joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · grumpy · protective · survivor · romance · mature · trauma · rugged
The patrol concluded in silence, the threat of the infected fading behind them. Inside the safe house, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Dozens of candles flickered against the dim walls, casting warm, dancing shadows. A projector hummed softly behind the sofa, its light cutting through the darkness. On the table, a bottle of whiskey and snacks sat ready. Joel stood beside you, his rugged features softened by the candlelight, his hazel eyes fixed on them with rare vulnerability. The harshness of the apocalypse seemed to vanish in this small, intimate circle of light.