(This has a bit of a time jump! It's about a month after the last chapter. Beth is out of the hospital but isn't back to normal just yet1 Thank you so much for reading!)

The music was loud, louder than Beth was used to since she got out of the hospital, but it warmed her heart that everyone was having a good time. She sat at the bar and watched everyone having a good time. People were dancing and coming together, instilling some sense of normalcy in the community. Seth and Tommy worked hard to put this shin-dig, as she would call it, together for everyone to enjoy. Seth wasn't happy about it at first, he was worried about damages and the alcohol, but Tommy and Maria were able to talk him into it. The days leading up to it, Beth teased Joel for his nonchalant attitude about the party.

Ever since she got home, Joel has been by her side every day to help in any way he could. They went back to his porch, making music and singing the night away. They fell back into the familiar routine that she loved so dearly, it was almost as if she never admitted her feelings for him; Which she was happy with, the last thing she wanted was to make things awkward for him. The only thing that was different was the way he looked at her. He held back on his feelings a little bit, and sometimes his hand lingers on hers a bit longer than necessary. She could see the need and want in his eyes for something more, but he stood by his conviction of them being too old to be together. She figured that was just an excuse so he didn't have to confront his insecurities of ruining a relationship with her and losing her. She understood his fear, and respected his wishes; she just hated seeing him wanting to just hold her hand but forcing himself to keep his distance. He's even given her some little wooden figurines to decorate her house with, and she cherished them fully. They brought a smile on her face every time she saw them.

"Hey Mrs. Tabetha! How you feeling?"

Ellie said, approaching her gently.

Her voice snapped her back to reality, and she smiled at the wonderful sight of a smiling Ellie. "Hey Ellie! It's good to see you ole girl!"

Ellie rolled her eyes in amusement to Beth's 'annoying' nickname, but she didn't say anything about it this time. "Have you seen Joel? He said he was coming but he still isn't here"

"Oh really? He told me and I quote 'aint no way in hell I'm going to that stupid thing.' Did he change his mind?"

"Yeah, I didn't give him a choice. I told him his old friend Mrs. Tabetha needed his help getting through the crowd and needed someone to talk too since you have no friends"

Ellie teased, looking around for Joel's tuft of grey hair.

Beth giggled at the young woman, enjoying the air between them being so light and familiar. It was hard to believe the turn around on her. She was now getting into patrols, and becoming an active member of the settlement, and becoming such a fine, capable young woman. She admired Ellie for not being afraid of being herself, and not afraid to show who she loved either. Beth was never one to shame others for having partners of the same sex, and she was happy to see Ellie grow into who she was supposed to be. Beth never pried in Ellie's business, but she couldn't help but notice the tension between her and Joel still existed. They were still not back on the same page as they used to be, but the love was still there. Even after so many years, she still wandered what happened between them to cause this much damage.

"Hey."

She again was snapped from her thoughts to see that Ellie was gone. She had no idea how long she's been gone either. In her place stood her next-door neighbor and friend, Joel. Her heart skipped a beat and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. His usual disheveled appearance was gone; He cleaned up for this party. He was wearing his nice jeans, and even brushed his hair! His hair, can you believe it? It was still cold out so he had his boots and usual brown jacket, but he actually tried for once. He looked a bit shy and embarrassed under her gaze, making her giggle. The lights that were strung up on the ceiling bathed him in a soft, warm glow; making him look like an angel. He instantly pulled the air from her lungs; his presence demanded her attention as always and she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her neighbor, her friend, the love of her life.

Joel.

She quickly swallowed the sadness that they weren't together and gave him the usual smile. "Hey old timer! Glad to see you could make it!"

He scoffed at her usual attitude and stood beside her to lean against the counter. He nonchalantly lifted his arms up to rest on the counter top as they looked over the crowd of dancing and smiling faces. It was obvious this wasn't his cup of tea, and he was out of his element, but she couldn't be happier that he made it. He needed times like this to give him a touch of the closest thing to being normal. She couldn't stop stealing glances of him, watching him trying to relax. Something was off about him; he wasn't the usual Joel. He acted as if something was on his mind. Was he okay? Did he and Ellie fight already? She followed his gaze and saw Tommy and Maria trying not to make it obvious they were cheering him on. Maria was giving him excited thumbs up and Tommy was waving him off, but Beth didn't know why. Since when did Joel ever seek validation from anyone, especially his younger brother?

