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Stumbling down the pathway, Lumine rubs futilely at her arms. Her teeth chatter as the cold seeps into her bones. The spikes of ice that stubbornly cling to her body refuse to melt no matter what she does.
Everything is sore, especially her pride, and Lumine can only hope that she manages to reach Mondstadt before nightfall. A slight sniffle escapes and Lumine huffs in annoyance. The last thing that she needs right now is to get sick.
“Lumine?”
A familiar voice calls out to her and Lumine glances around her surroundings, wondering if she might have hit her head a little harder than she thought when she doesn’t immediately see Amber. The world spins slightly but a pair of arms settle around her waist, keeping her upright.
“Lumine, what happened?”
Sinking into the warmth, Lumine lets out a happy sigh as the chill within slowly begins to fade away. Tilting her head back, she smiles up at Amber. “Had a bit of a mishap.”
“I can see that.” Amber’s eyes narrow, but thankfully she doesn’t pry further.
Lumine isn’t quite ready to admit that she was beaten so thoroughly. And so quickly. Her pride is already bruised and battered as it is. There’s no need to admit just how much she had underestimated Eula’s skills. And overestimated her own.
Shaking her head, Amber rubs at Lumine’s arms, fingers making quick work of the worst of the ice. “Do you think you can walk?”
Lumine pauses. She’s made it this far, but she’s already starting to feel a little light headed. “Maybe with some help?”
Amber moves without warning, picking Lumine up in one smooth motion. She gently adjusts her hold, pulling Lumine closer to her body and grinning. “Don’t want to take any chances.”
Lumine freezes, staring up at Amber in shock. It takes a few moments for her to respond, tripping over her words. “I-I can still walk. You don’t have to.”
“I don’t mind.” Amber’s gaze softens, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. “And besides, I want to.”
Now Lumine feels slightly dizzy for a whole new reason. She can feel her own cheeks heat up as she hesitantly curls closer to Amber’s warmth. “Thank you.”
“Of course!” Amber’s sunny smile returns and she wastes no time in heading back towards the city, careful not to jostle Lumine even as she quickens her pace. It feels rather nice to be held like this, though Lumine wishes that it could have happened under less embarrassing circumstances.
The trees begin to thin out and it doesn’t take long before the familiar sight of the bridge comes into view. Lumine braces herself for the stares that are sure to come her way, a soft sigh escaping.
“Don’t worry. I’ll sneak you in the back way.” Amber gives her a playful wink and Lumine manages a small laugh..
“I appreciate it.” Voice soft, Lumine averts her gaze as they cross the bridge.
Amber nods towards Swan and Lawrence, signalling that all is well as they pass through the front gate. The marketplace is fairly quiet but Lumine is still grateful when Amber ducks into a nearby alley. Her pace slows and by the time they reach Amber’s home, Lumine feels somewhat normal, if a little sore.
Once they are inside, Amber gently sets Lumine on her bed, hands carefully brushing strands of hair away from her face. She studies her for a moment, touch lingering. “I’ll be right back.”
Lumine nods, watching Amber as she rushes around, gathering various items. She can’t help but smile as she watches the flurry of activity.
Amber returns, placing various items next to Lumine and moves to drape a towel around her shoulders. Then she uses her fingers and a hairbrush to remove the last remnants of ice from Lumine’s hair, gently patting it down before focusing on the other spots of ice.
Taking hold of Lumine’s hand, Amber lets her fingers press along the skin, searching out any signs of injury and reaching for balm when she notices Lumine’s wince. After she wraps up Lumine’s hand, Amber presses a soft kiss to the bandaged knuckles.
Despite the way her face heats up, Lumine cannot look away. She clears her throat, looking directly into Amber’s eyes. “You know what else really hurts?”
A flash of worry appears in Amber’s gaze. “What?”
Lumine’s finger brushes against her lips. “Right here.”
Amber blinks, her eyes growing wide and for a minute Lumine wonders if she pushed things a little too far. But then Amber is laughing, settling herself next to Lumine on the bed. She gently takes hold of Lumine, pulling her into her lap and placing a soft kiss to her lips and then another. Amber pulls back, her eyes shining. “Better?”
“Better.” Lumine sighs happily, melting into Amber’s embrace.
“You’re so spoiled, Lumine.” Amber giggles, the words holding no heat at all.
Lumine smiles, her lips curving against the skin of Amber’s neck as the last of the chills begin to leave her body. She’ll have to remember to thank Eula later. Once her skills have improved a bit.