As they entered the kitchen, Tina turned to Bette and said, How bout a bath?

That would be great, T she replied.

Cmon, baby said Tina, reaching for Bettes hand to take her back to their bedroom.

As they entered the room, Bette felt nothing but exhaustion. Tina led her over to the side of the bed, stopping right in front of it, and simply said, Sit.

Bette watched her go into the bathroom to run a bath.

She looked around the room and saw that with the exception of Tinas personal items on the bedside table and some clothes thrown over the back of the chair, the room appeared to be exactly the same as when she had left it.

By remaining in the house after Tina had left, Bette had been forced to deal with their last night together, reliving over and over in her mind what had taken place between the two of them. She had had no choice but to deal with it as she continued to sleep in this room and in their bed.

Being here now was not evoking the same painful memories of loss that had taken place as she had surveyed their backyard.

Strange she thought to herself. What do I feel? she continued to wonder.

She heard Tina preparing the bath and looked up just as she was coming back into the bedroom. Her sleeves were rolled up and a few tendrils of hair were falling out of her ponytail.

Whatcha doin? asked Tina as she walked up to Bette.

Oh, just hangin she said, smiling up at Tina as she stood in front of her.

Yeah? asked Tina as she surveyed Bette, leaning back on her arms which were propped behind her.

Tina moved between Bettes legs, nudging them apart so that she could move in closer.

Yeah said Bette, continuing to smile up at Tina.

Tina leaned down, placing her hands on either side of Bettes, holding up the weight of her upper body so that her face was directly in front of Bettes.

She looked deeply into Bettes eyes and moved in to kiss her. She placed her lips on Bettes, demanding nothing, but asking for everything.

Bette turned her head slightly, returning the kiss.

Neither touched the other, hands remaining on the bed, only contact between the two the connection between their lips.

Tina opened her mouth and allowed her tongue to run across Bettes bottom lip, feeling the contour and softness that she so craved. She gently bit down on her lip and then sucked it in her mouth, hearing Bette moaning quietly. Releasing her lip, she then entered Bettes mouth with her tongue, probing and tasting, tongues performing a well rehearsed dance.

Reluctantly, Tina pulled back from Bette, watching the effects of their kiss wreak havoc on Bettes breathing, desire flaring in her eyes.

Tina smiled and standing up, pulled on Bettes hands until she too was standing. Bette just watched this beautiful woman in front of her and marveled at her ability to effect her body in the manner that she did, even after all of these years.

Tina began to pull Bettes top out of the waistband of her pants, raising it up her torso until clearing it over her head. As Bette lowered her arms, Tina dragged her hands across Bettes chest, feeling each and every rib, softly tracing invisible figures across her stomach, feeling the muscles flutter under her touch.

She reached behind Bette and deftly unfastened her bra, eyes never leaving Bettes. As the bra fell free, she pushed the straps over her shoulders and down the length of her arms, allowing it to drop onto the ground.

She finally allowed her eyes to travel down from Bettes face so that she could take in the sight of her beautiful lover, hands moving down to gently cup her *****, thumbs softly teasing her nipples.

Bettes breathing was becoming labored as she watched Tina undress and touch her. She could see the desire etched all over Tinas face, and knew that Tina wanted nothing but to make love to her right then and there.

Tina continued to softly massage Bettes breast with one hand as the other traveled down her body to the waistband of her pants.

She quickly unbuckled her belt and then unbuttoned her pants, moving her hand down to lower the zipper.

She leaned in, kissing Bette softly, just resting her lips against Bettes as she began to push her pants down past her hips. As they began to fall towards the floor, she pulled back, eyes glued to Bettes and taking her hand, guided her out of them.

Clad only in her underwear, Bette just raised an eyebrow at Tina.

Tina smiled in return, allowing her eyes to seductively crawl down Bettes body, hands following in their path.

Placing both hands on Bettes hips, she reached for the underwear and slowly began pushing it down. Bette just stood there as Tina continued her task, not stopping until the underwear was in a pool at Bettes feet.

