...
..
.

"Rosie!" Marlon calls with concern, his voice echoing in the school yard. "Where the hell is she?"

(Y/N), AJ and Clement follow after him towards the side gate with Louis in tow, Violet standing and waiting with an irritated expression as she leans against the gate.

"You give him his weapon back?" Marlon questions, turning to Louis.

Clement replies to this by taking out his hunting knife, Marlon nodding.

"Good. We're gonna need you to put that to use," he glances to (Y/N), "along with that sick machete on your back."

(Y/N) nods with a side grin, unsheathing her machete and holding it at her side.

"We got a hunting party out there trying to get back inside," Marlon explains the situation, gesturing towards the woods. "Need our help clearing the way. Seems to be a few more than usual these last few days."

The faint sound of walkers could be heard in the woods, their snarls ringing out.

"Almost like something drew their attention," Violet speaks up with a musing voice, looking over her shoulder to (Y/N) and Clement before huffing and turning away. "Something like... I don't know... An explosion. Or a car crash."

"Vi," Marlon warns, shaking his head.

She scoffs under her breath, "what? Just saying. There's gotta be some explanation."

"It's not like we wanted to crash," (Y/N) replies with furrowed brows, tilting her head. "I'm sorry it's causing you guys problems, but we didn't want any of that to happen."

Violet's eyes shift over to her for a moment, her harsh gaze softening as she simply turns away.

"... Ahem, hello, Clement and (Y/N), I'm Violet," Louis greets in a higher pitched voice, "nice to meet you."

Clement and (Y/N) exchange a glance, AJ peering up at Louis before looking to Violet.

Violet sighs, "what he said."

"All right, boys and girls!" Willy shouts from the watch tower, making them look up. "They're starting to fill in!"

Violet opens the gate and swiftly exits. "Come on."

"And be careful out there," Marlon quietly tells (Y/N) and Clement, nodding as he hooks his arrow onto his bow and runs out with Violet.

"Don't mind Violet," Louis says after a moment. "She, uh, grows on you. I promise."

(Y/N) turns to Louis, double taking at the sight of a chair leg full of nails resting on his shoulder. She blindly smacks at Clement's arm, making his eyes shift over in question before his brow raises at the chair leg.

"Oh, this?" Louis muses, noticing their baffled expressions. "It's a chair leg. I call it... Chairles," he shows it off, grinning as he turns and walks after Marlon and Violet.

(Y/N) and Clement hang back a moment.

"... Well... They're odd, but... At least they seem... Nice," (Y/N) says after a moment, rubbing the back of her neck as she starts to follow.

Clement exhales through his mouth with raised brows, tilting his head side to side in agreement as he walks after her. He closes the gate behind them, AJ running up to it.

"Wait! Let me help!" AJ pleads, grabbing the bars of the gate.

Clement pauses, turning back to AJ and kneeling down in front of him. "I need you to watch our backs. Watch (Y/N), and call out to me if you see anything sneaking up on her. Cool?"

AJ frowns, but nods. "Okay."

"We'll be back, bud," (Y/N) promises with a soft smile, nodding to him as they walk into the woods.

Clement jogs to catch up to her, the two walking side by side as they approach the walkers. Violet takes one down with her meat cleaver, planting her boot on its stomach and kicking it away with a grunt. Louis beats one down with Chairles, Marlon firing an arrow at the back of another's head.

"Guys, monsters!" AJ calls out in concern.

"I hear 'em," (Y/N) reassures, adjusting her fingers curled around her machete.

A walker comes up behind her to her right, making her quickly side step away from it and hold her foot out. She trips it, the walker falling with a snarl before Clement swiftly pierces his hunting knife into the back of its head.

Clement rises, him and (Y/N) smiling and nodding to one another. More walkers approach from the woods, the two turning and facing them with fierce expressions. (Y/N) lures one of the two away, the other staggering towards Clement.

He walks forward calmly, kicking its shin so it falls to the ground. Its snarls were silenced as he pierces his knife into its face, the handle only sticking out. Clement removes it, turning to (Y/N) as she cuts the walker in front of her down with ease.

(Y/N) pants softly, turning to Clement to check on him. He smiles with a nod, (Y/N) grinning back as she wipes the walker blood off her face with her jacket sleeve.

"Whoa! Nice one, (Y/N)!" Louis compliments, making the two look over. "You did all right too, Clement, but you could use a little more finesse though. Watch and learn."

Clement's eye twitches in annoyance, (Y/N) muffling an amused laugh behind her hand. Louis turns to a walker, waving his hand.

"Hey, over here!" he provokes. "Follow me!"

The walker roars as it rushes towards Louis, Louis standing besides a tree with roping tied around it. He takes out a pocket knife, slicing the rope and grinning as a boulder from above was dropped onto the walker.

"And that's how you school a walker!" Louis laughs, grinning crookedly as he turns back to Clement and (Y/N).

Clement's brows raise up as he looks to the trees, logs and boulders tied up around the area. (Y/N) glances up as well, her mouth parted slightly in awe.

"There's a whole bunch of traps laying around this area for these asshats," Louis explains, gesturing around dramatically. "They're all marked, so keep a look out!"

Clement notices a walker approaching him and (Y/N), a marked tree in front of them to their right. He walks forward, grasping the rope and waiting for the walker to get closer. Once it was in range, he slices the rope, a boulder falling from the tree and crushing the walker beneath it.

"Okay... I'll give him that, this is pretty helpful," Clement mutters to himself, watching (Y/N) cut another rope.

She backs up with an excited grin, a log swinging down and ramming into two walkers. It's jagged ends pierce through them, pinning them to another tree. (Y/N) laughs lightly as she glances back at Clement, rushing over to another marked tree. A walker comes up behind her, (Y/N) turning and swiftly kicking its leg down so it falls.

Clement runs up behind the walker she kicked down, stabbing through the back of its head as she cuts another rope. It drops a boulder on the last walker, its body crunching loudly from the weight.

"Looks like they made it back in one piece" Marlon shouts to the group, noticing torch light drawing close at a fast pace. "Come on! We'll meet them halfway!"

(Y/N) and Clement run after him, stopping as a handful of walkers get in their path. Marlon works on handling some on the sides, (Y/N) and Clement focusing on the ones ahead. The log that had swung down forces the walkers to go around, (Y/N) luring one away as the other goes after Clement.

She readies her machete, breathing out steadily as she raises it up. She swings it down vertically, the blade wedging into the walker's skull and killing it. Clement angles the blade of his knife towards the walker, swiftly rushing forward and jamming it up into the walker's chin. It roars out, the roars silenced as it was killed.

(Y/N) turns to Clement, gasping.

"Clem, behind you!"

He turns around in alarm, yelping as a walker gets too close. It forces him to drop his knife as he holds it back, one of his hands grasping its shoulder and the other pressing against its forehead to keep it away. (Y/N) dashes to Clement, Clement ducking his head to the side as she pierces through the back of the walker's head.

The blade exits its mouth, the walker's body going slack as (Y/N) slides her machete out of its skull. Clement sighs in relief, shoving the walker's body away from him.

"Yo, over here!" Marlon shouts from down the path, waving to them as Violet strikes down another walker.

