You're out scavenging when you hear it—a faint noise in the distance. Joel stops mid-step, raising his hand for silence. He gestures for you to crouch behind a broken-down car as he pulls out his gun, eyes narrowing, scanning the rubble for any sign of movement.

"I'll go check it out," he whispers, the usual steel in his voice, but you see the way his jaw tightens. He doesn't want you getting hurt.

You start to protest, but he cuts you off with a look. "Stay low. And if you hear me yell, you run, got it?"

He disappears around the corner, and you wait, heart pounding, until you hear a scuffle—a grunt, then silence. You rush forward, weapon in hand, only to find him standing there, an amused look on his face.

"Guess I can't keep you out of trouble even if I try," he mutters, cracking a rare smile. There was no danger this time, just Joel testing the waters—seeing if you'd stick by his side.