The Last Of Us Fanfiction - Blog Posts

big news (lowk not really)

surprise! I’m rewriting a fanfic from 2024 to help mourn my husband. The title?

REVENGE

chapter one out soon.

@pedgito @a7estrellas @likesomeoneinlovee

@hier--soir @a-misfortune @getitoutofmymindwrites

MEMORIES AND FAMILY - A TLOU X FEM!READER

Tags: angst, violence, weapons (bombs and shit), little bit of blood, Ellie being sassy, Joel being southern, reader has southern accent, the entire hospital sequence (Marlene being an asshole), Joel being a grumpy old man, nightmares (very very brief), Ellie hating coffee

lmk if I missed anything 🥹

WORD COUNT: 2.5K

Age rec: 15+?? Idk it’s my first time

summary: the end of tlou p1 but you’re in it! oh, and there’s a bit of romantic tension but we’ll ignore it, right?

a/n: hiii, it’s bitter! I’m so glad to share this with yall, and I’m also really nervous. please don’t hate (but constructive criticism is encouraged). I hope you enjoy this, and also, that mark watney fanfic is coming I swear!!!!

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MEMORIES AND FAMILY

prologue (part one of idk)

‘S okay, you’re safe, you’re safe.

You breathed heavily, panicked as yet another nightmare jolted you awake. Joel held the back of your head, whispering reassurances that the clickers that ripped your arteries out were just a part of your permanently anxious subconscious. You looked at your best friend, tears brimming in your eyes, yet you managed a weak, reassuring smile that you were better. 

Same nightmare? Joel asked. You nodded, breathing in through your nose. 

Yeah, but ‘s okay, Joel, she whispered, as to not wake Ellie. The teenage redhead stirred slightly, rolling over in her sleeping bag. 

You sure, sweet pea? Joel asked. You nodded. 

We’re in the middle o’ nowhere, Joel. No clickers gonna find us here. Joel rolled his eyes and sighed, nodding at her to signal she should fall asleep. You lied back down, letting out a long breath before closing your eyes, the small fire crackling lowly. 

The next morning, the smell of stale coffee filled the forest air, and you woke up as Ellie groaned disgustedly.

 How do you drink this stuff? She covered herself with the blanket, trying to block the earthy smell from her nose. You sat up groggily, and smiled at Joel, who was busy mumbling grumpily under his breath about how coffee is the best thing anyone could ever drink and cooking a can of Chef Boyardee’s Ravioli on the makeshift camping stove. You yawned, and got up, rolling your sleeping bag up to prepare for another day of walking. 

C’mon, honey. ‘S time to get up. After we eat, we’re off. You said, nudging Ellie, who was still buried in her blanket. The teenager glared playfully at you before slowly rising, following suit as she put her stuff back in her pack. Joel whistled a high note from where he was cooking, and waved the two girls over.

 C’mon, eat before this food gets cold. Joel said, handing them both small travel plates filled with a rationed serving of the food. Ellie ate quickly, practically breathing in the pasta.

 Calm down, kiddo. Food ain’t goin’ anywhere. Joel laughed, and Ellie flipped him off playfully. 

It’s going in my stomach. She said, and Joel shrugged. You finished your food, smiling at the small family the three had become over the past 8 months. What started off as a simple job evolved into a bond that you didn’t  think could ever be replicated. After the group finished eating, they started again on their journey to find the Fireflies. For a while, the walk was quiet, save for the occasional stumble or painfully corny joke told by Ellie. 

Hey, I know you guys don’t really like talking about before, but what was your favorite food? Ellie asked curiously. You laughed, and Joel smiled. 

Our favorite food? Joel grinned, raising an eyebrow. Ellie sighed. 

Fine, sorry I asked, old man. You let out a low whistle. 

Wow, right for the jugular, huh, kid? You laughed. 

I don’ know about you, Joel, but I used to absolutely love Pop-Tarts. Ellie looked confused. 

What’s a Pop-Tart? You sighed dreamily, and looked up at the forest canopy. 

A Pop-Tart was this… packaged pastry. It had frosting on the top, an’ a filling inside. The best flavor was Strawberry, an’ no-one can tell me otherwise. You shook her head, smiling. Joel scoffed. 

