Tina moaned and almost dropped to the floor if it wasn’t for the strong hands wrapped around her waist. To an onlooker Bette’s arms around Tina looked just like a lover’s embrace, but Tina knew that it was also her pillar of strength. Being in Bette’s arms. How did she ignore herself and her needs for so long?

Tina gently pulled back and wondrously looked at Bette whose eyes were still closed, with the sweetest smile dancing on her lips. The brunette understood what ‘coming home’ meant.  She felt it whenever this woman was in her arms, they just belonged and if felt right.

“Come with me.” Tina said pulling Bette into her lounge so they cold sit down. Any more of this intense kissing and she and Bette wouldn’t be able to stand any longer. “Oh and welcome to my place.” Tina added.

“Hmmmm, that’s the best welcome I’ve ever received. Can I quickly run out the door, and walk in for another first time?” Bette teasingly requested.

“If you do that, you will miss out on the next welcome part.” Tina warned winking as she sat on the couch and patting beside her for Bette to sit.

“Consider me settled.” Bette told Tina, taking her place besides her on the couch. “So your friends will love me you said, why is that?” Bette questioned?

“I’ve spoken about you way too much and my being AWOL for days and returning glowing is a start.” Tina snuggled into Bette as she told her.

“Really?” Bette asked in disbelief.

Tina could hear the disbelief and uncertainty that resonated in Bette’s voice. Earlier the silence was enough for her to know that this was a big quiz for Bette.

“I know you had Shane. You told her how much you hate me at times.” Bette was about to protest but Tina hushed her and continued. “I know that was crazy talk.” She reassuringly smiled letting know Bette she too understood words spat in hateful hurting chats with friends that meant nothing. She continued, “I had Alice and Carmen.”

At hearing this, Bette looked at Tina wide -eyed and in disbelief. “Your High School crazy best friend Alice? Where? How? She’s all the way in New York. Carmen? Who is she?” Bette now wanted to hear it all.