Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

      It’s been 16 months since Omid died. Even longer since everyone else. And a lot sooner since Christa’s baby. Duck could feel the tension in the air. The depression. The guilt. He looked over to Christa, who was staring at the fire as it was almost out. Then looked at Clementine, who was sharing a log with him. He knew she was using him as a sort of barrier, some sort of wall between her and Christa. When Omid died trying to get Clementine away from the robber, Christa started blaming her.
She never said anything but Clementine could feel it. Even he could feel it. The silence was getting to be too much. Someone had to say something, right? And it seemed like Clementine had the same idea. While he was psyching himself up to do it, Clementine opened her mouth first. “Christa, could we talk?”

      It was a plead, he knew. Nevertheless, Christa took a deep breath and sighed. She got up and moved the fire around with a stick. “Look at this. It’s pathetic,” She then looked at Duck and narrowed her eyes. “You’re older. Shouldn’t you know how to build a fire?”

      He was surprised she was scolding him right now. “Um… I mean, I was going to learn… I just never had the time. Or we were in too big a hurry to take the time for anyone to teach me. Like when you built this one…” He trailed off, avoiding mentioning Omid. Omid promised to teach him stuff but it obviously never happened.

      “Well at this rate, Clementine’s gonna learn before you do,” She said and Duck looked to the ground. Should he apologize? “You’re older, Duck. You have a responsibility,” She said and looked back down, shaking her head. By her tone, there wasn’t room to argue.

      It was true. He did have a responsibility. But he also felt like he and Clementine shared the same sort of responsibilities. It’s kinda like what Chuck said to Lee before he died. “There is no boy or girl”. Except this time, his own mind said “there is no younger or older,”. Then again, maybe it was just finding a justifiable stand against her accusation.

      Nevertheless, Christa sighed as she got up. “I’m going to look for more wood. One of you keep the fire lit,” She said as she went off into the forest. Duck was the first to get up, looking around for more wood. He guessed Christa would have wanted him to do it more than Clementine anyways.

      “What’re you doing…?” He heard Clementine ask and he turned to her with a half smile.

      “I’m finding something to keep the fire going,”

      “But wouldn’t it make more sense to look in our bags? Everything else is kinda rained on anyways,” Clementine said, not waiting for Duck to make a move as she got up and unzipped her bag. She was looking through, trying to find something with the least amount of sentimental value. “I’ve got a lighter. And a drawing…” She seemed to trail off. He knew why. That picture of Lee just wasn’t an option to burn.

      “You don’t have to burn your drawing, it was pretty good for an eight year old. Besides, I’m in it,” Duck said, smiling as he looked in his own bag. “But for me?” He said, holding up a crumpled piece of paper. “Let’s just say I was never an artist,” It was a drawing, sure, but it wasn’t really of anything. All it was was black crayon taking up the entire page. Whether that’ll effect the flames or not remains a mystery. “I’m sure I have more somewhere in here…” He said, looking through the bag as Clementine smiled at him.

      He noticed the smile and smiled back. “What? Keep your eyes to yourself,”

      “Isn’t that a new saying from an attention seeker? You’re always so flashy it’s usually hard to miss you,”

      “Flashy? All I do is tell jokes sometimes, dear Clementine. Be a peach and burn this now,” He said, handing her the two pieces of paper he pulled from his bag.

      “Don’t call me a peach,” She said as she got up and took the paper from his hand more aggressively than needed.

      “Talk about snappy,” He said as he zipped up his bag and sat on the log, watching her until she finished. The fire went up considerably after that, making Clementine smile at her accomplishment. She turned to him with a face that had the unmistakable aura of ‘I’m better than you’.

      But before he could respond, they both stopped to listen to voices in the forest. They were close by, so Duck stood from his squatting position and made a move to stand beside Clementine. But then he realized they weren’t coming any closer. In fact, they sounded like they were staying in the same place. And then, Duck realized they were threatening someone.However, it was Clementine who realized who it might be. Because she was the one who started hurrying towards the voices with Duck following closely on her tail.

      “Where’s that boy?” One of the men demanded, pushing Christa to the middle of the ring.

      “I-I’m by myself,”

      “Bullshit!”

      “She’s lyin!”

      “Cut the shit, lady,” The last man said, aiming the gun at point blank range.

      “Why do you even want him?” Christa said. Clementine caught that first question too and she wanted answers but she could get them later. Right now was the time for a distraction before Christa gets shot. Before anyone could stop her, she threw a rock to the side of one of the men’s heads. And when Duck realized he was going to chase them, he pulled her by her hand and ran.

      “Christa, run!” Duck shouted as he ran in the opposite direction. From the sounds Clementine could hear going on behind them, however, it didn’t sound like she had made it.
While running past the fire, Clementine tried grabbing her bag but she was too slow and when she looked behind her, she found that they were being followed too closely. She had to leave it behind.

      “Split up!” Clementine whispered to Duck and ran to the right while he ran left. Clementine ended up behind a tree, waiting for the robber to turn around, hoping that he would give up after not seeing them. Instead, he stalked closer, coming a little too close to her tree than she liked. Then, she heard the man groan in agony and curse at whatever hurt him.

      “You rotten kid!” There was a beat before he said anything else. “Oh, it’s you. Come with me, will ya?” Clementine looked to the ground, knowing that Duck was doing the same in his panic. She picked up a stick and jumped on the man’s back, plunging it into his eye. He screamed and flung Clementine off his back. She felt Duck’s hands on her in an instant, helping her up before grabbing her hand and running, dodging any zombies they ran into.

       “You’re not gettin away that easily! Boss is waitin!” Who’s boss? And what do they want with them? All amazing questions with no answer.

      “Fuck you!” Clementine instead shouted behind them and stopped abruptly with Duck as they neared a cliff. She was about to say something before Duck was grabbed. She held onto his foot, staring the man into his good eye.

      “You kids are such a hassle!” He shouted. Clementine looked around, looking for another weapon but all she found was zombies quickly surrounding them. Then, she had an idea. And she’s sure Duck was following her mental path. She began pulling with renewed strength towards the cliff’s edge. “You crazy bitch, what’re you doing?!” He shouted at her but she ignored him. She was being aided by Duck as he moved his body more towards her way. Either Duck will break free, the man will let go, or they’ll all fall into the river.

      It didn’t take long to find out which as she felt her foot slip, which caused her to fall and bring down both Duck and the man. Whatever happened after that? She couldn’t really tell.

Chapter Text

Even though Duck was half unconscious, he remembers feeling fear before he woke up. Two concerns flooded his mind as his body tried to come back to the waking world. One: How long before a walker comes along and finds his helpless body? And two: is Clementine with him? They may have fell in the water together but that doesn't mean that they here together. And with that final thought, his consciousness finally caught up with the rest of him, making him groggily survey his surroundings and listen for any walkers. Then relief filled him as he saw the signature traits of his companion. She also seemed to be knocked out so he crawled over to her and shook her to which he got a small groan but no sign of waking up. The fact that she was even alive made him give a small smile. While waiting for her, he looked around and gave out a sigh when he realized that her backpack was nowhere to be found and realized they left it behind.

"ugh," He heard a sound behind him and smiled because it was Clementine's voice. She rolled over and looked at him with a look of annoyance as he rested on his arm and kept smiling. "What're you smiling for?"

"Well excuse me for trying to be in a good mood, wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Duck responded as she sat up and wiped her eyes.

"from just a few looks around, I can tell that we're lost," Then she tensed as she looked around frantically. "Where's Christa??" For the first time, Duck was made aware of that problem.

"I... don't know.." He said, his smile falling and letting out another sigh as he looked down. The mood was horrible for a bit until he thought of what to say next. "..Buttt we wont know if we stay here," He said optimistically as he stood and held out his hand for her, which she took reluctantly. "We'll be fine as long as we keep moving, she couldn't of gone much further than we have," Duck continued as he looked at the dock. There wasn't any stairs up which just made this a little harder.

"Give me a boost," Clementine said as she stood below the dock. "I'm smaller than you so I weigh less," She said and he agreed with a nod and cupped his hands together. She stepped on his hands and pushed herself upward as he tried to lift her just a bit. She then held her hand out for him and he took it as she tried her best to get him up on the dock, which was close cause she almost dropped him. As he got closer to the ledge, he brought his other hand up and started pulling himself up. Clementine backed away and looked around as he finished getting up on the dock. "I don't like these woods," She commented and Duck looked at the woods to see if there's any ay to soothe her concerns.

"Well, maybe they're not as dense as they look," He offered. "And besides, you're not alone, you have me. I'm rather offended you don't have faith in me," He said and she let out a small laugh.

"Do you blame me? You're older than me and yet I feel like I'm babysitting you," She said as she started walking, not realizing that her taking the first steps in the woods showed him that he made her feel better, which was his goal the whole time. He followed her with a smile on his face. That confidence didn't last long as he found her looking around more and more, her senses more heightened than he's ever seen them. She's being cautious because of those bandits, hes assuming. He cant blame her. In the end, they both jumped when there was a rustling in the bushes, Duck straightening as he got closer. He didn't have time to find a weapon and could only pray it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding when he realized it was a dog. It as a pretty dog if not a bit matted and dirty. "Oh hey little guy!" Clementine spoke to it first. She pet the dog and he let her. "Sam,"

"How'd ya know that?"

"His nametag, doofus," She responded, moving her body over a bit to show him and he crossed his arms.

"I wasn't asking to be insulted," He said. "I didn't know you liked dogs so much,"

"They're cute but I'm not crazy about them and you never asked," She said. Suddenly the dog barked and ran from them. "Hey, where are you goin?"

"Seems he don't like you,"

"Oh shut up," She said as she started chasing him and Duck ran behind her. It wasn't long until they stumbled upon a small campsite. "You were saying? I think he likes me just fine,"

"Mhmm, I'm sure," Duck said, shaking his head. " I don't think anyone's here and it looks ransacked to hell. Gives me bad vibes,"

"What doesn't give bad vibes?" She said as she started looking around. "doesn't hurt to look for food," She walked to the RV. "You'd think food would be here," She said. Duck looked in a box nearby.

"Nothing edible in here," He said. She tapped his shoulder and showed him a picture.

"It must've been the family that owned this,"

"I hope they don't mind us looking around," He said, remembering when they stole food which led to Clementine's kidnapping. Suddenly Sam started barking and ran to a tree.

"Hey, keep it down," Clem said as she walked towards him and Duck followed, seeing what Sam was barking at. It was a walker that was tied to a tree. There was a knife stuck in his arm. "He's dead. He tried cutting out his arm but we both know that never works," She said, seeming to be talking to Duck more than the dog. "We need to stay away but having that knife might be useful," She finally turned to him and Duck nodded.

"Yeah, it might," He looked further and smiled. "There's a huge stick right there. You just need to whack his head a few times," He said and she followed his instruction, even if it took four times to kill the walker. "Now we can get the knife," He said. "We shouldn't feel bad. It's a mercy killing if anything," He said those words to Clementine but it was to make him feel better too. She nodded and took the knife. Duck turned and looked into a barrel and smiled. "Clementine," He said and she looked at him, not smiling yet. He hates it when she's not smiling. He lifted up the can and shook it, making her eyes light up. That was good. He took the knife and started opening it and then looked at her and the dog. "How to split it.." Then he smiled and dumped a little bit of food into his hand and a little bit of food on the ground for the dog. Finally he gave Clementine the can. They ate and what he didn't intend was for the dog to ask for more. "Hey buddy, we don't have anymore, I finished mine too and Clem's almost done," And then that's when everything happened too fast. The dog launched himself at Clementine, biting her arm and not letting go and Clementine punched him multiple times as Duck tried to find the knife. Once he did, he stabbed the dog in it's back, which made him let go of Clementine only to be then stabbed in the head, killing it. It wasn't a mercy killing but he doubted the dog would've stopped attacking Clementine because it was hungry. He turned to Clem, who was breathing slightly faster and touched her arm, hissing at the contact.

"Damnit," She said.

"It's gonna get infected. Here," He said, taking off his flannel. "Imma tie this around but its not gonna help without medicine and stuff," He recalled the things he picked up from his mom and animal bites on other animals aren't anything to mess with so he doubted Clementine's gonna be okay without anything either. "C'mon lets get outta here," He said, walking with her into the forest. It wasn't long till he noticed her stumbling and so he had her put her arm around his shoulders. Which would've been fine had the sound of walkers around them had not increased. "Don't focus on that, Clem, focus on going faster please,"

"I'm... I'm trying.." She said. Oh she did not sound good. Suddenly he was pushed over and Clem came down with him. He was able to turn over and and keep the walker off of him but Clem wasn't a lot of help due to her condition. She still tried to crawl to him. He was worried though. Even if she got the walkers attention, she wasn't fast enough right now. His worries vanished when the walker was shot in the head, stopping it from moving above him.

"Grab them kids and lets get outta here," He heard a man say and saw someone scoop up Clementine, which made him develop a new fear. Who were these people and where are they taking them?

Chapter Text

Duck ran beside the older guy, as he was instructed to do while the younger one held Clem and ran just slightly in front of them. Eventually, near the ending of the woods, they slowed down and looked back. "I... I think we lost em," The older one said, catching his breath. The younger one looked back once more, also out of breath but that's not surprising since he's carrying Clementine.

"Yeah, I think we're good," He said then turning his attention back to Clementine. "You okay, kid?"

"I can walk,"

"No she can't," Duck interjected quickly, slightly out of breath and sending a glare her way. "Don't let her tell you otherwise, she's stubborn," The younger one gave a chuckle at that.

"So y'all've known each other for a bit," The younger one said in amusement, which made Duck chuckle a bit himself.

"Yeah,"

"Well, I suppose now's a good of time as any. I'm Luke and this is Pete,"

"Hey there," The older one said with a smile. "may we ask for your names?" He asked.

"I'm Clementine and that's Duck," She said, nodding over to him and he smiled at the both of them.

"Duck?" Luke asked with a hint of amusement.

"Well yeah! I mean, it's not my real name just a nickname my dad gave me, ya know?" He explained, just a little embarrassed. They spent so long away from other people he almost forgot that that's the reaction most people have to his nickname.

"Speaking of dads and such, y'all got any parents or any other adult lookin after ya? I have a hard time believin that y'all survived on your own out here all alone," Pete stated. "I just don't want them to find ya'll here and think we're doin' anything but helpin'" He finished.

"Well we were being watched after by this woman named Christa," Clementine said before Duck could answer. "But we were attacked by this group of men and so we got separated," The tone seemed to shift slightly when she mentioned the men. Duck doesn't know if Clem noticed but he did.

"These men, did they say they were looking for something or someone?" Luke asked. Duck didn't think it would be wise to bring up that one sentence where they talked about a boss of some kind. So this time, he actually tried to beat Clementine to the punch.

"I think they were just hungry," Duck said, turning the attention back to him. "We were cooking a lil weasel so it's not far-fetched. Plus I think they took Clem's bag which had some water in it," Duck finished.

"They really attacked you over a weasel?" Luke said and shook his head. "Damn, that's low.." He said. He seemed to be chewing on the answer for a little bit until he was satisfied and then looked down at Clementine again and smiled. "Well, Clementine, don't you worry. You might be feelin' faint right now but we got a doctor over at out place, okay? He could take a look at you and- Oh shit!!!"

"What the hell??" Duck shouted as he heard Clementine fall on the ground hard and ran over to her to help her sit up.

"What?" Pete said in alarm, seeing the look on Luke's face and how he put his hands on the back of his head.

