Save each other // Joel Miller

Sundress

Life had become simple again, letting the rhythm of daily activities bring Sophie back to him. She wasn't quite the same as before, and Joel noticed throughout her more subtle actions. She smiled more at people and didn't build up as many walls. She spoke out more and, Joel's favorite part, she laughed more.

Some time had gone by and she healed nicely from the attack. Her visits to Barb at the clinic became less and less to focus on herself and more about getting back into helping. Joel had started taking patrols again, after Ellie became acclimated to this new Sophie. Ellie made sure Sophie was taken care of when he left, not that she really needed it, but it made him feel better about leaving her at all.

The only hang up was Tommy. He was distant, only coming over to check on Sophie and make small talk with Joel, and then leaving. Joel missed his little brother but he understood that Tommy was doing this for himself. Joel made it very clear that Sophie was no longer an option, even as the weeks went by with no sign that Tommy and Maria's relationship would be mended.

Joels patrols were always with Tommy, and those times felt different than the casual visits in Jackson. They were on business and what was left as tension in Jackson was just that, left there. They communicated well and protected each other. They joked and relaxed, but the minute they hopped off their horses into town, it was right back to the near silent treatment.

Joel would get home from duty, sit down and have lighthearted conversations about their day. Sophie would eat dinner with him and mostly ask about herself, wanting as much information as possible. He would sometimes make something ridiculous up, and she would laugh and they would flirt. Her eyes would become siren like and it was on. Joel was content with where they were, what they had become.

Joel was trotting back to Jackson's gates, finishing a solo patrol just around the outskirts. Not everyone was able to do this, but his abilities were strong and he built a trust up with the general council. He walked his mare in, jumping off and walking her to the stables. He tied her down and began breaking down her riding gear when he heard a noise in the hay storage. He slowly made his way over to find Ellie and Dina, mid-make out, too involved in each other to notice his presence.

He chuckled to himself before speaking out. "Ain't you two supposed to be working?" He picked up a piece of hay and flicked it in their embarrassed direction, watching them shuffle around like headless chickens.

"Fuck, Joel!" Ellie ground out through her teeth. "You scared the shit out of me!" He laughed at that, thanking god he hadn't walked in a little later or it might have been him bumbling around, blush across his face.

He was aware of Dina and Ellie's relationship since the scene in the bar, and was as supportive as an adoptive dad could be. Ellie was strong willed and stubborn, and as much as he wanted to grill Dina on her intentions, he knew Ellie had a good head on her shoulders. He just took pleasure in teasing the young couple every once in a while. Especially when he walked in on a situation like this. Young love.

"Uh.. hi.. Mr. Miller." Dina stuttered out. She rubbed the back of her neck nervously and gave him a halfhearted smile. Joel just cocked his eyebrow and crossed his arms across his chest, leaning against a hay stack. Ellie took one look at him and scoffed, buttoning up her over shirt with a shake of her head.

"Oh, don't give us that look Joel, you don't have a leg to stand on." She sneered partially joking, but also in a defensive manner. He was interested now.

"Is that so?" He gave her a lopsided grin, waiting expectantly for a smart ass answer.

"Yeah, considering the hooting and hollering we have to endure almost nightly." She rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. It was Ellie's turn to give Joel a stare down. He stiffed as he realized what she was taking about.