Bette looked into Tina’s eyes, kissed her on the forehead and placed Tina’s arms around her neck. Tina’s hands immediately found their way in the brunette’s hair, combing through the thick curls while Bette laid her head on the blonde’s shoulder. Such an intimate moment, Tina remembered. Just the two of them. Getting lost in each other. Breathing in sync. Tina kissed the top of Bette’s head. Bette looked up with tears in her eyes as Tina cupped her face.

“What is it, Baby?” Tina asked wiping the tears away with her thumbs, never breaking eye contact.

Tina could see there was a lot going on behind Bette’s eyes. She waited, gently caressing her cheeks. Tina knew Bette needed to take her time when there was something deeply emotional she wanted to share. Tina remembered Bette taking a long time before she opened up to her the first time. Not the surface level bullshit, but deeply, sharing her fears and her heart. Tina kept loving on her until one day Bette shared a story about her father while they were cuddling on the couch. Bette opened up more and more, but it always took time.

Tina cradled Bette’s face. Not rushing her. Just letting her know she was safe. Bette’s words didn’t surprise Tina when she finally spoke.

“You scare me,” Bette finally said.

Tina waited. Bette let out her feelings in layers when she didn’t know how to articulate them or if she was unsure of how they would be received.

“This. Us. I’ve never felt this with anyone and it’s overwhelming. There are times I want to run from you because I’m afraid you will leave and I don’t think I could survive that,” Bette exhaled. “I try to guard myself from you but you are so intoxicating and I am putty in your arms. I am yours. All of me.”

Tina kissed the end of Bette’s nose and looked deep into the brunette’s chocolate pools.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she assured. “Especially if you keep wearing these jeans.” Tina smiled playfully and blinked at her because she didn’t know how to wink.

Bette laughed her signature laugh and her insides calmed down. Tina had that affect on her. Always calming.

“What? These old things?” Bette laughed again.