The Last Of Us: Past And Present

Chapter 12

Chapter 12:

Joel, Tommy and Houser followed Jesus into a room, just off of the entryway of the manor. In the center of the room was a large mahogany table. On both sides were chairs. Candles sat on the tables, and flickered brightly, giving the room a cozy feel. "Alright, let's see what you got." Jesus said, walking to the side of the table farthest from the door. Tommy and Houser removed their packs, and sat them on the table. "Just gonna' let you know right now. There ain't much here." Tommy said, before the two men started pulling various supplies from their packs (mainly ammunition and medkits). Jesus watched this, his right arm folded over his chest. The left rested on the right, his hand scratching at his goatee.

"You're right. There isn't a whole lot here." He said with a bit of shock in his eyes. Tommy nodded in agreement, and stepped back.

"You know we usually have more." He was quiet for just a moment before saying; "Jackson was attacked by a large group of hunters. We lost the town. The survivors are holed up at the plant, but...we ain't got much there." Jesus's eyes widened. "Hunters? You've got to be kidding me!" He turned, and put his hands on his hips.

"I'm used to bandit raids but...what are the hunters doing anywhere near here? I thought most of 'em were near the Pittsburgh area." Joel shook his head. "Well, somethin's got 'em coming this way. Knowin' them they're probably using Jackson as a base camp while Devlin looks for a place to make a permanent camp." Jesus looked Joel's way for a moment, and nodded his agreement. "Okay. Well, we can't have Hunters this close to the Hilltop. You can keep these." Jesus pushed the ammo and medkits back towards Tommy.

Tommy eyed Jesus warily for a moment. Jesus saw this, and chuckled. "It's okay. We'll still give you guys some food. In return, you're going to have to help us drive the Hunters out of Jackson. I don't want them this close to the Hilltop." Relief filled Tommy's eyes, and he nodded his head. "We might be able to do that, but I'm gonna' have to send Houser back to report that we'll be gone longer than expected. We'll make a move when he returns." A warm smile grew on Jesus's face.

"I can get behind that."

Ellie and Devin looked into each bedroom. Each one seemed to have a different style. It took several minutes, but finally Ellie and Devin agreed on a room with two twin beds, and a single bed. Ellie plopped down onto one of them, and groaned as the bed bounced on their springs. "This has got to be the best bed ever." Devin chuckled, and sat on the bed next to hers (she'd taken one of the twin beds).

"You know...I bet these were way more comfortable before the outbreak." He said, rubbing a head over the (somehow) clean sheets. Ellie looked at him with a slight shade of disbelief. "You're kidding? How could these get any better?" Devin shrugged, and laid flat on his bed. He closed his eyes, and exhaled loudly. Ellie was right about one thing: these beds were super comfortable. Ellie sat up and looked at Devin. He looked at her. Devin was quiet for a moment, then sat up.

He looked into her eyes, and a smile grew on his face.

"Don't freak out okay?" Without speaking again, Devin stood, walked over to Ellie's bed, and sat down on the side. He turned to face her, leaned down, and their lips touched.

This time, she wasn't shocked. Almost immediately she closed her eyes, and let herself get wrapped in the kiss. Devin wrapped his left arm around her waist, and pulled her closer. His right arm gently snaked it's way around her shoulder, and held her gently.

Ellie was surprised at how gentle Devin's kiss was. Ever since she'd met him she'd always considered Devin to be a little...rugged. But when he kissed her it was with an extreme gentleness. Almost as if she would break if he kissed her too hard. They twisted their heads to get a better angle, and the kissing continued. Ellie felt that familiar shiver run down her spine, and without even thinking she placed her hands on Devin's chest.