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After The Provocations (3)


After work, Tina still feels depressed, thinking about Bette leaving her for good. It's past 3AM. She knows that Bette is already asleep and she can't talk to her anymore at this hour. She has an exhibit and doesn't want to disturb her sleep. Uncertain of what to do and where to go, she joins her colleagues to a bar nearby and gets drunk. After drinking, she proceeds to Alice's apartment and seeks for comfort.

Friday comes, the exhibit day at the CAC. Bette wakes up with a headache but she still manages to leave the house. She has to be very early at work.

At around 10AM, she receives a call from Alice.

Bette: Alice, I'm too busy here in the office. Remember I told you, we'll have our exhibit this afternoon? Fuck! This migraine is killing me! Been suffering it since I woke up this morning... I feel awful!

Alice: Have you taken medicine yet?

Bette: Yeah I did, but the pain won't go away... So, what were you saying?

Alice: Okay I'll just be quick... Bette, what's happening to you and Tina? Why have you not settled your issues yet?

Bette: Alice, I don't wanna talk about it right now.

Alice: Oh yeah?! You shouldn't, cuz Tina is sleeping on my bed right now!

Bette: What do you mean she's sleeping on your bed right now? She said she was going to work last night.

Alice: Yeah! After work, she got drunk and came to my apartment at 5AM. She's really, really drunk! She was crying to me. I couldn't understand everything she's saying. But she kept repeating, "Bette is leaving me" "She has given up on us" "I wanna die now". She didn't elaborate cuz she passed out.

There's a pause for a little while then Bette sighs heavily.

Alice: Are you guys breaking up...for real?

Bette: I don't know Alice, I don't know.

James interrupts Bette. Her boss is in line 2.

Bette: Alice, I can't talk right now. I'll call you back. Bye!

At noontime, Tina is back in her senses. She talks to Alice then goes back to their house. She has work to do but she'll be working from home. Meanwhile, Bette has been suffering from migraine and keeps throwing up in the office. Medicine alone cannot cure her severe migraine. She needs to rest and sleep in a dark room and avoid the glare. Now, she's wasted. Her boss William tells her to go home and take a rest. She feels that her body is already weak, and she needed to rest and sleep. James takes her home. He drives her car and takes a cab to go back to the office. Tina is surprised when she see's Bette arrives home at 4PM. She looks sick.

Tina: You're early! You look sick. What happened?

Bette: I have a severe migraine. I've been throwing up since morning. I just need to rest and sleep.

She goes directly to her bedroom, puts down her bag and immediately lies on the bed without changing her clothes. Tina follows and immediately assists her, taking off her shoes and loosening her shirt.

For the last eight years that they've been together, Tina knows exactly how it is when Bette has a severe migraine. And only Tina knows how to take care of Bette, and how to make her well.

Tina: Baby, what time did you take medicine?

Bette: About two hours ago. But I think it got flushed cuz I've been throwing up all day.

Bette's voice is trembling.

Tina: What medicine did you take?

Bette: The last one is only Advil.

Tina rushes to the medicine cabinet, and gets the prescription drug for Bette's migraine then she gets a glass of water. When she goes back to the bedroom, Bette is not there. She finds her sitting on the bathroom floor, throwing up on the bowl. She's wasted and weak. Tina immediately assists her.

Tina: Oh! Baby... Alright, let it out. You're sweating a lot and you're shaking honey. Don't worry, you'll be okay. You'll just have to take the medicine prescribed by Dr. Owen and you'll be okay. It's very effective. Don't worry Baby, you'll be fine...

Tina tries to console her as she rubs her back. After throwing up, she lets Bette gargle with Listerine. She takes her hand, lets her arm rest on her shoulders as she assists her to walk towards the bed. Bette is so weak and trembling. Tina seats her on the bed, gives her the medicine and the glass of water.

Tina: Take this Baby. It'll just be 15minutes and you'll be fine. You'll feel drowsy but you'll be fine, okay? Just rest and sleep, I'll stay by your side till you fall asleep. Don't worry Baby, you'll be fine.

She helps Bette lie down on the bed by supporting her back, and then she gets a damp towel, wipes her face, her forehead, neck, arms and hands. Bette is sweating a lot. Tina strokes her hair, pulls them up and undresses her. She quickly puts on her pajamas and then turns off the lights; making sure it's dark as the glare can aggravate Bette's migraine. Only a tiny glare from outside can be seen on the bedroom floor. Tina sits on the side of the bed while massaging Bette's hands and fingers, using her knowledge in reflexology.

