It was always this way with them. Passion lurked just below the surface, and it often erupted suddenly, when Bette allowed herself to open up to her lover.

Oh God T, I love you so much, she gasped between desperate kisses.

Tina froze. Wow. She had said it. Finally.

She pulled back with an enormous smile on her face, wondering if Bette would back away. This was it. Their chance to move on and really make something special happen.

Bette looked into Tinas delighted face. OK, so not quite according to plan, but Tina seemed happy enough. She watched the joy fill her eyes, and realized that she had no desire to back pedal, no urge to take back a syllable. She did love Tina, and she wanted the whole world to know it. Bette Porter was a changed woman, and she was in love.

She wondered how long it would take Alice to stop laughing at her.

You dont know how happy it makes me to hear you say that Bette, Tina said quietly, her eyes suddenly filled with tears. I love you too, I think I fell in love with you the first time I saw you.

Bette grinned back. She doubted the smile would disappear for a long time. Tina loved her too. Everything was wonderful with the world.

As they kissed once more, Bette wondered if she would ever feel this good again.

She was pulled back to the present as Tina gathered her belongings, and began to make her way out. Bette quickly followed, dropping some money on the table, and hurrying after her love.

Tina was loading up her car as Bette stood watching, just enjoying being able to look at her freely again. Tina glanced up at her, seeing Bettes slightly glazed expression.

You OK babe?

Bette shook herself out of her love-haze and stepped closer.

Yeah, Im just happy. She replied. Im happy were here, together. I dont mean together, together, she continued quickly before Tina could object to her phrasing. I just meant Im glad we can spend time with each other.

Tina looked at her for a moment, before reaching up and stroking her cheek. She looked into Bettes eyes for a few seconds, and then pulled her closer for a quick kiss. At least Tina intended it to be a quick kiss, but at the feel of Bettes lips, she found she was unable to let go as quickly as she had intended.

Tina brought her other hand up to cup her face as the kiss went on, still relatively friendly rather than overtly passionate, after all, they were in the parking lot in the middle of the day.

Bette compared the kiss to the one she had just been remembering, when she had first declared her love. So much time had passed, so many things had happened, but it was still better than kissing anyone else. Ever. She felt dizzy with emotion, overcome with love.

As Tina pulled away, Bette had to force herself to open her eyes. She felt like she was back in that club eight years ago, with all the possibilities in front of them once again. Only this time, she was totally sure what she wanted. This time it was Tina who was the one who would determine the next move, who had to admit her true feelings and take them forward.

Bette hoped it wouldnt take her too long.