SHAWN: So when are you gonna let me have it...?

Luke raised a brow

LUKE: My machete?

Shawn nodded enthusiastically, to which Luke chuckled before replying...

LUKE: Not anytime soon, kiddo. This here has saved my life more times than I can count. It's not something I'd just give away

The young boy huffed

SHAWN (Thoughts): It'll be mine one of these days...

LUKE: Hey now, don't be like that. What about your revolver?

SHAWN: It's nowhere near as cool

LUKE: If you say so... Look, uh... maybe one day I won't need this thing anymore, and when that day comes, I'll let you have it

The young Everett's eyes lit up

SHAWN: Seriously?

Luke nodded

LUKE: Seriously. Now, C'mon, we'll pinky swear on it

Shawn smiled, feeling a bit giddy at the prospect of one day wielding what in his young mind was the coolest weapon ever. Extending out his arm, Shawn interlocked his pinky with Luke's

SHAWN: No take backs?

LUKE: No take backs, my word is my bond...

The two grinned like idiots as they shook on it. Suddenly, they were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Shel was making her way down from Carver's office when she spotted the two, or more specifically, Luke...

LUKE: Shel? Everything alright...?

Shel frowned as she averted her gaze with both arms crossed

SHEL: ...Carver wants to see you.

Luke raised a brow before peering up at the top of the staircase. Sure enough, Carver stood there with his own arms crossed as he leaned back against the door to keep it open. When the two's eyes met, Shawn could feel the tension shift...

LUKE: Shawn?

SHAWN: Y-Yeah?

LUKE: You've got perimeter check with Becca, right? We'll talk later...

SHAWN: Oh... um, okay... Is everything oka--

CARVER: Shawn

SHAWN: Yeah, perimeter check with Becca, got it.

Luke watched as Shawn walked away before turning back to Carver. Making his way up toward the man's office, he spared a quick glance at Shel, who refused to look him in the eyes. She didn't really need to say anything. Part of him knew exactly what this was about...

- Present -

*Huff* *Huff* *Huff* *Huff* *Huff*

It's nearly been a week since Clementine and the rest were captured by Carver and taken back to his camp...

*Huff* *Huff* *Huff* *Huff*

WALKER: GRAAAAAAGH! --

*SCHLICK!*

The walker's corpse hits the ground with an audible thud as its head is lopped from its body. As its head rolls through the pile of leaves, the walkers gnashes its teeth usually as it watches the person responsible for its predicament run away...

LUKE: (Exhaustedly) Fuck... Goddammit!

For five days straight, Luke had been making his way towards Carver's camp. He was utterly exhausted, his lungs burned, and his legs ached. Stopping however, was not an option. Death loomed around every corner. The only thing keeping him standing upright... were the thoughts of those he'd come to call his family...

- Flashback -

LUKE: What's this about, Bill?

Shutting the door behind himself, William Carver walked past Luke, who was now standing in the center of the main office.

CARVER: "What's this about?" he says. I'd answer that question, Luke, but how about you humor me instead...?

Luke chuckled to himself, knowing full well why he was here. Though, since he was here, it offered him what he's been needing for a long time. A one on one with Bill, without any outside interface. Meeting Bill's eyes, Luke spoke...

LUKE: I don't know about "Humoring." You. Doesn't seem to me like you're in much of a joking mood. So please, Bill, elaborate. What the hell did I do to set you off, *this* time?

CARVER: I sent you and Shel on a supply run a couple of days ago. You two returned... empty handed. But we both know neither of you are to blame for that. People are out there every day, hunting and scavenging like the rest of us. No... what I want to know about is that family of five that you let prance away with said supplies

LUKE: They weren't interested

CARVER: I. Don't. Care... if they're not "Interested," your job is to make them interested

LUKE: Listen. My "job" at the end of the world, is to help keep everyone here at Howes safe. Period. It was just a man, his wife, and their three little girls. Now I told him about this place, about us, about you. He chose to take his chances out there, and quite frankly, I don't blame him...

Carver's hand subtly brushed over the handle of his holstered gun for a split second before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He and Luke have had their fair share of misunderstandings since the group had recently taken residence within the abandoned hardware store, but this was different.

