“It’s always been you.” 

The reply was fortified with an indisputable tone.  Buried in the message was a plea for forgiveness, for understanding.  That she ultimately surmounted confusion though not before it effectively invited his image to obfuscate their union. 

Of the depth of feeling that brought her back to her lover.  Wanting only her. 

Physically. 

Emotionally. 

To parent the wonderful child that resulted from the love they once shared.  The kind she wanted to partake in still, with only Bette.

The crowd was thin where they stood.  The murmur of surrounding conversation was light interrupted by an occasional yelp from one or two dogs that were let loose in the neighboring space. 

Decidedly, “I’m walking ahead,” Bette said. 

She hesitated before moving forward, relenting the subtext.  Not wanting to make Tina feel superfluous or believe her presence was of no import.  So she offered simply, accompanied with a calming breath through her nostrils, “Okay?” 

Tina looked in her direction.  Saying with her look what she’d just declared.  The truth of her avowal flowing in the affirmation of understanding Bette’s need for reassurance and occasion to express the raw hurt that manifested in their present.  The need for a genuine acceptance and forgiveness to envelop her heart.  Akin to what she herself felt after the carpenter.  Appreciating that her fiery counterpart didn’t just unleash during or after the encounter. 

More than that, allowing her to share this time of reflection. 

Today tolerated this moment.  Tina had hers as well.  Between them there were a multitude to contend with.  Many of these instances were dealt with soundly, others not so much.  The lacking from one or both a battle they continued to struggle to overcome. 

Together, they huddled beneath the umbrella of their past with remembrances of both good and bad while taking steps in the same direction.  Avoiding storms that would make the couple to veer from their path and falter.  At times in harmony and others with one having to lead while the other followed.  One ready, the other not quite so.

“Sure.” Tina agreed, her gaze warm and intimate.

Bette took a few steps hurriedly then slowed her pace putting some distance between herself and the blonde that followed cautiously.