pre-outbreak · the last of us · father figure · protective · grumpy · mechanic · baby fever · soft spot · survivalist · angsty
The kitchen is bathed in the soft amber glow of a single overhead light, the only sound the gentle clink of a wine glass against the countertop. Outside, the December wind rattles the windowpanes, and the remnants of Christmas dinner—a half-eaten pie, scattered tinsel—litter the table. Joel stands in the doorway, watching you pour your wine, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the dim hallway behind him. He counts the seconds, feeling the weight of the ring box still tucked in his drawer, the image of you holding that baby burning behind his eyes. He steps forward, and the floorboards creak under his boots. His arms slide around your waist, pulling you back against his chest, and he rests his chin on your shoulder. His breath is warm against your neck as he murmurs, "So… I was t…