The four rush over to Marlon, three new people emerging from the woods. Leading them was a girl with brown hair to her shoulders, and light blue eyes holding a rabbit. At her side was a boy with dark brown eyes, and short, wavy black hair carrying a hunting bow. Next to him was a taller boy with light brown hair and green eyes, carrying a raccoon over his shoulder.

"Nice timing!" Violet calls. "We're not gonna be able to hold them off much longer."

"No kidding," Brody's brows furrow as she looks around the woods. "Where'd all these walkers come from?"

"We can talk when we're back inside the gates," Marlon firmly replies, his eyes scanning the area. "Keep an eye out for stragglers."

Clement and (Y/N) walk side by side behind the others, Clement looking around on alert. (Y/N) notices Violet walking a few paces away from them, Violet glancing over to her and jumping lightly when she sees her already looking.

Violet clears her throat, looking down with furrowed brows as she joins her side.

"You know, you two aren't half bad. Considering the circumstances and all," Violet admits after a moment.

Clement's eyes flick over to a moment as he remains quiet, (Y/N) smiling kindly.

"Thanks. Violet, right?"

Violet nods in response, looking ahead as more walkers emerge from the woods. "Let's finish these guys off. We don't need them attracting more walkers back to the school."

She runs up to a walker, swinging her cleaver into its face. A walker crawls towards (Y/N) with an arrow in its leg, Clement's eyes narrowing as he walks over to it. He slams his boot onto its head, pressing his weight down and crushing it.

(Y/N) smiles in thanks, Clement nodding with a grin as he rushes to handle another. (Y/N) watches Aasim shoot a walker down with an arrow, not spotting a walker behind him.

"Piece of shit," he spits to the walker he killed, bending down and collecting his arrow. "Hate this cleanup bullshit."

"Hey! Watch behind you!" (Y/N) yells out, making him jump as he rises and turns to her.

"What--?" Aasim screams as the walker grabs him from behind, making him spin around.

The walker leans into him, Aasim holding it back as he was shoved against the tree. (Y/N) dashes to the two, shouting as she tackles the walker off him. Aasim watches with wide eyes as she brings her machete down, stabbing between the walkers eyes.

Aasim blinks rapidly in shock and awe, gasping when a walker approaches her from her side.

"Look out!"

Clement looks over as (Y/N) turns her head with a gasp, his heart sinking as a walker knocks her down. Her machete falls to her side, (Y/N) holding back the walker's face with one hand as she blindly feels for her weapon with the other.

The walker was suddenly knocked off her, barking echoing as a large light brown pit bull wearing a chain clamps its sharp teeth around the walker's head. (Y/N)'s eyes were wide as she scoots away, her breathing uneven and movements panicked as her shoulders trembled in fear.

The dog notices her, snarling at the stranger as it starts to slowly approach. Clement runs over, standing in front of (Y/N) protectively as he brandishes his hunting knife.

"Good girl!" Marlon cheerfully laughs, the dog's ears perking as it turns to him. "Shh, shh," he calms as he kneels at her side, petting her "It's all right, girl. It's all right. I see you and Rosie are making friends."

Clement eyes the dog warily as he bends down, picking up (Y/N)'s machete. He turns back to (Y/N), (Y/N) still watching the dog with a paled, terrified expression.

"... She... Had a bad experience with a dog once," Clement replies back, kneeling at (Y/N)'s side and setting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

This shakes her from her state, her eyes blinking rapidly as they flick to him. Clement offers a reassuring smile, rising as he holds his hand out to her. (Y/N) takes it, Clement pulling her to her feet and keeping her hand in his to help bring her comfort.

"Well, Rosie here can help her get over it," Marlon smiles, scratching between Rosie's eyes. "She's as cuddly as they come!" he pauses, noticing the walker blood around her mouth. "Ah. Except when she's mauling walkers, that is."

Rosie barks happily, Violet and Louis walking over with Brody.

Aasim jogs over to (Y/N) and Clement, smiling as he rubs the back of his neck.

"That walker came out of nowhere. Thanks," he thanks, nodding to (Y/N).

"All right, fun's over!" Marlon gains the group's attention. "Let's get inside. I'm fucking starving."

(Y/N) felt her stomach lightly growl, Clement turning to her with a concerned frown.

"You're not the only one," he mutters.

(Y/N) sheepishly grins, following after the others with Clement in tow.

"How'd it go out there?" Marlon questions Aasim, watching as Rosie runs ahead eagerly.

Aasim scoffs, "how do you think it went?"

Brody turns to him with a glare as they walk. "Be nice, Aasim!"

Aasim rolls his eyes, sighing in irritation. "The safe zone's nearly dry. I could barely find enough for tonight. We're going to have to scout out further if we want food for the winter."

Marlon glances back to (Y/N) and Clement for a moment.

"... We'll talk about it later."

"Bullshit," Aasim hisses, stepping in front of Marlon. "We should take about this right now--"

"I said later, damn it!" Marlon snaps, hitting his shoulder roughly against Aasim's as he passes him.

(Y/N)'s brows furrow at this, her mouth curled down in a frown.

"Still standing, I see!" a voice muses, making her look to her side.

Louis was grinning, walking on her left as Clement walked on her right. Clement side eyes Louis briefly, scowling lightly as he scoffs under his breath and grabs (Y/N)'s hand in his as they catch up to Violet.

"I'd call that a B-plus performance there, Clem. You too, Vi. You've done better," Louis teases, his eyes shining with amusement.

Clement scowls, Violet glaring sharply at Louis.

"Fuck off," she hisses, holding up her middle finger.

Louis holds a hand up to his heart, offense written on his face. "B-minus for you, then, Vi. Now, (Y/N) here? That was a solid A. A-plus, even."

(Y/N)'s brow raises as she smiles with confusion, Clement side-glaring at Louis.

"Aw, don't be like that, Clem. You know (Y/N)'s great!" Louis snickers, waving his hand dismissively. "You, though, could use some more practice from yours truly, me. And Vi, don't be jealous. Be better."

Clement grunts in annoyance, his grip tightening around (Y/N)'s hand.

"Clement is always amazing," (Y/N) cuts in, blinking slowly with a polite grin. "And Violet, you were awesome out there, too! A-pluses for you both!"

(?) Clement will remember that

Clement's scowl falls, a small, giddy smile on his face as he looks down sheepishly. Violet chuckles under her breath, smiling.

"... Okay, moving on," Louis murmurs, frowning in slight disappointment at her rebuffing his flirting.

Marlon sharply whistles from up ahead, Rosie dashing over to him with happy yips as he kneels down and pets her.

He pushes the gate open, Rosie padding inside as he follows with Brody, Aasim, and Mitch in tow. Violet enters after them, Louis after her and Clement letting (Y/N) in ahead of him.

AJ looks up, lighting up with a smile when he sees (Y/N) and Clement. He rushes over, grabbing her arm with both hands.

"Hey, bud," (Y/N) greets with a smile.

"They're pretty good," AJ says, nodding towards the others as they walk away. "With the monsters."

"Yeah," Clement agrees, looking back at the group with (Y/N).

"Come on, y'all!" Marlon cheerfully speaks, walking up behind (Y/N) and AJ. "Food's nearly--"

AJ reacts instantly, slamming his elbow against Marlon's groin.

