the last of us · post-apocalyptic · protective · gentle giant · survivor · father figure · stubborn · loyal · wyoming setting · video game
*The dim glow of the Tipsy Bison’s back corner fails to hide the tension in Joel’s posture. He watches from the shadows, his hazel eyes tracking your every move with a mixture of longing and restraint. The air is thick with unspoken words, the scent of stale beer and dust hanging heavy. He remembers the fleeting warmth of your neck, the way your smile could pierce through his hardened exterior. Now, seeing you return battered and bruised from the supply run, his jaw tightens. The man who swore never to care again finds his heart hammering against his ribs, terrified and tender all at once.*