scars • clementine x louis

Chapter 27: Runaway

Rapid footsteps came from the couple's feet. Eventually, Louis got so worn out, he stopped and gripped his shoulder where he had gotten shot. Clementine stopped and turned towards him, cursing under her breath when she saw the state he was in.

"Shit. It's bleeding out." Clementine fretted, examining his arm. Louis raised an eyebrow, surprised about how inconsiderate she was about herself.

"Uh, what about you?"

Clementine cocked her head to the side before remembering the slit on her face. She briefly brought her hand up to her face when she winced from the pain. It was still bleeding. She looked back to Louis as she shook her head. "I'll be fine. It's not deep. We just need to get to the school fast."

Louis hesitated but eventually agreed with the plan. The two then started walking to the school, hand-in-hand.

*

The couple made it to the school, nearly close to fainting. AJ ran up to Clementine and looked up at her in fear. Ruby and Kate promptly ran up to the scene. All Clementine could remember was someone picking her up, just before she blacked out.

*

Clementine stirred up on a bed blanketed in moderately white sheets. She looked around and noticed Ruby smiling worriedly at her. 

"Hey, Clem. How ya feeling?" Ruby questioned, putting away some supplies in a drawer. Clementine didn't answer. She was too distraught about the people who weren't with her. Clem frantically peered around the room. She whipped her head towards Ruby.

"...Where's AJ?" She inquired, trying her best to keep calm. Ever since Louis and Clem's fight, she had been occupied, making her timeless for AJ. Ruby walked over to the side of the bed and set a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, AJ is just playing with Tenn as usual. And before you ask, Louis is getting treated by Kate." Ruby consoled Clementine, taking her hand off her shoulder and picking up a needle and thread. Clementine's breath hitched as she looked at the sharp edge.

"What's that for?"

"I cleaned your wound, but it's still open, meaning..."

"You have to stitch it up?"

Ruby nodded. Clementine sighed as she sat up on the bed. "Whatever, just get it over with."

Ruby made a knot with the thread and moved it closer to Clementine's forehead. She gripped the back of Clem's head and discreetly put the needle through the flapping skin. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt that badly. Thankfully, Clementine made it through the whole stitching process without one peep. Ruby took out a bandage and wrapped it around Clem's head. She smiled as she motioned for Clem to leave the room.

Clementine gladly left the room and walked into the hallway. All of a sudden, she felt something grip her waist. She looked down and saw AJ hugging her tightly. Clementine smiled to herself before kneeling to his level and hugging him back.

"It's okay kiddo, I'm fine. I promise." She reassured him, rubbing his back. Clementine stood up and ruffled his hair, making a scowl form on his face. Clem laughed before pointing in the direction of Louis' room. "Do you wanna check up on Louis?"

"Yes!" AJ exclaimed, a grin replacing his frown. Clementine smiled as she led him in the direction of Louis' dorm.

*

Clementine opened the door so she could examine inside without being spotted. That was until AJ barged into the room, alarming Louis who was sitting on his bed. Louis smiled, seeing that it was only AJ and Clementine. AJ ran over to Louis, hugging. Clementine just leaned against the doorway, watching the two's adorable moment. She couldn't dare to interrupt them.

"What happened? Why were you guys hurt?" AJ inquired, looking up at Louis. Clementine walked over to AJ and placed a hand on his back. 

"AJ... I think it's time you go back to Tenn. He's expecting you." Clementine said, peering at Louis with worry in her eyes. AJ casually nodded before hugging the couple one last time and trudging out the door, closing it behind him.

"So... what do we do?" Louis blurted out. Clem whipped her head around, causing it to slightly hurt.

"I-- what?" 

Louis huffed, obviously discouraged with the situation. "You saw those people out there, Clem. They're a threat. And now, this 'Michael' is an even bigger threat now that he knows you."

 "You don't know that. Maybe he just lost himself--"

"Clementine!" Louis scolded. Clem broadened her eyes when he heard him say that. He never used her real name unless he was serious. He quickly composed himself before speaking again. "Listen, we just need to do something before it's too late. We need to protect our group. Even if it means..." Louis trailed off, but Clementine knew exactly what he was going to say.

"Leaving!?" Clementine bellowed, standing from the bed. "What the fuck, Louis! Some people are trying to kill us and you're suggesting that we leave!?"

"It's the only option!"

"We could fight! We have a big group and weapons--"

"What weapons? Some flimsy bow against guns!? How many people have we lost because of these fights we've caused? Aasim, Violet, Minnie! We'll lose even more if we continue this war with the Delta!"

 Clementine was speechless. She just stood there silently, mentally punching herself for realizing how stupid she had been. Louis was right. Maybe running wasn't the best option, but it was the only one they had. "Okay." 

"Really?" Louis asked, obviously surprised how easy it was to convince Clementine.

"Yeah. After all, It's the only option we have."

AN

Sorry that this one's a short one. I have A LOT on my mind this week and I'm getting pretty stressed out. Hopefully, you guys will understand. 

Love ya, my angels! :3