Only a handful of people know, and it’s mostly kids and the occasional brave adult. He’s gruff, but the kids adore him, especially when he lets them strum while he sings old country songs.
Ellie and Dina organizing “movie nights” in the community center.
They hook up an old projector and take turns choosing the movie. Ellie always goes for cheesy 80s horror; Dina always picks romantic comedies. Everyone groans but shows up anyway.
Tommy being the unofficial town grillmaster.
Barbecue nights are a big deal in the summer, and he wears a ridiculous “Kiss the Cook” apron every time, to Maria’s mild embarrassment.
Kids in Jackson playing a made-up game called “Infected Tag.”
One kid pretends to be a clicker and chases the others while making the creepy noise. It’s banned inside buildings after too many broken jars.
Someone running a mini farmers market out of the back of an old truck.
Fresh eggs, herbs, knitted socks — the essentials. Ellie once tried to sell “cursed art” (aka her doodles), and surprisingly, someone bought them.
A rumor that an old arcade machine still works in a storage shed.
Kids talk about it like it’s a myth. Only a few people know it actually turns on — Joel fixed it, but keeps it a secret.
Ellie trying to organize a prank war.
It escalated way too fast. Maria shut it down after someone replaced all her canned peaches with beans.
yes aaand joel being secretly rlly into the gossip as well like he'll sit there and pretend not to listen/care in a true dad fashion but he's actually sooo hooked on the story
Hi! I'm a roleplayer searching for a partner! Since I’m an adult, please make sure you are as well—I will not engage with minors.
I don’t expect replies every 10 minutes, but I am looking for someone passionate about writing, who can reply daily and engage in planning the story so we both have fun.
I’m searching for someone willing to portray Joel Miller from The Last of Us. I have an OC I’d like to include, and we could write something inspired by the game, following some of its events and/or creating new scenarios. I’d love for this roleplay to be a mix of adventure, romance, and slice of life, with a slow burn, because I enjoy writing characters realistically.
I write in 3rd person, past tense, and I’m looking for a partner who prefers the same. I consider myself literate, but I’m okay with semi-lit. I like writing longer paragraphs to include details and build a realistic picture. That said, grammar mistakes happen, as I’m not a native speaker. Please be patient with me.
I’m okay with doubling up, but I will prioritize requests from those who just want to be Joel and enjoy the story with me. I’m looking for a long-term roleplay—or at least until one of us gets bored!
Despite his gruff exterior, Joel has a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. He’s the type to feed stray dogs when no one’s looking, and you can bet he’ll have a grumpy but affectionate smile on his face when a dog licks his hand.
Joel can make the best cornbread you’ve ever tasted. He picked it up from his mom when he was younger and never really stopped making it during the apocalypse. Every time someone asks him to bake something, he pretends like he doesn’t know how but secretly enjoys it.
Joel’s not great with words when it comes to giving compliments, so when he does, they come out adorably awkward. "You look, uh... good, today. Like, real good. I mean, better than usual." He then grumbles and tries to change the subject, looking away as his face turns pink.
When things are calm, Joel enjoys sitting in the silence, drinking coffee or whiskey. Sometimes, he’ll softly hum an old country tune while fiddling with something, his hands steady despite the chaos around him.
You know the "dad look"? The one that says, “I’m disappointed in you, but I’m also deeply worried?” Joel has it perfected. And even though it’s a little intimidating, it’s always clear he’s just trying to make sure people are safe and doing okay.
Joel would never admit it, but sometimes he gets flustered when someone gives him unexpected attention or thanks. It’s not often, but when it does happen, his face turns red, and he’ll mumble something like, “No need for all that.” He’s not used to people being kind to him, so it always catches him off guard.
Joel tries to tell jokes sometimes, but they’re always cheesy dad jokes, and no one can help but laugh at how bad they are. He’ll deadpan a terrible pun and just stare at you, waiting for a reaction, and you can’t help but laugh at his earnestness.
Joel holds on to everything that might be useful one day. That old, broken flashlight? It's still in his backpack. He’ll say he’s just "making sure," but you know he’s secretly hoping to fix it one day, even if that means taking hours to do it.
On rare nights when the world is quiet, Joel and Ellie will lie down and look up at the stars. Joel doesn’t say much, but he’ll point out constellations and talk about how his daughter, Sarah, used to love stargazing with him when she was little. It’s a quiet, tender moment that he cherishes.
Joel is terrible at dancing, but every now and then, Ellie will make him dance with her to some old country or rock song she finds on a radio. At first, he protests and grumbles, but before long, he’s awkwardly swaying along, his face bright red as Ellie laughs at his "dad moves."
