A/N: Don't ask me about the show, I am not ready to talk about it. Also, the song mentioned in the story is "Heart in Motion" by Boy Named Banjo. Currently have it on repeat and just wanted to include it in here. Its release does not align with the time the world ended in the game, but I am pretending that Sadie wrote it so let's all pretend and listen to the song to give credit where credit is due to the actual artist 😊 Finally, excuse any typos. I self-admittedly did not do a final proofread just so I could post this after working on it for so long.

OOOOO

The next week passed uneventfully. Joel settled into a routing scouting with Tommy while Ellie fell into a groove working with Sadie as she acclimated to the area. Sadie knew Ellie would not love the prospect of working in the confines of a restaurant, but the teenager did enjoy learning trades of the old world. She ended up spending mornings on half day scouting lessons and outings with some other teenagers and every other few days helped out Sadie at her eatery. She assisted with food prep, cleaning, organizing, and other simple tasks that Sadie needed some extra help with. Zach occasionally came around, but his daytime responsibilities remained at the infirmary developing a different set of skills.

Sadie also taught Ellie some basics of food prep while also sprinkling in advice on the ways to preserve certain items, how to get longevity out of meal preparation, and tossed in tales about the old-world recipes she knew. Ellie enjoyed the lessons, especially when she realized how much Sadie enjoyed giving them.

When Ellie arrived one day for her usual afternoon shift, she immediately noticed that Sadie's restaurant was not even open for business. She initially thought she mixed her days and hours up, especially considering her scattered mind as she met and adjusted to new people, but heard Sadie's familiar voice from behind.

"Ah, my favorite helper," she announced, carrying a couple of boxes. "Be a dear and get the door; we have prep to do for the town hall dance tomorrow."

Ellie wasted no time getting the door for Sadie, not missing her grip faltering on one of the boxes. She walked right by her straight for the kitchen.

"Dance?" Ellie questioned as she followed.

"Yeah remember? I told you that it was coming up."

"Oh, right,"

Ellie did vaguely remember Sadie mentioning how the town liked to have a swaray every other month or so if resources allowed for it. It served as a way to keep spirits high and lighten the solemn moods that could develop when infected or bandits made appearances. Living behind Jackson's walls made it easy to forget the evils beyond them, so when tragedy struck it struck hard. Thankfully disaster spared the area of lately, but due to a fruitful spring and overflow of resources Maria thought it would be a good idea to kick off the summer season old world Memorial Day style. She outsourced food prep to Sadie, meaning the restauranter made and prepped condiments, burger patties, baked goods, veggies, and turning some canned goods into better quality sides for about three days. Sadie did a lot of the prep in the morning and used the afternoon for setup at the town hall, but some things she needed to save for the day before.

The boxes Sadie carrier were full of rolls from the other pub that was fully equipped with a fully equipped commercial oven that was used for baking large batches of bread. She set them on a random table to transport later, as the town hall was still being used for some daycare activities that Sadie did not want to interrupt. Within a few minutes, Sadie and Ellie were making the last few things for the event and Sadie did her best to fill the silent air.

"One thing I always get asked to make for these town dances is this burger sauce from a fast-food chain from before," Sadie explained. "Who knew that something like Big Mac sauce would withstand the apocalypse?"

"Big Mac?" Ellie questioned as she followed Sadie's instructions to whisk together some ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Sadie laughed. "That's what they were called; the burger that is. Two patties between three buns complete with this sauce as the piece de resistance. I'll send some home with you for you and Joel if you like it."

Sadie picked up on Ellie's less than talkative nature and felt comfortable enough to pry just a bid to see if the young girl would share a piece of her troubled mind.

"Got something you want to get off your chest?" Sadie asked.

Ellie stopped whisking and turned to Sadie with a look of frustration, though not at her. A frustrated breath escaped her lips as she met Sadie's eyes.

"I am trying to fit in and get to know people, but I am uncomfortable." She explained.

