I was thinking about doing random chapters of Ellie and Joel living in the Community in Jackson, I'm not sure how many chapters I will do but there will be random stories. There will be different events and holidays they may celebrate has a community, but be warned people who are sensitive... there maybe horror in some chapters.

I thought I'd begin where Ellie and Joel arrive at the Jackson Community, then we can venture through the years until the present day game. I finished the game now, it was a different. If anyone would like to discuss the game my dms are open.

I'm beginning the heartbreak parts now, I'm not going to cover everything in the game. I have ideas about flashbacks and Ellie's journey to find Abby, I'll even write about the farm. We'll see where these ideas go, maybe I'll try to give Ellie some kind of an happy ending.

-The Last Of Us is owned by Naughty Dog/ Sony Computer Entertainment

-Some of the parts of this fanfiction are in the game, other parts aren't in the game.

- Sorry for the late update, I've been busy - My laptop charger is broken, so I've got to type my fanfictions on my phone from now on until I replace it.

Snowflake Warning

-Ellie grew up in a world of monsters, TLOU isn't about butterflies and rainbows... it's horror.

-If you're playing the game I know, I know the story has thrown heartbreak at us. I'll give us some happy times.

-Sensitive material, Ellie likes girls... get over it!

Thank you for all the Faves, Alerts and Reviews.

Keep safe and enjoy!

Thank you for the faves, alerts and everyone who's ever read this fanfiction. This is where Ellie's story ends, I may write a new one someday since HBO is working on TLOU series. Until then it's goodbye for now.

Chapter 26!

Three Months Later

Ellie stopped at the hilltop over looking The Jackson Community, it had been over six months since she had last visited her once home. She had found Abby and the young boy, but it wasn't what she had been expecting to find. They were being held prisoner by a group called The Rattlers, they were cruel and hostile.

The Rattlers had set up camp in an oceanside mansion in Santa Barbara, California. Apparently they owned most of land around the city, they had weapons and outposts all over the place. When Ellie had first encountered them she had seen a man running for his life, he had shot himself in the head right in front of her. She soon learnt that The Rattlers were a slaver gang, they had traps set up across the city to catch the Infected and travellers. They forced people into slavery and used the Infected as guard dogs at their headquarters, they chained them up like animals which Ellie found quite inhumane. She hated the Infected, but it was kind of cruel.

Ellie had struggled to get through the oceanside mansion due to the gang members patrolling the building, she had gained an injury herself from her own encounter with The Rattlers. But that wasn't going stop her, she wanted revenge more than anything now. She had found herself in an imprisonment in the mansion's basement area, she had gained information from the prisoners about Abby and the young boy's location.

Ellie learnt that those who resist were sent to the pillars, they were strung up and left to die from exposure to the elements. They were tied to some wooden beams set out on the beach, this gang was beyond brutal when it came to punishing others. She released the prisoners and let them go their own way, they had their own revenge to gain on The Rattlers. They had basically started a war with them and set the mansion on fire, it was the distraction she needed to move forward unnoticed.

Looking at her two missing fingers on left hand Ellie sighed to herself, the revenge she had hoped for didn't work out like she had planned. She had changed her mind in the mists of a fight with Abby, it was her memories of Joel that stopped her from drowning Abby in the vest ocean. Joel hadn't always been the best of role models, he had killed many people without a second thought. He had killed Abby's Father to save Ellie, but it was the memories of him that had stopped her from taking Abby's life. She didn't want to kill Abby, it wasn't right. Abby had lost her Father, she didn't want to take Abby away from her young companion.

Ellie had let them go, she had watched Abby and Lev sail away onto the mist rolling over the ocean. She never wanted to see their faces ever again, she hoped that they could find a home far away from Jackson. But for now Ellie had her own family to face, she had no idea how Dina would react to seeing her again.

The Farm House had been emptied, her belongings had been left in her own little study. She had decided to leave everything she owned behind at the farm, she couldn't face the past anymore. She had left her once dream home and walked all day to get to The Jackson Community, now here she was standing on the hilltop. Walking forward Ellie followed the pathway through the field of corn on the outskirts of the community, the sun was high in the sky and she could see the watch towers in the distance. She wasn't looking forward to seeing Tommy, they had parted on bad terms. She wanted to see Dina and JJ again, but she had no idea how to approach them after the way she had left them.

