By: Dreiser


Swallowing the lump in her throat, Dana stared at the ominous building in front of them and instinctively reached backwards to take Alice’s hand in her own. The blonde moved forward, concern lining her features as she pressed against Dana’s back, breath warming her skin.

“Are you sure you’re ready to do this, Dane?” asked Alice gently, threading their fingers and squeezing the tennis player’s hand. “We don’t have to do it now. There’s no rush…”

Taking a slow and steadying breath then releasing it in a loud whoosh, Dana smiled shakily and looked to Alice. “I’m ready,” she murmured in tremulous tones but her expression remained steady in its resolve. “I want to do this… I need to do this. And the sooner I do this then the sooner I can finally start to try and move on. Besides,” Dana bit her lower lip to turn and face the building again. “This is the right thing to do.”

Following Dana’s gaze to stare at the large sign that said in cheerful lettering ‘Kitten Adoption Special’, Alice nodded her head. “Sure, it’s the right thing,” she soothed. “Picking out some sad kitty version of Little Orphan Annie is the totally right thing to do. Plus it’s humane… you know,” Alice formed a goofy grin and nudged the still solemn Dana. “Like the society.”

“Al,” Dana said her name in a combination of exasperation and fondness.

“Come on,” chuckled Alice, squeezing Dana’s hand again as she moved around the brunette and towards the building. “Lets go find you a new fur covered friend.” As they walked, something occurred to Alice and looking at Dana, she said, “Dane? How did you get Mr. Piddles anyway? I mean, did you pick him out yourself like this? I never asked you.” Another lump automatically appeared in Dana’s throat and she had to swallow it before replying. This was an action that Alice instantly recognized. “It’s okay!” she exclaimed. “You don’t have to answer me, I know how much you miss him. I was only wondering.”

“No, Al, it’s fine,” assured Dana, caressing Alice’s hand that remained in her own as they entered the building. “I want to tell you. I like the story, actually.”

She started to say more but they found themselves soon greeted by a Humane Society worker wearing a bright smile. “Hi!” she said in cheerful tones, clapping her hands together. “Are you here for our kitten adoption special or is there something else I can help you with?”

Dana froze at the question and seeing this, Alice returned the bright smile with a dazzling one of her own and drawled in a silly cops and robbers voice, “We’ve come for your kittens.”

“That’s great!” declared the worker, giggling at Alice’s fake voice and giving her an appreciative study. “I’ll take you to see them. We’ve got a wonderful group of kittens to choose from. They’ve all been given their required shots, have been spayed or neutered, and we’ve also made an effort to socialize them.” She looked back to Alice and Dana who were trailing after her. Locking eyes with Alice, she said, “My name is Sally, by the way. Just so you know who to ask for if you need help.”

“Thanks Sally,” said Dana, replying before Alice could get the chance, her blue eyes narrowing slightly and her tone a tad warning. “We appreciate the thought.”

Chuckling at the appearance of jealous Dana, which she honestly found to be a little bit of a turn on, Alice stepped back to lean into the brunette. They had stopped in their walk as they had reached where the kittens were located. Putting her hands on top of Dana’s arms which easily snaked around her waist, Alice said sincerely, “Thanks for that. We’ll be sure to let you know if we need anything.”

Sally returned Alice’s smile with one that put her previous to shame in its sheer glittering happy power then turned on her heel to begin a sort of skipping walk away. Watching her depart, Dana’s eyes narrowed more and she muttered, “It’s unnatural for someone to be that friendly.”

“You’re adorable when you’re needlessly jealous,” murmured Alice, turning to face Dana and speaking through the light kiss she delivered. At her words, the tennis player reddened with embarrassment and averted her eyes. Something Alice couldn’t help but notice, making her cup Dana’s cheek and lean in closer to whisper in her ear, “But you do know you have nothing to be jealous about, right? You’re the only one I want.”

“I know,” responded Dana. She continued to keep her gaze from Alice’s, locking it on a fixed point across the room. Then she felt Alice’s other hand rise up to hold her face and gently move it so their eyes would meet. Looking down into brown eyes, Dana’s heart jumped at the desire and devotion reflected there. Her throat becoming dry, she said hoarsely, “I know.”

“Good,” Alice said softly, pulling Dana in for a kiss that was sweet and simple. It was a kiss meant to reassure and nothing else since they were, after all, in a public place. “Now lets find you a kitten!” she declared, pulling back and swinging Dana’s hand in her own as she walked through the aisles of large wire cages where the kittens were kept. “There’s got to be someone here you’ll like.”

As if on cue, the kittens seemed to spring to life, crawling in their cages and meowing. Some standing on their hind legs and batting their tiny paws through their wire cages to reach out to Alice and Dana, wanting their attention. Dana paused at one of the larger cages that held four kittens who were obviously related, their orange coloring was so similar. Immediately, the kittens rushed to the edge of the cage and proceeded to climb on top of each other in a massive pile as they all fought to be on top to best capture Dana’s attention.

Laughing in delight, Dana released Alice’s hand and stepped closer, crouching down and poking a finger into the cage that the closest kitten rubbed its head against and licked several times. “You’re so cute,” she whispered. The kitten meowed in response and nuzzled her finger again.

The moment Dana said this, the other three kittens launched at the one she spoke to and they were soon entangled in what looked to be a fairly fierce battle. Leaping to her feet, Dana nervously backed into Alice who rested her hands on Dana’s hips, steadying her. Sally appeared and opened the top part of the cage, easily separating the kittens who were starting to calm down.

“Don’t worry about it,” Sally said with a laugh, closing the cage and facing them. “These guys are the example of sibling rivalry. They always act like this.” Tilting her head, she studied Dana then said thoughtfully, “I think a kitten who is more mellow and relaxed would suit you best.” She paused and seemed to contemplate this then smiling brightly, snapped her fingers and exclaimed, “I’ve got it!” Dana and Alice watched a bit stupefied as Sally disappeared down the aisle. When they didn’t follow, her head poked out from around a corner and she waved at them in an large and impatient circular gesture. “Come on!” she said excitedly. “I have the perfect new friend for you. I think that he’s quite possibly the mellowest kitten in all of existence.”

