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[writingsweetroll]

Under the stars, We dance

Summary: Violet has a dance with Clementine in the night.

Words: 1533

“Vi?”

Violet reluctantly opened her eyes, she just wanted to rest. “Yes?” She quietly muttered. The room was so quiet that it didn’t matter how soft she whispered, Tenn could still hear her.

“You’ve been kind of quiet.” Tenn mentioned, going to sit by Violet that was laying on her bed. “Are you ok?”

Violet sat there for a moment, looking up at the glow-in-the dark stars that Minerva had placed over their bed. Tears filled her water line as she blinked, the overfilled liquid spilled. She silently cried. Tenn quivered his lip. He curled into a ball and layed next to Violet, they both cried silently, no more words said between the two as they grieved the twins death.

Now, Violet's room was covered in decorations that weren't Minerva’s, but Clementines. Filled to the brim with weird skulls or nostalgic items. And as she was sleepless in her night, because Clementine wasn’t by her side, and when she thought back to that moment, it didn’t hurt her. Minerva had no effect on her anymore, she had proven to be someone else, someone evil. And poor Tenn….she basically dragged him down with her into her psychotic world.

Still, the past was the past and she was forgetting it quite quickly, as Clementine and her got closer in their relationship. There were countless nights where now older AJ decided to just sleep in a different room, because the couple stood up all night, just talking. Their conversations were what Violet loved the most. Clementine was a book just ready to be opened, and when she opened up, Violet was basically listening to a world unlike her own, even though the world they lived in was the same. Clementine's life was completely different from hers. It was refreshing.

When she saw Clementine's scars, and how hurt she looked when she talked about them, Violet wanted to crawl inside her aura and just make her forget about it, kind of like an overpowered empath. Clementine felt the same. Violet’s world was a lot brighter than hers, yet Clementine still found a way to understand her pain. Violet’s home life wasn’t great back then. Especially compared to Clementine's life that consisted of two loving parents with stable jobs.

Violet sighed, turning on her side. It was the middle of the night, and Violet constantly scolded herself for getting too attached to Clementine, so attached that if she was not in the same bed as her, sleep wasn’t even considered. Clementine was on look-out, and it was hell for her as well. Winter was about to start. After about 4 winters with each other, the couple considered it their favorite season. These nights would prove to be the best cuddle sessions of all. Yet, here they were, apart from each other.

Violet grumbled, watching AJ from the other side of the room. He also had the same problem, so he was drawing to pass the time. Violet got out of bed. “Where are you going?” AJ asked. Violet glazed around the room, looking for an answer without it really being awkward. She didn’t know, but she was going to do something. Something that would pass the time.

“Out I guess.” She finally responded. “Louis is asleep. I already tried waking him up so we can play piano but he threw a pillow at me.”

“Uh--Ok?” Violet said, shrugging her shoulders. “Why?”

“Well I’d figure you try and hang out with him.”

“Nah.” Violet chuckled. “I know how deep into sleep he gets. The last thing you want to do is wake him up. You got it easy kid.” Violet shuddered at the memory of her trying to wake him up, that was the scariest glare she had gotten from anybody. Even Clementine.

“Ok...don’t go out of the school. It's dark out and Clem will worry.”

Violet smiled sweetly. “Of course buddy.”

---

Violet made random noises from her mouth as she roamed the halls, desperately trying to peel her body away from walking into the courtyard and pulling Clementine away from her duties. Reading the wall's profanities didn’t hold her mind captive and instead with a defeated mind, she walked out to the courtyard. Clementine bounced her leg, she was incredibly bored. An occasional walker popped up but that was that. She found herself watching the snow intently, sometimes trying to count how many flakes fell down...which was impossible but she was so bored she tried anyway. As her mind was burdened with literally nothing, a voice startled her. She jumped, turning defensively, it was Violet. “Sorry.” Violet smiled, climbing fully up the ladder and onto the platform. Clementine got up from the chair. She wobbled on her new peg leg, awkwardly laughing as she clung onto Violet for balance. “Hi.” Violet smiles cheekily.

Clementine smiled back, she kissed her sweetly. “Hi.” She replied. They held each other's hands, looking into each other's eyes. When they were alone, romance was basically the only thing they practiced together, not comfortable being romantic in public. “What are you doing up?”

Violet shrugged, “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Clementine sighed, she then hugged Violet tightly. “I missed you.”

“We’ve only been separated for like 3 hours.” Violet laughed. Although she was just teasing, Violet desperately missed her as well. She hugged Clementine back, embracing each other.

“How's your look-out duty been?” Violet asked as they let go of each other.

Clementine threw her arms in the air sarcastically, “Thrilling! I saw like 2 walkers, it was honestly like a movie!”

Violet chuckled. “Aw, man. You should have invited me.”

They both laughed, soon the laughter died down, and they calmly looked out to the forest. As they relaxed in silence, an awful memory seeped through her mind.

“The night will be over soon!” Minerva sang from the top of her lungs, Violet watched intently, observing how Minerva's nose scrunched whenever she hit a note too high, it made her giggle.

Minerva finished the song, earning a clap from Sophie and Violet. “Bravo!” Sophie yelled out. Minerva smiled, bowing.

“What about me? I was the backbone of this whole performance.” Louis fake pouted, letting his fingers glide over the ivories. “Who actually listens to the music? We want to hear the singer.” Violet smirked.

Sophie chuckled, immediately placing a hand over her mouth. Louis widened his eyes at her.

“Of all people, I would’ve never thought you would join in on making fun of me!”