After removing it from Bettes ankles, Tina remained there, forehead resting against Bettes lower stomach, breathing deeply, inhaling everything that was Bette. After a moment, she stood back up, wrapping her arms around Bettes waist, allowing her hands to slowly massage her bare rear end.

Bette saw a twinkle in Tinas eye and chuckled at her while leaning in to kiss her.

Thats one way to get undressed for a bath she laughed as Tina continued to slowly drag her hands all over Bettes body.

Much more fun than doing it by yourself, huh? teased Tina, the twinkle in her eye shimmering.

Arent most things? laughed Bette suggestively.

Without a doubt she giggled, eyebrow raised in emphasis.

Tina reached for her hand and led her into the bathroom. The steam from the bath had fogged up the mirrors making the room almost more intimate.

Bette saw the lit candles on the side of the tub and the low lighting of the room created a safe and warm environment.

As they reached the side of the tub, Tina turned and still holding onto Bettes hand, said, In.

Bette stepped over the side of the tub, quickly growing accustomed to the water temperature. Tina had gotten it just as she liked, hot enough to sear at first, but not too hot to not quickly adjust.

She got all of the way in, leaning down to rest her hands on the side of the tub as she fully settled herself.

Leaning back, she rested her head on the back of the tub, extending to her full length.

Dear God she exhaled, eyes still closed.

Tina just looked down at her, smiling at Bettes pleasure.

Finally partially opening her eyes, she peered up at Tina and said, Perfect, T.

Im glad, baby she said, sitting on the side of the tub.

Care to join me? asked Bette.

Oh baby, as tempting as that offer may be, I think that I need to get some food in you she smiled.

Reaching over, she softly ran her fingers through Bettes hair, lightly massaging her scalp.

Bette sighed contentedly, not moving a muscle, letting the water soothe her exhausted body.

Tina continued to watch Bette, seeing some of the tension from her long day, begin to dissipate.

Im going to go make dinner, baby and I want you to just stay here until I come get you, ok?

Ok, T she whispered, opening her eyes and smiling at Tina.

You sure I cant change your mind, T?

Tina just leaned down, and giving her a soft kiss said, Call me if you need me, ok?

I will she smiled in return.

Tina stood, looking at Bette one last time before turning to leave the bathroom. She pulled the door behind her leaving it partially ajar.

Walking back into the bedroom, she picked up Bettes discarded clothing and threw it into the pile for washing. Making her way into the kitchen, she stopped in the living room to turn on some music. Settling on light jazz, she continued to the kitchen, trying to decide what to make for dinner.

Thirty minutes later, dinner well on its way to completion and the table set, Tina wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and headed back towards their bedroom.

She slowly pushed the bathroom door open, peering her head in as she did and saw Bette lying in the tub, absolutely still. Smiling she saw that Bette was sound asleep. She tip toed over to the tub, sitting down again on the side and reaching over, lightly ran her fingers across her forehead, down the side of her face to softly trace her bottom lip with her thumb.

Bette slowly opened her eyes, taking in Tina sitting right next to her.

Hey she whispered.

Hey there smiled Tina, eyes gazing into Bettes.

Bette lazily stretched her legs and said, I think that I dozed off.

I think you did, baby agreed Tina, smiling down at Bette.

Ready to get out? she asked.

If it means tasting what Im smelling, than you had better believe it, T smiled Bette, the aromas from the kitchen now making themselves present in the bathroom.

Tina stood up and reaching for a towel, held it open for Bette and said, Well, come on then.

She watched Bette hoist herself to a standing position, water cascading down her beautiful body. Just looking at her like this created a throbbing sensation between her legs that she hoped to quell later in the evening.

Stepping over the side of the tub, Bette took a step towards Tinas outstretched arms and felt her wrap the towel around her.

Tina did not move, just continued to hold Bette, hands rubbing up and down her body over the towel in effort to dry her.

How do you feel, baby?

Human again, T she smiled.

Yeah? she chuckled. Well, thats a good start. Now, if we can just get to the food and wine part, we will really be making some headway, huh?

Oh yeah she smiled, leaning in to kiss her.

