Fandom 𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙚 & 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚 | tlou 1x1 w/social

[social]

michaela finch

Soft touches and whispered words seemed reserved for stories or diaries, two things that Michaela only experienced in solace, so it was only natural that she didn’t know how to react when Ellie was doing them to her. Her body jolted as if she had been shocked, her nails lightly scraping her palms as she desperately tried to keep from being discovered by the others. Any reply that might’ve come out was easily buried by the question Jesse asked, the subject matter causing Michaela to immediately tense up, her eyes snapping to the dark-haired man. Well, if she wanted to know what whiplash felt like, this was it.

Her brain buzzed as she started to mentally yell about not wanting to know Ellie’s answer, not wanting to hear that she was probably jealous of Jesse or whoever else had caught her eye. But she didn’t say anything out loud and instead began to mess with her hair, using it as an excuse to take the dark tresses out of the hair tie, allowing them to fall around her face. Falling just past her shoulders, she suddenly had natural curtains that could help shield her from any unwanted attention. Michaela had decided in that moment that she officially hated the game. It was twisted and a rude way to get information out of her. Maybe she could just skip answering and save everyone the gossip. But Ellie didn’t back down, and instead she threw up her shields and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, a far cry from her earlier behavior.

When the first half of her answer came out, Michaela felt like she had been shot. Her stomach dropped, and her face paled, sweat immediately forming on her palms as she dug her nails into them, leaving indents behind. She was jealous? Of Chris? She could feel four pairs of eyes lock on her, and she wanted to dissolve into a puddle or throw up…maybe both. Dina’s expression was a mixture of shock and joy, her hand hovering over her open mouth. Wendy looked close to laughing, Giselle seemed to be hiding a smile, and Jesse looked beyond entertained. Maybe Giselle had been right all along, and risking it with the infected was better than playing the game.

The laughter came, albeit only after Ellie complained about Chris disliking dogs and how it wasn’t a normal thing for a person. The woman seemed encouraged by the laughter and continued to speak, giving another example and lightly bantering with Jesse, but Michaela could barely hear it. Even though the question hadn’t been directed at her specifically, the answer had singled her out as someone Ellie was looking at more than she would a friend. Did that mean she thought she was the same as her or as Dina? Did she think she was like that? There was a certain hitching in her breath as the conversation continued, the unmistakable voice of Dina breaking through the barrier of white noise.

“So that's why you seemed all pissed off after, well the obvious. What, did you hear him and Michaela breaking up?” There was a casually mischievous smile on her lips as she leaned forward, her arms resting on her knees. “To think you were juggling being jealous and looking beyond awkward on the dance floor. Classic.” Maybe she was trying to help, but it just made Michaela’s skin crawl with nerves. “What about you, Miss Michaela? Did you get jealous at the dance?” The direct question was hurled at the girl with such force that she was pretty sure her brain had been knocked out of her skull.

Deep brown met blue as she looked at Michaela, trying to coax something to the surface. It felt beyond suffocating for her. A stuttered laugh left the medic as she shook her head, her hands gripping the edge of the couch with such force she should’ve worried about splitting her skin. “I was, um, way too drunk at the dance. Breaking up is kind of not a good thing. So…not sure about that. Should I have been? Was someone hitting on him?” Her voice wasn’t convincing; the wavering of each word paired with her tone seemed to scream that she felt uncomfortably exposed. Luckily, the game seemed to drift onto other targets as Dina was redirected and the group started to talk again.

Michaela was worried she couldn’t breathe; the painful weight in her body was almost unbearable. She felt as if she had been dropped down ten floors, and everyone was staring at her, waiting for her to prove them right. Why would she have been jealous? Doesn’t that mean you like someone romantically? Isn’t that what it implies? Wasn’t that what Dina had been suggesting? That Michaela was jealous when Ellie kissed Dina? The questions burned in her head to the point she was unsure of how she would be able to think of anything else. Luckily, Jesse’s voice picked up in volume enough to announce that the storm had settled enough for them to leave.

She wasted no time in getting off the couch, ignoring any pain that lingered in her leg as she began to get dressed. She threw on all of her layers at a hurried pace, her fingers numb and unsteady as she tied the laces of her boots. The weight of her gear was uncomfortable for the first time in her life; everything seemed too heavy. Michaela hung towards the back of the group once everyone was ready, her footsteps slow and deliberate, not wanting to get caught by Dina’s sharp words again. But despite the turmoil that raged inside of her, she found herself moving to grab the sleeve of Ellie’s jacket, almost as if trying to get the woman to walk with her. “Why did she think I would be jealous? Did you guys talk about me or something at the dance?” The questions shouldn’t have been directed at Ellie, but Michaela didn’t know if she had the balls to ask Dina, mostly out of fear of what would be said.

coded by social

jesse park

The smile on Jesse’s face seemed to turn into the most obnoxious one he could probably muster as he watched Ellie completely change up in her body language, not at all thrilled by his question. The whispered scoldings from Giselle didn’t help but egg the guy on as he stifled a laugh, though not very well. “Listen, she can’t kill me if she gets a girlfriend after this. A little teasing is good for her. Plus, she did have it coming.” He didn’t think that Ellie would back down from a question like that; he was happy to know that she did answer. The excitement seemed to hit ten as she bluntly confessed to being jealous when it came to Michaela and Dina. “Shit, this is golden.”

Jesse lightly clapped his hands as he laughed, the woman grumpily stating that she was close to stabbing a guy for being annoying. “What, did you steal their shampoo so they would smell bad around the girls?” The joke came out easily and was quickly followed by a laugh as he shook his head, finally having his answer. Dina, ever the viper when it came to things like this, seized the opportunity to dig in a little more. It was reminiscent of when Ellie and Cat had started dating and Dina had made it her sole mission to both avoid the two and learn everything about Cat, regardless of how invasive it was. Jesse vaguely remembered her trying to figure out her schedule when she wasn’t on patrol. It was a bit of a mess.

“Okay, I’m nowhere near as bad as Dina. She goes for the kill.” His words were mumbled as he leaned over to talk to Giselle, her curls lightly brushing against his face due to the closeness. “If you have to watch out for anyone, it’s her.” He spared a glance over at Michaela and he was pretty sure the girl had forgotten how to talk. Her choked-out response seemed to only validate Dina’s suspicions. “Hey, don’t forget Dina, you are a monster when it comes to being jealous. Remember that time you literally tossed Jen’s shoes into the snow when you thought I liked her? Or when you wanted to steal Cat's-”

The woman groaned loudly and plopped back against the couch, a scowl on her face. “Alright, alright, I get your point. No more poking around. At least not with them. Now, Wendy on the other hand…” The conversation had successfully changed topics and Jesse once again relaxed, his free hand running back through his hair as his other hand had slipped down to rest on Giselle’s bicep, effectively encouraging her to stay against him. He relished in the moments of joyful conversation and the way he could feel the soft sensations of her curls against his neck and her hand innocently resting against his chest.

But he couldn’t deny the lack of snow outside of the lodge, as the storm had successfully passed by. The stillness of the trees and the pure snowy landscape meant they had to get ready. “Alright, we gotta get going. Once we get in range of Jackson, I’ll radio that we’re on our way. I’m sure everyone is going to have questions.” Jesse’s hand rather smoothly moved as he sat up, his fingers finding the exposed skin of Giselle’s neck as he pulled his arm back to his side. The contact of her soft skin beneath his fingertips made him regret the fact she had been buried underneath that damn blanket the entire time. “Make sure to pack blankets and towels too, we can always use more supplies back home. Don’t slack.”

Nobody seemed to argue and while the blizzard survivors got dressed, Dina and Wendy began to fold and pack up the blankets and towels that they would bring back with them. They needed to somehow make up for how long they had been gone. He wasted no time in getting dressed, moving at a practiced speed that got him ready for those early patrols. Once his laces were tied and his backpack was secured, he made his rounds about the main lodge area, double-checking that they had everything. The fire had died down considerably and that meant flashlights would most likely be needed once they left the room. He managed to snag what looked like a brochure from a large receptionist desk and he made sure to put it in his pocket.

Moving to where Giselle was, he double-checked that everyone was ready and announced that they needed to get going. Boots thudded against wood as the group began the trek back to the horses and he found himself bumping into the woman as he switched on his flashlight. “So, how was it? Not liking me, that is.” Referencing her earlier explanation of why she had been curled up against him during the storm, he smiled down at her, clearly pleased with what they had going on. His hand bumped against hers, his fingers lightly grabbing hers for a moment before pulling back to his side. He was pushing his luck, but he also wanted to make sure he knew she wouldn’t blow him off when they got back to Jackson. Whatever it was that had pushed them closer, whether it was nearly dying or a stupid game, he wasn’t mad at it.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie hadn’t been expecting Michaela to grab her sleeve. Not after how fast she’d shot off of the couch like her boots were on fire, not after how tight her jaw had looked or the way her hands had been shaking as she jammed them into her sleeves.

But there it was—bare fingers curling into the edge of Ellie’s coat, like a lifeline. Ellie didn’t look down at the hand on her arm—didn’t dare to—but her shoulders were tense under her jacket. Her mouth parted, but no sound came, not until Michaela asked about that night. Ellie exhaled through her nose and rubbed at the back of her neck, her voice low—barely more than a murmur ❝Shit,❞ she muttered under her breath, and then gave a sheepish sort of laugh—an apology baked into the sound.

She adjusted her pack after throwing it over her shoulders and glanced over, lowering her voice so only Michaela could hear over the wind. ❝No. We didn’t talk about you at the dance, okay? Dina was just… doing that Dina thing. Digging. She likes to stir shit up when she smells something.❞ Ellie’s hand twitched again at her side, but she shoved it deeper into her jacket pocket before it could betray her.

❝Look, I—I’m sorry if what I said made you uncomfortable. Her voice was rough, the words stiff and low, like they scraped her throat on the way out. ❝I—I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that. It wasn’t fair.❞ She didn’t want to meet Michaela’s eyes, but she did because it felt like she owed her that.

❝I just. . .❞ She hesitated, and for once, the right words weren’t there to cloak her honesty with humor. ❝I guess I assumed you were… y’know. Like me and that was dumb of me. I shouldn’t have.❞ Ellie’s voice faltered for a second, her eyes darting around uncomfortably before her brow furrowed, face hardening ❝You don’t owe me anything, alright? I just liked being close to you but if it weirded you out or made you feel like I was pushing for something you didn’t sign up for, I’ll back off.❞ She glanced at Michaela out of the corner of her eye. Her green gaze was steady but unreadable, something protective before she moved past the female. By now, most of the group had already successfully packed everything else and had entered the garage.

Ellie’s usual sarcasm had dimmed to a faint flicker as she entered where the horses waited. Ellie simply stood off to the side, gloves stuffed in her pockets, jaw set like she was trying to solve some invisible problem while Giselle prepper the horse they had rode in on; with Michaela and her own horse gone still she'd have to ride back with Giselle again.

She avoided looking at Michaela as she passed her, gaze fixed on Nova as she approached them once Giselle was seated. Giselle shifted, sliding a boot from one stirrup and swinging her leg halfway off to steady the mare. She leaned down slightly, hand extended in silent offer. Ellie didn’t argue and she stepped in, gripped Giselle’s wrist, and let her hoist her up. With a grunt and some careful maneuvering, she swung a leg over and settled in behind her, stiff but secure.

She didn’t say thanks—but the subtle press of her hand to Giselle’s side was acknowledgment enough. Once seated, Ellie adjusted her pack across her chest and sat straighter, her body close but not quite touching the woman in front of her.

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle hadn’t stopped grinning since Ellie’s answer. Jesse’s teasing had been reckless—maybe even cruel—but damn if it didn’t crack something wide open. She’d tried to scold him under her breath, but the look on Ellie’s face after that confession. . . and Michaela’s stunned silence? It was the kind of emotional chaos she secretly lived for. She hoped maybe this would shift something for them both. Still, she had leaned into Jesse’s side with a dramatic groan when he started clapping. ❝You’re so annoying,❞ she whispered, half into his shirt. ❝But that was worth it.❞

As Dina and Wendy kept the spotlight bouncing between each other and Jesse, Giselle took the quiet chance to settle again, her cheek lightly brushing Jesse’s shoulder. It was easier to be close now. She wasn’t thinking too much—wasn’t holding her breath. That whisper of his earlier 'you don’t need to be alone' hadn’t left her since he said it, and the thumb tracing lazy patterns on her bicep just reminded her of how not alone she felt right now. But as the storm outside broke, so did the spell.

She could already feel the temperature shift inside the lodge. Less of the glowing, firelit stillness. . .more of the crisp expectation that they had to move. Jesse’s voice broke through it cleanly, practical and focused again. A different kind of Jesse—the leader type, the patrol captain. Even as he gave orders, though, his fingers skimmed the side of her neck, making her breath hitch just slightly as his touch pulled away. Giselle blinked with flushed cheeks, pretending to be totally unaffected.

❝Yeah, I’ll help pack the linens,❞ she murmured, ducking out from under the blanket and tugging her layers back on. Her curls, still a little unruly from drying by the fire, bounced against her cheeks as she moved. She helped Dina and Wendy fold what they could, double-checked the bathroom areas for anything worth saving, and made sure she had her knife and gloves tucked into place before falling into step with the others.

By the time Jesse moved to walk beside her again, the cold in the garage area had already crept into her collar, but she didn’t shiver. Her shoulder brushed his as he bumped into her and flicked on his flashlight. She looked over at him when he asked that dreaded questions.

It made her snort with a dimpled smile, her breath forming a thin fog in the cold air. ❝Honestly? Exhausting,❞ she said with a dry smile. ❝I had to remind myself every five minutes not to look at you.❞ She paused, letting her gloved hand swing casually—until it wasn’t so casual anymore. His fingers brushed hers, for a heartbeat, she let them rest there. ❝Then you had to go and be a decent human. Ruined all my plans,❞ she added playfully, glancing up at him from beneath her lashes.

But there was sincerity under it. That flash of vulnerability from the night before hadn’t disappeared—she just carried it differently now. Maybe it was still fragile, maybe it wasn't. As their hands fell apart, she nudged his arm with her elbow gently ❝I wasn’t planning on. . .whatever this is,❞ she added, a little more quietly. ❝But I didn’t hate it.❞ A beat passed then ❝You said we should hang out more off-patrol. I’m holding you to that.❞

Nova whickered softly in recognition, her ears flicking forward. Giselle reached out and let her gloved fingers stroke the soft velvet of her nose, letting the mare sniff her before beginning the task of checking her tack.

She adjusted her saddle bags next, making sure the blankets and scavenged supplies had been secured. Then, after a final once-over of the straps and reins, she swung herself into the saddle with a quiet exhale. Her movements were smooth but tight—her bruised side pulling a little. She winced, but didn’t say anything.

Once seated with Ellie behind her, she tugged her scarf up over her mouth and glanced toward the others, her eyes naturally seeking Jesse first before they all started moving bracing for the cold awaiting them.

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE

 

[social]

michaela finch

Before an answer could leave Ellie, she could tell that she had messed up. She could see the stiffness in her body, the way she refused to look at her, and how her arm stayed glued to her side. There was no reciprocation in contact, and it seemed like Michaela was the one who was intruding. Her throat tightened as she listened to Ellie explain Dina’s behavior, and she felt guilt seeping inside of her. Her fingers curled around the material of the sleeve tighter for a moment, her lips parting as if to say something in protest. She didn’t want to ruin the energy they had between them; she was just really, really caught off guard.

Her eyes widened when Ellie finally looked at her, the small guilty confession leaving her that she thought Michaela was like her. The shock and surprise were evident on her face as she stared at Ellie, trying to wrap her head around the whole thing. Why did she think that? Did she do something to give that off? There were a million questions in her head but none of them came out, especially when the other said she would back off. “Ellie- I didn’t mean to say something wrong. I’m sorry. I- I didn’t mean to hurt you or make you think I was weirded out. I was just-” It didn’t matter how many jumbled words and apologies were spoken, Ellie still pulled away and caught up with the rest of the group, her back squarely facing Michaela.

Rejection was difficult for anyone to swallow, and Michaela was figuring that out firsthand. Her footsteps slowed, and her hand that had previously been holding onto Ellie fell to her side, her fingers feeling numb. She didn’t have any thoughts; they just melted away before they could form. At the end of the day, it didn’t matter what she was thinking or confused about because she had done all the wrong things. Guilt was a companion of hers, and she was familiar with how it felt, but this was different. She felt like she had ruined something delicate and precious to someone she considered a friend. Regardless of how hot and cold their friendship was, she didn’t want it to be like this. Broken and withdrawn, smashed by clumsy words and nervous hands.

She barely processed the walk until she felt Jesse’s hand on her shoulder. “Come on, I’ll help you up.” Dragging blue to meet brown, she saw a flicker of guilt and sympathy in his eyes, obviously picking up on the distance and dead energy between Michaela and Ellie. Jesse mounted the grey, his hand reaching down once he was situated comfortably. Gritting her teeth, the brunette grabbed onto his hand and pushed off the ground, despite the pain that shot through her shin. Her hands settled on his waist, bunching up the material of his coat as he began to explain that everyone needed to be quiet and have their flashlights on so they didn’t get lost. It was all so normal but she could feel the chill coming from her left, the lack of interest and the way a wall had been quickly assembled.

