“I didn’t plan it. I didn’t plan anything. I just couldn’t help myself…” Tina stood up as she spoke, walking around to Bette’s seat and settling on her lap, her arms hooked around the brunette’s neck as she leaned in for a kiss.

“Ok, once again, not much talking getting done if you’re going to do that!”

“Sorry” Tina pulled back but did not move off Bette’s lap.

“So what did you decide?”

“Decide? About what?”

“This. Us. What are we doing? Are we still keeping it a secret?”

“Shouldn’t we decide that together?”

“Yes…”

“I just got out of a relationship.”

“I know”

“”No, I mean… I’m not saying I’m looking for another one but I’m not saying I’m not… I’ve never been one for dating more than one person at a time… I know we’re figuring this out but… well…”

“It’s just you Tina. I’m not sure what Alice has been filling your head with about me… I have fun yes… but it’s only you.”

Tina visibly breathed a sigh of relief before looking apologetically into Bette’s eyes.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“It’s fine, Alice likes to exaggerate.”

“I should have known.”

“Well yes, that is your fault” Bette teased, gripping Tina’s waist tightly.

“I’m not ready to tell her.”

“Me neither – but I’m sure Shane already knows… and Dana is too wrapped up in this new fling with Al to notice anyway.”

“Are we going to spring those two?”

“I vote for no until we’re ready to be sprung.”

“Good point… I was going to ask Shane if I could make my moving in more permanent… what do you think?”

“You’re going to live next door? Um…”

“Bad idea?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you were thinking…?”

“Not necessarily… it would make picking you up a lot easier.” Bette raised her eyebrows suggestively.

“Bette, seriously.”

“Seriously? I can’t think of an argument against it, but I don’t want the proximity to rush us. I don’t know if that even makes sense.”

“It does, it’s what I was worried about too. I haven’t talked to Shane about it yet – what if I talk to her and, if she agrees, we try it for a month?”

“So you think we’ll make it a month?” Bette continued teasing.

“Not if you keep that up, no.”

“I want this to work Tina, I am serious about this. And I don’t want us to move faster than we’re ready.” Bette looked up at Tina seriously.

“I’ll find another place if we find that’s happening… I want this too Bette… so much…”

“Ok… look I’m just going to come right out and ask what I’m thinking, don’t be upset ok?”

“Ok” Tina braced herself for what was to come.

“Are you staying over tonight?”

“Yes.” Tina leaned in for another kiss.

“If it’s ok with you then yes, I am staying over tonight.” She spoke in between kisses

“Yes please.” Bette murmured into Tina’s mouth

“Deal.”

“Are we done talking?” Bette moved to kiss Tina’s neck.

“No but you’re distracting me.”

“Sorry” Bette attempted to pull back but was hindered by Tina tugging on her neck as she leaned down for another kiss. Their mouths were open and hungry; their tongues met halfway and reintroduced themselves. Tina gently sucked on Bette’s lips, thrilled at the reaction she got as Bette moaned deeply into the kiss, encouraging the blonde to continue to suck, bite, lick and in every way devour Bette’s mouth. She pulled away slowly, staring deep into the warm brown pools of the brunette’s eyes.

“I was kidding… we’re done talking.” She stood from Bette’s lap and then pulled her up, taking her hand and leading the way to the bedroom.