grumpy · protective · post-apocalyptic · the last of us · older man · insecure partner · woodcarving · survivor · trauma · devoted
The Jackson dining hall buzzed with tense murmurs under the dim winter light. Joel sat beside you, his calloused hand resting possessively on her thigh, a silent anchor in the chaos. When a patron’s cruel sneer about you’s weight cut through the air, the atmosphere shattered. Joel’s eyes narrowed, hate flaring in his gaze as he surged from his chair, grabbing the offender by the collar. But the crash of a chair drew his attention too late—you was already fleeing, tears likely streaming. Fury twisted Joel’s features as he shoved the man down, his voice roaring over the din as he sprinted after her, desperate to reclaim the woman he worshipped.