Ten minutes later, Bette is already sounding asleep. Tina carefully puts down Bette's hands and moves cautiously so she won't disturb her. She gazes at Bette's unconscious face and before leaving the room, she gives her a soft kiss on the lips. She walks out and gently closes the door.

Tina goes back to her laptop in the living room and starts working again. But an hour later, she prepares dinner and cooks Bette's favorite soup. While Bette is still asleep, she takes a warm shower hoping that she'll be awake once she finishes so she can go to The Planet for Alice's party. But even after taking time in the shower, no signs of Bette being awake. She calls Alice instead.

Tina: Hey Alice!

Alice: Tina! Are you at The Planet already? I think you're early. The party doesn't start till 9PM.

Tina: No Alice. I think I may have to pass for your blowout party. Bette is sick, she has been throwing up and I just can't leave her in this condition. She's asleep right now but she might need something when she wakes up so I want to be there for her.

Alice: Oh, I see. Well if Bette wakes up and she's feeling better, both of you should come to The Planet.

Tina: Okay, we will. I just don't know what time she'll be awake. I don't wanna wake her up now. I'm sorry my friend, I can't be there tonight.

Alice: It's okay. I know you're sorting things out. Yeah, she needs you. I understand.

Tina continues with her work while waiting for Bette to wake up. She falls asleep on the couch for a couple of hours.

Finally, at 11PM Bette wakes up. She goes out of the bedroom and finds Tina sitting in the living room, working engrossedly. She stands motionless.

Tina: Baby, you're awake. How are you feeling?

Bette: I'm feeling better now. I just need to take a shower. But I'm starving.

Tina: I cooked dinner and soup. I'll fix the table. I haven't eaten dinner too.

Bette: Okay, I'll take a shower first.

Before walking out, she gives Tina a curious look.

Bette: uhm.. I thought you were going to The Planet for Alice's party?

Tina: No, I already called Alice. Told her I can't come.

Bette slowly moves and proceeds to the bathroom to take a shower. Tina fixes the table and prepares the food. She waits for Bette. But it seems like Bette is taking her time in the shower. While waiting, Tina changes the sheets and blankets, and clears some clutter in the master's bedroom.

When Bette is finished, she proceeds to the dining area; she can hear the grumbling of her stomach; she's starving and weak. Tina is already sitting, waiting for her. The table and the foods are ready too. Finally, she settles down.

It's an awkward moment. It's been a while since they last sat together to eat dinner. It's surreal. Bette however savors the delicious food that Tina cooked, and of course she notices her favorite soup that Tina prepared. It's been a while since she last tasted Tina's menu.

Bette: Thanks! This tastes so good.

Tina: I know you'll be hungry when you wake up so I cooked your favorite soup.

Bette: Thank you.

Then there's another awkward moment. Bette is not initiating any conversations; cautious of what she'll say. She puts her attention to the food instead, filling her hunger. They're both quiet for a while as they continue to eat. Only the sounds of utensils and plates can be heard; it's really awkward. Finally after several minutes, Tina breaks the silence.

Tina: So, you missed the exhibit?

Bette: Yeah, I did. I couldn't function well. I felt the headache when I woke up but I didn't take medicine right away.

Tina: How about now, are you still feeling some pain in your head? Do you think you still need to drink another medicine before going to sleep?

Bette: No, I'm okay now. I just need some more rest maybe.

Tina: Yeah, you're too exhausted Baby. You need longer rest and sleep. Have you still been drinking your vitamins and supplements?

Bette: Yeah, I am.

Tina is back to her normal self; the sweet and caring partner. Bette sheepishly looks at her then quickly looks back at her food. Obviously, Tina still cares so much for Bette. There's another awkward moment. Both of them are avoiding to discuss about their relationship. Bette has very few words, she seems reserved, not the usual Bette Porter. In contrast, Tina is the one carrying the conversation, trying to eliminate the awkwardness.

She finishes her food while Bette continues to savor hers. She observes Bette, who doesn't even seem to glance at her. It's still quiet in the room.

When Bette finishes her food, she sits quietly while her eyes are downcast on her plate. Shortly, she looks at Tina then places her hand on top of Tina's hand as it rests on the table.