Pop-Tarts were just straight sugar. Provided nothin’ for anyone’s health. You rolled your eyes. 

Oh, fine, Mr. Health Nut. What was your favorite food, then? You challenged him playfully. Joel sighed, thinking. 

Well, I’d hafta say the pancakes I used to get at the IHop near where my house was. They were softer than a cloud, an’ when you put syrup on them-

An’ you say I was unhealthy?

Hush up, will you? Never said I got ‘em every day.

Ellie smirked at the banter, and for a moment, it was as if they were simply on a camping trip, rather than a mission to potentially create a cure using Ellie’s blood.

A couple weeks later, the trio were walking through an old military camp from one of the first days of the Outbreak. You were quiet, your shoulders tensed. Ellie walked slightly ahead, and Joel walked with his best friend. 

You alright, sweet pea? He asked quietly. You nodded. 

Yeah, ‘m fine. Just.. ‘s weird bein’ here. Like a time capsule, but the size of a city block. You looked around. The tarp tents looked almost pathetic, in a way, as well as innocent. You scoffed, walking past the flimsy metal fence. 

Can’t believe we all thought we’d be safe in tarp tents. You shook your head, and Joel smiled softly. 

Yeah, I guess it is pretty ridiculous. The two went quiet, until Joel broke the silence again. 

Where were you? He asked. At your confused expression, he clarified his question. 

I mean, when the outbreak happened. You looked away, and at Ellie, who was looking at old binders. 

I was at home, in New Orleans. My mom left me an’ my 14-year old brother home alone while she went on a trip to Cancun with her boyfriend. I panicked, as we didn’t exactly have a car. We ended up packin’ one bag each an’ hopped on our bikes. We were goin’ as far as we could, an’ barely left the neighborhood when this Runner comes outta god-knows-where, an’ barrels into my brother. Instead o’ tryin’ to fight the said runner, I kept goin’ until I got to one o’ these camps like a coward. You went quiet, biting your lip to prevent the tears that threatened to fall. Joel put a hand on her shoulder. 

No, no, no, sweet pea. That ain’t your fault. You weren’ a coward. That’s another level o’ bravery. You couldn’t control where Runners came out from, or- or where your brother was at a specific moment in time. Joel said reassuringly, and Ellie walked over before you could respond.

 I think we’re getting close to the Fireflies, Joel. I found a stop sign with their symbol on it. Ellie said, jutting a thumb in the general direction of the said sign. You breathed in, looking at Joel and nodding. 

Well, let’s not keep ‘em waitin’, right? She said, smiling softly. Ellie smiled, and walked off, the two adults following her. Ellie turned back toward the two, and in her hand was No Pun Intended: Volume Too. 

I think, since I’m about to save the world, we need some jokes before I become too famous and never have time to talk to you two. Ellie grinned, and Joel rolled his eyes, nodding at her to continue. Ellie dramatically opened the book, clearing her throat.

People are making apocalypse jokes like there’s no tomorrow. She said, and you grimaced jokingly. 

Too soon? Ellie tilted her head. 

No, it’s topical, Joel butted in, smiling. Ellie flipped through a few other pages, until she grinned comically. 

Why did the scarecrow get an award? Ellie asked, looking expectantly at the two. Joel rolled his eyes. 

Uh… he was… outstanding in his field. Joel and you laughed at Ellie’s shocked expression. 

Did you read this? Ellie exclaimed incredulously. Joel shook his head, and you smiled. Suddenly, a click, followed by a hiss sounded behind them. Joel looked behind them, and spotted an air bomb. He quickly ducked, pushing you and Ellie to the ground as the boom filled the air, along with gas. You blinked, your ears ringing. You swore you heard Ellie yelling in the distance, but it sounded so far away. You started to get up, feeling dizzy, before you felt the hard butt of a gun connect with your skull.

You jolted awake, the overgrown outdoors replaced with an aged hospital room. You sat up, and Marlene sat in the chair, one leg up.

 Take it slow, You. My guys didn’t know who you were. You got hit pretty hard. You looked at Marlene, confused as to where Joel and Ellie were. 

Where am I? You asked, your voice hoarse. Marlene looked at the guard that stood at the door. 

St. Mary’s Hospital. She replied. You looked around.

