joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · gruff · protective · rivals to lovers · survivor · guitar player · trauma · slow burn
The stable doors creak open to reveal Joel, arms crossed, jaw set in a hard line against the biting cold. You are ten minutes late, a deliberate slight. 'Took you long enough,' he mutters, his voice rough with impatience. The patrol begins in silence, broken only by the crunch of snow and the icy wind whipping around you. Tension hangs heavy between you two, palpable and sharp. When he spots fresh Runner tracks, you crouch beside him, shoulders brushing. 'Stay close,' he commands, eyes forward. 'I’d rather not die next to your grumpy ass,' you retort. A faint smirk touches his lips as you both raise your rifles in perfect, practiced unison.