As the minutes counted down to midnight, Pearl found the can of soda water in her hand weighing significantly more as each second passed, metaphorically speaking, of course.
Sitting next to a slightly intoxicated Lapis was taking all her will power to fix her gaze directly ahead at the fireworks. Her woolly sweater kept her warm enough, but she shivered when the first countdown firework exploded into the sky.
10. She felt Lapis’ hand under her sleeve, and shivered. Fingers tightening around the aluminum can.
9. Pearl turned towards her, and realized that Lapis hadn’t been staring at the fireworks.
8. Leaning in, close enough that Lapis could see her own reflection in Pearl's gem, Pearl studied the expression plastered on the other gem’s face.
7. She’s a coward. For a second she was leaned in so close to her. Too close, that Pearl overcompensated by almost jumping away.
6. In one motion, she drinks it down, anxious fingers crushing the aluminum can.
5. She reaches forward again. She stares back down at Lapis. She leans in with her hand on Lapis’ arm.
4. Her fingers rub awkward circles around her arm, she might not have been as prepared as she had thought.
2. Too close. Way too close. She takes a deep breath.
1. She leans in and kisses her. On the cheek.
0. “Happy New Year’s Day, Lapis!”