Bette: Thank you.

Tina acknowledges it by taking Bette's hand and putting it on her face, gently rubbing on her cheek then she tenderly kisses it. She's not saying a word; both of them are looking intimately. As their eyes lock, they know they've missed each other so much.

Suddenly, Tina's phone rings. She slowly gets up, walks to the living room and answers the call. It's one of the directors she's working with. She settles on the couch and they discuss about their project. It seems like it's an important call.

Meanwhile, Bette continues to relax at the dining area. When she realizes that Tina would take longer on the phone, she gets up, fixes the table and kitchen, making sure everything is in order before leaving. Then she decides to take some more rest inside the bedroom. But she doesn't feel sleepy yet. How can she, when she just came from the long hours of sleep? She checks first the messages on her phone then does her evening hygiene routine. Afterward, she grabs a book and leans back on the headboard.

An hour has passed; Tina finally ends her phone discussion. After cleaning up, she prepares some tea with honey. Instead of going to her own bedroom which is the guest room, she proceeds to the master's bedroom and finds Bette reading, sitting on the bed by the headboard. Bette is a bit surprised when she sees Tina enter.

Tina: I brought you some tea with honey. It could help you relax...

Bette: Thanks.

She puts the cup of tea on the side table then sits on the bed facing Bette, whose feet are stretched forward, a book on her lap, and her eyeglasses on. Dumbfounded as she sees Tina across her, she gives her a curious look. But Tina gives her an inward smile

Tina: How are you feeling? Still having headache?

Bette: I feel better, though my body still feels a little weak.

Tina: You should just rest Baby. What are you reading anyway?

Bette: Oh, I bought this book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert…

Tina slowly leans forward, takes off Bette's eyeglasses and gets the book on her lap, closes it and puts them on the side table as she speaks in an affectionate manner.

Tina: Well, you're not supposed to be reading yet cuz it might trigger your migraine again.

Bette smiles, glad that Tina is sitting on her bed.

Bette: I know. I just couldn't sleep. I had long hours of sleep so maybe reading would make me feel sleepy...

Tina holds Bette's hands; they warmly look at each other. Bette speaks in a soft low voice.

Bette: Would you like to sleep here tonight?

Tina: Yeah, I intend to.

She gives Bette a salacious smile. Bette smiles but quickly hides it.

Bette: Thanks for changing the blanket and the sheets.

Tina slowly pulls Bette's head towards her, clears the hair on her face, softly touches and traces the edges of her face and looks intimately at her. Their eyes lock. She kisses Bette passionately on the lips and Bette reciprocates. It's their first passionate kiss after their fight, more than four months ago. They absolutely miss each other so much. They kiss longer, passionately; their eyes are closed, feeling each other, exchanging breaths. Then Tina pulls out and looks at Bette.

Tina: God, I've missed you so much!

She hugs Bette so tight and whispers on her ear in a low and soft voice.

Tina: Let's lie down. Slide on the bed, and move in the middle.

Bette moves, lies on her back while Tina lies sideways, wrapping her right arm on Bette's body. They lie comfortably, feeling the warmth of their bodies, feeling their breathing, allowing silence in between. After several minutes of silence, Tina anxiously speaks.

Tina: Bette, did you already tell your boss that you're cancelling your contract for Europe?

Bette answers in a very soft voice.

Bette: No.

Silence fills the room. Tina sighs and moves closer to Bette who is lying on her back, staring at the ceiling and deep in thought.

Tina: Baby, I don't want you to go to Europe. I don't want you to sell your house. Can you please call William tomorrow and tell him you're not taking the offer to Europe?

Tina's voice is begging. Bette takes Tina's right hand and caresses it without saying anything. She just stares at Tina's hand while stroking it. Tina sighs once again then speaks softly without looking at Bette.

Tina: I should've been more sensitive and understanding to you. I realize I have so many shortcomings. I wasn't a good partner to you. I pushed you away. I wasn't there when you needed me the most. I kept blaming you for the loss of our child and I punished you with my cold treatment and I kept ignoring you. I was unfair and cruel to you. I'm sorry Bette...

Bette continues to caress Tina's hand as she listens to her. Tears are falling on the side of her eyes. She's not making any sounds, just caressing Tina's hand. After a while, Tina looks at her and pleads.

