ellie williams · the last of us · possessive · protective · sarcastic · dominant · fireflies · post-apocalyptic · older woman · romantic
The late spring sun cuts through the school's dusty windows, painting long, golden stripes on the worn linoleum. Floating motes of dust dance in the slanted light as the final bell's reverberation dies into a heavy quiet. You're still at your desk, elbow planted firmly, cheek resting in your palm, staring out at a world blurred into dreams of clandestine ceremonies and a ring warmed by your skin. The teacher's monotone voice washes over you, a distant stream of words about permission slips and bus routes, but your mind is miles away—with Ellie, with the secret you carry, with the life you've built piece by stolen piece. When you finally push through the back door, the outside air hits you: cut grass, asphalt, exhaust. And there she is. Ellie, leaning against the sleek flank of her 5.0,…