Tina presses her body tightly to the tree and tucks her head between her knees. The sound of the pounding rocks echo in her ears and she fights to keep still. The dust begins to take the air away. She takes one last breath and holds it for dear life. She squeezes her eyes shut, preparing herself mentally to be trampled at any minute. Instead she hears a loud swat and feels her body being pulled up by her waist. Her eyes shoot open and her mouth drops.

“I know Princess, but right now we need to move. Like right now!” Bette smiles at the look of shock on Tina’s face. She gives her a hard kiss on the lips just to let her know she’s not dreaming, or dead, more to the point.

She laces their fingers quickly and they both run as fast as they can. Bette weaves thru the thick growth, using her machete to widen the path for Tina. Tina runs behind, her eyes searching the body before her for any signs of deception. She squeezes Bette’s hand for further confirmation, making Bette laugh. They stop suddenly, both gasping for air. Tina throws herself into Bette’s arms knocking her to the ground. She kisses her hard, thrusting her tongue inside, tasting her, as tears fall from her eyes. She pulls away slowly and they smile lovingly at each other.

“Bette, how?” Tina looks at Bette completely bewildered but extremely happy. She sits up and takes Bette with her.

“Well, besides being a pirate, I’m also a ninja.” Bette laughs. She shows Tina her machete. Tina’s eyes widen and she laughs out loud.

Stuck in the wide blade of her trusted companion is the bullet. It seems to have melded into the steal. Bette pulls down the top of her shirt, causing Tina to grimace at the black and blue bruise taking over the right side of her chest. It’s where the tip of the bullet hit her. “I am one lucky cricket” Bette smiles as Tina leans in and gives it a gentle kiss.

“I can’t believe you’re alive. I can’t believe you came back to save me. How do I know I wasn’t hit by one of those rocks and you’re not a figment of my imagination?” Tina says jokily. She runs her hands down Bette’s cheeks.

“I can make love to you and prove that I’m real.” Bette’s tone becomes seductive. She smirks, making Tina laugh.

“It really is you.” Tina answers sarcastically but not totally against the idea. She rolls her eyes, but can’t stop smiling.

“Come on, T. We need to keep moving. You can have me later.” Bette winks and pulls Tina to her feet. They walk a short distance before Bette realizes where they are.

“Fuck!”

“We’re in trouble again, aren’t we?” Tina says dryly. Bette nods her head.

“You have to trust me, okay?” Bette looks at Tina intently. Tina frowns, not liking the serious face.

“If we can make it across this canyon, we’re home free.”

“If? What do you mean if?” Tina looks to the other side. Her heart starts beating faster. It’s a little further than she hoped.

“T. Trust me. Look, we’ll swing across using these vines.”

“Excuse me, but I don’t go swinging on vines everyday like you do.”

“Okay, hold on to me.” Bette picks a new tactic, understanding Tina’s fears and their need to hurry. She reaches for several vines, braiding them together for extra strength then waits for Tina to wrap her arms around neck.

“Your legs too.”

Bette pulls her up, holding her up by her bottom.

“Hands Porter!” Tina warns.

“I’m trying to save us, not feel you up.” Bette says innocently.

“Then why are you rubbing my ass?”

“I’m looking for the best way to hang on to you.”

“Aren’t you going to use both hands to hold the vine?”

“Oh right, I should probably use both hands.” Bette smirks. Tina rolls her eyes again but shivers at the touch.

“A kiss for luck?” Bette grins, their faces inches apart, their bodies meshed together. Tina captures her lips and kisses her passionately, lovingly. They both gasp with desire, feeling the heat between them.

“Shit, maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. You made my knees weak with that kiss.” Bette smiles. Tina grins and kisses her again.

“Hang on Princess. Here we go!”