Care to explain where Joel an’ Ellie are? She narrowed her eyes slightly. Marlene crossed her arms, matching her expression. 

Joel’s still asleep. As for Ellie.. she’s just starting to wake up. You looked at her for a moment. 

Can you take me to ‘em, or you gonna make me sit here an’ wait for the next moon landing? Marlene sighed. 

I can take you to Joel. But not Ellie. 

An’ why exactly is that?

Marlene closed her eyes. I don’t want her seeing anyone before surgery. She said the last word gently, almost meek in a way. You stood up. What the he- She was cut off by the guard, who pushed her to the ground. Marlene glared at him before nodding at the door. He took the hint and resumed his post. 

The doctors think that the cordyceps Ellie has have mutated. The cordyceps that tried infecting her when she got bit think she’s a cordycep, and it’s why she’s immune. If we can extract it from her, the doctors can replicate the mutation and- and make a cure. Your eyes widened slightly, the realization dawning on you.

Cordyceps grow inside the brain. She whispered. Marlene nodded. 

Find someone else.

 If I could, I would, but there is no one else. You looked down.

 So, you’re goin’ to kill her. For what, a 30% chance of this thing workin’? Marlene scoffed, and put her head in her hand. 

30% is better than 0, isn’t it? You glared at Marlene. 

You take me to her right now! To both of ‘em. You raised your voice, standing up. Marlene pulled her gun out of her holster, and aimed it at you.

Don’t make a stupid choice, You. You did your job. Let us do ours. Marlene warned. You took a step back. 

I didn’t know this job entailed killin’ a dang kid, Marlene.

Marlene lowered her gun, and looked at the guard. Make sure she doesn’t leave this place. She said sternly, and the guard nodded.

Next thing you knew, the sound of gunshots echoed through the hospital hall, and the guard at your door fell to the ground, limp. Joel opened the door, and pulled you into a quick hug, handing her the worn pack. 

C’mon, let’s go get our girl, huh? Joel said, giving you a shotgun. You smiled. 

Gladly, cowboy. The two charged through the hospital, shooting any Firefly that they came across. Quickly, Joel led You to the pediatric department, and they barged into the operating room. Gun aimed, they stared at the doctor and two nurses. 

All o’ you, turn around and put your hands up. You sternly said. The nurses followed orders, but the doctor panicked, picking up a scalpel. 

I- I can’t let you take her. He shakily said. Joel lifted his pistol and shot him, the nurses yelping fearfully. Joel quickly picked Ellie up off the table, disconnecting the various tubes from her arms. You quickly stopped the bleeding on your arm by putting on a few bandaids. The two quickly hurried out of the hospital, and headed down to the parking garage on the ground floor. You spotted an SUV, and they started to jog toward it, until a certain Firefly came around the corner. 

Joel, you don’t want to do this. Marlene said, her pistol raised. Joel stopped walking, and you stood slightly in front of him. 

You can still do the right thing. Both of you. Marlene breathed. 

We don’t kill kids. An’ either way, a little girl’s fate ain’t yours to decide, Marlene. You shook your head, and Marlene narrowed her eyes. 

It isn’t yours to decide either.  At that, Joel’s eyes flickered with acknowledgment. 

And you know it. Marlene tilted her head, tears in her eyes. You looked back at Joel. 

Go get her in the car, cowboy. You said. Joel shook his head, about to protest. 

I’ll be right behind you. Promise. 

Joel sighed, and reluctantly turned around, hurrying to the SUV. Once he was gone, you turned back to Marlene. 

He doesn’t know, does he-

That ain’t any of your business. Anyways, Joel and I got places to be. So, I’m afraid that I’m gonna have to kill you now.

Marlene’s eyes widened, and she took a step back, but before she got far, you shot her in the stomach. For a few moments, she begged for mercy, blood smeared on the ground.

You’d just come after her.

You and Joel sat in the front seats of the SUV, quiet. Joel rested his head on one hand as he drove, and you struggled to stay awake despite the sunniness. You and Joel both looked in the rear view mirror as they heard Ellie stir. The redhead sat up slowly, groggy from the anesthesia.

What happened?

