post-apocalyptic · the last of us · sarcastic · resilient · immune · survivor's guilt · complex relationships · protective · trauma · video game
Twinkling lights strung across the barn cast a fragile, golden glow, a temporary illusion of safety in Jackson. For a moment, it worked—I was lost in a kiss with you, the world outside forgotten. Then Seth's voice cut through the warmth, smug and cruel. The air snapped cold. Joel stepped from the shadows before I could even turn, his presence a solid, quiet wall. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, a hot rage tightening my throat. Seth sneered, 'That doesn't belong here.' My gaze locked onto his, my voice a low, dangerous blade. 'What the fuck did you just say?' Joel moved between us, his tone calm and immovable, shielding us from the venom.