#clemxlouis

Louis tried his best to not toss and turn, he really hated these beds. They were so springy, you do anything on it, so much as lay a hand on the mattress and it would make a springy noise. The noise wouldn’t annoy him as much if Clementine wasn’t laying beside him, he quickly found out she was a very light sleeper. It broke his heart that she wasn’t born a light sleeper, she just adapted to being one due to all of the trauma she faced. He wanted to make sure she got as much sleep as she could- so tossing and turning would definitely awaken her and that was the last thing he wanted.

So, he lay stiff as a board. Looking above to the mattress above him. He anxiously counted the number of bars holding the bed above him, distracting his mind to the best of his abilities. Because every time he couldn’t sleep at night, his mind went to dark places. *You have no idea what you’re doing.* He would think. That main thought spiraled out of control to other thoughts. But, that one main thought started from the time he was child, to now. It adapted to whatever situation he was in. As a child, ‘You have no idea what you’re doing’ related to the spelling bee, now, it is related to parenting his one year old daughter.

He grabbed the chair next to the desk, and placed it near the bed. He sat on it and watched her sleep soundly. A warm feeling was felt in his chest, unknowingly smiling ear to ear. He examined her features, and the midnight moon shone upon her face. She mainly had Louis’ features, his freckles, skin color, and eye shape. But, her lashes were full and her eyes were as golden as Clementines, her hair was also kinky just like Clementines. She was a perfect mix between the two.

*You don’t know what you’re doing, do you?*

Louis furrowed his brows as the thought entered his mind. No matter how many baby books he read, or conversations with Clementine he had about how to raise a baby into childhood, his mind was never satisfied with himself.

*To put your girlfriend through so much pain during her pregnancy, so selfish to bring a kid into this world, you’re a monster.*

That wasn’t true. Louis knew it. It wasn’t a mindless decision or an accident, it was multiple conversations and respectful debates about when or if they should start a family. After weeks, they decided together that they wanted a family, and they had enough resources to do so. And the pregnancy went better than expected, minor pain here and there, and the delivery had no scares. Thankfully, whenever Louis would remember this, it seemed as if thoughts grew quieter, and instead he imagined a world where the apocalypse wasn’t here. He wondered what her parents would think of him, or Lee, even Kenny. He didn’t know much about them, but he knew enough to know she cared deeply for them.

Suddenly, his daughter sniffled, causing him to go into panic mode. He calmed himself down once she went back to her normal state. It was spring, and it was just allergies but he was still terrified of her getting sick. Louis sighed, slouching against the chair now.

Although Louis truly thought he didn’t know what he was doing, he knew one thing. He’ll never be like his parents. His father, manipulative and a gas-lighter. His mother ignored it and was just focused on her public image instead.

*“Chin up, baby.” His mother whispered down to him. “Play your little piano and smile.”*

*His mother’s tone was sweet, and caring. But Louis wasn’t stupid. He knew his family milked his skills during fancy business parties like these ones. But, he played the piano nonetheless, because this was the only time he could truly feel like he had an audience that enjoyed his talent, his dream.*

*“My son! Ladies and gentlemen!” Louis’ father widened his arms towards Louis playing the piano. Families of prestigious wealth clapped for him. In this moment it was bitter sweet, should he feel happy that people enjoyed his music, or should he feel angry that his parents only supported him if it benefited them? Louis brushed off the confusing feelings and instead put his emotions into his music, making it authentic and oddly charming.*

*“Beautiful, Mandisa.” A woman patted his mothers shoulder. “You’ve raised a wonderful son.”*

Louis slightly groaned in irritation. ‘*They raised a horrible kid.’* Louis thought to himself. Now that he was older, he realized that he shouldn’t have beat himself up as much as he did when he was 17. Guilt had always occupied his mind when he thought about what he did, how he broke up his parents. But in reality, they raised him like that. They raised him to think of yourself first, not others. Survival of the fittest.

*“Please, I have a family William!”*

*Louis sat on the couch with his mother, they were just chatting when they heard the commotion coming from the office room. His father opened the door and held his hand out. “You’re not needed anymore, Mark.”*

*“I-I’m not needed?! Are you serious!? I helped you start this business, what the fuck man?!”*

*“But- Mark. You seem to forget. People like me. People like my beautiful ‘exotic’ wife, people love my son. What do you have Mark? A regular housewife, who’s pregnant and unattractive? A son who doesn’t excel in school? He doesn’t even have a talent to show off. You’re dragging me down. You understand, don’t you?”*

*“Excuse me?! The fuck did you-” Mark gulped as a security guard walked up behind him. “Fine.” Mark muttered.*

*The guard escorted the man out. Louis’ father looked at Louis with a smile, as if he didn’t just ruin someone’s life. “See son,” he started. “-sometimes, we have to make the hard decisions to get what we desire. It’s just business. Nothing personal.”*

Business came first, passion and feelings came last. That way of life ruined his childhood. He believed from a young age hurting others to get what he wanted was ok.

