itslovelyamari

[itslovelyamari]

I'm Here

Ellie x Reader

TW: violence, mentions of wounds

Switch POVs alot 😓

ELLIE'S POV:

The storm clouds that had threatened all morning now loomed heavy over Jackson as Dina came stumbling through the gates, panic etched across her face.

"I lost her!" Dina's voice cracked as she tried to explain, her breaths coming in gasps. "We were on patrol, everything was fine, and then... I don't know. I lost contact with her. I've been searching, but I can't find Y/N!"

Ellie froze mid-step, her blood turning cold at Dina's words. The rest of the group—Joel, Maria, Jesse—gathered quickly, concern rippling through the air like a lightning strike.

"Where?" Ellie demanded, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

"An old warehouse, a couple miles east," Dina said, guilt written all over her face. "We split up to check different sections, and when I called out, she didn’t answer.”

Ellie didn’t wait for more details. Her boots hit the ground hard as she sprinted toward the stables, her mind racing.

---

Y/N'S POV:

Meanwhile, Y/N crouched low behind a metal shelf in the dimly lit warehouse. Her breaths came shallow and quick as she clutched a jagged piece of glass in her trembling hands.

David's footsteps echoed ominously through the building, his cruel voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

"You're a tough one, aren't you?" he taunted, his tone sickly sweet. "But you can’t hide forever, sweetheart. Come out, and I might go easy on you."

Y/N bit her lip to stifle a sob, her heart pounding in her chest. She refused to give him the satisfaction of her fear. She tightened her grip on the glass, determined to make him regret ever laying a hand on her.

Title: I’m Here

The air in the abandoned warehouse was stifling, thick with dust and the stench of decay. Y/N crouched low behind a rusted shelf, her breath hitching as David’s footsteps echoed closer. Her hand trembled as she clutched a jagged piece of broken glass she’d found on the floor.

She had been lucky to escape his initial grab, twisting out of his grasp when he lunged at her in the dark. Now, she was running out of options—and energy.

“Come on now, don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” David called out, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. “You’re only making me more excited. I like a little fight.”

Y/N clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to silence her shallow, panicked breathing. Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a countdown to when he would find her.

“Think about it,” he continued, his boots crunching over broken debris as he prowled closer. “No one’s coming for you. It’s just you and me, sweetheart. We could have some real fun…”

She clenched her jaw, fury momentarily overtaking her fear. She wouldn’t let him win. Not like this.

David suddenly kicked over a stack of crates, the loud crash making her flinch. “Hiding won’t save you!” he snarled, his voice shifting from playful to menacing. “You think I don’t know where you are?”

Y/N’s grip on the glass tightened, her palm slick with sweat. The faint shuffle of her movement betrayed her, and David’s head snapped in her direction.

“There you are,” he said, his lips curling into a predatory grin.

Y/N bolted, sprinting out from behind the shelf and darting toward the far end of the room. David gave chase, his longer strides closing the distance quickly. He grabbed her arm, yanking her back with brutal force.

“No!” Y/N screamed, twisting and thrashing with everything she had. She drove her elbow into his stomach, earning a grunt of pain, but his grip didn’t falter.

“Feisty,” he sneered, slamming her into a nearby wall. The impact knocked the wind out of her, and the glass shard slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor.

David leaned in, his face inches from hers. “It’s over, sweetheart. Just stop fighting—”

Y/N brought her knee up hard, striking him in the groin. David howled, doubling over as he released her. She scrambled away, her hands frantically searching for the shard of glass.

“You little bitch!” David roared, recovering quickly. He lunged at her again, and this time she managed to roll out of the way, grabbing the shard as she did.

“Stay back!” Y/N shouted, her voice trembling but defiant.

David laughed, his eyes gleaming with sadistic glee. “Or what? You’re gonna cut me? Go ahead, try.”

He moved toward her again, and Y/N slashed wildly with the glass, grazing his arm. Blood seeped through the tear in his jacket, but he barely flinched.

“Better than I thought,” he muttered, his tone almost admiring. “But you’re still mine.”

Desperate, Y/N threw a nearby metal pipe in his direction, creating a loud crash that distracted him just long enough for her to dart behind another set of shelves. She crouched low, her body shaking as she tried to calm her breathing.

“You can’t run forever,” David taunted, his voice echoing through the room. “I’ve got all night, sweetheart. And when I find you, I’ll make you pay for that little stunt.”

