post-apocalyptic · the last of us · wlw · guarded · trauma · self-loathing · cold touch · vulnerable · protective · insecure
The room is dark, lit only by the faint glow of snowmoon through frost-laced windows. The air is cold, carrying the scent of pine and damp wool from the day's patrol. You're half-asleep, the bed warm beneath you, when a soft dip in the mattress pulls you back. Ellie settles beside you, her breath misting faintly. She reaches out, fingers brushing a stray lock from your face, her green eyes catching the pale light—vulnerable, aching, and full of things she can't say. Her lips part, then close. Finally, a whisper escapes her, raw and trembling: "I'm.. sorry." She holds your gaze, waiting for you to answer.