For a moment, Tina didn’t say anything. Her eyes remained glued on Bette but her expression was completely blank, her mind swirling with the brunette’s words. Her arms were crossed defensively and if Bette looked close enough, she could that Tina’s eyes had begun to gloss.

It broke her heart to continue but Bette knew she had to.

"Things between us have been the complete opposite from what you’re used to and you’re trying to run because for the first time, you finally met someone who realizes just how special you are. Someone who’s willing to push back . . and that scares you"

Tina continued to remain silent but inside she was shaking. Bette was right. Bette was completely right about everything . . and Tina knew that.

"I think you’re pushing me away because on some level deep down, you think I’m going to be just like them. You think I’m just going to build you up, get you to let down your guard and then just leave. Well I’m sorry to break it to you, baby but I’m not going anywhere so you need to get used to it"

Tough love wasn’t something Bette usually specialized in but she figured there would be no other way to get through to Tina. She also wasn’t used to fighting for someone but to her, Tina was worth it.

Bette set the towel down on the arm rest of Tina’s couch before approaching her confused and broken girlfriend. She found it incredible how someone with such a beautiful personality could be holding so much pain deep down inside, hating the things Tina had been through and hated the people who had hurt her even more. It pained Bette to think that Tina had spent so much of her life alone and lonely, unable to understand why anyone hadn’t wanted to shower Tina with the love and affection she so deserved.

"What are you doing?" Tina whispered breathlessly, unable to tear her eyes away from the brunette even as Bette raised an arm to touch her.

"Nothing" Was Bette’s own whispered reply as she slowly ran the back of her index finger down Tina’s arm.