“So you’re saying I’m not just an interlude in your life?”  Bette was smiling but there was a vulnerability that she didn’t hide from Tina.  “Until your next real relationship?” 

“Definitely not.”

“And you’re not getting over ‘this’ anytime soon?”

“Hardly.”

“Yeah?” Bette flirted lightly.

“Yeah.”  Tina reciprocated.

“I’m so relieved,” the dark haired woman elaborated in good humor.  “My father would be so disappointed if he found out I’m only a segue to what’s next.”

“Should we call him?” Tina suggested playfully.  “I can reassure him myself.”

Again the brunette laughed her Bette Porter laugh.  With glistening teeth and her neck extended in delight, she released the remaining tension from this day’s events.

“You’re not a fling Bette.”  At least she hoped this was anything but temporary.  Tina motioned between them, “This isn’t like that for me.” 

The mood was shifting.  The seriousness in the blonde’s demeanor was in full flight.  With an open heart she knew this could be something extraordinary.  She looked at Bette with eager hope. 

“I can’t explain how it feels.”  There was wonder in her voice, “Everything inside tells me this is…real.”

“Eric doesn’t know you that well after all it seems.”  Bette was teasing though for Tina, what her companion said was simply fact.

Her lips twitched slightly, “He doesn’t know what I’m feeling."

“Remind me how that is again would you?” Bette inquired almost innocently.

By the end of tonight’s date, Bette would know there was no reason to chase her.  Tina had willingly surrendered and moreover, was now prepared to mount her own pursuit.  So in the quiet this private office afforded Tina said what she believed and felt through and through.  She would do more because this was more. 

“If you let me….”  Her voice was small and yet the message was undeniably strong, “I’ll do the chasing for a while all right?”

Bette regarded Tina.  The Yale graduate took a second and knew they had approached a turning point.  In this moment she wanted to demonstrate to this woman how special they could be.  Show her how they connected deeply even with the simplest touch.

She caressed Tina’s cheek with her own.  Both women felt something magical course through mind and body.  Although the act was subdued, it was exhilarating. 

It was sweet and lovely.

After a moment, the taller woman whispered an answer that left both women smiling greedily at the prospect of a relationship to celebrate.  Tina would later fondly remember how Bette’s voice was full of charm and depth.  How in her arms everything felt true.

Bette kissed Tina lightly where their cheeks had just touched then said, "Tag, you’re it.”

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