Sometimes there are quiet moments, when the war doesn't seem so heavy on all of their backs and they can find time to laugh with one another and hold onto those memories.

They even find time for a party, albeit a small one.

Blanche has a birthday and Agnes insists Pritchard pull from their dwindled wine cellar and the two of them retire to the study in their stockings and drink through two, three bottles.

Or at least Agnes does. Blanche watches her as she lays her head back against the cushion, rubbing the bridge of her nose just between her eyes.

It's easy to see Agnes' source of discomfort. She's stopped wearing her ring again. Blanche found her sniffling in the bathroom last week. Her strong facade has an ugly crack in it, which is unfortunate. They are at war, there is no time to dwell.

She does not dare tell Agnes that. Instead Blanche saucily offers her lap instead, only to see Agnes leap at the opportunity and curl into her. She's content to play with the small dark curls at the back of her neck, petting almost as they both stare into the pitiful fire.

"I got you something." Agnes says. Or at least Blanche thinks that is what she says because half of it runs together. "Did you?" she responds, as if to a child.

"I know you said I mustn't but…I couldn't help myself." Agnes looks positively devious as she holds it in front of her face, Blanche can see the smirk in her eyes. "May I open it?"

Agnes only giggles and nods. Blanche has to pry fingers off of it, leaving Agnes to squirm in her lap as she opens it. It's a necklace, a simple one, but beautiful. Blanche is very touched, if the prick of tears in the corners of her eyes are any indication. "Thank you" is uttered in near whisper.

Agnes giggles again, crooking her finger forward like she wants to tell Blanche a secret. Blanche blames the drink for not seeing it sooner, being too slow to react when Agnes instead meets her halfway, in the sloppiest (and chastest) kiss she's ever received.

"I think I've had too much to drink." says the brunette, covering her face in her hands.

Blanche is dumbstruck. "Yes, yes I think you have, dearest."