One Kick
Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader
Word Count: 1.2k
Content: One-bed trope, pure fluff. Based on the prompts: "You pushed me off the bed!"-"I'm sorry?" "I'm sitting in the dark. I like it."
A/N: For @pedrostories celebration! Congrats on 1k! I'm swamped with exams but I really wanted to participate in this, hence the inactivity. Just a drabble and it was kinda rushed.
“Joel.” You called out into the dark, rubbing at your eyes. Exhaustion and sleepiness were practically dripping off of you. He let out an annoyed grunt in response, his figure barely illuminated by the scarce moonlight that was lighting up the room. Joel’s eyes stared at your shadow that was dancing on the walls, ignoring the urge to go to you. “You’re injured,” he stated sternly. You could hear the silent scolding in those two words, he wanted you to rest and not move around. “I’m not dead.” You assured him. With how silent the night was, you heard the huff he let out at your words.
“What are you doing?” You asked as you fell limply onto the chair next to him. You flinched slightly at the creak that resounded within the walls. He looked over at you, folding his arms over his chest. “Sitting in the dark.” He deadpanned, then with a small smile he added “I like it.” You let out a chuckle at his words. In an apocalypse, night was the scariest part, you’re alone in the darkness, unsure of what lurks beyond the next corner. However, most of the survivors who had made it so far had learnt to enjoy the serenity that night brought, a huge contrast to daytime where everyone fought hard for supplies to survive.
“Why aren’t you sleeping?” You asked with a curious tilt of your head. “Someone has to keep watch.” Joel replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. You scoffed at his response, “The door is barred and the windows are nailed shut. It’s perfectly safe, there is no reason to keep watch.” You argued. “You’re injured, you can have the bed to yourself. I’ll just sit here until I eventually fall asleep.” Joel said, insistent on doing it his way. You stared at his unmoving figure, he was as stubborn as a mule. “I don’t need a king-size bed to myself, I barely utilize all the space of a single bed.” You told him while looking at the chair that Joel was sitting on. Joel’s head was leaning against the top of the chair, his whole body too big for the chair. He was using his legs to support himself up, you just knew that it was a matter of time before his legs go numb and he falls from the chair. From the months you spent with Joel, you knew better than to argue with him. You sat up on the chair, folding your arms across your chest as well. “Then I’ll accompany you.” You said, stifling a yawn right after. Joel frowned as he looked at you, his eyes drifting toward the bloodied bandage on your calf. “You're going to make your injury worse.” You closed your eyes, ignoring his words. “Have you never shared a bed before?” You teased instead, ignoring the stern tone of his. “I was married.” Joel deadpanned. “Then why won’t you just share the bed with me? I know you’re tired too Joel.” You shifted your chair to sit in front of him. “So why stick to the small chair that is definitely uncomfortable when there is a king-size bed?” Joel stared into your eyes, his eyes studying your every feature and yet he kept that poker face of his. It used to intimidate you but now with every passing second, your confidence only grew.
You threw a fist into the air in victory when Joel relented. He pressed on his knees for support, letting out a huff as he stood up. The moment Joel laid his back against the mattress, he felt all his muscles relaxing, thanking him. Joel was practically on the edge of the bed, he would fall if he decided to inch any closer to the edge. You simply sighed as you got into the bed, a considerable gap between the both of you.
It didn’t take long for the both of you to fall asleep.
Joel had an inkling that something bad was going to happen. He was still exhausted but his guts were telling him that something is wrong. Before he could truly pinpoint what was wrong, Joel felt a force against his stomach and he dropped to the cold hard ground. He let out a guttural groan, as his tired mind tried to put the pieces together.
His jaw drops slightly. Did you just kick him off the bed? He brushes himself off, standing up with a grunt. Joel towers over you, his discerning eyes trying to figure out if it was on purpose. You seemed totally oblivious as you turned to your side, sleeping soundly. A few soft snores escaping you.
====
“Do you hate me that much?” Joel turns to you at the sound of your voice. The morning sun now letting in some light through into the small apartment the both of you were seeking shelter in. “I know you still slept on the couch last night.” You stated, there’s a disappointed look on your face. He huffs, rolling his shoulder back as he massages his sore muscles. The blankets on the couch only served to prove your point.
“You kicked me off the bed!” He defended. His impatience caused by the bad sleep he had last night on the couch. “I’m sorry?” Your eyes widened in shock. “I woke up when I fell to the ground and decided at least I wouldn’t be kicked to the floor if I slept on the couch.” He responded sarcastically. “You’re lying.” You laughed, it was rather comedic. Joel was a stoned survivor and yet he was simply kicked off the bed by you. “It’s not funny.” He frowned, “Even with your injured calf you’re still pretty strong. You should be fine for the trek then.” He said. You chuckled, moving your leg around. “I told you I was fine, was a kick all it took to assure you?” You said, a playful tone in your voice. He narrowed his gaze at you, he remained silent as he packed his bag. “Maybe I should kick you more, to reassure you.”
He let out a small amused breath. “Don’t worry, I will not be sharing a bed with you anytime anymore.” He replied, a playful twinkle in his eye. You beamed, it was rare when Joel would allow himself moments where he seemed human. That he wasn’t void of positive emotions. “Joel! Come on, I know you find it funny too. Just smile! Like this!” You pushed your cheeks up, giving him an exaggerated smile. Joel chuckled lightly at your face, unable to resist the humor in this situation.
“A chuckle! That’s more than I’ll ever ask!” You celebrated. He shook his head in amusement, letting the grin on his face shine.
“Maybe sometimes you do need a kick, to knock that grumpiness away.” You suggested. “Don’t you dare.” He warned but there was still amusement in his voice.
It was moments like this when you treasured your time with Joel. Times of normalcy between the both of you. He gave you a sense of home when everywhere else was not.
Home was a person, not a place.
Even if Joel wouldn’t admit it, you were his home too. You’re the only person who can make him smile despite everything the apocalypse has put him through.
tieronecrush