AN: Just a heads up, there's gonna be some homophobic bigots but itz ok, Ellie gonna show 'em a thing or two.

Violence is okay…

Ellie woke up in this toasty bundle.

Despite the changing seasons and increasingly cold weather, it was surprisingly comfortable as if she had been buried alive in a mountain of warmth. She hadn't opened her eyes but she instinctively knew that she was sandwiched between her fiancé and blanket. She was still very much naked and vulnerable but so was Dina from what she could tell from their tight hug.

Every breath she took was filled with Dina's musky scent. Her body may have been tired and heavy but she felt protected and safe. She refused to tear herself away from Dina's embrace. She could feel her steady heart beating against her chest and that helped calm down her own heartbeat. She wasn't sure how long she was content in her position until Dina's breath hitched a little.

Shortly after, Dina shifted slightly before running her hands up and down Ellie's body. She sighed before planting a kiss on her temple. She then rubbed her body possessively before kissing her again. Ellie pretended to be asleep because she didn't want this to end. Eventually, Dina ran her hands down Ellie's back before landing on her ass. She then gently ran her fingers down her crack before touching her dildo, confirming that it was still somewhat buried inside her pussy. That made her sigh as she kissed her again before carefully shifting her hips down to slip out her cock.

That made a dissatisfied grunt leave Ellie's lips and Dina immediately froze. She then kissed her gingerly again before rubbing her hips affectionately with her thumbs. Shortly after she began retracting her cock again and Ellie could feel every centimeter of it slip out. When she finally pulled out entirely, there was a wet pop before Dina relaxed and let her shaft slide right back up between her ass cheeks. Ellie could feel a wet trail drip out of her lower region but ignored it as she snuggled into Dina like a clingy child. Thankfully, Dina didn't say anything despite knowing that she was awake and just held Ellie closely as she peppered a few kisses on her face.

After a second, Dina sighed before shifting uncomfortably. She then rolled her head back into the pillow before softly speaking. "Ellie, babe." Her fiancé only grumbled a bit before humming into her chest. "Sorry but this harness is starting to seriously get uncomfortable, you mind if I take it off?"

An eyebrow twitched and Ellie took in a deep breath before sighing. She then begrudgingly pulled herself away from Dina's embrace. "Sorry, I just uh…" She turned away the second she made eye contact with Dina. She felt somewhat ashamed and embarrassed about her vulnerability.

Dina noticed that before smiling softly and cupping her cheek. "You don't have to apologize for anything." She then leaned in to press a chaste kiss on her lips. "I'm more than happy to spoil you."

That didn't help Ellie's increasing blush.

"I uh…" She cleared her throat before picking at her fingers. After a second, she looked at the doorway before pointing her thumb that way. "I'm a…. going to hop in the shower."

"Okay," Dina innocently responded with a slight shrug before reaching down to unbuckle her harness. She then watched Ellie closely as she got up and sauntered over to the bathroom, looking all sexy and naked. She smiled before shaking her head again and slipping off the harness. "You forgot your clothes El."

"Fuck."

Chuckling at that, Dina let the harness drop to the floor before getting out of bed. "I got it, go ahead and shower. I'll leave it on the side for you."

Ellie mumbled something that Dina couldn't hear before she spoke up. "Thank you."

Left with a lingering smile, Dina walked over to their dresser before grabbing Ellie a change of clothes. Once she had everything in hand, she promptly walked over and set it on the side for her fiancé. She then spared Ellie a glance, observing her shower past the glass doors, watching the droplets of water drip down her arms, back, and legs. She licked her lips before heading back into their room. She then started cleaning up the mess in their bedroom before grabbing a change of clothes for herself. Then, with perfect timing, just as she rounded the room, she ran into a freshly showered Ellie.

"Babe!" Ellie squeaked as her eyes shot open before wandering all over the place. "You're still naked?"

Dina's mouth immediately curled into a grin as she laughed. "What? I was going to shower after you."