(Y/N) jumps and spins around, her eyes wide as Marlon doubles over with a wheezing gasp of pain.

"AJ!" Clement scolds, wincing sympathetically with clenched teeth.

AJ blinks rapidly, turning and dashing away.

"Shiiiiit..." Marlon whimpers out, bracing himself on his knees. "Kid packs a God damn wallop, huh?"

"I'm so sorry about that," (Y/N) apologizes, rubbing the back of her neck. "AJ-- He just-- When people come up behind him, he freaks out and reacts."

Marlon clicks his tongue, his lips pressed in a thin line as his face contorts with pain. "He's a jumpy little guy."

Clement looks over Marlon, shaking his head. "You... uh, gonna be okay?"

Marlon slowly nods, standing to his full height and wincing. "Look, he can't go around punching people in the..." he trails off, glancing at (Y/N) for a moment and clearing his throat. "You know... And expect them to eat at the same table."

AJ sheepishly looks over, gasping when he and Marlon make eye contact. He quickly turns back to the fence, staring outside and fiddling with his sweater.

"We'll talk to him," Clement promises, nodding.

(Y/N) was already walking over, Marlon nodding back to Clement and watching him jog to catch up to her.

"Hey," (Y/N) calls, standing at his side.

"... Hi," he quietly replies, avoiding eye contact. "What's that bird doing?" he quickly asks, trying to avoid the subject at hand.

(Y/N) and Clement look past the gate, a crow cawing as it pecks at a walker's corpse.

"That's gross," AJ comments, shaking his head with a frown. "He should stop."

"AJ," Clement firmly speaks, making him tense. "We should talk about what just happened."

AJ looks down in guilt. "It was an accident."

(Y/N) sighs deeply, crossing her arms over her chest as she looks towards the sky. "We know it was, bud."

"I didn't mean to hit him," AJ continues, his brows furrowing as he shakes his head. "I didn't know that it was Marvin."

Clement snorts with amusement. "Marlon."

AJ blinks slowly, "... Right."

"I'm sure he knows, too. And he'll forgive you," (Y/N) reassures, setting a hand on his shoulder. "We should go talk to him. And everyone else."

"But..." he looks down, frowning with a sigh. "I don't think they like me. I can just tell they don't."

"Come on," Clement chuckles, kneeling down to AJ's height. "They just don't know you, AJ. I'll bet when they do, they'll like you just as much as (Y/N) and I do."

AJ glances towards Marlon, still a bit apprehensive. "I don't know... Marlon was really mad. And-- And that girl I bit. She yelled at me. They're really scary."

(Y/N) looks over her shoulder, catching glimpse of Ruby over by a small camp fire. She turns back forward, wincing as her hand comes up to her growling stomach. Clement tilts his head back, his gaze lingering on (Y/N) before he looks towards the gates, the forest dark. He then turns to AJ, shaking his head lightly as he sighs.

"AJ, listen," Clement starts, making the boy look up to meet his gaze. "We haven't eaten in days. The car is gone. And all that's outside these walls are walkers. Do you really want us to go back out there?"

"No!" AJ replies without hesitation, shaking his head quickly.

"Then... Let's go apologize, yeah?" (Y/N) questions with a small smile, tilting her head to the side.

AJ fiddles with the end of his shirt. "R--Right now?"

"Well..." Clement drags the word, rising. "We can work up to it. Let's talk to the other kids, first."

AJ eagerly nods at this, (Y/N) smiling fondly as Clement lightly chuckles.

(Y/N) looks back to Ruby, AJ noticing this and grasping her jacket sleeve.

"That's that girl I bit," he mumbles, brows furrowed.

"I remember," (Y/N) looks from Ruby to AJ. "You want to talk to her?"

"You mean..." AJ rubs the back of his neck. "Say I'm sorry?"

"Yes," Clement bluntly replies, (Y/N) nodding in agreement.

Ruby was looking down at the fire, her arms crossed in front of her chest.

"... She's scary," AJ shudders, backing away. "And always seems so mad."

"You got this, AJ," (Y/N) reassures, leaning down to his height and setting her hands on her knees. "You just need to be honest. And explain to her why you did it."

"Because of my..." he trails off, looking down. "Thing?"

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, AJ," Clement shakes his head, setting a hand on AJ's shoulder. "Just follow (Y/N)'s advice, and be honest."

AJ's eyes flick between Clement and (Y/N) before he nods, breathing out deeply and squaring his shoulders as he walks over to Ruby.

Ruby notices him, turning to him with a light scowl. "Yes?"

AJ flinches, but remains put. "I'm sorry I bit you. Sometimes... When I get scared I do that, but I don't mean to. I just-- just get scared, and I'm sorry and I hope your hand is okay."

Ruby watches him for a brief moment, a soft smile spreading on her face. "Aw, sug, it's all right. We can all get a little crazy when we get scared. Thank you for your honesty," she nods, glancing back to (Y/N) and Clement. "And your apology."

(?) Ruby accepted AJ's apology

AJ smiles brightly, turning and running over to (Y/N) and Clement.

"I did it!"

"See?" (Y/N) laughs with a proud grin, ruffling his hair. "We knew you could."

Clement nods with a smile, AJ grinning giddily as he laughs and nods back. AJ follows after (Y/N) as she walks down the sidewalk along the wall, Clement trailing behind them as he looks around the area warily for a moment.

His shoulders relax, the walls around them bringing him a sense of comfort as he speed walks after (Y/N) and AJ.

He finds them to the left of the admin building, the two standing near Violet and Tenn. Clement glances around, spotting crosses and mounds of dirt.

"Hi," (Y/N) calls quietly, making Violet turn to the voice.

Clement joins (Y/N)'s side, AJ looking around at the crosses curiously.

"What is this?' he questions, confusion lacing his tone.

"Our graveyard," Violet replies softly, frowning sadly as she turns to Tenn.

Clement blinks quickly in surprise. "You guys still do that?"

"Kinda. Sorta," Violet shrugs, nodding.

(Y/N) counts the crosses, frowning sympathetically. "Who's all buried here? If... You don't mind me asking."

Violet shakes her head, showing it was all right to ask. "Nobody really. This is where we buried Tenn's sisters' belongings. Minnie and Sophie. Twins. Lost them both about a year ago."

Tenn kneels to his sisters' graves, setting flowers on Sophie's.

AJ watches, turning to Violet in silent question.

"Paying respects," she explains, offering a small smile.

AJ nods, looking up at (Y/N) and Clement. "Should we do that too? Maybe?"

"Yeah," Clement agrees with a smile, "I think that'd be a very nice thing to do, AJ. C'mon."

He lightly pushes AJ's back so he walks forward, Violet smiling as she hands him a small bouquet of flowers. (Y/N) and Clement hang back with Violet, the three watching with smiles as he squats down and sets his flowers next to Tenn's.

Tenn blinks quickly, turning to AJ before smiling. "Thank you."

(?) Violet and Tenn are grateful that AJ paid his respects

AJ smiles back, turning to (Y/N) and Clement as he rises and runs over. Violet nods to (Y/N), turning back to Tenn and walking over to his side. The three take that as their que to leave, and head back into the courtyard.