Sadie leaned a hand on the counter as she thought up a response. "Well, meeting new people can be uncomfortable," she began

"No, not like that," Ellie cut her off as she extended her arms. "Because of my stupid bite I have to wear sleeves and I hate it. When I am out in the world scouting, I get it, but around town I see people getting to wear short sleeves and whatnot, but I can't. It just doesn't help in the comfort department."

Sadie saw the look of frustration in Ellie's eyes, knowing that the frustration did not stop with the need for long sleeves; she felt fearful that her bite may get exposed and lead to questions and conversations about her and Joel's travel before their arrival. It just made adjusting to the area more difficult.

"I have an idea, but it is going to hurt and you will need to trust me. Think you could handle a little pain and trusting me when I say it'll be okay?" she questioned.

"You are not going to cut my arm off are you?"

Sadie laughed. "No. I promise I will help you find a solution for that arm once we are done here. Until then, all I want to hear about is how you are most definitely the best teenage scouter we've had in years."

Ellie's face softened as the two of them returned to the tasks at hand that entailed finishing up condiments, packing up all the food that did not need refrigeration, and transporting trays and other serving tools to the town hall. By the time they wrapped up their to-do list, it was going almost five. When they returned to the restaurant, Sadie asked Ellie again is she trusted her.

"Of course." Ellie assured.

"Alright, that bite scar is never going to not look like a bite," Sadie explained as she began to search under the kitchen sink. "and we don't need you slicing up your arm and risking nerve and tissue damage or serious infection, so we are just going to mask the injury with slightly less damaging but still effective method."

Before Ellie could ask any questions, Sadie plopped a container on the counter labeled "Drain Cleaner". She figured it out quickly.

"A chemical burn?" she confirmed.

Sadie nodded. "This is homemade and extra strong shit since we used it to help get the pipes around here running properly again after years of non-use and buildup. When people ask, we tell them that the label was worn off, you unknowingly grabbed the wrong stuff to clean up, and it spilled on your arm. At first you thought it was harmless and then realized it was burning your skin and that is when I dump a shit ton of water on you in a panic and rush you to the infirmary so it all looks like one big accident."

Ellie took a deep breath mentally prepared for the pain she was about to endure before nodding.

"Let's do this." She said before taking a hold of her left sleeve and giving it a yank. The old material rippled easily. "So, it looks like I ripped the shirt trying to get the acid off somehow."

"Ooooh nice touch. This stuff I strong but will take at least 60 seconds to make enough damage to hide that bite." Sadie added as she filled a small bucket with water and Ellie walked over to the sink.

She prepared to hold her arm over the sink, already gritting her teeth and waiting for the pain. Sadie set the water aside and grabbed the drain cleaner, twisting the top off and looking at Ellie for the final okay. A curt nod was all she needed before the chemicals poured over Ellie's skin, the burning sensation spreading within just a few seconds and growing more intense with every passing second.

"FUCK!" Ellie yelled, going to pull her arm from over the sink but Sadie grabbed Ellie's wrist, chemicals getting on her hand as well.

"I'll hurt with you, but ride this out Ellie. 60 seconds of pain for no more bite mark." Sadie coached, her hand burning along with Ellie's arm.

She knew the chemicals would not cause nerve or tissue damage after only 60 seconds, especially with the quick subsequent intervention, so her right hand could handle it. The two squeezed their eyes and gritted their teeth, but remained strong over the sink covered in homemade Drain-O.

The seconds got longer with every passing one, Ellie's arm burning red and raw and Sadie's hand along with it. Sadie counted down the seconds, hoping to show Ellie it would be over soon and before Ellie knew it, a wave of cold water splashed over her arm and body. Sadie quickly ran the faucet, shoving her hand under the cool stream and both women felt immediate relief. Ellie could not help but fall to the ground as she looked at her arm, the bite already barely visible from the initial burn. With the way it would surely scar, Ellie knew she would no longer see the bite mark. It felt freeing.

