I know. It's been a long long long time. Someone reviewed this story the other day, and I clicked on it. I started reading this story, and I was like "wow, I really like this story, I want to know how it ends." So I finally wrote out the next chapter. I can't promise the next one will be quick. It might take me awhile because I work full time and go to school at night, but I do hope I eventually can get this story finished. For those who are stilling reading this, enjoy!
Clementine's eyes stared at the ceiling above the bed. Her legs intertwined with the sleeping boy next to her. She heard his light snoring as the light flickered in through the shades. Even with how active the morning had been, it was still only mid-day. A deep sigh left her lips as she laid there. She thought this would have brought her comfort. To some extent, it had. Russell was always considerate and gentle. She felt like a dove in his hands, precious yet breakable. Most girls would love be worship as she had been, but it all seemed empty to her. There was something wrong with her. It was the only explanation for why she couldn't appreciate this truly kind and genuine person.
At least she had forgotten, even if only for a brief moment, about him, about her responsibilities, and why she had come to Russel's doorstep in the first place. It had been nice to forget. It gave her time to recollect herself. She gently separated her form from Russell, and started pulling on her clothes quietly, not to wake him. Once she was dressed, she looked towards Russell. His chest rising and falling with each breath. She smiled softly. He was really nice boy. She would make it work, even if he didn't make her heart skip or bring flush to her cheeks. Reliability. She needed reliability. Reliability wasn't going to be a romance novel and that was fine with her.
She pulled the blankets up on his form, and then left.
She walked down the streets, letting the sun touch her cheek as she wandered. She knew Kenny was still here even with the dramatic events of earlier. His temper would make him want to head back to Eagleton, but his duty to his people would likely keep him here, or more likely his pride. She doubted he would leave here looking like a wounded dog, especially when the Sheriff had a scheduled town fest tonight in celebration of the new treaty. Yet even though Clementine knew Kenny was still here, she did not go to the motel. He had made it clear that he did not wish to see her. Instead she walked down and saw children playing in the trees pretending to be knights and dragons. She smiled partially at their happiness and became a bit more aware of the town around her. The mother's making butter in the yard, the men laughing as they carried wood to build a new house, and even the birds singing a tune in the distance. With the amount of time she spent out of Town on suicide missions and recent stress of the past couple weeks, she had forgotten how much she truly loved this town. The people, the happiness, the safety. It was truly everything she hoped for when she was little praying for a life not surrounded by death. It was here.
Tom was right. She had let her emotions cloud her judgment. She had let her feelings for one man risk this place, risk her….home. She knew where she needed to go.
Robert spat out blood on the ground as he leaned on Kevin for support. Disgraceful. Kenneth's temper would be his own death, Robert would make certain of it.
"Hmph, can't say I'm surprised about you and Rose," Kevin remarked as he carried him to the gate with another soldier near him.
Robert thought little of Kevin. The man was traitor to his own people, he doubted he could be trusted here. Not to mention, the idiot's cursing and even shorter temper could annoy anyone. He pressed away from him. "I can walk from here," he spat out, limping towards the gate.
Kevin scoffed. "A little thanks, asshole." Then the man stormed back to Town with one of the northern people following him.
Robert continued as the Eagleton guard came to his side. "You certain you do not need help, sir?" the young boy asked.
"I am certain," the gate started to open, and he paused, his voice turning to whisper. "It must happen tonight. You understand? This changes nothing."
The loyal guard nodded. "I understand." The guard head back towards Town, and Robert headed to the car on the other side of the gate where two of their soldiers waited for him.
Clementine walked into Tom's house and to the living room where she heard talking. Seeing only Tate and Tom, she immediately spoke, "This is a good thing."
Tom looked a bit surprised and confused when Clementine came around the corner. He had been speaking to Tate about the decision to make her Sheriff, trying to determine if it was still the right course of action. At this point in time, Clementine's actions had been that of a teenager, making it far more apparent of her actual age. He had thought she would be ready, but he must have put too much responsibility onto her too fast. "What? What are you talking about, Clem?" he asked.