He gently stroked Willows head, *‘I’ll never teach you that.’* He thought to himself. No matter what, he’ll always make sure she knew it was ok to express herself, to talk about her feelings. He wanted her to know that no matter the situation, she was loved and *accepted.*

“I promise.” He whispered. “I promise I’ll give you a better life than mine.”

Suddenly, he felt slender arms wrap around his neck, a semi-heavy weight on his shoulders. He smiled, hearing Clementine mumble something out of exhaustion.

“What was that, darling?” Louis asked, holding her forearm.

“You’re doing great.” She yawned. “You don’t have to keep worrying Louis. You love her and that’s—“

“The bare minimum, Clem.” Louis cut her off.

“-not really. Not anymore.” Clementine said sadly. “Even back then, dads used to run out on their kids, unable to either provide a stable life or love. You could’ve ran out so many times, so many opportunities and you didn’t.”

“Why would I ever do that?” Louis replied, almost offended.

“I’ve seen it happen before. Of course I knew you wouldn’t but…there’s always that lingering exit you can take, and the urge is probably there for you-“

“Clementine.” Louis said sternly, waking her up a little. “I would *never* do that. Do you really think that?”

Clementine stayed quiet. In reality, no. Of course she knew Louis would never leave. It was just her inner insecurities popping out, she’d hidden it for years but it came out eventually. The *constant* fear that she would be alone again lingered in her mind. Louis noticed her silence and sighed. He got off his chair, and then hugged her tightly.

“Isn’t it crazy?” Louis chuckled.

“What?”

“How we only started dating a month into knowing each other.” Louis started, caressing her arm a bit. “Now, we’re in a family together. Clementine, I didn’t fight a war with you, fell for you in the middle of it, wrote songs about you, spent literally almost every second with you for the past 4 years to just leave.” Louis reassured.

“But now we have a kid.”

“Even more of a reason to stay. I mean *who* can actually say they have a kid with the most beautiful, bad-ass woman of the apocalypse world? Only me! I’d be a fool to run from that.” Louis joked.

She shook her head, a big smile on her face. Louis kissed the top of her head, pushing her slightly towards the bed, there he dropped her on it. She got into a comfortable position, and Louis lay next to her.

“I was serious.” Clementine broke the silence. “When I said you’re doing great. It’s not only the love you have for her Louis. You don’t even go to sleep before she does. Even though I tell you I got it. You care deeply for her and that *is* enough.”

Louis sighed, twiddling his fingers with one another, only staring at the bars above him. “I know. Thanks. Sometimes it just feels like I’m not enough, even before Willow.”

“Louis…” Clementine muttered sadly. The thought of him degrading himself saddened her. She sat up, grabbing his curious glance. Clementine took off her oversized sweater, a tank-top underneath. There was enough moon-light to see the faint, pink branded mark on her arm. She slid her fingers over it slightly, a grimace appearing on her face.

“You finally gonna reveal the meaning behind that?” Louis chuckled, over the years, she’d always refuse. ‘*The past doesn’t matter.’* She’d say.

Although he was joking, she wasn’t.

“I got this when I was 13.” Clementine started.

Louis shifted himself upwards, a frown shown on his face as he eyed the scar.

“I only did it to make sure AJ was safe. But, then he got ripped apart from me in the same group. After that, I had nothing more to lose. And when you have nothing to lose…you do scary, stupid things. I was horrible, Louis. I wasn’t the same person you know today.”

Louis nodded, taking in her words to the best of his ability. Trying not to react negatively in anyway.

“After I got AJ back—I only had *him.* If anyone ever—and I mean, *anyone* tried anything to hurt or kill him, I wouldn’t hold back. Yes I love AJ. I really do, but that feeling of hopelessness for your own self is so damaging.” Clementine opened up. After a brief moment of silence she continued. “I didn’t have hope for my own life, only for his. I didn’t mind if I got bit, as long as he was safe, I didn’t care. Not because I was sad or anything but because I just felt like this world wasn't for me. When I was a kid, I loved to be social, playful even. I've changed so much, I was forced to. I used to be innocent. Now, I'm finally getting some sort of my old self back."

