This Isn't The End [Ellie Williams x Fem!Reader]

•Chapter 22•

AN// Sorry it's been so long lol!!! This part is longer to make up for it, also nothing but fluff lol

Your P.O.V.

     The trip back to Jackson was miserable. It took so long, a week and a half or so of nonstop riding. You were grateful to be able to soak in Ellie's warmth as she steered Atlas through the terrain. She seemed wary, like you would vanish at any given second. She never let you out of her sight and each night she held onto you tighter than she used to. You didn't mind though, your girlfriend's watchful eyes made it easier for you. They made you feel safer, warmer.
"We'll be there end of the day tomorrow. Let's set up camp here tonight." Jesse decided. You had almost been asleep, your head on Ellie's shoulder and your arms wrapped loosely around you. Last night you had let her sleep and took her watch over the camp. Naturally, she was upset when she woke up in the morning, but still grateful.
The place Jesse had pointed to made a faint smile bloom on your face. That same bookstore Ellie almost shot you in. The small spark in your chest at it had you wrapping yourself around Ellie just a bit tighter. Once you all had settled inside the bookstore, horses tied up inside the bookstore as you insisted per usual. However, instead of reaching out to those spines and finding a book to read like your heart cried out for you to, exhaustion's lullaby won you over.
The four of you had slept close together each night you weren't camping in the wild, if you had a secured building you all got as much rest as possible. But in the wild there was a rotating guard watch. But inside somewhere, it felt safer for you all to sleep close together. Especially since it was getting cold. You and Dina in the middle, Jesse and Ellie on the outside. It made sure everyone was warm, but also it was like a security blanket around you. Tonight though, you would start the pile early.
"You okay baby?" Ellie asked, concern creeping into her voice. You nodded yawning and then giving her a small smile.
"I'm okay, I'm just gonna get some extra sleep. Tomorrow is probably going to be crazy when we get home." You sighed. Ellie nodded and laid down next to you. You snuggled into her arms as she sang a song to lull you to sleep. You immediately recognized the tune. Another song from another time, slowed down to calm your mind.

I know there's something in the wake of your smile.
I get a notion from the look in your eyes.
Built a love,
But that love falls apart.
Your little piece of heaven,
Turns to dark.
Listen to your heart, when she's calling to you.
Listen to your heart, there's nothing else you can do.

You had already fallen asleep before she could even finish the chorus. No dreams, more importantly, no nightmares. The endless dark sea and Ellie's smell of the forest and charcoal were the only things you could sense. The only things you cared about even.
     When you woke up, Ellie was still awake. The sun hadn't come up yet and she was staring at the bookstore door with such an intense focus it made worry well inside your chest. You were wrapped in her arms still, however you couldn't mistake the stack of books she had selected. Probably for you, you realized with no small amount of gratitude.
      "What are you doing awake?" You murmured with your sleep addled voice. Ellie shrugged, still staring at the door. "Come on." You gave her a little smile and stood up, brushing dust off of your legs.
     "Where are we going?" Ellie asked softly, reaching her hand out to you so you could help her stand up. You grunted with the effort to pull the red haired woman to her feet. She placed a delicate kiss to your forehead before shoving her arms into her jacket and then took your hand as you lead her to the door.
      "We're going for a walk." You said quietly. So that's exactly what you and Ellie did, after leaving a note for Jesse and Dina should they wake up before you returned. As you and your girlfriend padded through the town you could sense her struggling to find anything to say to you.
      "(YN), I'm so sorry." Ellie's voice cracked as she stopped walking. You halted as well, walking so you could face her.
     "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for." You chided softly. Ellie looked at you through her tear filled eyes, her bottom lip shaking as she looked into your eyes.
     "It took us so long to get to you. I should've left to get you-" Ellie rambled, you cut her off with a swift kiss. Softening your mouth against hers, you missed those lips.
     "It's not your fault. You came for me, and you got me. That's all that really matters." You cooed holding Ellie's freckles face in your hands. "Do you hear me? What happened was not your fault. And it will never be your fault." You said sternly.
     "I missed you so much. Every god damn day." Ellie rasped before closing the distance between you. Even though Jackson was still a days ride away, you knew you were already home.