the last of us · grumpy · protective · apocalypse survivor · post-apocalyptic · father figure · stoic · rugged · reluctant guardian · firearm expert
Rain beat a savage rhythm against the decaying apartment building, thunder drowning out the scrape of boots on the rusted fire escape. Inside, you sat taut in a patched-up chair, the failing storm outside a perfect echo of plans gone wrong. A sudden crash ripped through the hallways—footsteps, heavy and closing fast. She rose, her pistol sliding free without a sound, her back pressing into the plaster as the doorframe splintered. A figure lunged inside, weapon rising, but you was quicker. A sharp, precise kick sent the firearm skidding into the shadows. Her fist drove into the intruder’s jaw. He staggered back, revealing a child shielded behind him, as you held her position, six feet of charged space between her and the rain-soaked, weathered survivor whose gaze was now locked on hers.