Frenzy & Torch

Chapter 46: Sakura

The dragon killers were outside, idling near one of the parked APCs. They stood in awkward silence while looking to the horizon, lost in their own thoughts.

Elizabeth was lightly chewing her bacon. She quickly glanced at Elizabet, who had her ushanka's flaps down over her ears. Elizabeth found herself staring for too long at her calm gaze and the strands of blonde hair poking from under the hat. She looked away and focused on eating.

"Do you think I'm cute?" Elizabet asked.

Elizabeth almost spat out her bacon. "What— ?!"

"Not hitting on you, just asking honest question."

"But why would you even ask somethin' like that?"

"I saw you looking. Gladexians aren't very subtle."

"I was looking at your hat."

"And?"

"Looks comfortable."

"Anything else?"

"The hell do you want from me?"

"Just compliment me! I can tell you want to!"

"You want me to compliment your little commie hat?"

Elizabet sighed. "Stop looking at me as sworn enemy. From woman to woman, what do you want to say to me?"

Elizabeth relented. " ... That hat looks good on you."

Elizabet smiled. "Thank you." She noticed how pink Elizabeth's ears were and took off the ushanka. "You need this more than I do."

"I'm fine."

"Is cold as balls out here and your ears look like strawberry slices. Just give it back when you feel better."

Elizabeth reluctantly took the hat and placed it atop her head. The immediate warmth was like a hot shower. "Oh, shit, what is this made of?"

"Mammoth hide and wolf fur."

Annabelle walked up to them, smiling. "Aw, you two are getting along!"

"She let me borrow her hat because it's cold as shit. This doesn't mean anything," Elizabeth said.

"Yeah, okay," Annabelle said. She looked at Elizabet and asked, "Do they have a nickname for you back home?"

"They call me 'Палач.' I think word in your language is, ah ... Executioner."

Annabelle was surprised. "Wow, that's— never mind."

Elizabeth looked at her accusingly. "That's what?"

"Nothing."

"You know I'll twist your arm off about it, so just spill the shit."

"Spill the beans," Annabelle corrected, knowing full well what the response would be.

"Yeah, I fuckin' know, now say it!"

"She has a cool nickname!" Annabelle said as though she ripped off a bandaid.

"And it's better than mine, right?"

Annabelle nodded.

Elizabeth glared at her counterpart. "I hate you more now."

"Why's that?" Elizabet asked.

"Because even your nickname is cooler than mine."

"What's yours?"

"Headhunter."

Elizabet looked for the right words to say. "That is eh ... okay!"

"It's basic as shit, don't lie to me." Elizabeth seethed.