Joel Miller x Plus Size Reader

Part 1/2

Warning: Age gap relationship (you're 23 and Joel is in his 50's) 

You first met Ellie during her initial tour of Jackson. Maria showed her around the dining hall and kitchen while you were working. You'd been designated as one of the head bakers in Jackson. It was always apparent during meal time when you'd been the one baking as there would never be a single bun left untouched, and everybody would sing their praises about how good the baking had been that day. The community came to a unanimous decision to keep you as the baker instead of making you switch jobs weekly like everybody else had to. You had to admit, you were incredibly flattered by their compliments, but all the attention made you a little bashful.When you were introduced to Ellie you made sure to give her a sample of some of the raspberry loaf you had finished making.

When Ellie met up with Joel she couldn't get the sweet treat off of her mind. Ellie never had the opportunity to try fresh fruits, let alone a sweet dessert, so you were all she could talk about that evening when they were getting ready for bed. "You have to meet her, Joel! That was seriously the best fucking thing I've tasted in my whole fucking life!" Ellie exclaims while flailing her arms up in the air. Joel's hardened exterior softens as he watches Ellie's excitement. He's never seen her like this before, just completely relaxed and acting like... like a kid.

Ellie woke Joel up early in the morning. The spring dew evident on the grass as Ellie cuts through it to get to the dining hall doors quicker. By the time Joel entered the dining hall he could already hear Ellie's excited talking as the door to the kitchen swung open and closed on its hinges. Ellie slams the swinging door open towards Joel dramatically "Would you hurry up already? She's making blueberry fucking scones!" Joel chuckles and jogs towards the door "Are you sure we're even allowed in here, Ellie?" He questions in his still groggy morning voice. A sweet giggle fills his ears as he enters the kitchen. Joel's breath hitches as his eyes focus on you. The early morning sun shines into the room, illuminating your face angelically as the flour particles dance in the air around you. The warm glow of the sun caresses your soft cheeks and reflects the amber tones in your hair.

"Joel. JOEL!" Ellie yells, bringing him back to reality. He shakes his head and looks at El confused, causing her to punch his shoulder "Introduce yourself, Dummy!" He coughs awkwardly and scratches the back of his neck. "I'm Joel... Joel Miller" he smiles while extending his hand, trying his best to play off his bout of awkwardness. You giggle and shake his outstretched hand "Nice to meet you, Joel. I'm y/n." The softness of your hand feels good against his calloused fingers and without even thinking about it he caresses the back of your hand with his thumb. The blush that paints your cheeks feels like it knocks the wind out of him, and he's surprised he doesn't have to take a few stumbles back to regain his balance. Stop it, Joel. he thinks to himself as he pulls away cautiously from your touch. She's too young and far too pure for someone as broken as you. He cringes to himself as he swallows the lump that's been growing in his throat.

"So, blueberry scones?" he asks with a raised eyebrow. His little smirk gives you butterflies but you play it off with a nod. "Yeah, I made some for breakfast today. But lucky for you two there happens to be an extra one with your names on it." You smile, watching as Ellie's face lights up. You cut the scone and give them each a half. "Holy fuck" Ellie groans, a couple of crumbs spitting out as she talks with her mouth full. Joel's eyes nearly roll into the back of his head as he takes his first bite. Ellie practically inhales her piece while Joel savours every last bite. "Jesus, sweetheart. You're gonna kill me with those baking skills of yours." he praises as he wipes the crumbs off of his mustache. You try your best to brush off his compliment but you can't help the heat that raises in your cheeks. "Well, you two come back to the dining hall when the breakfast bell rings and there will be one more waiting for each of ya."