Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1 - Clementine’s perspective
The chill of winter shot harshly through me as I tugged roughly at the stirrups of the brown horse in front of me. This year felt unusually icy but the warmth surrounding the stables alongside the smell of horses and hay always helped me feel more comfortable.
I quickly glanced over at Tommy who was already mounted, watching me quietly as he brushed his horse. His gaze was curious as he silently followed my every movement, not starting to speak until I had the saddle fully settled into place and both horses were standing still. The rough sound of a throat clearing caught both our attention. I turned my head, still holding on gently to the reins, to see Joel standing by the stable entrance patiently. I threw him a small smile before turning my gaze back to his horse.
“She ready to go?” Joel asked quietly, looping his hand in his belt as he made his way towards me.
“Yeah, she’s all strapped and ready for ya” I said, giving Tommy a look through the corner of my eyes as Joel reached over to take the reins. Tommy quickly cleared the awkward silence.
“Well, uh…I’m gonna go check the fences quickly.”
I noticed as Joel sent his brother a sceptical look, fiddling with the horses equipment as he did so.
“Maria said we were getting foxes near the chicken coops again so I uh, thought I’d check it out before we head.”
“Alright” Joel began, still eyeing his little brother. “Don't take too long.” He continued as Tommy gave a dismissive wave. He sighed and placed his hands on his hips, looking at me until I gave the nod that his brother was out of sight. He visibly tensed at the understanding that it was just the two of us and I was rounding on him.
“What the hell do you think you're doing going on a patrol this late? Why couldn’t you just wait until tomorrow when everyone else is going?” I grunted, crossing my arms to show my protest.
“Don’t you worry ‘bout me. We’ll be back in no time.” He said to me as he busied himself with checking the rifle that was now in his hands. Once he’d finished with it, he slung the rifle over his shoulder as he continued, making sure to avoid my gaze. “Look, Jesse will be here soon. I’m gonna go over the checkpoint with him, and you can go back to naggin’ me about bringin’ my muddy boots into the house in no time.” He grinned, leaning himself against the doorframe as I shook my head with a small smile, turning to brush his horse to hide my flushed cheeks.
“You really trust that kid don’t you. You sure he’s ready for the responsibility?” I asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence between us.
“He’s a good kid, got a good head on him,” He paused for a moment, “You know I used to think Ellie was kinda sweet on him but…” He admitted, going to scratch behind his neck in an attempt to feel comfortable.
The hurt he was feeling became evident in his face. I edged closer to him, placing a hand gingerly on his back in an attempt to make him feel better. Before I could speak there was a knock against the stable entrance, making both of us snap our eyes over to see Jesse standing and looking uneasily at us.
Joel cleared his throat, "Jesse," he gathered his pack, walking over to the young man. To give some sense of privacy, I started brushing out the horse again, pretending not to listen. It was all basic stuff, just going over patrol security and routes, and of course an extra warning to watch out for Ellie.
Their voices grew louder as they came over, and Joel pulled himself up onto his horse. "You sure Ellie won't get distracted by Eden being there?"
Jesse shook his head with a smile, "No sir. I can swap their shifts if you want-"
"No, you leave them to sort themselves out." I chimed in, shooting a knowing look at Joel. He seemed to decide it best not to argue, as he stayed quiet sitting on his horse.
"Okay then, see you at the checkpoint tomorrow, Joel." Jesse gave a two fingered wave and headed out the stable door, leaving us alone.
I stared up at Joel who was once again trying to avoid my gaze. “Whatever you do, just don’t get yourself fuckin’ killed.” I sighed, anxiety weighing heavily on my chest. I gave him one final wave as I trudged out of the stables, passing Tommy on the way.