A/N: Story isn't dead, and neither am I, sorry for hiatus. I still don't own The Last of Us.

Chapter 3

Blaine woke up with vigor that had eluded him the day prior. He was glad that the usual nightmares or unusual dreams didn't hold him from a restful sleep, and with a total of 10 hours, restful sleep it was. Being an 'off day' for Blaine, he felt more upbeat and ready to go about the day. He got out of bed, dressed only in his boxers, and the clean bandages that wrapped his leg. He walked to the dresser and which held the few wearable clothes he had, He was glad to notice the lack of pain from his leg. He put on his casual wear which consisted of a tattered grey thermal, and a pair of faded jeans riddled with cuts and tears, though worrying about vanity was something Blaine never bothered himself with. He looked towards the window, and saw that most of the people were already going about their day, and the weather looked pleasant enough to sit back and relax. He slipped on his sneakers and headed to the door. He stepped out from his cabin. and saw a crowd had formed near the front gate, curiosity had gotten the better of him and he walked over to investigate. Not two seconds after he spotted the crowd, Craig zipped past Blaine in a hurried strut. The large man pushed and shoved his way to the center. Blaine quickened his pace, knowing that it must have been something important for Craig to be in a rush, though squeezing through the people was an easier task for Craig than for Blaine.
After ducking and weaving through the many people that had also been lured by the commotion Blaine made it to the center and saw what had been so Important.

"...out taking some working parts off of the cars in the city, when I got hit with a brick from behind. When I came too we were tied up in their camp."

The man had obviously been through hell, his face was bruised and his left eye was swollen shut, and a few streaks of blood could be seen running down his face from his scalp. He was panting while explaining what had happened to Craig.

"They were going on and on about how someone had killed most of their men…. they think it was someone from our camp." The man was taking deep breathes, savoring the feeling of being able to breathe again. He had ran, ran all the way from the city to the camp, half beaten at that. Blaine recounted what he had heard in the city two days ago. How Joel and Ellie had been massacring the Hunters. Blaine was about to inch away from the crown when he heard the final part to the beaten man's ordeal.

"They killed Cody, put a bullet right in his head….." He heard the man's voice crack, no doubt he was forced to watch his partners unfortunate demise. "Just when I thought I was done for, they cut my bindings, and told me to bring a message." The man stopped, Craig was lost in thought, the lack of casualties in the camp made any death a big deal, but to be outright tortured and murdered, it made Craig sick. "What was the message" Craig spoke up.

"They uh…. they said they're coming to return their sheep to the flock. Do you know what they mean?" The man was confused by the message they sent with him. Craig was still, something had went off in his mind that frightened him, no doubt caused by the message.

"Unfortunately, I do." Was all Craig said before he turned on his heel to quickly walk away. He caught Blaine out the corner of his eye, and motioned for him to follow. Blaine was just as confused as the man who had originally brought the message,

"Get some rest, you're gonna need it." Craig shouted back to the beaten man, without breaking stride, Blaine followed close behind the colossus of a man, no indication of his emotion could be found, and this worried Blaine. The crowd began to dissipate as the people went to finish whatever they had started before the commotion had gotten their attention, light murmurs of the message the man delivered could be heard through the camp as Blaine and Craig walked to Craig's cabin. Jessie, who was dressed to go to the city to get supplies came running towards the two.

"Hey guys, is something going on?" Jessie had asked, obvious that he was ignorant of the current situation, though Blaine was still no better off.

"Something is definitely going on." Craig assured. "No need to go into the city, I want this camp under lockdown for the time being, Tell whoever is manning the tower to not let any scavengers or hunters out of the walls. After that, go round up our newest guest and bring them to my cabin." Craig's orders were almost military in their delivery. Blaine had never seen the man so serious about anything unless the lives of him or Jessie were at risk. Jessie gave no reply before running off to do as he was told, He too, could see that something had put Craig on edge. Craig stood still for a second, and gave an exasperated sigh. "Why now?" Blaine heard Craig whisper to himself, before he continued towards the cabin.

Blaine was currently sitting on Craigs bed, as Craig himself was sitting at his desk going through various drawers that he had unlocked. Blaine had never even seen Craig go through the drawers, so he was curious about what had happened to make Craig open them now.

"What's Going on" Blaine asked from across the room, annoyed by the silence the Craig had answered all his previous questions with, once again was met with the still air, and the sound of rummaging through the unseen contents of the desk drawer. Blaine was about to walk over to take a peek at what Craig was focusing on, but before he could even get up, the door to the cabin opened and Jessie strolled in, his forehead shining with sweat, and panting.

