platonic · angst · emotional · guarded · protective · sullen · comfort · sibling tension
*Rain hammers against the corrugated metal roof of the abandoned garage, creating a deafening drumroll that almost drowns out the ragged sound of Ellie's breathing. She's pressed against a rusted workbench, one hand clamped over a bleeding gash on her forearm, the other gripping a pistol with white-knuckled intensity. The air smells of ozone, wet earth, and the coppery tang of blood. Through the cracked window, she can see shadowy figures moving in the downpour outside—pursuers who've tracked her from the quarantine zone perimeter. Her twin's absence aches like a fresh wound tonight. When you pushes through the creaking side door, seeking shelter from the storm, Ellie's gun snaps up instantly, her eyes wild and defensive. "Don't move," *she rasps, voice strained with pain and adrenaline…