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Epel and Rook hid together behind a fallen tree, snowflakes gathering on their eyelashes and the tufts of hair that stuck out from the wool-lined hats that Marja insisted they couldn't leave without. Rook had chosen this hiding spot after following the smell of life deep into the old-growth forest near Epel's family homestead on the opposite side of the orchard. A pillowy layer of snow gathered on top of the log, soft and undisturbed by their touch. The snow around them was full of animal tracks of varying recency, some of which bore glimpses of frozen mud underneath that was beginning to disappear beneath the snowfall. The world was silent apart from the gentle breeze rustling through the wicker branches of hibernating trees edging the clearing and the scampering of squirrels and hares in the brush behind them.
Both Epel and Rook were bundled in snowsuits hand-knitted and filled with wool padding to pack in their body heat, leather boots, and mittens, though Rook had taken off his mittens in favor of his bare hands that held an arrow at the notch against the taut string of his favorite bow tucked against his body. Epel also held a bow and arrow, though his hands were still buried in the bulky mittens that matched the rest of his snowsuit. Rook looked down at Epel, whose pale, freckled face was buried in the hood of his jacket. When Rook pulled the fabric back, he caught a good look at Epel's sweet face, his button nose and round cheeks flushed with blood that tried to keep him warm in the frigid weather. Lavender hair stuck out from the brim of his hat collecting snow that brushed away when he shivered.
Carefully, he shifted closer to Rook, tucking himself under the older boy's arm in attempt to conserve heat. Rook put his arm around his companion, pulling him flush against his body. Clouds of steam billowed from their nostrils as they held each other, watching and waiting in silence for their prize. Rook had forbidden Epel from speaking, but in this moment, there was little need for words. Epel rested his cheek against Rook's chest with a deep exhale, his grip on his bow loosening as he relaxed against Rook's warm body. Rook let go of his own bow with one hand, tucking it in Epel's hood against his neck, making the poor boy shiver at the feeling of Rook's freezing hand on his hot skin. Rook's fingers played in the curls that stuck out from the back of Epel's hat, his eyes narrowing as he admired just how small and fragile he looked like this. With a gentle smile, he pulled Epel even closer with a hand on the back of his neck, pressing an affectionate kiss to his forehead.
Upon learning that Rook hardly had much of a home to go to over break, Epel had jumped at the chance to invite him home for their three-week break. After hearing year after year from his father that he just wasn't quite ready to learn how to hunt yet, he knew Rook would happily teach him. It wasn't rifle hunting like his father did, but the weapon hardly mattered to him so long as he could drag something back to prove that he most certainly was man enough to hunt. Despite all of this effort he had spent on this elaborate scheme to prove his masculinity to his father, Rook couldn't help but give an amused huff at the way Epel cuddled up against him. Regardless, he promised Epel's father that his son would leave these woods a man, and from the sound of the rustling brush in front of them, that promise was about to come to fruition.
Epel perked up as Rook let go of him, hurriedly shoving off his mittens and readying his bow as their quarry entered view. Rook's nose was ever reliable; on the other side of the clearing, a massive, hulking twelve-point buck emerged from the woods, scanning its surroundings with wisened brown eyes before leaning down to graze. Rook steadied his bow, eyes narrowing as he aimed. He waited for a while, watching the buck. It was very possibly the largest he had ever seen with large, branching antlers. It seemed unaware of their presence, wandering around the open area in search of leaves and twigs. Epel couldn't take his eyes off of the magnificent creature. He didn't know much about trophy hunting, but he knew that a deer that large would be sure to bring a smile to his father's face. Only a real man could kill a buck like that. He was, however, growing impatient as he watched Rook, who was statuesque kneeling behind the fallen tree, eyes narrowing as he waited for the opportunity to strike.
Rook was aiming for the heart until he saw Epel getting his bow ready out of the corner of his eye. At the last second, he aimed ever so slightly to the side, aiming instead for the lung. The shot was still lethal, though the deer had a few minutes to run, giving Epel the opportunity to land a shot. With an exhale, he released the arrow, lodging it right in the lungs as he had planned. Upon seeing it attempt to escape as hot, red blood dripped into the snow, Epel sprung into action. He drew back his own bowstring and fired, puncturing the deer again in its side. The beast didn't make it far before collapsing, its breathing slowing to a complete stop after a minute or two while its lungs filled with blood. Watching the deer take its final breaths, Epel's face lit up, turning to Rook with a giddy grin.
"Very good, Pommette. Very, very good," he muttered, patting Epel on the back. Having permission to speak returned, Epel let out a shaking breath and launched himself into Rook's arms, unable to help his elated giggling.
"Thank you," he finally sighed, rubbing his warm cheek against Rook while holding him tight. Rook returned the embrace, patting the back of his head with one hand. The other traveled lower and slipped beneath his jacket and shirt, touching his bare back with his frigid hands. Epel squirmed in Rook's grasp with a yelp, though Rook refused to let go. "Ahh, Rook! Stop it! Your hands are so cold!" Eventually he let go, causing Epel to stumble backwards. He feigned anger as he pulled his shirt down, even as both of them were laughing. "You're such a jerk sometimes."
"I can't help it. Pack up your bow so we can carry this beast back to the farm." Rook stood, pulling his mittens back on and dusting the snow off his knees. He tucked his bow against his quiver and moved towards the deer.
"We have to… carry it?" Epel inched his way over, hiding behind Rook as if it could stand back up at any moment.
"Of course we do. How else are we supposed to get it back?" Rook mused, inspecting where his arrow had landed. He turned back to Epel with a smug smile. "But you're man enough for that, are you not?"