"There's one of the guys from the hunting party," (Y/N) points out, spotting Mitch and Willy sitting on some sofas not too far. "I don't think I got his name. But the younger one is... Willy? We should go talk to them."

AJ nods, eager to make more friends as he starts walking over head of them.

"Uh, yeah," Clement nervously laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I kind of, er, threatened to punch his teeth out earlier if he wouldn't stop staring at me."

(Y/N) stops walking, slowly turning to Clement and blinking slowly. "... Of course you did," she sighs, dragging a hand down her face before chuckling and shaking her head. "Well... Let's just go over there and support AJ."

AJ was waiting near Mitch and Willy, too nervous to approach them without Clement and (Y/N) with him.

Clement follows (Y/N) as she walks over, waving with an unsure grin.

"Hi there," she greets, making the two look over. "I don't think I got you name."

Mitch stops sharpening the wood in his hand, looking up at her.

"... Mitch," he introduces after a moment, offering a smile. "You're new."

"Yup," (Y/N) nods, gesturing back to Clement. "That's Clement. This is AJ, and I'm (Y/N)."

Mitch's eyes flick between the three as he nods, looking back down at the wood in his hand and sharpening it further.

"I'm carving a weapon," he explains, filling the silence.

"We can see that," Clement replies, his brow raising.

"You're good at that!" AJ compliments, smiling as he watches the knife movement.

Mitch looks up at this, grinning warmly. "You like that, huh little dude? Wanna see something cool?"

AJ rapidly nods. "I wanna see!"

Mitch focuses on his switch blade, flicking it up and catching it before twirling it between his fingers. "Pretty rad, huh? That's how you fuck up some monsters."

AJ's eyes widen as he gasps loudly. "Swear!"

Mitch's brows furrow as he owlishly blinks, "uh... I'm sorry?"

(Y/N) can't help the small laugh that escapes her, her hand covering her mouth as Clement smiles with amusement.

Willy lets out a honking laugh, pointing to Mitch mockingly at the fact he got in trouble. Mitch chuckles as he shakes his head, leaning back in his seat.

(?) AJ made Mitch and Willy laugh

"Mmm, yes!" a dramatic voice gets (Y/N) and Clement's attention, Mitch sighing in annoyance as he rolls his eyes.

They turn to the voice, Louis dramatically speaking as Omar stirs the stew in the pot.

"A redolent of rosemary, lemon grass, and possum meat," Louis continues, Omar sighing in irritation as (Y/N), Clement and AJ approach. "Now if you can't find fresh possum in your neck of the woods, squirrel, skunk, or vole can work in a pinch! Like possum, every bite tells a story. We'll be right back with more stew with Lou."

"Please stop," Omar grumbles, eyebrow twitching.

"I-- I can't. I really can't."

"Hey guys," Clement calls, gaining their attention.

"Clem, AJ, (Y/N)! This is Omar," Louis waves, gesturing to Omar. "Uh, excuse me. Chef Omar."

Omar sighs, "hello. And no, it's not ready yet."

"Omar's a perfectionist," Louis explains, dusting off his trench coat. "The slightest flavor out of place, and he's grumpy for a week."

"You can eat, or you can eat right," Omar replies, stirring the stew with precision. "All it'll cost you is a little patience."

(Y/N)'s stomach growls at the sight of the food, Clement feeling his own knotting in slight pain of hunger.

"I'll let you guys know when it's done," Louis promises, grinning at (Y/N) and Clement.

"Hey," Clement quietly gets (Y/N)'s attention, nodding towards Aasim. "Isn't that the guy you saved?"

(Y/N) follows his gaze, her eyes landing on Aasim. He sat at a desk, writing quickly in a large book as his brows furrow in concentration.

"Yeah," (Y/N) nods. "I think his name was Aasim."

AJ starts walking over, (Y/N) and Clement following after him.

"Hey," Clement greets with a wave, Aasim not looking up as he continues to write.

"Hellooooo?" AJ loudly speaks, waving his arms.

Aasim's eyes flick up, his writing stopping. "Oh! Hey. It's you guys. (Y/N) and Clement, right?"

"Yeah, that's us. And this is AJ," (Y/N) introduces, nodding. "You're Aasim, right?"

"What're you writing?" AJ cuts in, eyeing the large book.

Aasim sets his pencil inside the book, closing it as he leans back in the chair. "What happened today. I chronicle everything."

"That's pretty cool," (Y/N) admires with a smile, making Aasim perk up.

Clement smirks crookedly, "so... You have a diary, basically."

Aasim awkwardly laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I like to think of it more like a history book. Those who do not learn from the past, and all that."

Clement nods at this, setting a hand on his hip. "You seemed pretty mad at Marlon back there."

Aasim scoffs angrily, "he keeps pulling back the safe zone. We have fewer and fewer places to hunt. Which means we're gonna have fewer and fewer things to eat."

"The new girl and guy went and helped the hun... hunting party come back," AJ reads out loud, holding Aasim's book. "The girl is--"

"Hey! Zip it!" Aasim quickly snaps, reaching for his book as AJ holds it away. "That is not yours to read, kid. Give it back."

"It was just sitting there," AJ points out, his brow raised.

"So?"

"So... It was just sitting there!"

Clement's eyes flick towards the book. He felt a little curious at what Aasim had written about (Y/N), his hand twitching nervously at his side.

"Come on, AJ," (Y/N) firmly speaks, making AJ turn to her with a pout. "Give him back his book. It isn't yours."

"Okay," AJ instantly agrees, closing the book and handing it back to Aasim.

"Thank you," Aasim sighs in relief, smiling. "This thing is the only place I get any real privacy around here. Gotta preserve what I can, you know?"

(?) Aasim appreciated AJ respecting his privacy

"I get it," (Y/N) replies with a nod, waving her hand nonchalantly.

She turns and leads AJ away, Clement hanging back as he watches her for a moment.

"I gotta finish this before dinner," Aasim hints, glancing up at Clement. "Not to be... Like, rude, but, you know... Bye."

Clement's eyes flick back to Aasim, his foot tapping for a moment before he sighs and starts to walk towards (Y/N) and AJ.

"Don't worry," Aasim calls, making him pause. "I'm not into her."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Clement questions, turning back to Aasim.

Aasim gives him a pointed look, his eyebrow arching. "Nothing. I guess."

With that, he goes back to writing, leaving Clement feeling a mixture of relief and confusion as he joins (Y/N) and AJ.

"Well! I think we've spoken to everybody," (Y/N) takes a look around, setting her hands on her hips. "All who're left are..." she trails off, glancing to Marlon and Brody.

"I'm ready," AJ confidently says, making her look down at him. "To talk to Marlon."

"All right," Clement nods, AJ walking at his side as they walk up to Marlon and Brody with (Y/N)/

(Y/N) stops in her tracks, her eyes lingering on Rosie resting behind Marlon. Breathing out shakily, she grabs onto Clement's sleeve. Clement doesn't say anything, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they continue up to the two.

"Clement and (Y/N), right? I'm Brody," Brody smiles, looking between the two before turning to AJ. "He's a sweet little fella. Figured there ain't a lot of room for sweetness still out there."

