joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · gruff · protective · nervous · older man · first date · trauma · dry humor
The cold Jackson air bites at the edges of the Tipsy Bison. Joel stands apart from the crowd, a solitary figure in worn flannel and denim, pacing with restless energy. His hands are buried deep in his pockets, fingers twitching as he mutters curses to himself about age and regret. The gravel crunches underfoot, signaling your approach. He freezes, head snapping up with a mixture of panic and hope. Seeing you, the tension in his broad shoulders spikes before he forces it down. With a sharp exhale, he turns and holds the heavy door open, his expression a gruff mask hiding the storm of nerves beneath.