ellies-moth-to-a-flame

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

fit check from earlier today😙

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

missing someone that hurt me terribly hurts in the wrongest way possible.

- Clementine Von Radics

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

You deserve to be in environments that bring out the softness in you, not the survival in you.

Brené Brown

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

Sometimes you need to sleep, sleep a lot. Not to escape, but to rest your soul from your feelings. Because everything, absolutely everything devours you. Completely.

—Brain

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

whenever someone doesn’t respond to me at least for a few hours i go slightly insane and start feeling like they hate me LOL!!😆

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

Tlou2 fanart drawn on Photoshop

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

#needthat

more loser!ellie please 🙏🙏

taking loser!gf!ellie with you for lingerie shopping

cw: fluff, suggestive, loser lesbian!ellie, fem!reader.

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it starts with one sentence. one sentence and a perfectly timed glance over your shoulder while you’re straddling her on the couch.

“i need new lingerie.”

ellie doesn’t respond at first. she just sort of… short-circuits.

you’re wearing her hoodie - the green one with the stretched sleeves and little bleach spots on the cuff - and nothing underneath it. your thighs are bare against the scratchy fabric of her secondhand couch. your lip’s caught between your teeth. and you say it so casually, like you’re telling her you need shampoo. like you’re not already half in her lap, driving her fucking insane.

she’s holding a half-lit joint and stares at you like you’ve just told her the world’s ending.

“i’m sorry,” she says finally. “you what?”

“i need lingerie,” you say again, slowly this time, like she’s old or confused. you stretch, arms up over your head, hoodie riding even higher on your thighs. you blink down at her. “i’m low on pretty stuff.”

she blinks. once. twice. her fingers flex against your hips like she’s trying to ground herself. “isn’t all your stuff already… pretty?”

you grin. “that’s sweet. but no. i want the really pretty kind. the ridiculous kind. bows and lace and way too many straps.”

ellie’s jaw flexes. “oh.”

you let the silence stretch.

then: “you wanna come with me?”

ellie’s eyes shoot up. her whole body goes rigid, like you just asked her to go to war.

“to… to the lingerie store?”

you nod, very nonchalant. “yeah. i need a second opinion.”

“right. because i’m so… fashion-forward.”

“you are when it comes to me.”

ellie says nothing. her fingers twitch where they rest on your thighs. she’s pretending to look cool, but her mouth is slightly open and she hasn’t blinked in way too long.

you raise an eyebrow. “that a yes?”

she clears her throat. “uh. yeah. sure. i mean, yeah. i can do that. just, like… be normal. in the lingerie store. like a normal person.”

you lean in, grin widening. “you’ve never been normal, ellie.”

“yeah,” she breathes. “and it’s about to get so much worse.”

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the next day, she dresses like she’s attending your funeral.

dark jeans. beat-up converse. that ratty smashing pumpkins tee she only wears when she’s feeling brave, and a zip-up hoodie over the top. she doesn’t style her hair, just pulls it into a low bun and lets the baby curls frizz around her ears. you kiss her temple as she slouches into the passenger seat of your car, and she groans into her hands like you’ve just kissed her in front of a firing squad.

you, on the other hand, look unfairly hot.

hair pretty. lip gloss on. you even sprayed perfume - the one that makes her dizzy and stupid. you keep twirling your hair around your finger at red lights. keep crossing and uncrossing your legs like you don’t know exactly what it’s doing to her.

“please be gentle with me,” ellie mumbles as you pull into the parking garage.

“no promises.”

she groans again.

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the store is a lot.

it’s pink. everything is soft, glowing, wrapped in silk and tulle. the music is sultry - some slow, breathy remix of something you danced to at a party last summer. the mannequins are tall, leggy, headless, and intimidating. there’s a neon sign above the back wall in soft cursive that says treat yourself, baby.

ellie stares up at it like she’s witnessing a religious experience.

she mutters under her breath, “this place is terrifying.”

you loop your arm through hers and tug her deeper into the racks of lace and mesh.

“i thought you liked terrifying things,” you say.

