your partner? — He stepped aside so that the boy could see behind him.
— Clem! — he shouted and ran towards where the girl was, she was still unconscious, but the boy didn't care and climbed onto the bed and on top of her — wake up, Clem, you always say that we must be alert — the young man got up and went towards the other bed.
— Hey, buddy, get down from there — Louis extended his hand for the boy, he looked at him as if he were a weirdo.
— Clem doesn't mind — the boy said with a frown, Louis thought it was adorable, he really liked children.
— Well, it's hard to say... I think she needs to rest — Louis smiled at him in a friendly way, the boy looked at him cautiously — come on, I'll show you something you'll like.
— Can I go back to Clem? — the boy asked and the young man no longer knew if that was just a nickname or what.
— Sure, we'll go back to Clem — he answered, the boy took his hand and he helped him get out of bed, still holding his hand he took him out of the room, he saw how the boy looked at the girl in an apprehensive manner — calm down, she will be fine — they started walking to leave the bedrooms — and what is your name?
— Uhm… — the boy answered doubtfully.
— Okay "Uhm", I'm Louis — he told him and the boy let out a small laugh, immediately, they ran into Tenn at the entrance.
— Ah, he woke up — Tenn said, the boy hid behind Louis' leg.
— Yes, I'll take him to distract himself for a while, his friend is still asleep — he said winking, Tenn immediately understood.
— Oh, okay, I'll come over later to see if she needs something — he said and turned toward the patio.
— Don't worry, little dude, everyone here is friendly — Louis pointed out, they walked towards the admin building and on the way they ran into Violet — look who woke up.
— Wow, he seems fine — she said, looking at the boy who hid behind Louis' leg again — what's your name? —she asked in a friendly manner.
— You can call him "Uhm" — Louis responded, Violet looked at him and he smiled stupidly, she just rolled her eyes.
— I don't blame you if you don't like to talk — Violet told the boy.
— Clem says I shouldn't talk to strangers.
—Clem?
— His friend — said Louis — I'll take him to the music room.
— Well, that will help you distract yourself — Violet said, crossing her arms — See you later, buddy — she continued, ruffling the boy's afro in a friendly manner. He shrank a little at her gesture.
— C'mon — Louis told him to start walking again. They entered the admin building and Louis took him to what he called his refuge — all right, partner, what do you want to do? — He asked him releasing his hand to sit on the stool —do you want to play something?
— I don't know many games — the boy said shyly.
— Okay… tell me which ones do you know?
— Uhm… Rock, paper, scissors.
— Hey, I was the world champion in that game — he joked adjusting the lapels of his coat.
— It's not true — answered the smiling boy.
—Okay, it was the second place, let's play — Louis said friendly — Do you want to sit here? —Louis pointed to the place next to him.
— No — he answered a little fearful.
— Okay, I think we can start… — they stood face to face raising their right fists — one, two, three — he counted, they moved their fists up and down a couple of times and he put paper and the boy put rock — hey, I win.
— Again — said the boy — now I count.
— It's okay, buddy — Louis responded, putting his hand in position.
— One, two, three — the boy counted and they repeated the dynamic again, this time Louis put scissors and the boy rock again — I won — he said smiling.
— I can see it, dude — Louis replied — Another round?.
— Yeah.
— This time, let's count both, okay? — he asked, smiling and raising an eyebrow.
— Alright.
— One — Louis raised his fist.
— Two — the boy imitated him.
— Three — they said at the same time, they moved their fists and this time it was a tie, both of them laying down stones.
— I think you really like use rock — Louis said with a chuckle.
— The rock is strong — the boy answered seriously.
— Yes, I think so — Louis smiled at him.
— I see you're starting to get along — Marlon said at the doorway and then approached with a backpack. The boy hid behind Louis again.
— Yes, we're playing for a while — the young man responded with a smile.
— Can I speak to you?
— Give me a moment, dude, I'll be right back — Louis said to the boy, he got up from the stool and approached Marlon — what happened?
— Violet and I want to find out things about these two, it occurred to us that it could be with your war game —the blonde told him.
