A lone figure, wrapped in a thick, white coat, made their way through the streets of the city. Her polyester boots, covered in a thin layer of snow, made a faint crunching noise with each step. The air was cold, biting, but she paid it no mind. She had places to be, after all.

The streets were mostly empty, save for the occasional passerby. She waved at a few people as she went by, receiving friendly nods and smiles in return.

Eventually, she came upon her destination: a small cafe nestled between two much larger buildings. The lights were on, if not a tad dim, and a sign hanging in the window indicated that it was open. It was day, after all.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside, a gust of warm air greeting her. It was calming.. That’s what the warmth did to a person, especially in the cold months they were in now.

The interior was cozy, if a tad messy, with mismatched chairs and tables arranged in a haphazard manner. A handful of people sat at various spots, chatting amiably and sipping on various drinks. Though, as unbothered they were, their voices were hushed, just as quiet as the streets, the houses, the stores. All nearly silent.

At the far end of the room was a counter, behind which a man in a somewhat stained, white apron stood, busy cleaning glasses.

"Welcome," he spoke in a gruff tone, not even bothering to look up at the customer that had just entered.

She smiled at the man, though did not say a word to rouse his attention, looking around the cafe with a focused eye before noticing the individual she came here for in the first place.

"Elsie...!" Rosa called out, waving at her.

Elsie sat at a table in the corner of the cafe, sipping a mug of coffee. She turned at the sound of her name, grinning widely as she recognized the face she was staring at.

"There you are, Rosa!" Elsie returned her wave, "I was starting to think you weren't gonna show up."

"Sorry, sorry," Rosa offered her apologizes, sitting down, "I was a little busy."

"What, too busy for your favorite person?" Elsie feigned hurt.

"Of course not," Rosa puffed out her cheek, "It was an emergency, okay? Mom-- er, General Varano wanted to talk to me about my position... again."

"Oh boy, I bet that was fun."

Rosa sighed, "That's one way to put it... It's always the same thing, you know! 'You're too young,' or 'You're not ready,' or 'You don't have enough experience.' I'm twenty one now and she still treats me like a child! She wanted me to join the military in the first place, practically forced me to join the academy… yet is trying this hard just to stick me in some office or something… I’m a soldier, for god’s sake…”

She grumbled, looking down at the table as she finished her short rant. Her conversation with her mother wasn’t actually much, just her critiquing her performance and once again recommending she take a job in Central. At the very least, she hoped she would join the city guard.

General Varano thought it was more her speed.

Elsie tilted her head, "Come on, Rosa. She cares about ya… probably. To be honest, I don't even get why you're so against working in HQ or something! A cushy job like that seems great..."

As Elsie leaned back in her chair, Rosa frowned.

"You don't get it! I need to do this! I... need to be strong. I need to kill a vampire. That's the role I need to play... Then, maybe... I can be the General's daughter like I'm supposed to be. I can stop feeling like a damn coward."

"Rosa, you're not--"

"Don't. Please." Rosa looked away, her voice growing soft. "Let's just talk about something else."

Elsie was silent for a moment, before ordering the two a cup of coffee. It came in no time at all, with the two enjoying their drinks as they made small talk.

"So... You got any plans for tonight?"

"Not really. Why, you got something in mind?"

"Mm. Considering we'll be on another hunt in a few days, I thought I'd drag you out to train. What d'ya say? It'll be just like old times back in the academy!"

Rosa considered for a moment before a smile formed on her lips, "alright. That sounds fun."

"Great! Oh, and since we're doing this, can I stay over? Your mom's not gonna be home like usual, right? Stuck in her office? She'll never know if we break a few rules~"

Rosa sighed, rolling her eyes.

"I don't think I like the way you say that... Dad's probably fine with you staying over. Just remember to behave yourself, okay? No getting drunk, no breaking anything, no--"

"Just who do you think I am?! Some sort of delinquent? Geez... I'll be on my best behavior. Promise!" She held up her hands defensively.

"Alright... It's a deal, then."

With that, the two finished their coffees, exiting the quaint cafe without further delay. They chatted idly as they walked down the snowy streets, not too close to each other, not too far. A fine, friendly, medium distance.

The walk to Rosa's house was a short one, however, and they soon found themselves standing outside a modest looking two story building. It was in stark contrast to the other houses nearby, which were all smaller, more cramped together. The perks of military life, or, a former one in a certain black-haired man’s case.

Rosa fished the keys from her pocket and unlocked the front door. It clicked with ease, though the door squeaked the tiniest bit as she opened it.

The interior of the house was dark and quiet. Almost eerily so.

"Hello?" Rosa called out, "Dad?"