A small voice in her head began to pipe up as they road, whispering smug remarks about how she was abnormal and had screwed things up with Ellie. She just had to act on those unsettling emotions and she ruined it all. Maybe if she had been a better person, if she had been what was expected of her, she wouldn’t be getting ignored. The internal monologue was sickening and made her rest her forehead against Jesse’s back, trying to fight back the frustrated tears that pricked the corners of her eyes. What did she do wrong? She had tried not to be different; she was actively doing things she thought were okay. But she had hurt Ellie; she had accidentally rejected and pushed her to the side. Why was she like that?

The cold winter air bit at the dampness near her eyes, which caused her to try and hide her face even more, her hands locking around Jesse’s waist. Michaela knew she needed to apologize; she didn’t want to leave things the way they were. So she spent the ride thinking of how she would go about it. Maybe just being honest about not knowing what she did and that she didn’t mind hanging out with Ellie like they had been was the way to go. She needed to explain that she hadn’t hated anything; it was just terrifying to be singled out in front of people who would read into things. No, that was the wrong thing to say. It was all so complicated, and every apology just felt like a weak excuse.

There was no perfect apology, and that made her stressed, but she didn’t want to cause more issues for Ellie. They were friends and neighbors, they were both girls, and there wasn’t anything wrong with how they had been. Just sitting next to each other and talking was okay. Nobody had made a big deal about it outside of Michaela. She didn’t have to feel so…terrified. But she did. It made her heart hammer in her chest and her hands tremble. It felt natural and unnatural at the same time. It was so difficult for her mind to process that she wasn’t able to discern if someone was just messing with her or not.

A heavy sigh left her, and she did her best to turn her thoughts to something else. The dark scenery was difficult to decipher, but Jesse led the group with a certain air of confidence that only a patrol leader could have. He got in touch with Jackson to let them know what was going on, but the conversation had been short, only brief relief from Maria, who had been on the other side. But nobody seemed concerned; it was around dinner time, and people were getting ready to lock down for the night. A patrol group being out late meant that schedules were changed and resources were used while waiting for them. It was a routine, and no alarm bells were going off inside anyone. But that sense of security and lack of concern only lasted until they walked through Jackson’s gates.

Everything was a blur as Maria had explained what had happened, citing that they were attacked by a group she assumed was involved with FEDRA or was just a large militia. Michaela's legs were heavy as she began walking into Jackson, following the tracks left behind by Jesse. She couldn't process anything, not Maria going to Ellie, not the blood-stained snow inside of Jackson—it had to all be a dream. Her body trembled as she passed the dining hall, which had been turned into a medical bay at least temporarily for the mildly injured, the smell of antiseptic and iron heavy in the air. As she rounded the corner to where the dogs were kept, her heart stopped beating. Crimson-soaked sheets were draped across the animals on the ground, and she found herself crumbling to her knees.

Unsteady fingers peeled back each sheet as the tears sprang from her eyes, immediately identifying dogs she had bred and raised. She wanted to throw up and scream, but only pained sobs left her as she pressed her face against their cold fur. Michaela knew she should've been doing something else to help; she should've been asking if she could bury the dogs and check on the others, but she couldn't. She could hear the faint whining from inside the building, but she couldn't move. Her lungs heaved, and coughs left her as she raised her head, the blood having smeared against her face. There was a sense of anger and guilt building inside of her as she looked at the scene, unable to comprehend why it had happened. She wanted to know what had happened but there was nothing she could ask that would satisfy the pain inside of her.

coded by social

jesse park

A smile formed on his lips, and he tried his best to hide it in the collar of his jacket, a small hum leaving him. “Well, if your previous plans included ignoring me, then I’m really glad I messed them up.” He mirrored her expression, but the sentiment was genuine, and that much was clear. He had been satisfied with that and didn’t really expect Giselle to say anything else, mostly out of fear of potentially labeling the beginning of what they had started. But she seemed to steel herself enough to show that vulnerability, her arm making light contact with his. Jesse unconsciously moved closer to her, their arms brushing against each other as she spoke.

Her quiet words were enough to make his breath catch briefly in his chest, and a small laugh to leave him. There was a certain sense of gentleness in her usual sarcastic and guarded words that made Jesse lose interest in teasing her. Catching her hand in his, easily hiding it between them so the others wouldn’t see and kick up a fuss, he leaned closer to her and kept his voice low. “Don’t worry, I won’t flake on you. I want to hang out with you too, but maybe without those guys. At least for a little bit.” Jesse smiled, as if it had been a secret he just shared with her, and released her hand after giving it a gentle squeeze.

Making his way over to Silver, he greeted the horse, his head pressing against Jesse’s chest for a few moments. Checking over his mount, he waited for Michaela to come over, but her sluggish movements made her take longer than the others, just by a hair. He could tell that something had happened, and it made him feel genuinely a bit bad. Well, they would figure it out. Mounting Silver, he extended a hand and helped pull the tall brunette up behind him. “Since it’s dark, make sure to keep flashlights going. Follow my lead, we’re going in single file so we make as little noise as possible. If you have any issues, break formation so I know. Wendy, you good with covering the rear?” The blonde-haired woman nodded, giving a thumbs-up and a casual smile.

The patrol group set out from the lodge, and Jesse switched gears to retracing their steps all the way back to Jackson. It was arguably far more difficult to keep track of where they were going, but the light of the moon that splashed down on the snow caused the world to illuminate more, giving him a better idea of where they were going. The silence was deafening, the crunching of the snow and the subtle creaking of leather saddles easily drifted around them as they made their way back home. Jesse stayed alert, looking for evidence of infected or the horde. But there was only undisturbed snow and the ride was as peaceful as it could be.

Once within the boundaries of Jackson, he pulled his radio out and switched to the channel Tommy usually used, only this time Maria answered. Her voice was composed as he explained their situation as briefly as he could, and she told them to just come home and to radio if they had any issues with infected. He knew that the night would be long and he would probably have to sit down with the council to figure out what to do about the horde and the lodge, but he pushed those thoughts to the side. Instead he focused on getting hot food and a warm shower. That sounded like a dream.

The hours of riding in the cold settled in his bones as soon as the spotlights from Jackson landed on them. The warm light was both painfully bright and comforting at the same time. The gates opened and Maria exited them, her arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face. “I’m glad you are all back safe and sound.” Her words lacked warmth and instead seemed forced as she looked back over her shoulder. “I didn’t want to say anything while you were heading back due to safety but…” The woman swallowed thickly and gestured for some more people to come out. The Jackson residents all moved to hold the reins of each horse and encouraged the patrol members to dismount. Jesse’s eyebrows furrowed, but he did as he was told, helping Michaela down as well. Once everyone was on the ground and in front of Maria, she closed her eyes, her head dipping in a rare moment of emotion.

“We were attacked while you were gone. There were casualties-” Maria was a blunt person and there was nothing she could say that would make the reactions easier. Jesse’s eyes widened in horror and his legs moved before he could hear what else she had to say. The image of his mom dying when he was gone and playing games was sickening to say the least. He ran through the open gates and immediately saw the destruction of his beloved community. Everyone was busy breaking down damaged materials and supplies, medics were rushing around to provide care to those who still needed it, and a crowd of concerned residents waited for their loved ones to come back to them.

His breath caught in his throat as he looked around, trying to see who wasn’t there. Memories of his dad’s death began to resurface, the way Maria had come to his house to tell his mom what happened out on patrol. The wails from Robin had been devastating to the young Jesse and if he was alone, he didn’t know what he would do. “Jesse?! Oh Jesse!” His moms voice caught his attention and the woman pushed through the crowd, tears staining her gentle features. He wasted no time in going to her, pulling her into a tight hug, his face burying into her shoulder. Tears fell from him as he held her, deserpate to confirm that she was still there. “I’m okay honey. I’m alright.”

She was comforting him when she had experienced something terrifying while not knowing if her child was alright or not. He took a few minutes to compose himself and when he lifted his head to look for the rest of the patrol, but he could only find Dina as she made her way to him, tears brimming in her eyes. Robin moved and hugged the girl, allowing her to cry against her. Jesse furiously wiped at his face and wrapped an arm around Dina and at the contact she lifted her head, clearly distraught. “Jesse, we lost people. Ellie- I think Joel’s gone, Tommy’s injured, everything is just- I don’t understand.”

The words that left her made him almost stagger, and his mom began to explain what had happened and who had been killed. If he had been better focused, maybe he would’ve picked up on the trend that explained the deaths, but he couldn’t. Everything faded into white noise as he pulled Dina into his chest along with his mother, trying his best to protect and comfort what was left of his family. Jackson, a place he once thought was indestructable, was now bleeding and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

T

he journey back had felt endless. Ellie barely spoke the entire ride, her arms looped loosely around Giselle’s waist but her mind miles and miles away. Every shift of Nova’s hooves through snow, every branch cracking in the wind, felt louder than the static buzzing in her ears. Michaela’s hand had reached for her then her voice and Ellie had turned away. Pulled back. It wasn’t fair—but it had felt like something slipping through her fingers before she even understood what it was and she hated how that uncertainty twisted up with shame, then buried itself beneath layers of frost and numb.

By the time the gates of Jackson appeared, Ellie’s hands were frozen and her throat felt like glass. She didn’t want to talk. Didn’t want to feel. She just wanted the day to end but it didn’t.

The gate guards looked wrong—too tense, too focused, not the usual half-assed smirks and nods. Something was wrong. Ellie knew it the second Maria’s voice broke through the chaos of return. Her tone was sharp. Controlled, like someone holding a sword by the blade. ❝Ellie, come with me. Now.❞ That was all she said after briefly updating the team about what had occurred.

Ellie dismounted stiffly with Giselle’s help, her brows already drawing together, suspicion blooming into fear. ❝Did something else happen?❞ she asked, but Maria didn’t answer. Just walked ahead like she didn’t know how to say what she had to. Ellie followed, boots heavy against the slush-packed earth, already soaked through from the ride.

They passed the gates, the old barn turned med wing. She saw people, too many of them. Bloodied. Pale. Some crying, some just sitting and still Maria didn’t speak.

It wasn’t until they were almost to the old greenhouse that Maria stopped abruptly and turned, her expression shuttered. She looked like she hadn’t slept. Her eyes were red. Her mouth a thin, tired line. ❝. . .Joel—he didn’t make it.❞


The words hit like buck shot to the chest. Ellie blinked. Stared at her. Like the name hadn’t registered, like she’d said someone else’s. ❝What?❞

Maria stepped forward, steadying her voice. ❝He was found near the west wall. From what we’ve pieced together, the attack started as a diversion maybe. They waited for people to head toward the east. Then they ambushed. Tommy thinks he was scouting a noise. It was quick, Ellie.❞

Ellie took a step back, like she’d been punched in the stomach. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Her hands had started shaking. She didn’t know when.

❝No, he…❞ Her voice cracked on the word. ❝He’s not—he’s not dead. He can’t be. We just—he was fine.❞

❝I’m sorry.❞

Maria reached out, but Ellie flinched away. Her body folded slightly as the breath left her lungs, sharp and violent. She stumbled back against the side of the building, one hand braced against it as her stomach lurched. Dry heaving. Her ribs pulled tight but nothing came up, her mouth tasted sour and her whole body was trembling. The wind bit through her jacket, her face burned.

Joel was gone. She couldn’t see straight. Couldn’t feel her fucking hands.

❝You’re fucking lying,❞ Ellie muttered, even though she knew Maria wasn’t. Knew from the look in her eyes. From the way the guards had been quiet. From the blood. ❝He was just—he was just here. He was supposed to be—❞

❝I’ll take you to see him.❞ Ellie didn’t remember following Maria. Didn’t remember the short walk, only the moment she stepped into the barn and saw the sheet-covered body on the cot.

Only the second when her knees almost gave out and she stood there, unmoving. He looked cold. Smaller than she remembered, like he was already too far gone to call back.

She couldn’t touch him. Couldn’t say anything, just stared. Until her eyes burned.

Joel was gone and Jackson had lost so many more and the world felt a little emptier without him in it.

Ellie stood just inside the barn, her boots soaked through, shoulders drawn so tight they ached. Her breath came in shallow pulls. Joel lay still beneath the sheet, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull it back again. She’d already seen the curve of his brow, the edge of his gray hair, the way his hand had stiffened in place—like he’d tried to reach for something at the very end.

She didn’t cry. Not yet. She just stood there, stunned, silent, like grief hadn’t caught up with her body yet. 'We were supposed to fix it.' That was the first full thought that broke through the storm in her head. Clear and cold and mean.

She’d been mad. So fucking mad. She’d pushed and shoved and spat words she didn’t mean. Had turned her back on him, thinking she had time to circle back around. That maybe she could finally say the things she’d wanted to—I understand now or I get why you did it or maybe even just I missed you.

But she waited. She thought they had time. Time to sit down with coffee again, like before. Time to tease him about his old-man boots and the way he tuned his guitar every damn morning. Time to make the weight between them a little lighter, to laugh again like they used to.

All of that time was gone and she’d wasted it. Ellie’s nails bit into the fabric of her sleeves, her jaw clenched so tight she thought her teeth might break. The silence in the barn was deafening, broken only by her own uneven breath. She thought of the last thing she’d said to him.

❝I don’t need you protecting me.❞

But she did. And not just out there, not from the infected or raiders. She needed him the way she needed air. She needed him to keep pushing back when she lashed out, to keep loving her even when she didn’t know how to show it in return. He had.

❝I was gonna come by,❞ she whispered to no one. ❝I was gonna tell you I—❞ Her voice caught. She couldn’t finish.

There was nothing left to say. Nothing that could bring him back. Nothing that would let her undo the days she spent angry, closed-off, convinced that she could take her time forgiving him. Ellie didn’t move.

Didn’t wipe the tears she didn’t realize had started falling. She just stood there beside the man who had become her world, the man she thought she had time to come back to and now all she had were regrets and a silence that would never end.

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle didn’t say much during the ride back. She kept her hood up, her arms drawn tightly around herself despite the relative warmth of Jesse’s coat and the steady thud of the horse beneath her. The night air was cold, but it couldn’t quite sink through the fog she found herself drifting in—not with the feeling of Jesse’s hand brushing hers, the echo of his teasing words still lingering, and the strange, heavy thing blooming in her chest that she hadn’t wanted to look at too closely.

For once, she didn’t crack a joke. Didn’t mutter some sarcastic jab to fill the silence.

She just rode, listening to the crunch of hooves through snow and the occasional breath of her companions. The stillness felt fragile, like something too good to last and she was right.

The moment they hit Jackson’s lights and saw Maria’s face—really saw it—Giselle knew something had gone wrong. Her fingers, already stiff from the cold, gripped tighter at the reins even before Maria said the words. She could feel Jesse shift beside her, the air between them changing in an instant. The warmth and quiet were gone, stripped away like bark from a tree.

❝We were attacked while you were gone. There were casualties—❞

Giselle dismounted Nova in silence. Her hands trembled, but she kept them at her sides. Around her, the others reacted—some with cries, some with curses, some with stunned, motionless silence. Jesse bolted. Ellie… her body tensed like a live wire and moved with purpose, somewhere just out of reach.

Giselle stood where she was for a moment longer.

There was no one for her to run to.

No one to scan the crowd for. No trembling hands to grasp or voices calling her name. She’d spent the past year in Jackson keeping people at arm’s length, brushing off attempts at friendship with humor or distance. It had felt safer that way.

Now it just felt empty.

Her friends—if she could even call them that—were grieving and she had no one to cry for.

But she wouldn’t waste the privilege of that. She couldn’t.

Her eyes downcast as she turned on her heel. Moving quickly through the broken remnants of the town, she found the med tent, pulled the hood from her head, and asked without hesitation, ❝Where do you need me?❞

The medic inside blinked at her, taking in her soaked clothes and wind-chapped cheeks.

They didn’t ask questions. She was handed gloves and pointed toward a table with a boy groaning softly, a bleeding gash across his thigh. Giselle didn’t hesitate. Her hands were already moving, assessing, cleaning, stabilizing.

She didn’t have tears but she had hands and right now, that had to be enough.

Her throat tightened as she looked around, her eyes catching glimpses of crumpled bodies under bloodied tarps, the wreckage of something that had once felt so solid. People sobbed around her, clung to each other.

If she didn’t have anyone to mourn… then the least she could do was carry some of the weight.

She helped a woman with a shattered arm down the steps of the clinic. She loaded blankets into carts, dragged them toward makeshift shelters.

The antiseptic stung her nose. Giselle’s fingers were stained with iodine and old blood, her gloves tacky as she finished bandaging a young woman’s hand, the torn flesh still trembling from whatever hell she’d survived. The girl didn’t look at her. Just stared at the floor like it might open up and swallow her whole.

