Disclaimer : I do not own any character of (The Last of Us) TLOU is owned by Naughty Dog, but all the Oc character are from my invention. Also I don't own the lyric of the song "Perfect" that I used at the end of this chapter is belong to his author named Ed Sheeran. And if you can listen to that song when you get to that part. I did and was awesome.
A/N: Hy well this the end of this story, I hope that you like it, if not well I thank you anyway for read it. :) I want to give a Special thanks to Lumy12 for all the help she give me and support on my stories. Love you girl and thanks. Also I want to give the credit to the author of a beautiful song that I used in this chapter. The song is called ( Perfect by Ed Sheeran ) I find it on YouTube and the moment I hear it I love it. So as I want to use a song for Joel at the end I chose this one because it sound great and get close to Joel and Ellie relationship. I have to change a few words of the song to make it more for Joel, but the rest is the original one. If you have the chance to put it on in that part is going to be great. I almost cry myself when I did and write it down that part, is a beautiful song. Well Like I said this is the final chapter, so if you like it or not don't forget to put it in a comment or review at the end. I really appreciate you opinion thanks. Love you all and thanks for give me the chance to write a story for you.
Chapter 52 : All you need is someone to love
Joel and Ellie stay all day in the house, organizing and doing other things. After they wake up late the next day, they decide to stay in bed and rest. As Tommy and Maria's invitation for dinner is not until 6:00pm, they move out of the bed after 2:00pm to get prepared for the dinner. Joel goes to the bathroom to take a shower, but Ellie follows him a few minutes later and goes in with him. Ellie loves to have sex with Joel in the shower, and the last time they did that was the day after her birthday. This is a good chance for that, so she convinces Joel to do it.
A few hours later, they arrive at Maria and Tommy's house. As dinner isn't ready yet, Ellie goes to the kitchen to help Maria. Joel goes and sits in the living room with Tommy to wait until dinner is ready. Maria tells them that she took the babies to Cynthia's house, so she can take care of them for a few hours. Cynthia has been serving as a babysitter for Maria's babies for the last three months. After dinner is done, the four of them go and sit at the table and eat. Few words are spoken during dinner, except for some casual conversation, and Maria lets Ellie know that she is happy that she is back. Ellie asks Maria how the babies are, and how they can take care of the town and be a parent at the same time. Maria tells her that all is well and that they're not doing it alone.
After they finish with dinner, Joel starts to think that if they don't want the babies there for the talk, things don't look good for them. After Ellie helps Maria with the dishes, the two women walk to the living room where Tommy and Joel are sitting again. Ellie goes and sits beside Joel on the couch as Maria goes and sits on a loveseat in front of them. As the awkward silence invades the room, Joel is the one to talk first.
"Okay, I know that the invitation for dinner wasn't only to pass casual time. So let's get this over with," says Joel, looking at them as he takes one of Ellie's hand in his.
Maria is the first to speak. "Look, I'm not going to say that we're very happy with this. But we know that Ellie is an adult now, so she can make her own choices. Don't get us wrong: if you two are happy together, we're happy for you. You two are part of this family, and we're going to support you with whatever you need, especially with the baby. Even with the difference of age you have, I know that you two love each other. And that is good enough for us," says Maria, looking at them.
"Yeah... Maria is right. We only want the best for you two. No matter what, you're always going to be my brother, and I know that you only want the best for Ellie. Well, we thought that Ellie was going to be like a niece to us, but I see that destiny has other plans for all of us," says Tommy softly.
"That's right, Ellie... you're always going to be part of this family, as Joel is, no matter what. And we both wish the best for you two and the baby. We want to let you both know that our door will always be open for you three," says Maria, taking Tommy's hand in her own.
Joel and Ellie wait for them to finish before saying anything; Joel is a little surprised at how good they're taking all this. "Well, that is so nice of you… thanks. We really appreciate all that you've done for us. I know that being older than Ellie is going to be hard to get for some people here. But I want to let you know that I love Ellie with all my heart. And I'm never going to do anything to hurt her," says Joel, kissing Ellie's hand.
"Yeah, and I don't care what the opinion of other people is going to be. Because I am 19 and I can love whoever I want. I love Joel, and we're going to have a baby together and be a family. I love you guys, and I'm happy to be part of your family, too," says Ellie, putting her head on Joel's shoulder and smiling.
"Yeah, you're right. You're an adult, and if this is what you want, we're okay with that. But you need to know that some people here are not going to see this in a good way. I know most of your friends aren't going to mind, and that others won't even care," says Maria.
