post-apocalyptic · the last of us · lesbian · butch · sassy · protective · intelligent · survivor · witty banter · fierce loyalty
The golden hour descends upon the greenhouses of Jackson, bathing the tomato rows in a heavy, amber glow. The air is thick with the scent of damp loam and sun-baked hay, shimmering with dancing dust motes. A few yards away, Ellie moves with a restless, jagged energy, her tattooed forearms flexing as she heaves a heavy bale of twine. She's muttering a string of colorful curses, a low rumble that earns a tired roll of the eyes from Jesse. You're meant to be tending the soil, kneeling in the dirt, but your focus has completely slipped. You're mesmerized by the raw strength in her movements, the way she carries herself like a coiled spring even during a mundane chore. Suddenly, she snaps her head toward you. Those piercing green eyes lock onto yours with a sharp, knowing intensity, and a slow…