— And… What do you want to know? — Louis asked, crossing his arms and frowning.
— You know, about this child, what she did out there, in particular I want you to ask her something.
— What?
—If she has killed someone.
— You guys are sick — he scolded Marlon in a whisper so that the boy wouldn't hear — How can I ask her something like that? We don't even know if she's going to wake up.
— I know you'll be tactful to do it — the blue-eyed man put his hand on his friend's shoulder — plus we have to find out if she's dangerous, you know — Louis rolled his eyes — by the way, take this, in case the girl comes this way.
— Yes, whatever — Louis took the backpack and turned around, and headed back to the piano. What was wrong with those two?
—What were you talking about? —asked the fearful boy.
— Nothing you need to worry about — the young man said smiling, he left the backpack on the side of a table and returned to the piano — Do you want me to play a song for you?
— Clem sings to me sometimes — the boy said, Louis didn't imagine the girl singing.
— And I bet she does it very well — Louis gave a thumbs up — but let me show you what this guy can do — he sat back down on the stool and started playing the first song that came to mind, which was a Chopin nocturne, the boy walked away a little afraid but at the same time surprised. — What do you think, little dude? — Louis looked at him without stopping playing, it had been a long time since he had seen that surprised face on someone, he played for a while, while the boy just stayed there in his place listening, at that moment he saw Ruby enter the room.
— Tenn told me that he had already woken up — she smiled when she saw the child — Hello, little friend! — she approached, placing her hand on her shoulder, the boy, out of pure and simple instinct, took her hand and bit her under the little finger, Ruby made him let go of her and ran out of the room — That little motherfucker! — he heard outside.
— Wow, that was intense, dude — Louis told him without stopping, he heard another voice outside the room but couldn't identify it, so he continued playing since he saw the boy very entertained. He heard footsteps approaching, but he continued without stopping, he saw out of the corner of his eye that the girl he brought unconscious was standing in the doorway, for some reason he became very nervous, he was not yet ready to look at her, the boy apparently felt the gaze of the young woman and turned around.
— Clem! — He ran to meet the young woman who bent down to hug him — I thought you were… — he continued while she turned him around to see if he was hurt or something.
— I'm fine — she responded, Louis satisfied his curiosity to hear her voice — and do you know what you are?
— What?
— Tickled — the girl tickled the boy who immediately reacted — But… AJ, listen to me… — the girl sat up but still remained at the boy's height to talk to him — the girl who came out told me that you bit her, is that true? — uh-oh, someone was in trouble — I'm sure she didn't want to scare you, I'm sorry, AJ.
— She came from behind, I didn't want to hurt her — he replied crossing his arms.
— I know that, but no more bites, okay?
— No more bites — the boy responded resignedly. Louis listened to all the silence, took a deep breath before stopping his music.
— You're not dead, that's good — he said in greeting, he put his right leg over the stool to face them, he looked at the girl again and wow, she was very pretty, plus her eyes were a very striking amber color, even with that bandage on his head, his attractiveness was noticeable — Watched your kid for you.
— My name is AJ — he finally introduced himself, apparently the girl provided him with a certain amount of confidence.
— Excuse me — Louis responded, leaning on his leg. The young man noticed that even in that position, the girl was barely equal to his height, so yes, she was very short — I watched AJ for you — he corrected.
— Thank you, I appreciate it — she replied, approaching.
— No problem. Well, not "no" problem, it was a bit of a handful, but I got off light compared to what Ruby went through — Louis said with a small laugh, he saw that the girl felt a little embarrassed.
— AJ doesn't like people coming up behind him — she explained.
— Don't ever do it — AJ said in a threatening tone, Louis was a little stunned and then smiled.
— Loud and clear, little man — Louis snapped his fingers in approval — thankfully— he went back to talking to the girl and adjusting his leg in the original position of the stool — I was here to calm him down with my alluring music — he played again and saw that AJ again approached with curiosity — I'm Louis — he told the girl.
— Clementine — she answered and finally understood that nickname, Clem. Should he play that song?
