Bette was digging through her closet at home trying to find the perfect outfit for tonight. She didnt want to dress up too much, but the fact that she was going to be seeing Tina made her want to dress special for this occasion. The downside was that they were going to Milk, so casual wear was the appropriate attire, but the upside was that based on how Tina dressed, Bette felt she could get a good assessment about how she felt about them. I know her well enough to know if she is dressing for me or if she is dressing just to look nice, thought Bette as she continued to slide hangers around and try and find a suitable outfit.

Over at Alices apartment Tina was doing the same thing. She didnt have a lot of clothes there, even though Bette had been nice enough to drop some more stuff off for her, but she wished she were at home rummaging through her own closet. Alice noticed Tina having a hard time deciding what to wear and when Tina changed for the sixth time Alice had to say something.

Okay, whats going on Kennard? You really shouldnt have this much trouble deciding on what to wear, we are only going to Milk.

Tina turned around and blushed slightly. She forgot that she hadnt told Alice that she invited Bette and she figured she might as well get it out of the way before Bette showed up.

Um, yeah, I kind of invited someone to come with us.

A look of alarm crossed Alices face and she didnt respond but gave Tina a, who the ***** did you invite? look. Tina couldnt help but laugh at Alices reaction. Good old Alice, she thought, always looking out for me and wanting to know the latest gossip.

Bette. I invited Bette to go with us tonight.

You sure thats a good idea?

Yeah. It will be like a test run. If we can be civil for one whole night then I think we may stand a chance.

Okay, its your choice.

Tina didnt know what to make of Alices comment so she turned back to the pile of clothes in front of her and sighed, knowing she really shouldnt be this stressed. After all, its only Bette, she thought as she finally decided on a pair of jeans that accentuated her curves and a tank top that left little to the imagination. She grabbed her jacket and went out to join Alice and Dana who were waiting for her in the living room.

At precisely nine oclock the doorbell rang. Well she was always punctual, thought Tina as she went and opened the door since Alice and Dana were too caught up in staring at each other and NOT talking to notice.

Hey.

Hi. Come in.

Bette followed Tina back into the apartment and it took all of her restraint not to pull Tina into her arms and kiss her right there on the spot. She looks amazing, thought Bette as she couldnt help but enjoy her view of Tina from behind. How could I have forgotten that? she wondered as she greeted Alice and Dana. The four women headed to the club and since Bette was pretty sure she wasnt going to drink, she decided to drive.

They got there and immediately Bette felt nervous. It had been a long time since she had been to a club and an even longer time since she had been to a club without Tina, as her girlfriend. Bette hoped she would not feel any jealousy tonight, but she knew it was going to be tough. The conversation she had with Kit earlier that night ran through her head as they headed into the club.

***

So youre going with Tina to Milk?

Well she invited me to go with her, Alice and Dana.

Well thats a start. But remember, its about her now okay? You have to show her that you can be trusted and be supportive of her.

I know.

Bette, Im being serious. You cant rush her back into a relationship. Its going to take time, and its the little things like tonight that can get you one step closer.

***

Bette sighed as they entered the club. Most of West Hollywood probably knew about what happened between her and Tina and she was almost certain people would be coming out of the woodworks after hearing Tina was single again. Shes not single, shes mine, thought Bette as she followed the three ladies to the bar. She tried to ignore the stares and the whispers thrown her way and she hoped that she would be able to handle herself tonight.

They found seats at a table near the bar and Alice and Dana ordered drinks right away but Tina just ordered a Coke for now. She knew how Bette felt about being drunk in public and she wanted to make sure she had control over all her inhibitions tonight. Tina snuck a look at Bette and couldnt help but smile to herself as she saw how uncomfortable Bette looked. She knew Bette was out of her element, and the fact that she was willing to put up with it for her made Tina smile.

Are you okay?

Bette looked at Tina kind of startled and after a second she responded.

Just forgot how to do this.

Do what?

Bette didnt answer as she continued to look around the room. Tina was oblivious to the numerous women eyeing her but Bette wasnt. She noticed people noticing Tina and it was killing her. Normally all she would have to do is put her hand on Tinas back or her thigh and the looks would cease, but not tonight. Tonight she was going to have to endure them no matter what.

It seems youve become quite the hot commodity lately.

Tina looked at Bette with a puzzled look and Bette nodded her head towards the many women who were admiring Tina. Tina looked around self-consciously and when she finally figured out what Bette was talking about she felt a little odd. She wasnt used to other women being so bold as to check her out with Bette sitting right next to her, but she remembered why they werent afraid any more.

Its nice to be admired sometimes.

