“Don’t,” Bette advised.  Frowning with a single brow,  “Why are you crying?”

Tina shook her head hesitantly. 

Bette insisted, her voice utterly tender.  “Tell me.” 

With her eyes, she lovingly traced the outline of Bette’s face.  Weary of the unruly events of yesterday, Tina answered plaintively after a quiet pause. 

“I ache for you.” 

Her everything yearned for Bette.

Swallowing the emotion that built in own her chest, the taller woman inched forward to kiss Tina’s neck.  Sensing Bette’s approach the blonde leaned into the warmth, sighing peacefully as her eyes drifted closed.

The touch, the kiss, was not meant to arouse.  Rather for them to simply feel. 

The closeness. 

How far they had come. 

That Bette understood the regret Tina felt.  That the darker woman should feel free to hold, touch and lay claim to her whenever she wanted. 

That in turn, she belonged to Tina.

The blonde willed her to keep still, letting her partner feel the curve of her throat.  The familiar hollow that bridged to the rest of her. 

Opening her eyes for the other woman to see, Bette witnessed the bright eyes she knew well as they darkened with emotion.  Tina wanted her.  The desire of mind, body and heart was offered plainly for her to view. 

With it, a hope that Bette would join her in the feeling.  Again and forever.

With fingers entwined, Bette led Tina to the aromatic comfort.  Upon helping her get settled she took the vacated spot and waited.  Glancing in the direction of her companion often, a soft smile graced her face. 

The look was returned with obvious affection.

—

“I can’t exactly pamper you with more right now but wherever you are, I’ll be there.”   

Bette smiled openly.  Relishing Tina’s message.  That she was wanted.  Needed.  Loved.  Reminded of how close she felt to Tina that day.  Knowing Tina had felt it too. 

As they did today.  Even in the turmoil of emotions.

“I love you.”

With clear eyes and laced with the credence of a tomorrow she desired with no other, she echoed the truth Bette uttered earlier.  Matching the depth of feeling to what anchored them both Bette replied before Tina’s last word floated into the air. 

“And I you.” 

They regarded each other – the quiet remembrances and hopeful yearnings filled the directed sideward gaze.

Tina brought them to a halt and turned to gently hold the woman she knew was her future.  Her arms encircled the darker haired woman, resting on the shoulders that supported readily, stroking her cheek with her own.

Bette’s left hand was positioned on the small of Tina’s back while the fingers of the right hand that rested immediately above, caressed the flesh that met the neckline of the shirt she wore. Touching the blonde hair that fell below her shoulders, she wrapped her arms around Tina, bringing their bodies together with care. 

They held each other in the calm that dictated their surroundings.  Their chests filled in unison as they breathed healthily.  The couple allowed the love they felt to wash over them.  The embrace imparting there was more good than bad to follow. 

Amidst a light breeze, they shared a warmth that was not merely physical.  Each believing the effort to be together, to be a family, was well worth the challenge of moments like these. 

Tina felt Bette’s heart beating against her. 

It felt good to be so close. 

Tenderly, she curled her fingers around Bette’s neck to stroke the smooth skin.  The curly hair lay lightly on the back of her hand.  She pulled them even closer, her arms lovingly wrapped around her partner. 

The women were exactly where they were meant to be.  In each other’s arms, they both felt whole.  They looked safe.  

The mutual silent reflection was interrupted only by the hushed words that passed Tina’s lips.  A sentiment mirrored by the woman who embraced her in return. 

“You’re the only one I want to hold me this way,” she said earnestly.

With confidence Bette replied, “I’m the only one who will.”

The End