Chapter Text
Two years later
Los Angeles, evening, Tina is driving and pulls up at Bette’s house. She exits the car and walks to the front door, knocking and waiting on the door step. After a short while Bette answers and looks at her quizzically. Bette leans on the door frame and looks at her for a moment before speaking to her coldly.
(Bette) Was there something you needed? I thought we agreed to email?
Tina narrows her eyes and examines her for a moment and Bette looks back at her.
(Tina) Well, I want to discuss a schedule change
Bette sighs and looks at her with her head leaned to one side.
(Bette) I’m not just at your beck and call Tina
Tina looks away and shakes her head and sighs. She looks back to Bette and fails to suppress a smile.
(Tina) For fuck’s sake
They smile at each other.
Bette steps towards her, wrapping her arms around her waist as she pulls Tina’s body into hers and kisses her. They talk to each other through the kiss.
(Bette) Did you forget your key?
(Tina smiles) I did. I forgot Angie lost hers and borrowed mine
They eventually draw back and Tina looks at her for a moment as she runs her hands down Bette’s arms.
(Tina) Hi
(Bette smiles) Hi
(Tina) Let’s not play that game again baby, I didn’t like it
(Bette laughs) OK
Bette steps backwards into the house and reaches for Tina’s hand, guiding her inside and pushing the door closed behind them.
Bette immediately hoists her up and Tina wraps her legs around Bette’s waist. Tina glances around the room as Bette kisses her neck.
(Tina) Where is Angie?
(Bette smiles) Not here
They smile into a kiss as Bette carries her towards the stairs.
Later in the evening, they have made their way back downstairs and are in the kitchen preparing dinner together. Bette chops vegetables at the bench while Tina rinses dishes at the sink.
(Bette) You’ve met that new friend of hers?
(Tina) You mean Carla?
Bette nods.
(Bette) She’s a fucking menace
Tina stops what she is doing and throws the dish cloth she is holding to one side, placing her hand on her hip and frowning at Bette.
(Tina) Did we drive the same kid home?
Bette looks over at her.
(Bette) I didn’t like her
Tina raises an eyebrow at her.
(Bette) Are you telling me you did?
Tina sighs.
(Bette) What did you think of her? Honestly?
Tina sighs and shrugs.
(Tina) A bit stand off-ish. But I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt
(Bette) Mmmm, I’m not
Tina smiles and shakes her head.
(Tina) Baby, I don’t think this is all to do with Carla
They share a look and Bette sighs.
(Bette) I just have this constant low level anxiety that she’s going to go off the rails
Tina smiles and raises an eyebrow.
(Tina) Low level?
Bette leans her hand on the counter and turns to face her.
(Bette) How are you so relaxed about these things?
Tina smiles and takes a step towards her, placing her hands on Bette’s hips as Bette leans back against the bench.
(Tina) I’m not really, I worry too. But I also want her to do all of the things she’s supposed to be doing, and boundary pushing and having friends her mothers don’t approve of is all part of that
Tina sighs and runs her hands down Bette’s arms.
(Tina) Baby what’s going on? Is it just me or is this stressing you out more than usual?
Bette sighs.
(Bette) I don’t know, I’ve just been thinking a lot recently. I feel like she’s really vulnerable right now, and I wonder if we should do things differently
Tina frowns and nods.
(Tina) OK, what are you thinking?
Bette sighs.
(Bette) We work too much
Tina frowns.
(Tina) OK
(Bette) It’s just such an important time coming up, these years. I think she needs more of a home presence. There are too many days that she gets home from school to an empty house
Tina nods as she listens.
(Bette) I think I should take some time off
(Tina) How much time off?
(Bette) I don’t know, a year? Two?
Tina raises her eyebrows and looks at her for a moment.
(Tina) Baby, I love you prioritising our family but maybe we don’t have to be quite so extreme
Tina reaches up and runs her fingers through Bette’s hair.
(Tina) You love your job. What would you even do with your time?