Clementine grabbed Louis’ hand and squeezed it slightly. “You saved me.” She said, her tone hoarse. Louis squeezed back on her hand.

"I'm glad to be of service." He smiled at her. “I love you.”

I’m so happy for my adorable Ninja family..

A/N: Welcome to the first chapter of my highschool AU! I will try to update this regularly, and I hope you enjoy the first part :)) also huge thank you to @missdaisymayrio , without her I could not have written this. 

Summary of Story: After the first night, it seems impossible for them not to run into each other. Though, neither the boy with dreads nor the girl with curls can complain about that.

Summary of Chapter: Clementine had never liked parties--until she realized that some of them aren’t so bad, thanks to one dark haired boy.

Word Count: 3,670 words

CHAPTER ONE: PARTY FAVOR

I can only spend so many hours rewriting this. This will have to do.

There isnt enough Louis x Clem fanfiction out there, writers get your shit together!!!

First song is Like Real People Do by Hozier while the second song is With a Little Help From my Friends by The Beatles.

In which Clementine fully experiences music.

The sun had long past set behind the school, darkening the courtyard and beckoning the kids inside. Clementine and AJ were the first to retreat indoors as they had spent the day increasing the size of the schools safe zone. It was no surprise that AJ insisted on going with Clementine and Aasim, claiming he was old enough to go on such a simple job. Clementine found no point in arguing with him.

AJ was clearly exhausted from the long trek but Clementine knew he’d never admit that. She now knew he probably regretted tagging along, too, but he’d never admit that one as well.

Louis couldn't help but feel disappointed as he watched the pair retreat inside with a frown. Violet scoffed. “You’re hopeless.” She said as she stood up from the bench the pair sat at.

He couldn’t help it. He was looking forward to talking with her as he hadn’t seen much of her all day. They had headed out before sunrise and Louis wasn’t much of a morning person.

“C’mon, kicking me while im down? Now that's cold, Vi.” Louis placed a hand over his heart as he watched Violet leave with a teasing smile. He could practically see her rolling her eyes.

“Why not just go talk to her?” Violet asked with a raise of her eyebrow. She, however, didn’t stop to hear his response.

Louis paused, taken aback. “Like go to her room?” He thought aloud. He may not know as much as he would like to about her, but he knew enough to know that she wouldn’t love that idea. Yet, despite his better judgement, he found himself in the hallway by her room.

It had been surprisingly long since Louis had been to this side of the school. Since Minnie and Sophie died, he didn’t have any reason to. Furthermore, this just left him with fewer excuses to stop by Clementine and AJ’s room.

He was still a couple doors down from their room when he stopped dead in his tracks, a voice silencing all of his previous thoughts. He couldn’t quite make out the words, but he had no doubt the voice came from Clementine.

Louis took a few more light and short steps towards the room until he could make out her words. My god was she singing?

“I had a thought, dear, however scary. About that night, the bugs and the dirt” He couldn’t recognize the song, which was surprising as his collection of old records was always growing. He found himself focusing on her beautifully imperfect voice. “ I will not ask you where you came from, I will not ask you, neither should you.”

His cheeks felt red hot as he pictured her face to the voice. She sounded so relaxed, something he noticed, wasn’t very common for her.

With that thought he realized this was a moment he really shouldn’t be eavesdropping on.

He retreated back towards his room, but not without the new song humming from his lips and Clementines voice plaguing his thoughts.

Louis couldn’t stop smiling.

Marlon had insisted on Clementine and AJ taking the day off. Clementine, however, couldn’t agree to that.

She had little problem leaving AJ with Tenn as he was easily distracted by the countless amounts of colours to share. Watching AJ make his first friend brought a heavy weight off her shoulders but she couldn’t help but fear that it wouldn’t last long. Groups like this never really did.

Knowing Aasim, Brody, and Violet were already out hunting and fishing, Clementine decided to look for Louis. She knew he had been the one to upkeep the greenhouse when it was still functioning, so she decided he would be the first step to getting it back in working order.

Marlon told her you could always find him in the library with the piano, where she first met him.

The closer she got to the library, the louder the piano became. It wasn’t as confidently played as the first time she heard it. Instead, she heard the same few chords in different keys being played over and over. She could feel his frustration.

Clementine stopped as she entered the doorway, genuinely interested in hearing him play. She never expected there to be people who kept up with the arts and cultures of the old world.

