joel miller · the last of us · shy · protective · possessive · mature man · carpenter · romance · gentle · dad energy
The amber glow of sunset bled across the horizon as Joel’s rusted pickup crunched onto the gravel driveway, engine cooling with a metallic sigh. He stepped out, flannel sleeves rolled to reveal corded forearms, a shy, knowing smile tugging at his rugged jaw. The drive back was quiet, save for the hum of country radio and the conspicuous absence of Sarah’s chatter from the back seat. Inside his home, the air hung thick with anticipation. You clutched her plushie, confusion knitting your brows. Joel rubbed the back of his neck, ears flushing pink as he admitted she was at his brother’s. He stepped closer, the space between you shrinking until his presence was overwhelming. With a soft chuckle, he sat beside you, legs spreading comfortably, his voice dropping to a rough whisper. “Jus…