A slow song came on, and she watched everyone embrace their partners and she smiled with envy at the love that filled the air. She was old, Joel was right about that, but she wasn't senile for wanting love like that before she finally did leave this hellhole they called Earth. She felt Joel's eyes on her as she warmly smiled at the beauty in the room. The lights, the music, the people, it was all perfect. It was a wonderful thing that Tommy and Seth put together, and despite Seth being an asshole, they did a good job.

"You uh...wanna dance?"

Joel asked.

She snapped her gaze from the room to the man who was standing next to her. Her mind was reeling. Did he actually ask that? Of course she wanted to dance with him! Her heart started pounding in her ears and her face turned pink. Joel couldn't look at her face without getting embarrassed, but he was trying. Did he finally hang up his convictions for her?

"I thought you'd never ask, old timer"

She smiled at him.

In her forty some odd years of life she never really was shy, but being led by her friend to the dance floor made her shy. She wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially not from him. It was obvious Joel wasn't used to this, because his callused hands slightly trembled when he took her hand in his and rested his other hand on her waist. His touch sent electricity through her body, making her blush fiercely. What was going through his head? Was this grand gesture his declaration of his love for her? Was this his way of telling everyone if they were together? Or was this Joel just being a good friend and dancing with her because it was obvious she wanted to? A million questions ran through her head, but she didn't dare ask any so she didn't scare the man away. He pulled her close, bringing her body right against his, and she almost melted. She hadn't been against anyone in almost twenty years. She looked up at Joel, who had a playful look in his eye as he looked back at his brother. Was that why they were giving him the thumbs up? To encourage him to dance with her? Oh, she could kiss them!

She and Joel swayed to the slow music almost in sync, as if they've done it a million times. Did he practice this, or did this come natural to her friend? She didn't care, she was in heaven. Joel looked down at her awkwardly, muttering small apologies when he stepped on her feet, making her laugh. He was totally out of his comfort zone, and that was obvious, but he was really trying.

"You look great tonight"

Joel smiled awkwardly at her, blushing.

Joel blushing? What a sight! "So do you, Joel. You clean up real nice."

He chuckled dryly at her comment, and pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist as he got comfortable. They swayed to the music, and she saw Ellie in the corner of her eye, watching them dance as she sipped from a brandy glass. She was smiling, but Beth couldn't tell if it was from happiness for Joel or for me. He noticed her looking off, and followed her gaze. When his eyes settled on Ellie, she cracked him the biggest smile and gave him a thumbs up, which prompted Joel to whip Beth around so she couldn't see her anymore. She yelped in surprise at his movements, which caused them both to laugh.

They started to sync up in their dancing, which caused them to relax more and get more comfortable. It wasn't long before the world around them fell away and she got lost in her friend, her next-door neighbor, the love of her life. It was just the two of them in the world right now, and she happily leaned into his chest and allowed him to embrace her. This right here was everything she ever wanted, just until she was dragged to Hell when her time came. They weren't too old. They were just the right age to have love before they got too old. She wished with all of her heart for Joel to change his mind, and if sharing such an intimate moment with this man wouldn't change his mind, nothing would. So she took all of her love, all of her compassion, her empathy, and her will of fire and channeled it into Joel. She gave him everything she had, hoping he felt it. Hoping he was drowning in it so he knew without a doubt that he was being silly. She squeezed his shoulder with her hand that wasn't clasped in his and willed him to change his mind. Just for a second. Just see her view for just a moment. She wistfully sighed in his chest, murmuring a quiet prayer to God to save them once again from his fears.

"Whatcha staring at?"
Joel asked, his eyes softening under her stare.

"Nothing I reckon"

She smirked, earning a chuckle from the man.

"Sorry" he whispered after stepping on her feet once again, "I can't dance worth a damn."

"You're doing so great, thank you so much for dancing with me. Who taught you? I know you didn't just know how to dance"

She teased, taking a second to memorize the humorous smile that toyed at his lips.

"Ellie wouldn't allow me to come here without knowing, so she got Maria to teach both of us."

He explained simply, an embarrassed blush creeping on his cheeks.

"They did a good job. They say you can't teach old dogs new tricks but here you are"

They both chuckled at that, and Joel took a deep calculating breath. He was trying to come up with the words to say something, but she could see him lose the confidence to say it a few times.

"What is it, Joel?"

Was this it? Was this finally it?

"I thought a lot about what you said back in the hospital, and I think about what I said and the more I repeated myself, I realize how stupid I sounded."

