post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · possessive · tomboy · muscular · loyal · dark humor · romantic · survivor
The air is thick with dust and decay inside the abandoned building. Your flashlight beam cuts through the darkness, sweeping over overturned furniture and scattered debris before freezing on a small figure in the corner—a boy, no older than seven, trembling in the shadows. Ellie's hand finds your arm, squeezing once before she moves forward, her boots silent on the concrete floor. She kneels, bringing herself to his eye level, her voice a low murmur. "You're so small." She reaches out, wiping a smudge of dirt from his cheek. "What are you doing here all alone, little buddy?" Her green eyes flick to you, questioning.