Always & Forever (A 'The Last Of Us' Fanfic)

Chapter 13

Author's Note: This song is what inspired the title for this story. This piece was actually untitled until I came across this song and it's what inspired me to write Beth and Joel's relationship the way I did. Enjoy and I appreciate you all reading as well as your feedback! ❤

The doorbell rang and Beth cheered. Joel laughed then made his way to the door. The delivery boy handed him the pizza and Joel paid him. Beth came into the kitchen as soon as Joel closed the door.

"Finally," she said.

She grabbed two plates, napkins, cups and soda.

"Bring the box," she said.

He obliged then placed the box on the coffee table once they got to the living room. Once the movie started, the both of them relaxed and enjoyed the pizza at the same time. As the night went on, the both of them left the thoughts of what the next day would bring behind. They didn't want to think about it. They both knew that if they did, they'd spend the last few hours that they had together thinking of nothing but that. They wanted to make the most of their last day and that's exactly what they did. The movie had finished and they weren't ready to go to bed. Not yet at least.

"I've got an idea," Joel said.

"And what would that be?" Beth asked.

Without answering, Joel took hold of her hand, grabbed his keys out of the tray and took her to his truck. He started it but didn't take off right away.

"Joel...I kind of need my pants," she said with a laugh.

"Wait here. I'll get them for you. Plus I need to get a few things before we go," Joel said.

"Where is it that we're going exactly?" Beth asked with a smile. "You'll see," he said giving her a quick kiss then heading back into the house.

He ran upstairs and grabbed a few blankets and his guitar. He then stuffed the blankets in one of his backpacks, a pair of his pajama pants and went back downstairs. He went to the kitchen and grabbed a few snacks and drinks. He then went back out to join Beth.

"So are you gonna tell me where we're going or are you gonna leave me in suspense here?" Beth asked after he'd placed his backpack and guitar in the bed of the truck.

He handed her the pajama pants and she put them on.

"Come on. You know leaving you in suspense is kind of my thing," he said giving her a wink.

He made his way out of the driveway and took off. He held onto Beth's hand the whole time.

After about an hour and a half of driving, Joel turned onto a dirt road and kept going. Beth tried to make out where they were. It was pitch black out which made it hard to see anything that the headlights of the truck weren't hitting.

"Joel, seriously. Where are we? You're kind of starting to freak me out a little," she admitted.

"Trust me, Beth. I'd never put you in any sort of danger. It's a surprise," he said smiling.

The truck finally came to a stop at what looked to be a field of wheat. Joel turned off the light and cut the engine.

"I'll come and get you," he said before he got out of the car.

There was absolutely no sign of life anywhere. Beth wasn't all that sure if they were still in town. Joel reached her door and opened it for her. He extended his hand to her and she took it.

"Okay...what are we doing in the middle of nowhere at night, Miller? Start talking," she said.

"Come here," he said.