Why are we doing this again? Bette shouted from the bathroom, feverishly brushing out her hair in the bathroom. Itll be fun babebesides weve got Alex, she does this all the time! Tina called back, blowing into her mug to cool off her coffee. Bette walked right past in the hall, tearing the mug out of her hand with a thanks honey. Tina sighed and turned around to follow Bette into the kitchen, whether to reclaim her own coffee or get a new cup she wasnt sure yet. Bette was standing thoughtfully in front of the sink and looking up at Tina continued, But were not camping people. Tina rolled her eyes at the whine in Bettes tone, Theres a first time for everything, Bettetrust me itll be fun. Bette grimaced looking deeply into her mug, This coffees too sweet. Thats because its mine, Tina retorted, finally deciding to retake possession of her morning brew. Bette started to gather her things for work, looking back at Tina with a little pout. Noticing the shape of Bettes mouth Tina just smiled and gave her a what now? look. We dont even own anything remotely suitable for camping! Bette answered, really whining now. Im going shopping this afternoon after work; I should be done early today, and with that Tina gently shoved Bettes shoulder, pushing her in the direction of the front door as she gathered her own keys, purse and briefcase. Bette shuffled through the living room to the door, her shoulders sagging with defeat.

Later that day

The gang had convened at Bette and Tinas house to discuss the itinerary for the weekend, food, etc. It was about six oclock and Bette was still at work; despite everyone elses arguments, Tina had insisted that they just order some food and begin without her: she knew Bette could care less and would probably find a way of convincing everyone not to go.

Alex: Its gonna be beautiful this weekend, you guys, and the rivers should be a little swollen still from the heat wave!

Shane: Translation?

Alex: Lots of water in the river.

Alice: So?

Alex: (sighing in disbelief) Good fishing!

Dana: Were really gonna fish?

Alex: Absolutely, and maybe some hiking.

Alice: What happened to smoking pot and skinny dipping?

Tina: That sounds like fun.

Alex: (looking at Alice) You are impossible!

Shane: Alright, you two, put the claws away and simmer down.

Dana: I have only one request

Just then Bettes key rattled in the door and she walked into the house looking very tired. Tina became a little concerned as she observed Bettes demeanor, she was wondering if maybe having everyone over wasnt such a good idea. Hey babe, she said tentatively, walking over quickly to grab Bettes bags and giving her a peck on the cheek. Bette smiled weakly, forcing the smile to grow a little wider as she gave the room a little wave and excused herself to go change. Tina told the group to keep discussing and went into the kitchen to get Bette a glass of wine. She opened the bedroom door enough to poke her head through, Babe, I brought you some wine. Bette was unbuttoning her shirt and she gave Tina small smile, Thanks, I need it. Tina stepped inside, softly closing the door behind her, leaning against it afterward. She extended her arm, offering the glass to Bette, Had a rough day? Bette walked over and drank so deeply that she needed to catch her breath before speaking, This artist from New York is a royal pain in the assbut conjuring up different methods of killing him made him a little more bearable. Tinas brow wrinkled with genuine sympathy and she raised a hand to smooth the unruly curls around Bettes face, Im so sorry baby.

Bette sighed and finished off what was left in her glass. She handed it to Tina and walked away to finish undressing. Tina gazed thoughtfully into the empty glass and then looked up at Bette, Babyif you dont want us to go this weekend, thats fine, Ill understand. Bette was silent as she pulled on a t-shirt, but starting nodding her head as she pulled up her baby-blue cotton lounge pants, No, we should goitll be good for me after having to deal with that little prick for a week. Tinas strained face suddenly brightened and she ran up to Bette, clamping her arms around Bettes neck. Its gonna be so much fun! Tina whispered, placing quick kisses along Bettes jaw. Bette framed Tinas face with her hand and gently parted Tinas lips with her tongue, moaning softly as she brought her arms around to encircle Tinas waist. They broke the kiss and held each other for a few minutes in a tight embrace. Dont worry, babyas soon as everyone leaves Im gonna take care of you, Tina whispered, finally pulling away. Bette smiled warmly, running her fingers through Tinas hair as she walked away, Ill be out in a sec. Bette sighed contentedly as Tina nodded and disappeared around the corner, opening the closet door to find her flip-flops.