Scoffing lightly, Ellie quickly eyed Dina up and down before looking away. "Still." She swallowed and quickly glanced at her fiancé again. "It's good practice in case we get surprise visitors."

Rolling her eyes playfully at that, Dina started making her way over to the bathroom and once she walked past Ellie, she stopped and patted her ass softly. "Yeah. Right." She then gave Ellie one last tap on the ass before heading toward the bathroom. "You know, you can just admit my naked bod is too blinding for you in the mornings."

"Oh, shut up."

All Ellie heard was Dina's cute laugh.

By the time Dina was freshly showered, she went downstairs to see Ellie cooking up some breakfast. Her lips immediately curled before she teased her. "Oh no, you're cooking? Try not to burn down the kitchen now."

"Hey! I can cook eggs and toast without burning things."

Dina smiled before walking up behind her, pulling her into a hug, and kissing her neck. "Sure you can. Want some help?"

Ellie messily flipped the egg in the pan before shrugging dismissively. "Set the table for me?"

"Sure." Dina pressed another soft kiss on her neck before turning away and pulling out some cutlery and plates. Once they were ready, she shook her head, fluffing out her wet hair, before pulling it over to one side. She then walked back to Ellie's side before grabbing onto her hips and rubbing her hip bone with her thumb. "How are you feeling?"

"Good."

Dina blinked at her short response before eyeing her carefully. She ended up kissing her cheek and pulled away, not pressing her further which Ellie appreciated deeply. She then grabbed some drinks from the fridge and poured some before finally changing the topic.

"You know… it's still early but we should start thinking about supplies for the winter. You know, like extra medicine, baby supplies, growing extra veggies and pickling them and whatnot. It'll be our first winter out here and I want to be prepared since we'll be isolated from Jackson."

Ellie was glad that one of them was thinking about their future well-being. She was too caught up in the moment to worry about anything else. "Yeah. Sounds good. We should… make a list." She finally took the pan off the heat and began serving their food.

"I'll make one after we eat then, let me know if you need or want something."

"Mmh…" Ellie scooped out the rest of the eggs before setting the pan back on the stove. "I think I'm probably good, maybe we can chill at the bookstore for a hot second though? I wanna get some new books and check out some comics."

Her fiancé smiled warmly at that. "Oh fuck yeah! We should stock up before we get too swapped by our chores. I doubt we'll be able to read them in one sitting anyway so why not right?"

"Awesome, I'll prep Shimmer after we eat then." She finished their ensemble with a nicely toasted piece of bread.

Dina finally took a seat before smiling at their spread. "Looks good."

"Thanks," Ellie took a seat before taking a sip of the juice Dina had poured for her. "We should get some cereal."

"What kind?" Dina asked as she started digging in.

"Mmh…" Ellie ate a few mouthfuls before mumbling her response. "Peanut Butter Crunch."

Her fiancé smiled sweetly at her choice. "I should've known."

"And Cocoa Pebbles is a must."

"Allllll sugar El." She teased with a bright grin, "I hope you're not planning on feeding all that to our baby in the future."

Ellie cracked a smile at that. "What? I don't want boring cereal babe and besides, I know for a fact you enjoy my sugary cereal too…" She paused for a second before cheekily adding, "Cause you're sweet." She then threw her a playful wink.

Rolling her eyes, Dina continued to eat her breakfast with a smile. "As long as we sneak in a box of Honey Bunches of Oats, with almonds, of course."

"I wasn't protesting."

"Good."

They stared at each other with a somewhat playful yet silly look before eating the rest of their breakfast. Once they were done eating, they managed to do the dishes in a somewhat orderly fashion… minus the wet mess they had to clean up on the counters of course. After that, Ellie went outside to their barn and got Shimmer ready for the ride. As she did that, Dina wrote down a list of what they planned to buy, and soon after, the two of them made their way back to town. As soon as they were within distance of the gate's watchmen, they called out to them.