“i do. usually. but this is… this is uncharted territory.”

you pause in front of a rack of blush-colored balconette bras and grin. “you mean you’ve never been in here before?”

ellie frowns. “i’m gay, not suicidal.”

you laugh, loud and bright, and the sound makes her smile, even if her ears are beet red.

she keeps her hands shoved in the front pocket of her hoodie. doesn’t touch anything. doesn’t even look too long at any single item, in case it kills her.

you, on the other hand, are in your element.

you move through the store like a dream, trailing your fingers over lace, pausing to hold up sheer teddies and corsets, tossing matching panties over your arm like it’s a fashion show and you’re the star. you pick up a strappy red bra and turn toward her, holding it against your chest.

“this one?” you ask.

ellie swallows. loudly. “jesus christ.”

you smirk. “so… yes?”

“yeah. definitely. that’s gonna haunt me in the best way.”

you pick up a few more pieces - pale blue, black silk, something sheer and embroidered with little moons and stars - and disappear into the dressing room with a wink.

ellie stands awkwardly outside, pretending to browse a rack of crotchless boyshorts. she checks her phone. bounces on the balls of her feet. almost asks the assistant if they have snacks, then realises that’s a completely insane thing to do in a lingerie store and shuts up.

then, your voice calls out from behind the curtain:

“babe?”

her heart stutters. “yeah?”

“can you come help me zip this?”

she drops her phone. literally drops it.

fumbles to pick it up. wipes her palms on her jeans. tries to act like her pulse isn’t pounding in her ears as she stumbles toward the back room like she’s walking toward her execution.

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the curtain slides shut behind her.

and ellie’s knees immediately go weak.

you’re standing in front of a full-length mirror in the softest, sexiest thing she’s ever seen. lavender lace. bare back. garter belt. stockings hugging your thighs. your skin glowing under the warm lights, the soft sheen of the fabric clinging to every curve like it was custom made for you.

you glance at her over your shoulder, all doe-eyed and dangerous. “can you zip it?”

ellie doesn’t answer. she just stares.

she looks like she’s in pain. mouth open. eyes wide. her gaze drags from your heels to your thighs to your hips to your back to your shoulders to your lips. she shifts on her feet like she’s trying to adjust herself without making it obvious, but you notice. of course you do.

you always do.

you smile slowly. “you okay, el?”

she clears her throat and steps forward. her hands are shaking as she reaches for the zipper. she’s so careful. touches you like you’re breakable. her fingers brush your spine and she jolts like she touched a live wire.

“i’m fine,” she lies, softly. “so fine. doing amazing. really holding it together.”

you turn to face her, and her mouth parts helplessly.

“do you like it?” you murmur.

“‘like’ is the understatement of the century,” she says. “i’m actually blacking out a little. Is that normal?”

you step closer. she doesn’t move away. she never does.

“i’ve got a few more to try,” you say. “want to help me with the rest?”

she exhales shakily. “this is a trap.”

you hum. “maybe.”

“you’re gonna be the death of me.”

“i hope so.”

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you model four more outfits.

with each one, ellie unravels a little more.

the second is all black mesh with star embroidery. the third is a deep red strappy set that leaves very, very little to the imagination. the fourth has tiny silk bows and pearl accents. the fifth, the final one, is so sheer you have to cover your nipples when you step out just to give her a chance.

she stares. frozen. absolutely wrecked.

you cross the room, slide your arms around her neck, and lean in until your lips brush her ear.

“i’m getting this one.”

she makes a noise, something breathless and desperate, and rests her forehead on your shoulder.

“you’re evil,” she whispers. “this is psychological warfare.”

you kiss her jaw. “you love it.”

“i do,” she groans. “that’s the worst part.”

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at checkout, ellie carries the bags like they’re sacred objects.

she hasn’t made eye contact with anyone in ten minutes. her ears are bright red. her face is still flushed. you hand the cashier your card and glance back at her, amused.

“you’re very quiet.”

“i’m recovering,” she mutters.

