Questionable | Clem x Louis Fanfic [Highschool AU]

28 - No More Hiding

3 chapters in one day 🙏🏻

Clementine

Lee was sat next to a young Clementine, on the back of a cargo train, after just giving her a haircut and telling her about his past - but that's not relevant to her because he already proved to be a good person. He had adopted her just after her parents died, and gave no second thought to it.

The young version of the girl turned herself, to look up at the man she calls dad. "What am I going to do?" She questioned him, hoping he had the answers.

"You're strong Clem, you can do anything." He randomly announced, as if to remind her.

Her dad turns and gazes down at her, raising his brows in question "You are going to wake up, return to your life and move past this." Her confused look made him carry on, "You have a little brother that adores you, parents that wish the best and loving friends."

Clem just shrugs, not knowing where the conversation was going. He finishes by announcing "..and a boy who thinks the world of you." She smiles stupidly, to no one in particular, at the reminder of Louis.
Louis.

"You always know what to say, and I'll never understand that." The little girl said while giving an impressed smile.

Lee just gives a throaty laugh, "A lot of the time I'm just making it up as I go along."

Clementine retorted "Well, you weren't always fooling me. Like when we moved away from Georgia, I know you had no clue about what to do."
Rolling his eyes and shooting back defensively "hey!", but Lee still had a grin on his face.

Clem continued her speech, unsure entirely of what was happening, "I'm scared I'll disappoint my friends, since they always rely on me. We always move around the country but this feels like home. I don't want to leave Lee."

Lee turned to face his daughter, and gave a simple smile before standing up and strolling to the foreign shadows of the train cart.
"Time to go Clementine. You've got people that need you."

And just like how Lee faded into the darkness, so did Clementine.

Louis

The only thing she could hear was someone's choked voice whispering, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." It sounded almost like a plea, and the person's voice held so much guilt that it could be heard in the broken boys tone, even by a dazed Clem.
There was also a grip on her hand that she could feel, but unfortunately had no muscle strength to respond back to it. Even if she wanted to, there was no way to squeeze his hand back.

Due to his state, Louis didn't even notice that Clem had emerged from her long sleep. Her eyes were barely open, with only a slight squint that allowed her to see.
She looked like Clementine, but also didn't.

"What are you sorry for, you dork?" She spoke with a raspy tone and smile, since only just waking up. Damn she sounds good, even after waking up from a 3 day sleep.

And like a firecracker, Louis launched himself into Clem's arms, careful to not hurt her obviously injured arm. The only sounds were his desperate sobs, as well as Clem's comforting whispers. This all taking place in a nearly bone crushing hug.

It was not the reunion any of them hoped for. Clem in a hospital bed, covered in medical supplies and Louis was an emotional wreck.

After a few minutes, he finally exits the hug, allowing Clem some breathing room. They could now get a proper look at each other's faces - and they both looked terrible, to say the least.
Louis has disheveled dreads everywhere, and not neatly placed like usual. His red cheeks were tear stained, showing the events of the last few hours. There was also no care in his voice, since it kept changing tone and having voice cracks.