It wasn’t until they started living together that things had begun to change and Bette felt her hope rekindled. They cuddled the other day. Fucking cuddled! And it was Tina’s idea. She enjoyed it too, Bette was sure of that. Surely that had to count for something. Right?

Bette thought back to the day of Tina’s baby shower when she had spoken to Alice in the kitchen, her friend’s words replaying in her mind. Maybe confessing her feelings once and for all wouldn’t be so bad. At the very least, it would give Bette peace of mind.

"I mean, I don’t even know why you’re the one trying to blend with the crowd" Tina said cutting into Bette’s thoughts, "If anything, I should be one hiding from my shame"

Bette saw the teasing smile grace Tina’s lips and she laughed, "Oh please"

"I’m not kidding" Tina laughed and playfully bumped into the brunette again, "You saw an intimate part of me. I felt raw, exposed. We have to even the score"

"You can’t be serious" Bette laughed, enjoying the playful banter between them. It was exciting her.

"Oh I’m totally serious" Tina forced a serious expression but Bette could see the tease in Tina’s eyes. She saw something else there too. Desire maybe. Bette really hoped so.

"Okay fine" Bette chuckled as they made their way into one of the many rooms in the gallery. She leaned against one of the empty walls and crossed her arms, "So what do you propose we do to restore your . . lost dignity?"

Tina found herself suddenly shy as a blush crept up her cheeks. At the same time, she couldn’t seem to help herself.  She was taking Alice’s advice and embracing what she felt. There was no holding back, she would say whatever she wanted to say. Damn that liquid courage.

She shrugged innocently but her smile gave way to something naughtier, "Well . . you know what I’m wearing underneath . ."

Bette raised an eyebrow and smirked in that sexy way Tina loved so much. Her heart was pounding, "Are you saying that since I saw yours, I have to show you mine?"