God, she knew that look.

Giselle straightened up, tossing the used gauze into a bin beside her. She barely heard the words of thanks that came from the woman’s lips, too quiet and too broken to mean anything real. Her throat was tight, aching but she didn’t cry. The soft part of her that used to cry over split milk died the night she did. Her older sister, Gail.

A ghost in her chest, always humming just beneath her ribs. That night was branded into her body.

She remembered the feel of the cold mountain floor beneath her knees. Remembered her sister’s voice trembling as she told her to run, to hide. Her father—no, that thing that used to be her father—had already snapped something loose in his mind, something wild and unrecognizable.

He hadn’t looked like her dad when he turned on Gail. Not when his hands wrapped around her neck. Definitely not when her legs stopped kicking. Some night She could still feel the weight of the rifle shaking in her hands when he found her, eyes full of something ravenous, unhinged and paranoid.

Something broke in her that night and now she stood in a town full of grieving people, surrounded by the wails of mothers, of partners, of children mourning the unthinkable, and all she could feel was this hollowness. This gnawing ache in the space where grief was supposed to be.

Not because she didn’t care but because she didn’t want to ever know that feeling again.

Her friends were bleeding in ways she couldn’t reach, and all she wanted to do was take their pain. Carry it for them. Throw it into the woods and let it rot. She wanted to go up to Ellie, to Jesse, to Michaela, to anyone who had been touched by this nightmare and tell them she knew—God, she knew—what it was to lose someone you love so violently, so completely. But her grief didn’t belong here, not now.

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE

 

[social]

michaela finch

Fresh dirt clung to the worn leather boots as they slumped against the dark wood floor, having been haphazardly kicked off the previous day. Within the few layers of blankets, a body could be found, curled around the form of a dark dog. The woman’s eyes were red and slightly swollen, evidence of tears shed during the night. Funerals never got any easier, and she never got better are dealing with them. The scent of flowers clung to her skin, a worn cardigan draped over her frame, clearly handmade and a decade older than the woman. Barb’s funeral was quiet and gentle, the woman having finally succumbed to the damage received during the attack on Jackson.

Her health had declined, and she passed peacefully in her sleep. Was dying ever peaceful? Michaela didn’t think so. Thin fingers threaded through the short fur of Zero, and he let out a sigh, easily picking up on the emotions of his owner. The sun barely started to climb into the sky, painting it shades of purple and pink. Her curtains fluttered in the wind, having been far too lazy to close her window before she climbed into bed. Ever since Jackson had been attacked, Michaela had been plagued with anxiety about the group finishing the job. She knew how military groups like them worked; they didn’t like loose ends.

But for a month, they had stayed away. For a month, Jackson rebuilt. Burned buildings were repaired, broken windows were replaced, and patrols became more frequent. They didn’t patrol far from the settlement, and a dog was always assigned to those who patrolled the borders. Maria and Tommy had been trying to hold Jackson together, to keep it strong, but everyone could see the weight of Joel’s death weighing on Tommy. His temper was unpredictable, and he had stormed out of the meeting when the community voted for Jackson not to retaliate against the militia group.

Michaela had been angry as well and refused to properly talk to those she knew for a fact voted yes. It was tense to say the least. Jesse had practically buried himself in work and had no interest in anyone messing around on patrols, which meant things got suffocating really fast. But she stayed steady, doing her best not to rock the boat. She bit her tongue and kept her opinions to herself unless they were pulled out of her. She had other priorities. Ellie was a priority. Things had been beyond difficult right after Joel’s death. The woman was always locked inside her home, refusing to come out and be part of the community.

She couldn’t blame her, and she didn’t say anything either. She just watched from her window, hoping that Ellie would be okay. Michaela didn’t know why she did it, but she started to bring food over to Ellie’s every night after dinner. She placed them on the stoop of her home and then went back to her own place. Most of the time, the food would be untouched, but eventually, small amounts had been eaten. Things were damaged between them, but it wasn’t impossible to fix things. Eventually, Michaela left the spare key to her place on top of the tupperware, a silent gesture that meant Ellie was welcome in her space, where she could escape the pain and loneliness.

Since then, she got into the habit of checking her spare room every morning. The door barely creaked, and Michaela would only peek inside to catch sight of the lump on the bed. The room was no longer bare and empty; it had been molded into a space specifically for Ellie. She caught a few drawings pinned to the wall and a couple of books on the desk that Michaela had loaned her, and a few clothes were tucked inside the closet, just so she didn’t have to go back to her place to change in the mornings. Michaela hadn’t dared to question or think about it too much. After how royally she had messed up at the lodge, she was careful. She didn’t say more than she needed to, but she didn’t shy away from Ellie as much. Even if they were just sitting together in silence, Michaela would touch Ellie’s hand, offer the comfort of another person, of a friend. Maybe the lines were blurring between them, but she didn’t point it out. She just wanted to be there for Ellie to lean on and trust.

A hand moved to rub her eyes, and she sighed as she tilted her head enough to look at the clock that rested on her nightstand. “Shit. Guess it's time to get up.” Her muscles ached as she sat up, evidence of the awkward position she had slept in. Her hair was barely contained in the braid it started in, strands having long since escaped and brushed against her exposed shoulders. She moved slowly across her room to grab a hoodie, slipping it over the tank top she wore. Goosbumps spread across her legs but she didn’t feel like changing much. The shorts she wore didn’t provide any heat, but she had blankets downstairs if she got too cold.

Zero was hot on her heels as the pair left her room, her bare feet walking across the hardwood flooring. The old wood creaked softly under her weight, and the quiet clicking of claws could be heard if you listened close enough. Walking down the stairs, she looked around for any evidence of Ellie being up, but found none. The house was still, only flecks of a barely risen sun slipping through the gaps of her curtains. Crossing the living room, she approached the door of the bedroom and cracked it open, the hinges sighing softly as she did so. Both Zero and Michaela peered inside, looking for a familiar lump in the bedding.

She didn’t say anything, she just watched for a few seconds before she closed the door and retreated to the kitchen. Jackson was mostly asleep, only the early patrols making their way back to their homes after a shift change. She didn’t know if Ellie had plans for the day, but she figured she would at least stay for some food. It wasn’t like she was expecting anything but she had slipped into a silent routine, always leaving a space open to be filled if the woman needed it. That hadn’t changed in the weeks they had been doing this.

The smell of food began to fill the kitchen as she cooked, Zero devouring his own meal in the metal bowl. It was peaceful but the ache of loss still echoed in the walls. Covering the pan with a lid, Michaela walked to the back door and opened it, letting her dog out into the small yard where he would do his business for a few minutes, which gave her a chance to finish cooking. It wasn’t much, but she did her best. Two cups of tea were placed on the red dining table as she began to awkwardly roll some omelets, her brows furrowed in concentration. A soft scratching on the back door made her sigh, muttering under her breath. “I swear, he’s got the worst timing in the mornings…”

coded by social

jesse park

The sun washed across exposed skin as the dark-haired man rolled onto his stomach, his arms reaching to gather up the pillows beneath his head. Everything in the small dwelling was quiet and organized, the lack of disturbance showing how little the occupant was there. His face remained buried against the grey pillows, trying to chase the remnants of sleep that he could still feel. His body was sluggish due to all the construction work he had been doing, dark green bruises forming on his arms and legs from it. Jesse hadn’t taken the attack on Jackson well at all. Once the shock of almost losing his mom, the reality of his situation had settled in and it left him gutted.

His normal positive attitude regarding the settlement had fallen into anger and guilt, blaming himself for not being there to prevent things. He could’ve helped; he would’ve protected people. But he couldn’t voice those things without getting sympathetic looks and words of comfort that made his skin crawl. So he worked. He put himself on the frontlines of rebuilding and grave-digging. He worked through the changing seasons, ignoring the bitter cold of winter’s last snow and the first rain of spring soaking him to his bones. It didn’t matter. He had to do more; he had to provide for Jackson. Tensions had risen considerably when the vote occurred, asking the residents and council what they should do about those who attacked their home.

Jesse knew what his heart wanted, but he knew that it wasn’t rational. He had to stay and fix what was broken. But the vote had left several residents unsettled and agitated, Tommy and Ellie in particular. He couldn’t blame them at all, so he just kept an eye on them and continued working. Still, the work was never enough to chase away the thoughts that haunted him. He lost sleep over it and began to take it out on patrols. Once incident had caused somewhat of a stir when Jesse lost contact with a patrol member as they had knocked their radio into a river and he lost his cool more than he should’ve when he found them. He rarely raised his voice so it was clear that he wasn’t in a good place. He was terrified of losing more people. He didn’t want Jackson to bleed anymore.

So he found his solace—Giselle. After long days, he would trudge over to the gardens to sit with her, offering to help carry things if she needed, or to just watch her. He found comfort in the casual conversation while she worked. She kept her emotions together far better than most, and while he knew she was hurting, he was just happy he got a chance to escape being the crutch for others. He found himself making more and more excuses to see her, to just spend time with her and eventually it clicked in his head. He had developed feelings despite the turmoil that swirled inside of him. Maybe it was stupid, but he fixated on those fluttering feelings of a crush. They were warm and gentle, a stark contrast to the anger and fear that clung to him like a second skin.

She didn’t have expectations or false words of comfort for him and he relished in it. But Jesse never planned on saying anything until he started noticing the off behavior from Tommy. The man would go out on solo patrols and do things that were subtle enough to be overlooked, but to Jesse, they screamed he was planning on leaving. He didn’t blame him and he had spent a night contemplating what to do. He could go to Maria and have her speak to her husband but he knew it wouldn’t change anything. So he came to the conclusion that he would go after him if he left. He wouldn’t let anyone else die without him trying to protect him. Maybe it was the thought of not coming back if he did leave, but somehow he wound up at Giselle’s house at an ungodly hour and was knocking on her door. She had been rightfully confused and when his confession came tumbling from his lips, she seemed genuinely shocked.

They spent the night inside her living room, just going over everything that happened. They talked about it all, all the messiness, all the anger and frustration. He showed her his weakness, despite the fact he kept quiet about possibly leaving. He didn’t want to rush things. He just wanted her with no expectations. For the first time in weeks, he had slept through the night, most likely because Giselle was tucked safely in his arms, giving him peace of mind. And while things hadn’t changed that much, it was still enough to where he was satisfied. He didn’t tell anyone and he just enjoyed the time he spent with her. It was good, it was natural, and it was theirs.

A heavy sigh escaped him as he heaved himself into a sitting position, his head hanging in his hands. It was too early to be awake, but he couldn’t go back to sleep. So he trudged through his small home, taking a shower and grabbing a quick bite to eat before he got ready for the day. By the time he finished lacing his shoes and was out the door, the sky had turned violet and pink, the sun climbing bit by bit. The air was crisp and frost clung to the ground and barren trees, but he didn’t care. Zipping up his coat, the man started to walk down the street, greeting the few patrolmen that he passed on his way to Giselle’s place. He didn’t know if she would be up; hell, he shouldn’t have been up, but he knew that he wanted to see her before anything else started.

His patrol unit had a rare day off, mostly due to how many shifts they had been working and Maria wanted them to have some time to recover. Granted, Jesse hadn’t seen much of his usual crew outside of Giselle and Dina, but he assumed it was deliberate. Ellie was difficult to approach and Michaela always said she was too busy with work to do anything else. He didn’t know if she was even going to take the day off, but he decided to push the thoughts away. He planned on helping Giselle with whatever chores she had planned for the day. The mundane was a luxury and he wasn’t about to spit in the face of it. His knuckles lightly connected with the wooden front door and he shoved his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels to fight away the chill that threatened to run through him.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie sat up in the dark room just as she heard the back door creak open downstairs. Her eyes adjusted slowly, and she blinked toward the thin sliver of light sneaking beneath the door. She didn’t move at first, the silence settling heavy on her chest like it always did after a night without sleep—only this time, there’d been no nightmares. Just that dull ache, that void.

Joel's death had cut her open in a way that she hadn’t known was possible. And it didn’t matter how many times she’d gone through it in her head—how many times she’d imagined saving him, finding him, being there—the ending was always the same. A grave. An empty chair. The echo of a man who used to walk beside her.

She’d spent weeks pushing everyone out. Jesse stopped knocking after the third time she didn’t answer. Dina had tried too, but Ellie knew what she saw in her now—something broken. Something she couldn’t fix. Tommy… Tommy was different. He understood, or maybe he just hurt too much to argue. Ellie had been pushing him, harder every day, trying to get him to talk to Maria, to make something happen. It couldn’t end with Joel in the dirt. That wasn’t justice, that wasn’t right.

The only person who hadn’t asked for anything in return was Michaela. Ellie had no clue how it started. Maybe it was the food on the doorstep, maybe it was the silence that didn’t demand words but it had become routine. Comfort, in its weirdest form. The spare key. The extra bed. The dog who didn’t bark when she stumbled in late. Michaela didn’t ask questions. She didn’t look at Ellie like she was going to shatter. She just let her be and lately, Ellie had needed that more than she could say.

She swung her legs off the bed slowly and rubbed her eyes. Her muscles ached from the way she curled in on herself during sleep, like something instinctive—protective. She grabbed the hoodie hanging on the back of the door and tugged it over her head before stepping quietly out into the hall. The smell of tea and eggs hit her like a brick wall—too warm, too familiar, too kind. Her chest squeezed in that uncomfortable way it did when she was trying not to feel something. She walked toward the kitchen, arms wrapped tightly around herself, fingers tucked under her sleeves like she was still bracing for cold.

Her boots were by the door. Her sketchbook was still open on the table where she’d left it. She stood in the doorway, watching Michaela roll an omelet, Zero poking his head back through the door like a little sentinel. Ellie cleared her throat softly. ❝…Hey.❞ Her voice came out rough, unused. She leaned against the frame, eyes flicking between the two mugs of tea. ❝You, uh… made enough for two?❞ She meant it to be a joke, but it didn’t really land. She didn’t have the energy for the usual sarcasm. She stepped farther in and finally said it, her voice quiet but honest ❝I couldn’t stay at home last night. Everytime I close my eyes, I keep seeing it. The blood.❞ Her mouth snapped shut; this had been the first honest thing Ellie let slip since the night her world crumbled. The words caught like barbed wire in her throat, she looked down at the table instead, then at Michaela, brows tightening.

❝I’m trying not to lose my shit, y’know? But Tommy won’t do anything. Maria’s holding him back, and I just—I can’t sit around anymore. He was everything. They killed him like he was nothing.❞ The tremble in her jaw said she was fighting tears. Again. Ellie stepped closer to the table, hands braced against the wood, her voice dropping ❝.…I don’t know what I’m doing. But I know I can’t do nothing. So if you hear I left—I just… thanks. For letting me stay, for not making it weird.❞ She finally looked up. Her eyes were red, her skin pale and drawn, but she was standing. ❝I don’t want to be alone today.❞ It was barely more than a whisper but it was the closest thing Ellie had said to please stay.

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

T

he soft knock at the door pulled Giselle from the drifting haze of her thoughts, her fingers halfway through tying the small bundle of freshly dried lemon balm leaves. Her eyes were still a little blurry with sleep, lashes heavy, but she set the bundle aside gently and made her way toward the front of the house.

She hadn’t expected anyone this early, not unless something was wrong. The warmth of the kettle still hissed softly from the stove behind her, steam curling in the faint golden light bleeding through the thin curtains. She tugged her cardigan closer around her body, the oversized sleeves slipping past her wrists as she reached for the doorknob. Her curls, half-wet from the brief rinse she’d done earlier, were tucked behind her ears, wisps escaping to brush against her cheekbones.

When she opened the door, she blinked—then smiled. Jesse. He looked cold, his hands stuffed in his pockets, the early morning light catching against his jacket. She didn’t say anything right away, just stepped aside in silent invitation, letting him in.

❝You're up early. I was just finishing up the lemon balm batch,❞ she said softly, her voice still rasped from sleep, but gentler than it used to be. It always softened for him. ❝And I’ve got some nettle leaves drying by the back window, but they take forever.❞ Her fingers brushed against his coat as he passed, more familiar now than she ever imagined they would be, the kind of touch that didn’t ask for permission. She leaned up pressing a soft smooch to his chilled cheek before shuffling back towards her small kitchen.

In the past few weeks—since the attack—her world had been quieter. Slower but Jesse had filled the corners of it in ways she hadn’t expected. He showed up when she didn’t even realize she needed him. Not loudly, not demanding. Just there. It was more than she thought she deserved after everyone had lost so much but she couldn't deny the pull she had towards Jesse. It was new, it was good but it was also scary knowing she had something to lose the next time things went bad.

Her hands didn’t ache like they used to after hours turning soil. Her shoulders didn’t sit as high near her ears anymore and her thoughts—well, her thoughts were often filled with him. In moments between rows of seedlings, or during the slow mornings where fog hugged the edges of Jackson, she’d catch herself thinking about the way he grinned when he made her laugh, or the feel of his palm on her back as they walked home after a late shift.