— Oh, yeah, totally forgot, Marlon left your bag in here — she pointed behind him.
— Don't worry, I got it — Clementine went to get her backpack while Louis continued playing piano, she returned to where AJ was, she started to check the bag, out of the corner of her eye, Louis saw that she took out a knife that she sheathed in her pants and then an old cap that she placed on her head, AJ walked closer to her smiling and to his surprise, he saw that she held out a gun to him.
— Uhm… — said the doubtful young man, stopping his piano playing suddenly causing it to be out of tune, he saw how AJ took out the barrel of the gun to see how many bullets it had — double uhm… does he know what that is?
— It's dirty — said AJ.
— Clean it — she responded and Louis officially felt ignored.
— Maybe later. Back you go.
— Where it belongs.
—Dude. That can't be a good idea — Louis intervened, knowing that perhaps it wasn't correct to address a girl like that — that thing is bigger than him. Is it actually loaded?
— Yes — the boy answered.
— Oh, good —Louis said in a sarcastic tone.
— I'll guarantee he's a better shot than you — Clem said in a mocking tone.
— Hey — Louis demanded, although he let out a small laugh — you guys do your thing, I guess… — he continued hesitant to play the same song on his piano again.
— You don't know any others? — she asked very seriously with her arms crossed.
— Well, there is one… — Louis answered — but you're armed — he said with a haughty smile. He saw that she raised an eyebrow. Louis shrugged his shoulders and decided to play the only song that came to mind once she said her name.
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling Clementine
When he sang these lines he saw how AJ gasped and looked at him in amazement and then at her, again at him and again at her, she approached in silence, Louis tilted his head to look at her and saw her smiling, this gave him confidence to continue.
You got lost and gone forever
Dreadfully sorry, Clementine
Light she was and like a fairy
And her shoes were number nine
Herring boxes without topses
Sandals were for Clementine
He sang his last line looking directly at her, who never stopped smiling. When he finished, AJ let out an adorable laugh and he winked at him in response.
— I love that song — said Clem — my father used to sing it to me when he made me breakfast on the weekends — Louis smiled proudly again, it's been a long time since anyone appreciated those silly songs on the piano — What do you think, AJ?
— I don't know… — the boy's smile was erased immediately — it's loud — that hurt Louis.
— Yes, it is — Clementine responded.
— Loud is bad — Louis understood, the noise attracted walkers.
— Not always — Clementine replied.
— Come press this key — Louis moved to the side of the stool to let him pass — come on, this one, right here — AJ stayed cautiously close to Clementine, she put her hand on his shoulder.
— Go ahead, AJ, press it — she encouraged him, Louis thought it was cute, the boy approached again fearfully and quickly touched the key that he indicated as if it were burning, he looked at him with doubt and Louis could only smile.
— Now press this one — he indicated and the boy obeyed more slowly now, enjoying the sound — and this one — on the last one he left his finger a little longer, lengthening the note, then he looked at the young man who was smiling at him — you're natural — AJ was happy, Louis looked at Clementine who was looking at them with a tender smile.
—Hey! — Marlon's voice caught their attention, the three turned to the entrance of the room — have you seen Rosie? — Marlon asked him directly.
— Nope — Louis once again put his leg over the stool to see his friend face to face.
— Shit… We've go a bit of situation out there — Marlon looked at the ground while putting his hands on his hips, then he looked at Clementine — Um, I hate to ask, you just coming to and all, but we could really use a hand — he stood serious — you up for taking out a few deadheads? — she just nodded, frowning — you too, Louis, get your ass in gear.
— Bah, fine — he stood up and shrugged his shoulders in front of Clem, the three walked behind Marlon until they reached the patio, they reached the smallest gate and there was Marlon with Violet and on the watchtower a red-haired boy named Willy .
— Rosie! Where the hell is she?! — Marlon shouted again, he turned to look at Louis — You give her her weapon back? — Louis turned to see Clementine who took out her knife — Good. We're gonna need you to put it to use, we've got a hunting party out there and found themselves surrounded by walkers, they need help to clear the path, for some reason there are more of theme.