Y/N’s vision blurred with tears as she tried to steady herself. She didn’t want to die here. She didn’t want to let this monster win.

Suddenly, a voice pierced the tense silence.

“Y/N!”

Ellie.

---

ELLIE'S POV:

Ellie rode hard, her heart a storm of worry and anger. By the time she reached the warehouse, Joel, Jesse, and Dina were not far behind her, but Ellie didn’t wait for backup. She crept through the front doors, her pistol drawn, adrenaline making her senses razor-sharp.

“Y/N!” Ellie called out, her voice echoing through the cavernous space.

The sound of movement caught her attention, and she turned just as David emerged from the shadows. Before she could react, he was on her, a gun pressing into her back as he wrenched her arm behind her.

"Drop it," David hissed in her ear, his breath hot and rancid.

Ellie growled in frustration but complied, her gun clattering to the ground.

"Ellie!" Y/N’s voice rang out, high and panicked. She watched from her hiding spot, horror coursing through her veins.

David smirked, tightening his hold on Ellie. "Looks like she cares about you. Maybe I’ll have some fun with both of you."

David let out a strangled cry, his grip loosening on Ellie as he stumbled forward, blood spurting from the wound. He collapsed to the ground, choking on his last breaths.

Ellie turned, wide-eyed, as she saw Y/N standing there, the bloodied shard still in her hand. Y/N’s chest heaved, her knees buckling as the reality of what she had done crashed over her.

She fell to the floor, gasping for air.

Y/N'S POV:

Hope surged through her, but it was short-lived as David’s predatory grin returned.

“Well, well,” he murmured. “Your girlfriend’s here to join the party.”

David moved toward the sound of Ellie’s voice, leaving Y/N just enough space to collect herself. Her survival instinct kicked in. She gripped the shard tightly and began to creep after him, her steps silent.

When she saw him grab Ellie and hold her at gunpoint, fury overtook her fear.

“Drop it,” David growled at Ellie, shoving the barrel of his gun against her back.

Ellie hesitated, her green eyes locking briefly with Y/N’s over David’s shoulder.

That split second was all Y/N needed. Fueled by adrenaline, she charged forward and drove the shard into David’s neck with all her strength.

His body jerked as the glass sliced through flesh. Blood sprayed out, painting the walls and floor in violent streaks.

David gurgled, his hands flailing as he dropped his gun. He stumbled forward before collapsing, choking on his own blood as life drained from him.

Y/N stared at his body, her chest heaving as the weight of what she’d done settled in. Her hands were covered in blood—his blood—and her vision swam.

“Y/N!” Ellie was at her side in an instant, grabbing her shoulders.

The touch startled Y/N, and she flinched, backing away. Her body shook violently, and her breaths came in

“Hey, hey, you’re okay, babe,” Ellie murmured, pulling Y/N into her arms. “It’s over. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Tears spilled from Y/N’s eyes as she clung to Ellie, her head buried in her chest.

Ellie stroked her hair gently, whispering soft reassurances. “You’re so brave. It’s over now. I’m never letting anything happen to you again.”

Joel and the others burst through the door moments later, their eyes scanning the scene. Joel’s gaze softened as he took in Ellie holding Y/N, both of them shaken but alive.

“We’ll take it from here,” Joel said quietly, signaling Jesse and Dina to check the area.

Ellie helped Y/N to her feet, her arm wrapped protectively around her waist. Y/N leaned heavily on her, still trembling, but Ellie held her steady.

“We’re going home,” Ellie promised, her voice firm. “And I’m not letting you out of my sight again.”

As they stepped into the cold night air, Y/N clung to Ellie, finding solace in her warmth. The storm had passed, and for the first time in hours, she felt safe.

[itslovelyamari]

Thank you to everyone who got me to 100 likes!

As a beginning writer on Tumblr (wattpad is my area) I can't thank y'all enough 💕

[itslovelyamari]

Oblivious

Ellie x Reader

Secret or not so secret relationship.

______

Ellie paced nervously in the small cabin they had found for the night. You sat on the couch, trying to keep your expression neutral as Joel worked on cleaning his rifle across the room. Ellie had been antsy for days—whenever Joel was around, she seemed to forget how to act normal, fumbling over her words and making eye contact with you for a split second too long.

You weren’t much better. Hiding a relationship was exhausting, but keeping it from Joel? That was an Olympic-level challenge.

