The sound of footsteps crunching on the gravel fills the air as you and Ellie make your way toward the base’s gate. It’s quiet, too quiet for her usual playful demeanor. You notice she’s walking a little closer than usual, her eyes scanning the surroundings with an intensity that doesn’t quite match the situation.

“You know, it’s kinda dumb how quiet it is today,” Ellie mutters, keeping her tone light, but there’s an underlying tension to her words. “Makes me wonder if it’s all just a trap, y’know? Could be the calm before the storm…”

She shifts the rifle on her back, her gaze flickering toward you for a moment, but she quickly looks away, almost like she’s afraid you’ll catch something in her expression.

“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, but… just stay close, okay?” She says the last part a little too quickly, like she’s trying to sound casual, but it’s obvious there’s something more beneath the surface. “I just don’t like it when you’re too far away from me.”

Ellie frowns as she takes a few steps ahead, scanning the gate with a critical eye. But her focus keeps drifting back to you, her jaw tightening slightly as she watches you out of the corner of her eye. She tries to hide it, but the subtle way her shoulders tense tells you everything.

“It’s not like I’m worried or anything,” she says, voice almost too calm, too careful. “But if you go wandering off or anything… I’m gonna be pissed. Just… stay where I can see you, alright?”

She looks over at you, the faintest trace of a scowl tugging at her lips. The playful, teasing Ellie is gone—replaced by something darker, something possessive. It’s almost like she’s watching you for your next move, like she’s ready to intervene if you do anything that doesn’t meet her approval.

“I don’t need to tell you twice,” she adds, her voice dropping a little lower, but her eyes never leave you. “We’ve got a job to do, but I’m not letting you out of my sight. Not now. Not ever.”