CHAPTER 24

A/N This is the flashback chapter from the picnic mentioned in the early chapters. This was the first proper time that Cosima and Delphine really said I Love You. I wanted to wait and put this chapter here because I wanted a bit of happiness in amongst all the angst that this was becoming. I have another flashback chapter coming up in the next few chapters. Once again thanks again for all the views and the reviews, I love receiving them and it makes me want to write some more. Love to you all XmaziX

Delphine was walking through Battersea Park, she felt free and happy. Ever since she had met Cosima everything seemed to be perfect. She had a new job, she had a beautiful girlfriend and her friends had just told her that they were going to be having a baby after years of trying.

"Delphine!" Cosima called out as she spotted her walking through the grass.

"Cosima Mon Cherie! So happy to see you!" Delphine called back. Smiling as she saw the picnic laid out by her girlfriend. She knew that Cosima had something planned and had tried in the couple of days prior to this, to get some information out of the other woman but to no avail.

"Madam, your table awaits, well grass awaits!" Cosima said in a mock posh tone giggling at herself.

"Oh Cosima you didn't need to go through all this trouble!?" Delphine gasped as she saw all her favourite foods and her favourite wine all laid out before her.

"It was no trouble. Well except to get the truffles now that was a job and a half. I had to traipse half way over London to find them so they best be good." Cosima replied winking at Delphine.

Delphine blushed and looked away shyly. She was still getting used to being spoilt so much. After the day when Cosima gave her the promise ring she had slowly realised that it was nice to be looked after. She had decided to make the most of it because after the following week she might not have the chance to be looked after so much, especially if she was going to be working all the hours god sent.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Cosima asked tenderly.

"Just, how after next week things will all change? We won't get to spend so much time together because I will always be working. You will get bored of me not having time for you because I will always be elsewhere….." Delphine began before Cosima cut her off.

"Hey, hey I am here to stay. It doesn't matter if I see you once a day or once a week as long as I get to see you. Plus you have that swanky new phone that someone brought you to text and call me at all times of the day. Listen I will never get bored of you Delphine. You have turned my world upside down. You have made it all better for me. I don't or rather I never did sentiment before, but since you walked into my life I have found myself thinking about you in everything. You have stolen this heart and in all honesty you can keep it. It wasn't much good to me anyway. Loving myself does nothing for me anymore!" Cosima said sincerely before finishing off in her usual joking way.

"Cosima you are such a brat!" Delphine mock scolded her.

"That is why you love me so much!" Cosima continued the banter.

"Someone has been telling you lies if they have said that I love you. I like you very much but love nah!" Delphine said laughter taking over.

"So you don't love me?" Cosima pouted.

"Well why don't you come over here and find out?!" Delphine teased.

"No I think I will stay over here and sulk and eat all the truffles now!" Cosima smiled.

"Don't you dare eat all the truffles I will not be happy!" Delphine said as she launched herself over towards Cosima, Cosima laughing hysterically as Delphine landed awkwardly on her side.

"Oww that hurt!" Delphine said as she sat up rubbing her back.

Cosima sat behind Delphine and gently started massaging where it hurt. Delphine melting into the touch.

"Move in with me!" Delphine whispered.

"What was that?" Cosima asked "I didn't hear you?"

"Move in with me Cosima. I know it's quite quick but I know I want you there. I have known for days." Delphine explained.

"Delphine, it doesn't matter about how quick it is. I just want you to be sure!" Cosima said not able to stop the smile that was forming on her lips.

"So is that a yes?"

"Delphine when it comes to you it will always be a yes. Please don't take what I am going to say the wrong way but I will have to inform my family and lawyer about it. They will want me to draw up some legal paperwork. This isn't anything bad on you; people just want me protected because of my condition."

"It is alright Cosima you don't have to explain from what you have told me about your mother I should have expected nothing less."

"So Delphine are you a cat or dog person?" Cosima asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"I don't really have a reference Cos, why do you ask?"

"Well there was a reason why I asked you to come to Battersea Park. We are not far from the Dog's home and I was wondering if you would like to own a pet with me. I know it is not as big a gesture as yours. I have always dreamt about owning a dog. A big long haired beast that I could put dreads on….."

"Cosima! You will not put dreads on any dog that we own! It will be a beautiful little dog with droopy eyes just like you and a gorgeous coat to match my hair!" Delphine joked.

"No dog will ever be as beautiful as you!" Cosima said as she caught Delphine's lips with her own.

Delphine melted into the kiss. She had never felt so much passion for another person in her life. She never thought that she would love another person after losing her parents. It had been hard, she had other lovers but she had never felt this way for any of the others before Cosima.

"I love you Delphine Cormier!" Cosima sighed.

"I love you too Cosima. Always!" Delphine replied pulling Cosima closer to her.

All thoughts and doubts drifted away as they sat holding each other. Enjoying the feel of the other against each other.

"Next week is going to be so hard being away from you after spending so much time with you!" Delphine sighed.

"I know!" Cosima said quietly. She needed to tell Delphine before next week. She was being selfish just wanting the time with the woman in her arms. Before everything went tits up.

No she wasn't going to think about this today she was going to enjoy this moment.

Delphine looked at her watch "Hey we should head over to the animal shelter before it closes!"

"Hmm, five more minutes!" Cosima purred.

"Your five minutes will be the rest of the afternoon. You are too chill for your own good!" Delphine teased.

"I don't want to move. You're so comfortable. You should be my permanent blanket." Cosima sighed.

"As much as I would love to wrap my arms around you all day you have promised me a pet! I plan to hold you to that! I want my dog!" Delphine demanded.

Cosima pouted and gently pushed Delphine to the ground. Delphine laughed trying to swot away at Cosima as she came closer to start tickling her.

"Please don't tickle me! Please!" Squealed Delphine.

"Oh so you're ticklish eh? Something more to add to the things to do to you!" Cosima teased.

"No! I'm not I'm just sensitive there!" Delphine tried to detract from the obvious.

Cosima stopped and stood up. Putting her hand out for Delphine to grab to help her stand. Cosima pulled the other woman into her arms and kissed her deeply. Tongues battling for dominance, when air became an issue the women came apart.

"We will continue this when we get home!" Delphine said breathlessly.

Cosima turned and started to walk away; she turned and gave Delphine a cheeky wink. Delphine smiled after her girlfriend before starting to follow her.