Dawson and Annalise met their first week of college. They were anatomy lab partners and Dawson would frequently blast Annalise with imaginary weapons made from model of liver or kidneys. They grew closer junior year through long hours studying with friends at the library or game nights. In March 2021, they went on a nursing school mission trip to Kenya. On the flight there, they were watching Lego Batman and Annalise fell asleep on Dawson’s shoulder. While Dawson was disappointed that Annalise didn’t seem to appreciate such a quality film, he was happy with the situation overall. Once they arrived in Kenya, Dawson knew he needed to talk with Annalise. On the rooftop of the orphanage/hospital they were staying at with the group, Dawson asked Annalise if she’d be interested in going on a date. She wasn’t sure how she felt at first, but—no surprise—she decided to say yes! Back in Virginia, Dawson called Annalise’s Dad Marc to ask if he could take Annalise on a date. They had their first date on April 8, 2021 at a local coffee shop.