She ducked briefly into the small pantry and returned with a little glass jar, the lid wrapped in an old square of floral cloth, tied with string. ❝For your mom,❞ she said, pressing it into his hands. ❝It’s lavender and mint. I added a little comfrey this time, thought she might like it. . .❞ She wasn't particularly close to Robin, saw her around in passing but someone important to Jesse was also important to her.

She caught his gaze then—warm and familiar in the soft light spilling across her wooden floor—and felt the familiar flutter in her chest. She didn’t know what this was exactly. What they were but Jesse made things bearable, that much she did know. She tilted her head, that small smile curling her lips again, a quiet sort of gratitude in her expression as she reached out for him ❝You sleeping okay, Jes?❞

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE

 

[social]

michaela finch

Setting down her spatula, Michaela moved to the back door and opened it just enough for Zero to slip back inside, a lazy grin on his face as he sat down next to the door, prepared to watch through the glass for any annoying squirrels or rabbits. Shaking her head, the woman returned to the stove and plated one omelet, only to start cooking the second. The sizzling of eggs and vegetables was heavy in the air, allowing her to just absorb the moment. She didn’t have anywhere to be, and she just needed to cover breakfast. The lack of structure to her day did stress her out, but she tried to keep an open schedule when Ellie stayed over. It just made things easier.

The rough greeting from behind her caused Michaela to look over her shoulder, her eyebrows raising slightly. “Hey, sorry if I woke you up.” The ghost of a smile formed on her lips, a friendly greeting despite the rough shape they were both in. It never seemed to really get easier, but they were trying their best. She wasted little time in placing the cooked omelet on the table, setting it next to the green mug of tea. She didn’t try to force Ellie to sit down, let alone eat; she knew from experience it was difficult. The weight loss had been evident, and sometimes it made her stomach twist. She didn’t want to push her and cause issues, but she could see how haunted Ellie was. “There’s always enough for two, you know that. Not saying it’ll be good, but it should be edible.”

Her back faced Ellie as she began to roll the second omelet, assuming that the woman was going to at least sit down. But she didn’t. Her words surprised Michaela to the point she stopped cooking for a few seconds, simply digesting what she was hearing. She tried to act as normally as possible, subtly moving the pan off the burner before tossing the omelet onto her plate. Switching the stove off, she moved to the table, concern and understanding evident on her face. Maybe she had become braver, or maybe she was just more comfortable within the safety of her home, but she found herself looking at Ellie far more than before.

Michaela moved slowly, as if approaching too fast would scare her off. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her hands clenched at her sides, unsure of what Ellie was talking about. She was going to leave? It didn’t seem unlikely and she knew that it had been on her mind for a while, but she didn’t know why she thought she would go alone. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay, Ellie.” The distance between them rapidly decreased, only the corner of the table separating them. Reaching out a hand, she hesitantly placed it on top of Ellie’s, holding it as gently as she would if she had a baby bird in her grasp. “You don’t have to be alone. You can stay as long as you need. I’m not going anywhere if you don’t want me to.”

Her voice was soft and although it lacked confidence, it was genuine. She hadn’t even begun to unravel the way her stomach fluttered and how her pulse sped up as she touched Ellie, but that was okay. She had begun to familiarize herself with the shape of Ellie’s hands and the way her breathing sounded when she finally relaxed. Those small things were important to her and she held onto them. “We’re patrol partners, remember? I’m not going to let you go anywhere alone, Ellie. So if you leave without me…I’ll probably kick your ass.” Michaela was being serious but her tone was light-hearted enough that it wouldn’t weigh heavily on Ellie.

“Why don’t you sit down and drink something? It’s a mint tea, or at least that’s what I was told.” Clearing her throat, she let go of Ellie’s hand, her fingertips lingering as she pulled away, moving to slide her cup and plate closer to Ellie's. Picking up her chair, she moved it over and set it down, a slight flush to her face as she did so. She wasn’t used to being forward or whatever she was being. There was no rulebook on how to comfort a friend like Ellie. She was winging it and it was stressing her out because she didn’t know if she was doing it right. Sitting down in her chair, she picked up her grey mug and brought it to her lips, blowing on the liquid to cool it down.

Michaela didn’t usually hear Ellie talk about how she felt about Joel so she felt a bit conflicted when she heard her inner thoughts. She could relate to losing someone who was your everything, but her memories of losing her mother had grown hazy over the years. But she could still feel the ache in her heart that formed the day she died. “You know I don’t mind you being here, right? Like…um, it’s nice to have you here. So you don’t have to apologize. It’s your room so you can come whenever you want.” The tips of her ears burned as she looked down at her mug, taking a sip of the warm tea. “And thank you for talking to me about Joel. I know it’s fucking awful and isolating to feel the way you do, but you can always talk to me. Or yell. Whatever you need, I’ve got your back.”

coded by social

jesse park

The warmth of Giselle’s house came out in gusts when she opened the door, the oversized cardigan wrapped around her frame. Jesse smiled at the sight and walked inside when she moved over. The door closed behind him, and he sighed happily as the chill was quickly chased away from him. The lopsided grin remained on his face as Giselle explained what she was up to, the roughness of sleep still evident in her tone. “Well your morning sounds way more productive than mine.” He unzipped his coat and began to take it off, exposing the black t-shirt he wore underneath. Giselle’s lips found his cheek and he hummed in response, clearly content with everything.

The way they moved was natural and he found himself desperate to curl up with her. Everything was just soothing about her, even the sarcastic remarks made him feel at home. Taking off his boots, he moved at a brisk pace in an attempt to catch up with Giselle. Leaning against the counter, he watched her move around, gathering something from the pantry, most likely something from the gardens. Since they had gotten closer, he quickly realized how big and important the job was to her. She was basically an herbalist in Jesse’s opinion. She always knew what to recommend when someone had a sore throat, even though she was kind of awkward about giving it to people.

When she returned with the small jar in hand with the explanation following suit, he laughed gently before taking it. “I’ll be sure to give it to her. She likes all of the stuff you give her. She might ask you to help her make a garden in the backyard if you aren’t careful.” Ever since Jesse had started seeing Giselle on a regular basis, Robin started poking her head into them. He never exactly came clean about what they were, but she made sure to tell Jesse to invite Giselle over if she had free nights or to give her extras of bread she had baked. He was sure that she had an idea of what was going on, but she never pushed too much.

Setting the jar down on the counter, he moved closer to Giselle, his arms snaking around her waist without much thought. He didn’t answer her question right away, simply content with burying his head in the crook of her neck, taking a much-needed breath. Letting the tension leave his aching bones, he lifted his head and rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closing. “I didn’t sleep great, but I did sleep. You don’t have to worry about it.” Moving his head back, he moved a hand to rest on the side of her face, gently rubbing her cheek as he looked over her. “You’re up early too by the way. So did you sleep?”

He smiled in a playful manner, releasing her enough so that she could go back to what she was doing. Of course, he didn’t plan on really leaving her alone and instead placed himself behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he watched her work with her herbs. The smell of the various plants and teas that resided in her kitchen felt like a drug; the whole atmosphere just made him completely forget the stress that waited for him outside. “I have the whole day off so think of me as your personal errand boy. If you have anything you want to do today, we can do it.” His words were soft as he placed a feather-light kiss against her head, simply allowing himself to enjoy the moment.

Jesse knew that there was more to discuss than just chores and flirting, but it sounded like too much and he just wanted to escape for a minute. He wondered if things would ever go back to normal or if Jackson had been permanently altered. Would Ellie and Tommy go back to how they used to be? Would anyone in town? The wounds had barely closed and there was little evidence of actual healing going on. He knew that there were group meetings for everyone to talk about their grief and work through it, but what if that didn’t work? What if Jackson had fractured? “Do you think we did the right thing?” The words slipped out, barely above a whisper. “The vote about what to do. Do you think it was right?” The guilt had been eating at him and it had taken weeks for him to finally voice it. “I'm just worried that something is coming. I feel so…anxious all the time. It makes everything difficult.”

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie stood there for a long moment, hand still slightly open from where Michaela had touched it—like her body hadn’t quite caught up with the moment being over. Her breath was shallow, caught somewhere between her chest and her throat, and she didn’t know what she was supposed to say or how she was supposed to look. Everything in her felt twisted and raw.

She finally moved, slow and awkward, dragging out the chair across from Michaela and sinking into it like she hadn’t slept in years. Her shoulders hunched forward, one hand rubbing at her brow while the other reached—hesitantly, then more certainly—for the mug that had been nudged toward her.

❝I didn’t mean to make this a thing,❞ she muttered, staring down into the tea like it might give her answers. ❝Just… I didn’t know how to be alone in that house anymore. After Joel, it’s like everything in there stopped breathing.❞

Her thumb brushed the rim of the mug. She didn’t drink, not yet. Her jaw shifted, tense. ❝I don’t think I know how to… stay still,❞ she said finally, voice quiet and raw. ❝Every time it gets quiet, I hear his voice. I hear the way he used to slam that damn drawer in the kitchen when he made eggs. The sound of his boots on the porch.❞ She blinked hard, her jaw flexing. ❝And I think if I just move—if I do something—I won’t fall apart. I won’t drown in it.❞

Ellie glanced up then, her eyes catching Michaela’s briefly before darting away again. There was a quiet vulnerability sitting behind the green, sharper now than it had been back at the lodge or during patrol. Something stripped down. Real.

❝I know I’ve been… hiding. From everyone. From Maria, from Tommy.❞ She paused. ❝I’ve been pushin’ him to do something. About the people who came through and tore Jackson open like it was nothing. Told him I’d go with or without him.❞ Her mouth twitched—somewhere between a smirk and a grimace. ❝I don’t think he knows how serious I am.❞

She leaned back in the chair, finally bringing the tea to her lips, sipping slowly. It was better than she expected—soft, earthy, and warm in a way that settled in her chest like a hand over her heart.

❝I don’t want to leave you out of it,❞ she muttered after a few seconds, her gaze not quite meeting hers. ❝You’ve been the only thing that makes this whole… fucked up mess feel a little less like it’s crushing me. When I’m here, when I hear you moving around in the kitchen or feeding Zero or talking about bullshit like mint tea, it’s like…❞

She bit the inside of her cheek. ❝It’s like I can breathe again. For a second.❞

There was silence for a beat, just the distant sound of Zero’s paws shifting on the floor and the wind brushing against the windowpanes.

Ellie’s shoulders eased the tiniest bit as she took a sip of the tea. She looked down at her cup, the steam curling up into the space between them. ❝You’re right, y’know. About the patrol partner thing. If I ever do leave, it wouldn’t be without you.❞

Then, a softer add-on, half-buried in her mug ❝. . .You’d probably find me anyway.❞

She gave Michaela a weak half-smile, the kind that didn’t quite reach her eyes but was real all the same. It was the closest thing to peace she’d had in weeks. ❝Your omelettes aren’t half bad, either. Could use more salt, though.❞

It felt like there was still so much she wanted to say—about Joel, about everything—but her throat felt tight, like if she said one more honest thing, it might come out as a sob.

So instead, she cleared her throat. Light. Awkward as hell but entirely Ellie.

❝Uh…❞ Ellie scratched at her brow, eyes flicking away before locking onto the dog curled on the floor like she’d suddenly become very interested in Zero. ❝I was thinkin’… if you’re not, like, busy or something later…❞

The heel of her canvas shoe tapping against the tile ❝I might, uh… watch something tonight.❞ A painful pause. ❝A movie. Nothin’ serious. Just dumb shit.❞

Her voice got quieter at the end, more mumbly, and her eyes finally met Michaela’s again, hopeful but uncertain.

❝You wanna watch with me?❞ she asked, then quickly added, ❝You don’t have to. Just thought it might be… I dunno. Nice.❞ Her hand rubbed the back of her neck. ❝Less weird with someone else there.❞

Another pause, her fingers rubbing at the lobe of her ear.

❝…I’ll make popcorn.❞

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle’s arms curled around Jesse in return, her hands resting at the nape of his neck as she let herself sink into the embrace. Her cheek brushed against his shoulder for a breath longer than necessary, then she exhaled slowly—measured. Being around Jesse did that to her lately, softened the sarcasm in her tone, slowed the jittery restlessness that had clung to her since the attack. Her mind had been full of him in the weeks after, not in some fairytale way, but in small, anchoring ways—the sound of his laugh from across the gardens, the warmth of his calloused hands brushing hers.

❝I slept enough, missed you though.❞ She said finally, voice rough but honest as she leaned back just enough to meet his gaze. Her eyes crinkling at the mention of his mother and herself putting together a small garden, she liked the idea of that. The cardigan hung off one shoulder, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the tiny scratches from bramble, little signs of her early morning already in motion.

She watched him for a second longer, her expression unreadable but not cold. Just thoughtful. Then, with one hand, she reached to adjust the edge of his black shirt near his collarbone—an instinctual gesture, quiet and familiar—before she turned back toward the kitchen.

At his offer, her lips twitched with the faintest hint of a smile. ❝You offering to be my errand boy might be the most romantic thing anyone’s ever said to me,❞ she teased lightly, sorting the bundles of herbs she’d tied up earlier. She nodded toward a few tea towels on the counter, already set aside for drying racks. ❝You can start with those, if you spill anything, I’ll revoke the title.❞

But his next words gave her pause. She didn’t turn immediately, just stood with her hand still hovering over a jar of crushed chamomile. The question lingered, heavy in the space between them, more than just worry—it was a wound still bleeding beneath the surface.

Giselle finally turned. Her hands wiped off on a cloth before she crossed the small space between them and leaned against the edge of the counter beside him. She didn’t rush her answer.

❝I think we did what we had to,❞ She said slowly. ❝Or maybe… we did what we could live with.❞ Her arms folded across her chest, but there was no defence in her posture, just quiet restraint. ❝I wanted to vote yes, Jesse. I still do, most days. When I can’t sleep, when I see Ellie carrying that look in her eyes, or hear how quiet Tommy’s gotten—I think about it. Retaliation.❞

She shook her head once, a bitter sort of exhale leaving her. ❝But then I think about what that would cost. How many more graves we’d have to dig, one of those graves could end up being yours.❞ Her gaze lifted to him, serious but soft. ❝I can’t bury anyone else I care about. . . The right thing. . . doesn’t always feel good and the good thing doesn’t always feel right.❞

Her hand drifted out to touch his wrist gently, grounding both of them for a second. ❝That anxious feeling? You’re not alone in it.❞ Her thumb brushed lightly over the inside of his wrist. ❝We survived. Now we figure out how to live again, we’re rebuilding—we’re trying. You’re not wrong for feeling what you feel. Just… don’t carry it by yourself, Jesse. You’ve got me. You know that, right?❞

Her fingers brushed against his wrist again before sliding up to rest against the curve of his chest. She didn’t speak right away. Instead, her lips pressed softly against the corner of his mouth. Not quite a full kiss, not something meant overwhelm, just a quiet, gentle thing. Something that said I’m with you.

When she pulled back, her curls fell slightly forward again, brushing against her cheek as her voice followed in something close to a whisper.

❝Whatever you need to do,❞ she said, ❝I’m with you.❞

It wasn’t loud, or grand, or made for anyone else’s ears. It was just for him, for the man she felt herself trusting more than she knew how to admit.

Then, maybe to ground them both again, she added with a slight quirk to her brow, ❝But if you try to leave without saying something first, you’ll wish the infected got to you instead.❞

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE

 

[social]

michaela finch

As promised, Michaela quietly listened to Ellie, her thumb tracing the rim of her mug as the woman let out the built-up emotions. Her voice was raw and the way her body slumped into itself, the brunette wondered when she had last slept. She wanted to reach out and comfort her, to tell her it would be okay and that there was nothing to worry about, but she wouldn’t. She didn’t want to lie. Her gaze was soft but constant, not looking away from the tired face of the other woman. She listened to her broken words, the way she confessed to pushing everyone away and hiding herself. The way she curled into herself reminded Michaela of herself. The world became overwhelming and terrifying; everything seemed to hurt and nothing helped.

Biting her bottom lip, she listened intently, trying to keep herself from getting emotional right alongside the other. The words poured out of her like a river, twisting and turning as she exposed her soul, giving Michaela a chance to see what she had truly been struggling with for weeks. The sight was painful to take in but she didn’t look away. She didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes. Soon, Ellie’s words slowed and became less raw and pained, giving her a moment to recover from the intensity of it all. “I would find you, that’s what he’s for.” Gesturing to Zero, the dog’s ear flicked back in her direction, showing that he was still paying attention to them despite his bird-watching duties at the back door. “So don’t try anything. I promise I can handle whatever it is you’re dealing with.”

She wanted to be a rock for her, to be a sense of stability and trust that Ellie could rely on. She didn’t have to be anything more. A smile broke out on her face as the conversation switched to the lack of salt in her omelets. Michaela set her mug down and covered her face with her hands in mock embarrassment. “Oh no, I didn’t add a pile of salt into them, whatever shall I do?” Peeking through her fingers, she laughed again and dropped her hands back onto the table, picking up her fork with her right hand. “If anything, I think I need to figure out why you don’t think there’s enough salt.” Michaela cut into her food and took a bite, her eyebrows raising slightly when Ellie cleared her throat loud enough to catch her attention.