Louis had his eyebrows furrowed in thought. He was obviously heavily focused on the song in his head. It was surprisingly comforting to see him play, to ignore the hell going on outside the walls like it never existed. A small smile graced her lips.

“I will not ask you where you came from....” Louis started to sing, pausing every once in a while to hum the lyrics instead. Clementines mouth opened wide in surprise. “I will not ask and nei- Oh, hey Clementine!”

All shock turned into anger as Clementine quickly made her way across the room. Louis’s eyes widened as she shoved him off of the pianos bench. “You were eavesdropping, weren’t you!” She accused, placing her hands on her hips for dramatic effect. She stared down at him with a fire in her eyes.

Louis took a second to process what exactly was happening, but when he did, he couldn’t stop the grimace rising to his face.

“I swear I didn’t mean to!” Louis started as he carefully stood to his feet. He kept his hands in front of him in an attempt to ease her. “I was stopping by your room to give you something, but that song you were singing was really good! I just really wanted to learn it, y’know?”

The tension in Clementines shoulders slowly left as she rolled her eyes. “So what was it then?” She asked with a tight frown. She was used to singing AJ to sleep, but the thought of someone else hearing her was super embarrassing.

“What?”

“What were you bringing me, doofus.”

“Oh...” Louis paused. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. “My attention of course.”

Clementine felt herself begin to blush at the silly one liner. He sat there with a confident grin and his head slightly tilted, waiting patiently for her reaction. She quickly looked away, not being able to maintain eye contact with him any longer. She wasn't sure why.

“Well,” Clementine started, moving her hands from her hips to cross her arms over her chest. “you were way off key.”

Louis felt his smile grow wider, if that was even possible. “What, and you could do better?” He challenged with a raise of his eyebrow. Of course he knew she could do better, as she actually knew the song. He just hoped she would take the bait.

Clementine couldn’t help the small tilt in her lips as she rolled her eyes once more. “You are the musician, aren’t you?” She teased.

Louis took a seat on the pianos bench once again and moved over to offer Clementine a seat. He was surprised when she took it. “Yet here I am, asking you for help.” She looked down at the keys with uncertainty. “That’s what im here for.” He assured, placing his hands on the familiar keys. “I just need help with some of the lyrics.”

It took strength to not let out a chuckle at the face Clementine was giving him. “You really expect me to sing along with you.” She deadpanned.

“I could only dream.” Louis murmured, a dreamy look on his face. “Just tell me where im wrong.”

Clementine felt her heart pounding in her chest, but swallowed a breath down hard. She gestured for him to start.

“ I had a thought, however scary...” The chords he played were shockingly familiar to the original, one that Clementine hadn’t listened to since she discovered it in the new frontier. She decided she liked his version better. “About that night, with the bugs and the dirt. Why were you digging? What did you bury?“

Clementine stopped him before he could continue. “Your pacing is off- the lyrics are a lot more lighter then what you are singing them as.”

“Oh?”

She rolled her eyes. She was falling right into his trap, but she found that she really didn’t mind.

Clementine absentmindedly placed her hands on the keys, lightly enough to not actually play them. She kept her eyes on her fingers as she felt Louis’s eyes burning into her face. “I had a thought, dear, however scary, about that night, the bugs and the dirt- See?”

Louis played along absentmindedly on the piano as his focus was mainly on what she was saying. She wasn’t really singing, more speaking the lyrics in the general tone of the song. That was a lot more then what he thought he’d get from her.

“So then the first verse- I will not ask you where you came from

I will not ask you, neither should you.” Louis paused to look at Clementine for her to continue the lyrics for him. That was about as much as he heard her sing the night before.

Clementine hesitated, turning to look at him to gauge his reaction as she sang the next lyrics. “Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips, we should just kiss like real people do.” She finished off with a nervous and shaky breath, something that caught Louis very off guard. He felt his face and neck turn all shades of red.

“Wow.” Was all he was able to come up with in response. “You have a really nice voice.” He later added after too long of a pause.

Clementine broke eye contact him and let out a cough to clear her throat. She moved over slightly, much to Louis’ dismay, as she realized just how close they had gotten. He suddenly felt the urge to change the subject, feeling as if she was quickly closing herself back off once again. “Who is that song even by, anyways?” He asked, trying to lighten the tension.

“I don’t know.” Clementine started with an uncommonly unsure voice. “I found a lot of records and discs at one of the larger groups I used to be with. It helped AJ sleep through the night when he was a baby. Now, its me singing instead.”

Louis watched as Clementine smiled fondly at the memory. It was nice to listen to her open up, even with something as small as that. He wanted her to smile more often.

