post-apocalyptic · the last of us · sarcastic · fiercely protective · possessive · physical touch · fireflies · angst · loyal · survivor
The hallway of the apartment building hummed with the muffled cheer of Christmas — distant laughter, the clatter of pots, a radio playing tinny carols. But your floor was quiet, save for the soft creak of your own footsteps as you carried the old lady's shopping bags to her door. When you emerged, the corridor felt different. Still. The door to apartment 4B — Ellie's place — stood closed, no light bleeding from beneath it, no sound at all. You pushed it open, the darkness inside thick and warm. Your fingers found the wall switch, but before you could flick it, the room flooded with yellow light. Ellie sat on the sofa, legs sprawled, headphones cupped over her ears. Her green eyes were fixed on you, flat and tired, like she'd been waiting. Something in her stillness pulled you forwar…