"Okay," Sadie grunted as she turned the water off and clutched hand. "Let's go to the infirmary."

OOOOO

Joel ran from the stables the second that word arrived to him that Sadie rushed through town with Ellie to the infirmary. Upon bursting through the doors and a quick look around, he found both of them sitting together as Zach bandaged them up. Ellie's forearm holding the bite that changed her life forever was wrapped in gauze, making Joel panic. He rushed over, but saw Ellie looked the opposite of worried as she smiled with Sadie while Zach wrapped his guardian's hand.

"Hey Joel," Sadie greeted, putting on her best apologetic look as he approached. She planned to tell him the truth about the situation when it was just the two of them. "We were going to find you after. Bit of a cleaning accident at the restaurant. I promise to relabel all my harsher chemicals so this doesn't happen again. I am so sorry."

Joel looked to Ellie for further clarification who simply shrugged. "Spilled some drain cleaner on me not realizing what it was," she explained. "Thankfully Sadie grabbed and drenched me before it could get worse."

"You're okay, though?" Joel asked Ellie before looked at Sadie. "Both of you?"

"Other than some minimal scarring on the affected areas, they will both survive." Zach chimed in as he secured the final pin on Sadie's gauze.

Relief flooded Joel's system upon hearing that both girls were fine. He could tell by Sadie's look there was more the event, but for now he just wrapped an arm around Ellie as he felt himself able to breathe again.

OOOOO

The next night came with nerves and anticipation as Joel and Ellie stood in their respective rooms looking in the mirror. It was the first town social where a lot of people they did not know yet would gather. The duo met people in batches as they navigated their new roles in Jackson, but had yet to engage in a social interaction that would be filled with small talk, gossip, and getting to know each other talk

Joel trimmed up his beard and hair to a more presentable length and style to match his outfit of almost never worn pieces: a pair of dark blue Levi's and a black short sleeve shirt button-up to go with it. Tommy managed to locate a nice pair of black dress boots for him that reminded him of Texas a with the flare or stitching on them, but thankfully they were not too flashy. He fastened his watch around his wrist as always, thought the sting that often came with it no longer existed. He still missed and loved his daughter dearly, but after everything that transpired the last year, he finally found the ability to remember Sarah with only a twang of pain.

He made his way downstairs to the living room where he found Ellie awaiting him. She stayed with jeans like he did, but for a pair with minimal wear, and also traded in for a simple navy t-shirt. Her hair remained the same in a ponytail, only nowadays it appeared much softer and less tangled.

"Ready, kiddo?" Joel asked as he descended the final steps.

"As I'll ever be I guess."

"Just blink twice if you need me to get us out of there."

Ellie laughed, but felt comforted by the fact that Joel continued to look out for her in their new kinds of unfamiliar territory.

When Joel and Ellie approached, the sounds coming from inside made Joel feel excited for the first time in a long time. It made him think of the bars and parties back in Texas before the outbreak, but after a second, he recognized the voice behind the lyrics floating through the air. He made quick work of opening the door to see Sadie on stage with a microphone, all the string lights illuminating her presence on stage personally.

Cause your smile's about as wide as Texas

And your picture on my dash keeps me moving so fast

El Paso up to Memphis

I used to carry this load all alone

And never get to where I was goin'

'Til your love put this heavy

Heart in motion

Joel stood shell shocked as he watched Sadie on stage, singing her song and looking like a country music star while doing it. She dawned a pair of brown boots perfect for dancing and a long-sleeved blue flare dress that went to her knees with bell sleeves. Her hair was in a messy bun, a few untamable strands framing her face. She seemed to sing and sway in her own world on stage before her eyes fell on Joel, earning him a smile for the songstress.