"She's... She's been bit, man.. Fuck! What do we do??" He said as he started to pace and alarm raised in Duck.

"No she hasn't! It was a dog bite,"

"I didn't see a dog anywhere, Duck," Pete stated, still having his head. If Clementine wanted medical attention, they'd have to appeal to him.

"No, it wasn't with us. It was before. We ran into it and it attacked Clementine and..." Suddenly, Duck was hit with a wave of guilt.

"And what?" Luke asked.

"...I killed it.."

"You killed it?? A dog shows up and you kill it?"

"It attacked me!" Clementine defended him. "I doubt that it would've stopped if Duck let it live," Duck felt anger rise up in him. He would've done the same thing in his situation and he knows it.

"What would you have done?" Pete asked him and Luke shook his head.

"I dunno its just... you don't kill dogs.." He said and Pete shook his head.

"I think if it attacks your friend that bad then it's justified in this environment," Pete said and then looked back at Clementine. "Alright, let's take a look,"

"Watch yourself," Luke said and Duck glared at him. He already doesn't like this guy. In the back of his mind, though, he knows that he's being cautious. "Don't look at me like that,"

"You're being an asshole, I already told you it was a dog,"

"Duck, stop it," Clementine said and Duck just looked at a random spot in the woods after that. He was still pretty angry though as he turned his attention back to Clem's bite and watched Pete examine it. After a moment, he hummed.

"What?" Luke asked.

"Well, I'm no expert. It could be a dog bite but the final stay should be on Carlos," Pete said and Luke let out a breath. "Come on then,"

"We're takin her?"

"Well I don't wanna leave two kids in the woods alone. You got any better ideas?" Pete asked and Luke looked down.

"No," he said. "But I'm not carrying her,"

"Not a problem," Duck said, helping Clementine up and having her lean on him with her arm over his shoulder. "We should be fine. Wouldn't want you to drop her again,"

"Duck.." Clementine sighed weakly, the sting coming completely out of her voice when she was trying to get after him for his passive aggression. Regardless, Duck still dropped it as he moved her to lean on him further. This was way harder than how they made it look in the movies as he shuffled forward. Even then it was easy until she slumped forward, finally passing out and not being able to balance herself.

"Woah woah, okay okay," Luke said as he ran back towards them and lifted Clementine once again. "She probably weighs just as much as you, huh?"

"She's lighter but I'm not very strong anyways," He said, still holding resentment towards this man. He thought about what would have happened if she and him were separated. She'd of been forced to walk herself, huh? The fact she passed out not even a few steps made him even more angry. It seemed a permanent look of disdain would stay on his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone was going back and forth with each other as they argued about what to do with Clementine. At this point, Duck's hatred for Luke simmered down but it didn't disappear. Instead, it was directed at two people. The pregnant woman who suggested pointing a gun at Clementine and the man who actually started pointing a gun at Clementine. While she was unconscious nonetheless. Of course he raised hell and if it weren't for Pete, he's sure that they wouldn't of gotten rid of the gun no matter what he said. These people aren't friendly at all and seem to hate their guts. Even though they're arguing over different things while huddled around Clementine, he was still stuck on and angry about the gun situation. Sure, the gun's not in anyone's hands now but the fact they had no problem pointing it at her unconscious body made his blood boil. What if she woke up and was suddenly shot? She'd wake up and die over some trigger happy asshole and then it wouldn't be good for anyone cause he's sure he'd jump the person who shot her. Would he also be shot? Most definitely. Would he care? To some extent but probably not in the moment. Maybe he'd regret it later if he's still alive.

"...I..." He heard Clementine's voice. She was laying beside him as he sat up and he looked down at her. "Duck.. I need a doctor," She said as she pulled at his shirt. She sounded so weak. He hated it.

"I know, Clem. They've went inside the house and they're getting him," He said and looked around. Everyone seemed to realize she was awake now. Yet they're still arguing over if they're 'spies'. Spies of what? He wasn't paying attention and he couldn't care less. After all, they're not spies and he has nothing to prove. Neither does she. If they questioned them, their stories would be the same because it's the truth and they can go as far back as they'd like until they're satisfied. Back to Omid, to his dad, to Lee. At some point they'd be satisfied with their backstories, right?

"What're you thinking about?" She said quietly to him and Duck smiled at her.

"Did I have a face on?"

"Mhmm," She said and he wanted to respond but before he could, Luke and the doctor came out of the house and walked to the group. The doctor kneeled in front of Clementine and Clementine sat up with her arm close to her body as the doctor held out his hands.

"Don't you worry, Clem, okay? This is Carlos and he's our doctor. You can trust him," Luke explained and Clementine let the doctor see her arm finally. He removed the cloth from her arm to get a better look and she hissed. He hummed as he looked at it.

"Well?"

"It's hard to say. It could've been a dog but it's not clear," He stated and Duck felt his stomach drop. If she doesn't get help and soon, she'll die of infection and he cannot help her. "Whatever it was, it got her good," He continued and the man with the hat shook his head with a breath of annoyance.

"This isn't how we do things, man. You get bit, you get put down, end of story," He started stomping over to Luke.

"Oh yeah, put her down like she's some type of dog, what's wrong with you, you just wanna kill a little girl that bad? You were already so willing to shoot her, why don't you-" Duck was pulled back from his shirt collar by Luke this time.

"Nobody's suggesting anything, okay?"

"We could take her arm off," Pete suggested and everyone looked at him for a long moment. "I know that worked for a cousin down in Ainsworth, we could try that," Pete continued, justifying his stance. Clem started breathing more quickly and Duck decided to start talking again. She must've been scared outta her mind.

"I'm sorry, but we had a group before and there was this man that got bit. He cut off his arm thinking it would help but it didn't and he died. I'm not trying to be difficult this time and I'm not saying that she's infected either. I'm saying that cutting off her arm over a dog bite, which I've explained four different times already, is unnecessary and wrong," Duck explained, his heart beating wildly. They're serious and he knows they are. It's not easy to defend yourself to adults who're scared and it feels nearly impossible. All attention went off of him when the door of the house opened and a girl that seemed to be near his age peeked out.

"Who's she?" The girl asked.

"Sarah, get in the house. Right now," Carlos said and she went back in the house looking dejected. Carlos looked at Clementine's bite again.

"Listen," Clementine said. "I know my friend has been a pain but he's just scared for me and angry. I don't want to be anymore trouble so just please help me out and we'll both be out of your hair," She said and Duck felt bad. She was right, he was scared and his anger over how they treat her had not yet settled.

"Where would you go?" Carlos asked.

"Well, we'd probably try and find our friend Christa. We were separated. We already told Luke and Pete about it," She said

"Yeah, they did. Bandits that we're hungry raided them and they got separated," Luke recapped and Carlos hummed.

"Forget it, you won't make it five feet," The hat guy said

"Look, I may be in the minority here but my gut tells me that they're tellin the truth. It probably is just a dog bite. probably..." Luke finished, seeming to close in on himself near the end.

"A bite like this could be anything," Carlos said, finally backing away from Clementine and looking back at the group. "There's only one way to find out for sure,"

"How?"

"We wait," Carlos said and Clementine's eyes grew slightly wider while Duck's expression only got more worried. "If the fever sets in by tomorrow then we'll know for sure. In the meantime, we can lock her in the shed,"

"Woah woah woah, hold on," Duck interjected. "That's not necessary,"

"I need medical attention. I need to be stitched and bandaged and like I said, we'll be outta here," Clementine said with panic in her voice.

"Medical supplies is hard to come by. We don't want to unnecessarily use it on a lurker bite," Carlos said and walked away.

"I'm sorry, it's the best we're gonna get," Luke said. Pete handed the gun to the guy with the hat ad he pointed it at Clem.

"When are y'all gonna learn that's not needed," Duck said under his breath. Duck was thinking of anything to say as they walked to the shed but this was it. As Luke said, this was probably the best they could get. As they opened the door, they made Clementine step inside and left it open for a second before Luke turned his attention to Duck.

"Now, we believe that this is a lurker bite but you seem pretty adamant on it bein a dog bite. So do you wanna maybe stay in the house or something?" Luke asked and the other guy glared.

"What? You think that's safe?"

"I dunno its just... it don't feel right having him stay locked in a shed with a potential lurker, ya know?" Luke said.

"Why would I have to worry?" Duck asked. "It's just a dog bite as I said. If that don't convince ya'll then it's hopeless," Duck said as he walked into the shed with Clementine and watched the doors close on them.

"You know, it probably would've been a good idea to go with them," Clementine stated and Duck looked at her with a confused look.

"Why?"

"Cause if they aren't gonna treat me then I'll do it myself. You coulda stole the supplies from inside the house. They probably wouldn't question you going to the bathroom or something," She said and Duck smiled.

"You know, you always seem so nice and yet you're over here talking about stealing supplies,"

"I wouldn't have to if they just treated me in the first place. As I said, we could've been gone already," Clementine said as she turned from him. "Now help me make a little hole to crawl out of here,"

Chapter Text

"Don't you think he shoulda been able to tell a dog bite from a walker bite?" Duck asked as he propped himself on the workbench. He honestly couldn't help but be a little skeptical of these people. Was he even a real doctor? His mom was a vet but he's pretty sure if she were alive, she'd be able to tell what bit Clementine.

"I've never been the judge of something like that so I can't really say. I dunno maybe he's never seen a dog bite," Clementine said as she looked around and started pulling at a wooden pallet that was nailed to the wall, most likely covering a hole. "Ugh, that's not gonna work,"

"What're you trying to do?" Duck asked as he leaned on his arms a bit more.

"I'm trying to get out of here. Don't you remember? If they're not gonna help me, then I need to do it myself,"

"Oh. I thought that plan was out the window when I decided to stay with you," Duck said and Clementine smiled at him.

"I think it made it harder but its okay. You didn't know what I was thinking anyways. I woulda snuck out and tried to find where you were staying in the house so nothings too different," She said and continued looking for what he guessed was another way out or something to get the pallet off.

"So, if I'm thinking correctly, you wanna go? By yourself? Not even sending me to get the supplies instead?" Duck asked. She gave him an annoyed look and she rolled her eyes at him as she looked up on a shelf.

"I can do it myself. I passed out earlier but I feel totally fine now," She said, sounding a bit tired at having to explain that. He felt a little hurt. Did she not think he was capable? Why? Does she think he can't sneak well or something?

"I know you can do things yourself and I'm not saying you can't," He said as he watched her jump up, trying to reach the hammer that was on the high shelf. "What I am saying is that I'm worried you might pass out again and until you get medical attention, I'll keep worrying about that," He continued as he slid off the workbench and reached up for the hammer, grabbing it by its handle and handing it to her. "I'm just trying to help you, do you not think I can help you?" He said and she took the hammer from him.

"I think you're more than capable of a lot of things. It's just..." She trailed off. "What??" Duck asked. "I was out for a bit. Each time I was out, you were taking the responsibility of everything that happened and you tried protecting me from anything that could hurt me, even if the things that could've hurt me were those people," She said and smiled at him. "I just feel a little helpless, that's all. I wanna take some responsibility," She knelt next to a wood plank before removing the nails that held it in place.

"Yeah that makes sense. Just be careful," He said as he watched her crawl through the hole in the shed. Well, this is a good thing he thinks. At least he can hold down the fort while she's gone and make sure none of those walkers get in here. He was still a little worried for Clementine. She was hurt and these people didn't really like either of them but at least... Oh no. He heaved out a breath as his stomach dropped. They believe Clementine is bit. If they see her snooping around, they might think she's already turned and escaped the shed. He let out another deep breath and dropped down to try and crawl out of the shed after her only to be stopped by a walker attempting to crawl its way inside. He let out a small gasp as he backed away from the opening, getting as far away from the walker as possible. His heart dropped as he thought of another despair inducing thought. He didn't have a weapon. Clementine had a hammer and she had the pocket knife. He quickly looked around the shed for anything he could get and was shit out of luck. He can't die like this, not when Clementine would be stuck with him once she came back.

The walker was pretty slow so Duck just had to wait for it to come to his side before he could hop on the workbench and maybe have enough time to crawl out the shed and run to the house. Maybe he'll get help if a walker is after him. However, as he thought of the hole in the shed, he thought of the wooden pallet as well and came up with a plan. Along with the wooden seat attached to the wall, it's all about timing. It was worth a shot. As soon as the walker got close enough, he hopped on the workbench and got to the other side, grabbing the wooden seat attached to the wall and bringing it down, which made the walker stumble and fall. While it was on the ground, he picked up the pallet and kicked the walker on it's chest so that it was flat on the ground, dropping the pallet on it's head three times before he thought that it was finally dead. He stood there for what felt like forever and let out shaky breaths and as he turned around, he came face to face with Clementine, which made his heart jump.

"Oh Jesus Christ!" He exclaimed as he dropped the pallet fully and clutched at his heart. "What the hell?" She was silent for a moment as she looked behind him and saw the walker.

"How'd you kill it?"

"I used the pallet," Duck explained. "It was pure luck. I got it to fall and then I kicked it on its back so I smashed its head in," He explained further and she nodded.

"That.. must've been scary," She said and he smiled at her.

"It's okay-"

"Did you get bit?" She asked and that's when he realized she was still super close to the hole, halfway crouching as if she was ready to leave.

"No," He stated as he showed her his arms, pulled up his pants legs and showed her his torso and back for good measure. "I'm fine, see?" He said. At this point, she was fully in the shed again and was standing up straight. At least he has her trust again. "...Are you okay? You got everything you need?"

"Yeah," She said as she showed him the supplies she managed to make out with. It was enough. She set it on the workbench as she was careful not to step on the walker. Duck walked over to the hole in the shed and placed the bloody pallet back over it. He really didn't want to have to deal with another walker, especially since Clementine was about to have stitches and stuff and will most likely scream or at least cry out. He'd be surprised if she didn't but either way it was nice to block the hole while he had the chance. "Do you know how to do any of this?" She asked him, which gave him a shock but he still smiled at her regardless.

"I'm sorry, Clem. I really don't," He answered and she seemed disappointed but not as surprised.

"It was a longshot anyways," She said as she turned back to her supplies that sat on the workbench. She rolled up her sleeve and took a deep breath. "If any walkers try to get in, you're gonna kill them for me, right?"

"Of course," He said as he took the hammer that she had and smiled. "I've actually got a weapon this time so I won't have a problem,"

"Good," She said and she hissed. She hadn't even started yet but she already knew that this was going to hurt really bad.

Chapter Text

Clementine had finished up her arm but that doesn't mean that she's better. They both had no sense of medical knowledge and Duck was incredibly worried about her. What if this makes it more infected? Infections a pretty big deal, even if it's not the walker type. She doesn't look too bad right now. Trust and believe, he's paying close attention to the state she's in. However, she's in obvious pain if her grabbing at her arm and not letting it go is any indication. He expected it. There was no way that she wouldn't be. He tried to get a look outside to see how much more time they had to wait to be let out. It was still dark as hell. It wasn't like he didn't try to open the doors after Clementine was good. After all, there's no reason to wait around until morning anymore, right? Unfortunate for the both of them, they blocked the shed doors with something. "You seem restless," He heard her soft voice say, forcing him to look back to her.

"Yeah, I guess so. I don't want to be here once they find that we took their medical supplies,"

"It's not like I took all of it. There's still leftovers on the bench,"

"I know but still," He said and Clementine hummed. She was thinking about what to say next, no doubt trying to think of another way to get him to calm down a little. He was fidgety ever since she came back to the shed and he kept looking around the shed. Not so much walking around and touching everything, more like looking around and thinking about whatever he was thinking about. He was uncharacteristically quiet and she wasn't used to that. Could it be..?

