As the night goes on, the truth becomes increasingly clear not just to their friends, but to everyone in the room. This isn’t some passing affair or experiment to Bette they are real and for the first time, they can see it.

Tina feels a familiar gaze on them sharp and lingering with a composed smile, she leads Bette through the crowd and stops in front of a tall man nursing a drink.

Tina (with polite warmth): Bette, meet my friend Henry.

Henry straightens up, his eyes flicking over Bette, then back to Tina lingering just a beat too long.

Henry (smiling, but there’s an edge): So, you’re the famous Bette. Tina’s been… elusive about you.

Bette (coolly, with a faint smile): I tend to inspire mystery.

Tina chuckles, easing the tension, but Bette already feels a quiet distaste settle in her chest. She can read people. And Henry, despite the friendly mask, radiates something possessive something unresolved.

Bette (to Tina, gently): I’ll go grab us drinks.

She leans in just enough, brushing her hand along Tina’s waist before disappearing into the crowd.

Henry (watching Bette go, sipping his drink): so… you are brining her to parties now.

Tina (measured, with a soft edge): She’s the kind of person you don’t bring around unless you mean it.

As Bette heads toward the bar where Helena is already leaning, sipping from a tall glass.

Helena (casually, without looking at her): You’re getting close to her.

Bette: Isn’t it obvious?

Helena (turning to her): You’re not just passing through, are you? Because if you are don’t.

Bette meets her eyes

Bette (quietly, with honesty): I didn’t plan on this. But I think I’m starting to like her… more than I expected.

Helena studies her for a beat before nodding, just once, then turns away.

With the drinks in hand, Bette returns to Tina, offering her a glass. Tina’s expression softens the moment their eyes meet, and for a while, they mingle with the others.

Bette (teasingly, as she leans in close to Tina): Your friends are very protective if I misstep even slightly I think they might throw me into the nearest pool.

Tina (laughing softly): They mean well, you just… caught them off guard.

Later, as a slow song begins to play, Bette reaches for Tina’s hand.