Her chewing slowed as Ellie struggled to get her question out, her foot tapping nervously beneath the table. Michaela could feel her face warm as Ellie kept talking, the invitation turning into a movie night with snacks provided. Her hands stilled and she blinked a few times at her, clearly surprised and a bit embarrassed. “Uh sure. I don’t have any plans so…I’m pretty free.” Shifting in her seat, she started to pick at the cuff of her hoodie, trying her best to maintain eye contact with the woman across from her. “As long as you promise you won’t burn the popcorn or do something weird to it.”

The joke was quiet and she shifted her gaze to the table, her hands falling into her lap to hide the awkward fidgeting she couldn’t hold back. Michaela didn’t want to read into it and she was telling herself that it was just normal stuff to do, but part of her seemed to think it wasn’t normal to get so nervous over a friend wanting to watch a movie. Rubbing her hands together, she leaned back in her chair, her shoulders shrugging slightly. “Are you, uh, busy for the rest of the day?” Her question was uncertain and it seemed like the woman was ready to backtrack as soon as she said it. “Like, umm, did you only want to hang out tonight or…” Trailing off, Michaela raised a hand and began to unbraid her hair in order to run her fingers back through it.

She felt like an idiot for getting awkward, but she couldn’t help it. It was probably the first time that they had actually planned on doing something. It wasn’t just silence cohabitation for a few hours before they each went to work; it was something solid and real. “If you’re busy, that’s cool, just thought I’d ask since I kind of want to hang out?” There was a deep shade of red that crept into her cheeks at that and she refused to look in Ellie’s direction, deciding that the clock on the wall was far more entertaining.

coded by social

jesse park

Jesse appreciated her honesty; it wrapped around him in a comforting way as she voiced the thoughts that he had been plagued with since the votes had been cast. He had regretted his vote but he didn’t regret it enough to take it back. He hadn’t wanted to risk more Jackson residents chasing down their attackers. He saw how broken everything had been and the desire to fix and protect everyone that was left had been more of a priority to him. But it didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. His head hung slightly as he nodded his head, understanding each point she made. He had a hard time looking at Ellie or Tommy directly, mostly because he felt like they would blame him. Part of him wanted them to, he wanted them to just take their anger out on him so he didn’t have to worry about them anymore.

But they never did. They moved like ghosts through town and Jesse sat there, just waiting for them to disappear in the night. His eyes closed and his jaw flexed for a moment, trying to allow the anxiety to wash over him and leave his body. The gentle touch to his wrist caused him to open his eyes and look at her, his gaze soft and warm, his feelings painfully clear as they looked at each other. “I know that, trust me. You’re one of the three things that’s keeping me going.” Jesse’s murmured words quieted down as Giselle moved in front of him, her hand resting against his chest. The silence was quiet and natural as he watched her, his hands naturally moving to rest on the small of her back.
The kiss was soft and made his heart ache with an unfamiliar feeling. His fingers lightly pressed against her back more, trying to keep the distance minimal between them. He didn’t say anything at first, his dark eyes tracing over every curve and freckle on her face, memorizing how she looked in that moment. He didn’t want to lose sight of what was important. A lazy smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he shifted his left hand up to her face, carefully tucking her curls behind her ear. He brushed his thumb across her cheek, clearly enthralled with everything about her, threats and all.

“I won’t leave without saying something. I don’t plan on leaving anyway. I just feel like I have to be prepared for something happening, y’know?” A sigh escaped him and he chased away the doubt and anxiety that clawed at his stomach. “But I’d much rather continue being the most romantic guy and help you out today.” His voice was quiet as his fingers trailed down to her chin, lightly tilting her head up towards him. Leaning in, Jesse pressed a kiss against her lips, his eyes closed and his right hand lightly moving to rest on her hip. The kiss was chaste and seemed to only express the genuine care he had for her.

His left hand drifted to cup her jaw, his thumb rubbing it softly. Breaking the kiss, Jesse exhaled shakily and let out a somewhat shy laugh. “You make me want to be ridiculously corny, Giselle.” Bumping their foreheads together, he allowed himself to rest against her before pulling away. “Alright, I have stuff to take care of for you.” Peppering kisses across her face, the man forced himself to pull away to get to work, his hands naturally finding the towels she had instructed him to take care of earlier. He did his job, a natural-born helper, and a smile played on his lips the entire time.

Jesse hadn’t ever been the type to find folding towels or making bundles of herbs fun, especially not with someone you were interested in. When he and Dina dated, they would go on dates and mess around; very rarely did they have quiet moments in the kitchen where they simply existed in the moment with each other. He found it confusing and exciting at the same time to experience a change in feelings and needs when it came to Giselle. He didn’t feel embarrassed about it either; he just wanted to be with her, and it seemed like she had the same sentiments.

“For the record, I missed you, too. Like a lot. Pretty sure I had to pretend one of my pillows was you so I could get some sleep.” The teasing words left him with ease as he lightly bumped his shoulder into Giselle’s, a big smile on his face. “I might have to steal some of your clothes so I can sleep better. Do you think anything will fit?” Anyone outside of Giselle would’ve said what an idiot Jesse looked like in that kitchen, a ridiculous smile on his face and eyes that seemed to scream that he was hopelessly into Giselle. She had easily taken up a space in his life that he didn’t know was empty. She was firm and forgiving with him, always prepared to stand up for what she felt was right and that helped him tremendously. She was a quiet yet constant presence, and he didn’t want to lose that. He wanted her to know that she belonged with him just as much as he belonged with her. So he stayed by her side, only interested in listening to whatever it was she needed from him. It was the least he could do.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie blinked a few times, her face blank for a second like her brain had to reboot at Michaela’s answer. Then—

❝Oh—yeah?❞ Her voice cracked slightly at the end, and she cleared her throat so fast it sounded like she might choke on it. ❝Cool. Cool, yeah. That’s, uh—awesome. Good. I mean…❞ Her hand instinctively rubbed the back of her neck, gaze darting to the table like she could physically wrestle down her own awkwardness. ❝Yeah. I promise no burnt popcorn. Not unless you like the burnt bits or… whatever.❞

The faintest grin tugged at the corner of her mouth, not cocky like she used to be, but boyish and almost stunned—like she’d stumbled into a small pocket of light in a world that had felt too dark for too long. She fiddled with the edge of her shirt sleeve, thumb brushing along the frayed hem before Michaela asked if she had plans the rest of the day. Ellie blinked again, slower this time, and the question hit her square in the chest. Her shoulders relaxed, just a touch.

❝I mean—yeah, I’m not doing anything either. Like, at all. I was probably just gonna… stare at a wall or somethin’.❞ She scratched at her brow again, her usual nervous tell, cheeks warming despite herself. “So hanging out sounds way better than that.❞

Ellie looked up then, finally meeting Michaela’s eyes, and even though the other girl was trying not to look at her, Ellie saw the pink in her cheeks, the nervous fidgeting, the way her fingers threaded through her hair—and it made her heart flutter in this stupid, uncertain way that made her want to cover her face with both hands and groan into the nearest couch cushion. Instead, she just leaned forward slightly, arms resting on the table between them. ❝Honestly? I—I wanna hang out too. So… whatever you wanna do. I’m good with it.❞ She hesitated. Then added, quieter, ❝Thanks for not making me feel like a freak for asking.❞ Her toe lightly nudged Michaela’s under the table. A soft, playful kick.

❝And just so we’re clear, I do make good popcorn, alright? Legendary, even. So don’t start spreading lies.❞ Her thumb rubbed the side of the mug as she hesitated, then let out a breath, almost a laugh. ❝You know, I remember the first time I saw you.❞ Ellie glanced over, peering at the dog once more. ❝It was… shit, must’ve been like a week after you got here? You were out in that side yard near the stables, that long stretch with the fence snd you were training the dogs. Not just Zero—like, two or three of 'em.❞

❝I’d been on some crap patrol. We came in late and I was pissed off, tired, and—❞ She shrugged. ❝I remember thinking I was just gonna walk straight past, not talk to anyone. But I heard you. You weren’t loud or anything, but your voice was…❞ She frowned, searching. ❝Firm. Kinda… kind?❞ A sheepish grin tugged at Ellie’s lips then. ❝You were crouched down next to this stubborn-ass shepherd, right? Trying to get him to stay even though he clearly had way too much energy and you didn’t snap or yell. You just… kept trying. Like you had all the time in the world to get it right.❞ There was a pause. Ellie looked down at her tea, then back up.

❝I remember thinking, ‘She’s not gonna last here. She’s too good for this place.’” She huffed a soft laugh. ❝I was wrong, obviously. You’ve stuck it out. You made something here.❞ Her gaze lingered on Michaela’s face now, a little more open than before. ❝I guess I just… wanted to tell you that. That I saw you, even then.❞ She shrugged, suddenly feeling the vulnerability creep in. ❝Didn’t know how to say it back then. But I thought it was cool. You were cool. Still are.❞

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle leaned into Jesse’s touch like it was instinct, her breath catching a little when his fingers brushed her cheek. It was silly how warm her face had gotten from something so simple—but Jesse had that effect on her, softening the hardened edges she usually wore like armor. Her lashes dipped low, cheeks flushed as his lips met hers, and her fingers curled lightly against the back of his shirt, grounding herself in the weight of him, the scent of him—comforting and so devastatingly familiar.

He made it hard to remember what life felt like before him. As he pulled back and nudged their foreheads together, she gave a breathy, stunned laugh—like she hadn’t quite gotten used to this closeness, even though she wanted it constantly. The corners of her mouth tugged upward as she murmured, ❝Corny’s a good look on you, Jesse.❞ fighting off a giggle fit at his peppered kisses.

She let him step away and turned back toward her herbs, but didn’t get far before she tossed a glance over her shoulder. Her voice was light, teasing, a playful lilt sneaking into it. ❝If you’re stealing clothes,❞ she said casually, reaching for a jar of dried lavender, ❝I’ve got this little sheer tank top—practically see-through. Real tiny. I think it’d look amazing on you.❞

She didn’t look back at him right away, but the corner of her mouth twitched as if she could already hear his reaction. ❝Might be a tight fit in the shoulders, though.❞ Giselle finally turned, hip leaning against the counter as she cradled the jar in one hand, eyebrows lifted with feigned innocence. ❝Want me to lay it out for you? Could be your new patrol look. Give us girls something to talk about around the greenhouse.❞

The flush hadn’t left her cheeks—not even close—but the warmth behind her teasing made it clear: Jesse had become her favorite kind of comfort, the kind she could joke with, rely on, and miss like hell. Whatever they were building between folded towels and slow mornings, she didn’t want it to stop. She lifted the sachet to her nose, breathing it in before setting it in the basket resting on the counter. Then, casually, like she wasn’t tossing a live grenade into the room, she murmured, ❝But if you miss me that much, might as well move in.❞

A beat as silent panic settled in her stomach, she didn’t look at him right away, reaching for the next jar as if she hadn’t said anything at all. That was fast—embarrassingly so but it didn't make her feel sick enough to want to take it back. . .but she also didn't want Jesse being turned off by the idea that she was pushing too much too quickly ❝Plenty of room in the linen closet,❞ she added, tone wavering for a moment as she reeled in her composure ❝I mean, you'd have to arm-wrestle my sweaters for shelf space, but I think you could take ’em.❞ Maybe it was too fast, maybe others might make snide remarks at whatever this was but Giselle couldn't help herself. Jesse made things feel. . . real. She wasn't naive; she knew love wasn't something that came easily, not really but she thought loving Jesse would come easy if she let herself. She let out a slow exhale, the kind you only realize you've been holding when it slips through your lips without permission. Her heartbeat had picked up—a quiet, steady thrum she tried to ignore as she twisted the lid open.

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

JACKSON

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE

 

[social]

michaela finch

Something pricked at her heart, a certain sweetness that she hadn’t felt since they were sitting side by side at the lodge. It wasn’t subtle, making it difficult to ignore, but she did her best. But she wasn’t the only one feeling nervous, and that at least made her feel better…it made her feel comfortable. Michaela couldn’t help but laugh a little bit at Ellie’s plans. The idea of the woman just staring at a wall all day was pretty funny. “That’s one way to spend your free time.” Her right leg lightly bounced underneath the table, and she forced herself to focus on eating the food in front of her before it cooled off too much. She wasn’t used to being so nervous around another person, so she didn’t know how to act.

Usually, when she was interested in someone, she was pretty upfront with her flirting and didn’t beat around the bush. She wasn’t overly loud about it, but she didn’t find issue in kissing a guy on her porch or walking home after a late shift; it was just normal to her. Maybe she should’ve noticed the lack of butterflies when she was with men, maybe she should’ve read into the way she cringed anytime they touched her skin directly, but she didn’t. She turned a blind eye and put on a casual smile, not looking to rock the boat.
A subtle creak in the wood made Michaela look at Ellie as the woman leaned forward, closing the distance between them just enough that it made her pulse quicken. She really knew how to throw the brunette for a loop. Shrugging her shoulders slightly, she did her best not to overreact to the subtle contact beneath the table. “You aren’t a freak, I can promise you that. I’ve met some real weirdos, and you’re like the most normal person out of all of them.” Tilting her head to the side, Michaela looked at Ellie as if making sure she looked normal. “Yup, totally normal.”

She smiled and lightly bumped her foot against the woman’s calf, innocently looking down at her food as she did so. The atmosphere no longer felt heavy between them, and that was a relief. “Come on, a shitty popcorn rumor would do you good. So far, you just have people talking about how fun it is to date you.” The comment slipped from her without a second thought, but she didn’t take it back. Of course, she heard people talking about Ellie in the past; she was confident and proud, making her someone that people naturally found attractive. It didn’t help that Cat was pretty liberal with what she talked about back then.

Michaela’s hands moved to cover her face as she let out an embarrassed laugh as Ellie started talking about when she had first moved into Jackson. A skinny girl with a truck full of dogs had been the talk of the town for about a week. She wasn’t super useful outside of working with the animals so they just let her do whatever it was she needed to do. So Michaela had practically lived at the kennels, training the dogs she brought and the ones that already lived in Jackson. It was kind of embarrassing to know that Ellie had noticed her back then. “Well shit…I’m glad you remember that and not my God-awful haircut.”

Her hands fell away from her face, and in a moment of boldness, she reached out a hand to lightly bump the back of her hand against Ellie’s. “If you make a habit of complimenting me like this, I’m gonna let it get to my head.” Michaela smiled at her despite the warmth that radiated off her face. Pulling her hand back to her side of the table, she cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. There was part of her that wanted to open up like Ellie, but the words seemed to catch in her throat. She was quiet for a few moments, her eyebrows furrowing in thought. “I’m not good at this, like at all. I don’t have people in my space very often so…if I fuck up just tell me.” Perhaps it was her trying to avoid what happened at the lodge, or maybe she wanted to let Ellie know that this was genuinely a first for her. Beyond a few overnights with her boyfriends, nobody left any form of impact on her home. Ellie was the first person she allowed into her private sanctuary, and she was still adjusting to it. But she wanted to get used to it. She wanted to continue whatever it was they had started, regardless of how long it would last.

coded by social

jesse park

The laugh that left Jesse was a genuine one, causing his head to tilt back as the sound echoed within the quietness of her house. The image of such a shirt being on his body was too entertaining to keep a straight face. “Oh man, I would actually love to wear that. It’d probably make me real popular with patrols. Hell, I could probably get a lot of trading done too.” He wiped a few tears from the corners of his eyes, clearly amused by the whole thing. Going back to what he was doing, Jesse quietly chuckled to himself, simply imagining the whole situation again as if it were the funniest thing he had heard in years. It very well could’ve been, as things had been pretty boring until Giselle showed up.

The silence that was between them was comfortable and he had no problem with it. However, he could feel the warm honey-brown gaze on him and it caused him to turn and look at her, a small smile on his lips. “Like what you’re seeing?” The joke left his lips with a light amount of sarcasm but his smile faltered when her reply mentioned him moving in. Jesse’s eyes widened and he stopped what he was doing to stare at her, completely shocked. For the first time in his life, he had been genuinely caught off guard and it made his heart squeeze in his chest.

As quickly as she had let it slip, she began to throw joking comments his way, trying to play the whole thing off as if she wasn’t serious. He let her continue, his expression softening as he watched her, liking the way embarrassment looked on her. Everything looked good on her. “Hey, would you hate it if I wanted to take you up on that offer?” His voice was quiet and soft as he moved closer to her, a hand moving to gently grab her wrist. “I’m not saying I’d have to move in fully, but would you mind if I stayed here part-time? It would be nice not to be alone.” His voice was sincere as he slid his hand down to lace his fingers with hers.

