There's a particular scene in the world of "The Last of Us" that many people talk about, and it often comes down to a very specific question: Does Ellie kiss Riley? It’s a moment that, for a lot of players and viewers, really stands out. People want to know about it, and for good reason, too it's almost a turning point for Ellie.

This isn't just a simple yes or no kind of thing, you know? The interaction between Ellie and Riley in the "Left Behind" story is packed with feelings and has a big impact on Ellie’s whole journey. It’s a pretty significant piece of what makes her who she is later on. So, understanding what happens here helps us get a better sense of her character and her world.

Many fans, whether they've played the game or watched the show, are really curious about this connection. It speaks to something genuine and, in some respects, quite powerful about how people find closeness even when things are incredibly difficult. As a matter of fact, it's one of those scenes that sticks with you long after you experience it.

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Table of Contents

• Who Are Ellie and Riley?
• The Question: Does Ellie Kiss Riley?
• The Scene Unfolds: A Moment of Connection
• Why This Moment Matters So Much
• Grammar Corner: Why "Does" and Not "Do"?
• Looking Back and Moving Forward
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Are Ellie and Riley?

Before we get to the heart of the question, it helps to know a bit about the two young women involved. Ellie, as many know, is a central figure in "The Last of Us," a survivor in a world changed by a terrible infection. She's tough, quick-witted, and, frankly, a bit guarded, but she also has a deep capacity for feeling. Riley Abel, on the other hand, is Ellie's best friend and a fellow survivor from their time at a military boarding school. She's got a lot of energy, a sense of adventure, and, arguably, a bit of a rebellious streak.

Their story together is mainly told in the "Left Behind" downloadable content (DLC) for the first game, and it was also brought to life in the television series. This part of the story shows us what happened just before Ellie met Joel, giving us a really important look into her past. It explains so much about her character and what shapes her later on. Basically, their bond is a huge part of Ellie's early life, and it's full of shared experiences and growing up in a world that isn't easy.

To give you a quick look at who these characters are, here's a little summary. It helps to keep their roles clear when we talk about their relationship and that particular scene. You know, just for context.

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The Question: Does Ellie Kiss Riley?

So, to answer the main question directly: Yes, Ellie does kiss Riley. This moment happens in "The Last of Us: Left Behind," which is a prequel story. It's also depicted in the HBO television adaptation, specifically in episode seven. This scene is, in fact, one of the most talked-about parts of their story together. It's a very tender and, in some ways, a very innocent moment that takes place amidst a lot of danger and uncertainty. You see, it's not just a casual thing; it's got a lot of weight to it.

The kiss itself isn't some grand, sweeping gesture. It's rather quick, almost a spontaneous act, born out of a mix of emotions. It happens after a night of adventure and fun at an abandoned mall, a brief escape from their harsh reality. This setting, you know, makes the moment feel even more poignant. It's a small bubble of normalcy and connection in a world that offers very little of either.

For many who experienced it in the game or on screen, this kiss really solidifies the deep emotional bond between Ellie and Riley. It's a physical expression of their feelings for each other, which, up until that point, had been largely unspoken or shown through their actions and shared laughter. It's a very human moment, and it feels pretty authentic, actually.

The Scene Unfolds: A Moment of Connection

The lead-up to the kiss is just as important as the kiss itself, really. Ellie and Riley are spending what turns out to be their last night together. Riley, who had left the military school to join the Fireflies, comes back to spend time with Ellie. They sneak into an abandoned shopping mall, which, in their world, is like a wonderland. They play games, ride a carousel, try on masks, and just generally act like normal teenagers, something they rarely get to do. It's a very bittersweet kind of fun, you know?

During their time at the mall, Riley reveals that she's been assigned to a different city by the Fireflies. This news obviously upsets Ellie quite a bit. She feels abandoned, as if Riley is choosing a new life over their friendship. There's a moment of tension, a kind of argument where Ellie expresses her hurt and frustration. She's pretty upset, and it's clear she doesn't want Riley to go. It's a very raw display of emotion, frankly.

It's after this emotional exchange, when Riley tries to comfort Ellie, that the kiss happens. Riley puts on some music, and they share a dance, a slow, quiet moment. Then, in a spontaneous gesture, Ellie pulls Riley closer and kisses her. It’s a short, but incredibly meaningful, expression of her feelings. Riley responds, and for a brief second, the world outside seems to fade away. It's a very personal and, in some respects, very private moment between them.

