...
..
.

The gentle sound of rushing water could be heard as AJ steps forward, setting a bucket on the rocky platform along the edge of the river. The fishing shack was behind him, He readies a fishing spear made specifically for him in his hand, the length easy for him to use, and strikes through a fish.

"Gotcha!" AJ laughs triumphantly as the fish thrashes on the spear's sharp end.

"Nice job, bud!" (Y/N) gently compliments, making him look over with a wide grin.

(Y/N) sat on the ground not too far from him with Rosie laying down at her side, Rosie's head resting on her lap and (Y/N) sharpening the end of an arrow she was crafting. (Y/N)'s face was focused as she looks down at her machete running along the arrow, some bags under her tired eyes.

Rosie's ears perk up when she sees AJ drop the fish inside the bucket, and she rises to pad over. She pants happily as she looks inside the bucket, licking her chops to indicate her hunger.

AJ gives her a pointed look, making her obediently stand back and sit as her little tail wags as she barks.

He smiles at this. "Do you like me now?"

Rosie excitedly wiggles in place, huffing softly as she leans forward with a woof.

"I think she does, bud!" (Y/N) fondly calls as she looks up, a hint of amusement on her face. "Who wouldn't?"

Rosie barks in agreement with her words, raising a paw at AJ before dropping it on the floor.

"Yeah!" AJ laughs as he watches Rosie. "She likes me! And we like you, too!"

AJ turns back to the river, his eyes darting around the water as he waits for a fish. Spotting one, he grunts softly as he jabs his spear at it, stabbing its stomach through.

"Boom-boom! I got two, (Y/N)!" AJ shouts to her with excitement, raising the spear up to show off for her.

(Y/N) smiles warmly at him, lowering the arrow and machete as she applauds for the boy. AJ drops the fish into the bucket quickly before facing the river, shouting a war cry as he pierces through yet another fish with success.

"Yes!" he cheers, practically slam-dunking it into the bucket with the others as (Y/N) snickers with a head shake.

(Y/N) glances up towards the sky. She watches the sun for a moment, taking her best guess that it was nearing 4:30 based on the position of it.

"All right, AJ," she starts as she rises, collecting the few arrows she crafted in one swoop as she sheathes her machete. "Time to head on back."

"Okay!" AJ nods, turning to Rosie and setting a hand on her head as he smiles. "I'm gonna go put the spear away! Stay here and keep watch with (Y/N), okay?"

As AJ starts towards the shack, he can hear (Y/N) gently telling Rosie 'Away from the fish, beast!' in a playful voice, the sound of the bucket being grabbed heard a moment later as Rosie whines in defeat.

AJ enters the fishing shack, the inside familiar to him as he takes a deep breath while looking around. He shivers a bit, thinking about how it's been getting colder as he looks towards the fire place. AJ looks at the empty bottles on the table as he passes them, and notices a bag of soil in the corner.

Making a mental note to tell Willy it was there later, he then notices the V+M carving. He frowns, shaking his head.

"Violet plus Minnie. She was their friend once. How could someone just make that go away?" he questions in disbelief.

Glaring at the carving, he turns away from it, approaching the wall and setting his spear beside the others.

"AJ!" (Y/N) calls from outside in a casual tone, indicating there was no need for alarm. "Come on, bud!"

"Coming!" AJ shouts back, turning and rushing around the table towards the door.

He trips on a torn sheet thrown on the floor, catching himself with a light giggle before shoving the door open. (Y/N) stood near the river holding the bucket of fish in front of her with both hands around the handle, Rosie loyally sitting next to her as she observes the area with her tongue hanging from her mouth.

(Y/N) turns to him with a kind smile, AJ grinning at her as he runs over. She looks down at him with adoration as she sets a hand on his head, AJ quietly giggling under his breath. His laughter dies as he gasps, making her remove her hand with a questioning sound.

AJ points to the river, making her follow the action with her eyes. Clement's hat floated down the river towards them, her eyes widening as she gasps softly.

"AJ--!"

(Y/N) urges quickly, AJ dropping onto his knees and reaching for the hat with both hands. He misses just barely. Wordlessly, AJ scrambles to his feet, racing along the edge of the river with (Y/N) on his tail as Rosie barks with excitement, chasing. She drops down next to him on the bridge, setting the bucket next to her as she swoops down with her hand out.

Her fingers brush against the hat, a sound of protest leaving her when she was unable to get a grip on it.

"No!" AJ murmurs, rushing after it on the other side of the bridge and reaching for it, missing. "No, no!"

Grabbing the bucket of fish, (Y/N) runs after AJ off the bridge and down the path along the river. Splashing ahead makes the two stop, Rosie grabbing the brim of Clement's hat with the front of her teeth and lifting it from the water. She turns to the two, ears back happily as she lets out a muffled bark while trotting towards them.

