Ellie sat quietly on the back seat with her legs swinging over the side, the car had ran out of gas and it looked like they were going to have to walk the rest of the way but Melanie assured them that it wasn't far now. She traced the bite mark that she had got so long ago delicately with her fingertips and gave a soft sigh.

Some cure she was.

It was hard to describe how she felt waking up in the back seat of the car and having Joel and Melanie tell her that it had been all for nothing, there had been others like her and the Fireflies had given up on a cure. Guilt, disappointment, anger and a deep sadness were some words to describe it, she supposed.

She knew that there was something that they weren't telling her, it was hard to believe that Marlene would just let her go without saying goodbye to her. Or that she didn't have time to get changed out of that stupid hospital gown into some clothes and these doubts niggled at her constantly.

Looking up at her guardians, she watched as Melanie and Joel discussed something and looked at their surroundings. When she thought back to how awkward they had first been with each other would have made her laugh before, now seeing them so comfortable in each other's presence was nice. It was clear to anyone that there still was a strong bond between them. It would have been hard to forget someone that meant so much to you.

Riley was my person.

Blinking back tears, Ellie shook her head and managed to compose herself as Joel turned around and looked at her, "Well, looks like we're walking kid," he said, walking towards the car and getting out his backpack.

"Should just be over that ridge," Melanie smiled coming to stand in front of her, her tone was casual but Ellie seen the concern in her eyes, "we'll be back in time for dinner."

"Alright."

Seeing them share a worried look, Ellie averted her eyes and followed them off the road and into a secluded wood area. There was only the sound of birds singing and the rustling of trees – no runners or bad guys waiting to jump out on them. The idea was strange after all those months of fighting for their lives. It would take a while to get used to living with others and being safe for the most part.

She looked up again and wondered what Joel and Melanie would be like at Tommy's. Would they get back together? Ellie remembered waking up in the house after the Fireflies and seeing them tightly holding each other in their sleep. She hoped this was the case. They seemed right together.

"Actually kinda pretty, ain't it?" Joel said loudly, tearing Ellie away from her thoughts.

Melanie nodded in agreement, "Just proves with a little sun, anywhere looks pretty," she joked and stood waiting while Joel put his boot on the barbed fence and pushed down to make a space for them to crawl through.

"What do you think Ellie?"

"Ah, the forced conversation. Their speciality these days" Ellie thought before she shrugged, "Yeah, I guess," she answered.

Melanie smiled sadly at her, "C'mon," she said indicating to the space Joel had made, "you go first."

Walking forward, Ellie bent down low and slowly stepped over the fence and began to move through it, "Alright, now watch your head going through," Joel muttered, pulling the other bit of fence up higher to help.

She made it through and nodded at Melanie, "Here, you next. I got it."

Melanie followed suit and she copied Joel's actions on the other side once she was through and they both held it up as he joined them. As he straightened up, Joel winced and rubbed his leg, "Oh… feelin' my age now," he murmured and Melanie arched an eyebrow in response.

"Feeling it as well as showing it, hmm?" she teased, laughing when Joel gave her a gentle push.

The old Ellie would have joined in the teasing but she couldn't… she was still mad at both of them for lying to her about the Fireflies. Keeping her eyes ahead, she almost didn't hear the next part of the conversation.

"This reminds me of the time we all went hiking on my birthday," Melanie said beside her, "I wasn't expecting a pair of hiking boots for my birthday."

Joel chuckled to himself, "Yeah, that was Sarah's idea, your face was a picture," he glanced sideways at Ellie, "Don't think I ever told you but Sarah and I used to take hikes like this, Melanie sometimes joined us."

"Was dragged along more like."

Smiling, Joel then grew a little serious as he watched Ellie's blank expression and looked ahead with a sad look in his eyes, "I think ah… I think the two of you would've been good friends. Think you really woulda liked her. I know she woulda liked you."

That comment meant a lot coming from Joel and Ellie couldn't help but feel a little surprised at him saying it. A reluctant smile crept onto her face as the two adults looked back at her, "I bet I would have," she said finally and Melanie and Joel looked relieved at her comment.

They climbed up some ledges, with Joel lending a helping hand, and walked along the ridge passing a large boulder. Ellie hung back with a question she desperately wanted answered threatening to come out when suddenly Joel let out a low whistle and stopped walking, "Wow, look down there."

"Home, sweet home," Melanie murmured and smiled as she looked down.

Ellie took in the view of what was now home and let out a small sigh: she could sleep easy tonight and eat proper food. Walking along the river, she could see Melanie eagerly taking the lead and seen the excitement on her face as she turned her head and looked at them over her shoulder, "Just a little bit further now!"

"Someone's really looking forward to that shower," Joel said sarcastically, and Melanie stuck out her tongue in reply.

Glancing back, Joel waited for her to catch up while Melanie hopped up on a log and pulled herself up to the next ledge, "Looking forward to a hot meal?" he asked her seriously.

