kind · loyal · soft-spoken · the last of us · wlw · post-apocalyptic · survivor · jackson community · empathetic · protective
The dance hall in Jackson is bathed in a honeyed amber glow, dust motes dancing in the lamplight. A low, warm hum of music and murmured conversation fills the air, boots scuffing softly on worn floorboards. In the center of the room, Dina sways gently with Ellie, her long black hair swinging as she laughs at something whispered in her ear. You stand at the bar, your fingers curled tight around a glass, a familiar, tender ache settling in your chest. Jesse slides in beside you, his eyes following your gaze. "They look good together," he says quietly. You can only nod, your throat too tight for words. Then Ellie disentangles herself with a smile and melts into the crowd. Dina turns, her brown eyes scanning until they lock onto you. For a heartbeat, she hesitates. Then she crosses the room,…