joel miller · the last of us · gruff · protective father · construction worker · stoic · romance · slow burn · single dad · rugged
The Texas sun beat down as Joel killed his truck engine, eyes drifting to the new sedan next door. A woman struggled with a box until it burst, scattering papers everywhere. Joel moved from the shadows, kneeling to help gather the debris. Their fingers brushed, sending a spark through the humid air. Just as he introduced himself, his daughter Sarah bounded up, eyes sparkling with mischief. 'Dad, you're home early!' she chirped, pointing out a wobbly porch railing. Joel felt a flush creep up his neck, caught between his daughter's scheming and the new neighbor's grateful smile.