Her heart jumped in her throat, and she got butterflies. Joel couldn't look straight at her, so he looked up at the ceiling to gather the courage to say what he needed to. Beth was soaking up every second with excitement and anticipation. Was he finally going to see it her way? Was he going to let her love him like he deserved?! Oh, how exciting! She watched him take another deep breath, and mouth the words 'fuck it' and locked eyes with her under the beautiful lights.

"I hope you can forgive me for being so dumb, Beth. Really, I can't imagine how you felt in that hospital when I left. I regretted that day ever since."

"It's okay Joel, I respect your-"

"No let me finish," he said, ignoring her comment. "Or I won't be able to say this."

She shut up and let him lead the conversation. He was nervous, embarrassed, and ready to run away. She just allowed him to sway her around the dance floor and say what he needed to say.

"I... I love you Beth. I really do. I never let myself admit it because I knew that it would never work, because I fuck up everything I touch, but I see now how stupid I sounded. I want to try to be with you, if you'll still have me?"

He asked.

Tears filled her eyes as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Seeing tears in her eyes made Joel a little uncomfortable, and he held her closer.

"O-O... Of course I still want to be with you Joel! I cant believe you changed you-"

"Great, just what we needed! Another loud-mouthed dyke!"

She was cut off by Seth yelling. They both turned to the commotion and they saw him yelling at Ellie and Dina. Joel was gone in an instant, leaving her in the middle of the dance floor to confront Seth for yelling at his baby girl. She watched Dina hold a yelling Ellie and Joel shoved Seth, yelling at him. She gasped and covered her mouth in surprise at Joel getting physical. Maria was there in an instant to break up the fight, and Tommy pulled a steaming Joel away from the asshole. She watched Dina pull Ellie away and rage boiled in her chest at the utter ignorance this man displayed. She stormed over to him to give her a piece of her mind, but Maria waved her off while she jerked him into the back to talk to him.

She was left alone, during one of the most important moments of her life, over a guy who wanted to be homophobic. Rage filled every fiber of her body and she angrily kicked a chair over. Joel was finally going to admit his feelings, and it was ruined. Of course it was, it would never be that easy. Her kicking the chair caused a sharp pain to shoot up her side, and it almost knocked her on her ass. Might as well go home, she was exhausted anyway. She wasn't quite back to normal, and dancing had her tired and ready to retire to her bed.

She slipped past everyone without being seen, and began the long walk back home. Her house wasn't too far from the party, but she wasn't in the best shape anymore and wouldn't be for a long time. She was annoyed by the events that just transpired, but decided to let the beautiful night take her mind off things. The moon was full and the stars littered the sky like a beautiful blanket. It almost mimicked the lights over the ceiling at the gathering. The snow was only a few inches on the ground so the satisfying crunch under the feet made her smile and feel warm inside. She loved her home, and was glad to still be alive to be able to experience nights like this. Maybe she could teach Joel to love the night sky like her.

Oh shit! Joel!

No doubt Tommy walked him home. Her heart skipped a beat when she remembered what he said to her before he left. She got excited again, and walked as fast as she could through the cold to go see him. They could finally be alone to fully express their feelings, and she couldn't wait to hear him say he loved her again. The words were like heaven in her ears. It filled her soul in a way that nothing ever did, and she could feel her heart healing a little just imaging his smiling face waiting to embrace her on his back porch.

It took her a good five whole minutes just to get home, her sides were killing her from all of the exercise she did; But once her house was in view, she got all excited again and rushed straight into the backyard to see Joel. He was sitting on the porch holding his guitar, just as she expected. He saw her and stood up to greet her. She happily embraced her friend, memorizing how he wrapped his arms around her for the first time without dancing. All of her worries melted away and she felt at home. He was finally going to be hers.

"That was quite a show back there!"

She teased as he pulled away and sat down.

He smirked dryly at her and pulled his guitar on his lap. Despite the fight that just happened, his eyes still twinkled with amusement at her. She sat down in the chair that she always sat in when he played. Her chair. She felt right at home as he began strumming the strings. He always strummed a little bit until the right note hit him and the song he wanted to play came to him, only he didn't play a song that he already knew. He just kept strumming different tunes and tapped his feet. She gave him a confused look but tapped her foot along with him, as she always did. They quickly fell into their old routine, just them and the music. Humming, tapping feet, her soft claps... it was just them in the world. Her worries were carried away by the notes in the late-night breeze.

"Thank you for coming back tonight"

Joel said softly.

She almost didn't hear him over the guitar, and gave him a helpless smile. "How could I not after our conversation?"

