Bette smiled into Tina’s shoulder "You know, I kind of liked it when you went all alpha"

"You did?"

Bette nodded "It’s like you were defending my honour"

"Your honour is my honour baby. And I’ll always defend you. And the sooner that bitch is out of both of our lives, the better"

The brunette chuckled "She’s gone T. It’s just you and me"

The two pulled apart slightly and looked into each others eyes. No more words were needed. Tina reached her hand up and moved a stray curl out of the brunettes eyes. She then let her fingers trail down her face, coming to rest against her cheek. Leaning forwards to close the gap between their faces, she brushed her lips against Bette’s. The brunette let out a soft moan and returned the kiss, letting Tina know exactly how much it meant to her that she had stood up against Jodi.

"You want to get some dinner?" she asked, her forehead rested against Tina’s.

"Just so long as it’s you, me, the sofa and a hell a lot of cuddles"

Bette grinned "Sounds perfect"

********************************************************************************************************

Another week had gone by and it was finally time to celebrate Nikki’s birthday. They had hired a local bar and no expense had been spared in terms of the decoration. Bette had spent the last two weeks planning everything, and not least of all the impressive bar tab. The two happy couples had arrived early, and a glass of champagne was well in order.

"Well I think it’s about time for a toast" said Helen, raising her glass.

"Absolutely" Bette grinned.

The four women smiled and raised their glasses.

"Is that a toast going on without me?" a voice exclaimed in mock annoyance from the bar’s door.

The four women turned, and if it was possible their smiles grew even larger.

"Shane!" Nikki put down her glass and ran to embrace her friend.

The slim brunette soon made her way to the other three women who were equally excited to see her.

"I think you’ll be wanting this" Tina grinned, handing Shane a glass of champagne.

"Cheers Miss Kennard" Shane replied with a wink.

Tina raised her eyebrow.

"Alright alright, thanks Tina"

The group all laughed.

"So how about that toast then?" Shane asked.

"To Nikki, may this birthday be the best you’ve ever had" Bette dipped her glass to Nikki.

"And more importantly, to freedom" Nikki responded.

"To freedom" they all joined in, as subconsciously Shane and Nikki put their arms round each other.

There was a silence amongst the group as each of them paused for a moment to consider how far they’d come in the last few weeks.

It was Nikki who was the first to break the silence "So hows about we get this party started?"