Tina walked into the living room and was happy to find the group discussing the trip instead of Bettes mood:

Alex: Okay, so(looking up at Tina) right Tina you said you have a tent for you and Betteright?

Tina: Yupwere all set.

Alex: RightIve got a tent that Shane and I can share and Im gonna borrow one from my friend for (pointing at Dana and Alice) you two.

Alice: We dont have sleeping bags, though.

Dana: I do!

Alex: Since weve got the tents, blankets and such should be finejust dont bring anything your grandmother made for you.

Bette: (walking in and sitting down next to Tina) What about the menu?

Bette picked up a box of chicken and broccoli and the discussion continued for about 45 more minutes until most of the logistics of the trip had been decided. Alex was the first to leave, Ive gotta get my ***** in bed. Why the ***** are you going to bed so early, Alice asked, settling herself in the empty spot Alex had left on the couch. If I go to bed now, I can wake up early and refresh key points before I take the test. Shane shook her head disapprovingly as she joined Alex by the door. Where are you going? Alex inquired, looking curiously at Shane. You NEED a bad influence, Shane replied, ushering Alex out the door. Bette picked up some of the dirty dishes from the living room and made her way to the kitchen. With a quick look from Tina, Alice sprang up from the couch, pulling on Danas arm, Cmon theyre gonna do it all over the house again. Tina chuckled as she walked them to the door with Dana and Alice shouting dont break your backs and save it for the bears toward the kitchen at Bette.

After the cleanup, Bette decided to look over some papers for work the next day and laid out all of her paperwork across the dinner table. Tina walked up behind her chair and began massaging her shoulders. Bette closed her eyes and dropped her hands to the table, completely surrendering to Tinas hands. She groaned out loud when Tina found a tight knot right between her spine and her left shoulder blade. Kneading it roughly with her thumb, Tina bent down and placed her lips on Bettes ear, You know what you need right now. Bette groaned in reply, hanging her head slightly forward to give Tina more room to work. A nice long hot bath, Tina continued, now working on Bettes upper arms. Bette exhaled slowly, finally feeling some of the tension in her body slowly ebb away. Tina planted a quick kiss on the top of Bettes head and walked down the hall toward the bathroom, Give me ten minutes to get it all ready. Bette rolled her head, shrugging her shoulders slightly; a bath sounded like a great idea, but first she needed to get through some of her work. She looked quickly at her watch and made a mental note of what she wanted to get accomplished with the time allotted.

Exactly ten minutes later, Bette tossed her glasses onto her little mound of papers and got up from the table. As she neared the bathroom, the gentle scent of lavender reached her and she could begin to see the small drifting cloud of steam emanating from within. She pushed open the door and smiled at the sight of Tina relaxing in the water, her entire body covered except for a knee that jutted out like an iceberg. I thought this was supposed to be for me? Bette asked wryly as she began to slowly take off her clothes. Tina eyes were closed, but she arched an eyebrow and replied in low voice, It is for you. She sat up, spreading her legs as Bette stepped in, wincing slightly at the heat. Bette settled her back against Tinas chest, resting her arms on Tinas knees and her head in the hollow of Tinas neck. As her muscles relaxed in the heat of the water, she sighed, nuzzling her head deeper into Tinas neck and smiling. Tina scooped up some water and used it to wet Bettes hair and wash over her face, then slid her hands down Bettes arms and around the front to wash water over Bettes abdomen. Tina felt Bettes entire body completely relax into hers and she turned her head to press her lips to Bettes temple. She closed her eyes and laid her head back against the towel perched on the edge of the bathtub. She continued moving her fingertips in circular motions, moving further and further down, first just above Bettes navel, then below it, then finally drifting slowly below the surface of the water.

Bette stirred slightly, groggily bringing her thighs together and squeezing Tinas hand out so that it rested on her navel. Tina looked down at Bette quickly and realized she had fallen asleep and had closed her legs instinctively. She smiled, kissing Bette once again. Bette opened her eyes, suddenly, and craned her neck to look up at Tinas face, Baby thank you for taking care of me.