Look for the Light (Joel Miller fanfic)

Protecting What's Yours

                                                                                   Joel's POV

Another week passed and no fireflies came knocking at the Jackson gates. Tensions with Tommy had lessened and it was almost like nothing had happened with Marlene. Almost. Tommy still gave you the occasional reminder to be careful, but it wasn't anything like it was the day she came to town.

You had successfully taught Ellie how to shoot with a handgun, teaching her all about safety and how to hold a gun. Obviously it came with some headaches and arguing, but overall she did good. She paid attention when you showed her how to aim, teaching her to always put the safety on after using it, and to never aim it directly at someone unless she was actively attacking.

You even got her her own little handgun. You'd feel better now that she had a decent weapon to defend herself with, and now she knew how to use one the right way. The safe way. It was her prize possession now. She named the gun Whistle because every time she shot a bullet, she said she could hear a faint whistle sound as the ammo shot out of the tip of the gun. You just laughed and shook your head, calling her a silly kid.

It was now the following Thursday. Patrol day. And it was a particularly foggy day with thick grey clouds that hung low in the air. You figured a storm was going to come through soon, most likely in the next couple days. But the town was prepared. They were always prepared for anything.

You were in the kitchen sipping on a fresh cup of coffee, getting prepared to go meet Tommy. Aly was pouring herself some coffee beside you, and Ellie was in her room pretending to shoot her unloaded handgun as she faced the wall and yelled at the pretend infected.

"I should've never taught her how to shoot, just look at her now. She's obsessed with her gun," you laughed as you took another swig from the strong coffee.

"She's just excited is all," Aly smiled, taking a sip of coffee as she leaned into your arm.

"Hey, Ellie?" you called out, grabbing her attention as she spun around and shot her head out the door.

"Yeah?"

"Are you meetin' Maria at the stables this morning?" you asked as you leaned against the counter with your grip still around the glass mug.

"I'm supposed to. In another hour."

"Just checking. Alright, well go back to whatever the hell you were doing," you said with full amusement in your voice.

"I'm practicing! Gotta keep my aim sharp so I can take out some infected!" she shouted as she pointed at the wall and made a shooting sound out of her mouth.

"Like I said, a mess," you laughed lightly as you wrapped your arms around Aly's hips, hearing her squeal in response as she planted a soft kiss against your cheek and hugged you back.

"I don't want you to go this morning," she pouted in your ear.

"I know, baby. It's not that long though and I'll only be a few hours. Should be smooth sailing today," you confirmed.

"I guess a few hours apart can't hurt," she sighed.

"Such a needy girl," you laughed. You lifted her chin and met your lips with hers, giving her a soft kiss.

As you broke apart from her, you heard a faint knock at the door. You made your way over to the door and swung it open as Tommy came stepping through the threshold in his warm leather jacket and dark denim jeans.

"Mornin' Aly, Joel," he said, nodding to each of you.

"Hey, Tommy," you heard Aly say with a greeting.