"It's a good thing I told Kenny about the affair. Robert and Rose are two of his most trusted advisers, and now, that trust is broken," she answered. She knew it did little to redeem herself after everything she had put Tom through. Her actions had risked this town, and she would not let it happen again. "I know you are disappointed in me. I don't blame you. I have let my past try to hurt my future. It would be one thing if it was only my future I was hurting, but it's everyone's. My actions are impacting them. I want to fix it. We can start here. A wedge now exists between Kenny and his advisers, which means there is a way to hopefully push it further."
Tom listened to her speech, that sounded almost like an apology. He smiled partially and adjusted his glasses. "Now, you are starting to sound like a leader, Clementine." He nodded to the chair for her to take a seat. "How do think this will help Town?" he asked.
A wave of relief and hope seemed to topple over her like a waterfall. She smiled for the briefest of moments before her features turned serious once more. She sat in the chair, a bit awkwardly, never getting used to the big cushions in such chairs. "You were right before. Not to trust Kenny. He…" she paused, "Eagleton is planning something. He wouldn't tell me, but I could see it on his features. They are planning something long term. If we can….if we can push the wedge between Kenny and his advisers further apart, we can potentially create infighting. While they are fighting each other, they will be too busy to focus on us," she explained. A small part of her felt like she was betraying him in these moments, considering his current emotional state, but she carefully pushed that feeling down and focused on what mattered. It wasn't like she was hurting Kenny. She was protecting her people.
Tom smiled brightly and nodded. "Yes. Yes. This is good. This is really good, Clem," he said to himself and glanced at Tate who nodded as well. "It's unfortunate that Robert was forced to leave. We could have plotted both of them against each other."
Clementine shook her head. "It's fine. Based from what I have seen from that man, I think he has already been plotting against Kenny. We only need to get Kenny to see that as well before he leaves," she answered. If anything, it would help Kenny. He needed to know Robert was out to get him. At least that's how she justified it to herself. "He only thinks it's an affair, but if we can make him realize that there is more to it, it will lead to infighting." Hopefully, no one would be hurt, but it was them vs. us.
"I think that can done," Tom answered. "From personal experience, leaders are usually paranoid," He laughed partially before it turned into a cough fit. Tate handed him a glass of water, and he quickly sipped it down. Clementine stayed silent as she watched. It was becoming clearer each day how sick Tom was getting, even though he put up a good front in front of Eagleton. Tom caught his breath and put the water done. "Tonight at the fest," he continued, "He will be seated next to me, and I will talk with him."
Clementine nodded in agreement. It would be best if Tom handled it. While Clementine felt like she had a fairly good control of her emotions at the moment, being around Kenny did something to her. She did not want to risk her home anymore. It was best for everyone if she stayed away from Kenny.
The entire motel room had been destroyed. The mirror broken, the mattress thrown off, and the dresser fallen apart. Kenny sat on the floor in the mess of broken glass and wood. His knees up, his elbows on top of them, and his face buried into his hands. He groaned to himself. He suspected he had gone through the five stages of grief in the past couple hours alone. He only knew the stages because Sarita had gone over them with him when they first met, and he had been grieving over Katjaa. Jesus, he grieved all the damn time. That's what happens when everyone around you dies or is a fucking liar. His hands dug into his face until he pulled them apart and pushed himself up. He had a strong desire to leave this damn room and go back to his home and ask…
He growled to himself and headed into the bathroom instead. It could still be his. She could still be carrying his child. Who know how long she had been with Robert? It could have been one time. A mistake even. He didn't know. He forced himself to keep it all in perspective, or at least keep in temper in check for the next 12 hours he had in this self-righteous town. He would put on a good show for these fucking people and leave in the morning. He certainly wouldn't have them looking down on him because of a personal reason. He looked in the mirror and saw the blood on his face, some was likely Robert's. He grabbed a rag, and started washing himself. Cleaning up his busted lip from earlier and the rest of his face. He then washed his hands of the blood. The flowing water only made him hate this town more. Selfish. The lot of them.
