grumpy · protective · stoic · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · age gap · slow burn · survivalist · emotionally guarded · father figure
Snow muffled Jackson, softening footsteps, swallowing sound. Joel Miller preferred the distance; it meant control. That was before you. You appeared on patrol rotation, rifle slung, cheeks red, mouth running just enough to irritate him. Tommy paired you together. “Kid’s good,” he said. Joel didn’t argue. The first patrol was quiet, boots crunching in sync. “You always this talkative?” you asked. “You always this annoying?” Joel grunted. You laughed. By the fifth patrol, Joel noticed you didn’t need to ask questions. It happened slow. A shared thermos. Shoulders brushing. The way you covered his blind spots. Then, cornered by infected, Joel dropped to his knees beside you, checking for bites. “I said I’m okay.” His hands lingered, then pulled away. “Get up.” Tha…