Tina and Bette both backed up instantly and Bette averted her eyes; Despite feeling the undeniable tension in the air, she was left feeling embarrassed at having initiated what would have been an intimate interaction. Tina, looking at Bette’s flushed cheeks and misinterpreted the shame. Her mind jumped to the conclusion that Bette had been lost in the moment and now regretted what almost happened.

Still feeling foolish, Bette managed to look up from the floor.

“I- Uh..” She struggled with the appropriate words, something that had been happening a lot since she met Tina.

The blonde opposite her, meanwhile, repositioned the bag on her shoulder before deciding to help Bette out.

“Bette, it’s fine. I have to get to class.” She said before turning away and getting swept up in the crowds.

Bette remained in the same spot, dazed, trying to draw meaning from Tina’s farewell. “It’s fine.” Did that mean she wanted to kiss her too, and therefore it was fine for Bette to have attempted it..? Or was it that she was forgiving Bette for her mistaken advances? Bette’s brow furrowed in confusion until she became aware of the girls on her right observing her.

“Earth to porter!” Alice was saying, making over-exaggerated waving gestures around Bette’s blank face. When it was clear Bette had recognised their presence, she nodded in the direction of their next class and fell into step beside her friends.

They were all used to Bette’s personal shields, they went up instantly whenever emotion threatened to trespass in her life. They didn’t always speak aloud about the defences she used, but Bette’s friends always conveyed their understanding and offered support when necessary. Dana, who was closest to Bette, decided quickly that now was one of those times and squeezed one of Bette’s fingers.

Feeling Dana’s hand on hers, Bette looked towards the friend on her immediate right and saw Dana’s reassuring smile. She couldn’t help but smile back in affection for her sensitive friend; Dana was less confident than the rest of the gang but she had the biggest heart and incredible sense of loyalty. Her smile told Bette that she was there and Bette responded by smiling and keeping hold of Dana’s fingers as they walked through the corridor, giving them a quick return squeeze to show her appreciation.