#but marlene could have confirmed all of that for ellie and told her all about her mom — her best friend

[jazzy96scorpio]

A Spark in the Darkness

The End.

Chapter 8 * Finding Home Again

Description: A difficult choice is made to protect Ellie, leading to a new life in Jackson. You and Joel spent lot of time showing love to each other. And that actions will have consequences 😅

Pairing: You / Joel Miller Word Count: 2885 🫣

Warnings ⚠️ : adult content, mention on violence, killing, sex, oral sex, unprotected sex, fluff, cream pie, SMUT.

As you approached the city, the Fireflies' location drawing ever closer, a sense of shared excitement filled the air.

"We're gettin' close," Joel said, a hint of relief in his voice.

"Hospital that way," you pointed.

"May be the one we're lookin' for," Joel agreed.

"Got it," Ellie confirmed.

Joel then changed the subject slightly. "They had a guitar in that RV," he mused. "It was all smashed up, but it got me thinkin', maybe I should find one. I haven't played in forever."

He paused, then looked at Ellie. "In fact, I was thinkin' maybe I could teach you."

"I bet you'd be great at it," you encouraged Ellie.

"Do you wanna learn how to play guitar?" Joel asked her.

"Oh, yeah," Ellie replied, her eyes lighting up. "That'd be great."

"Well, you two can play," you chimed in, "and I'm gonna sing… I always loved to sing with my mom."

"Of course, darlin'," Joel said, a warm smile gracing his lips.  "I would love to hear your singing. Maybe we could even do some… duets." He hugged you and kissed you on the cheek.

Ellie rolled her eyes playfully.  "Ugh, you guys are so corny," she teased. "It's kinda cute, I guess.  Like, apocalypse-cute."

Joel chuckled. "We should cut through that building to get around that stuff," he suggested, pointing towards a nearby structure. "Find the skyscraper, go up and look around."

You and Ellie agreed. As you made your way through the building, Ellie spotted a giraffe. Her face lit up with pure joy, and she giggled as she fed it, the sight bringing a smile to Joel's face as well.

Later, as you were crossing the street, deep in conversation, a group of Firefly soldiers suddenly appeared throwing a smoke bomb. Before anyone could react, they grabbed Ellie and you, knocking Joel unconscious too.

Joel woke up in hospital room. His head throbbed, a dull ache resonating behind his eyes. Marlene stood nearby.

"Welcome to the Fireflies," she said, her voice even. "Easy. You got hit pretty hard. The patrol didn’t know who you were."

"Where’s Ellie and [Y/N]?" Joel demanded, his voice rough and strained.

"Ellie's not hurt," Marlene replied. "Not even a scratch. And [Y/N] is fine, she’s mostly worried about you."

Relief washed over Joel, but it was quickly replaced by a fresh wave of panic.  "Where is she?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency.

Marlene hesitated, her gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again.  She then explained that the doctors were preparing Ellie for surgery.  A procedure, she clarified, intended to produce a cure.  But the the procedure, Marlene said, would kill her.

Joel's was furious. He was going to lose her, he could feel it in his bones. "No," he growled, his voice raw with desperation. "No, you take me to her. You take me to her right now!

Please… you don’t understand."

Marlene’s expression was unyielding.  "We need to do it," she repeated, her voice flat.

Marlene gave an order, and two Firefly soldiers moved to escort Joel away. On the way out he fought back with a ferocity born of love and fear, a whirlwind of desperate strength.  He killed them both and every soldier that came on his way. And then he began to search.

He found you tied up in a small, bare room, your face pale and drawn.

He rushed to you, hugging you so tight. He cupped your face in his hands, his eyes searching yours. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice trembling.

You nodded, tears streaming down your face. "Joel… Ellie… we need to save her… I didn't know, I swear…" you sobbed. "Marlene lied to me… she told me they were only going to do tests on her… that they wouldn't hurt her."

"Darlin', I believe you," Joel said, his voice soft but firm. "Let's save our girl." He freed your hands and handed you a gun, his eyes filled with determination.

Together, you made your way to the surgeon's room.  As you burst through the door, the scene that greeted you was like a punch to the gut. Ellie lay on the operating table, prepped for surgery.

"Unhook her," Joel ordered, his voice a low growl.

"How did you get in here?" the surgeon stammered, his eyes wide with shock.

"I said, unhook her!" Joel roared, his gun now pointed directly at the surgeon.

"Joel, please don't," you pleaded, your voice trembling.  "Too many people have died already…Please don't… let's just take Ellie and go."