“I moved out of my mom’s place a while ago but it’s lonely. Nobody comes over anyway and I’m barely there because of work and visiting you and my mom. So if you don’t absolutely loathe the idea of staying with me, I’d like to hang around here some more.” Jesse wasn’t an idiot; he knew that the suggestion was potentially premature, but he didn’t feel concerned or nervous regarding it. He didn’t feel like it was a mistake or like they were moving too fast. He wanted to spend time with her as much as possible. And he realized in that moment that he wanted to make things feel even steadier between them.

He smiled and tilted his head to the side, clearly enjoying the whole conversation topic. “But if I’m going to be sleeping over with you, I think it’s about time you come over to my mom’s for dinner. I don’t think she’d like to find out I was living with a girl part-time, and I didn’t tell her. She might be a nice lady, but she’s not that nice.” It was said in a teasing way, mostly because he knew that his mother would never say anything bad about someone he was seeing, more like she would call him an idiot for not telling her things. She was always supportive of Jesse, regardless of how unconventional his life was. Robin just wanted to be involved.

“Unless you were suuuper serious about just joking around and actually have no interest in me staying over or meeting my mom. But that’d probably make things awkward because I want to do those things with you.” It was blunt, but it was how he felt. He wanted her to know that this wasn’t just a fling he was having with her. While it was in its early days, he was committed to the relationship they had crafted, regardless of what they labeled it. He wanted to soak up every inch of Giselle and keep her close to him. He didn’t know what would happen in the coming weeks and this was the only thing keeping him sane, so he wanted to indulge in it, at least for a little bit longer.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie couldn’t help the huff of a laugh that slipped from her nose, her forearm still resting on the table as she watched Michaela practically fold in on herself from embarrassment. It was—cute. Which only made Ellie feel more ridiculous. She glanced down at their hands where they’d brushed, heart thudding like it hadn’t in months. Maybe years.

❝Okay, first off, you absolutely rocked that haircut,❞ she said, voice laced with dry sarcasm but her smile soft, crooked at the corners. ❝Second…❞ She hesitated, her tongue pushing against the inside of her cheek like it helped her hold the thought together. ❝I watched you for, like… a week straight at the kennels. I kept telling myself it was because the dogs were cool but—nah. It was you.❞

Her words faltered out before she could stop them, eyes flicking down to her mug of tea, as if it could offer her a quick exit. ❝You didn’t talk much to anyone back then, but you were always gentle. With the dogs, the kids that came to peek in. Like… like you didn’t want to mess anything up.❞ Her voice lowered a little, and she risked a glance up. ❝It stood out.❞

She caught the way Michaela’s face flushed again and had to fight back her own grin, biting the inside of her cheek. ❝And for the record,❞ Ellie added, her foot bumping back against Michaela’s calf under the table, ❝I’m not here to just… be in your space. I mean, yeah, I kinda am, but not to mess it up. I don’t know what I’m doing either. So if I fuck up, you get to tell me too.❞

She reached for her mug, trying to play it casual, but her pinkie brushed along the side of Michaela’s hand again, like maybe part of her wanted the contact to linger. Her voice softened further, half-teasing, half-admission. ❝And if you ever feel like letting it get to your head… I’m not gonna stop you.❞

Ellie smirked behind her mug as Michaela brought up her 'fun to date' reputation, the corner of her mouth twitching like she was fighting a grin she didn’t want to fully give away just yet. She set the cup down slowly, eyes flicking up to Michaela with that unmistakable glint of mischief that hadn’t surfaced in a long time. ❝Oh yeah?❞ she said, voice low and teasing. ❝People been talking, huh?❞

Her fingers drummed against the table lazily before she leaned in just a little, elbows propped as she rested her chin on one hand. ❝What exactly were they saying? ‘Cause if I remember right, someone didn’t seem all that interested in my relationships.❞ She paused for dramatic effect, her eyebrow raised teasingly. ❝Sounds like you were buyin' into them.❞

Ellie leaned back slightly, her foot bumping Michaela’s again beneath the table, this time deliberate—playful. ❝You sure you’re not just trying to see if the rumors are true?❞

She wasn’t laying it on too thick—it was still Ellie, after all—but there was warmth behind it, a quiet nervousness in the way she glanced down briefly before lifting her eyes again. She held Michaela’s gaze a beat longer than she usually would’ve dared a few weeks ago. ❝Because, y’know… if you are trying to find out, movie night’s a pretty solid place to start.❞

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle didn’t reply right away. She stood there quietly, her fingers brushing gently over the edge of the herb jar in her hand, not really seeing it. She was too busy watching Jesse—the soft, sincere look on his face, the way his thumb moved against her wrist like he was worried she might pull away. The warmth from his hand, the weight of his words, all of it made her chest ache in a way that was too good, too dangerous.

When she finally looked up at him again, cheeks still hot from earlier, she gave a quiet breath of a laugh. The idea of Jesse ever being lonely made her stomach churn, something so sad didn't suit him. ❝You’re lucky you’re cute,❞ she murmured, her tone teasing even as something softer bloomed in her gaze. ❝Otherwise that whole speech might’ve made me cry.❞ She didn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she slid her other one up to rest gently on his chest, letting herself feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing. Her lashes fluttered down for a second, and then she gave him the smallest, shyest kiss to the corner of his mouth—lingering just long enough to make her next words sound more playful than uncertain.

❝I could never hate the idea of anything involving you,❞ Her voice was light, teasing—but her heart was thudding hard in her chest. She didn’t let it show, not fully but anyone that knew her well enough could see the way Jesse lived in her chest ❝You being here… doesn’t feel wrong. Actually, kind of feels like the only time things aren’t spinning.❞

Then, in a quieter voice, she added, ❝You can stay. I want you to.❞ A pause, her cheeks dimpling at the very idea. ❝As often as you want. I sleep better when you're here too, feels like having my own personal furnace.❞ She grinned up at him now, soft and certain, made it clear she was just trying to keep it light. Not too serious, not yet but still—her hand didn’t let go of his.

Giselle’s lips quirked into something gentle as Jesse teased about his mom and dinner, about how she might not be so nice if she found out he was staying over without a proper introduction. There was something familiar in the way he said it—warm, a little sheepish, grounded in love. It made her chest feel tight in the best way. She leaned her forehead lightly against his chest for a second, letting herself rest there. Okay, so maybe she did kind of love him. Her voice was muffled slightly when she finally spoke.

❝I’d like that,❞ she said quietly, and then looked up at him, her fingers curling more securely around his. ❝Dinner with your mom. I mean, I’m not saying I won’t be nervous and accidentally overthink everything she says but. . . yeah. I’d really like to meet her.❞ A softer smile tugged at her lips. ❝If she raised you, she has to be kind. Or extremely patient.❞ Giselle's lips pulled in as she tried to hide the fact that her own teasing made her laugh before her gaze turned thoughtful for a moment ❝I wish you could've met my ma, she'd have loved you.❞ Her mother was the strongest person she had ever known, the kindest too.

There were many things Giselle didn't talk about, her family was one; not because she meant to hide them but because she worried people might see her differently if they'd known what she did. She didn't want Jesse to see her differently.

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE PARK

 

[social]

michaela finch

The brunette felt her mouth dry as Ellie zeroed in on her comment about being fun to date. Silently wishing that the floor would swallow her whole, she let out a nervous laugh and shook her head. “I wasn’t super interested ‘cause it’s none of my business. But Cat talked about you a lot, and whenever I would get stuck with her for patrols, she would talk my ear off about you. So it was kind of hard to avoid the topic.” Michaela moved her hand and rubbed the back of her neck, the blush quickly spreading across her features. “And for the record, I wasn’t buying into them. I mean, I was plenty busy with my own relationships, so it wasn’t like I was looking into it or anything.” Her blue gaze flickered around, barely able to settle on the features of the woman for long before she was looking at something else. She felt awkward, but it wasn’t horrible. The gnawing sense of dread was quieter and she felt safer within her home than she did back in the lodge.

There weren't a thousand eyes watching her and there wasn’t any outside pressure trying to dictate how she operated. That made it easier. That made her feel safe. Michaela wasn’t a weak person, but when it came to Ellie and whatever they had between them, she preferred to keep it safely tucked away within her home. Unfortunately, any part of her that thought she could be in control of the situation immediately disappeared when Ellie boldly suggested that Michaela had the opportunity to try out and see how fun it was to date Ellie. The words left her stunned, and she stared blankly at the woman, trying to process what she said. It was unexpected, and that much was clear as she blinked a few times and leaned back in her chair, a nervous laugh escaping her. “I-I uh, I can see why people were talking about you.” Michaela ran a hand back through her hair and avoided eye contact with Ellie, the nervousness evident in the way she moved. This definitely extended beyond what normal friends entailed, and she wasn’t sure how to navigate it.

Getting up from her seat, the brunette gathered the empty plates from her side of the table and put them in the sink, using the opportunity to try and calm the flush to her face. “You should be careful, I might actually take you seriously when you say things like that. And then where would we be? Doesn’t seem like a usual thing to do with a friend.” Her tone was joking as she spoke, using the excuse of organizing things on the counter to avoid looking back at her directly. The whole idea that she was teasing her about a date was a lot to swallow in the moment. Clearing her throat, Michaela turned and walked back to the table, pulling her mug into her hands, her gaze flickering to Ellie’s. Her fingers figeted with the handle of her mug, tracing the curve of it as if committing it to memory. It helped focus her mind and rationalize what they were even talking about beneath the joking and sarcasm.

“I do still want to watch the movie, though.” As if worried Ellie would cancel the whole thing because of her behavior, Michaela felt it necessary to clarify. But the way they were speaking was more humorous than not, so she wondered if it was just a way that the other woman was messing with her. “Also, you haven’t even checked to see if I was single or if I wanted to go on a date with you. Maybe you don’t live up to the rumors.” Shrugging her shoulders, the brunette relaxed back into her chair, a smile on her lips, clearly reflecting the sarcastic nature of her words. If she didn’t read into things, she knew it would be easier for her. There was no reason to assume that Ellie was being serious when they hadn’t even been remotely close to walking that line between friends and more.

coded by social

jesse park

Jesse rested his free hand on the small of Giselle’s back as she moved in front of him, keeping the distance short between them, her lips finding his and her hand pressing against his chest. The physical closeness was comforting and he found himself able to smell the fresh scent of her hair products along with the various herbs she had been working with that morning. It was so familiar yet different at the same time. His routine had changed to fully include her in virtually everything, but talking about things like moving in with her part-time was a big step. It was completely different from what he had done with his previous relationship. Maybe it was reflecting his age, but he wasn’t sure what came next after moving in together.

He listened quietly to the woman as she explained her feelings on the topic, a small smile blooming on his lips as he hummed and nodded along, agreeing with what she was saying. “I’ll stay, don’t worry. Your place is a lot closer to work too, so it makes it easier. Plus, I like hearing you say you want me here.” Neither of them seemed to want to make the topic too serious so that they didn’t feel the pressures of the relationship changing. Without a proper label, the world was easier, but that naive and easy way of seeing each other was going to end soon. His mom wouldn’t accept him bringing a girl that he considered ‘just a friend’ to dinner, where he’d let her know they’d live together part-time. He’d probably get smacked for that. But Jesse didn’t want to ruin the moment by bringing it up, or maybe he didn’t want to do it in case it was bad luck.

The only girlfriend he ever had was Dina and their relationship was beyond unconventional. Perhaps he was scared that the title of girlfriend would jinx what they had going. He wasn’t as well-versed in dating as he seemed; he was just confident in maintaining romantic relationships. He just never brought up his lack of knowledge or proper experience around others because there was never a need for it. But this was different; he wasn’t that stupid to think that it wasn’t. Giselle wasn’t the type to look for a casual relationship and Jesse didn’t want one with her. The way he watched her so carefully — breathing in every expression and laugh that left her as if she was about to disappear — that wasn’t normal for him. Sure, he knew a lot about Dina and the way her micro-expressions worked, but this was different. This wasn’t being best friends with someone; this was completely uncharted territory. If the man knew what romantic love felt like, he would’ve been able to identify the budding feelings, but he didn’t.

“Oh, my mom is super kind and patient, but don’t let it fool you. She will have you out running around doing drills if you aren’t careful. The woman was crazy when she worked patrol with my dad.” A dramatic shudder left the man as he thought back to Robing when she was younger. The woman had grown harsh to those outside of her family due to the need for survival. While she taught her son tenderness and kindness, she would never hesitate to put a rifle to someone’s face if they approached them. But she had sweetened considerably once they were settled in Jackson. There was no reason for her to be so guarded when she had protection and a safe place to raise her son.

Jesse’s face softened as Giselle brought up her mom and how he would’ve liked her. A small hum left him as he rubbed her hand in a comforting fashion, simply taking in the way she looked as she spoke. “I would’ve liked to meet her too. But an easy way for us to get to know each other could be to do something she used to do.” It was something that residents of Jackson often did after losing someone close to them. They would make favorite foods or participate in the hobbies of the deceased in order to feel closer to them and feel the connection despite their passing. He didn’t know if that was something Giselle wanted or needed, but he wanted her to know that he was serious about her, that he wanted to see and know everything about her, even the painful or lost pieces. As long as he got to keep her with him, he was content.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie didn’t hide the slow grin spreading across her lips as Michaela fumbled through her words. The flustered deflections, the way her voice stuttered ever so slightly—it was painfully cute. Ellie leaned back in her chair, arms loosely folded across her chest as she watched her with an amused spark in her eye, her boot tapping gently against the floor. ❝Damn, Cat really had my name in her mouth that much?❞ she said, tilting her head and quirking a brow. ❝Not sure if that’s flattering or mildly terrifying.❞

She let the teasing hang in the air as she picked up her mug, fingers curling around the warmth. ❝But uh…❞ Ellie added, her voice dropping just enough to toe the line between casual and deliberate, ❝I wasn’t exactly bothered by the rumors. Didn’t stop me from wondering about you either.” She took a slow sip of her tea, giving Michaela a moment to sit with that before continuing, eyes fixed on her over the rim of the mug. ❝And I don’t know,❞ she said, pretending to think, tapping the side of the mug with her finger, ❝if watching a movie, sharing popcorn, and flirting at the breakfast table isn’t what friends do, maybe we’re not doing this right.❞

Her smirk curled a little more at Michaela’s comment about not checking if she was single. ❝Guess I just assumed,❞ Ellie drawled playfully, leaning her elbows onto the table now, ❝that if you were taken, I would’ve seen some guy brooding around you like a kicked puppy by now. I have been in and out of here a lot lately.❞ There was a quiet beat before her eyes softened and the sarcasm gave way to something more grounded. ❝But hey,❞ she added, voice quieter now, ❝if you are single… and maybe kinda interested… we could figure it out. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Just… y’know. See if the rumors live up.❞

She looked down briefly, tongue pressing into the corner of her cheek before glancing back up, a little more serious beneath the humor now. ❝I’m not like, an expert at this stuff, Mack but I like being around you. I like this. So if you’re just looking for a movie, I’m still in—but if you’re down for maybe something more… I’m not gonna pretend I haven’t thought about that either.❞ Then, with a mischievous flick of her eyebrow, she leaned forward again. ❝Besides. You already make me breakfast. That’s like, halfway to domestic bliss, right?❞

Ellie leaned back in her chair again, hands laced behind her head now like she was settling in for the long haul—casual, smug, the kind of posture that meant she was definitely about to stir the pot. Her eyes flicked over Michaela, studying her expression with clear amusement before she let her smirk grow a little wider.

❝And for the record, I've seen the type you date,❞ she started, voice dripping with just enough teasing to make it obvious she was playing, ❝Real outdoorsy guys, probably says stupid shit like ‘I’m not like other guys’ while chewing jerky made from something he caught with his bare hands.❞ Ellie bit back a laugh and gave her a sideways glance. ❝I’m definitely not that. So, c'mon . . .Can't be worse than that, right?❞ She tilted her head a little, leaning forward again just enough for her voice to drop.

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle leaned into the warmth of his touch at her back, her breath catching slightly when Jesse rubbed her hand with that same familiar gentleness that always managed to settle something quiet in her chest. The house smelled like thyme and lemon balm—like early mornings and dry tea leaves—and now like him too, faint woodsmoke and the cold from outside still clinging to his skin. He was so close, so steady, and all of it made her cheeks flush in spite of herself.

