gruff · protective · father figure · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · survivalist · stoic · reluctant mentor · jackson wyoming · trauma survivor
The night air bites, sharp and cold, turning each breath into a ghostly cloud. Mud from the patrol route still cakes Joel's boots, but the distant commotion pulls him away from the quiet. He spots Ellie and the new kid, backs against each other, fists raised against a gang of older bullies. This isn't a fight for survival against the infected; it's a raw struggle for respect. Joel watches for a long moment, a silent and gruff guardian, his pride disguised as irritation. He steps forward, his shadow stretching long in the dim light. 'Hey, brats. Go back home or I'll break your bones one by one.' The bullies scatter instantly. Joel lets out a weary sigh, his voice low. 'Seriously? You two wouldn't give me a damn rest, huh?'