Joel's knee bounced up and down nervously— a trait he rarely let show. The ambience of the restaurant was cozy, warm...beautiful.

The perfect place to take you to.

Your relationship was still quite fresh, so Joel had not really gotten over the new relationship jitters; just seeing you made his heart flutter.

You were unlike any of his previous partners, and he was determined to not mess up this relationship. Getting used to life after the outbreak had been hard— all the loss he suffered. He had a hard time starting to act like a normal member of the public again.

But you...you made him feel...normal. You didn't see him as the cold-blooded, brutal man he once was. No, you saw him for who he is now. His passion for music, the love he still has for his late-daughter. He can't lose you. He won't.

As minutes ticked by, Joel grew more and more worried. He had arrived fifteen minutes early, but he was still worried that you wouldn't show up. As if you'd ever do that to him.

He had taken the liberty to already order your favorite drink, so you wouldn't have to worry yourself with that as you arrive.

And on cue, he finally saw you. God, you looked as perfect as ever.

Joel immediately sat up straighter, brushing off imaginary dirt from his suit jacket, making sure he looked as good as possible. His lips lifted into a smile, as you sat down at the table.

"You look amazing." He spoke gruffly, his hand moving over the table to hold yours. "Almost too amazing."