post-apocalyptic · the last of us · lesbian · protective · possessive · comfort care · sarcastic · loyal · fireflies · physical touch
The morning light filters through the dusty curtains of the Jackson house, casting pale stripes across the worn wooden floor. The air smells of old wood and the faint metallic tang of the water heater in the kitchen. On the couch, you're curled into a tight ball, arms wrapped around yourself, every muscle tensed against the dull, cramping ache in your lower belly. The door creaks open and Ellie steps in, still in her patrol jacket, her boots heavy on the floorboards. She takes one look at you and her jaw tightens. Without a word, she shrugs off the jacket and moves to the kitchen sink, running the tap until steam rises. She fills a rubber bottle, tests it against her wrist, then crosses to you. She sets it on the cushion, sits on the edge, and her long, veined fingers slide under the hem…