"But there are some here that are going to see your relationship... as something bad. Even though there's no more laws in this world, we still have our own law in here," Tommy continues.
"But that's stupid - I am 19... I'm an adult… And loving Joel is not wrong. He didn't do anything but love me and take care of me. So I don't see why people are going to be mad about that," says Ellie, hugging Joel and keeping him close, like someone is going to take him away from her.
"We understand that, Ellie, and you don't need to worry about that. We only want people to get used to that. As a leader of this town, we need to deal with all the people that live here."
"Okay, I lost you there," says Joel, looking at Tommy.
Maria lets go of Tommy's hand and leans over. "We just want to be sure that if someone starts to complain, you let us handle it. We don't want any incidents because some people don't like you two being together."
"Ha… You think that we're going to do something to someone because they say something bad about us?" asks Ellie, laughing a little.
"Well, you two have done that before - no offense. We want to be the only ones to handle any problems… Okay?" says Tommy, a little nervous when he sees Joel's expression.
Joel looks at both of them. He is glad that his brother and wife are okay with Ellie and him. But he's a little surprised that the only concern they have is that they think that he and Ellie are going to go on a rampage with people who don't approve of their relationship. Not that he wouldn't like to punch someone in the face if they offend Ellie or their child, but he and Ellie want this to work, no matter what some people say or think. "Don't worry, bro, we're going to do our best to make this work."
"That's great… thanks. Oh, another thing: to make people go easy on this, it's better if we do this slowly. So that way, people can get used to it, okay?" says Tommy, almost as a whisper.
Joel shakes his head as all this is starting to get annoying. "So you're telling me that you want us to keep our relationship hidden?"
"Just for a little bit… you know, until we can talk to the people and make them see that there's nothing wrong with that," adds Maria.
He looks at Ellie, waiting for her to be okay with that. "Okay, we can do that. We're going to try to do this slowly," says Ellie, squeezing Joel's hand.
"Yeah, but you should know that hiding a secret here is going to be hard. Besides, people are going to ask questions when Ellie's pregnancy starts to show," says Joel.
"Yeah, and I don't want people to think that Joel is my dad. And start to get the wrong idea," Ellie adds to the conversation.
"Don't worry about that... We can work on this before Ellie starts to show," says Maria,then looks at the door when she hears a knock.
"Okay, our babies are here," says Tommy, standing up and walking toward the door.
"Can we stay a little longer?... I want to see the babies," asks Ellie with a smile.
"Of course you can… both of you," answers Maria as she stands up, too, to help Tommy. After that, they stay for a few more hours and have a good time as a big family.
*Two months later*
It is the beginning of September. Joel's birthday is close, but he already told Ellie that he doesn't want any party. The welcome party was postponed, as Joel and Ellie's relationship starts to get around the town. As Tommy and Maria predicted, some people don't agree with the relationship Ellie and Joel have. The most religious ones think that Joel is a pervert that knocked up his supposed daughter… others, that he was too old for her. Tommy and Maria have to summon a meeting to explain the situation to some people and tell them that Ellie's not Joel's daughter and that Ellie is an adult now, and if she wants to be with Joel, it's her choice.
After that, Tommy announces that they are going to have a celebration on the new treaty between the Pine Hill town and Jackson, and that the representative leaders from there are coming to town. Tommy and Maria want to give them a welcome reception.
A week later, they arrive at Jackson. Maria and Tommy go to the gate to welcome them, and are surprised to see the leader is Wendy, the doctor that helped Ellie and Joel.
Maria goes and shakes her hand and welcomes her to Jackson. "Congratulations on winning the election in your town. I know that you will do good things for them," says Maria, smiling.
"Thank you... It wasn't really a competition, since Matthew wasn't the same after the Fireflies incident, and people lost confidence in him," Wendy says to her. "I came with some that are helping me with the town."
Maria moves to greet the others. Wendy came with Carlos, who is now her chief of security. Also, Scott came with him, as well as John and his son, and two more people who are helping Wendy as council members.
"It's nice to meet you all, and welcome to Jackson County," adds Tommy. "We've prepared a little show to welcome you all here. If you follow us, we'll take you there."
Maria and Tommy guide them to the main hall, where the little party and show is going to be. Tommy and his crew did a good job in putting things together. The food, decoration, chairs, music, and even a stage for some talent people to perform tonight. As the 4th of July party was postponed due to Tommy and Mara being busy with the Joel and Ellie situation, they decided to use this one to compensate for that.