The immediate aftermath is a mix of surprise and a kind of quiet acceptance. There isn't a long, drawn-out conversation about it right away. The moment is interrupted by the harsh reality of their world when infected creatures appear, forcing them to fight for their lives. This sudden shift from a tender, intimate moment to extreme danger makes the kiss even more impactful, as if it's a fleeting spark of hope and connection before everything changes. It's a pretty intense sequence, honestly.

Why This Moment Matters So Much

The kiss between Ellie and Riley is more than just a plot point; it's actually a really big deal for a few reasons. First off, it tells us a lot about Ellie as a person. It confirms her identity and her capacity for love, which becomes a key part of her character throughout the entire "The Last of Us" story. This moment, in a way, shapes her outlook and her willingness to connect with others, even when she tries to push them away. It's a pretty foundational experience for her, you know?

Secondly, this scene has been widely recognized for its representation in mainstream media. For many players and viewers, seeing a same-sex kiss between two young women in a highly popular and critically acclaimed game (and later, a show) was a significant step forward. It showed that diverse relationships could be part of compelling, widely accepted stories, without being the sole focus or a mere token. It just felt very natural and, in some respects, very authentic to the characters. This kind of portrayal is, you know, pretty important for a lot of people.

The fan reaction to this moment has been overwhelmingly positive, too, with many praising its sensitivity and emotional depth. It resonated with people because it felt earned and organic to the story and the characters' development. It wasn't just there for shock value; it served a real purpose in building Ellie's background and motivations. This scene, frankly, just added so much richness to her story, making her journey even more relatable and, in a way, more human. It's a moment that, you know, really sticks with you.

Grammar Corner: Why "Does" and Not "Do"?

You might have noticed the question we're talking about is phrased as "Does Ellie kiss Riley?" and not "Do Ellie kiss Riley?" This isn't just a random choice; it's actually about how we use verbs in English, specifically the helping verbs "do" and "does." As a matter of fact, it's a pretty common point of confusion for people learning the language. So, let's just talk about it for a second.

The word "does" is the form of the verb "do" that you use with a singular subject in the present tense. Think about it: if you're talking about "he," "she," or "it," you use "does." For example, you'd say "He does his homework," or "She does a good job." In our question, "Ellie" is a singular subject, just like "she" or "he." So, when you're asking about what Ellie does, you use "does." It's pretty straightforward, really, once you get the hang of it.

On the other hand, you use "do" with plural subjects or with the pronouns "I," "you," "we," and "they." For instance, you'd say "They do like pizza" or "We do our best." Since "Ellie" is one person, and we're asking about her action, "does" is the correct choice. This is, you know, a key part of speaking and writing English correctly. It's all about making sure the verb matches the subject, which is, in some respects, a basic rule of grammar.

Both "do" and "does" can work as helping verbs, which assist the main verb in a sentence. In our question, "does" is helping the main verb "kiss." It sets up the question. This rule about using "does" for singular subjects like "Ellie" is, frankly, a fundamental piece of English grammar. It's similar to how you'd say "Does the dog bark?" or "Does the sun shine?" The subject is singular, so "does" is the right fit. You know, it just makes sense when you think about it.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

The kiss between Ellie and Riley remains a powerful and memorable scene for many fans of "The Last of Us." It’s a moment that captures the essence of their bond, the fleeting joy in a broken world, and the early sparks of Ellie's identity. This scene, you know, really helped define her character for a lot of people. It's remembered not just for its emotional weight but also for its significance in representation within storytelling. It's a pretty big deal, honestly.

With the success of the television series, this particular moment has reached an even wider audience, bringing new conversations and appreciation for Ellie and Riley's story. The show's portrayal, which was very faithful to the game's depiction, only solidified its place as a pivotal point in the narrative. It just goes to show how much these characters and their experiences mean to people. As a matter of fact, it's a scene that will likely be talked about for a long time to come. If you haven't experienced it yet, whether through playing the game or watching the series, it's certainly a moment worth seeing for yourself. You can learn more about The Last of Us on our site, and perhaps explore more about the characters on this page, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What episode does Ellie kiss Riley in The Last of Us show?

Ellie and Riley share their kiss in episode seven of "The Last of Us" HBO television series. This episode, you know, is called "Left Behind," just like the game's story it adapts. It really brings their past adventures and that specific moment to life on screen. It's a pretty emotional watch, honestly.

What is Ellie and Riley's relationship?

Ellie and Riley have a very deep and close relationship, arguably a first love for Ellie