I'd Rather Burn Bridges

Earn Your Keep (Place)

The trio woke early the next morning. All three feeling well rested and ready for the day's events. Aj woke with full energy, it had been a while since he was able to sleep that good. Both Clem and Duck were happy to see him so well rested and energetic.

"First thing we need to do this morning is have a talk with Marlin about our place here."

Both Duck and Aj agreed. Aj signed, "You think he'll let us stay, like forever?"

"We hope so buddy. Let's get a move on."

With that the trio were out of their room and mingling with the other kids. Louis seemed to be goofing off with Willy, and Mitch, while the others seemed to be doing some type of work. Clementine observed everyone on her way to Marlin's office.

Aj was leading the way, apparently Tenn had told his new friend where Marlin's big office was and he was excited to show it to Clem and Duck. They hoped he would be there, cause they hadn't seen or heard anything from him all morning.

"Wow! I bet me and Tenn can draw all day if we wanted!"

Clem and Duck, though rested, were not nearly as energetic as Aj. They blame on it him just being younger than them. They remembered when they were once running around and playing games with each other.

Aj now, is what they looked like back then.

Wow, how time flies.

On the way to the office Aj spotted Tenn who had been playing with his toys. He seemed content, and Aj and him were seemingly playing nice until a small situation arose. Aj decided that Tenn's toy was now his nad Tenn wasn't too happy about that.

This was something Duck nor Clemenetine had taught their boy. But in their defense they had never had to. He had never been around kids his age, and now that he was, there were new lessons to be learned. Clem and Duck exchanged a brief look with each other before diving head first into parent mode.

"You don't even know what they are! I had to tell you!" Tenn argued and was about to stand up to face Aj when Clem intervened, taking the toy from Aj's hand.

"That's enough from the both of you." Duck said, his voice stern and serious.

Aj looked up at Clem and Duck, his face wearing a frown. "But it's mine now!"

"His toy doesn't belong to you, you have your own." Clementine gave Tenn back his toy, and the child smiled while Aj huffed and stomped his feet.

"Fine."

Crisis averted in their eyes. They had successfully tackled their first temper tantrum with another child. Duck patted himself on the back internally. He felt like the man.

Meanwhile Clementine scribbled on her tablet to show to Tenn. "Do you know where Marlin is?"

"Ah, right. We're looking for the big man in charge."

Tenn tilted his head, not sure of his answer. "He should be in his office. If not there then I have no idea."

Clem took that answer and ran with it. They all thanked Tenn for his help then continued to Marlin's office. Aj still was leading the way, stopping to admire old paintings along the way.

When they finally did arrive, there was no one there. The duo sighed. "Well what the hell is he a ghost or some shit?"

Aj chuckled before signing. "Swear."

"I'm just saying. This is insane. I feel like I'm on a manhunt for crying out loud."

"I mean aren't we technically hunting for a man right now?" Clem teased.