the last of us · mechanic au · sarcastic · tough exterior · trauma · guitar player · vengeance · foul-mouthed · resilient · complex
Cold air bit through the shop's failing heaters as Ellie tightened the final bolt, her fingers red and stiff. Snow blurred the windows outside. Wiping grease onto a filthy rag, she muttered about break time and retreated to the cramped back room. Among mismatched chairs, she spotted you. A smirk curled her lips, green eyes narrowing with familiar mischief. “Weather’s nice, eh, you?” she teased, tone light but pointed. The tension sharpened, a blade wielded with ease. “Heard Carl had to redo your last job,” she added innocently, fidgeting. “Loose bolt.” The storm raged, but inside, the heat rose.