Uncharted: A Thief's Legacy

Chapter IV - Finally Home

"Aren't you glad Elena convinced me to bring you home?" Nathan asked, lugging a couple of suitcases through the front door.

"Yeah, this is so much better than the sidewalk," Sam said, lowering himself gingerly onto one of the couches. He winced a bit.

"Sam, your house is nicer than ours," Cassie said, rolling her eyes.

"True; that's what it's like when you don't have kids or dogs, isn't that right, little brother? You'd be rich if it wasn't for this troublemaker." He shot a teasing grin at Cassie. "But seriously, thank you all for letting me crash here. Getting around by myself right now would be...interesting."

"Take all the time you need, Sam," Elena said. "Seriously. You've been through hell and I can't imagine having to return to an empty house after sharing with him for so long."

"Speaking of which," Nathan said, "I keep meaning to say. As soon as you're ready, I'll go with you and we gotta go through his stuff. I won't make you tackle the house by yourself."

"Thanks, Nathan," Sam said jadedly. He leaned forward and rubbed his face with his hands. "Goddammit, I don't even want to think about that right now. I'm too damn tired."

"Dad, can I go with you guys when you do that?" Cassie asked.

"Maybe, we'll se-" Nathan started but Elena cut him off.

"No, hon. Let Dad and Sam do that together. You and I don't need to intrude."

"But Mom!" Cassie exclaimed. "He was family to us, too! C'mon, I just want to help!"

"Elena, honey, it's okay," Nathan broke in. "She can come if she wants."

"Nate, we both know you two need to say goodbye. Cassie and I can let you do that. Please, can we not have this discussion right now?"

"I agree with Nathan, Elena," said Sam.

"Sam, I'm sorry, but this does not involve you," Elena said harshly.

"Actually, it does, and I hate to say it, but it's three against one," Sam replied. He leaned back on the couch and put his hands on the back of his head, relaxing. "Let the kid come. Sully was family to all of us, but if you don't want to join, I won't hold it against you."

"Sam, what are you insinuating?" Elena was livid.

"Nothing, Jesus, I'm not saying anything. Just let her say goodbye to her grandpa if that's how she wants to do it. Nathan and I won't stop her. Might help to have her there."

Elena's eyes were watery. Nathan stepped towards her, making a move to put his arm around her shoulders, but Elena jerked away.