"They deserve what they get," he muttered. He would put up with this bullshit for a month, and then they would proceed with the plan. He would make certain Clementine wasn't hurt.
"Clementine, shit," he cursed to himself and pinched the bridge of his nose. He always realized his actions after they were done. She likely was more pissed off with him then a hill of fire ants. Not that Kenny blamed her. Man, he shouldn't have said that to her, but sometimes she gives him that look…that look like she sees the most broken man in the world. Hell, maybe he was the most broken man, but seeing it in her eyes made it worse. He always tried to protect her, and her eyes could be a constant reminder that he constantly failed at protection.
It wasn't her fault though, and he shouldn't have taken his anger out on her. He pulled his hand away, trying to straighten himself out so he didn't look like a freakin' psycho anymore. He heard a knock at the door and headed towards it, thinking it might be her. How that girl kept wanting to be around him was a complete miracle to him. After what he had done in front of her, what he had done to her, his behavior, his anger, he thought she would have ran off from him by now. He opened the door, ready to apologize, but the person behind it was another girl. He didn't even give the girl a chance to talk, "Who the hell are you?"
The girl winced with the word, and nervously looked down at the ground. "I am here to take you to the evening festival to meet the Sheriff, if you are ready sir. If not, I am happy to wait until you are. Or if you don't want to go, I can let the Sheriff know," she said quickly and quietly. Some random girl come to fetch him. Admittedly, Kenny was disappointed it wasn't Clem.
"No, no. I'm ready. Don't get your panties in a bunch," he muttered and grabbed a jacket. He put it over his sweater. Never being too fond of the cold temperature of the north, he learned to layer even in the summer. He followed the girl who didn't say much else afterwards. It was a bit of a walk, but he knew they were getting closer as the noise got louder. He then started seeing people and more people and little lights between the homes. "What the?" he said to himself, as he saw twinkling little white Christmas lights. He hadn't seen lights like those since before shit hit the fan, let alone seen them all lit up like a decoration. Who the hell had this much electricity to be throwing it away on shit like this?! His jaw locked in irritation as he came to the large field that had been near the barn Clementine had brought him to earlier. Tables and tables had been set up, and it looked like almost the whole damn town was out to celebrate. All the people certainly looked joyous and uncaring. It was like all had forgotten the dead were walking outside. He had never seen anything like this before.
The girl was bringing him to the head table like a prize pig. He saw Kevin and a few of his men already up there. He also saw the Sheriff and his council lingering around it, but he didn't see Clementine. She couldn't be that upset with him, could she? The idea only made him feel worse with himself, even though it was likely for the best. He was bad for her.
But then he caught a glimpse of purple to the edge of the crowd, and his eyes locked onto it. He saw her, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. There she was. His relief did not last long before he noticed she was talking to that boy from yesterday, a little too close for his liking. He frowned and started heading in that direction while the girl guiding him was left completely unaware.
Clementine gently touched Russell's hand. "No, I do," she answered his question, "I want to be with you. You have to understand. It is all new to me." She had finally convinced Tom to let her patrol out at the gate with Garrett, but just as she went to leave, she ran into Russell. His expression neutral as always, yet Clementine still knew he was upset. She wouldn't have stayed this long else wise. She did not want him to be upset.
Russell's fingers gently touched hers and then squeezed. "I am as well, Clem. I just don't want you to be with me out of pity or something," he responded.
Clementine eyes met his brown ones, he saw the hurt in his eye and lifted her hand to touch his cheek. "No woman would ever be with you out of pity. You are the nicest boy I have met in my entire life. You are good person. I am thankful you want to be with me," she said honestly. Russell was sweet, too sweet. As her hand touched his skin, she heard a cough and froze awkwardly. She broke apart and saw Kenny, her heart jumping without her permission. This was what she wanted to avoid. She should have been on the gate by now, and they would not have seen each other.
"Clem, can we talk?" Kenny bit out. She sensed his anger. Whether it was over the closeness he just witnessed, her telling him about Rose, or anything else that happened today, she really wasn't certain.
