Were Ellie And Riley Together? Exploring Their Deep Connection

Orpha White 28 Jul 2025

Many fans wonder, "Were Ellie and Riley together?" It's a question that truly touches the heart of a pivotal story in a very popular series. For those who've followed their journey, whether through the games or the recent show, the bond between Ellie and Riley is, you know, quite profound. It's a relationship that begins with a deep friendship and, as we learn, blossoms into something much more intimate and, frankly, unforgettable.

This connection between Ellie Williams and Riley Abel, played by Storm Reid in the show, is a cornerstone of Ellie's early life. It happens during her time at the FEDRA school, before she even meets Joel. Riley, a friend whose rebellious spirit arguably surpasses even Ellie's own fiery nature, eventually becomes part of the Fireflies, adding a layer of complexity to their already close bond.

Their story, in a way, is a beautiful but fleeting moment of joy and discovery in a world full of danger. It's a tale that, as a matter of fact, shapes Ellie forever, influencing her decisions and her outlook on life in a very significant way. So, let's really look into what made their relationship so special and, you know, what truly happened between them.

Character Snapshot: Ellie and Riley
The Start of a Bond: Friendship and Rescue
More Than Friends: A Budding Romance
- The Kiss That Changed Everything
- A Fleeting, Beautiful Night at the Mall
The Tragic End and Lasting Impact
The Lasting Legacy of Ellie and Riley
Frequently Asked Questions

Character Snapshot: Ellie and Riley

To really get a sense of their connection, it helps to know a little about each character. Here's a quick look at some key details about Ellie and Riley, based on what we know from their story.

Detail	Ellie Williams	Riley Abel
Role	Main character, immune survivor	Ellie's best friend and first love, Firefly
First Meeting	Met Riley during her time in the quarantine zone as a newcomer.	Met Ellie in the quarantine zone, saved her from bullies.
Key Traits	Fiery, resilient, deeply affected by loss, immune to infection.	Rebellious, brave, caring, joined the Fireflies.
Relationship with Ellie	Started as best friends, then entered a romantic relationship.	Started as best friends, then entered a romantic relationship.
Fate	Survived the infection due to immunity.	Infected and died.

The Start of a Bond: Friendship and Rescue

The story of Ellie and Riley, as a matter of fact, begins with a strong friendship. When Ellie first arrived in the quarantine zone, she was a newcomer, and like your typical newcomer, she faced some tough times. She was, you know, getting beaten up by bullies. This is where Riley steps in, a true friend in every sense of the word. Riley stopped those bullies by fighting them off, defending Ellie when she really needed it.

After this initial encounter, the two of them, more or less, developed a much closer friendship. They only had each other in that harsh world, and their bond became incredibly important. This early foundation of loyalty and shared experience, arguably, set the stage for everything that followed. It was a relationship built on trust and, you know, mutual support, which is pretty vital when you're growing up in such a difficult environment.

This early period of their friendship is, in a way, a significant part of their shared history. It shows how they became so reliant on one another, forming a connection that went beyond just casual acquaintances. Their time together at the FEDRA school, before Ellie ever met Joel, was truly shaped by Riley's presence, a friend whose rebellious spirit was, you know, quite a match for Ellie's own.

More Than Friends: A Budding Romance

So, were Ellie and Riley together in a romantic sense? The answer, clearly, is yes. The bond between them deepened beyond just friendship, evolving into a loving relationship. This was, you know, quite established, as my text says, and it's something many fans have come to appreciate deeply about their story. Their connection is often referred to as "Ellieriley" within the fandom, a term for the femslash ship between Ellie Williams and Riley Abel.

The creators of The Last of Us, like Craig Mazin, have even explained how the show's timeline helps shape the nuances of Ellie and Riley's relationship. It really helps viewers understand the progression of their feelings for each other. It’s not just a casual friendship; it's a profound emotional journey that, in some respects, defines a huge part of Ellie's early life and, you know, her future.

The Kiss That Changed Everything

A pivotal moment that truly solidified their romantic connection happened in an abandoned mall. It was here that Ellie, you know, kissed Riley. This act wasn't just a simple gesture; it was a clear expression of deep affection and, as a matter of fact, love. What's more, Riley's response to this kiss was equally telling. She told Ellie that she shouldn't be sorry for kissing her, which, you know, confirmed the mutual feelings between them.

This scene is, arguably, one of the most emotional and significant in their story, both in the game's "Left Behind" DLC and in The Last of Us episode 7. It truly shows the depth of their feelings, transforming their already close friendship into a full-fledged romantic relationship. It's a moment that, you know, resonated with many viewers and players, highlighting the beauty and sincerity of their bond.

The kiss became a topic of discussion even on message boards, like for The Last of Us Part II on PlayStation 4, showing just how much it meant to the community. It was, quite literally, a turning point in their relationship, cementing the idea that they were, in fact, in love and embarking on a romantic journey together, however brief it turned out to be.