"Are you still worried about me?" She asked and Duck looked at her again and smiled. She could feel herself smile at him in return. It was a relief seeing it after he had been so quiet for so long.

"Yeah," He said, letting out a breath. "I dunno," He said. She couldn't help but pick up the tiredness in his voice.

"You know, you can go to sleep," She said and he let out a small laugh. It wasn't out of humor but she couldn't tell what it was.

"No thanks," He said and he unconsciously looked to the body on the floor and the wooden pallet blocking the hole. He's unsettled. How could she help him feel comfortable? She remembers that he'd always tell a joke to help her smile but that was his thing he did to help her. So what was hers to help him? The only thing she's ever done was talk him through anything that hurt him or hold his hand. So she got up and walked over to him and sat down beside him. He looked over at her and smiled. "Whatcha doin?"

"You're not feeling well, are you?"

"No, I feel fine. If you're still worried about if that walker hurt me, I can-"

"No, that's okay," She said and she shifted her body so that most of her weight was leaning on him. He didn't seem to expect that but quickly recovered turned more into her and lay on her head as she laid on him. Clementine proved herself right, he was really tired. If the way that his breathing slowing down was any indication at least. She knew that he wasn't asleep and might not even go to sleep but the fact she was to make him stop fidgeting and stop his anxiety and worries from getting any worse was good enough for her. It didn't surprise her how he was acting though. Her getting bit and then these people taking them only to threaten her life while she was unconscious and forcing him to be her defense only for them to be locked in a shed together and on top of that, having to think quickly on what to use to kill a walker when he had nothing. It wasn't even that long of being separated from Christa and they've both nearly died with the only saving grace being luck and luck itself. They were as safe as they could be right now but if Duck did fall asleep, she'd stay awake.

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Duck's dreams were plagued that night due to everything that happened today. His brain drifted off to when Clementine was bit by the dog then it shifted to his mother, the only correlation being a bite and guilt that it happened in the first place. It wasn't even dreams, it was more like memories that were blurred from the time that had passed. How many years since his mom got bit? Four maybe? It was cold out has his birthday passed? Is he fifteen now or still fourteen? How old is Clementine? Twelve? Thirteen? Her birthday is in November so it's supposed to be cold, right? Either way, it looked like it was Fall now so her birthday is soon. He should get her something even if it's just something that's found in the woods or on a dead walker. His mind couldn't stay on one track for too long, even if he was sleeping. Throughout the rest of the night, his mind switched from idea to idea with the correlation only hanging on by a thread.

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The shed doors startled him awake from the loud sound it produced. He looked at the doors groggily only to be met by horrified and then angry expressions. He could feel Clementine get up quickly which prompted him to do the same, even if he felt light headed as he did. He stood up way too fast. "You stole from us?!" An angry voice said but he couldn't really figure out who had said that. He hears more angry muttering amongst them and looked over at Clementine. She may have been angry but he already had a bad impression with them so he decided to take the fall for it. He pushed Clementine gently behind him and glared at the group. By the look on Clementine's face, she didn't expect that and hadn't known what he was thinking that time.

"Well do you blame us?" Duck started off saying. "We had no choice. Clementine had already fainted and she was going to get worse if we didn't do anything. You left her out here to die even when we both explained to you what happened. And if I'm going to be 100% truthful," He scoffed, no longer trying to get heat off of Clementine and instead letting out all the frustrations that built inside of him while they were locked in the shed. "I would think that a doctor would be able to tell a human bite from a dog bite. For god's sake, even when they're infected, walker teeth doesn't even change all that much! And-" He was cut off when Clementine pulled at his shirt.

"That's enough now," Clementine said and she looked at the group. "We're sorry from stealing but Duck's a little right. I was never infected but even if I was you let Duck to share a shed with someone you thought was bitten. At that point, it's just frustrating that you all thought that he would've been so stubborn to lock himself in here with me just to prove a point," She said and the one she remembers, Luke, looked guilty as hell.

"It doesn't matter," Said the only woman of the group. "They still stole from us! Do you seriously think we can trust them..?"

"Oh shut up," Pete countered her. "They did what they had to and with everything they've just said to us, I don't blame them," It was quiet for a moment before the doctor, Carlos, said something.

"I'll take a look at her arm to see if she's done it correctly," He said, turning away from the group and having everyone follow. Except for Luke. When they both managed out of the shed, he finally spoke what was on his mind.

"Are you guys hungry?" He asked. Clementine didn't answer him and kept moving forward. Duck did the same but allowed himself to give him a fleeting look before moving into the house with Clementine.

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Duck was sitting at the kitchen table, looking at the surface as Clementine was getting her bite re-stitched. Nick and Luke had followed them into the kitchen with Luke pacing and Nick leaning against the wall. "How's she look?" Luke spoke first.

"Her suturing skills need some work but otherwise, I'd say she'll be fine,"

"So it wasn't a luker bite?" He asked further.

"If it was, the fever would've already set in and her temperature would be through the roof," Carlos said and Nick stormed out of the kitchen. Duck couldn't help but latch onto that as he watched Luke chase after him. Did he want Clementine to be a walker? Was he just that trigger happy that he was angry that Clementine wasn't a threat? "I wish you wouldn't've done what you did," They heard Carlos say as he washed his hands in the sink.

"We had no choice," Clementine said and Carlos shook his head.

"You did so. We locked you in there because we considered you a threat, which you were. Maybe you still are. We put you in that shed out of concern for our safety and our loved ones. I'm not sure which one of you stole from us, you keep saying 'we'. However, one of you persuaded my daughter to help!" He said, growing increasingly madder. By what he said, it looked like Sarah didn't give any clues about who snuck in the house either. "I'll give both of you the benefit of the doubt but there's a few things you guys need to learn about her," He turned to them. "She isn't like you," He said, pointing to Clementine. "And never gonna be like you," He said, pointing to Duck. "Neither of you will get that initially but if you're around her for a while, you'll understand. If she knew how the world really was, she would cease to function. She's my little girl and she's all I have left and I would ask that you stay away from her," He finished, waiting for an answer from either Duck or Clementine.

"I'm sorry," Clementine said and Carlos accepted that from her. However, he turned to Duck, who had yet to speak.

"Yeah, I'm sorry too,"

"You're both forgiven but I would advise against any more mistakes," And with that, he left the kitchen at the same time Luke came back in.

"I brought you both some food if ya'll are hungry," He said, putting a bowl in front of Duck and setting another one beside him. Clementine took that spot beside him and they started eating. "That's gonna leave one helluva scar," He commented, nodding to Clementine's now bandaged scar.

"Yeah, but it's okay. Scars can be cool in a way," She said and Duck smiled at the humor she gave. It didn't last long before Nick came back in and made his way over to Clementine.

"Hey, look, uh..." He started off. "I just wanna say I'm sorry for.. well for bein a dick out there. I got kinda aggro and that was definitely not cool," He said.

"Nick's been known to go off every once in a while, don't hold it against him," Luke explained and Clementine gave a sigh.

"You were just protecting your friends, I get it," Clementine said as she felt her heart swell and looked at Duck. "It's like with Duck," She said and Duck stopped eating as he seemed to pay attention again. "He's usually so kind and funny but then I was hurt and he probably said some things that were out of line when I was passed out. I don't know but I'm sure he's sorry too," She said as she patted his thigh, prompting him to say it.

"Yeah, I get it," He said. "I tend to get really angry sometimes,"

"Either way, I didn't mean to be so harsh. We just had a bad experience once," Nick said and it got quiet.

"What happened, if you don't mind me asking," Clementine asked and Nick sat down.

"Nick lost his mom. We took care of someone who was bit and-"

"It was my fault," Nick interrupted Luke.

"It was no one's fault," Luke interrupted back. "We thought we could control it but we couldn't. And then she turned and his mom was standin right there when she got attacked. There was nothin we could do about it," Luke finished with the explanation without interruption.

"Anyways, I hope you two understand," Nick said as he stood.

"We do," Duck said, as he looked at Nick and smiled sadly. "We've lost people important too," Duck continued, thinking about his parents.

"Yeah," She said. "I understand feeling like you're responsible,"

"Thanks," Nick said and left.

"So, since ya'll are pretty much alone, what's your plan?" Luke said, changing the somber tone.

"Well, we're thinking about moving on," Clementine said and Duck nodded. He didn't have any idea what he wanted to do after this but he was okay with following her lead for now.

"Ya'll are welcome to stay here. Let yourself get healed up and ya'll can talk about what ya'll want from then," He offered and Clementine looked pensive.

"Do you think everyone else would be okay with that?" She asked and Luke smiled.

"They'll just have to deal with it. I don't think its safe for you or your boyfriend to go out there now," "He's not my boyfriend," Clementine mumbled and Luke gave a laugh "Sorry about that. So, the guilt you talked about... is it because of your parents too?" Luke asked and Clementine shook her head.

"No, just a guy who had a good heart..." She said before continuing. "My actual parents went to Savannah and never came back. They left me with a babysitter but she died. We tried to find them but they were already dead," She said and noticed Duck was now paying more attention to the conversation. "The man I mentioned was named Lee. He took care of me. We met up with survivors and we all tried to make it but it didn't work. The only survivors from that group are me and Duck and maybe Christa," She finished and Duck put his bowl on the table before speaking after her.

"She's right. I used to be apart of our original group with my mom and dad. But, you know," Duck explained, trailing off.

"I'm sorry for the both of you," Luke said and Pete walked into the kitchen.

"I hate to interrupt but I can't help but notice we still got a few hours of night and this place is lit up like a beacon in the middle of the woods. In the morning, we'll go and catch some fish for breakfast so get a little more shut eye while ya can. I'll make a spot on the couch for you both," Pete said as he left the kitchen and Luke followed.

"Are ya finished, Clem?" Duck asked, pointing to her bowl of food and she nodded before he stacked it with his and stood up. "Come on then," He said and they made their way into the living room.

Chapter Text

Duck could feel his fingertips grow cold as they walked to the fishing river. He clenched and unclenched his fists as he tried to warm his hands up discreetly. It felt like every year was getting colder a lot sooner. He walked in silence beside Clementine as Pete led them to the river.

"Anyone teach you guys how to shoot?" He asked, breaking the silence as he looked behind him to the two pre-teens.

"Yeah, our friend Lee taught us," Clementine answered, still holding onto her arm.

"That's good. It's important nowadays," Pete said as he stepped over a broken fence with Clementine and Duck following suit. "Nick was about you're age when I first took him hunting," Pete continued, seemingly done with silence. "Came across this beautiful 13-point buck just standin' there on the ridgeline. The boy lines up the rifle," He said as he held up the gun to demonstrate. "He lines up the shot just like I taught him... then I hear him start whinin'," He said, lowering the rifle and looking back at them. "He turns to me and he says 'I can't do it. I can't shoot it, Uncle Pete. Please don't make me shoot it," He finishes with the story and Duck gives a little laugh at it.

"That reminds me of the time my dad tried taking me hunting!"

"Did you cry too?" Clementine asked him with a teasing tone and Duck crossed his arms and was about to return her comment back with one of his own before he heard someone running up.

"Hey!" Nick shouted as he slowed in front of them. "Why didn't ya'll wait for me?" Nick asked.

"You want us to stand around while you piss on a tree? You know where the river is, boy," Pete said and turned around, starting to walk to the river again. "Anyways, so I grab the gun outta his hand before the big buck runs off when BANG! The gun fires. Boy nearly gut shot me! And of course the buck gets away," He finishes.

"Why are you tellin' them this shit for?" Nick asked but it seemed he didn't want an answer cause he continued without one. "You're always tryin to give me a hard time,"

"You give everyone else a hard time! Don't think I didn't notice how rude you were yesterday," Pete said and it seemed like Nick had enough as he pushed past his uncle. "Leavin' us again,"

"I know where the fuckin' river is," He said as he stormed off. There was a beat of silence before Clementine spoke.

"You know, he did apologize to us," She said.

"I didn't know that..." He said as he paused. "I shot that buck later that season and brought it up to my sister's thinkin that she would wanna freeze the meat on it. Nick didn't speak to me for weeks. Sometimes you gotta play a role even if it means the people you love hate you for it," He said as he turned to them.

"I don't think he hates you," Duck said and Pete smiled at him but it didn't look like he believed him.

"PETE!" They heard Nick shout and they all ran to him.

"Nick?" Pete answered when they got to a clearing only to find multiple bodies littered along the river. "...Jesus, Mary and Joseph.." Pete went over to the closest body and poked it before grimacing. "Fulla holes.."

"Who do you think did this?" Clementine asked and Pete looked back at her.

"Not sure yet. But it ain't your average gang of thugs, that much I know,"

"...Think about it. You're Carver, what do ya do?" Nick said, hesitantly and Clementine looked up at them in confusion. "...Who's Carver?" She asked but they didn't answer her, which gave Duck a bad feeling.

"Go check the ones over there," Pete told Nick. "Be careful, some of them might still be movin'" He said as he checked the same body he poked and Nick went to a further body. Clementine looked up further along and nudged Duck.

"There's some more over there," She told him, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"This wasn't some rinky-dink pissin' match," Pete mumbled.

"Then what was it then?"

"Fubar," He responded before he started jumping across the river to the other side.

"Where are you goin? We gotta get outta here!" Nick said

"We gotta check the rest,"

What?! Why?" Nick asked

"Calm down and think about it, son!" Pete said as he waded through the water.

"Calm down?! We gotta get outta here now!"

"I agree with Nick!" Duck spoke up. "I don't like this feeling.."

"But what if someone's alive?" Clementine asked as she started jumping on the rock to get to the other side.

"Why should we care?" Nick asked.

"Because they might be inclined to tell us who did this. We need to do this now," Pete said as he continued.

"Duck's the only damn person here with any sense. I gotta bad feelin', he's gotta bad feelin', let's just get outta here now!" He said, getting more panicked as this continued.

"Nick, I don't like this either but sooner or later you're gonna have to realize a simple truth,"

"What? That you're an asshole?"

"That nobody in this world is gonna give a goddamn whether you like something or not!" Pete exclaimed, seeming to lose his patience. "You've gotta grow up, son," He said, much more gentle. There was a moment of silence before Nick turned away, mumbling a 'whatever' as he did. Duck watched as Clementine went across the river with Pete. He felt really uneasy just the same as Nick so he stayed near where the path was. He leaned against a tree as he watched Clementine and Pete explore across the river. That is, until he noticed Clementine stop and kneel down. He watched her for a moment as she seemed to talk to what he originally thought was a corpse. He saw her give him a sip from a water bottle and she stood, slinging a backpack on her shoulder. Looking closer, he realized it was hers! The one they left behind at the campsite! That meant the person on the ground was one of the men that chased after them. He started to try and cross the river but stopped when he heard a yelp from Pete and a gunshot followed soon after.

"Uncle Pete!" Nick shouted and Pete grunted in reply.

"I'm fine! I just.. lost my footing!" Pete said. Duck couldn't see anything from where he was standing but he noticed Pete looking a little too worriedly at his foot. That was enough to set off alarms in his head. And when his gaze met Clementine's much more alarmed one, he realized he was right. Something got him. Before he could sound the alarm to Nick, walkers started coming out of the woods and Duck began to question where they all came from before he realized. It was Pete's gunshot. Duck ran to Nick, getting behind him and looking for Clementine only to see her running off with Pete. His blood ran cold. She knows what happened better than him. She had no excuse to run off with someone that was bitten especially with no real weapon!

