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Jealous Joel Miller
Ah, gruff man jealousy. It's a fascinating facet of his character, and one that's definitely present, albeit expressed in his very Joel way. It's not the raging, screaming jealousy of a melodramatic soap opera. It's something much more; contained, simmering, and frankly, more intimidating because of it.
Scenario 1: The Unknowing Newcomer in Jackson
Imagine you're chatting with someone new to Jackson, maybe at the communal garden or while picking up supplies. This newcomer is friendly, a little flirty even, completely oblivious to the fact you're with the Joel Miller. Here's how it might play out:
Joel isn't outwardly possessive in a clingy way. He gives you space and trusts you. But his senses are always on high alert. He'd likely be watching from a distance, assessing the situation. He'd notice this newcomer engaging with you, gauge their demeanor, their body language, and most importantly, your reaction. He wouldn't immediately storm over like a bull. Joel is tactical. He'd probably casually stroll over, not with a threatening air at first, but with a clear purpose. He might put a hand on your shoulder or your lower back, a possessive gesture that isn't aggressive but utterly definitive. He'd likely interject with a simple "Everything alright here?" or just a direct "Hey." His voice would be deeper than usual, maybe a touch gravelly. He'd look directly at the newcomer, his gaze steady and intense. He wouldn't be overtly rude, but his presence alone would radiate a clear message: she's with me. If the newcomer is particularly dense or keeps being overly familiar, Joel might become a touch more direct. It could be something as simple as "We were just about to get going." emphasizing the we. Or if really pushed, a low, firm "She's with me." that carries all the weight of a threat without actually being one. His tone would be calm, but the steel underneath would be unmistakable. But don't forget that Joel is a master of non-verbal communication. His body language would speak volumes. He'd stand a little closer to you, his posture might become slightly more rigid, eyes narrowed just a fraction. It's all very understated, but incredibly effective. The newcomer, even if they don't know who Joel is exactly, would likely pick up on the vibe. There's an aura of protectiveness and a quiet danger that radiates off him.
In short for Scenario 1: Respectful, subtle, but absolutely clear. He'd rely on his presence and non-verbal cues to convey the message. He wouldn’t need to be loud or aggressive; his quiet intensity is far more potent.
Scenario 2: The Known Person at the Tipsy Bison Who Should Know Better
The Tipsy Bison. Music, drinks, maybe a little looser atmosphere. But Joel's patience for disrespect is even shorter, especially in front of people he knows. If someone in Jackson knows you're with Joel and still tries their luck, thinking alcohol or familiarity will help them... they're sorely mistaken.
The moment Joel realizes this isn't just friendly banter but an actual attempt to hit on you despite knowing you're taken, the pleasant cowboy facade would drop. It's like a switch flips. His eyes would narrow noticeably. The easygoing demeanor vanishes, replaced by something colder and more dangerous. He'd likely stride right up, no pretense of subtlety. He might pull you slightly closer to his side, a very possessive move. He'd face the person directly, his body language becoming more confrontational. He'd likely cut straight to the point, his voice low and steady, but edged with steel. Something like "You got something to say to her?" (a challenging, almost threatening question), "We got a problem here?" (directly confronting the situation), "I believe you know she's with me." (using their name for added emphasis and a reminder of the established social dynamic). He might lean in slightly, close the distance, his gaze unwavering and intense. He might even subtly clench his jaw or his hands, a restrained display of physical readiness. He's not going to start a bar brawl unless absolutely provoked, but he'll make it very clear that he's not someone to be trifled with, especially regarding you. Once the person backs down (and they almost certainly will), Joel might revert back to a surface level of calm, but the air around him would still be charged. He might give a curt nod, a dismissive glance, and then turn his attention fully back to you, effectively erasing the other person from his awareness. It's a way of saying "You're beneath my notice now, but don't try that again."
In short for Scenario 2: Direct, confrontational, and significantly less patient. He'd make it unequivocally clear that their actions are unacceptable and unwelcome. The threat would be palpable, even without raised voices or overt aggression.
Scenario 3: Overhearing Talk Among Patrol or Newcomers
This is a different kind of jealousy. It's less about direct confrontation and more about territorial awareness and simmering annoyance. If Joel overhears patrol members or newcomers gossiping about you, fantasizing about asking you out or suggesting you ditch him.
Joel is always observant, always listening. He'd likely pick up on the conversation even if it's whispered or happening at a distance. He'd assess who is talking, what exactly they're saying, and the tone behind it. He's gathering information. He wouldn't necessarily explode. Joel's anger is often a slow burn. He might tighten his jaw, his eyes might darken slightly, but externally, he might seem almost unchanged. Internally, though, he'd be registering the disrespect, the audacity, of people talking about you like that, especially behind his back. Joel wouldn't likely confront them directly unless the talk was particularly egregious or disrespectful and persistent. Instead, he'd be more likely to use subtle tactics. He might not even tell you he overheard anything. Joel is protective in a quiet, almost stoic way. He might just become a little more attentive, making sure you feel safe and secure. He might check in with you more frequently during the day, make sure you're comfortable and happy. His jealousy translates into increased protectiveness and care. If the gossip becomes persistent or directly disrespectful, or if someone actually approaches you after making these kinds of comments, Joel might decide to be more direct. He might pull one of the individuals aside for a quiet word. This wouldn't be a screaming match, but a low, intense conversation away from prying ears. It would be a definitive warning, delivered calmly but with an underlying threat that is impossible to miss.
In short for Scenario 3: More subtle and simmering, focused on quiet intimidation and indirect protection of you. He’d likely handle it with a combination of observation, subtle cues, and a quiet, controlled threat if necessary. He's more about shutting it down before it escalates than making a public scene.
Overall "Jealous Joel"
Jealous Joel isn't about explosive rage or public displays of emotion. His jealousy is a deeply rooted protectiveness. It's born from his past, his losses, and the fierce loyalty he feels to those he cares about. It manifests as:
- Quiet Intensity: He's not loud or dramatic. His jealousy is a controlled, simmering thing.
- Non-Verbal Communication: He relies heavily on body language, and tone of voice to convey his feelings and warnings.
- Understated Threat: His most powerful weapon is his quiet intensity and the implicit threat he carries. People sense it without him having to spell it out.
- Protectiveness, not Possessiveness: It's less about controlling you and more about defending what he values and protecting you from unwanted attention or disrespect.
- Loyalty and Devotion Underneath: His jealousy stems from a deep well of affection and loyalty for you. It's a twisted, hardened expression of his care.
Ultimately, "jealous Joel" is intimidating because it's so contained. You know beneath the surface, there's a fierce protectiveness that could be unleashed if pushed too far. People instinctively understand that messing with what Joel considers his is a very, very bad idea. And that quiet, controlled intensity is far more effective than any shouting match.