Exchanging a perplexed look with Alice before shrugging her shoulders, Dana followed after Sally with Alice trailing along, still holding onto her hand. They turned the corner to see Sally stood at the end of the aisle, in front of a smaller cage that contained a lone kitten inside of it.

They stepped closer, standing next to Sally to take the first good look at the tiny creature. He sat or was that stood? Well, he sat or stood at the center of the cage and looked at them with a solemn expression on his furry features. Though it was hard to really tell that for sure just like it was hard to tell if he was sitting or standing because he was, without a doubt, the furriest kitten either of them had ever seen. So furry that his eyes, dark and somber, were barely visible through his thick mass of dark grey fuzz. The kitten cocked his head to one side to look at Dana who stepped up to the cage and cautiously poked her finger inside. Staring at the finger for several moments before releasing a low rumbling purr and walking forward, the kitten affectionately rubbed his head against Dana’s finger in a movement that caused her to inadvertently scratch behind his ears.

“He’s perfect,” said Dana quietly, eyes becoming teary as the kitten reminded her of Mr. Piddles. Suddenly recalling Alice’s presence and not wanting to exclude her, Dana darted her gaze to the blonde who smiled tenderly at her. “What do you think, Al?”

“I think he’s perfectly poofy,” replied Alice humorously and when Dana rolled her eyes, she laughed. “I’m just kidding, Dane. I think Sally called it, this is the kitten for you.”

“I thought you’d like him,” Sally murmured and she offered Dana a caring smile before moving around her to remove the kitten from his cage. “You seemed like you would want a companion, someone with a warm personality, and that,” she laughed happily as the kitten nuzzled her face when she picked him up. “Is without a doubt this little guy.” Carefully handing him over to Dana who held him up and allowed him to lick her face, Sally smiled and asked, “Do you need to pick up any supplies while you’re here? A litter box and so on? I can have someone help you pick it out while I get the adoption papers ready.”

“I do,” said Dana who nodded, reluctantly drawing her gaze from the kitten and to Sally. “I also wanted to know if you take donations of things like that? My cat passed away a few months ago and it didn’t seem right to reuse his things…” She trailed off, blushing red with embarrassment and locked her gaze with Alice who looked at her with love.

“Of course we do,” said Sally in a kind voice and she reached out to touch Dana’s arm, making the tennis player focus on her. Her hand lightly rubbed tanned skin and Sally continued, “I understand exactly what you mean.” She formed a smile so breathtaking it completely left her previous dazzling and bright ones in the dust as she squeezed Dana’s arm gently. “You loved your pet like he was a person because to you he was as important as any person.” Sally’s smile became blinding then she let her hand fall from Dana’s arm and turned to walk out of the room. “I’m going to head up front to get your adoption papers ready. I’ll send back another worker to help you pick out his supplies.”

Alice and Dana stared after her in silence then Alice lifted an eyebrow and said with a sardonic lilt, “I guess she’s an equal opportunity flirt.”

“We’re obviously nothing special,” replied Dana who chuckled as the kitten, whom she had tucked in her arms, began to make a slow and careful climb up her chest with his tiny clawed paws. She reached down to hold him tenderly, setting him on her shoulder where he balanced perfectly and nuzzled her neck. Laughing at the sensation of his super fuzzy head against her skin, Dana rubbed the kitten’s back. When she looked to Alice, she saw the blonde watching her with a veiled expression that she couldn’t properly discern. “What?”

The veiled expression shifted and revealed a look of overwhelming affection and desire as Alice stepped forward to kiss Dana slow and thorough. When she pulled back, she cupped Dana’s cheek, chuckling and letting her hand fall to rub the kitten’s head who purred and pressed into her touch. “I was just wondering how it’s possible for you to be so damn cute and still be ***** ***** at the same time.” Wiggling her eyebrows in that silly manner that always made Dana laugh, and this was no exception as the brunette giggled at her, Alice drawled, “It seems wrong somehow. Like I’m some sort of cute person chasing pervert.”

“Maybe that’s because you are,” said Dana impishly, leaning down to drop a quick kiss on Alice’s lips before taking her hand. Leading them through the room and trying her best to ignore the plaintive meows of the kittens they were leaving behind, while smiling at the sound of the one on her shoulder purring low and happy into her ear as he nuzzled her neck. “But don’t worry, Al. I don’t think the police prosecute for that kind of perversion yet.”

“Thank god,” Alice said in a voice of exaggerated relief. “Because now that you’ve got that poofy new friend of yours I think I would end up behind bars for life if they did.”

A cute laugh and purr greeted Alice in response.

—

The time was eleven a.m. on the dot and Bette was currently involved with her scheduled phone date, one that was faithfully kept each and every day unless an email was received from one person to the other saying they were unable to make it.

“May I ask you something personal?” Bette questioned, adjusting her position on the couch and sinking deeper into the cushions. An impossibly alluring chuckle met her ears and she smiled. “And may I also ask what precisely is so very funny?”

“You are,” rumbled the accented voice in light humor. “We speak of nothing but the personal aspects of our lives so how could you doubt I would allow you to question me on it?”

Rolling her eyes at this, Bette remarked, “You truly do delight at the idea of making yourself frustrating to others don’t you, Marina?”

“I do find it amusing,” Marina chuckled. She was silent for a moment then in a sad and comforting voice she said, “What was it that you wanted to ask of me?”

“Why stay married?” asked Bette, finally voicing the question that had been rolling around in her mind ever since she discovered the truth behind the other woman’s marriage. “I understand why you went along with your family’s wishes and married him in the first place but if you’re both living separate lives like you are… what’s the point of it? Why not get a divorce?”

“What is the point of a divorce?” responded Marina in a verbal thrust and parry that Bette sighed quietly at. Hearing this, Marina decided to gather her thoughts then she replied with sober honesty, “I see no reason to divorce him. We have lived separate lives for years, this is true, but just as there is no need for the marriage there is no need for the divorce. What would it change? My life would be the same with or without it and keeping it pleases my family. That is enough.”

“Marina,” murmured Bette in husky tones.

“Yes?” Marina’s voice floated easily into her ear, matching Bette’s in its sensuality.

“That is the stupidest ***** thing I’ve ever heard,” stated Bette plainly. Playfully rearranging the pillows at the end of the couch with her feet, she squirmed around. “Do you know how inactive that is? It’s like keeping yourself in stasis. How are you supposed to change your life if you keep things in it the same because it’s easier to do it that way?”

