"In a minute." Bette gently caressed Tina's cheek. "Isn't it ironic? When you want to be with me it takes over a week, but when I want to be with you it takes a day."
"You're trying to tell me something?" Tina asked, worried.
Bette smiled at her. "It's time for you to stop compromising."
"Okay. Let's start with you kissing me."
"You'll get rid of the towel?"
"Maybe." Tina said coyly.
"Maybe doesn't really work for me."
"Me neither." Tina smirked. "You're gonna tease me until I let the towel go, aren't you?"
Bette grinned. "How long can you hold out on me?"
Tina shrugged.
"How long are we going to keep up this teasing?"
"Does forever work for you?"
Bette held up Tina's ring. "This look familiar?"
"Very."
"It means forever, you know."
"Does it." Tina watched Bette lift their hands up.
"I want you to deserve it, T. And I know you do." Bette shook her head as Tina opened her mouth to protest. "Trust me."
"But--" Tina's protest was met by a pointed look from Bette, effectively silencing her.
"Trust me." Bette repeated, and the look in Tina's eyes told her that she did.
Tina wordlessly let Bette slip the ring back on her finger.
"Funny, it's a perfect fit." Bette said lightly. She lifted her own ring-bearing hand. "Forever fits us perfectly, don't you think?"
Tina looked at her. "So forever works for you?"
"You and me, this close, a breath from each other?" Bette leaned closer. "Forever's not enough. What about you? How does forever sound to you?"
Tina smiled. "Forever--"
Bette never got to hear how forever sounded to Tina, because there's a reason why she never answered one of her questions.
She couldn't wait that long to kiss Tina.
But the forever part?
The End.
Oh, come on. You saw this ending coming. Well, one of you most certainly did. I can't remember who, though. Oh well.
Okay, I know some of you'll react not too well to this, but, come on. I already split them apart in Falls Apart, It's Just Goodbye, and I Need You Here. I would be breaking my own heart if after investing in 50 (and 2 nc-17) chapters, they'll still be apart. No. No way.
08/22/2005 ,
21:40:11 PM From:
HackGirl Comments:
Well you had me guessing to the end, that's for sure. Thanks for the happy ending there's something too sad about the thought of Bette and Tina being anything other than together. I hope there'll be more stories from you in the future. Thanks for writing, it's been a pleasure to read.
08/22/2005 ,
21:48:58 PM From:
asalways Comments:
Thank You!! When does the next one start?
08/22/2005 ,
21:49:12 PM From:
lwordid Comments:
Incredible job. You sustained the story brilliantly throughout. Thanks for sharing!
08/22/2005 ,
22:01:32 PM From:
fortlw Comments:
Such a relief. I feel a burden has just lifetd off my shoulders, the dark skies have cleared. And I feel so completely stupid for feeling this way for fictional characters. Thank you for reducing me to this treacly puddle. Thank you for a wonderful wonderful ride. I must say I did not see this coming. Also, lest I forget, thank you for Bette's clarification in the last chapter that her "explanations" for her cheating were mostly ex post rationalizations. That part had bothered me most (well, after the part about Tina bolting for ever). Than you again and so sorry for gushing in this brainless fashion.
08/22/2005 ,
22:02:07 PM From:
Emae29 Comments:
Great story!!! Thank you so much for writing it. I love happy endings! I was gonna kick Bette in the butt if she didn't move to NY. Thank goodness she finally figured out what Tina needed. =) Bravooooooo!
08/22/2005 ,
22:11:39 PM From:
hunty38 Comments:
Excellent ending to an excellent story.Thanks Tiff, its been emotional,but i'm glad i went along for the ride.
08/22/2005 ,
22:35:56 PM From:
Chasemenow Comments:
Well that was quite the roller coaster ride. I am so happy you ended with them being together and I loved the part about Bette giving up everything to be in NY with Tina. It was good to see them come full circle.
08/22/2005 ,
22:42:42 PM From:
Bette&TinaForever Comments:
i knew i can trust you, that's why i followed your story so faitfully, but i think you forgot one important thing, 3 is a lucky number, so maybe one more NC-17 chapter to give it a very proper end? LOL
08/22/2005 ,
22:44:14 PM From:
Bette&TinaForever Comments:
forgot to mention, a new story by you is always welcome
08/22/2005 ,
22:44:37 PM From:
cabecou Comments:
Merci beacoup! You had us worried but you also left us clues...great job!!
08/22/2005 ,
22:56:29 PM From:
m9romzek Comments:
awe:) fantastic. i love how you write.
08/22/2005 ,
22:58:56 PM From:
goldfish Comments:
EXCELLENT! thank you for writing this wonderful story. Encore!
08/22/2005 ,
23:08:44 PM From:
techgal Comments:
Thank you, Tiff, for landing the plane safely.
In New York.
And no, I did not see JFK coming...
Thanks!
08/22/2005 ,
23:23:48 PM From:
bluesf Comments:
Absolutely brilliant!! And absolutely worth the ride. Glad you took them to where they each needed "to be" in order to see each other. Reprisal, indeed. You so nailed each of these chapters - I'm in awe. Thanks, tiff.
