#angelsglitch

sypnosis: maria paired you and ellie as patrol partners after your big breakup and it takes a turn for the worst.

lowercase intended

pink - you

green - ellie

blue - other characters

btw I write this half alseep my vision is blurring my eyes are going cross eyed and my eyes keep shutting

it was that time of the day again. it wasn’t long before you was shoving your boots on as the banging on your door got progressively louder. maria being maria paired you up with ellie for patrol. of course, maria couldn’t be a little bit sympathetic and not pair the two of you up because of the recent circumstances (you two breaking up) that lead ellie to hate the fuck out of you.

“hurry up you’re pissing me off” ellie shouts through the door.

“why do you still hate me” you groan walking out the door and slamming it behind you.

"because you're weird," ellie scowls, crossing her arms. "and because you're taking forever. again."

she taps her foot impatiently against the floor, her green eyes narrowing at your door.

you gaze down at her wrist and notice the bracelet you made for her when you two were together.

ellie notices your eyes lingering on the bracelet, she unconsciously touches it, a flicker of something crossing her face before her expression hardens again.

"stop. let's just get this patrol over with."

“right.”

she starts walking away briskly, deliberately avoiding eye contact.

the bracelet jingles softly with her movements.

"stay close and keep quiet. i don't need you slowing me down more."

-

during patrol, the two of you select a building to check for infected, the building creaks ominously as you enter. dust particles dance in the beams of light coming through broken windows.

ellie pulls out her gun, scanning the dark corners with sharp focus. you both hear clicks and you grab her hand so quickly it was like a reflex accidentally.

she jumps slightly at your touch, immediately trying to pull her hand away but pauses at the noise. her grip on her weapon tightens.

"don't-" she whispers harshly.

you hear running noises.

"what was that?"

“shut up.” you whisper harshly.

she glares at you but obeys, listening intently. her fingers slightly intertwine with yours despite her attempt to remain detached.

the clicking sounds grow closer.

ellie slowly leads you behind a large pillar, pressing her back against it.

her breathing is controlled, but you can feel her heartbeat racing through your connected hands.

she peeks around the pillar, signaling with her free hand to stay still. her eyes dart around, searching for the source of the noise.

a shadow moves in the hallway ahead, followed by a low growl.

ellie's grip on your hand becomes tighter, almost painful. she mouths “clickers” to you silently.

“no shit?” you mouth back, still looking scared

she motions with her gun towards three clickers approaching from different angles, effectively surrounding you both.

one clicker lunges forward with a screech. ellie spins around, firing twice at its head. it drops, but the other two are alerted now.

"damn it!" she curses, pushing you behind her as she reloads quickly.

the remaining clickers charge simultaneously. ellie fires again, hitting one but the other is already too close.

she shoves you against the wall, positioning herself between you and the creature. "don't move!"

you shoot the other one and the last clicker falls. ellie looks at you, breathing heavily.

"nice shot. but don't make it a habit to get us surrounded like this, alright?"

she checks the hallway again, making sure there are no more threats.

“jeez, my bad?” you say, confused knowing that was not at all your fault

she holsters her gun, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

"just... be more aware next time. these buildings are fucking dangerous.”

despite her words, her expression shows a hint of relief that you're both okay.

you sit down on a couch in the building, the couch creaks under your weight. ellie remains standing, pacing slightly.

"we should head back. this sector's clear anyway." she glances at the bracelet again, then at you sitting.

“yeah… just give me a minute.”

she stops pacing, crossing her arms again. a mix of impatience and reluctant understanding crosses her face.

"fine. one minute."

she leans against the wall, watching the entrance while waiting.

silence.

you then speak up

“i’m sorry. for everything.”

her eyes snap to you, caught off guard by your apology. something vulnerable flashes in them before she masks it.

"you’ve already said that. multiple times." her voice is quieter now, less harsh than before.

“right.”

she looks away, fidgeting with the bracelet unconsciously.

"doesn't change what happened. doesn't fix anything."

but there's less bite in her words than usual, as if she's conflicted about maintaining her anger.

“yeah. it doesn’t.” your eyes starting to well up.

silence falls again. the building's quietness contrasts with the tension between you both.

ellie finally sits down at the other end of the couch, keeping distance.

"we should really go."

she notices a tear fall from your face, she sees the tear and stiffens, clearly uncomfortable with your display of emotion.

but she doesn't immediately get up to leave. instead, she studies your profile from the corner of her eye.

her fingers drum against her knee, a nervous habit. the bracelet catches the light again.

"stop crying." she says gruffly, though it lacks its usual bite.

“i'm not.” you say wiping your face quickly.

she raises an eyebrow skeptically.

"sure you're not. your face is all red."

despite her words, she doesn't move to leave yet. something is holding her back.

you turn to look at her, your eyes meet hers. she holds your gaze for a moment before quickly looking away, her jaw tightening.

the bracelet slides down her wrist as she shifts uncomfortably.