She smiled at his words, her head tilted slightly, curls brushing the collar of her cardigan as she met his eyes. ❝Well, good,❞ she murmured, voice low and a little shy. ❝Because I do want you here. Not just ‘cause it’s easier, even though—yeah, it is,❞ she added with a soft chuckle. ❝I wanna wake up knowing you slept well because you're beside me, need you alert when you're out on patrol, of course.❞ She nudged his side gently, affection clear in the teasing. ❝Want you in the corners of this place. . .Maybe it sounds stupid but I never really had a home—we were on the road a lot especially after my mom and when I got here, got my own place. It still wasn't home, something was missing. I think. . .maybe you were missing.❞

Her cheeks were hot at the bashful words that had slipped from her mouth but the mention of Jesse's mom, softened something in her further. Her lashes lowered and her smile took on a fonder, more distant curve ❝So… what I’m hearing is that your mom is soft and a little scary,❞ she said, the teasing laced through her tone like honey. ❝Sounds familiar.❞ Giselle remembered for first impression of Jesse rather distinctively; she knew he was kind especially towards his friends but he could be firm when he needed to be. She had experienced it first hand when a patrol team had went off course and come back injured. She wasn't particularly scared of him after that, no, just tried not to push her luck too far when paired with him which lend to her silence towards him in the beginning. ❝I think we'll get along just right, I've been told I'm a catch, y'know? Parents love me, it's a proven fact.❞

She tilted her head to glance up at him, her lips tugging into a barely-there smile, dimples deepening at her cheeks. She began against his collarbone, ❝I used to think there’d never be someone I'd want to share her with; I don't know maybe I thought all the good people were gone.❞ Her laugh was barely audible, just the warm breath of memory curled at the edge of something too big to name. ❝She would’ve interrogated you the moment I smiled at you but she was always too soft on people with sweet eyes. I guess we're alike that way.❞ Giselle sighed out lightly, separating from the warmth of Jesse momentarily to tighten the lids on a few jars of dried leaves; lips quirking up at his sweet mention of doing something her mother did.

❝You're as sweet as honey, Jesse. I like that idea.❞ She pushed the jars safely away from the edge of the counter before turning to lean the small of her back against it so she could face him. ❝She was a big believer in soup even in the dead of Macon summer. Thought it could fix just about anything. . .Maybe, we could bring some to dinner with your mom?❞ Giselle suggested shyly, bottom lip caught between her teeth at the suggestion.

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE PARK

 

[social]

michaela finch

There was only so much that Michaela could justify as a joke. Her words started to fail her as she listened to Ellie, unsure of how to even respond to her. She wanted to be able to keep up with the banter, but it was becoming increasingly difficult because the boundaries between friends and whatever Ellie was insinuating were blurring at an alarming speed. The brunette could feel her heart race and her pulse roared in her ears, clearly doing their best to keep up with the emotional whiplash she was getting. She didn’t know what was going on or why. The reasons didn’t really make any sense to her, and she found herself leaning back in her chair with a smile on her lips and a small shake of her head. She could play it cool. She could just pretend it was all normal.

Her eyes widened when the woman brought up the fact that she assumed Michaela was single and that if she was, she was interested in seeing if the rumors lived up to her expectations. She didn’t know what to say. Her mouth opened in shock before she collected herself and sat up a bit straighter. Michaela could feel her face heating up considerably as she listened to Ellie, her fingers curling around the hem of her shorts as she stared at the auburn-haired woman. The serious tone didn’t last long before Ellie was cracking another joke, and it seemed to jumpstart Michaela’s brain again. “Well shit, that’s a crazy way to ask someone out on a date.” Her words were rushed and a bit mumbled as she leaned back in her chair, her leg nervously bouncing beneath the table.

As if noticing the nerves within the woman, Zero quietly got up and padded over, slipping under the table to lean against the woman’s legs and simply rest there. She wasn’t uncomfortable, but she was nervous and unsure of what to say. “Domestic bliss, huh? Didn’t think you were the type for that.” Licking her lips, she looked away and ran a hand back through her hair, trying to compose herself a bit more. She hadn’t given an answer because she didn’t know what she wanted. The conflicted feelings clashed inside of her like waves in a storm, unsure of what to do or what felt right. Fortunately, she wasn’t allowed to dwell for long before Ellie’s sarcastic remarks about Michaela’s exes made her laugh.

“Okay, for the record, they aren’t like that! That’s totally unfair. Some of them weren’t that bad. Also, you kinda described yourself. I heard about you and all your crazy winter survival stories. You probably actually made your own jerky.” Her laughter quieted down as she looked at Ellie and how the woman seemed to try and close the distance between them. It was only a table that separated them, but it felt like a canyon to the woman. Worrying at her bottom lip, she looked between the table’s surface and Ellie’s face, trying to decide what was the best thing to do. She didn’t want to lose their friendship, but she didn’t want to say no to what was suggested. A defeated groan left her as she leaned forward until her head was lying on the table, neatly buried in her arms. For a moment, she allowed herself to just sit with the emotions, but they raged and buzzed around her head like a swarm of hornets. Years of repressed daydreams and secret wishes were bubbling up, and she was struggling to keep them locked away.

There was only so much confusion she could handle before it started to actually hurt her brain. She stayed like that for a moment before she tilted her head and rested it on top of her arms, looking at the woman across from her. “If you’re not an expert, then I’m like completely in the dark.” Michaela felt a pang of guilt and fear but she did her best to push past it. It was the least she could do when Ellie had been nothing but honest with her. “I don’t want you to think I’m like experimenting or something.” The fear that what she was doing was wrong was quickly drowned out by the fear and worry that Ellie would think Michaela was just using her for comfort.

“I don’t know how to really explain what’s going on in my head but…if a dumb movie and popcorn will help me tell you about it, I wouldn’t mind that.” Michaela wasn’t used to being upfront with her feelings, especially ones that were buried so deep inside of her. But Ellie was dragging them to the surface with a smug grin and a quirk of her scarred brow. It was frustrating and exciting. Moving to lightly kick Ellie’s leg, she let out an annoyed noise. “Dude, you have the craziest timing. Who even brings this up over breakfast?” The annoyance clearly lacked all bite and was mostly just a way for her to fight through her embarrassment. “I hope you know that if you don’t live up to the rumors, I’m going to go and tell everyone who talked you up. Like seriously, I'll go and slander all the rep you have.” She wasn’t serious, not even in the slightest, but it was easier to joke with Ellie than to sit with the uncomfortable feelings that had settled in her chest.

coded by social

jesse park

Leaning against the counter, Jesse’s gaze traced over Giselle’s frame as she spoke, the words far sweeter and more open than before. It was as if the final veil had been lifted between the two, and there was nothing left to hide. She was opening up more about her life and her feelings, two things that she had kept guarded for the entire year she had been in Jackson. He understood that he was in a privileged position to hear these things, so he made a mental note to keep them to himself. He wanted to support her to the best of his abilities, regardless of what was going on outside of their relationship. Giselle had quickly become part of Jesse’s core unit, and he wanted to make sure she knew that. He held her comfortably, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles, a contented smile on his lips.

“You are a catch, and I’m sure my mom will love you. She already likes the stuff you make.” He didn’t want to put any pressure on her, so his tone remained light as he looked down at her, admiring the dimples that seemed more prominent than before. She was smiling more, and it looked good on her. Giselle’s next words made Jesse quiet down as he kept rubbing comforting circles against her, simply listening and being present as she spoke. Jesse could relate to what she was talking about; he understood how scary it could be to trust others. He could only imagine what she went through alone. He didn’t invade her space; he just moved to rest a hand on her shoulder, rubbing it comfortingly.

He cracked a smile as she faced him, leaning back against the counter with a smile on her lips. “Well, y’know I’m just trying to earn your attention. I’ve been told you can be a bit strict with guys.” A small laugh left him as he mirrored her position and leaned against the counter. “My mom would love some soup. It’s still cold enough for it so I think she’ll be able to justify it.” Jesse found himself tilting his head towards her, just enjoying the small moments between them. “We can go and get stuff for the soup today if you want. I’ve got all the time in the world to be your assistant.” He was serious, that much was clear. He would be at her beck and call all day if she asked it of him. He just wanted to live in the moment, at least for a little bit.

“Just so you know, I’m okay with talking about your mom more if you want. I don’t know much about anything that happened to you before Jackson, but I just want you to know that I’m not going to judge you. Everyone had to survive to get here. That’s what this is all about. So if you ever want to just get it off your chest, I’m here.” Jesse’s tone had shifted drastically to show his sincerity as he reached out his hand to grab hers, rubbing it softly. It wasn’t easy to open up to people, but he wanted to be there for Giselle. She was so alone in Jackson, and he could only imagine how that would feel. Surrounded by all these people, and not one person knew anything about you. While Jesse didn’t always open up to others, he at least had Dina and his mom to rely on. Of course, with the new addition of Giselle to that list, but he could tell she was still struggling to come to terms with opening up.

“There isn’t a time limit on it, though. I just want you to know that I’m not going anywhere. I’m pretty difficult to get rid of.” Shrugging his shoulders, he pulled his hand back to his side and stretched his arms above his head, a yawn escaping him as he did so. “Come on, I’ll help you finish up so we can go get what we need for that ‘Impressing Jesse’s Mom’ soup you’re going to make.” A playful smile was flashed at Giselle as he pushed off the edge of the counter and moved to help her finish up her tasks. There was a certain sense of relaxation through the repetitive actions and by simply being beside her. Jesse didn’t view himself as a particularly sappy person, but he was starting to understand why people were. Just spending time with Giselle, whether it was in private or with friends, was enough to make him smile and feel content with life. The pressures of his job and role within the community seemed to lift from his shoulders. It was rare for him not to feel the constant weight of responsibility and stress, so he was relishing in the few hours he got away from it all.

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie watched her, chin propped on her hand, trying her best not to smirk too obviously at how flustered Michaela was getting. The wide eyes, the pink creeping up her cheeks, the way her fingers curled around her shorts—yeah, Ellie thought, she’s killing me here. Her voice was a little rough when she answered, a teasing lilt under the hoarseness from sleep and not enough talking lately. ❝Hey,❞ she started, slow and casual, ❝I thought it was a pretty smooth way to ask someone out. You don’t think so?❞ A sly smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and her boot nudged softly against Michaela’s foot under the table. ❝Worked, didn’t it? You haven’t exactly told me no yet.❞

And God, the way Michaela buried her head in her arms—adorable didn’t even cover it. Ellie leaned forward a little too, forearms on the table, her grin not going anywhere. She dropped her voice lower, tone gentler now, though there was still that playful glimmer in her eyes. ❝You know I wasn’t trying to mess with you, right? If it freaks you out—if you need me to chill, just say it.❞ She shifted, her knee brushing against Michaela’s again beneath the table, deliberate this time. ❝But for the record… I like that it’s you. Not trying to scare you off, Mack.❞

Ellie bit back a bigger grin when Michaela kicked her leg, giving an exaggerated oof like she’d been struck. ❝Oh man, ruthless,❞ she teased. ❝First you tell me my timing’s terrible, then you threaten my street cred? Cold, Mack.❞ Then, a softer breath slipped out—part exhale, part laugh, and maybe a little relief that Michaela hadn’t shut her down completely. ❝You wanna know a secret?❞ Ellie asked, her tone dipping playfully again. ❝I was kinda hoping you’d still wanna do the movie. So. Good thing you’re not canceling.❞

She tilted her head, eyes meeting Michaela’s under the messy fall of her hair. ❝And hey—popcorn, dumb movie, talking about whatever’s going on in your head… sounds like a good deal to me. I’m in.❞ Her smile lingered, warmer this time, before she added, more teasing now, ❝...Long as you promise not to fall asleep halfway through and leave me to finish the snacks on my own.❞ Ellie watched Michaela carefully, seeing how she peeked out from her arms with those flushed cheeks and all that nervous energy bottled up under the surface. Cute, she thought again, not bothering to fight it anymore. She sat up a little straighter, the heel of her boot tapping softly on the floor, fidgeting in her own way.

❝...Y’know,❞ she started again, voice softer but still edged with that teasing glint, ❝I kinda get the whole... not having people in your space thing.❞ Her fingers idly traced circles on the tabletop. ❝Took me, like. . .forever to let Dina in, just... letting someone know me.❞ She shrugged, eyes dropping to where their knees kept brushing beneath the table. ❝But it’s different with you. Feels easier, even if you’re over here threatening my reputation.❞ A little smirk pulled at her lips as she nudged Michaela’s leg again, more playful this time. ❝And. . . for what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re ‘experimenting.’ Not with me. I mean—hell, if you were, you’d be a lot smoother about it.❞ Her green eyes flicked up to catch Michaela’s gaze then, holding it for a long beat, giving her that crooked little grin that said I’m fucking with you... but I mean it, too.

❝And,❞ she added, tone softer again, ❝I don’t need you to explain everything right now. Or at all, if you don’t wanna. We can do the movie thing. You can tell me... or not. Whatever works. Just...❞ Ellie trailed off, rubbed the back of her neck. ❝...Don’t go thinkin’ you gotta keep all that shit locked up. ‘Cause you don’t, not with me.❞ Ellie meant that too, this might be the best she's felt in weeks. . .hell, maybe even months.

There was a little pause, and then, because she couldn’t help herself, Ellie leaned her elbows on the table and tipped her head slightly, eyeing Michaela with mock curiosity. ❝...But, uh... since I’m apparently some kinda dating legend—❞ she snorted quietly at her own words ❝—what is your usual type, huh? ‘Cause... if you’re into rugged, badasses who hoard old comics and know how to fix a rifle blindfolded... well. You might be in trouble.❞ The grin she gave her this time was pure mischief, her fingers drumming lightly on the table’s edge.

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle leaned into Jesse’s touch, her lashes lowering a little at the gentle rub of his thumb across her knuckles. That heat in her cheeks was back again, stubborn as ever, but this time she didn’t shy from it—she liked how open things were starting to feel between them, even if it was a little terrifying in moments. The way he looked at her, like she wasn’t just another person in Jackson, but someone he saw... it still caught her off guard, but it was becoming a comfort more than a shock.

Her lips twitched into a faint smirk at his teasing, her eyes rolling softly. ❝Mm. Strict? Maybe. You’re lucky I let you in,❞ she teased lightly, nudging his side with her elbow. ❝Guess you’re good at wearing people down.❞ The truth of it though was… she hadn’t expected anyone to. But Jesse had, piece by piece—without forcing it, without asking too much. That was what scared her and soothed her at the same time. It had been too easy to keep people out when she first got to Jackson. Now? She wasn’t so sure she could imagine her little house without him in it sometimes.

When he mentioned his mom and her soup, Giselle gave a soft hum, thoughtful. ❝I’ll make sure it’s a good one. Gotta earn those brownie points with your mom somehow.❞ But then Jesse’s tone shifted, his hand finding hers again, and his words… they sank deep. She stared at their joined hands for a second, throat tightening unexpectedly. There was something about hearing him say it—no pressure, no expectation, no judgment—that eased a knot in her chest she hadn’t even realized she’d been carrying this morning.

She blinked a couple times, not trusting her voice right away, and instead leaned her shoulder against his as he stretched and yawned, her smile small but genuine. ❝I don’t think I want to get rid of you,❞ she admitted quietly, glancing up at him from under her lashes, her voice softer than before. ❝So I guess you’re stuck.❞ Her gaze flicked away again quickly, not wanting to make a big deal of it, but the honesty was there—unmistakable.

At his playful grin about impressing his mom, she huffed a breath of laughter and shook her head, pushing off the counter. ❝Alright, alright—you’re on towel duty,❞ she said, reaching past him to grab a basket, her curls brushing his arm in the process. ❝If I’m making soup, I need dry herbs and I can’t do that if I’m stuck folding all this.❞ The way she glanced back at him, that smile tugging at her mouth—there was no hiding how much lighter she looked now. Her earlier hesitation had softened under his warmth.

Maybe she wasn’t ready to unpack everything with him yet… but she was realizing, more and more, that she wanted to and that mattered more than Jesse would ever know. ❝... And you better watch it with those brownie points. Keep this up, I’ll end up cooking for you every night.❞ A teasing lilt, but the flush creeping up her throat again said plenty: maybe that didn’t sound so bad after all. Giselle slipped a few bundles of herbs into the basket and started toward the table where the rest of the towels waited to be folded, her fingers brushing through the edges of the leaves as she walked—half muscle memory, half a way to ground herself after everything Jesse had just said.

She dropped the basket on the table with a soft thump and glanced back over her shoulder, curls falling over one side of her face. ❝You coming, or are you just gonna stand there looking smug?❞ she teased, but her voice was light, warm. She settled onto one of the chairs, pulling a towel into her lap to fold. The quiet between them felt softer now, like the house itself was starting to settle around the two of them instead of feeling too big and too empty like it sometimes did on slow mornings. She smoothed the fabric, then glanced up at him again.

❝You really meant it?❞ she asked suddenly, her tone less teasing now—just curious. ❝About helping with whatever today. You don’t have to hang around all day, y’know.❞ Her hands stilled, fingers brushing the edge of the towel. ❝I won’t be offended. You’ve got your own stuff too and I know people are pulling at you lately.❞ Her gaze flicked sideways for a second, a small frown tugging at her lips. She’d seen how tired he was some days, how hard he was trying to hold things together for everyone but she also knew Jesse seemed to enjoy his place in the community. The last thing she wanted was for him to feel like she was one more weight added to that. Even though… if she was being honest with herself, having him stay today? It would mean a lot and the thought of not seeing him for the rest of the day left an uncomfortable ache settling low in her chest.

Before he could answer though, she added, tone more casual again, ❝But if you’re serious... I was thinking of maybe taking a run to the market after this, too. Could use some fresh stuff for the soup. And—❞ she glanced up at him again, cheeks pinking faintly, ❝—I wouldn’t mind the company.❞ The admission hung there between them, quiet but sure. Giselle wasn’t used to asking for someone to stay—hadn’t done it in years, really. But with Jesse? She was starting to realize… she wanted to.

