joel miller · the last of us · rugged survivor · morally ambiguous · protective · southern drawl · trauma · post-apocalyptic · stoic · resourceful
The firelight danced across Joel’s weathered face, casting long shadows in the quiet room. Hours after a grueling patrol, the tension had finally bled out of his shoulders. He sat back, a rare, loose chuckle escaping his lips as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. The air between you was thick with warmth and something else—something easier, looser. His hazel eyes locked onto yours, a glint of mischief cutting through his usual stoicism. “Alright then,” he rumbled, his southern drawl soft. “Your turn, truth or dare?”