“So,” Joel said suddenly, his tone too casual as he looked up from his rifle. Ellie froze mid-step, and you could almost hear her heart stop. “Y/N, I been thinkin’.”

Ellie’s eyes darted to you, wide with silent panic. You fought to stay composed. “Thinking about what?”

“You’ve been ridin’ with us for a while now. Ain’t it about time you... y’know, found yourself some company?” Joel said with a crooked smirk.

Ellie looked like she was about to combust.

You blinked, unsure if he was serious. “Uh, I mean, I’ve got good company already?” You glanced at Ellie, who was staring at Joel as if she could will him to stop talking.

Joel leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Nah, I mean... proper company. Got a guy in Jackson who’d be perfect for you. Real nice kid, good with a bow.”

Ellie’s jaw dropped, and she barely managed to choke out, “What?”

Joel grinned at her reaction but didn’t let up. “Yeah, Ellie, don’t you think Y/N and Ethan would make a great couple? Real sharp kid. He’s got a good sense of humor, too.”

Ellie sputtered. “Ethan? Are you kidding me? He’s—he’s not even... Y/N doesn’t—” She tripped over her words, cheeks flushed crimson.

You bit your lip to keep from laughing. “I don’t know, Joel. I’m not really sure Ethan’s my type.”

Joel raised an eyebrow. “What’s your type, then?”

Ellie looked like she was ready to leap across the room and throttle him. “Y/N doesn’t need a type!” she blurted. “They’re fine how they are!”

Joel tilted his head, feigning ignorance. “Ellie, you seem awfully invested in this. Somethin’ you wanna share?”

Ellie groaned, dragging a hand over her face. You couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.

“Oh my God,” you said, shaking your head. “Joel, stop torturing her.”

“Torturin’?” Joel asked innocently. “Just lookin’ out for my friends, is all.”

Ellie glared at him. “You’re not looking out for anyone. You’re being a pain in the ass.”

Joel’s grin widened. “You’re right. I don’t need to set Y/N up. Seems like they’ve already got someone in mind. Ain’t that right, Ellie?”

Ellie’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, and you decided to throw her a lifeline. “Alright, fine. You win, Joel. You know.”

Ellie whipped her head toward you. “Wait—what?”

Joel chuckled, leaning forward. “Course I know. Been watchin’ you two tiptoe around each other like a couple’a teenagers for weeks. Just wanted to see how long you’d keep it up.”

Ellie groaned again, burying her face in her hands. “You’re the worst.”

Joel shrugged. “Yeah, but I’m also the one who’s got your back. So next time, don’t try so hard to keep secrets from me. It’s exhausting watchin’ y’all fail at it.”

You laughed, standing to clap a hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “Well, at least we don’t have to sneak around anymore.”

Ellie peeked out from behind her hands, her face still red. “You suck,” she muttered to Joel.

He winked. “You’re welcome, kid.”

---

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[itslovelyamari]

"Atta Girl."

Ellie x reader

Reader gets injured, Ellie gets protective.

---

The morning sun peeked through the heavy clouds over Jackson as you pulled on your jacket. Ellie sat on the edge of the bed, her leg bouncing anxiously. Her fingers fiddled with the loose thread on her flannel, and you could feel the tension radiating off her.

“You sure you have to go?” Ellie asked, her voice tight.

You stepped closer and rested your hands on her shoulders. “It’s just a patrol, Ellie. Jesse and I will be fine.”

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Yeah, ‘cause nothing ever goes wrong on patrols.”

You bent down, forcing her to meet your eyes. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

Her hands gripped your wrists, holding you there for a moment longer. “I hate this. You’re too damn important to me to—” She stopped herself, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Just… don’t do anything stupid, okay?”

You smiled softly, brushing her bangs out of her face. “Stupid? Me? Never.”

Despite herself, she smirked, but the worry never left her eyes. She stood and pressed a quick kiss to your lips. “You better come back in one piece.”

---

The patrol started off quiet. Jesse was his usual easygoing self, cracking jokes as you both scanned the snowy woods for any signs of trouble.

“Ellie didn’t look too happy about this,” he commented as the two of you dismounted your horses to check a suspicious cabin.

“She worries,” you replied, shrugging. “It’s her thing.”

“Yeah, well, I’d worry too if my girl had to patrol with a guy as handsome as me.”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh, please. She knows you’re more into Dina than you are into this patrol.”

He laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “You got me there.”