No answer.

"Huh. Guess it's just us tonight," Rosa said, taking off her boots and coat.

Elsie smirked, hanging up her jacket as she entered. "Looks like we have the whole place to ourselves, huh~"

"Elsie!"

"Sorry, sorry. Couldn't help it!” She held up her hands, as if to prove her innocence. A meaningless gesture, considering her next words, “So, where's the alcohol? I've got a whole night to get you hammered!”

Rosa shook her head, though a wry grin was upon her face.

"You promised... But, fine. It's in the basement."

Elsie nodded, making her way down the stairs into the darkened cellar.

After a few moments, the lights flickered on, and the sound of rustling bottles echoed through the room.

"Ooh, looks like you've got some pretty expensive stuff here," Elsie remarked, looking over the labels on the various bottles. "Where'd you get all this?"

"You expect me to have bought this all? Dad's collection," Rosa answered, her voice echoing faintly.

"Righttt, your dad's a real wine buff, isn't he?"

"That's putting it lightly. He loves the stuff so much he's got this whole room just for the bottles... I don't really get the appeal, though."

"Maybe you'll grow into it someday. Or maybe he'll let you have a few sips, when you’re old enough!" Elsie teased.

"I'm twenty, not five."

"Well, you sure don’t act like it sometimes... or maybe you're just a prude~"

Rosa huffed. "Just pick a bottle and get back up here already. No drinking yet, though! You said we'd train.”

Elsie grinned, pulling a fine bottle of white wine off one of the many, many shelves. Though, there was little chance of her finishing the whole thing, of course.

Hopefully.

"Alright, alright. Geez, you're so bossy. But, I suppose I’ll have to keep my word! I’m just sweet like that.”

The two climbed back upstairs, and Rosa led Elsie to her room.

It was a small space, with a simple bed and dresser pushed up against one wall, and a desk and chair in the other. A bookshelf lined with various novels stood next to the door, with the only decorations in the room being a framed picture of Rosa and her father, sitting on the desk. A black haired man with a scruffy beard.

It was a horribly boring room.

"So... what's the plan?" Rosa stared at her expectantly, taking a seat upon her perfectly clean bed. One that befit a disciplined military private.

"My mind keeps thinking back on the last hunt we were on. That Vamp... Ugh, didn't hit a single shot! That thing was just way too fast, right? Had to have been some sort of True Blood…"

"... Well, yeah, felt that first hand when it threw me into a pillar.”

"Right?! Anyways, I'm not gonna let that happen again. We gotta be able to take those things down in one hit! So, I thought we could practice shooting targets... and drink. A lot."

"Target practice, huh?" Rosa thought for a moment. "We can go to the outside range in the forest near here. Nobody should be there at this hour."

Elsie clapped her hands together, grinning.

"Perfect! Let's get going, then. This stuff ain't gonna drink itself."

"Uh huh, so get drinking. I’m not having any.”

"Righttt..."

They made their way outside, the crisp winter air enveloping them.

The sun had only just begun to set, the sky painted with brilliant reds and oranges, along with the beams of artificial light that shot up into the air originating from the outer walls of the city.

The range was located in a remote area, tucked away from prying eyes. It was a simple setup, a number of targets placed at various distances, and a few rudimentary obstacles to help simulate a more real-world experience.

Rosa and Elsie, of course, brought their own weapons.

Elsie cracked open the bottle, taking a swig before setting it down on the ground.

"Your dad definitely knows his stuff…. Here," she tossed Rosa the pistol, "you start. Show me how it's done!"

Rosa caught the gun, checking the chamber before taking aim. She took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing in concentration, and pulled the trigger.

The sound echoed through the air, the bullet hitting the target, though a bit off center.

"Oooh, nice shot! That’s my Rosa!”

“It was…fine. Here, your turn.”

She tossed the firearm back after clicking the safety, Elsie catching it with ease.

Getting in place, she quickly got into proper form before looking down the sights of the weapon. With the safety off, she quickly fired at the furthest target.

The plastic of the target shattered as the bullet struck its left side. A non-lethal shot, but a hit all the same.

“‘Least I hit it!” She smiled at the woman beside her, shrugging as she gave the gun back.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“You’re probably going to want to have higher expectations considering what we’re up against…”

As if to prove her point, she took aim and fired a bullet directly at the target's center. A near perfect shot, but just a few inches off.

“So… better than that.”

“Alright, alright, you self-deprecating hotshot.”

Elsie smirked, taking the gun from her. She loaded it, raised it, then took aim…

And the bullet went wide, missing the target completely.

"Tch, guess my luck's not too great today... Maybe I should have drank a bit more..."