CARVER: "People *need* other People, Luke. What I-- What we're doin' here... is providing a service, and it's a damn fine one at that, most people could only dream of it. I'm talking about creating a society of strong willed individuals here, not a bunch of pussies that are too scared to pull a trigger when it counts. I am curious though... what exactly did you tell him...?

LUKE: I told him the truth... that you're becoming unstable

Carver chuckled loudly at Luke's comment, the words that left the young man's mouth sounding utterly absurd

CARVER: Unstable... *I'm* unstable?

Luke narrowed his eyes before replying

LUKE: People are becoming scared, Bill! Fuckin' scared!

CARVER: Good

Luke huffed

LUKE: Good?!

CARVER: Fucking fantastic. If they're scared of me, the less afraid they'll be of the monsters outside. These people fuckin' thrive because of me...

LUKE: Is that what you think?

Carver narrowed his eyes back

CARVER: It's what I know

- Present -

The moans of walkers grew ever quiet as Luke had finally managed to put some distance in between himself and the undead. Leaning against one of the many trees, he took a moment to catch his breath and wipe the sweat from his brow. He couldn't afford to rest for too long, but he needed this brief respite. Eventually, the adrenaline from fighting off and outrunning many small herds of walkers had finally caught up to him...

LUKE: (Exhaustedly) I just need... a bit... of... rest

His eyelids felt heavy, and despite his attempts to stay upright and alert, Luke would find himself sliding down the tree ever so slightly as his body could no longer move. Before his eyes had fallen shut, Luke would see the silhouette of what appeared to be a man, completely naked, his body covered head to toe in third degree burns

LUKE: (Exhaustedly) W-Who...?

Unfortunately, Luke would fall unconscious before he could speak any further. After a few more minutes, the figure Luke had seen would approach his unconscious body. Looking down at Luke, the figure spoke...

THE FIGURE: ...How many times have I been here? Ninety? No... No, without a doubt, this would be my... ninety-eighth time. I'm getting bored... I've seen this story before... maybe God won't mind if I... interfered... just this once...

The figure would then crouch down, grabbing Luke by the collar of his shirt, and making sure to pick up the machete before dragging the young man away

- Flashback -

It was midnight. Most the members of Howes were fast asleep. Tension in the air hung thick. The words that had just left Luke's mouth being the cause of said tension. Over the last couple of months, Luke had carefully scouted out those who shared in his growing concern for their leaders mental state. The small group that were now gathered consisted of Carlos, Rebecca, Alvin... and Shel

SHEL: Say that again... I... I don't think I heard you clearly

Without hesitation, Luke turned to face Shel with an immensely serious expression as he repeated himself

LUKE: Tomorrow night, we move

Rebecca shifted uncomfortably before resting both hand on her stomach. She hadn't wanted it to come to this, but things between both her and Carver had become too dangerous and unstable. The reveal of her pregnancy all those months ago had proved to only bolster Carver's more violent tendencies, and means of maintaining control. She nearly jumped, being pulled from her thoughts as Alvin rested his hand upon her shoulder reassuringly. She smiled somewhat, though her husband's attempt at comfort wouldn't last long. Rebecca couldn't look him in the eye... or let alone tell him the truth of what had been bothering her these last 

SHEL: That's what I thought you said...

CARLOS: Shel, we--

SHEL: No! This is... this is suicide, okay? Look I've got Becca to look after... for Christ sake, isn't Rebecca pregnant as well? Alvin? This is you wife we're talking about... do you really want her out there?! like that?!

CARLOS: What other options are there...?

ALVIN: There are none

REBECCA: I get where you're coming from Shel, I do, but I can't keep doing this. Luke's right. Bill hasn't been the same since back then...

Shel shook her head

SHEL: Nobody has been! Every last person that's sitting here right now, is a completely different person than who they started out as. (Turning to Luke) What happens when you finally become just like Carver, hmm?

Luke narrowed his eyes

LUKE: That's not happenin' 

Shel scoffed as she shook her head incredulously at the man standing before her

SHEL: ...and just how the hell can you be so sure? (Turning to Carlos) And what you, Carlos? You gonna be able to keep it together if something happened Sarah?

Save for Luke, the various occupants of the room averted their gaze as Shel eyed each of them down. These people were her friends, and have been for a very long time, but in her eyes, this was insanity...

