Tina wasn’t sure if she liked the idea but she wasn’t sure if she disliked it either. Sometimes it was crazy to think that someone could have such a strong hold on someone else, knowing that Bette had the power to hurt her so deeply often sent Tina into a wave of panic.

At the same time, Tina couldn’t deny that Bette had given her things, shown her a side of love that the blonde had never experienced. Bette gave Tina a feeling that after knowing what it felt like, the blonde knew she couldn’t live without it. She didn’t want to live without it.

"She’s a keeper"

The soft voice managed to startle Tina if only for a moment, bringing her out of her thoughts. The blonde turned her head to look at an older blonde who was standing beside her, staring out toward the dance floor.

Her mother’s words were simple but Tina knew that they were also completely true. No one had ever done what Bette had and Tina was convinced no one ever would. Bette was it for her. Of that much, Tina was certain.

With a warm smile, Tina looked back out to the dance floor. "Yeah. She is"

*****

It’s not much of a life you’re living
It’s not just something you take – it’s given

Bette sat on the warm sand with her arms wrapped around the warm body of her girlfriend nestled comfortably between her legs. Her chin rested comfortably on Tina’s shoulder as she stared out at the waves crashing onto the beach, completely lost in thought.

It had been silent between them for some time, the distant sound of the carnival going on behind them mixing with the sound of the restless waves.

"So, you wanna tell me what’s going on with you?"

Bette was brought out of her thoughts for what was probably the 23rd time that day, blinking before focusing her attention on the woman who had her head turned up so that their eyes could meet.

"What do you mean?" Bette asked with what she had hoped was an innocent tone, her eyes darting back and forth along the water.