Always ~ Violentine

3 ~ Family

When Clem and Vi released from each other's lips, the blonde took her girlfriend's hand and brought her over to the mattress. It wasn't too dirty, so she and Clementine laid down on it and cuddled, holding each other in a warm embrace. "Vi?" the brunette questioned.

"Yeah?"

"What made you decide to bring me here to tell me that, you know.. you love me?" The brunette glanced up at those soft green orbs, only to see them conceal themselves for a moment.

Violet closed her eyes, reminding herself of the specific reason for why she decided to tell Clementine she loves her in a fish shack. Was it a romantic place? Far from it. But it had meaning, which was as good a reason if not better.

"Clem," Violet began softly, meeting her girlfriend's curious amber eyes. "When you, Brody and I came here to gather food, you helped me open my eyes and made me realize how unfair I was being. You helped me fix my relationship with Brody. Out in the woods, against the walkers, I got to see your badass side, and here I learned how sweet and caring you are. Here is where I knew I had.. something for you. At the time I didn't know what, but I do now. It was love, and I always tried my damnedest not to care about you, but I did. I just can't believe I tried to push away a girl like you."

Both girls were quiet. Clementine was taking in what Violet was telling her, which strengthened her feelings even more for the girl. Warmth flooded throughout her entire body, a wide smile stretching across her face. She felt safe in her girlfriend's arms.

Noting the silence, Violet felt her cheeks flush red and awkwardly stated, "Sorry, I didn't mean to just talk so much. You know feelings and I don't really go hand in hand."

"I'm just shocked. My girlfriend has a soft side," Clem said with a laugh.

"I do not," the blonde retorted with a little annoyance.

"Relax, Vi. It's cute. It's one of the millions of things that drew me to you." Clementine then leaned back a little to take in all of Violet's prominent features that she loved oh so dearly. The blonde's arm was still wrapped around her waist, securing them close together. "I love you, too, you know. I actually developed feelings for you first."

"Really? I find that hard to believe."

"You shouldn't. Sure, maybe you came off a little strong, but it only made me want you even more."

"And you're saying I'm the cheesy one?"

"Okay, we're both cheesy. But I do mean it."

Violet let out a small, soft laugh. "So then when did you exactly know you felt something for me?" Vi asked, furrowing an eyebrow and displaying a smirk. "I shared mine. Only fair if you share yours now."

Clementine started to play with Violet's fingers, recalling her realization back to mind. "I first took notice when I saw you beat the shit out of the walkers in the woods with your cleaver. I thought it was.. kinda hot."

The blonde chuckled to herself as the brunette continued.

"And then later that night you came into me and AJ's room. You were so sweet with him. You always were..." Clem was forcing herself to stifle the tears, even though she knew Violet would understand and comfort her. "Afterwards, we talked, and then after you left.. I don't know. I just knew I felt something for you."

Violet kissed the top of Clem's head, her nose, and then finally, her lips. "We're both lucky to have found each other. Never did I ever think I'd find love in a world where dead people walk."

The brunette laughed, receiving a proud smile from her girlfriend. After gazing into each other's eyes for a certain amount of time, Violet laid flat on her back with one hand still entangled with Clementine's, staring at the ceiling. Sighing, she remarked, "I wish you could have gotten to know Brody more."