SHEL: So that's it then...? Things get tough and you all just turn tail and run? You know who else used to do that bullshit? Me. Carver isn't the only one that's changed. I know it seems bleak, but we can't just give up on Carver, no matter how much of an asshole he can be...

LUKE: ... I think they've made up their mind, Shel

Shel tightened her fist in frustration... but ultimately

*Inhale*

*Exhale*

Luke watched as Shel walked up to him and gently placed her hand on his chest. Staring into his eyes, Shel spoke

SHEL: I've been wanting to say this for awhile, but I always put it off because unlike now, I didn't think you needed to hear this, but...

LUKE: ...?

SHEL: Dutch and Detroit... I never blamed you for their deaths. You're scared, and you have been for a long time. Just like Carver you're scared of something like that happening again. (She smiled softly) The look on your face tells me I'm on the right track. You were never a bad leader Luke. You only ever did what you thought was best for the group, but I'm telling you... that if you do this... you're going to get people killed

Luke's expression hardened further, trying to mask the pain he felt at the mention of his fallen friends. Luke then removed the woman's hand from his chest as he spoke

LUKE: Is that what you think...?  Then I'm sorry, but the plan hasn't changed in the slightest. We leave tomorrow, with, or without you. Nick and Pete are already on board, so hurry up and make your damn decision already

Shel and the others present were taken aback by Luke's sudden change in demeanor. Shel could feel heart pang with sadness. Her bottom lip quivered as her mind raced back to her time spent with Dutch and how much she wished he were here right now. Nonetheless, she pushed past her feelings for their late friend, before giving Luke her answer...

- Present -

LUKE: (Muttering in sleep) I'm so... sorry... Shel

A stray tear ran down Luke's face and hit the hard ground below. After a few moments, Luke began to stir... 

*Drip*

A drop of fell atop Luke's forehead. finally rousing him from his restless slumber. When he came to, he immediately took in his surroundings. As he do so, he began to panic...

LUKE: Wha-- Where am...?

On one hand he was grateful. No longer was he passed out in the middle of a walker infested forest, but instead, sitting near the edge of what appeared to be a giant sewage drain...

THE FIGURE: You should relax

Luke's head immediately snapped toward the source of the voice. The sheer darkness tried it's best to obscure the man, but the light from outside was just enough for Luke to see him. The figure itself appeared the have just gotten done dressing itself. At it's feet lay the unclothed body of a walker. Though the figure itself wasn't facing Luke, the young man could see the back of it's head. The charred flesh made Luke shudder...

LUKE: W-Who the hell are yo-- you... you're the one who dragged be out the forest, right...?

THE FIGURE: ...

LUKE: Look man, I don't know who you are but I...

THE FIGURE: "Really appreciate It..." is that what you were about to say...?

LUKE: ...Yeah? I mean... it was you that saved me back there, right?

THE FIGURE: Indeed

Luke quirked a brow

LUKE: Then yeah... thank you... I'd have--

THE FIGURE: You'd have survived your little stint in the forest. My interfering was not an act of benevolence. It was merely a selfish act, meant for the long term goal of keeping me entertained...

Luke was no stranger to weird people, but he'd have to admit that the person standing in front of him was most certainly just that... weird

THE FIGURE: Howes is exactly four or five miles east of our current location

LUKE: How did you know I was headed there...?

THE FIGURE: You have a lot of questions, some of which you'll die never having received the answers to. Now listen very closely, because I'm only going to say this once, stray from this path and you'll die as originally intended

The sheer amount of questions Luke had regarding the enigma that was the man standing in front of him only served to grow in mass as time went on. However, Luke did as he was told, and listened intently on every word the figure spoke...

- Hours Later -

CLEMENTINE: That's not *living* Shawn, it's... it's something else. I mean listen to yourself... "hunt", since when does anyone hunt the people they care about...?

Luke took a deep breath, resting his head against the back of the comic's stores front counter as he listened in on Clementine and Shawn's conversation. Finding out that the boy was still alive gave Luke a sense of relief. There were so many things he wanted to say to Shawn, but that would have to wait for now. He'd gone to great lengths getting here on foot, and sneaking into Carver's community was no walk in the park either...

SHAWN: What's the most important thing in this world...?

