Chapter 23- Truth or Dare

- Clementine's POV

Over supper, the tables seemed really serious. There was no talking or lightheartedness to any of it. I know I wasn't the only one to notice, either. AJ seemed like he felt awkward, Louis seemed uncomfortable. Mitch... Seemed like he was moving on, thankfully. So once the empty bowls were collected, most left to go spend some time alone or with another, or just hang around. But some stayed behind. "We need to cheer this place up." Louis interrupted the silence, which wasn't much. He pulled out his deck of cards as a few sat down on couches, intrigued. "It's too gloomy because of all the preparations. Why don't we play a game?" He said as he shuffled the deck. There was Violet, Aasim, Louis and I. AJ and Tenn were joining too, as they took seats around us. "I know! Let's play truth or dare." He suggested, dividing the cards into equal amounts for each player. "Truth or dare doesn't use cards." Violet argued, although it was meant as more of a question than a complaint. "Well this version does." Louis grinned as he handed them out, explaining the simple rules. "Highest card asks, lowest card answers. Or does the dare." He said as he looked around for the winner. Violet smirked as she laid eyes on me, as I happened to have the lowest number, while she held the highest. "Ok, uhh... How bout this. Marry, f*ck, kill." She almost laughed as I sighed in defeat. This would be a tough one. "Vi!" Tenn scolded for the harsh use of language. "Fine. Marry, flip, kill. Aasim, Ruby and... James. The guy that helped you in the woods." At this point she was trying super hard not to laugh at the question shed asked me. I on the other hand, wasn't very impressed. But, I'll admit that it was a nice change of atmosphere.

"Hmm... I think I'd marry... Ruby." I confirmed, earning an interesting glance from Louis. "Watch out Aasim! She's totally gonna swoop in and steal your girl!" He joked as Aasim rolled his eyes. So apparently Aasim has a crush on Ruby. Great. "I'd, um... Flip-" it was then that I got interrupted by the most childish remark I've ever heard. Of course, by none other than Louis. "Flip, flip, flip, flip-" then AJ chimed in, not really even knowing what was being implied. "Flip, flip, flip, flip!" He finished with a smile. AJ was so innocent. "James." This got me a lot of strange glances, as I barely know the guy. "You said he was wearing a mask, right? Like, walker skin? I wonder if he'd take it off to... You know what? Nevermind..." Violet embarrassed herself, stopping her sentence and moving on from the inappropriate thought. "So that means you're killing... Aasim!" We all laughed as Aasim commented, "Thankfully...". This was a fun time. Especially after everything recently, I'm glad that we were able to have fun again. Especially with these friends. "What? You'd rather die than marry or flip Clem?!" Louis laughed as Aasim tried to ignore the question.

Then came the next draw. I got the highest, and... Aasim got the lowest. "Definitely a dare." I said almost instantly, already knowing my masterplan. "Ooookk... Do your worst." Aasim hesitated, trying not to let on that he was nervous. "I dare you to... Ask Ruby for a kiss." I said grinning. The shock on his face made it all the better. I can play matchmaker when I want to. "What?!" He exclaimed. "The most legitimate of dares..." Louis laughed with me, seeing as Aasim got up and walked toward the short redhead. A blow to the stomach accompanied mumbling from across the courtyard as he walked back, holding his stomach in slight pain. "Don't say... A word." He said as he sat down, embarrassed. The rest of us laughed though, as we were almost certain Ruby liked him too.

We all drew again, this time... Louis had the highest. And of course, I had the lowest. As long as he doesn't ask anything to make me upset, this game will go smoothly. "We've been teasing poor Aasim here about his nonexistent love life. I think it's time we mercilessly tease someone else about unrequited love. So, Clem... Anyone here you like-like?" Louis smirked as he looked at me, who was confused. "What are you, six?" Violet half rolled her eyes at his silly wording. "Seven, thank you." Louis replied before focusing his attention back on me. Well, at least he didn't ask who. "Yeah, I think... I've definitely got feelings for someone..." I admitted, my heart beating out of my chest and my cheeks blushing. "Oh-ho!! Who is it?!" He asked me loudly. "Nope! That wasn't part of the question." I reminded him almost too fast, trying to dodge the awkward encounter that he'd probably bug me about for a long time from now. But who knows. Maybe it is unrequited.

After a few more rounds, we ended on a good note with Tenn answering a question. "And I think that's a good place to wrap it up!" Louis said as he was handed the cards from the others. "Well I'm gonna go check the bell tower if you wanna join me, Clem." Violet said. I'm glad that we've been getting along, and are actually pretty good friends. "I am on piano duty. Was planning on getting to a project, if you're willing to help." Louis added, standing up. "I'll catch up with you later Violet. Have fun up there!" I said before going to check on AJ. If this was the last while before the raiders came, I wanted to say something. Even if part of him still hates me, I think I should tell Louis how I feel.

Well I wrote 2 chapters, and now I need to sleep because it's 2am here. Wow, I didn't realize it was this late... Yes, the next chapter will have actual Clouis romance. I'll be getting to work on it soon. Well thanks for reading, and I hope you guys enjoy! Goodnight XP