— It seems like something has caught their attention — Violet said looking at Clementine — I don't know, something like an explosion or a car crash.
— Vi… — Marlon scolded her, Louis just looked at the ground in resignation.
— What? I'm just saying, there must be an explanation.
— I don't think we've met yet, I'm Clementine — said the girl seriously raising her eyebrow.
— I know, the boy mentioned it — the blonde replied. Louis felt he had to intervene, clearing his throat to get attention.
— Hello, Clementine — the girl turned to look at him with her arms crossed — I'm Violet, nice to meet you.
— What he said — Violet continued without looking at her, Clementine just rolled her eyes in annoyance.
— All right, boys and girls! They are starting to fill in! —Willy announced from the watchtower.
— Come on — Violet ordered, Louis took the chair leg that he had leaning against the wall.
— Be careful out there — he heard Marlon, and he immediately stood in front of Clementine.
— Don't mind Violet, she uh… Grows on you, I promise — he told her, resting his weapon on his right shoulder, he saw Clem's strange look — Oh this? It's a chair leg, I call it "Chairles", if you know what I mean, right? — he turned around without waiting for the young woman's reaction, he immediately went towards a walker and hit him on the head with "Chairles" and then hit another, he turned to where Clementine was and she was walking with a frown observing the place, he saw how three walkers approached her and she got her knife ready, stepping back a little, she kicked the first one in the leg and when he knelt down, she stabbed her knife into his skull, she pulled it out quickly, dodged the second one and did the same thing again, the third one, she surrounded him and without rhyme or reason, stuck the knife in the back of his neck — Nice one, Clementine! Could use a little more finesse, though! Watch and learn! — he caught the girl's attention to immediately attract the attention of a walker — Hey, you, over here, follow me! — the walker approached where there was a red circle marked on the ground, Louis took out a knife and cut a rope that made a rock fall on the being — And that's how you school a walker! There are traps all over the place, take advantage of them — he watched as Clementine studied the traps and immediately went to a group of walkers, drawing their attention, she made a group of six follow her and as soon as she could, she cut the rope causing them all to succumb under the rock, to say that Louis was very impressed is the least — she seems to handle herself quite well — he said smiling.
— It seems that the group managed to return in one piece, let's get meeting with them — Marlon indicated making everyone follow him, they arrived at a small bridge where Brody, Mitch and Aasim were coming.
— Just in time — Brody said — we wouldn't have been able to hold them off any longer, no kiddin'. Where'd all these walkers come from?
—We can talk when we are within the walls of the school — Marlon pointed out — come on, stay alert for anything strange.
They all walked back to the school together, Louis watched as Violet approached Clementine which didn't leave her serious face.
— You know… — The blonde started to speak — you're not half bad considering the circumstances and all — she said with something resembling a smile.
— Thank you — Clementine thanked in the same way, Louis smiled, it was evident that they would get along well.
He stayed a little further back, it was normally his duty to repair the hunting traps and the walker traps, he realized the work that had been caused to himswlf, but he felt that it was worth it, after all, Clementine had noticed that It was a good strategy to kill the walkers like that and that he had pointed it out to her, it hadn't been that bad, at least he managed to get her attention. Everyone started walking and he saw how the girl was walking almost next to Violet, he could see an argument between Aasim and Marlon, but it was not his problem, he just wanted to talk to Clementine again, so he hurried to catch up with her, jogging towards her.
— Still standing, I see — he said once next to her, she only looked at him out of the corner of her eye a little seriously — I'd call a B-plus performance there, Vi, you've done better.
— Fuck off — Violet responded, showing him the middle finger. Louis responded with a feigned gesture of indignation with his left hand on her chest.
— B-minus, then. Now, Clem here? — he turned to look at her and she immediately turned to look at him too — that was a solid A. A-plus even — he congratulated her, he noticed how Clem smiled sideways — don't be jealous, Vi — Louis continued in playful mode, Violet already starting to roll her eyes — be better.