The two women walked into the bedroom where Tina had pulled out some clothes for Bette to put on. She herself had changed out of her jeans into yoga pants and a snug fitting t-shirt.

She handed Bette the pants that she had selected for her and after dropping the towel, slid them on.

No underwear huh, T?

I dont think theyre necessary, baby she smiled.

Nor are bras I see she said, nodding to Tinas chest, hardened nipples clearly visible through her tight fitting shirt.

What can I say baby? You have that effect on me she teased.

Really? said Bette, walking up to Tina, pulling her into her arms, her bare chest pressed right up against Tinas t-shirt.

Yeahreally replied Tina, running her hands up and down the expanse of Bettes bare back.

Bette placed her hands on either side of Tinas head and pulled her into her, placing her lips on Tinas. Tina immediately opened her mouth, encouraging Bette to deepen the kiss. Happy to oblige, Bette ran her tongue as far into Tinas mouth as she could, twisting her tongue around Tinas. She then captured Tinas tongue between her lips, sucking it in her own mouth, pulling it in and the releasing it, in and out, over and over.

Tinas hands began to roam over Bettes body, moving up from her waist, running them over Bettes taut stomach up to her ***** where she quickly captured Bettes nipples between her thumb and forefinger.

Bette began to moan into Tinas mouth and slowly pulled her mouth away from Tinas. Taking a quick breath of air, Tina quickly pulled Bette back into her, moving one of her hands to the back of Bettes neck, pulling her in closer, not letting her escape.

Turning her head slightly, Bette breathlessly moaned, Tina, *****

Tina stilled her hand that had been massaging Bettes breast and teasing her nipple. Trying to catch her breath, she merely looked at Bette and said, See?

Seesee what, T? she panted into Tinas mouth.

The effect that you have on me she giggled.

I would have to say that the effect that you speak of runs both ways, T she chuckled, finally pulling back, reaching down on the bed for her shirt.

I see that laughed Tina, eyes greedily taking in Bettes erect nipples.

Bette took the shirt in her hand and popped Tina on the thigh with it. Laughing she said, You behave yourself, do you understand me?

For now, baby, but after that, all bets are off she said, capturing the t-shirt from Bettes hands and throwing it back at her.

She walked by Bette, running a hand across one of her nipples as she passed her, And I do mean all bets, baby.

Shirt hanging loosely from her hand, Bette just watched Tina walking out of the bedroom towards the kitchen.

I seem to have my hands full she muttered under her breath as she smiled at Tinas antics.

Babe? she heard Tina calling from the kitchen. You coming?

Be right there yelled Bette, quickly throwing the shirt over her head and walking out of the bedroom.

As she neared the kitchen, the smells of Tinas cooking got stronger and caused her stomach to rumble.

Wow she exclaimed upon walking into the kitchen.

What? asked Tina, smiling at her from the stove.

Something smells amazing, T she said, walking over to Tina to get a better look at what they were having.

Tina turned the burner down to simmer and nodding towards a bottle of pinot noir, asked Bette to open it.

Doing as asked, Bette took the bottle to the table and filled their wine glasses. Tina came in right behind her with two plates laden with their dinner.

Sit, baby she said to Bette. I just have to grab the salads.

Bette did as told, settling into her chair, taking in her surroundings. The table was set beautifully, candles lit and the freshly cut flowers arranged unobtrusively. The light jazz was just enough to hear, but not too much to interfere.

Looking around, she wondered how long it had been that the two of them had sat at this table together for a meal. Could it have been as long as since the night she told me that she was pregnant? she wondered.

Thats not possible, is it? she continued to ponder.

Tina placed a salad down next to her dinner plate and Bette quickly stood to help her with her chair. Ensuring that she was settled, Bette leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her cheek and said, Thanks for this T, it looks great.

Tina smiled back as Bette took her seat and just said, Of course, baby. You know that there is no one that I would rather cook for than you.

And you do it so well she chuckled.

Tina reached for her wineglass and raised it in toast.

To us, baby her smile radiating.

To us repeated Bette.

Each raised the glass to her lips and took a sip, eyes never leaving the other.

