“You are freezing babe…” Britta’s voice is soft even as she digs through the drawers she’s taken over, pulling out an old and very soft hoodie that has always been at least a little oversized, moving to help Michelle pull it on and stroking her hair softly when Michelle sneezes and lets out a soft groan. “It’s okay, come on… let’s get you warm.” She’s quietly calm as she tucks Michelle into bed, stealing her phone just long enough to text an apology to the Dean before replacing it where Michelle has already fallen asleep, shivering a little. She makes use of the time to let people know she won’t be in today, she’ll be busy looking after Michelle who has clearly gotten sick in the colder weather.

Whispers. They echo around them as Britta walks with Michelle, her sigh soft when Leonard wolf-whistles, her grip, fingers tangled through Michelle’s own, tightens a little, a squeeze of reassurance the answer that comes. It's when they come to Michelle’s office that the whispers die, Michelle’s fingers curl under Britta’s chin and their lips meet in a slow, sweetly simple kiss before Michelle’s smile curls upward as she pulls away. “See you later.” “See you later.” Britta’s answer comes with a smile, her laugh echoing in the now whisperless hallway. She knows, in time, the whispers will start again, sharing the news. She is officially, at last, dating Michelle. The whispers will pass then they will die.

“Michelle Slater, do not get back together with Winger.... I love you.... I'm tired of hiding…” The words hang in the air. Michelle, who had put aside so much longing for the other woman now pulls back, considers what she had been about to do and turns to look at Britta. Britta who she had been nothing but mean to, Britta who had allowed her to insist on Enemies with Benefits. Britta who, now, was taking a huge risk in coming clean. There’s silence as the Dean pulls the mic away from Britta a second time, the girl’s eyes are shining with unshed tears, the emotion so raw that Michelle’s own eyes sting even as she allows herself to move forward, towards the smaller blonde. “You love me?” The question hangs in the air as she moves closer still, watching the tremble of Britta’s hands and drawn to take them in her own, squeezing softly. “Britta?” “I do…” Britta’s voice is soft and Michelle smiles, stepping one step closer, releasing Britta’s hands to pull her closer, letting their lips meet softly, her grip gentle in Britta’s softly curling blonde hair and against her back. “I love you too, Britta Perry.” The honesty in her voice draws a soft sigh, an almost sob, from Britta even as she curls her arms tighter around the girl, drawing her away from the stage as the Dean continues the announcement of the ‘Tranny Queen’ winner, her smile soft when she hears Britta’s name. “Go get your crown babe…” Later, much later, they leave, arm in arm, Britta barely hiding a scoff at the sight of Jeff with Annie, her eyes rolling even as she keeps walking. “Man cannot handle losing…” “But he did… he lost us.” Michelle’s smile is soft, her voice gentle. “I’m so glad you risked it… I don’t know I’d have been brave enough…” They make their way home, Britta smiling as she helps Michelle untangle her hair, jewellery and dress, her own clothes dropping away slowly until she can move into Michelle’s arms again, kissing her a second time before moving away to find something to wear to sleep in, letting out a startled moan when Michelle presses against her back, kissing her neck. That night is the first night they really make love, choosing a slower, softer, passion than usual.