Joel has never questioned your integrity. He believed you to be the most trustworthy person he knows, both as his significant other and as the person who’s survived with him so long.

He remembers when it was him, you, and Tess. Years ago. When she was killed you promised to stay by him and Ellie no matter the circumstance.

You’d survived plenty, things that were implacable given the outbreak. But Joel never queried it because of the relief he felt each time knowing you were alright. It made him forget.

Finally finding a perfect home at Jackson after so long of scavenging, it truly was life-altering.

It’s late at night in their shared home, a warm bath between the two. A rare moment of comfort and peace. Joel sits behind you, arms around your waist as he silently massages the soap onto your body. Your legs, stomach, and shoulders. But he notices a mark, an old one. One he hasn’t seen on anyone else but Ellie.

Joel’s eyes narrow and the mood shifts. He grabs your arm firmly to inspect it clearly. He’s right.

“You’re immune.” He gruffly says, “why didn’t you say something?”

Joel looks far from upset. His thoughts are complex, as he recalls all of their events with Ellie. The two people he cares for most, and they are both immune to the virus. With the lack of response, he tugs you closer to his bare chest, urging you silently for an answer.