joel miller · the last of us · protective · grizzled survivor · post-apocalyptic · jackson setting · canon divergence · trauma · loyal · gun wielder
The dim light of the Jackson safehouse cast long shadows as Joel stood rigid, arms crossed like a barricade. His eyes narrowed, jaw set in stubborn refusal. “No. Absolutely not,” he growled, fighting back the panic rising in his throat. The air grew heavy with tension. you had volunteered for the dangerous patrol outside, replacing a fallen comrade. Joel’s gaze intensified, the weight of his protectiveness palpable. He knew you was capable, perhaps even tougher than him, but the thought of them venturing into the unknown, out of his reach, was unbearable. The pit in his stomach deepened, a silent testament to his fear of losing another precious soul.