Her vision had blurred the tiniest bit, but wasn’t the exact cause of her failure. There was something else, that which she hid well.

"I don't think it works that way... but whatever. My turn again."

Rosa took aim, firing off another round. This time, the bullet pierced the center of the target, cleanly shattering it.

"Hah! Finally!” Rosa let out a wide smile, relieved her aim wasn’t completely horrible. In her mind, at least.

"Damn, girl. You're really on fire tonight," Elsie let out a low whistle.

Rosa shrugged, handing the gun back to Elsie.

"Just a bit lucky, I guess. It's a moving target that's the problem..."

Yes, a moving target. She wanted to believe it was her skill that was the problem. She’d tell herself that again and again, as much as it took to convince herself.

"Heyyy, don't count yourself short. You've always been a good shot! You forget you were top of our class?”

"You keep saying that, but it’s not like I did much to get there…”

As the night went on, both their faces took on a slight shade of red. Rosa, from the cold, and Elsie perhaps because of the excessive alcohol consumption.

"Man, we've been at this for a while, haven't we?" Elsie mused, glancing at the bottle in her hand. It was almost half empty.

"Mmm... Yeah, we have. Maybe we should head back soon…" Rosa yawned, "It's getting pretty late…"

"Awww, but I was having so much fun! And it's not like we've got anywhere to be tomorrow."

"I mean, me too…But we can’t stay out here forever. Besides... It's dark. And cold."

Elsie chuckled, patting her shoulder. However, the slightest bit of resignation pervade her actions.

"Alright, alright, fine. Let's head back! I don't wanna deal with your old man getting mad at us for breaking the curfew.."

Elsie began walking, but stopped as she noticed Rosa still hadn't moved. Her attention was far away, leaning on a nearby wall of the shooting range.

"Rosa...?"

She was silent for a moment, her hands grasping each other as she bit her bottom lip. She was nervous, it seemed.

"... Level with me Elsie. Why'd you actually wanna be here? All this time... you've looked like you wanted to say something to me. Bet you were drinking to ease your nerves, too. You never drink so close to a hunt.”

It was silent for a moment, Elsie almost dazed by Rosa’s words. However, she eventually sighed, smiling half-heartedly.

"Hah... can't get anything past you, huh?" She spoke in an uncharacteristically quieter tone as she approached Rosa, eventually standing by her.

"What's wrong…? You aren’t hiding something, are you?” She spoke a tad playfully, all to hide the anxiety that lay underneath her words. She despised not knowing what people were thinking, especially those she cared about.

"... Nothing important. Just… wanted to spend time with my best friend, that's all."

"Liar. C'mon, just spit it out. Not like I’m gonna bite you or anything…”

Elsie paused for a moment, quiet. Each moment that went by, her face only seemed more red. Strange, considering she had stopped drinking a while ago.

"... Fine, fine. I'll tell you," she turned her gaze away, leaning against the wall with her, "but you gotta promise something to me."

"... Of course, anything."

"Promise you'll always be by my side. You and me, we'll stick together. Always,” Her gaze intensified ever so slightly as she looked her in the eyes, “even if… you don’t like what I’m about to say."

"O-Of course I will, we're..." Rosa looked confused, "what are you trying to--"

"Good." She leaned in towards Rosa. Her breath was hot against Rosa's face, the scent of wine near overpowering, "Rosa, I..."

"Yes..?" Rosa's own breath caught in her throat, a strange feeling spreading throughout her beating heart.

"I love you."

Rosa's eyes widened in shock as she took it all in. Her heart beat faster, her face heating up.

"Wh-what?!, I--"

Elsie grabbed her by the hand, not too rough as to hurt her, pulling her in the tiniest bit closer.

Rosa didn’t resist, because she knew she didn’t have to if she wanted to get out of her grasp. She didn’t, however. She wanted to stay, though the feeling was deep in her subconscious.

"Listen, just... let me finish. I've wanted to tell you for so long... What, for three years now? But... but I didn't know how to put it. I'm telling you now, though. It's how I feel.” Her hands seemed to tremble ever so slightly as she held Rosa’s, “That's what I decided."

Rosa stared at her, completely dumbfounded, "E-Elsie... I..."

"Just tell me if you feel the same... Please. I… want to be yours. I want you to be mine… Both of us. T… together." Her voice nearly cracked as she spoke.

Rosa paused, taking a moment to process the situation. It was all so much, so sudden, she couldn't quite form a coherent thought, no matter how hard she tried.

"I'm... I'm not sure. I've never really thought about it, but... but if you feel that way, I... I'm not against it. I don’t think so, anyway…”

"Not against it...? You mean..." Elsie repeated, her voice trembling along with her hands, "Just... say it clearly. I need to know."