You looked away from the rearview mirror, and Joel carried the conversation, framing the careful lie the two adults had crafted as truth. Ellie looked too tired and drained to be physically distraught, but the glint that faded from her eyes said it all. She let out a soft oh and lied back down on the backseat, facing the backrest and going back to sleep. Joel looked at you, who shrugged silently. He looked back at the road, and the rest of the drive out of Salt Lake City was silent.

TEN MILES AWAY FROM JACKSON, WYOMING

Joel huffed annoyedly, lifting his head from the hood of the old car. 

Well, looks like she’s tapped out. Gonna have to walk the rest of the way. Should only be a few hours though. We’ve done worse.

You smiled at your best friend, and nodded at Ellie. 

C’mon, kiddo. Don’t wanna be the last one back to civilization, right?

You said, and Ellie looked up from her scar, grinning. If Ellie was one thing, it was competitive. The two girls raced to the creek, and then to the tree they used to climb up onto the hill. Joel caught up, and they all started walking toward Jackson. 

Hey, wait.

You and Joel looked back at Ellie. Your smile dropped at Ellie’s somber expression, and she turned fully toward the teenager.

Back in Boston—back when I was bitten—I wasn't alone. My best friend was there. And she got bit too. We didn't know what to do. So… She says, "Let's just wait it out. Y'know, we can be all poetic and just lose our minds together." I'm still waiting for my turn.

Joel looked at Ellie sadly, and shook his head. 

None of that is on you, Ellie.

You nodded in support of his statement, and spoke up.

Both of us struggled for a long, long time with survivin’. But no matter what, you keep findin’ something to fight for. Now that might not be what you wanna-

Swear to me. Both of you. Swear to me that everything you said about the Fireflies is true.

You looked taken aback, as did Joel. But after a moment, they both nodded, and promised her. Ellie nodded slightly, and she hesitated for a minute, analyzing them. Finally, she sighed. 

Okay.

Requests are currently:

OPEN FOR THE HBO SERIES ONLY

Even though I might write for some characters more than others, the other characters are still available as well!

Do not be afraid to request anyone from the current open form of media of the Fandom!

Works

COMING SOON

Disclaimer:

I do not own The Last Of Us or any of its characters. The Last Of Us is the property of Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment. This fanfiction is written purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit. Please support the original work!

GLUE SONG

pairings - affectionategf!ellie x fem!reader

genre - fluff

synopsis: after ellie leads you to a field for a surprise she planned, the two of you share a perfect day together.

tw: none, just pure fluff

word count: 0.6K

i've never known someone like you tangled in love, stuck by you

⟡

never thought i'd find you, but you're here and so i love you

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

"Watch your step, baby."

Ellie’s voice is soft as her hands gently cover your eyes. Her touch is light, almost featherlike, guiding you carefully across the empty grass field toward the surprise she’s been hinting at all morning.

You’d barely woken up when your phone lit up with a barrage of texts and missed calls. Ellie, in true Ellie fashion, was relentless.

cmonnnnnnnnn wake up wake up wake up i know i got keys to ur place but still i'm breaking the door down i'll wake u up with kisses is that what u want i stood up too fast and broke my lego set :(

You couldn’t help but laugh, her playful desperation tugging a smile from you even before you got out of bed. She’s always been like this—equal parts chaos and charm—and somehow, when you’re with her, she pulls you into that same carefree energy.

"Are we almost there?" you ask, your brows knitting together as she carefully steers you. You’re acutely aware of the soft rustle of your pastel yellow sundress, the patterned daisies swaying with each step. Ellie’s only instructions were to clear your plans and wear something "pretty but comfy." You picked the sundress because she once told you it was her favorite.

"We’ve been walking forever," you complain, though the playful whine in your voice betrays your curiosity.

Ellie presses a quick kiss to your cheek, her soft chuckle brushing against your skin as she teases your impatience. "Almost there. Just a little longer, I promise." She nods instinctively, then laughs when she remembers you can’t see her.

A few more moments pass, the anticipation making time stretch and blur. Suddenly, you feel her grip tighten around your waist, gently halting you before you can take another step.

"Okay, open your eyes," she whispers, her voice warm with excitement.

Your eyes flutter open, and a grin spreads across your face as you take in the scene before you. A white picnic blanket is spread neatly across the grass, anchored with a wicker basket and a few plates of fruit. Strawberries glisten in the sunlight, accompanied by a small dish of melted chocolate off to the side. The thoughtful simplicity of it all makes your heart swell.