“from what?”

she glares at you, eyes glassy. “you flashed your ass at me in four different colours and then smiled like it was nothing. i saw your nipples through lace. that wasn’t just ‘nothing.’ that was a religious experience.”

you giggle and slide your arm through hers as you leave the store.

she’s still dazed when you reach the car.

you lean against the passenger door and grin. “wanna come back to mine?”

she nods immediately. “yes. oh my god. please.”

“for what?”

“closure. a cold shower. therapy. a full spiritual reset.”

you lean in, kiss her cheek, lips sticky with gloss. “i’ll wear the red one.”

she nearly walks into a parked car.

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perm taglist: @yasmilks , @natsheretic , @lovemiraamira , @ellies-real-wife , @wewerewildandfluorescent , @jullsii , @eyesttokill , @dmenby3100 , @bunchogravie , @oneinameliann , @intheshadowofthestars , @pariiissssssss , @vanpalmertruther , @madsxh1022 , @rbnvrnxoxo , @firefly-ace , @alyaserrax , @silly-pigeon69 , @glassofgreenteapls , @pearlsiie , @aj0elap0l0gist , @sincerelyherz , @imsiriuslycool , @0phantom0 , @ggutpunch , @leeidk87 , @mikellie <3

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

Is drawing ellabs my new hobby or am I just super gay

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

˚༄࿔ thinking of musician ellie who’s a total yapper on stage

i’m imagining those tiktok compilations like “… core” with music in the background

⭐︎ reading signs from the audience while her band (jesse and dina ofc) prepare for the next song like…

“this one says ‘ellie why did you invite so many people to our first date?’” the audience laughs and so does ellie, “sorry, the next one will just be us.” she says with a wink.

⭐︎ girls throwing lacy bras on stage and ellie holding them up to her own chest (that look comically big next to her) and saying, “this is not my size.” >:(

⭐︎ her going on absolute rants in between songs like “dude the weed in europe is way stronger, what the fuck are you putting in this shit? i thought i was dying.”

⭐︎ if her band is just her, jesse, dina she’d be like “we’re like boygenius…but with a man.” and they spend five minutes arguing about who’s who.

“how did we decide i’m julien?”

“because you’re short and gay, ellie.”

⭐︎ her trying to hold a lesbian (or other pride flag), getting tangled in it, and whispering “fuck” into the microphone in between lyrics.

⭐︎ tripping over wires on stage and telling everyone in the crowd to “delete that video right now. i’m not kidding.” as dina is laughing in the back.

⭐︎ reading more signs. “okay, okay this one says ‘it’s my birthday’ guys we gotta sing.” and singing happy birthday to a random fan.

⭐︎ handing fans the microphone and letting them tell stories about their crazy exes “she slept with your mom?” and she’d look the camera projecting her image on the screen behind her and back at the person. “what the fuck, dude.” while laughing behind a hand.

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

PLEEKKKKKKK

‘dom!ellie’ who doesn’t isn’t as dominant as she claims. includes: riding, slight sub!ellie, whining, strap-on sex, established relationship, and smut. mdni.

she’s slouched against her headboard, all half-lidded eyes and deep breaths. the cartoonish movie both of you were watching faded into white noise in her head, her new focus being you. you, on the other hand, was still engrossed by the movie. the flashing lights, vibrant colors, and stupidly funny dialogue kept you entertained.

which is also why you didn’t catch her hand sliding up your thigh until it snakes under your waistband.

your whole body tenses up, and you nearly choke on your own breath. “ah, els.” you breathe out, looking at her with lust-filled eyes. her movement stops and she scans your face for any discomfort, but the only thing she finds is a desire to keep going.

“you gonna let me take care of you?” she whispers, her breath ghosting over your ear. you give her a rapid nod back, your thighs squeezing together to help ease the burning need in your core. her eyes catch your desperate movements, and she’s quick to slot a hand on your clothed cunt, cupping it.

your leg swings over her thighs, and that’s when you feel it. her strap straining against her sweatpants. it’s almost laughable at how clueless you’ve been this whole time. assuming her touches were acts of love when they were really acts of lust.

before you can say anything, ellie captures your lips in a searing hot kiss. her tongue swirling around the inside of your mouth like she’s trying to memorize it herself. your jaw goes slack, letting her in completely. being so full of her draws a whimper from you, a slow grind against her lap follows.

