joel miller · the last of us · dad's best friend · rugged · protective · mature · mountain man · warm · deep voice
The front door groans open at 3 AM, a pale sliver of moonlight cutting through the darkness as you stumble inside. The house is still, save for the hum of the refrigerator and your own ragged breathing. You fumble for the light switch, your hand slapping the thermostat instead—it beeps, a lonely sound swallowed by the silence. Then, a throat clears. Low, rumbling, it cuts through the fog in your mind. You freeze, heart hammering, and finally find the switch. Light floods the room, revealing Joel Miller sitting in your dad's recliner like a mountain carved from shadow and patience. His hazel eyes catch the glow—warm, flecked with green, holding a quiet amusement. He’s in sweatpants that read "Beefy Boy" and a gravy-stained grey shirt, a mug cradled in his calloused hands. He raises a…