— You did a great job out there too, Louis — said Clementine, the boy immediately felt his chest swell with pride, and he congratulated himself for having managed to get her attention.
— You are too kind — he thanked — and accurate.
— You're falling right into his trap, you know? —Violet warned her.
— Trap schmap — Louis says with a smile — she's just speaking the God's honest.
— So am I — Violet finished, Louis saw out of the corner of his eye how Clementine looked at him smiling.
They arrived at school, Louis could notice AJ who immediately approached with Clementine, he went to where Omar was.
— How are you my dear friend?
— No, it's not ready yet — Omar answered immediately.
— You offend me, the truth is that the process entertains me, you know?
— Yes, of course — Omar answered sarcastically.
— You could add more rosemary, a little lemon leaves, and if you can a little possum, each bite of possum tells a different story.
— Just… stop there, stop — said Omar, Louis felt a little offended, it was a good recipe, right?
— The truth is... I can't, friend, I'm sorry — he said, smiling playfully.
— What's up, guys? — Clementine's voice was heard behind her, she took him by surprise he had to admit, stealthy like a ninja.
— Clem, AJ, this is Omar — he introduced them — oh, excuse me — he cleared his throat a little — chef Omar — made a ridiculously exaggerated bow.
— Hello, nice to meet you, and no, it's not ready yet — Omar answered seriously, Clementine raised an eyebrow.
— Omar is a perfectionist — Louis clarified with his arms crossed — a slightly off taste and he will be very grumpy for a week — the boy laughed.
— You can only eat or eat well — clarified the aforementioned chef — it just takes a little patience.
— Don't worry, guys, I'll let you know when it's ready — Louis told them smiling — go meet the others.
— Yes, I think we'll do that, AJ should apologize to someone — Clem said, putting his hand on AJ's shoulder.
— Don't be intimidated, little dude — Louis told him. She and AJ began to walk, Louis noticed that Clementine turned to look at him once more before walking away.
— Damn, she likes you — Omar said, taking him by surprise.
— What?! What are you talking about, dude? — Louis asked nervously but with a smile. Would it be possible?
— It's the same saccharine look that Violet gave to Minnie — Omar said, annoyed, looking at the stew — it was very annoying to look at them.
— So… — Louis put his hands on his hips — do you think I should try to win her over? — he raised an eyebrow — oh, tell me big cupid.
— Try? Take a direct approach, you practically already conquered her — Omar answered with the same annoyance, he took a spoonful of the stew and after cooling it, he taste it — this is ready — he whistled indicating to the rest that dinner was ready, Louis stayed a little away on the other side, he waited for the line to end and filled three bowls of food himself.
—Clem, AJ! It's ready! — he told them, he brought two bowls and put them in front of them — dinner is served — he told them and Clementine thanked him with her look, returned for his bowl and sat at the head of the table in his chair between Clementine and Marlon.
— I can't remember the last time we had a hot meal — Clementine said, Louis looked at Marlon who was next to him and they both looked at each other worried — it's delicious — she continued after taking the first spoonful of her food. Louis noticed that Clementine was trying to eat slowly but AJ was not shy about showing how hungry he was, as he directly shoved the plate in his face. Ruby, who was next to Marlon, looked disgusted.
— It will be the apocalypse, but manners are still important — Ruby told them very seriously, AJ burped and looked at Clementine, she raised an eyebrow.
— AJ, eat slower and don't do those things at the table — she told him, AJ had no choice but to take his spoon, it reminded Louis of when his mother scolded him when he was a child.
— Thank you — Ruby said, still angry. Louis, wanting to divert AJ's attention, burped louder, then Marlon also burped, making the redhead get up.
— Good night, Ruby — Louis said with a laugh, he could tell that Clementine was trying not to laugh.
— Clem… — AJ looked sadly at his plate, he had practically devoured it.
— Sorry, buddy — Clementine told him — I'm sure they shared as much as they could — she continued, Louis saw that she was about to push her plate to the boy, but she was so hungry as AJ, he had eaten the day before and the day before that, it was rare for anyone to go without food, so he decided to give half of his portion to the little one.