The surgeon, holding a scalpel, stepped forward. "I won’t let you take her," he said, his voice shaking but resolute.

"Leave right now!" he yelled at you, threatening you.

You lunged at the doctor, knocking the scalpel from his hand and striking him in the head with your gun. He crumpled to the floor.

"She's just a kid," you yelled, your voice filled with a righteous fury.

He begged for his life.

"I won't kill you," you said, then shot him in the right hand. He screamed in agony.

Joel was already at the table, he scooped Ellie up into his arms.

 As you turned to leave the building, Marlene stopped you, her gun aimed directly at you and Joel.

"There's still time to find a cure," she said, her voice tight. "Because she lives in a broken world that you could have saved."

"Maybe," Joel replied, his voice flat. "But it isn’t for you to decide."

"Or you," Marlene countered. "So what would she decide, huh? ‘Cause I think she’d wanna do what’s right. And you know it. It’s not too late."

"She's just a kid," you interrupted her, your voice rising with anger.  "And I don't think you would use this cure to save the world, Marlene. You fucking lied to me.  You only want this for yourself. Am I right? You wanna be a savior, or like some new president of a new world order with the cure in your hands…You don't give a shit about other people, or her."

Marlene was silent, your words hitting their mark.  Her face betrayed the truth of your accusation.

She raised her gun, aiming at you.  But Joel was faster.  He fired first.

❤️‍🩹

You left the hospital, feeling awful.  In the truck, with Ellie still asleep, you talked quietly with Joel.

"She will one day find out the truth, Joel," you said, your voice heavy with worry. "I hope she'll forgive us… She's just too young. She deserves a choice, at least…"

Joel looked at you, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. "I know this was selfish," he admitted, his voice rough. "But we love her… she knows that… I can't lose her… not again."

You reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tight. "We won't," you said, your voice firm. "We will protect her."

When Ellie woke up, you and Joel lied. You told her the Fireflies found other immune people but couldn't make a cure. 

On the way to Jackson, Ellie felt guilty for surviving. She made you both promise the story about the Fireflies was true. She said she believed you, but you could tell she still had doubts.

❣️

You arrived in Jackson to a warm welcome from Tommy and Maria. They were genuinely happy to have you back. That night, you returned to your house, a sense of normalcy settling over you. After a hot shower and a comforting meal, it felt like you could finally breathe again. 

Ellie asked to see her friend Dina, and Joel readily agreed.

Later that evening, you and Joel sat alone on the porch, gazing up at the star-studded sky.  You held his hand, "I've never been happier in my life," you whispered,"I wish this could last forever."

Joel turned to you, he leaned in and kissed you softly, a lingering kiss that spoke volumes of his love. 

"Forever's a mighty long time, darlin'," he murmured  "But I'm gonna spend every second of it makin' you happy."

"And you do," you whispered back, your heart overflowing with love for this man. "You make me happier than I ever thought possible."

He looked at your hand in his, his touch gentle yet possessive. "Let's go, darlin'," he said, his voice husky with desire. "I need you so damn much."

❤️‍🔥🫦❤️‍🔥

The bedroom door clicked shut, the sound echoing in the sudden quiet. You turned to Joel, his eyes already burning with anticipation. He reached for you, his touch possessive, pulling you into a deep, hungry kiss. His hands roamed your body, taking off your clothes. He then gently pushed you back towards the bed, his gaze never leaving yours.

He knelt before you, his eyes filled with a lust. He slowly sank to his knees, his hands tracing the inside of your thighs, "Darlin'," he murmured, his voice rough with desire, "you're gonna scream for me tonight."

He lowered his head, his tongue flicking out to tease you, then finally capturing your clit. You gasped, a jolt of pure pleasure shooting through you. He devoured you, his mouth a furnace of heat and hunger, his tongue a master craftsman, teasing and tantalizing you until you moaned his name.  "Joel…" you breathed, your body starting to tremble.

"Yeah, baby?" he growled

"Tell me what you want. Tell me how good it feels."

You arched your back, offering yourself to him more fully. "More… I want more…  fuck, Joel, I'm gonna…"

And then you did.  A wave of pure ecstasy washed over you, your body trembling as you came, his name echoing through the room.  He continued his licking, his tongue relentless, savoring your sweetness.

"Mmm, that's it, sweetheart," he murmured against your skin. "So fucking good… you're so wet for me… so ready… gonna make you come again and again."

He finally pulled back, his eyes burning with a possessive fire. He stood up, his gaze locked on yours, and shed the rest of his clothes.  His cock was hard and throbbing, a testament to his desire.

He climbed onto the bed, his weight pressing down on you, making you arch towards him.

