TWD: The Bounty Hunter (Clementine X Male Reader Book 2)

Respite-4

Marina is sitting in your lap at the picnic table. The others have just left. She's showing no sign of wanting to get up, or leave your side. You want to help her and make her feel better, but you also want to get back to Clementine. You're not sure where she went.

You: Why are you so upset, Marina?

She doesn't say anything to you. You sigh and look to the gate. You can hear a few walkers outside.

You: Is it because you watched me get beat up?

She shakes her head in your shoulder.

You: Is it because I was dying in your dream?

She shakes her head again.

You: Then what's wrong?

She still won't talk.

You: Marina.

You sit there for a few seconds and then start to pry her off. She has a great grip on you, but you manage to get her to let go. You stand her up in front of you and hold onto her tiny shoulders so she can't come back. She tries and fails. She lowers her head and hides behind her hair.

You: You have to talk to me so I can help.

You're not sure what to do. You can't get her to talk to you.

You: Do you remember when I saved you in that city?

She nods her head.

You: I may be your Dad now, but I told you I would always be your friend. Friends help friends. Let me help you. I just want to make you feel better.

She looks up at you, a few tears threatening to spill out, and reaches for you. It's clear you're not going to get her to talk. You let go of her shoulders, let her run over to you, and grab her.

You: Do you want to go for a walk?

She moves her head away from you, looks up to you, and nods.

You: I can't carry you. There are Walkers out there.

Marina: Ok.

She lets go of you and backs away. You get up and make sure you have your knife. It's sitting comfortably in its sheathe. You pull it out and start walking towards the gate. Marina has to move fast to keep up with you.

You: You'll need to stay in here while I make sure we can go outside.

You know it's unsafe right now. It would be stupid to take her out there.

You open the gate, and a few Walkers start shambling toward you. The closer they get, the worse the smell. You quickly stab each one in the head, taking your time and trying not to get bit.

When they're all dealt with you walk back inside. Marina is playing with a small hole in her sleeve, next to her wrist.

You: Quit it. You're going to make it bigger.

She jumps and stops. You put your knife in its home and hold out your hand.

You: Come on.

She hurries over and wraps her hand around three of your fingers.

You: Are you ready?

Marina: Mhm.

You walk out with her, and shut the gate behind you. You have to walk slow so she can keep up.

Marina: Where did you go?

You: When?

Marina: This morning.

You: For a run. I do it every morning.

Marina: Oh. Why?

You: I need to get back in shape.

Marina: Why?

You: In case something bad happens.

Marina: Is something bad going to happen?

You: I don't know. I need to be prepared though.

Something bad will happen eventually.

Marina: What happened to those bad people that hurt my other Mommy and Daddy, and took me?

You: I took care of them after I got better.

Marina: Oh. Did you hurt them like you hurt that guy who had me?

You: Yeah. I hurt them like I hurt him.

You don't think she would understand why you let Maren, Stanley, and Ana live. So, you don't tell her they were with them.

Marina: I think I'm five now.

You: Really?

Marina: Mhm. Old Mommy told me that when it got cold, I got older.

You: Awesome!

Marina: How old are you?

You: I don't know, twenty-two or twenty-three.

Marina: That's a lot. How old is Mommy?

You: The same.

Marina: Are you guys still going to get married?

You: You're real talkative now, huh? Yes, we're going to do it later.

Marina: Can I come?

You: No, we're going to do it alone, and do adult things.

Marina: Like what?

You: Adult things, means you don't get to know.

Marina: But, I want to know.

You: And I want to know what has you so upset. Guess we're in the same boat.

Marina: Will you tell me if I tell you?

You: No. I want to help you, and not tell you things you shouldn't know at five.

Marina: Daddyyyy.

You: Honeyyyy.

She squeezes your hand a little tighter.

Marina: I don't want you to leave me too.

You look down at her. She's keeping her eyes forward.

Marina: My other Mommy and Daddy said that they would always keep me safe. Then they left me.

You: There was nothing they could do about it.

Marina: They could have hidden with me.

You: They weren't small enough.

Marina: You let that woman beat you up.

You: To keep you safe.

Marina: But... Then you'd be gone.

You: Clem would still be here.

Marina: I want both of you to stay with me.

You: I promise, I won't let anyone take me or Clem away.

Marina: You have to double promise.

You: Double promise?

Marina: Mhm.

You: I double promise.

You'll ask her later about that. Now isn't the time.

Marina: Thank you, Daddy.

That went quicker than you thought. She is young, so it makes sense.

You: Of course. See, just talking about it can make you feel better.

Marina: Can I talk to you about things whenever I want?

You: Yep.

Marina: Ok. I will.

Marina may not be yours, but you'll act like she is. You'll keep her safe, and happy. Give her a better chance than you had. To be a better person than you are. Give her a family, friends, a home. Because you love her, and she deserves the best.