A Fleeting, Beautiful Night at the Mall

Their time together in that abandoned mall was, in a way, a beautiful and fleeting night. It was a chance for them to experience a sense of normalcy and joy amidst the chaos of their world. They shared moments of discovery and connection, creating memories that, you know, would last a lifetime for Ellie. This night, however, ended in tragedy, as often happens in their world.

During this precious time, both Ellie and Riley came under attack from the infected. This encounter led to both of them being bitten. While Ellie, due to her mysterious immunity, survived the infection, Riley wasn't so lucky. This event, honestly, marks a very heartbreaking turning point in their story, showing just how fragile life is and how quickly joy can turn into sorrow.

The show, in The Last of Us episode 7, adapts Riley's story from the video game, bringing this poignant moment to life for new audiences. It truly captures the essence of their last hours together, emphasizing the emotional weight of their situation. This night, for all its beauty, was, you know, the beginning of the end for Riley, and a profound, life-altering experience for Ellie.

The Tragic End and Lasting Impact

After they were both bitten, a truly devastating realization set in. They knew they were infected and, you know, going to turn. Riley, with incredible courage, suggested that they spend their last hours together. Her idea was that they could lose their minds together, rather than cutting their lives short immediately. This decision, in a way, speaks volumes about their deep connection and their desire to face even the very end as a pair.

Ultimately, Riley did turn, succumbing to the infection. Ellie, however, never did, thanks to her immunity. This outcome left Ellie, frankly, scarred beyond measure. The loss of Riley was, you know, a defining trauma for her, influencing much of her personality and her actions in the years that followed. It’s a pain that, arguably, she carries with her always.

Riley, in a very significant way, convinced Ellie to think beyond her usual limits, to go far beyond her natural line of thinking, and this changed Ellie forever. Even though their time together was cut short by such a tragedy, Riley's influence on Ellie's character is, you know, undeniable. It's a testament to the power of their bond, even in the face of such immense loss. This heartbreaking end is, in fact, a crucial part of Ellie's overall story and her journey.

The Lasting Legacy of Ellie and Riley

The relationship between Ellie and Riley, despite its brevity and tragic conclusion, holds a very special place in the hearts of fans. It's a story of first love, profound friendship, and immense loss that, you know, resonates deeply. The emotional "Left Behind" DLC, which is a companion to The Last of Us Remastered, specifically tells the story of Ellie and Riley’s final hours together, intercut with Ellie’s desperate mission later on. This structure truly highlights the enduring impact of Riley on Ellie.

The show's adaptation in The Last of Us episode 7, featuring Storm Reid as Riley, brought this powerful narrative to a wider audience, sparking renewed conversations and appreciation for their bond. As everyone anticipates any future adaptations, the community often reflects on the heartfelt nature of Ellie and Riley's relationship, sometimes even, you know, poking fun at the account to lighten the mood, but always with a deep respect for their story.

Their story is, in some respects, a beautiful yet painful reminder of the human connections that persist even in the most desolate of worlds. It shows how love, even in its most fleeting form, can leave an indelible mark. To learn more about the broader world of The Last of Us, you can explore our site. Their story is, honestly, a foundational piece of Ellie’s character, explaining much of her resilience and, you know, her capacity for deep feeling. This relationship is, in short, a powerful example of how early experiences can shape a person completely. You can also find more details on other significant relationships in the series right here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the real relationship between Ellie and Riley in The Last of Us?

The real relationship between Ellie and Riley, as established in the game's "Left Behind" DLC and The Last of Us episode 7, evolves from a very close friendship into a romantic one. They were, in fact, in love. This was clearly shown when Ellie kissed Riley in the mall, and Riley's response confirmed their mutual feelings. They started out as best friends who only had each other, but soon entered into a relationship before Riley, you know, tragically got infected and died.

Q2: Does Ellie have lesbian relationships in 'The Last of Us' TV show so far?

Yes, in The Last of Us TV show, Ellie does have a lesbian relationship. Episode 7 of season 1 specifically shows a flashback story of Ellie and her best friend, Riley. This episode clearly depicts their romantic connection, including what is, you know, Ellie's first kiss. This portrayal aligns with the source material, confirming Ellie's identity and her first significant romantic bond with Riley.

Q3: What happened to Riley in The Last of Us?

In The Last of Us, Riley unfortunately dies. After briefly reuniting with Ellie, the two come under attack and are both bitten by the infected. While Ellie survives due to her mysterious immunity, Riley isn't so lucky. Realizing they were both infected and going to turn, Riley suggested they spend their last hours together so they could lose their minds together. Riley eventually turned, but Ellie never did, leaving Ellie, you know, deeply scarred by the loss of her first love.

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