“You have made a convincing argument,” answered Marina. There was silence and Bette heard her mutter something in Italian under her breath rather irately. Then she came back on the line and murmured, “I know you are right, Bette. But what I do not know is if I have the strength to change my life as of now. It is… difficult to find a reason why I should,” she said, subdued and sorrowful.

“Jenny asks about you,” Bette revealed softly. “She came over and happened to look at my laptop when I left it on the kitchen table. She saw an email from you… so I told her that we’ve been talking. I think she wanted to ask me about your marriage to Manfredi but instead she asked how you were.”

“What did you tell her?” asked Marina, her accented voice holding an understated edge of danger despite the distance between them.

“I told her the truth,” said Bette in wry tones. “That I’m not really sure how you were because sometimes it’s hard to tell with you. She laughed and now almost every time I see her she asks about you and I always tell her that same thing.”

“Jenny,” Marina breathed the name out in an odd tortured longing. Bette would never quite understand that relationship or the bond they shared and she wasn’t sure she wanted to. No matter how close she and the European woman were getting thanks to their daily phone chats.

Bette opened her mouth to perhaps give into the perverse desire to know what it was about Jenny that continued to plague Marina when she heard a knock at her front door. “Hold on,” she murmured into the phone as she rose to her feet. “I’m going to see who that is.”

“If it is Jenny do not tell her it is me you are speaking to,” ordered Marina in what Bette supposed was meant to be a stern voice but sounded more desperate to her ears.

“I won’t,” replied Bette, rolling her eyes as she pulled the door open and whatever words she was going to say next died as she stared at Tina standing in front of her. “Tina,” she whispered.

“It is Tina?” Marina asked curiously. She paused then said with a devilish combination of charm and humor, “In that case you may tell her it is me you are speaking to.”

Ignoring the joke, Bette kept her eyes locked on Tina, unable to believe she was really there. “I’ll call you back, Marina,” she said quietly to her friend before ending the call with a push of a button.

“I didn’t know you still spoke with Marina,” said Tina, speaking the moment Bette hung up the phone. “You two weren’t exactly on the best of terms when she left.”

“No, we weren’t,” admitted Bette with self effacing humor. “Which was entirely my fault, not hers. I had no right to judge her back then and I certainly have no right to judge her right now. Once I realized that, I called her to apologize and we’ve been speaking daily ever since. Strangely enough, she and I have a fair amount in common.” Bette pulled her gaze from Tina, afraid if she looked at her any longer she’d get lost in the beauty she saw there and stared into the distance. “It’s nice,” she eventually said in a bare whisper. “Talking with someone who understands.”

“We used to be able to talk like that,” Tina responded, her vocal tones matching the dejected expression on her face. “I miss it,” she looked Bette squarely in the eyes. “I miss being able to talk to you like that. I miss us, Bette.” Hope flared in dark brown eyes and the brunette took a hesitant step towards Tina who formed a welcoming smile. Reaching down to hold Bette’s hands in her own, Tina stared at them then continued, “I don’t know if I can forgive you but I do know that I want to try.”

“Will have you dinner with me?” asked Bette eagerly, rubbing Tina’s hands in a warm gesture, holding them up to press against her heart. Tina smiled gently and nodded in response, making Bette’s smile widen. “Tomorrow night?” she asked next, her voice practically giddy with happiness. Tina gave another nod and laughed as Bette seemed to bounce on her heels slightly. “Italian? Giavanos? Or someplace light? The Gardens?”

Laughing again, Tina shook her head and remarked, “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you this excited, Bette. Does having dinner really make you that happy?”

Sobering at Tina’s words, Bette took a small step forward and ducked her head so her dark eyes met Tina’s lighter gaze. And holding that connection close, she murmured, earnest and heartfelt, “I’m happy if I get the chance to just catch a glance of you. I’m thrilled if I get any opportunity to speak with you. But to know you’re going to try… god… you’re going to try and forgive me for the worst thing I’ve done in my life thus far? And you’re willing to have dinner with me on top of it? Well,” Bette formed a smile of spectacular proportions and lifted Tina’s hands to her mouth to kiss them tenderly. “I’m ecstatic. No, make that over the moon I’m so far gone with happiness.”

Extricating her hands from Bette’s and lifting one to stroke the side of the other woman’s cheek, Tina replied softly, “Me too.”

—

The living room was a chaotic mess of toys, furniture, and empty boxes as Alice and Dana opened the various supplies they had bought for the furry new addition to their lives. Taking a step back to study her handiwork, Alice tilted her head and squinted at the super fancy yet had to be assembled wicker kitty pod Dana had purchased. It was basically a fancy bowl on four legs that was elevated high off the ground. Supposedly cats preferred sleeping higher up… at least that’s what the sales girl had told them. Alice didn’t know if she believed that but Dana liked it and that was good enough.

“I’m not meant for assembling,” said Alice dryly, staring at the kitty pod that just didn’t look right to her. “I’m not an assembler. I didn’t like legos as a kid, you know? I liked Candyland. Mostly because I thought it was a real place somewhere.”

Glancing up from the cat tree which the kitten was busy exploring at his own slow but sure pace, Dana looked at the kitty pod with a scrutinizing gaze. A small frown formed on her features and she said after a moment, “It’s leaning to the left. One of the legs is uneven, Al.”

“*****,” muttered Alice, staring at the pod. Scowling deeply, she threw her hands up in agitation. “I’ll say it again, I’m so not an assembler!” Turning to Dana, she pointed at her and announced, “You are to never allow me to attempt assembling again, you got it Dane?”

“Aye, aye!” Dana saluted and gave a silly grin.

The kitten paused in his slow exploration to face Alice and stare at her solemnly. Lifting an eyebrow, she moved forward to put her face in front of his and drawled, “What are you looking at, poofy?”

He continued to stare at her solemnly then walked over to Alice and nuzzled her face, releasing a low rumbling purr that made it sound as if he had a tiny engine inside his furry body. Dana giggled at this and remarked, “I think he likes you.”

