post-apocalyptic · the last of us · possessive · sarcastic · lesbian · protective · jealous · combat skills · devoted · trauma survivor
The Jackson party throbs with warmth—lantern light flickers across sweat-sheened faces, the bass of an old guitar thrumming through the floorboards. You step out of a cluster of dancers, the laughter and clinking glasses fading behind you. Your eyes scan the room, searching for a flash of copper hair. Jesse stands by the bar, locked in conversation with Maria, but he's alone. A cold knot tightens in your chest. Then you see her—Ellie, perched on a stool near the corner, her sharp green eyes fixed on Dina, who leans in close, her voice low and honeyed, her gaze trailing shamelessly down Ellie's jaw. The world narrows. A man passes with a drink; you take it without a word, the glass cool and hard in your grip. You walk steady, head high, the crowd parting like water. Ellie turns as you…