"Hey, welcome back Ellie, Dina."

Dina was the first to turn and respond. "Hey Andy, anything exciting lately?"

He just shrugged. "Nope, as boring and peaceful as usual."

"That's a reward in itself!" Dina chipped back before waving him off. "See you when we're off then."

That made him groan loudly. "Oh hell naw, I better be gone by the time you gals leave."

Dina laughed at that. "Bye, Andy!"

Ellie clicked her tongue and Shimmer continued to trot through the gates. They quickly went over to the stable, leaving Shimmer there, before depositing their hunting rifle in the gun deposit lockers. Once they were out, they started making their way toward downtown.

"Wanna go grab JJ first?" Dina asked as she spared Ellie a glance.

Her fiancé just smiled. "As much as I miss our little munchkin, I don't think we'll get much shopping done if he's distracting us with his cuteness. At least it'll be like, ten times slower."

Chuckling at that, Dina folded. "Fair."

"How about this," Ellie took in a quiet breath as she gently placed her hands on Dina's hips with a smile. "You pick up JJ from Robin's while I do some quick shopping."

Grinning softly, Dina wrapped her arms around Ellie's shoulders. "What happened to our book browsing?"

"Right, how about I… surprise you?"

"Oh, surprise me?" Dina pulled Ellie closer into her body seductively before playfully whispering into her ear. "You think you can surprise me?"

That sent shivers down Ellie's spine and she shook it off before nuzzling back into Dina. "Yeah, I know I can."

Humming in curiosity, Dina pulled back. "Okay, deal." She pulled herself away from Ellie before kissing her cheek. "I'll see you… by the cafe then?"

"Sure."

"Don't get sidetracked now babe," Dina pulled out the list from her pocket and handed it to her. "Here, just get like two of each for now I guess. We'll ask Joel or Talia if they can help us deliver the heavy stuff later."

"Alright, take your time though, I gotta find the best book for you." Ellie smiled before giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

Dina rolled her eyes playfully at that. "Alright, maybe I'll swing by the crafts shop before I head over then. Kill some time and whatnot."

Ellie smiled softly. "No one's stopping you."

"Yeah yeah," Dina finally pushed Ellie away. "Hurry and do our shopping babe, we want to leave Jackson at a somewhat reasonable time."

"Okay okay, I'm going geez. I'll be quick so we can go back to living our gay farm life." Dina snorted at that comment and Ellie gave her one last wink before walking off. "Try to stay out of trouble now."

"Hey! That's my line!"

"Sure it is!" Ellie shot back as she kept her back turned while waving back. "Sure it is."

Dina rolled her eyes before making her way to Robin's house. By the time she made it to Robin's door, she was welcomed with warm arms. Some small talk was made and they gushed about JJ but once her baby saw her, he squealed in excitement until Dina picked him up from a booster seat.

"Hi baby~" Dina cooed before pressing kisses all over his face. "Did you miss your mama?"

JJ responded with some happy babbles before Dina raised him high in the sky and blew a raspberry onto his tummy.

"Are you ready to go home?" She cooed in a light voice before bouncing him around. "You wanna see Mommy?"

He giggled and laughed again before Dina smiled at Robin and Jack.

"Thanks for taking care of him."

"Of course Dina, we're happy to watch him whenever you need a break!" Robin pitched with a delighted voice. "Right, darling?" Jack just nodded with an enthusiastic nod.

Dina smiled kindly before nodding toward the door. "I should head out before Ellie gets sidetracked."

"Of course sweetie, until next time. Don't be shy, you're always welcome here."

She gave them one last smile before stepping out the door. "I won't." The moment she was outside with JJ in her arms, he suddenly grew more restless for some reason. He started swinging his arms around, slapping Dina's chest left and right. That only made Dina laugh before cooing at him. "Okay, you're either super happy to see me or you're looking forward to seeing your mommy."