"We have to go!" Nick said as he pulled Duck by the scruff of his shirt.

"What? No! We have to--"

"Clementine will be fine! She's got Pete with her!" Nick said, pulling Duck in front of him and pushing him to run.

"That's why I'm worried.." Duck mumbled before he started running.

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Duck didn't know where he was running and he didn't care. They just had to find somewhere they could wait out the horde chasing them. Which is the exact reason why they were now holed up in a random shed. Duck was holding the doors closed as Nick picked up a crate, pushing it against the doors and letting out a sigh of relief when they held. Nick let out one final sigh as he looked at Duck. Duck wasn't looking at him though. He was staring at the ground, looking a little nauseous if Nick was being honest.

"Hey, you okay?" Nick asked Duck and Duck shook his head. "You got separation anxiety or somethin'? She's gonna be okay, she's got my uncle Pete with her. She's in good hands,"

"That's... not it..." Duck said, now regretting it as he looked up to Nick and was met with a confused face. He didn't want to tell him.

"What's wrong?" There was a long pause as Duck weighed his options.

"...Pete...I think Pete was bit.." Duck said quietly and a ton of emotions flashed across Nick's face. Until anger replaced it.

"You think or you know?" Nick shouted angrily.

"I think!" Duck yelled with equal volume. "I couldn't see from where I was but Pete looked at his foot a little too long and Clementine looked worried. And I dunno if you noticed but he was limping as he ran away with Clementine!" Duck rushed out, his recount of events making him panicky as it sunk in. Clementine was in danger. And if she was stuck in a small place with Pete like he was, then she was helpless unless she got really lucky. Duck stared at the floor for a moment as Nick stood in front of him, processing his words. Duck looked up at Nick, studying the expression on his face but there was nothing. He was staring passed Duck until he finally turned from him, dropping to the floor and sitting in a corner. Duck's legs felt like jelly and whether that was from anxiety, adrenaline or running he didn't know but he knew he had to sit down either way. He sat on the floor in front of the box, afraid that if he sat on it the walkers would break through and grab him. He brought his knees up to his chest, taking deep, quiet breaths as he tried to not think about his friend and her fate. Instead he thought about better things. Maybe think about how it was back in Florida. Maybe think about how his dad could still be alive. Or think about the time at the hotel. He felt really happy then. He misses how it was then even when Lilly was mean or overbearing. He doesn't remember how that made him fall asleep... ------------------------------ Duck woke up with a grimace as the sound of glass shattering pierced through his ears. Duck looked up groggily. His vision was blurry before he wiped his eyes and looked at the source. Nick was throwing bottles. Duck let out a breath as he got up, looking outside the window and seeing that there were still walkers outside. Nick was making a pretty loud, repetitive noise. He had to stop him. Duck made his way over to Nick, stopping near where the glass bottles were landing. "Nick, stop it," Duck said but he didn't cease. After two more throws, Duck tried again. "Knock it off!" Duck said more firmly but kept his tone quiet. Nick was mid-throw before he put the next bottle down and slumped in on himself. "...I had to kill my mom," Nick suddenly said and Duck straightened at that. What were you supposed to say to that? "...Sounds weird when I say it out loud, huh?" "No... no not at all. I just don't know what to say to that," Nick laughed at that. "You don't seem like the compassionate one anyways," "What's that mean?" "Just means Clementine woulda probably been kinder," Nick said and Duck was silent for a moment. He obviously needed comfort. Was he drunk? "I can be kind," Duck said. "I'm sorry that happened," He continued. "My mom died too. I didn't have to shoot her, my dad did. But still, I watched her die pretty slowly. She was bit like your mom and she held me while she slowly turned. When she felt the life leaving her, she told me to get away and tell Lee," It was silent for a moment. "She wasn't herself when my dad and Lee took her into the woods. I stayed in the train cart with Clementine but I kind of regret it," Duck said and Nick gave a hum. Duck saw him moving before he handed him some glass. "It's moonshine, it'll make you feel good," Nick said with a sad smile and Duck took it. "Now you're supposed to make a toast. To Peter Joseph Randall, the nicest mean old bastard I ever knew! Now you," Nick said and Duck thought. "To.. my mom. and also here's to hoping Clem is okay," Duck said and Nick laughed. "You don't think she can handle herself?" "No, I think she can," Duck said, smiling at his glass. "But she doesn't have a weapon. I'm just worried," "Well this right here," Nick said, holding up his own glass, "Is great for puttin your worries down the drain," He said with a smile as he took a big sip of his own. Duck followed suit only for his throat to start burning and a cough to come out. Nick let out a chuckle as he watched him struggle. "Too much for ya? That's okay," He said before he sighed. "Listen, they're not comin' for us. You should make a run for it," "Aren't ya comin' with me?" Duck asked and Nick shook his head. "I'm tired, I'm stayin' here. Go find Luke and the rest, they'll take care of you," "You know, you're not the only one that screws up all the time," Duck said "Screw up? I didn't ask for any of this!" "It doesn't matter!" Duck shot back. "Nobody asks but we all screw up. I'm the biggest screw up but at the end of the day, there's gonna be someone who loves you and who cares about you!" "You have that! I don't!" "We both have it! I have Clementine! You have Luke and Carlos and everyone else!" Duck shouted back and that seemed to silence Nick. "Come with me," Duck said. "I know two very pissed off people if we don't come back together," He said and Nick gave a laugh under his breath. "Who'll be mad if I don't come back?" "Luke," Duck said and Nick sighed as he stood. "You piss me off when you're right," He said. He wiped off the moonshine from his lips. "The cabin's a half a mile from here, you can't miss it. Alright lets go," He said and Duck smiled. He moved the crate from the door and opened it slowly to see if any walkers we're attracted to their yelling. Miraculously, there weren't. He walked out cautiously ahead of Nick only for a walker to spot them and Nick to hit it in the head. "Go on! Get outta here!" He shouted at Duck before he ran to the side and started yelling and waving his arms to distract them. Duck ran the opposite direction towards the cabin.

Chapter Text

Duck felt his chest scream as he ran, begging for him to slow down. He felt a wave of relief as he saw the cabin coming up and smiled to himself as he ran faster, slowing as he neared the back door and looked behind him to check for any walkers that may have ignored Nick. None. He breathed out a sigh, hoping that Nick was alright as he opened the back door to see Rebecca and Carlos in the kitchen. They stood as they took in the sight of him and a look of horror crossed their faces. What was wrong? He wasn't bit or anything.

"Duck! Are you alright?" Carlos asked as he looked further out the door. "Is Luke not with you?"

"Where's Alvin?!" Rebecca asked worriedly and Duck's eyes widened a bit. They were looking for him, weren't they?

"We got ambushed by walkers near the lake," Duck said. "Pete got bit and we got split up. I was with Nick and Clementine-"

"We know about Clementine," Carlos said. "We know about the ambush and about Pete. We sent Luke and Alvin to find you and Nick. I'm asking if you saw Luke and Alvin or not,"

"No, I didn't. If I'd of known.." Duck started to say but trailed off.

"Where were you? Where were you exactly?" Rebecca asked Duck with venom in her voice and Duck couldn't help but believe she blamed him.

"We were in a shed not too far from the stream," Duck said and Rebecca turned to Carlos.

"We gotta go!"

"But-"

"My husband is OUT THERE! Get. The. Guns," She demanded and Carlos nodded as he left the kitchen for a brief moment. "I told them not to go! Goddamnit,"

"Well don't make it sound like it's my fault for existing. Even if I wasn't there, they would've left to find Nick..." Duck said and Rebecca glared at him.

"Don't get smart," Carlos entered the kitchen and handed Rebecca a gun which she took. Before running out the door, Carlos stopped and looked at Duck.

"Take care of the girls please, they're upstairs and for the love of god don't tell Sarah what happened," Carlos asked him.

"You can trust me,"

"Thank you. Don't open the doors for strangers, please. Thank you," He finished as he ran out, closing the door behind him. Duck stayed downstairs for a moment before making his way upstairs to find Clementine and Sarah. If only he knew which room was Sarah's. He heard a creaking behind one of the doors and knocked.

"Clem? Sarah? I'm coming in," He said through the door as he turned the doorknob and opened the door only to get jump scared by a light flash, which made him blind for a few seconds before he heard the girls laughing. Once he could see, he was met with Sarah holding a camera with a grin and Clementine beside her with an even bigger smile.

"Check out what Sarah found!" She said. "don't worry, she took a surprise picture of me too! Except she didn't wanna prank you as much since she didn't know you as well but I talked her into it. Duck loves pranks, right?" She said and Duck knew exactly what she was referring to.

"So you decided to get me back," Duck said with a smile. "Alright, I'll remember that,"

"No you won't," Clementine said

"This camera isn't the only thing I found!" Sarah said and went to her bed and pulled out something from underneath. "I found this too," She said as she turned and showed them a gun, which had them both looking in shock. "Can you guys teach me how to shoot? I couldn't find any bullets," Clementine and Duck looked at each other before Clementine looked back at her and smiled.

"As long as you don't tell your dad,"

"Yes! I promise!" She said and Clementine started teaching her exactly how Duck remembered Lee taught them. Then he heard a knock on the front door. "That must be Luke!" Sarah said as she ran down. Luke thought it was suspicious that Luke would knock at his own cabin. Either way, Clementine and himself followed after her only to see her hiding behind a wall. "That's a stranger. I don't know that woman," Sarah said and Duck looked at the door to see a female shadow through the crystalized glass.

"I'll lock it, don't worry. Go upstairs both of you," Clementine said and Duck took Sarah upstairs, seeming to help her with breathing exercises as they made their way up. She slowly made her way to the door to twist the lock only to have the door opened before she could try. Before her stood an indian woman she did not recognize.

"Well hey there, sweetie. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Get outta my house," Clementine said and the woman's smile dropped.

"What's your name?"

"I'm not telling, I don't owe you anything. Now get out before I make you," Clementine said and the woman sighed.

"You're much more resistant than I thought. To think that-" She started saying but halted herself, which Clementine felt put off by. What was she going to say? "Anyways I just wanted to see who all lived here. I noticed a boy make his way in here not too long ago. What's his name?"

"If I don't tell you mine what makes you think I'd tell you his?"

"You have a good point. Has anyone told you to respect your elders?"

"I don't care," It seemed like the woman was slightly frustrated before she looked behind Clementine. Clementine didn't know why until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She would've punched whoever it was in the gut had Duck's voice not have followed at the same time.

"Lady, I'm really sorry but can you leave us alone?" He said and she crossed her arms.

"I'm just trying to meet the family I live a little ways from. Where are your parents?"

"Dead," Clementine said and she looked flushed.

"Oh. How about guardian?"

"There's two older men upstairs that would love to play bodygaurd if you don't get off the property," Duck said with a smile as he pointed upstairs and the woman huffed.

"I can take a hint. I will leave now but I might come back," She said and Clementine shut the door in her face, locking it as she did. They waited until her shadow was gone before they both went back upstairs and saw Sarah, who was still practicing the breathing exercises that Duck had been working with her.

"Who was that?" Sarah asked

"I'm not sure but she was really creepy," Clementine said as Sarah began to stare out the window.

"...Do you think she's gonna come back?" Sarah asked.

"...She said she would..." Clementine answered and Sarah could feel her heart drop.

"Oh no,"

Chapter Text

The encounter of the stranger seemed to shake all of them. Sarah had long since been able to get her breathing under control. She didn’t know the woman at all but that didn’t make the stranger any less dangerous. Clementine was still replaying the events that took place in her mind. She found it strange how the woman acted. She was way too pushy and the fact she seemed to be watching this house closely. How else would she have seen Duck run into it earlier? What kind of person casually drops the fact that they’re stalking them like that? She found it all so strange, there has to be a reason.

Meanwhile, Duck was talking to Sarah and trying to keep her mind off of such events in an attempt to keep her calm. He didn’t seem to be worried but Clementine knew he was at least a little concerned. He must’ve heard some of the things the woman had said, right? She’d be afraid if she were being watched like that.

……. Hold on…

She had entered the house maybe 15 minutes before Duck arrived. Yet the woman didn’t seem as interested in her as she did Duck. This raised alarms in Clementine’s head and she wanted to voice them to Duck as soon as possible. She was about to pull Duck away from the conversation he was having with Sarah until she heard a door open downstairs and the voices of Luke and Carlos downstairs calling for them. They all ran downstairs to meet them but before anyone could say anything, Sarah spoke up.

“There was a woman here!” She cried and the adults stopped in their tracks, eyes wide and filled with both surprise and concern.

“What?!” Carlos exclaimed.

“What did she say!?” Rebecca added, looking at both Clementine and Duck in an almost accusatory way.

“Clementine was talking to her! And t-then Duck did!”

“Oh, so y’all just opened the door for her?!” Rebecca said and Clementine crossed her arms.

“I was TRYING to lock it! It’s not my fault that she opened the door herself!” Clementine defended herself.

“Alright just calm down, the both of you,” Luke said

“Did she say why she was here? Did she say if anyone sent her?” Carlos asked and Clementine shook her head.

“No. She was just being really pushy and.. well creepy,” Clementine responded.

“Okay, what did she look like? Any discernible features?” Carlos questioned further.

“She looked like an Indian woman and she had a bit of an accent. I remember she was wearing a light blue jacket,” Clementine described. Carlos’ faces turned from panic to a state of confusion. Everyone was silent for a moment and Clementine looked around the room. “What?”

“Nothing. That’s the thing,” Luke said before turning to pace slowly. “We’re runnin from some bad people. But we don’t know any woman that looks like that,”

“She could've been one of Carver’s spies,” Rebecca offered and Carlos hummed.

“You’re right,”

“I mean, why else would anyone come to the cabin unless these two have people after them,” Rebecca said, gesturing to Clementine, who was standing up straight and Duck, who was sitting at the kitchen table and looking at her in annoyance.

“That’s enough, Rebecca. I’m sure Duck and Clementine don’t have anything they're hidin, right?” Luke said as he smiled at Clementine and Clementine nodded.

“Yeah. As far as we know, nobody would be looking for us unless Christa is alive. Even then, we never knew a woman like that so it doesn’t make sense for her to send the woman,” Clementine said and Rebecca huffed.

“Did it seem like she’d come back? Maybe with more people?” Luke asked Duck this time, noticing Clementine was getting overwhelmed with the line of questioning. Duck looked up from the table and nodded.

“Yeah. She said she’d come back but I’m not sure if she meant with more people or not,”

“Were you with Clementine the whole time?”

“No. I took Sarah upstairs before I went back down because Clementine was taking a bit long. As she said, she was just planning to lock the door so I thought something was wrong,” Duck said. “I was with her near the end,”

“He was looking for us. I’m sure it was one of Carver’s spies!” Carlos said and Luke crossed his arms.

“You might be right. Everyone pack up, we’re movin out!” Luke announced and Alvin and Rebecca were the first ones to leave the kitchen.

“Who’s Carver?” Duck asked.

“More importantly, what does he want?” Clementine finished. Carlos looked at them both and sighed.

“He’s a bad man who wants to bring us back. William Carver is a dangerous man and I have a feeling that woman is a spy. He’s the leader of a camp not far from here. You’re lucky you ran into a spy and not him. I’m sorry you’re both involved but you’ll be safer with us now that she’s seen both of you and she WILL be telling Carver about your faces. We have to leave,” Carlos said as he left the kitchen with Sarah.

