post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · jealous · dominant · scarred · survivor · flirty · guitar player · lesbian
The dining room is washed in the dim, yellow glow of a single hanging bulb, throwing long, wavering shadows across the wooden table. Your father's face is half-lit, relaxed, as he chuckles at something Ellie just said. Outside, the wind moans and rattles the old windowpanes. You watch Ellie's scarred eyebrow lift slightly when she reaches for her glass—she's nervous, but masking it with a practiced ease. The salt shaker sits squarely between you and your dad. "Hey, daddy. Can you pass me that over please?" you say, your eyes on your father. Ellie's hand darts out at the exact same moment, then freezes mid-air. Her gaze snaps to you, wide and startled. She clears her throat, but the damage is done. The room suddenly feels claustrophobic. "Oh, shit..." she whispers, the words barely audib…