— AJ, heads up! — he got up and put the bowl in front of AJ — you can eat it, I'm already full, kiddo — it wasn't entirely a lie he had to add.
— Are you sure? — Clementine asked him a little worried, she discreetly pushed her plate towards him suggesting that he take her portion, Louis put his hand on the young woman's shoulder.
— You bet — he said smiling, she smiled back and thanked him with a gesture — come on, finish your meal — he encouraged them to enjoy dinner, this time AJ ate with a spoon but that didn't make him slower.
— I'm done — AJ said happily.
— Yes, I finished too — said the young woman.
— Now what? — AJ asked, Louis knew that was the moment.
— I'll tell you what — Louis got up and turned his chair around to sit facing the backrest — it's time for something very important — he said taking out his deck of cards. Brody was passing by and invited her to play with his eyes.
— Don't count on me, I'm going to bed — she said annoyed and going to the bedrooms.
— Your loss — Louis responded — Violet! It's time — call the blonde, Marlon and her were the ones who started this, so they must have been there.
— What are we playing today, Louis? — Marlon asked, putting the bowls of food aside, Violet sat next to him.
— War, the oldest game, played by humans and beasts alike — he said looking at Clementine, she raised an eyebrow — the only game there is.
— Get ready, losers, you're about to be beaten — Clementine smiled haughtily, that girl was being unfair to him, in addition to being very pretty, she was also a badass against walkers and now she was also joking with them, she wanted him to fall right at her feet.
— Oh shit! — Louis didn't hide his surprise at all — I love that! — he continued in a flirtatious tone.
— Bold talk — Marlon said, raising his eyebrow but still smiling.
— Just the truth — Clementine continued in the same way. Louis was looking at her with a goofy smile as he shuffled the cards, she was looking at him with a playful smile, he heard Violet sigh in annoyance, he looked at her and was rolling her eyes removing the bowls from the table.
— The game is easy — she began to explain — Louis will give us each a small deck, we will draw a card, whoever has the highest card wins.
— And whoever wins, will be able to ask Clementine a question — the young woman looked at him with a frown — What? I want to know you — he thought about it well, that was very obvious — we all want to know you — he added.
— And what happens if I win? — she asked suspiciously.
— You can ask us whatever you want — he replied — fair enough.
— And what about AJ? — Clementine looked next to her and the child was not there.
— He's making a new friend — Marlon said pointing behind Clementine, she turned and saw AJ talking to Tenn, Louis dealt the cards while they continued talking — I think you can leave him alone for a while for a card game, maybe take a break of always being together.
— Yes… — Clem looked at them again — it's the first time he sees another child, sometimes he acts more like an adult, it's good to see him act like a little child — Louis looked sadly at AJ, what kind of childhood was that?
— Louis — Marlon called — do the honors — Louis was the first to turn over his card followed by the others. Clementine looked at them all and saw that the one who had won was Violet.
— Looks like it's me — she said smiling, Louis was already preparing for the worst — continuing with AJ… What happened to his parents? — the blonde asked, Louis rested her forehead on her arms, if they were going to ask her questions like that, at least they should be more subtle — you are obviously not related, so... What happened?
— They... died — Clementine answered, looking at some point on the table — his father before AJ was born and his mother hours after he was born, I took care of him from that moment, once someone told me that I was AJ's mother figure, and I really feel that way — Clem sonorously looking at the table while getting lost in his memories — what happened with his mother was... a chain of bad decisions, even so, they were good people... Most of the time.
— It makes sense — Louis spoke — AJ is a good boy.
— Most of the time — Clementine smiled, he smiled back at her, he could notice that Violet and Marlon exchanged glances. It was the next round, again Louis was the first to turn over his card, making the others imitate him.
— Hey, I won — Clementine celebrated her small victory.
— It seems so — Louis celebrated with her — What do you want to know?
— Have you met anyone famous these days? — She asked with a playful smile.
— No — Violet replied flatly.
— It's a shame — Louis intervened — anyone would imagine that you would run into a movie star anywhere — he said although he had never thought about it.