Rosa's mouth was dry, her tongue feeling a few pounds heavier than usual. But, even so, she managed to speak the words that permeated her mind.

"I think... I love you too, Elsie."

Elsie blinked a few times, her expression blank as she processed the information, "re... really..?"

Rosa nodded, her face having grown just as red as Elsie's.

"Then... Can I kiss you? Just once?"

She asked this question as if she needed confirmation. After all, she was fearful for three years about this inevitable confrontation. Three years where she thought about how this might go in her head.

It was a quiet moment of deliberation and anticipation that encompassed both of them, only ended by Rosa's next few words, "S-sure... Go ahead."

With a shaky smile, Elsie wrapped her arms around Rosa's neck and pressed her lips against hers. Rosa's eyes widened, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into it, a wave of new, unfamiliar sensations and emotions flooding her, like as if all at once, a dam had broken in a river of emotion. She held onto her back, feeling the warmth of Elsie's body so juxtaposed against the frigid air around them.

After what seemed like an eternity, Elsie finally broke the kiss, panting softly. She looked at Rosa, resting her forehead on hers as she lightly, gently held her against the wall that supported them both.

"Rosa... You're really pretty," she murmured, her voice a soft tone. Gentle, so different to how she usually came off. So headstrong, loud. Like she knew what she wanted. But this? Rosa had never seen her so... vulnerable.

"Th... thank you," Rosa replied in a half-hushed whisper, still recuperating both mentally and physically.

"You're welcome... Now, can we please go home?"

"Mm?" Rosa blinked a few times, confused, "Why do you wanna--"

Elsie leaned in, planting a kiss on Rosa’s cheek. Her lips were warm, still somewhat damp from their previous kiss and the slightest bit rough, but still soft enough to send a shiver down Rosa's spine.

"Could lie and say I'm cold or tired... but truth is, I really, really want you right now," she whispered, her hot breath sending another rush through Rosa’s body, "... Please."

Rosa's throat constricted, her mouth drying up, "W-wait, hold on, I'm not ready for... y'know, that! Yet!"

"... Huh? Oh– Don't worry, don't worry," Elsie giggled at her own accidental implication, planting another small peck on Rosa’s cheek, "Not what I meant... I'm not exactly ready either. I just... wanna be with you, alone… And, I wanna lie down since my back hurts like hell from standing so long..."

"... Ah... okay."

For some strange reason she didn’t quite understand, a sense of disappointment welled up inside of Rosa, and her cheeks stayed that slight shade of red. But, regardless, the two continued walking, their shoulders brushing as they went.

They were close.

They soon found themselves back in the warmth of the house, where Elsie quickly kicked off her shoes and threw herself on the couch.

"Ohhh, thank god. It's warm," she groaned, stretching her arms out, "I can't wait to get these damn clothes off..."

Caught off guard, Rosa coughed, covering her mouth. She had to tell herself to think different thoughts. Different thoughts…

"Right! I'm all sweaty from--" She shook her head to forcibly remove the thought tainting her mind, "Training..."

"You have a weird idea of training..." Elsie let out a smirk, leaning up a bit as she moved to touch the side of Rosa’s neck, "I mean, after all, we--"

"Kiddo?" a low, somewhat hoarse voice spoke up, startling both women, "You home?"

Rosa immediately tensed up, turning around, "Dad! What're you doing here?!"

The black-haired man stood at the staircase, scratching the side of his beard. "I just so happen to live here. You know. In my home… Which I own. Which is where I sleep."

"No, I mean--" Rosa was interrupted by her father as he stared at the other surprise visitor.

"That Elsie? Haven't seen you in a bit, kid." He stared with half-closed eyes, waving at the blonde girl.

Elsie got to her feet, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, "H-heyyyy Mr. Varano... How've ya been?"

"Bored. Don't let anyone tell you that retirement's fun. Boring as hell," he sighed, "Anyway, Elsie staying the night or something?"

"Ah, um... yeah-- If that's alright with you, dad," Rosa added, a nervous smile on her face.

"Of course it's fine. Not like the house is cramped or anything... Just... don't get too rowdy, okay? Don't need another noise complaint from the neighbors... Set off fireworks one time and suddenly everyone hates you... why don't they try being retired…? ‘M not even middle aged yet and apparently I’m not allowed to have any fun... Fucking dicks..." He spoke those words as he went to his room.

"R-right. Okay then... goodnight!"

"Yeah, 'night," her father called back.

Once the door closed, Rosa breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well, that was nerve-wracking..." Elsie rubbed her forehead, "But, I'm glad your dad's such a nice guy."