They all laughed, and Minerva was about to leave. “Wait-” Violet got up from the ground. She grabbed Minerva's attention. “Maybe, you could sing one more time?”

Minerva raised a brow, but smiled none-the less. “Ok…”

As Minerva started to sing, Violet balled her clammy hands into fists, and breathed in deep. She made her way over to Minerva and grabbed her hands, attempting to dance with her. Minerva stopped singing, and she pushed Violet away. “Violet!”

Violet gulped at the aggressive tone, the room became thick in awkwardness as Louis stopped playing the piano slowly. “W-whats the problem?” Violet asked.

Minerva scoffed and stormed out of the room. Violet was quick to follow.

“Minnie!” Violet called out to her, Minerva sighed, stopping in her tracks and turning around. “What’s wrong--”

“That was embarrassing! What makes you think I wanna dance with you in front of others?!” Minerva ranted.

“W-well...I’m sorry. I just thought--”

“No. No Violet, why don’t you just stop thinking then? If you have such fucking stupid ideas…” And with that, Minerva walked out of the admin building, leaving Violet alone.

“What's wrong?” Clementine asked. “You could tell?”

Clementine pursed her lips, nodding. Violet sighed and rested along the railing, looking into the deep forest full of snow. “Sorry.” Violet finally said.

“Are you ok?”

“Yea…” Violet got off the railing, and walked over to Clementine. “Would you like to dance?” Clementine widened her eyes, taken aback by the question. “I guess...why not?”

Violet gulped, her heart warmed up. With a grin, she extended her hand to Clementine. Clementine took her hand, and they both started dancing. It wasn’t excitable dancing, but slow and steady. Especially since Clementine's peg leg was still unstable. It was still nice, and both of them rested along one another. “It’s a pretty night.” Clementine mentioned, looking up at the stars. “Cold.” Violet chuckled. “But, yea it's pretty.”

“Still not as pretty as you.” Clementine smiled, watching as Violet's pale cheeks turned into a dusty pink.

The two continued to dance in silence, taking comfort in their bodies radiating heat, combating the cold. “I love you.” Violet huffed out, letting her head rest on Clementine's shoulder. Clementine tilted her head, resting it on the side of Violets.

“I love you back.”

“Thank you for dancing with me.” Violet hugged her tighter, for some reason, that memory of Minerva still bit at her.

“Why wouldn’t I dance with you?” Clementine chuckled, unknowingly setting a warm feeling inside of Violet.

“You make me so happy.” Violet sighed. “I’m glad we found you.”

“I am too.” Clementine replied.

The two continued their dance, bathing in the stars.

[writingsweetroll]

**Summary: Louis has worries for his one year old, and Clementine soothes them by opening up about her own issues.**

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.”

She smiled, and kissed his cheek. “I love you too, Louis.”

[writingsweetroll]

May I ask for more Louis appreciation gifs? 🥺

Well there were more that I had to not include in that other post because of the post limit and that they didn't exactly match as well as the ones I showed....

So here you go, anon, ask and you shall receive the leftovers =D

Aaaand this last one is just... a thing, alright. It's a funny moment I found when Louis is off-screen and he makes the most extreme expression that we can't even see. This one moment is the reason why I can't stop looking at the characters faces when they aren't normally on screen.

[writingsweetroll]

Training - 7

We make it to the gates of Richmond. They let us in swiftly, they really treated us like royalty here. I guess that's because mom helped fight in this like big war or something like that? As we walked inside, I seen the armies resting and eating lunch, I stare in awe. "C'mon Willow." AJ pulled my arm towards him, trying to keep me with the group.

Not only did this place have beautiful apartments and homes, it was like before the apocalypse, like on those old magazines and books.

Violet, Ivy and I shared a room, while Louis and AJ shared one. Our room was coated in grey paint, and had lanterns ready for use. Although Richmond was rich in supplies and oil, they still used as little as possible. They only use their generators for weddings in their chapel. I get settled into my side of the room, placing down my guitar and backpack full of stuff. I sprawl my body on the rooms bed, I loved this place's hotels because their beds were big and a lot more comfortable then home. "Comfy huh Willow?" Ivy asked. I turn to her in my bed with a big smile. "You know it." I say. Ivy and Violet placed their stuff on the ground. "Lets hope Carson actually takes care of the weed huh?" Ivy threw herself back onto the bed. "I'm so stressed dude, if he doesn't were fucked on the happy stuff for a while." Ivy said with a stressed huff.

"Wait- how long are we staying here?" I asked. Violet looked at me with a confused look. "He didn't tell you? A month Willow." I widen my eyes. A month? Why a month? Before I could think anymore Louis and Javier showed up to the door. They ushered me to come with them. Confused, I slowly make my way to them.

I sat in Javi's office, a dark setting in the room. "So I think you know why you're here Willow. You know about the situation. I don't tolerate this. I ran a steady place here for years, barely having trouble. Murder, it has only happened here about 3 times in the many years I have been leader here but, this is different. It was a caravan group that wasn't ours, all murdered." Javier spoke with anger yet sadness in his voice. "Sorry if I sound so weird about this. It just hits close to home. My wife, Kate she didn't make it because the people we were trading with, well, they killed her because they didn't like what she 'said'. Obviously, we dealt with them but, she's gone." Javier said. He looked down with sadness, Louis patted his back. Javier got himself together and pulled out a folder. He handed it to me.

