the aftermath - twdg clouis fanfic

9.timing

Clementine leaned over to Louis.
"Hand me my shirt," she muttered. He did so and she pulled it over her head in one swift motion.
"Clem, it's really you?" Gabe said, stepping out of the door frame. In the two years since she had seen him, he had matured greatly. He stood almost a foot taller and was now physically fit and toned. His face resembled his uncle Javi.
Clem opened her mouth but no words came out. All she could do was nod, mouth agape.
Louis neared Gabe. "So, uh, yeah. This is the guy who said he knew you. And it seems like you remember him." Louis eyed Gabe, looking a little annoyed. "Not really sure why he's here now, though, with it being so late."
Violet snorted. "Yeah, I thought that was weird too. I was on lookout and these three guys were just standing at the gate, not doing anything. So I talked to them, and they said they're here to see Clem."
"Sorry about the timing," one of the other people said. This man was tall and muscular with tanned skin and light brown hair. He wore a black jacket and camouflage pants. A woman stood beside him. Clem couldn't help but notice how tiny she was; she stood even shorter than Clementine. Her skin was light and clear. Her hair was pale blond and almost as long as herself.
"Gabe, how did you get out of Richmond? I mean, when I left, that whole place was fucked," Clementine finally spoke.
Gabe sighed and scratched the back of his hat. "Yeah, it's a long story. Do you mind if I tell you tomorrow? We're pretty exhausted," he said, glancing back at his group.
"Tomorrow?" Louis repeated, his face stiffening. "So, you're staying until then?"
"Lou, it's fine, I trust him," Clem said. "It's really good to see you again, Gabe. I'll show you three to a room, then..." She reached for her crutches and swung herself off the bed.
"Oh fuck, what happened?" Gabe asked, shocked. He stared at the place where Clementine's right leg should have been.
"Walker bite. AJ here saved me," she explained, gesturing towards AJ.
"Jesus..." Gabe said softly.
Louis opened the door for Clementine. She hobbled into the hall with the two strangers and Gabe trailing behind her.
Gabe quickened his pace so he was walking beside Clem. "Sorry about coming so late, Clem. It's just...when I heard today that you were alive...I had to see you." He made eye contact with Clementine. The look in his eyes was so intense that Clem backed away a step.
"Yeah...well, I'm glad you're alive too, Gabe." She stopped at a door. She leaned against the door frame, attempting to balance on her crutches while opening the door. As usual, she stumbled a little. "Fuck," she mumbled.
"Let me help," Gabe said, placing his hand on Clem's shoulder. He steadied her gently and opened the door, all the while gazing directly at her. Clem shifted uncomfortably. This was not the weak, maybe even slightly annoying Gabe she remembered from Richmond. This was a matured man whose passes at her were beginning to get to her. She shook his hand off her shoulder. "Thanks Gabe."
Clementine cocked her head towards the dorm room. "You guys can sleep in here tonight. We'll catch up tomorrow." As the three nodded and began to enter the room, Clem realized something. "I actually don't know your guy's names..."
"Oh, right," the woman laughed. Her voice was light and airy. "I'm Harper, and this is Cato."
"Great." Clementine gave them a small smile. "See you in the morning."
"Thank you for letting us stay, Clem," Gabe said, tilting his head slightly.
"Sure," she replied quickly, walking away. She didn't turn back until she heard the door click shut. Looking over her shoulder, she could see the hallway was now empty. She sighed, considering everything that had just happened.
When Clementine arrived back at her room, Louis was waiting outside the door, arms crossed, looking slightly annoyed. When he saw her, he unfolded his arms and his face softened.
"Hey, you," she whispered.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, it's just...been a long day." Suddenly, Clem burst into tears. Surprised and embarrassed, she wiped her face.
"Clem..." Louis said softly. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. She fell into his chest, her tears spilling onto his shirt.
"Sorry," she choked out. "I don't know what's wrong with me."
"Nothing's wrong with you. You're perfect." Louis steadied her. "You're a human, you're allowed to have emotions."
"The thing is, I don't know why he's making me feel so weird. I mean, we were fourteen, it's been forever since I liked him..."
"Wait, who? You mean Gabe?" Louis said, confused.
"Yeah...remember when you asked me if I've ever had a boyfriend? Like on the first night we met?"
"I think I recall," Louis replied with a small smile.
"I guess that would be Gabe. But we were fourteen, it was so long ago, he's just acting so weird..."
Louis frowned. "He better not do anything. I mean, you're my girlfriend, so-"
He stopped talking when he noticed Clem's face at "girlfriend." Her eyes went wide and her mouth opened slightly.
Louis panicked. He realized he and Clem had never had the "dating" conversation. "Oh shit, I mean, I didn't say that, jus-"
He was interrupted by Clem's lips on his. When she pulled away, her smile consumed her entire face.
"And you're my boyfriend."

(this one is disgusting so bad im sorry(: )