"why are you even apologizing again? it's not like it matters."

“i just wish we could be okay again.”

her expression hardens slightly at your words. a mix of pain and resentment crosses her features.

"we can't. not after everything."

she grips the bracelet tighter, her knuckles turning white.

"some things are broken beyond repair."

the silence stretches between you.

outside, snow begins to fall again, visible through the window.

ellie stares at the falling snow, her profile illuminated by the dim light.

"you should've thought about that before." her voice is barely above a whisper.

“right.”

she finally stands up, unable to bear the stillness anymore. her boots scrape against the floor.

"let's just go. this is pointless."

but she doesn't move toward the door. instead, she stays rooted near the window, watching the snowflakes.

you get up and she glances at you standing, her body tense. the snow creates a soft glow around her silhouette.

"don't." the command is weak, lacking its usual force.

“what?”

she turns to face you fully, frustration evident.

"don't pretend like you care now. like it'll fix anything if we 'be okay'." her hands clench into fists at her sides.

“no point hating eachother.” you say trying to reason.

a bitter laugh escapes her.

"hating is all we've got left. not to sound all pessimistic and shit, but not just hating you but everything. worlds fucked, life’s fucked, relationship fucked. so yeah trying to hate you is better than... whatever this is."

she gestures vaguely between you both, her voice cracking slightly on the last word.

“and what's this exactly?”

she throws her hands up in exasperation.

"this awkward shit! this pretending! you apologizing like it'll change anything that happened!"

her voice raises slightly, echoing in the empty building.

she runs a hand through her hair, messing it up.

"i don't know what you want from me. i really don't."

the silence stretches again, heavier than before. she looks exhausted suddenly, her shoulders slumping.

"just... stop trying to be nice now. it's weird."

she moves to the door this time, clearly done with the conversation.

“i am nice..” you say, looking hurt. however it seemed like you was trying more to convince yourself than a statement.

she freezes at the door handle, your hurt expression making her pause.

"not to me. not anymore."

her grip on the handle tightens, knuckles white again.

“i only kissed him because he told me you cheated on me.” you blurt.

her head whips around at that, shock and anger flashing across her face.

"he what?"

she releases the handle, taking a step back toward you.

"that's bullshit! i would never-"

“what the fuck?”

her eyes narrow suspiciously.

"and you believed him? just like that?"

despite her attempt to stay angry, though there's a hint of vulnerability in her question.

“i was upset.”

she scoffs, but there's no real venom in it.

"so you cheated on me with the first person who told you a lie?"

her voice wavers slightly.

she studies your face, searching for something. her expression softens marginally.

"that's really fucking stupid."

despite her words, she doesn't sound as condemning as she should.

“i know.” you sigh walking outside the building into the snow

she follows you out, the snow crunching under her boots.

"where are you going now?"

her voice carries a mix of concern and lingering anger.

“back to jackson, i guess.”

she watches you walk, snowflakes landing on your hair.

"alone? in this weather?"

despite her complicated feelings, she can't help but notice how you're dressed for the cold.

“thought you said we finished patrol. and you're here. unless your implying your not coming with me.”

she rolls her eyes at your sass.

"i'm coming."

the two of you are silent for a moment.

“just staying the obvious”

she starts walking beside you, keeping a deliberate distance.

“what’s the obvious?” you scoff

she gestures at your outtit.

"you're underdressed for a blizzard. remember last time? someone has to make sure you don't freeze."

the 'again' goes unsaid, but hangs in the air between you.

“right.”

“is that your favourite fucking word.”

“yeah.”

she walks in silence for a while, the snow falling more heavily now. she occasionally glances at you from the corner of her eye.

the path ahead is already becoming difficult to see through the whiteout.

“it's too cold.”

she sighs, pulling out her jacket from her backpack

"here. take this."

she reluctantly offers it to you, knowing you'll refuse.

“doesnt matter.”

she shoves the jacket more insistently. but you push her away.

"fuck you too then."

the wind picks up, blowing snow directly into your faces.

you walk over to an old bus stop and sit on the seat. she stands there holding the jacket, looking frustrated.

"get up. you'll get hypothermia sitting there." she remains standing, not joining you under the bus stop yet.

she groans in annoyance, finally giving in and sitting next to you

the metal of the bus stop is already freezing against your backs. she pulls her knees to her chest, trying to conserve warmth.

"we should've left earlier. should've listened to maria." she mutters, more to herself than to you.

she glances at you again, noticing how you're shivering slightly.

"stop being so quiet."

despite her words, she edges closer, sharing her body heat subtly.

“nothing to say.” you say turning away from her. she huffs, clearly irritated by your cold shoulder.

"fine. be that way." she wraps the jacket around herself now, leaving you with nothing.

the temperature continues to drop.

the snow is piling up around the bus stop. she starts counting her breaths, a habit she developed in the winter before.

"this is going to take forever to clear."

“im really cold.”

she stiffens, hearing the admission.

her pride wars with her concern.

