(Bette) I don’t need any assurance from you about the future. And I have no expectations beyond the present

Tina considers her for a moment.

(Tina) How long are you suggesting we go along like this?

(Bette shrugs) Indefinitely. For as long as you feel like it’s working for you, and I feel like it’s working for me. If at any point that’s not the case, then we’ll stop

They hold each other’s gaze for a moment.

(Bette) I’m being completely honest with you about what I want, and what I’m thinking, right now. That’s all I can do

Tina nods and focuses down towards their hands for a long moment, before raising her eyes to Bette’s.

(Tina) If it doesn’t change what we’re doing, and doesn’t to you mean a promise of anything moving forward, I can handle dropping the casual label

Bette raises her eyebrows, examining her for a moment.

(Bette) Are you sure?

Tina smiles at her.

(Tina) Yes

Bette looks at her, furrowing her brow.

(Bette) Can we talk about exclusivity?

(Tina) That’s also important to you?

(Bette) It is

Bette looks at her for a moment and then smiles.

(Bette) Just hear me out, then you can go ahead and jump out the window

Tina hits her arm with the back of her hand, and they smile at each other. Bette takes a breath before continuing.

(Bette) I think it’s again really just describing what we’ve effectively already been doing

Bette looks at her for another moment.

(Bette) I haven’t been with anyone else since I met you

Tina smiles at her and then shrugs.

(Tina) I haven’t either

Bette smiles.

(Bette) I don’t want to be with anyone else

Tina’s smile broadens and she shakes her head slowly.

(Tina) I don’t either

(Bette shrugs) Then why not name it?

They look at one another for a moment and Bette then shifts closer, propping herself up on her elbow and placing her hand on Tina’s stomach. She looks down at her, taking a breath before continuing.

(Bette) I want to be all yours. And you all mine

Bette smiles.

(Bette) All the time

Tina smiles up at her, running a hand along Bette’s arm.

(Bette) I sort of wondered if that might suit you too, given the whole jealousy problem you’ve got going on

Tina laughs and shakes her head, and they smile at each other.

(Tina) Being exclusive is fine by me

Bette smiles.

(Bette) OK then

They look at each other for a long moment.

(Bette) So how is this sounding? What we’re describing?

Tina smiles at her.

(Tina) Kind of amazing actually

Bette smiles.

(Tina) And this might not seem like much to most people, what we’re describing. But this is huge for me

(Bette laughs) I know

(Tina) I honestly can’t believe I’m even considering it

Bette takes a breath and smiles at her.

(Bette) If we do this, it’s with no expectation that this goes beyond exactly where we are right now

Tina smiles as she reaches up, holding her hand to the side of Bette’s face and running her thumb gently over her cheek.

(Tina) Which is where?

(Bette smiles) In the moment, and completely in love with each other

Tina raises her eyebrows and smiles.

(Tina) And in an exclusive relationship

(Bette laughs) That’s not necessarily going anywhere

Tina laughs and they continue smiling at each other.

(Tina) I love you

(Bette smiles) I love you too

Tina moves her hand through Bette’s hair and pulls her down towards her and they both smile into a kiss. Bette draws back and looks down at her with raised eyebrows.

(Bette) Are we doing it?

Tina smiles as she tucks Bette’s hair behind her ear.

(Tina) Yes

(Bette smiles) OK

Bette leans down and captures Tina’s lips with her own once more, and they talk to each other through the kiss.

(Bette) Can you stop calling me Bette now?

(Tina smiles) Sure baby