“Mmm,” Alice murmured in affable tones and she picked up the kitten. She plopped down on the couch and grabbed the edge of Dana’s shirt, tugging on it until the brunette was sitting next to her. When Dana settled in, she rested her head on her shoulder and released her hold on the kitten. “I think he needs a name. Do you have any ideas?”

“I don’t know…” said Dana thoughtfully, her eyes lidded and she rubbed the kitten’s head as he bumbled over to her, climbing on her jean covered legs. Although she tried her best to ignore it, the kitten couldn’t help but remind her of Mr. Piddles and she found herself missing him terribly.

“How about Dryer Lint? That’s what he looks like,” offered Alice mischievously, noticing Dana going into a slight funk and wanting to stop it before it actually happened.

“Dryer Lint?” echoed Dana, frowning severely. “Al!” she cried, sounding utterly offended, stroking the kitten’s head who was climbing up her chest. “That’s mean.”

“That’s a no for Dryer Lint, okay,” Alice mused as she rubbed her chin. Another impish smile formed and she suggested, “Dust Bunny?” Instead of responding verbally in the negative, Dana reached out to playfully grip Alice’s neck and rock her to and fro. Squealing happily at the touch, Alice exclaimed, “Okay, okay, I’ll be good! I promise!”

“I wonder if I should name him the same way I did for Mr. Piddles,” said Dana quietly, the memories seizing her and she smiled fondly at the recollection.

The kitten had reached the top of Dana’s shoulder, which Alice’s head was lazily resting on, and started a cautious walk on top of her messy blonde head of hair. Something Alice decided to allow as she peered at Dana and asked, “How did you choose Mr. P’s name? And how did you get him? You said that you would tell me.”

Dana looked to Alice and couldn’t help but smile affectionately on seeing the kitten was nestled on top of her head, his eyes closed in total contentment. “You’re not actually going to let him stay there, are you Al? I don’t think kittens are among the best of LA’s fashionable headwear.”

“Eh,” Alice made a dismissive noise, hands playing with Dana’s shirt and slipping under it to trace her initials onto the flat stomach. “He can sit there as long as he wants if he doesn’t take a *****.”

“Yuck,” said Dana, scrunching her nose in distaste.

“Tell the story,” commanded Alice, poking Dana’s stomach. Smiling when the tennis player twisted in her seat, automatically giggling at her touch because she was horribly ticklish in certain places of her body. Places that Alice had learned and expertly memorized in their numerous times together.

“It’s not some sort of grand epic tale,” Dana said, rolling her eyes. She snuggled further into the couch and sighed happily when Alice’s hand spread possessively across her abdomen to stroke the skin in a lazy motion. “I just got finished playing in the USTA National Open, right? I made it all the way to the Quarter Finals for the Girls 12 division only to lose because of stupid call.” Dana’s face darkened slightly and she scowled, muttering under her breath, “I still say the ball was in.”

Chuckling at the competitive streak Dana naturally exhibited over any tennis match, even one several years old, Alice tilted her head and pressed a kiss onto the other woman’s jaw. “And then?” she inquired, although at this point she could honestly predict how the rest of the story would go.

“My parents knew I had been wanting a pet for awhile and so on the drive home we stopped by the Humane Society,” said Dana, looking lost in the memories. Gazing at the kitten who was now asleep as he rested on Alice’s head. “Mr. Piddles was just like him when we got him. All by himself in a cage but he didn’t seem scared or lonely…”

“How did you pick his name?” asked Alice softly.

“We couldn’t think of anything good so my dad came up with the idea of waiting and getting to know him then we would decide on a name that was based on his personality,” answered Dana, shrugging her shoulders a bit.

“And you came up with Mr. Piddles,” Alice drew the words out in a sardonic lilt.

“Yeah, well,” Dana reddened and looked off to one side. “He wasn’t really a cat that responded to orders or anything, you know? He took his time. My dad said he was always piddling around… so we decided to name him after that since it was sort of what he did all of the time.”

Silence enveloped them and Alice shifted her position to cup Dana’s cheek, waking the kitten on the top of her head in the process. When the tennis player met her gaze, she smiled sweetly and moved closer to kiss her languidly. When they parted with muted sighs, Alice murmured, “I liked your story.”

“Thanks,” whispered Dana, smiling shyly. She chuckled as the kitten bumbled down from Alice’s head, his fluffy body dropping to cover her face as he began to slowly slide down. “Hey you,” she murmured fondly to him, gently holding him to lift him off of Alice’s face. “Al might like to eat ***** but not your kind so you shouldn’t try things like that.” Feeling more than anything the strange gaze Alice was fixing on her, Dana turned to the blonde who was gaping at her. “What?”

“You!” Alice exclaimed, wildly gesturing at Dana. “I can’t believe you just said that.” Her expression filled with playful delight, she pressed closer and spoke into the tennis player’s lips for a kiss. “You’re ***** when you say naughty words.”

Dana responded with a moan and opened her mouth wider, inviting Alice for entrance. Something the other woman took immediate advantage of, deepening the kiss, sinking into the brunette as she used her tongue to capture Dana’s who groaned in appreciation. They were soon interrupted by a pair of furry paws resting on their faces and upon separating they looked to see the kitten studying them with a solemn expression.

“You know, I really like you Marshmallow Kitty,” drawled Alice humorously, lifting up the kitten and holding him over her head, making it so they were looking into each others eyes. “But you’re killing my libido. I was getting into that kiss, you hear what I’m sayin’?”

“What did you just say?” asked Dana in a sudden demand, launching herself at Alice who looked at her in confusion.

“You hear what I’m sayin’,” Alice echoed, frowning and fearing for Dana’s sanity.

“No, not that,” Dana waved it off. “What did you call him?”

“Marshmallow Kitty,” said Alice slowly, frowning more. She set the kitten down on the couch, watching as he bumbled his way over to Dana to scratch at her jeans. “It’s not an insult or anything, Dane. I swear. I mean, he is super poofy like a marshmallow and he’s a kitty so… Marshmallow Kitty,” Alice shrugged, at a loss to further explain why she had called the tiny creature that.

Breaking into a glorious smile that Alice felt certainly could outshine the sun, Dana held the kitten gently and moved her face close to his. “Did you hear that?” she murmured to him. “That’s your name.” The kitten cocked his head, releasing a rumbling purr and nuzzling Dana’s neck when she placed him down to rest on her chest. “Your name is Marshmallow Kitty.”

