Bette smiled brightly in Tasha’s direction. It was nice to see her back from Iraq, even under these circumstances. Tasha had been shot in the leg only a week after returning from Iraq and they sent her straight back home, with an honorable discharge (authors note: they would never, by any circumstances, send someone home for being shot in the leg nowadays). Tasha was perfect for Alice and that made Bette very happy. There was always a sore spot in heart for Alice. She was the first girl who didn’t fall for Bette’s looks or charms and didn’t drool all over her. Alice was the first woman to keep it completely real with her. She never sugarcoated, she never lied. Bette was grateful, Alice could always put her in her place.

Bette’s eyes then adjusted to the beautiful woman sitting beside Alice. Helena Peabody, as much as she hated admitting this, was the most stunningly beautiful woman she had ever seen. Tina or Jodi or any of the one night stands she had couldn’t compare. She made her life hell. It was true, Bette wanted this woman dead. Well, maybe not dead. At least out of her life or as far away from her as possible. She wasn’t so bad though, once she got to know her to some degree. Though Bette knew very little about her history, she knew what turned Helena on. She knew how to make her knees weak and how to make her succumb to Bette’s will.

"I’m going to go put these dishes away. Everybody’s okay, yeah?" Helena said, which was confirmed by the group.

"Let me help." Bette suggested, standing up. She grabbed some of the dishes and walked with Helena to the kitchen. They filled the dishwasher. Bette backed Helena against the sink, her chest against her back.

"I’ve missed you. So very much." Bette whispered against her ear.

Helena felt her body tense and heat up. Her skin was on fire and she started feeling that tingling sensation in her lower stomach and trailed down to her center. Helena turned around to face her.

"We have to get back out to the party." Helena squeezed away from Bette.

It took all of Helena’s willpower to leave Bette there. Bette had an affect on her, but it wasn’t worth it. Not after the Catherine incident.