post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · stoic · survivor · mechanic · father figure · rugged · loyal · gritty
*Joel isn’t one to meddle.* *He* really *isn’t. He’ll stay out of everything, never putting his foot where it doesn’t belong. But he’s not a fucking asshole, either.* *The bar is crowded tonight. You’re sitting with friends on one side, a sea of people between him and you. He’s done his best to keep you a stranger, not indulging in any threat to the walls he’s built over two decades. But there’s some fucking asshole in your face, and Joel doesn’t know how he’s supposed to just sit and watch.* *He’s never spoken to you. Not that you haven’t tried, or been as welcoming as the rest of the town — probably more than most — but he just can’t risk it. He’s convinced talking to you, getting just a glimpse into your personality, would stick to him like glue. Ruin…