Alice and Danas meal had drawn to a reluctant end after the coffee and they both realized that there was no longer a reason for them to remain in the restaurant. Dana got up from her chair and held out her hand for Alice to take. Alice did so and they happily left the building hand in hand.

Alices mind was racing, it had hit her that Dana was going to drop her at her apartment and there was going to be that Do you want to come in for coffee thing, that really has very little to do coffee and would have even less to do with coffee tonight as they just used that as their excuse to stay in the restaurant for a little longer. Dana lead her silently to her car and Alice climbed in still not saying a word. Dana was getting worried, she didnt know why Alice was all of a sudden quiet and considering that this was Alice she was concerned that she was quiet even more.
Al, whats up?
What do you mean?
Your quiet Dana stated.
Alice sighed heavily as she realized that she had to be honest in answering this question. She looked nervously at Dana and opened her mouth.
I was going to ask you up for coffee but I didnt know that it was appropriate? Alice said nervously.
Al I havent even started the car
Yeah I know but you asked why I was quiet and I decided that I should be honest.
Well, think of it this way, if you did ask me that, why would you be asking me that? Would it actually be for coffee? Dana asked with a raised eyebrow.
Hey dont go all cocky on me Alice said with a grin.
Look Al, this decision is up to you
Dana youre not helping
Sorry Al but I dont want you to jump head first into this if you dont want to
Dana started the engine and decided to simply play this game by ear. She drove back to Alices and stopped the car in front of the door. Alice had remained silent the whole time and as the car pulled to a stop she decided to take the bull somewhat by the horns. She slowly leaned over and kissed Dana on the mouth. Dana smiled into the kiss and decided to take to a little further; she gently parted Alices lips with her tongue. The kiss deepened as their tongues entwined around each other causing Alice to moan softly. The adrenaline was just about to be dispersed through Dana veins as Alice suddenly pulled away from her and leaned over to open the door, she smiled back at Dana who knew immediately that that was as far as she wanted to take this tonight. Alice climbed put of the car and again smiled at Dana who returned the gesture and drove off feeling content with the evening.

It was after eleven and Bette and Tina had sat in their living room most of the evening talking about miscellaneous subjects. They had covered Kit, Alice and Dana, Shanes thing with the married women with the money and finally work. Tina decided that weather or not it was appropriate, she wanted to be wrapped up in those arms again, and she figured that it was now or never. She got up from her chair, slowly made her way over to her wife on the couch and looked down at her.
Can you do some thing for me? Tina asked softly.
Yeah, sure, what is it?
Sit up Bette obliged and lay on the couch with her back against the armrest and her legs out in front of her. Tina spread her legs gently and then sat between them with her back leant against Bettes chest. Bette understood what Tina was doing and wrapped her arms around Tinas waist. Their fingers instinctively entwined as Bettes head rested gently on Tinas left shoulder.
I know this might be a little inappropriate but I need to feel you holding me right now Tina stated.
T, there is nothing inappropriate about this Bette said gently placing a kiss on the side of Tinas head. Tina relaxed even further into Bettes embrace and looked down to see her fingers and Bettes tangled together, Tina noticed that Bette was still wearing her wedding ring on her finger and sighed as she remembered the absence of her own.
Dont worry T, I keep it in a safe place Bette said calmly.
What?
Your ring
Hmm? Where? Tina said leaning forward so that she could see Bettes face.
I found it on the bed after you left, I didnt quite know where to keep it, so I figured it wouldnt get lost here Bette said pulling a gold chain out from under her shirt that had Tinas wedding band threaded on it. Tina shifted her position so that she was now straddling Bette. She leaned forward and undid the clasp on the back of the necklace, as she was about to lean back the scent of Bettes sweet soft skin entered her nose, she sighed deeply as she compose herself. Tina slowly leaned back and removed the ring from the chain, she let it slide off the chair and fall onto the palm of her hand, Bettes eyes followed the ring down the chain, and as it landed in Tinas hand she picked it up, looked Tina straight in the eyes, took her left hand in her right and gently slid the ring back to its rightful place, the way she had a little over seven years ago. Tina leaned in and slowly kissed Bette on the lips as though to seal its meaning. Then she got up from the couch and extended her hand for Bette to take.
Where are you going? Bette asked.
Babe, its almost twelve, Im going to bed Tina said rubbing her eyes.
Oh, just let me find my shoes and I will walk you out
Babe, Im going to that bed, Tina said pointing up the hall.
Ok well I go and get a blanket so that I can sleep on the couch
Babe, youre coming with me, were just going to sleep Tina stated.
T are you sure? Bette asked.
Yes babe Im sure Tina said taking Bette hand and leading her down the hall.
Bette got some clothes to change into and went to the bathroom to get changed while Tina went through the draws in their room and found some PJs and changed in the bedroom. When Bette returned Tina was just about to crawl onto her side of the bed.
T are you sure you dont want me to sleep on the couch?
Bette get into bed already so I can have a decant nights sleep
Alright, alright, but if at any time you want me to go Bette asked as she sat on the side of the bed.
Yes Bette Tina said laughing. Bette gradually laid down, once Tinas head was on Bettes shoulder Bette relaxed and wrapped her arm around Tina and finally went to sleep.

The two remained holding one another all night. Together they had the best sleep they had had since that night just over a month ago. Tina remained in Bettes arms all night just as Bette continued to hold her wife until daybreak.