“so pretty, babe. here let me get these off of you.” her hands tug down your shorts, leaving your pussy bare and exposed. she takes a moment to toy with the slick folds. gliding her finger through them, feeling your walls flutter as she sinks the tip of her finger in. it makes your mind feel fuzzy. the only thought swarming your mind being how badly you need her.

“ellie. stop teasing, p-please.” you manage through whimpers. she looks at you with a pout before a smug smirk stretches across her lips.

“you’re right, love. m’ sorry.” she plants a soft kiss on your jaw, and frees the silicone cock from her pants. you drool at the sight. it’s lengthy and full of girth, guaranteed to get you drunk on her dick. your eyes follow the thick veins trailing up her shaft to the mushroom tip.

“don’t look so scared. you can take it.” is the last thing she says before her hands settle on your hips. slowly easing you down onto her strap. an overwhelming sensation of pleasure washes over you. hairs on your arm sticking up because this is the best you’ve ever felt.

you choke out a breath when she’s buried deep inside of you. the length of her cock brushing against your g-spot. your hips began to slowly move up and down, trying to find a steady pace. her eyes follow you with such hunger. a newfound desire to watch you lose yourself on her cock.

“mmfff—fuck, els. you’re so deep. i can’t—“

“you can.” she cuts you off. her words coming out faster than it should’ve. “i-i need to see you like this, babe.”

you barely even process the desperation in her voice. too focused on her length inside of you caressing your walls. your hips slam down onto her thighs, creating a light crack noise. all ellie needed to hear because now, her hands are glued to your sides, pulling you up and down her faux shaft.

“mm, yeah. you look so good like that. keep fucking riding this cock.” she moans, her gaze locked on your tits bouncing. her mouth is agape, sweet noises spilling out like she’s the one being fucked.

for some reason, it turns you on even more. knowing just the sight of you making a mess all over ellie causes her to whine. you find yourself needing to draw out more of those lewd noises. needing to hear exactly what you’re doing to her.

your fingers trail down to her nipples. you rub your fingertips over the pebbled skin and draw out those addicting moans. “ngghh, shit. you know i-i’m sensitive, baby.” her face reddens out of embarrassment, she could feel her control slipping by the second. her hips slam up into you—a weak attempt to regain her power. but when your bottom lip tucks between your teeth, she loses it completely.

you lean down, chests smushed against each other. your teeth nip at her jaw before you whisper, “making such—ah—pretty noises for me, els. you like seeing me like this?” your teasing words drive her insane. her back arching from the intensity of it all. each time you grind against her, the base of the strap grinds against her clit too. pulling her closer to her orgasm than she’d like.

you feel your own bubbling in your lower stomach as well. taking this as opportunity to bring you both over the edge, you increase the speed of your bounces, and let your moans float in ellie’s ear.

“hnngghh, ah! m’ sorry, love, i-i can’t hold back anymore.” she whimpers, her entire body trembling underneath you. “can’t fucking think when you’re on top of me like this.”

“yeah? you gonna cum for me? show me how good i’m making you feel.” your words are ruling yet your voice is everything but. you feel your own orgasm wash over you, a surge of juices soaking the sheets as both you and ellie finish.

her hips continue to absentmindedly buck up into you, before she succumbs to overstimulation. her hands caress your sides, and she leaves soft kisses on your head. both of you still trying to catch your breath from the intense pleasure.

you lay there for a bit before a snicker comes out, one that ellie doesn’t miss. “wh-what are you laughing at?”

“it’s cute how fast you fell apart. don’t even think it was ten minutes before you started getting all whiny.” you say it like it means nothing, just another ordinary thing that happens during sex. but ellie, she felt her entire ego crush from that sentence alone. her palm covers her entire heated face as she lets out dramatic groan.

yeah, she’d have to prove you wrong next time. somehow.

