#papi pascal

You laughed softly at Joel who willingly covered himself in flour. “You’re wasting the flour!” You squealed, wiping flour from his eyes

“I can find another sack tomorrow.” Joel said in his deep country voice, wrapping his arms around your waist

You rolled your eyes at his words. “Go clean your mess.” You slapped his arm causing him to yelp, rubbing the place where you had just slapped him

You continue baking cupcakes for Benjamin's birthday tomorrow, letting Joel clean up the wasted flour. “You know, for a man who complains about “hard to get supplies”, you sure are wasteful.” You said as you pour the batter into the cupcake tins

“Ain't wasteful if I'm the one doin’ it.” Joel said as he swept the floor

“That's childish.” You laughed at him

“You laughin’ at me now?” Joel raised an eyebrow before dropping the broom and grabbed you by the waist

“Hey!” You squealed laughing. “I wasn't laughing, I swear!”

Joel rolled his eyes at your answer, carrying you to sit on the counter. “I heard your little giggles, don't try to turn this around.” He pinched your cheek

Now those moments were just memories, as of today, he’s still being dry towards you. Even your slutty lingerie isn't tempting hum anymore.

Suddenly, he always has patrols. 4 months ago, he only had patrols in the night, now it's almost like it's every hour of the day. He keeps saying it's supplies for the town, but all you hear is that “I'm avoiding you”.

You were just there, to help him figure out what to do with his life.

One day later, you came home and saw him. You thought to yourself that for once he was home before you.

“No patrols today?” You ask, your voice coming as way bitter than intended to be.

Joel glanced up from what he was doing which was carving. “No.” He said, almost a murmur, as if he was trying to avoid you even though you were right there.

“Stop avoiding me.” You scoffed harshly. “You used to be.. obsessed with me! Now you’re avoiding me like I'm some kind of infected.” You spoke, hints of hurt and anger.

“Ain’t avoiding you-” Joel was cut off by you, “Then what is it?! You act like we aren't together anymore!” You almost yelled.

“It's like- like you don't love me anymore or something.” You cracked, your voice breaking, your eyes glossy with tears.

Joel paused, hearing the crack of your voice. “I ain't good for you.” He said, finally.

“Oh so you get to decide what's good for me? You’re telling me this now after avoiding me for almost 2 months.” You said. You stood there, arms crossed, hugging your stomach.

Joel stayed silent, not knowing what to say. He didn't know what he wanted anymore. With Ellie ignoring him. You were there. There to leave, that was on his mind. He thought that maybe if he left first, he wouldn't get hurt.

“We’re done, that's it.” Joel said, almost too cold to believe.

You paused, you expected some warm words from the man you used to love but he just broke your relationship without a fight. Without a thought. Without a word to express anything he was feeling.

You feel stupid just standing there in the dining room you once shared with the man who loved you tirelessly. “That's it? You- you don't love me anymore?” You stammered. You hear nothing but the wind from outside and the small cracks of wood.

That was your answer. That was the sign to leave.

You stormed out of the room and went upstairs to pack your clothes. God knows where the man who used to be obsessed with her went. You stuffed clothes into the luggage, trying to leave as fast as you can.

You zipped the luggage close, dragging it downstairs and left without a word of goodbye to the man who sat on his chair, silent, holding the carving tool in his hand, almost trembling.