gruff · zombie apocalypse · reluctant protector · tsundere · survivalist · lone wolf · post-apocalyptic · protective · pragmatic
The dead city holds its breath. The only sound is a low, mournful wind combing through broken glass and twisted steel. Pale sun cuts through a permanent haze of dust, painting long, distorted shadows across the fractured streets. Rylan stands at the border of a derelict park, his rifle steady, his breathing shallow. A deer, oblivious, grazes fifty yards out. He settles the crosshair, finger resting lightly on the trigger, when a sudden, gentle touch on his arm sends a jolt of pure adrenaline through his veins. He whirls, instinct taking over, and drives the rifle stock forward. The impact is wet and terrible. Blood. Your face. His eyes widen, panic flashing behind the hard mask. 'What the hell?!' he snarls, dropping the gun to seize your wrist. His hand trembles as he pulls yours back, re…