Bette did not know how long she had been asleep when she woke up. She looked at the clock and saw 2:39am and silently groaned at being woken up. But what had wakened her? She looked down and knew immediately what it was. During the night, Tina had literally almost draped her entire body over hers and Bette knew that she was unaccustomed to the feeling of having someone on her like this, and that had caused her to wake up.

She closed her eyes, willing her body to return to where it had been, but after 5 minutes, knew that it was not going to happen right now.

Just as she had done this morning, she peeled herself away from Tina, not disturbing her as she continued to sleep.

She went into the bathroom while closing the door after her. Only then did she turn the light on, not wanting any of the light to escape the bathroom. She turned on the water and splashed some on her face. After drying off, she did the reverse process, not opening the door until after turning the light off.

She quietly walked out to the kitchen to get some water. After having done so, she walked over to the sofa and laid down, closing her eyes to try once again to drift off. She draped an arm over her face, trying to block out any and everything that might disturb her trying to find some rest.

Tina had almost immediately woken up when she felt Bette stir. She knew that she was getting out of bed and after she did not return after going to the bathroom, started to get a little worried. Maybe she is just getting some water or something. If she is not back in 5 minutes, Ill go after her she thought.

5 minutes passed and Bette had not returned. Tina wearily got out of the warm bed, somewhat cooled off from Bettes departure, and went to find her.

As she walked out of the bedroom, she immediately noticed that there were no lights on in the apartment that she could see. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she saw her. Bette was laying on the sofa with an arm across her face, one foot on the ground and an open bottle of water on the coffee table next to her.

She walked towards the sofa and looked down at her. She probably couldnt sleep thought Tina.

She gently sat down on the coffee table, scooting the water over so as not to knock it over.

Baby she softly whispered while resting a hand on her shoulder.

Not having heard Tina come in, Bette jumped at the touch, dropping her arm that had been covering her face.

T? was all she said.

Baby, what are you doing out here? asked Tina.

Well, I woke up and couldnt really fall back asleep, and so decided that I should come out here so as not to disturb you explained Bette.

Baby, the only thing that disturbed me was your leaving the bed Tina softly replied. Now come on she continued offering a hand to Bette, lets get you back in bed.

Bette heaved her tired body up to a sitting position, allowing Tina to reach under her arms in order to lift her.

As Tina continued to hold on to her, she reached down, grabbed the water and led them into the bedroom.

She guided Bette over to the bed, pulled the covers back and put her in, getting in right behind her.

Come here baby she said to Bette, encouraging her to put her head back on Tinas shoulder.

She went back to rubbing her back in a soothing manner and softly said, Baby, what woke you up?

Bette, her voice somewhat muffled from having her face in Tinas shoulder, said Honestly, I think that it was sharing a bed for the first time in a long while. I mean, with the exception of this morning, I have not slept in a bed with anyone since that last night.

Neither woman needed to have that last night defined and so Tina just continued to rub her back.

Should I go to the guest room? Tina sadly asked.

No said Bette quickly. I just need to reacclimate myself with the feeling, and since it is you T, that will not take long.

Tina relaxed after hearing Bettes reply, hoping that she had not wanted her to go sleep in the guest room.

Baby, it will all fall back in place. I promise. were Tinas reassuring words.

I know T.



Both sets of eyelids were starting to get heavy. They closed their eyes and both drifted back off to sleep.

The next morning, Bette woke up to an empty bed. She looked around the room but did not see Tina. She got up, walking around the apartment in search of her, and then saw the note in the kitchen.

Good morning baby! I hope that you slept well. I have gone out for a quick run and to see if I cant scare up a little breakfast for us. Ill be back in about an hour or so, maybe a little longer. I put the Sunday paper on the coffee table, and so why dont you just relax, take a look at that, and wait for me to get back, ok? See you in a little while- T.

Bette looked at the time that she had written down in the corner of the note and realized that she would be back in about half of an hour or so. She smiled, putting the note back down, and decided to take Tina up on her suggestion, and walked into the living room to read the paper.

Engrossed as she was in the paper, she did not at first hear Tina coming in.

Baby? she shouted out from the front door.

Bette smiled, stood up and saw her walking towards her.

Hey she said, looking at the flushed cheeks and broad smile on Tinas face.

Tina stood in front of her, wanting to greet her with a kiss, but just gave her a hug instead.

I see that you followed my instructions, huh? Tina said in a nod to the paper.

I certainly did, and fine ones they were replied Bette, returning Tinas hug.

As they pulled apart from one another, Tina kept a hand on Bettes upper arm.

So baby, how did you sleep? she asked in a concerned manner.

Actually, after we went back to bed, I slept really well. I didnt wake up until after you had left, and so I would say that it was very needed.

Tina smiled at her, happy to know that Bette had slept well, and that she had done so with Tina beside her.

And you? asked Bette.

Awesome! came her reply.

So, you braved the streets of New York all by yourself, huh? smiled Bette.

I most certainly did said Tina, proud of herself for having done so. And, I managed to get us some breakfast.

Oh? said Bette.

Yep, come with me said Tina, grabbing Bette by the hand, dragging her into the kitchen.

Wow, something smells good Bette said sniffing the air.

Freshly baked chocolate filled croissants and a loaf of French bread would be what you are smelling explained Tina. And she said, reaching into the bag, some beautiful strawberries and cantaloupe to go along with them.

Yum said Bette. Let me start some coffee and well be ready to go.

Baby, Im gonna go jump in the shower while the coffee is brewing, ok? said Tina.

Yeah T, thats fine. Take your time. Bette said as she figured how much coffee to grind. Ill put this together and we can just read the paper while we eat.

Perfect said Tina as she walked up behind Bette. She couldnt stop herself. As she stood directly behind her, she allowed her arms to snake around Bettes waist, pulling herself into Bette.

She immediately felt Bette stiffen and released her from her hold.

Oh God Bette, I am sorry. I didnt know what I was doing, it just happened. Tina said with tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Bette turned around and quickly put her arms around Tina and held her tightly.

Shh, T. Dont cry, its ok. she said in an attempt to comfort her.

Tina allowed herself to be held and buried her head in Bettes shoulder.

She pulled back a bit and looked in Bettes eyes. Baby, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable, I swear. I mean, I didnt know that I was even doing it. This just all felt so natural, and I, I just reacted I guess. her voice trailed off.

T, I mean it, its ok. You dont have to explain. I know what you mean when you say that it just feels so natural. But, paused Bette, I think that we both know that neither of is ready for anything more than what we have going on. We can not jump the gun on this one. We simply have too much at stake to not do this properly.

I know, I know Tina softly said. Ill try to keep it in check she continued.

We both have to try emphasized Bette. Now, go take that shower and then lets eat said Bette as she pushed Tina towards the door.

With a smile finally on her face, Tina said, Fine, Im going. But dont you even think about starting without me! she laughed.

No guarantees from me, so Id hurry if I were you replied Bette jokingly.

With that, Tina turned and ran to the bedroom, shedding clothes along the way. She is in so much trouble if she starts without me laughed Tina to herself, getting in the shower and closing the door behind her.