“Oh god,” Alice pronounced after watching them. Shaking her head mournfully, she let herself fall down onto Dana’s lap to sprawl across the other woman who smiled at this and tousled her messy blonde hair. “You two are just bound and determined to make me into a card carrying cute thing chasing pervert, aren’t you? My fate is sealed.”

Laughing at Alice and Marshmallow Kitty, who at the journalist’s movement slid down to rest on her head again, Dana smiled at them both. “At least it’s an enjoyable fate,” she consoled, moving in and kissing Alice sweetly who sighed happily and returned the embrace with delicious abandon.

—

They had promised Shane they would make an appearance at the casual excuse for a party she was having at her and Jenny’s house. Knowing full well that Shane would harass them until infinity and beyond unless they showed up, they decided to attend as promised. But not without their newfound furry friend whom they felt shouldn’t be left alone on his first night with them. Thus leading to them face a smiling Jenny when she opened the door with Alice holding beer in her hands while Dana had Marshmallow Kitty in her own.

“Kitty!” Jenny exclaimed on seeing Dana’s welcome burden. “She’s so tiny, can I hold her?”

“Sure,” said Dana, laughing as she handed Marshmallow Kitty over to Jenny as Alice shut the front door. “And it’s a boy. His name is Marshmallow Kitty because… well… that’s what he is.”

“That’s too cute,” gushed Jenny, smiling as the kitten nuzzled her face. “Did you just get him?”

“Yup,” Alice said the word with a defined pop, moving around Dana and Jenny and into the living room. “We adopted our own fuzzy feline version of Little Orphan Annie today, like any self respecting animal loving ***** couple should.” Standing in front of Shane who was lying comfortably on the couch, her head in a random girl’s lap, Alice arched an eyebrow and lifted the beer for inspection. “You want something to drink, casanova?”

“No thanks,” rumbled Shane, smiling at Alice. “I didn’t think you were gonna show.” She nodded towards the two girls sitting on the floor across from her, Shane drawled, “You know Beth and Erin, right? That’s Carmen,” she lazily gestured towards the Latina going through cds in front of the stereo. Shane then grinned and tipped her head back, threading her fingers into hair of the girl whose lap she rested in. “And this is Julia.”

Watching as Shane proceeded to make out heavily with Julia and rolling her eyes at the obvious display, Alice drawled, “Charmed, I’m sure.” She then looked to Dana with an expression that clearly asked why they were there. The tennis player shrugged sheepishly and made her way over to Alice.

Dana left Marshmallow Kitty in Jenny’s capable and very doting hands and sank down on the couch across from Shane, taking the beer that her girlfriend offered her. Alice snuggled next to Dana, a bored look already forming on her features. Wanting to ease the agitation Alice was obviously feeling for whatever reason, Dana moved her free hand back to play with the hairs at the nape of the blonde’s neck, who sighed in pleasure at her touch.

“Man, you two are such a couple, yeah?” remarked Beth, squinting at them and laughing. “I totally didn’t believe it when Shane said you were going out now.”

“Oh?” asked Alice, looking intrigued. An amused glint appearing in her brown eyes, she fell into Dana who placed her arm on the back of the couch and around Alice’s shoulders. “You’ve turned into the little ***** bird of gossip haven’t you, Shane?”

“I live to spread news of happiness and joy,” rumbled Shane, grinning mischievously at them. At her words, Carmen laughed softly and Shane looked to her, locking their gazes before seeming to snap out of the daze she was in and turning her attention back to Julia who was kissing her neck.

Observing this in silent contemplation, Alice shifted her gaze to Carmen who was doing her best to pretend she didn’t notice the make out session Shane was involved with but failing utterly. Then she looked back to her friend who, for some odd reason, didn’t seem to really be enjoying her current activities. And her actions were almost forced to Alice, as if she was putting on a show. Looking back to Carmen who had given up her facade of pretending to ignore Shane and watched the hair stylist with an expression of veiled hurt, Alice put two and two together.

And Dana, who had been watching Alice during her subtle investigation, did the same. Only it was easier for Dana to see what was happening with Shane because it had happened to her countless times already. The choice to push away someone you knew was beginning to seriously care about you simply due to the fear of them hurting you one day. Trying your best as you did this to not think on how much you were hurting them in the process.

“*****,” Dana muttered accusingly, taking a slow drink of her beer and fixing her gaze onto Shane who was continuing to make out with Julia.

Hearing this quiet utterance and seeing the grim set of Dana’s jaw, Alice pushed back a lock of brown hair and murmured into her ear, “Are you going to talk to her?”

Turning to look into Alice’s eyes, Dana dropped her head a bit in acknowledgement, making the blonde smile in loving affection as she moved to meet their lips for a slow kiss. A kiss that Carmen and Shane, even if the latter refused to admit it, watched enviously.

—

The beer supply in the living room had finally run out, causing Shane to head into the kitchen to restock it. Creating the perfect opportunity for Dana to have her talk with Shane. Although she would have be a good deal quieter than she planned in making her points thanks to the fact that kitchen happened to be in direct view of the living room.

Which is why when Shane turned around from the refrigerator, beer in hand to stare at Dana, she was standing just a breath away. “What’s up, Dane?” asked Shane in confusion.

“You’re being a *****,” proclaimed Dana in a passionate but muted whisper. She then leaned forward and gave into her instincts, flicking Shane lightly between her eyes with her index finger. “A big stupid I’m too super cool to care about lame things like feelings *****.”

“Dude, what the *****?” demanded Shane, rubbing her forehead after putting the beers down on the counter. “What’s wrong with you? I’m not doing anything I don’t always do.”

“Liar,” Dana said simply, her face the portrait of skepticism. “That’s such a lie because when you always do this you usually enjoy yourself and you’re not right now. You’re only doing this to prove something to yourself.” Shane snorted at this and muttered a remark under her breath. Dana observed this then went on to say delicately, “And to Carmen.”

Shane’s head immediately jerked up when Dana said Carmen’s name, her green eyes lidded and she rumbled, “Leave her out of this, Dana. There’s nothing between her and me. Besides, I talked to her… she knows the deal.”

