Fan Fiction
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Lifeline – Chapter 12
With the iridescent blue goggles secured in place she launched herself off the side initiating an effortless rhythmic stroke across the top of the water. Long-limbed and graceful, she sliced her way along with very little splash or sound making an underwater kick-turn that propelled her almost halfway back to the other end before surfacing. Each lap left her more invigorated, her strong athlete’s heart pumping a steady beat in her chest.
Ten minutes into her workout Bette arrived and searched the house before noticing through the glass doors to the patio the smooth, straight wake line in the pool. She slipped outside quietly, lowering herself in a chair on the far side of the patio table in order to watch Tina unobtrusively in the pink glow of twilight, remaining perfectly still.
She admired the economy of the strokes, so practiced that she looked like a fish gliding through its aquatic routine, its only purpose to swim to the end of the ocean and back again; and she felt herself begin to relax, the events of the afternoon ebbing from her body as she observed her wife relieving her stress.
Fifteen minutes later Tina stood at the end of a lap in the shallow end of the pool. She lifted the goggles off her head with a swift motion and shook her entire body like a dog after a bath.
Bette gasped silently at her unexpected nakedness. Her usual workout racing suit was nowhere to be seen; it was just the goggles, she noted grinning at the body she revered and knew so well. She felt a twinge and knew she was wet. Ten seconds of looking at Tina under such circumstances (or even clothed for that matter) elicited a predictable response in her.
Her partner’s shoulder-length hair fanned out in a dark blonde arc around her sending rays of water droplets sideways in every direction as she shook her head vigorously. Then with the fingers of both hands, in what seemed to Bette like slow motion, she combed her wet tresses back until she was slick as an otter and rolled her neck a few times, shrugging her shoulders to release the tension, reaching her arms over her head like a diver about to plunge off a platform. Bette held her breath, fascinated with the ritual she was witnessing and had witnessed in secret before.
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Brilliant update. Thank you have missed this story.
Hey! I have been looking forward to the rest of that story! Thanks for posting again! I love the way you tell it all in flashbacks! Brilliant
Mercy sakes!!! that was hot and I know Bette thought so. I knew Tina felt when Bette arrived but I think she also saw her as well. Would love to know what Tina’s thoughts are when Bette mentions this song and argument to her. Getting their thoughts during this time is very interesting but I think I want Tina to wake up more than anything else. Very interesting way to tell the story. Thanks for posting.
Just finish reading chap 12, this is one of the most beautiful written love story of B&T, that I have read in a while. Even if we lost Tina, I don’t think we lose the love of these two amazing women. Thanks for the journey.
So glad to see a post from you, and such a great chapter! And so great to know you will never leave us hanging!
Hey, I’m still here, Nell. =) I was just rereading the chapter, savoring the words-the sounds, images and emotions they evoke-and gathering my thoughts. Loved it from start to finish, Nell. Excellently written as always. =) I smiled at the mention of the infamous TK eye roll, which drew a lot of flak from Tina/Laurel detractors back in the day, the cheeky tongue and touching pillow talk and the very nice “green-eyed monster-Tina seeing red” combo. I chuckled at the “door-slamming, window-rattling, foot-stomping and shoe-throwing” part of the lovers’ quarrels and LOL at this: “Of course, forgiving each other was probably half the reason they were so good at fighting. The make-up sex almost always started out tender and tentative and ended up sizzling hot, both of them desperately sorry for their actions and eager to reclaim their love by burning up the sheets for eight straight hours or until one of them lost consciousness. Even that didn’t necessarily stop the proceedings.” Woohoo! Loved this paragraph, Nell! But surely the couple can try a nonviolent yet equally exciting foreplay. Their house must have a good foundation to withstand and absorb such regular eruptions of fury. And their love and commitment to one another must be that deep and strong too to withstand and absorb such intense bouts of rage and insecurity. I loved Bette’s explanation of her song choices that will remind them both of the good, the bad and the ugly of their relationship. Bette’s grounded and brave enough not to gloss over their fights, the hard part of their otherwise lovely marriage. So Bette has an insane jealous streak and Tina’s flirtatious and scary when she’s angry. I don’t think they loved each other less because of the other’s imperfections. I must say I also love the way you picture Bette and Tina as equal partners in almost every measure: beauty, hotness, intelligence and professional success. Thank God Tina’s not a damsel in distress here or a weakling who’s so lucky the Alpha Bette picked her among her throngs of admirers.BR>
To quote the great Sting, this story is a “surprising novelty,” Nell, so please write it as you please. I trust you and I know you have a plan. I know you’re not prolonging the couple’s agony just because you want to or you have no idea where to take this story yet. I’m sure you know what you’re doing and I trust you. Tina is slowly getting better and Bette is learning how to cope and not losing hope. I know you’ll put them out of their misery, in a good way, someday soon. I can’t wait to read Tina’s take on Bette’s tongue teasing talk, her song selection and that fateful fight. Hope she can give Bette a sort of reassurance by twitching her finger, raising her eyebrow or smirking a bit in the next few chapters. I think Bette and their friends will rejoice at any slight movement from Tina. That’s all I’m hoping for. A thousand times thank you, Nell, and Happy V-Day to you too! =)
I love the way you write these characters. They both have fiery hot temperaments but they also both have a fierce loyalty to each other and such deep love and respect for each other. I love reading this story.
So happy to see another chapter of your great story! I just love your Bette and Tina – the truth and complexity of their relationship, the passion and humour, their heartstopping overwhelming love for each other, and not to forget Tina’s expert display of flirting after her swim! – you are a brilliant writer, Nell. Thank you!
I love it!!! Thank you PPVS
I miss Tina. Hopefully, this will work and Tina will begin to wake up.
This is such a wonderful story and the writing is superb. I love the story please, please don’t leave us hanging much longer. I check everyday for a new chapter.
OMG you write this so well…please keep posting…this story is so amazing….
I am torn here. I don’t know if I prefer Tina to wake up soon or take her time so that we get more of the flashbacks-the story actually.
Really enjoying your Tina. Will enjoy her even more when she comes out of her coma. (At least I hope I will… :- ) Great writing, as usual!
So, so great! Thank you.
Thats awesome, love it. Please post more, thanks!
Thanks for posting. I’ve missed this story. B&T are so hot, even when they fight, there is so much passion.
FUCK… what a chapter… i would love to be able to read tina’s thoughts… pps