"Yes!" AJ cheers, smiling ear to ear.

"Good girl, Rosie!" (Y/N) says with heavy relief, laughing as she runs over to meet her.

AJ joins her, taking the soaked hat from Rosie's mouth and petting her. "Good girl!"

He looks down at the hat with a smile, but it falls as he sniffs and recoil.

"Smells bad."

(Y/N) lets out a hearty laugh as she looks down at the hat, sighing in amusement. "It... certainly has seen better days."

The hat was far from the way it used to be, the white a tinted shade of a pale yellow and dirt smudged along it. The 'D' patch was also lifting off a bit. But one thing that stayed the same... was the blood stain on the side. Lee's blood.

Her smile falters a bit as AJ hands her the hat, her eyes scanning over it as she frowns. Shaking her head, she hands it back to AJ.

Rustling causes (Y/N)'s hand to shoot out in front of AJ protectively, Rosie snarling softly as her ears perk up straight. The sound of a walker could be heard, making the three look over to the source as AJ takes out his gun, (Y/N)'s hand hovering near her machete handle.

"Oh, no..." (Y/N) whispers dreadfully.

Standing faced away from the two was the all too familiar figure of Tenn, his skin pale and torn open along his neck and cheek area. Blood was splattered all over his front, most of it gathered where the bullet hole was on his neck. His milky white eyes scan the area, his hands seeming to clasp together in front of him in that familiar gesture the sweet boy Tenn always did when he was alive.

AJ's face falls at the sight of his friend, now a walker, his eyes widening as his mouth curves down in a deep frown.

"AJ..." (Y/N) murmurs softly to the boy, standing at his side as she watches the walker. "You don't have to do this. I can take care of... him."

AJ shakes his head, shakily sighing as he raises his gun.

"I'm sorry, Tenn," AJ apologizes with great remorse. "But... you were gonna get Violet killed. I had to do it."

He blinks harshly as he aims his gun, firing and shooting through the walker's temple. The walker goes down silently, landing with a heavy thud on its side.

"S... Sorry, Tenn."

(Y/N) looks down at Tenn's fallen corpse, setting a comforting hand on AJ's shoulder. "You did good, AJ. I'm proud of you."

Rosie whines gently, leaning against AJ's legs as she looks to where Tenn once stood.

"Yeah..." AJ tucks his gun away, holding Clement's hat at his side as he turns to (Y/N) and Rosie. "Let's go home?"

(Y/N) smiles, enthusiastically nodding. "Let's go home."

Rosie barks along, rising from her sitting position as she looks between the two with panting breaths. (Y/N) and AJ walk side by side across the wooden bridge, Rosie trotting along (Y/N)'s side.

...

Warm sun rays beamed through the gaps of leaves in the trees, some starting to turn a beautiful red and orange shade. A lone red leaf flutters through the air, the gust of breeze sending a chill through (Y/N) as she dramatically shivers and exclaims as AJ laughs.

She smiles at his laughter, setting a hand on his opposite shoulder to her and holding him against her side in a side hug as he grins. The leaf lands inside the bucket of fish, making (Y/N) frown with a raised brow as she removes her hand from AJ and takes it out of the bucket.

Her eyes light up brightly with the sun as she holds the leaf up, showing off the beautiful color to AJ as he watches it in awe.

(Y/N) looks past the leaf in her hand, smiling as she sees the kids of Eric--the Everett, hard at work. She releases the leaf, allowing it to flutter to the ground as she and AJ continue towards the gates of their safe haven.

Ruby notices the two, cheeks lifting in a smile as she rises from her work and raises a hand in warm greeting. (Y/N) waves back, her boots softly thudding along the bridge as they cross. She makes a move to approach Ruby so they could chat, but she catches herself and pauses as Aasim comes tearing through the brush of the woods, smiling widely as he carries a large rabbit corpse over his shoulder.

(Y/N) steps back beside AJ, watching the scene with a small smile as he talks to Ruby. Offering his hand, Ruby takes it with a soft snort and bashful giggle. Aasim looks over his shoulder to (Y/N), mouthing 'Thanks' for the advice she had given him those weeks ago.

Only smirking and wiggling her brows in response, Aasim rolls his eyes with a playful smile, turning and focusing on Ruby as they walk towards the gates. (Y/N) spots Omar hammering a sign down, the boy sighing as he wipes sweat from his forehead and nods with a satisfied smile before turning and following after Ruby and Aasim. The sign read, DON'T FUCK WITH US! and had Abel's corpse slumped against the tree beside it.

