After the Thai food was delivered, they sat at the dining room table where they had had lunch hours ago. They kept the conversation light as they picked through the cartons, choosing what they wanted to eat.

So T, fill me in on whats been happening in LA said Bette.

Well, lets see Tina said in between mouthfuls. The girls are all doing well, missing you, but doing well. Shane is doing her thing, going out a lot and what would appear to be entertaining the ladies she said with a smile. Dana is about to go on tour and so has been focused on that, and as for Al, same ol same ol.

Has she been seeing anyone? asked Bette.

No one in particular, I dont think came Tinas reply. There was this one woman who seemed to hold her attention for a couple of weeks, but of course, that came and went as quickly as you would expect.

Uh huh said Bette. Not a big surprise there.

And as for work, The Center is plugging away. Oscar has hired a couple of more people as a few grants came through. Which reminds me she continued, I need to call him and let him know whats going on.

And what do you plan on telling him? asked Bette.

The truth, that I am in New York and that I plan on staying as long as you are here, and that will probably be for at least 6-8 months. she matter of factly stated.

With a raised eyebrow, Bette said, And you dont think that he is going to have a problem with that?

Tina just looked back at her and said Bette, no offense, but you know what? Who gives a *****? she angrily shot back.

Bette put her hands up in the air in a defensive manner and said, Whoa, youre preaching to the converted. I totally agree with you. I just thought that I should ask the question.

With the anger easing up a bit, Tina said Bette, I to a certain degree, I consider the work that I have done with Oscar as somewhat charitable. The pay is not what kept me there, but the work with the kids. If at this time in my life, I can not continue said work, than so be it. I will pick it back up when we get ourselves straightened up and I get this career going again. Those have got to be my two priorities, in that order, and so the rest will just have to wait.

No, I get it and I agree. As I said, I just thought that I should ask. What you are saying makes total sense to me, and I think can be applied to my life as well. It is something that we will both need to work on, you know, in order to not fall back into old habits she trailed off.

Tina just looked at her, wondering if she had meant more than just the old work habits, but did not press her. They were both getting tired and knew that they should probably table this, for now anyway.

As dinner was done, they both got up to clear the table. Clean up was easy, just a matter of throwing away the empty containers.

Any more wine? asked Bette.

Nah, I think that Im ok answered Tina.

Ok said Bette, looking around the kitchen, both knowing that it was time for bed. There was a subtle shift between them, as neither wanted to be the first person to air that knowledge.

Tina finally looked at Bette and said, You tired?

Yeah, very actually she answered.

Well then, shall we? asked Tina.

I guess we should.

They both turned to move in the direction of the bedroom, neither speaking. Bette turned off the lights in each room that they passed through after ensuring that the front door was locked. Tina, getting to the room first, looked at all of the bags that they had yet to put away. Well, thats just gonna have to wait til tomorrow she thought.

Bette came up behind her while looking at all of the bags, said Tomorrow?

Tina chuckled and said, As usual, just what I was thinking.

They moved them off of the bed, placing them on the floor.

Bette looked across the bed at Tina and said, You want another pair of pajamas so that you dont have to root through all of the bags?

That would be great said Tina, glad that she could be spared that daunting task.

Bette grabbed another pair, threw them across the bed to Tina and then went into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. Tina took the opportunity to change while Bette was in the bathroom, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

Bette came out a few minutes later, allowing Tina to go in and do what she needed to do in order to get ready for bed. Bette changed and heard Tina come out of the bathroom. She turned and smiled at her, what she hoped was a reassuring smile, not knowing if it was meant more for Tina or herself.

Without even being aware that they were doing so, both walked to their respective sides of the bed, discussion for which side of the bed to sleep in, unnecessary.

They got in, pulling the covers up to warm themselves. Each just laid there, thoughts kept to a minimum as both were exhausted.

I cant believe that Im here with you, in this bed, with you Tina softly said.

Bette turned on her side and just looked at her.

Tinas eyes did not move from the ceiling, clearly finding that to be the most comfortable spot on which to rest them.

Its been so long she whispered, as a tear rolled down the side of her face. I mean, we may have been in the same bed this morning, but not like this.

I know was Bettes only response.

At hearing Bettes voice, she turned on her side and looked at her.

Bette reached over to wipe the tear away that had traveled down and settled on her nose.

How are you doing? Tina asked her.

Ok, I guess Bette answered in a manner, not really committing herself in either direction.

And you? asked Bette.

Tina reached her hand over to Bettes face, running her fingertip down the length of it and said, Im good. I mean, its a lot, but I am good.

Bette just nodded in response.

We should get some sleep T.

I know she said.

Bette rolled over and turned out the light. She turned back over, allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Wow said Tina. Look at that view.

The view that Bette looked at every night before she fell asleep was much more dramatic with the lights off.

I know, huh? said Bette. From the first night that I slept in here, I wished that you could look at it with me she softly said.

Tina turned her eyes away from the view, and allowed them to rest on Bette, who continued to look out the window. She did not say anything, just continued to look at Bette.

Were you lonely? she finally asked.

Yes was Bettes only reply, still looking out the window.

Tina reached over and pulled Bette to her. They laid there, in each others arms, listening to the others hearbeat. Tina gently rubbed Bettes back and waited for the steady breathing that indicated sleep, to come. She knew she would not have to wait for long. Bette had fallen asleep not long after Tina had pulled her in her arms, exhaustion finally taking over. Tina had known that once she held her, Bette would fall fast asleep. That had always been the case with them, and she was glad to see that by simply holding her, Bette could still get what her body and mind needed, to finally shut down.

She felt sorrow at the thought of Bette alone here in New York, alone here in this apartment, alone in this bed, and alone in her life. But that had changed, and it would remain changed. Tina knew that she would never allow either of them to hurt like they had for the last 8 months again. Both she and Bette could control their future, and she intended to do just that, wield the control needed to secure what rightly belonged to them, happiness.

With that, she closed her eyes, letting sleep take over, to join Bette in a gentle slumber.