“Don’t let go.”

With Tina’s voice vibrating against her skin, Bette knew she was losing control. After so many years together, her body had been set on automatic when it came to responding to Tina. This time, though, she was determined to keep in check.

“I never wanted to,” Bette replied, holding the duo a little tighter.

For a long while, they sat in the same position. The brunette gently rocked them back and forth, letting the silence chase away the tears. It wasn’t until Angelica’s insistent babbling broke them both out of the trance.

“I think someone’s hungry,” Bette chuckled.

Turning in their embrace, Tina held Angelica between them. “Why don’t you take her while I make something for us?”

“Why don’t we go out?” Bette offered. “It’s Sunday, you should relax.”

Tina frowned. “Bette, if you don’t want me around, I understand.”

“No!” Bette interjected quickly. “I just want the three of us to have a nice dinner, that’s all. I want you to enjoy yourself and take it easy.”

“I don’t mind cooking for us,” Tina shrugged. “I just… I’m not ready to face the world.”

Bette leaned in, brushing her lips with ones she has known so well over the years. When she pulled away, she swore she could hear their matching sighs.

“Whatever makes you comfortable, Tina, I don’t mind,” Bette rushed to reassure the blonde. “Let me put Angie in the high chair and I’ll come help you.”

Feeling Bette’s arms sliding away, Tina chose to ignore the sense of loss. She passed the little girl to a standing Bette, accepting the lending hand from the brunette. Together, they went their separate ways, meeting at the kitchen to get dinner started

They worked in silence, trading words only when necessary. Angelica’s baby talk provided fodder for them, allowing them to retreat to their respective thoughts.

Dinner was a chatty affair, with the little girl carrying a conversation with both her mothers simultaneously. Since Angelica had just begun eating baby food, they made sure to have a milk bottle prepared as a backup.

“Why don’t you give Angie her bath? I’ll get the dishes,” Tina said as she gathered the plates.