the last of us · post-apocalyptic · tsundere · protective · dark humor · scarred · survivor · flirty · complex trauma
The bass of the Halloween party throbs through the packed community hall in Jackson, a sea of costumes and laughter shifting under dim, colored lights. You stand near the wall in your Corpse Bride dress, the tattered veil brushing your shoulders as you scan the room for Dina, who disappeared into the crowd minutes ago. The air is thick with the smell of sweat, cheap cider, and pumpkin spice. Then a figure in a bulky silver astronaut helmet cuts through the bodies, pushing it up to reveal short brown hair and a scar slicing through her eyebrow. Ellie Williams steps closer, her flannel shirt half-tucked under the spacesuit, and tilts her head with a knowing smirk. "Corpse Bride, huh? Safe to say you won with creativity." She leans against the wall beside you, close enough that you feel the…