Tina: Bette, please don't leave me. I'll do anything for you. Anything... Just don't leave me, please? I need you. I need you in my life.

Tina starts to sob while Bette's tears continue to fall.

Bette: Do you forgive me now for cheating on you?

Tina: Yes Baby. I forgive you. It's not just your fault; I admit I have a fault too. I abandoned you sexually. I'm sorry.

Silence fills the room once again.

Tina: From now on, I promise I'll be a good partner to you, I promise I will not push you away, and I promise to be always here for you… and I will always be supportive to you as your partner.

Bette looks at Tina, changes her position and faces her. They look at each other intimately as they lie sideways. Then in a very sincere tone, Bette speaks.

Bette: Tee, I promise I will not cheat on you again. Ever.

Tina kisses Bette on the lips. But Bette burst into tears and cries aloud. She feels sorry for causing the trouble in their relationship. Tina hugs her tight. Bette's body is quivering as she cries.

Tina: Oh sweetheart, don't cry. Let's give each other a chance and we'll start again. Don't cry Baby, I'm here now. I'm never gonna give you up because I love you. Look at me Baby, look at me... Sweetheart look at me...

Tina is holding Bette's face, wet with tears, and then she wipes them with both of her thumbs.

Tina: I love you so much.

She kisses Bette once again on the lips then caresses her back. For the longest time, Bette hasn't felt the security she is feeling right now from Tina's embrace. She feels so loved as Tina comforts her. They just hug each other for a longer period and stay in that position until no one's crying anymore. Then Bette speaks in a soft tone.

Bette: Tee, where's your commitment ring?

Tina sighs then breaks away from the hug.

Tina: I brought it to T&C jewellery shop two weeks ago. I had both our names engraved on it. Was supposed to claim it last Tuesday but I was swamped with work, I couldn't pick it up.

Bette gazes at her as she accepts and believes her reasons, and then she curls up. Tina strokes her hair and her nape continuously. They stay in that position for a longer while; both are not feeling sleepy yet. A few minutes later, the mood becomes lighter; no more crying.

Tina: Baby, turn to the other side.

She wants them in a spoon position. Bette turns gracefully to her left and Tina spoons her, wraps her right arm on Bette's body and they lie comfortably under the sheets. Once in a while, Tina plants soft kisses on Bette's nape. Bette is reactionless, but she's not resisting whatever Tina is doing to her. In a little while, Tina whispers.

Tina: Baby, I've missed your smell.

Bette doesn't respond but she loves how Tina is clasping her, kissing her, and caressing her. She loves the warmth of her embrace and she has missed it so much. Suddenly, Tina teases.

Tina: Did you have a hook up when you went to New York?

Bette: No.

Tina: Why not? I mean you're away from home and we're not in good terms during that time. You haven't had any sex for more than 2 months, why didn't you have a hook up?

Bette: I don't know Tee. Maybe because it was you that I was longing for.. There were some women that were introduced to me. They're nice, attractive and accomplished women.

Tina: Did you date any of them?

Bette: No.

Tina: Why not?

Bette changes position, lies on her back and stares at the ceiling. Once in a while, she looks at Tina when she's talking. Tina's right hand remains wrapped around Bette's body and she attentively listens.

Bette: There's this one woman, her name is Frances, and she owns an art gallery in New York. She's pretty and she was really persistent to date me.

Tina: Did you?

Bette: No. I told her I'm still in a relationship with you, though it's on the rocks. She didn't stop pursuing me until I just ignored her. But she's nice and kind. I wasn't ready for any dates yet so I didn't go out with her.

Tina suddenly breaks away from her embrace on Bette, she lies on her back and puts her arms on her forehead then she sighs heavily.

Tina: Damn! I realize now I have so many rivals.

As they both lie on their backs facing the ceiling, Bette tilts her head and looks at Tina. She sees despair and fear in her eyes. She turns to her then hugs her warmly. Tina hugs back. They lie side by side facing each other while their arms wrap around each other's body. For a few moments, they're just quiet as they cuddle each other.

Tina: Baby, I want us to start a family. Let's try again having a baby.

Bette is taken aback; she looks at her.

Bette: Do you want to?

Tina: Yes! I want us to have a baby. I want us to start a family.

Bette doesn't say anything as she continues to stroke Tina's arms.

Tina: Do you want to conceive for our baby?

