"That’s a lot, Helena." Bette said looking around at all of the bags around the bedroom.

"Well, some are mine, but I overpacked. That’s better than underpacking, right?"

"I suppose."

~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile…

Carmen was chasing Megan through the apartment. Megan had Carmen’s jeans in her hands as she ran, not at full speed because it as unnecessary. Carmen wasn’t very fast. After seducing Carmen into the point that she was puddy in her hands, Megan snatched Carmen’s pants and made her chase her.

"Come on, Megan! Jesus, I’ve got small legs and I can’t keep up."

"Nope, you gotta catch me. You want your jeans back? You gotta get ‘em." Megan sprinted around a corner and into the kitchen. She stood in between the counter and the sink as Carmen, huffing, stood at the opening to the kitchen.

"That’s not fair, Meg. You know it’s not. You seduced me, got my pants off, and then took off. You know it’s not fair." She said between breaths.

"Come on, Carmen. You’re in top physical condition, right? You can catch me." Carmen’s eyes changed in meaning, from joyous to something sexual.

"Yeah, I can catch you." Carmen reached under her t-shirt, lifting the edges until she could pull it over her head. She stood there in her panties and bra. Megan’s eyes stayed on her as Carmen began walking towards her.

Carmen reached for her jeans and pulled them from Megan’s grasped, "You’re very distracting."

"I know. I hear that a lot." Megan rolled her eyes. She didn’t like hearing about how many people wanted a piece of her girlfriend, "But you’re the only one I want to distract." She leaned in and kissed her taller girlfriend on the lips, "I’m starting to fall in love with you, Megan."

"I’m falling in love with you too."

~~~

Some time later

Venice, Italy

Bette had never seen a home so beautiful. So well built, an architectual beauty. It was it’s own work of art.

"Wow, Helena. This is a nice place…it’s amazing."

"I’m glad you think so." Helena took Bette’s hand in her own, "What do you want to do now?"

"Can we just sit outside and watch the sunset? That’s all I want right now."

"Sure." Helena took Bette outside.

The deck overlooked the canal. Across from them were other homes and other couples, families, and friends. They had all gathered to watch the sunset, seemingly. Helena sat in a lounge chair and pulled Bette in between her legs to sit, with her back against Helena’s chest. Helena’s arms wrapped around Bette’s body, holding her close.

Helena had never felt like this before. She felt so safe with Bette beside her and at the same time, she felt the need to protect Bette with everything she ever had. With Winnie, she’d protect her financially, but maybe not with her life. She’d do the same for Dylan, but Bette was different. She was willing to stand in front of a bullet if she had to.

Bette was content right here. She wasn’t afraid of Helena. There were no ulterior motives to be had. Helena had nothing to gain by being with Bette. She just wanted to be with her. And Bette could feel that.

"Bette…" Helena whispered. It was coming out now, and she wasn’t going to stop it. She couldn’t even if she wanted.

"Yes?" Bette turned in her seat, now face to face with Helena.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Helena fingers traced the lines of Bette’s face as the sun set on the city of canals.