— Please, they had millions and millions of dollars — Violet responded annoyed — surely they have a bunker with butlers and water beds.
— Yes maybe.
— I knew a baseball player, you know, professional — Clementine said looking at Louis.
— Great, I loved playing baseball — Louis added subtly in things she should know about him — was it good?
— I don't know, I never saw him play — she giggled — but he was good at batting.
— Baseball sucks — Violet intervened, Louis looked at her with a frown.
—You sucks.
— Not as much as baseball — Violet finished, it was time for the third round, the first to take a card was Clementine followed by the others.
—Booyah! — Louis celebrated, he had won, he knew what he wanted to ask, smiling he turned to see Clementine, and there he felt a little intimidated, he lowered his arms out of nerves.
— Come on, spit it out — Violet scolded him impatiently.
—Have you ever... Uh... Have you ever had a boyfriend? — he finished, smiling sideways and timidly, he noticed that Clementine was looking at him a little surprised.
— Oh, my god — Violet slammed her arm on the table.
— What? — Louis asked angrily — these things happen, a perfectly valid question — he said, frowning, then he looked at Clementine again and smiled at her — You can ask me if I've had a girlfriend — he said in a flirtatious tone, Clementine rolled her eyes smiling — I've never had one, by the way — he finished by subtly giving a little more information about himself.
— Clementine must be very surprised by that information — Violet laughed.
— A while ago I met a boy — said Clementine.
— And…? — Louis wanted more information.
— Well… We were just friends.
— Just that — Violet said — friends... are you sure?
— I don't think it was love, but I felt something for him — Clem scratched the back of her neck out of embarrassment — although nothing happened.
— How long ago was that? — Louis asked.
— I don't know... two years maybe — said the young woman not very sure, Louis knew he had hope, at least now he knew that she was onto boys, time for the fourth round, again the first to turn his card was Louis followed by the others, the winner this time was Marlon.
— Ha, I won — she said happily — so Clem… You couldn't have been alone all this time, who took care of you? — The blonde asked, Louis rolled his eyes in annoyance, looked at Clementine and she seemed to get lost in her memories again — your family? Someone?
— The first person who taught me how to survive was Lee — she responded in a sad tone — he found me alone in my house days after everything started and took care of me — a sad smile appeared on her face.
—And what did he teach you? — Marlon asked, Louis snorted, his friend had no intention of stopping.
— Many things, shooting, looking for food or supplies, I should have had my hair short... although I'm not doing it very well now — Clementine touched her hair.
—And what do you think was the most important thing he taught you? — Marlon once asked, Louis looked at him with a frown.
— To say goodbye — Clementine kept her eyes on the table, Louis felt his heart hurt when he saw her like that, he had a strange feeling, he wanted to make her smile. Fifth round, everyone turned over a card, Clementine was last, she smiled.
— I won again — he celebrated.
— Indeed, ask whatever you want — Loui said smiling at her, he felt a little relieved to see her smile.
— What's the most disgusting thing you have eaten? Honestly.
— Easy — said Violet — horse eyes.
— Slugs — Marlon said, Violet and Clementine looked at him — What? It was a bet with this guy — he pointed to Louis.
— Cantaloupe — Louis answered. Clem looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
— Oh, please — Violet scolded him.
— Hey, I HATE cantaloupe — he kept dropping hints about him, and if he wanted Clementine to know anything, it was how much he hated that fruit.
— I once ate someone's leg — Clementine said smiling, everyone looked at her.
—Oh really? — Louis asked doubtfully.
— No, it's not true — Clementine said laughing — but I almost — she finished with a smile, everyone looked at her again. Sixth round.
— Victory Violet — said the blonde — this is something I've always wanted to ask, out of the four of us, who do you think's gonna die first?
— That is fucked up — Louis said a little discouraged.
— I know, but it happens — Violet said with a shrug.
— I just know it won't be me — Clementine said seriously and confidently.
—Where does that confidence come from? — Marlon asked seriously.