"Is this?" I asked. Javi nodded. "That's Iris as a kid. She's with this women in that photo as you can see, we don't know who she is but this photo was on the ground near the bodies."--"So she got her target? You guys know this is far fetched right?" I asked. Louis and Javi looked at each other. "What?" I asked. They looked back to me and sighed. "If Iris is the killer we don't think she got her target. The women in the photo has red hair, but she is very white, like Iris." Louis pointed out. I look at my dad with confusion. "What does her hair and race have do with this?" I ask. Javier interjected. "We think that she might be her mom. Louis and I know how Parents look at their children, trust me I have two kids and he has you. And the dead people all had dark hair. Iris has really light yellow hair. And the only motive we have thought of is if she was looking for someone from her family. What we know after so much digging, Willow's mom was dead, and her dad, who had her hair color, was apart of the diamonds group. Her dad was a known violent man, and the mom disappeared one night after an argument. But, we don't know if her target was her dad or not because she suffered abuse from other family members as well. Thanks to Tripp, we know all this information."--"I thought the diamonds group were nice people? How come Iris suffered through so much?" I asked. Louis looked at me with pitiful eyes. "Some things are just hidden behind closed curtains Willow. That's just the real world sadly." Javier got up and handed me a uniform. It was the New Frontiers new uniform for the army. My eyes lit up with excitement. I look up to Javi with a big smile, he gives one back but ultimately it falls. He kneels down to make eye contact. "Willow this is a dangerous job, and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt. The last thing anyone wants really. Take it slow with Iris. Don't be to upfront ok?" Louis layed an anxious hand on my shoulder. He tried to give me a fake smile. I looked up to him with thankful eyes, knowing it definitely took a lot of will power to agree to this. "Ok Javier. I promise I wont let you guys down." I say.

-The next day-

"You ready?" Gabe asked. I jokingly place a hand on my head like a sailor. Forgetting Gabe was basically the opposite of Louis and a total party pooper, I lay my hand down to my side. This couldn't get any more awkward. Gabe and I started to walk along the sides of the training grounds. On the way here, no conversation was started, he didn't even look in my direction. I guess its not a surprise after mom showed up pregnant here, apparently he was so upset because he was 'saving' himself for her until she got back with AJ, and he had so many girls that wanted him but he stayed loyal. 'So many girls?' yea right....plus, they weren't even together. "Here she is Iris, go nuts." He dropped me off at Iris's training grounds. My hands suddenly became clammy.

"Hi, its Iris, you probably already know." She handed out her hand...her voice wasn't stern or cold like a killers, so it couldn't be her. With my mood being brought back up, I smiled widely and shook her hand. "I'm Willow."

[writingsweetroll]

Past - 6

We ran out the building as fast as we could. We caught our breath as we made it back to the courtyard. "Maybe that wasn't something we should have heard.." AJ said in a hushed tone. He looked at me with curiosity. He noticed my silence. "Willow?" he asked. "AJ- what happened with Marlon?" I asked slowly. "I don't know who Marlon is and dad said you killed him. What..." I sighed in the middle of my sentence, there was a lot happening today. "What happened AJ. Tell me, please." AJ straightened his back, with hesitation he agreed.

We walked to my room, and sat down on the separate ends of the bed. "About 14 years ago, we crashed at the train station area. This dude, his name was Marlon, he saved us and took us in." I could tell to everyone this was a sensitive subject, but still, I needed to know why. I let AJ continue, with a comforting face to let him know I'm here if he needs me. AJ fiddled with his fingers. "Soon, we found out some deep shit about him. First Clem found out what happened to Minerva and Sophie--" I cut him off. "Minerva and Sophie...Minerva is Violets ex right. I have seen her visit the graves every now and then?" AJ nodded then continued. "Turns out he actually sold them to The Delta. And was gonna sell Clem and I next. After....Brody, she exposed him she was beaten to death by Marlon. And in fear Marlon locked Clementine in the basement where it all happened." I got chills in my spine, thinking about the times Carson and I played board games down there during winter days, not knowing such tragic things happened there. "Clem escaped obviously, but Marlon pinned the murder on her. And basically it was back and forward, until Clem turned to Louis for help."--"Well did he help?" I asked, knowing my dad was very loyal to Clem, but sometimes he does get lazy. AJ sighed. "Yea, after some convincing. He stopped her from being murdered. After that everyone was calming down and then I-" AJ chocked up. "I shot him in the head...I will never forget Louis's face. The pain I caused him."

I scoffed in annoyance. AJ looked at me, almost appalled at my response. "Louis has no reason to be upset! He shouldn't have treated mom or you like that at all. Marlon was a murder! He almost killed mom and sold her off with you, and betrayed the whole group. If Louis couldn't see that, then he's the fool." AJ straightened his back up in a more defensive manner, "Willow-" I cut him off. "Is that why you guys got kicked out? For giving that murderer what he deserved? That's not fair AJ! I love dad but seriously, is he just a--just a-"--"Willow! Stop!" I was cut off by AJ yelling at me. Startled, I look at him with wide eyes. AJ began to slouch again. "Willow, you still don't know the full story. That was from our shoes, not his."

