Tina exhaled, and pulled out her cellphone, using the faint light of the screen to guide her through the living room that was littered with women’s bodies. Slowly, and without incident, she made it to the bedroom door. Hesitating slightly, Tina gave careful consideration to what she was going to do next.

Okay, sneaking into your ex’s house at four in the morning didn’t really help one’s credibility, but it was the only way Tina could come up with that would allow her to be there, and avoid as much questions as she could. She could provide comfort, she could be supportive, she could be needed. In the dark, Tina would be safe from the things that she had run away to New York for.

Tina opened the bedroom door, and regarded the figure that lay on the bed.

Bette was facing away from her, so Tina crept closer, to study the woman she continued to love.

Bette lay curled up in bed, clutching the pillow against her so tightly that Tina almost felt sorry for the pillow. She did not wear her face of calm, the one that told Tina that Bette was only really at peace when she slept. No, right now Bette’s expression was troubled, and sleep did not seem to give her escape.

Tina’s heart broke at the sight of Bette, reminding her that even with so many months past, she continued to ache for this woman. Tina regarded Bette for a fairly long time, simply standing there and looking at this beauty, this woman that had captured her heart so completely and completed her in ways she hadn’t realized she was lacking.

Unable to stop herself, Tina gently reached down, and brushed aside a lock of hair from her beloved’s face. God, she was beautiful. Even in pain, even under duress, Bette still took her breath away.

Bette stirred slightly, following the sensation of Tina’s touch, and in her sleep hated herself for being so haunted by Tina.

Tina sighed, and turned to leave.

"Tee," Bette murmured, and in her uneasy slumber whimpered.

Tina hesitated now. God, was she really ready for this? Did she really have to be here? Yes, Bette said she needed her, but she wasn’t ready. She knew the consequences, she was aware of the risks of simply being here.

But Bette needed her. Tina understood what it had meant for Bette to call her, to tell her, simply, that she needed her.

Was this not what she came all the way here for? Tina took a deep breath. Dammit, Kennard, what was the whole point if you won’t do what you came out here to do?

Tina turned back to the bed, and shed her coat, dropping it to the floor. She slipped in bed beside Bette, and gathered the fragile beauty in her arms.

In the cusp of sleep and waking, Bette felt that warm embrace, so hauntingly familiar. So many years already and Tina’s touch still sent her senses into overdrive. It felt so real, so completely Tina, the touch that she had often dreamt about. "Tee?"

"I’m here, Bette. I’m here." Tina said softly, still wondering if she really knew what she was doing.

Her senses suddenly alert, Bette turned, and saw those warm hazel eyes that betrayed Tina’s sympathy. Bette felt relief, and gratitude, and so much love, that she immediately began to cry. "Thank you."

Tina smiled, and held Bette tighter against her. She was still worried, but she had no doubt that this was where she was supposed to be. She closed her eyes, and knew that the harsh light of day would undoubtedly bring questions.

to be continued