"Who wouldn't be," she tried to keep her tone neutral but it came out all wrong and sounded like sarcastic, "who doesn't like food."

"Not anyone I know anyway," Joel answered, ignoring her tone completely and copying Mel's actions, who was waiting for them patiently, "I'll go up first."

As he pulled himself up, the log shifted and Ellie rolled her eyes: there was no way she was getting up herself now. Seeing this, Joel got on his knees and leaned over the side with his hand extended, "Shit. Here, I got you."

Almost hesitating at first, Ellie jumped and let Joel pull her up towards him. Melanie gave her a small smile as she stood up and wiped the dirt off of her hands on her jeans, "Ready to get moving?" she asked.

Ellie nervously wrung her hands together: she needed to get this off of her chest before they got to Tommy's, "Hey, wait," she said softly and the two adults stopped and looked at her curiously. Knowing she had their full attention, Ellie tried to think of how to start saying what she wanted to say but her mind went blank and she sighed frustratingly, turning on her heel slightly before deciding to just get to the point.

"Back in Boston… back when I was bitten, I wasn't alone," Ellie took a deep breath as memories of Riley came back to her, "my best friends was there. And she got bit too," the words hitched in her throat slightly and she seen Melanie's eyes soften at her words while Joel just frowned slightly, "we didn't know what to do. So… she says 'Let's just wait it out, y'know we can be all poetic and just lose our minds together'… I'm still waiting for my turn."

Joel folded his arms and let out a heavy sigh, "Ellie-"

"Her name was Riley and she was the first to die," Ellie interrupted him, giving him a pleading look to understand why she was feeling like this, "and then it was Tess. And then Sam."

Joel shook his head at her comment while Melanie remained quiet, "None of that is on you."

Feeling frustrated, Ellie closed her eyes, "No. You don't understand…"

"I struggled for a long time with survivin'," he said quietly, then indicated to Melanie as well, "we both did. It's hard but…" Joel stopped talking and Ellie seen him gently touch the long broken watch still on his wrist "no matter what, you keep finding something to fight for," Ellie turned away and she heard the sadness in Joel's voice, "now, I know that's not what you want to hear right now, but it's-"

"Swear to me!"

Both Melanie and Joel seemed surprised by her words as she looked at them sadly, "Swear to me that everything that you said about the Fireflies is true. Both of you."

"I swear," Joel's eyes were serious as he met hers and Ellie let out a shaky breath as her gaze turned to Melanie.

"I swear too…" she murmured, her tone sincere and eyes unblinking.

Ellie was quiet before several moments before nodding slowly, "Okay."

Despite the tense conversation with Ellie before they reached the compound, Melanie could barely keep her excitement contained as they walked through the gates to the compound. Earl and Esther were on watch and the older man happily welcomed them through before hugging Melanie tightly.

"We've all been worried about you girl," he said, looking her over and then glancing at Joel, "good thing you brought her back in one piece or Maria would've kicked your ass boy."

"I don't doubt it," Joel said, letting out a quick exhale of amusement while Ellie smiled at Earl's comment.

Esther came over and gave Joel a sultry smile, "Well, let me be the first to say how glad I am, Melanie here didn't get you harmed," she looked Joel over and Melanie felt a twinge of jealousy at the surprised yet flattered look on Joel's face, "I was hoping to see your face again."

"That's mighty kind of you to say," Joel said with an amused grin.

"Where's Maria and Tommy?" Melanie asked Earl, turning away from Joel and Esther and fighting the urge to slap Joel.

"Think they're outside the armoury. Search party just got back with some supplies."

Without waiting for Joel or Ellie, Melanie quickly hurried through the small town to the bunker where they kept their weapons. After spending nearly every day with Maria, she just realized now how much she actually missed her. She was like a sister to her and now with her and Tommy so close, Melanie wanted nothing more than to see them.

Coming to a stop, Melanie seen a tired and thin looking Maria counting guns and making a note on a piece of paper. Feeling emotional at the sight of her best friend, Melanie made herself walk towards her calmly and tap her on the shoulder.

Maria turned towards her and her eyes widened as they fell on Melanie's face. The two women looked at each other for several heartbeats while the people around them watched carefully for their leader's reaction.

"Told you I'd be back," Melanie said casually, a small smile on her face.

Even though she looked ready to hug her, Maria stayed still and sniffed "You look like shit," she muttered, her eyes flickering over her face.

"Right back atcha," Melanie snorted and shook her head, "some welcome home."

Maria's eyes softened and she took one step forward and hugged Melanie tightly, "I'm glad your home again," she whispered in her ear as the two women embraced each other warmly, "I really am."

Feeling like she was going to cry, Melanie gripped her harder and nodded, "I'm glad too."

Leaning back, Melanie noticed the tears in Maria's eyes and they both laughed as Joel and Ellie came to stand beside them. Putting one hand on her hip, Maria regarded Joel with an amused expression, "Guess I don't have to shoot you in the head now," she said jokingly but then grew serious and gave Joel a quick hug, "thanks for looking after her."

