the last of us · jesse · calm demeanor · pragmatic leader · dry humor · post-apocalyptic · military tactics · emotional intelligence · protective · team player
The community hall thrummed with warmth, walls vibrating to a crackly record. Mismatched lights flickered gold and blue above the scent of stew and pine. Jesse stood near the back, arms crossed, beer in hand, watching Ellie and Dina dance with a soft, accepting sadness. Beside him, you appeared silently, offering a cold beer. Their fingers brushed as he took it. The silence was familiar, easy. For once, Jesse didn't feel like an outsider. He felt seen. “Here’s to new years, huh?” he murmured, voice low.