"I actually need to get to the gate to patrol," she answered, trying to escape his presence as quickly as possible.
"Clementine," he stated her name like how he used to in the past when he was serious about something.
She inwardly twisted with her choice, trying to remind herself of the great town she lived in, the wonderful people, and the sweet boy that wanted to be with her. Yet even with those reminders, she felt drawn to him because he was her familiar in a way. "I suppose a few minutes," she answered and felt Russell squeeze her hand.
"You don't have to go, Clem. Besides old man, don't you have festival to attend?" Russell stated seriously next to her, catching Clementine completely off guard.
"Old man? Lad, you should watch yourself before this old man teaches you a few lessons in manners," Kenny stepped closer to them.
"You can't expect me to be afraid. Besides, I don't fight the disabled," Russell responded, his tone always calm.
"Why you!" Kenny snapped, but before he could do anything, Clementine was between them, pushing them apart.
"Kenny," she snapped, her eyes giving him the calm-down look before she looked to Russell. "Stop it. Both of you," she stated, "It's only a few minutes, Russell. I'll be fine." She then pulled away from him and grabbed Kenny's wrist, dragging him away from Russell before it turned worse.
"You got a little brat there. Real great taste, darlin'," Kenny said sarcastically, as she dragged him through the crowd and towards the entrance of the festival area.
She finally stopped them near a house and away from most of the people. She turned and faced him. Her arms folded underneath her chest. "Why does it matter? You have already made it clear where I stand in your life," she remarked back, not understanding why he had sought her out again. It felt like a continuous ride trying to keep up with Kenny's emotions. She had fallen for him because of his emotions, his ability to care so much that it hurt, yet they were also what left her confused and exhausted.
Clem was mad at him. No surprise there. He had been an ass. "Look, Clem. I am sorry. Not sorry for that, mind you," he said and pointed back at where they had just come from, "That kid deserved what was coming with his lip. But I'm sorry." He let his hand dropped, "I shouldn't have said what I said earlier. I was angry with the situation, and you're right, I took it out on you."
The apology brought warmth to her chest, but it wasn't the point. She knew he didn't mean the words. It hurt to hear him say such cruel things, but she knew he didn't mean them and it wasn't the reason she had been truly upset. She was upset because…Rose meant more to him then she did, and the fact hurt to realize. It hurt even more to know she put her home at risk for a man who would always see her second. "It's fine, Kenny. I understand," she said softly, her arms still folded defensively over her chest.
He hated when women did that. Say "It's fine" when it obviously was not fine. Did they think he could read minds? Because damn well he couldn't. "It's not fine. You're upset. Is it me? Or was it that stupid kid? I swear, Clem, if he hurt you, I'll send his pretty boy face to heaven," he answered, looking back in the direction.
Clementine smiled partially at his reaction. She was mad at herself for allowing him to make her smile so easily. "No. This isn't about Russell. I'm fine," she repeated and met Kenny's eyes, hoping he would get the hint to leave it all alone and let her go. It's what he wanted right? He wanted a father daughter relationship, not some other type of relationship. He needed to give her space to get over him.
"Clem, it's not my first time in the rodeo. I know you're not fine. Just tell me what's wrong, and I'll fix it. You know I'll do anything for you," Kenny said gently, truly becoming concern over the many possible things that could potentially have made her upset. His hand reaching out to touch her shoulder.
She flinched with the touch and shook her head in her frustration. God damn it, Kenny. She thought to herself. Why couldn't he leave it alone? Why couldn't he continue to just treat her badly? Why did he have to be kind like this to her? She should have gotten to the gate sooner. She knew she couldn't control herself around him. He made her feel vulnerable in a way no one else could. She felt a tear slip down her cheek followed by another. "I'm fine. I'm fine." She tried repeating softly, but it sounded choked out.
Kenny saw the tears and immediately moved closer, even more worried. He gently lifted her chin and wiped the tears with his thumb. "Just tell me what's wrong, darlin," he felt like he was pleading with her. He wanted to kill whoever made her feel this way. No one should make his little girl feel like this.
