Chapter Text
Eleanor watches as the tall woman waves goodbye to the Michael, the last ‘person’ to leave the party. She was tired, and quite drunk. It was painful having to pretend to care about these righteous people’s stories. How they dedicated their life to saving an endangered species Eleanor has never heard of, or died giving both of their kidneys to a complete stranger. She would constantly look up at Tahani who was linked with her arm, seeking approval of thinking that these people were insane; but she was always nodding and smiling, at least trying to feign interest. Who is she kidding? Tahani was a good person, she was probably actually interested in all this shirt. Though she did take every moment she could to name drop a celebrity she knew, Eleanor probably would have found it unbearable if she wasn’t downing martinis.
Tahani sighs to herself after she closes the large door to the mansion. “Another successful party by Tahani Al-Jamil.”
Eleanor yawns, getting up from the stair that she was sitting on. “Sure was, babe.” The alcohol making her loosen up. “I guess I should head home, then.”
Tahani raises her eyebrows in surprise. “Oh no darling, you don’t have to walk home. You can stay here. This mansion is lovely; but it’s far too big for one person.”
Eleanor thinks about protesting, but the thought of staying in the disgustingly decorated house that she was assigned to stopped her. “I guess I can stay if you insist.”
Tahani’s face lights up. “Lovely, darling! Let’s go upstairs, shall we?”
The two walk up the many steps in silence, Eleanor looking over at Tahani every now and again. She seems lost in thought, not noticing.
“Where’s the guest bedroom?” Eleanor asks as the two arrive at the top floor.
“You aren’t going to stay in the master with me?” Tahani asks, for a moment Eleanor thinks she sounds disappointed.
“On the first date, Tahani? At least buy me dinner first.” Eleanor jokes, grinning slyly.
Tahani’s face grows pink. “N-no! I just thought it would be uhm- lonely for you.”
Eleanor smiles warmly, placing her hand on the Tahani’s shoulder. “I know, hot stuff, I’m just kidding with you, don’t worry. Just a warning though, I’m a kicker.” She says matter-of-factly as she walks toward the huge master bedroom down the hall.
The two walk into the room, Eleanor looking up at the ceiling at the beautiful chandelier that hung above the gigantic bed, which was certainly larger than any king that she has seen.
“I’m going to quickly do my night-time routine, darling. You can change and slip into bed if you’d like.” Tahani says sweetly as she walks into the master bathroom.
Eleanor watches as she closes the door, thinking about how she got here and what to do. She needs to visit Chili. He will certainly teach her how to be a good person since he’s… good and all. That way she can become the person that Tahani thinks she is and avoid telling her the truth all together! Avoidance is always the best solution, the motto of Eleanor Shellstrop.
“Uhm. Janet?”
“Hi Eleanor!” Janet appears in front of her gleefully.
“Can you get me some pajamas?”
With a bing, Janet holds the same pajamas that Eleanor would wear back on earth. An old college t shirt and comfortable plaid pants.
“Thanks.” She says, taking the clothes. “Can I also have something to take this makeup off with.
“Done!” Janet says after the bing. “Your face is now makeupless!”
Eleanor touches her face, noticing that it was indeed clear of any foundation. “Woah… What else can you do?”
“Anything you need! That’s what Janets are for.”
Eleanor thinks of an inappropriate joke she can make but decides to let it go. Janet disappears, once again with the pleasant sound. She takes the large dress of as quickly as she can, dropping it to the floor with a sigh. After putting the comfortable pajamas on she climbs into the large bed and onto the silk sheets, it was the most luxurious material she’s ever felt. Being rich must be amazing. Her eyes begin to feel heavy as soon as her head hits the pillow, but open widely when she hears the bathroom door open.
“Much better.” Tahani says as she strides towards the bed. “Are you comfortable, love?”
Eleanor looks up, her eyes widening as she sees Tahani, her face bare and she’s dressed in a short wine-coloured nightdress. Eleanor’s stomach drops, and her heart begins to flutter again, that same nervous feeling she kept feeling the whole day.
“Eleanor?” Tahani tries as she climbs into the apposing side of the bed.
“Uh- yeah. I’m great.” Eleanor responds.
Tahani claps twice and the lights turn off, leaving the two alone in a pitch-black room. Eleanor’s fatigue has disappeared, all she can do is stare at Tahani’s back. It stays silent for a while, the only noise being the sound of their calm breathing. Believing that Tahani was asleep, she manages to turn herself over onto her back, now staring at the ceiling.
“Eleanor?” Tahani asks quietly, startling Eleanor.
“Yea?” She says looking back over to Tahani who is turning to face her.
“Did you think that your soulmate would be a woman?” Tahani inquires sheepishly, avoiding eye contact.
“Well there was a 50/50 chance.” Eleanor begins. “But I’m glad it is, men get boring after a while.” She laughs to herself. “You?”
“I guess I didn’t really know.” She sighs. “I had a few relationships on earth and they were all with men… But I never really felt anything for them.”
“How do you feel about this?” Eleanor blurts out, instantly regretting it.
Tahani pauses for a moment before smiling. “I like it.”