Although Tina had physically moved back into their house, she had not moved back in mentally.

She had foolishly believed that she had forgiven Bette her indiscretion with the 'carpenter', but their continuing difficulties with intimacy proved otherwise. In the three months since Angelica's birth and the death of Bette's father, initially their emotional intimacy had never been closer.

But after the loss of Bette's job began to sink in, and their newfound need to watch their spending, coupled with the changes to their life and lifestyle regarding Angelica, Tina had found herself slowly falling back into her old habits of shutting down rather than voicing issues that troubled her.

She found herself wanting, no needingsomething, but what she wasn't sure.

While Bette sat at the shallow end of the pool dangling her feet in the water whilst making funny faces and giggling at Angie, Tina would watch them quietly, contemplatively, considering if this is what made her happy, if this was what she really wanted.

She knew that she would never really be able to open herself completely to Bette again, and Bette knowing this had been saddened. Tina sighed at the revelation. How could she get past the memory of the infidelity?

The familiarity of their relationship was comforting, and it allowed her to move past the hurt. But could she blindly trust? That was another issue.

Not since that afternoon in her old apartment had they made such passionate love, now their lovemaking was staid, and the few times when they did, it felt like to Tina, borne out of obligation and guilt.

Tina craved more, she deserved more, after all she had seen a new world during her time with Helena, and had enjoyed the sexual freedom with her. So that a little while after moving back into their home Tina had surprised Bette with her conversation.

"We need to talk about something Bette," she began as soon as Bette returned from putting Angelica down for the evening.

"Okay," was all she said taking a cautious seat across from the beautiful blond woman.

"I think we should think about having an open relationship," said Tina.

Bette was not a complete idiot, she had seen something coming as she too had felt the uncomfortable shift in their relationship.
Bette couldn't blame Tina, after all she had opened the can of worms when she had strayed, and now that they were back 'together' she had noticed that Tina had not bothered to voice any opinions regarding their commitment rings.

"Define open," Bette spoke quietly.

"WellI'd like to continue to see other people." she studied Bette carefully. Was this really what she wanted? She couldn't be sure, but she needed to do something, she was stifling sexually.

It wasn't that she didn't find Bette attractive any more, it was just different, Bette was different, too eager to please too guilty and it was killing Tina.

"How exactly would that work Tina?" Bette continued, shaking Tina out of her thoughts.
It was a good question as they now had a baby together to consider. Okay granted she hadn't thought the whole thing through yet, but she was surprised that Bette was being so easy about it.

"I'm not sure yet, I really wanted to know if you would have any problems with it." Tina answered coolly.

"I take it that you're not completely happy with us then?" Bette's tone was equally cool and to Tina, a little unnerving.

"Um, I am and I'm notI'm still reeling you know? And I don't want to take it out on you but I really need to get out, without you sometimes you know?" Tina asked genuinely.

"You know I don't want anyone else." Bette stated as a matter of fact. Tina had not even considered this fact. This would mean that it would be just Tina seeing other people.
Damn.

"Well," she said trying to regain her composure after this revelation, "that would be your prerogative, I mean our relationship would be open, both ways Bette. I would think that you would be happy about this anyway."

Bette remained silent and continued to look deeply into her beloved's eyes unwavering. She would do this, and she would continue to do what ever Tina needed or wanted, whatever, just as long as she would continue to walk through their door every evening and sleep in their bed every night.
Bette would do whatever it took to atone for her sins and regain that part of Tina that now remained hidden behind lock and key.