"You're mine, sweetheart," he whispered, his voice rough and dominant. "Gonna fill you up tonight… gonna fill you 'til you're beggin' me to stop… but I ain't gonna stop."

He entered you slowly, deliberately, each thrust a testament to his power and control.  "Oh, darlin'," he groaned, his hands gripping your hips, pulling you closer. "You're so tight… you were made for my cock....made to be fucked by me."

He began to move, his thrusts deep and powerful, each one sending waves of pleasure through your body. His hands roamed your body, your breasts, your ass, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

The rhythm intensified, the world fading away as you became lost in the moment. His thrusts were deep and powerful.

You leaned forward, kissing him fiercely, your fingers tangling in his hair.

"I love you," he gasped, his breath catching in his throat. "I'm gonna give you every last drop of me… gonna fill you up so full you can't take anymore… and then I'm gonna fill you up again.."

"I love you too," you replied, your voice trembling with emotion. "Fuck yes...I want it so bad..."

"I'm close," he groaned, his body tensing.

With a final, powerful thrust, he lifted you slightly, his hands gripping your waist, holding you suspended above him. He roared as he came, his hot cum erupting inside you, filling you completely.  He pulled back slightly, watching you as the waves of pleasure washed over your face, a possessive gleam in his eyes. "Damn, darlin'," he whispered, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Look at you… all fucked and filled… you're so beautiful… you're all mine" You collapsed against him, your bodies intertwined, your breathing heavy.

You fall asleep in his arms.

❤️‍🔥

You stirred in your sleep, feeling Joel shift beside you. He kissed you softly, a gentle nudge that wakes you up.

"Mornin', darlin'," he murmured, "Want somethin'?"

"Just a glass of water," you mumbled, your voice still heavy with sleep.

He slipped out of bed and returned a moment later with a glass. After you drank, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close.  He then began to kiss you, his touch gentle at first, then growing more insistent, more demanding.  You responded in kind, your own desire rekindled by his touch.

You climbed on top of him, your body flush against his. You kissed him deeply then trailed your kisses down his chest, teasing and licking his nipples until he groaned.  Lowering yourself further, you took his huge cock in your mouth, your lips and tongue working their magic, eliciting a deep, guttural moan from him.  "Oh, darlin'," he breathed, his hands tangling in your hair. "You're gonna drive me wild…"

You straddled him, your hips settling against his.  He cupped your breasts, squeezing them gently as you began to move, riding him with a slow, sensual rhythm.

"I want you to come on me," he growled, his voice thick with lust. "Want to feel you shiver and shake… want to see your eyes roll back.."

"Fuck, Joel," you gasped, your movements becoming more frantic, more desperate. "I'm so close…  I'm gonna…"

And then you did.  Your body trembling as you reached your peak, your cries of pleasure mingling with his groans. 

He lifted you onto the bed, then flipped you onto your stomach.

"Now, it's my turn to show you what you've done to me." He positioned himself behind you, his hands gripping your hips, lifting your ass towards him. "Gonna fuck you 'til you can't stand…"

He slapped your ass hard, the sound echoing through the room, making you moan "Damn, darlin'," he whispered, his voice rough with desire. "You've been a bad girl… you need to be punished… and I'm just the man to do it."

He entered you with a powerful thrust, his cock filling you completely. His movements were hard, demanding, each one pushing you closer to the edge. He squeezed your butt cheeks, his fingers digging into your flesh, making you moan and writhe beneath him.

"Oh, Joel… FFUUUCK… yes," you gasped.

"That's it, baby," he growled, his voice thick with lust. "Take it…take every inch of me… you're gonna be sore today darlin'… but you're gonna love every minute of it."

As you reached your peak again he came at the same time, his hot cum erupting deep inside you, filling you completely. He pulled back slightly, watching your pussy. All your fluids mixed together, dripping down your thighs. "Damn, darlin'," he whispered, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Soo beautiful...and that's my cum all over you…marking you….making sure everyone knows you belong to me."

He then kissed you gently, his touch tender and loving. "I love you," he whispered, his voice soft.

"I love you too," you replied, your heart overflowing with love for this man who could be both so rough and so gentle.

Later, you showered together, the water washing away the remnants of your passion, leaving only the lingering warmth of his love.

💓

The weeks that followed were a peaceful respite in Jackson.  You and Joel settled into a comfortable routine. He worked alongside Tommy on construction projects, and you joined him on patrols, your bond strengthening with each shared experience. One day, Joel was working with Tommy at the barn when Ellie came running towards him, gasping for air. "Joel…" she cried, her voice panicked. "She's not okay… she needs you…"

Joel's face paled, his eyes filled with alarm. "What? Where is she?" he demanded.