"no shit. that's why i offered the jacket."

but she doesn't move to give it back yet.

“just leave it.”

she shakes her head, trying to stay focused on staying warm. but your words echo in her mind.

"bitch.”

she mutters, though there's less bite than before. her teeth are starting to chatter. her thoughts drift to memories of you two. laughing, movie nights, stolen kisses.

she quickly pushes them away, frustrated with herself for missing those times.

the memories keep coming unbidden. the way you used to smile at her, how you'd tease her about her drawings.

she clenches her jaw, trying to block out the nostalgia. her fingers are turning blue. she can't help but glance at you again, seeing how you're struggling.

your hair is covered in snowflakes. and her resolve cracks slightly.

"you're going to get frostbite." she says however you say nothing.

the silence kills her and she speaks to you again

"i miss you.”

you turn around, confused.

she immediately regrets saying it, her eyes widening in shock at her own vulnerability.

"i mean-"

she stops, unable to find a better explanation. her face flushes, though it's hard to tell with the cold.

she looks away quickly, embarrassed. her voice comes out as a whisper.

"forget i said anything."

but the damage is done. the words hang between you both, heavy with unspoken truths. she punches herself internally knowing you think she has no self respect now.. or something.

the words hang between you.

you look at her.

she wont look back.

and that’s what does it.

but you kiss her. she freezes completely, her eyes going wide with shock. her heart stops for a moment.

then she melts into the kiss, like nothing ever broke.

like none of it happened.

like she remembers everything all at once.

all her defenses crumbling. her hands tentatively reach for you.

the storm doesn’t stop.

snow keeps falling.

like nothing happened.

like you didn’t just—

as she pulls away she notices your skin is pale in colour and blue in tint.

your breathing stutters.

shallow.

uneven.

ellie feels it

the moment it starts slipping

panic replaces the momentary warmth. she touches your cheek, alarmed by how cold it feels.

"shit, you're ice. we need to get you back."

she frantically grabs the jacket and wraps it around you properly this time.

she stands up, pulling you with her urgently.

"come on, i'm taking you back to jackson. now."

her protective instincts override everything else. she starts leading you back through the snowstorm.

—

the music is louder than it should be.

everything feels warm.

too warm.

ellie sips a drink, watching everyone in the community hall mingling and dancing.

“hey williams, having fun?” you say walking over, drink in hand

“no” she replies laughing, giving you a hug

“looks like it” you chuckle. “wanna sit outside and smoke?”

“now what type of question is that” she says throwing a box of matches at your head, you slap her playfully and the two of you then sit on the steps of the community hall, smoking a joint, the sound of people dancing, laughing, drinking, coming from inside.

ellie watches you drink with mild curiosity, her eyes occasionally scanning the dark horizon.

“that shits nasty.”

she pulls out her switchblade and starts tossing it between her hands, a nervous habit.

“it’s alright.” you laugh, your shoulders brushing against eachother, you take a hit then pass it to her.

the two of you sit and talk for about 5 minutes, laughing about random stuff, ellies shitty comics, watching jesse trying to shove all the kids back inside.

you were happy talking to ellie, happiest you’ve ever been. you’ve never admitted it to her but you really loved liked her. she was awkward but, funny and, understanding. and, her being beautiful was just a bonus.

ellie's gaze lingers on you for a moment longer than usual, her expression unreadable. you look back trying not to make it awkward

“what? got something on my face?”

she wipes at her cheek self-consciously, still fidgeting with her knife.

“no.. no of course not. you’re just.. pretty”

she looks taken aback, caught off guard by your comment. she quickly looks away, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.

“pretty? well thanks.”

“you are too.”

ellie kicks at a loose pebble, her shoulders tense as she processes the compliment.

“but you’re just trying to be nice.”

she glances at you sideways, trying to gauge if you're being sincere.

“im not? i actually really like you.”

she laughs

“what?”

“don’t worry i like you too.”

—

the happiest 7 minutes of your life come to an end, your brain shutting down.

she realises it was too late as you stop shivering and your body becomes limp, slouching to the floor.

she catches you before you hit the ground, her face draining of color.

"no, no, no! shit, wake up!”

her hands tremble.

the bracelet you made slides down her wrist.

she doesn’t fix it this time.

she shakes you gently, panic turning to terror.

𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝜗𝜚⋆

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳 ⋆.༄ - 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳!𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘹 𝘧𝘦𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - 𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸

𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐒 𝜗𝜚⋆

𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𖤐.ᐟ - 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘭𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘳, 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘦.𝘸 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘣𝘣𝘺’𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 - 𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸

𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳 𖤐.ᐟ - 𝘦.𝘸 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 - 𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸

𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝜗𝜚⋆

𝘦.𝘸 𝘴𝘮𝘶𝘵 ➴°⋆ - 𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱 - 𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸

𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 ➴°⋆ - 𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰 - 𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸

𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝜗𝜚⋆

𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘶 ❀˖° - 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 + 𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘥 𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