A New Verge

Truthfully, Clementine's weight was a bit heavier than Gabriel imagined it to be. He staggered some, before steadying himself. It was clear Gabe just needed to get a good handle, as once he did, he didn't let go. "What h-happened to her?" Gabe demanded, his voice cracking some in a high pitched way. Gabe's brown eyes were confused and worried, wondering how his friend had ended up like this. She was clearly unconscious. Not to mention she was covered in dirt and soot, her hair knotted some on the side. It was odd seeing Clementine so weak, so helpless.

It definitely wasn't something he ever wanted to see again. It felt like a hole had been punched into his chest, and it wasn't going to ever close again. Seeing Clementine in this imminent danger was terrible. Not to mention the fact that she might be bitten.

Without thinking, Gabe set her on the ground and instantly began running his hand over any exposed flesh. Some tears were falling from his eyes as he did so, his hands shaking. He was so busy feeling her body, that he didn't see the slow and steady rise of her chest. Then again, it wasn't likely Jesus would bring her corpse back in such a way.

Inch by inch his fingers trailed over her shoulders and arms, anywhere that was actually exposed. His hands trailed up her neck, slowly but surely, before his thumbs were tracing her face. It started with a purpose, and ended with him memorizing her features and the feel of her skin under the pads of his thumbs. Gabe was breathing heavy, not even aware of what he just did. He did it without much thought, even grazing her chest. Though of course he had an intention to check for bites behind it.

All the time in the world passed and yet not time at all as Jesus stared at the boy. He was a bit taken back by the boy's response as well. He had forgotten what it was like to really have a family until he met Rick and the others. Gabriel had always had a close and loving family with Javier and Kate. Jesus however, did not, and Rick had saved him from himself. Rick had saved him from a part of himself that he didn't even begin to understand. A part of himself that was afraid to love, afraid to lose.

Hilltop for him was a place to stay, but with Gregory in charge and the fear of losing anyone again, he had distanced himself. He had distanced himself from everyone else, except his boyfriend Carson who had cheated on him and reminded him again why not to care. So when Rick, Andrea, Maggie, and Michonne came around, he was hesitant to get close. But just like Gabriel had gotten close with Clementine, Jesus had gotten frighteningly close with them. Rick was perhaps the most important, as he was his best friend as well. He was all too cognizant that if one of his friends were returned to him like Clementine was to Gabriel, he would have reacted in the same way.

This self evaluation caused his remark to be a bit late. "We were out on guard, managing the roads between our /communities/." Jesus spoke, but of course it fell on deaf ears. Gabe couldn't retain anything he was saying, unless it pertained to Clementine. Gabriel's head snapped up, his ears ringing. It didn't even seem like he could understand English right now. The trauma and anxiety this situation was bringing had ended his ability to translate properly.

Gabe let go of Clementine and looked away in an attempt to steady his mind and focus. Gabe wiped away his tears and stared up at the incredible soldier before him. He waited patiently to hear more.

Jesus continued on, "I recognized the hat....and saw that she was passed out. She was dangerously close to The /Saviors'/ Compound. But luckily, I found her and brought her back to Richmond as soon as I could."

Gabe heard the words, but nothing seemed to jump out to him. For one, he had no idea who The Saviors were, and frankly he didn't care. Second, it still didn't give any explanation to why Clementine was passed out. Third, where in the world was AJ?

"I have to take her to Eleanor." Gabe spoke in almost a robotic voice as he moved his arms under Clementine and lifted her up again. He stood straight this time, not staggering as he had a mission. Without saying another word, Gabe began to walk off. Suddenly, his protective nature mirrored Javi all too well.