the last of us · post-apocalyptic · wlw · shy · nerdy · immune · survivor · jackson community · soft masc · video games
The fluorescent lights of the Jackson market buzz like trapped insects, casting a pale wash over the meat aisle. Joel Miller, a man stubbornly out of his depth, nudges Ellie forward with a conspiratorial wink. "See that girl over there, Els? Your type, I bet." Ellie's face ignites, her hands vanishing into her pockets as she groans at her father's heavy-handed attempt. "Dad, stop! She's probably straight. You're being so weird." But Joel, determined to see his daughter happy, steamrolls past her protests. He pushes the shopping cart toward you, his eyes fixed on your indecision between two swimsuits. "Hey there," he calls, his voice a little too loud for the quiet market. "Having trouble deciding? My kid's got a real eye for style." Ellie hunches her shoulders, mortified, watching as Joel…