08/22/2005 ,
23:27:11 PM From:
ecstasythrumusic Comments:
Tiff I never should have doubted you would not have them together.I loved it,just beautiful.I hope you continue writing.It would be fun to see how there life is in NY.Once and forever your royal reader.
08/22/2005 ,
23:27:28 PM From:
ayesha23 Comments:
what a perfect end to a great story!!!
08/22/2005 ,
23:41:40 PM From:
snQQpy Comments: BRAVO Tiff!!!!!!!!!!! BRAVO!!!!!!!! Thank you for one hell of a story.
QQg 4wrd 2 the next 1 you ever write.
08/22/2005 ,
23:53:26 PM From:
moonshadow Comments:
YiPEE!!!!! I love ya, tiff! You are the best! Thanks for all of the laughter you've given throughout this journey and for all the hand-wringing/ gut-wrenching/heart-stirring DRAMA! Whew! I need a nap! LOL! Thanks :+ *mwah!*
08/23/2005 ,
00:21:35 AM From:
mstx Comments:
K That was PERFECT as always. LOVE your story, one of my favs. I hope you write another HAPPY B and T story. JUst perfect. Can't say enough good things about it. Sad that's it over but glad that it ended happy. LOVE IT!!!!!!!
08/23/2005 ,
00:41:06 AM From:
honda90 Comments:
Thank you for all the time that you invested in giving us this story...the ending was perfect and totally appropriate, Bette should have moved,LA held too many mixed/bad memories and I doubt that they would have been able to conquer that...PLS say that after a break (short) that just maybe you have another story to give us. I so enjoy reading your light hearted banter back and forth, your story tore me up, glued me back together, made me laugh, made me cry and everything else inbetwen. We have truely been blessed with your talent and I want to thank you....Thankyou....
08/23/2005 ,
01:03:53 AM From:
coop Comments:
Fantastic. A B & T story with a happy ending, I had goose bumps just reading it. And Gabe and Alison, too cute. Thanks so much for the story, and I hope you'll write us another one.
08/23/2005 ,
01:17:07 AM From:
brigbeach6 Comments:
WOW, I can't begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed thisstory...all of your stories, actually! I love that Bette is moving to New York...it is only fitting that she takes the giant step, without a safety net.
What makes me sad is that it is over. I can't tell you how I really looked forward to seeing your name pop up with a new post. I loved how all your stories had continuity and ran in and around each other. Your other stories always seemed to end differently because I knew that the story was not over. But now, what are you going to do. Please say that you are going to continue. Thank you for all the time and effort you have devoted to your story. I hope that you know how much we all appreciate you sharing your generous gift with us!!!!!!!!!!!!
08/23/2005 ,
01:19:50 AM From:
Nanc Comments:
"Does forever work for you?" Yuppers. Thanks Tiff!
08/23/2005 ,
01:36:51 AM From:
luvmuffintukkywukky Comments:
Well, I just EXHAUSTED!!!!!!!!! First the emotional flooding, then the irrigation, then what was looking nastily like a drought - and finally, the gentle spring rain.
Thanks Tiff - great story.
08/23/2005 ,
01:46:04 AM From:
seven Comments:
Can't say I expected a happy NYC ending from you, but am happy nevertheless. Thank you for everything.
08/23/2005 ,
02:37:18 AM From:
CR00 Comments:
Holly Shit!! so this is what happens when I spend a day at school you go and end the story on me?? Damm tiffy LMAO
So when is your next story going to be posted??? I hope soon!!! don't make me hunt you down for it LOL
08/23/2005 ,
03:07:27 AM From:
sylcat42 Comments:
To read your story was a long, hurting and beautiful road. Bette and Tina together again ? Yes, all is possible when you're in love. Thank you for this wonderful story.
08/23/2005 ,
05:49:01 AM From:
wo`wo Comments:
thx so much..i mean it! Thx for brighten my day after me being in the exam swirl for 2 days. It has been all bumpy ride to come this far..and is totally worth it,so worth it. Bringing back together is the best. Me being a royal reader,juz can't help askin when is the next story comin up? LOL~ soon?fair enough? hehehe...Thx again. you.are.awesome!!!!!!!
08/23/2005 ,
06:05:09 AM From:
slipperynipple Comments:
Bravo, Brilliant not because you put them back together but like I have said in the past this has been one of the most beautifully written stories on this site *absolutely great*. Its like you tapped into a rich Bette & Tina source and tapped it dry. Where others struggle to keep me enthralled with cheap plot tricks you do it so effortlessy with just words. Even if they didn't get back together I would still love this story. You and lastkid have me totally in awe the rest are just butterfly interludes......Can't wait for more of your writing, insight and natural abiltiy to entertain.
08/23/2005 ,
07:26:48 AM From:
kasbre Comments:
awesome ending tiff. B&T happily ever after. what more could we ask for?
08/23/2005 ,
09:55:54 AM From:
peaches Comments:
Tiff, Seriously this story was beyond brilliant. Thanks for sharing a great story with all of us.
