Soon Alice was yawning and rubbing her neck, “What’s up baby, are you ok?” Dana asked, frowning.

Alice: Yeah I’m fine, just a little tired I guess…

Dana: You’re right, it is getting kinda late and it’s been a long day, come on let’s get you home, you need to get some rest.

The couple stood up and Dana wrapped her arm round the blonde’s waist as she explained to the group that they were going to call it a night.

“Yeah ok we totally understand,” Shane replied with a smirk. Dana just glared at Shane, who laughed in response, as the couple were walking out the hairdresser called after them, “Alice? Dana?” The pair turned round to face the group, “We’re really happy for you, for both of you… congratulations,” she said sincerely.

Dana smiled, “Thanks guys… that means a lot… I’m really pleased for us too.”

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Alice collapsed on the couch in her apartment as Dana followed wearily behind her. She settled into the blonde’s embrace and softly stroked her arm as the couple discussed the day’s hectic events. “You know, I got really scared today Al, I was really worried about you,” Dana explained. “I know baby, I was scared too,” Alice brought her hand up to stroke the brunette’s hair, “But you were there for me and it made everything ok again,” Alice smiled as she thought about how loving Dana had been, and how much she needed her support, how much she needed the athlete in her life.

Dana sat up and stretched; she leaned over and gave the blonde a gentle kiss. She stood up, still holding Alice’s hands, “Well I guess I had better get going,”

Alice: Go where?

Dana chuckled, “Home? You know, where all my stuff is?”

Alice: You don’t want to stay?

Dana felt a smile creep across her face, “You want me to stay?” Alice pulled Dana back onto the sofa, “Of course I want you to stay… you’re not going anywhere just yet” Alice captured the athlete’s lips for a soft and sleepy kiss before shifting her weight to stand up. “I, on the other hand am going to get ready for bed, I need to take this scarf off and see how things are doing…”

Dana: Ok baby, I’ll be through in a minute; I’ll just get a glass of water.

Alice was stood looking in the bathroom mirror examining her bruises. Her neck had turned a deep purple, with finger marks clearly visible around her throat. Alice was startled when Dana came in behind her; she quickly re-wrapped the scarf around her neck to hide her grazes.

Dana: Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you… how’s it looking?

Alice: Hideous.

Dana: Shhh, don’t say that, let me see.

Dana gently untied the silk scarf and let it fall from the blonde’s shoulder. She didn’t wince at the marked skin; instead she softly stroked the back of Alice’s neck and leaned forward to place butterfly kisses along the nape of her girlfriend’s neck and down towards her shoulder. Alice smiled as she felt Dana tend to her sensitive spots.

Dana: Does it hurt?

Alice: No, it feels good… you make me feel good… don’t stop.

Dana: I wasn’t intending to…

The athlete took Alice by the hand and led her through to the bedroom, “Al, lie down…”

Alice: I love it when you take control…

Dana just laughed, “Don’t be silly Al, just lie down,” Alice did as she was instructed. She felt the athlete’s warm hands make their way from the base of her spine to the top, and round to massage the delicate area of skin between her neck and shoulders. Alice smiled… she could get used to this.