In the Willows

Chapter Nineteen: Inner Demons

You are not too drunk, able to think clearly but mellowed out by the liquor. You turn to look at Clem who is fumbling with the door.

"Need help?"

"I got it."

A loud thud erupts from the room across from you.

"What was that?" asks AJ.

"It's nothing." you say not going into detail.

Clementine opens the door and you all usher into the room.

"Time for bed AJ."

"Five more minutes?"

"I think you got away with enough for tonight." she says glancing towards you.

"Everyone else was drinking it."

"Well if everyone jumped off a bridge, would you?"

"That's a dumb question."

You chuckle.

Clem hits you lightly.

"I said he could, I think he learned to stay away from liquor after he drank some."

AJ goes to the futon and lays down, "Yeah, that stuff is nasty."

Clementine grabs the blanket and pulls it over AJ, "There's your five minutes goofball."

AJ yawns, "I love you Clem."

She smiles, "I love you too goofball."

She leans down and kisses his forehead. She walks into the bedroom.

A hand grabs yours. You turn to see its AJ's.

"What's up?" you say taking a knee beside him.

"Is Kyan ok? He looked scary earlier."

"He just needs time alone right now."

"Why?"

You pause to phrase it right, "Sometimes people want space. Have you ever been angry and didn't want to see anyone?"

"I guess."

"That's what he wants. So, I give that to him."

"Isn't that bad? To leave someone alone like that?"

You sigh, "Not all the time. Some people want someone to talk to, others don't."

"Oh."

You stand up, "You got an extra five minutes, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Y/N?"

You turn to face him.

"Could I talk to you?"

"Of course you can. Anytime."

He smiles, "Thank you, Y/N."

You turn and open the bedroom door. You close the door to see Clementine covered only by her sports bra and jeans. She takes off her prosthetic leg and places it next to the bed.

"Surprised you can take it off."

She chuckles, "Shut up. I'm not that drunk. Turn off the light please?"

She hops to the lamp on the dresser and turns it on as you shut off the lights. The room is illuminated slightly by the lamp. Shapes form around you slowly as you get used to the darkness around you. You take a seat on the bed. You make out the silhouette of Clementine sitting on the floor taking off her jeans.

"Sleeping in your clothes?" she asks.

"Maybe."

She hops over and straddles you, "Yeah?"