Tommy has a whole table for the honored guests that is close to the stage. As soon as they arrive at the hall, Maria escorts them to the table. A few of the people that help Tommy and Maria run the town are there, so Maria introduces them. The hall is starting to get full as more people continue to show up when the music starts and the food is served. After half an hour, Joel and Ellie arrive with some of their friends. Jenna and her husband arrive with their baby at the same time. And as soon as Jonathan sees Ellie, he runs toward her and hugs her. "Hey, kid, I'm so glad that you and your dad came," says Ellie, hugging him back.
Wendy stands up from the chair and walks toward them. "Hey, how do you feel?" she asks.
Ellie moves close to her and hugs her. "I feel fine... thanks to you," answers Ellie.
Wendy moves out of the hug and smiles at her. "Glad to hear that. But you don't need to thank me - we all helped, including that little one in there." Wendy points to Ellie's belly. "But if you have any complications, just send me a message… I'll be happy to help. Now that we've started working on the radio communications network, it's going to be easier," says Wendy.
"Thank you, I will… And thanks for all your help."
"Sure... honey. That was the least I could do after what happened to you," says Wendy sadly.
"Okay, this is a party, so no sad faces tonight," says Tommy, entering the conversation. After that, all of them go back to the table and sit. As the party goes on, more people start to show up. Dylan and Alice, Jenna's mother, Victor and his family , Rose and her husband, Carl, Bob, and a lot of others.
After two hours of enjoying the party, Maria, Tommy, and Wendy's delegation go up to the stage. Maria introduces them to all the people there and informs them of the new trading arrangement between Jackson and Pine Hill. They talk about the good things that the two towns can accomplish by working together. After the ceremony and speeches end, Tommy informs them that the party is going to continue with some residents doing a talent show, and as some of them are kids, they will start with them. After that, they move off of the stage and go back to the table, as some of the kids start to show up.
Joel comes back to the table after he gets up and goes for a few drinks for the ladies. He brings Ellie a juice since she can't drink any alcohol.
Wendy moves to sit close to Ellie. "So you're almost in your fifth month now, right?" she asks.
"Yeah… the pregnancy is making me so tired sometimes. But thank God that the throwing up stopped last month. I'm so happy for this, and that Joel is helping me a lot," Ellie says, putting her hand on her belly.
"Oh, that's great…I'm so happy that all is going well with the baby… If you don't mind, I still want to get a blood sample from you later. Just to be sure that everything is fine."
"Sure… I don't mind. Dr. Wilson has been checking on me since I came back. But it's good to have a second opinion," answers Ellie, taking a sip from her drink.
Carlos opens a bag that he has and passes something to Wendy. "Hey, don't forget our little gift."
"Oh yeah…" Wendy takes the box from Carlos. "This is a little present for you… we thought that you'd like it," says Wendy, smiling.
Ellie takes the little box in her hands and looks at her. "A present?... but my birthday already pas-"
"Just open it!" says Wendy, smiling.
Ellie starts to open the little box, and when she finishes, she is surprised at what she sees. "Oh my God… where did you find it?" asks Ellie as she takes her mother's pocket knife in her hands.
"Well, Carlos and the guys went back to the air base a few times to get a few things that the Fireflies left there. And they found it with other things in a box, in the cell room."
"Wow… I thought that I lost it… Joel, look!" She turns to look at Joel and shows him the knife.
"Wow, that's great… kiddo," he says with a smile. Then he looks at Wendy and Carlos. "So you guys went back to the base?... with all those infected in there?"
"Yeah… maybe you're thinking that it was a crazy idea. But they have a lot of food and ammo in there that we can use. So we went there a couple of times to get what we can save."
"But Joel told me that place was full of infected?... So what did you do with them?" asks Ellie, looking at Carlos now.
"There's still a lot of them there, but we managed to get in and out without killing them all. I'm not sure yet how to clean out that place from them. It's better for now to leave them there, so that way, no one goes inside the base and tries to use it again," says Carlos.
As the night goes by, they keep talking about other things. The talent show continues with some of the adults now singing some karaoke. And after the last pair finishes their song, Claudia moves up on the stage and grabs the microphone. As she is the one in charge of the talent show, she starts to thank all the people that participated.
