Eleanor <3s Elizabeth 4

Eleanor and I  were settling in for the night to watch a movie. She has herself sprawled on the mahogany carpet of Sofia's living room, an array of movies piled up around her. I'm settled on the couch nursing my full stomach. Earlier that evening the two of us had gone out for a pizza. The prelude to our valentine's date, and my suggestion.

Tonight was my first real opportunity to spend some alone time with Eleanor. Between school, friends, and family we rarely had time for just the two of us. The thought of a romantic valentine's day together made me giddy with excitement, and I was sure that Eleanor felt the same way. Her mannerisms were subdued and self-conscious, in contrast with her normal behavior.

Eleanor swiveled on her rear to face me. "So, how about 5 Deadly Swords of the Wulin?" She inquires, holding up a case featuring five color-coded Chinese warriors.

"What about something more romantic? I reply.

"Okayyy..." This time the box features a classic cover depicting a large reptilian monster on top of the Empire State Building, a young woman clasped in it's claws. "Reptilleron?"

I grin. "Kidnapping a young actress and then destroying tokyo doesn't count as romance." Not that I don't enjoy a bad movie every now and then. But this needs to be something special.

Shifting uncomfortably Eleanor concedes the point. "Okay, fine. I have a movie I think you'd like."

"What is it?"

"Promise not to laugh?" She asks sheepishly

"I promise."

"It's really cheesy, I make no excuses for owning this."

I fail miserably at suppressing a grin. "Well now I have to know."

With a defeated look Eleanor wordlessly hands me the box. 'Patrick and Moira: A Story of Love After Death.' "Eleanor, this is perfect!" I exclaim, clutching the box to my chest. As far as I'm concerned, Patrick and Moira is the king of cheesy romance movies. It's got everything, singing, heartbreak, romance.

My eyes light up and Eleanor imitates a silent retch. "Eleanor we have to watch this!" I plead, giving her a look I normally only reserve for dad.

"Fine." Eleanor says as she flops onto her back in defeat. "But before we start I've got a surprise."

Eleanor sweeps into the kitchen, returning several minutes later with a large bottle of wine in one hand and two glasses in the other. "Mom keeps a few around. She won't miss it."

"And you were worried about this night not being romantic enough."

Eleanor struggles opening the bottle for several minutes. "It'll be romantic when I can get this bottle open."

I reach out a hand. "Do you want help?"

"Ah, bloody-" At that the cork finally loosens with a pop that causes the both of us to recoil. "There, romantic." She says, flashing me one of her crooked smiles.

Eleanor hands me a glass of wine and briefly, too briefly, presses her lips to mine before sliding onto the couch and pouring a glass for herself. Very gently I swirl the glass and stare at the dark red contents. This would be my first time having wine. Heck, the only time I ever drank was at Eleanor's New Year's party. I never really liked it, to be honest. But wine seemed different, a little bit classier. I couldn't help but feel like I should be better dressed for the occasion. Maybe a sexy cocktail dress?

Eleanor tilts her head, noticing my laugh. "What's up?"

"It's nothing." "Just a silly thought."

"Well, I happened to have one of my own."

"Oh?"

"Let's toast." She declares, raising her glass to mine. "To us."

"To us." I agree, returning the gesture.

I feel a warmness across my cheeks we finish our glasses. A pleasant, subtle feeling of freedom. Maybe I feel like I've pass through some kind of rite into adulthood, or maybe it's just the alcohol. I enjoy the feeling all the same.

The movie starts like most romance movies do: with a chance meeting on the street. It's clice, to be sure. Several chance meetings convince the two that it must be fate and despite their differences in class and social standing they begin to see each other romantically. All the same, Eleanor's jaw is rigid and she holds her pillow close to her chest. We've both watched the movie, so we both know what happens next.

After the light first half things take a darker turn. Patrick is struck down unexpectedly. Even knowing it's coming doesn't make it any less jarring for either of us. In the wake of the tragedy Moira begins to spiral into depression. Eleanor's hand grips mine tightly during the scene where she visits Patrick's grave and I rest my head against her shoulder while Moira makes her declaration that she will be reunite with Patrick.

We stay this way, silently entangled up to the point where Patrick and Moira are finally reunited. I sneak glance at Eleanor and notice she's looking back at me. You know how in romance movies it seems like people just known when to start kissing? Nobody has to initiate it, they just know it's the right time. When we finally lean in to kiss it's exactly like that. With no hesitation and acting as one we gently press our lips together in a tender kiss. My toes curl themselves in the passion of the moment and Eleanor let's out a muted squeal of excitement as we press on.

Abruptly Eleanor withdraws from the kiss. At first I think it's because she's simply done, and I can't help but feel a little hurt. Then she leans in, gently pressing against my heart until I'm fully reclined. My excitement mounts as I stare up expectantly at Eleanor, straddling my body. Gently she embraces my cheek with her free hand and resumes our kiss, stopping only to whisper into my ear. "You're so beautiful."

Our tongues twist and dance together, our passions flaring. In the heat of the moment my teeth brush against hers, inexperience mixed with over-eagerness. We pull away again, sharing a moment of silent laughter before resuming. More cautious, but no less eager.

Clumsily I explore her body. Caressing her hips and running my hands up and down the small of her back I feel my heart race as my excitement mounts. Eleanor escalates, her hands knead my chest through my shirt sending a shudder of pleasure down my spine. She looks into my eyes, questioning me if she should continue. "Please" I plead, drawing her close again. "I want this."

Moonlight provides faint illumination as we make love into the night. Eleanor is gentle and patient in all the ways I need her to be, and I take satisfaction in hearing her moans of pleasure in response to my efforts. Exhausted from our mutual relief we retreat to Eleanor's room, where I fall asleep with my head against her heart, listening to the rhythmic beating.