Luke raised his head as he heard the question leave Shawn's mouth. There was a brief pause, as if Clementine was contemplating the answer, but Luke knew, that she knew...

CLEMENTINE: ...It's

LUKE: (Under his breath) Family...

He smiled. To Luke, that question meant the world. It was easy to become jaded and detached, to lose focus on the things that actually mattered. It was something Carver had lost sight of years ago. Hearing the question leave Shawn's mouth however, gave Luke hope, maybe Carver's influence didn't run as deep as he'd originally thought. If things panned out how they were supposed to then... maybe he could convince Shawn to leave with him and the others

LUKE (Thoughts): ...Maybe

SHAWN: My father's name was Lee Everett...

Luke paused. Lee Everett... Shawn's father. In the years he'd known the boy, he rarely mentioned either of his parents. Though, that name... it's come up before. Luke's eyes then widened as he thought back to his and Clementine's conversation in the cabin...

LUKE (Thoughts): No... no that couldn't be it. What the hell are the chances of that...?

Luke continued eavesdropping as Shawn carried on speaking, his keen ears picking up on the hurt in the young boy's voice. Having been raised by Carver, Shawn was still in the process of being molded into a figure devoid of warmth, one who could embody coldness and, if necessary, unyielding ruthlessness. Despite Shawn's efforts to conceal it, the pain lurking beneath his words was unmistakable to Luke...

SHAWN: ...Finding my father handcuffed to a radiator with a bullet In his head is an image I'll never be able to erase. If I ever find who took him from me, I'll be sure to return the favor

Clementine quickly stood, reaching out her arm as she watched the boy storm out of the comic store...

CLEMENTINE: Shawn, wait!

The unexpected and shocking revelation caused her mind to race a mile a minute. Everything she thought she knew was now being put into question. Why would Lee keep something like this a secret? Was this a dream? Maybe she misheard him... maybe was a different Lee Everett...?

Clementine shook the image out of her head. No, there was only *one* Lee Everett. She'd be sure to let Kenny in on bombshell once they were all sent back to the holding area. Clementine scanned her surroundings for a moment before deciding to take her leave. Placing her hand on the door, she stopped...

CLEMENTINE: ...?!

Narrowing her eyes, she scanned the small store once again...

Nothing

*Inhale*

*Exhale*

She huffed, realizing her nerves had gotten the better of her

CLEMENTINE: (Under her breath) Breathe Clementine... breathe

Turning her attention to the exit once more, she began to open it. However, the door would open only a couple inches before it was immediately slammed shut. Clementine nearly jumped out of her skin as a hand snaked its way over her mouth...

CLEMENTINE: (Muffled Screams) MMPFF!!!

Whoever her attacker was made sure to keep her hands bound as they lifted her from the ground. Refusing to make this easy, she thrashed around violently...

LUKE: (Whispering Loudly) Clem, calm down!

*CHOMP*

LUKE: *Painful Hiss* Shit!

Luke dropped Clementine and began nursing his now bitten hand. Once most of the pain had subsided, he turned to face the girl who looked both shocked and a bit annoyed at his presence...

LUKE: (Whispering) Jesus. Clem, I said, "Calm down," I think you drew blood...

Indeed, she had, if the faint metallic taste lingering in her mouth, was anything to go by. Before Luke could speak further, he was then set upon by Clementine, the girl delivering the tightest hug that her small frame could muster. Luke was taken aback by the action but returned the gesture nonetheless

LUKE: Yeah... I uh... I missed you too

The two parted, smiling at one another as they did so. Unfortunately, the smiles faded as Clementine spoke...

CLEMENTINE: Walter... he... he was...

Luke nodded slowly. He'd seen the body, having searched the ski lodge for anything useful before departing to find the others

LUKE: I know... and I'm sorry, but we can't think about that right now. Look, I've gotta make this quick, alright? Gettin this far was hell, but... shit. There's no easy way to explain this...

CLEMENTINE: Explain what?

- Elsewhere -

Shawn slammed the door to his room shut before putting his back against it and sliding down. He'd lost control of his emotions. The mention of either of his parents was a sensitive topic. How he'd failed to find his father in time. How he'd failed to protect his mother. These were the things that kept him up at night.

*Knock Knock Knock*

The sudden knocking on Shawn's door startled him. He quickly wiped away any traces of tears from his eyes before responding...

