“So…”

Bette’s lips twitched.  Was this what they were reduced to?

“Did you just start us off with ‘So’?”

Tina pursed her lips.  She laughed nervously then conceded promptly.  “I guess I did.”

A quiet pause came and went.

The taller woman straightened.  “So…”

Her companion looked over pointedly,  “Hmmm…I’m not allowed to start off with it but you are?”

Along with a shrug, “When did things become so complicated between us?” was the question voiced in answer.

“I’m not sure exactly.”  Tina replied.  “Did you break up with her because…because of me?”

“I didn’t,” the left side of Bette’s face wrinkled. 

How was she to explain exactly that she didn’t leave people she loved just because of something arbitrary?  How would Tina believe that she held relationships with such high regard when she slipped in theirs and was now letting go – perhaps with the perception that she didn’t even try to sustain the bond?

“Oh.”  Tina answered with an uncertain pitch emphasizing the last word, “That’s good.” 

At least she had to think that was good for what the alternative offered was not enticing.  She didn’t want to be the cause of any heartache though she wanted with every part of her being to be with Bette. 

It was only a kiss after all. 

One that came to be weeks before. 

A single kiss.

“I broke up with her for me.” 

Bette frowned.  How selfish did that sound?

“I see.”  Came Tina’s slow reply.  “I guess I thought…”

“Wait,” the brunette interrupted gently, “that didn’t come out right.”

Tina sat.  She inched to her left then right finding a spot that would help calm the inner unrest.  “Okay, what did you mean exactly?”

“I’m not with her because I want to be who I am when I’m with you.”

The blonde waited.  Holding her breath because this might mean what she had hoped.

“When you ask me to be more.  When you love me for who I am.  Who I’m not.  What I can be.  In spite of what I can’t be.  How I want to be so much more.  For me.  For you.”

“Not just for you but because…I love who I am when I’m with you.”  she said even more with her eyes and conveyed an openness with hands that gesticulated as she spoke.

What could Tina say in return? 

How could she craft a response that would encompass all she felt?

Instead of the immediacy of words she rose from her position to press against the woman who would be her only.  She held Bette.  The embrace communicated more than any verbal offering for now.  With a tenderness that had been witness to their connection she caressed the familiar skin and took a generous breath of her unique scent. 

Minutes passed and still she held on.

“So…” finally Tina quietly said, her mouth resting next to Bette’s ear, “I’m so in love with you.”