"They're here" Jessie said, as he ungracefully walked towards the bed to collapse. Joel walked in only a few seconds after Jessie, and Ellie followed right behind him. Craig only glanced at the two as they walked in, but quickly turned back to the drawer. He only spoke.

"I'm going to assume that it was you and your daughters doing that brought the ire of our friends in the city?" Craig said in a monotone voice, Blaine couldn't tell yet if Craig was angry, his voice gave no indication, though Blaine wouldn't doubt that Craig felt some animosity towards Joel, It was him and Ellie that had killed most of the hunters in the city.

"I ain't never kill anyone out there that didn't deserve it." Joel answered defensively. Joel was many things, but a cold blooded murderer was not one of them, and as far as he was concerned, anyone he did kill, DID deserve it. Ellie raised a brow at the exchange between both men, Craig stopped what he was doing, and closed the drawer.

"I don't blame you for what happened out there. I blame myself for showing too much hospitality." The words, though lacking in emotion, were oddly cold for the usually happy man, Blaine stood up, and walked towards the two. "What is going on?" Blaine asked as sternly as possible.

Craig looked at the boy, his eyes also stern, though they softened before he looked away. "Gather your things. You're leaving." Craig said, looking at the ground.

Joel was about to speak up, and try to reason with Craig, but Blaine was fast to open his mouth. "You're just going to kick them out? For defending themselves? Who cares if some hunters die. They're nothing but-"

"That's enough." Craig spoke, quickly stopping Blaine from finishing his rant. "I wasn't talking to them… I was talking to you, Blaine" Craig continued, Blaines eyes were quick to show the shock that was going through his mind.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Blaine stuttered out, his usual confidence was absent from his tone, and was instead replaced with uncertainty and fear.

"I mean, it's not safe for you to be here, You have to go." Craig said as he looked the boy in his eyes. Blaine didn't move, instead casted his eyes towards the floor, going over the words he had just heard.

Craig looked back towards Joel with a stern gaze. "I don't wish to use guilt to get my way… but seeing as how it's your doing that we're in this mess, I must insist that you return to your own home… along with Blaine." Blaine shot his eyes towards Craig, who still had his stone gaze aimed at Joel. Blaine's heart picked up pace, as his stomach began still couldn't believe it, Craig was actually sending him away, for something that still wasn't clear to him. What could that cryptic message hold that would scare Craig into sending away his son? Joel's face conveyed his apprehension.

"I don't think I can do that." Joel replied, he was sure his people smuggling days were over, and to do so, simply because he felt he owed someone, was a foolish notion.

"Then how about this, you get Blaine safely to your camp, and I'll make sure that you get the parts you need to restore that dam of yours. Just get him there, and I can guarantee you'll have all the supplies you need." Craig spoke with as much passion as he could, it didn't matter what he needed to do to get Blaine to safety, nothing was too far. As long as it meant his son would be safe, he was prepared to do anything. "I'm even prepared to set up permanent trading routes between our camps if needed." Craig added, he knew that it would be difficult to hold all the promises he was making, but it was all worth it.

Joel contemplated Craigs offer, looking for any a sign of Craig's falter in his stand, to see that the man was not willing to risk so much to see the boy to safety, the small chance that he knew that he could possibly fail his end of the bargain. When nothing was seen to prove that Craig was bluffing, Joel spoke.

"Even if I do manage to get him to our camp, how do I know that you're not just going to fail, or turn your back on our deal at the last minute"

"... You're right, I can't prove to you that I won't fail, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let anything jeopardize the life of my children" Craig said, he gave a glance towards Ellie. Joel did know, and maybe it was that small part of his mind that wouldn't let him say no.

Joel gave a sigh, and spoke up "Alright, i'll do it.". Craig was obviously relieved as he let his shoulders relax, as he exhaled the breath he was holding to hear Joel's answer.

Blane was shaken out of his stupor for the moment to further question the man who was sending him off. "Why only me? Why is it still safe for Jessie to stay?"

Craig didn't quite know how to explain it to Blaine, and being as vague as possible was the best option for now. "Your situation is different from his, you're in the most danger as of now. That's why I'm making it a priority for you to leave as soon as possible."

Blaine found no more will to argue or prod for answers, he decided to simply be quiet and do what craig thought was best.