"It's fine, Kenny. Really. It just hurt," she started, "It's not your fault. You love her, not me, and it just hurts, okay?" She finally admitted, wanting to break away, yet feeling trap between his hands.
Kenny froze at first. He could be such an idiot sometimes, especially with Clementine. God, why did he keep messin' up with her? He continued to gently wipe away her tears. "I do love you, darlin'. You know that. I do," he said in response, trying to assure her because he sure as hell did love her. Even with the years apart, she was still his family.
She shook her head in his hands. "That's not the type of love I'm talking about, but it's fine, Kenny."
Damn it, he really had fucked this whole thing up. Every time he thought he could get them passed this weird fucked up thing between them, it would pop its head back up like an unforgiving monster. He had made a mistake with her. One mistake with her when she was younger than this, and now, he had fucked them forever. Would they ever have the relationship they once did? A relationship with trust, love, and faith. One where he watched her grow into a beautiful and smart young woman, and when he saw her he felt pride, and the pride one has for their daughter when they managed to succeed even their largest of dreams. He felt proud of her. He looked at this woman now, and he felt so damn proud of her but desire, it lingered with him. He desired her in a way that certainly was not appropriate and because of that damn desire he had fucked her up with him.
He always fucked up everything he touched. Katjaa, Duck, Sarita, and Rose. Everything was fucked up. Then again, the world had ended. Maybe it wasn't entirely his fault. The world had ended, and who even gave fuck anymore about what was appropriate?
His eyes wandered over her features. Who knew what was appropriate these days? He hadn't been a killer before the end of the world. Now, he didn't know how many people he had killed. He hadn't been a politician before the end of the world. Now, he ran a town of people. He certainly knew better then to go after girls three times younger then him. But that was before the end of the word.
He kissed her. His hands threading into her hair, as he deepened the kiss. He felt her go stiff at first, but just like this morning in the barn her entire form seemed to relax in his arms. She molded to him, and he happily took more, tasting her mouth that somehow always had a tad delicious mint flavor. He felt her hands grabbing his shirt, and it only made him want to keep her closer, yet he felt the push. He followed the push and pulled back and met her bewildered eyes.
"Kenny?" she asked confused.
He smirked partially. "I have decided to fuck it. You want to give this thing a go, then sure, let's give it go. It's not like there any laws against it. Not like there any damn laws to begin with. If you want to be with me, Clem, I want to be with you," he answered.
Clementine was in shock. Her mouth had opened in attempts to form words. Her heart pounding in her chest, and her hands gripped tighter into his sweater. He had been pushing her away for so long, she never imagined a day where he would stop. "Rose?" she finally managed to say.
Kenny frowned and looked agitated. "Rose. Yes, Rose. I'm not gonna lie. I was with her for two years, so I have feelins'. Not that those feelins' mean much now. I have spent the better part of this afternoon thinking about her, thinking about him," he practically growled, "The more I think about it, the more I think that it's been going on for a long damn time. She carrying my kid, at least I think it's my kid, so she's never gonna be out of my life. Do you understand what I am trying to say?" He knew he was messing it all up. He always had a harder time explaining himself then those fancy boys like Robert. "My point is I love you like family, and I like you more than family, and if you're willing, I'm willing to give it a go. Even though I think you're going to get tired of my old ass soon enough and run off with some young thing."
Clementine listened to his ramblings, and her shock slowly melted into absolute happiness. It wasn't a marriage proposal or a proclamation of love. She didn't need that. The 'I like you more than family' was all she needed. All she needed to justify her feelings for him were reciprocated, and his willingness to try, even after all of his pushing, he was finally willing to try. She smiled brightly and then quickly grabbed his head and pulled him down into a rough kiss towards the end of all of his rambling. He seemed caught off guard, but she soon felt his arms around her pulling her body up against his, yet leading her back. Their tongues met and wrestled with one another as her hands went down to explore his chests and pull at his sweater. She felt her back hit a wall, likely the house they had been standing near, and then her feet left the ground. He lifted her with such ease, and his strength always made her hotter.