"Marlon and him had always been close. Ever since they were kids, before the apocalypse even started; they had this brotherly relationship. Kind of like our relationship you know? What Louis didn't know was that Marlon had so much anxiety, and stress on his shoulders. And he did something stupid, then he murdered. Louis came out to see what was going on. And before he could fully grasp what was going on, Marlon was dead. Marlon, his best friend, his brother died by some strangers who had just come." The room became silent. Only white noise filled the area. AJ broke the silence as he spoke again. "What if you were in that position with me or Iris? What if some random stranger came in here, exposed my secrets and then before you got to ask me or tell me anything, I died. Was shot in the head...by some stupid fucking kid." AJ looked down now, obviously hurt by what he had done.  I sighed and make my way over to him. "I get it AJ, it was hard on dad. Now I know. But still, it was hard on you guys to. He shouldn't be blaming you for this."--"He doesn't Willow, I mean I don't think he does." AJ interjected. "But you heard what he said earlier AJ." AJ stood up off the bed. "I know Willow. I know. It's just, after he let us back into the school he apologized. And even years after that he still does. In the moment he was angry. I said some shit to, shit I'm not proud of when I was angry." AJ the went to my closet and grabbed his art box. He rummaged through a lot of papers until he found a drawing. "Look." He pointed to the picture. It was a picture of AJ and Louis, they were holding hands and smiling. He scribbled at the bottom of the page, "I get sad when Lou gets sad about Marlon. I wish I could stop what I did last year. But he tells me that he loves me the way Clem loves me and nothing will change that." I smiled at the innocence scribbled on the page. "Clem taught me when people have trauma, they do things differently and I think that can apply to anger to. Louis was angry but I know in my heart that he wouldn't love Clem if he truly felt that way. Let alone have a child with her."--"And no Willow, you were planned not an accident." The atmosphere became lighter as we gave into hope. "Don't worry about them. 14 years and a kid isn't going down the drain because of an argument." AJ told me as her was about to leave my room. "Thanks for checking up on me, I had some fun all things considered." I smile and wave him off.

-2 days later-

"Good morning sweet pea." I wake up to being gently shook awake by Louis. "What? What's going on?" I asked. "Well, I know this is short notice but we're going to Richmond! Get up." I got up and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, before I could ask why, he left my room. I get up and put on my hiking clothes as usual. Confused, I make my way outside. "Alright, here's your packs, you two have yours as well?" Violet and Ivy nodded, holding each others hands. We put our backpacks on, AJ and I gave each other a confused look. We could have swore Clem and Louis were just fighting about this. Even more confusing, he seemed giddy?

Soon we are on the road. He didn't seem upset like the other day. Eventually the questions got overwhelming and so I said, "Ok this is weird." We all stopped walking. "What's up Willow?" Louis asked. I sighed and made my way to a tree and sat against it. "Don't be mad but, I maybe snuck around 2 days ago when you got mad and heard a not so friendly conversation about me?" Louis looked at me with wide eyes. "You, what? Willow you know that's not right-"--"I know, I know. It was stupid and I never snuck around before that! But, I was scared you know? I didn't know what was up with you to. I knew you weren't going to break up or anything but still, there was this lingering thought that I was gonna be the cause of your breakup.." Louis sat next to me, and pulled me in for a hug. "Willow, we love each other. You know we barely fight. And it wasn't you, it was our past trauma that made us say things we didn't mean. We have been built around it; but when you love each other you can also work around it. Besides Willow, we talked things out last night and things had worked out. We agreed on a plan together and that's why we're going to Richmond." He released me from the hug. I felt a heavy rock leave my shoulders as he helped me up off the ground. It good to have some closure.

"Seems like yall did more then just talk from the way you walked out all happy this morning." Ivy said with a smirk. Violet elbowed her signaling her to shut up. Ivy being used to being around Willy, Carson, and Brent apologized. "Sorry," she wheezed while holding her arm. "Forgot this was the wrong crowd."

With that, we all started to walk to Richmond again.      

[writingsweetroll]

A Fight - 5

TW: mentions of sexual assault {very small mention}

"Guys I'm gonna go..." I say as I get up and grab my bowl of soup. "You ok?" Carson asked, I reply "Yea, yea I'm fine." I left their table and grab another bowl. I make my way to the watch tower.

AJ sat there, sharpening his makeshift knife, he looked lost in deep thought.  "Hey AJ." He turned to me and replied with a "What are you doing here Willow?" I sat next to him and handed him a bowl. At first he declined, but then took it. I had always knew he loved Omar's food so it wasn't hard to convince him to eat. As we ate in comfortable silence, a growing question formed into my head. "AJ?" He looked to me with a curious glance. I bit my lip, but then said "Are you mad at us?" AJ widened his eyes and put his almost empty bowl of soup down. "What? Willow where did you get that idea?" AJ and I had always been very close, so sharing our feelings wasn't a problem but now it just feels different. Something was off. "I don't know its just, you have been avoiding us more lately, and you seem more defensive then usual." I sighed before what I was about to say, not knowing if it can go wrong or not. "Are jealous that I got more stuff then you when you were little?" AJ thankfully didn't take offense to what I had said, instead he leaned against the watch towers edge and looked into the nights sky with wonder. I leaned with him awaiting a response.

"Willow, you don't know the real world like I do. Last month, I had visited Richmond, trying to be a 'kid', I went to Richmond regularly to play baseball with Javier and Gabe." AJ then tapped his finger anxiously against the wall of the watchtower. "What's wrong AJ?" I asked with concern. "While I was there, I seen this women being harassed by a large group of men, Javier quickly broke up the situation. Apparently she was being told to strip down, for you know why." AJ then lifted his head up, trying to stop the tears from coming out. "As Javier had work to do, and Gabe being Gabe asked me to kick them out for him, I got so mad because, well. I thought what if that was you, or Clem or Maria or any girl here? What if no one had seen that women, what if that was one of you and no one had seen?" I tried to comfort AJ as best as I could as his voice broke down. He then started to cry. "I took those men outside, and killed them. Shot them down just like--just like Lilly-" At this point he was having a breakdown. I had to conceal my shock as best as I could, he killed, just like that, and so inhumanly. I slowly reached out to him, and tried to hug him. Although AJ was tough, and was certainly a big dude, (due to years of working out and just being tall), he was a big softy. He accepted my hug and cried into my arms. "I'm really sorry AJ." After a few minutes, he collected himself. "The world isn't getting better Willow, I really thought it was. Then this person murdered that innocent caravan group, I'm afraid Willow. I don't want another war...I don't want to become the old me." I nodded and agreed to him. Still hugging him I patted his back and rubbed circles around it. "Hey...what do we do when fear takes over?" AJ widened his eyes at me mimicking Clem's teachings, he smiled and got out of my arms. He wiped his eyes and said "We..give a big fuck you to fear.. or something like that." We both laugh in unison.

