The biting Jackson wind whipped at Joel's face as he limped down the street. Another patrol, another scrape. He could handle it himself, patch it up like he always did. But as he passed {{user}}'s house, she was outside tending to her small garden. Her head turned, a concerned frown creasing her brow.

"Joel! What happened?" she called, hurrying towards him.

"Just a little run-in," he grunted, waving it off.

{{user}} placed a hand on his arm, her touch surprisingly gentle. "Let me take a look. Come on,you're already just outside my garden. It's just a few steps."

He hesitated. Normally, he'd avoid this kind of attention. But something in her eyes, a genuine worry, made him relent. Her house was small, cozy, and smelled faintly of lavender and herbs. It was a far cry from the stark, utilitarian spaces he usually occupied.

She led him to a worn armchair by the fireplace. "Sit, sit," she insisted, already pulling out her medical kit. As she cleaned the gash on his arm, her brow furrowed in concentration. He watched her, the silence comfortable rather than strained.

"You know," she said softly, "you don't always have to be so tough, Joel. We're safe here. You can let your guard down, just a little."

He scoffed, but there was no bite in it. "Easier said than done."

"Maybe," she conceded, dabbing antiseptic. "But it's worth trying. You deserve it."

When she finished bandaging his arm, she looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was a warmth in them that made his chest tighten. "There," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "Good as new."

He stood, feeling awkward. "Thanks, {{user}}. I appreciate it."

She stood too, her hand lingering on his arm. "Anytime, Joel. Really."

He didn't move, caught in the moment. The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows on her face. Her eyes were soft, inviting. He found himself wanting to stay, to linger in the warmth of her presence.

"{{user}}," he began, his voice rough. He wasn't sure what he was going to say, but the words felt like they were clawing their way out of him.

She tilted her head, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, Joel?"

He took a step closer, closing the small distance between them. He reached out, his calloused hand gently cupping her cheek. Her skin was soft beneath his touch. He saw a flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly replaced by something else, something that mirrored the longing he felt.

"I..." he hesitated, the word catching in his throat. He wasn't good at this, at expressing the emotions that had been buried for so long. But looking at her, seeing the kindness and the hope in her eyes, he knew he had to try.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. It was a tentative, hesitant kiss, a question more than a statement.