"We're lucky, all right," (Y/N) chuckles, looking down at AJ fondly. "He's a naturally amazing kid."

AJ beams at the praise, Clement reaching over and playfully ruffling his head around.

"Naturally amazing.... That's rare stuff," Brody muses, nodding.

Clement pulls his hand off AJ's head, subtly nodding towards Marlon as (Y/N) smiles encouragingly.

AJ breathes out, his shoulders tense as he turns to Marlon. "I'm really sorry I hit you. Can we please stay here and eat dinner and not go into the forest and get killed by monsters?"

Marlon was taken aback, him and Brody exchanging a baffled look.

"Don't sweat it, buddy," Marlon softly replies, kindly smiling. "You can make it up to me by teaching me your technique. You're a regular heavyweight."

"Hey, guys!" Louis yells from his spot next to Omar, making them look over. "Stew's done!"

"You guys earned your supper, after all!" Marlon smiles, rising from the steps with Brody.

(Y/N) watches Rosie rise warily, sticking close to Clement as they follow Marlon and Brody over to the picnic tables. Violet sits next to Tenn, Brody in front of them and smiling sheepishly to Violet.

Aasim sits besides Willy, Mitch and Omar in front of them. Everyone had bowels of stew in front of them, steam rising from the food. Louis brings over two bowels, setting one down in front of Clement and the other besides (Y/N). Marlon sets one down for AJ, taking a seat besides Ruby in front of them.

"Ladies and gentleman! Dinner... Is served!" Louis loudly announces, grinning widely.

He takes a seat at the end of the table, to the side of Marlon and Clement. AJ sat next to (Y/N), and (Y/N) on Clement's other side.

"Thank you guys," Clement thanks, staring down at the food with wide eyes. "Really. I can't remember the last time we had a hot meal."

"Hot meal..." (Y/N) takes a mouthful of the stew, closing her eyes and basking in the taste. "I can't even remember the last time we had any sort of meal. Not just a handful of stale chips."

Brody frowns sadly at this, Marlon and Louis glancing at one another as Ruby's expression softens.

(Y/N) looks to her side, AJ slurping down his bowel of stew eagerly. He barely takes a breath, devouring the stew. A burp makes Ruby look to her side, Louis grinning childishly.

"Come on!" she groans in disgust.

AJ lowers his bowel, belching. He shrugs, continuing to slurp down his stew.

(Y/N) and Clement look to each other, slow smirks spreading on their faces. (Y/N) clears her throat, patting her chest and releasing a short burp. AJ cackles at this, Clement laughing and shaking his head. He straightens up, breathing out deeply before releasing a low, long burp.

(?) That was a good one

AJ hiccups before burping once more, him, (Y/N) and Clement laughing with Louis.

"Good Lord!" Ruby huffs, scowling.

"Enough!" Marlon barks sternly with anger, making their laughter stop at his firm expression.

"Thank you!" Ruby sighs in relief, nodding firmly.

Marlon's stern glare slowly melts to a childish grins as he turns to her, letting out a loud belch.

(Y/N) holds her stomach as she laughs, Clement snorting and shaking his head as AJ giggles, Louis wheezing. Ruby rises from the bench, stomping off indignantly.

"Goodnight, Rubyyyy!" Louis dramatically waves off.

Ruby flips him off, ignoring him.

AJ looks down at his empty bowel, frowning as his stomach lightly growls for more. (Y/N) notices, glancing down at her bowel still filled a bit. She slides her bowel over, Clement doing the same. They pause, (Y/N) turning her head and looking up at him.

"No," both say at the same time.

"Clem--"

"(Y/N)."

"You need to eat, and so does he. You haven't eaten longer than I have," she points out, glaring firmly at him.

"You need to eat, too. We're not arguing about this," Clement replies, his glare just as firm.

"And, problem solved!"

The two look up as Louis laughs, sitting back down in his seat. Clement's eyes flick down, noticing Louis' bowel was no longer in front of him. (Y/N) looks to her left, AJ eagerly devouring the rest of Louis' food.

"But..." she trails off.

"It's fine," Louis assures, grinning with a nod.

(Y/N) smiles gratefully, finishing her last few spoon full of stew. Clement nods to Louis, looking down at his own food and finishing it as well.

"I'm all done," AJ sighs in content, holding his full stomach.

"Same," (Y/N) breathes out, setting her spoon down.

"Me too," Clement smiles, scooting his empty bowel away.

"Now what?" AJ questions, tilting his head.

"I'll tell you what," Louis rises, turning his chair around and sitting back down on it with a grin. "Time for something... Very important."

He takes out a deck of cards from his pocket, holding them up.

Brody rolls her eyes, rising and walking away. "Oh, God. Goodnight."

"Violet!" Louis calls, making her look over. "It's time!"

Violet nods, rising and patting Tenn's shoulder as he continues to draw.

"What's the game tonight, Lou?" Marlon questions musingly, scooting (Y/N) and Clement's bowels aside.

"... War!" he replies, smirking. "The oldest game around. A game played by man and beast alike. The only game there is."

Violet sits next to Marlon, propping her leg up on the bench.

"Uh..." (Y/N) rubs the back of her neck. "Never heard of it. The only card game we've ever plaid was... What was it called?"

"Euchre," Clement answers, his eyes looking distant as he recalls the memory of them playing with Gabe in the back of the truck.

"Don't worry," Louis waves his hand with a light smile. "You two'll pick it up as we go."

"It's easy," Violet chimes in, a small smile on her face. "Everyone gets a stack of cards, everyone flips one over. Highest card wins."

"And the winner gets to ask (Y/N) or Clem a question," Louis adds, shuffling his deck of cards.

Clement turns to him with a slight glare, (Y/N) raising a brow his direction.

"... What?" Louis grins sheepishly. "I wanna get to know you. We all do."

Violet nods in agreement, Marlon resting his arms on the table and leaning forward eagerly.

"Fine," Clement grumbles, sighing. "What if one of us win?"

Louis hums in thought, setting the cards on the table. "Then you get to ask us one. It's only fair."

"What about AJ?" (Y/N) questions, frowning.

"What about him?" Marlon smiles, gesturing to the other table.

(Y/N) and Clement glance back, AJ walking over to Tenn and climbing onto the picnic bench.

"Looks like he's made a friend," Marlon watches Tenn fondly, nodding. "Come on, you guys can take your eyes off him for one card game. I'm sure you all could use some space from one another."

Clement turns back at this, brows furrowing as he frowns and purposely scoots closer to (Y/N).

Louis lightly rolls his eyes with an amused smile, passing out the cards as (Y/N) slowly looks away from AJ to the cards in front of her.

"I'm just... A little worried," she admits, refraining from glancing back to AJ. "This is his first time around anybody his own age. He acts so much older... I forget he's only five. It's nice to see him like this... Acting just like a little kid again."

The group smile at this, Marlon clearing his throat after a moment.

"Louis, if you would?"

Louis nods with a grin, flipping his card over. The group all do the same, (Y/N) flipping a black spade three and Clement flipping a black clover five. Louis flipped a red diamond five, Marlon a black clover two, and Violet flipped a red heart King.