“Duck,” Luke said, catching his attention. “You were with Nick. We gotta find him before we leave. You remember the way, right?”

“Yeah, I do. I was actually just about to ask you if I could take y’all to him,” Duck said and Luke smiled, letting go of a relieved sigh.

“Alright, awesome. Thank you, it’ll help a bunch,” Luke said as he left the kitchen to pack.

“Duck, I’m worried,” Clementine said as she sat down across from him.

“What do you mean?” Duck asked, looking at her.

“That woman didn’t seem like a spy. She wasn’t even interested in who lived here until the end and I think…. I think that was just because she wanted to know if we were alone,” Clementine said and Duck was silent. He let the words sink in before responding.

“So what do you think?”

“I think she might be interested in us,” Clementine whispered and Duck shook his head.

“No way. Nobody’s after us. Christa's the only one that could be alive and looking for us and she wouldn’t send some strange woman our way,” He crossed her arms and leaned back on the chair. “Think about it, who could be alive and looking for us other than her?” Duck asked and Clementine sighed.

“I’m just saying it was weird,”

“I’m not saying it wasn’t weird, Clem,” Duck said. “I’m saying that it doesn’t make sense. Everyone from our original group is dead. Me and you are all that’s left,” He said, frowning at the thought. “It’s more likely someone’s after them than someone being after us,” He said and Clementine let out a breath.

“Okay….” She said and Duck stared at her.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“I just still feel uneasy,” She said.

“I’m sorry, Clem. Are ya angry?”

“No, not really. I’d appreciate if you would take me being worried a little more seriously,” She said, crossing her arms.

“So ya are angry,” Duck said and hummed.

“Don’t give me that face,”

“What face?” Duck asked.

“I’m being serious!”

“Okay, okay! I’m sorry! I am taking it seriously. It is pretty weird and it rubs me the wrong way too. I don’t mean to make you feel dumb,” Duck apologized and Clementine looked out the window.

“That’s all you had to say,”

“Hmmm, you’re still upset,” Duck said as he stood and stretched. “Do you want me to get your stuff?”

“It’s literally just my backpack,”

“Yeah, I know. But I’m tryin to be nice to you since you’re mad at me. And I hate you bein mad at me,” Duck said, his hands on his hips.

She waved him off. “Just go get my bag, thank you,”

“Right away!” He said as he left the kitchen and went upstairs into Sarah’s room to get Clementine’s backpack.

-----------------------------

Duck was leading the group through the woods towards the shed he remembered he left Nick at. Luke was walking beside of him, questioning him about what exactly happened.

“So he got drunk, huh?”

“Yeah. He found some moonshine or something. He offered me some and told me about his mom and stuff,”

“Did you take it?” Luke asked with amusement in his voice.

“Yeah,” Duck said with a little laugh. “I didn’t get as bad as him though. It was like one sip. Anyways he was feeling real bad and I tried to relate and make him feel better by telling him about my mom too. I told him that if we didn’t make it back then you’d be upset not knowing where he was and that seemed to get him up at least,” Luke smiled at that. “But he still stayed behind. I guess to give me a chance to get back. I mean, it worked but still he should’ve come with me,”

“Yeah, I get it. He probably thought you had more to live for or something. He’s pretty stupid sometimes,” Luke said but it didn’t sound like he hated Nick. If anything, there was adoration in his voice. Near the back, Clementine was walking with Alvin and Rebecca. She kept hearing a hushed argument behind her between the two until it eventually ceased and Rebecca made her way up beside of her.

“Hey, Clementine,” Rebecca said and Clementine looked up at her.

“Hi,” She said. Rebecca had been distant and rude this entire time, what could she possibly wanna say?

“Look, I’m sorry for how I’ve been. Alvin’s been talking to me about it and I admit, I’ve been… well not too great to you or Duck,” She said and Clementine nodded.

“Yeah, you’re right. I mean, it’s not like I haven’t noticed and Duck's not stupid either. We know when someone doesn’t like us,” Clementine said and Rebecca seemed to look guilty a bit.

“I’m sorry. I’ll try and be a little kinder. Alvin says I need to work on my patience especially since y’all are kids,” She said as she put a hand over her stomach. “I mean, sure, y’all aren’t like this kid but y’all are still kids. I think I forget that sometimes,”

“A lot of adults do,” She said, remembering the amount of times she and Duck had been expected to do adult things and were reprimanded when they weren’t able to. “It’s fine. Thank you though,” Clementine said and that seemed to be the end of it because Rebecca drifted back behind her, rejoining Alvin. She didn’t listen to their hushed conversation but she knew Alvin was probably talking about how proud he was that she apologized for how she treated them.

“There!” Duck said, pointing diagonally off the path. He made his way to the shed with Luke and the rest in tow. There were two stragglers hanging around outside of the door who were quickly taken care of. “Nick?” Duck said as he listened in on the door. Nothing.

“Nick!” Luke said with more force, getting a groan in return. Luke seemed to brace himself for the inevitable and took a breath before forcing his way inside, knocking the door down and being met with Nick laying on the floor. He seemed to get up groggily as he slurred his words.

“Hey man, you got any aspirin?”

“You son of a bitch,” Luke said in between a laugh and took his hand, pulling him up and into a hug. It was only a split second before a sob escaped Nick.

“Pete’s dead,”

“I know, I know. But look, we’re thinking that Carver knows where we’re at. I packed your stuff for you, alright?” Luke said, still holding him close and handing him his bag. “You’re gonna be okay, alright?” Luke said and Nick nodded. “Yeah, you’re gonna be okay,” He said and patted him on the back before bringing him back to the group.

As they walked, Nick talked to both Duck and Clementine as they walked alongside one another. “Hey. I wanna thank y’all,” They looked at each other before they looked back at Nick.

“For what?” Clementine asked.

“Well, you probably put Pete outta his misery, right? So thank you for comforting him before he turned, ya know? I can’t imagine dyin with nobody by your side and he ain’t deserve an end like that. So thank you so much for being with him,” Nick said, becoming a little choked up as he thanked Clementine. “A-and…” He started saying, swallowing his tears back and letting out a calming breath. “Thank you too,” He said to Duck. “You helped me feel better. Helped me remember there's at least one person who cares about me. It’s comforting. So thank you,” Nick said and Duck smiled.

“You’re welcome. But I wasn’t lying to get you to get up. Luke does love you. He wouldn’t of hugged you or packed your things or nothin if he didn’t,” Duck said with a smile and Nick gave a sad chuckle.

“Yeah, you’re right. I guess it’s easy to forget,” Nick said as he started drifting to the back, shuffling his feet but still keeping up.

“What’d you say to him?” Clementine asked.

“I mean, I just said how we had people that loved us and cared about us. And how those people would be angry if we died in the shed,” Duck said and Clementine smiled.

“Well, you’re right. I would’ve been livid if you never came back,”

“Who said I was talking about you?” He said with a small pout. Clementine smiled smugly though because she could see a hint of a blush.

“You’re embarrassed?” She said in a teasing tone and he rolled his eyes.

“You already know you’re embarrassing me,”

“You make it so easy,” She said as she smiled in almost victory. Duck could still feel his face get hot even when she fell silent. Luke came beside of them, letting Carlos and Sarah take the lead as he fell in sync with them.

“Hey, guys. How are y’all holdin up?”

“We’re fine,” Clementine answered for them. “We weren’t talkin about anything important just now,”

“That’s nice. I just wanted to ask y’all somethin,”

“Sure,” Duck said.

“Do y’all still wanna come with us?” He asked. “I mean, it’s probably safer that y’all do since Carver’s spy has y’all faces. If y’all were alone, he’d probably torture our location outta ya, which isn’t a nice thought,” Luke said and Duck winced audibly.

“Yeah, no thanks. We’d rather stick with you guys,” He said.

“Yeah, I don’t like that idea. Staying with you guys is worlds better,” Clementine said and Luke chuckled.

“I don’t mean to make y’all scared, I was just sayin. Carver is a pretty bad guy so I don’t put it past him especially if it’s to find us,” Luke said.

“Why’s he after y’all in the first place?” Duck asked and Luke looked to the ground.

“It’s a long story. Can ya answer for me? Do you know what the most important thing in the world is?” Luke asked and Duck looked at him confused. “I promise, it’s related to the answer,”

“Um… food?” He answered, thinking maybe they stole something from Carver food wise.

“...no..” Luke said with a forced smile. Clementine elbowed Duck in the ribs.

“Idiot, it’s shelter,”

“What? No!” Luke said in almost disbelief as he chuckled. “Guys, it’s family. I thought y’all’dve got that considerin how close y’all seem to be,” He said. It was Clementine’s turn to blush in embarrassment. “Its tough if you don’t have the people you love by your side,” Luke said.

“So he has a family member in this group?”

“You could say that,” Luke said as he pulled out a map. “Alright everyone,” He said as he made his way back up to the front of the group. “If we keep headin the direction we’re headin, we’ve got about four or five days till we reach the mountains. Now if they’re trackin us, we should be able to lose em up there,” Luke announced.

“Five days?” Rebecca said, looking distraught.

“It’ll be okay,” Alvin reassured her.

“Besides, we have to keep moving anyways. It’s our only choice,” Carlos said, quieting her concerns altogether.

--------------------------------

It took a while to get well into the mountains. It took five days, just like Luke had said and Duck was thankful that it didn’t take longer than that as they stopped in their tracks because of Luke. “Clem, I need you to take these and see if you can see anything over that boulder,” he said as he handed her a pair of binoculars. Clementine took them, crawling her way on top of the boulder. She looked through them as Luke pulled out the map. “See anything?”

“She better see somethin, we’ve been walking for a damn week,” Alvin said as Rebecca sat on a nearby rock. Duck leaned against a tree, waiting for Clementine to say that they’re close to something. Preferably something they could find food in since they’re pretty low. Did she still have snacks in her bag? He honestly doubted it and even so she was more stingy than she let on.

“I see a lodge,”

“A lodge? Must be a ski resort, I see one on the map,” Luke said.

“Yeah and a chair lift but I don’t think it works anymore”

“Bec and I went skiing once!” Alvin said and Rebecca chuckled.

“It wasn’t pretty,”

“I never went before,” Clementine said as she continued looking and then looked over her shoulder to Duck. “Have you?”

“Nope. Remember, Clem, I’m from Florida,”

“Florida?” Alvin questioned. “Ever been to DisneyLand?”

“Oh yeah, vacation spot,” Duck said and he heard Clementine huff.

“Lucky,”

“Don’t be like that, I’m sure there’s fun things we can do together now,”

“Who said I wanted to do things with you?” She said as she continued to look and Duck couldn’t hold in the laugh that escaped him. He could hear Alvin give a quiet “Damn,”.

“I see a bridge,”

“Is it passable?” Luke asked and Clementine nodded.

“Yeah, it looks pretty sturdy,” She said and Luke smiled.

“So we gotta cross that bridge, let’s go,” Carlos said and Luke shook his head.

“Hold on now, we all can’t go sprintin across that thing, we’ll be spotted,”

“Yes but going around the lake will take too long,” Carlos argued.

“Your right which is why I’m gonna take Clementine, make sure it’s clear before we bring the whole group over,” Luke explained.

“You think splitting up the group is a good idea?” Carlos asked and Luke gave a sheepish smile.

“I never said it was a GOOD idea but it’s better than risking everyone. Clem and I will cross nice and slow and make sure it’s safe before we call y’all over,”

“We’re gonna have a tough time covering you guys all the way back here,” Alvin said.

“We’ll just turn back if it gets hairy,” Luke reassured.

“Clementine should stay here though,” Carlos said. “She’s just a little girl, you should bring me or something. And don’t take Duck either since he’s also a kid,”

“Did you forget how they handled themselves in the shed? They’re fine on their own, right?” Luke asked as he looked at them both. They both nodded.

“Just be careful with your arm,” Duck told Clementine and she rolled her eyes at him. “Hey, I know it’s not healed!”

“Ducks right, be careful,” Carlos told her. “I don’t like this though,”

“Yeah and when’s the last time you liked anything?” Luke asked as he turned away.

“I can help,” Nick said, standing.

“Absolutely not, just stay here with the group. Please,” Luke said as he left with Clementine.

“Clementine doesn’t seem to like you worrying,” Rebecca said from her place on the rock with a smile. “That’s okay, I don’t really like it when Alvin worries like that either. Makes me feel like I can’t handle myself,” She continued.

“You’re pregnant, Becca,”

“And? You men always act like a damn babysitter,” Rebecca stated, laughing as she did. “You just gotta give your girl space,”

“She’s my best friend, not my girl,” Duck said with a laugh.

“Wait, really?!” Nick exclaimed, looking surprised.

“What? Did you guys think that?”

“Yeah,” Alvin said with a chuckle. “It seemed pretty obvious. Butttt maybe the times you tried flirting and she shot you down might’ve been a hint that we were wrong,”

“I don’t flirt with her,” Duck denied. Now he was getting blushy again. He needs that signal now.

“Are you kidding me?” This time it was Sarah. “You are a little more flirtatious when speaking to her. Do you not notice it? It’d be different if you flirted with me too, I’d just assume you were a natural flirt,”

“Your dad would kill me, first of all,”

“You’re right,” Carlos said.

“Thanks,” Duck said in a flat toned voice. “Anyways, yeah no…” He said. He felt so hot and he knew his face was red as a fire truck at this point. There was a God out there looking after him because at that point was when they saw a light flashing in the sky, signaling that it was safe for everyone to rejoin Clementine and Luke. They made their way across the bridge.

“Any trouble?” Alvin asked Luke once they all got across.

“Not really just a run in with walkers. Almost fell off the bridge but ya know,” He gave a laugh. “I’m fine,”

“We were about to check out this station. Honestly it doesn’t look like anyone’s been here for a bit so I doubt there’s anything inside,” Clementine said. Duck checked the door and it opened.

“It's not locked. Let’s check,” He said and Clementine walked into the station with him. The door closed behind them and, just as Clementine said, there wasn’t a lot inside. There was an old radio, a dirty sleeping bag and a chest.

“I wonder who’s staying here,”

“Considering nobody met you guys on the bridge or anything, I’ll say nobody,” Duck responded, trying the radio. “The batteries are dead. I don’t think anybody’s been here in a while,”

“Let’s hope there’s something in the chest,” She said as she tried tugging on the lock with no luck. “No luck,”

“Here,” Duck said, pulling out the pocket knife and prying it off with it. The pocket knife broke in half as the lock gave way and Duck let out a curse.

“Duck,”

“It hurt,”

“Still,” She said as she lifted the chest, smiling. “There’s stuff in here,”

“Does it look expired?”

“Mm-mm,” She said as she lifted the can of peaches. The door opened, showing Alvin coming through the door.

“Oh awesome! It’s good we found somethin,” He said, scratching the back of his neck before continuing. “Um…. I know this sounds bad but is there any way that I can get one of those cans for Rebecca? She’s eatin for two and… She hasn’t eaten in a minute, ya know?” He said and Clementine smiled.

“Sure,” She said, tossing him the can.

“Thank you,” He said, storing it in his backpack before leaving them again. Clementine lifted the other can.