But the light mood didn’t last. As you exited the cabin, the sound of crunching snow caught your attention. Before you could fully turn around, a group of four armed strangers emerged from the treeline, surrounding you and Jesse.

“Well, well,” one of them sneered, a wiry man with a scar across his jaw. “What do we have here?”

Jesse’s hand twitched toward his pistol, but the man raised his rifle. “Ah, ah. Wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

They were after you. You could see it in the way their eyes lingered, their leering gazes making your skin crawl. When one of them lunged, Jesse acted fast, shoving you behind him and firing a shot. The bullet found its mark, dropping the man instantly.

Chaos erupted. Another one tackled Jesse while a third grabbed you, his filthy hand clamping around your throat.

“You’re coming with us,” he growled, dragging you back as you struggled. Your vision blurred from lack of air, but adrenaline surged through you. Kicking wildly, you managed to knock him off balance. His grip faltered, and as soon as you hit the ground, you grabbed your knife and drove it into his neck.

Blood sprayed as he collapsed, lifeless, and you gasped for air, your leg burning from a deep gash you hadn’t noticed in the fight. Jesse dispatched the last man and ran to your side, his eyes wide with panic.

“You okay?” he asked, hauling you to your feet.

“Yeah,” you lied, wincing as pain shot through your leg.

“Bullshit.” He glanced at your leg. “You’re bleeding bad.”

“No time,” you said, limping toward your horse. “We have to get back.”

---

By the time you and Jesse made it back to Jackson, the sun was setting, and the town was buzzing with activity. People swarmed around you, shouting questions, their worried faces blurring together.

And then Ellie appeared, pushing her way through the crowd. Her eyes locked on you, dark with fury and fear.

“What the hell happened?” she demanded, her voice shaking as she reached for you.

“I’m fine,” you tried to assure her, but your wobbling knees and blood-soaked pant leg said otherwise.

Ellie’s jaw clenched as she threw your arm over her shoulders. “Come on.”

She led you back to your shared home in silence. Once inside, she sat you down on the couch and grabbed the first aid kit. Her movements were quick and precise, but her lips were pressed into a thin line.

“Ellie—” you started.

“Don’t,” she interrupted, her voice low. “Don’t even try to explain right now.”

You watched her clean and stitch your wound, her hands trembling slightly. The air between you was thick with unspoken emotions.

When she finished, you broke the silence. “So, I guess you could say I showed that guy who’s boss.”

Ellie’s head snapped up, her lips twitching despite herself. “Atta girl,” she murmured, her tone softening.

You reached for her hand, pulling her to sit beside you. “Hey,” you said gently. “I’m here. I’m okay. Thanks to Jesse.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she buried her face in your lap. “I was so scared,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “What if you didn’t come back?”

You ran your fingers through her hair, your heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. “But I did. I’m here.”

Ellie clung to you, her tears soaking into your jeans. You held her close, whispering reassurances until her breathing evened out.

The two of you stayed like that, wrapped in each other, finding comfort in the fact that, for now, you were safe and together.

Too cuteee💕 I take requests!

[itslovelyamari]

In The Middle

ELLIE X DINA X READER

---

The community hall buzzed with activity. People mingled, danced, and laughed under dim string lights. Y/N sat at the corner of the bar, nursing a drink, trying to ignore the fluttering feeling in her chest whenever Ellie or Dina walked by. It was exhausting, being so hopelessly infatuated with the two most incredible—and off-limits—people she knew.

“They’re a couple,” Y/N muttered to herself, shaking her head. “They’d never feel the same way.”

But Joel, who’d just sat down beside her, had keen ears.

“You say somethin’, kid?”

Y/N startled, almost spilling her drink. “Oh, uh, nothing important.”

Joel squinted at her, clearly unconvinced. “You’ve been moonin’ over those two girls for months now. You think I don’t notice?”

Y/N’s face burned. “What? No, I—” She groaned. “Fine. Yes, okay? I like them. Both of them. It’s stupid, and I’m just making things weird. I was thinking I should... I don’t know, keep my distance. Let them be happy without me hovering around.”

Joel snorted. “You’re real dense, aren’t ya?”

“Gee, thanks,” Y/N said flatly.

“No, not like that,” Joel chuckled. “Ellie and Dina—they’re just as gone on you as you are on them.”

Y/N blinked, sure she’d misheard. “What?”

“Yeah, don’t act so surprised. I’ve seen the way they look at you. Like a pair o’ lovesick puppies. It’s almost funny.”

