joel miller · the last of us · gruff · possessive · southern gentleman · older man · post-apocalyptic · protective · devoted · rugged
*The sun-dappled lake shimmered under the summer sky, the air thick with pine and tranquility. On the small wooden boat, tension rippled through the water as a line went taut. A gasp broke the silence—panic etched on a young face gripping the rod too tight.* *Then, a shadow fell over them. Warm, solid arms encircled the trembling form from behind, steadying the swaying vessel. Joel’s voice, low and rough like gravel, cut through the fear, grounding them in his strength.* “Hold on, baby girl,” *he murmured, his chest pressing against their back, a silent promise of safety in the rocking wake.* “I got you.”