He just babbled some more with this beaming smile.

"It's okay JJ, you can tell me the truth." Dina calmly said with a wink. "I won't tell mommy."

JJ babbled some more before grabbing a hold of Dina's collar.

"Yeah?" She chuckled before pressing a kiss on the back of his head. "Don't worry, my lips are sealed."

As the mother and son duo made their way toward the shopping district, Dina walked slowly to kill time. Of course, along the way, a lot of the locals recognized her and called out to her. She ended up waving and greeting familiar faces and when they complimented her baby boy, she naturally gushed about JJ. He was cute. She knew that and that only made her more swoon and proud to be his mother. She only wished that Ellie was around to hear people gush about him… except for the not-so-nice comments of course.

"Hey Dina! Have you found a new man yet?"

Dina stopped in place out of shock. She couldn't believe her ears, there was no way someone was suggesting she would be searching for a new man. She hardly turned her head before recognizing who called out to her. Derek. Ah yes, a punk ass teen who was her age that somehow made Seth look like a saint. Her face flattened out before she practically scowled.

"What do you want Derek?"

He had this cocky ass smirk on his face as he crossed his arms before leaning against the wall. "Not much, I was just wondering if you still got good company out there."

Her jaw tightened before she rolled her eyes. "I do actually but I don't think that's any of your business now is it?"

"Tsk tsk tsk…" Derek chuckled before kicking off the wall and began making his way toward Dina before stopping an arm's length away. "I ain't tryin' to be nosy sweetheart." He then jerked his hand up and down in a phallic way before grabbing onto his belt and yanking his jeans upward. "Just worried you were lonely, that's all."

Groaning to herself, Dina rolled her eyes again before covering JJ's ears. She then turned her back away before waving off at him once. "Bye~"

"Aw c'mon Dina!" He quickly kicked off the wall before chasing after her. "I know you must be lonely out there. I'm pretty sure that Outsider isn't the most… exciting company." He taunted with a boasting voice.

Letting out a sigh, Dina rolled her eyes again before gently bobbing JJ up and down. She refused to fancy or acknowledge his stupid fantasy. When Jesse was alive, they didn't bother her much since he'd shut them up and put them in their place. They didn't bother her after his death either but it seemed like enough time passed to give them ridiculous ideas. For better or for worse, horny teenage boys always wanted to get in her pants after all. That's when another guy spoke up and insulted her.

"Good luck raising him to be a good man! He's bound to end up a pussy!"

That made Dina stop in her tracks. She took a deep breath but it wasn't worth it. She wasn't going to put her son at risk just to defend her silly pride but even so, their mocking hackles and laughs made her jaw clench. Her face hardened but she wasn't about to break and cry. They weren't worth it. She had been through worse so they were hardly enough to break her. However, just as she was about to continue her walk of shame, a loud and angry voice shouted in the distance. Her heart immediately skipped a beat.

"HEY! What the fuck did you just say to Dina?"

It was Ellie.

Dina never turned around so fast in her life. "Ellie! Wait, don't—"

In the blink of an eye, Ellie was standing in front of those assholes. Derek just laughed before shaking his head with that stupid smug look of his. "Ahh and there she is. The other fucking dyke. You need a man to raise that boy. He's just gonna end up as some faggot chasing after his mums' tits!"

Ellie immediately grabbed the collar of his shirt before yanking him in close. "What did you just say?"

He only smirked before laughing in her face. "You heard me. That faggot son of yours needs a man to raise 'em!"

Before she could react, the next thing Dina knew, Ellie kicked the side of his knee, getting him to yell in pain before dropping him to the floor.

"Don't fucking speak let alone mention my family with that dirty mouth of yours." She coldly spat at his face before threatening, "Everyone fucking knows what happened to us so don't fucking try me." She then went down and yanked him by his collar before holding him there like a predator about to kill its prey.

A tense moment hung as if Ellie was contemplating what to do but she eventually released him, shoving back on the ground before shooting his friends a cold glare and snarling at them.

