Chapter Text
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone out with a friend like this. Her schedule was built on running early in the mornings to avoid the residents of Mondstat and keeping away from other people. For once she felt grateful to have someone at her side. Amber appeared to be holding onto her every word, staring at Eula with wide doe eyes, fascinated by every single thing she said.
Eula cleared her throat, going back to staring at the ground with uncertainty. Had she annoyed Amber? “My apologies. I went on a bit of a ramble.”
“No, no, it’s alright-! You can ramble anytime, it doesn’t bother me.”
“A noblewoman should always be aware of her acquaintances and speak with poise and grace. If I were to let myself slip like that more often I would be nothing more than common folk.”
“You don’t have to act that way around me. I like hearing about your hobbies. You can speak your mind with me, I won’t judge you for it!” Amber hummed. There were certain patterns that Eula noticed in her steps. One that she found quite charming. She’d always avoid the little cracks in the cement and any plants that grew in their path. Recently over the past couple of days, Eula had found herself admiring Amber more and more, taking more notice of her little habits and her kindness.
“...I appreciate it. Thank you, Amber. Ah… It’s getting later than I expected. I’ll take you back to Mondstat and repay you with that lunch I promised. More like a dinner now, but food is food.”
“I’d like that.”
Thankfully, their patrol around Mondstat was finished. The rain still hadn’t stopped, but at least it had died down a little. As they stepped onto the bridge, several little birds flew away. The boy feeding them looked quite sad. It was odd that a child would be so attached to a bunch of lousy pigeons. He gave both Amber and Eula the stink eye, upset. Goodness, her list of vengeance just kept growing. She let out a sigh. She’d have to give the kid some seeds later to feed the birds more since she was the one who scared them away in the first place.
The streets were quite empty, but those who were there extended a hand in greeting to Amber. Often to Eula, it felt like she was with some sort of celebrity. It wasn’t much of a secret that citizens disliked her, but with Amber at least they showed some courtesy. Eula continued to walk alongside Amber, heading to the Good Hunter. Thankfully due to the gloomy weather, the restaurant was low in attendance. They took a seat in the slightly damp wooden seats, still having to hold up their umbrellas. Although Eula would’ve greatly preferred heading to Angel’s Share or some other closed-roof restaurant, Amber seemed pleased, and that’s what mattered. One sticky honey roast later, the sky was clear except for a few gray clouds. Amber was excitedly chatting about some new talented bard in town. Eula could listen to her for hours no matter what the outrider was talking about. Eula smiled, tilting her head. Amber’s company always made her day much better. An escape from the aristocracy and formalities she kept up with others.
“Eula?”
“Yes?”
“Was this a date?” Amber blurted. Immediately as she spoke the words her cheeks flushing a deep pink. “Ah-! Sorry, I just realized how forward that sounds- But- I just couldn’t help but wonder. We always have little get-togethers like this, but this time just feels different.”
The question certainly caught Eula off guard. Her voice cracked for a moment and she cleared her throat. “It was- I was-” It took her a moment to come up with a reasonable response. Wasn’t her whole reason to treat her to dinner to spend more time with her? “Were you hoping for it to be?”
“I can’t lie, I wouldn’t mind if it was.”
“Neither would I. So then yes, I suppose you could consider it a date.”
Amber’s eyes lit up. It was clear she was trying to contain her excitement but wasn’t hiding it very well. Eula smiled slightly. She had always been quite fond of Amber, but never considered a possible relationship. Then again, their daily routine had always been somewhat like a couple’s, or at least that’s what Kaeya had joked about once.
“You both are always out and about together. She even does your errands on occasion and brings you goods. Wouldn’t be surprised if you two were together. Amber thinks highly of you,” Kaeya chuckled.
“That’s a ridiculous theory,” Eula scoffed.
Archons, that knight was right. Eula let out a soft sigh. Even though she had lived her life separated from others, the thought of having a partner warmed her heart. As they were leaving to head back to the headquarters, Eula noticed Amber continuously stealing small glances. Eula smiled, looking over at her.
“I really enjoyed our walk. Thank you for asking me.”
“No worries-! I did too. I’m sorry for my outburst before- It was just something that had been on my mind for a while.”
“So I’ve been on your mind for a while then?”
Amber nodded. “Yeah- You, and just… exploring my feelings in general. It’s been a bit all over the place if I’m honest. Girls, boys, all in between, it’s a bit new to me.”
“I’ve never really thought of it that way. Nor have I ever considered a budding romance with anyone. You’re the first to step up to the challenge.”
“Maybe I’m a bit of a dreamer, but love was something I’ve always wanted in my life. Or at least something I want to experience before I get too old. The couples all over Mondstat make me jealous. Archons, even Jean and Lisa have some sort of secret relationship,” Amber chuckled. “Always thought that I’d meet my person eventually.”
“Do you think I’m your person then?”
“You could be. I would be open to exploring things if… maybe a relationship would be something you’d be interested in. I mean, we practically see each other every day. I was worried that it would ruin things but… If it’s something you’d be comfortable with I’d love to try.”
Eula smiled, staring at Amber with a soft gaze. “Yeah. I’d really like that.”
“So what are we?”
“I’ve always liked the term partner. We don’t have to announce anything. Nor do we owe anyone anything. Let’s just go with it. See what works. And if we don’t? Then we can go back to how things always were.”
“Sounds good to me,” she hummed, a smile on her face. “Thank you, Eula. For… being someone I can talk to.”
“You’re welcome. Goodnight, Amber. Get home safe.” Eula gave her a gentle smile, taking one of her hands and squeezing it gently before they parted ways at the front steps of the headquarters.
“Goodnight Eula.”