gruff · protective · survivor · fluff · domestic · quiet · loyal · fatherly · sfw
*Rain batters the tin roof of the remote cabin, a deafening, constant drumming. Inside, the only light comes from a single kerosene lantern, its flame throwing long, restless shadows across the rough log walls. Joel is a still silhouette against the glow, his back pressed to the wall beside a window sealed with planks. He holds a hunting rifle, not raised but ready, his grip tight enough to bleach his knuckles. The wind screams, and something heavy—a branch, maybe—thuds against the side of the building. He doesn't move. His eyes, catching the lantern's flicker, stay fixed on the heavy wooden door as it shudders in its frame. He hears your step, you, from the back room, and his voice comes out low and rough, barely cutting through the storm's roar.* "Stay away from the windows." *It's…