A/N: Just something I had in my head and finally got down on paper. More chapters to come. Definitely a AU story. Last of Us owns all characters, all I own are my own thoughts.

She had liked girls for as long as she could remember. Their softness, the way their eyes could say all the things their words could not, even the way their laugh carried across a room drew her to them. I mean FUCK... she had always known what she wanted. So why was she so confused now? The first time it happened, she was 15 - Joel had been teaching her how to play the guitar, and even with her slow pace she could not deny how much she loved music. She had found herself a ways off from town, wandering towards a creek her and Joel would sometimes visit. The surrounding canyon provided great acoustics, and the cool running water felt awesome on her feet in the summer heat. Since Tommy's group had just come through for a sweep that morning, she knew it was clear of any infected. As she made her way down the towards the creek Joel's sad melody came into her head. Would he ever be happy again? If anyone deserved some happiness in this shitty world it was him. Just as Ellie was going to round the bend of the creek bank, she caught movement near the water's edge that caused her to skid to a halt. Perhaps there had been some stragglers that Tommy's group missed. Ellie crept forward slowly until the rocky edge of the creek was visible. But what filled her vision was even more unbelievable than the idea that Tommy had missed an infected. Joel was sitting chest deep in the creek, angled away from her. Had he made it back from the supply run early? She had not expected to see him for another day still. His back was bent slightly, and he was crouched as he rinsed out his hair. As he rose from the waist high water, Ellies eyes followed the path the water took over and around his scarred back and shoulders, curving around the hard muscles of his arms and joining the path of least resistance down the rippled V of his lower stomach. She felt an odd clinching in the pit of her stomach as she continued to stare at him wash himself. Only the soft crack of a nearby doe caused them both to freeze and finally release Ellie from her trance. Seizing the moment, Ellie turned on her heel and hurried away.

What in the dog's tit was wrong with her! Why had she stared at Joel like that? It was not like she hadn't seen him shirtless before, but somehow today it all felt so different. Lost in thought, Ellie didn't see the brown jacket and irritating mop of blond hair on a collision course with her until it was too late. As she fell hard, and her guitar spun away from her - her shout was more from alarm than the pain of her butt bouncing off a nearby tree stump. But it came out none the less.

Fuck MAN!

She all but spit out as she rubbed her sore bottom. Nates' original startled look melted into one of disgust as the teen looked down at Ellie laid out at his feet. He swelled up to his full 6ft before biting back.

You should watch where your skinny ass is walking Ellie - what are you out here sneaking up on some girl to finger bang?

he asked with a nasty smirk to his mouth.

Fuck off Fuck Face! Ellie said, reaching for her guitar. Any pussy I touch is one more than you ever have!

Ellie was looking down when she said this and didn't see Nate face turn beet red and fill with rage. Therefore, she was completely caught off guard and could only gasp out a small yelp when Nate kicked her guitar away, reached down, grabbed her by her jacket and slammed her against a nearby tree.

Hear this you rug munching ugly bitch. I am about sick of you talking like you know anything about being a guy. Maybe I should give you a reminder that you are a girl

he said as he gave a vicious twist to one of Ellies still developing breasts. She hated the fact that the pain made her whimper.

... fuck ... you ...

she got out between the pressure he was putting on her neck with his forearm

... That's interesting Ellie. Nate said smirking again, maybe I will... maybe you need someone to...

CLICK.

In a world as messed up as this - one sound everyone recognized, even the youngest ones, was the sound of the hammer of a gun being drawn back.

LET HER GO.

Ellie and Nate had been so focused on their interchange they had not noticed the figure materialize behind them. Joel's voice wasn't loud, and it wasn't emphasized. But if death could speak it could not have sounded more dangerous than those three words did. Nate face went sheet white as he sputtered and dropped his hold on Ellie. Ellie dropped to the ground coughing as Nate turned slowly with his hands in the air.

... Hey man ... she ran into me. I wasn't going to do anything I swear. Joel didn't respond but he didn't lower the gun either. Please ...Nate said- voice shaking. I swear I didn't mean anything by it.

Joel continued to stand stock still, knuckles gripping the gun so hard the tendons stuck out the only sign he was battling himself to stay calm.

Go.

Was all he said, not lowering the gun. That was all Nate needed to take off at a sprint back through the forest towards the town. Joel dropped to his knees next to Ellie pulling Ellie towards him, checking her neck and back for bruising.

Are you OK Ellie!

The calm he had held seconds before dissolved and she could feel his hands shaking as he held her to him gently. Ellie instinctively hugged him back - only opening her eyes when his breathing made his chest hair tickle her nose. It was then and only then that she realized that he was still shirtless, and as her eyes drifted down, she noted with a swallow - also pants less. He was still damp from his bath and her clothes clung to him in spots along his body. Her stomach did that little jump again and she could feel her nipples begin to pebble up where they rubbed against his chest. Oh God! She was pressed up against a very concerned and very naked Joel. And all she wanted was for him to lower his shaggy head towards her and snuggle her closer. She had to get away from him before he noticed her reaction.

Joel! What the hell man! Where are your clothes?

she said giving what she thought was a hard shove against his chest. He barely moved but did drop his arms from her to look down at himself. He looked confused for a minute, as if realizing for the first time that he wasn't wearing clothes. He had the decency to blush a little as he rubbed the back of his neck and mumbled.

I just heard you scream... all I had time to do was grab my gun.

Well, I'm fine! Clearly! Ellie said, scooting away quickly. Now go put on some clothes for fucksake!

Yea

He said slowly, standing up and turning away. Exposing Ellie to his long legs and perfectly muscled ass. But before he left, he said over his shoulder.

But you're sure you are OK... right?

Yes Joel!

Ellie said, trying to use anger to hide how flustered she was.

Just go cover up your ass please! Right

... OK-

Joel said, turning completely and making his way back through the brush to his clothing. Once he was out of sight Ellie collapsed on the ground as the breath escaped her. She stared up at the dusky blue sky, not unlike the deep blue of Joel's eyes. What the fuck is wrong with me! She thought as she covered her face with her hands.

Get your shit together!

Ellie whispered to herself before grabbing her guitar and quickly walking back towards town. The last thing she needed was Joel catching up with her before she made it back to her room to hide.