The walls of The Jackson Community had been repaired more than once by the looks of it, she waved to one of the outpost guards and he soon signalled to one of the other guards to let her inside the community. She stopped in front of the community's gates, they soon opened them and she was greeted by someone she hadn't been expecting to see. Maria was standing with a patrol group, she made eye contact with Ellie before she excused herself from their company. Ellie walked forward, she felt nervous. She met Maria halfway and lowered her gaze for a moment, she hadn't seen her adoptive Aunt for over six months.

" Oh my, Ellie?" Maria asked.

" Hey Maria." Ellie replied.

" Ellie, is that really you?" Maria asked.

" Yeah, it's really me..." Ellie replied.

" You had us worried sick!" Maria said with a sigh while she took hold of Ellie's hands. " Don't ever runaway again, do you hear me?! Tommy as been beside himself with worry, he's been blaming himself ever since you left Dina!"

" Okay, I'm sorry..." Ellie said.

Maria's features softed, she beckon Ellie to come to her with open arms. Ellie soon embraced her adoptive Aunt, she couldn't help but sob in her shoulder. Maria told her she was safe now while she comforted her adoptive Niece, she mentioned that Tommy would be happy to see her again. She apologised to Maria about everything she had put her loved one through before she pulled herself away from their embrace, she had been blinded by revenge and hate.

" Don't worry, it's okay." Maria said, she cupped Ellie's face with her hands. " You look half starved, my god Ellie! Your hands are a mess, let's get you all cleaned up before we find Tommy."

" What about Dina?" Ellie asked.

" We'll talk about her later, let's get you taken care of first." Maria replied.

Maria rested her hand on Ellie's back while she guided her forward, she told her that she was more than welcome to stay with her for however long she wanted. Ellie thanked Maria, but she just wanted to go back to Joel's house and rest there for a few hours. She just wanted to snuggled up on the couch with Joel's favourite blanket, she needed to sleep before she faced the rest of her family.

The community hadn't changed much at all, it was the same old Jackson. The old buildings and the community's noises were comforting, the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery. The Tipsy Bison Bar was open as always, she could see people enjoying an afternoon tipple with their friends before they returned home to their families. She noticed her favourite old timer dog sitting on his blanket, there were children playing games in the street and the same old familiar faces of her fellow townsfolk smiled back at her.

Maria walked with Ellie all the way to Joel's house, she stopped her though when they reached the gate. She told Ellie that Tommy was still living in Joel's house, they were working through their marital problems but they were still living apart. Ellie was glad that they were working things out between them, she just wanted them to be happy after everything that had happened over the last year.

" Tommy is improving, but be patient with him." Maria said with a kind smile. " He'll be happy to see you again, he's regretted the conversation he last had with you at the farm house. Dina told me everything he said to you when she moved back here, he had no right to treat you that way."

" He was grieving, I don't blame him..." Ellie said before she opened the gate. " We both said things we didn't mean, we just need to talk things through."

" You'll be fine, I know things will get better." Maria said.

Ellie gave Maria a hug before she walked up the stone pathway, she took a few deep breath and made her way up the steps of the porch. She stopped in front of the door and knocked on it three times before she looked back at Maria, she was still standing by the white picket fence. She soon heard Tommy's voice coming from inside the house, he sounded flustered.

" I'm coming, hold on!"

The door creaked opened while Ellie grip tightened around her backpack's straps, she soon saw Tommy standing in the doorway. Tommy looked surprised to see Ellie standing on his doorstep, he immediately pulled her into a hug and held onto her tightly. He told her how sorry he was for putting so much pressure on her when they last spoke, he didn't want her to feel like she had to seek revenge on his behalf.

" I must be dreaming, is it really you?" Tommy asked.

" It's me, I'm so sorry Tommy..." Ellie replied.

" Don't ever leave like that again, do you hear me?!" Tommy asked.

" I won't, I think my travelling days are now over." Ellie replied while she held onto him tightly. " Abby, she's still..."

Tommy interrupted Ellie while he pulled her away from him, he told her that Abby didn't matter anymore. He went onto to tell her that he didn't want revenge, he had time to think about everything since Ellie had been away. Joel wouldn't want any of this, he wouldn't have wanted Ellie to remain safe and alive with her family in Jackson.

" None of it matters anymore, I'm just happy to see you again!" Tommy said.

" Likewise..." Ellie smiled.

