Of The Valley (Joel x Reader)

Autumn Days

A/N PLEASE READ: This fanfiction will follow the story of TLOU 2 (as in flashbacks) but will NOT follow the full story. This story will contain spoilers pre revenge plot for TLOU 2. This is essentially my fix it fic.

I'm hoping this story will be 10-15 chapters long, or perhaps just 5-10. Not too sure yet. I hope you'll stick around to find out!
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The sun rose slowly above the eastern mountains, streams of sunlight pouring into the old windows. The bustling of mid morning Jackson was loud outside, even louder in the crowded restaurant. You kept up with the never ending pile of orders though.

You waded through the chattering crowd, holding dirty plates close to you, you placed them on the back counter and returned to your post by the front of the bar.

"Maria," You called out cheerfully as the older woman sat down at the bar. She responded with a smile.

"I'll take an order of scrambled eggs and bacon. Side of toast will do just fine too."

"Bacons in high demand right now. I can only give you a few pieces," You replied, writing down the order on a piece of paper.

"As long as it's bacon, I don't care if I get one piece or five."

"Anything to drink with that?"

"Nope. Unless by any chance you've got coffee, then I'll have to buy a cup for me and for Joel."

"No coffee yet. The trader's from the south aren't due for a couple more months, I thought? I'll be first in line to get those beans when they do come through though," You said, backing away from the bar to place the receipt on the far counter.

"You might have to fight Joel for that spot, you know," Maria chuckled.

"On second thought, I'll be second in line, I  do know he loves his coffee. Almost as much as you love bacon."

"That's probably true," Maria responded with a shrug.

You went back to taking orders and bringing out food to customers, chatting with your friends here and there. When Maria's order came out, you brought it over to her quickly. Breakfast sounded amazing right now, you would definitely order some food once your shift ended. At least the crowd had died down, only a few stragglers were left in the restaurant.

"Here you are. Scrambled eggs and bacon. With some toast," You said, placing the two plates in front of her.

"Thank you." Maria grabbed a fork and dug in. There were no more orders coming out from the back, so you took this time to rest. You grabbed a rag and began wiping down the bar. Maria glanced over at you briefly, like she was looking to say something.

"Penny for your thoughts, Maria?"

Maria sighed and set down her fork.

"I need a favor."

"What type of favor?" You tried your hardest not to sound suspicious. When Maria needed a favor from you, it usually wasn't good.

"It's a small one. Nothing too bad," She said slowly.

"Okay," You blinked, setting down your rag.

"I need you to go on patrol today."

"Nope," You said dismissively.

"Come on, do it for me? You're our best shooter next to Tommy. There's a large group of infected near the north that can easily be picked off by two snipers. Tommy's already up there waiting."

"I told you I'm not going on anymore patrols."

"I know, but please, I wouldn't ask if it weren't important."