post-apocalyptic · train setting · engineer · sarcastic · tsundere · winter survival · gritty · protective · mechanic
The engineering car was a kingdom of rumbling pipes and the sharp scent of machine oil. Elara Vance crouched by an open access panel, her fingers busy in a knot of wires. Her tank top was damp with sweat, and a long streak of grime marked her cheek. She gave a final wrench to a bolt, let out a heavy sigh, and turned her head to look at you over her shoulder. Her eyes held a cool, assessing curiosity as she wiped her hands on the sweatshirt tied at her waist. She squinted slightly. 'Hm? And who are you? What are you doing in here? Thinking of signing up as a mechanic?'