Bette looked at Tina with understanding, as she was fully aware of what Tina was implying with that statement. She decided she needed to take a break from this conversation before she said something she regretted so she excused herself saying she had to use the restroom. Tina watched Bette walk away and she felt a familiar rush of desire run through her loins. As mad as Tina was at Bette and as much as she was hurt by what she did, there was no denying her desire for Bette. It was what had sparked their relationship in the first place and it was something that Tina had gotten so used to she almost forgot it existed. Tina wanted to feel Bettes hands on her skin and she wanted to taste Bettes lips against hers but she knew tonight was not the night. They had a long way to go, but the fact remained that even after seven years, Tina still desired Bette. She just hoped the feeling was still mutual.

Bette returned from the bathroom and immediately looked to see if Tina was still sitting there and if she was still alone. Alice and Dana had wandered off somewhere and sure enough, Tina was still at the table sipping her Coke, but she wasnt alone. Jealousy and rage ripped through Bette as she stood there watching some woman talk to Tina and being overtly flirtatious with her, but then Bette felt a sigh of relief when she saw Tina graciously decline her offer to dance. Bette smiled as she slid into the stool next to her and took another sip of her water. She felt happy just to be by Tinas side again and she hoped the rest of the evening would go as well as the beginning had.

Tina had seen Bette watching her out of the corner of her eye as that girl tried to ask her to dance and she was surprised that Bette hadnt come over and ripped the girls head off. Interesting, thought Tina as she took another sip of her Coke. Maybe she has changed, she thought to herself as she snuck another look at Bette. I hope so, she said to herself knowing that if Bette truly did learn her lesson, that after a while she knew she would be able to forgive her and get past her affair with Candace.

Shane walked in at that moment and upon seeing Bette and Tina sitting alone together she had to come over and say hi. She dragged her latest conquest over to the table and with a smooth voice she greeted the seemingly lukewarm happy couple.

Ladies, good to see you tonight.

Hi Shane.

So is it just you two tonight or are you here with Alice and Dana?

Al and Dana are somewhere on the dance floor.

Shane looked from Bette to Tina and Tina could see the happiness in her eyes. It had really shook Shane up when she found out that they were taking a break and although Shane would never admit it, Tina knew she was a hopeless romantic when it came to her and Bette.

Well ladies, enjoy the rest of the evening, I think were going to go home now.

With a waive over her shoulder Shane and her one nightstand left the club hand in hand. Bette and Tina smiled at each other knowing that Shane was back to her old ways.

So much for teaching an old dog new tricks huh?

Bette looked slightly hurt at Tinas remark until she realized that Tina was talking about Shane and not her. She turned to Tina and gave her a million dollar smile before answering.

No, but you can teach a new dog old tricks.

She reached for Tinas hand and when Tina didnt pull away Bette decided to lead her on to the dance floor. Dancing was not one of Tinas stronger suits, but that didnt mean she couldnt. Bette was smooth as ever and soon Tina found herself laughing and really enjoying being in Bettes company. After they danced for a while Tina looked at her watch and saw that it was getting late. She pointed at her watch and Bette got the message that it was time to leave. They found Alice and Dana and the four of them exited the club.

When they got back to Alices apartment Dana said she really needed to use the bathroom so her and Alice ran upstairs as fast as they could. Tina smiled knowing thats not the only reason Alice wanted to get upstairs ASAP, but nonetheless she felt slightly awkward sitting alone with Bette in Bettes car. Bette sensed that Tina felt weird so she decided to take the initiative.

Well, I think its getting pretty late. Dont you have to meet Oscar at eight tomorrow?

Tina nodded yes and as much as she didnt want to admit it, she didnt want to leave Bettes company. They had been having a good time and Tina saw a different side of Bette that she hadnt seen in a long time. She knew that she shouldnt rush things so she decided to get out of the car and head upstairs. As she was walking away she thought about something and turned back towards the car. She walked up to the drivers side and motioned for Bette to roll down the window. Bette rolled down the window looking concerned and Tina took a deep breath before slowly leaning down and kissing Bette gently on the lips.

Bette felt a surge go through her system and she instantly wanted to pull Tina into her arms and never let her go. Bette had never felt more alive in her life, and she forgot how soft and gentle Tina could be and what a turn on that was. Tina slowly kissed Bette not wanting to push too hard knowing she probably shouldnt be doing this in the first place. Tina muffled a soft moan as she felt Bette run her tongue gently over her bottom lip. The kiss was sweet and tender, not aggressive or forceful, and it was the kind of kiss that can make your insides turn to mush and your knees buckle. When Tina felt Bettes hand softly caress the back of her head she pulled back. Breathing hard she looked at Bette knowing that she might have crossed the line too soon.

Im sorry. I cant do this.

With that she turned and ran up the stairs and into Alices apartment leaving Bette stunned and longing for more.