No motel 6 or super 8s

It's 85 'til morning breaks

Straight through the night

Wide awake

You're on my mind the whole damn way

Sadie kept singing and worked the stage like she spent her whole life on it before he saw Ellie in his peripheral vision join Tommy and Maria at a table after navigating the crowd of people. He followed, his ears never abandoning attention to Sadie's voice. When he sat, he did not hear Tommy ask him how he was or what he thought about the party, as his whole attention remained on Sadie. Maria chuckled as she nudged Tommy.

"Might need to wait for after Sadie's song." She commented as she realized how infatuated Joel became.

Tommy smiled as he looked at his older brother, seeing yet another part of the hardened survivor soften, only this time in the sake of what could be romance. Sarah's mom was a short-lived flame, and after she left him he focused on being a Dad with few dates to prove he still tried at a dating life. Into the early years of the apocalypse, Tommy always assumed he and Tess developed into something but Joel never talked about things like that and the younger Miller never dared to ask. However, he could not hide the eyes he seemed to develop for the Sadie as she sang.

"Back in the Fireflies she used to sing when things were bad. When we were in the dark, she made light by singing. She managed to bring everyone's spirits up." Tommy mentioned. "She grew up with a musical mother, and she carried that with her long after the world ended."

Joel could only smile, hanging onto every word she sang. Ellie did not miss his infatuation either, and also smiled at the sight as she witness Joel finally begin top open his heart a little bit more.

When Sadie's song finally ended, a round of applause followed as she made her way through the crowd to the Miller table. Joel stood as she approached, her smile lighting up his world even more than her voice did.

"There you guys are!" she greeted happily, her heart swooning when she saw Joel.

She took advantage of the moment and went for a friendly hug, butterflies fluttering in her stomach as she felt his arms encircle her. The hug only lasted a moment, but the three other watching on did not miss it or take it as nothing. They all knew what was happening and only wondered whether Joel and Sadie noticed it, too.

Joel pulled out a chair for her which she happily took a seat in, saying a hello to Ellie as she did. Feeling nervous for a split second and wanting to gather himself, Joel offered to get Sadie a drink.

"Thirsty?" he asked.

Sadie offered a smile and nodded. "Absolutely. I will take a whiskey and diet if you're offering there, Lumberjack."

Joel chuckled at her nickname for him and got up from the table to head to the drink station. Once out of earshot, Tommy gave Sadie a look that she immediately picked up on.

"What is that for?" she questioned.

"Oh, you know." He responded quickly.

All Sadie could do was blush and disregard the smiles from Maria, Ellie, and Tommy as she noticed Zach take the stage. Her heart swelled as her full attention turned to her son, guitar in hand.

"Zach plays?" Ellie asked quizzically.

Sadie nodded proudly, watching as Zach tuned his guitar a final time before approaching the microphone as he strummed the strings to the song that took couples to the dance floor.

Oh, my darling, oh my darling

Oh, my darling, Clementine

You are lost and gone forever

Dreadful sorrow, Clementine

Without trying, Sadie's face broke out in a grin as Zach sang. He seemed most himself in these moments despite many pairs of eyes on him. She relished in his smooth voice and effortless playing, knowing that if the he lived in the world before he would be a musician. Joel stood equally impressed when he saw Zach began, enjoying the familiar song.

In a cavern, in a canyon

Excavating for a mine

Dwelt a miner forty-niner

And his daughter, Clementine

Quickly remembering that the song's length ended at around two minutes, Joel made quick work of heading back to his shared table and setting he and Sadie's drinks down. Before anyone could inquire about his rushed movements, he extended a hand to Sadie.

"Care to join me for a dance?" he offered, earning a blush from her.

Sadie wordlessly accepted, taking his hand and allowing him to twirl her to the dance floor. Between Sadie's life of music and dancing before the end of the world as well as her time in Jackson and Joel's Texan lifestyle teaching him basic steps at Texas bars and line dances, the two easily followed one another's movements. Joel led her around the dance floor, two stepping with her to the rhythm as she smiled, laughed, and effortlessly followed his lead.