Without a second thought, you spin around and throw your arms over her shoulders, pulling her close as your lips find hers in a beaming kiss. "I love it," you murmur against her mouth, your smile never fading.

"And I love you," she murmurs, her voice soft and full of warmth. She intertwines her fingers with yours, gently pulling you down onto the blanket. The two of you settle across from each other, the sunlight casting a golden glow over her smile.

Your gaze drifts to the basket, curiosity getting the better of you. Peeking inside, you spot a few mini croissants nestled together, their buttery aroma wafting up and making your stomach rumble in anticipation.

Lifting your gaze to meet hers, you’re met with the sight of a chocolate-covered strawberry hovering just above your lips. Ellie’s grin is playful, her eyes sparkling as you part your lips, allowing her to gently guide the fruit into your mouth. The rich sweetness melts on your tongue, and you hum in delight, tilting your head slightly as a stray drop of juice trickles down your chin.

Ellie chuckles, her thumb sweeping it away with a soft touch before leaning in to press her lips against yours in a delicate kiss. It’s warm, sweet, and impossibly loving—a perfect reflection of her.

In this moment, everything feels just right. The chocolate-covered strawberries, the buttery croissants, and the peaceful picnic setting are lovely, but none of it compares to the joy of being here, spending this time with your goofball of a girlfriend.

liking it so far…

get excited!!

manny setting you and abby up on a blind date, even though you’re “just friends” 𓂃⊹ ࣪ ˖

──────

“You owe me,” Manny said, tossing a towel at Abby as she finished a set.

“For what?” She chuckled, catching it midair. She was trying to drown him out and finish her workout, but he was making it damn near impossible.

“That patrol I covered for you last week? Come on. One drink. One dinner. I set you up with someone cool. Trust me.” Manny grinned, leaning up against the barbell rack.

“I hate when you say that,” she muttered, wiping her face, rolling her eyes as she glared back up at him.

Manny clutched a hand over his heart. “She’s smart, funny, not annoying. You’ll actually like her.”

Abby raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “And what’s the catch?”

“No catch.” He held up his hands. “Just… be at the mess hall tonight. Eighteen hundred. I promise you’ll be glad you went.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “It’s gonna suck. I don’t wanna waste my time.”

“Come on, hermana. If it’s awful, I owe you a week of patrol coverage.” Manny replied, unfazed as he reached out to shake Abby’s shoulders.

Abby sighed, pressing the towel against the back of her neck, trying not to smile. “Manny. You say that like your word means anything. If it’s awful, I’ll lock you in the supply closet myself.”

“You’ll thank me later,” he said with a wink, finally walking away and leaving Abby to finish her routine.

── .✦

I sat on the edge of my bed, unlacing my boots, when a knock hit the door. I opened it to find Manny already leaning on the doorframe with a ridiculous grin.

“No,” I said immediately.

“Oh yes. You’re going out tonight.”

I squinted at him, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of ‘out’?”

“Blind date,” he said. “Before you say no—they’re solid. Bit serious, but big heart. Strong as hell.” He shrugged. “I figured that’d be your type.”

I hesitated, wary. “What’s the catch?”

“There’s no catch. Just dinner in the mess at eighteen hundred. You need to get out more.” He smiled, poking me in the ribs.

“Is this some kind of prank or something…?” I groaned, rubbing my forehead.

“Do I look like a man who plays pranks?”

“Yes, actually you do. Because you are.” I respond smugly, pushing him out of the doorway.

He snorted, turning away. “Just go. Please.”

── .✦

The mess hall space within the stadium had once been a cafeteria, now dressed up with mismatched linens and strings of warm lights that someone (Manny) had hung with care. It wasn’t fancy, but he tried. Like everything else we’d built here.

I sat at the table first, my knee bouncing restlessly with barely contained anxiety. I hadn’t asked for this. Manny had cornered me this morning, and then again during rounds, spun something about “someone thoughtful, serious, into books,” and I’d caved out of equal parts curiosity and peer pressure.

Abby walked in two minutes late, her hair swept back into a quick braid, and a clean shirt on. I did a double take, standing up from the table. She immediately stopped in her tracks when she saw me. We both stood there for a second. Confused. Suspicious.