“Well, that gives me the perfect idea.”

Clementine spun on her chair to face Louis as he stood from the bench. He made his way over to the record player placed on the table where she first found her backpack. There were records scattered messily around the table, some even stacked on the ground. “You’ve got quite the collection.” She noted.

“Ah, yes.” Louis said with a hum, stopping at a certain stack of records until he picked out a particular album he was looking for. He held the album up proudly for Clementine to see. “The Beatles! These guys were huge way before we were ever born.” Clementine, of course, recognized the name from her parents. It made her realize how long it’s been since she thought about anything before this all started.

“I personally think their hits are a little overrated.” Louis admitted as he fiddled with the stylus of the record player. The fuzzy static eventually blended into the song. “This song, however, is my personal favourite.” He added, sending her a smile from over his shoulder.

“What would you think if I sang out of tune?

Would you stand up and walk out on me?

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song

And I'll try not to sing out of key.”

Clementine couldn’t help but laugh at the way Louis moved his hips as he walked towards her. He was horrifically off beat. “You’re horrible.” She said as she tried her best to hold back her laughter.

“That’s the point!” Louis grinned, moving his arms in time with his hips. “Who cares. Enjoy the moment.” He held out his hand to her, an offer.

Clementine looked down at his hand skeptically. “I don’t dance.” Despite her words, she put her hand in his. Louis softened.

“Just move with the music. Don’t think about it. Dancing isn’t about thinking.”

Louis took her other hand in an attempt to ease her. He moved their arms back and forth in a goofy fashion, his body swaying side to side. Clementine stared down at their feet, hesitantly following his movements. “You’re still thinking too much.” He started, bringing her eyes back up to him. “Just feel the music.”

Clementine found herself focusing on him instead. She went from studying the dreads that were beginning to cover his face to his carefree smile and then to his freckles. His face was covered in them and she couldn’t help but admire them. She hadn’t seen them up close before. AJ once questioned him about them.

“What’s with all those spots on your face?” AJ asked, not at all concerned with offending.

“AJ!” Clementine had scolded, giving him a stern look. Louis only laughed and squatted down to his level to give AJ a better look at his spots.

“They’re called freckles. I was born with them. Just like how you were born with such curly hair.” Louis explained, much to Clementines surprise. She found herself thinking fondly of that moment, and many other moments shes shared with him.

Louis soon brought her out of her thoughts “Now you’ve got it!” He praised, laughter bubbling in his throat. “You’re a natural.”

Clementine smiled up at him, but it quickly dissipated as her attention was brought to the floor. The track faded out and was replaced by a scratchy buzz. Louis looked down at her with a frown, their hands still locked together despite the fact they were no longer dancing. “What is it?”

“What are your intentions?” Clementine asked, very suddenly. She looked back up at him and quickly continued before he could answer. “Why are you so nice to me? To AJ?”

Louis’s eyes widened as he looked down at her, clearly caught off guard. Was it not obvious? “I mean, I thought it was pretty clear.” He spoke with a nervous laugh. Clementines face said otherwise. “Are you really gonna make me say it?”

Clementine let go of his hands so she could cross her arms over her chest. Louis awkwardly placed his hand on his neck. “Fine! Fine. I mean, I like you, Clem.” Her mouth widened in shock. She guesses it was pretty obvious, with the constant flirting, but she told herself it was just who he is. Or at least, everybody elses reactions told her that. “At first I thought it was just attraction, but there’s something here. I don’t know what to call it, but I know you feel it too. I want to help you, Clem. You and AJ. Bring some silliness into that kids life.”

Louis watched Clementines shocked expression shift into admiration. The same sort of expression she wore when he gave AJ his dinner. Louis felt his heart beating in his throat.

Clementine broke eye contact as she looked at the ground with a blush. “I... I didn’t think I was capable of feeling that way.” She spoke with an awkward laugh. Louis couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Clementine quickly picked up on it as his expression spoke wonders. She grabbed his hand, a new force of determination overtaking her. “But I do.” She assured, confidently. “I do feel that way.”

Louis visibly relaxed, a relieved sigh leaving his lips. He couldn’t help but pull her into a hug, head tucking into her neck. “Thank god. That would’ve been pretty awkward.”

Clementine laughed before humming a thank you into his chest. “For what?” Louis asked, pulling back only enough to get a look at her face. He wasn’t ready to let go of this moment just yet.

(This story is a continuation of the end of telltales the walking dead game. It follows the end of the "Loved Louis" route. So if you are not interested in the continuation in this route please read something else.)

