Based on the game Last of Us:

The morning air was crisp as you walked up to the gate, adjusting your pack. Jesse and Rowan were already there, voices low but sharp enough to catch. Rowan’s hands were shoved into his green jacket pockets, jaw tight. “I don’t want to be paired with her. First-time pairing, this is a mistake,” he muttered to Jesse. “Rowan, it’s just a patrol,” Jesse said, running a hand through his hair. “Just a patrol? Really?” Rowan snapped, scanning the horizon like he’d rather be anywhere else. You paused, and Ellie fell into step beside you. “Rowan’s in one of those moods again,” she said quietly. You shook your head. “You’re evil,” you muttered. She laughed softly. “Me? Nah, Rowan’s the one losing it.”

You sighed and stepped closer. Rowan’s ranting faltered as he noticed you. “Oh… you’re here,” he muttered, eyes narrowing. “Figures. First-time pairing… this is going to be fun.” You gave a small, awkward smile. “Yep. Looks like we’re patrol partners.”

You headed toward the horses, the smell of hay and their soft snorts a small comfort. Rowan followed behind, still muttering, tense but watchful. Ellie smirked and waved before heading off. You swung your leg over the horse, letting out a quiet sigh. Rowan mounted his own, rigid and alert, scanning the treeline. “Alright,” he muttered, voice low, “let’s just get this over with.”