“…Hey,” I said slowly, stepping closer, a bit cautious.

“Hey,” Abby echoed, her brow furrowing.

“Wait. Are you here for…?” I looked around the room slowly.

“No way.” Abby let out a low laugh, running a hand down her face. “Manny?”

“Yeah. Manny said I had a date.”

We stared at each other for a moment, then both broke out into a fit of soft laughter, something easy and fond settling between us.

“Oh my God,” Abby mumbled under her breath, shaking her head. “That bastard.” We both laughed.

“So we’re each other’s blind date… cool.” I sighed, thinking about heading back to my dorm.

A moment passed between us. Abby rubbed the back of her neck. “You wanna just stay? Make it dinner anyway?”

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “We’re already here. Might as well enjoy it.”

We found a quieter table near the back, away from the louder patrol squads trading stories and jabbing each other over canned chili. The mess hall wasn’t exactly candlelit, but under the dim overheads and faded posters on the wall, the space felt a little more intimate than usual.

“Guess we’re already past the awkward first impressions.” I muttered, gesturing to the chair across from me.

“Guess so,” Abby said, sitting down. “He’s a real piece of work.”

I smiled, a little soft, a little teasing. “I would’ve said yes if you asked me yourself, y’know.”

Abby’s ears turned a little pink. “Maybe I will next time.”

“Next time…” I mumbled to myself, fingers wrapped around my mug. “So, this isn’t a date.”

“Definitely not,” Abby agreed, a little too quickly.

“Just… two friends being tricked by a mutual idiot.”

“Exactly.”

We both smiled, but something hung in the air. Quieter than laughter, a little heavier than coincidence.

“Well, if this was a date, it wouldn’t be the worst.” I said softly.

Abby looked up. “Yeah?”

I smiled. “Yeah.”

Abby grinned. “Then maybe I’ll pay next time. Stadium rations and all.”

Dinner was simple. Lentils, rehydrated steak, and overcooked carrots. Whatever passed as a meal these days. Abby glanced down at her plate. “Luxury...”

“Don’t be a snob,” I teased, poking at my own food with a fork. “It’s got… protein?” I shrug.

“And seasoning that tastes like the floor.” Abby mumbled, her lips tightening.

I laughed softly, and Abby looked up at the sound, catching the way my eyes crinkled slightly when I smiled. The awkwardness melted fast. We already knew each other’s tells, each other’s quiet humor. We ate while talking about patrol rotations, about the book I had picked up from the trading post, about how one of the younger recruits had nearly shot their own foot.

“You clean up nice, by the way,” I added, trying to be casual but sincere.

Abby glanced down at her plain black t-shirt and jeans. “This is… me trying.”

“It works.” I answered warmly, taking a bite of my carrots.

Abby watched me for a second longer than she meant to. “You don’t look too terrible either.”

I raised a brow, amused. “Wow, what a charmer.”

“Yeah, well. I don’t usually do the whole date thing.” She responded, her voice going a bit quiet.

“Neither do I,” I said, voice softer now, a bit more honest. “But this doesn’t feel… weird. Not with you.”

Abby was quiet for a minute, her jaw working like she was chewing on a thought. “Yeah. I was kind of relieved when I saw it was you.”

“Same,” I responded, leaning forward and nudging her boot lightly under the table. “Way better than some sweaty patrol guy.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Abby huffed a laugh, finally relaxing into the conversation. “He played us. Got you to go, got me to go, and left us here like it’s some romcom setup.”

“Joke’s on him,” I said, softly. “You’re not bad company.”

There was a brief pause, not awkward, but full. Warm. I tilted my head slightly. “Have you ever… thought about it?”

Abby blinked. “Thought about what?”

“Me and you,” I mumbled softly, picking at my food. “Not seriously or anything, of course. It’s silly.”

Abby’s throat bobbed with a quiet swallow. “Maybe. Once or twice.”

I looked down at my plate, smiling into it. Neither of us said anything for a long moment, just the clatter of trays and distant conversation around us filling the space.

Then I said, teasing again, “If I’d known it was you, I might’ve actually brushed my hair.”

Abby gave me a playful glance. “That’s how it always looks.”

“Shut up,” I said, laughing again.

Abby grinned. “You look nice. Always do.”