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE PARK

 

[social]

michaela finch

The way she spoke and deliberately made contact between the two was enough to show Michaela that Ellie’s switch seemed to have flipped. She had vaguely heard it talked about by Cat and even Dina, citing that the auburn-haired woman would get confident in herself and be relentless with her flirting. In theory, it sounded rather entertaining or something that Michaela could at least handle — clearly, she was out of her depth. It was like she was getting hit by waves; all the teasing words continued to crash down on her, dragging her heart almost completely out of her chest. Her skin was tingling from how nervous she was, and she was pretty sure that it wasn’t good for her heart rate to be that fast. It felt overwhelming and intimidating, but she didn’t hate it. There were lots of things she had disliked in the past — this wasn’t one of them.

Michaela rolled her eyes at Ellie, trying not to read into things so seriously. It was just… a lot to take in all at once. There were a lot of things she could’ve said, snarky retorts that would keep the banter up, but they all died in her throat. Despite the teasing, Ellie’s supportive words seemed genuine, and that just made the woman feel like she couldn’t properly articulate how to respond. At least that’s how it was until Ellie asked what Michaela’s usual type was. The question made a laugh escape the medic as she shook her head and sat up, raising an eyebrow as if asking if she was serious. “So the dating legend wants to know who I’m usually into? And she's mentioning her past hookup? My oh my, you are very confident in yourself.” Tapping her hands on the table, Michaela got up from her seat and walked over to the edge of the table, her hands flat against the wood as she leaned down to be closer to Ellie. “I dunno if I’d go and say I know anyone fitting that colorful description. Especially not in here.”

She fought back a smile, but it still tugged at the corner of her lips before she moved away from the table and exited the kitchen, only walking a short distance to the living room area. The whole house was pretty open, so she could easily see the table and her guest. Michaela took a seat on the couch, tugging a pillow into her arms, Zero wasting no time in following her. The dog got comfortable in a bed near the couch, happily grabbing one of his bones as he settled down. Outside of the couch, there were two old recliners that still worked due to being manual recliners rather than electric. Lying on her back against the armrest, Michaela stared up at the ceiling, a hum of concentration leaving her. Bending her legs, she rested the pillow against her thighs, almost in an attempt to make some room on the couch. “If I had to say, my usual type is quiet and generally someone who doesn’t intrude too much. Usually a little boring, but that makes it easy, y’know? I don’t go for the guys who are all bold and loud. Apparently, I like the rustic type.”

There was an eyeroll at the last comment, mostly to circle back to Ellie’s original assessment of the men that Michaela dated. The rest of it was the truth, though, as boring as it sounded, but that was most likely due to Michaela’s subconscious not even being attracted to the men she dated. Sure, she could cuddle, flirt, and kiss the guys, but she hated going beyond it. She didn’t want to share space with them, and she would find her mind wandering anywhere but what they were doing if they started to step beyond the line. Honeymoon stages were easy because they didn’t do much since they were just feeling each other out. It was cut and dry. “Unfortunately for you, I don’t think you really fit into those categories, other than being outdoorsy. So I guess I’m not in trouble.” It was easier to hide behind her knees and a comfortable pillow when talking to Ellie because she could at least pretend like she wasn’t getting thrown for a loop every time she looked at her.

“Also, you seem pretty damn cocky over there, acting like you have this in the bag. I might still be deciding if I’m even attracted to you. I mean, you’re all tattooed and got the super scary eyebrow scar. Might not be my type.” Clearly, she wasn’t serious, the small smile on her lips easily giving her away as she shrugged. “I think you might have some more work to do between now and the movie.” If she was being honest — which she never was — she would’ve told her she couldn’t take any more of Ellie’s flirting without her heart actually giving out. Maybe she could use that as an excuse to get some relief, just casually have heart palpitations and go to the doctor. Michaela knew that she could ask Ellie to stop or to dial it back, but she was scared she would fuck it up like at the lodge. She didn’t really know what she even said back there, but it had crumbled whatever they had hesitantly built during those snow-filled hours. Her fear of feeling that rejection and unconsciously doing it to Ellie outweighed her self-preservation.

coded by social

jesse park

The woman admitting that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to get rid of Jesse anytime soon made him smile, clearly pleased with her. “I’m happy to be stuck then.” While he knew it was better to take it slow with the whole moving-in thing, he was still really happy about it. Jesse’s life didn’t change; that was just a fact. Ever since he moved out of his mom’s place, it was all the same thing. He dated Dina on and off, he would go over to his mom’s for dinner, he did repairs in town, and he basically lived for patrol. That was it. That was Jesse. He had little need to change up his routine, and honestly, if Dina hadn’t been so wrapped up in Ellie, he probably wouldn’t have changed things. Her deviating from their usual routine had caused Jesse’s general perception of everything to get rattled around and disturbed.

Then Giselle came into the picture, and she was different from everyone in Jackson. She was closed off, a bit awkward, and defiant. She drove Jesse up multiple walls for almost the entire year she was living in Jackson, but then she softened up, or maybe he did. Soon enough, patrols weren’t agony to go on together, and she usually didn’t complain about his suggestions. They were able to crack jokes and generally get along, which made things a lot better. He liked making friends, and he liked how his relationship with Giselle had been forming. Maybe in the back of his mind, he started thinking about her during the weeks he and Dina would be broken up, not in a rebound way, but just a ‘I wonder what she’s like’ type of way. Then Jackson was attacked, and everything changed for him. It was all so painfully different, and Jesse was struggling to find himself in the middle of the chaos.

So, even just sitting at her table and folding towels was enough to help make him forget about the mess that waited for him. He could hide away in the comfort of Giselle and, for at least a while, forget about all the stress and expectations. Jesse had to deal with helping lead the younger generation of Jackson and to help support the current leaders — it was a lot to deal with. Maria had been leaning on him in particular to pick up the slack from Tommy being rather unreliable. Hiding from all of that by helping Giselle with her chores was something he wanted as much as possible. “Listen, I think that is going to do the opposite, and I’m going to want to have more brownie points with you. Food cooked by you sounds like the best thing.” He smiled and followed the woman to the table and promptly sat down, grabbing the towels to help fold them.

“Not smug, just happy.” Jesse was used to doing things like this, helping out around the house and just being there to be of assistance. His mom always appreciated his help, especially after his dad passed away, so he was always at her side. There was a certain level of peace that came with the quiet chores and the simple company of loved ones. Jesse exhaled softly, the lingering tensions from his restless night finally leaving him. The towels were expertly folded, and he seemed rather content with the job, not a single complaint leaving him. In fact, he seemed to almost zone out until Giselle spoke up. Turning his attention towards her, a small smile tugged at his lips, and he leaned back in his chair, waiting for her to finish. He was about to answer, but she quickly beat him to it, highlighting the fact that she would take advantage of his offer to help her out if he was serious about it. Leaning forward to prop his elbow up on the table, he rested his head on his fist and smiled at her like she had said the cutest thing.

“I would be completely stoked to go to the market with you. My day is entirely yours, I promise. My day off is only fun if I get to spend it with the people I like. That means you have all the power to decide on what I help you out with.” Sitting back up properly, he continued to fold the towels, placing them in their designated pile. “If I’m being honest, doing things like this is ten times easier than what I deal with normally. I’m not dealing with the pressure of keeping patrols alive or talking with the council about major Jackson decisions. This makes me happy.” His eyebrows furrowed for a moment as he stared at the slightly worn fabric of the towel, indicating the constant use of the material. Jesse didn’t complain; he never saw any reason for it because who would help him? He was a pillar of Jackson, which meant he didn’t have to option to crumble or even take a break. He held everything on his shoulders and used himself to shield those who couldn’t protect themselves.

It didn’t normally bother him, but with all the added stress of the Jackson attack, he had so little he could do to reassure people. “I know it might seem like I’m not taking a break, but this is my break. When I’m not at work, I’m at home being there for Dina and my mom. I mean shit, Dina has been staying with my mom a lot more than usual because she’s scared of being on her own with the whole thing that went down. I mean, Ellie isn’t talking to her, her friends died, it’s just been a lot. That’s why I just…I want to take it easy with you and enjoy spending time with you. Even doing things like helping you make soup is so much better than trying to replace Tommy and Joel. I just want us to forget about those things…at least for a little bit.”

coded by social

 

[UNDEADxDREAMS]

E

llie leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest and that crooked grin playing on her lips, the one that always spelled trouble. Michaela’s flustered reaction was impossible not to enjoy — especially the way her laugh curled at the end like she couldn’t quite hold it back. Watching her lean over the table, throw those teasing lines back like she wasn’t unraveling inside? Yeah. Ellie could respect that.

She didn’t move right away when Michaela headed toward the living room. She just let her eyes follow her, a soft huff of laughter slipping from her nose as she grabbed both their mugs and followed, stepping over Zero with a quiet ❝’Scuse me, bud,” before dropping onto the other end of the couch, leaving just enough space between them that it wasn’t overly bold.

Her voice came lower now, casual but laced with something warmer beneath it. ❝So your type’s boring, huh?❞ she drawled, handing Michaela her mug back. ❝Damn. That hurts and here I thought the eyebrow scar gave me some mysterious edge.❞

Ellie let herself sink deeper into the couch, legs sprawled a little, one arm slung lazily over the backrest — close, but not touching. She angled her body slightly toward Michaela, and with a slight raise of her brow and a smirk threatening her lip, she added, ❝But seriously… rustic? What, like guys who drink black coffee and whittle spoons in their free time?❞ She looked over at her again, a glimmer of playful challenge in her expression. ❝Because I can totally fake that. Just say the word and I’ll go find a flannel and start chopping firewood.❞

Ellie leaned forward a bit now, elbows on her knees, letting the teasing melt just a little. ❝And for the record… I wasn’t trying to be cocky. Okay, maybe just a little.❞ She scratched at the back of her neck, voice a notch quieter now. ❝I just... I like talking to you. Not because of the rumors or the lodge or whatever anyone else thinks. Just… you. Even if you’re not sure what this is yet.❞ A beat passed before she added, softer and sincere beneath the sarcasm ❝I’m good with taking it slow. And hey, if I gotta earn my spot on your couch with some top tier movie snacks and a mediocre horror pick, then I’ll do my part.❞ She nudged Michaela’s pillow with her foot. ❝I’m not bringing popcorn if you’re just gonna tell people I suck later. That’s a real risk.❞
Ellie leaned back against the couch again, running a hand through her hair like she was trying to play it cool—but the smile tugging at her mouth betrayed her. She tilted her head, watching Michaela half-hidden behind the pillow like she was trying to build a fortress out of throw cushions.

❝I mean, unless the plan is to write a tell-all about how disappointing I am,❞ she added, stretching her legs out until her socked foot bumped lightly against Michaela’s knee. ❝In that case, I hope you at least give me a cool fake name. Something badass. Like, I dunno... Angel Knives.❞ Ellie paused her a moment, suddenly mildly embarrassed by lore dropping a video game refence Mack probably didn't care to understand. Ellie groaned softly as the words left her mouth, head tipping back against the couch cushion with an exaggerated sigh like she’d just committed some fatal social error. ❝Shit,❞ she muttered, her hand dragging down her face before she peeked at Michaela through her fingers, barely containing a lopsided grin. ❝That sounded cooler in my head.❞

She peeked back toward Michaela, lowering her hands slowly like she was bracing for judgment. ❝I just—you brought up the tell-all thing and my brain jumped, alright?” Ellie chuckled under her breath, nudging Michaela’s leg again with the toe of her sock. ❝It’s a fighting game. Old, pre-outbreak stuff. Had a character named Angel Knives—total badass. Kinda my go-to growing up.❞ There was a beat, then Ellie’s smile softened into something quieter. ❝She could roundhouse a dude’s face clean off, then throw a lightning punch before her health bar even dropped.❞ Her eyes flicked to the side, not really sure why she was still talking but not quite able to stop. ❝Kinda got me through some shit, back then.❞

She shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal, even though she knew it was—back then, that game had been a lifeline. Something that made her feel strong when everything else made her feel small. But this wasn’t about that. It wasn’t about Riley or the past. It was now. Michaela. The girl half-hidden behind a pillow who didn’t realize how easily she’d pulled Ellie in with that smile and those nervous glances and the way her voice cracked a little when she wasn’t sure what to say. Ellie leaned over again, resting her forearms on her knees as her voice dipped lower, warmer. ❝I wouldn’t mind you writing a tell-all, though. Even if you leave out the cool fake name.❞

She flashed a small grin, watching Michaela closely now, and the teasing in her tone gentled. ❝if I do disappoint you… I hope I at least make it fun first.❞ Ellie bumped her knee one more time, then leaned back, her head lolling to the side so she could still see Michaela from the corner of her eye. ❝But just so we’re clear… I’m not scared of your fortress of pillows, and I will win you over.❞ Another pause, then ❝Even if that means learning how to whittle spoons.❞

"endure and survive"

ELLIE WILLIAMS

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

MICHAELA FINCH

G

iselle paused halfway through folding a faded hand towel, her fingers smoothing over the frayed edges like she was grounding herself. She didn’t answer right away, letting Jesse's words settle in the air between them. He hadn’t said it to guilt her, she knew that — but something about the way he spoke, like he was trying so hard to hold it all together, chipped at the shell she kept around her chest.

She finally looked up, her eyes softer than before, something warmer tucked beneath the usual guarded stare. ❝You don’t have to do all of that alone, Jesse,” she said, voice quiet but firm. ❝You don’t always have to be the one that shows up for everyone else.❞

A beat passed, her hands still resting against the towel. ❝I used to think needing help made you a burden❞ she admitted. ❝That if you leaned too hard on someone, they’d push back. That’s why I stayed quiet for so long here… why I kept my head down.❞ She looked over at him, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips. ❝But I’ve been wrong before and if you’re serious about this — about having an 'us' — then I want to be the one place you don’t have to hold it all together. You can just... be.❞

Giselle leaned over, nudging his elbow gently with hers before grabbing another towel to fold. ❝Besides, if you’re folding towels and going to the market with me, you’re halfway to being a homemaker already,❞ she teased, smirking faintly. ❝Might as well throw in foot rubs and homemade tea, make the fantasy complete.” But her voice softened again when she continued. ❝You don’t have to talk about Dina or the council or any of it unless you want to,❞ she added, looking back at him. ❝But… I don’t mind if you do and if you want to disappear for a while, help with soup, fold some towels, or just sit here and say nothing? I’m good with that too.❞

She glanced down, her curls shifting as she folded the last of the towels. ❝Also, you’re totally helping me carry everything from the market. I’m not letting the future councilman of Jackson get out of heavy lifting. Plus, you look really good lifting stuff.❞ Giselle pushed back from the table gently, standing as she scooped up the last of the folded towels. Her hands were steady now, and there was a quiet ease to her movements that hadn’t always been there — not before Jesse, not before whatever this is. She moved across the room to place the towels on a small shelf tucked beside a worn cedar cabinet, her voice following her path as she spoke.

❝You know,❞ she began, eyes scanning the folded stacks for a second before looking back at him, ❝I didn’t really think anything would feel good again. Not in the kind of way that wasn’t temporary — a good hot meal, a strong knife.❞ She gave a small, almost self-conscious shrug as she crossed back toward the table, letting her fingers brush his shoulder as she passed. ❝But this? You. It’s different. It’s not loud or scary, it’s good. Solid, like something I don’t have to question all the damn time.❞ She reached for her jacket, slung lazily over the back of a chair, and began tugging it on. Her scarf was pulled from the hook by the door with the kind of casual familiarity that said Jesse had been over enough to be part of her routine now, whether either of them had meant it that way or not.

❝I like that it doesn’t feel like work,❞ she said softly, wrapping the scarf once around his neck, then twice once he was close enough to do so. ❝I don’t feel like I have to be a different version of myself around you just to make it make sense. You show up and things are just simple — and I like all of it. I want to do all of it.❞

She turned to face him now, fingers tugging her gloves from a small basket near the door. Her voice lowered slightly, the smile she gave him was quieter, steadier. ❝I’ve had a lot of people pass through, Jesse. None of them stuck, not because they didn’t want to… but because I didn’t let them. I think I stopped believing that someone could stay and still see me.❞ She stepped up beside him again, fixing the collar of his jacket without a second thought, smoothing it down like she’d done it a hundred times before. ❝But you’re still here. I guess I’m saying… I really hope you keep showing up.❞

A beat passed, her hand lingered near his chest just a second longer than necessary, and then she straightened, a teasing glint flickering back into her gaze. ❝Alright, come on,❞ she said with a small grin, stepping toward the door. ❝If we don’t hit the market soon, all the good produce will be gone, and I’m not letting your mom think I can’t pick a decent onion.❞

"look for the light"

GISELLE MARTIN

location:

JACKSON CITY

outfit:

interactions:

JESSE PARK