"Glad to see you two hanging out again." AJ and I, both startled look down to see Louis. "Oh uh sorry I'll open the gate dad." I then got out of the watch tower to open the gate. I run up to him and hug him, just like when I was little. Talking to AJ really made me mushy about family. "Someone's in a good mood." he chuckled as he hugged back. I know he's joking but, I could hear his heart racing when I hugged him. It made me smile knowing how fortunate I was to have a dad that loved me this much.  He looked over to the tables with curiosity, "Where's Clementine sweet pea?" -- "Oh she's working in the office. She's really stressed about the caravan group. She thinks it's Iris but I'm gonna prove it to her that's it's not, cause I know her dad, I really do...?" I respond, but the more I talked the angrier and confused my dad looked. "You good Lou?" AJ asked. Even AJ was concerned. "Yea...go finish dinner." And with that he left to the admin building. AJ and I looked at each other, both having the stupid idea of sneaking around.

Shortly after Louis entered the building, AJ and I followed behind. He entered the office and we pressed our ears against the door. The start of the conversation wasn't friendly.

"Clem what the fuck." AJ and I looked at each other with shock, no one had heard him with this tone before. "What?" she asked with a confused tone. "You told Willow?! After I specifically asked you not to?! And last I checked you fucking agreed!" It got quiet for a moment. We heard a shift of movement. "Look I'm sorry Lou-" Louis started to laugh angrily. "Sorry? Don't fucking tell me that. Tell our daughter who you most likely will have traumatized for the rest of your life when she finds out, the person she looks up to is a horrible person." Clementine scoffed, "How would even know that this is what's gonna traumatize-" Louis cut her off with a yell, "Because you did the same traumatizing shit to me damnit!" The room went silent again. Louis broke it speaking again. " Every day,  every damn day I remember the look on his face. The look on his face when AJ shot him." My eye's grew wide at AJ. He shot someone here? Who? When? AJ looked heartbroken at his words. My thoughts were cut off by Louis again. "He shot him because of what you taught him. He was murdered the same day I found out all that shit about him. You don't think finding out that my bestfriend, a brother to me, did all this shit wasn't gonna give me enough trauma? Yea well, lets just kill him off, with no warning. I didn't even get to ask him, why? I didn't have any closure. It happened way to fast Clem." Louis then took a deep breath. "That's the last trauma I want Willow to go through. She likes Iris, a lot. It's gonna kill her if she has to be-friend her, with the intention of proving her innocent to only find out she might have to be executed for murdering an entire caravan group.  I don't want her involved. Not now. You should have let us deal with it, so when we found out we could explain it to her and then wait a couple days or so for trial." The room was silent besides a few shuffles here and there until Clementine spoke. Her voice became raspy yet strong, "Sounds like that was something you needed to get off your chest huh? If that's how you really felt about Marlon's situation, you should have told me that before we even got together Louis." --"What does that mean?" Louis asked. "You told me that you didn't blame me for that situation, that you didn't blame AJ, yet here you are explaining to me that we fucked up your life." --"No, no that's not what I'm saying Clementine. I didn't mean it like that all." I then heard more shuffling, louder shuffling then before. "Don't touch me." Clementine spoke, her voice was stern and cold.  I then heard footsteps leading up to the door AJ and I were against. AJ then grabbed my arm and led me quickly downstairs before she opened the door.

What the hell just happened?

[writingsweetroll]

Iris - 4

"Yes, your help." Clem looked down to my hands and grabbed them. She ran circles through my palms. "So, it's not an easy task. If you don't want to do this, you can opt out, you have that decision-" I interjected without thinking. "No!" I screamed. She let go of my hands and looked at me strangely. "I mean, just-" I sighed and lounged into the chair. "You didn't have that chance to opt out, your entire life mom. Everyday you're fighting, and you never get a break--" I was cut off by her getting up. "Willow. I got a break, matter in fact I'm still in this break so please its fine." I got up with her, I didn't want to argue with her, yea I was only around an inch shorter then her- 'Man she really is short huh?' , but she was still reasonably intimidating. "With all due respect, mom, but you really call this a break? You're looking for a murderer, that's killing off the friendly group we trade with. And no one is helping you, where's dad? What is he doing? Why do you always do things by yourself-" Clementine sat down in her chair smacked her hand on the table. Not to hard, just enough to shut me up. That was my sign to sit down and just listen.

"Willow listen to me." The mood shifted to a mellow atmosphere. I knew something was coming from the way her eyes slanted at me, and then fell droopy. "Willow. My life before Ericson's boarding school was nothing other then hell. Of course there were glimmers of hope, but only glimmers. I had dealt with so much, at an even younger age then yours. Remember this scar I showed you once?" She lifted her black sleeve to show a long pink scar. Her caramel eyes met back to mine. "After the only person who looked after 11 year old me was taken or maybe even killed, I was almost ripped apart from a dog. Then this, honestly good people but just dumb group saw me and locked me in a shed. I had to sneak in their house and stitch myself up." My eyes were wide. "I didn't know you went through all that." I said sadly. She chuckled at my response, then rubbed her arm, with an even more sorrow look. "You'd think that was the worst of my past, but that was only the mellow parts." She made deep eye contact with me, and reached for my hands across the desk. I grabbed them and squeezed them. Obviously, she had worst parts in her life...she did have a missing finger.

