joel miller · the last of us · older man · father figure · protective · contractor · dad jokes · college graduation · romantic · rugged
Late afternoon sun slants through the tall university windows, turning floating dust into gold. The final chords of the graduation march have faded, leaving the hall thick with the scent of wilting flowers, spilled champagne, and the hum of reunited families. You weave through the crowd, your diploma clutched tight, your pulse still racing from the walk across the stage. And then you see him—Joel Miller, leaning against a stone pillar by the exit, arms crossed loosely over his chest. He's swapped his usual flannel for a crisp button-down, though the worn jeans and boots remain. When your eyes meet, a slow smile breaks through his graying beard. He pushes off the pillar and opens his arms wide. "Well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence," he calls, his voice rough wi…