TWICE ONESHOTS

Ep. 9 | SANA

The Last of Us Au   ;   Word Count: 2.3 k

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For most people, the post-apocalyptic world acted as a catalyst in changing who they are. It hardened people, made them untrusting and guarded. Many were shadows of who they used to be, and those born into this desolate world never had the chance to become who they would've been. Sometimes it felt like joy had disappeared all those years ago when the infection took over.

And yet, when Sana looked at you, it was like joy had been here all this time.

You were the antithesis of all the depravity, all the misery. In the ways others became wary, you were curious. They were callous, you were compassionate. They were indifferent, and you looked at everything with wonder still sparkling in your bright eyes. When you came into Sana's life, she was hesitant at first. How could someone see the horrors of this world, and act like that? Soon, though, she began to understand you. It wasn't that you were oblivious to reality, not at all. Rather, you stared down the face of reality every single day and chose to live happily anyway.

"Sana!" you sing-songed, peeking your head through her door, smiling wide. "Are you almost ready?"

"Mm, is someone a little impatient?" Sana glanced over her shoulder and gave you a little smirk. Your lips had formed a pout, and your slanted eyebrows completed the petulant expression. Sana chuckled, "Yes, I'm almost done."

You sighed and walked up to her, wrapping your arms around her waist. You rested your head against her shoulder and burrowed your nose in playfully. "'m just excited."

Sana turned and took you into her arms, reaching up and squeezing one of your cheeks between her thumb and index finger. "I know. My pouty baby." She gestured to her backpack on the bed. "I just finished packing. Gonna go change and then we can go?"

You dipped your chin in agreement and gave her a squeeze. "Dress sexy for me, okay?"

Sana laughed as she released you. "Will do."

You waited patiently on her bed, swaying your legs, while she changed and freshened up in the bathroom. Finally, she emerged wearing a white t-shirt, light wash denim jeans, and your favorite forest-green flannel (that she had rolled up to her elbows, making you swoon even harder) that brought out the red in her hair. You felt the heat rush to your cheeks involuntarily.

"Sexy enough for you?" Sana teased, holding her arms out and gesturing to herself.

You pursed your lips. "Too sexy, actually. I think we should probably just stay home."

Sana rolled her eyes and tossed her bag on her back. You watched her diligently lace up her dark brown utility boots before she straightened back up and took your hand into hers. "Don't worry. I'm all yours."

It was a cool, vibrant spring day outside. The sun leaked through fat, white clouds, keeping the air comfortably warm as you two walked towards the stables. The sound of a mirthful chickadee greeted you, causing you to mimic the sound. Sana laughed, then tried to copy the trill herself.

"That's not it at all!" you exclaimed through giggles.

"What! I sound just like it!"

You continued bickering about Sana's birdsong capabilities as the two of you loaded your packs into the saddlebags and mounted Shimmer. You melded your body to your girlfriend's back, resting your arms around her waist as normal. There were few joys greater than riding with Sana on pleasant days like this, in your opinion.