"Before I crashed my car here, AJ and I were endlessly moving. We never stopped moving, starving all the time, and just trying our best to survive...not live. It wasn't until uh, Marlon he let us in." I tilt my head a little. I have heard Louis mention him before, but after he did he shut himself up. My brain started to put the pieces together, Marlon was dead yea, and Louis was close to him, probably, since I think that picture frame he had of him next to that guy was Marlon. I nod to my mom for her to continue as I got a clearer picture. "Ever since I fought for this place, sure I lost a leg but, what's a leg compared to what I have now. I got my first love here, my first home in the apocalypse, my first friends, my first actual meal in a long time, and now my first biological kid. A first life to live and not to survive in." She let go of my hands and leaned back in her office chair. "Your dad is doing everything he can, he's even 'interrogating' the suspect right now at Richmond." My eyes open wide at how fast this thing was going. "We have a suspect? Already?" Clementine ushered me to sit back down and relax. "Yes we do, and that's the reason we need your help. Our suspect is Iris."

What? Iris? No. No way.

"No it has to be someone else. It can't be her, she doesn't kill good people." I started to get frantic, Clem got up and grabbed my hands and tried to calm me down. "Look Willow I know you like her, but there's some damning evidence that it could be her. And you're her age, you could be-friend her, and maybe find out what she's been doing so we can bring some justice here." I take a deep breath. "I will be-friend her. Only will to show you she's good. I will show you mom. I promise." Clem let go of my hands and responded with an ok, and then told me I was allowed to leave. I left the office and felt my heart sink. What if she's right, what evidence does she even have? I make my way downstairs, still filled to the brim with thoughts. "Ouch sorry" I yell as I ran into someone. I look up to see Ivy. "Hey girl, what's up with you?" I shake my head and collect myself. "Nothing...what about you? What's that you got there?" I look at her hands holding a bouquet of flowers and her special lettuce... "Don't tell Vi, but I'm planning a little date later for our 3 month anniversary."-"You do your anniversary in months? Clem and Louis do that in years? Have they been doing it wrong?" Ivy laughed and singled me to follow her out the building. "Nah, we're just new with each other that's all, so we do a lot more honey moon stuff, like Ruby and Aasim, except their weird cause they are still in it." Ivy then tossed some of her weed over to Willy. "Hey you owe me tonight's dinner for that weed boy!" Willy grabbed it excitedly and said "Yes mam" with his strange accent. Omar giving him a disappointed look.

We got to Ivy's and Violets room, and placed the flowers in a vase. Ivy grabbed some lights and a small blanket. "Wanna help me set up while you talk about what's going on?" She asked. She handed me the blanket and she started to go around the room putting up the lights. "I..said nothing Ivy." I mutter under my breath. She looked back to me with a raised eyebrow. I sigh in defeat. "Ok just, don't tell anyone this, not even Violet." Ivy then turned back to her work and agreed. I started to lay out the blanket. "You know Iris right? Well something happened and she might be in some pretty deep..." Ivy snorted, "Your parents aren't around girl, go crazy." -- "shit" I finished with excitement. "How deep are we talking? Balls or finge-" I looked at her with confusion. She placed a hand over her mouth in shock. "Now uh, Willow, don't go telling your parents I almost made that joke near you. Sorry dude, you got an old soul its like I'm talkin to someone my age." She laughed, ultimately making it more awkward. Ivy was the type to make those jokes, I don't get most of them but I'm guessing they're dirty cause Willy loves them. "-Anyways Willow, how deep in the shit is Iris?" I looked down to the vase now in my hands, the water showing my nervous reflection. "Murder deep." I placed down the vase and the room went quiet. I look over to Ivy who had just put up the last part of the lights. She got down off the chair and made her way over to me. "That's, wow. She's like what 12 or 13? Violet and I...we haven't even killed anyone yet. I take it that it's pretty hard on you huh? Having to know a person you look up to is a murderer." I widen my eyes and throw my hands up in some sort of defense. "No, no! She might not be though, I'm gonna prove her innocent I promise." Ivy placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and smiled at me. "Well good luck." I smiled back in response. The mood was quickly lifted as Ivy turned me around and was pushing me out the door, "Now you get out now cause I got some smooching to do!" She said in a joking tone. I laughed with her and said my goodbyes.

"Have fun Vi." I say as I walk past her with a giddy tone. "Uh what?" she asked. I didn't respond. Ivy was really one of the best listeners here, it made me a lot happier that she was here. Ever since we found her, Vi's been a lot happier as well. They just clicked.

I grab my dinner and sit next to Carson and his family, since mom and dad weren't here and AJ was on the watch tower. "Hey guys." Ruby gave me a warm smile and welcomed me to the table. Aasim had given her his bowl since she was pregnant so he was just writing in his book as per usual. Carson and his little brother, Aadi were play fighting. Ruby gave them a glare to straighten up at the dinner table. I enjoy my company with them, but the more I do the more I feel sorry for him.

