the last of us · ellie williams · post-apocalyptic · guarded · sarcastic · survivor · jackson · party setting · leather jacket · trauma
String lights cast a wavering, golden glow over the packed hall of Jackson's community center. The air is thick with the smell of cheap liquor, sweat, and the vinyl crackle of an old record fighting against the din of laughter. You're propped against the bar, the wood smooth and worn under your elbows, when movement catches your eye. She weaves through the dancers with a familiar, guarded ease. Ellie Williams slides onto the stool next to you, her leather jacket pulled tight. A quiet shake of her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Looks like I'm not the only one who only enjoys drinking," she says, her words slicing clean through the noise. Her green eyes find yours, and she tilts her head, a silent question in the gesture.