"Mm, he is… I've never had many friends except you, so it’s not exactly surprising he’s receptive..." Rosa shook her head, "Anyway, let's just head up to my room."

The two went up the stairs, closing the door behind them.

Rosa took a seat on her bed first, letting out a deep breath. Silent, she stared at the ceiling. She had to stop herself from getting distracted by the many grooves.

"Hey, Rosa?"

"Mm?" Rosa turned her head, looking at her, "What is it?"

"Just... thank you. For today. I know I kinda sprang all that stuff on you outta nowhere, but..." Elsie trailed off, scratching her cheek.

Rosa eyed her for a few seconds, speaking quietly, "Could you... come here?"

After a rare moment of quiet hesitation passed, Elsie complied, taking a few steps forward as she looked down at Rosa sitting on the bed.

"What is it...?"

Rosa didn't answer, instead grabbing Elsie's shirt collar and pulling her in, allowing her lips to glide towards hers. Elsie's eyes widened, surprised by the sudden action, but, soon, they slowly closed as Elsie returned the favor in kind. While Rosa took hold of her, she pulled Elsie onto her, the taller woman falling atop her but not once breaking their kiss.

Rosa's head grew hazy, as if her brain had been set ablaze, and she felt Elsie's hand on the back of her neck, caressing her, holding her.

Elsie was the first to eventually break away, gasping for breath.

"Rosa... what was... that for? Not that I'm complaining, just..."

Rosa paused, her gaze averting for a moment.

"I wanted to return the favour," Rosa finally managed to say, "And I just... well, wanted to feel you again..."

As a small smirk formed on Elsie's lips, she ran her fingers through Rosa's hair.

"I like this side of you."

Rosa pouted, responding in similar fashion, "Then... just one more time... kiss me?"

Elsie nodded, leaning closer, "I'd like nothing more right now."

She placed a careful hand on her jaw, tilting her head up, and pressed her lips against Rosa's in a smooth series of actions. Like she was accustomed to it now, like she knew where to hold her, where to touch her, how to make her feel like the whole world was going to fall away and it'd be just the two of them, lost in their own little space. Though perhaps, the simple fact of Elsie being there did that to Rosa. As if she was a safety net, or perhaps a blockade that walled out everything else. She could only focus on her, every other noise blocked out by her faint breaths, her beating heart, her quiet gasps.

As they moved further up the bed, their left hands interlocked with each other. Their free hands ran across their bodies, feeling their warmth, their softness, the little movements they each made, the way their chests rose and fell with each quick breath, how their legs would rub against each other, the way their breathing grew heavier with every second. All these feelings-- all these sensations, all should have been overwhelming. And in a way, they were, yet Rosa could only relish them. She was in Elsie's arms, and it was the most wonderful feeling she could possibly imagine.

There were no fears. No thoughts of the horrible, monstrous reality they lived in. Just a pure, raw sensation. The feeling of the woman she figured out just today she loved– adored more than anything in this world.

Elsie's fingers traced along her neck, down her shoulders, across her collarbone, but not once any further. Not ever did either of them take it too far, and through this they conveyed their feelings to each other. A quiet, mutual understanding. A mutual trust. Messy, but understanding and trust formed not just by their years of friendship, but military service– their past spent in the military academy, training and learning side by side.

Years spent even more so learning about each other's personalities, mannerisms, quirks, and today, their love.

Rosa could feel Elsie's body trembling ever so slightly against hers. Whether it was from the cold, or the nervousness, or the excitement, or the fear, she didn't know. But it was a small, but noticeable tremor. And when she placed her hands on her, she could feel the shaking subside.

It was almost like she was comforting her.

And, she would later figure, Elsie was doing the same for her. Just like she had always been.

A single tear slipped down Rosa's cheek, and Elsie's fingers delicately brushed it away, caressing her face.

"You're beautiful."

The words were quiet, but they were enough to send Rosa's heart into a frenzy. She couldn't even bring herself to reply, a lump forming in her throat, however, her touch alone was enough to show she felt the same way.

Eventually, their kisses slowed until they came to a halt. They laid there, holding each other close, not daring to say a word and break the beautiful quiet. The only sound that could be heard was the occasional rustling of the wind outside that they instinctively breathed in tune with.

"Elsie... I..." Rosa started, speaking aimlessly while unsure how exactly to convey the emotions swirling inside her.

"Shh..." Elsie stopped her, murmuring as her arms hugged her close, "It’s late… just sleep.”

But Rosa needed to say what was on her mind.

What it was she felt.

"... I..."

"I don't just... think I love you."

"I do love you."

"... I'm yours, Elsie."