SHAWN: Who is it...?

He asked, slightly annoyed

BECCA: (Muffled voice from behind the door) It's me... can we talk for a bit?

Becca stood outside the boy's room, awaiting an answer before the door finally opened ever so slightly. Becca smiled, a faint hue of red ting her cheeks...

SHAWN: Sure... I need some fresh air anyway

Becca beamed

- Later -

Now, having made their way up towards the roof, both Shawn and Becca sat at the edge of the building, peering out into the distance...

BECCA: ... And now she thinks I'm crazy. it's total bullshit. I know what I saw... but you believe me, right Shawn?

Shawn smiled for a moment before speaking

SHAWN: A naked guy with burns wandering around the woods with a bunch of walkers...

Becca's face fell for a moment as she awaited Shawn's answer. She needed him to believe her. If Shawn started to think she had actually lost her mind, then...

SHAWN: I believe you

BECCA: ...?!

Her eyes widened as she stared at the boy next to her...

SHAWN: I don't think calling you crazy helps anything. You've always been super reliable, and you're a really good friend. So I believe you. This isn't something you would lie about, Becca. If it makes you feel better, we could even go looking for this guy together...

Shawn turned to face Becca, only to freeze when he saw the tears pooling in her eyes. He quickly waved his hands in an attempt to calm her down

SHAWN: Hey, hey, hey... don't cry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--

However, he was taken off guard as Becca enveloped him in a tight hug. It took a moment, but after a few seconds, Shawn would return the gesture. He didn't know, but his belief in Becca meant more to the girl than he could ever imagine...

BECCA: (Whispering) Don't ever change... okay?

Shawn smiled

SHAWN: Yeah... you neither

- Later That Night -

KENNY: Has he lost his fuckin' mind?!

MIKE: Say man, keep it down will you...? Damn

CLEMENTINE: ...I trust him

Kenny shook his head

KENNY: You've got to have better sense than that Clem.

CLEMENTINE: Then you should know to trust me on this... Kenny, he came all this way to try and help us

KENNY: Help? We had an entire escape plan ready to go *Before* he showed up. Now he wants us to wait until the herd hits the place to make our move?

Clementine sat silent for a moment. Luke's sudden arrival and subsequent plan had thrown a wrench into their own means of escape.  She understood Kenny's frustration, but she also knew that Luke had a reason for what he was doing, even if he couldn't fully explain it yet...

ALVIN: He's got a point... shit sounds insane

REBECCA: I'd be all for it Clem, but I can't risk this baby. Besides, walking through a horde of Walkers? It's impossible

JANE: Actually... it's entirely possible. I do it all the time.

The group turned their attention to the woman who had otherwise been silent during their stay at Howes.

REBECCA: So you *do* speak

SARITA: Your name is Jane, right? What do you mean by "I do it all the time" how is that even possible?

JANE: It's simple. You just mask your scent by covering yourself in their guts. It's like camouflage... really gross... but really effective, camouflage

KENNY: Bullshit

CLEMENTINE: No... it's not

KENNY: ...?

Clementine faced Kenny directly before continuing

CLEMENTINE: Lee did that too. It's how we escaped the hotel back in Savannah

KENNY: Lee did that...? Smart bastard, if only he were here now

Clementine nodded with a smile, but then it hit her...

CLEMENTINE: Shawn has to come with us

SARITA: ...?!

REBECCA: ...?!

CARLOS: ...?!

SARAH: ...?!

JANE: ...?!

NICK: ...?!

MIKE: ...?!

The holding area fell silent. Some of them eyeing the young Marsh as if she'd grown a second head. Others, the one's who come to know Shawn over the years, looked on in concern. The silence would soon be broken, as Jane was the first to speak...

JANE: That's not gonna happen

Clementine frowned, narrowing her eyes at the woman before replying

CLEMENTINE: ...And why the hell not?!

SARAH: Clementine...

Clementine then snapped her attention over to the older girl

CLEMENTINE: He used to be your friend, didn't he?

SARAH: He... he did, but--

CLEMENTINE: But what?!

SARAH: He... changed

Clementine balled her fist in frustration before Jane would speak once again...

JANE: What's so special about him anyway? Don't tell me this some stupid childhood crush or something. You're usually the rational type... 

