A New Verge

Quintessential Hope

AN: Is it weird that the more Javi and Kate stories I read, the less I want to write my own? I apologize for the lack of updates, but my muse has been low. I honestly think it's great so many people are writing about this lovely pair! Hopefully my motivation and ideas return soon. Perhaps, I'll focus on Luke or someone else for a bit until I have more Jate motivation. I'd really love to include more emotional scenes and flashbacks to advance the story and characters! Let me know if you guys are still interested in this story, and what you'd like to see!  I hope you enjoy the chapter!

The walk home was awkward, and it seemed to drag on. The group had gotten into some trouble with some walkers and some rain, so it took much longer than expected. Gabe and Clementine were still skillfully avoiding each other as much as possible. Clementine had her eyes frequently focused on her surroundings instead of Gabe, but every once in a while she would look back and see him lurking behind with a sad sort of expression on his face.

There wasn't anything Clem could really say to make it better in her mind. Now just wasn't a good time, especially with AJ back home where he belonged. Clementine knew she would find herself highly devoted to the precious boy in her arms, failing to meet Gabe's own emotional needs.

Speaking of AJ, he was a lot heavier than before. Clementine couldn't help but get more and more tired while she carried him. The others could tell, but it seemed she was too petrified to let go of him. She refused to receive some help from the others, terrified they would get split up again. Clem shivered some, curling him closer and closer as they continued to travel.

It took a lot longer for the large group to return back to Richmond than they thought. Hell, it was almost two weeks since the time Gabe and Clementine left in search of AJ.

They had no idea about Javi losing his memory yet, or Luke returning. It was maybe a good thing, as Clementine and Gabe felt they had no reason to rush back other than to check on Kate since she was cut by Macy.

Clementine, Jesus, Gabe, Christa, AJ, Mike, Arvo, and some of the prior residents at the ranch had managed to get a truck to pile their supplies into. It was good that they had something to bring back, especially because they were adding many more members to the community. It was also nice to get a break from the incessant walking. It just meant they would be home in Richmond sooner.

Gabe, Clem, AJ, Christa, and the rabbits were all piled into a corner with all the supplies surrounding them. It was quite cramped, but Clementine didn't mind. She couldn't help but feel safer here than she ever did during those years alone on the road. AJ was sleeping in her lap, and Christa was stroking back his hair. The rabbits were snuggled tightly in the cage for warmth, and Gabe was huddled in the corner alone. She was hoping when he saw Kate and Javi, he would cheer up some.

Clem decided it was time to break the silence, managing a smile as she saw one of Christa's friends laying across the supplies and snoring. "I wish I could be that relaxed out here...I always feel like I need to look over my shoulders. Even in this truck." Clem spoke, glancing up to Christa and then through the cab window.

Arvo was leaning heavily on the window and Mike was driving. A pretty woman with light blonde hair was wedged between them, reading a book and occasionally talking to Mike. Everything felt so normal. It was great for everyone else, but somehow still unsettling for Clementine. Suddenly, she wished there was someone who understood half of what she was thinking. She just wanted to be reassured that she wasn't actually as insane as she felt.

Clementine sighed as she took note of his silence. Christa knew exactly what Clementine was trying to do, so she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. One of her arms and hands was protectively around Clementine and AJ, wanting to ensure that if they suddenly stopped the kids would be okay.