Inbox is always open for suggestions, questions, or your own headcannons!
My two year old got up at 1am today. I am delirious and I need your adorable and wholesome Joel facts stat. I don’t care if they are real or not, I just want to feel something again.
I’ll kick us off:
On Valentine’s day every year, without fail, Ellie wakes up to a messily, but lovingly, cut out heart with glitter and a dinosaur drawn on it. Inside usually reads something along the lines of “You’re RWAR-some” or “You make my heart SAUR”. Even though Joel signs his name he acts like he has no idea who would’ve left that for her. All while smirking like a goof.
i miss opening the joel x reader tag and having my hot original dilf from the game and not pedro pascal. nothing against him, i just miss my old man 💔 (i imagine if this will happen to abby, IM SCARED)
no because Joel is totally fine and living happily in Jackson until he’s very very old and he simply falls asleep and never wakes up, right next to the love of his life that he got to spend the rest of his life with. Life turned wonderful for Joel once again and nothing bad ever happened to him.
Ah- you know what? My apologies! You are completely right! Ellie also forgave Joel because the doctor was an evil ass and they lived happily ever after with movie nights on Sundays and family dinners with Tommy and Maria on Saturdays. Oh- they also had weekly board game nights where Ellie would totally rub it in Joel’s face that she won but in reality he just let her win. This is cannon and I will not hear otherwise.
Hiya!! I was wondering if you could write about what it would be like to date Joel. Maybe before and after the apocalypse?
Summary: What it’s like dating Joel both pre-outbreak and post-outbreak.
A/N: Thank you for the request! This was super fun to write. It’s nice to kinda see how Joel would treat his S/O based on what’s going on in the world. Just shows how much the end of the world and all the trauma he endured changed him.
Warnings: Mentions of trauma
Word count: 450
Joel pre-outbreak:
After he comes home from a long day of work you’d massage his shoulders.
The noises that come out of him when you do so, whew…
If you play your cards right he’d even agree to take a nice hot bath with you.
He’d play his guitar for you on those quiet cool mornings.
Of course Joel would play soft love songs for you while blushing like crazy.
Soft boy, so pure <3
Coffee dates all the time. Period.
He’ll take you to all of his favorite coffee shops even though he just gets straight black coffee all the time.
Once you’ve dated for a while and it starts to get serious he lets you meet Sarah.
On the weekends you two would go to farmer’s markets to buy groceries.
You’d watch Sarah as she explores while Joel fails to haggle with local farmers.
Both of you would attend all of Sarah’s soccer games.
He’d grin and squeeze your hand when she scores a goal.
The man is a big cuddler.
He’d hold you close, your head on his chest while you two watch movies at night.
When football season comes around you two would host watch parties.
Joel would grill in the backyard and Sarah would play on her tire swing.
Just wholesome family time all around.
Joel post-outbreak:
Definitely harder to get him to open up.
Only will tell you about Sarah after you two have a huge argument about him being so closed off.
Apologies and hugs ensue.
Smiles when he sees you and Ellie talking about comics.
Makes a mental note about the ones you like so he can find them for you while he’s out.
Joel’s love language is quality time, so if you say you want to learn how to widdle or play guitar... oh boy, his heart might explode.
Be careful, he’s an old boy.
Joel would try your hobbies too.
For example, you love to bake? Sick, he’ll try to make you some brownies!
Tough dad in a floral apron, please. He means business.
Oh gosh, there’s a fire...
He’d blush as you tell him he did his best and that you’re proud of him.
Lives for your compliments. Will literally do anything to hear you praise him. ;)
Going to dances would be a must. Though that would require you begging him to go.
Someone get this man some alcohol to loosin’ him up!
He’d do the awkward swaying with you until he got more comfortable.
Protective AF if you go out on patrol. Will have Tommy change the pairs so he’d be partnered with you.
When out on patrol Joel would actively look for good picnic spots to take you to later.
Hi! I'm a roleplayer searching for a partner! Since I’m an adult, please make sure you are as well—I will not engage with minors.
I don’t expect replies every 10 minutes, but I am looking for someone passionate about writing, who can reply daily and engage in planning the story so we both have fun.
I’m searching for someone willing to portray Joel Miller from The Last of Us. I have an OC I’d like to include, and we could write something inspired by the game, following some of its events and/or creating new scenarios. I’d love for this roleplay to be a mix of adventure, romance, and slice of life, with a slow burn, because I enjoy writing characters realistically.
I write in 3rd person, past tense, and I’m looking for a partner who prefers the same. I consider myself literate, but I’m okay with semi-lit. I like writing longer paragraphs to include details and build a realistic picture. That said, grammar mistakes happen, as I’m not a native speaker. Please be patient with me.