"More like she looked after me," Joel replied but nodded with grin, "but thanks for not reaching for your gun."

"Melanie? Joel?"

Hearing Tommy's voice behind them, Melanie grinned as he hugged her tightly and picked her up off of the ground, "Damn, it's been a long time," he muttered into her hair as he put her back down, "was starting to think you weren't ever coming back."

"I said I'd be back, didn't I?"

Tommy chuckled as he leaned back, "That you did, Arnie," his eyes then landed on his brother as they hugged each other, "good to see you too, big brother. You've aged even more than the last time I seen you."

"You've gotten a few grey hairs yourself," Joel chuckled.

"Welcome back, Ellie," Maria said smiling at the younger girl, "you doin' okay?"

Melanie watched as Ellie glanced between her and Joel before nodding with a tired smile, "Yeah… I'm okay."

Esther came over and gave Joel a big smile as she held up an unopened bottle of whiskey, "I thought you guys might want this," she said laughing a little, "can celebrate you coming back."

Melanie's eyes narrowed at her emphasis on the word 'you' and the pointed look she gave Joel and even worse, Joel didn't seem bothered at all and even gave her a smile. Really, she had no reason to be jealous, it wasn't like she and Joel were together but the very idea of that cleavage showing hussy with her hands all over Joel made her blood boil and she had to force herself to stay calm.

"Well, Esther sure has the right idea," Tommy said clapping his hands together, "you can tell us everything that's happened since you been gone."

"Yeah, I don't wanna miss out on that!"

Melanie rubbed her face tiredly, "How about Joel and Ellie fill you in," she said feigning a yawn, "I'm absolutely beat and could do with a shower and a nap."

"Sure thing 'hun," Maria said but gave her a suspicious look, "I'll drop by with some food," and by that Melanie knew she really meant 'come by and find out what's wrong with you'.

Joel however didn't seem happy with her answer, "You not coming along?" he asked and Melanie forced a smile.

"Nah, I've been looking forward to this shower for too long," she said trying to sound casual "you guys start without me, I'll be along later when I feel more human."

Esther laughed, "Yeah, no offense 'Mel but you really could use a shower."

Tommy had a maddening smirk on his face as he nodded at her, "Well, we'll all be in my place if you wanna join," he looked at Ellie and Joel "we'll need to figure out where you two are gonna stay."

"They can bunk in with me in the meantime," Esther suggested, "after Doug and Carla shacked up, there's only me in that big old house."

Feeling the urge to punch something, Melanie pushed all her feelings down and kept the fake smile on her face, "Well, I'll see you guys soon. Don't finish all that without me," she said pointing to the whiskey bottle before turning on her heel and heading to the small cabin which was hers.

As she walked away, Melanie felt her heart thudding in her chest with every step. She stayed behind the houses, not wanting to run into anyone just yet with the mood that she was in. No mood wasn't the right word. She had no reason for the jealousy and anger that she had felt.

She was back home, safe and alive. She should be happy about that…

Opening the door, she looked around the small cabin that had been home since she and Tommy had left the Fireflies. Smiling a little, she dropped her backpack on the sofa and went over to the sink and ran the cold water and washed her face. Feeling much better at such a small action, she went through to the bathroom and was so happy when her shower came on and the water slowly got hotter.

No more dipping in and out of a freezing cold bath.

Stripping off quickly, she got under the warm water and closed her eyes in bliss as it washed over her. It had been so long since she had had a hot shower and it was absolutely heaven. She stood for a minute just enjoying the sensation before she grabbed the shampoo and conditioner that she never thought she would use and began to wash her hair.

As Melanie massaged the shampoo into her hair, her thoughts reluctantly drifted to what the others were doing. Esther was no doubt flirting with Joel at every chance she got. Something that she couldn't be angry at, Joel was perfectly free to flirt with anyone he wanted. Just as she was.

But after everything they had been through, Melanie couldn't help but be hurt at the thought.

They had become closer since leaving all those months ago, that night in the house she had not wanted to move from his side. Falling asleep with him had felt so right but in the morning when she woke up to an empty bed, she had wondered if he had regretted it.

Maybe he just wanted to be friends, Melanie wondered, and if that was the case then she should be glad they were friends.

It would be hard but she would have to get used to it.

Rinsing the soap out of her hair, she cleaned every inch of her skin at least twice, taking care not to aggravate her side more and then stepped out of the shower and wrapped a big towel around her. Shivering slightly, she walked into the only bedroom and dried herself off quickly. Pulling on a pair of jeans and a thick jumper, Melanie felt exhausted and gladly fell into bed and laid on her back.

Closing her eyes, she decided in that moment that the ball was in Joel's court. If it seemed like he just wanted to be friends, then she would respect that and try not to let it bother her. But deep down, she knew she could try to convince herself for the rest of her life but there was no denying the truth.

She was in love with Joel… and being friends would never be enough for her.