My cheeks flushed at her compliment, and I tried to hide my smile behind my fork.

The “date” label faded, until it didn’t. The air shifted after the shared cookie we agreed to split “because it’d be a waste.” Abby handed me the bigger half without thinking. I paused, looking at the cookie, then at Abby. “You didn’t even fight me on it.”

Abby shrugged. “You like the soft center.”

There was a moment of silence. My brows softened just slightly. “You remember that?”

“I remember a lot about you,” Abby said, quiet now, then took a sip from her tea as if to cover it.

I looked down at the cookie, then broke off a piece and passed it to Abby. “Split the soft center, then.”

Our fingers brushed. Abby’s jaw flexed slightly, a muscle twitching.

“This still isn’t a date,” I murmured, my eyes flickering up to hers.

“Nope,” Abby said, eyes on her hand.

── .✦

We slipped out of the mess hall and into the open walkway, the stadium quiet in the way it only ever was after curfew, when most had gone to their bunks and the air was left to echo through the old corridors. The moonlight slanted through the upper windows, casting soft pools of light that guided our way. Abby walked a little slower than usual. The air between us felt different. The denial a little thinner. Glances a little longer.

“You didn’t have to walk me back,” I said, hands in my pockets, voice gentle.

Abby shrugged one shoulder. “Figured I should, since I’m such a great date and all.”

I smiled faintly. “Oh, so it was a date?”

Abby smirked but didn’t meet my eyes. “I don’t know. You tell me.”

We reached the hallway that led to my room. I paused outside my door, looking up at Abby. Her gaze softened a little in the low light. “I had a good time,” I said quietly.

Abby nodded. “Me too.”

For a second, it felt like neither of us knew whether to linger or say goodnight. My hand hovered over the door handle, but I didn’t turn it yet. Abby glanced down, eyes flicking briefly to my lips, then back up.

I gave a soft, teasing smile. “Goodnight, Abby.”

Abby’s voice was lower than usual when she replied. “’Night.”

But she didn’t go right away. She leaned in, barely brushing her shoulder against mine.

“Meet me in the greenhouse tomorrow afternoon?” She asked.

I nodded, just once, eyes soft. Abby’s smile returned, quiet and sure. I slipped into my room, closing the door with a quiet click.

Abby stood there for a few seconds longer than she meant to, hand curling and uncurling at her side. Then she turned and walked away.

Inside my room, I leaned against the back of the door and let out a slow breath. My heart was still thudding. Not hard, just steady, like it was trying to tell me something. I crossed the room to my bed and sat on the edge, absently untying my boots. The bracelet on my wrist— a rough one I’d braided weeks ago, caught the light. I tugged it off and held it loosely in my hands, thinking.

Outside, Abby’s boots echoed softly as she walked. She wasn’t headed straight to her room, not yet. She took a detour, climbing the narrow stairs that led to the rooftop, where the wind hit harder, cleaner. She braced her forearms on the railing and looked out over the dim lights below.

She thought about the way you had smiled tonight, less guarded, more present. She thought about the warmth of your laugh, the way their boots had bumped under the table and neither of them had pulled away. She thought about what you had asked — if she’d ever thought about them. Abby stared out into the dark, muttering to herself. “More than once.”

── .✦

The greenhouse was tucked away on the far end of the stadium, lit by golden strips of late afternoon sun through weathered glass. The scent of damp earth lingered, the soft buzz of insects in the corners barely noticeable over the creak of the old door as I stepped inside.

Abby was already there, crouched near a planter box, inspecting a cluster of overgrown tomatoes. She looked up when I entered, face unreadable at first, then softening in that way I had started to recognize as being just for me.

“You found it,” Abby said, straightening.

I smiled and closed the door behind me. “You’re not as hard to find as you think you are.”

Abby gave a small chuckle and leaned back against the wooden frame of the planter, arms folded. I came to stand beside her, letting the silence settle for a moment. Out here, away from everything, it was easier to breathe. “Didn’t know you liked plants,” I said.

“Yeah, my dad used to have a greenhouse,” Abby replied, glancing at me. “It’s quiet. No one comes out here much.”

I nodded. “Except when they want to disappear.” We stood there for a minute. Then another. And when Abby tilted her head to look at me, something shifted.