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

'cause i'm miserable! and nobody even knows!', taylor babe you wrote folklore, evermore, and midnights in the space of 2 years we know trust me x

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

(⸝⸝ ♡﹏♡⸝⸝) mmm god i need her immediately. carnally. pleaseee ohh i just need one chance with her oh my godddd

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

#needthat

Getting ready for bed and thinking about gamer girlfriend Ellie Williams who whenever you’re sleeping over will whisper while she’s playing her games so she doesn’t wake you up 😪😪

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

babygirl!!

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

soo embargo was dropped today and i can post a few things :>

[ellies-moth-to-a-flame]

so fucking adorable 😭🤍🫂

Guitar Strings & Gunpowder

Pairing: JacksonEllie x Blind Reader

Summary: You've been on your own for as long as you can remember, save for the occasional partnership when you needed supplies. Life after the outbreak was tough for everyone, especially you...since birth, you were blind. Having to learn how to go through life and survive infected and other terrible shit life throws at you. One day, while taking a rest from traveling, someone approaches you and her offer to help changes your life.

Warnings: Blindness/Disability Representation, Mild Violence/Tension, Romance and Intimacy, no smut(sorry)

WC: 2.3k

Snow had a unique sound to it.

The way it would crunch underneath your boot. Or the feeling of it against your palm as you crushed it in your hands.

You wanted to understand the feeling of being free, of being uninhibited. You can take care of yourself; in fact, being born blind helped hone your skills, sharpening them beyond what everyone could do, and what they never bothered to develop. Living in this world, surrounded by near-death, fear, and silence, constantly forces you to rely on no one. And not to let them take advantage of the fact that you couldn’t see. There were no secret superhuman powers, just your grit, patience, and your stubborn refusal to give up.

And right now, your boots press into the snow that’s colder than usual, sloshy and slick as you searched for supplies.

Your supplies had been running low for quite a while; the only things left were a small bottle of water and a can of peaches, which you were sure had mold in it from being stored on a shelf for over twenty years. You hadn’t cracked into it just yet, not wanting to come to terms with the fact that you could go hungry in a matter of days. Everything you came across was picked over or destroyed, and no one had the heart to offer supplies. Which, in a way, you understood, but it still didn’t help your situation.

The stick in your hand tapping in front of your feet helps you know where it’s safe to step, aside from the birds chirping, the only other sound in your ears. It was a welcoming feeling hearing nature reclaim its space after everything fell apart, but what came after the fall was terror. It made you tougher, smarter, but more cynical. Stopping to take a breather, you find a log to sit down on and take a moment to rest before continuing, with no actual destination in mind.

A few moments pass

And then you heard it…footsteps.

It’s not infected, but it could be a raider or someone else wanting to take advantage of a lone girl in the woods. You quickly stand up holding the stick like a baseball bat.

“Who are you?” you demanded, trying to hide the slight shakiness in your voice.

There was a pause. The wind is blowing through the trees. And then a voice, sweet and soothing.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” the voice said. “It wasn’t my intention.”

Her tone held complacency, but also a command. Not to demean you, but to calm you.

“You still didn’t answer my question,” you said, firm now.

“Ellie. I’m from Jackson. Just out on Patrol.”

Patrol. The word settles uneasily and makes your stomach churn. The type of people who take what they want and do not apologize for it.

You straighten your spine, raising the stick higher.

“And why the hell are you sneaking up on people, Ellie?”

“I wasn’t trying to,” she said. “I saw you were alone, thought you needed help.”

“Wrong.”

The silence settled again. A bird chirped only once.

You hear her shift on her feet, even though you couldn’t see, you could still feel. And her eyes were searching you, gauging what kind of person you could be.

“Are you going to swing that stick at me?”

“Depends. You plan on getting closer?”

Another pause. Then a silent, short chuckle.

“No. Not unless you want me to.”

That caught you off guard. Her voice wasn’t condescending. It was calm, not cocky. Not pitying. Just honest.

You didn’t lower the stick, but you didn’t raise it higher either.

“Jackson, you said? This is Wyoming?” you asked hesitantly.

“Yes, we are a few miles north of here. It’s walled off, and there’s warm food. Beds. Whatever you need,” Ellie explained.

You were still wary, regardless of the other half of you screaming to go with her. It was a Hail Mary. A saving grace that you could get rest and food. However, who she is and what the rest of Jackson could be like remains unknown.

