Adult Content Warning

This work could have adult content. If you continue, you have agreed that you are willing to see such content.

• Yes, Continue
• No, Go Back

If you accept cookies from our site and you choose "Yes, Continue", you will not be asked again during this session (that is, until you close your browser). If you log in you can store your preference and never be asked again.

1. the gold and the rust by BarlowGirl

   Fandoms: The Last of Us (Video Games), The Last of Us (TV)  

   • Mature
   • No Archive Warnings Apply
   • Gen
   • Complete Work

   27 Feb 2026

   Tags

   • No Archive Warnings Apply
   • Ellie & Joel (The Last of Us)
   • Ellie (The Last of Us)
   • Joel (The Last of Us)
   • Tommy (The Last of Us)
   • Maria (The Last of Us)
   • Ellie and Joel-centric (The Last of Us)
   • Ellie Loves Joel (The Last of Us)
   • Joel Loves Ellie (The Last of Us)
   • Good Parent Joel (The Last of Us)
   • Joel is Trying His Best (The Last of Us)
   • Self-Harm
   • Selective Mutism
   • Non-Verbal Ellie (The Last of Us)
   • Ellie struggles
   • I will make that a tag
   • Ellie Needs a Hug (The Last of Us)
   • Ellie Angst (The Last of Us)
   • Post-David Incident at Silver Lake (The Last of Us)

   Summary

   And she’s always had her moments of quiet. After Sam and Henry especially, it took days for her to tell him a pun or ask him a question, days of only speaking when necessary. Hell, even when she’s her normal self, he can tell she’s tired because she goes quiet.

   This is different. More. Terrifying. But he’s not surprised, exactly.

   Or: Sometimes Ellie doesn't talk.

   Language:

   English

   Words:

   22,735

   Chapters:

   1/1

   Comments:

   14

   Kudos:

   119

   Bookmarks:

   26

   Hits:

   1,497