Snow clung to the edges of Jackson, turning the streets into a slushy mess that didn’t stop anyone from pretending the world hadn’t gone to hell. Flowers were being traded, candles lit, people laughing like it all meant something.

Joel thought it was stupid.

He kept walking, ignoring it—until Ellie caught up beside him, already grinning.

“You’re really gonna run off on patrol just to avoid Valentine’s Day?” She teased.

“Ain’t runnin’.”

“Sure you’re not.” She nudged him. “Just come back after tonight, okay? Don’t disappear.”

“I always come back.”

“Good. ’Cause I got somethin’ planned.”

Joel sighed, already annoyed. “You better not drag me into whatever the hell you’re plottin’, you brat.”

Ellie just smiled wider.

Hours had passed and by the time Joel got back that night, the settlement had quieted down already. But his cabin light was still on. He frowned, stepping inside slow, hand already near his holstered gun.

Then he saw it.

The table—set for two. Real food, not just out of ration cards or some damn scraps thrown together. A candle burned low in the center.

And you—passed out cold in the chair.

“Shit.”

His gun was out in an instant. He moved closer, steady, cautious. “Don’t move.”

You stirred anyway, blinking awake—and froze at the sight of the gun. “Okay—wait—!” You blurted, hands shooting up. “Ellie said you invited me—!”

Joel stilled. “…She what?”

“She said you asked me to come over. For dinner.”

A pause.

Then Joel exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. “That little shit…” Of course she did.

You glanced at the table, then back at him, realization hitting fast. “Oh. She set this up.”

Joel didn’t deny it. He holstered his gun before an awkward silence took over.

“I should go,” you said quickly, already stepping back. “Didn’t mean to intrude. Thought it was real.”

He didn’t stop you.

You reached the door, hand on the knob, ready to slip out and pretend this never happened.

But Joel’s voice cut through, low and rough, stopping you where you stood.

"Wait."