“I’ve been on my own for a while. Not big on trusting people,” you muttered.

“I get that,” she said softly. “I’m not going to bother you. But if you are hungry, you can join us.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Us?”

“Me and my patrol partner. Her name’s Dina. I told her to stay back.”

You narrowed your eyes, though it was more for show than to intimidate.

“What’s the catch?”

“None. You don’t owe us anything; we want to help.”

A dry, humorless laugh fell from your mouth. “That’s not how it works. Everyone wants something in exchange for help.”

“I used to think like that, too,” she whispered. “But I’m being honest. You don’t have to ride back with us or walk next to us, you can walk near us if it’ll make you feel better.”

You didn’t answer. You let the space and silence settle between you again, weighing your options. It’s either risk it and continue on your own, or head back with Ellie and Dina. And if she hasn’t figured it out yet, Ellie will find out you are blind. And that could pose more troubles than it’s worth.

“No strings attached?” you asked again

“No strings,” Ellie responded.

You held your gaze directly at her, a skill you learned not to let anyone know that you couldn’t see.

“Fine,” you said, gathering your pack off the forest floor. You could hear footsteps turn away. Not to run, but allowing you to follow. A pit of fear settles in your stomach at the thought of having to trust anyone again, but you had no choice. You needed supplies.

The sole thought of getting shelter, away from the infected and others who would try to hurt you, was the only reason you were going.

And for right now, that would be enough.

Ellie’s eyes were on you as you walked down the main street of Jackson, almost studying you. She’s been quiet since you passed through the gates. Not silent in a suspicious way, just thoughtful. Like she was holding a question but hadn’t found an intelligent way to ask. The stick you were still using tapped lightly against the ground with each step. You kept it low, less obvious. Not broadcasting what it was for, but you didn’t hide it either. If Ellie thought it was for balance or the only option you had as a weapon, that was fine. You let her assume.

You could hear kids laughing nearby. Horse hooves pounding against the ground. Hammers clinking against metal. The town was full of life, and people were happy. It was noise, not chaos, a hum of something, something living. An experience you hadn’t heard in so long.

She was still there beside you, silent. Steady. Ellie hadn’t really spoken a word since you two met. There was a moment, quick but real, where you turned your foot a bit too much and stumbled. The ground shifted beneath you, and before you could correct yourself, there she was. Her hands caught you, quick and precise. They were soft and warm. Her touch was different. And even though you just met, her hands on you were the first ones that didn’t feel wrong.

It didn’t feel invasive or hesitant—no awkward fumbling.

“Sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mean to grab you like that. You okay?”

You nodded. “Yeah.”

You adjusted your grip on the stick again, letting the moment pass. There was more quiet between you. Not uncomfortable, but heavy with thoughts neither of you spoke out loud.

Then she asked, soft and careful. “You uh…been to a place like this before?”

You kept your face towards hers. Or at least you hoped you did.

“Not like this,” you said. “Usually, they don’t let in people like me.”

“People like you?”

You didn’t answer her right away. Let her wonder. And she didn’t push. But the silence between you had changed. More heavier. Another thirty paces before she tried again, making sure she was more careful and thoughtful this time.

“Do you always hold a stick like that?

Now that made you pause. Not because it offended you, but because it was the first time someone had really noticed you in a long time. Really seen you.

You gave a quiet shrug. “It works.”

“Is it…is it for finding your steps?” she asked.

No sarcasm. No pity. Just a unique sense of curiosity. You stopped. So did she. The sounds of the town moving on around you were still playing in the background. Although you couldn’t see her, she was still there. Her presence was undeniable; you couldn’t help but try to look in the direction she was in.

“It is. Not saying it can’t be difficult at times, but I’ve learned to deal.”

She didn’t gasp. She didn’t give any false “oh god, I didn’t know.” Ellie’s breathing steadied, taking in the realization of what she suspected.

“Okay,” she said, before turning and waiting for you to follow the sound of her footsteps. Eventually, you placed a hand on her arm, and she took it, helping you down the street towards whatever else is waiting for you.