08/23/2005 ,
12:08:07 PM From:
pandora007 Comments:
BRAVO!!!!!perfect end for a perfect and new begining cant wait for the next history a new and fresh start on New York..bring it on tiff and thanks for share your talent with us :o)
08/23/2005 ,
12:58:14 PM From:
sportsfreak2987 Comments:
thoroughly enjoyed this story, great job.
08/23/2005 ,
13:47:04 PM From:
kookymook Comments:
Wow! You gave me goosebumps. I think everyone has pretty much said it all already, so I'll leave with just one word. Wonderful.
08/23/2005 ,
14:48:05 PM From:
M99 Comments:
Hey Tiff, well you had me guessing right to the end.....superb. It was such a pleasure to read this story, a big thanks for all the effort that went into writing it Tiff.
08/23/2005 ,
15:24:16 PM From:
robbeedee Comments:
TD, That was breathtakingly beautiful. The boldness of Bette was brilliantly captured; her refusal to back away balanced magnificently as her accepted her role in the consummation of her future with Tina. The tumultuous trip where Ally and Gabe showed Bette the clear path ahead was heart rendering. I was visibly moved by your incandescent imagery. These words and phrases leap off the page a played a movie in my head. In took some time and wondrous writing but the gals are back to where they belong; together. Thank for you for all the majesty and magic you created in this masterpiece. I fully appreciate all the hard graft that it has required. Thank you seem such poor remuneration for this talent but it is heart felt and well deserved.
I hope that your creative juices are flowing and eagerly await your next story. Your Loyal Fan. PS - Fabulously finished on the half century.
08/23/2005 ,
16:31:58 PM From:
Weavers fingers Comments:
A bit late with this but hey! Wonderful ending Bette and Tina full circle. Just what Tina needed to get her "proof" and it's forever. Great story - I'm hoping for another one.
08/23/2005 ,
17:45:17 PM From:
FeltHat Comments:
brilliant - nice close O can sleep calmer now knowing that we've come full circle. So whats the next story going to be about Tiff?
08/23/2005 ,
17:51:37 PM From:
the word Comments:
u know Tiff... I am very close to tears right now. I hope u will begin another series ASAP cause ur really one of the best writer on this site if not the best. I really enjoyed ur story, I enjoyed the different sides of both Tina and Bette. Pls keep going ur very talented and all ur stories are awesome. Everyone is waiting for more. Pls post soon...and BTW thank u for the way u ended ur story.
08/23/2005 ,
17:51:45 PM From:
the word Comments:
u know Tiff... I am very close to tears right now. I hope u will begin another series ASAP cause ur really one of the best writer on this site if not the best. I really enjoyed ur story, I enjoyed the different sides of both Tina and Bette. Pls keep going ur very talented and all ur stories are awesome. Everyone is waiting for more. Pls post soon...and BTW thank u for the way u ended ur story.
08/23/2005 ,
18:12:48 PM From:
Down Low Comments:
So, you do believe in love. You certainly write a engaging story. The last week chapters made me feel like I had been beaten and tortured, but it was so worth it. You are the bomb and my heart is exploding in happiness. Thank you TD.
08/23/2005 ,
20:46:25 PM From:
nzgrl Comments:
Great! Thanks for this story.
08/23/2005 ,
21:18:54 PM From:
Kabby Comments:
Well that was one of the best I have read in a long time.. You actually made me cry at a couple of chapters... EXCELLENT writing and I am very happy you had them finally find there way back to each other.. Can't wait to read your next one..
08/24/2005 ,
01:22:32 AM From:
strgrllvslwrd Comments:
Awesome! I've re-read this 4 times already. Thanks for the beautiful story. I would love for you to continue this with them learning to adjust to each other on a full time basis. Can't wait to see what comes next.
08/24/2005 ,
20:48:35 PM From:
phyl Comments:
No, I never saw this coming. But now I realize that of course, that was how it had to be. Really enjoyed the story.
08/24/2005 ,
21:57:19 PM From:
albeez Comments:
well i catch up and does this mean its over. holy hell girl. what a fucking roller coaster ride it was. but well worth it. if its over, ok. cuz its was truly one of the best ive ever read. but please start a new one. thank you thank you thank you.
08/24/2005 ,
22:10:17 PM From:
crazy4bette Comments:
NOOOOOO!!!!!! It can't be done sequal please! I mean what about the guys will they be mad about them moving and well DAMNIT you cannot leave this like how Joss left Buffy and Angel you must make more chapters or something I have paused reading other fic to keep up with this one! Oh you know I love you anyway! Great Job!
09/09/2005 ,
16:54:31 PM From:
arkansas jo Comments:
i've been gone from the stories for 5 wks-on vacation-now i've been reading all the stories one author a time- been reading at least 12 hrs a day- but this day has had so many ups and down with this wonderful story--i believe its as good as "from afar" which i;ve loved from the begining. i give 13 stars for the rollar coasteride now i need to go swhower and regain some energy before i can read any more. thank you it was just beautifully written. no words can express what we got from this story