Joel smiled softly at her comment, and stopped playing. He was thinking for a second, but then put the guitar down to look at her. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees and looked at her. He wanted his intentions clear, so he locked her in his gaze.

"Did you get the time to think about what I said?"

"Of course I did? I couldn't stop thinking about it since you said it. I've loved you for a long time, but almost dying finally gave me the courage to admit it"

"You almost dying made me finally realize how I truly felt. I'm so sorry it took so long. I couldn't imagine how it felt to stand by such an idiot for so long and getting nothing in return. I'm glad you still want to be around"

He couldn't say that he was glad she still wanted to be with him, and she tried to not let that bother her because this was probably the first time since before Sarah died that he's ever tried to be with anyone. He's been alone for so long he wasn't used to using language like that. Tears filled her eyes as he confirmed for sure how he felt, and she couldn't help herself. She got up from her chair and he stood up as well to meet her for an embrace. He held her as she cried from happiness. Things were finally falling into place for her. She was finally given the chance to show Joel the love he deserved, and in turn he could love her as she deserved. They deserved a break from surviving and to be normal. To be together.

She pulled away from their hug a little to look up at Joel. His porch light bathed him in the same soft yellow light from the gathering. He looked heavenly as he towered over her. This was now her view and her view only, him in her arms. He looked so nervous, but he smiled at her stare. He raised his rough hand and gently slipped it underneath her hair and cupped her cheek in his hand. A fierce blush painted her cheeks and her heart jumped at his touch. He looked like he wanted to run away, but she could see him trying. He leaned down and carefully placed his lips on hers. Fire erupted in her chest, and soon spread over her entire body. Her mind was racing as she closed her eyes and threw herself on him. His lips were just like she dreamed they would be, warm and inviting. Joel nervously wrapped his arm around her lower back and pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. It was awkward, it was beautiful, it was their first kiss. It felt like she was home. She wasn't ready for this moment to be over, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She could tell that Joel needed this as much as she did. She could feel his heart pounding under his jacket.

She could feel her soul healing, and felt his healing too. So many emotions were running through her and she couldn't quiet her mind but she didn't care. They stood like this for what felt like hours, but she was in bliss every second. Joel probably hasn't had love in such a long time, so this was all new to him. He was excited to, she could feel it channeling through his trembling fingers on her lower back. He was warm, soft, and careful.

It was perfect. Every second.

She didn't know how long they were lost in each other, but her lungs started screaming for air. They broke the kiss, and watched each other's reactions as they tried to catch their breath. Joel looked so scared that he fucked up, but relaxed when she laughed in disbelief. It finally happened! She got to finally show him what it was liked to be desired, to be kissed, to be wanted. She excitedly hugged him tight again, and he obliged her. She excitedly jumped up and down, cheering for the new chapter in life waiting for them. For their new relationship, and for love winning. Their love won over everything that happened. That was something to celebrate! Joel chuckled at her energy, and when she winced in pain at her sides, he immediately backed off.

"You need to calm down before you break a rib or something"

He chuckled.

"Sorry, I'm just so excited for us. You are right though; I do need to calm down. I'm tired enough as it is. I don't want to go home though, I don't want this to be a dream"

She chuckled, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment.

Joel smiled at her, cupped her chin in his hand, and leaned in to kiss her cheek. She blushed as he pulled away, holding her hand over the spot he kissed in utter disbelief. Her whole face warmed just from his lips.

"This aint a dream. You go get some rest, we will figure out the rest of this tomorrow after I get back from patrol, okay?'

He said, fighting a smile.

"Tomorrow. It's a date!"

He waved goodbye to her as she walked back to her house. He stood under the light until she got to her back door, and she looked back at him in awe. She couldn't believe this night. She gave him her biggest smile and enthusiastic wave before she went inside. As soon as she shut the door, she let out a sharp breath. It finally happened. She squealed and jumped around her kitchen, completely love sick already. She felt like she was twenty again, falling so hard so quick. After a few minutes of celebrating, she decided to go to bed. Her body ached and she was exhausted. Today was filled with excitement and she needed to sleep it off. Besides, the faster she went to sleep, the faster she could wake up and work off the day until Joel returned to her.

She climbed into her bed, her heart fluttering remembering their kiss. It took her seemingly forever to calm down enough to get sleepy, but even then, she was excited to dream of him. She heard him still playing from her window, and she let the music soothe her to sleep.

As she drifted off, she thought of her friend.

Her next-door neighbor.

Her Joel.