Chapter Text
“Don’t even think about it.” Joel groaned rubbing the bride of his nose between two fingers.
“Come on,” Jesse argued. “What could go wrong here? We take one of the trucks speed through the patrols and be back in time to check on Maley’s. It will fix the shorthanded problem.”
“You can go wrong,” Joel said earning a few snorts from the group. “With your driving I think we'll lose even more hands.”
“It’s not that bad.” He defended with a frown.
“It’s great.” Dina jumped in, “If you’re a fan of changing tires, getting stuck in the mud, hitting deer, hitting other cars that aren’t even moving, ” The entire group burst into stifled giggles as she trailed on to several other specific fuckups.
“Good god.” He sighed watching the entire meeting derail. It didn’t help that everyone stacked on the roof the abandoned car were now getting into an intense kicking match swinging their feet around wildly trying to hit those standing below. “Hey! We’re not done yet.” Joel called out in a weak attempt to maintain order. “You guys are worse than herding cats.”
“Not true. There’s only five cats in town right now.” Ellie stated before she slammed her foot into Jesse’s shin causing him to jump back violently.
“Ow, shit!” He nearly fell backwards into the hood of the car.
“Ellie!” Joel growled.
“Joel.” She copied dropping her voice lower her face flat as if she had done no wrong.
“It’s actually nine cats now.” May chipped in. “Molly gave birth a few days ago.”
“Awwww, that’s nice.” Ellie cooed pausing for a few moments before attacking again with a roar.
Joel glanced to Tommy his eyes begging for help. Tommy didn’t seem to notice as he sat grinning at the mayhem. Joel gave up and let the kids bicker for a few more minutes before letting out a piercing whistle to grab most of the group’s attention. “Goddammit, Ellie would you let Jackson go?” She didn’t seem to hear as she intently held him in a headlock. “Ellie seriously.”
“Fiiine,” She groaned slowly letting Jackson go. He immediately stretched back out to stand a good four inches taller than the entire group acting as if nothing had happened.
“Okay now that you all listening,” -he emphasized with his hands stretched out-, “ I know this is unusual to break everyone up from the usual groups but after that fire and flu outbreak we are really hurting for hands. We need a supply team to Pocatello, three patrol groups and one to check up on Maley’s. We need at least five for Pocatello so everyone else is going to have to divide accordingly. Yes, the supply team will be driving, and Jesse you’re on one of the patrols.” He added on before he could get any bright ideas. Everyone slowly broke off into groups but half were still arguing about taking the supply run. Not to mention there were still only four of the five needed teams.
Ellie had already stepped out to better inspect the mess. “I think May could learn to drive. This is a pretty safe run and Ricks is going to be leading it right?” She observed before glancing up at Joel her arms crossed still trying to mentally sort everyone out.
He looked down at May who was standing to the side nervously bouncing on the balls of her feet. Having just turned sixteen this would be the first time really leaving the town. But she had been more than prepared for the last few months. “I can agree with that.” Joel hummed scratching at a graying beard.
“You would teach her to drive rather than let me go!?” Jessie complained.
“So far she's had zero wrecks, how many are you at exactly?” Joel glanced up unmoving. “What do you think May?”
“Oh hell yeah.” May nodded eagerly her blonde hair flying around as she skipped to the supply group. Joel then picked off most the kids until there was a reasonable team left.
“Any complaints?” He asked looking staring down the crew. No one dissented and he nodded approvingly. “Y’all know where to go. Go get your gear ready and meet Ricks after lunch tomorrow.” They cheered and ran off. “Now I don’t really care about who’s in what patrol but we need at least three of you to go out to Maley’s.”
“I’ll take it.” Ellie immediately volunteered.
“I think you should stay back for this one.”
“Should? Come on.” She exhaled sharply. “The only reason we’re going out that far is since no one from Maley’s showed up yesterday. It’s going to be at least four days round trip to get there with horses. And as far as I know, no one in this group has even been out there before.”
Dina stepped out to Ellie’s side. “I’ll go too.” Joel frowned biting his lip.
“Oh come on dad,” Tommy interjected. “The kid’s right. She could probably run the whole thing by herself. Dina’s not too shabby with a gun either, if they even run into trouble.” Joel’s jaw tightened and he leaned heavily on his cane. “Joel it’s more than likely Maley’s are running late and they meet them on the road. It’s about time you let Ellie take more of a lead.”
“I agree with Tommy.” Ellie piped in. “Considering I’m the one who dragged you back here after you tried to get your leg cut off by that rusty stop sign. If it’s just the two of us we could travel pretty light and probably leave in a few hours.”
Tommy turned raising a brow waiting for Joel to budge. “Okay.” He broke with a small huff. “We’d still need another person though.” He looked at the remaining teens who all suddenly seemed interested in studying the details of their shoes.
“I’ll go.” Jesse rose a hand.
Joel stared at him for a full second before looking back to the pair. “You promise to come get back up if it’s something serious?”
“Yes sir.” Ellie saluted.
He turned to Dina. “Will you,”
“I’ll keep this asshole in line. All else fails I’ll shoot her before someone else can.” Dina stated flatly grabbing Ellie’s shoulder her face held in a poor attempt of complete seriousness.
Joel gave a stiff snort. “Fine, leave when you’re ready. We’ll have two horses at the gate.” They both nodded before breaking off from the group. “Alright for the rest of you first patrol starts tomorrow morning….”
