"You were," Bette observed thoughtfully. "What is it? I’m here for you."

Just hearing that set Tina off into tears again, but not for the same reasons as before. Hearing those words made her lip quiver, knowing how much Bette had always cared for her. She didn’t want to hurt her by saying it was her fault so she just lied again.

"It’s these papers," Tina replied, followed by an attempt at laughter, "There’s just so much to do." Bette made eye contact, reading her thoughts as she decided to add to her explanation. "I guess … I’m just really stressed out." she said, almost as if she was asking a question.

"Well I’m here for you," Bette smiled, leaning in as she kissed Tina on the cheek. "So put me to work."

Tina couldn’t help but smile at Bette’s odd request. "Put you to work?"

"Yup," Bette smiled again, taking Tina’s hands in hers. "I was just gonna stop by  babe, but if you’re this upset I’m not gonna leave you. I’ll just call James and-"

"Bette, you really don’t need to." Tina offered, her eyes telling Bette something different.

"You know what?" Bette started, getting up as she looked down to Tina, "I’d love to."

Tina beamed again, looking down to all of the papers. "I think we’re gonna be here all night."

"Better together than alone." Bette smiled, walking towards the door.

Suddenly Tina felt happier than she had in a long time, looking to Bette as she walked away. She couldn’t believe this feeling. She was floating and knew Bette had no idea how happy she was making her.

"Yeah," Tina smiled, clearing her throat as she went back to work enthusiastically.

"I’m gonna call James, okay babe?" Bette explained, reaching for her phone in her purse. After the phone call, Bette pulled up a chair right next to Tina and started sorting through the papers with her.

"What are we even trying to find?" Bette laughed, her eyes beginning to burn from all of her speed-reading.

Tina laughed quietly along, looking over to the folders they had already organized. Nearly half of the work was already done. She looked up to Bette, her eyes tracing her beautiful profile. "Umm, just this request letter for Simon to sign. But as long as we organize all of this into folders I can find it myself." Tina stated, bringing her eyes back to the papers.

"And who is this Simon?" Bette joked, knowing Tina secretly liked it when she got jealous. Sensing she needed a lift, she decided to tease her. "Should I be worried?" Bette asked, raising her brow.

Tina laughed unintentionally as she heard that last part. "Oh definitely."

Bette grinned from ear to ear, glad to hear Tina crack a joke. She had seemed so serious and distant in the past few weeks. Following a few moments of comfortable silence, Bette spoke. "So, do you want to order some food before I go pick up Angie?"

"Oh sure," Tina said with a smile, pleasantly surprised at how helpful Bette had been. "Thanks."

"Anytime," Bette smiled getting up. Just before she was out of reach, she felt Tina’s hand tugging gently at her shirt. With an essence of shock she turned around, trying not to seem so surprised. She looked to Tina, waiting to hear what she wanted to say. She realized she hadn’t been listening enough lately so she turned all of her attention to the blonde before her.

"Really, thank you." Tina smiled, trying to hold back tears of joy. "You’ve been my hero tonight."

Bette’s smile warmed the way it always did when she thought about Tina.

"I’m just glad I came when I did." Bette said, soothing Tina with each word. Tina sighed, blinking away her tears as she took a deep breath and let it out.

"Me too." She smiled, the most honest reply she’d made all day.

 TBC