(Y/N) jumps in alarm when a figure drops from a tree beside her, Willy swiftly rising from the ground with dirt covering his clothing and leaves in his hair. He dusts off his front, offering a toothy grin to the two before racing inside the gates.

A sharp whistle above makes (Y/N) and AJ look up, Louis standing watch above on the gate and waving to them. Violet stood beside him, raising her hand a bit with a head nod of acknowledgment, though (Y/N) could tell from the light in her eyes she was glad to see them back.

They reach the gate, AJ pausing as he looks back with Rosie's calling whistle. Rosie trots over quickly with a bark, entering the gates. AJ follows after her, (Y/N) pausing and looking back. She watches the path with a small frown of thought, shaking her head before following him inside, shutting the gate behind her. The main gate itself had been reinforced, barbed wire all along the top of the wall, leaving no room for any intruders to climb over or ram through. The area around was more secure as well, and it actually felt like... home.

Violet climbs down from the wall and approaches (Y/N) as she shuts the gate, making her turn with a questioning head tilt. Violet only grins, shaking her head.

Giving her an odd look, (Y/N) turns and starts to follow after AJ as they enter the school yard, heading towards Omar's cooking area. Ruby and Aasim were still talking, Ruby's cheeks a bit pink and Aasim looking down at her with fondness. Willy calls Rosie, who barks as she runs over as he laughs.

Omar smiles as AJ and (Y/N) approach, the stew pot already bubbling softly with a fire beneath it as he stirred his creation with a wooden spoon.

"AJ caught quite a few today!" (Y/N) proudly says, dropping the bucket next to Omar.

"Excellent," Omar says with appreciation, peering down at the fish. "We'll be feasting tonight, thanks to you!"

AJ grins as he puffs out his chest, (Y/N)'s brow arching as she smirks. She quickly begins poking at his stomach, making him shriek as he staggers back away. Omar watches with a light chuckle as she runs after him, AJ howling with laughter as she manages to grab him from behind, tickling his sides as she kneels to his level.

A gentle laugh could be heard.

"What'cha up to, princess?"

(Y/N)'s face falls to shock as her eyes dart to the source of the voice, AJ's eyes wide as he looks over as well while catching his breath.

Clement was at the bottom of the steps leading inside of the building, a loving grin on his face as he slowly moves forward using crutches. His left leg had been severed from the bottom of his knee down, the bottom of his pant leg cut and folded.

"Clement..." (Y/N) breathes out in relief, her eyes watering a bit as she lets out joyous laughter. "You're up!"

"Clem!" AJ shouts happily, beaming widely.

(Y/N) staggers to her feet and runs over with AJ, Clement grunting lightly as he just barely manages to catch himself as the two collide into him in a hug. (Y/N)'s arms loop around his neck tightly as she buries her face into his chest, AJ hugging around his waist.

"Whoa!" Clement laughs, his eyes moving from the side of (Y/N)'s to the top of AJ's. "Easy, there!"

His tone was light and teasing as he brings a hand up to rest on (Y/N)'s back, sighing softly as his eyes fall shut. AJ retracts his arms as he looks up at Clement with cheerfulness,

"Sorry! Sorry," (Y/N) apologizes sheepishly as she unwinds her arms, stepping back with her hands outstretched to help him balance if she needed.

Clement gives her a raised brow smirk before reaching out, grabbing her outstretched hand and tugging her back towards him. AJ turns away as he rubs the back of his neck, not wanting to see the two kissing.

Clement flashes her a charming grin as he winks, (Y/N)'s face becoming warm as his lips meet hers in a kiss. His hand curls around her neck as they share their kiss, and all too soon for his liking they pull away, his hand retreating back to grasp the crutch at his side for support.

"I'm glad you're back safe."

(Y/N) felt herself smile at his words, her heart softly thumping in her chest.

"Both of you," Clement corrects, looking down at AJ as he ruffles his hair.

"You're out of bed," AJ says with excitement practically radiating off him. "You-- You're walking!"

Clement's brow raises in amusement as AJ peers down between the crutches.

"And-- And you have... wood arm legs!"

"Crutches," Clement informs fondly, his eyes darting down between them.

AJ frowns thoughtfully. "Crutches," he repeats slowly.

(Y/N) looks down, noticing Clement's hat being held at AJ's side still as she perks up.

"Why don't you show Clem what you found?" she questions lightly, nodding towards the hat.

AJ instantly brightens, raising the hat up in a dramatic reveal for Clement to see. "We found your hat! It was in the creek down by the shack. (Y/N) and I both tried to get it, but I didn't think we were going to. But then Rosie jumped right in and got it out of the water!"

AJ's nose crinkles as he shakes the hat a bit, water flinging from it.

"It's... all wet now."