"The same goes for you fuckers too. If I ever hear any of you talking or touching a single hair on my girl or son, I'll make you regret you were ever born."

Something was chilling about Ellie's voice. It sent shivers down Dina's spine and she had never heard Ellie sound like this before in her life. She hardly recognized her which scared her more than the situation itself because deep down, she knew that Ellie would harm them if needed.

Ellie finally pulled away from Derek before standing up. She glared at his friends with another cold look before running her thumb across her neck. "You fuck with my girl again. Something. Will. Break."

At that last statement, Ellie turned around before quickly walking to Dina's side and grabbing her hand. She then pulled them away and once they were at a safe distance, she paused in place before pulling Dina around to face her.

"Hey, you okay babe?" She asked in an endearing voice before cupping her cheek. "They didn't hurt you did they?" She then kissed JJ's forehead, getting him to giggle innocently as if his mommy didn't just threaten to break someone's bones. "Dina?"

Dina blinked repeatedly before looking into Ellie's eyes. "Sorry, yeah, I'm good. I was just lost in my thoughts."

Ellie sighed in relief before rubbing her arm. "I leave you for two seconds and shit hits the fan."

That comment made Dina roll her eyes. "I had it handled."

She just snorted. "Sure you did."

"I did." Dina insisted again before lightly slapping her shoulder. She then eyed Ellie cautiously before starting, "But you know… that was actually kind of hot."

Ellie cocked an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah, I mean c'mon…" She wrapped her free arm around Ellie's shoulder. "He's like what? A foot taller than you yet he looked like he was about to shit himself."

A smile cracked on her face. "You know I'd fucked someone up for you."

"I do…" She kissed her lips. "And that's why it scares me sometimes." Sighing softly, Dina pulled back before patting her shoulder. "C'mon you dork, we should get going. My sister is waiting."

"Okay," Ellie smiled before reaching for JJ. Dina handed him off and she bounced him up and down before holding him in her arms. "Joel said he would be free to deliver our stuff next week when they visit."

"Alright, sounds good. You get everything we need?"

"Yup."

Dina raised an eyebrow. "Even the baby powder? It was on the back side of the note."

Ellie scoffed at that. "Of course I did! Who do you think I am?" She then swayed JJ side to side before whispering to him, "Shit. Thank god I grabbed one…"

"You say something?"

"Nope!" Rolling her eyes playfully, Dina nodded her head off to the side. "C'mon, I want to get home before it's late. We still got a few more errands to run."

Grabbing JJ's hand, Ellie brought it up to his forehead for a salute. "Yes ma'am!"

JJ began squealing loudly and Ellie just gave Dina a big grin. "See? JJ knows wassup."

"He's barely two months and a week old."

Ellie just shrugged. "He's smart. Just like his mama."

"Okay," Dina finally cracked a smile with a chuckle. "Let's just get on with it"

"Lead the way." Ellie clicked her tongue and threw her a wink.

"Oh brother…"

On that last note, Dina turned away and began walking toward Talia's house. They made it there on time and they hung out as a family for a brief moment. Of course, a part of the conversation was just gushing about how cute JJ looked in his new tiger onesie. After that, they introduced some solid foods, an applesauce puree made by Talia, which he loved, and ate it all happily without fuss.

"Hey Dina," Ellie asked before scooping JJ from his booster seat. "You mind if I borrow JJ real quick? Maria wanted to do a quick photoshoot of some sort before we leave."

"At this time?" Dina turned to look out the window. "The sun's about to set."

Talia grabbed the last few dishes off the table before putting them in the sink. "You can always stay over for the night."

Dina faced her sister with a slightly regretful smile. "I wish but our sheep are going to cry at this rate. We've been gone all day and they've been cooped up in the barn."

That made her sister crack a smile. "I should get you chickens. Chickens would be great! Maybe I'll get you some for Hanukkah."

