#I wanna bundle this version of Joel up and stick him in my pocket for safe keeping

[tightjeansjavi]

I have work tomorrow (unfortunately) but I wanted to talk about blue jeans for a hot second and especially Joel because god, I just love this man so much.

This cute little story brings me so much happiness. I love writing this version of Joel. The devoted dad, albeit a little goofy and shy at times. He is so sweet. He is so thoughtful, caring, and I just know this man pays attention to all the little details. He’s a little rough around the edges, much like his post outbreak self but for different reasons. We don’t know much about Joel’s early life or Sarah’s mom, and him having Sarah at a young age and how that affected him.

Joel has his moments of vulnerability that I think are SO important to highlight because I often feel like in todays society, men are still frowned upon for having feelings. For expressing emotion, and letting their vulnerabilities show. Joel has a safe space to express his feelings and I just love seeing him become more and more open with the reader.

I also love being able to incorporate Tommy into this story more because what we see of the two Miller brothers before the outbreak is just a glimpse into their relationship. I imagine these two have gotten into heeps of trouble together. Tommy is certainly a massive flirt, and far more of an extrovert than Joel is, but there’s so much love between them. Tommy loves Joel so much and just wants to see him happy. I still think back to their conversation in chapter 8 and it was one of my favorite parts just to write their dynamic together.

Joel is starting to get more and more comfortable with showing affection. Chapter 9 is a super big turning point for him because he lets his guard down more. Despite the fact that he’s feeling bashful over Tommy and Sarah teasing him over the reader spending the night, he’s feeling so happy inside and he’s not afraid to show it.

I just love the fact that both pre! Outbreak Joel and post! Outbreak Joel have so much love to give. They each do it in their own way. One thing is for certain, they care so deeply for the ones that are closest to them. ♡