"Okay, people, give a good round of applause to this talented couple." Some people there start to clap their hands, and after a moment, the woman continues. "Okay, thank you... now we have one last participant who asked to be added at the end of the show. After this last person does his song, the DJ will continue with the regular music." The woman moves away and talks to a young boy to ask him to bring a chair. The boy walks out and brings the chair, puts it behind the microphone stand, and goes away. Some people start to murmur, waiting for the person to show up.
"That is strange... I don't remember that there was going to be someone else after Elizabeth and Mario?" asks Tommy, looking at Maria, but she just smiles at him. "Do you know something I don't?"
Ellie starts to look around, and notices that Joel isn't there. "Hey, does anyone know where Joel went?" asks Ellie, looking at her friends at the table. But then some people start to whistle and talk toward the stage.
She sees Joel walking on there with the guitar that she was going to give him for his birthday, before he left Jackson. Ellie's mouth is wide open, not knowing why Joel is up there. Joel sits on the chair and puts the guitar on his lap. He starts to adjust the microphone before speaking.
"Hi, my name is Joel Miller… Tommy's brother. I know that some of you don't have any idea who I am. I don't blame you, as I ain't good with people… Anyway. Ellie and I have been living here for some time now. A lot of things have happened to this town in that time... some good and others bad. But we all are happy to have a good life here, and I want to thank Maria and my brother for that."
All the people there stand up and start to applaud and stand up. After a few minutes, they start to sit again.
"Okay, that was wonderful, now as this is a special day for Jackson, I want to dedicate this song to someone that is sitting here today with all of you. Someone that I care about and love so much… So, baby… this is for you." Joel starts to clear his throat and starts moving his fingers on the guitar strings. The sound of the guitar starts. The people go quiet, and Ellie is in shock, looking at Joel on the stage as he starts to sing.
I found a love, for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were
The someone waiting for me
Because we were just strangers
When we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up, this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine
Baby... I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When you said you look a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling
You look perfect tonight
(a solo guitar sound continues)
Ellie's still sitting at the table looking at Joel on the stage, without words. Tears start forming in her eyes as she continues listening to Joel singing for her, in front of all these people. Maria is looking at her, smiling, as she knew this was coming. But Tommy and the others have a very surprised expression on their faces.
(Joel starts to sing again)
I found a woman
Stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams
I hope that someday I'll share hers
I found a love
To carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
We were just friends, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
Baby… I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress,
Looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling you look perfect tonight
(Another solo guitar sound)
Some people start to whisper and cheer. But at Ellie's table, everyone is silent, looking at Ellie. She is smiling, but they can see the tears falling down her cheeks now. But they know that they are tears of happiness. They all look back to the stage as Joel starts to sing again.
Baby… I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot in the grass
Listening to our favorite song
I have fate faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel, in person
And she looks perfect
No, I don't deserve this
But you look perfect... tonight
He continues with the solo guitar for a few moments more, as some people start to whistle and applaud. Ellie moves up from the chair and goes up to the stage, almost running. As soon as Joel sees her up there, he stands up from the chair, putting the guitar on it, and moving toward her.
Ellie jumps at him and hugs him hard. Joel does the same. "I love you so much… thank you," she whispers in his ear.
"I love you too, baby… did you like it?" he says in a lower voice. They can still hear some people talking and applauding.
She moves a little away and looks him in the eyes. "Like!... I loved!... upps!... I think she loved it too… Here!" Ellie takes one of Joel's hands and puts it on her belly; it's still small, but it can be seen already.
As soon as he puts his hand there, Joel smiles as he feels the baby moving inside. "Wow… I think he-"
"She!" Ellie clarifies quickly.
"Ha... Okay, what you said?" Joel says, smiling at her.
"Joel!... I'm not kidding… it's a girl, and her name is going to be Anna… just like my mom."
"Okay!... well, I hope she approves of what's coming next," says Joel, smiling.
"What, you mean… there's more?" Ellie says with a surprised tone.
"Oh… yeah! and I think you're going to love this one, too." Joel moves away from her and puts one hand in his pants pocket. He takes out a little bag from it, and kneels in front of her. He takes out what's inside the bag and shows it to Ellie. "I know that I'm not the most romantic man in this world. And that a lot of people are going to be shocked about this… but I would be very happy if you'd give me the honor… and marry me?"
Ellie is speechless - and not just her. Some people at the tables have their mouths open. Including Tommy and some of the others at that table. Except Maria, who has a smile on her face.
Ellie looks at Joel with some tears in her eyes. "YES!... yes, yes… oh… Joel, of course I will marry you…" She extends her hand, and Joel grabs it and starts to put the ring on her finger.
