Of The Valley (Joel x Reader)

Dreamaches

Joel didn't say much on the way back, talking about frivolous things, beating around the bush the entire time. You were looking forward to going to the lake with Joel.. you remembered how awful your last one ended. You kept your mind on the thought of a 'date' with Joel, rather than the inkling thought of the runner you had shot.

Of course, there was still the matter of the discussion you were meant to have with Joel. You owed Joel an explanation for your disappearance. With the way your relationship stood with him three months ago, you were certain he suspected your absence could have sprouted from that. Which was.. disheartening to say the least. Just when things had begun to finally heat up, you vanished without a trace. No wonder Joel was angry. You would be angry too.

When you arrived back at the lookout, the stew was almost done. Joel hitched the horses for you while you went inside. Ellie was playing a tune on her guitar and Tommy was listening to her song.

"You guys better not have already eaten," You said jokingly, sitting next to Tommy while Joel came inside.

"We haven't," Ellie reassured.

"Good because I'm hungry." Joel sat down next to Ellie, she scooted farther away from him slightly, Joel didn't notice, but you did. You rose a brow at her subtly and she gently shook her head.

"Ellie's getting real good at that guitar, Joel," Tommy said to him.

Joel smiled and nodded.

"Course she is, only been trained by the best guitarist in Jackson," You said, giving Joel a humorous wink.

"I see you haven't gotten around to changing the strings yet," Joel pointed out, looking at Ellie's guitar.

"I didn't know I was supposed to," Ellie said, looking at him in confusion.

"Yeah, well, we'll get you some new ones," Joel replied.

"Well there's that music store down there, I bet they got guitar stuff," Tommy piped up. Ellie shifted uncomfortably while Tommy waited for either of the two to respond.

"I mean, that area is long overdue for a sweep anyways, and it's a little early for dinner,"  He explained.

"We can keep watch while you two head out," You said.

"What do you say, kiddo?" Joel asked Ellie.

Ellie shrugged, "Sure," She said.

"Okay well, I'll be waiting outside," Joel replied, setting out for the door. Ellie looked like she would much rather have gone with you or Tommy, but you knew it was best if she went with Joel. That talk was long overdue, something was definitely up.

"Are you sure I can't go with one of you instead?" Ellie asked quietly, pleading with her eyes. Both you and Tommy shook your heads. Ellie sighed under her breath and followed Joel out the door. You wondered what was going on between them, but of course, it was another thing on your long list of future discussions you were dreading.

"How did you do out there?" Tommy asked as you got up to sit in Ellie's spot across from him.

"Better than before. A little shook up still, but I'm doing better."

"That's good. Are you thinking about coming back to patrol? We could really use your help," Tommy began.

"No, this is a one time thing. I think I'll just stick to the bar job for now," You said firmly. You weren't on the fence about this, as good of a sniper as you are, there's no way in hell you could do it everyday again.

"Alright. And how are things with Joel?" He questioned.

You sighed, leaning back into the couch. "I don't know. He's confused. He's hurt. I don't know what to say or what to do about any of it."