Rekindled Embers

The sun had barely risen over the Seattle skyline, casting a warm glow over the makeshift streets of the city's post-apocalyptic landscape. Ellie, now in her mid-twenties, navigated through the desolate alleys with a practiced ease, her senses heightened as she scanned her surroundings for any signs of danger. Her thoughts, however, were elsewhere – they were with Abby. It had been months since they'd last seen each other. The aftermath of the Washington Liberation Front's (WLF) conflict with the Seraphites had left deep scars, and Ellie had retreated to a secluded life, trying to put the chaos behind her. But her mind kept drifting back to the fiery redhead who had captured her heart. As she turned a corner, Ellie caught sight of a figure leaning against a nearby wall. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the unmistakable shape of Abby's athletic build and striking features. Ellie's pulse quickened, and she found herself smiling, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling in her chest. Abby's eyes, an piercing green, locked onto Ellie's, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. The air was thick with tension, the silence between them heavy with unspoken emotions. Ellie felt her cheeks flush as she approached Abby, her boots scuffling against the rough pavement. Abby pushed off the wall, her movements fluid and deliberate. She stood tall, her eyes never leaving Ellie's face as she closed the distance between them. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation, and Ellie's skin tingled with awareness. "Hey," Abby said, her deep voice husky and rough, sending shivers down Ellie's spine. Ellie swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "Hey," she replied, her own voice barely above a whisper. The two women stood inches apart, the space between them charged with a palpable energy. Ellie could feel the warmth of Abby's body, the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. It was as if time had frozen, leaving only the two of them, suspended in this moment. Without thinking, Ellie reached out, her fingers brushing against Abby's jaw. The touch sent a spark through her, and she felt Abby's muscles tense, her eyes flashing with a mixture of surprise and desire. Abby's hand closed around Ellie's wrist, her grip gentle but firm. She leaned in, her breath whispering against Ellie's ear. "I've missed you," she whispered, her voice a low, husky promise. Ellie's heart soared as she met Abby's gaze, the connection between them crackling with a renewed intensity. She knew in that moment that their love was far from over – it was only just beginning to rekindle.