"At home…" Ellie managed to say between breaths. "I think she needs a doctor."

Joel and Tommy immediately rushed back to the house, they called for the settlement's doctor.  Joel burst through the door, his eyes searching for you. He found you in the bathroom, leaning over the toilet, your face pale and drawn.

"Please… don't come closer," you whispered, your voice weak. "I look awful…"

Ignoring your plea, he rushed to your side, gently helping you up. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "What happened?"

"Nothing… it's just…" you stammered, unable to articulate the words.

Just then, the doctor arrived. "Joel," she said, her voice professional, "I need to be alone with her to check on her."

After a examination, the doctor emerged from the room.  "She just needs rest," she told Joel and Ellie, offering a kind smile. "She'll be fine."

Later, you and Joel sat together in the kitchen. He was still visibly worried, his touch gentle and solicitous. You were scared, the news you carried weighing heavily on your heart. You took a deep breath, steeling your nerves. "Joel," you began, your voice trembling slightly, "I'm… I'm pregnant."

A huge smile spread across his face, transforming his worried expression into one of pure joy.

He reached for you, pulling you into a tender embrace.  "Darlin'," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.  He kissed you softly, a kiss filled with love and wonder. "That's… that's incredible."

"I'm scared," you confessed, tears welling up in your eyes.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting yours. "I'm scared too," he admitted, his voice honest and vulnerable. "But we'll do this together.  I'll be here for you… for both of you. I promise.

💝👶

Months passed in a blur of joy and anticipation. Joel and Ellie were incredibly supportive, their love and excitement growing with each passing day.  Then, the day arrived.  Labor began, and Joel was a so nervous.  You'd never seen him so panicked, so openly afraid.

Hours stretched into an eternity.  Finally, after what felt like an endless struggle, you gave birth to a baby boy.  The moment you held him in your arms, all the pain and fear melted away, replaced by an overwhelming surge of love.  You looked at Joel, and your heart swelled. He was beaming, his eyes shining with tears of joy. The sight of him holding your son was breathtaking. His huge hands, so strong and capable, cupped the baby's tiny head with the utmost gentleness.  It was a picture of pure, unconditional love.

"He's perfect," Joel whispered, his voice thick with emotion.  He looked at you, his eyes filled with adoration. "You're incredible, darlin'.  You're the strongest woman I know."

"He has your eyes," you murmured, your own eyes brimming with tears.

"And your stubbornness," Joel chuckled, his voice filled with pride.  He kissed you softly, his lips lingering on yours. "I love you both so much," he whispered. "More than anything in the world."

"We love you too, Daddy," you replied, your heart overflowing with love for this man and the beautiful family you had created together.  This moment, this perfect moment, was everything you had ever wanted.

Months flew by, and life in Jackson settled into a comfortable rhythm.  Ellie, eventually, figured out what really happened back at the Fireflies' hospital.  It wasn't easy, and there were some tough conversations, but in the end, she understood. She saw the love, the fear, the crazy, protective instincts that drove you and Joel. And, like family does, she forgave. Plus, she was totally smitten with her baby brother.

One night, you were finally getting a hot shower (bliss!), and Ellie was on baby duty.  Joel came home from work, tired but happy. The little guy was being fussy, you could hear him fussing from the bathroom. But then Joel started talking to him, that low, gentle voice he used just for the baby, and he quieted right down.  "Hey there, squirt," Joel murmured. "Daddy's home.  You're gonna be okay."

When you came out, the sight was pure gold.  It was bedtime. Joel was sitting on the edge of the bed, guitar in hand, strumming a soft tune. Ellie was in chair, listening, totally relaxed. You sank into your rocking chair, the baby snuggled in your arms, and started to sing along.

Your voice, soft and warm, blended with the gentle strumming of the guitar, creating a sweet, comforting harmony.  Baby drifted off to sleep, lulled by the familiar sounds of his family.  As the music faded, a comfortable silence settled over the room.  This was it.  This was your life now.  It wasn't perfect, it was messy and complicated, and sometimes it was still haunted by the shadows of the past. But it was real. It was yours. And as you looked at the people you loved most in the world, you knew that you wouldn't trade it for anything.  This was your happy ending.  It was hard-earned, and it was precious.  And it was just the beginning.

Thank you for the reading 💖

Please leave a like, reblog and comment ❣️

Chapter 7

[nicolinocolino]

Marlene could have told Ellie alllllllll about her mom and she never did :) 🔪