Tina (rolling so she could wrap her arms around Bette): I don’t understand it (caressing her face.)

Bette (kissing her palm): I don’t either, but if it keeps you two safe and alive then that’s what makes it okay.

Helena (softly): I’m not here to hurt you or Dylan… 

Dylan (walking in): Then why didn’t you say something before like you know those demons that nip at my heels, well Tina and I share the same and we turn to one another.

Tina (defensively): Dylan…

Dylan (sighing): You know Peggy told me that when I came back to this family, things would be different. I had no idea…

Bette (getting up): We all look out for one another, we protect one another…

Dylan (kneeling in front of Helena): I know that, I see that more clearly than ever. (Taking Helena’s hands in her own) the fact of the matter is, I know it isn’t something that most couples do or accept but if you keeps you sane, keeps you alive then I will not stand in your way. I love you, I wish I knew how to help you…

Helena (fighting tears, she had feared the worst if and when Dylan found out; this reaction though made her love her even more): You do in so many ways (reaching for her only to be wrapped in strong arms and held tightly.)

Bette (pulling Tina up and over so she was leaning against her chest): How are you feeling?

Tina (caressing Bette’s fingers): Better now that I know Helena is going to be okay…

Bette (promising): We all will be (kissing her temple and tightening her hold.)

Dylan (standing up): You got room for two more?

Tina (patting the spot beside her): Always.

Dylan (sitting down then leaning back; holding her arms out she sighed in relief when Helena moved into them and leaned against her): I promised you, you would always be safe with me and I mean that.

Helena (nodding): I know…

Bette (holding her hand out): It’s going to be okay (looking at Dylan as her hand covered her own then Tina’s then Helena’s) we’ll make it.

Dylan (nodding): Yes we will.

They sat their watching TV, their hands entwined knowing that the paths they had each traveled, as hard as they may have been had been worth it, in more ways than one. They had the rest of their family, but this bond, this moment was something only they could share and they would never take it for granted.

tbc
kj