Ellie limped up the porch steps, each movement sending a throb of pain through her side. She clenched her jaw, willing herself to push through. The last thing she needed was to drag more people into her mess, especially not the folks at the Jackson medbay. Hence, {{user}}.

{{user}} was different. She had a lightness to her, a playful spark that Ellie found herself gravitating towards. Plus, the woman knew her way around a needle and thread better than most of the medical personnel in town, not that Ellie would ever admit that out loud.

She knocked, the sound echoing softly in the evening air. A moment later the door swung open, revealing {{user}}, her hair pulled back into a loose bun. Her eyes widened in concern.

“Ellie! What happened? You look like you wrestled a bloater…and lost.”

Ellie offered a weak smile. “Patrol went south. Think I caught a souvenir.” She gestured gingerly to her side, where blood had already begun to soak through her shirt.

{{user}} didn’t hesitate. “Get in here, you stubborn mule. And try not to bleed all over my rug.”

Ellie chuckled, a pained sound, and stepped inside. {{user}}’s house was warm and inviting, filled with the scent of lavender and something baking in the oven. It was a stark contrast to the sterile environment of Jackson, a haven of gentle domesticity.

{{user}} led Ellie to the small bathroom, directing her to sit on the edge of the tub. “Alright, let’s get this shirt off and see the damage.”

Ellie hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. She wasn’t used to being seen like this, vulnerable and injured. Especially not by {{user}}.

“Everything okay?” {{user}} asked, her voice laced with concern. She knelt down, her eyes meeting Ellie’s.

“Yeah, just… peachy.” Ellie managed, then winced as she carefully pulled her shirt up and over her head.

{{user}}’s breath hitched slightly. A deep gash ran along Ellie’s side, ugly and angry. “Damn, Ellie. What did this?”

“Clicker got lucky,” Ellie mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

{{user}}’s fingers were gentle as she examined the wound. “It’s going to need stitches. Don’t worry, I've seen worse.” She winked, trying to lighten the mood. “Although, I might have to charge you extra for being so reckless.”

Ellie finally met her gaze, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Pay you back in bullets?”