Their lips broke, and she saw Kenny smiling. "I can already tell it's gonna be hard to keep up with ya, darlin'," he chuckled softly.
She laughed. "Stop complaining. You're not that old," she answered and leaned forward to nip his lips, but then she caught the flashing of the Christmas lights hanging all around. She pulled back and leaned against the wall of the house. Her arms gently wrapped around his neck. She sighed, "Looks like we are going to have to wait."
Kenny leaned forward when she leaned back, pressing his lips against her neck. "Why? Got something better to do tonight?"
"No, but you do. The lights flashed, which means everyone is getting seated to dinner. If you're not in your seat soon, I'm certain they'll send a search party after you," she answered.
Kenny groaned. "What fucking perfect timing on their part?" he muttered. He kept her pinned against the wall for a moment longer, breathing in her scent. He still was a little amazed all of this was happening himself. Not that he finally agreed, but that someone as pretty, young, and smart like Clementine actually wanted to be with him. He supposed you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. He pulled partially back to give her a quick kiss and then let go of her. "Alright, kiddo. For you, I'll go play nice and listen to your Sheriff yack my ear off about how close our towns will become in some cheesy kumbaya sort of way."
Clementine found her footing and laughed with his comment. She couldn't seem to stop smiling. She was happiest she had been in years. "I think you can find some way to survive," she commented and started heading back to the festival with him.
"Oh? You think so? You want to switch places, darlin'?" he gently touched her back as they walked, and she felt her heart skip.
"I wouldn't be complaining as much as you, that for sure," she said and then lowered her voice as she leaned against him partially as they walk, "Besides…you'll get a present afterwards. If you're patient and play nice."
Kenny glanced down at her. When she talked like that, it always surprised him and left him wanting more. He swallowed thickly before focusing back in front as they moved into the crowd. "You have given me much to think about, Clem. Much indeed," he answered.
"Good, you'll be fine then," she said with a sly smirk, but stopped walking forward. "I don't have a seat at the head table tonight, so I'll see you afterwards."
Kenny paused when she stopped. "You still leaving?" he asked, not quite wanting to let her go just yet.
"I switched with a person at the gate. I'm certain Garrett is already upset I am late," she answered. "I'll see you later tonight."
He didn't want to let her go, but the confirmation of seeing her tonight was enough for him. "Don't tease, now," he smirked, "I'll see you soon. Stay safe, Clementine." His last words serious. It was nice have this light heartedness between them, but he still worried about her.
"Always," she leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, nothing to make anyone suspicious. She then hurried off to the gate. Not even Garrett's anger could bring down cloud high she was on.
Kenny smiled and rubbed his cheek where he felt the kiss, wanting to keep it there. He then went towards the head table. People were already starting to sit, and he felt the Sheriff's eyes on him when he finally came out of the crowd and got closer. "Kenneth, I was starting to think you got lost," the Sheriff said with one of those fake grins.
God, he already knew this was going to be a long ass dinner. "No need to worry. You got the lights out the gozu here. I'm sure I could find this place from space," he answered with a wave of his hand as he walked around the table. He took a seat next to the Sheriff.
"We like to go all out when we get the town together like this. We are a community after all. I am happy we are welcoming you and your community into ours," the man said and Kenny contained the urge to roll his eyes. To him it still appeared like showing off. Showing off their electricity and water sources. He kept it to himself.
"Ya, it's nice," he answered. He glanced at his men around the table. They seemed to be taking in the spectacle, really enjoying the whole thing. Even Kevin seemed pretty pleased.
"Are you doing okay?" the Sheriff asked, "I didn't want to intrude earlier with the scuffle with your man."
Kenny frowned at the question, not liking where it was going. "Shit happens as they say. Didn't mean for you'll to be bothered by our business. Don't waste thoughts on it. It's handled," he answered and servers started arriving with food, filling glasses with wine, and placing two glasses of scotch for the two leaders of the towns in front of them.
