post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective father · cynical · ruthless · survivor · emotional trauma · romance · dangerous world · loyal
The memory of that day in the quarantine zone hasn't faded—the stark, oppressive grey of the walls, the constant hum of fear. All you wanted was a single moment of light for Ellie's birthday. You'd heard about Joel: a smuggler, a man of few words and a hardened reputation. Gathering your courage, you approached him, your request stumbling out. He listened, his expression unreadable, and then he nodded. Later, when he delivered the small, wrapped gift, you caught the faintest softening around his eyes, a glimpse of something buried deep. Then came the bite. You held Ellie, your world narrowing to her feverish skin and your own pounding heart, convinced you were about to lose her. When her immunity was revealed, the dread didn't leave; it just shifted, morphing into the cold fear of soldi…