Bette didn’t try anything too explicit – she just got her body as close to Tina’s as she could and eased them both under the hot shower.

“That’s nice “ Bette said

“It is “

Bette looked down at Tina’s body with real appreciation – she had missed the soft, pale skin next to hers. She had missed the intimacy of doing things that she had taken for granted like watching one another getting dressed and undressed and also this real closeness of sharing a bath or shower.

Tina reached out her hand and touched Bette’s breast with what felt and looked like reverence.  Bette stroked Tina’s hair  – Tina looked up and saw the desire and love in Bette’s eyes

“Oh Bette “ she said softly

“This isn’t about sex – that will come when we are both ready – its clear that we are probably a week or more away. But you and I have always had such an intimate relationship – we have always done things like this. It worries me that you look so concerned “

“I guess when you got into the shower I did think you wanted sex “

“We are not ready but I have missed just touching you. We are so tender and caring towards one another at the moment –  without work bothering either of us we are getting close again and that’s bound to happen given how we both feel “

“Sorry for assuming that you wanted something that you must know from last night that I am not really ready for “

“I know that Tina  – I just want to hold you and kiss you “

Tina touched Bette’s face “That is what I would like as well “

“I know you are still tired babe “

“I am “ Tina admitted letting Bette pull her into a full body hug. “I didn’t think I would still feel so drained but I am “

“You have to listen to your body as well “

“I know “

“Do you think that you are up to washing each other ?”

Tina smiled “I think I could summon up the energy “ she said dryly

Bette took the shower gel from the small shelf and poured some on her hand