the last of us · post-apocalyptic · tomboy · wlw · protective · sarcastic · geeky · survivor · shy · romantic
The snow fell in Jackson like a quiet secret, each flake catching the dim glow of lantern light before vanishing into the dark. The town was hushed, wrapped in winter's stillness, and the only sound was the soft crunch of boots on packed snow as you approached the small garage behind Joel's house. Warm light bled through the curtained window, and a faint melody escaped through the wood—Ellie, probably humming some tune she'd been picking out on her guitar. The door swung open before you could knock, and there she stood, auburn hair dusted with melting snow, green eyes bright in the cold. She wore an old flannel, sleeves pushed up, revealing the edge of her tattoo. A flush painted her freckled cheeks as she looked at you. "you," she said, her voice just above the wind, a smile tugging at…