"And, sorry to say handsome, it smells. Very bad," (Y/N) joins in with amusement.

A laugh rumbles from Clement's throat as he looks down at the hat, expression thoughtful before he looks to AJ.

"It's definitely seen better days," he murmurs, tilting his head a bit as he nods. "You know what? You keep it if you want it."

This surprises (Y/N), but also warms her heart as she sees the way AJ's face lights up as he peers down at the hat in awe.

AJ smiles happily, "I'll put it in our room!"

"Now," Clement feigns seriousness, looking down at AJ. "I have a surprise for you, too."

"Ooh," (Y/N) coos lightly, urging AJ forward as she smiles.

AJ frowns curiously, tilting his head up at Clement.

"Come with me," Clement nods for them to follow. "I want to show you something."

(Y/N) moves to Clement's side, watching him move forward for a moment before relaxing, seeing as he was handling walking just fine on his own. AJ follows after the two, his eyes lingering on the bandages around where he had cut through with the axe.

They follow Clement to the grave area, walking a bit past it.

"Oh, wow!" (Y/N) reacts with a giddy laugh, spotting what Clement had made.

AJ smiles toothily as Clement moves to the side, revealing a tire swing.

"So..." Clement watches AJ's reaction. "What d'ya think?"

"We never did get to let you try the one at the station," (Y/N) recalls, watching as AJ approaches the swing.

AJ looks through the tire, his eyes trailing along it. "It's... for me?"

"Yup," Clement confirms with a nod. "Willy helped me put it together while you guys were gone."

He nudges his crutch against the tire, causing it to swing forward and back a few times.

"C'mon. Let me push you," Clement encourages, gesturing towards the tire as he smiles at AJ.

(Y/N) watches with love as AJ clamors up into the tire, sitting and holding on as Clement shifts back a step. He balances as he sets his hands on the tire, pushing it forward.

"Not too high!" AJ says, peering back and watching with awe as he swings. "(Y/N) said you'd push her too high."

"He did," (Y/N) calls in a sing song, walking over and leaning her back against the tree with her arms folded over her chest.

Clement rolls his eyes jokingly. "I won't, I won't."

AJ swings back, Clement catching the tire in his hand and lightly pushing it forward once more with a chuckle. AJ giggles as he stretches his legs out, (Y/N) feeling herself smile at the child-like look on AJ's face.

"This is fun!" AJ says in between giggles. "I love today!"

"Same here," (Y/N) fondly responds, nodding in agreement.

"Me too," Clement pushes the tire, steadying himself on the crutches. "It's good to see you both smile."

"It's good to just see you," (Y/N) responds softly, making his eyes flick over to her.

"You too, princess."

"Food's ready, everyone! Come and get it!"

Ruby's voice calls from the school yard, Clement looking up as he lowers his hand from the swinging tire. He backs away and allows the tire to slow naturally, (Y/N) pushing off the wall as she lowers her arms. AJ slides out of the tire with a light grunt, his eyes following (Y/N) as she joins Clement and places a kiss on his cheek with her arm wrapped around his waist.

"You two are the best," AJ states, peering between the two with a soft expression.

(Y/N) and Clement are caught off guard as he rushes to them, his arms wrapping around them. The two exchange a surprised expression before Clement shrugs with a short laugh, (Y/N) smiling as she wraps her free arm around AJ.

"It's gonna get cold!" Omar's voice calls.

"Come on!" AJ smiles from ear to ear as he pulls away from them. "Let's go eat!"

"Yes, please. I'm starving!" (Y/N) sways dramatically, leaning on Clement with her arm around his shoulder for support as he looks up in amusement.

AJ runs a bit ahead towards the crosses, cupping his mouth and yelling back, "We're coming!"

(Y/N) stays at Clement's side as they walk along the sidewalk, AJ waiting for them before joining her side as they continue walking by the crosses, each marked with the name of those lost. Marlon. Brody. Sophie. Minerva.

Tennessee.

AJ's eyes linger on Tenn's grave before he looks away, grinning as he runs after (Y/N) and Clement.

...

Rosie approaches the wooden picnic table, everyone gathered around with joyful expressions on their faces as they devoured the amazing food Omar had made for them. Willy smiles when he sees Rosie, tossing her a chunk of fish from his food and earning a scolding from Omar, who states she had already had her dinner.

Ruby feeds Aasim, their love still fairly new but going extremely well.

Clement watches this with an arched brow, eyes lighting up with amusement as he turns and offers a spoonful of his food to (Y/N). She gives him a blank stare, opening her mouth before shoving her own spoon into it, ignoring him as he mocks offense.

AJ sits in front of the two with Willy on his right, Ruby to his left, Willy smirking at AJ before he flings a chunk of food on his spoon at Omar's cheek. Omar, mid-bite, pauses, the food falling into his bowel as his eye twitches.