Some time had passed, and now it was New Year's Eve. You had settled into a place of your own, and of course, Ellie helped you learn your way around. It wasn’t because she thought you were incapable, but almost like she couldn’t stand you being alone. You brushed away the warmth that spread every time she was near—or ignored how her voice sounded when she was whispering to you at the cafeteria when you wanted to know what was going on around you. It didn’t mean anything that she always showed up every day, at the same time, waiting to take you to the greenhouse. After you had met Joel, Tommy, and Maria, you told them how you wanted to contribute in whatever way you could. You casually mentioned your love of plants, although you hadn’t tended to any in a while, considering that outside Jackson’s walls, you didn’t have time to garden.

But now tonight, the snow was falling, creating a scenic backdrop to the festivities. There were a few people outside, mainly children being chased by their parents or teenagers gossiping together in a group. You were inside, sitting down at the table with Maria and Joel beside you. They kept you company while everyone else danced to the band playing. Ellie was off to the side, speaking to Jesse, when she saw you sitting there swaying in your seat to the music. The unmistakable sound of her footsteps approached you.

“You gonna sit here all night with these ancient beings or do you want to dance?” she remarked.

Joel, sitting beside you, scoots his chair back a bit. “I’m not ancient,” he grumbled.

“Yeah says the man who can’t go a minute without complaining about his knee pain.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered, but you could sense there was a smile in his words.

Ellie’s gaze turned back to you. “Let’s dance.”

You blinked, taken aback by her question. Dancing was something you didn’t know how to do. No one bothered to teach you.

“Dance? Oh, I don’t know. I’m not sure how—”

“I got you,” she cut in, her hand reached out, grabbing yours and pulling you to your feet. “I won’t let you fall.”

Her hands caress yours as you let her pull you to the dance floor, and a slow song begins to play. The softness of her skin beckons you to follow her as you ignore the anxiety building in your chest. Your palms were sweaty, and your chest rose up and down in a pace that hurt. Ellie leads you to the center.

“Just follow my lead and I’ll make sure you are ok,” she murmured.

You nodded, unable to speak, as she stepped closer, her chest touching yours.

“I’m gonna put my right hand here..”

You feel it land on your waist, her fingers gripping slightly.

“And my left hand will go here..”

She grabs your right hand, enveloping it in her left. Ellie begins to guide you through the steps as the music makes your bodies sway.

“Step to the left..”

You stepped, your foot brushing hers, your breath catching slightly.

“Good,” she murmured, her lips close to your ear now. “Now to the right...”

You moved again, stiff and uncertain, then softening with each step she led. Ellie was warm. Steady. She kept her hand on your waist, not moving lower, not pulling you closer than you allowed. But she was there, her chest brushing against yours.

The music was filling the space between you. Something old, romantic, and smooth that made the world feel slow. Softer. You breathed her in. The faint scent of cedar and something sweet…like soil clinging to her clothes from patrol earlier that day.

“Still with me?” she asked softly.

You nodded, your voice lost somewhere in a daze.

Ellie shifted, her cheek pressed against yours as she leaned in.

“You’re doing perfect.”

You let out a shaky laugh. “That’s generous.”

“I don’t lie about important things,” Ellie whispered.

She guided you through another step, her thumb stroking slowly across your knuckles. You could feel her skin shake against your own. And you couldn’t help but do the same.

“You’re trembling,” she whispered.

“I’m not used to this,” you admitted, voice tight.

She took a break, this time slower. More careful.

“I know,” she said. “That’s why I’m not letting you go.”

You tilted your head slightly, following instinct rather than reason. “Ellie…”

She stopped moving. So did you. The music still floating around you. Her thumb swept along your jaw, your eyes closed, as she leaned in, savoring the feeling.

“Can I?” she asked.

You nodded yes, and her lips met yours, tentative at first, searching.

Then you kissed her back.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely real. Full of every unspoken thing that has been building over the last few months since she first saw you that day in the woods.

When she pulled away, Ellie looked at you, and you felt her smile again.

“Want to keep dancing?”

You nodded. “Only if it’s with you.”