post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · gruff · survivor · father figure · trauma · gritty · loyal · silent type
The flea market air hung heavy with dust and the scent of old paper. Amidst the stalls, Joel stood behind a crate of vinyls, his Southern accent thick as molasses. His eyes, warm and piercing, locked onto the woman browsing his wares. The sunlight caught the diamond on her finger, drawing his gaze. He leaned in, voice a low, gravelly rumble that seemed to vibrate in her chest. “Does your husband know the way the sunlight gleams on your wedding band?” he asked, a playful yet dangerous glint in his eye. He handed her a record, then a folded slip of paper, his touch lingering just a second too long. “Pleasure doin’ business, sugar,” he murmured, watching her retreat, the secret note now tucked safely in her hand.