TWDG |OC!Reader Clementines Brother Book 1

S1 E1.7| PETER'S SEARCH!

INSIDE THE MOTEL – THE NEXT MORNING

The sun had barely risen over the Travelier Motel when the arguing started.

Peter had just finished packing his backpack: a map, a flashlight, two cans of food, a protein bar, a switchblade, and, of course, the walkie-talkie. The air was tense. Everyone was gathered in front of Room 3. It was time.

Peter: "I'm leaving."

The words hit the group like a punch in the gut.

Clementine's face dropped.

Clementine: "No..."

Kenny: "What the hell do you mean you're leavin'?!"

Katjaa: "Peter, sweetie, no. Please. That's not safe."

Lilly folded her arms with a heavy scoff.

Lilly: "Of course he wants to go out alone. He's just a kid trying to play hero."

Peter stayed calm. He expected this. Everyone had an opinion. Everyone thought they knew what was best for him. But they weren't him.

Doug stepped up, adjusting his glasses nervously.

Doug: "I think we should at least hear him out."

Lee: "He's got his reasons."

Kenny growled in frustration.

Kenny: "He's fifteen, for Christ's sake!"

Peter raised his voice.

Peter: "And I've survived longer than most grownups out there!"

The arguing got louder.

Carley: "Look, I get it, okay? But if you die out there, it's on all of us."

Clementine shook her head rapidly and ran up to him, grabbing his hand.

Clementine: "No. Please don't go. You just got back to me. I don't want to lose you again."

Peter softened. He crouched in front of her and took her small hands into his.

Peter: "Clemmy... here."

He pulled the walkie-talkie from his jacket pocket and placed it into hers.

Peter: "It still works. Full battery. Range goes for miles. I'll call you every half an hour, I promise."

Clementine's lip trembled.

Clementine: "I want you to stay..."

Peter: "I know. But I have to do this. You remember what Mom used to say?"

Clementine looked away. Peter tilted her chin up gently.

Peter: "She said, 'People who don't act when they know they can change something... are—'"

Clementine: "—scum." She pulled away, her eyes watering. "You don't get to use Mom like that. That's not fair!"

Peter winced, knowing she was right. But it still worked. She wasn't happy—but she understood.

The rest of the group still looked hesitant. Peter stood up and faced them all.

Peter: "Look... no offense, but I barely know you people."

Kenny: "Gee, thanks."

Peter: "Kenny, you and your family—nice folks. Bunch of people from fucking Florida. No offense."

Kenny (with a half-shrug): "None taken."

Lee and Clementine (in unison): "Language."

Peter: "Sorry. But seriously... Carley, Doug—I like you guys. But I don't need your approval."