Craig once again turned towards Joel to get the rest of the details ironed out. "I want for your group to be out of the camp as soon as possible, and on the other side of the city by nightfall. It would be best for you to go around due to the bandits, but the area is riddled with infected, so it's up to your discretion on how you get there." Joel simply nodded, still contemplated if he was going to be able to do this. It wasn't that he doubted the boys survival skills, surely he had to be experienced enough to be trusted with the jobs he's been handling at the camp, maybe it was just him feeling uneasy with another person trusting a kid with him, Ellie and him didn't exactly make it through their journey unscaved.

It was Joel's turn to speak up, he ordered Blaine to pack up and get ready for their departure, Blaine complied, albeit silently. He stood and trudged towards the exit, dragging his feet unconsciously, he didn't want anyone's pity, but he couldn't hide the fact that the news had brought his mood down a little.. Ellie was able to catch a glimpse of his somber look as he slipped past her to the door. His eyes were dull, and focused on nothing in particular, surely his mind was too busy processing what was going through his head for him to be fully aware of where he was going. Ellie sympathised with Blaine, she knew what it felt like to have to leave everything behind, though Blaine had it much harder, the safety of the camp and a friendly community was all he knew.

"Ellie, you go get your stuff together." Joel said to the girl, who only barely heard the request, with her mind elsewhere. She gave a simple okay, and exited the cabin a few steps behind Blaine, she considered walking ahead to talk to Blaine, though she doubted that he would give any reply, so she kept her distance as the boy picked up his pace towards his cabin. Ellie's path soon diverged from Blaine's as she began to walk towards her own cabin, she didn't really have much with her when they arrived, though the amount of supplies that the denizens of the camp had supplied her and Joel would be useful for the road.

Back at the Cabin, Jessie was also awestruck at the revelation that he had just overheard. He was going to be split up from his brother, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized the amount of time the two were together, the always did their jobs together, hunted together, ate together. The thought of not being able to look to Blaine for the small guidance he had given him through the years, or the security he felt when he knew Blaine was watching his back scared him. He had gone on jobs with others at the camp on the odd days where Blaine was sick or injured, and it's not that he didn't trust them, it's just that he trusted Blaine the most.

"Jessie"

He wasn't sure if he would be able to most of the jobs without his brother at his side. Blaine had taught him almost everything he knew, but there were still times where Blaine had to take over the rifle because he had missed too many shots, or where Blaine had to go over a room for supplies because Jessie had overlooked a few.

"Jessie!" was all he heard when he was shaken out of his stupor. "huh?" was all he could reply with

"Tell everyone in the camp to pack up and get ready to depart tomorrow. Only carry what we need and what will sustain us." Craig said to the boy. Jessie was snapped back to reality by craigs words. "Alright." Jessie said as he hopped off the bed, and walked to the door with a brisk pace.

Jessie stood in the middle of his room, how can he be expected to just pack up his stuff and go. It soon hit him that he wasn't going to be able to take everything with him, maybe a change of clothes, but that would only leave him with barely enough room to hold a sleeping bag, or food. He walked around his room, going over the small mementos he had collected over time, several rusted pocket knives he had collected throughout the city, the small pair of antlers from his first kill while hunting. He would have loved to take all this stuff with him, though he knew that it would only be a burden on the group, so he tossed his hoodie, and a pair of cargo shorts into the bag, along with his sleeping bag, rolled as tight as he could get it to save space. He put his holster around his waist, and placed his gun snugly inside. He went over his room a last time to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything, and saw his bow leaning against the wall in it's designated spot. Did he need it? Joel had a rifle so he didn't really need anything long range, and a gun would be a better choice for self defense. "Whatever" Blaine thought, he picked up the bow, and slid the loop of his bag off his shoulder, and put his head and arm through the twine of the bow, making the wood hug his back, he slid his arm back through the shoulder strap, and walked towards the door but stopped just before his hand met the knob, he turned around quickly and jogged the small distance to his dresser. He opened the bottom drawer and pulled out the the red scarf he always wore when he left the camp. He draped it around his neck and was finally able to leave his room.

Elle had packed everything she had brought with them in her bag, and was already halfway to the cabin that the news was broken to everyone. She saw Joel turn the bend, walking back from the cabin. She slowed her pace, waiting for Joel to get within talking distance to her.

"You ready?" Joel asked her without stopping, she half expected him to at least slow down, but he kept his speed and walked right past her.

"Uhh… Yeah, I got everything I need." she said jogging back towards Joel to stay by his side.

"Alright, I just gotta throw a few things in my bag then we can leave."

