Bette stirred when she felt the warmth of the throw covering her. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw Tina standing over her. Bette saw the love she felt for the blonde reflected back. “Hi,” she said, stretching her arms above her head. “How long have you been home?” She reached for Tina’s hand and their fingers entwined. The two women were slowly starting to show affection to one another. A kiss on the cheek here, a caress of the hand there, it was a start they needed.

Tina bent down to place a kiss on Bette’s head. “I just go home. Did you have a nice nap?” She asked as she sat on the ottoman, careful not to jostle Bette’s leg. She looked down at the leg. “How’s the leg, any pain or headache?”

“No, no pain or headache.” Bette was still recovering from the concussion and was told that it could take months before she felt like her old self. Bette leaned forward to scratch an itch on her leg. “Did you get what you needed from the market?”

Tina stood. She picked up the crutches off the floor and leaned it against the chair. “Yeah, everything.” She turned toward the kitchen. “Would you like some tea? I bought loose leaves I want to try. Oh, I bought you that green tea ice cream that you like.”

Bette reached for her crutches. She adjusted the rests underneath her arms and slowly followed Tina to the kitchen. “I’d love some tea. Maybe we can have the ice cream for dessert later.”

Tina turned in the short hallway and walked back to Bette and together they walked to the kitchen.

The two women had adjusted comfortably in the loft since Bette was released from the hospital three weeks ago. The only sign of any injury she sustained from the accident was the leg. She had started physical therapy shortly after being released from the hospital. It had been painful for Tina to watch the recovery process. She felt responsible for the whole thing and had to reassure Bette many times that she was not staying out of guilt or obligation and that she was staying because she wanted to…end of discussion. If she had only given Bette the chance to explain and given their relationship another chance instead of letting the affair be the end all…things may have been different. It was agreed that Tina would stay with Bette at the loft in the guest bedroom while she recuperated from her injuries. Neither woman said anything about the sleeping arrangements changing anytime soon, but both were missing each others touch and comfort each provided in bed.

tbc