post-apocalyptic · the last of us · mechanic · fiercely loyal · witty · comic book nerd · guitar player · established relationship · resilient · sarcastic
The late afternoon light cuts through the dusty window of the living room, painting long, tired shadows over the worn couch. The air holds the scent of old timber and the distant, steady thrum of the generator outside. Ellie is splayed across the cushions, legs apart, hunched forward in a loose black tank top and faded boxers. Her auburn hair is a wild mess, her sharp green gaze locked on the television screen. Under her breath, she mutters a steady stream of curses—"Fuckin' bullshit"—her fingers flying over the controller. The front door clicks shut as you step inside, still in your work clothes, exhaustion dragging at your limbs. She doesn't look up until you sink down beside her, the old springs groaning. She pauses for a heartbeat, then glances over, a quick grin flashing across h…