"Way to go me," she smiles victoriously, humming with thought. "Oh, I got one. So, Clement, about AJ..."

(Y/N) perks up with a frown, Clements brows furrowing as Marlon glances at the two with concern.

"Where are his parents?" Violet questions, tilting her head. "I mean... I don't think you guys are his parents. And none of you really look related, so... What happened there?"

"They..." Clement closes her eyes, sighing with sadness. "They're dead. His father died saving (Y/N)'s life when we were escaping from some bad people. And his mother... She gave birth, and died from the cold around us and from exhaustion. They were nice people. For the most part."

(Y/N) looks down, her fist clenching on her knee.

"Makes sense. He's a nice kid," Louis comments.

"For the most part," Clement jokes, managing a small smile.

Violet notes their distant, saddened expressions, regretting asking as she and Louis exchange a look.

(Y/N) clears her throat, flipping over her card and prompting the others to do the same.

Clement flipped a black clover Jack, (Y/N) a red heart two, Marlon a red heart seven, Louis a black spade four, and Violet a red diamond eight.

"Hey," Clement chuckles, grinning brightly. "I win."

"Hey! You do," Louis muses, smiling with a nod. "So, what do you want to know?"

Clement takes a moment, drumming his fingers lightly on the table. "Oh! I got it. You guys meet anyone famous out there?"

Violet shakes her head, "no."

"Too bad," Louis sighs in mock disappointment. "You'd think a movie star or something would show up somewhere."

"They had, like, millions of dollars," Violet points out, frowning. "They're probably living in a bunker with butlers and water beds out the ass."

Louis tilts his head side to side, "yeah, maybe."

"We met someone famous once," (Y/N) chimes in, smiling wistfully. "His name was Javier Garcia. He was a famous baseball player in the big leagues."

"That's cool!" Louis gasps, scooting closer with excitement. "I used to love baseball! Was he good at it?"

Her smile falls as she looks down at the table. "... Not sure. We... Never got to play."

Clement clears his throat, forcing a smile with sadness in his eyes. "He was good with his bat, though. Could knock a walker's head clean off its shoulders."

"Baseball sucks!" Violet suddenly says, trying to lighten their moods.

"You suck," Louis sticks his tongue out at her.

"Not as much as baseball," she huffs back, scowling.

Clement glances over at (Y/N) as he flips over his card, the others doing the same and her a bit delayed as she continues to frown at the table.

He draws a black spade seven, (Y/N) a red heart Queen, Louis a red diamond King, Marlon a black spade six, and Violet a black spade two.

"So close!" (Y/N) sighs with a pout, Clement chuckling lightly.

"Booyah!" Louis laughs, fist pumping the air and nearly falling out of his seat.

He turns to (Y/N), opening his mouth to ask his question and pausing with an unsure frown.

"Come on! Spit it out!" Violet snaps in irritation.

Louis glares at her, clearing his throat as his scowl lightens when he faces (Y/N). "So, (Y/N), uh... Ever, uh, ever have a boyfriend?"

(Y/N) was taken aback by this, Clement blinking rapidly at the question as his brows furrow.

"Oh, my God!" Violet groans out, slamming her fist on the table.

"What?!" Louis squeaks, glaring at her. "It happens! Perfectly valid question!" He turns to her with a grin. "You can ask me if I've ever had a girlfriend. I haven't, by the way."

"Oh, I'm sure she's real surprised about that one," Violet sarcastically replies, rolling her eyes.

"Uh..." (Y/N) drags the word, smiling uncomfortably. "I, uh... no?"

"Really?" Louis questions in surprise, leaning backwards. "So, you two aren't...?"

"No," she shakes her head, blushing as she tilts her head down. "No, we, uh, aren't... and never have been, uh, together. Like that."

Clement's eyes flick to her, a small frown on his face.

"Huh," Louis nods, surprise evident in his tone before he grins charmingly. "So, wait, that means you're available, right?"

(Y/N) blinks owlishly. "Eh?"

Clement gives Louis a death glare, making him flinch and nervously laugh as he scoots his chair closer to Marlon.

"Kidding, uh, kidding. Mostly," he awkwardly says, clearing his throat.

He quickly flips his card, trying to urge the others to ask a question. Louis flips a black spade eight, Violet a red heart six, Marlon a black spade ten, Clement a red diamond four, and (Y/N) a red diamond two.

"Ha! I win," Marlon grins, nodding at the card. "So... Clem. You guys can't have been alone this entire time. Who used to take care of y'all? Did you two know each other before all this shit?"

"That's two questions," Violet points out, annoyance in her voice.

"Oh, come on," Marlon frowns, turning to her. "I think that can slide. It's part of the question."

"We..." Clement sighs, (Y/N) leaning her temple against his bicep as her gaze becomes distant. "We knew each other before everything happened. We've been together ever since it all happened. The person who taught us about survival was Lee."

Marlon nods thoughtfully. "You guys are very lucky... Surviving together this long with each other. What'd Lee teach you?"

"Lots of things," Clement replies, (Y/N)'s hand resting on his forearm at his side.

"... Most important thing?" Marlon softly questions, leaning forward with interest.

Clement's eyes flick side to side lightly as he considers this, (Y/N)'s brow furrowed as she sighs.

"How to... How to say goodbye," Clement answers quietly after a few seconds, shaking his head.

Marlon's shoulders slump as his eyes squint slightly sympathetically, Louis looking between him and (Y/N) and Clement as he slowly flips his next card over.

The others do the same, Clement flicking his quickly and flipping over (Y/N)'s for her.

Louis had flipped over a black clover six, Violet a red heart four, Marlon a black clover nine, Clement a red diamond three, and (Y/N) a red diamond Queen.

"Yes!" she manages a laugh, trying to be cheerful. "I won!"

"You did, indeed!" Louis offers a smile, nodding. "Ask away."

"Hmm," (Y/N) rubs her chin in thought, her mind drifting back to when they were young.

It was a bit blurry, but she could remember them. The St. John cannibal family.

"Got it... What is the grossest, vomit-worthy, sickening thing you've ever eaten?"

"Pretty easy," Violet looks up, humming. "Uh... Horse eyeballs."

"Slugs," Marlon nods, shivering.

"Cantaloupe."

"Come on!" Violet scowls, turning to Louis.

"Dude," he says with all seriousness, shaking his head. "I fucking hate cantaloupe."

Clement scoffs lightly, nose crinkling with disgust. "We almost ate a guy's leg once."

The three freeze, slowly turning and staring at Clement and (Y/N) in horror and disgust.

"Yup," (Y/N) confirms, nodding once with a sigh. "Our friend Lee stopped us, though. Don't worry."

"Oh," Louis blinks rapidly. "Good."

With that, they all flip their cards over.

Louis flips a red diamond eight, Clement a black clover seven, Marlon a red heart three, Violet a red heart ten, and (Y/N) a black clover three.

"Victory Violet," Violet grins, shifting in her seat. "Here's something I love to ask when I'm in groups. So, Clem... out of the five of us... Who do you think's gonna die first?"

"... That is fucked up." Louis comments.

"Oh, I know," Violet chuckles, grinning wickedly.

"Any one of you... But certainly not (Y/N). Or me." He confidently replies, (Y/N) turning her head to look at him with a small grin.

