"Been a while, huh?" (Joel Miller x OC!Reader)

Chapter 2: Handsome Stranger

We arrived in front of the house that Ellie's companion is in, walking in through the front door. "His name is Joel, and if he's conscious, he'll probably be... less than happy to be a visitor."

I look at her with a warm smile, shaking my head. "That's fine. I'm sure he's in no condition to decline help." Ellie reveals a hidden passageway in the house, leading me down it with the words, "Make sure you shut it back. Some guys were looking for him not too long ago."

I nod and do as she says, raising an eyebrow at her comment and deciding to ask, "specifically for him? I've heard of a dangerous group around here for a while, if you run into anybody named David, don't mess with him unless necessary."

After my warning, Ellie, sighs and nods before leading me down the steps quietly, a large man on a blowup mattress soon catching my eye.

"This is Joel?"

She nods, kneeling beside him. "I've been keeping him alive for a few days, but I think his wound is starting to get infected."

I follow her, kneeling to take a closer look at him and sighing.

"Listen, if I help you out here, you owe me one." I say, knowing I'm going to have to trade with David to save Joel. "Hey, Joel I think? If you can hear me, my name's Koltena and I'm about to risk my life getting medication for you, so don't blow my head off please."

I call out to him, mostly to entertain Ellie with my sarcasm. Unexpectedly, the man opens his eyes ever so slightly and huffs in response. His eyes close after a mere second, but at least I know he won't want to kill me anymore.

"Ellie," I call to the teen across from me, "Keep him safe, I'm going to trade with the very person I just warned you about, so wish me luck." I chuckle as I stand to my feet and make my way to the rumored area of David's base.

Several hours later, the Sun starts to set and I arrive at the gates, banging on them. I've traded with David before, so he orders the gates to be opened and I step through, listening to them shut behind me.

"*Kolt, what brings you here?*"