Tina gathered her things too and ignored her hand’s painful loneliness. It felt cold and limp when Bette’s wasn’t wrapped around it. Bette was feeling the same. They all exited the café and stood in the parking lot finishing off their gathering. Tina thanked them all again and they all smiled and said it was nothing. As they stood saying goodbye, Bette felt the numerous drinks take their toll.

“Guys, I really have to go to the bathroom. I’ll see you all tomorrow at school” She looked toward Tina to show that it included her, “You should join us.” The other three nodded and voiced their agreement. Tina accepted and smiled for what felt like the millionth time that day. Dana, Shane and Alice waved her goodbye before getting into their car. Tina opened her car door and turned back to see Bette wave in her direction. She raised a hand in response and Bette disappeared back into The Planet.

After a second’s thought, Tina vacated her car and followed in Bette’s wake. She entered the bathroom looking for Bette, thinking how a few hours before Bette had done the same. Thinking she must still be in one of the cubicles, Tina stood so that Bette wouldn’t see her until she washed her hands and looked in the mirrors.

Bette walked to the basins and massaged the soap into her own hands. She gave her own fingers a squeeze as she pictured Tina’s hand in hers. She brought her head up, beginning to let out a sigh. She jumped in fright when she saw Tina’s reflection.

Bette span round on the spot and put a hand to her chest. She’d been thinking about Tina and here she was.

“You scared me” She said, trying to level her breathing.

“Good” Tina said, “Because you scare me”

Bette tilted her head and considered the girl in front of her. Tina swallowed and took a step toward Bette. She stopped and watched Bette; waiting.

“It’s your turn” She said meekly. Bette narrowed her eyes, wondering what Tina was asking her to do. “I want it to be mutual” She said, motioning to Bette’s feet and the space just beyond them.

Bette understood and took a single step toward the Blonde who was so obviously still insecure. Tina moved once more and Bette did the same. They now stood toe to toe; it was the closest Bette could step without trampling Tina’s feet.

“And now,” Tina said in a whisper, “it’s my turn again”

Bette swallowed as Tina’s hand reached her cheek. She turned her head into the soft touch and closed her eyes for a second. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Tina’s hand was trembling softly against the skin near her eyes. Bette covered the hand with her own and brought it away from her face. She brought the hand down between them and shook her head.

“You don’t need to-“ Before Bette could finish, she felt the lips push upon her own. They touched there tentatively for just a second before Tina’s head came away slowly. She raised the hand that Bette was holding and laced their fingers. She brought them up further, between their faces to show Bette. Once it was clear that Bette had seen the combination of skins, Tina pressed her mouth to the mocha portion of the mix.

Bette watched in amazement. Tina seemed to fluctuate between confidence and coy bashfulness; it was refreshing and Bette loved seeing both sides of her. She gulped, feeling her breath hitch. Tina leant up again and stole Bette’s lips, longer this time.

Their hands still joined, Bette placed her other at the base of Tina’s neck. The tingles threatening to overwhelm the blonde were immense. The intensity of the kiss left them both stunned against one another, blowing breath onto each other’s mouths. Tina tightened the hold on Bette’s hand. Bette stared straight in her eyes and Tina felt her reading them.

Tina smiled, their faces still close. She united them once again, this final kiss finished just as quickly as the first. She pulled away all too speedily and headed for the door, leaving Bette dumbfounded on the same spot. Upon reaching the door, Tina turned back to face her.

“Until tomorrow..” She said simply and departed smiling brightly.

Bette touched her lips with the fingers Tina’s hand had evacuated and her heart dizzied.

Until tomorrow..