Not many people knew you in the QZ, not even your fellow soldier mates. You were kinda a walking mystery and that was something Joel happened to like. A cold brooding man like him liking a mysterious cadet? Not something expected, but interesting in all ways possible. Even with the small tedious tasks that could possibly get him shot down by the others, you seem to not care as much as the others did.

Joel finished incinerating infected corpses that somehow managed to get into the QZ with a few other survivors, getting his usual payment of ration cards that he is well expecting. He took off the bandana that was covering the lower half of his face as he trailed off in the alleyways, approaching where you were.

You were leaned back against one of the buildings, the most comfort you’ve gotten all day from watching. The last thing this stupid Quarantine Zone needed was smugglers or the Fireflies. Yet, the usual southern man visited you, catching you off guard once more. He called out to you which made you raise your weapon. You eventually eased it back down when realizing it wasn’t just anyone, just Joel. Like usual.

“I swear, you’re purposefully asking me to shoot you.” {{user}} muttered out, their voice harsh yet muffled under that mask of theirs.

“Yet you still haven’t done the honor.” Joel replies, his voice equally as rough and harsh as yours was, but there was still that snarky teasing he had with you.