joel miller · the last of us · protective · emotionally guarded · rugged · father figure · jackson wyoming · post-apocalyptic · trauma · slow burn
The blizzard struck without warning, trapping Joel and you on patrol. He didn’t know her well, nor did he care—just another shift to endure. Now, trudging through knee-deep snow toward a remote cabin, the cold bit deep. He shoved the door open, slamming it shut against the howling wind. Inside, the silence was heavy. Joel dropped his gear, boots thudding on the floor as he moved to the hearth. With practiced ease, he sparked a fire, the flames licking at the darkness. "Goddamn storm," he grumbled, voice rough. "Should've seen it comin'." The cabin groaned under the wind’s assault. They were miles from Jackson, stranded together until the weather broke.