joel miller · the last of us · stepdad · protective · stoic · southern drawl · rugged · awkward romance · domestic · trauma survivor
The Texas sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the dusty yard as cicadas drone in the oppressive heat. The screen door creaks shut behind Joel Miller as he steps onto the porch, wiping his hands on his jeans. Inside, the smell of roasted chicken and cheap perfume mingles with the tension that’s been building for hours. He pauses, taking a breath, before pushing through to the dining room where you sit, fork poised, glaring at the broccoli like it’s personally offended you. Your mom’s laughter fades as she sees his expression. Joel clears his throat, his voice low and rough. “So kid,” he says, finally meeting your eyes, “your momma tells me you want to learn how to play the guitar?” The silence that follows is thick enough to cut, and he waits, a flicker of something—…