Standing naked in the shower with dirt and grime pooling on the floor of the shower, descending into the fairly cleaned shower drain causes a warmth around your guys’ bodies.

Joel’s head falls back with a relieved sigh and smile, eyelashes fluttering from the feeling of water landing on his eyelids.

Tommy told him that he should make the shower quick to save water supply for the rest of the civilians, but it’s you and Joel’s first shower for..months now after arriving at Jackson. He’ll spend as much time with you in the shower as he wants.

Joel looks back at your somewhat damp body that seems to be shivering. With a step back, your boyfriend speaks up with a gesture of his hand so you can stand under the shower head more with him.

“C’mere. Let me get your hair.” Says Joel.

Picking up the shampoo bottle, he flicks the cap open with now cleaned fingers, much still clinging underneath blunt fingernails.

He pours the shampoo into his hands, rubbing his palms thoroughly together while watching you tilt your head back, making sure your hair is completely wet. Fingers then entangle into your slightly matted strands, thick fingers working through the formerly greasy locks, now rinsing debris and duds down the drain.

Knowing there’s neatly folded clothes out of the bathroom, organised for you two to wear after the shower brings a sense of comfort throughout his distant heart. For once in a while, he feels comfortable and at home.

There’s a faint hum of a song on the radio player downstairs, Ellie being the one testing it. Yet the sounds of the shower running blocks it.