The Walking Dead Clementine x Male Reader: Burn

Chapter 4: The Riverbank

Clementine, Y/N, and Pete walk through the dense woods, the sound of rustling leaves underfoot. Y/N periodically adjusts the bandage over his eye to keep it from irritating him too much.

Pete: "How are you two holding up?" He glances between the kids. "Rebecca really let into you both last night. Once she starts, she doesn't stop. But don't mind her too much; she's all bark."

Clementine: "What's her deal?" Annoyance and curiosity are evident in her voice.

Y/N: "Feels like we're her new targets." He shrugs, trying to shake off the unease.

Pete: "She's going through a lot, with the baby coming and all. It's not easy in a world like this." He sighs deeply, his voice nothing but understanding.

Clementine: "How much farther to these fish traps?" She gazes forward.

Y/N: "I hope they're close." His stomach growls slightly. "I'm starving."

Pete: "Not much longer now." He chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood. He notices Y/N's constant fidgeting with the bandage. "Bothering you?"

Y/N: "Just itches a bit." He admits with a slight nod.

Pete spots Clementine's eyes on his rifle and decides to ask about their experience.

Pete: "Have either of you been taught to shoot? And I mean really taught, not just handed a gun."

Clementine: "Lee taught us." She replies, proud of their skills.

Pete: "Good. Shooting's a survival skill these days." He looks pleased, a hint of approval in his expression. "You know, I took Nick hunting when he was about your age. We found this huge buck. But Nick? He froze up."

Clementine: "No way." She smirks slightly, finding the story amusing.

Y/N: "Guess some things don't change." He chuckles.

Nick's footsteps become audible as he hurries to catch up, slightly out of breath.

Nick: "Hey! Why'd you rush ahead?" He sounds a bit annoyed.

Pete: "You knew where we were headed." He rolls his eyes, responding with a teasing tone. "Besides, we couldn't wait for every little break you needed."

The group continues walking, the forest around them growing denser.

Pete: "That day hunting? I tried to take the shot for Nick. And then? Out of nowhere, Nick fires. Nearly hit me." His tone is more reflective as he recalls the past.

Nick: "Are you ever gonna let that go?" He groans, clearly tired of the story.

Pete: "Just making a point." He winks at Clementine and Y/N, a playful glint in his eye. "Everyone has those moments."

Nick: "I said I was sorry!" He feels defensive, retorting with irritation.

Y/N: "It's all good, Nick." He reassures him, trying to keep things calm. "Let's just focus on getting to the fish traps."

Nick: "You're always on my case." He grumbles under his breath.

Pete: "Because you need to step up." He counters firmly, his voice steady.

Nick starts to storm off, his irritation bubbling over. Pete shouts after him.

Pete: "Again, Nick?!"

Nick: "I know where I'm going!" He hollers back, not slowing down.

Pete: "That buck? I found it later that season. Nick didn't speak to me for weeks after. Sometimes, doing the hard thing is the right thing." He takes a deep breath, trying to stay patient.