Bettes brow furrowed in concentration and now youve taken up playing again?

A small smile graced Tinas lips, No, Im just reminiscing.

May I join you?

Tina smiled her approval, Sure.

Bette walked around to the piano bench and sat behind Tina, her legs either side of Tinas body, her arms slipped around Tinas waist and she rested her head on Tinas right shoulder looking at Tinas long delicate fingers trace the ivory notes in front of her, before finally pressing down on one. The sweet sound of the wise instrument sent a shiver of reverence through Bettes body and old memories flooded her mind, she smiled into Tinas shoulder.

Whats going on T?

Im just thinking.

About what?

About you

Me?

Well us

It was Tinas turn to smile, as she pressed down on another note, a slightly higher one this time. You know, theres a song that reminds me of you, sometimes I play it when youre not around.

Why? What is it?

Its an old Elliot Smith song. Well its not so much the song that reminds me of you, just this little piano bit in the middle of the chorus.

Will you play it now for me? Bette asked as she tightened her grip around her Tina.

Tina leaned back into Bettes touch as she began to play and talk Bette through it. Its only a small, simple piano bit, but Her hand began to gracefully move as she played four notes each one getting slightly higher than the previous, they get slightly higher each time, see?

Yes Tina, I had noticed!

Tina giggled as her hand switched direction, then it turns around in the middle and the notes get lower and I play the same ones except this time in the minor key. Tina closed her eyes and tilted her head back, leaning more into Bette as she played her little piece again

And how does this remind you of me? Bette asked, kissing Tina newly exposed neck.

You see, the notes get higher, they sound happier, they hit their peak, then they turn round and come down again. This simple piece of music wouldnt be the same without those minor notes coming down, that simple turn in the music holds all the beauty in it for me. Its the perfect part. And its like a person; its like you. It has the good bits, the high bits, and those bits that anybody and everybody will see and hear. But when it turns suddenly no ones wants to know, they dont want to acknowledge the insecurity and vulnerability that the music underlines, but thats the best part and once you hear it you cant walk away from it. And its the same in a person. Thats why it reminds me of you, Ive seen it all in you Bette, and Im still here because I cant walk away from it. And Im the only one that knows about it all and I love that, I love being the only one that knows every part of you.

Tina opened her eyes, tilted her head back some more and looked straight in to Bettes eyes that had quickly filled with tears.

You ***** amaze me sometimes Kennard.

Tina turned in her seat until she was sitting in Bettes lap and facing her, then she slowly wiped the tears that were trickling down Bettes cheeks: You amaze me all the time Porter.

Bette flashed Tina her famous smile through her tears, Well, I do try!

Tina laughed, grabbed Bettes face in both of her hands and slowly brought her lips to meet her wifes kissing her sweetly before pulling back and saying I know you do, and I love you for it.

And I love you, Bette replied brushing Tinas lips with her thumb. So, your piano bits remind you of me do they?

Tina laughed cynically, she knew exactly where Bette was going with this, Mmm Porter, and I have a lot of other bits that remind me of you too.

Well what dya say we go remind you then?

Tina laughed at Bettes lack of subtlety; We are so bad at this Porter.

Yeah I know, but its fun.

Uh huh, Tina agreed before climbing out of Bettes lap, taking her hand and leading her to the bedroom.

Bette took one last fleeting glance at the old piano behind her and smiled again. This was going to be one of those other memories that she owed to this old instrument.