Releasing a deep sigh, Dana ran her fingers through wavy brown hair and bit her bottom lip. Finally looking to Shane, she decided this wasn’t going anywhere but she had to at least tell her friend one last thing. “I know what it’s like,” she began in heartfelt tones that echoed of absolute honesty. “I know how it feels to be so afraid of being hurt you choose to live your life alone, never letting anyone get close enough to really know and love you. But you know what?” Dana paused, forming a small secretive smile then she leaned in and whispered into Shane’s ear, “Taking the chance, dealing with that fear, putting yourself on the line? It’s so worth it, Shane.”

That said, Dana turned on her heel, walking back to Alice and Marshmallow Kitty who was once again perched on his favorite sleep spot that was the top of her head. Shane watching her go with a thoughtful expression on her sharp features.

—

Two six-packs of beer and the abrupt departure of Carmen later, Dana found herself as the only person in Bette’s pool wearing both their bra and underwear. Something she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed about but nowhere as embarrassed as she was sure she’d feel if she went completely topless like Alice had chosen to do. She was starting to feel slightly at ease when Shane squinted and looked at the fence to call out, “Mark! Join us!”

Fortunately for Dana, he didn’t appear to take the invitation too seriously and chose to stay and continue talking with Jenny who was holding Marshmallow Kitty. Though she couldn’t help but notice as his eyes kept drifting over towards them and despite the fact she was the most clothed person in the pool, Dana felt suddenly nude under his gaze. Making her float to the edge of the pool and turn around so her back was facing him.

She heard the quiet waves of someone moving close and her tan shoulders became tense and bunched. Something that went away the moment Dana felt a familiar gentle touch and a soft voice in her ear ask with concern, “You all right, Dane?”

“I’m sorry,” said Dana finally in a whisper. She groaned and dropped her head against the edge of the pool, shivering at the sensation of Alice’s bare ***** pressing against her back. “I don’t like the idea of him staring at me half naked, that’s all. Well,” she released wry laughter. “Anyone staring at me half naked. I’m just a huge geek…”

“Anyone, huh?” asked Alice. Playfully nudging Dana with her forehead, the journalist swept wavy brown hair to one side and kissing the exposed neck before her, she murmured, “And what about me? You don’t like the idea of me seeing you half naked?”

“No,” Dana released a gasp when the kisses turned to light sucking, though her voice still echoed with amusement. “I only like the idea of you seeing me totally naked.”

“I like that,” drawled Alice, moving up to tug on Dana’s ear lobe. Her hands slid upwards, tracing the contours of the tennis player’s body to cup the ***** barely hidden behind the wet material of her bra. “But you are right, you know. You’re a huge geek for being shy about your body. Because you,” Alice paused to slide her right hand away from Dana’s breast, moving it up thread through brown hair. Yanking it gently back so she and the athlete were eye to eye. Once they were and Dana could see all too clearly the desire lurking there for herself, Alice captured her lips for a searing kiss. Murmuring into it, “Are the sexiest woman in this pool.”

“Al,” Dana moaned, swiftly turning around and wrapping the blonde up in her arms, letting nothing separate them. Her fingers tangled in wet and messy short locks, smiling into the kiss when she felt Alice speak against her lips, telling her low and sensual, how ***** she was, and what she wanted to do to her when they got home. They parted with groans from them both and Dana chuckled when Alice fell into her arms, resting her head in the crook of her neck. Tracing a path across the pale and exposed back, Dana said in a quiet yet happy suggestion, “Want to get out of here?”

“I’m so ready to go,” said Alice, sounding muffled because she remained buried in Dana’s arms. They stayed like that for a moment then she pulled away to peer into Dana’s blue eyes. Forming a tender smile, she asked, “Want me to bring you a towel?”

Blushing and giving a slight nod, Dana smiled when Alice moved forward for a quick kiss before swimming over to the ladder and climbing out of the pool. She glanced to the fence and was relieved to see Mark involved in his talk with Jenny, which meant he hadn’t seen their impromptu make out session or Alice’s ***** when she got out of the pool. She wasn’t sure why but he made her uneasy and she didn’t like the idea of him watching them. *****, it was true what she told Alice. She didn’t like the idea of anyone watching them. It was creepy and invasive to her but then again, Dana knew she should try and get used to it. After all, she was something of a celebrity.

But it was wrong to her… the idea of people invading the perfect little cocoon of happiness she and Alice had created. Invading with their eyes and their ears and their voices asking questions about them and their life together. What Dana shared with Alice she wanted to stay just for them. It was too special and precious to share with the rest of the world.

And then there was the chance it could get ruined.

Dana knew it was ridiculous to worry when it came to things like that but she couldn’t help it. What she had with Alice was so wonderful and made her so happy she couldn’t help being scared it might someday go away just because now that she had Alice she wasn’t sure she could live without her.

“Dana?”

Whipping her head around to face Shane whose green eyes were earnest and almost fearful, Dana frowned. “Yeah?” she murmured, unsure of what was coming.

Her gaze fixed beyond Dana, making the tennis player turn to watch as Alice returned, fully clothed, with a large fluffy towel in her hands. A bright smile was on her features and it was hard to tell if she was laughing at something Jenny said or how Marshmallow Kitty was precariously balancing on the wiry brunette’s shoulder. Staring at Alice as she approached, Shane asked, “It’s so worth it?”

Watching Alice walk over, her smile growing larger and brown eyes twinkling as she shook out the towel and held it open for Dana to walk into, the tennis player locked a solemn gaze onto her friend. “So worth it,” she enforced, her voice husky and laced with emotion.

Green eyes remained fixed on the couple as Dana climbed out of the pool, wrapped up in the towel Alice provided, the blonde snaking an arm around the tennis player’s waist when they walked away. The tiny kitten was buried in the towel along with Dana, meowing and batting at the material. And in studying them, Shane knew without a doubt Dana had spoken the truth.

Now she just needed to decide what to do about it.

—

The Planet was tightly packed with patrons when Alice and Dana walked through the doors on late Friday night. Their hands entwined, the blonde weaved through the throng of people and gently tugged Dana along as she went. It was a gesture that provided a fond reminder of their first visit to Milk together and frowning, the tennis player wondered if Nadia Meirtschin was somewhere in the club. She wouldn’t be surprised if she was. Nadia seemed to show up at every ***** and ***** hotspot at one time or another. Usually for several visits in a weekend.