“We still got this one to share with the group and it looks bigger than a lot of cans,” She said to Duck and also took a peek at the magazines in the chest too. “Nothing that peaks my interest,” Then she froze. “Oh wow, maybe we shouldn’t look at THAT one,”

“What was it? Lemme see,”

“Of course you would, pervert,”

“I didn’t know what you were talking about!” He whined before dropping the magazine in the chest again. “Don’t call me a pervert,” He pouted as they closed the chest. He packed the can into Clementine’s backpack.

“Guys!” Sarah said as she busted in. “Sorry but there’s some lurkers heading our way, we gotta go!” She said as she pointed behind her. Clementine and Duck ran out of the building, catching up with everyone else with Sarah by their side.

Chapter Text

His chest burned as they made their way up the hill. Duck was panting as he saw the lodge getting closer. It felt like flames were burning inside him as he took deeper breaths to try and suffocate them but it didn’t help. It was too late for this. The sun was already set, only threads of sunlight still visible. At least they were nearly inside and then—

“What are we waiting for?” Rebecca wailed, sounding just as tired as Duck felt. Carlos and Nick were crouched below the windows.

“We have to be careful, there’s no telling if there’s anyone already in the lodge or not,” Carlos explained.

“We’ve been on the road for five days, my back is done being careful,” She said with her hands on her back.

“C’mon, Bec, it’ll be okay. You need to have patience, well get inside,” Alvin said in an attempt to comfort his wife.

“It doesn’t look like anyone’s home,” Nick said as he tried to pry the wood on the doors off. “But it’s nailed down tight,”

“We should check the back,” Alvin suggested as he starred making his way behind the lodge.

“I’ll go with you,” Nick said as he followed him. The rest of the group started to wait for them in the front. Clementine leaned against the railing, resting her head on her hands as she looked down the hill, seeing how far they’ve walked from here to the station.

“Ugh Jesus,” Duck groaned as he fell on his butt beside her. She lifted her head to look at him at her feet.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m tired,” He whined and she laughed.

“Aw poor baby. What do you want me to do about it?” She asked and he leaned his head against the railing to look at her.

“Nothing. I just wanna complain. I hate hills,”

“I know,” She said as she laughed. Luke came up to them and smiled at Duck.

“You okay there, sport?”

“He’s being a baby, don’t encourage him,”

“You’re never nice to me,” He continued to whine and Luke laughed.

“Y’all are pretty funny sometimes. But hey listen, I wanna see if the lurkers followed us. Mind climbin up that lookout point and lookin for me?” He said as he pointed to the steel tower not too far away. “It’s kinda like a treehouse,”

“I used to have a treehouse,” Clementine said. “I didn’t really like it though,”

“Well at least you know you can climb okay enough,” Luke said, walking to the tower. Clementine followed him and Duck went after her. The tower looked a lot taller as they approached it, making anxiety settle in Clementine’s gut. “Just take it slow and I’ll catch you. Probably,” Luke said and Duck laughed which earned him a glare.

“Oh come on, I couldn’t help it. If he doesn’t catch you then I can, do you feel better?” He said, saying the last sentence in a baby tone.

“I’d rather die before you catch me,” She said as she started to climb.

“You always try her nerves like that?” Luke asked.

“Her nerves are pressed as soon as she wakes up in the morning and sees my face, I can’t help that,” He swore he could hear a huff from Clementine as she climbed.

“When I was a kid,” Luke started. “We used to jump rooftops downtown. That was fun,”

“That sounds stupid,” Clementine shot back as she climbed.

“Heh heh, yeah. Yeah it was,” Luke said, rubbing the back of his neck. “The trick was not to look down though,” At that moment, Clementine’s foot slipped making both Duck and Luke get into a position to catch her before relaxing when they saw her regain it. “You okay?” Luke shouted up to her. “You’re fine! Just look at me, okay? You’re fine!” He said and Clementine looked down only to manage a glare.

“You told me not to look down!”

“...Yeah, I did say that,” Luke said, pressing his lips into a thin line. Duck stared up at her. He noticed that she was short with everyone, not just him. He didn’t know why. Maybe she’s just stressed? He thought about what he could do to help her. His options were very limited, he soon realized.

“I made it!” Clementine shouted as she crawled up to the top.

“Do you see anything?” Luke asked.

“I see the bridge! And… and there’s lights…. Luke!...Luke?” Clementine called only to see Luke having already ran to the group, who was arguing with some random people.

“Clem, c’mon!” She heard Duck shout up at her and she made her way down quickly, careful to not slip. Duck watched her, anxious about what could be going on while they were away. He made sure she was on the ground before he turned tail and rejoined the group with her. They heard arguing.

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know,” Duck answered.

“We don’t wanna hurt anyone,” Says one man

“Then why did you draw your guns?!” Nick shouts. Duck and Clementine make their way up to the front of the group. They see a balding man in a sweater and an Asian looking man in a hoodie. Looking behind them, they see a boy that looked a little older than Duck.

“I’m just thinking about my family here, why are y’all here?” The balding man asked.

“Okay, let’s just put all our guns down! Now,” Luke stated.

“I’ll do it if he does it,” Nick said and the man sighed. The Asian man put his down though and looked at the other man.

“C’mon, let’s just do it. They got kids too,” He said, nodding to Duck, Clementine and Sarah. The man’s face seemed to soften as he lowered his gun. Nick and the others did the same.

“Great! We’re good,” Luke said. “We thought this place was abandoned. We didn’t mean to trespass. We’ve been walking for nearly a week so we’re pretty tired and we got a pregnant lady with us,” Luke explained and it seemed like they finally noticed Rebecca.

“Oh my god, well y’all should come in. It’s getting cold,” The Asian man said. “I’m Matthew and this is Walter,” He said, motioning to his partner. “And this is Kieran,” He said, stepping aside and showing the kid. “He’ll talk more when you get to know him,” He said as the boy nodded. They all made their way into the lodge but Walter stopped them at the entrance.

“We keep our guns and such at the entrance. It’s just a safety precaution,” Walter stated. The group looked at each other, hesitant to put their guns down. Clementine sighed and moved first, putting her backpack at the bench and watching the others as they followed suit. “How about you, young man?” Walter said, talking to Duck when he noticed he didn’t move.

“I had a pocket knife but I broke it,”

“That’s no good, I’m sure we can find you something later though,” Matthew said as they moved further into the lodge.

“This used to be a ski lodge so we have plenty of food and extra beds till y’all are ready to go on your way again,” Walter began as he led them inside. “And we still get power from that wind turbine out front, believe it or not! We usually keep the lights off at night but we found Christmas decorations in storage so we couldn’t resist!” Walter said in excitement. At that moment, Sarah seemed to notice the Christmas tree.

“Dad, look!” She said and Matthew chuckled at her wonder.

“Make yourselves at home! Get comfy, Walter’s gonna make us something to eat,” Matthew said as Walter left to what was assumed to be the kitchen. Kieran made his way to the lounge, sitting in front of the fireplace and grabbing some book from the coffee table in front of him and a pencil. Duck assumed it was a sketchbook. He smiled at the boy and tugged on Clementine’s shirt to grab her attention.

“Let’s go say hi to him! He seems cool,”

“Are you sure? I don’t think he wants to talk to us,”

“It’ll be fine! Remember, Matthew said we needed to just get to know him and he’ll talk to us,”

“Hmm, fine… but if he blows you off then don’t act surprised,” Clementine said and was nearly dragged to the lounge by Duck.

“Hey!” Duck said, making Kieran look up.

“Hey,”

“We didn’t have time to introduce ourselves. I’m Duck and this is Clementine,”

“I’m Kieran but you know that,” He said with a small awkward smile.

“You look kinda gloomy,” Clementine said and Kieran chuckled.

“Uh yeah, I haven’t cut my hair in a bit so I look like the grunge,” He said as he touched his hair. “This hoodie doesn’t help, does it?” He said, chuckling.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be mean,” Clementine said and he shook his head.

“No, it’s okay,” Kieran said, scooting over to let them sit with him. Duck took the seat beside him while Clementine sat across from them on the other couch.

“So how old are you?” Duck asked

“I’m 16,”

“Really? You’re older than I thought,” Clementine said and he smiled.

“I have a baby face I guess. How about you guys?”

“I’m 12… uh maybe 13 cause it kinda feels like November,” Clementine responded.

“And I’m 14. So is Sarah. She’s that girl in the blue hoodie,” Duck said.

“Oh cool. Which one of these people are your parents or guardians?” He asked.

“Oh none of them. We joined this group pretty recently so…” Clementine said and Kieran nodded.

“I get it. Walter and Matthew aren’t my parents either. Walter was my teacher and when my parents never came to pick me up from school, he had no choice but to take me. I’m glad he did cause I don’t think my parents were ever going to pick me up,” He said. “I was your age at the time,” He said to Clementine. “Don’t worry, Walter and Matthew are pretty nice. Some might say overly so but they mean well,”

“Yeah. Clem and I have known each other since nearly the beginning. I was maybe ten and she was eight,”

“So y’all are friends?” Kieran asked.

“Yep! Pretty close friends if I do say so myself,” Duck said with a smile.

“He’s pretty weird though,” Clementine said, chuckling.

“Y’all haven’t been separated or anything in the time this apocalypse has been going on?”

“No. We’re separated from our original group though obviously. But they’re dead so we can’t find them,” Clementine said.

“Except for maybe Christa!” Duck stated. “We were with this woman named Christa and we got separated from her while running from these assholes who wanted our weasel we were cooking,” Duck explained.

“Really? That sounds dumb. You sure that was all?” Kieran questioned and Clementine nodded.

“We can’t think of any other reason,”

“That makes sense. People are desperate. It’s a good thing Walter is cooking up something for everyone to enjoy…” He paused. “...Well, if you like beans that is. So you guys came from the bridge, right?” He waited for them to nod and when they did, he grew suddenly embarrassed. “Right…. Did you go into that station?”

“Oh yeah. We didn’t think anyone was gonna miss those things,” Duck said and Clementine stood.

“I can go get the stuff outta my book bag if you want,” She offered and Kieran shook his hands in the air.

“Oh no no!” He said and she sat back down. “What’d you take?”

“Just the food,” She said and she could've sworn she heard a sigh come from him.

“You guys weren’t interested in anything else, I guess,”

“You mean those magazines?” Duck offered with a giggle.

“Be quiet!” He hissed.

“Sorry,” He said, still giggling. “I didn’t think those belonged to Matthew or Walter seeing as they’re probably not interested in women,”

“Yeah, it’s my chest. How’s you get into it? I have the key on me,” Kieran said, reaching into his pocket and showing the key.

“I broke it open. Sorry again, we didn’t think anyone was using it,” Duck answered and Kieran shook his head.

“It’s okay. I feel like I’ll get questionable looks from them though,” He said, giggling. “I go down there all the time one: to guard the bridge and see who’s coming and two: it’s my place to get away from them if I need space,” Kieran explained. “I wasn’t there today because they insisted I come with them to find more supplies. They needed the extra set of hands they said. Kinda glad cause I wouldn’t of known what to do with such a big group coming,” He finished explaining and Matthew came up to them, smiling.

"Hey! I need to take Kieran. Sarah needs help getting all the tree decorations out and maybe you could decorate with her. Make another friend," Matthew suggested and Kieran smiled and nodded.

“Bye guys, it was nice meeting y’all,” Kieran said, getting up and following Matthew. Clementine stood up first with Duck following after and they both made their way to the kitchen.

“Hey Clementine! Hello Duck,” He greeted them both as they caught his attention. “How are you guys doing? Settling in okay? I noticed you were talking to Kieran,”

“We’re doing fine. Kieran seems like a good person,” Clementine said.

“Yeah! He’s cool,” Duck said and Walter laughed.

“You seem to like him a lot. Expected, he’s the first guy around your age you’ve seen in a while, huh? Hope you two become good friends,” Walter said to Duck. “It’s good to have all the friends you can get,” He continued, stirring the pot. “I don’t know what I’d do without Matthew and Kieran,” He put spice in the pot. “You remind me of one of my students,” He said, looking at Clementine. “Kieran used to be one of my students, did he tell you? As a student, he was still pretty quiet and reserved. But it doesn’t take much to get him out of his shell, he’s talkative if you actually try speaking to him. I’m glad you two did, not many people see how great he is,” He said.

“Yeah, Kieran said he was glad you took him since he didn’t think his parents would ever come to pick him up,” Clementine said.

“Yeah, he believes they’re dead. I mean, they might be but I don’t like telling him that,” Walter said. “I feel sorry. I couldn’t imagine how he grew up in a world like this. He was your age at the time. That means you two were way younger, huh? Jesus, how do you guys manage?” He said, sounding almost like he was talking to himself.

“It hasn’t been easy. We both get stressed sometimes,” Duck said.

“I can imagine. You two seem to work out okay though. It probably helps to have a close friend with you,”

“Sometimes,” Clementine said and Walter smiled and then tasted the pot.

“Mm. Almost done! Would you two do me the honor of tasting the first course?” He asked and they both looked into the pot.

“What is this?” Clementine asked.

“Le Walter surprise! An autumnal legume salad with a peach roux…. it’s peaches and beans. All we got,” Walter said, laughing when he saw their expressions. “It was nice talking to you two but I’ll take it from here,” He said, grabbing the pot and humming as he walked away.

“I think we should help Kieran and Sarah decorate the tree,” Duck suggested and Clementine looked at the tree where she saw Kieran and Sarah having a casual conversation while hanging ornaments.

“That sounds nice! I haven’t decorated a tree in a while,” Clementine said, smiling.

Chapter Text

“You know, I think this one should go here since this spot needs a splash of color,” They heard Kieran say to Sarah as they approached the tree.

“Oh! That’s perfect! Do you want me to hand you more of the colorful ones to even it out?” Sarah asked and he smiled.

“Yeah, that’d be awesome thank you,” He said and then noticed Duck and Clementine. He gave them a smile. “Hey. Wanna help us? We’re almost done here but we still got some in the box,”

“Sure, we’d like to,” Clementine said, picking out some of the ornaments from the box and putting them wherever she wanted.

“Did y’all help Walter out?” He asked as the decorated.

“Not really, he just talked to us a bunch,” Duck said. “We didn’t touch the pot at all,”

“Yeah, that’s him,” Kieran said with a chuckle. “He likes conversation more than he does help sometimes,”

“I think that’s good, right?” Sarah questioned, referring to the tree.

“Yeah, perfect! We just need a topper,” Kieran said and Sarah beamed.

“My family used to put an Angel on the top of our tree,” She said.

“My family used to have a star,” Clementine stated.

“We have both so let’s do a vote,” Kieran said. “Everyone who wants a star, raise your hand,” Kieran said. He and Clementine raised their hands while Sarah and Duck didn’t. “Well that didn’t go as planned…” He said, giving a tiny chuckle at the situation. “How about Rock Paper Scissors? You and me, Duck,” He said, holding up a fist in his direction. Duck did the same.

“Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” They said at the same time. Kieran shot out rock while Duck chose Scissors.

“Better luck next time!” Kieran gloated. He reached for the box with the toppers before realizing something. “Aw man,”

“What?”

“I forgot where I put the box… Sarah, mind looking in the closet with me? Maybe I forgot it in there,”

“Yeah, sure!” Sarah said with a smile and followed Kieran.

“I think we should check upstairs while they’re in the closet,” Clementine said, grabbing Duck’s wrist before he could answer her and practically dragging him with her. She slowed halfway up the steps as they heard a conversation between Rebecca, Alvin and Carlos.

“It’s just so crazy. Why would they follow us this far?” Rebecca asked.

“We can’t be sure,” Carlos answered.