Clementine shook her head

CLEMENTINE: It's not... I... he's just...

Jane folded her arms

JANE: He's Carver Jr. in the making, that's what he is. I don't care who or what he is to you, but one thing is for certain. He can't be trusted. He's Carver's right hand. I've seen that kid flip a switch when the moment calls for it. He's loyal to a fault, and if he finds out about this little plan of ours... we're toast

CLEMENTINE: That's not true

Every word that left Jane's mouth was like a dagger being driven into Clementine's heart. She didn't know how much of Carver's influence had affected the boy, but she also didn't care. There were so many questions she needed answers to, and she'd never get them if Shawn was dead, or left behind...

KENNY: We'll give you a day

Both Jane and Clementine turned to Kenny with varying expressions of confusion

CLEMENTINE: Kenny...

Jane took note of Kenny's tense demeanor. The way he sat forward, with both hands clasped tightly together. The intense and concerned expression plastered on his tired and grizzled face was enough to signal to her that this was something bigger than he and the girl were letting on. 

JANE: *Sigh* Go ahead and do whatever it is you all think is best, but if this thing goes sideways, don't act surprised

Having shared her concerns on the matter, Jane headed off to bed, leaving the others to continue their talks on the topic of escape. Watching as Jane took her usual spot, the bed in the corner of the holding area, Rebecca turned to face Kenny...

REBECCA: Are you sure about this Kenny? Why the sudden change?

KENNY: Lee Everett was, and still is the smartest sonuva bitch I've ever known. So I know this little camo idea is worth a shot. Plus, let's just say I owe a favor...

ALVIN: I still like the original idea

Carlos nodded

CARLOS: I did too, but the outcome of us being caught trying to escape stays the same. Leaving under the cover of a herd is ingenious in and of itself. Though I'm not too Keen  on this idea of trying to flip Shawn to our side. Carver has his claws deep 

Clementine then spoke with a renewed sense of purpose as she replied

CLEMENTINE: Not deep enough

Carlos never liked the idea of Clementine taking on such dangerous task, after all, she was still a child. However, what he couldn't deny, was that the girl sitting across from him was a survivor. He also couldn't help but notice the similarities between her and the current topic of their conversation... Shawn Everett

CARLOS: I hope you're right... Shawn is... he's a good boy. Though after what happened the first time we escaped this place, he hasn't exactly forgiven us, and I don't blame him...

Alvin grimaced

CARLOS: ...However, he seems to have gotten a bit close to you since we arrived. Maybe you'll be the one to make him see reason

Clementine watched as Carlos then placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder, this started the young teen as she jumped ever so slightly...

CARLOS: Come Sarah... let's go get some rest. We've got a long day ahead of us

Carlos then turned, walking towards he and Sarah's shared bunk bed. Both Clementine and Sarah shared a glance, the latter looking down in shame before joining father. One by one, each of them made their way to their respective bunks until only Clementine and Kenny remained sit around the dim fire...

KENNY: We should probably catch some shut eye as well kiddo, there's no tellin' what bullshit that asshole Carver is cookin' up for us

The two would then follow suit as the others had before them. Making their way back to their bunks, Clementine rested her head on her pillow, staring up at the night sky through the bars of the holding area. The cool night air hit her skin, causing her to shiver...

KENNY: (Talking quietly) I still see their faces...

Clementine listened as Kenny continued

KENNY: Katjaa, and Duck... everytime I go to sleep, I see 'em. I thought that maybe, after meeting Sarita, that they'd go away, that I wouldn't have to think about 'em anymore. When they... when they uh...

Clementine's expression fell, knowing how hard it was for Kenny to say it out

KENNY: Lee did what I couldn't. He helped me. He was always helping someone, even if they didn't *deserve* anyone's help. That was the kind of guy Lee Everett was...

The girl thought back to the first time she'd met Lee, back during the start. She thought about how much easier of a time would Lee have had if he'd have just left her alone in the treehouse. A wave of guilt washed over her, that maybe Lee would have survived, if not for her. Now clutching her hat tightly, she brushed her thumb over front of it

CLEMENTINE: Did you know...?

KENNY: ...