****X****
“Come on man, what the fuck was that?” Ellie laughed. As they weaved through the crooked alleys between the houses.
“What? Don’t tell me you want to spend four days with Jesse’s snoring.” Dina grinned.
“I think I’m referring more to coming with me in the first place, and the asshole part.”
“Oh don’t worry. You are a complete and utter ass. Besides, I hardly ever get to go out that far since I’ve been stuck on the same patrols and clinic work for so long.”
“Since I’m in charge you’ve got nothing to worry about. I might even go as far saying this will be a walk in the park.” They eventually stopped at the back corner of Dina’s house. “Think you can be packed in two hours?”
“Make it one,” Dina smirked kissing her on the cheek before wrapping her arms around Ellie’s waist. Her voice dropped suddenly as she stepped side to side slowly swinging back and forth. “But, you and I both know we’ll be out of the gate thirty minutes from now. And I’m pretty sure you’ve already packed.”
“Me? How could you ever suggest such a thing?”
“It’s not like you live in the house were all the patrols get planned and probably overhear what’s going on before anyone else.” Dina shifted pulling her arms back. “And you’ve already moved your knife from its usual pocket. A sure sign you were planning something.” She held up the weapon she had stolen from Ellie’s back pocket. She pushed the knife against Ellie’s chest with an impish grin. “You really should keep that somewhere more secure.” She backed away slipping through the sliding door.
****X****
“I’ve just thrown a few basics in the bags for you since I know you’re trying to travel fast. There’s not much food so you’ll need to pull from the land when possible.” Notch said pointing the saddlebags on the ground.
“That’s alright. Is there a tarp somewhere?” Ellie asked throwing the bags behind the saddle on the pale horse.
He ground a small twig between his front teeth. “There’s a little one, little patchy but should work fine for the two of you.” Ellie nodded double checking that everything was tied down. She looked up to see a familiar face heading her way and unknowingly grinned at the ground while Notch listed off all the other basic supplies he had added.
“Jesus Ellie are you trying to take the entire armory with you.” Dina glanced weaponry from any available space on Ellie’s form. “I thought you said we were traveling light.”
“We? You look like you’re getting ready for a vacation.”
Dina rested her hand on the worn silver handgun on her leg. “Not everyone has nice toys. I was finally able to get a decent knife on my last patrol.”
“Really, where’s that now?”
“Why don’t you come find it.” She taunted. Ellie’s brow quirked up at the implication knowing that knife was probably not up her sleeve.
“Well,” Notch intruded, “I think you two are all set to go. Gate will open whenever you’re ready. And I would leave quick before your old man changes his mind.” He sauntered back into the barn parting through a sea of chickens.
Ellie took the halters of the two horses and walked them out of the barn. “Big question here Dina. Do you want to take Thistle or Dumpling?”
“Is it pork or chicken?” Dina asked inspecting Dumpling, the pale horse with brown boots.
“Uhhhhm”- Ellie pondered- “I think its horse.”
“That works too.” Dina took the halter and started walking towards that gate.
“One more thing.” Ellie un-slung the hunting rifle from her back and passed it to Dina. “You can hang on to this one.”
Dina grabbed and quickly inspected the gun testing the weight. “Shit. This is nice.” She pointed it at the ground testing the scope. “Are you sure about giving it to me?”
“Well, I want it back eventually.” She cleared her throat and adjusted the bow on her shoulder. “Besides, you need something that has a little more range.”
Dina grinned throwing rifle over her shoulder. “If you die I’m keeping it.”
“Damn.” Ellie laughed. “I see how it is. You just love me for my guns.” They walked the horses to the gate, there were pretty strict rules about riding them in town. There had been a few too many, incidents. A piercing whistle could be heard signaling for the gate to open.
“I mean, you’re almost right.” She hooked her foot in the stirrup and pulled herself onto the horse with practiced ease. “The guns I’m really looking for are usually trapped under a ratty flannel.” She bit her lip to hold back a grin as Ellie’s face when through multiple stages of processing. As soon as the gate opened wide enough she started slowly trotting away. “Are you coming or not?”
“Hey!” Ellie called out. “You don’t even know where we’re going!” Dina kept on trotting while Ellie tried to catch up. Behind them shrill whistles cut through the air again, a sign that the gates were closing. Ellie was leaning out of her saddle in order to smack Dina’s arm. “Hey look at this.” She said stone-faced holding up her middle finger.
Dina buckled forward cackling and the sound was enough to break Ellie’s blank demeanor. “God. Sorry I insulted your fashion sense. But you have to admit most of your clothes are getting pretty worn down.”
“What, would you prefer I just take everything off.” Her brow quirked. “Because I can make that happen.”
“Oh,” Dina her voice rose as if she was actually considering the offer, “Ohhhh. Is that by request or more of a bribe situation?”
“Yes.” Ellie snorted checking her watch. “The timing should work pretty well,”-she conveniently changed subject.- “we’ve got about five hours until sunset. We should be able to make it to the lake houses before then since this area usually isn’t too bad.”
“Yes captain flannel.” Dina saluted with only her middle finger crossing her brow.
Ellie shook her head with a groan. “Just try to keep up.” She kicked Thistle’s flank and started off into the trees. “Also watch your head.” Ellie said barely managing under a low branch.