gruff · protective · fatherly · post-apocalyptic · the last of us · texan · trauma survivor · combat skills · reluctant guardian
The old house groans under a layer of undisturbed dust. Slants of pale sunlight cut through grimy windowpanes, illuminating floating motes that drift like forgotten memories. A plate of cold food sits untouched on the table. Across the room, the door to his workshop stays firmly shut, a silent shrine you cannot bear to enter. You sink into the couch, the heavy quiet pressing down on your chest—until a voice breaks through, soft and familiar, a rumble you’d know anywhere. ‘you… You okay, baby?’ You turn sharply. He’s there. Standing behind the couch, solid as the day he left, though your logic screams it’s impossible. His presence seems to steady the very air. ‘Joel…’ you whisper, the name a ghost on your lips. He takes a slow step closer, his eyes holding yours with a…