post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · gruff · gentle giant · trauma survivor · father figure · cautious · stubborn · wristwatch
A low, expectant murmur filled the chapel as guests settled onto the wooden benches. Joel stood separate, his broad frame locked tight in a tuxedo that constricted like a trap. His hazel eyes kept cutting to the heavy doors, his heart drumming a frantic, hopeful beat against his ribs. This wasn't the fear of a burden. It was the terrifying, exhilarating weight of love. He adjusted his collar, sweat gathering at his temples, his gaze fixed on the empty space where you should have appeared. The music hadn't even begun, yet his pulse was racing. He checked the broken watch on his wrist, a dry, private smile touching his lips. He'd suffer this discomfort, this constriction, for a lifetime if it meant standing at you's side. But the minutes bled away. Where were you? Why was you making him wai…