“It’s been a week. We’ve gotta be outta the woods by now,” Alvin said. Clementine and Duck walked up to them.

“They could be tracking us,” Carlos said.

“Tracking?! What do you think they are? Ninjas?” Alvin said in disbelief. Rebecca pressed her lips in a thin line before softening her look at Clementine.

“Clem, Luke said you saw some lights in the valley,” She said, prompting her to say if it was true or not.

“I did,”

“Which way did they go?”

“Back into the woods,”

“We can’t take any chances. We leave at dawn,” Carlos said with an air of finality.

“But we’re safe here for tonight, right?” Rebecca asked.

“Yeah. These are good people,” Duck said.

“You both talked to Walter, right?” Carlos said, turning his attention to Duck and Clementine. “What did he say?”

“Nothing. He talked about Kieran and Matthew. And how he used to teach,” Clementine said.

“So we’re staying here. They’re not a threat,” Alvin said.

“Regardless, I’d like for you both to find out if they’re really okay. Kieran seems to like you both. I’d ask Sarah to help but she is too trusting and wouldn’t get anywhere. See what you can find out from him, okay?” Carlos said. “I’m going to go find Luke,” He said as he left down the stairs. Rebecca touched her head as she heaved a sigh.

“Honey, I don’t feel so good,” Rebecca said, grabbing at Alvin’s coat arm gently to get his attention.

“What’s wrong?” Alvin asked, kneeling to her level.

“I just need something to drink,”

“On it. Clem, Duck, watch her while I’m gone,” Alvin said as he made his way downstairs.

“Hey, Duck! Clem! Where’d you go?” They heard Sarah call from downstairs. They went to the railing, looking down to Kieran and Sarah looking for them.

“We’re up here! Looking for the star,” Duck said and they smiled up at them.

“Well, we’re waiting!” As they said that, Clementine walked up to Duck and handed him the star. He didn’t even notice that she had left his side to retrieve it. He took it from her with a thanks and set it on top of the tree.

“Looks pretty good! Thanks!” Kieran shouted up to them. Duck smiled back and turned. Clementine walked over to the seat near Rebecca and was having a conversation. He made his way over and decided to listen in.

“I’m just so…. I don’t know. I’m worried,”

“About what?” Clementine asked.

“The child. This whole apocalypse is gonna make it so hard. I want this baby to live more than anything. I just don’t know if that’ll happen realistically,” Rebecca said, looking to the ground. “I shouldn’t be saying this to you guys. You guys are kids,”

“It’s okay,” Duck said. “We get it. It won’t be easy but it’s not impossible either. We’ll help,” She seemed to smile at that.

“Thank you. Both of you. Regardless, I’ll get to meet somebody new. So I don’t feel lonely. I’ve got Alvin too. And you guys, I guess,” She said as she touched her stomach. “She’s kicking! Do either of you wanna feel?” She offered. Duck was the first to move as he put a hand on her stomach. He broke into the biggest grin as he pushed Clementine to do the same.

“Woah…” She said in awe of the feeling.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,”

“I like babies,” Duck stated and Rebecca chuckled at his excitement.

“That’s good. You’ll be a great big brother then,” Rebecca said before her smile fell and she gave a sigh. “It’s sad to think this baby might not be his. Luke knows it might not be Alvin’s but Alvin would kill me if he found out,”

“We won’t say anything,” Clementine said. Rebecca smiled uneasily but before she could respond, she saw Alvin making his way back up the stairs.

“There’s my man!”

“You okay, baby?” He asked, handing her a water bottle.

“I’m fine, you big dope,”

“Thank you for staying with her,” Alvin said to the pair as Duck and Clementine made their way downstairs.

“Did ya hear that? She said I’d be a good big brother,” Duck gloated as they descended down the steps.

“That just means it’s not that hard to get a compliment like that,”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He huffed at her and she laughed.

“You’re so easy to tease,” Clementine said under her breath as they reached the first floor.

“You’re so mean,” He mumbled.

“Don’t pout now,” She said. “It’s not cute,”

“I beg to differ. I find myself cute no matter what,” He said and Clementine couldn't help the snort that escaped her. “What? I am,”

“Okay, sure, I’ll humor you,” She said as she waved a hand at him dismissively but before Duck could respond, he heard the sound of Walter’s voice ring out.

“Everyone! Dinner is served! Let’s eat!”

They made their way to the table. When they entered the dining hall, they realized that the tables were pushed together to make one big one.

“I realized that there wasn’t enough room for all of us at one table and I didn’t want anyone feeling alienated,” Micheal said as he appeared in the room. “I had your friends help me. Luke and Nick,” He finished as he took his seat beside Kieran. Clementine took a seat beside Sarah on the far end of the table while Duck sat across from Walter on the other end.

“That tree looks beautiful. You kids worked well together,” Walter said as Duck settled in his seat.

“Thanks. We were stuck on whether to put an Angel or a star on top but we settled it with a game of rock, paper, scissors,” Kieran said and Micheal laughed.

“To be a kid. Hey, I noticed you were getting along with everyone. I’m glad you’re getting some friends,” Micheal said to Kieran, who looked away in embarrassment.

“Yeah. Ducks cool. Clementine’s okay too. Sarah seems to be the most sheltered one though,” He said as he smiled at Duck. “I don’t think she’s even killed a walker before honestly,”

“That’s incredible considering the world,” Walter said. “But I’m glad there’s still some innocence left,”

“Yeah I think it’s because of her dad. I noticed he didn’t really like when I was with her. I didn’t even do anything though,” Kieran whined. It was a good thing Sarah and Carlos were at the other end of the table. Duck laughed at him.

“Yeah, Carlos is pretty overprotective of Sarah. He even gave Clementine a hard time when we first met them cause she was getting along so well with Sarah,”

“Did he give you one too?”

“Big time. He does not trust people with Sarah. He still keeps an eye on me if I’m too close to her,” Duck said and Walter laughed.

“Seems like he doesn’t like you boys in particular,” He said, nodding to how close Clementine seems to be able to get to her without much complaint. Kieran laughed. “He doesn’t seem to think about if Sarah likes girls,”

“That wouldn’t be good for Duck,” Kieran said with a teasing smirk and Duck almost felt his water come up his nose. “You okay there, champ?” Kieran asked, still keeping that lighthearted tease in his voice.

“Are you talking about Sarah? Cause I’m not interested,” Duck said in an attempt to diffuse.

“You know I’m not talking about Sarah,” He said.

“Ooo! Is it young love?” Walter asked excitedly. Duck felt his face heat up, which didn’t help his case.

“You knew Walter would love that, didn’t you?”

“Maybe,” Kieran said, his smirk never leaving.

“How about I flip the script on you then? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had a crush on me,”

“You must think highly of yourself, Ducky,” Kieran said, saying the cutesy nickname in a mocking tone. “That just proves it. You tried deflecting. You got a crush!”

“Keep it down at least!” Duck hissed. “What makes you think that?” He muttered.

“Just some things I picked up on,”

“Oh that’s so exciting! I remember when me and Micheal fell in love!” Walter swooned.

“Best thing that happened to me,” Micheal said.

“Yeah but miss. Clementine doesn’t like him back I don’t think,” Kieran said.

“I never said I liked her,”

“You don’t hide it well, Duck,”

“I’m sure she’ll come around! She already cares about you a lot!” Micheal said. “I can tell. So what do you think your group will do? Will y’all stay here for a bit?” He said, swiftly changing the subject due to Duck’s embarrassment.

“I think I heard them say something about just for tonight,” Duck said, recalling the conversation between Rebecca, Alvin and Carlos.

“Make sure to tell them they can stay longer. We don’t mind,” Micheal said. “We encourage it since we haven’t seen Kieran have this much fun in a while,” He laughed and it was Kieran’s turn to have his face heat up.

“Can you not?”

“We gotta make sure your friends know that you like them,” Walter said. “We’re planning to stay here a little while longer but we’re gonna start heading North,”

“What’s up North?” Duck asked.

“There’s supposedly this place called Wellington. It’s said to be a safe place with good walls and such,” Micheal explained. “We thought that it’d be a good place for Kieran to live the rest of his childhood out in at least,”

“Oh yeah! Me and Clementine were with this woman named Christa before this group and she was trying to take us there,” Duck said and Walter smiled.

“It’s said that they have limited room but will still take children even if they’re full. Sounded like she cared a lot for you two,” He said and Duck smiled.

“I think she did. She did get a bit distant at the end there when her partner, Omid, died,” Duck said.

“I’m sorry to hear that. She sounded nice regardless,” Walter said and Duck nodded. “Either way, it’s pretty far from here. It’s up in Michigan. We’re hoping that, at least up there, there’s fresher water and the cold slows down the walkers a bit,”

“I personally don’t think it will,” Kieran said with a smile.

“Don’t be like that, you gotta at least hope,” Micheal said. “Oh, Walter! After we eat, we should check the windows and such before the storm hits. Before I forget,”

“You’re right! You boys wanna give us a hand?” Walter asked.

“Not particularly,” Kieran said.

“Oh come on! It’ll be a bonding experience!”

“I check the perimeter with you guys every time it storms,”

“And that’s what makes us so close,” Micheal says.

“I don’t think that’s what makes us close,” Kieran said with a laugh.

“Too late, you’re coming with us,” Walter said as he gathered the bowls. “Oh! Micheal, check if there’s any extra knives or something to give Duck. He doesn’t have a weapon,”

“Oh yeah, follow me,” Micheal said as he stood. “Hey, everyone! Once you’re done with your food, put the dishes in the sink and any leftovers in a Tupperware. Duck and Kieran are going to help me and Walter check the perimeter!” He announced, making sure even the far end with Carlos and Sarah could hear. He saw Clementine excuse herself from Sarah and Carlos and walk over to them, following them to the front of the lodge.

“Would it be okay if I came?” She asked as they made their way to the front and Micheal smiled.

“We already got four. Don’t worry, Duck will be okay if that’s what you’re worried about,” He said as he tapped her head. “....Sorry, I won’t do that again. We’ll be right back,”

“...okay,” She said and then turned to Duck. “You’ll come get me or yell if somethings wrong, right?”

“Yeah,” He said and she turned to head back to the dining room at that.

“She doesn’t trust us, I guess?” Micheal asked with a chuckle as he looked in his bag.

“She might find it weird that there’s three of you and one of me,”

“Ah, that makes sense,” Micheal said as he pulled out a knife. “Here, you can borrow this. But it’s personalized so I’d like it back at some point,” He handed it to him and then smiled when he noticed Walter and Kieran coming up. “We ready?”

“Yep!” Kieran said, leaving through the doors while the others followed.

“Clementine must not like us,” Walter said with a chuckle and Duck gave a nervous laugh.

“She’s just careful. Much more careful than me at least,”

“Duck said that she might find it suspicious that there’s three of us and one of him,”

“Really?” Walter asked and Duck nodded. “I didn’t even think of that. I’ll have to tell her I’m sorry for not thinking about it,” Kieran stopped in his tracks, causing the rest of them to stop and look ahead. They saw a woman staring into the lodge.

“Hey!” Micheal said, his tone firm and loud, causing her to peel herself away from the window. Duck and the woman made eye contact.

The woman from the cabin.

Her eyes grew wide and she ran. Micheal yelled after her but she kept running. Duck felt anger. She was stalking them. He wanted answers. But he also felt panicked. It’s not a woman from Carver’s group as far as he knows so instead he ran back into the lodge with Walter, Micheal and Kieran chasing after him, asking what’s happening and what’s wrong.

“Clementine!” He nearly screamed as he entered the lodge. He ran to the dining room but before he could reach it, he ran hard into the body of Alvin, falling on his ass.

“Woah! Woah! What’s wrong, Duck?”

“The-the woman! From the cabin! She’s out there! I need to find Clementine, where is she?”

“I left her with Bec-“ Just then, the sound of shots firing rung out, forcing Alvin to crouch and pushing Duck down with him. “Oh no…..Are you sure you don’t know who these people are?” Alvin asked as he ushered Duck to cover.

“Yes! That’s the freaky part!” They heard the windmill outside stop, causing the power to flicker on and off before blacking out and then, hearing the front doors being forced open with the sound of things being pushed to the ground. Walter and Micheal must have barricaded it while he was running.

“Okay… Duck, we’re gonna have to get to the ladies upstairs. You got me?” He held out a fist and Duck gave him a quiet bump. “Alright. I’ll go first. You follow me when the coast is clear. I’d rather them catch me than to send you. They’re either here for you or Clementine. Cause….” He peeked over to see some of their group and Walter and Micheal in a hostage situation. “...I don’t know any of those people. Not Carver,”

“Okay…” Duck said. Alvin looked, then quickly moved his body to the staircase. He held a hand telling Duck to wait.

“Where’s that snot nosed brat?” A man whose voice Duck recognized said. He looked and his eyes widened. The guy that was holding Christa hostage in the woods while his buddy chased Clem and him.

“Hey! That ‘brat’ is important. You know he wouldn’t want you to hurt a hair on that boy's head,” The woman said. Duck knew they were talking about him.

“Yeah. He got any problem with me givin’ a scratch or two to that lil bitch?”

“I would say no. I know what happened to your friend but calm yourself,” He was talking about Clementine…. Duck saw Alvin waving him onto the stairs and Duck moved himself quickly across. He and Alvin made their way up the steps, finding Rebecca and Clementine also hiding.

“Alvin,”

“Duck,” They both let out their respective names in a sigh of relief. Duck smiled at her in equal relief before putting a finger to his lips. It was still for a moment before the man from the woods surveyed the lodge before grabbing the shirt of Sarah, making everyone in the group protest as he brought her to the center of the room.

“Let go of her!” Carlos shouted only to be silenced when another woman held up a gun to his head.

“Listen! I don’t wanna hurt a little girl today but I will if I have to!” Duck could hear the sobs of Sarah as he spoke. She was scared.

“We gotta go down there,”

“What?!” Rebecca hissed.

“Theyre gonna hurt Sarah! Look, Duck can sneak out. Maybe they’ll hold off on doin anything if they see Clementine. Luke and Kieran aren’t there, see? Maybe Duck can find them and get help,”

“There’s more people than just Duck, Luke and Kieran down there. Besides, you wanna use Clementine as bait?!” Just then, they heard the sounds of someone getting hit. The screams and sobs of Sarah and Carlos and everyone else indicated they started hurting her.

“No, I think that’s a good idea,” Clementine said, shocking Rebecca. “Sarah will get hurt, no doubt. Might as well give them half of the demand. They’re probably here for revenge,”

“What did you guys do??” Alvin asked.

“We killed the man chasing us in the woods. That man down there was the one holding Christa hostage. If he’s here….”

“Then Christa’s dead…” Duck finished for Clementine. “Aright, I’ll do it. If only so Sarah doesn’t get hurt more,” More noises came from downstairs, letting him know Sarah’s getting more hurt. Alvin led him to a window, flipping it open so that he could crawl through it.

“I’m gettin real impatient! Duck and Clementine! Get your asses down here before I do somethin worse to your friend!”

“Why don’t you just shoot her in the foot or something? That’ll make ‘em real scared,” Said the man at the window.

He knew thier names…

That was Duck’s last thought before he fell to the floor below. He was scared. He was scared for Sarah. Her sobbing and screaming made his stomach churn. He was scared for Clementine. Who’s to say they won’t hurt Clementine when she comes out? Who’s to say Sarah will be safe?

He was worried.

He went along the edge of the lodge, hearing Sarah’s sobs stop. He assumed Clementine, Alvin and Rebecca showed themselves.

