Tina: (smiling) Good answer.

As the night goes on, the music slows, and a romantic melody fills the air. Couples start to sway on the small dance floor. Bette looks at Tina, her expression warm and inviting.

Bette: Do you want to dance?

Tina hesitates for a moment before nodding.

Tina: I’d like that.

Bette leads her to the dance floor, her hand resting lightly on Tina’s waist as they begin to sway to the music. Tina looks up at her, her nervousness melting away in the warmth of Bette’s gaze.

The world around them fades, and for the first time that night, they’re completely in sync, their connection undeniable.

Bette and Tina sway gently to the romantic jazz tune, The dim lighting of the club, coupled with the soulful music, makes the moment feel intimate and magical. Around them, murmurs and subtle glances circulate the room. Women who know Bette Porter exchange whispers, their jealousy thinly veiled. A few eyes linger enviously on Tina, who seems blissfully unaware, fully immersed in the moment with Bette.

As the song ends, Tina pulls back slightly, her cheeks flushed, her smile soft.

Tina: (playfully) You’re pretty good at this. Do you take all your dates dancing?

Bette: (smiling warmly) Not really. Most don’t get past coffee.

Tina raises an eyebrow at that, amused.

Tina: Guess I’m special, then.

Bette: (leaning closer, her voice low and sincere) You have no idea.

Tina looks away shyly, but her smile deepens. They head back to their table, finish their drinks, and soon decide to call it a night.

The cool night air greets them as they leave the club. The streets are quieter now, and the faint sounds of the city provide a calming backdrop. They walk side by side, their steps unhurried.

Tina: Thank you for tonight, Bette. I haven’t had this much fun in… well, in a long time.

Bette: (smiling) I’m glad. I wanted it to be special.

As they reach Tina’s dorm building, they pause at the entrance. An awkward silence falls between them, both of them unsure of what comes next. Bette shoves her hands into her pockets, her usually confident demeanor slightly faltering.

Bette: So… I guess this is goodnight.

Tina: (nodding) Yeah. Goodnight.

There’s a moment of hesitation as they both linger, neither wanting to walk away just yet. Finally, Tina breaks the silence, her tone hopeful.

Tina: Breakfast tomorrow?

Bette: (smiling, relieved) Absolutely. How about 9 a.m.?

Tina: (teasing) Better not stand me up, Porter.

Bette: (with mock seriousness) I wouldn’t dream of it.

Tina chuckles, giving her a small wave before heading inside. Bette watches her go, a soft smile on her face, before turning to head back to her own dorm.

Bette’s Dorm Room – Late Night

Bette walks into her room, closing the door quietly behind her. She leans against it for a moment, letting out a deep breath. Alice is nowhere to be seen, likely out with Shane and the others. The room is quiet, and the only light comes from the desk lamp she left on.

She sits on her bed, kicking off her boots and leaning back against the pillows. Her mind is racing, replaying the night over and over the way Tina laughed, the warmth in her eyes, the way her hand fit perfectly in Bette’s as they danced.

For the first time in a long while, Bette feels something she can’t quite put into words. It’s not just attraction it’s deeper, more meaningful. She runs a hand through her hair, letting out a soft chuckle.

Bette: (to herself) You’re in trouble, Porter.

She glances at her phone, tempted to text Tina, but decides against it. Instead, she sets an alarm for the morning, eager for their breakfast date. As she finally settles into bed, a rare sense of contentment washes over her. With Tina on her mind, she drifts off to sleep, a small smile lingering on her lips.

Would you like me to continue with the breakfast…