Look for the Light (Joel Miller fanfic)

Complications

                                                                                    Joel's POV

The weekend was quiet and peaceful as you sat in the living room. The fireplace was quietly simmering in the corner and the sunlight was beaming through the kitchen window. You were sitting on the couch with a cup of hot coffee, and Aly was laying her head in your lap. You were gently running your hand through her long waves as she quietly hummed at the feeling. A sound that drew you to her even more. This was what peace was. This is what you wanted all along, you just didn't know it till it crept up on you.

You planned to stay in the entire day just relaxing in the warmth of your house as it was a down day for you. No patrols, no projects to help with. Just a day to spend with Aly while you lounged by the fire.

"What do you wanna do today?" you asked as you ran another hand through her silky hair, smelling that lilac smell that drove you absolutely crazy.

She looked up at you with those deep ocean eyes, making you smirk down at her. "We could just stay here all day. I'm comfortable and don't see myself getting up anytime soon," she said with a smile.

"Fair enough," you laughed.

Before you could say anything else, you heard a loud pounding sound come from the front door, making you jump and nearly spill your coffee.

"Joel, I need to talk to you right now! Open the goddamn door!" Tommy yelled as he tried pulling the door, but it was locked. He pounded his fists against the door again, and you thought it'd break off its hinges.

"Just a second!" you yelled back annoyed as you placed your coffee on the table and scooted Aly off your lap.

"What's up with Tommy?" Aly asked as she sat up with a confused look on her face, scrunching her nose up.

"I don't know. Maybe Ellie did something. Who knows."

"Joel!" Tommy screamed again as he banged on the door even louder.

"I'm coming, Tommy!" You made your way over to the door and unlatched the lock, pulling it open so Tommy would give it a rest. He came storming in, slamming the door tight with a bang and made his way into the room.

"When were you gonna tell me, huh?" he asked, turning to face you with bitter eyes.

"Tell you what?" you asked cautiously, furrowing your brows tightly.

Tommy gritted his teeth and slid his tongue across the top row, clicking before he spoke. "I had a little visitor stop by today. Her name starts with an M." He put his hands on his hips as he stared at you with daggers in his eyes.

Name that starts with an M? Who....oh. Oh no.

"Who was it?" Aly asked slowly, cautiously looking at Tommy.

"Marlene," he stated with a bitter taste in his mouth.

Holy shit. This couldn't be happening.

"Marlene was here?" Aly asked quietly, averting her eyes away from Tommy's glare.

"That's right," he answered back.

"What did she want..." Aly asked.

"I don't know, Aly. Why don't you ask Joel. Apparently, he's been hiding something this whole time," he accused.

You were frozen in place. Unable to speak. Too stunned to answer Tommy.

"When were you going to fucking tell me that you were hoarding some infected girl?" he asked, demanding an answer.