The gang had all gathered at Radar. It was the first time they had all been together since the night of Provocations, but the awkwardness of the situation soon wore off as soon as a few drinks had been consumed. The others could tell that both Bette and Tina had made a real effort, and that it was mutually appreciated by the held glances that were being exchanged between the two. Shane returned to the table from the bar with another round of drinks.

“Ladies” she put five glasses on the table.

“Cheers!” they all took a sip of their drink.

“So Bette, we haven’t seen you out in a while, what have you been up to?” Shane asked.

“Well I’ve been working a lot. But I’m thinking about cutting down my hours”

“Really?” Alice exclaimed.

“Yeah. I’ve realised that I’m missing out on so much by being in the office all the time” Bette glanced at Tina.

“That must be a hard thing for you to do” Dana commented.

“God yeah, Porter the workaholic spending time somewhere other than the office? It’s gonna kill her” Alice added.

Bette glared at Alice “There are more important things in life than work”

“Am I hallucinating? Did I just hear you right?” Alice grinned.

“My priorities are changing” Bette said softly.

Tina sat there smiling. The tone of Bette’s voice told her that she was telling the truth. She knew that admitting that had been hard for Bette, but now wasn’t the time to tell her how much she appreciated it. She didn’t want the others watching any exchange between them.

“Aw the ice queen has a heart” Alice smothered Bette with a hug.

“Pile on!” Shane yelled and her and Dana jumped on the others.

“Get off!” Bette struggled away from their grasp with a smile on her face “and I am not an ice queen”

“Uh huh” Alice rolled her eyes.

“Tina will you please dance with me, I need to get away from these idiots” she nodded at the giggling bundle of Alice, Dana and Shane.

“Sure” Tina laughed and followed Bette to the dance floor.

They reached the dance floor and looked at each other nervously. A new song came on and they held each others’ gaze.

I’m thinking of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it’s wrong to love you
Then my heart just won’t let me be right
Coz I’m drowned in you
And I won’t pull through
Without you by my side

“How are we supposed to do this?” Bette asked.

“However we want. There are no rules”

“You know those three are all staring at us” Bette said without turning round.

“I know, let’s give them something to stare at” Tina grinned.

Smiling Bette slid her arm round Tina’s waist and took hold of her hand. Tina wrapped her arm round Bette’s shoulder and they looked into each others’ eyes. It was only then that the significance of the words of the song hit them.

I’d give my all
To have just one more night with you
I’d risk my life
To feel your body next to mine
Coz I can’t go on
Living in the memory of our song
I’d gove my all your love tonight

“Can I tell you something?” Bette asked softly.

“Anything”

Bette leant in and whispered in Tina’s ear “I never want to dance with anyone else”

Baby can you feel me
Imagining I’m looking in your eyes
I can see you clearly
Emblazened in my mind
And yet you’re so far
Like a distant star
I’m wishing on tonight

Alice, Dana and Shane watched as Bette and Tina wrapped their arms round each other.

“I’m touched” Shane said genuinely.

“They’re just made for each other, aren’t they?” Dana sighed.

“You guys, it’s a total PDA” Alice scolded.

“But it’s so cute” Shane shook her head.

I’d give my all
To have just one more night with you
I’d risk my life
To feel your body next to mine
Coz I can’t go on
Living in the memory of our song
I’d gove my all your love tonight

Bette and Tina rested their cheeks together. Their bodies moved together in a natural rhythm. There was no urgency, no lust, just comfort.

“I never want this song to end” Tina whispered.

“I would say all good things have to come to an end, but I don’t believe that” Bette replied.

“I hope they don’t” Tina lifted her head and looked into Bette’s eyes.

Tina ran her hand through Bette’s hair. They gazed at each other longingly. Neither knew who made the first move, but they leant their heads together and their mouths met. The kiss was soft and tender, but still elicited a moan from both women. As they broke away, they rested their heads together and held each other for the rest of the song.

The others watched them in silence. The power of the clear love between Bette and Tina had an effect on everyone.

“I wish someone would kiss me like that” Shane said quietly.

Alice and Dana looked at each other.

“Not you guys” Shane added.

“I know, I know, but joking aside most people spend a lifetime looking for what they’ve got and never find it” Alice said solemnly.

“They’re gonna make it, aren’t they?” Dana asked hopefully.

“Let’s hope so” Alice gazed at the couple.

“If they can’t make it there’s no hope for the rest of us” Shane observed.

“Let’s go join them” Alice grinned and led the others to the dance floor.

Bette and Tina were so wrapped up in each other that they didn’t notice their friends approaching until it was too late. They were ambushed into a bundle by the others, and that set the tone for the rest of the night.

As the evening drew to a close, Bette and Tina stood by the door waiting for the others to fetch their jackets.

“I had a great night” Tina said quietly.

“Me too. I love spending time with you” Bette moved a strand of hair from Tina’s face.

Tina pulled Bette into an embrace, which they didn’t break until the others joined them.

“Right lovebirds, let’s go” Alice pulled them all outside an into a taxi.