Authors Note: Thank you to everyone who read this piece. The story turned out to be a bit longer than I had anticipated and I appreciate all who hung in there to the end. Also, a special thank you to all who took the time to send me an email, leave a review or comment. Each one is truly appreciated. I look forward to reading other fan fics and writing more, as we all struggle through the next eight months waiting for our little show to come back to us.


Chapter 9

Tina stood out side of the door, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath. She was nervous, but she knew in her heart this was her choice. The time had come for her to move forward and the journey would start tonight.

Placing her key in the lock, Tina was very careful not to make too much noise. She quietly opened the door and let herself inside. Closing the door, she took a moment to lean her head against the door, and close her eyes. She drew in a deep breath, taking in the smell of her home, allowing herself to feel its comfort. Tina felt a few tears roll down her face. This was her home. Her home with Bette. The home they built together and the home they would now try to rebuild.

Tina walked gingerly into the kitchen. The moonlight streaming through the windows provided just enough light for Tina to see. She looked around at the untidy condition of the kitchen. What the ***** has Bette been eating? Looking into the refrigerator, her question was answered, when she saw barren shelves and a few protein shakes. She hasnt, Tina mumbled to herself, shaking her head. She always took care of Bette that way, making sure she eats well and that the ordinary aspects of her life were taken care of.

Tina walked down the hall to their bedroom. Even though she had butterflies in her stomach, she felt right about her choice. Her home and life were with Bette and it deserved the chance to be rebuilt. She noticed the door to their bedroom was almost closed and she slowly opened the door, careful not to make noise. Tina was shocked to see the bed, perfectly made up and the room looking somewhat sterile. Its normal lived in look was gone and it seemed as it had been untouched. where the ***** is Bette? I saw her car outside Ideas on where Bette could be snuck in her mind

No, Tina whispered. I know shes here. I feel her.

Tina turned around and walked to the guest room. She looked inside and there was Bette, lying on her back, sleeping. Tina quickly scanned the room and it seemed as if Bette was living out of this room. It had the Bette lived in look.

Tina paused a moment and looked at Bette. Sleeping, her facial features softened, her expression peaceful. She was almost angelic. Tina remembered when they were first together. She loved to look at Bette while she slept. Bette, always in control, self-assured, in sleep seemed almost childlike. That vulnerability is what Tina sheltered. She always protected Bette that way, many times allowing Bette an emotional way out, allowing her to keep silent and not share her feelings. That would stop. Bette will have to let her in for them to continue. Im coming inside Bette Porter. Get ready.

Tina took off her shoes and quietly slid into bed, causing Bette to stir. Tina lay on her side, facing Bette, and began to run her fingertip over the outline of Bettes face. Bette stirred again, but did not wake, her lips parting slightly under Tinas touch. Tina took that opportunity to move her lips on Bettes. Her kiss was tender and soft, as she brushed her lips over Bettes. Bette moaned softly, not totally awake, as her body began to respond.

Tina closed her eyes and continued her light, delicate kisses. Her eyes opened as she heard Bette murmur,

Tina., Bettes voice was breathless, as she was still not fully awake.

Tina deepened her kiss, parting Bettes mouth with her tongue, reaching deep within her. Tina moved her body to partially lay over Bette.

Bettes response intensified, now sliding her arm up, on Tinas back. Tina lifted her head up, sensing Bette may be awake and met Bettes open eyes.

Tina..? Bette looked stunned, bewildered, almost wounded.

Im here Bette. Im here.

Bettes eyes widened and her voice was strained, Oh my God.T.. she whispered as her arms moved to enclose Tina, forcefully pulling Tina into her. She moved her hand to the back of Tinas head and pulled Tinas lips to hers. Bettes kiss was urgent and filled with need. Tina shifted, uncomfortable, as the pressure of Bettes arms increased.

Bette, Tina tore her mouth away. Bette, Tina raised her voice, youre hurting me.

Bette released Tina and opened her eyes. Her need for Tina had overwhelmed her. She must be dreaming she thought, as she continued to stare into Tinas face, her chest heaving up and down, as she struggled to catch her breath.

Tina? I cant believe youre here. Are you ok? Bettes voice filled with concern, mixed with confusion.

Bette, yes. Everything is ok. Its very ok, Tina locked her eyes into Bettes, tracing the outline of Bettes face with her fingertip.

