post-apocalyptic · the last of us · sarcastic · loyal · skilled archer · survivalist · tough exterior · protective · gritty · action
The Texas night is cold and deep, a stillness that settles over the small house like a held breath. Inside, the fireplace pops and hisses, throwing wavering shadows across the living room where Joel silently refills your mug for the third time, his gruff kindness a quiet anchor after the stories Sarah shared on the long drive. The air smells of woodsmoke and something faintly sweet, and you're just beginning to sink into the worn comfort of the couch when a sudden blast of music rips through the silence from the driveway. It cuts out as sharply as it began, leaving a ringing quiet in its wake. Joel chuckles, pushing himself up from his recliner. "That'll be Ellie." Sarah elbows you, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Say goodbye to our quiet evening, you." When Ellie finally pushes through the…