Bette: No Tee. I'm not ready for that. I don't see myself getting pregnant. Maybe it'll change, but at least for now, no. I'm not ready to be pregnant.

Tina: Okay Baby, then I will. I'd just thought that maybe you would want to. But I understand. I know...you've already told me before that you didn't want to be pregnant. That's fine. I'll conceive for us. We should be looking for a donor. I hope Marcus is still willing.

Bette doesn't respond anymore, thinking deeply.

Tina: Baby, can we sleep now? Turn to your left side so I can cuddle you.

She complies with Tina's request. They lie in a spoon position; Tina is behind. They both try to sleep but couldn't. It seems like there are still so many things occupying their minds. Tina continues to stroke Bette's body, but she's starting to heat up and her arousal is building up. Bette is not responsive, but she's allowing Tina to caress her all over. She loves how she's touching and caressing her. A little later, Tina sweetly whispers.

Tina: Honey, are you in the mood to make love?

Bette gracefully tilts her head, looks at Tina and answers in her soft deep voice.

Bette: No. Let's just cuddle. I've missed you doing this to me.

Tina: Okay Baby. I'll cuddle and caress you till you fall asleep.

She continues to caress Bette, her hands slowly wandering on her body. But she's getting more aroused as she caresses Bette. She slowly holds the hem of Bette's tank top, raises it a little bit and slowly inserts her hand. She wants the feel of her bare, soft skin. Gently, she touches Bette on her stomach and midriff, her hand slowly moving up until it reaches Bette's breast. She leisurely fondles her breasts and nipples as she plants soft kisses on her nape and neck. Bette is getting aroused too but she hides her reaction. She's allowing Tina to touch her anywhere. Tina strokes every curve of Bette's upper body then slowly, she inserts her hand inside Bette's bottom pajama and strokes her lower abdomen. She slowly moves her hand to the butt and then to the inner thighs. Bette is so aroused, she submits.

Tina continues with her caressing then she holds Bette's waist and quickly presses her pelvis. Bette moans in pleasure, changes her position and looks at Tina intimately. Tina then recognizes from Bette's moan and movement that she's aroused and wanting to continue. She immediately gets up and puts herself on top of Bette. As she looks at her face, she recognizes the desire and longing in Bette's eyes. She kisses her and tenderly touches her breasts. Slowly, she undresses Bette, taking off the tank top first until her breasts are exposed. While Tina is on top, Bette holds Tina's love handles and tries to flip her over. But Tina grabs Bette's hands and brings them above her head, places them under the pillow so that it can't freely move. She whispers.

Tina: Relax Baby... Relax.

Bette is lying on her back, both hands outstretched above her head, covered with pillows and she can't freely move. Tina is in control. While on top, she looks at Bette in the eyes. She moves down and tenderly kisses her breasts, and then she slowly takes off Bette's bottom pajama, leaving only her panties on. She undresses herself while on top, and Bette watches her. She finds Tina so hot doing this, and she is impressed. When naked, except for their panties on, she places her legs alternately with Bette's legs. Tina is in control and Bette submits. She's feeling the suspense; clueless as to what Tina will do next. Tina hasn't been this aggressive before. She used to be the submissive type, always on the receiving end. Bette intimately looks at her as she breathes heavily. She surveys Bette's naked body then looks at her in the eyes.

Tina: You are so sexy.

She starts kissing Bette from the face, to her ears, to her neck and then, her breasts. She licks and sucks her nipples tenderly, and Bette moans in pleasure. She sucks Bette's nipples, like a baby sucking milk from her mother's, except that she's doing it so gently and pleasurably. Bette continues to moan as she has been cumming several times already. Tina switches to the right breast, sucks it tenderly for a longer while. Now they are both so wet as their arousal intensifies. Tina makes sure Bette is pleased by every move she makes.

She moves down to Bette's tummy and her lower abdomen, licking every inch of her skin. She moves lower but she skips the honey pot. Bette's panties are still on. She kisses and licks her thighs and legs, causing Bette to get wetter and wetter. The more suspense, the more she gets wet. Tina moves her face to the honey pot and without taking off her panties, she kisses the middle part. She can feel Bette's wetness. Bette looks down at Tina and Tina looks up at her. No words are spoken but their eyes are communicating. She moves up slowly and licks Bette once again from her abdomen, to her cleavage, to her neck then to Bette's lips. She brings her mouth to Bette's ear, sticks out her tongue as she naughtily licks it. Bette gets more aroused. Tina whispers.