Hmmm, thats pretty good said Bette, referring to the wine.

Yeah? I just found it today and thought that it would be fun to try.

Bette dove into her meal with a zest that Tina had not seen the entire time that they had been back together.

Hungry? she teased.

No, starving replied Bette, groaning in pleasure at how good it was.

T, youve outdone yourself she managed to say in between bites.

Baby, as hungry as you are, I could have put the sole of a shoe in front of you and I think that you would have eaten it she laughed.

But you didnt said Bette, smiling wickedly.

The rest of the meal passed with quiet conversation floating between the two of them, each so content and happy to be in the others presence.

So? said Tina.

Yeah? asked Bette, looking up from her half eaten meal.

Id like to hear a little more about this last minute trip of yours she said, taking a sip of her wine.

What would you like to know? asked Bette, placing her fork down and reaching for her own wine.

Well she started, what happened after you and I got off the phone last night? she asked.

Leaning back in her chair, Bette tried to determine the best way to communicate what she had gone through the previous evening.

Was that really just last night? she chuckled. God, its been a long day she exhaled.

Tina reached over, taking Bettes hand in her own, rubbing her thumb across her fingers.

Yeah, it was baby. Wanna tell me what happened after we hung up?

Bette took a deep breath and looking at Tina recanted her actions from the night before.

So, you just decided to hop on a plane and fly all this way?

Pretty much said Bette as she shrugged her shoulders.

But you havent told me why, Bette she stated.

II just heard something in your voice that made me want to be with you. I mean, I guess that when you first said that you wanted to stay here, I knew that it was going to be difficult on you, as it had been so long since you had actually slept here, but what I heard in your voice last night was worse than I had imagined and quite frankly, it broke my heart.

Bette paused, looking at Tina for a reaction.

Tina remained quiet, remembering her conversation with Bette last night and the feelings that had coursed through her body at the remembrance of their last night together under this roof.

She had needed Bette last night, yearned for her strong arms to be wrapped around her body, wanting to hear Bettes reassuring voice telling her that everything was going to be ok. The thought of how much she had missed her last night brought a tear to her eye.

Bette continued to watch Tina and then said, And so, that is why I needed to come to you. I could hear the pain in your voice and I just wanted to be here to help take some of it away she trailed off.

Tina stood up and walked over to Bette. Easing herself into Bettes lap, she wrapped her arms around Bettes neck and said, Do you have any idea how much it means to me that you are here? How much it means to me that you dropped everything and traveled across the country, just to be with me?

I think so she tentatively replied, looking down at the hem of Tinas t-shirt, one hand tracing the stitching, seemingly fascinated by it.

Tina hooked a finger underneath Bettes chin, raising her head so that she was looking into Tinas eyes.

You think so? she teased.

I guess that I know so she quietly replied, looking directly into Tinas eyes.

You said that you would do anything in the world for me, Bette she stated. Is that really true?

You know it is replied Bette.

I want something from you tonight, Bette she said, eyes boring a hole directly into Bettes soul.

What? she quietly asked.

I want you to give yourself to me tonight, Betteall of you she emphasized.

Bette looked quizzically at Tina, not really sure what she meant. Tina said nothing, just waited for Bette to understand what it was that she was asking.

Seeing a quick flicker of understanding, Tina heard Bette softly say, I will give you everything that I am.

No misunderstandings, Bette. I am talking all of you, nothing held back she clarified.

This is about you she said, pointing to Bettes chest, and me finger turned to point at herself, no one else, just you and me. I want you backI want us backand I want our life back she breathlessly declared. And I will let absolutely nothing stand in the way of that happening she said with anger and determination in her voice.

Bette just watched Tina, the intensity and raw emotion almost frightening.

I get it, T she whispered.

Do you? she asked, eyes searching Bettes.

Yes was all she said.

Convinced that she did, Tina got off of Bettes lap, reaching down for her hand. Bette stood, the two women looking into each others eyes. Seeing acceptance coming from the other, both turned, walking hand in hand, down the hallway to their bedroom, the journey of restoration just beginning.