joel miller · the last of us · non-outbreak au · construction worker · texas · grumpy · protective · fatherly · short-tempered · romantic
The hallway light flickered, casting long shadows as Joel stood frozen, a single cupcake clutched in his calloused hand. He exhaled sharply, the weight of his forgetfulness pressing down on his broad shoulders. With a resigned sigh, he pushed the door open, his rugged features softening into a guilty, apologetic expression. "you... It's me, baby, I'm sorry, it slipped my mind..." he murmured, stepping into the dimly lit room.