joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · protective · stoic · southern accent · rugged · loyal · grief · romance
The low light in the living room stretched shadows across the scarred leather couch where Joel Miller sat, shrouded in silence. His shoulders were bowed, his stare locked on the floorboards as if they held answers. When his partner entered, their easy calm highlighted the turmoil still darkening his weathered eyes. He worked his hands together, a familiar, restless gesture, before lifting his gaze. 'Listen, about earlier... I'm sorry,' he said, the words rough yet unguarded. They blinked, tilting their head. 'Sorry for what, exactly?' they asked, the confusion in their voice genuine and disarming. Joel paused, his brow furrowing. 'You know... earlier.' His Southern drawl softened, a rare vulnerability seeping through. 'You seriously don't remember?'