AJ watches with concern, though it was quick to be erased as Omar lets out a hearty laugh. AJ giggles along as Willy cackles, Louis smiling as he looks from Omar to AJ.

"What d'ya think?" Louis questions lightly, poorly whispering to AJ. "Don't tell Omar I said this, but the flavor's off!"

"What?!" Omar demands frantically, looking over with wide eyes.

Louis slaps his leg as he laughs, making Omar's fear shift to annoyance as his eyebrow raises.

"I'm just shitting with you, Omar the perfectionist. It's good," Louis sighs loudly in amusement, dramatically taking a big bite for emphasis. "Mm-mm-mm! Dé-li-cieux!"

"... I hate you." Omar smirks faintly, rolling his eyes.

AJ watches the two silently, shoulder shaking in a quiet laugh.

Ruby eats a spoonful of her food, swallowing thickly before a small burp escapes her lips. She blinks owlishly, her blue eyes flicking to AJ as he watches her with wide eyes. She grins playfully, recalling the first night they ate together.

AJ sets his spoon down and prepares himself, tapping his chest before releasing a loud belch.

"Goddamn!" Aasim exclaims in both admiration and shock.

"Holy shit!" Louis holds his stomach as laughter overtakes him, his hand slapping the table.

(Y/N) holds in her laugh as she chews on her food, grinning as Ruby and Willy, as well as Omar join in the laughter.

"AJ," Clement scolds gently, shaking his head.

A short but loud burp from his right startles him, making him turn to the source. (Y/N) was smirking, sticking her tongue out playfully as Violet chuckles beside her.

"See! It's good!" AJ laughs, gesturing towards (Y/N).

Clement can't help the chuckle that leaves his lips, making him shake his head fondly as he wraps an arm around (Y/N)'s shoulders, hugging her to his side.

Willy slurps down his bowl of stew, slamming the bowl down and holding it towards Omar.

"Seconds, please!"

"Already?" Omar demands, glancing down at Willy's empty bowl. "You even taste that?"

AJ munches happily on some of his food, his eyes flicking up to (Y/N) and Clement.

Clement was whispering softly into (Y/N)'s ear, the smile on her face growing as she quietly laughs along with something he said. Her eyes suddenly go wide, her face heating up as her head snaps to look up at him.

"Clement!" she scolds, obviously flustered.

He pulls back from her space with a flirtatious wink, his arm tightening around her as he leans forward once more while whispering again.

"What?" AJ asks curiously, gaining Louis' attention.

Louis follows AJ's gaze, blinking slowly at the sight next to him.

"Ooh, what y'all talking about?" he questions loudly, a shit eating grin plastered on his face as he watches the two practically fling away from each other.

"N--Nothing!" (Y/N) stammers out, shaking her head rapidly, cheeks a bit darkened.

"Yeah, nothing! Don't worry about it," Clement readily agrees, staring at the table as he clears his throat.

Louis' snickering makes Clement and (Y/N) look to him with a glare, Louis flicking the collar of his jacket proudly.

"Idiot," Clement grumbles under his breath.

"Remind me why I saved you?" (Y/N) demands in a flat tone, though she obviously didn't mean her words.

"Because you love me?" Louis answers with a charming grin, holding his hands up in surrender at their deadly glares.

(Y/N) only removes her glare when Violet stands from next to her, Violet nodding for (Y/N) to follow her. Clement watches the two before turning to follow, (Y/N) already offering his crutches to him, knowing he'd want to know what was happening. He smiles in thanks, taking them and following after her as they join Violet by the other picnic table.

AJ looks over as the three converse, and after quickly finishing his bowl, he rises and walks over.

"-- yeah, that's the spot," Violet points to an area on the map. "Aasim says he saw ten, fifteen of them a little bit past the old safe zone."

"We can go check them out," (Y/N) determines, nodding as she leans her hands on the table.

Clement frowns a bit, but nods in agreement. "Yeah, that... that sounds best. We need to know who they are-- maybe even see if they're willing to trade. Just..."

(Y/N) turns to him, Clement reaching out and squeezing her shoulder.

"Just keep your distance until you can make a call, please," he quietly says, concern evident in his eyes.

"Of course," (Y/N) gently reassures, nodding.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to your girlfriend," Violet states in a blunt tone, feigning annoyance, though a smile was on her lips.

AJ approaches, frowning. "Who... who are?"

The three look back in surprise, not expecting his presence.

"Oh," (Y/N) glances towards Violet, who was watching him with an unreadable expression. "A group of survivors. Aasim said it's some kind of caravan, they're just past the old safe zone."

