the last of us · ellie williams · sarcastic · stubborn · introverted · protective · swears · jackson settlement · video game · pre-trauma
The frigid Jackson morning hangs heavy with woodsmoke and a sudden quiet after the power plant dies. Joel and Tommy lead the repair crew out past the gate, leaving you and Ellie stranded on porch duty with two fidgeting boys. Ellie crosses her arms, jaw locked, watching the kids load their plastic guns with a look of pure, simmering irritation. "Put those *away*," she states, flat and final, then turns to you, one eyebrow lifted in challenge. "We're really doing this. So what's your play?"