At Danas apartment

She smoothed her hands over the white linen pants she had on and checked herself in the mirror. She cocked her head to the side and wondered why she was fussing so much over her clothes. Im just nervous about having to tell Bette, she reassured herself, yeah, thats it, she thought. She slipped on her flip-flops and tucked her hair behind her ears. She heard the doorbell and hurried down the stairs to the living room, Its open, come on in! she shouted down. She walked into the kitchen to grab something to drink from the fridge as Bette climbed the stairs and walked over to join her. Hey, sorry Im late, I had a late lunch with this photographer and he just wouldnt stop talking. One of the straddlers? Tina asked as she took another sip of her sports drink. No, this one high jumped the fence before I even asked, Bette answered with a smile, Are you ready to go? Tina walked over to where Bette was standing, Yupjust need my keys, she leaned in close to Bette and reached for the keys on the counter. Bette didnt have much time to react and move aside, and she noticed Tina was using a different perfume. But there was still something deliciously familiar about the way Tina smelled. She relished the brief moment of being inches apart. Tina took the lead down the stairs and they walked along side by side when they got outside.

They made small talk on the way; Tina told Bette a little bit about the script she was working on currently. She confessed she was upset she couldnt it make it to center as much as she wanted to. Hows Oscar, Bette asked once she got the chance. Tina was a little surprised by the question, He was doing good the last time I saw him, it was a couple of weeks ago thought. Bette nodded her head thoughtfully. Just then, they arrived at the restaurant, it was unusually quiet for a Saturday and they were able to get a table outside where the awning was decorated with little white Christmas lights. The sky was just turning a salmon pink and Bette noticed how beautiful Tina looked in the soft light of late afternoon. Oh, God, are you even that hungry, you said you had a late lunch, Tina said as they looked over their menus. Oh, I didnt each much, I decided to save my appetite. Tina grinned as she glanced up at Bette quickly. They discussed quickly what each one was going to order. They placed their orders and dug into the salads that came shortly afterwards. Did Alice tell you, Dana creamed her last opponent yesterday, Bette commented, looking up from her salad. Yeah, she called me this morning, I thought she was going to have a stroke! Tina replied, laughing through a mouthful of lettuce.

They got on the subject of Alice and Dana for a little while until their entrees arrived. Wow, this smells great, Bette said, licking her lips. You have no idea, Im literally addicted to this place. I think Ive gained at least five pounds since I discovered it, which was on Monday. Bette looked at Tina and waited to meet her gaze, I think you look great. Tina blushed a little and dropped her gaze back to her food. Bette sighed quietly and decided to tackle her dinner as well. Bette, I need to talk to you about something really important, Tina grabbed a piece of bread and took a big bite while she waited for Bettes reaction. Bette put down her silverware and devoted all of her attention to Tina. Tina held onto her fork, but just poked at her food as she spoke, Obviously, I cant stay with Dana forever, and shes gonna be coming back in about a week or so. Bette leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, but her faced was still relaxed. I found a place, not too far from here, and my lease starts in two weeks. She bit her lip, arching her eyebrow as she looked at Bette. Bette took a deep breath and leaned on the table with her elbows, bringing her hands together, So youve decided this is what you want to do? she spoke with a strange tone, Tina couldnt figure out if it was anger, curiosity, or a mixture of both. Well, yeah, I think its the best thing for right now. Bette nodded her head, picked up her silverware, and continued eating her meal. Tina looked nervously around the restaurant, not sure what to make of Bettes reaction.

Bette? she asked cautiously. Bette looked up at her, still chewing and swallowed, Why dont you want to come back home? she asked innocently. Because Im not ready for that, Bette, Tina paused for a second, yet. She made sure to emphasize the last word. Bettes shoulders, which had become noticeably tense, relaxed a bit when Tina said this. Bette put her silverware down and removed her napkin from her lap, placing it on the table, Is there anything you need? Tina looked a little concerned at Bettes action, but answered anyway, Well, yeah, I just need some money to cover rent for the first couple of months. Bette made a face as if to say, you didnt need to ask my permission. Are you done eating already? Tina asked, pointing to Bettes plate. Im not that hungry anymore, she replied crossing her arms and looking away. Tina decided to let her brood and quietly continued eating her dinner. You can have the furniture from the study, Bette said a few moments later, still looking out toward the street, youre the one who really used it anyways.

Tina put down her fork gently and looked at Bette. Bette, could you look at me please. It took Bette several seconds, but she finally shifted in her seat to face Tina, she was taken aback a bit by how angry she looked. We cant start doing this again, she started to say, but Bette quickly interrupted her, Doing what? This, Bette, these petty little fights that turn into huge ones, where you pout and I ignoreoror we (she dropped her voice) ***** and yell, and end up not talking to each for days, and we cant even remember why. Bette started to play with her napkin, refusing to look up at Tina. Bette, I cant read minds, okay, and neither can youso will you please talk to me. Look, Im not trying to hurt you, Im just trying to do what I think is best for meand for us. Bette finally looked up as Tina said those final words, Do you think there really is a chance for us? Tina just nodded her head as she reached out for Bettes hand. Bette squeezed Tinas hand, I justIit makes me upsetthat you dont want to come homeI mean I understand why you want to be on your own. Its just Im just so miserable without you. Tina gave her an encouraging little smile, Well, you can come visit whenever you want. Bette couldnt help but grin, as she felt her fingers intertwine with Tinas, Just to visit? she asked arching an eyebrow, Wait forget I said that, Im sorry. Tina smiled and disengaged her hand, We better finish this before they kick us out. Tina can I say something to you, Bette asked before starting her meal herself, Tina looked up and nodded as she pulled her fork out of her mouth. You look beautiful.

Back at Danas apartment

Tina opened the front and turned around, Thanks for everything, Bette. Bette just shrugged her shoulders as she tried to think of what to say before leaving. So maybe we can meet up some time next week againdo you want to do some furniture shopping? A smile appeared on Tinas face that made Bettes heart melt. I think thats a genius idea, Ill give you a call once I figure it out. Bette leaned in and kissed Tina on the cheek, Just let me know. She turned quickly and started walking towards her car. She was a quite a bit away when she heard Tina call, Bette! When she turned around she saw Tina was walking towards. Tina put her arms around Bettes neck pulling her closer. Bette wrapped her arms around her waist and looked into her eyes. Their lips touched gently once, then twice. Bette sucked lightly on Tinas lower lip, and then Tina pulled back, Ill call you. She broke away from Bettes embrace and walked back to the open door of the apartment.


***if anyone needs a visual on tina in the white linen pants, i refer you to episode 2, when she goes in to comfort bette (towards the end of the episode)…pardon my drool