AJ tilts his head. "Are they bad people?"

Violet's eyes flick towards Clement and (Y/N), and she takes a deep breath as she manages a smile and approaches.

"How about... instead of (Y/N), you back me up and we'll find that out together?" she questions, looking down at AJ. "That way, she can stay and take care of Clement. And... word on the street is you're a good running buddy. The best."

AJ smiles, but he felt some hesitance.

"Are... Aren't you still mad I killed Tenn?" he meekly asks, almost not wanting to know the answer.

Violet inhales deeply, looking from AJ to (Y/N), then to Clement.

"The thing you said on the bridge," Violet softly starts, voice wavering a bit. "That he was messing up all the time... it wasn't something new, you know. Tenn got himself or other people into trouble all the time, long before you guys got here."

(Y/N) watches Violet with sympathy, Clement frowning sadly as he listens to her speak.

"He was always so lost," she continues with a light sigh. "He lived in a world that just... isn't there, you know? And that's why I tried to look after him. But when I was pulling him away from the walkers, and Minnie... I could also see..."

She pauses, recollecting herself.

"He just wasn't there anymore," Violet finishes, shaking her head.

AJ slowly nods at her words. "So... you're mad, but sad."

Violet nods, smiling sadly as she whispers, "Can I be that for a while?"

He quickly nods in agreement. "Yeah, it's okay!"

His smile falls as he points to her firmly.

"Don't sleep in."

Violet lets out a startled chuckle, shaking her head as she glances to (Y/N). (Y/N) shakes her head with a shrug, smiling as Violet turns and walks off to join the others. Clement watches her before wincing, blinking rapidly as he sharply inhales through his teeth in pain.

(Y/N) was quick to notice, setting a hand on his back. "Hey-- let's go sit for a second, yeah?"

Clement nods, allowing her to lead him over towards the steps of the school.

AJ frowns with concern, rushing after them. "Are-- Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Clement reassures quickly with a strained smile. "Just... just getting tired."

(Y/N) takes Clement's crutches and offers her hand to him, Clement taking it gratefully and using it as support to turn around to sit on the steps with a heavy sigh. (Y/N) sets his crutches beside him, making a move to sit beside him and pausing when he shakes his head with a grin.

He scoots back on the steps, gesturing in front of him. (Y/N) understands his hint, sliding her machete sheathe off and smiling as she sits in front of him. Clement gently unlaces the ribbon from her hair, allowing it to fall free before he grabs some, getting to work on a french braid as she admires the promise ring on her finger.

AJ sits on Clement's left side, his eyes following the movements of Clement's fingers as he effortlessly weaves them through (Y/N)'s hair. AJ felt his eyes drift downwards, his gaze lingering on Clement's leg, where his foot should be. (Y/N)'s eyes flick to her left side as well, and she felt a sense of guilt looking at his bandaged limb.

Clement doesn't seem to even look up, but he knew as he gently brushes a knot away with his fingers.

"Caught ya both."

(Y/N) quickly looks forward again, whistling a nonchalant tune.

"Sorry," AJ apologizes, looking up at Clement.

"It's okay," Clement chuckles lightly, weaving the ribbon through the braid before tying it at the end with a satisfied nod. "I... stare at it, too."

(Y/N) turns so her back was leaning against his right leg, her machete on the step below her.

Clement looks down at her, frowning. "If it was just you, me and AJ out there and I was like this?" he shakes his head. "I don't know if I'd make it two weeks."

"You would," (Y/N) argues, shaking her head at his words. "I'd make sure you did."

"(Y/N)," Clement starts, sighing as he nods towards the crutches. "I'm going to need these to go anywhere. And... God, and if we have to run..." he trails off in a dreadful grumble.

"Hey," (Y/N) firmly speaks, making him look to her with a worried expression.

She rises to his level and leans forward, pressing a light kiss to his lips as his eyes widen a bit. Clement recovers quickly and reciprocates the kiss, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a smile as she pulls away with a serious look in her eyes.

"We stay together," she whispers, setting a hand on his cheek and stroking it with her thumb. "Like we always have... and like we always will."

Clement closes his eyes, leaning into the touch. "Yeah. Like we always will."

AJ looks down, eyebrows furrowed deeply in thought before he lights up. "I know! (Y/N) and I can make you a new foot!"

Clement's eyes shine with amusement as he looks to his left to the boy. "Oh, yeah?"

"There must be a foot-making-book somewhere," AJ looks up, grinning. "I'll ask Willy!"

"That's... not a bad idea, actually," (Y/N) agrees, a smile spreading on her face. "We'd just need the right parts, a little DIY magic and some sturdy ass metal..."

Clement looks between the two, laughing softly. "Well, okay! Find me the foot book, and use your magic."