You follow the journey of Willow, the daughter of Louis and Clementine. Its been 14 years since the delta battle, and everyone had settled down, literally. People had families, relationships and even their own homes. Life had really grown into something better, even different communities became friendlier...at least that what it seemed like behind closed doors.

[ART MADE BY ME]

The leaves crunched under my feet as I ran from the crazy beast. I look behind me and smirk at the dumb looking animal as it got slower and slower. I stop and turn around. "Is that all you got!?" I yell out. The thing  whimpers and runs away. I chuckle at its cowardice. "Yea! Run away!" I then hear clapping behind me, I turn to see Clem. I smile and run up to her. "Did you see that? I totally beat that thing. I'm so uh-" I paused, contemplating if I should say it. "Bad--ass?  Like y'know, you when you had that second leg." I chuckle trying to save myself from swearing in front of her. Before I could even hear a response the world underneath me started to crumble, and a faint 'Willow' could be heard.

"Willow! Wake up dude!" I jolted up at the sound of Carsons voice. I gave him an annoyed glare. "Yes?" Carson leaned against my door frame. "No need for the attitude Willow" He mentioned in a joking tone. "Just telling you dinners ready, and guess what were having?" He said, giddy. I sigh and respond, "You have been hanging around my dad to much Carson. Just tell me and stop messing around." He giggled. "Well we're having your favorite....carrot soup!" I throw my head back in annoyance, "Again?" At this point, Carson and I are on our way to the main court yard. "Yea, Mom said the other vegetables aren't in season yet, whatever that means. Oh also, speaking of which, she wants to talk to you later." I look up at him with confusion, "Ruby? Why?" Carson opened the entry door to the courtyard. "I don't know. Wouldn't tell me."

I stop and breathe in the nights air. I always loved this courtyard. It's covered in Ivy, and flowers, there's tables everywhere with candles on them, gardens and trees growing everywhere giving the courtyard a earthy vibe. Tonight made it even more beautiful, because on special nights like this one, since it was Maria's birthday, the fairy lights were on, and it made the place light up. Not to much, just enough so only the inside of our yard could see it. I walk towards the tables. Man, Dad did mention that they didn't have generators back when everyone were teens like me. What the heck would you do without them?!

"Thanks Omar, and Mark!" We all shouted in unison. I sat between my parents as we watched Maria opened her chocolate bar, our tradition when it came to 'milestone' birthdays. I remember when I was 5, and I got my first chocolate bar, it was heaven. We all clapped for her as she took her first bite.

I started to eat with my family...except one of them. "Hey...where's AJ?" I asked. Louis sighs and rests his jaw onto his palm. "You know him, he never sits down and just relaxes. He's doing another perimeter round." Violet interjects. "You can't blame the kid, he's been through hell." Violet widens her eyes and then turns to Clementine. "I didn't mean anything by that. I just mean-You know, I-" Louis cut her off. "She means you did everything you could my sweet. Its hard raising a kid, especially when you were only 11 years old. Some of us are just built different, like we handle trauma in different ways." Clementine gave Louis a smug look. I laughed at it, cause that face was certainly rare. "When did you become so, educated and sophisticated ?" Clementine asked, with her last words becoming royal. Louis shot back, "When did you become humorous. Tryna steal my thunder?" We all laughed, our mood being brought back up. "By the way Clem, how's the new leg?" Violet asked. "This ones actually a lot more comfortable then the last, who knew AJ was such a builder?" At that, Violet and Clementine got lost in conversation. Unsatisfied with the same meal for the 5th time now, I sighed. "Hey, Willow." I look over to my dad who had whispered to me. He pulls out a round object out of his black coat. "I know how much you hate carrot soup, so, I got you something." My eyes lit up at the fresh apple in his hand. I gasped as I grabbed it. "I thought these were out?" Louis chuckled. "Yea well, don't tell Ivy, but I found her secret munchie stash, and she had this apple and I borrowed it." He winked at me. I took a bite and sighed in relief. Apples were by far my favorite fruit. Just then AJ came into the yard, a dead squirrel in hand. He tossed it into the barrel full of others animals to be skinned.  

"Those fuckers are way to fast" he muttered as he sat down. Clem glared at him. "AJ...could you be less vulgar at the dinner table? If Ruby heard she'd chew you a new one." It looked as if AJ was about to argue back but decided to be quiet with a nod and a 'sorry'. "AJ! Its my birthday!" He turned to her and laughed. "I know silly" he ruffled her hair. "You told everyone like 5 times today." AJ then grabbed something from his backpack, "Actually I have a gift for you Maria." He pulled out a Disco Broccoli figure, and handed it to her. Clem gave him a sad look. Maria thanked AJ and ran off to play with the other kids.

