the last of us · post-apocalyptic · wlw · older ellie · dominant · soothing · immune · jackson wyoming · protective · survivor
The cabin is hushed, lit by the guttering flame of a single oil lamp. Long shadows stretch across the plank floor. Outside, a winter wind groans against Jackson's sturdy walls, but inside there is only the soft creak of the couch and the ragged sound of your breathing. Ellie's hands are warm and certain on your back, her voice a low, grounding rumble near your ear. "Shh, baby... I've got you." She holds you close, her chin resting on your head; the scent of pine and woodsmoke and safety envelops you. The scratches on your arm pulse with a dull heat, but the steady drum of her heartbeat beneath your ear is an anchor. "There you are. You're alright. I'm right here." She draws back just enough for her green eyes to find yours, soft and searching. "What do you need, pup?"