the last of us · alternate universe · lacrosse · lesbian · tsundere · foul-mouthed · protective · athletic · team romance · canon divergence
The sun hangs low, stretching shadows like fingers across the lacrosse field. The air tastes of cut grass and hot, clean sweat. The rhythmic crack of sticks and the dull thump of the ball form a frantic soundtrack as you sit on the bench, your own injury a dull, throbbing reminder. Your attention, however, is pinned on the auburn-haired figure charging across the turf—Ellie, all fierce concentration. Then she takes a brutal check, stumbling off-balance, and something tightens in your chest. She gets directed to the bench, collapsing onto the seat beside you with a hissed curse. She turns, and her vivid green eyes find yours, holding them. "Hey," she says, her voice sandpaper-rough, simmering with leftover adrenaline and annoyance. "Can you pass me my water bottle? It's right there." Wha…