revenant|c.g.|

xxi

"I don't like this," Clary declared, watching as Carl and Enid prepared for their trip to Oceanside. It had been a few days after returning from Hilltop, meeting with Rick to tell her all she had discovered. It was within that day that she learned of their newest plan to gain a leg up against the Saviors, which included two of the people she cared about most to leave her in Alexandria. Of course, she knew what she felt was exactly what they had when she was on her own missions, but she was hardly one to appreciate being on the sidelines.

The thoughts were whisked away as Clary saw Enid's eyes soften, the girl not saying anything as Carl beat her to it. "As much as we want, and definitely need you out there, you're needed here." Clary shook her head, a sigh falling from her lips as she thought of Rick's words.

"No, I am not letting you go out there without me!"

Clary turned to Rick, anger and frustration evident in her eyes. "I need you here, Clary," Rick began, the man further explaining as she shook her head. "If the Saviors come at us and we're not here, you're the only one who'll be able to hold them off." Clary clenched her jaw, knowing he was right. However, upon hearing that not only Daryl was going, but Enid and Carl? She couldn't quell the gnawing fear at her heart. "You know I'm right, Clary." The girl reluctantly nodded, seating herself at the dining room table. "I don't like it." Rick nodded, knowing full well she would not be for the idea. "Well, you might hate this a lot more."

"And don't forget—" Clary waved off Enid's words, nodding her head softly. "Yeah, question my abusive traitor of an ex-boyfriend because of course he won't talk to anyone but me." Carl's eyes softened before he moved towards the girl, placing a hand on her arm. "Look, if you need me to stay, I'll tell my dad and—" Clary shook her head, a soft smiling rising on her face at his worry. "I'll be fine. Trust me, I'm not worried about that asshole. I'm worried about you two."

Clary looked between Enid and Carl to see their gaze of knowing, the feelings Clary was having being those they were all too familiar with when seeing her go. Before they could say anything else, a voice sounded from nearby. "Carl! Enid! Let's go!" The three of them turned to see Daryl waving his bandana, the signal for their departure. Enid looked back to her greatest friend, wrapping her arms around her for a moment before heading towards the front gates.

Clary watched her figure until she reached the gate, turning back to Carl as he allowed his hand to fall to hold hers. "You sure you'll be okay?" Clary let out a soft laugh, humored by his worry for her. "I'll survive. Just— make sure you come back." Carl nodded, a small smirk playing on his face. "You just make sure I have something to come back to," he said, taking her words she had said what seemed like years ago. The smirk soon fell to a soft smile, "I love you." Clary nodded, taking a step away, which caused him to widen his eye. "You'll hear it from me when you come back. Call it insurance." Carl let out a laugh, shaking his head before he nodded. "Then I'll come back." With one last look, the boy departed, Clary watching as the group left the confines of Alexandria.

"Let's close it up!" Clary declared, the men at the gate giving a nod before shutting the gate behind the departed group. As she watched the gate shut, a figure made its way to stand besides her. As she looked, she recognized it was Tobin, his tall figure looking over her. "Any specifics, Commander?" Clary shook her head at his question. "Let's just keep Alexandria locked up tight. No one comes in except for Rick and the group and no one leaves. I want someone at all watch points. If the Saviors attack, they might do it where we least expect it." Tobin nodded, "You got it," he spoke, moving away from her to bark out orders. With a deep breath, satisfied with Tobin as he took hold over the watches, Clary turned towards her destination.

Entering the small room that housed the cell, she was surprised to see Ashton already awake. His eyes met hers, widening slightly in surprise that they had actually gotten her to return. "I didn't think you'd actually come," Ashton spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. The girl said nothing as she grabbed a chair from the corner of the room, seating it in front of the cell. "Trust me, I'd much rather be out there preparing for what's to come, but they told me you wouldn't talk to anyone but me." Ashton nodded softly, standing up before leaning against the cell bars. "I— I wanted to apologize for what I told you the other day. I didn't know how else to make you stay and—" the boy fell silent, letting out a sigh. "It was uncalled for and I— I'm sorry." The girl's eyes seemed to turn into slits as she stared at him, Ashton's wondering of the thoughts that flooded her head.