Kenny's silence was all she needed. Having something like this kept from her irked the girl, but she wasn't mad at Kenny, and she wasn't mad at Lee either. She simply thought she knew everything there was to know about Lee, and to have something like this dumped into her lap was... a lot

CLEMENTINE: I'm not mad

KENNY: ...You sure don't sound like it

CLEMENTINE: I just thought I knew everything

The mental image of Shawn's face during each of their interactions thus far flashed before her eyes. His demeanor, despite his age, reminded her of a lot of Lee. The more she thought about it, the less she doubted the words that left the boy's mouth. Clementine then took a deep breath, before speaking

CLEMENTINE: We're going to help him, Kenny. One way or another... he has to come with us

KENNY: You didn't have to tell me that. My mind was made up the first time I figured out who he was. Lee's kid doesn't deserve to be raised by some power hungry piece of shit like Carver. I wasn't there to stop what happened to Lee, but goddammit, I'll make sure his boy gets to live someplace better than this

Clementine smiled, resting her hat next to head before yawning

CLEMENTINE: ...Goodnight, Kenny

KENNY: ...Yeah... g'night, Clem

- Later -

SHAWN: *Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn*

Today's events were both parts mentally and physically draining. Keeping fully grown adults in check was hard work, though, having a gun strapped to his hip  definitely helped. It was now midnight as Shawn made his way towards his quarters. Night watch had fallen into his lap, but before heading to the roof, he figured he'd pay someone a visit...

*Knock Knock*

CARVER: (Muffled voice from behind the door) Come in...

The to Carver's office creaked open as Shawn entered, closing it behind himself. William Carver sat at his desk, going over a bloodied folder that contained multiple design concepts for Howes. Upon seeing the folder, Shawn frowned...

SHAWN: Is that...?

CARVER: George's blueprints? Yeah... with him gone, it's up to me to try and make sense of it all. All the while that fat fuck Alvin gets to enjoy the fruits of our dead friends labor. (Shaking his head) Don't mind me... what's up with you? You're supposed to be on watch, aren't you?

Shawn nodded

SHAWN: Yeah... I am... I just... something was said about you earlier and I...

Shawn froze when he looked up to see Carver staring at him, he looked tired

CARVER: And...? Don't let me stop you

Shawn continued

SHAWN: Everything we do here is for the people we care about, right? To keep everyone safe means that sometimes... people have to die?

There was a pause, Shawn now wondering whether or not he'd misspoke. The boy hadn't meant to blurt out the question like he had, but lately it's been bugging him more and more--

CARVER: Yes

SHAWN: But what if--

CARVER: If someone becomes a liability, or is a threat to this community... we kill 'em. You're a smart kid, so I'm a bit surprised you need me to be this blunt. So there's your answer, now, is there anything else you need, squirt?

SHAWN (Thoughts): ... A hug would be nice

Shawn shook his head

CARVER: Good, glad I could help. Oh and one more thing, before you go on watch, do me a favor and sort through the belongings of our new arrivals.

SHAWN: Oh... okay... well then, have a nice night

CARVER: ...

Unfortunately for the young Everett, Carver hadn't even acknowledged his goodbye, simply choosing to look back down at, and mull over the blueprints spread out before him. It was only for a second, but Shawn could feel something tugging at his heart, it was that same feeling of loneliness he'd felt back at Nunez. Taking a deep breath, he buried those feelings like he always had before leaving the room. It took a few minutes before Shawn entered the loading bay area, once he had, he spotted the various items/weapons laying atop one of the many wooden crates. The first thing to catch his eye was the pink backpack that stood out like a sore thumb...

SHAWN (Thoughts): Hmm... that must be Clementine's

Walking up to the pile of confiscated belongings, Shawn grabbed the bag before speaking

SHAWN: I shouldn't have acted like that earlier. I'll apologize tomorrow if I get the chance...hmm?

Right as he picked up the backpack, What appeared to be a torn photograph slipped out from the slightly opened zipper and fell with it's face to the floor. To Shawn, carrying a photograph this late into the apocalypse meant that this must have had a lot of sentimental value to Clementine, and he could relate. Not wanting anything to happen to it, Shawn crouched down to pick it up...

A/N: And that's where we'll be leaving things for right now. The Howes section of Season 2 is nearly complete, and I can't wait for you all to experience that conclusion along with me. As always, I hope you all enjoyed, and I will see you all next time.