“Duck!” He heard his name whispered and turned his head to see Kieran taking cover at a platform. He had Walter’s rifle in hand. Duck came over to him and he lined up a shot. “They got half of what they came for now. What did you guys do to these people?”

“We killed one of thier friends,”

“What?”

“If he didn’t chase us then we wouldn’t have,”

“I believe you. Should I shoot?” Kieran asked as he lined it up. “They don’t have Sarah hostaged anymore. Who’s to say they won’t get impatient again though?” He explained. “I can get the one by the window,”

“I don’t wanna make them—“ Just then, Walter was grabbed up and moved to the middle of the room.

“He’s gonna go through all of them!” Kieran said in disbelief.

“Hey, the other boy! The one with the hoodie! I suggest you enjoy the show! Maybe you’ll hand Duck over if I got your dad!” A shot rang out and that’s when Duck realized Kieran did it. Kieran shot the man by the window.

It almost seemed like Kieran and the estranged man made eye contact at that moment. A stand off.

“Your choice,” They heard him say and another shot rung out followed by a scream. Micheal’s scream.

It was silent for a quick moment that felt like a lifetime. Walter… died. Just like that.

Duck looked over to Kieran. His eyes were starting to well up in tears but he was silent. His face was almost emotionless before it changed into one of rage. He made to shoot for the man holding everyone hostage. One after another.

“We can keep killin everyone off one by one, son!”

Another shot.

“It’s all your choice!”

Another shot.

“So be it! Take your pick!”

“Stop it!” Duck whisper shouted at Kieran, pushing the gun out of his hands. Kieran reached up, running his hands in his hair and letting out a shaky breath. That didn’t seem to stop the man because he looked to see Clementine now being moved right beside Walter’s dead body.

“Now I ain’t gonna hurt you, bitch. But maybe the coward will come out if it’s you,” He whispered to her so that Duck and Kieran didn’t hear. “I’ll make it quick for her! Shiny lil bullet in her pretty lil skull!” He shouted loud for them to hear.

It was silent.

It stayed silent.

But you could feel tension.

It was a standoff.

Duck was calling their bluff and Clementine knew it.

He sighed before taking his gun and pressing it fully against her head, cocking it.

She knew it could just take one finger slip even if he was still bluffing.

But it stayed silent.

What was he—

A gunshot rang from upstairs, shooting into the man’s leg and causing all the heads in the room to turn to the landing. Duck was standing there with a rifle in hand. But Kieran wasn’t there. The man let out a loud curse as he fell to his knees beside Clementine, effectively disarming him as he let go of the gun to reach for the bullet hole in his leg.

“That’s enough, Duck! We got more men outside waiting so turn yourself in!” Their stalker shouted up to him as she pointed her gun at him in return and he glared. “How’d you even get up there?” She cooed at him in an almost innocent way.

“A window,”

“Such a smart boy! Your dad was right about that!”

His thoughts came to a screeching halt. His stomach dropped as the words left her mouth and his breathing became shallow. His dad? His dad wouldn’t do all this. His dad wouldn’t… He isn’t even alive…. He isn’t...

“H..huh…?” He let out a shakey sound of confusion as he stared through her. He felt sick. He felt as though the room was spinning and he could hear someone calling out to him but couldn’t get himself to function enough to see who.

“Now!”

“Look out, Duck!” But it was too late. He didn’t know who called out to him but Duck remembers feeling a pain in the back of his head and then he was asleep. The world turned black.

Chapter Text

There was no sound in the van. It was dark, hardly enough to look in front of you but Clementine knew Kieran had been eventually found and captured and was sitting across from her with Matthew. Sarah was sitting beside her with Carlos in the corner. She was laying on her dad's shoulder for comfort, her tears already dried hours ago. Rebecca and Alvin were beside each other while Nick sat in the other corner diagonal from them. Luke had not been found and it’s a good thing Kieran hadn’t had a chance to find him as he told Clementine that’s what he and Duck had planned. And Duck?

He was currently resting in her lap. She wished her hands weren’t behind her otherwise she would have comforted him. He was unconscious but it didn’t seem to be a dreamless state. He would whimper and shudder sometimes which would let her know he was having a nightmare. She would usually hold his hand since that would calm him but instead she was forced to make shushing noises and squirm under him to try and wake him. No avail there. It’s been a day and a half of travel not including restroom breaks.

She hoped Duck regained consciousness soon.

“Clementine,” She was startled by Matthew’s soft voice breaking the silence. “Are you…. are you with these guys? You and Duck?”

“What the fuck?” Nick interjected before she could answer.

“Don’t ask her that. Duck and her don’t know these people so don’t blame them,” Rebecca said.

“But that lady. She said something about Duck’s dad. That’s what got Duck in his state right now,” Matthew said, nodding to Duck’s sleeping form.

“Yeah, exactly!” Sarah said, her soft voice angry but hushed. “Duck wasn’t expecting it! Duck doesn’t think his dad is alive and we don’t even know if his dad is someone who’s a part of this group or someone who’s captured. So don’t go blaming him or her,”

“We don’t know these people, please believe us,” Clementine said.

“There’s no way it was all a trick. Duck looked scared as hell when he saw that woman at the lodge, remember?” Alvin asked. “And besides, I don’t think he’d shoot that man in the leg if it was some elaborate plan to capture all of us. I mean, they’d be on the same team, right?”

“Then why didn’t he kill Clementine like he killed Walter?” Matthew asked, making Clementine feel a pang of guilt.

“Because Clementine and Duck were who they were after initially,” Kieran said to Clementine’s surprise, coming to her defense. “It’d have been pointless to kill her or him. They were the only ones with immunity. The rest of us were used as pawns and it just so happens that Duck finally cracked at Clem,” He said and then thought for a moment. “Duck held out for a while as she was held though. I saw it. He watched cause he knew he wasn’t gonna kill her but when that guy cocked it, he told me to find Luke and took the rifle while giving me your knife,”

“So he knew that I was just being used but he still came in the end,” Clementine let out a tired sigh. “He should’ve stayed where he was,”

“Who knows if that guy wouldn’t have shot you somewhere else? Just like what Duck did. It wasn’t a deadly shot but enough to disarm the man when Duck aimed for the leg,” Alvin pointed out.

“I know,” Clementine was planning to say more until she heard a groan from her lap and looked down to see unfocused eyes blinking up at her. “Can you hear me, Duck?” He only groaned again as he shifted around.

“....my back hurts….”

“You weren’t in a comfortable position,” She explained.

“Well goddamn, good morning, Duck!” Alvin said and Duck let out a breath.

“Hey,” He said groggily as he sat up from Clementine’s lap and shifted himself so he could lean his back against the wall. “Was I on you too long?”

“You slumped on my shoulder at first and then moved to my lap for a good minute. My legs are numb,”

“Remind me to do something nice for you,” He said as he tried to pull his hands apart, testing the binds. “That is if we get outta here,”

“Do you know what they meant by your dad?” Matthew asked and Carlos interjected this time.

“Now stop it. That’s a sore subject, obviously!”

“No, it’s okay. No, I don’t. My dad was dead. I saw it, or at least, I thought I did. He was overwhelmed by walkers in a building trying to get me outta it cause I fell in by accident. He shouldn’t be alive,”

“Did you see him get eaten?” Matthew asked and it was silent for a moment.

“..no,” He said. “But I didn’t see him again so I just assumed. I’m not sure how they know my dad but I hope he’s okay,”

“That’d be good. Matthew was just suspicious,” Clementine said and Duck nodded.

“I get it. I would be a little too. But Clem and I are just as confused honestly,”

“What’s your dad’s name?”

“Kenny. I was named after him but I go by Duck. Why?”

“I just was wondering if that'd help any. There are some weird groups in this area and I was hoping his name would ring a bell,”

“Well it doesn’t so just drop it,” Nick said and the truck was silent after that for a little bit before Kieran spoke.

“I’m sorry. Matthew’s just upset because of what happened,” Kieran said

“It’s fine. We got everything settled,” Rebecca said. They all felt the truck come to a stop and stayed silent, listening to the noises outside. We’re they finally out or was it another potty break? The doors to the truck opened, showing the Indian woman with a warm smile.

“Hello everybody. I hope you rested easy, Duck,” She said and he looked away. “Ah, you don’t like me. That’s okay, we’ll get to know each other well!”

“What’re you talking about? Don’t act like I’ll be your friend,”

“I’m sure you’ll change your mind. So will everyone in this truck. Now come on! Your new home,” She said as she stepped back, giving everyone the chance to get up and out of the truck. “Welcome to the temple of Itunia!” It was a building decorated in all types of blues and greens and golds. Boarded up stained glass allowed sunlight in and Duck could tell from them glass that this used to be a church for Jesus. However, Jesus’ face was blocked out from blood, graffiti and scratches. Plants had grown inside the building, creating a hauntingly beautiful sight along with the decorations. And at the end of the aisle, there was a statue of a woman with a blindfold on. She has long wavy hair and had a symbol etched into her that he didn’t recognize.

“Motherfucker,” he heard the man mumble as he limped past the group and the woman shot him a look.

“Now, now they are our friends now, Kieth. Please treat them as such,”

“I can’t walk right. Why should I be nice?”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have held a gun to her head,” Duck said and he glared at him before the woman smiled again.

“Okay now, no need for this tension in the temple! My name is Sarita. I will be welcoming you into our society. You will find that you are safe here,”

“What is this? A fuckin cult?” Nick asked and Sarita smiled at him.

“No, it is our religion. Itunia is the goddess of sickness and death. She was the one that started the virus and helped humans become anew!”

“Why would you worship someone who started the lurkers?” Carlos asked.

“Good question! We are safe in our small society we built because of her! We make sure that those who go against her wishes are first turned into a walker before we send them fully to Itunia so she can decide their fate,”

“So a sacrifice?” Alvin asked

“Oh no, we don’t like that word. It’s not like we take an innocent soul in exchange for protection. It’s criminals,”

“And what are her rules?” Rebecca asked.

“All the regular ones. No stealing, no murder, no rape…”

“How are we supposed to protect ourselves if we can’t kill lurkers?” Nick asked.

“Walkers do not count. They are being punished because of Itunia after all! They have wronged her in some way,” Sarita said as she turned to face the statue. “She is a merciful goddess. Now, would you like your restraints off?” She asked as she looked behind her to the group. They were stunned she would ask that. “What? Did you think we’d keep you tied up?” She said as she signaled for Keith to cut their restraints. As he did, she spoke. “You are family now. As long as you allow Itunia into your heart, we will treat you all better. No more torture,” She said, looking at Sarah. “Or killing,” She looked at Matthew and Kieran.

“Well then didn’t Kieth break a rule?”

“For a good cause, so he hopes to be forgiven. He will have to talk to the priest about it,” Sarita said and looked to make sure all their restraints were off before heading to the doors. “Now I will introduce you to the town. It’s small but it gives a sense of normalcy,” She said as she opened the doors. It was a small town, like she said. There was a makeshift fence surrounding the perimeter added onto black metal gates. To the far left, Duck noticed headstones. This must’ve been a pretty new church then before the apocalypse. Over to the right was a collection of tents and near it a little ways away was more collection of tents. Near the middle, there were what looked like rows of different colored slightly tattered cloth hung. There was a small house close to the cemetery that had a fence built around it while part of the black metal fence had been removed to accommodate it. “The priest lives in that house over there. He is to be protected after all and cannot live with other people. The wood palettes built with the metal fences serve to block off the walker’s view of us. It works for the most part but we still have people to check the perimeter and control it. Over there,” She pointed to the tents. “Is where most of you will be staying. I will show you your own tents later. Kids are to attend the school that is in the basement of the church and if they don’t want to, they can instead join the adults in scavenging or in the hospital as long as they are 13 years old. We don’t have many kids here but the ones we do have range from ages 11-17 and stay in the tents further out if they don’t have parents or caregivers. However, couples are encouraged to have babies as long as the priest says that Itunia is in favor of them procreating. If not, they cannot conceive,”

“What about formula?”

“We have stockpiled a lot of it in preparation. However not a lot of couples get Itunia’s blessing so it saves up. You and your wife are an exception to Itunia’s blessing because you had not known of her beforehand,” She said as she looked at Rebecca’s pregnant belly. “Behind the sheets, there are a number of doctors and nurses alike. There is a doctor who can deliver children,”

“Oh, thank god,” Alvin said. “At least there’s that,”

“The more that can worship Itunia, the better!” Sarita said. “Which is why we have decided to take in your entire group and not just who we came for,” She looked at Duck and Clementine. “You are only allowed in the tents. The hospital is for employees and the injured and the school is for children. You can be 17 and be there but you can also choose to opt out of school at 13,”

“You could've had a new teacher if you didn’t shoot him,” Micheal said and Sarita just stared at him for a bit before smiling.

“I will make note of the loss when Kieth pleads his case,” She spoke as if it were a loss of merchandise and not of a life. A man walked up to the group and she smiled at him. “Right on time! This man will lead you to the doctors,”

“Why?” Nick asked.

“To bathe,”

“Will we get privacy?” Sarah asked and Sarita smiled. “.....oh..”

“You may choose a partner if it’d make you feel safer with our employees. Perhaps your father will make you feel safer,”

“...Okay…” Sarah said and Kieth pushed them towards the other man.

“Anyone else want a partner?”

“I would like to be with Becca,” Alvin said and Rebecca nodded.

“Delightful. Anyone else?” Duck looked around and when nobody spoke, she smiled. “I feel some of you may be uneasy but I promise no harm will come to your loved ones in the bath,” She paused. “Please follow Vinny to the tents,” Sarita said and the group did as told.
———————————-

“Your son is getting cleansed along with Clementine and the new people!” Sarita cheered as she entered Kenny’s room. Kenny smiled at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

“Thank you, Sarita. Maybe if I had sent you the first time, things would have been different,”

“I’m sure they would! Kieth is always so violent and his friends did nothing but encourage it,” She pouted. “By the way, he had killed one of their members. A teacher. And he had beaten an adolescent,” She informed him and Kenny hummed. “What will be the procedure?”

“I’ll think about it. Right now, I want to see my son and miss. Clementine,” Kenny said with a smile and pride mixed with relief and happiness filling his chest. He was proud of his son for surviving this long. He was happy he was alive. And Clementine! She had survived! Lee had saved her after all, hadn’t he? That crazy bastard did it! They seemed to be the only ones from the original group, he noticed. It was okay. They were all he needed. He hopes they accept Itunia into their hearts and maybe the baths will help.

Chapter Text

Hello guys!!! Idk if anyone still cared for this book but I do want you to know that I will be on indefinite hiatus for this series!!! However, that is because when I wrote this, it was when I was young and inexperienced with writing. I also tended to try to make it interesting by exploring non-canon concepts that were scraped in concept for season two. So I’m reviving this series by starting it brand new with both my refined writing skills and by not taking on too big of concepts I couldn’t be able to keep going without thinking through!!

Ducky Mo Mo is a new series I started that starts back in season one so we can feel like we’ve been there the whole time with him and Clem!! It will focus on Duck’s POV since we already know Lee and Clementine’s and it will focus on scenes where Duck will be most prevalent in changing things!!!

It had its first chapter today but I have already written and thought through all of season one, two, three and four!! Meaning I won’t abandon because I was too ambitious and didn’t think it through like I had with this one.

I do apologize for abandoning for so long but I hope you forgive me and give me another chance to give love to an AU I could never quite let go of

Thank you so much