"I understand…all too well," the Sheriff said next to him, and for a moment, Kenny actually thought he was sincere. He saw that the Sheriff's eyes briefly land on Kevin before turning away.
It piqued his curiosity. Kevin didn't say much about what had gotten him exiled. "Whatever happened between you two? Don't feel required to answer, just curious," Kenny asked and glanced back at the Sheriff.
The Sheriff gave a weak smile. "History. He thinks the reason his wife died is because of me, and since that day, we haven't seen eye to eye. He wanted to lead Town a different direction. He betrayed me to try to achieve it, almost killed me. He lost, but he was my friend, I did what I could, but he couldn't stay here," he said honestly, the man's fork barely touching his food. "You never know who to trust at the end of the day."
Kenny listened quietly, and words sunk in deep for him. No, you didn't. You couldn't trust anyone. "Shit happens," Kenny repeated.
The Sheriff laughed partially and the smile returned, "That it does. We should toast to it. Toast to this union."
Kenny found himself with the barest of smile. The Sheriff could annoy him, but something about the man felt relatetable. In all honesty, he seemed like a nice guy, even though he was a smug bastard. "I'm never one to turn down liquor," Kenny answered and picked up his glass.
The Sheriff followed suit. "To shit happening," the man said.
"To shit happening," Kenny followed and both drank the scotch. It tasted as strong as last night. It was some good scotch. Kenny placed his glass back on the table. As he did so, he heard the clunk of another glass drop on the ground, and turned to see the Sheriff. The man was gasping for air. His hands clutching at his neck as he tried for anything. His glasses fell off his eyes as he stumbled out of his chair.
"What the hell? Sheriff?" Kenny started to get up, but was blocked by the large man that had come with Clem to Eagleton.
Kenny heard a thud and looked around the large man's side to see the Sheriff on the ground still grasping at his neck and shirt as the dirt from the ground got in his clothing. His mouth foaming, and his eyes getting wet. The large man got on his knees trying to hold the Sheriff close. "Tom! Tom! Someone get him water. Get me a small knife! He can't breathe!" the man's deep voice rocked the room. It was the most Kenny had ever heard him speak.
A small Asian woman grabbed a knife and was by his side as well. "We need tubing, Tate. I can puncture his throat, but if I don't put tubing to block the blood flow, he'll bleed out." The woman handed the man the knife and ran off as fast as she could to find something to use.
The Sheriff's entire form seemed to spasm, and his eyes focused on the larger man.
"Well fuck, do something?!" Kevin shouted in panic at seeing his old friend in such a state.
The larger man picked the Sheriff up. "Kelly, I'm taking him to the hospital!" the man shouted at the woman looking like a crazy woman for any item to use last minute. The man started to run around the table and through the other tables with everyone left in silent shock.
Tate ran towards the end of all the tables, when he felt a hand grab at his shirt roughly. He stopped and looked down, meeting those blue eyes of a man who had become one of his closest friends since they both had lost everything. Tom smiled up at him and gently patted Tate's chest, right over his heart. They didn't need to speak to understand each other. Tate knew what he was trying to say.
It's going to be alright.
Tears started to stream down Tate's face as he saw the man in his arms go limp, and those bright blue eyes dull. Tom always said that Tate had saved his life because he had given him some type of courage, but it wasn't true. Tom had saved Tate in more ways than one. He had been willing to save that family all those years ago because he had just lost his own daughter. He hadn't want to see another family go through such a pain, and in some sense, he had been ready to see his daughter again. When he was surrounded by all those walkers, he thought that was it. Then Tom came. Tom came and saved him, fought with him, brought him into another family. Tom had become his family.
He collapsed on his knees holding Tom in his arms.
Kelly had come up behind him as well as a few other people. Kelly was crying into her hands.
Tate knew they didn't have long, but he held him closely as time ticked by. He could hear people gathering around him. He took a deep breath to steady himself and then gently laid Tom on the ground. His hand moved up and closed his eyes. He checked his pulse out of some small hope.
"He's dead," he said softly.
He then stabbed a knife straight through his brain.