In The Dark (Sequel To Light) -Clementine/Louis, Clouis, Louisentine

Chapter 6

Luck seemed to be on their side, as the constant blizzards that had been hitting them for the past few weeks appeared to have ceased. The temperature has warmed ever so slightly, turning the snow to rain and melting most of the snow that had settled on the ground. Not wanting to risk the chance of the temperature lowering again and for another snow storm to hit, Clementine decided that now was the perfect time to head out to the mall James had pointed out.

They had already been walking for hours now, relying only on the map she had brought with them and the sun's position in the sky to point them in the right direction.

"Hey," Louis' voice comes from next to her, turning to see he had jogged up to her side "How's your leg doing?" Louis asked, glancing down worriedly at her fake leg.

"Twinging every now and then, but I'm okay," Clementine assured him, thankful for his concern.

"You sure you don't want me to carry the backpack for a bit?"

"Nah, I'm good," Clementine told him, though she'd be lying if she said the offer wasn't tempting. The straps were definitely beginning to dig into her shoulders.

She glanced up at the sky, noting how the sun was getting lower and lower at a faster rate. It wouldn't be long before dusk, and travelling in the dark would be both pointless and dangerous.

"Besides, we'll be setting up camp soon. I'll be fine till then," She reassures him.

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. Thank you, though," She tells him gratefully, placing a hand on his arm.

The touch immediately brings a smile to his face, one that she returns. She drags her hand lightly down the surface of his arm as she lowers her hand, fingers tangling in his own and grasping their hands together tight, swinging their arms gently as they walk side by side.

The sound of wet leaves being stepped on make her jump slightly, turning to see Zara on her other side. She had almost forgotten that Zara was with them, the girl keeping quiet and mostly to herself the whole walk, only really speaking when addressed or to point out anything interesting, or potentially dangerous.

"You doing okay?" Clementine checked up on her, noticing Zara's somewhat sluggish movements.

"A little sore," Zara admitted, softly brushing at the gauze wrapped around her arms. "Guess I never realised how much walking can take out of you. Well, when covered in bruises, anyway."

"You haven't done much walking before? In the apocalypse? How?"

"Me and my family fell into a group not too long after it all started. I was too young to really do anything, so I spent most of my time in the camp. Not much walking to do."

"This must be quiet the chance of pace, huh?"

"That's one way of putting it..." Zara agreed with a light chuckle

"Hey, so... I just wanted to say sorry for not really being around to talk to you these past few days, leaving you to get used to everything and everyone on your own," Clementine apologised, feeling guilty for having spent most of her time up in Marlon's office, sorting out preparations for the trip they were currently on. "I imagine it was a bit overwhelming, talking to everyone in the school and getting to know them. I know it was for me. Especially with this guy over here." Clementine finished her statement with a teasing smile, jabbing her thumb in Louis' directions.

"I can hear you, you know," Louis protested, although he was openly smiling at Clementines jab. "It's not my fault I'm the only around here that can make your life fun."