— Well, of the four of us, I am the one with the most experience out there, I've taken care of myself since I was eleven and I know that we have to be more afraid of the living than the dead — she said and sounded so serious — you have no idea about everything that I've seen — she said looking at the table again — and I hope you never have an idea of what I've seen.
— She has a point — Louis pointed out. It was enough to see her scars to imagine everything that happened to her, Violet pushed her luck with that question. Round seven, Louis was the winner again — I'm the best card player of all time — he said arrogantly.
— Just ask your damn question — Violet scolded, he turned to look at her, he saw how she and Marlon were looking at him insistently.
— Ever…? — he started but when he looked at Clem, he regretted it — actually, never mind.
— What? Just ask — she said irritably, apparently she had also noticed Marlon and Violet's looks.
— It's not a fun question — he warned her.
— Ask — she ordered, Louis sighed, there had already been many uncomfortable and somewhat cruel questions.
— Have you ever killed… — he said, looking at the sky in annoyance, Clementine raised her eyebrows — someone you loved? — he finished, Violet and Marlon looked at him reproachfully and he reproached himself. Why had he added that last one word? The whole time he was thinking about how cruel Violet and Marlon were being and he delivers the coup de grace with that stupidity.
— Yes, Lee… the person I killed was Lee — she answered in a low voice — I… — Louis heard her voice break — I think I played too much — Clem said getting up from the table to go with AJ, Louis watched her leave without trying to stop her, his friends gave him a reproachful look.
— You wanted me to ask that — he demanded. Marlon got up to go after Clementine.
— That you asked her if he had killed someone, any wimp, not someone she loved — Violet told him angrily.
— You started with the cruel questions — he pointed out, Violet crossed her arms and sighed.
— Maybe we've all gone too far — she said looking down.
— We crossed the line — he asserted, if he had a small chance with Clementine, without a doubt that had left him with zero chance — I'm an idiot — he lamented burying his face in his arms on the back of the chair.
— I agree — Violet told him. Marlon was already on his way back — so what happened?.
— She's not angry, don't worry — Marlon said Louis looked up — but it's obvious that she needs to rest — he sat back down at the picnic table — if she's ever had a boyfriend? — Marlon laughed — are you serious?
— Hey, I had already clarified that it was a perfectly valid question — he crossed his arms smiling more calmly — and I had to start with something.
— I'm not an expert on women, but I don't think they like such direct approaches — Marlon said.
— Oh no, girls enjoy direct approaches — Violet said — as long as they're not from a fool like Louis — he growled.
— Don't worry, guys, you'll see how I'll be able to reach Clementine's heart — he said taking the lapels of her coat and smiling.
— Yes, of course — Violet said annoyed, she got up from the table and left.
— Oh really? Get to her heart? — Marlon asked.
— Yes, she is very pretty — Louis smiled dreamily — and she is such a badass, did you see her finishing off those walkers? Man, I'd let her kick my ass whenever she wanted.
— Yes, I see it — his friend looked at him strangely, like she didn't like the idea that he liked Clementine — just don't get too excited.
—Uh? Why?
— Maybe she doesn't even want to stay... You know, she's used to taking care of herself.
— I don't think so, I mean, why would she take AJ away from the only safe place they've had, I don't know, in years? — Louis frowned at his friend — or do you want to kick them out? — he asked with insecurity, his friend couldn't be so heartless.
— No, of course not, I already told them that they can stay — Marlon smiled to reassure him — I have no problem with them staying, I just hope they accept the tasks that we all have to do — he stood up — well, I'll go rest, you should do the same — Marlon headed to the admin building leaving Louis alone. He knew that he should make extra points in the next few days, maybe Clem will have sense of humor and his jokes will get her attention. Omar's words came to his mind, what wouldn't he give for things to be this way? Even so, he was not going to spare his efforts, he would win her heart, no matter what.
Author's note: Well, this is a fic that I recently published in Spanish, but I know that in this fandom English is more common. So I've decided to bring the translation, it's already complete in Ao3, but I love this platform so much that I felt the need to share it here as well. If you made it this far, thank you very much for reading, I hope you liked it.