Rosie pads over to the trio, snorting softly as she lays down behind AJ. Clement smiles fondly as he reaches over, petting the top of her head as she lays her head down with a huff. Willy's screaming laughter could be heard, making the three watch as Aasim chases him through the courtyard.

Louis was telling Violet and Ruby a bad joke as he shuffled through his cards, Violet groaning and slamming her head down on the table as Ruby politely laughs along.

"Home," (Y/N) says to herself, looking around with an overwhelming feeling to both laugh and cry. "We found it."

"All this... it's worth it," Clement agrees with her softly, his expression becoming sad as he looks away from AJ. "All those times you would ask us if we'd find a home... All (Y/N) could do was look away when I'd tell you 'We'll see.' And your face would fall every single time."

AJ frowns, shaking his head. "It's better than saying yes and lying to me."

(Y/N) lets out a quiet scoff, smiling bitterly. "That's what I'd tell Clement when he'd come to me."

Clement's eyes don't leave the ground as his hands clench around his knees. "Do you want to know what I never told you?"

(Y/N) peers up at him, Clement avoiding her gaze.

"I... never had a plan. I never knew where we were going. I never knew anything," he admits, shame written on his features as his eyes tear up a bit. "I just... fought and fought and fought, hoping neither of you would notice. I hoped we'd find something before you did. I just... wanted to protect you both from the world so much."

"Clem," (Y/N) watches him with sadness, setting her hand over his on his knee.

Clement looks between the two, tears threatening to fall from his eyes as he shakily smiles. "Did I do a good job?"

(Y/N) rises on her knees, pulling Clement into an embrace as he starts to cry lightly. His arms wrap around her as he rests his forehead on her shoulder, (Y/N) pressing lingering kisses to his head.

"Yes, Clement," she replies in a whisper, nodding. "You did."

Clement sniffles a bit, leaning back as he looks up into her eyes. "I did?"

"Of course you did!" AJ exclaims in disbelief, blinking rapidly with a confounded expression. "Wha-- are you crazy?!"

(?) Clement will remember that

Clement lets out a choked laugh, shrugging. "Maybe a little."

"I think way more than a little if you think you didn't do a good job protecting us," (Y/N) says firmly as she sits back, lightly shoving his chest.

Clement watches her with adoration, "To be fair, princess, you did your fair share of protecting me and AJ, too."

"Hell yeah, I did!" (Y/N) proudly states, bringing a fist to her chest. "And I will continue to do so because I love you both so. Damn. Much!"

Clement laughs as she brings him into a quick hug, pressing kissing to the side of his face before turning to AJ, who yelps in protests as she hugs him and squeezes him tightly. She sets AJ down with laughter, sitting back in her place as the three were caught in a comfortable silence.

"I... that moment in the barn..." Clement starts in a quiet voice, setting a hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder and lightly squeezing it. "I'm... sorry that you had to go through that. I can't imagine what that was like for you, thinking you'd have to... kill me."

(Y/N) tenses a bit, not wanting to relive that scene from hell itself in the barn.

"Yeah. I'm just... glad AJ stopped me," she responds, giving a grateful glance towards AJ. "We were right to trust you back in the cave, bud. To make the hard calls... especially because I really couldn't."

Clement looks down at his missing leg, "You two'll have to be strong for the three of us."

"Fine by me," (Y/N) casually says with a smile. "You've already done so much for us, Clem. Let us protect you from now on."

"She's right," AJ agrees, nodding once. "You made it so we could. So... thank you. For everything."

"Thank you, Clem," (Y/N) squeezes his hands in hers. "For being you."

Clement looks between the two, eyes tearing up once more at their kindness as he chuckles. "You're welcome."

AJ smiles before he rises, running over to the table to join Louis and Violet, Ruby leaving to join Aasim. Willy climbs the ladder leading up the wall, taking the first watch as Omar works on packing up his supplies for dinner.

(Y/N) rises and takes AJ's previous spot, Clement's arm wrapping around her shoulders as he hugs her close to his side. Setting her hand down beside her, it brushes against something.

She looks down, spotting Clement's hat next to her.

"Hey, bud!" she calls over to AJ, lifting the hat up.

AJ turns back to Violet and Louis before quickly rising from the bench, running over and grabbing the hat. (Y/N) and Clement watch with amusement as he runs towards the dorms, Rosie rising and running after him with playful barks. AJ holds the door open for her, slipping inside after she enters and shutting the door.

"I love you, princess," Clement's low voice makes her lift her head, Clement watching her with a loving gaze.

She smiles and giggles as he presses a kiss between her eyes, craning his neck to press his forehead against hers.

"I'm so glad I'm still here," he murmurs, his eyes shut as he sighs. "I wasn't ready to leave you. We still have so much to experience, together."

