Bette’s alarm woke her at the usual 4am.  She leaned over and kissed Tina lightly on the top of her head as she tried to climb out of bed as quietly as possible.  She had not wanted to spend the night and risk waking Tina so early, but Tina had insisted. 

“Ok babe, but we have to sleep tonight.  I can’t go to work with no sleep.”  Bette tried to explain things rationally.

“I understand completely.  I don’t want to have to worry even more about you.  We’ll just sleep, I promise.”  Tina wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince Bette or herself.

“OK.”  Bette thought for a second.  “If we go to bed early enough though …” she suggested.

“Yeah?” Tina asked excitedly.

“Oh yeah.  Just no marathon session tonight.”

“Deal.”  Tina was giddy.

So last night before it got late, she had gone home and spent some time with Sam.  She also got her uniform ready and packed a bag of things she’d need for work.  They had gotten into bed early and had stopped after two rounds of lovemaking.  Now here she was, creeping quietly through Tina’s apartment, trying not to wake her.

She had been in the shower for about five minutes when she heard the bathroom door open.

“Good morning baby!” Tina sounded as chipper as ever.

“Good morning T,” Bette grinned as she responded.

“Want some company in there?”

“Want me to be late for work?”

“Party pooper!”

“Raincheck?"  Bette’s question was met with silence.  "I’ll make it up to you later tonight.”

“I guess.”

“You’re making it difficult for me to want to go to work this morning.  You must know I’d rather stay here and indulge myself in your delectable body.”

“Sweet talker.”

“Only for you T, only for you.”

Tina left the bathroom and let Bette finish getting ready.

Bette appeared in the kitchen a few minutes later, uniformed and ready to go.  Tina had made breakfast and they sat together and ate.

As Bette was leaving, Tina handed her a travel mug of coffee.

"Thanks babe.  I’ll talk to you soon.  Love you."  She leaned in for a quick goodbye kiss.  As she pulled away, Tina grabbed her by both of the epaulets on her shoulders and pulled her back in for a longer, deeper kiss.  When they separated two minutes later, Tina spoke.