Summary: During a simple card game, Clem and Louis get a whole lot more than they bargained for. Requested by Anon💕. (Everyone is alive and Clem and Louis aren’t together yet.)

Word Count: 1,719 words

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: Underaged drinking

A/N: I’m not super proud of this fic, but nonetheless, I wrote it, so I’m posting it. I hope you enjoy :))

“Okay, everyone! Everything is all set!”

The short redhead trotted back into the main building after catching everyone in the courtyard’s attention. It was a cool late spring night, and the green buds on the oaks had just blossomed into delicate leaves. Taking advantage of the nice night, the kids decided to hang outside, but Ruby (and Violet since she got cold easily) had another idea: to have another hootenanny in the music room.

AJ, Tenn, and Willy had decided on their own accord to have a party of their own, away from all of the older kids. Although Clem, Violet, and Mitch had all loved their respective kids endlessly, they appreciated the fact that they’d be getting some free time away from them. The absence of the younger boys also allowed for the teenagers to be, well, teenagers. This was also promised in two bottles of beer that Marlon and Mitch had found on a supply run not too long ago.

The group made their way up to the music room, now basked in the glow of red candlelight and the crescent moon in the sky. Soft upbeat instrumental music vibrated from the record player, filling the room with a sense that maybe the world hadn’t entirely gone to shit. Louis quickly identified the genre as country, to which he pestered Ruby about, knowing she chose it. She didn’t pay him or his cruel words toward the music any mind, and refused to put on a classical vinyl.

After groaning in dramatic agony, Louis changed the topic. “Seeing as there isn’t much else to do, how about a game?”

The idea excited Clem, as she always enjoyed playing Louis’ silly lighthearted card games. It gave her a sense of peace, of joy, for a few minutes in the midst of living among the animated dead and the cruel living. Even if it was just the two of them playing, it made her feel happy. Actually, especially if it was just the two of them playing.

“Oh, my god, really? We have a party and we still have to play one of your stupid card games?” Brody whined, already reaching for one of the glass bottles in the middle of the circle they were all sat in.

Louis swatted her hand away. “Hold on. How about we compromise?”

Brody raised her eyebrow. “Compromise?”

Clem could see Marlon smirking, looking between his best friend and his suspected girlfriend.

“Yeah. How about we play truth or dare, but with a twist. Whoever has to answer or do, has to also take a drink.” Louis explained, not waiting for a response before passing out small decks of cards. “You all know the rules—highest card asks, lowest card does.”

“Fine, I guess I’ll play. Only for a little, though,” Brody sighed.

“I’m surprised you caved in so easily.” Marlon teased while everyone else grabbed their cards, earning him a scowl from the girl.

For the first round, Clementine got the lowest with a two of hearts, while Mitch got the highest with a king of spades. Clem looked up, meeting the mischievous eyes of the boy across the circle from her.

“Huh, look at that, I win,” he brags. “How about a truth?”

Clem shrugged silently before sliding a beer over into her lap. Not bothering to read the label, she pryed the cap off and took a quick sip. She already knew she wouldn’t like the feeling of drunkenness or the taste of the alcohol. Her face stayed moderately straight at the bitter taste, not wanting anyone to taunt her.

“What’s the farthest you’ve gone with a guy?” He asked as simply as asking her favorite color.

At his words, Clem blushes instantly, embarrassed at both her truthful answer—not having done anything at all—and how she’d have to admit it in front of Louis. Would he think she was boring? A prude? She had never really talked to him about his past relationships before she arrived at Ericson a few months ago. How far had he gone?

“That’s a gross thing to ask, Mitch,” Ruby chastised.

Noticing her silence, Violet spoke up, too. “You don’t have to answer that, Clem.”

“No, it’s okay.” Clementine replied, pushing away her thoughts. “I haven’t done anything, really.”

“Really? Nothing at all?” Mitch pressed, not so sneakily glancing between her and the dark boy beside her.

Louis noticed this. “What are you insinuating, dude? She answered the question, leave it be.”

The tall boy rolled his eyes in response and grumbled something under his breath. As everyone else began to move onto the next round, reaching for new cards, Clementine looked over to Louis, giving him an appreciative smile. He smiled back, sending over a discreet wink, too, burning up her just cooled down face once again.

