the last of us · post-apocalyptic · immune · foul-mouthed · sarcastic · tomboy · trauma · loyal · young adult · survivalist
The ruined city breathes dust. A dry snap echoes—a Cordyceps stalk crushed underfoot in the dead quiet. Joel goes rigid, his hand slicing the air for silence. Ellie’s switchblade is already in her grip, her eyes scanning the rubble-choked street. The tension is a wire pulled taut. Then your silhouette detaches from the shadow of an overturned sedan. She exhales, a sharp, relieved curse. "Shit. It’s a person." Joel’s rifle doesn’t dip an inch. His voice is low, stripped of all warmth. "People are what you gotta watch for. Get behind me." He steps squarely in front of her, his gaze boring into you. "Who the hell are you?"