T? Bette continued to look at Tina with uncertainty.
Bette. Shhhhh, Tina moved the tip of her finger over Bettes lips. Dont say anything else. Just come with me. Tina got out of bed and extended her hand to Bette. Bette took Tinas hand and followed her, as she led her to their bedroom.

Tina walked Bette to the side of their bed. Images of the last time they were in this room ran through each of their minds.

Tina grabbed Bettes hands as she turn to face her.

Bette, last time we ended here. Now, we are going to start here. No more running.

Tina framed Bettes face with her hands and drew her into her kiss. They were in each others arms, their kiss deepening as Tina pulled away. Locking Bettes eyes with her own, Tina slowly removed Bettes top. Tinas hands trailed down Bettes body, stopping to feel the weight of Bettes ***** in her hands. Tina kept Bettes stare as she moved her fingers over Bettes nipples, feeling them harden under her touch.

Tina. Bettes voice was raspy and full of need. I cant stand up anymore.

Tina continued and slid her hands down Bettes body, removing her pants. Bette stood before Tina, naked and vulnerable. Tina drew Bette closer, kissing her as she laid her down on the bed.

Tina undressed herself for Bette, removing her clothes slowly, intimately connecting with Bette without words. She laid her body on top of Bette as she covered her mouth with her own.

Tinas kiss was demanding, parting Bettes lips with her tongue and drawing Bettes mouth into hers. She moved her hands down the sides of Bettes body, knowing the places to stop, knowing her lover.

Tina felt Bettes hands run down her back, when she broke the kiss and lifted her body up with her hands.

No Bette. Tina was breathless Put your hands back down. I need to come to you my way. Keep your hands down. If you touch me again, Ill stop.

Bette moved her hands away and placed them above her head, as Tina continued making love to her. Tinas lips trailed down Bettes body, kissing as she went, paying attention to the places on Bettes body Tina knew would arouse her lover.

Bette, Tina whispered through her kisses, Open your legs for me.

Bette moaned, her body writhing under Tinas touch. She was beyond aroused.

Bette spread her legs for Tina, as Tina moved her kisses to the soft, supple portion of Bettes inner thigh.

Tina lifted her head, Baby. look at me.

Bette opened her eyes, looked down and met Tinas eyes.

Baby, youre mine. Tina held Bettes eyes for a moment before she opened Bette up with her tongue. Tina took Bette in her mouth, savoring Bettes moans of desire. Tina knew Bette would climax quickly, as she felt her body become tense. Tina held on to Bettes hips as she felt her shudder and cry out, her body quivering as she brought her to *****.

Tina rested her head on Bettes stomach and felt Bettes hands in her hair. Bettes body began to tremble and Tina knew she was crying.

Tina lifted herself up and laid on her back, pulling Bette into her arms. Bette sobbed and Tina felt Bettes tears fall on her chest. Tina softly stroked Bettes hair, as she allowed her to cry. There would be plenty of time for words.


The sun streamed through the windows as Tina squinted and opened her eyes. Bette still lie in her arms, not moving at all during sleep. Tina softly kissed the top of Bettes head as she felt her begin to stir.

Hey, Bette tilted her head up to look at Tina.

Hi Baby, Tinas voice was soft and warm.

Bette sighed and moved up to kiss Tina. I was scared to wake up and find out this was a dream.

Im here baby, Tina was reassuring, softly running her fingers through Bettes hair. Im here to stay.

Bette smiled, looking at Tina. TI love you so much.

I know you do baby. I love you. Tina began to kiss Bette and Bette felt the stirrings of desire.

Bette began to move her body on top of Tinas, when Tina placed a hand up to stop her.

Hey. wait. Not now, I am starving. Can we grab a bite to eat first? Tina looked at Bette and shrugged her shoulders and as if in sympathy, her stomach grumbled.. Im hungry baby.

Bette smiled and laughed. Ok honey. Its almost time for lunch anyway. Plus we can stop by Alices to get your things. I mean, you are coming home right?

Tina smiled, looking at Bette, Yeah babe. Im coming home.

Tina jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom.

Babe?

Yeah, Bette answered.

Get out of bed and hurry up. We need to get something to eat and go and get my things and get home. Its Sunday remember?

Oh yeah, Sunday.

Tina peeked her head out of the bathroom door and looked at Bette, raising her eyebrows, The L Word is on tonight! Get moving.


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Authors note: There is an alternative ending to this story that I will post after the season finale. Check the story out again, as the new ending will bring a new journey for Tina and Bette. Thanks again for reading the story.