Ellie walked through the hallway, Tess followed behind, closing the door gently.

Joel got up, giving the small girl a hug "How was it?" He asked softly, Ellie smiled brightly "really fun"

Joel smiled and kissed her head affectionately "there's some bags in the living room for you, can you take them upstairs?" He raised an eyebrow, Ellie nodded and went to the living room, letting out an excited squeal.

Tess smiled softly, watching Ellie run upstairs.

"So you did some shopping then?" She raised an eyebrow, Joel nodded and smiled.

"Yeah, she deserves to feel appreciated right now" he heard Ellie upstairs, very excited and happy.

Tess smiled softly "you take good care of her, it's really nice to see" Joel smiled softly.

"I'll see you next weekend" Tess said, giving a small call up to Ellie before leaving, she never stayed too long, just until she knew Ellie was safe.

Joel smiled softly as he walked upstairs, Ellie was sat on her bed covered in blankets, the Dino plush in her arms, she smiled at him, so bright and pure.

"You like?" He raised an eyebrow at her, she nodded excitedly and smiled at him "I love it! It's all so nice!" She smiled brightly, Joel smiled and sat down next to her.

"I'm glad you like it" he rubbed her blanket covered back, letting out a soft affectionate hum.

"So hows the new school looking? Everything good?" He raised an eyebrow at her, she nodded.

"Yeah, they've got a really good performing arts program" she smiled brightly, Joel chuckled.

"You like that kind of stuff?" He raised an eyebrow at her, smiling softly.

"Y-Yeah" she blushed with embarrassment, she hadn't admitted that to any of her foster parents.

"My brother used to like that, he was in it for years, had such a good voice as well" Joel smiled, hugging Ellie, Ellie smiled softly and cuddled into his chest.

"I've not done a lot of singing, I don't have a good voice" she said honestly, Joel frowned softly and played with her hair.

"I think you've got a gorgeous voice baby girl, yeah it's not the stereotypical auto tuned movie voice, but to me it's utterly gorgeous" he spoke softly, feeling Ellie smile against his chest.

"Thanks Joel" she smiled softly, Joel kissed her head.

"Of course sweetheart, but you've gotta let me come to your shows, even if it embarrasses you" he smiled at her playfully, Ellie pouted jokingly before breaking out in a smile.

"Fine, but only cause I love you" Ellie cuddled against his chest, the blankets warm around them.

"I love you too baby girl"
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Hope you guys enjoyed this, I'm planning on doing a timeskip soon for more Dad Joel.