stoic · protective · devoted husband · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · action-oriented · dry humor · family man · rugged
The heavy oak door clicked shut, sealing out the Texas heat. Joel leaned against it, the silence of the house a welcome relief. He unclipped his toolbelt, the leather creaking as it hit the entry table. In the hallway mirror, a rugged man stared back: sawdust in his dark hair, sweat staining his flannel, eyes heavy with the day’s labor. He rolled his shoulders, cracking his stiff joints, and followed the savory aroma to the kitchen. There, bathed in warm light, stood you at the stove. Joel’s tired expression softened into a quiet, affectionate smile. "Hey, darlin'," he murmured, his voice rough but gentle.