Violet's brows twitch as she smiles tightly. "So sure."

Clement's eyes narrow, him and Violet glaring at one another challengingly.

"We've made it this far... and have survived together for this long," he lowly speaks, his arm wrapping around her shoulder blades as his hand comes and rests on her opposite bicep. "Nothing will happen to either of us. I can promise that."

The two flare at one another with fake smiles, Marlon and Louis watching with uncomfortable expressions as (Y/N) laughs nervously.

"All... alright then, fun question, uh," (Y/N) cuts in, glancing side to side. "We should just... continue, yeah?"

Marlon slowly nods in agreement, flicking his card over as the others do the same.

Clement flips a black spade nine, Louis a red diamond ace, Violet a black clover seven, Marlon a black clover four, and (Y/N) a red diamond six.

Louis grins when he notices his card was highest, flicking his trench coat collar. "I am the greatest card player of all time."

"Just ask your damn question!" Violet hisses, turning her glare to him.

Louis sighs through his nose at her, turning to (Y/N). "(Y/N), ever..."

He pauses, blinking quickly and shaking his head.

"Actually, never mind."

"What?" Clement's brows furrow, "ask it."

"It's not a fun question, man." Louis shakes his head firmly.

"Go on, ask," (Y/N) urges, frowning as she tilts her head. "It can't be that bad."

Louis mentally debates for a moment, sighing as he closes his eyes. "Ever... Ever had to kill someone you loved?"

(Y/N)'s face falls, Clement stiffening besides her with wide eyes.

"Louis," Marlon lowly scolds, scowling at the man as he shakes his head.

"Hey! They wanted me to ask!" Louis quickly defends.

(Y/N)'s expression becomes downcast as she looks down, quietly breathing out as her hand shakes lightly. "Yes," she quietly replies. "Lee. I... I had to kill him. The same day we both found out both of our parents were dead."

Violet's eyes widen before she turns and glares at Louis, Marlon's mouth parting in a soft gasp as he frowns.

"That..." Louis winces, shaking his head. "Sounds like a... rough day."

Clement can't help but laugh bitterly. "Yep. One of the worst days of our lives."

"I'm..." (Y/N) rises slowly, sighing deeply. "I'm, uh... I'm done for the night, I think."

"Same here," Clement murmurs quietly, rising and quickly following her as she speed walks away.

"Yeah... that's probably for the best," Marlon softly calls, watching them with sadness before glaring sharply at Louis.

Louis looks away quickly. "You wanted me to ask."

Violet's brows furrow as she sighs sympathetically for the two, Marlon rising and rushing after them.

"Come on, AJ," Clement firmly calls, making AJ jump.

AJ turns, looking from (Y/N)'s disheartened form to Clement. His eyes widen before he nods, turning to Tenn.

"Uh, good night!"

Tenn glances up from drawing with a smile. "Night, AJ."

AJ joins Clement and (Y/N), (Y/N) turning and swiftly walking towards the building as they follow.

"Is... is she okay?" AJ slowly questions, frowning with concern.

Clement doesn't reply for a moment, sighing. "I don't know. But we can be there for her as much as we can, if she wants us to be."

AJ nods, running up to her side and tentatively grabbing her hand in his smaller one. (Y/N) stops walking at this, turning to look down at AJ and managing a small smile as she nods in thanks. Clement approaches her other side, tilting his head with a warm, comforting expression as he takes her other hand in his.

"Long day, huh?" a voice questions, Marlon rushing over to them and stopping a few paces away.

"Yup," Clement sighs, turning to him. "Real long."

"Yeah," (Y/N) agrees, clearing her throat as she turns to him with a forced smile.

Marlon's expression falls at this, "I hope you know Louis didn't mean any harm there. He's just the world's biggest dumbass. He's my best friend, so I can legally call him that. Just like I'm sure you do to Clement, huh?"

(Y/N) laughs lightly, nodding.

Marlon smiles, walking ahead of them to the door to the dorms and opening it for them.

"You guys relax, get some sleep, and feel human for a night," he softly urges, nodding inside. "In the morning, come find me. We can talk about making this long term."

AJ lights up with a gasp. "We can stay?!"

Marlon grins down at him. "We can talk about it," he playfully replies, winking.

AJ bounces in excitement, rushing into the building as (Y/N) chuckles and follows. Clement pauses, nodding in thanks to Marlon as he hands him a candle for the room.

They make it to the room Clement had been resting in, (Y/N) pushing the door open with a loud creek as Clement carries the lit candle Marlon gave him. AJ walks in, looking around with narrowed eyes as (Y/N) follows.

Clement enters and shuts the door behind him, sighing tiredly.

"Only way out," AJ says, pointing to the door.

"Yep," Clement nods, looking back at the door.

AJ nods. "Good."

Moonlight shimmers through the boards of the window, casting a soft glow in the room.

Clement sets the candle on the desk by the box of art supplies, (Y/N) unhooking her machete sheath and hanging it on the bunkbed's bar above her. Clement takes his hat off, shaking it out and setting it on the dresser by the window.

"This box has so many colors!" AJ says in awe, looking through the art box.

(Y/N) walks over, peering down at the supplies with awe. "Wow... Must have been an artist in here before us."

AJ's brows furrow. "What's an artist?"

Clement looks up in thought, "It's... like a person who colors a lot. Draws. Does pictures."

"You mean like Tenn?" AJ questions, taking a seat at the desk and looking down at the blank paper in front of him.

"Exactly," (Y/N) nods, smiling lightly.

"Huh," AJ murmurs thoughtfully, scooting the paper closer and grabbing a color pencil. "I like to do pictures, too."

The door opens, making (Y/N) tense as Clement's hand reaches for the knife on his thigh. Both relax at the sight of Violet, Violet jumping in surprise.

"Oh! Shit," she curses, shaking her head and blinking rapidly. "I-- I didn't know Marlon set you guys up in this room," she shuts the door behind her as she enters. "I just wanted to grab something, from the closet."

Violet quickly walks around the corner, peering up at the closet.

"Where the hell is it?" she sighs out, reaching up and feeling for something. She looks back, catching glimpse of the item she was searching for on the desk with AJ. "Oh."

"Is this it?" (Y/N) questions, tilting her head to the art box.

"Yeah," Violet quietly says with a nod. "It belonged to Sophie. Uh... Tenn's sister. He was asking for more art supplies and stuff, so I was going to..."

"Oh," Clement looks to the box, frowning. "I'm sorry, we didn't know."

"No, no. It's fine," Violet waves off, shaking her head. "Don't worry about it. Honestly, it's just been sitting in here for the past year and no one's touched it. If AJ wants to play with it, it's-- it's fine."

She turns away, her voice shaking lightly as she clears her throat. AJ turns and looks over his shoulder with a small frown, Clement walking over and joining his side.

"We should probably give the box back. It doesn't belong to us," he says in a stern, yet gentle manner.

AJ slowly nods at this, making Violet smile.

"Thanks, buddy. It's just that Tenn wanted it, since it was his sister's and all."

(?) Tenn will appreciate that

"It's okay," AJ replies with disappointment, setting his pencil down.

Violet frowns, "you can finish your drawing, though! I don't mind."

