Small timeskip
We finally found some shelter in a broken down van. Doors were shut tight so walkers couldn't get in no matter how much they banged on it but that meant we couldn't escape, for now at least.
Pete sits down looking at the bite and catches Clem and I staring at it.
Pete: What're you looking at? Staring ain't polite.
Clem: How are you feeling?
Pete: Well, other than this bite, I'm just peachy.
He looks past me and spots a saw.
Pete: Hand me that there.
Clem: Are you sure?
Pete: I got nothing to lose. Other than my piggly wiggles, of course.
Clem hands him the saw and you walk to the front of the truck and thoughts of Lee fill your head.
You (thoughts): That...that never works.
You feel helpless. You're watching someone who stood up for you die and you can't do anything for them. You are lost in thoughts and don't know what to do.
A hand touches your shoulder and a concerned voice speaks out.
Clem: Y/N are you okay?
You: I'm...I'm alright. Let's find...something to help.
You try turning the car on but that would be way to lucky.
Pete: Outta gas.
Clem looks through a box and pulls out a box of cigarettes.
Pete: Gimme one of those. Probably tastes like pine tar by now but I'd smoke a dead coon's tail if you had one.
She handed him a cigarette and her lighter.
Pete: That tastes about as bad as it smells.
Clem: Now what?
You: We wait...ain't got any other choice.
You sit down with Clem next to you. There's nothing but silence and after a long while, Clem's head is on your shoulder as she falls asleep.
Pete: She's...tired.
You put your arm around her so she won't fall over.
You: Yeah...It hasn't been easy.
Pete starts to cough uncontrollably.
You: Are you...
Pete: Don't...don't worry about me Y/N.
You: But...
Pete: I...said do...don't worry.
You try to protest one more time but decide to keep quiet. The silence returns but only for a moment as you finally get the courage to talk about something that's been on your mind.
You: Pete...Can I ask you something?
Pete: Sure.
You: Back in the woods...Nick mention someone...Carver. You both looked spooked by the name.
Pete: For good reason.
You: Who or what is Carver.
Pete puts out the cigarette and looks you in the eye.
Pete: Well Y/N since this is my last day...I guess I owe you an honest answer...and a ...detailed one at that.
You: Alright...
Pete: Carver is the leader of a group we were a part of in the past.
You: You and the others at the house?
Pete: Yeah. The man...The man was ruthless with his ways...He wanted everything to be done in his image and would "eliminate" those who would question him.
You: Kill...
Pete: Depends really...could be quick but he prefferd slow and painful.
You: Did he..let you all go?
Pete: Well no...We managed to escape one day and ran as fast as we could. We're not sure we he is...but after spending some time with the man...We know he's looking for us.
You take a quick glance over at Clem who is sleeping somewhat peacefully before turning back to Pete.
Pete: Clementine...It's pretty obvious that you two care for each other. Promise me that you'll take care of her and yourself. Growing up in this world and surviving longer than most men and women out there makes you two special.
You: You think...
Pete: Damn right. Don't let that make you forget you're a kid...there's so much you can do.
You: I know...I'll keep myself in as little trouble as possible...but...
Pete: Bu...but what?
You: If there's a way for me to help the others and it means I'm going to get hurt or shot...then I'll take that pain if everyone else is okay.
Pete: What?
You: Don't try to talk me out of it...it's been with me since this thing started...maybe before...but the longer I live the stronger it gets.
Pete: W..what exactly?
You: I guess...I can't put it into words...but maybe...
Pete: The will to protect those close to you.
You: Yeah.
Pete: I un..Under...understand Y/N.
You: You..do?
Pete: Sometimes...You gotta do a job or play a role, even if the people you love hate you for it.
You: I..see.
Pete: That's...that's enough talk, get some rest and keep the saw next to you...just in case.
Pete lays on his side, back turned to you and you pick up the saw as carefully as possible not to wake up Clem.
You rest your head on hers and decide to keep watch over Pete, sleeping when a bite victim is a few inches away isn't exactly the smartest idea.
Hours went by and you sat there watching Pete, the light entering the van got dimmer and dimmer, Petes' physical condition wasn't easy to see but his constant coughing made it easy to realise that his time was running out.
The daylight outside had turned to darkness and Petes' coughing reached a new alarming level.
You (thoughts): Damn it I can't take it anymore.
You put Clem gently on the floor and went over to Pete.
You: Pete...hey Pete!!
The loudness in your voice was enough to wake up Clem who upon waking up walked over to you.
Clem: Y/N how is he...
Pete willed himself up from the floor of the van but only managed to stay sat down.
Pete: I feel like ten pounds of shit in a five bound sack.
He coughs even more then spits out blood.
Pete: Jesus. Stuck in this can the whole damn day...you two wanna here something funny?
You and Clem exchange confused looks before turning back to the now pale Pete.
Pete: I've been thinking, and I don't want to die.
He continues to cough, louder and longer than ever before.
Pete: I never thought I'd be the kinda idiot to say something like that...but there it is...I'm...I'm scared...Jesus, I'm scared.
Clem: What does it feel like?
Pete: It feels like...like a rope is wrapped around my neck, getting tighter every second. It feels like I can't...
He coughs once more.
Pete: Can't breathe...Y/N, Clementine, would you...would you promise me you'll watch out for Nick? I love that stupid kid...No matter what you think, he is a good boy.
Clem: We'll do what we can.
Pete: Thank you. Been almost a day, they ain't gonna find us.
Pete struggles to his feet and takes a peek outside.
Pete: I'm not getting outta this. You're going to have to make a break for it. I'll buy you some time.
Clem looks at you, her eyes begging for some help, all you could do was nod back at her.
Clem: You're coming with us.
Pete: To do what? Die a couple of hours later than now?
You: To say goodbye to Nick.
Pete: All right I'll try.