In the second round, Aasim got the high card and Violet got the low.

Violet’s face fell into an anxious expression. “I hope everyone is okay with me, like, not drinking. It just doesn’t really have a great history in my family, if you know what I mean.”

Everybody sincerely understood and nodded quietly. They had all been through their fair share of trauma, and Violet’s just so happened to be related to the addictive liquid. What kind of friends would they be if they pushed something like that on her?

“How about a dare,” Aasim decided, thinking for a few moments before speaking again. “Tell anyone in this room something you’ve wanted to tell them for a while, but don’t say their name.”

“What kind of dare is that?” Marlon ridiculed, to which Brody lightly jabbed him in the bicep, telling him to shush.

“Ah, shit, okay,” Violet whispered. She took a deep breath, “I really—“ she paused before her face hardened and she stated, “You’re a huge dumbass.”

“C’mon Vi, we all know that’s directed at Louis,” Aasim replied.

They all began to laugh, yet Clem remained quiet, especially once she saw Louis’ solemn face. His usual starry, hopeful eyes were fixated on the wooden floor. His bottom lip was puckered out, something he instinctively did when his hands cramped up when playing the piano, when Marlon hit him in the arm a little too hard, when AJ mentioned some scary story from before him and Clem had arrived at the school. Louis made this face when he was sad, and Clementine didn’t like it one bit.

Before she could say anything, the group silenced and continued playing. They reached for new cards and Brody drank a long swig, claiming it was in place of Violet’s. Louis looked up and met Clem’s staring eyes for a moment before she looked away, embarrassed.

A chorus of “oo’s” echoed as it was realized that the apparent king of games had the lowest card. A three of clovers.

Mitch had the highest once again. A queen of diamonds.

He’s probably cheating somehow, Clementine thought to herself.

“Now I’ve beat both of the lovebirds,” he teased, smirking.

“Do you ever stop, Mitch?” Ruby scowled.

Ignoring the upset redhead, he kept his blue eyes on the boy with dreads. “I dare you to give Clem a kiss.”

“The most legitimate of dares,” Aasim mimicked, referring back to a card game a few months back where Clem dared him to kiss Ruby.

Clementine went red, a hot prickling sensation moving across her torso, up her neck, and to her face. Of course she’d like to kiss her long-time crush, but in front of most all of the other kids? That just seemed to suck all of the giddiness and magic out of it.

“I’m not doing that if she doesn’t want to.” Louis refused, squinting his eyes at the group before widening them at the sight of the girl avoiding eye contact with everyone else. His voice lowered. “Do you want to?”

She had felt nervous before, of course—the first time she walked through a herd, when she thought AJ was dead after he was first born, when she read a poem aloud to her kindergarten class. This was different, though. Very different.

Clementine knawed on the inside of her cheek. She looked around the room from the foggy windows to Brody and Marlon sharing the bottle of beer to the mahogany piano to Louis’ impending stare. After squeezing her eyes shut to clear them of the blurriness, she opened her mouth to speak.

“I don’t know,” she choked out.

Louis’ eyes softened more, if that was even possible. Yet, at the same time, there was still a flicker of disappointment in them. “That’s okay, Clem. We don’t have to.”

She exhaled shakily before jumping to her feet and pacing out of the room. It was all too awkward. Too embarrassing. She was angry at herself and Mitch and the fact that her head still felt heavy despite her not drinking much.

Before she could open her bedroom door, she felt a heavy hand grab her shoulder. She turned and was met with a pair of dark, kind eyes.

“Louis,” she sighed. “I-I’m sorry for walking out like that.”

“It’s okay, Clem. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” Louis said, reaching his hand up to touch his neck.

She leaned back against the door. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Embarrassed, but fine.”

“Mitch was being an ass. You don’t have to be embarrassed,” he comforted, moving his hand out to clasp her’s.

Clementine gasped softly at how warm and coarse his palms were. Still, she didn’t pull away.

The teenagers’ eyes traveled from their entwined fingers to each other’s faces. The hallway was dark, with the only light radiating from the shadows of the moon and stars. Despite that, Clementine was able to see each and every freckle dusted across his nose, his chapped lips, the barely noticeable dimple on his left cheek. All of these features on top of Clem’s already instense attraction to him resulted in a surge of bravery.

Standing up on her tiptoes, she kissed him. It was sweet and gentle and somehow even better than how Clem had rehearsed it in her head millions of times.

She pulled away, just enough to where their lips still brushed over each other.

Louis chuckled ecstatically. “What was that for?”