Chapter Text
Ellie had one rule for foster homes. Don’t get comfortable. Because every time she’d get comfortable in a new home, they’d either show their true colors or end up adopting someone else.
And this home was no different obviously, despite the fact that she’s been there for almost two weeks Joel still hasn’t yelled or done anything to her yet. But he’ll do something. Men always do.
When her foster dad left for work that Sunday, Ellie realized her favorite show was going to be on soon. She was afraid of doing something without his permission (not that she’d admit it) so she decided that she’ll just watch until she hears his car pull up, great idea right?
The teen grabbed the remote and turned the tv on, scrolling through the channels until she got to the sci-fi section and put on X-files.
The hours went by way faster than she expected them to because as she began falling asleep she didn’t hear Joel’s car pulling into the driveway or the sound of the door opening or the sound of him and Tess’ voices getting closer to the living room.
“Kid?” Ellie immediately sat up, her hands snapping to her pocket where her knife usually was but then remembered she took it out when she changed to pajamas. Joel raised his eyebrows at the foster child, his expression unreadable.
But before she could start rambling off excuses, the old man’s eyes lit up like a child on their birthday when he glanced at what she was watching while Tess sighed loudly behind him.
“You like the X-files?” He asked with a grin. The older woman mumbled something about taking a nap and made her way upstairs.
“Uhhh, yes..?” Ellie said hesitantly. She had never seen an adult who enjoyed the same things she did, let alone be excited about it.
Joel walked over and sat next to his foster child. “I love this show, always have.” He said after a few minutes when he noticed the teens tense posture.
She felt her shoulders slump in relief as he grabbed the remote, not to turn the tv off but to put on a new episode. “You watch this episode yet? It’s my favorite.” Joel asked, pressing play on the remote when Ellie gave a small head shake. Half way through the episode, though, the younger of the two fell asleep.
Joel debated whether to leave her to sleep on the horribly uncomfortable couch or to carry her to her bed. He decided on the latter, just like he used to do with Sarah..
Shaking his head to get rid of the thought of his passed daughter and carefully scooping Ellie into her arms before carrying her up to her room, just across from Sarah’s old one.
When he first thought of fostering the teenager, he briefly considered putting her in said room but quickly shut that down when the fear of the room getting messed up set in.
Joel carefully laid Ellie on the bed and hesitated. Should he kiss her forehead? That's what he used to do with Sarah but Ellie wasn’t Sarah. She was a traumatized kid with a background, not the sweet summer child he once had.
Deciding to cave, the older man leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the foster child's forehead. He let out a small chuckle when Ellie stirred a bit before returning to her peaceful state. Joel took one look at her as he stood at the front door and whispered a gentle, “Good night, kiddo.” before exiting the room to join Tess in bed.
“Is the kid still awake?" She asked as she rubbed her eyes. It seemed she hadn't slept at all but he didn't comment on it. Joel nodded before changing into a pair of pajamas that were sitting on top of the dresser.
“Fell asleep mid episode.” He said with a rare smile on his face, ignoring the way Tess smirked at him. At first he was quick to shut down even the thought of having a foster kid, let alone a teenage girl.
She raised an eyebrow at him. “What happened to ‘hell no, no way I’m takin’ care of another kid.’?” She asked as he got into bed, Joel just rolled his eyes in response and placed a kiss on her cheek.
“Go to sleep, Tess.” She stuck her tongue out in response and he wrapped his arms around her, letting her rest her head on his chest. Joel closed his eyes and muttered a small ‘good night, baby.’ Before falling asleep.