Of The Valley (Joel x Reader)

Slipping Back

You were reading a magazine when Ellie, Joel and Tommy got back. Something about fashion trends in the 80's, you weren't too interested though. You had finished your candy bar ages ago, wondering just how much candy Mark had hidden here.

Their loud arrival caused you to jump, you were so caught up in your magazine you briefly forgot where you were. Ellie was the first one through the door, you went up to greet them.

"Ellie, it's been awhile," You smiled at her, bringing her in for a hug. Ellie looked older, you were surprised, you had thought she stopped growing. That little girl was getting too old for your liking.

"It has been. I have some new tricks I want to show you on the guitar," Ellie said. You looked to Joel. You knew they were having problems before, Joel never really mentioned why, teenagers were a complicated bunch regardless. You remembered all the teenage angst from your years too, it seems the apocalypse hadn't taken that trope out of the remnants of society though.

"Any new songs you've learned?" You asked. Tommy and Joel walked to the kitchen, leaving you with Ellie by the door.

"Yeah. I've written a few actually," Ellie said sheepishly.

"Played them for Cat yet?" You winked at her with a smug look on your face, talking quietly so Joel would not hear. Ellie blushed and looked down.

"No." She shook her head, trying to hide her blushing face.

"Well come on, I want to hear some new songs you've learned," You said, leading her to the couch. You sat down and waited for her to get her guitar. It was becoming easier and easier to forget that you were outside of Jackson. You were still shook up, but it was easy to pretend you weren't. Fake it till you make it, right?

She sat across from you on the armchair and picked up her guitar. Tommy and Joel were talking about something in the kitchen, but you couldn't quite make it out.

"How many songs have you written since I've last seen you?" You leaned back into the chair, waiting for her to begin playing.

Ellie shrugged, "Three or so? I don't write very often. I write lyrics a lot, but I don't really write music for it."

"Okay, well, play me the song you like the best, newly learned or original."

Ellie nodded and rested her hands on the guitar, waiting to play.

"I know you've heard this song. Maybe it will even be better than the original." Ellie looked at you before she began playing.

"It's always better acoustic."

"I'm sure I'll woo you with my melodic voice then, and my guitar skills," Ellie joked with a twinkle in her eye. It had been a long time since you've seen the spark in that girl's eye. You remembered when she was younger, a fresh new face at Jackson and a wild thing. There was a lot to catch up on with her. Guilt struck you as you realized you had not only abandoned Joel, but Ellie too.

Ellie began playing a song, you immediately recognized it.

"Ain't no sunshine when she's gone," Ellie sang, focusing on the chords. You leaned forward, resting your head on your hand, watching her intently. Ellie was a good singer. You always looked forward to her mini concerts.

"It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away." She continued playing. You smiled at her as she looked up, encouraging her to continue.

It was a song you always enjoyed. You had a Bill Withers record at your house. Mark loved Bill Withers, he used to play that record nonstop. Even used to beg the party organizers at the seasonal dances to play it for him.