-On the plane-

After the initial uncomfortableness of take off, Tina settled in to her seat. She grabbed on to Bette’s hand and brought it to her lips as she gazed out the window. It had been a long and draining day, Ben had been on edge ever since he overheard one of his cousins making comments about Tina, which gave him the perfect opertunity to say what he had been wanting to say for years. Tina watched her brothers heart break earlier that morning. He sat quietly at the service, Tina could see the tears streaming down his face yet he still showed no expression. After he said goodbye to his father he hasn’t said a word. Tina didn’t want to pressure him, all she could do was sit back and watch.

Tina was happy to be going back to LA, she had a lot of work to keep her occupied and she needed to spend time with Bette. Tina hadn’t had any time to really think about Bette and their situation, she knew she was happy and that she loved Bette but this was all still very new and it was going to take time for her to get used to the staring and the comments and disapproving expressions. In her mind Bette was worth it.

As Tina held on to Bette’s hand, Bette thought “I could hold that hand forever”. Bette’s life wasn’t just about Bette anymore. She had lost the prowling instinct, her rule of unatachment was forgotten. Tina was so different from all the other girls, she was warm and genuine. Bette was so lost in thought she didn’t notice that Tina had been staring at her for the past few minutes. Bette finally snapped out of it when she felt Tina’s hand run across her cheek. She looked up and smiled.

Tina: “How did I get so lucky?” she said resting her head on Bette’s shoulder.

Bette: “I was just wondering the same thing” she replied, kissing Tina gently on the forehead.

-LAX-

Either Ben had gotten a second wind or the three red bulls he consumed on the plane were finally kicking in. He practically ran people over on his way to baggage claim. Tina tired to get him to slow down numerous times but failed. Ben loaded their bags in the car and headed for West Hollywood. He had seemed to lighten up a little bit, at least he was talking again.