[writingsweetroll]

Help - 3

"When I can't power through.." I mumble as I strum my guitar. "I need someone like you." I fling my head back looking at my rooms ceiling now. I feel so stupid sometimes. Its not fair, really Willow? What's not fair is mom having to live through hell everyday of her life. But, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to have some experience of the cool fights...or something. I continued to strum my guitar with no coordination. I'm surprised there were books on guitars here. Dad was sad I gave up on piano but he's still super proud of me. Super proud of me? Really? I placed my guitar down and get up off my desk chair. I walk over to the closet and grab a box full of AJ's old drawings. I pulled out one that had everyone on it, well of the 'original crew'.

Omar, AJ, Violet, Louis, Clem, Ruby, Aasim, Willy, and....Rosie. I really do miss her. They were drawn holding each others hands. The words 'we did it' drawn on the paper. I wish I was there, I wish I had saved my whole group from some psycho from my past. Mom was so cool. I just wish I could do more, I wish people could see me as this strong and powerful leader. Everyone just see's me as this 13 year old, whos talented in art activities not strength. I sigh deeply. I wish I was like Iris. She's the same age as me. But everyone see's her as this powerful young lady who can beat anything that stands in her way. She can even have long hair because she knows how to not get caught. I heard that her body count for people's death is 4. She's one of the top soldiers at the new frontier, and the best of all. She's just naturally beautiful. Albino skin, a long almost white pony tail, and a beautiful crystal, kind of like Clems crystal in her room, hanging from her neck. Her eyes..such a deep brown. Sometimes when I visit the new frontier, I can't stop looking at her beauty. Louis likes to tease me, saying that, "That's the same look I always gave your mom." Whatever, this isn't anything like that, its just...admiration?

"Ruby? You wanted to see me?" I walked in on Ruby weeding the vegetables. "Hi hon, come sit." I sit down near the mushroom garden, and look at ruby who sat across of me. "Not trying to be rude Ruby but, you think you should be working this hard? You know because of the pregnancy?" Ruby patted her big stomach with a warm smile. "Nah, gardening is an outlet to distract myself from the nausea. 'Sides Willow, I like to move around, I don't want the baby to feel more cooped up then it is." She laughs. "So Willow, your mom told me a little something about you. I heard your first period came." My face starts to turn red, oh god why did she have to tell people?! Ruby got up and squeezed my shoulder. "Now now, don't be upset with your mom Willow. She works very hard and she asked me if I could teach you the basics and give you something for it. Also your mom had to ask me cause she's not great at explaining at all." Ruby led me to the science room, which was turned into the medical area. She sat me down on one of the beds. "Literally I had to explain to AJ how babies were made because Clem couldn't bring herself to tell him why she was pregnant. When he asked Louis, well, he tried  to have a conversation with AJ but he started to laugh in nervousness." I started to feel a lot less embarrassed at the expense of my parent's embarrassing moments. I wish I could have seen their reactions but I didn't ask because Willy talked about uh, lets just say woohoo...when I was little, and that's how I found out how babies were made.

"So, how's your flow?" Ruby asked. "Flow?" I questioned back. Ruby grabbed a set of...sponges? She pointed to a very thin one, "This one is for a light flow, that means that the amount of blood that is released is very little. This one is for if the blood that is a little heavier, and this one is if there's a lot." I point to the small one, uncomfortably. "Ok, good, its normal for someone your age to have a light flow." Ruby walked across the room to get a small box of those things. She placed in my hands. "So, these are called pads. The tampons are for the adults, and don't worry if they don't look like what's on the box, its hand made pads from the diamonds group." Ruby sat down next to me and handed me a little bag of 4 meds. "So, you will experience cramping and headaches sometimes, and when you do, take one of these to ease the pain. As you get older though, we're just gonna have to stop giving you these pills, since we keep them for the newly experienced. So, Willow. Do you know why you get your period?" I shake my head no. "Well buckle in for a little health lesson." Ruby responds with a joking tone.

"Alright, bye Ruby!" I say as I wave back to her. It was now around night time and Omar and Mark were just setting up dinner plans. I honestly might not even want to have dinner after that long 'health lesson'. "Hey sweetpea." I look behind me to see my mom. "Hey...why did you tell Ruby about my thing?" I ask with a little attitude. Clem looked at her and sighed. She started to walk in the direction of the admin building, signaling me to come with.  

"So..?" I ask. Clem sat down on her desk chair and pulled out the Ericson map. "Willow, I'm sorry I didn't mean to tell out your personal business. I was just very, very busy...with this." She pointed to the map. I looked forward to get a better look at the scribbles on it. I leaned back shocked.

"The diamonds caravan group was slaughtered?!" Clementine nodded, and she leaned forward in her chair. "I didn't want to tell you this, but....I guess you're right." I looked at her with a confused look. "Right? Right about what?" Clementine tapped her finger on the desk, and with a huff she said, "About you having to be more 'bad-ass' as you like to call it. I have to stop babying you at some point. I actually knew a guy once where he babied his daughter. She was absolutely  hopeless when it came to survival and the real world. Especially when it involved...dangerous people. Like in this case." My eyes widen. "Wait--It wasn't by walkers?!" At this point I start to panic, but try to conceal it as much as I could. Clementine grabbed her crutches and made her way over to me. She grabbed my shoulder and gently pushed me down onto the chair. She then got down and leaned in front of me to make eye level. "I know you're panicked Willow. I know you have only heard stories, and not good ones about these type of situations but-it can go smoothly. I just, need your help Willow.

"My....help?"

[writingsweetroll]

Village- Chapter 2

I sigh in relief as I stretch my body. I get up and put on my boots, the smell of fresh coffee fills the hallway. Little things like that had always made me happy, apparently ever since I was little. "Alright then" I mutter as I make my way to my door.

