Fan Fiction
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Eternal Flames—Chapter 8
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“Even if I can’t give you what you want?”
The question hung in the air between them, loaded with ten years of history and hurt. Tina chose her words carefully.
“I’m not asking you for anything other than what you’re comfortable giving. I know you don’t trust me, Bette. I know I hurt you terribly, and I know it’s going to take time – if ever – for you to believe that I’ve changed.”
Bette’s eyes searched her face, looking for something – deception, manipulation, false promises. “What do you want from me, Tina? Really?”
“I want the chance to prove to you that I’m not the same person who chose Darren over our friendship. I want to show you that I understand what I threw away and that I’ll never make that mistake again. But I want to do that at whatever pace feels safe for you.”
“And if safe for me means just being friends? If that’s all I can offer?”
Tina felt her heart clench, but she kept her voice steady. “Then we’ll be friends. And I’ll be grateful for that, because having you in our lives in any capacity is better than not having you at all.”
“I need boundaries, Tina. Clear ones.”
“Okay. Tell me what you need.”
Bette took a shaky breath, and for the first time since she’d arrived, Tina saw the fear underneath her polished exterior. “I need you to not expect anything from me beyond friendship. I need you to not… push for more. I need time to see if I can trust you again without feeling pressured.”
“You have it. All the time you need.”
“I need to know that you won’t disappear again if this doesn’t go the way you want it to.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I moved here to build a life, not to chase a specific outcome. Carson and I are here to stay, regardless of what happens between us.”
“And if I’m never ready for more than friendship?”
The question was asked so quietly Tina almost missed it, but she heard the vulnerability underneath. Bette wasn’t just setting boundaries – she was protecting herself from the possibility of being hurt again.
“Then I’ll learn to be happy with friendship,” Tina said honestly. “Because you’re worth having in my life in any way you’ll allow.”
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You spoil us and now i have to wait for a new chapter.
It’s a great story, easy to read and not hurrying through the story to bring Bette and Tina romantically. It’s important to build their friendship first, to learn to trust especially important for Bette.
The bond and easiness between Carson and Bette, it’s lovely to see.
Tina already promoted, making a new friend who can see clearly how much Bette cares for Tina.
Waiting patiently for the next chapter.
I was hoping for a full week-end of your fresh new angle on our amazing couple!
I want more and quicker but of course I want them well written and reviewed/edited.
What I’m saying is I am a huge fan with your writing of my favorite couple.
Thanks