Ellie was spacing out, bouncing JJ around with a curious face before making eye contact with Dina who seemed to finally remember her question.

"Right, that's fine I guess El, just try to be back in thirty minutes or so. We really should head back soon."

"Alright, will do!" She then made her way to the door before slipping on her Converse shoes. "Be back in soon!" And just like that, Ellie was out the door.

Dina shook her head with a smile. "Geez, no sense of urgency as always…" When she looked up, her sister was giving her this look. "What?"

"Nothing," Talia shook her head before smiling at her. "You just look happy, that's all. Genuinely happy despite everything you've been through."

Her lips parted slightly before Dina gave her a sincere smile. "I am happy… I just…didn't think I would drop out of college and start a family."

Her smile lessened before Talia asked in a serious yet light voice. "Are you alright? Do you still get nightmares?"

That made Dina sigh. "Sometimes… It's not every day you get attacked by a crazed man and lose a best friend all on the same day but when I wake up with Ellie by my side, it's bearable. She makes me feel safe."

Talia didn't verbally respond but she did hold her hands up for a hug. Dina just looked at her for a second before giving in and walking into her arms. She then closed her eyes and buried her face in her chest. Talia only squeezed her back before gently patting her head.

"You're a strong woman Dina… Mom and Dad would have been proud, I'm proud of you little sis."

Dina's eyes teared up before she sniffled into Talia's chest. She then gave her a tight squeeze before finally pulling away. "Ugh…" She wiped her eyes before fanning her face. "I need some fresh air before Ellie sees me like this."

Talia offered her a tissue before making a suggestion. "You want to grab me the tri-tip I ordered from the Tispy Bison?"

"Urgh, really? You ordered some tri-tip from that asshole?"

"Hey, language Dina…"

Her sister rolled her eyes. "Fine, from that bigot?"

Shaking her head softly at that, Talia handed her some money. "Seth isn't that bad." When Dina shot her a look, she rolled her eyes before adding, "At least he tries. He's not the worst and you know it."

Dina took the money from her hand reluctantly. "Fine, just let Ellie know where I'm at if she gets back before me."

"Of course, take your time."

"Alright, I'll be off."

"Don't get into trouble now Dee."

"No promises!"

Dina was quick to put on her sneakers and once she was out the door, she wiped her face one last time before walking to the Tispy Bison. Once inside, she begrudgingly walked up to the counter and greeted the hostess.

"Hey Fred, is Seth in? My sister ordered some tri-tip."

"Hey Dina," he greeted back with a curt smile, "He should be in the back, let me go check. Tri-tip right?"

"Yup." She popped the 'p' before leaning against the counter.

"Okay, I'll be back."

"Take your time." Once he was out of sight, Dina heard a familiar voice before turning around. "Aw fuck." She quickly turned away but luck wasn't on her side.

Of fucking course that asshole Derek was here.

"Oh Dina! Have you changed your mind?"

Groaning to herself, Dina rolled her eyes and ignored him as she grumbled to herself. "Just ignore him… Just ignore him…"

"Where's that Outsider of yours?" Derek slurred, clearly somewhat intoxicated.

Dina bit her lip to control her temper. She kept her head facing forward and she wasn't about to start a brawl when she was about to go back home to her farm with her beloved family. With Ellie and JJ.

"Hey don't ignore meh Dinaa!" His slurs got worse and sure enough, he plopped himself down on the seat next to Dina. "She ditch you or somethin?" He then raised his pitcher of beer to his lips before taking a big swing.

A few thoughts were running through Dina's head and at the top of the list, it was punching that stupid face of his.

"C'mon…" He continued to slur, "Give me a chance."

Now he was practically in Dina's face and hell did she hate the smell of beer reeking from his breath. Dina took a deep breath through her nose before sparing him an irritated look.

"What don't you understand about the word 'no?'"

He jerked his hand forward and somehow managed to spill the beer all over Dina.