"And we will," (Y/N) responds reassuringly, pecking his lips. "I love you too, Clement."

He pulls his forehead away from her, flashing her a cheeky smirk.

"You know, I wasn't kidding earlier. How about tomorrow we get in that kissing practice we never did when AJ's with Violet?"

(Y/N) lets out a snort as she shoves his chest with both hands playfully, his hands coming up and grabbing her wrists as he places kisses along her knuckles. He looks up at (Y/N), surprised when she kisses him as soon as he does. The kiss takes his breath away, the two pulling apart as he smiles a bit lopsided with hearts in his eyes.

"Guessing... that's a yes?" he questions, clearing his throat as it cracks just barely.

"Yes," (Y/N) confirms, giggling at the way his face brightens in both a smile and a blush as he laughs.

AJ emerges from the dorms with Rosie in tow, joining Louis and Violet once more to play their card game. Ruby and Aasim sit at the other picnic table across from one another, holding hands on the table as they speak. Willy stood at the top of the wall, hand blocking out the sun over his eyes as he watched the area for signs of danger. Rosie sat on the ground near AJ, her ears drooped as she yawns tiredly. Louis' laughter fills the air, AJ cackling and Violet rubbing the bridge of her nose in mock annoyance, though a laugh does slip from her lips.

"Clement?"

(Y/N)'s voice quietly gets his attention, making him look down at her.

"You're my home."

Clement's eyebrows raise at this as he smiles widely, chuckling as he bumps his temple against hers affectionately. "You're mine, too, (Y/N)."

(Y/N) leans into Clement's side, her eyes casting down on the bracelet on her wrist. Snapping the locket open, she smiles fondly at the fading image of her mother and father. Clicking it shut, she looks around once more, and lets out a breathless laugh of content.

...

Clement's hat sits on the dresser as sunlight casts through the window, the crystal (Y/N) had found in the cave beside it.

Thank you all for reading!

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End.

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The Walking Dead

A Telltale Games production

Based on the comic book by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard

The Sun Will Be Rising Soon

Written by OneArtsyGamer

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CHOICES I MADE...

Me and 64% of players trusted AJ to make his own decisions

You and 100% of readers named the school the Everett

Me and 77% of players asked AJ to kill me rather than let me be a walker

Me and 60% of players shot Tenn after he became a walker

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RELATIONSHIPS...

Tenn- DEAD

Tenn was happy I let him draw me in his picture of the afterlife

He was bitter when I called Marlon a coward

He felt hopeful after sharing his belief that the 'walker age' would end some day

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Louis- STRENGTHENED

Louis felt overjoyed to learn Clement and Y/N got together

Louis was relieved when Y/N saved him

Tenn's death left him feeling devastated

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Violet- DETERMINED

Violet was glad that Y/N and Clement found happiness with each other

She felt vengeful after the raiders took Louis

Violet felt understood after I expressed sympathy about her reason for coming to Ericson

She was grief stricken about Tenn

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Lilly- DEAD

Lilly thought she could sway Y/N and Clement to join her cause

She realized AJ's potential as a soldier almost immediately

She knew Y/N could be used as leverage against Clement

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James- CONFLICTED

James was thankful I respected his beliefs and spared the walkers

He was disappointed I didn't see there being more to walkers

He was relieved when I said I wouldn't let AJ become a killer

He felt turmoil hearing Y/N call him a friend after what he did to them

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WHAT I TAUGHT AJ...

Always look for an easy way out in a new place

Always aim for the head

Be as honest as you can when apologizing, even if it's really hard

It's okay to burp after a big meal, it's funny

It's not nice to take other people's stuff

Sometimes you have to let others take your stuff to avoid a big fight

Sleeping in a bed is way better than sleeping on the ground

I was wrong to kill Marlon because he wasn't a threat when I shot him. But Lilly was a threat.

If you have to atone something, it's hard, but people might forgive you. And that's their choice

Whenever you're scared, try to push through it

My feelings are valid

Monsters won't be here forever

Killing is never easy or fun, so take it seriously

Rock, paper, scissors can solve an argument

Sometimes you have to show mercy to bad people

Doctors can help you with trauma, or close friends

There's no such thing as a monster-self

If your grandma is dying, stop watching cartoons

Growing up too fast can make you seem scary, but people still have to trust you to make the hard calls

And the hard calls are always unfair

Clement and (Y/N) ARE boyfriend and girlfriend. I was right.

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AHHHH finally I'm republishing again! :D I'm hoping to be done with republishing completely by November 1st, so be on the lookout for other stories to be posted! <3

Thank you all for reading and for your support!! :D Until the next republishing, lovelies!