Tommy looked Ellie up and down, he told her he was happy to see her in one piece. But he soon noticed her left hand, he told her he would tend to her hand and get her something to eat. Ellie told him that her wounds had already healed months ago, but he wasn't buying it. He waved to Maria before he guided her inside of the house, he told her she was welcome to stay with him permanently if she wanted.

A Few Days Later.

Ellie had time to recover and rest after she had return to The Jackson Community, she had spent the last few days with Tommy. They had spoken things through and cried together over everything that had happened to them over the last year, their family bond had now become stronger than ever. She loved Tommy dearly, he was the only link she had left to Joel.

Ellie had been sleeping on the couch, she felt comfortable in the living room. She felt closer to Joel in this room, his scent still linger on the blanket she used at night. She had been rewatching old movies Joel had enjoyed watching with her, they brought back many memories for Ellie. She told Tommy about the time they went to the community's theatre and Joel fell asleep halfway through The Sound Of Music. Joel had been snoring loudly which some people didn't find amusing, but Ellie had laughed hard over it.

Today Ellie was planning on visiting Joel's grave, she wanted to talk to him and tell him about everything she had been through. Tommy had offered to go with her, but she wanted to spend some alone with him. Tommy was understanding, he told her he'd be home when she returned. Maria had called around just before Ellie had left, she was going to make them some lunch and sort out their laundry. Maria had been checking up on Ellie everyday since she returned home, she really appreciated that her adoptive Aunt was always around to make her some mushrooms casserole. She had missed Maria's home cooked meals, she was happy to be back in Jackson.

Ellie closed the fence's gate behind her and hurried across the street, the cemetery wasn't that far away from her now home. The gate to the cemetery was open, she walked through the gateway and made her way down the pathway, the cemetery was well taken care of as always. She stopped for a moment and looked across the cemetery, she could see some fresh flowers on Jesses's grave. It had been sometime since Ellie had thought about her best friend, she missed him so much. She planned on visiting right after she had spoken to Joel, she had some seashells she wanted to place on his grave. She sighed to herself before she continued walking down the pathway, it wasn't long until she reached Joel's grave.

" Hey old man, it's been too long." Ellie said before sat down next to his graveside. " I miss you, Joel. God, I wish you were here! I've got so much to tell you, I don't know where to start."

Ellie took some seashells from her pocket and placed one of them on the gravestone, she told him that she had found the ocean while she was in Santa Barbara. She always wanted to visit the ocean with Joel, they had spoken about it many times when they went swimming at the lake beyond the Woodlands of the community.

" I found Abbey, I didn't..." Ellie said with a sigh, she paused for a moment. " I couldn't do it, she was only... her Father was the doctor at St Mary's Hospital. The one who wanted to find the cure for the infection, I let her go. She's gone now, she..."

Ellie rested her hand on the ground while a soft sob escaped her lips, she felt like she had let him down. Ellie knew she had done the right thing, but she was now left confused and lost. She still blamed herself for everything, if she had died at the hospital years ago then Joel would still be alive. She wiped her tears away with her shirt sleeve, she began to pull herself together but her attention was drawn elsewhere. She heard someone walking down the pathway, she was surprised to see Dina standing not far away from Joel's grave. Dina was holding a basket of flowers in her arms, but her voice soon broke the silence between them.

" I heard you had come back." Dina said.

" Dina, I didn't know you were going to be here." Ellie said before she got to her feet. " I'll leave if that's what you want..."

" It's fine, you can stay." Dina said. " Where are you staying in Jackson?"

" I'm staying at Joel's old house." Ellie replied, she tucked her hands in her jean pockets. " I've been spending some time with Tommy, he's mellowed out since the last time I had seen him."

" I know, he's apologised to me more than once over the last six months." Dina said before she took two step towards Ellie. " He's a changed man, I'm happy he's come to his senses now."

" Me too." Ellie said.

" So, how are you?" Dina asked.

" I've been better, how's JJ?" Ellie asked.

" He's great, the little terror is walking now." Dina replied with a slight smile. " He's into everything, he's keeping me and Robin on our toes. You should come and visit him, he'd love to see you again."

" I would love that, I've missed the little potato." Ellie said.

" We've both missed you, I'm not going to lie about it." Dina said with a sigh. " Listen Ellie, we need to talk."

" I know, I shouldn't have left you the way I did..." Ellie sighed.

" Let's not talk here, come with me." Dina said.