"We ready?" Brent asked in a slight huff. I look at him with annoyance, little brat was way to pampered. He got everything he wanted by his dad's. So whenever he actually had to do a days work, he gets frustrated. "Look Brent, why don't you just shut up and do work for once? Or why don't we feed you what you hunt- Oh wait then you'll be dead because you don't anything!" I snapped back. He glared at me, about to respond until Clem came to say goodbyes.

Brent and I hadn't always been this way. It started just about a year ago.

"Come on hurry!" AJ called to us. Brent and I ran as fast as we could, but we were slower, me being only 12 and Brent being 14. AJ was around 18 and he had loads of experience running from walkers. AJ cursed under his breath as Brent fell down, he ran over to him and helped him up, but in the mean time AJ was dragged down by a walker and almost bit. AJ franticly grabbed his knife and the boosted up adrenaline caused him to cut his ankle as he slashed at the Walkers hand. I ran back to him to help him up. I grabbed AJ's arm and wrapped it around my shoulders as we ran together. "Brent, help us!" I screamed. All he did was just look, and he looked at us with pity. He ran off without helping us, he screamed he was sorry. I cursed at him, without holding back. Our pace quickened as fast as we could. We barely made it by a scratch, and when we into the court yard, Clem was furious. Louis was upset to, I had actually never seen him that way. But the wrath of my mom was just like her anger came from the pits of hell. His dads, Tim and Mark were trying to calm down my parents as much as they could, but ultimately, this was there last straw, if Brent fucked up again, they're out of the school.

"Ok then, Willow, you have your knives?" I nod at my mom. "Carson, you have the gun?" He replied "Yes mam." She smiled at the both of us. "Alright, make sure you two are extra careful, make sure you make it." She glared at Brent. We all nod and make our way out.

"She needs to get over it." Carson and I look at Brent in shock. "Dude, how would you feel if your child, you know- the thing you tried to create, then got in your stomach for 9 months, then went through hell birthing, and then raised for 13 years-- dies-ALSO--imagine if the kid you raised ever since you were 11 years old just died because of some kid whos new to the community." He rolled his eyes. "In an apocalypse, you have to think of your safety first, not some strangers." I glared at him. "You mean the same strangers that took you in off the road because you guys had no where to go right?" He looked forward and started to walk faster. "Whatever bitch." he muttered under his breath. "Hey!" Carson yelled out. I sigh and place a hand on his arm. "It's fine, people like him suck but at least we got each other."

"Hey Willow, what have you got for us today?" Elena asked. I pull out my backpack and take out some knives, and a few seeds for different vegetables. Elena grabbed them and smiled. "Ok I will be out with your share." Brent waited for her while Carson and I roamed around the village. They set up their little 'village' about 5 miles from our place. Of course, Clem had to approve of them first, and turns out they were actually good people. Even if they weren't our group would kick there ass like in the old days. "Oh uh, wait here Willow." I look up to Carson, and then look at what he was staring at. I laugh and tell him to just go. He was a huge nerd for board games, and he saw a goldmine of them. I actually had seen a goldmine for myself as well...

I climb onto the watch tower to look out on the army. Girls and boys of all ages were training. Some were fighting in the mud, some in the water and some training with bow and arrows. I look in awe, imagining if that were me, I would totally impress everyone with my badass skills. Like mom. Dad had told me some bad ass stories, and one time I even got to see the scar on her arm. Dad she had a lot more, but wasn't comfortable showing me. I rest my palm on my chin looking out to the heavy workers. Mom never wants to talk to me about her past. Its not fair, AJ knows a lot of it, and he's not even her kid. I widen my eyes at the sudden jealous thoughts in my head. I hated when I got them, so I try to shake it out. "Willow?" My body jumped as I turn around. "Tripp! Hey!? Don't scare me man!" The blonde old man chuckled. He rested near me. "Longing to fight I see?" I look over to Tripp and nod. "You wanna train me?" Tripp placed a hand on my shoulder, "Clem already trained you on the basic's, if I trained you anymore she would kill me." I throw my head back in annoyance. "Well it isn't fair. AJ is trained in this stuff and he's so cool! I wanna do that to." I huffed. Tripp sighed. "I understand why she only trains you on the basics Willow. When she was your age, she was, broken. She had thought AJ was dead so in her eyes, living was just an unwanted assignment. She killed anything or anyone in her way. She just wants you to not have to be like her, she wants you to be a kid." Tripp looked down, and he sighed. "She told me that every time she looks at AJ, she thinks about how she might of failed him. She doesn't want the same for you kid." I feel sorrow as his words became more and more sad. "Ok" I reply, not knowing what else to say.

I make my way over to the front gates where Brent and Carson are waiting. "Took your sweet time huh?" Brent asked. "Its not my fault I'm not an anti-social prick." I respond with cockiness, Carson sucks in his teeth and then laughs. We make our way back home.

[writingsweetroll]

Our Troubled Youths - 1

(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.

"Ok, so, Willow, Carson, and Brent--You're on trading duty tomorrow with the diamonds group in the morning. Ruby, my sweetie cute roll"--Everyone sighed in annoyance. Sure it was cute that they were still in that honeymoon faze but it got annoying fast.  Aasim cleared his throat. "You will be on garden duty with Mark. Sally, and John will be teaching the kids and Violet, Ivy, will be tending the generators and defenses." We all agreed and headed to our rooms. I said my goodbyes to my parents and left to my dorm. I lay down onto my bed, listening to the sound of the soft chirps and leaves flying in the wind. Autumn season was always my favorite.