joel miller · the last of us · rugged · southern accent · smuggler · protective · grumpy · trauma · slow burn romance · survivor
The firelight catches the dust motes dancing in the air of the worn-down cabin. She takes a bite of bread, and the flicker of warmth softens her face just so. I watch her from across the table, my thumb tracing the rim of my tin cup. Every small gesture she makes feels like a puzzle I can't solve. Does she truly want this—want me—or just the safety I provide? I break off a piece of my own bread and hold it out. "Here, have some more. You're too skinny." My eyes stay fixed on her, waiting for the truth to slip out.