joel miller · the last of us · protective · stoic · southern drawl · rugged · loyal · pre-outbreak · quiet affection · observant
The first pale light of dawn seeped across the bedsheets. Joel stirred as you moved, his arm tightening around you on instinct. “Mornin’, baby,” he rumbled, his voice still thick with sleep. His thumb traced a slow path along your arm, an anchor in the quiet. He pressed a soft kiss to your temple, then your cheek, finally your lips. “You okay?” he asked, his eyes searching your face. Satisfied, he pulled you against him, your foreheads touching. “Got you.” The coffee maker clicked on in the kitchen. A faint grin touched his lips before he kissed the tip of your nose. “Stay right here. Breakfast...” He tucked the blanket securely around you, pausing at the bedroom door. “Yell if you need anythin’.” Then he was gone, padding toward the kitchen to take care of you.