Ellie noticed a small parcel in Joel's hand and her curiosity peaked.

"What's in the box?" Ellie asked,

"Nothing, just some little information on the kid from a quarantine zone. Name and medical information… stuff like that." Joel said looking at the box himself. He wondered what importance this information had to him, Craig told him to give it to Blaine when they left. It was something that must have had a deeper importance to the kid than anyone else.

They walked back to the rotunda of cabins and saw people bustling around gathering supplies from each other, it seemed that Jessie had broken the news to everyone, but not everyone looked as if they were happy to hear it. They saw Blaine standing by the front gate, kicking around the dirt at his feet.

"Go wait with him, I'll be right back." Joel told Ellie, she nodded and walked over towards the gate to join Blaine.

Blaine didn't lift his head from the ground, but felt the presence of someone approaching him, the person leaned against the gate next to him.

"How are you feeling." Ellie asked, Blaine kept his head down, and kicked the dirt from his shoe.

"Sick." was Blaine's only answer, but it was the truth, his stomach was in knots and every so often he would feel wave of nausea would overcome him, though nothing ever came up.

"I'm sorry… about what you're going through." She said after a few seconds of silence, trying to show her empathy.

"It's fine." Blaine kept his answers short, afraid that if he talked too much that he might accidentally empty his stomach, though he knew well that it wasn't fine. How could he? He was leaving his home, and would probably never return, or if he did, everyone else would have moved on by then. This was as good as going away forever.

Ellie took his short answers as a hint to stop prodding him, so she did. She heard hurried footsteps approaching and saw Jessie jogging towards them. He stopped in front of Blaine waiting for him to acknowledge his presence. Blaine slowly lifted his head to look at Jessie. Jessie stood for a second going over his brothers face, it was obvious he was hiding his emotions, but Jessie didn't think much of it, showing his emotions was not something Blaine was very good at.

"Uhh.. I guess this is goodbye?" Jessie asked, he too had not completely come to terms with what was happening. They day had started just like any other, who knew that it would have taken the turn it did?

"I guess it is." Blaine said as he saw Joel approaching from behind Jessie, his own bag slung over his shoulder.

"You ready?" Joel said, he stopped in front of the gate, looking at the group of teens who were still standing around waiting for guidance.

Jessie fidgeted awkwardly for a few seconds, he wanted to say something, anything, but he felt awkward telling his brother that he was going to miss him. Caught up in his didn't notice the arm wrapped around his neck, with another over his arm holding his back. Blaine was hugging him, probably the last thing Jessie had expected to happen. He didn't have much room to move, but was able to wrap his own arm around Blaine's torso.

Blaine released his hold, and turned away from Jessie "See ya'" was all Jessie heard from Blaine as he walked away with Ellie. They got to the gate, as it began to open. Jessie was still in his original position, watching as the gate slowly rose, soon being wide enough for them to exit. He had things that he still needed to do, but wanted to at least see his brother off. Joel walked through the gate first, with Ellie only a few steps behind him. Blaine stood for a second, some part of him still fighting to stay behind, no matter how fruitless it seemed, he knew he had to leave, but he began to feel grateful of every second he spent in the camp since he learned the news. Knowing that he was only stalling the group on their journey, he began to walk forward. As he crossed the gate he felt a tug on his heart, something he'd never experienced, he had felt sadness before, but never like this. The further he got from the camp he more he felt his mask falter, before he knew it, his eyes began to water, and soon the tears were streaming down his cheek, he squeezed his eyes closed, flushing them of tears, and then wiped them off with his sleeve. Ellie looked back and saw him covering his eyes with his arm, and knew exactly what he was feeling. The pitiful sight that he was, made her feel sorry for him, though she didn't want to make him feel embarrassed by confronting him about it.

Joel glanced back and also saw the crying boy, and then remembered the box that was given to him by Craig. He slowed down and waited for Blaine to catch up to him. Blaine was still hiding his eyes, but jumped when he felt a hand placed on his shoulder.

"Craig… wanted you to have this." Joel said, at least some sympathy showing through the tone of his voice. He pulled the box from a compartment on his bag and handed it to Blaine, and returned to his earlier pace. Blaine examined the outside of the box, he wanted to open it, he knew that craig might have put something important in the box, but he wasn't sure he was quite ready to see it's contents, still crying from simply leaving the camp, so he placed it in his own bag, he'll get to it, and hopefully it won't start any waterworks like his earlier experience did.

Hope you enjoyed, and I hope you no longer have to enjoy my long absences.