(Bette frowns) What do you mean? I’d spend it with Angie
Tina smiles.
(Tina) Baby, she’s 14 years old. She doesn’t want to spend the best part of the next two years hanging out with her mother. And frankly, I don’t want her to either
Bette looks at her.
(Bette) You’re hurting my feelings
Tina smiles and takes a step towards her.
(Tina) I want to spend time with you
Bette smiles as Tina wraps her arms around her waist.
(Tina) God take a year off and focus on me
Bette smiles and lays a kiss on her neck. They draw back and smile at each other, and Tina exhales and places her hand on Bette’s chest.
(Tina) She’s also in school each day, so even if you spent all of her time together you’d still have a lot of time to fill
Bette looks back at her.
(Tina) I’m just not sure you’ve thought this through
Bette sighs.
(Bette) Maybe
Tina smiles at her and moves her hands to Bette’s hips.
(Tina) Baby, we can work out how to be around more without you giving up something you love so much
They look at each other for a moment.
(Tina) I can reduce my hours too
(Bette) I know that’s harder for you
Tina shrugs.
(Tina) It’d be difficult, but not impossible. I’ve been thinking about it too recently. The next few years are going to skip past and I want that time with her. I can delegate more, and could have a couple of afternoons a week blacked out in my calendar as a start
Bette nods as she plays with the hem of Tina’s shirt.
(Bette) Well I guess I can think about how to take a step back without handing over the reins entirely. Bring in someone to manage a couple of days a week maybe
Tina nods and brings her hand to the side of Bette’s face, running her thumb gently over her cheek.
(Tina) Between us we can adjust things so one of us is here at the end of each day
Tina meets Bette’s gaze and smiles at her.
(Tina) OK?
(Bette nods) OK
The next afternoon, Bette, Tina, Angelica, Alice, Shane and Dana are having lunch at the Planet.
(Alice) And the venue? It definitely ticks all the boxes?
(Tina) It’s perfect Al
(Alice) Decent dance floor, good atmosphere, terrace with a spectacular view?
(Tina) Yes, all of those
Bette looks to Alice.
(Bette) Aren’t these questions you should have been asking before the day of the event?
Tina turns to Bette.
(Tina) Oh she has . We’ve covered all of this many times
(Bette) Remind me again why you’re organising this for her?
Tina sighs.
(Tina) Because I love her and she’s done it for me in the past
Tina shrugs and Bette glances between her and Alice.
(Bette) I don’t think they’re good enough reasons to subject yourself to this
Alice throws one of her fries at her and Bette smiles and brushes off her jacket.
(Alice) Be nice to me Porter, it’s my fucking birthday
Shane gives Alice a stern look as she nods towards Angelica.
(Shane) Hey, language
Alice and Angelica smile at each other and both roll their eyes. Shane turns to Angelica.
(Shane) What are your plans tonight Ange?
(Angelica) I’m staying at my friend Carla’s
Bette gives Tina a look and Tina places a reassuring hand on her leg.
(Shane) Have I met them?
(Angelica) No, we only made friends recently
Angelica nods towards Bette.
(Angelica) Mom hates her
Bette doesn’t say anything and Tina squeezes her leg.
(Tina) No she doesn’t
Bette sighs and turns to Angelica.
(Bette) I don’t really know her yet
Alice glances between them all and then focuses on Angelica.
(Alice) Don’t worry Ange, the best people to know are always the ones your mothers tell you to stay away from
Angelica smiles and Tina and Bette both frown at Alice.
(Bette) Alice!
(Tina) Jesus Al
Alice shrugs as she has a sip of coffee.
(Alice) What? It’s fucking true
Tina gives her an exasperated look and Alice looks back at her.
(Alice) What?
(Tina) Can you tone it down please?
(Alice sighs) OK, no problem. So, back to my party, time to talk details
(Tina frowns) Are you serious? Have we not done that already? We’ve spoken about nothing but details for the last month
(Alice) Last minute details Tina
Dana glances over at Tina.
