She nibbled at the popcorn, and sipped the water, wondering why Tina didn’t seem hungry tonight. Normally she was stealing the snacks out of her mouth, sometimes literally. Tina contented herself with the occasional gulp of water, as she watched the classic comedy fondly.

Bette continued to half watch the film and half think about her and Tina and where they were going from here. They were enjoying being together again, and Tina clearly was having trouble keeping her eyes off her. Bette was delighted.

She had been so lost in thought, she hadn’t been keeping an eye on Tina for the last few minutes, and as the film neared its end, she looked over, only to see Tina’s head slumped onto one shoulder, and her eyes closed. For a moment Bette was annoyed at Tina falling asleep when her emotions were in such turmoil. Then she thought again and realized that Tina must be feeling really relaxed and at ease with her to nod off like that. This was a good thing, she told herself. Good for the re-establishment of their marriage that Tina felt secure enough that she could sleep so peacefully as she sat beside her.

Bette had watched Tina sleep many times in the course of their marriage. She remembered reading somewhere that your thoughts about someone when watching them sleep told you a lot about your feelings for them. Did you feel mischievous and try to drop things in their mouth? Were you irritated by their snores or repulsed by their drooling? Did their lack of attention to you make you feel unwanted? Or did the sight of them asleep arouse in you thoughts of tenderness and a desire to protect them from disturbances and threats?

She remembered the first time she watched Tina sleep, after the first time they made love. It had been a slightly awkward evening at first, with Bette not wanting to push Tina, but their mutual passion soon took over, leaving them both breathless and exhausted.

Bette had woken up at dawn, the sunlight just creeping in through the blinds of Tina’s bedroom. She had looked upon Tina’s face, and it had been clear to her instantly how much she cared for the blonde beauty. Seeing those beautiful eyelashes flutter as she dreamt, and noticing the sheen of light reflected off her still slightly sweaty skin had captivated Bette. She felt a powerful urge to gather Tina in her arms and never let go. This was something she had never felt for anyone she woke up next to before, and much as she continued to fight it, that had been a moment of real clarity for Bette.