“We’ll get you through this. Every side effects. The hairloss, the tiredness and fatigue, the nausea. I’ll be here as I promised.” She says as she places the palm of her hand on Bette’s cheek. We will get you through it. You just lean on me.” Tina says with a loving smile. “Why don’t we call it a day and get to bed. Get a good night’s rest before tomorrow.” Tina suggests.

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Bette replies.

Tina stood up and held out her hand for Bette. Together they walked towards Bette’s bedroom.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight.” Bette says as she stops before entering the bedroom and pulls Tina closer. Looking so vulnerable to Tina. Tina leans in and place a soft kiss on her lips.

“You won’t be, I’ll be by your side.” Tina whispers and give Bette’s face a soft touch and leans in for another kiss.

They finish their nightly routine seamlessly and gets under the covers. Tina scoots closer to Bette and put her arm over her waist.

“Turn over so I can hold you babe.” Tina whispers. Bette does as told and they settle down as so many times before. Falling asleep with Tina holding Bette, keeping her safe.

The next morning, Tina wakes up first. She was still holding onto Bette like she had done all night. She moves even a little bit closer to Bette and places a soft kiss on her bare shoulder. After a few moments Bette slowly wakes up and turns towards Tina who lay there with a gentle smile on her face.

“Good morning babe.” She whispers.

“Morning.” Bette replies tiredly. “What time is it?” She asks.

“It’ only 7.” Tina replies.

Bette turns all the way round so she’s facing Tina. She reaches for Tina’s hand and takes it. She needed the closeness. “I’ve missed this.” She adds softly.

“What?” Tina asks.

“This, waking up together, in the same bed.” Bette replies. “I’ve woken up alone most nights for the last two and a half years and I’ve cried more than I care to admit. I’ve missed you, so much. When you left the last time, you took a part of me with you. A part I knew I would never get back.” Bette says honestly with tears in her eyes. Tina just listens, she’s finding it hard not to cry, a tear emerge from her eyes. “You are the love of my life, there will not be anyone other than you Tee. I find myself praying to the man upstairs that you won’t leave again. That will be the end of me.” She adds. She’s shared this before but does it again.