"Don't ask where I got the ring," says Joel, smiling at her. They've loved each other for so long, that all this makes Ellie so happy. Ellie's dreamt of this so many times, but never expected him to do it, much less in front of all these people. Joel stands up with a smile on his face. Ellie grabs his face with her two hands and looks him deep in the eyes. "I love you, Joel… and thank you for making me the happiest woman tonight," she says with a smile as some tears start to fall again.
Joel puts his hand around Ellie. "I love you too, kiddo, and thank you for making me be a better man." Both of them smile at each other, then Ellie pulls him toward her and kisses him.
And they kiss… and the kiss go longer, just like it's going to be the last thing they will do in this world...
o
A/N : Okay guys this is the end of the story
But before I put the end in here I have a little
Something I want to add after you read all this
I just want to do something fun before this story is really over
So just think, that this is the credits part after a movie ends.
I want to thank you all the people that read this story
This part and the first one
I think that this one don't goes so well, as the first one do.
But some time sequel, not go better than the first one
I'm glad that some people did liked
So I thanks to all the people that read this crazy fic.
I also want to thanks to the ones that take a little time to review
and comments to the story includes all the guest too.
I know that, some time people don't like to left review
Or not have the time to do it
But believe me, that mean a lot for us
And it make us feel good to see how people like our stories
Or know that we can do better on the future.
So don't feel so shy and give a review to a story that you read
That mean a lot for the author.
I also want to thanks to all the people that follow and favor my stories
And I want to give a special thanks to a person
That not only encourage me to do this after I read her stories
And after that we become a good friend.
Also she is the one that is been helping me
With the grammar on the story as my language is not English.
So thank you Lumy12 for be there for me all the way and
Also for review in my stories, and make me go on when I feel to stop.
I want to give a thank to another person that after read
My first fic, loved and give me a review in almost all the chapter
Of this one so thank you Krycek39 for all the review and comment
Okay... I think this is taking to long. Just like the movies :D
So thanks again for read this and I hope to see
A Few of you in the next one… thanks you and I love you all.
Now let's go to the end. This is like a extra scene after the credits ends.
o
*In another place, a week after the attack on the Air base *
Somewhere in Nevada, inside of an old military base, a young man is walking through a corridor with a paper in his hand. He is walking toward a room where his boss is. But as soon as he gets there, two guards at the door stop him.
"Sorry, kid, but the General doesn't want to see anyone today," says one of the guards.
"You don't understand - we received a message from the group we sent out last week," says the young man, with an urgent voice.
"No! you're the one that doesn't understand. The general is still mourning his daughter's death. And also, he is not happy with what we lost in the last battle. So if you value your life, it's better if you go back to your post."
"Yeah, I know. I was there when he received the news. But he needs to hear this one… it's urgent," says the young man.
The two guards look at each other, then look at the young man. "Okay, but it's your funeral." One of the guards turns and knocks on the door. "Sir, the communication boy is here… he said that he received a new message from the outside group. And he thinks that it's urgent." After a minute of silence, a voice comes from inside, telling them to let the boy in.
After the guard opens the door, the young man steps inside and the guard closes the door behind him. He moves slowly toward the desk, where he can see the General looking at some pictures of his daughter.
As soon as the boy gets close, he puts the picture down and looks at him. "What is so urgent that you need to come here... What bad news do you bring me today, boy?" he says with a harsh and sad tone.
The boy swallows and moves closer. "I think you're going to like this one, sir," says the boy calmly.
"Unless this news is that you found the person who killed my daughter, or the asshole that was supposed to protect her, I'm not interested right now," says the general, putting his daughter's picture on top of his desk.
"But sir... our team reported that they found a helicopter crash on the way here. That looked like it was recently." He moves closer and passes the paper to him.
The general takes the paper from his hand and starts to read it. "A helicopter?... flying?... I haven't seen that in a long time… but even though that's rare, why would I be interested in it?" he says without looking at the boy.
"But they said that there was 4 men in there and that one of them is alive."
"Alive?... did he say something?... like who they were or how they found a helicopter?"
"Well, they said that the man was very injured. But before he lost consciousness, he said that he was an ex-Firefly doctor… and that he found the cure for the virus."
"Really?…" the man says with a disbelieving tone. "Those assholes have been looking for that for years. So you're telling me that this man found it?... Did he say his name?" asks the general, looking at the boy with an intense glare.
"He said that his name is... Owen."
The End…?
