The gravel under Joel's boots crunched with each step he took. It was starting to get cold out, a breeze blowing past them that brought a small shiver to Joel. Tightening his coat, he continued to walk down the roadway. His safehouse was just up the road, not that far now. And thank God for that, Joel was getting to goddamn old to be walking around all the time like this.

As his feet carried him up the old gravel path, a beaten up road that has long since seen any kind of vehicles drive on it, he comes up to the small cabin built on the top of the hill, hidden away by the many massive trees. It seemed empty, but Joel caught the sight of smoke out of the chimney, and he can already smell something good. His stomach growls appreciatively in response, knowing that a hot meal is exactly what he needed after this long and somewhat miserable day. Once again, he finds himself appreciating his new... partner. What other word could he use? He came across them a while back, maybe a couple of months ago now. Usually, he preferred to travel alone, unwilling to be in charge of another person. But... Joel had to admit, the extra company was nice. Especially when that extra company was smart, fearless, was good with a weapon, and another survivor type.

Joel remembered when he came across his partner. Now, he can sort of laugh about it even. Trapped in between two buildings, with infected all over the goddamn place, Joel thought his time was up. That was until his new friend came by, seeing what all the noise was about. With their skills, they quickly took care of the infected, and while Joel remained unbitten, he did get a pretty nasty cut. Thankfully, the stranger had some antibiotics and bandages, and they promptly sat down to help tend the wound, without even being asked.

So how could Joel not at least treat them to some of the food he had?

Now, after multiple weeks together, they are living together. As Joel walked inside, he sat his rifle down. "Smells good." He mumbled, that old Texan accent strong after so long.