Babybaby!

What?

I need a band-aid!

What?

Tina rolled her eyes and pinched her thumb to stop the inch long gash from bleeding excessively. She stepped into the kitchen to find Bette standing bent over the dining table, still scrutinizing piles of proofs for an upcoming show. What did you need? Bette inquired without looking up. Tina turned on the tap and soothed her aching thumb with the chilly water, Could you get me a band-aid from the bathroom? Bette suddenly looked up, concern etched on her face, Whatd you do? she asked stepping away from the table and walking into the kitchen. I just cut myself with the clippers, Tina mumbled, peering intently at the wound. Bette gingerly grasped Tinas hand and turned the palm upwards to inspect it. Ooooh, she commented soberly, we should probably disinfect thatit looks deep Bette gently squeezed the thumb, causing the wound to squirt a little blood and Tina to wince in pain. If youre through with your little diagnosis, I think Im just gonna get that band-aid myself, Tina said, impatiently wrenching her hand from Bettes hold. Noticing Tinas irritation, Bette patted her on the shoulder and gave her a sympathetic smile, Im sorry, just sit downIll get it.

Tina took a seat at the breakfast table and tried to get her mind off the sharp stinging which now seemed to radiate from her thumb all the way down to her elbow. Bette returned shortly with a band-aid, a couple of cotton balls, and a large bottle of peroxide. She positioned a chair directly in front of Tina and sat down taking Tinas injured hand in her own. After moistening a cotton ball with peroxide, she carefully took Tinas thumb and dabbed lightly. Does it hurt? she asked after gently blowing on the wound to take the edge off the sting. Tina shook her head, grinning slightly at Bettes pseduo-medical skills. Bette pressed the wet cotton ball into the wound with slightly more force, and Tina let out a little hiss. Im sorry, Bette said, blowing again, wowlook at that! They brought there heads close together and watched as the peroxide bubbled into the wound, producing a faint hiss which seemed to echo Tinas. Hmmmthat should do the trick Bette noted as she tossed the soiled cotton ball onto the table. She delicately placed Tinas hand in her own lap and reached over for the band-aid. She quickly unwrapped it and placed it tightly around Tinas thumb. She gave it a quick peck and lifted her gaze to meet Tinas sparkling eyes, All better?

Tina smiled warmly, caressing Bettes cheek with her unharmed fingers, Mmmmmthank you, its a lucky thing Bette straightened her back proudly, That I was here to succor you? Tina got to her feet and lifted her eyebrows, Nothat it was only my thumbif I had been seriously hurt, I would have passed out or bled to death before you tore yourself away from those. She jerked her bandaged thumb in the direction of the dining room and gave Bette a teasing wink. Bette continued to wear her expression of mock offense as she followed Tina back out toward the garden.

Well, none of this would have happened if you would have listened to me in the first place.

Excuse mewhat is that supposed to mean?

TinaI bought you those gardening gloves for a reason, but you just HAVE to be stubborn.

I like to get my hands dirtyI like to feel the soiland I think youve got a ***** of a nerve calling ME stubborn.

Bette opened her mouth to say something, but instead just closed it shut. Tina gave her another playful wink before hunching down. Tina clipped a few branches, thankful that Bettes shadow was partially shielding her from the afternoon sun. Tina? Bette suddenly spoke tentatively. Tina turned her head and was surprised by the expression on Bettes face: it looked strained like she was anxious or upset about something. Tina smiled with understanding as she grasped one of Bettes hand, I was just teasing you, babeyou should get back to work. Bette shook her head and sunk to her knees next to Tina, I need a breakeverythings starting to look the same anyways. Tina smiled and lightly bumped her shoulder with Bettes, Do you wanna help me out? Bette nodded enthusiastically and Tina handed her a small plastic pot, Fill this up with some soilabout halfway up Bette quickly dug her fingers into the moist, black earth, furrowing her brow as she twisted the soil loose, Why am I doing this again? Tina chuckled at Bettes inquisitiveness, Im gonna pull this out, Tina said pointing to a small, wilting white flower, and put it in the kitchen windowsill where it can get lots of lightthen, when its strong enough, Im gonna re-plant it with the others.

You are so amazing, Bette whispered with timid awe. Tina smiled broadly, Thats funny, she said, wrinkling her nose, Ive always thought the same thing about you. Bette placed the little pot in Tinas hands and watched quietly as she tenderly eased the delicate roots into the fresh soil. Okay, now pour some more over itslowly, Tina instructed, softly by firmly. Bette obeyed, carefully allowing the deep black dirt to slip between her fingers and sprinkle into the pot. Once the pot was full, Tina lovingly patted the soil down and held the pot up with a heart-melting smile for Bette to admire. Bette squinted in the sunlight and nodded her head in approval.

That is one very lucky flower.

Why?

Because it has you to take such good care of it.

Awwwstop it youre gonna make me blush

Tina pressed her lips to Bettes, leaving them there as she mumbled, What should we have for dinner? Bette cocked her head and trailed her lips along Tinas neck, This is good Tina pulled away, her teeth glistening as she smiled, Well, thats a givenseriously, what do you want? Bette gave her quick peck as she took the pot from Tinas hands, How about that lemon chicken thing? Tina shifted from her knees to sit properly on the heated cement as she watched Bette get to her feet and begin walking away, Okayhang on, where are you going with that? Bette turned around, a shy grin playing across her lips, Im gonna water itdo you mind if I sort of take care of it? Tina shook her head with a lazy smile, Its in very good handsjust like me.

Bette?

Yeah?

Once their eyes met, they smiled at each other for several moments, locked in each others gaze. Tina blew Bette a kiss and then turned around to continue working on the garden. Bette gave the dirt in the pot one last little pat and turned to go back into the house.