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

Chapter 22

"Tommy. Will you make sure that the guitar gets to my room safely?" Beth turned and asked before they turned to Joel's driveway.

"Sure thing, Bethy," Tommy said.

The second they parked in the driveway, Don handed Tommy the keys to the house. Tommy grabbed the guitar and hurried out the door. She had never seen him run so fast before. He went into her house right as Joel had opened the front door to his. She got out of the car and couldn't hide the smile she had the minute her eyes landed on his. He held up his hand and waved. The next thing she knew, she was running toward him and nearly knocked him down as she jumped into his arms. He picked her up and held her tightly. He had missed her scent and inhaled as much of her as he could while he held her there. She had wrapped her legs around him tightly. She nestled her head into the curve of his neck and tried as hard as she could to not let her tears fall. She was back with him. She was finally in his arms again and she couldn't be happier. Nothing could ruin this moment. She was the happiest when she was around him. Don cleared his throat a little too loudly. Maybe there was just one thing that could ruin it. Beth reluctantly removed her legs from him and he set her down.

"Dad," Beth said turning to look at him.

"Don't 'dad' me. None of that in front of me," Don said sternly.

Beth sighed then looked over at the love of her life.

"Hi," she said smiling.

Joel placed his hand on her cheek.

"Hi," he said.

Before their lips met, Beth looked back at her dad who hadn't moved an inch.

"Dad? Could we possibly get a minute please?" Beth asked.

"What for?" Don asked.

"Don. Come on. Let's give the kids a little privacy, huh?" Kathy came out and said.

"Mrs. Miller. It's great to see you," Beth said.

"You too, dear. We'll be inside whenever you kids are ready okay?" she said.

She went over and dragged Don into the house. Seconds later, Tommy came out and made his way to them.

"What were you doing at their place?" Joel asked.

"Throwing away my trash from a banana split, duh," Tommy retorted.

"But why couldn't you have just..." he started but was quickly cut off by Beth kissing him.

Tommy sighed in relief that his brother didn't hound him with any more questions. He quietly but swiftly made his way inside the house while Beth had Joel preoccupied.

"I missed you," Beth breathed after they parted.

"God...you have no idea," Joel said placing both his hand on her cheeks and kissing her deeply once more.

She wrapped her arms around him and the desire to have him there and then filled her whole body. Their breathing got heavier by the second. Joel then remembered the talk he and his mother had earlier. He pulled away which took him everything he had.

"I told my mom I wouldn't try anything," Joel breathed.

Beth took a few seconds, catching her breathe.

"Yeah. My dad would kill me if he knew what I want to do to you right now," she said softly.

"And what's that exactly?" Joel asked, his curiosity peaked.

But before Beth could tell him, Don opened the door and called to them.

"We're coming, dad," she said.