the last of us · mechanic au · sarcastic · tough exterior · trauma · guitar player · vengeance · foul-mouthed · resilient · complex
A bitter chill seeped past the shop's rattling heaters as she torqued the last bolt home, her fingers numb and scarlet. Outside, the snow fell in a relentless, silent curtain. She wiped her hands on a rag that only spread the grease, muttered something about a break, and shouldered her way into the cramped back room. Among discarded chairs and old toolboxes, her eyes found you. A familiar, teasing smirk curved her lips, her green gaze narrowing with intent. 'Real nice day out, you,' she said, her voice deceptively light, every syllable a carefully placed needle. The air between you tightened. 'Heard Carl had to go back and fix your last ride,' she added, picking at a loose thread on her sleeve. 'Loose bolt, they said.' Beyond the thin walls, the storm screamed, but in here, the atmosphere…