“Hey,” Alice greeted her.

“Hey. Do you have company?”

“No. Do you want to come over?” Alice asked her quickly, relieved to
hear from her. As strange as this arrangement was, she didn’t want to
lose the only contact she had with Dana that at least made her feel
connected to her. She had come to look forward to these evenings even
though they usually said little to each other.

“Sure. I’ll come by,” Dana agreed.

Twenty minutes later she buzzed the apartment to be let in.

Alice met her at the door.

“Hey, Dane,” Alice swallowed. “I’m sorry about this afternoon.”

Dana looked at her uncomfortably. She had assumed they would have to
talk about her therapy eventually but she didn’t see why it had to be
right that minute.

“It’s okay Al. I meant to tell you I was talking to someone earlier.
I shouldn’t have waited so long.” Dana told her, dismissing the
subject. She headed down the hall in a manner that did not invite more
discussion.

Getting the message, Alice gathered up her book and a glass of water
for bed. “Okay. Look, it’s just that. Good night, Dana.” Alice
finished awkwardly.

Dana waved ‘Good night’ to Alice as she set about making up the couch.

—————————————————————-

Unable to sleep, Alice went out to the kitchen. She was surprised to
find Dana up as well. She was staring at her mug on the counter,
waiting for her tea bag to seep. She seemed lost in thought.

Alice watched from the doorway behind her.

“You’re in couples therapy with me, aren’t you?” she asked quietly.

Dana continued to watch her tea darken,

“A little.” She confirmed.

Alice smiled behind her back, despite herself.

“A little, Dana?”

Dana sighed. “You know, you could benefit from a conversation or two on the couch, Alice.”

“You do not lay on a couch,” Alice laughed, amused with the visual.

Dana laughed with her, surprising them both.

“Stella would say this is classic “avoidance,” Dana informed her.

“Oh yeah? What am I avoiding?”

Dana hesitated a moment before approaching Alice.

“Me,” she answered softly. “I think you’re avoiding me.” She stood
like that, a breath away from Alice, very still, watching Alice’s face.

Alice looked back at her, dizzy from both her candor and her proximity.

Staring into Alice’s eyes, Dana’s look made it clear she was going
to kiss her if she wasn’t stopped. She tilted her head, and leaned into
Alice’s ear. “I want this,” she told her. She pulled back a bit and
looked at Alice, “I need this,” she admitted a little more urgently,
pulling Alice into her kiss.

After a moment, Alice broke the kiss, rolling her head back to
think. Dana gave a low growl in Alice’s ear, pulling her roughly into
her, “Come on, Alice.” She made the blonde look at her before kissing
her again.

Alice moaned her reply, returning the kiss hungrily. She desperately
wanted to give in to Dana; her entire body ached to be with her.

Dana found herself grinding into Alice’s leg, her head thrown back
as Alice ravaged her throat. She tried to slow her thoughts knowing
she’d replay this scene later. “Oh my God, where is this coming from?”
she wondered as she gasped into Alice’s mouth. Alice opened her eyes,
looking into Dana’s. “*****, Dana,” she whispered.

Okay,” Alice gasped, pushing off of Dana and groaning. She pushed
the bangs up off her forehead and looked to Dana for her reaction. Dana
was watching her and breathing heavily.

Alice backed away and poured herself a glass of water. She downed it completely before turning to the brunette.

“Do you think, maybe next time, I could come with you?” she asked shakily.

Dana looked at her confused for a moment. Then slowly,

She gave Alice a small smile and nodded.

“Okay. That might be good.” Dana managed. She bit her lip shyly.

They looked at each other awkwardly but hopefully for a few moments.
Finally Alice leaned in and gave Dana a quick peck on the cheek, “Good
night Dane.”

“Night, Al.”

TBC