Once they reached their destination, Alice hopped around to face Dana, leaning against the bar and hooking her fingers into the loops of the brunette’s jeans. Pulling her forward until they were pressed close together and smiling slowly, her brown eyes twinkled. “I’ve got an important question for you, Dane,” murmured Alice. “And I need you to answer with complete honesty, okay?”

“Of course,” replied Dana, looking confused.

Alice’s smile grew a tad naughty and leaning in close, she whispered into Dana’s ear, “What and how much did you drink when you did your booty dance during Shane’s yacht party?”

“Al!” cried Dana who blushed dark red at the question. Looking across the club, she muttered, “I can’t believe you’re asking that. I mean… that dance was… god,” she groaned and shook her head in irritation. “I made an ***** out of myself.”

A soft hand stroked her cheek tenderly and Dana turned to look into brown eyes that held amusement, yes, but also a very obvious desire. “I thought you were *****,” Alice revealed, saying the words low and husky into Dana’s ear. “So what if it was a stupid dance? I still thought you were ***** as ***** when you did it.” She then pushed aside brown hair to leave a kiss on Dana’s pulse point before moving upwards to capture her lips in a slow and sensual exploration. When they parted with a whimper from the tennis player, Alice drawled, “I want to see you dance like that again.”

The protest on Dana’s lips died at the caress of pale hands over her abdomen, slipping just slightly past the top of her pants. With a pathetic groan, her forehead fell onto Alice’s shoulder and she said in a frustrated mutter, “Tequila shooters. I had many countless tequila shooters.”

“I love you,” Alice growled into her lips and she seized them in a passionate kiss that took everything Dana had to offer. Leaving her shaken and quivering in desire as the blonde bounced around to face the bar and shout, “I need tequila shooters! Many countless tequila shooters!”

Shaking her head and wondering why she had given in so easily, Dana looked over the club and stopped at the sight of Shane speaking with Carmen. Although to her it appeared to be less like talking and more like Shane was apologizing to Carmen who seemed to be taking it in perfect stride. Rolling her eyes, Dana reflected on the good luck that Shane had when it came to women. Then again, maybe it wasn’t just good luck.

It was also that stupid nipple confidence.

Smiling at the lazy touch of lithe fingers as they spread possessively across her stomach, Dana turned to Alice who wore an almost evil smile and held up a shot glass. “Bottoms up!” she chirped happily, offering it to Dana.

Peering around Alice to see that she had an entire tray of tequila shooters lined up for future consumption, Dana whined, “Al… please, no. I don’t want to get that drunk again. It wasn’t fun. The hangover nearly killed me.”

“But the ***** booty dance!” Alice exclaimed, forming a gloomy pout and looking very much like a child who had just been told Santa Claus didn’t actually exist.

Staring at Alice’s pout then at the tequila shooter and then at Alice’s pout, Dana grimaced and downed it all at once. And as she found herself pulled in for a deep kiss, thorough and eager, her tongue sucked and stroked, Dana reasoned that the hangover hadn’t been all that bad.

—

An hour passed and Dana still didn’t consider herself drunk enough to perform the booty dance as Alice had dubbed it but she was drunk enough to grin stupidly at Shane and whack her on the back a little too hard in congratulations. The hair stylist propelled forward at Dana’s touch, almost falling out of her seat and grabbing the table in front of her she grinned at her more than a little tipsy friend.

“*****, that hurt man,” muttered Shane, grinning despite herself. Rubbing her now sore shoulder, she asked, “What was that for?”

Nodding over at Carmen who sat at their table, grinning and talking with Alice about music, Dana leaned closer to Shane and said in an exaggerated whisper, “You’re smooth. She played that liar, liar, you’re a goddamn liar song but she forgave you.” Another grin forming, Dana whapped Shane who groaned and took the hit, propelling forward in her seat again. “You’re smooth!”

“And you’re ***** drunk,” Shane chuckled. Tilting her head at Dana who studied her blearily, she asked, “Why are you this drunk anyway, Dane?”

“Gotta get drunk to do the booty dance,” confessed Dana, looking around suspiciously before she grabbed a tequila shooter and downed it. Setting it down on the table with a thump, she locked eyes with Shane. “Gotta get really drunk.”

“The booty dance?” echoed Shane, frowning. She studied her friend then shaking her head, she rumbled, “Dude. I don’t want to know, okay? You just keep that ***** to yourself, all right?”

Releasing a loud bark of laughter, Dana waved her hands frantically about in a grand gesture. “I wish I could keep the booty dance to myself but I can’t! And that’s why I’m drinking,” she supplied in somber tones, pausing to down another shot.

“*****, man,” Shane chuckled again, shaking her head in amusement. Though she knew she shouldn’t, the hair stylist couldn’t help but be entertained by drunken Dana. She was exactly like regular Dana but without that tiny part of her personality that held her back from saying everything she thought. And that small bit Dana held back had opinions on some pretty interesting stuff. Her gaze eventually rested on Carmen who wore a wide smile on her features, laughing and nodding at whatever Alice was saying. Watching her, Shane felt the same warmth seize her as it had the past few days. She didn’t know what it was about this girl that got to her but she wanted to find out, that much was for sure. Feeling the weight a solemn gaze on her, Shane turned to see Dana staring at her with lidded blue eyes. “You okay?” asked Shane in concern.

“You did the right thing,” answered Dana, expression veiled but a tiny smile tugged at her lips. Patting Shane’s hand, she twisted in her seat and reached across the table to steal Alice’s drink. She took a slow sip then grinned around the glass at Shane and pronounced, “I promise it’s worth it.”

Shane grinned back in response and started to reply but was interrupted by the gleeful cry of Carmen as she said, “No way! I love their music. I didn’t think anyone liked them but me.”

“Like them? I love them,” declared Alice, looking equally giddy. She cleared her throat then sang in scarily upbeat tones, “I am a superstar with a big big house and a big big car…”

“And I don’t care who you are!” Carmen sang along, collapsing into a fit of laughter with Alice, the two women having to hang onto each other to maintain their balance and not fall out of their seats from how hard they were laughing.

