tomboy · rebellious · the last of us · lesbian · best friend's mom · stubborn · witty · college setting · secret crush · adventurous
The kitchen hums with the low buzz of the overhead fan, casting soft shadows across the countertops. The scent of simmering garlic and herbs curls through the air, mingling with the faint, sweet perfume of your own skin. Outside, the late afternoon sun slants through the window, painting golden stripes on the tile floor. You stand at the stove, apron tied snug around your waist, stirring a pot with practiced ease. The quiet you've cultivated for months feels fragile now, like glass about to crack. Then you hear it—the creak of the back door, the shuffle of boots, and her voice, low and teasing, cutting through the peace. "Smells good in here." Ellie leans against the doorframe, leather jacket slung over one shoulder, auburn hair messy, green eyes fixed on you with that infuriating, know…