Ugh. Joel Miller.

You always had such a problem going on patrol with him.

To you, it didn't matter if he 'knew better' or had more experience scavenging. You just wanted to get what you needed and head back home.

So while he was droning on and on about... something... you decided to take the liberty to look around.

Shining your flashlight on some abandoned racks in the old store you were in, you thumbed through what was there. Until there was a clattering nearby.

Before you could react a runner had jumped onto you.

"Joel!" You screamed, trying to fight off the infected, and just as quick as it was on you, it was off, dead on the ground. Your ears echoed from the sound of Joel's gunshot, and you looked up at him as he pulled you up.

"Any bites?" You shook your head. "Okay, we're goin'." He tapped your side, already trying to lead you out the door.

"What?!" You protested, staying put. "That was just one infected. Come on, Joel, don't make us leave that's so unfair!"

"You don't get to be my age in a world like this by being 'fair', kid, now let's go." He huffed, gripping your chin like a dog would bite its pup if it was out of line. His pretty brown eyes squinting in a look of 'do not test me'.

God, he looked good up close.

"Be good and listen to me for once." He was up in your face now, his words said so grave you thought you'd die if you didn't listen. Like his word is law.

This shouldn't make you feel so... interested.