“God, I love Toy-Box,” sighed Alice, wiping at her eyes. She gestured her hands expressively and said, “They’re just silly, you know? I think it’s great how they don’t take their music that seriously. I mean, no offense,” she nodded at Carmen. “But a lot of DJs are so ***** snobby about their music. It tends to take the fun out of the whole thing. And isn’t dancing about fun?”

“Totally,” agreed Carmen, dipping her head. Her eyes shifted over to look at Shane and she locked their eyes in an intense gaze. “Though I think sometimes dancing should be about *****. Dancing can be the closest thing to *****.”

“Like the booty dance!” crowed Dana triumphantly before she downed yet another shot.

“Booty dance?” Carmen’s brow furrowed and she looked perplexed.

Smoothly rising to her feet to take Carmen’s hand in her own, Shane pulled the Latina in a gentle request to go with her. One that Carmen couldn’t possibly refuse when she felt skilled hands fall to easily hold her waist. They weaved their way through the crowd and towards where Carmen had her equipment set up. Shane pushed thick hair back to murmur, rumbling and amused, in her ear, “Trust me when I say that you don’t wanna know.”

“Yeah?” asked Carmen, her eyes dark and glowing, turning to face Shane as they had stopped in their walk having reached her station. Pulling the skinny brunette forward so there was only a breath between them. “I should trust you?”

“I want you to trust me,” said Shane sober and soft.

Slowly tracing a path upwards, her fingers playing with Shane’s perpetually crazed hair, Carmen moved in close to whisper, “I do trust you.”

They parted from their kiss with groans from them both and Shane’s eyes were lidded in desire as she murmured in a subdued request, “Play something *****.”

“Okay,” breathed Carmen, stroking Shane’s cheek.

“Play something *****,” Shane repeated in an almost dangerous inflection that promised countless untold things. “And I’ll dance for you.”

“I’ll play something *****,” promised Carmen, sliding closer to wrap her fingers in Shane’s hair. Her breath warm and inviting against pale skin as she continued, “But listen to the lyrics.” Pulling away to deliver a sensual but teasing kiss on Shane’s lips, she murmured, “The lyrics are for you.”

Mesmerized by the sway of Carmen’s hips, Shane chuckled, “***** me.”

—

“Don’t you understand me… I don’t feel anymore what I felt before…” The music boomed throughout The Planet and finishing the last of her beer, Gabby decided she hated the song.

The song lyrics served as a reminder of her life and she didn’t want a reminder of that. But then again, it was fairly difficult to escape your life when you’re busy living it. Is it even possible to escape from what you’re living anyway? Maybe through death but suicide wasn’t Gabby’s thing. She usually enjoyed life far too much to think of such a thing.

Usually she got what she wanted. Which was good because Gabby had the most awful personality flaw. A flaw she had ever since she was a small child. Which was simply that she was fickle. Horribly, horribly, fickle. The moment she couldn’t have something was when she became interested in it.

And if she was specifically told that she couldn’t have something? Oh, well then Gabby would move heaven and earth to prove the person who told her that absolutely wrong.

Dana had made it very clear that Gabby couldn’t have Alice.

Naturally if you follow the pattern that was Gabby’s awful personality flaw it led to the reality that she now wanted Alice. But it was more than just that. She liked Alice, genuinely liked her. There was a reason that she kept going back to the journalist besides the fact that Alice would let her. Gabby really did feel she and Alice shared some strange connection. They clicked perfectly when it came so many things. From their taste in music, movies, books, to *****… nearly everything in life you could imagine they shared a common interest in.

Okay, maybe not everything. Alice hadn’t been that into the S&M gear she had attempted to bring into their sexual play but that was one thing. They had hundreds of other things in common.

Not dancing like an idiot being one of them, Gabby thought bitterly, waving to the bartender for another beer. She grimaced at the sight of Dana doing a strange dance on the tiny stage used for bands to give performances. Although the grimace was more aimed at the fact that Alice was clearly enjoying the strange dance immensely.

Taking a large drink of the beer, Gabby sighed and averted her gaze, not wanting to watch. She hated being like this. Acting ***** morose and pathetic. That wasn’t who she wanted to be. *****, to be honest, that just wasn’t her! But she couldn’t help being this way. Gabby had always thought Alice would be there for her when she was ready to stop ***** around and have an actual relationship.

The scenario was planned in her mind. It had been for years. She would finally decide it was time and she would go to Alice, apologize to her and tell her she wanted to have the real thing with her and Alice would take her back because Alice always took her back and once she did Gabby would make up for all her previous ***** treatment. Then they would ride off into the sunset or something fittingly cliche. Who the ***** knows.

Who the ***** would know? Not her. Because now Alice wouldn’t be taking her back. Because now, for the first time in five years, Gabby had Alice under her skin but she knew Alice didn’t have Gabby under hers. And knowing that killed Gabby.

Alice was meant for her.

They always went back to each other. Didn’t that count for anything with Alice? Didn’t she understand that she meant more to Gabby than any of those other women? Gabby never went back for more. Never! But she went back to Alice time and time again and Gabby thought Alice knew what that meant.

Maybe she did know and maybe she just didn’t care anymore. Not as long as she had the tennis player. Gabby grimaced again and unable to stop herself, she looked to the stage and saw Dana had ceased her strange dance. Unfortunately for Gabby, she had stopped only because she was busy making out with Alice at the edge of the stage, the writer had her pressed up against a wall, her hands sliding underneath the brunette’s shirt to cup her *****. Gabby’s face darkened on watching Dana’s lips form Alice’s name in what was no doubt a gasp of pleasure.

Powerless to rip her gaze away, Gabby watched them. She watched Alice kiss Dana slow and deep and thorough, she watched Dana desperately cling to Alice, she watched Alice whisper loving words into Dana’s ear, she watched and she watched until she couldn’t watch anymore. Finishing off her beer in a single gulp, Gabby tossed her money carelessly onto the bar and stalked out of The Planet, her mind finally made up.

She would do what she did tonight. Watching and waiting. Every relationship had its problems and no doubt so would this one. And as soon as those problems arose, Gabby would step in to take advantage of the situation. Doing such a thing would take plenty of time and patience but she was certain she could do it.

This was about claiming what was hers.


To be continued…