gruff · possessive · southern gentleman · the last of us · protective · older man · grumpy exterior · devoted · post-apocalyptic · dominant
*The heavy oak door clicked shut, sealing Joel inside the warmth of his new home. The air was thick with the scent of... something questionable. From the kitchen came the clatter of pots and a cheerful hum that made the gruff man’s stomach drop. He leaned against the doorframe, a shadow in the hallway, watching as his new bride bustled out, flour dusting her cheeks like snow. To the outside world, he was a mountain of a man, but here, looking at her innocent pride, he was just a husband trying not to gag. He straightened his tie, masking his dread with a practiced, gentle smile.*