(Dana) Do you regret this yet?
Tina meets her eyes and raises her eyebrows and Dana smiles as she has a sip of coffee.
(Alice) Tell me about the caterer
Tina raises her hand, placing it over her eyes.
(Tina) For fuck’s…
Bette raises her eyebrows and slaps Tina’s leg.
(Bette) Tee!
Tina lowers her hand and looks to Bette and then to Angelica.
(Tina) Sorry
Angelica beams back at her and the others all smile and sip their coffees. Tina sighs and turns to Alice.
(Tina) Alice, I swear to God you are going to love the party. Every single request you’ve made has been seen to. Would you please just trust me and try to relax
That evening, Bette and Tina are at home getting ready for Alice’s party. Bette stands by the bed in their room with her dress hanging from the back of the bedroom door, and Tina is applying her make up in the ensuite bathroom. Tina’s phone sits on her bedside table and has been periodically beeping as notifications come through.
(Bette) Who’s messaging you?
Tina sighs and responds from the ensuite.
(Tina) Alice, of course. She’s checking I’m on schedule, repeatedly. Also that I’m coming at all
Bette smiles as she pulls her dress over her head and adjusts it as she stands in front of their full length mirror.
(Bette) Why is she hassling you? You’re throwing her the party, she’s really worried you’ll not show up?
(Tina) Well, she’s stressed. But also she knows what we’re like when we see each other dressed up for something
Bette smiles into the mirror as she puts on her earrings.
(Tina) How many events have we been late for?
(Bette laughs) Or missed altogether. I see her point
Tina’s phone beeps again.
(Tina) Can you remind me of this if I’m ever crazy enough to think this is a good idea again?
(Bette smiles) Sure
They both continue getting ready and after a short while Tina walks out of the ensuite and stops still as she looks at Bette. Her eyes move slowly down her body before she raises them and meets Bette’s gaze in the mirror. Bette holds up her index finger in warning.
(Bette) Tee, no
Tina bites her lip and Bette smiles and shakes her head as Tina moves towards her. Bette turns to face her as she approaches.
(Bette laughs) You need to get a hold of yourself
Tina smiles as she places her hand on Bette’s stomach and pushes her slowly backwards. Bette’s back hits the bedroom door and Tina continues moving forward, leaning her body into her as she moves her hands to Bette’s thighs.
(Tina) How am I supposed to get a hold of myself when you’re standing right here looking like that
Bette smiles and leans her head back as Tina starts to trace kisses along her shoulder and to her neck.
(Bette) Tee there’s no time, Alice would never forgive us
Tina sighs as her hands begin to slowly drag up Bette’s legs.
(Tina) I do have about thirty texts from her, all since lunch
Tina’s phone beeps again and she glances back towards the bedside table.
(Tina) Thirty one
Bette takes a breath as Tina returns her attention to her, shifting one hand to Bette’s inner thigh and slowly tracing upwards with her fingertips.
(Bette) Are you saying raincheck? Because your actions are not exactly screaming raincheck
Tina kisses her firmly on the neck as her hand progresses further.
(Tina) Mmmm, yes you might have to drive this one baby
As Tina’s phone beeps again Bette places her hands on Tina’s waist and turns them, pushing Tina up against the door. Tina smiles at her as Bette takes hold of her hands and holds them above her head.
(Bette) We’ll pick up right here later
They smile into a kiss. Bette leans in and speaks directly into her ear.
(Bette) And I’ll make it worth the wait
(Tina smiles) Mmmm, OK. I believe you
Later, Alice’s birthday celebration is underway and everyone is enjoying the relaxed and fun atmosphere. The crowd mingles happily throughout the space and the talented DJ is overseeing a lively dance floor. Other than a brief greeting on arrival Tina and Alice have not yet crossed paths again. They meet eyes across the room and both smile and make their way towards each other, and Alice throws her arms around her when they reach one another.
(Alice) Great job TK
Tina leans back and smiles at her.