Tina: Baby, I want to taste you.

Bette secretly smiles, looks intimately at Tina, then she nods. Tina kisses her on the lips before going down. She moves slowly, kissing the neck, licking both breasts, kissing her navel and then she traces Bette's panties with her right hand. Slowly with both hands, she takes off Bette's panties and puts it on the side of the bed; Bette is totally nude now.

Tina holds both legs and spreads them a little so she can position herself in the middle. When she's positioned, she bends Bette's knees forward. Bette looks down at Tina, anticipating what she's going to do to her. For a while, Tina spends her time kissing and licking Bette's inner thighs and groin and not going to her core. She's teasing Bette as she wants to give her a little of suspense. Bette is yearning and aching. She wants Tina to lick her right away but Tina continues to suspend her feeling of excitement. She licks the surroundings of her mound, after a while, she slowly moves her mouth until it reaches the core. She pouts then softly touches her lips on Bette's aching coochie. Slowly, Tina sticks out her tongue and gently licks in an upward motion. Bette exclaims in pleasure.

Bette: Aaaaahhhhhh!

Tina repeats it then constantly licks in a slow motion. Bette moans and groans in pleasure. It's been a while since Tina went down on her. For several minutes, Tina continues to lick as she enjoys doing it; constantly and tenderly licking and nibbling. She hasn't done this in a while and she surely misses it. She's taking her time passionately licking and sucking, satisfying Bette. When Bette is about to reach another orgasm, Tina stops and brings her mouth to the side and kisses her inner thighs instead. She looks up at Bette, wanting to see her reaction. Bette's face looks frustrated. She gives Tina a sullen look for suspending her orgasm.

Tina proceeds and starts to lick again. But this time, she's not as gentle as she was earlier. She applies pressure and sucks a little harder. Bette whimpers. Tina continues, and applies a little more pressure. It's getting a little rougher for Bette and she whimpers. When she's about to orgasm, Tina suspends her again. When she returns to her core, she increases the speed and pressure, making it rougher. She's also aroused by what she's doing and she wants to be in synch when Bette reaches her orgasm. As she continues to lick, she gradually increases the speed in a constant motion, intensifying. Bette exclaims.

Bette: Tee…..naaaaahhhhh….

In just a little while, Bette explodes. Tina continues until she reaches her orgasm too. Bette looks down at her. Tina doesn't want to come up yet but Bette pulls her with her legs.

Bette: Come up here.

She kisses Bette's nipples as she comes up. Bette holds Tina's head, pulls it gently toward her so she can kiss her on the lips. But before Bette can kiss her, Tina utters.

Tina: I love you.

She kisses Tina showing her gratitude but she doesn't say anything to her. They kiss for a quick moment and Tina pulls away as she whispers naughtily on Bette's ears.

Tina: You have the sweetest cunt. I so have missed you.

Bette chuckles and looks at her.

Bette: Ha!

Tina lies on her side and Bette extends her left arm, clasping Tina towards her body. As her neck rests on Bette's arms, both of them are breathing heavily, exhausted but satisfied. It's one of the best orgasms Bette has ever had, with anybody. Perhaps she has missed Tina doing this to her; it's been a longer while. As they lie close to each other, Tina's hands rests on Bette's midriff. No one is uttering any word; silence fills the room.

While caressing Bette, Tina is deeply thinking. Since they started talking two days ago, she has never heard Bette drop the L word to her. Bette has never told her she loves her, nor has she ever called her with their terms of endearment. Bette has always addressed her as Tee or Tina. Somehow, Tina feels concerned. She's starting to doubt; what if Bette has fallen out of love, what if Bette is no longer interested in her, what if she's really leaving and just wanted to have sex with her for the last time, what if she accepts the offer to Europe and she starts a new life of her own without her, what if she doesn't really want a family with her, or what if Bette has already fallen for someone else... She has so many questions, many speculations. She's apprehensive.

While lying down and contemplating, Tina notices Bette's breathing has changed. She suddenly looks up at Bette and she sees her shedding tears.

Tina: Baby, what's wrong? Baby...? Come here.

