They both kissed, forgetting everything except each other in this moment, this moment of fleeting and instant passion that had been building for years. Instead of crumbling at their feet, it rose to great heights that they never anticipated. It was loneliness that truly brought them here, deep pains inside that had been caused by being alone for so long. In this heated night, they both hoped that this would cure some of their isolation, instead of thinking about any consequences.

Somehow they found their way to Bettes bedroom in the dark, clothes littering the hallway. Bette lit a candle by the bed before ripping off Tinas shirt. Letting her pants fall to the ground, Tina wrapped her bare legs around Bette, her strong thighs demanding control. Bette obliged to any request Tina made. As they touched and caressed, it felt as if their bodies hadnt aged a day. Their memories were fresh and lively, putting into practice each little detail they could remember that drove each other crazy. Their bond ran deep, and though it was broken, it was still connected in ways they never fully understood at the time. As moans escaped them, the bed groaned below them, rocking with their stormy rhythm. With one last thrust from Bette, Tina let out a loud cry simultaneously with Bette, and burst into tears, falling into the sheets, hiding her face.

Bettes heart was still pounding and sweat lingered on her brow, but she reached over and took Tinas face in her hands.

Do you regret it, T?

Tina shook her head. Im sorry.

Dont ever be sorry. Bette brushed the hair out of Tinas face, tucking it behind her ears and gently wiped the tears away. Tina fell asleep without explaining her tears or apology. Bette let it lie, deciding it could wait until morning.

But, when she woke in her bed, she remembered the night before and reached over for Tina as she had done so many mornings in their LA home. She stretched to the edge of the bed, but Tinas warm body was gone, leaving the bed cold and dreary. Bette sat up and called out for Tina, but there was no response. Sighing, she wandered in her apartment naked, her bare feet slapping the tiled floor of the kitchen. She spotted a note scribbled in haste.

Bette-

Im sorry about last night. It was a mistake. I dont know what came over me. It was good seeing you but my home isnt here. Til our next one in a million.

Tina

***

Bette jumped when she heard her name.

Earth to Bette! Shane called out from the couch.

What? Bette asked, coming out of her daydream.

Where were you? Alice asked throwing a pillow at her.

Bette looked around and smiled, once again pushing the pain deeper inside, away from the light of day. She calmly replied, Right here.