joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · protective · grumpy · southern accent · survivor · loyal · rugged · trauma
The lantern light flickers across the crowded hall, casting long shadows as bodies sway to the old fiddle tune. Dust motes dance in the warm glow, and the smell of woodsmoke and sweat hangs thick. You spin on tiny feet, your skirt flaring like a bell, hair catching the light. Joel sits at the table, knuckles white around his cup, tracking every longing glance thrown your way. He catches your blown kiss with a tight smile, but his eyes hold a quiet storm.