Dina told Ellie to come with her to lay some flowers on Jesse's grave, she wanted to speak with her in private. They walked together down the pathway and stepped onto the grassy area where Jesse was buried, it wasn't long until they were standing next to his graveside.

" Hey Jesse, you've got a visitor." Dina said.

Ellie knelt next to Jesse's grave, she rested her hand on his gravestone and placed the rest of the seashells on his grave. His grave was beautiful kept, it seemed like Robin had been making sure his memory was being preserved. There were little stone angels amongst some plants, there was even a handprint picture JJ had made for his Daddy in a plastic picture frame. Jesse was truly missed by everyone, he was a hero.

" Hey patrol buddy." Ellie said.

" Seashells?" Dina asked before she placed the basket of flowers on his grave. " Where did you get those from?'"

" From Santa Barbara." Ellie replied, she looked at Dina. " I found a pretty little cove there, you would have loved it. The ocean was so blue and the sand was warm beneath my feet, it was beautiful."

" It sounds exotic." Dina said.

" Santa Barbara wasn't exotic, it was nightmare." Ellie said.

Dina knelt next to Ellie and arranged the flowers in the basket, she told Ellie that Robin had grown these flowers for Jesse. Robin was good at gardening, she remembered Jesse telling her about the herbs she grew in one of the greenhouses. But after the idol chat soon came the serious conversation, they had a lot to discuss. Ellie was dreading it, she knew she had hurt Dina deeply.

" You broke my heart, Ellie..." Dina said.

" I know." Ellie said.

" How could you just get up and leave us like that?" Dina asked before she looked at her. " JJ misses you, he was so unsettled after we moved back to Jackson. You shouldn't have gone after Abby, it was selfish!"

" I know that now!" Ellie said with a sigh. " If I could turn back time I would have stayed with you, I regret going after her. God, I was stupid!"

" And did you kill her?" Dina asked.

" No, I let her go..." Ellie replied.

" So, it was all nothing then?!" Dina asked with a slight frown. " You left us for no reason, do you know how that makes me feel?!"

" I had my reasons at the time!" Ellie replied before she made direct eye contact with her. " She murdered Joel, my family. Do you know how that made me feel?! Tommy lost his Brother, I couldn't let Tommy go after Abby! He would have gotten himself killed, then Maria would have been mourning for her Husband!"

" Then what about me?!" Dina asked with a slight sob. " I would have been mourning for you! Do my feelings not count?!"

" Of course they do, I fucking love!" Ellie yelled.

Ellie lowered her gaze and wiped some tears away from her eyes, she had so much she wanted to tell Dina. She jumped slightly when she felt Dina's fingers wrap around her hand, she then asked her about her missing fingers. Ellie told her about the fight with Abby, she left none of the gruesome details out about how it happened. Dina was horrified to hear about how Abby had bitten two of her fingers off, she was even more saddened when Ellie told her she couldn't play her beloved guitar anymore. Dina moved in closer to her ex lover, she wrapped her arms around her and rested her forehead against Ellie's shoulder.

" I've messed up so much..." Ellie sobbed.

" I'll always love you." Dina said, her voice cracked with emotion. " You'll always be important to me and JJ, I don't think I'll ever get over what you did to us. But I fucking love you so much still!"

" I'll leave Jackson if that's what you want..." Ellie said.

" No, stay here..." Dina said before she cupped Ellie's face with her hands. " I don't want you to leave, there's people who need you here. Tommy and Maria love you, they're you're family. I'm your family, we wanted you to stay here with us!"

" But I hurt you..." Ellie said.

" We can try again, it won't always be this way." Dina said with a slight smile. " We can be friends or lovers, it doesn't matter anymore. Stay here, this is your home."

" I don't know, Dina..." Ellie said before she sniffled. " I've put you through so much, how can you forget what I've done? What if I let you down again?"

" Things are changing." Dina replied, she pulled Ellie into another hug and snuggled her face into her neck. " You've changed, let's see where this goes... I don't want you lose you again. Life is too short for regrets, I just need you around."

" I'm so sorry about everything." Ellie said.

Ellie wrapped her arms around Dina and held onto her tightly, she regretted everything she had done to her ex lover. She wanted things to work about between them, she wanted settle down and get her old life back again. It wouldn't be easy, but she had no idea where the future would take them now that she had returned to The Jackson Community.