“No way,” Y/N said, shaking her head. “They’re together.”

Joel smirked. “Doesn’t mean there ain’t room for you.”

---

The revelation left Y/N spinning. Joel found it endlessly entertaining, even turning it into a game.

On patrol a few days later, Joel casually dropped a bombshell. “So, there’s this girl asking about you.”

Y/N frowned. “Who?”

“Just someone around town,” Joel said nonchalantly. “I told her you might be interested in a date.”

Ellie, who was inspecting her rifle nearby, froze mid-cleaning. Dina, perched on the fence, straightened with a sharp glare.

“Joel,” Ellie said tightly, “don’t you think Y/N can make her own decisions about... that?”

Joel grinned innocently. “What? Just tryin’ to help.”

Y/N caught Ellie and Dina exchanging dark looks but thought nothing of it. Joel, on the other hand, was having the time of his life.

---

Another patrol incident involved Jesse. Y/N, in a rare playful mood, slung an arm over his shoulder and laughed at something he said. Jesse, being the good sport he was, leaned into it.

Ellie and Dina, however, were not amused.

“Wow, Jesse,” Ellie said loudly, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Getting cozy, are we?”

Dina crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t know you were so... touchy, Y/N.”

The tension grew thick. Ellie almost blurted out the truth right there, but Dina nudged her hard, and the moment passed.

---

That night at the bar, Ellie and Dina were done holding back. Spotting Y/N near the edge of the room, they made their move. Ellie grabbed Y/N’s hand, Dina catching the other.

“Dance with us?” Dina asked, her smile soft but firm.

Y/N hesitated but nodded, unable to resist. She was pulled into the space between them, their movements syncing to the slow rhythm. Ellie’s hands rested on her waist, while Dina’s arms looped around her shoulders.

It was intoxicating—being so close, feeling their warmth, the weight of their attention entirely on her. Tension crackled as Dina leaned in and pressed a feather-light kiss to the back of Y/N’s neck.

Y/N shivered, heart racing. “D-Dina...?”

Ellie caught her chin, turning Y/N’s face toward hers. “We need to talk.”

---

In the privacy of the bathroom, Ellie and Dina stood before Y/N, their expressions uncharacteristically vulnerable.

“Look,” Ellie began, rubbing the back of her neck. “We’ve been dancing around this for too long.”

Dina nodded. “We both like you, Y/N. A lot.”

Y/N blinked. “Wait. Both of you? I don’t—how would that even work?”

Ellie stepped closer, taking Y/N’s hands. “We’d figure it out. Together. If you want this too.”

Dina placed a hand on Y/N’s cheek. “We don’t want to make you uncomfortable. But we couldn’t keep this to ourselves anymore.”

Y/N’s breath hitched. Her feelings, long buried under layers of doubt, bubbled to the surface. “I—I do want this. I just... never thought you’d feel the same way.”

Ellie grinned. “Well, surprise, genius.”

They laughed, the tension breaking into something warm and tender. Dina leaned in first, capturing Y/N’s lips in a sweet kiss. Before Y/N could process, Ellie pulled her into another, rougher but no less affectionate.

By the time they pulled away, all three of them were breathless.

“We’ll make this work,” Dina said firmly, and Ellie nodded in agreement.

Y/N smiled, finally letting herself believe. “Okay.”

And as they left the bathroom hand in hand, the night felt brighter than ever before.

---

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[itslovelyamari]

Labor Pains

Ellie x reader

Warnings: birth

The snow crunched beneath Ellie's boots as she glanced back at you. Her green eyes, sharp with concern, scanned your every movement. You smiled reassuringly, adjusting the strap of your backpack over your growing belly. It wasn’t easy convincing her to let you patrol, especially with how protective she had become since finding out you were pregnant. The baby wasn’t hers biologically—your ex had died in the early days of the outbreak before you and Ellie had met—but that didn’t matter. To Ellie, the baby was hers too.

“You sure you’re up for this?” she asked for the third time, her voice low but firm. Her hand lingered near the pistol holstered at her side.

“Yes, Ellie,” you replied, trying to sound exasperated but failing to hide the affection in your tone. “I’ll be fine. You’re the one who should be resting, remember?”

Ellie scowled, her injured shoulder still bandaged from the arrow that had grazed her during the last patrol. She hated feeling useless, and the thought of you patrolling without her made her stomach churn.