AJ smiles brightly, grabbing the pencil and scribbling away on the paper.

Violet clears her throat, looking around the room at Clement's hat and (Y/N)'s machete. "I see you guys are, um, settling in."

"Is that all right?" (Y/N) asks with concern.

Violet shrugs, sighing as she walks over to the bed and looks at the walls. "Sure. I guess," she says after a few seconds. "I always liked this room. Sophie had, like, paintings and shit on the walls. Lots of colors. And Minerva... She was really musical. Not like Louis, though. She had actual talent."

Clement chuckles at this, (Y/N) shaking her head in amusement as she grins.

"She had the most amazing voice," Violet breathes out, her expression wistful. "Real bluesy. Marlon always joked that he would scavenge a guitar and the two of them would tour the country."

Her smiles slowly falls.

"That was a long time ago. After they..." Violet closes her eyes, shaking her head. "Afterwards, Brody and Tenn took down all the paintings. And that was the end of it."

She blinks rapidly, looking away.

"I shouldn't have even brought it up. It's not a good memory. Guess I just lost my train of thought."

"They sound like they were amazing people," (Y/N) quietly replies, offering a reassuring smile.

"Yeah. Sophie was a good friend," Violet smiles fondly. "And Minnie..." she pauses, leaning her temple against the ladder. "Uh... We were close. Me and her."

(Y/N) nods with understanding, sitting on the bed adjacent to Violet.

"What exactly happened to them?" Clement slowly asks, frowning as he leans back on the bunk bed ladder besides (Y/N). "Sophie and Minerva."

Violet sighs, shaking her head weakly. "They went scavenging with Marlon and Brody out past the safe zone. Didn't make it back. It... Happens."

She sits down on the bed, sighing heavily once more.

"Honestly, I just miss having someone around to talk to. There's just... So many dudes. This place can get too Bro-town for my liking sometimes. No offense, Clem," Violet nods to Clement, making him shrug with a small smile. "Not to mention I'm not exactly like, a people person. You know? I know sometimes I have a habit... Have a habit of being little bit too harsh."

"If it helps, I think you're all right," (Y/N) grins, crossing her leg over her other and shifting to get comfortable.

Violet looks up in surprise. "Really?"

"Same here," Clement agrees, nodding. "Yeah, you're a little intense. But you're pretty cool."

She blinks slowly. "Oh. Um. Thanks, guys. I guess."

(?) Violet will remember that

"You guys were pretty cool too," she sheepishly mumbles, rubbing her arm uncomfortably. "Out there against those walkers."

(Y/N) grins happily, Clement smiling with a quiet laugh through his nose.

"Hey, Clem! (Y/N)! I'm an artist now!" AJ eagerly shouts, waving his drawing around.

(Y/N) rises from the bed with a light grunt, Clement watching her walk over to AJ before following with a nod to Violet.

"Well, look at that!" (Y/N) coos with a warm smile, picking up the drawing. "This is amazing, bud!"

The drawing was of her and Clement, AJ protecting them against walkers.

"Nice, kiddo," Clement sets a hand on his head, looking over the drawing fondly as AJ takes it back.

Violet clears her throat as she rises and walks over to the desk, grabbing the art kit. "I should be getting back. Thanks again for the box. You're... Pretty cool, AJ."

With that, she turns and heads to the door, pausing as she starts leaving.

"See ya," she calls, exiting and closing the door behind her.

"Bye!" (Y/N) shouts back, knowing she could hear.

"All right, Alvin Junior!" Clement claps his hands together once, lightly rubbing them together. "Time for bed."

"Okay," AJ sighs dramatically, finishing up the drawing with wording and handing it to (Y/N). "Here."

"For us?" (Y/N) asks in surprise, her brows raised.

"For the wall," AJ explains, gesturing to the bare wall. "To make our home look nice."

"That's a good idea, AJ," Clement praises, (Y/N) carefully walking over to the wall and pinning it with thumb tacks discarded on the desk.

"There we go!" she announces with a proud grin, stepping back to Clement's side.

Rustling makes the two look over to AJ, AJ gone from the spot he was sitting in.

"Uh..." both mumble at the same time.

"Bud?" she questions in confusion, walking over to the bunk bed.

AJ was laying down under it, shivering lightly from the cold as his expression remains neutral.

"Hey there," Clement lightly jokes, kneeling down and peering under the bed at AJ. "What are you doing?"

"This is where I'm gonna sleep," was all he replied.

(Y/N)'s brow raises as she shakes her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't think so."

"But why?" AJ pouts. "It's safe under here. No one can get me."

Clement glances back at (Y/N), (Y/N) shaking her head with a stern expression.

"Come on, AJ," Clement says, offering a comforting smile. "The bed is way better. Huh, (Y/N)?"

"Oh," she blinks quickly, nodding as she goes to the opposite bed and sits down on it. "Yup! Much, much better. This bed is so comfy, I could sleep for a week."

"What about the door?" AJ questions with worry, brows furrowed. "What if someone comes in? What if they try to hurt us? What if they steal our stuff?"

"I'll keep watch over you and (Y/N)," Clement promises, winking with a smirk. "I'll sleep with one eye opened if I have to."

AJ frowns as he shakes his head. "You can't sleep like that. I tried. If I stay here, no one can find me and I can keep guard and watch over you and (Y/N). I can protect us."

Clement looks up in exasperation, (Y/N) already starting to doze off just laying on the bed with her legs hanging off.

"What's gotten into you?" Clement asks gently, shaking his head.

"Please, Clem?" AJ pleads, giving his best puppy dog eyes. "It's not so bad down here. I'll be okay. I promise."

"I can't let you, AJ," Clement shakes his head in disagreement, his tone soft. "Come on. Give the bed another chance, for (Y/N). Please? It's soft and warm and I think you'll really like it."

AJ considers it, slowly nodding as he scoots out from under the bed. "Okay."

He climbs onto the bed, his eyes widening as he sinks into the pillow and sighs in content.

"This bed is really soft..."

(?) AJ will remember this

"See? Told you so," Clement muses, watching AJ as he starts to drift off instantly from exhaustion.

"It's really, really soft," AJ mutters tiredly, nuzzling into the pillow.

"Goodnight, AJ."

AJ replies with a snore.

Clement chuckles quietly, turning and walking over to the other bunk. He smiles softly at the sleeping (Y/N), reaching over and lightly brushing his knuckles against her cheekbone. He looks up at the top bunk, ready to climb up when something tugs on his clothing.

He looks down in surprise, (Y/N)'s eyes still shut and her fingers curled around his sleeve.

His eyes dart around for a moment before he smiles with adoration, slowly scooting into the bed as she shifts closer to the wall to make room for him. Clement settles in, resting on his backside with his left arm resting over his stomach. (Y/N) was hugging his other arm, curled into his side and fast asleep within seconds.

"Clem?" AJ whispers.

"Hmm?" he hums, almost asleep himself

"This place is nice. I'm glad we found this place," AJ admits happily.

Clement turns to him, nodding in agreement and sighing in content as he leans his head against (Y/N)'s

"Me too. I'm sure she is, too."

Clement's eyes slowly fall shut, and he falls asleep with a smile.

.....
..
.