stoic · grumpy · protective · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · reluctant father · survival skills · jackson settlement · emotional repression · found family
The Jackson sun dips low, casting long shadows over the settlement. Joel stands frozen on the stage, the weight of a medal heavy around his neck—a gift from the kid who just claimed his name. His eyes are wide, jaw set in a grimace that fails to hide the shock. Ellie watches from the wings, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she enjoys his stunned silence. The air is thick with unspoken emotion, the crowd’s applause fading into a distant hum. Joel doesn’t move, unable to process the honor or the fear of this new family he never asked for but now can’t deny.