From part 5:
*Tina, Marina spoke softly now. Do you still love her?

Oh man, Shane shivered. This was bold, even for Marina, and dangerous. Never ask a question like that if youre not sure of the answer. If Tina said no. Shane couldnt comprehend how devastating it would be.

Tina struggled, not wanting to put the truth out there, not wanting to deal with the consequences.

Marina was relentless, seeming unaffected by the dangerous road she had chosen. Do you?

Bette stopped crying – and breathing. She stared at Tina, equal amount of hope and hopelessness showed in her eyes.
Tina, please, she whispered.

Marina smiled. *
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Part 6

You must be out of your ***** mind if you think I will answer that! Tina yelled. She fucked everything up and I wont. I wont. Tina suddenly found herself without words.

Maybe we should. Shane began, but was instantly cut off.

How dare you talk about love, Marina?! Jenny hissed.

Shane sighed. Marina eyebrow arched. Tina stared at Jenny and Bette stared at Tina. This was really getting ridiculous, Shane wasnt sure if she should cry her eyes out or her ***** off.

I love you, Jenny, I told you that. You have moved on and I accept it. Marina suddenly seemed a little sad, as always her emotions was expressed very subtle, but the sadness and hints of regret was there if you knew her well enough to know how to look. What more do you want from me?

I want someone whos always there for me, as Im there for them. I want someone who loves me and only me, as I love them and only them. I want someone I can share everything with, someone who can share everything with me. She paused and swallowed visibly, the words hard to get out. I want someone who makes me feel safe. And I want her to feel the same way about me.

Everybody was startled by Tinas surprising statement, especially Bette whose eyes got teary again.

I really hope I was that person once, she said softly. And I wish A sob shook her body. I want so much to be that person again – if you will let me. I love you so much.

It surprised Tina that Bette was so emotionally open and raw in the presence of others. Normally she guarded any personal feeling with sharp wit and charm, the Bette she though she knew would never expose herself like this.

In the beginning of their relationship all their struggles had been about that. Tina was generally more open than Bette, expressed her feelings more easily and she needed to feel emotional connected to her partner to feel loved. And it had been difficult for Bette to deliver that.

But they learned to compromise. Bette learned to make an effort in showing how she felt and sometimes even use words to express it, and Tina learned to give Bette a way out, the emotional distance, she sometimes needed.

This day had shown sides of Bette that even Tina never saw that often. A picture of a dancing and singing Bette entered her mind – even the goofy one had appeared. She apparently felt safe enough with Marina to let go of the tight reign she normally kept herself under. And now it was obvious that the only thing that kept her in one functioning piece was Marinas comforting hand on her shoulder.

It was rare for Tina to be overwhelmed by jealousy. Bette was attractive well, hot as *****, really. And a lot of women came on to her, even when they were out together, but Tina had never felt it necessary to get possessive about her. That seemed to have changed with Candace. Now that she knew that Bette could be tempted.

How many did you ***** before HER, Bette?

Bette flinched at the harsh tone, but her eyes never left Tinas narrowed ones.

I never The word cheated refused to leave her mouth. Ive never done it before, you have to believe me, baby.

Dont call me that, Tina whispered, hurt radiated from her in almost visible waves. Please dont call me that.

Oh, Tina. Bette wanted so much to touch her former lover, but Marina held her back.

Instead Shane moved closer and offered an arm and her mere presence in comfort. Tina sagged against her like she was a much-needed haven in a world of turmoil.

Jennys eyes were fixed on Marinas hand caressing Bettes arm. They had never seemed to be that close, especially after the whole thing with Tim where Bette openly, and ironically, disapproved of Marinas behavior. The air between had grown slightly colder after that. What had changed? Or maybe it hadnt changed but something was renewed instead? And why was Marina keeping Bette from comforting Tina?

There was so many questions she wanted – no needed – to ask, and Marina was the only one who could provide them.

You try to come between Tina and Bette, too. Like you tried with Robin and me. Why? she asked, oblivious to everything else around her and how the question affected the women in question. She was totally absorbed in herself – and Marina. Right now nothing else mattered.

Marina dark eyes turned darker, colder. You think I deliberately try to keep Bette and Tina apart? Anger deepened her voice and thickened the accent. Do not let what happened between us leap into what is going on here, Jenny. That is not fair to them!

Fair?! Jenny snorted. A funny word coming out of your mouth.

Marina ignored her and spoke directly to the woman in Shanes arms: Tina, she asked gently. Maybe it is time for you two to speak? You both know that you have to eventually. Nothing has to be solved or fixed. It is just a start and you have to start sometime.

Tina nodded against Shanes chest.

Marina turned her intense gaze to Bette who sudden became very alert and moderately hopeful.
Just a start, Bette. Nothing else but a start.

Bette nodded in agreement.

Jenny, Shane. Marina gestured for the two of them to follow her.

Shane hugged Tina one last time, went to Bette and hugged her, too. Then she grabbed a reluctant Jenny and practically dragged her out of the room.

Maybe I should leave you two to talk, Shane mumbled. You seem to need it.

Jenny stiffened and almost puked in shock. NO! I dont want to be alone with her. Please Shane, I dont trust her. Or myself, she whispered brokenly. Please dont leave me alone with her.

Shane sighed, for what seemed to be the thousand times. This had turned out to be a long, tiresome and very uncomfortable day, and not the rescue mission for a friend in need she had thought it would be.

So much for operation Save Marina.

tbc
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