The time spent with the gang must have been the second-happiest night of Bettes life. The banter going around felt like old-times, and with Tinas arm around her shoulder the mood went gayer and gayerpun intended. Bette spent the evening catching up with her friends, her family…and with Kit leading a dirty sing-a-long the night ended smoothly. Hugging them each goodbye, Bette began to clean up. There wasnt much, only straightening discarded couch pillows and some of Danas toffee wrappers. Tina piled the dishes in the new dishwasher they recently bought, both of them settling into a rhythm routine that only seven year relationships could achieve.

Wiping her hands with a terry cloth Tina entered the living room, plopping herself on the sofaexhausted. Bette threw one of the pillows at her, Tina caught it and a gleam went in her eye. They were both still for five seconds…both anticipating the others move. Then in a blink of an eye Tina flexed her arm and threw the pillow straight at Bette, who was fortunately very ready. She ducked and grabbed another off the couch whipping it around, only Tina wasnt there, suddenly she was plummeted on the side of the head with armchair pillow. Screaming Bette went after Tina who was running down the hall whoopingI got you Bette I got you good! Tina flew into their bedroom, clumsily closing the door and jumping on the bed making for one of the very big bed pillows. Bette slapped the door open and dived for Tina who was just grabbing the biggest pillow on the bed, grabbing her waist Bette used all her formidable strength to whip her aroundand then the tickling began. With both hands Bette tickled Tina on the waist, trying to use her arms to make her stay still…Tina was screaming with silent laughtersquirming to get away. Both laughing Bette pushed Tina down and straddled her hips, she grabbed Tinas right arm and pulled it up against the bed, with the other hand she began to tickle Tina to death. Yelling that she surrendered Tina squealed and squirmed, then exhausted both lay side by side, trying to catch their breath. Still giggling Tina wrapped her arm around Bette and with her head on Bettes chest felt her beloveds heart slow to a rhythmic beating.