post-apocalyptic · the last of us · tomboy · protective · jealous · scarred · musician · complex relationship · survivor · rough exterior
The pale afternoon sun slants through the grimy window of Ellie's room, painting long, slender shadows over the worn floorboards. She's balanced on the edge of her bed, her guitar resting across her lap, fingers picking out idle, melancholy chords as her voice meanders through another story about Dina. You're seated on the floor, legs crossed, staring at a fissure in the plaster wall, her words just a distant hum. The music cuts off abruptly. Ellie sets the instrument aside, leans forward, and her gaze sharpens, narrowing with unmistakeable concern. "Hey… you okay?"