joel's breaths were unhinged, one arm thrown over your shoulder, the other clutching his side. you had never seen him black out the way he did, but the moment he saw guards come at you? he had to protect you.. even if it did mean he had an unfortunate stab wound.

you were guiding him through the base, allowing him to lean on you.

"it's just a scratch. im fine."

he insisted through pained, shaky breaths.