"What the fuck?"

Okay, that was it.

Dina stood up tall but rather than throwing a punch, she grabbed the nearest drink which happened to probably be coke or some other brown soda, before violently splashing his face with it. As expected, it hit him right in the eyes and made him scream in pain.

"AHH— fuckin' bitch—" Out of anger, reached forward and grabbed Dina's hair.

"What fuc— let go of me!"

Well, that broke Dina's last ounce of human decency. She was about to reach forward to grab his face and bang his stupid head on the counter but before she could, an unexpected voice came to her rescue.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing Derek? Let Dina go and get the hell out of my tavern!"

It was Seth.

Derek just scoffed before barking, "What if I don't?"

The pitiful lad was really drunk but Dina couldn't care less. She glared at him before kicking him in the shin.

"I said fucking let go of me!"

He finally released Dina before stumbling back and groaning in pain. Once he regained his posture, he growled before lunging forward. A few people in the tavern moved around, probably trying to stop the fight from escalating, but Dina was still going to throw hands regardless of who was trying to stop it. What she didn't expect was someone rushing up to them and grabbing Derek's hands. Specifically his fingers and before she could blink, she heard a snap and a painful cry.

"AAAHHHH FUCK— MY FUCKIN' FINGERS! YOU BROKE MY FUCKING FINGERS!"

Dina flinched a little as she hissed in thought of the pain. His index and middle fingers were not bending in the right direction. The next thing to happen was a heavy right hook right to the nose that knocked him onto the counter.

"You really don't fucking learn shit unless it's beaten into you huh?"

It wasn't exactly a surprise when Dina saw who it was but frankly, she was more stunned by how her fiancé had such good timing; because of course, Ellie came to her rescue.

"I gave you a warning." Ellie fisted his collar and yanked him closer so his face was an inch away from hers. "And tell me if I'm wrong but if I remember things correctly, you said that a man needs to be the one showing the lesson." She paused for a second before squaring him in the eyes. "Well let me fucking tell you… you should be more afraid of me." She then abruptly let him go and immediately swiped at his feet, getting him to crash onto the floor.

The whole tavern was silent at this point and Ellie spat in his face before turning away and grabbing Dina's hand. She then pulled her forward and on their way out, she paused before grabbing the pack of presumably tri-tip off the counter and placing a random amount of cash on the counter. When she made eye contact with Seth, she awkwardly nodded at him as a greeting before leaving the tavern. Once they were out the door, Ellie hadn't let go or looked at Dina.

"Ellie…" They were across the street now. "Ellie…" The grip on her hand tightened. "Ellie!" Dina came to a full stop and when she saw the look on Ellie's face, she frowned before pulling her over to an alleyway. When they were out of people's eyes, Dina cupped Ellie's cheek before starting, "El… Babe, talk to me."

A silent breath left Ellie's shaky lips as she bit down hard, tightening her jaw. She nervously looked back and forth between Dina's eyes and the ground before speaking in a quiet voice. "I… I don't want to lose you."

Dina rubbed Ellie's cheek with her thumb before pulling her in close and hugging her tightly. "You won't." She then pressed a soft kiss on her neck before squeezing her tightly again. It wasn't until Ellie breathed normally that Dina finally asked. "Where's JJ?"

Ellie held Dina more firmly before answering meekly. "I left him at Maria's… little Max came running over saying that Derek was drunk and yelling at you so I…"

"Okay." Dina turned and kissed her neck again, "You ready to go home then?"

"Yeah." She gulped before letting out a heavy choked breath. "Yeah, I am."

"Alright," Dina pulled back and kissed her cheek. "Let's go, the sun is still peaking over the horizon so the path shouldn't be too dark."

"Okay. Sounds… good."

Dina patted Eille's arm before gently tugging her forward and grabbing the tri-tip from her hand. "C'mon, let's get this to my sister so we can grab JJ and head out."

Ellie only nodded once.