I’m okay with doubling up, but I will prioritize requests from those who just want to be Joel and enjoy the story with me. I’m looking for a long-term roleplay—or at least until one of us gets bored!
I think we were robbed of more soft Joel time honestly cause we got some at the beginning of the first game with Sarah then a tiny tiny bit somewhere In the rest of the game but like I wanted more soft Jackson Joel, like Joel actually laughing or smiling having a good time with Ellie or his brother like I personally need more soft Joel
Summary: (No Outbreak-AU). The house across from Joel’s was recently bought. He figured a middle-class couple with a kid or two would be the ones who were moving in. Joel quickly realized that wasn’t the case. Instead it was a young woman and her little brother. This series will follow Joel and Violet as they navigate through life’s struggles all while growing closer without noticing till they’re both in too deep.
WC: 1.7k
Warnings: Divorce, abandonment, anxiety
A/N: Thanks for all the support! I’m happy people are enjoying the story so far. Should my chapters be longer?
Violet scanned her closet for an outfit. She didn’t want to be over dressed or under dressed for that matter. This was when she wished Robin was with her to help, but she was at work. Violet would have to come back to the outfit. She went into the bathroom and closed her eyes as she blow-dried her hair. The warmth of the dryer seemed to calm her down slightly. After drying her hair she put on foundation and a bit of concealer under her eyes. Would adding blush make her look like she was trying too hard? Nah. Violet added a soft pink to her cheeks and a dab on the tip of her nose.
After much back and forth Violet settled on a fuzzy gingham rose colored sweater and forest green shorts. Once she was dressed she hurried downstairs to check on her pie. The smell or raspberries and blueberries filled the air.
Nice, nothing's burning.
Violet opened the oven to see the crust of her pie turning a soft golden color. Her lattice work remained intact, not surprising since she learned the method from her mother. Satisfied with her work she pulled the pie out carefully. The petite blonde glanced at the clock. 5:50 PM. Her heart jumped into her throat. Why the hell was she so nervous? It was dinner, nothing more. Hell, if she was honest it almost seemed like Joel didn’t even want her over. Biting her lip she placed a lid over the pie tin and began the short, but agonizing walk across the street.
Joel glanced at the clock. 5:50 PM. He began pacing around the house, making sure everything was straightened up. Not that it mattered, but he didn’t want to seem like a slob. Sarah watched her father with a smirk. “Is that soap I smell? You finally showered huh?” She teased, setting the table for dinner. “I- I shower more than you think.” Joel stopped by the mirror to check his hair. A little messy, but in a handsome way. He wore his typical blue jeans and earthy green t-shirt, but this time he added a brown flannel due to the chill in the air.
A knock at the door brought him out of his thoughts, but Sarah eagerly ran over to get the door before he could. “Violet! Oh- what’s that!” Violet smiled as she saw the little girl rush to her side, curious to know what she brought. “Hi sweetie. I um- I made a wild berry pie. Figured you’d wat somethin’ sweet after dinner.” Sarah gently pushed Violet inside with a grin. “It smells real nice. Daddy! She made us dessert!” Joel chuckled at his daughter’s excitement. “I can see that.” Joel gestured to the kitchen. “You can put it on the counter.” Violet nodded as she followed Sarah. She placed the tin on a counter by the coffee maker. Violet smiled as she took note of all the coffee rings on the counter.
Ah, a fellow addict. How nice.
She could tell the house was owned by someone who loved their family. Photos of Tommy and Sarah littered the walls. It was apparent that they were Joel’s world. It mirrored her own family photos of her and Graham that hung from her walls. “Dinner smells real good.” Violet glanced over to the stove and saw lasagna cooling on the stove top. “That’s because I helped cook. If I let dad do it alone we’d be eating takeout.” Joel glared at his daughter before ruffling her hair. “That’s because you’re too damn picky. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a little charcoal with your dinner.” Violet couldn’t help but laugh at their banter. The two had the cutest relationship and Violet felt a tad jealous. She used to be close to her father when Violet was younger, but after the passing of her mother, he became a different person. Almost like a ghost and when he was home, he turned into a monster.
After a bit more banter the three made their way to the dinner table. Violet was thankful that the lasagna tasted decent since she was an awful liar. “You did a good job cookin’ Sarah.” Joel perked up, happy she like it. “Wait- I did most of the work.” Violet tilted her head cutely at the older man. “But if that’s true then it’d be burnt right?” She teased, able to feel herself relaxing. Sarah laughed, earning her a playful shove from her dad. “So let me get this straight. I invite you over, cook dinner for you and you give me sass?” He asked with a smirk. “And pie. Don’t forget the pie.” Violet retorted quickly, making Joel scoff. “She’s got ya there dad.”
