The Sun Will Be Rising Soon

Fishing with Brody and Violet

..
.

Sunlight beams through the tall windows above the staircase, AJ rushing up them with excited giggles as (Y/N) and Clement follow.

"He's gonna let us stay, right?" AJ questions, turning to them at the top of the first flight of stairs.

(Y/N) and Clement look to one another, (Y/N) seeming a bit uncertain.

"I guess we'll have to go find out," Clement says with a sigh, shrugging. "Let's find his office."

"I went there yesterday with AJ while you were unconscious," (Y/N) informs, getting his attention. "It's just up there. Come on."

"Yup!" AJ nods, running up the stairs and smiling as he waves down to Clement. "Up here!"

"AJ-- wait for us!" Clement calls as the boy runs out of view, sighing heavily in exasperation.

(Y/N) giggles lightly, walking up the stairs with Clement in tow and leading him to the office.

"Tenn's here!" AJ shouts to the two as (Y/N) pushes the door open, sitting down in front of Tenn on the floor.

Tenn looks up from his toys, smiling shyly as they enter. "Hi, Clem. Hi, (Y/N). Thanks for the pencils. I missed having colors."

"Of course," (Y/N) replies with a grin, walking over and sitting on her knees besides AJ.

Clement watches them with a smile, looking to the empty chair and humming. "I'm gonna go find Marlon. Hang tight for a sec."

"We'll be here," (Y/N) absentmindedly calls, picking up a small, firefighter toy as Clement exits the office.

"Who are these guys?" AJ curiously asks, taking the firefighter toy from (Y/N) and looking over it.

"They're firefighters," Tenn replies with a smile.

AJ sets down the firefighter, picking up a policeman.

"That one's a policeman," Tenn explains, taking the firefighter and wheeling the police car around. "She's gonna save the day."

AJ stares at the policeman for a moment, "but what are they?"

Tenn looks up at this, his brows knitting together. "They... These were the people who protected us."

"Where are they?" AJ tilts his head, looking up at (Y/N). "I've never seen one before."

(Y/N)'s mouth parts slightly as she frowns, her gaze flicking down to the boy. "Well... There could still be some out there, but most died in the beginning, trying to protect everyone from the monsters."

"Oh," AJ nods, shaking his head as he looks down at the toy. "They were weak."

"What?" Tenn scowls in disbelief, "no! They were brave. Strong."

AJ stares at him with a raised brow.

"Now, give it to me and--" Tenn reaches for the police toy in AJ's hand.

"No!" AJ jerks it away, holding it close. "He's mine now."

Tenn's brows furrow, "hey, give it back!"

"No!"

Tenn tries to grab it, AJ holding it out of reach.

"You don't even know what they are!"

"Hey, hey!" (Y/N) firmly speaks, making the two young boys jump as she takes the toy from AJ and rises. "That's enough."

AJ glares at Tenn as he rises, "it's not yours anymore!"

Tenn remains silent, sticking his tongue out at AJ.