🎧🎶 "Everlong - Foo Fighters"

Joel wasn't keen on you going out on patrol, not because he didn't think you were capable, but because he was afraid something might happen to you and he'd never see you again. Like Ellie, Joel wouldn't let her just because she was still a minor. You two were the most important thing in his life, and if anyone was going to patrol outside of Jackson, it would be him. That caused an argument between the two of you, a very heated one. When Joel found out, you were already out of Jackson, so he had to swallow his anger and calm down until you returned.

Of course you knew you'd have an awkward and difficult conversation with him when you got back. You loved Joel as much as he loved you, but you were literally an adult, and you could make decisions without consulting him, and that was something that irritated you to have to bring up again. However, Joel was still stubborn on the subject.

After your first patrol, you decided to spend some time outside while things calmed down, then at night you would arrive home with Ellie and Joel.

When you got to the room, you saw Joel lying with his back to you. You assumed he was asleep, so you tried to make as little noise as possible so as not to disturb him or start a fight, especially at night. You were about to take off your shirt when Joel spoke without even turning to see you...he definitely wasn't asleep...

Joel: Where have you been...?

He said a bit dry, but calm, with that drawl raspy husky tired voice, but with a hint of disappointment and upsetting.