Work Text:
You were exhausted and sore all over. You had broken a rib or two on the way back from patrol. Your goddamn foot slipped on a rock and you tumbled down the hill, only stopping when you hit a tree trunk. You had gotten no sleep the night before and it started raining on your way back to Jackson. You were wet, cold, and fucking miserable as you walked through the gates. You ignored everyone that tried to interact with you on your way back to your room. You saw Joel sitting on your porch, guitar in hand. On any other day, the sight would have made you faint, but with the day you’ve had, the only thing you had on your mind was a glass of whiskey and a good 10 hours of sleep.
As you step onto the porch, Joel gives you a grin. You would've felt bad if you didn’t respond so you gave him a small nod and walked into the house. You threw your pack down and secured your rifle. You walked back to the bedroom and rummaged through your drawers for your most comfortable shirt. It was a soft navy blue shirt that Joel had given you when you first settled down in Jackson. You found it and carefully started to shed your current cold and wet clothes. You heard the front door open and close as you took off your boots.
Joel appeared in the doorway. You were struggling to peel your wet shirt off so Joel strolled into the room and pulled it over your head for you. You sighed and rested your head on Joel’s shoulder. You closed your eyes and listened to Joel’s steady breathing.
“You alright Tex?”
Joel asked in a low, gentle voice. You stayed silent. You felt as he ran his hands down your side until he came upon the jacked-up and bruised ribs. You sucked in a breath and lifted your head off of Joel’s shoulder. He apologized softly and turned his head to look at your side.
“Jesus. How the hell did you manage that?”
You again stayed silent, instead you turned to grab dry clothes. Joel grabbed them for you and helped you change. You moved to the living room while Joel grabbed the whiskey he’d been keeping in the cabinet and a few painkillers. He sat down next to you and offered you the glass. You accepted it and allowed him to pour you a drink. The two of you slowly nursed your drinks and enjoyed the peaceful quiet. You had laid your head back and closed your eyes. You heard Joel shuffle and get up. As he sat back down, you heard the quiet strumming of his guitar. You lifted your head and glanced over at him. He was plucking a gentle song and humming. He knew you always liked it when he played the guitar.
‘If I ever were to lose you’
‘I’d surely lose myself’
‘Everything I have found, dear’
‘I’ve not found by myself’
The sun was starting to set and your eyelids were starting to feel heavy. Joel noticed and stopped playing. He leaned the guitar against the wall and stood in front of you. He offered you his hand and you took it. He hoisted you up and wrapped an arm around your shoulders. He helped you back to the bedroom. You sat down on the bed and flopped onto your back.
“You know you're gonna have to move right?”
Joel tried to tap on your leg to get you to move. You just groaned and threw an arm over your eyes.
“Come on tex. Move your ass.”
Joel tried again. When you didn’t move, he grabbed your torso and moved to lay you horizontally so he would have some room on the bed. You grunted and rolled over onto your stomach. Joel scooted into bed next to you. You flipped over and threw your arms around him. He attempted to do the same but just irritated your stupid ribs. So he instead put his hand on your hip and allowed you to shift closer. Joel started to sing quietly.
‘I believe’
‘And I believe, 'cause I can see’
‘Our future days’
‘Days of you and me’
The deep sound of his voice, the warmth he radiated, and the whiskey in your system was the perfect combination for the best night of sleep you've ever gotten in your life.
You were woken by Ellie. She was standing in the doorway, laughing. You squinted and looked over at Joel. He was curled around you like an octopus and was nuzzled into your chest. You looked over to Ellie and smiled. She whispered that she’ll come back later. You carded your fingers through his shaggy hair and reveled in the hushed noises he made. He shuffled closer as he started to wake up. You kissed his forehead as he opened eyes.
“Mornin’ Tex.”
“Mornin’ Joel.”