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"Those books Lisa lent me were less than helpful. Hmph. I'll make sure to add that to her list of transgressions."
"We just survived a surprise attack, and you're already working? Eula, cut yourself some slack." Amber tugged on Eula's sleeve, pulling her to a newly-built snowman with a familiar expression. Eula was used to the sight. And the time she had to spend standing stone-faced for Amber to capture her "usual face". Its sticks for eyebrows were angled and it had one cheek huffed. Eula noted how difficult molding that small protrusion on the face must have been. "Anyway, I stored some food at the camp before making the trip to the mountain. Would you like some?" Amber patted away at the remaining snow, and she dusted her hands with a smirk when she finished. "I'm fine. The only thing I'm craving now is..."
"Cold wine?"
"Yes." Eula narrowed her eyes at Amber, the other girl laughed and slid her hand into Eula's. They went and Eula slowed her pace as she surveyed Amber. Dragonspine's sunlight blanketed Amber's face with its ghostly shine, yet her lips remained red as ever. Of course, Eula was only observing. Those red lips heaved with every breath, spewing fourth steady bouts of heat.
Eula cursed under her breath. She should have brought a coat with her.
She should correct her mistakes.
Her right hand latched onto Amber's waist, Eula pulled her closer and Amber yelped. "What's wrong? Am I cold?" Eula asked. Amber shook her head and leaned further into Eula's embrace. "You caught me off-guard, is all."
"Here." Amber handed Eula a bottle she'd never seen before. A gold label snaked across it, and its name was written in contrasting black. Liquid Courage. Eula gave herself a motionless shake as she tried to remember the contents of one of those books. Liquid courage dulls your reservations, and it is often used to help yourself tell the truth.
Eula wanted to tell Amber how she felt on her own terms. But there was never a perfect moment for everything.
She continued reading the label, about a quarter would be enough to get herself talking. Amber yanked the bottle away and placed it on the frosted grass, Amber poked Eula's cheek, making the icy girl jolt back. "Don't think you can open that yet." Eula opened her mouth to protest, but she was given a dab of steak. "Eat up." The burnt smell was a definite sign that Amber made it. "I know it's not the best, but I couldn't make the trip to Good Hunter. So I had to cook one here."
"I've had worse." Eula took the steak. She began dividing it into manageable bites. Eula stared at the freezing bottle near her feet as she ate. It was fine. Besides, the unease in her stomach was canceled out by the fluttering in her heart. Eula shot an occasional glance at Amber to ensure she was also eating. Amber waved off her gaze with a playful hand.
They put away their plates and Eula finally held her ticket to the truth. "Do you want to go somewhere?" Amber grinned, hands at her sides, and her cute headband flapping in the wind. "Let's go to that cliff."
"The view here is delightful."
Eula was already a few sips in, and she bit back the urge to reply. You're delightful. Eula's words punctured through her mind's filter. Ever cautious, she sealed them with a frown. Amber hummed and twirled her hands in the air, drawing little hearts towards Eula's direction. "I'll remember this." Eula sighed.
"Of course you will."
Her movements had to be calculated and precise. And despite not seeing Amber as prey, Eula waited for the opportune moment to strike. With half the bottle empty, she counted the seconds, the leaves that breezed across, and the birds that landed near them but never intruded.
Combat can become complicated. Eula knew that well, and she remembered the unexpected tactics she employed to win. But there are times where the most effective approach is the straightforward one.
"I love you, Amber." Her words hung in the air like snow. Eula may have been an outward paragon of grace, but her heart's erratic thrumming challenged that.
Amber chuckled. The chuckle turned into light laughter, and she soon clutched her stomach with overflowing tears.
"I know, silly." Amber wiped her eyes, she grinned at a bewildered Eula.
"I wondered why you looked so worried," Amber said, ending the sentence with a hic.
Eula offered a hand and Amber took it, placing it on her cheek. "Words aren't the only way to tell someone you love them, you know." Of course. Eula remembered Amber's adoring tone, the moments that she ruined by swearing vengeance, and the fond look Amber had every time. "But... Since you're the thorough type," Amber took Eula's hand, interlocking their fingers together.
"I love you too."