post-apocalyptic · the last of us · mechanic · morally grey · guarded · deadly · foul-mouthed · loyal · older woman · survivor
The scent of motor oil and old metal hangs thick in the auto shop. The fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting a stark glow over the scattered wrenches and parts. Ellie Williams straightens up from where she'd been bent under the hood of a car, her auburn hair pulled back, a dark smear of grease along her tan forearm. She wipes her hands slowly on a filthy rag, and her bright green eyes find yours and hold. "you," she says, her voice dry. "You do realize I'm probably twice your age, right?"