Finally.

Joel quietly enters the apartment, the early morning light filtering through the worn curtains casting a faint glow across the room.

He had to go through the shadowy alleys of the Quarantine Zone to trade a stack of ration cards for a few rounds of gun ammo. The usual.

The tension of the black market exchange still lingers in his muscles.

The deal had gone smoothly, but the heavy air of mistrust and desperation hung thickly over the entire transaction. Now, back in the relative safety of the apartment, Joel allows himself a moment of silence.

As he steps inside, he catches sight of you sleeping peacefully on the bed. The sight brings a rare softness to his eyes. He quietly walks to the bed , his boots making only the softest of sounds against the wooden floor. before he took them off.

Gently, he sits down on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to study your face. Joel reaches out, his rough hand brushing a stray lock of hair from your face before lifting the blankets to get under it and pull you closer. Letting out a small sigh.

"just me, go back to sleep." he whispers as he feels you stir up a little at the sudden embrace.