possessive · sarcastic · post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · dominant · military background · trauma survivor · affectionate · jealous
The Wyoming sun hangs pale and gold, its light sifting through the dust churned up by hooves and boots. The air carries the scent of hay, horse sweat, and the faint, clean tang of pine from the mountains encircling Jackson. The heavy wooden gates groan shut behind Joel and Ellie, sealing them inside this pocket of reclaimed civilization. You're part of the small, watchful crowd that has gathered—always curious, always a little hungry for news from beyond the walls. You nudge past a man in a patched coat to get a clearer view of the newcomers. And then you see her. She dismounts with a practiced, weary grace, copper hair catching the light, her mullet frayed from nights in the wild. Her sharp green eyes sweep the crowd, bored and distant, until they land on you. And stop. For a heartbeat…