A/N:

Leave it to an author to let everyone know a posting schedule and then proceed to break that schedule the day after. Real smooth, right? Well, blame it on the fact that I hardly know what day it is anymore. Ah, college.

Dream Job

Rating: T

Summary: [After the main plot] If you could be anything you wanted to be…

November 2035

The table seemed comfortably crowded with the three of them around it. Marcus and Ellie sat clumped together, and Joel reclined in his chair, anywhere he sat the de facto "head of the table." It was dinner time, and a hearty meal of venison and soup sat between them. The day's work had been tiring, Ellie and Joel shifting boxes around all day as they took a complete inventory, and Marcus out hunting with a few other men. Coupled with the chill breeze that seemed to constantly sweep through the land, and they were sufficiently tired. Joel drummed his knuckles against the table, leaning back just a bit more, stretching his sore muscles. He really was feeling his age.

"So, if you two could be anything you wanted to be, what would it be?"

He knew he had already asked Ellie this question before, but after everything maybe her answer had changed. The two teens looked at each other, an unspoken conversation taking place in front of him. It was always interesting when they did that. They looked back at him, and Ellie spoke first.

"Yep…still want to be an astronaut. Hasn't changed. Space is cool and shit." She shrugged her shoulders as she spoke, and spooned a mouthful of soup up to her lips.

Joel's gaze shifted to Marcus, and the boy licked his lips before speaking.

"I'd want to be a doctor or…just someone who helps out. You know, saving people, healing people, just anything that isn't hurting anyone that doesn't deserve it. Although space is pretty cool. I could definitely be an astronaut and not complain."

The two shared another glance, and Ellie held up her hand. The high-five echoed around the room, and she let out a laugh, spooning more food up to her mouth. Joel shook his head, a grin tugging into his beard.

"Looks like we've got a couple of Kirk's and McCoy's here."

A quizzical look appeared in Ellie's eyes, and she leaned forwards, her elbows resting on the table.

"Who're they?"

Joel laughed, a rare, gravely noise, and leaned in to meet her. Not many people would have pinned him as someone into those old shows. But there had been nothing else on TV when he skipped school. It had grown on him.

"Have I got some stories to tell you. Hell, maybe Tommy even has some episodes laying around somewhere."

The two gave him their attention, their interest peaked, and Joel launched into story upon story, engrossing the couple in tales of heroism and adventure. They listened for as long as he would talk, and then moved into the living room to cuddle up on the couch and think up their own adventures. From inside the kitchen Joel heard the sound of Ellie's spaceship whistle, followed by giggling and hushed talking. His smile reappeared, and he cracked his knuckles, stretching his legs out as he listened to the sounds of his "family." There was no use denying it anymore. That's what they were.