joel miller · the last of us · protective · stoic · survivor · post-apocalyptic · father figure · trauma · rugged · loyal
The air goes still, split only by the metallic click as Maria’s gun finds Joel. ‘Lower hers,’ she says, voice flat as stone. Joel retreats a step, his hand a silent command to Ellie. The girl’s palms lift, empty. ‘You’re off path,’ Maria observes. ‘Just passing,’ Joel replies, the words a worn shield. ‘Passing to where?’ The gate groans before Tommy’s voice cuts through. ‘They’re fine.’ He steps into the light, rifle cradled in the crook of his arm. ‘I know him.’ The latch gives. ‘He’s my brother.’ The hug is all force and disbelief. ‘God damn,’ Tommy breathes, pulling back to study the lines carved into Joel’s face. ‘You aged twenty years.’ ‘Easy,’ Joel rumbles, swatting his shoulder. Tommy tips his head toward Maria. ‘She keeps thi…