“I don’t like this,” she muttered.

“I’ll be with Joel,” you reminded her. “He’s like… a tank.”

Ellie snorted but didn’t laugh. Her brows furrowed in thought before she finally relented. “Fine. But you stay close to him. If anything happens—”

“I’ll be fine,” you promised again, stepping closer to kiss her cheek. “I’ll come back in one piece. Both of us will.”

Ellie hesitated, her hand resting on your belly for a moment before nodding.

---

As you and Joel prepared to leave, Ellie lingered at the gates, watching you from a distance. Joel walked over to her, his hands in his pockets.

“She’ll be fine, kiddo,” Joel said softly. “I’ll keep her safe.”

“I know,” Ellie replied, her voice cracking slightly. “I just… I love her, Joel. And the baby. It’s… it’s everything to me now.”

Joel’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’re doing good by her, Ellie. And that baby’s gonna have one hell of a mama. Two, actually, if Maria has her way.”

Ellie chuckled despite herself, wiping at her eyes.

“And you?” Ellie asked, looking at him hesitantly. “You gonna stick around? Be like a… grandpa or something?”

Joel smirked, his eyes shining with rare warmth. “Already consider myself one. That kid’s family. Just like you are.”

Ellie nodded, a quiet smile tugging at her lips as she watched you and Joel ride out of Jackson.

---

As you and Joel rode along the icy trail, the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves filled the silence. You rubbed your belly absentmindedly, smiling as you felt a little kick.

“You reckon it’s a boy or a girl?” Joel asked, breaking the silence.

You grinned. “What do you think?”

Joel tilted his head, pretending to think. “I’m bettin’ on a boy. Stubborn, tough… like his mama.”

You laughed. “Ellie’s convinced it’s a girl. Says she has a feeling.”

“Well, I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Joel said with a wink.

The conversation turned lighter, but the tightening in your abdomen didn’t ease. You ignored it at first, brushing it off as nothing more than cramps, but the pain grew sharper. When the nausea hit, you barely managed to keep your composure.

Joel noticed. He always did.

“Y’alright?” he asked, slowing his horse to ride closer to you.

“Yeah,” you lied, trying to keep your voice steady.

But when you dismounted to sneak through an abandoned building, your steps faltered. Joel caught your arm as you leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he demanded.

“I think…” You hesitated, gasping as another sharp pain shot through you. “I think it’s happening. The baby…”

Joel’s face paled, but he quickly regained his composure. “Alright, we’re gettin’ you inside. Now.”

---

Joel guided you to an abandoned furniture store, laying you down on the closest bed he could find. His voice was calm, but you could see the panic in his eyes as he handed you his gun.

“I’m gonna get help,” he said firmly. “Ellie, Maria, Dina… they’ll be here before you know it. You just stay quiet, alright? You can do this.”

You nodded, tears streaming down your face as another contraction hit. Joel hesitated for a moment, squeezing your hand before running out the door.

Alone in the quiet, you felt the weight of the moment crash over you. The baby was coming, and there was no stopping it. With trembling hands, you removed your pants, bracing yourself as the contractions grew stronger.

It was the hardest thing you’d ever done. The pain was overwhelming, but when you finally heard the baby’s first cries, a surge of relief and joy washed over you.

“It’s a girl,” you whispered, cradling the tiny, wriggling baby to your chest. Tears of exhaustion and happiness blurred your vision as you held her close.

---

The sound of galloping hooves and hurried footsteps filled the store as Ellie, Joel, Dina, and Maria rushed in. Ellie’s eyes locked onto you immediately, her face pale with worry.

“Are you okay?” she asked, rushing to your side.

You nodded weakly, tears streaming down your face. “She’s here,” you whispered, holding the baby up for Ellie to see.

Ellie’s breath caught as she stared at the tiny bundle in your arms. Slowly, she reached out, her hands trembling as Maria helped clean the baby and swaddled her in a blanket.

When Maria handed her over, Ellie held the baby as if she were the most fragile, precious thing in the world. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked down at her daughter.

“She’s beautiful,” Ellie whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Dina and Joel stood nearby, both grinning through their tears. Joel leaned down, squeezing your shoulder. “Told you everything’d be alright,” he said softly.

You laughed weakly, leaning against him. “Guess you were right.”

As the group settled around you, cracking jokes and offering words of comfort, you couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of love and safety.

[itslovelyamari]