Walking Dead Game Collection

"Tender Tending"

Title: Tender Tending
Characters: Ericson Kids
Summary: Clementine is always pushing herself, but the group is concerned because she's recovering from her head injury. When she passes out, they decide to make sure she takes it easy and stays on bedrest, despite her protest. While Clementine won't admit it, even though she's reluctant at first, part of her likes being taken care of.
Author's Note: I'm gonna write this in the context that everyone is alive so enjoy :)
Requested By: voltagedestiny
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♡ user: justajournalist ♡
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"Where's Clementine?"

Mitch, distracted and whittling something onto a wooden stick, shrugged. "Dunno, haven't seen her or AJ in a while."

Marlon sighed, visibly irritable, turning to the front lawn's picnic table. There sat Louis, Violet, Ruby, Aasim, and Tenn. "Anyone? Does anyone know where she went?"

"Probably on a walk," Violet said, shrugging, distracted in playing competitive solitaire with Louis. They had to get creative with their games these days. Regular old war was getting stale, and so was plain solitaire. They had to spice it up.

While Clem and AJ hadn't been with them for long, they'd more than proven their loyalty and worth. None of the Ericson kids doubted that they were around somewhere, but Marlon's concern wasn't based on mistrust, but concern.

Marlon tucked his clipboard under his left arm and started for the table. "Ruby, how is her recovery coming?" He planted his hands on the surface, jolting Violet and Louis' game. "Clementine's." He clarified.

Ruby was jostled from watching the game — the cards now scattering the table — and glanced up at Marlon. She shrugged, hugging her arms. "Slow but steadily. Head injuries take a lot of time." Marlon chewed on his lower lip then nodded, standing upright. "What is it, are you worried about her?"

"Yes," Marlon scoffed. "She has a head injury, and she's missing right now."

"Clem is smart." Ruby said, nodding tenderly. "She won't push her limits."

Just then, the front gates of Ericson slammed. When the group turned to see what it was, they noticed Clementine fumbling with the lock, AJ at her side attempting to help. In one arm, Clem held a sling full of firewood. In the other, she held a dead squirrel by its tail. She was hunched over, the weight of what she was carrying getting the better of her. All the while, AJ fumbled and succeeded with opening the lock and holding open the gates.

Marlon's shoulders tensed, turning back to face the table of fellow onlookers. "What was it that you were saying?" Marlon groaned to Ruby. He slapped his clipboard down on the table and started for her. Behind him, the rest of the table scrambled to their feet.

"Clem!" Louis hollered, watching as she crumpled to her knees, huffing as she abandoned the logs she'd gathered. Weakly, she set the squirrel down beside them and rubbed her shoulder. She adjusted her head-bandage mindlessly. The small gesture was enough.

"Clem, you can't go out and do that."

"Do what?" She countered to Marlon's claim, squinting as she glanced up at everyone. She looked away, their stares overwhelming. "I'm fine, my shoulder's just sore."

"That's not what we're concerned about." Aasim said. Clem glanced up, brows squinting, as if offended by the statement. Aasim swatted at the air. "You know what I mean."

"I don't."

"You will," Marlon said, arms crossed, glaring down at her. "Clem, you're overworking yourself. You have a head injury. You need to take it easy."