Project V (Clementine X Male Reader Book 4)

Marinus

Marina

Kenji: Marina-

Me: What did I say?

It's been so nice outside lately. So, I've taken to reading on the porch instead of in the house. Maybe that wasn't a great idea... Nah, it was a pretty good idea. I love it out here.

Kenji: He's close.

Me: Tell me when he's here. I still don't even believe he's real.

I keep my eyes on my book, even if I'm not reading while he's talking to me. I just want to show him how uninterested I am in the topic.

Kenji: You can see him from the guard post now. If you don't believe me, just go look.

Me: I'm not falling for it.

Kenji: Marina, please, you have to believe me.

I look up. He does look worried, but he's cried wolf one too many times.

Me: No.

I look back at my book.

Kenji: Ugh, seriously?! What can I do to get you to believe me?

Me: Wait until he shows up.

Kenji: You're killing me.

Me: I might if you don't leave me alone.

Kenji: Yeah, right. You couldn't take me-

I give him my best death stare. Probably not as good as Mom's.

Kenji: I was joking. Please, don't take that seriously.

Me: You wouldn't even know what happened.

Kenji: I know, I'm sorry.

He backs down a step.

Me: Now, when he gets here, come get me.

Kenji: Fine.

-

Your POV...

There it is. Marinus. Not the same one you left, but it's Marinus, apparently. You checked in with Emma to make sure of it. Once you came close enough to see it, you paused, and Clementine told you it was the place as long as they haven't moved.

It's set up in a town, which would be your go-to choice for a spot to make a community. But it's not the entire town, just some of it. You're standing in the middle of a street surrounded by rotting, destroyed buildings. A few rusted, broken-down cars are parked in the driveways or on the sides of the road. Otherwise, the place is relatively clean. They must try to keep it that way for morale purposes.

Someone has been following you. Well, more than one person. They're not doing great at hiding their presence. Maybe they want you to know they're there. You doubt they're survivors from that group you just left in ruin. They are either thieves, murderers, or scouts of some sort. You're going to say scouts, thieves, or murderers would have already screwed off or attacked. You wonder if they're Marinus scouts.

You stop.

You: Hey.

No response.

You: I know you're there. I could just come find you if I wanted to.

You look down at your watch. Barely any time has passed at all. It's crazy to think you'll go through nearly nine days in just one.

You: Just come out. I'm not going to hurt you unless you do something.

Unknown: What do you want?

You: Hi.

You turn to the voice. They're emerging from behind an old, burned-down house.