Once they finished eating Violet served them each a slice of her pie. “Hmm, looks good!” Sarah’s eyes widened as a plate was set in front of her. “Hopefully it tastes good too.” Joel couldn’t help the small moan that left his lips as he took a bite. He had a small sweet tooth and what he just at hit the spot. The buttery crust matched so well with the tanginess of the raspberries and the sweetness of the blueberries. It was almost like it was meant to be. Before Violet could sit down Sarah had finished hers. “Can I have another?” Violet furrowed her brows and grabbed her plate. “Where on Earth did it go?” Joel stood up with his empty plate too. “Uh, it’s real good. You bake a lot?” He asked, slightly wanting her to bring over more sweets. Violet watched as he placed more pie on Sarah’s plate. She was glad to see them enjoying it, but Violet wanted at least one piece for herself. “Yeah! Well, when I can. It’s hard to find time when I have Graham home and with work.”
“You’ll have time to bake while he’s gone right?” Sarah asked. “Why, do you have any requests?” Sarah grinned and looked over at her father who was washing their dishes. “Hm, maybe some cinnamon rolls?” Violet simply nodded in agreement. “I’ll see what I can do.” Sarah quickly devoured her last piece so she could get ready for bed. Time had gotten away from the three as they joked and ate merrily. “Now why don’t you go on upstairs and get ready for bed?” Joel nudged his daughter who was yawning. She didn’t put up a fuss and thanked Violet for coming over.
The once noisy kitchen became silent almost immediately, now that the adults were alone. “Thank you for invitin’ me to dinner… well, for at least agreeing to let me come over.” Joel leaned against a countertop across from Violet, crossing his arms. “Oh, you’re welcome. Thanks for makin’ dessert and for comin’ over. Sarah like you a lot.” He cleared his throat and looked off to the side. Violet fiddled with her sleeve, unsure what should happen now. “You uh, want a cup of coffee?” Joel asked, his go-to topic when an awkward situation arose. Violet jolted slightly, coming out of whatever thoughts she was stuck in. “S-sure!”
Once each of them had a cup of bitter bean water they moved to sit outside on the porch. The cool air was refreshing and the coffee was a comforting warmth. The two sat in a comfortable silence as they waited for their coffee to cool slightly. Joel blew on his before taking a sip. “So, Sarah told me about your mom. Sorry to hear that.” He started clumsily. Violet clenched her jaw. “It’s- thank you. She told me about her mama. I didn’t mean to pry, but… I don’t know. I could tell she needed someone to vent to. I'm sorry.” Joel knew he should be more open with Sarah about her mother, but it was hard for him. His high school sweetheart, the woman who he thought he’d be with forever, the mother of his child just left. Abandoned him and his baby just a few months into their marriage.
Her reason? She was bored. Didn’t like domestic life very much. Found that Joel was a lot less attractive once he became a father. How could he tell his little girl that? “Naw, it’s not your fault, it’s mine. Just a sensitive topic is all.” he grumbled, feeling as bitter as his coffee. As Violet studied the stars above the two her temper flared. “She’s an idiot. Your ex. I mean, what kind of fool would do what she did?” Violet turned to look Joel in the eyes. Concern and anger sketched across her face. “Leave a loving husband and their sweet little baby? Their home? There’s no excuse. So many women would die for that kind of life. To be protected, cared for, and loved. To not be alone all the time?” Violet would happily give her left arm for such a life. “S-sorry, I um… I got carried away. Temper and whatnot.” Violet cleared her throat, frustrated with herself for overstepping a clear line.
Joel was in shock though. The shrinking Violet has finally opened up a little, letting her voice be heard for once. He almost didn’t know what to say. “No, no, it’s fine. I uh, I guess she just didn’t see it that way.” A long silence overcame the two, both in a new territory of their relationship. Joel wanted to know more about her, who she really was. Just as he was about to ask Violet something she pushed herself off the railing of the porch. “Well, it’s gettin’ late. I should get to bed. I did promise Sarah cinnamon rolls after all.” Joel chuckled and looked down at his feet. “Yeah and she’ll hold you to it.” Joel grabbed her now empty mug. With a small nod and a smile he sent Violet on her way. She returned it with a certain shyness.
For Joel, morning couldn’t come any sooner, but at the same time he dreaded it. It’s been a long time since any woman grabbed his attention like Violet did and that ended in an unplanned pregnancy. Placing the mugs into the kitchen sink Joel had to remind himself to not get attached too quickly. For his sake and for Sarah’s.
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