“About last night…” Abby started, voice a little rough around the edges.

I shook my head gently. “We don’t have to talk about it.”

“No, I…” Abby paused. “I liked it. More than I thought I would.”

My heart thudded, hard. I took a step closer, close enough that our arms brushed. “You mean the steak or the part where we almost had a date?”

Abby exhaled a laugh through her nose. “Both.”

We turned to face each other more fully now, my gaze lingering on Abby’s mouth, then flicking up to meet her eyes. “I think,” I said slowly, “we might be bad at pretending we’re just friends.”

Abby’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “I think you might be right.”

Neither of us moved, but the air between us felt electric. Then, carefully, almost like testing gravity, I reached out and laced my pinky through Abby’s. Not a full handhold. Just a small touch. Abby looked down at our joined fingers, then back at me, and gave a single, subtle nod.

“Okay,” Abby said, her voice softer than I had ever heard it.

“Okay,” I echoed, my thumb brushing lightly over the back of Abby’s hand.

── .✦

We left the greenhouse as the sun dipped behind the far edge of the stadium, casting long shadows and staining the clouds with streaks of orange and violet. The walk back wasn’t long, but we stretched it out without saying so. Steps slow, close, unhurried.

“You’re quiet,” I said eventually, my tone light, coaxing.

“I’m just… thinking,” Abby replied. “Trying not to mess this up.”

I looked over at her. “There’s nothing to mess up yet.”

Abby glanced back, the corner of her mouth twitching up. “Yet?”

I grinned. “I mean, unless you’re planning on vanishing into the barracks and avoiding me all week.”

“No,” Abby said quickly, too quickly. She scratched the back of her neck. “I’m not. I liked being with you today.”

My expression softened. “Me too.”

We reached the hallway that split off toward the living quarters, quiet except for the hum of generators and the occasional far off clang. Abby slowed near my door, lingering as if uncertain whether to say goodnight or something else.

I leaned against the wall beside it, looking up at her. “You’re really not gonna kiss me yet?”

Abby blinked, clearly caught off guard. “I… didn’t want to rush you.”

“That’s considerate,” I said, voice low and playful. “But next time, don’t overthink it so hard.”

Abby stepped a little closer, close enough that I could smell the faintest trace of pine soap and sweat on her collar. Her voice was quieter now, almost hesitant. “Next time?”

I reached out and brushed a speck of dirt off her sleeve. “Mhm. I’m not going anywhere.”

For a second, it looked like Abby might lean in. Her gaze lingered, jaw tightening just slightly. But instead, she gave a quiet breath of a laugh and pulled back, eyes warm. “Goodnight.”

I smiled, pushing the door open behind me. “Goodnight, Abby.”

The door clicked softly shut, and I stood still for a heartbeat. Then two. Then three.

The quiet hum of the hallway just outside my door buzzed in my ears, my pulse louder than it should’ve been. I stared at the handle, lips parted, heart thudding.

To hell with it.

I yanked the door back open and jogged barefoot into the corridor, scanning until I saw Abby’s back, just a few paces down, slow moving, like maybe she wasn’t quite ready to leave either.

“Abby,” I called softly.

She turned.

She didn’t have time to say anything before I was in front of her, reaching up, fingers curling into the collar of her jacket, eyes searching hers for half a second. Just enough time for hesitation to flicker. Then none at all. I leaned up and kissed her.

It wasn’t polished, but it was warm and certain. The kind of kiss that carried the quiet weight of something that had been building for a long time. Abby froze just for a second, startled, then softened beneath it. Her hands hovered at my waist, then settled there, careful, steady.

We didn’t pull apart quickly. It was slow, a soft press, a breath, then another. I stayed close enough that my forehead nearly rested against Abby’s. “I didn’t want to overthink it either,” I murmured.

Abby looked at me like the world had shifted a little. Like maybe everything would taste different tomorrow. “You didn’t,” she said quietly. “You got it just right.”

I smiled, slow and sheepish. “So… goodnight again?”

Abby nodded, brushing a loose curl from my cheek. “Yeah. Goodnight.”

This time, I didn’t turn away immediately. I lingered a second more, memorizing the feel of Abby’s hands still warm on my waist, before slipping back toward my door.

And this time, Abby didn’t take another step until she heard the door shut again.