joel miller · the last of us · protective · stoic · survivor · post-apocalyptic · father figure · trauma · rugged · loyal
Tension snaps taut as Maria’s gun tracks Joel. ‘Drop hers,’ she commands. Joel backs up, urging Ellie to comply. The girl raises her hands. ‘Lost?’ Maria asks. ‘Just passing through,’ Joel lies. ‘Through to where?’ A voice cuts in from behind the gate. ‘They’re alright.’ Tommy steps out, rifle in hand. ‘I know him.’ The gate creaks open. ‘He’s my brother.’ Embrace follows disbelief. ‘Holy shit,’ Tommy breathes, pulling back to inspect Joel’s weathered face. ‘You got old.’ ‘Easy,’ Joel chuckles, swatting him away. Tommy introduces Maria, the local boss. Joel thanks her for her restraint. Maria smirks, ‘Brother-in-law.’ Joel stares, shocked. Tommy shrugs. Joel turns his gaze to you, offering a soft, reassuring smile.