(Tina) Thanks Al, I’m glad you’re having fun
(Alice) And you were on time, I’m impressed
They settle alongside each other and look around the room. Alice has a sip of wine and nods towards Bette, who is chatting to a group on the other side of the bar.
(Alice) And I guess Bette wasn’t making things easy for you with that outfit choice
Tina looks over at Bette and raises an eyebrow as she has a sip of wine and Alice smiles as she watches Tina, taking in her expression. Tina looks over at her.
(Tina) What?
Alice smiles.
(Alice) Nothing. I still just get a kick out of you two being together
Alice shrugs and Tina smiles at her. Tina then looks over at Bette and they meet each other’s eyes. Bette winks at her and Tina smiles.
(Tina) Me too, to be honest
Tina looks back to Alice and they smile at each other. Alice affectionately nudges her arm with her elbow.
(Alice) Thanks for tonight
Tina smiles.
(Tina) Don’t mention it
Late in the evening, Tina decides to step away from the crowd for a while and so makes her way to the terrace. She stands with a hand placed on the railing, taking in the coastal view and sipping on her wine. She smiles as she feels two arms move around her waist and a gentle kiss on her neck.
(Bette) Taking a moment?
Tina smiles and closes her eyes as Bette kisses slowly along her shoulder.
(Tina) Mmmm, yes
(Bette) I’m not intruding?
(Tina) Of course not baby. I wasn’t sure where you were, I was hoping you’d join me
Tina takes hold of her hands and pulls Bette’s arms around herself more tightly.
(Bette) You’ve done a great job Tee. Alice must be thrilled with how everything’s come together
(Tina) Yes, she seems very happy
(Bette) Did you want to stay much longer?
(Tina) A little, sorry baby
Bette nods as she places another kiss on her neck.
(Bette) Well it’ll be nice to have you back now that all of these party shenanigans are over, and Alice is no longer monopolising your time
(Tina smiles) Well you’ve done as much running around for this as me baby. I appreciate it by the way
Bette smiles and rests her chin on Tina’s shoulder, and they stand together for a while taking in the view.
(Bette) This reminds me of Florence, standing together like this
(Tina smiles) Me too, though this view isn’t quite so spectacular
They fall into silence for another moment.
(Tina) Let’s go away somewhere
(Bette smiles) Sure, when were you thinking?
(Tina) As soon as we can both manage it
(Bette nods) Let’s compare calendars tomorrow
She kisses Tina’s shoulder.
(Bette) What about a weekend in the meantime? Just us?
(Tina smiles) Yes please. Let’s do it next weekend
Bette smiles.
(Bette) Could you do that? On such short notice?
Bette continues kissing along her shoulder and up to her neck.
(Tina) Mmmm, I’ll manage
Tina smiles as she enjoys Bette’s close attention.
(Tina) What about you? Would it be difficult?
Bette shakes her head.
(Bette) No. I’ll clear my schedule
Tina smiles and turns in Bette’s arms to face her. She holds her hand to the side of Bette’s face and considers her for a moment.
(Tina) You make me so happy
Bette smiles as Tina reaches up and runs her fingers through Bette’s hair.
(Tina) And it is…
Tina takes a breath and then focuses back on Bette and smiles.
(Tina) Uncomplicated
Bette exhales and smiles back at her. She then looks at Tina for a moment and frowns.
(Bette) You’re not proposing again are you?
Tina laughs.
(Tina) No, let’s not do that again
Bette smiles and Tina smiles back at her as she tucks a curl behind Bette’s ear.
(Tina) But let’s do this forever
Bette takes a breath and smiles.
(Bette) OK
Tina smiles as Bette tightens her hold around her waist.
(Bette) And let’s keep sharing our responsibilities, and finding a balance
(Tina nods) OK
Tina smiles at her.
(Tina) And let’s never stop having sex in your office
Bette laughs.
(Bette) OK
They both pull each other close and smile into a kiss.
THE END