His hands fit in hers almost too perfectly and she savored every touch and graze she felt as they danced, and took advantage of every opportunity to keep her hands him. She could feel his muscles under his shirt, gripping onto them gently when the dance allowed for it. Joel enjoyed every second just as much, holding her tight to his frame when they spun to step the same direction and eagerly pulled her close to him again when they danced at arm's length. The free strands of hair framed her face perfectly and playfully sprung in the air every time her head moved. Their two-minute dance would be the best two minutes either of them had in a long time.

Tommy watched joyfully from his seat at the two, his heart filling for both his brother and friend. He could not remember the last time Sadie put herself out there for someone like this, always thinking of Zach and their life first and foremost. As for Joel, Tommy did not think he would take the shining to anyone the way he seemingly had for Sadie, but he enjoyed the sight of his brother so carefree. Joel seemed to finally allow himself to drop his guard in the presence of familiar and genuine friendly faces. Ellie watched enthusiastically as well, warming at the sight of Joel no longer allowing the world to weigh him down with unhappiness.

You are lost and gone forever

Dreadful sorrow, Clementine

Joel dipped Sadie on the last lyrics, earning a joyous laugh from her as he brought her back up and made sure she was steady on her feet before releasing her. The second Joel's hands were off of her, she wished he would put them right back and he wished the same thing. As the both took a moment to catch their breath, they exchanged smiles with one another. Sadie turned her face to the stage where Zach stood, offering her a "good for you" smile, happy to see her doing more than helping pass out plates of food for once at one of these gatherings as he prepared the next song to keep her dancing. Before either Sadie and Joel could ask the other for a second dance, a familiar voice piped up.

"Hi," the woman's voice sounded.

The duo turned their attention to it, finding Esther before them offering a soft smile. It took Joel a second to place her, their encounter not lasting very long his first day arriving in Jackson. Her black hair was pulled back and she dawned a maxi length black skirt and simple red blouse for the occasion. She either just arrived or did not join others on the dance floor yet, as her face did not appear flushed nor her hair rustled from extra movement.

"Hey yourself" Sadie greeted with a smile.

"Mind if I cut in and ask Joel for a dance?" Esther asked, looking at Joel for approval.

Sadie's smile faltered just a bit and looked at Joel who appeared like a deer in headlights. She did not know, but he desperately wanted to dance with her again. Hell, he wanted to dance with her all night if their feet allowed for it, but neither of them wanted to be impolite in that moment.

"Not at all," Sadie finally said. "Maybe I'll see about getting Ellie or Tommy out here with me."

Joel hesitated for a moment as Sadie offered a smile to the two before turning and walking off. He shifted his demeanor as he refocused on Esther, doing the gentleman thing and offering a hand to her as the music began to play again. The second Esther's hand slipped into his, it immediately felt ill-fitted.

Sadie did not miss the confused faces of those at her table as she approached, but she chose to ignore them and avoid any questions by asking Ellie if she wanted to learn to two step. She heard the familiar song of "Callin' Baton Rouge" play; another one of Zach's favorite old school country songs.

"Two step?" Ellie questioned.

"Let's go, kiddo." Sadie told her, jerking her head to the side.

Ellie thought it best to not argue and followed Sadie to the dance floor and allowed her to teach her some dance steps to christen her first town hall dance. While Sadie did teach the girl, she made quick work of spinning the fifteen-year-old around a few times. She never knew why but it always made people feel slightly more at east and enjoy dancing more when someone led them with a spin. Sure enough, Ellie laughed and continued to follow Sadie's steps and instructions and before long, they were dancing all around the floor together.

Joel remained with Esther on the floor, but the second he saw Sadie take to the floor with Esther his attention refocused on the two. He watched as Sadie seemingly explained the dance moves to Ellie, the two doing the first few steps before Sadie threw Ellie into some carefree spins. Joel could not remember the last time he felt as happy as he did than when Ellie let out a boisterous laugh. He knew he would not see her blink twice for him tonight.