She lets Bette get up and sit on the bed. They face each other while Tina strokes Bette's hair. Bette is sobbing like a baby; Tina holds her face demanding her to look at her in the eyes. But Bette could not look as she continues to cry.

Tina: Baby, look at me. What's wrong? Look at me. Was it the sex? Was it too much for you, huh? Was it too rough? I'm so sorry Baby...

Bette: No, the sex was great you were great!

She stammers; her voice is trembling then she looks at Tina.

Bette: Tee, Thank you!

Tina: Oh baby, you're welcome. I should be doing it to you more often. Don't worry, I promise I'll be gentler next time.

Bette: No, it's not the sex that I'm talking about.

Tina pauses; curious as she looks and attentively listens.

Bette: Thank you for not letting me go... Thank you for holding on and for getting me back. I was already on the verge of going away. A week ago, I have already been planning on starting a new life of my own, away from this, away from you. My decisions were almost final, and it's just a matter of days when I'm supposed to leave to have a new life. I am weak, I felt hopeless and I could not hold on. I think I have given up already, but you took me back. You showed me that you still care for me, that you still want me and you made me feel that you still love me... I love you so much Tee.

Tina: Oh Baby... I love you so much. You are my life.

Tina starts to cry and she hugs Bette tightly. They're both emotional. Bette sobs again like a baby. They stay in that position; hugging each other until they both settle.

Bette: Baby, can we now sleep?

Tina: Yes please. It's 4AM already. Are you not feeling any pain?

Bette: No. I'm good.

Tina: Great! I'll just get some water for us, okay?

Tina gets some water and brings one for Bette. Bette doesn't move her position until Tina comes back. She drinks the water that Tina brought her. Without putting their clothes on, they lie down on the bed at the same time, in a spoon position; Tina is behind. It's one of the most satisfying feelings they ever had. Finally, they sleep peacefully.

It's already 10AM when Tina wakes up the next morning while Bette is still sounding asleep. Tina feels good as she wakes up seeing Bette's face first. For a while, she just stares at her lovely face, and her humongous breasts that are exposed. She observes her for five minutes; how she sleeps, how she breathes, how her eyeballs move when her eyes are closed, her eye brows, her nose, her kissable lips, her hands and feet, how she positions them and everything about her. Bette's face is calm and endearing. Tina admires her; she has truly missed her. A few minutes later, Bette wakes up and sees Tina's face in front, watching her, smiling.

Tina: Good morning sleepy head.

Bette is groggy, she mumbles.

Bette: Good morning. Are you watching me sleep?

Tina: Yeah. You are so beautiful.

Bette: Baby can we sleep a little bit more? I still feel sleepy.

Tina: It's past ten Baby...

Bette: Five more minutes. Please? Come here.

She pulls Tina towards her. Tina complies and lies close to Bette. They hug each other. Tina rubs the back of Bette with her warm palm. Bette dozes off.

Ten minutes later, Bette wakes up. She feels good waking up to Tina's rubbing and caressing of her back; she's greeted with a sweet smile.

Tina: Good morning sweetie, you hungry?

Bette: Yeah.

Tina: Would you like to eat at The Planet?

Bette: Maybe later.

Tina: Okay, I'll prepare some sandwiches for us then we can go to The Planet in the afternoon.

Both of them get up; sit still for a couple of minutes on the bed; their clothes are all over the place. Bette is totally naked while Tina has still her panties on. She stands up and walks to the bathroom for her morning hygiene routine, completely naked. Tina sits still on the bed and watches Bette moving gracefully, without any covers on her body. Bette can sense that Tina is watching her. Without looking back, she continues to walk towards the bathroom then speaks in a seductive way.

Bette: I see you watching me...

Tina chuckles and answers in a naughty loud voice.

Tina: Oh yeah Baby! Cuz you have the best ass in the world! And you're turning me on!

Bette smiles but doesn't look back at Tina; she enters the bathroom. Tina puts on her clothes, fixes the bed and clears the clutter in the room. She uses the other bathroom to do her morning hygiene routine. Her stuff is still in the guest room and she hasn't transferred them yet to the master's bedroom.

After fixing, she prepares some sandwiches and fruits, and of course coffee can't be missing. Bette on the other hand takes her phone and talks to her boss. She tells William that she has decided not to take the offer for Europe.

Tina and Bette eat their breakfast together. Later on, they relax for a while in the living room.

...


Continuation: After The Provocations (4)