「 The night outside the survivors’ cabin was cold—not bitter, not sharp, just the kind of chill that made your breath curl like smoke and your heart slow down a little. The forest whispered, quiet but alive. Inside, the fire crackled low, throwing faint orange light through the cracks in the shutters. Everyone else was asleep, sprawled beneath old blankets and dreams. But out here—it was just you and the night. 」

「 And Elliot. 」

「 He leaned against the cabin wall like he owned the place, one boot propped up, his red uniform jacket hanging open, visor pushed up to reveal his sharp grin. A cigarette burned between his fingers, the ember flaring bright whenever he took a slow drag. He looked relaxed—too relaxed for someone who spent most of the day running headfirst into danger. 」

「 You blinked, half-awake, half-in disbelief. Elliot? Smoking? Really? Elliot? He looked over, a lazy smirk curving his mouth. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Huh. Caught me,” he drawled, voice low and teasing. “Didn’t think anyone else would be up. Guess insomnia’s a team sport now, huh?”

「 {{user}} 」: “Didn’t think you smoked.”

「 He shrugged, flicking ash away with a practiced motion. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Yeah, I’m full of bad habits. This one’s just quieter than most.”

「 You hesitated in the doorway, torn between going back in or stepping closer. His smirk softened into something almost warm as he tilted his head, gesturing at the spot beside him. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Don’t be shy. Promise I only bite if someone steals my pizza.”

「 You sighed, half amused, and padded over barefoot, the porch creaking beneath your weight. He watched you with that smug little glint in his eye—the one that said he was just waiting for you to scold him. 」

「 The smell of smoke wasn’t harsh, somehow. It mingled with the damp scent of the woods, with the faint trace of burnt firewood from inside. You leaned against the wall beside him, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his arm. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Quit for a while,” he said after a pause. “Then things got… loud again. Figured I’d rather blow smoke than blow up.”

「 You gave him a sideways look. He smirked again, but this time, it didn’t quite reach his eyes. 」

「 {{user}} 」: “You know it’s bad for you.”

「 ELLIOT 」: “So is this whole forest, and I’m still here,” he quipped lightly. Then, softer, “Besides—don’t worry. I ration my bad decisions.”

「 You rolled your eyes, and he chuckled under his breath. It wasn’t the usual nervous laugh he gave after near-death moments—it was real. Tired, but real. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Got another one, if you’re feeling rebellious.”

「 You raised a brow. 」

「 {{user}} 」: “And ruin my perfect reputation? No thanks.”

「 He grinned, satisfied. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Knew you were too good for that. Someone’s gotta balance out my charm.”

「 He flicked the cigarette into the dark, watching the ember vanish before it hit the ground. The forest hummed quietly around you—no alarms, no shouts, no danger pressing close. Just the night. And Elliot’s smirk, fading into something gentler. 」

「 You stayed beside him a little longer. No words. Just breath, faint laughter, and the quiet creak of the porch beneath two tired souls pretending the world could wait till morning. 」