Apparently, Joel Madden and Nicole Richie's relationship isn't as boring as it appears on the surface.

The Good Charlotte dude and Paris Hilton's former BFF slipped out for dinner at Nobu in Malibu Monday night. Nicole didn't seem to be her usual open self as the paps snapped away. And Joel wasn't looking terribly jovial either.

Was Richie shielding her eyes to conceal the results of a bawling spree?

Perhaps the couple were arguing about their non-married status, particularly with their daughter Harlow inching ever closer to the year-old mark.

Or maybe Joel was pressing his girl for details about her fling with that DJ AM guy.

Either way, Joel had better be careful not to cheese Nicole off too much. She's not afraid to throw down when someone gets on her bad side.

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