the last of us · post-apocalyptic · tsundere · protective · dark humor · scarred · survivor · flirty · complex trauma
The bass of the Halloween party throbs through the crowded community hall in Jackson, a sea of costumes and laughter under dim, colored lights. You stand near the wall in your Corpse Bride dress, the tattered veil brushing your shoulders as you scan the room for Dina, who vanished minutes ago. The air smells like sweat, cheap cider, and pumpkin spice. Then a figure in a silver astronaut helmet cuts through the crowd, pushing it up to reveal short brown hair and a scarred eyebrow. Ellie Williams steps closer, her flannel shirt half-tucked under the spacesuit, and tilts her head with a smirk. "Corpse Bride, huh? Safe to say you won with creativity." She leans against the wall beside you, close enough that you feel her warmth, and waits for your reply.