TWDG |OC!Reader Clementines Brother Book 1

S1 E2.2| SUSPICIOUS!

Mark is pale, an arrow lodged deep in his shoulder, his breaths coming sharp and shallow. Brenda rushes down from the porch, concern painted across her face.

Lilly: "Christ! Are you gonna be okay?!"

Mark: (grimacing) "Yeah, I'm fine. I should just... pull it out..."

Brenda quickly moves in, shaking her head.

Brenda: "Oh no, honey, don't you dare. Brenda's got you. C'mon inside now, we'll have you all sorted out."

She turns, her eyes falling on Peter, who is clutching his ribs and holding his arm close without even realizing it.

Brenda: "And you, sugar—come inside with us too. You look banged up. Let me check those bruises."

Peter stiffens, jaw tightening.

Peter: "I said I'm fine. Just sore, nothing else."

Brenda persists with a motherly firmness.

Brenda: "Don't be stubborn, boy. Let me—"

Peter: (snapping) "Mind your own business."

The air goes cold. Brenda blinks, stunned. Clementine looks up at him worried. Peter sighs and quickly softens his tone.

Peter: "...Sorry. It's been a rough couple months." (his mind drifts briefly—Ellie's face, gone without a trace, the bracelet on his wrist biting into his skin when he clenches his fist)

Lee steps in smoothly, covering for him.

Lee: "It'd be better if he sticks with us. He'll be fine."

Katjaa, hovering close, nods firmly.

Katjaa: "I'll take care of him the best I can. He'll be alright in a week or two, as long as he doesn't overdo it."

Peter shoots her a side look—half amused, half guilty.

Brenda sighs, relenting.

Brenda: "Well, you must be the veterinarian, then."

Katjaa: "Yes. That's me."

Brenda helps Katjaa and Mark toward the house, fussing over him.

Larry stomps forward, pointing a thick finger toward Lee.

Larry: "What kind of shit is this?!"

Lee: "We ran into some people on the way here... bandits, I guess. I think it was them who attacked us."

Andy: (hands raised) "They gave us problems in the beginning. Killed a bunch of our farmhands. But we got 'em to stop by making a deal."

Peter's eyes narrow, catching every word.

Kenny: (angrily) "You knew about these people?"

Danny: "Food for protection. Not like we had much choice. But they did stop hasslin' us."

Larry: (fuming) "Goddamn it!"

Lee: (uneasy) "Maybe this isn't as safe as we thought..."

Andy: (defensive) "Look, we're sorry! We never had them screw with us like this. Not since we started givin' them food! But listen—we won't stand for this shit."

Peter folds his arms, jaw tight. Why do they want us to stay so badly?

The thought gnaws at him like the ache in his ribs.

Danny: (snarling) "Ain't no way we're lettin' those sons o' bitches get away with this!"

Kenny: "You know where these assholes are?"