Eleanor <3s Elizabeth 1

Elizabeth and Eleanor stumbled down the cold New York streets, laughing and holding each other close for equal parts warmth and support. It had been a long night, and a long party, but now it was time to go home.

Passing through a secluded side-street the girls found themselves in front of the gated apartment complex Eleanor had taken up residence in. The black metal of the fence was cold to the touch as Eleanor pushed the gate open. Drunken reveling and the odd firework explosion still echoed in the night air.

"Hey, I'm glad I was able to drag you out of the house tonight." Eleanor said, leaning into Elizabeth for support.

"Me too, we should make this a tradition." Elizabeth suggested cheerfully.

The statement hung in the air as the two of them made their way to the door. Elizabeth couldn't help but notice that Eleanor was visibly uncomfortable as she turned to face her. Her hands were trembling slightly as she held the door with one hand.

"I-uh, guess this is it, huh?"

"I can give you a call in the morning."

"Listen, I mean...would you like to come in?" Eleanor asked, her eyes widening slightly, as if she were surprised by her own question.

"Isn't it a bit late for that?"

"I guess, I mea-screw it." Eleanor stammered as she leaned in and kissed Elizabeth awkwardly, half on the cheek and half on her lips.

Elizabeth reeled back in surprise. "Eleanor!"

"What?" Eleanor mumbled, averting her gaze.

"I-Eleanor...Eleanor this changes things."

"Stop being so serious. It was just a kiss"

"I mean it, it does."

Eleanor threw her hands out in an exaggerated gesture. "Then it does, so what? Who cares? I like you, you like me. We both know it."

"It's not that easy for me, okay?" Elizabeth replied sternly.

"Elizabeth, it is that easy. You can't just lock yourself up in that room of yours all day. Look how hard it was just to get you to go out tonight."

Elizabeth frowned. "Ellie, you're a real jerk sometimes."

Eleanor winced at her words. "I know, I'm sorry Liz." Stepping forward Eleanor reached out and tried to cup the side of Elizabeth's face. "I shouldn't have said that."

Elizabeth brushed her hand aside. "Then why did you?" She asked, stepping back.

Stepping forward Eleanor reached out her hand again. "Because I care, alright?" This time Elizabeth allowed Eleanor's hand to reach her.

Elizabeth paused and held Eleanor's hand in hers. The two locked gazes, Eleanor's eyes equal parts pleading and loving. Sighing deeply, she felt herself flush as she melted and surrendered to Eleanor's lips.

"You're still a jerk, though."

"I'll take it." Eleanor said, smiling crookedly. "Happy New Year, Elizabeth."