Bette had awaken the next morning a changed *****. Hearing Tinas voice so determined to reconcile their relationship warmed her heart and made it sink all at once. Stop torturing yourself. she demanded after she have gotten out of the shower. All morning, between thoughts of Tinas loving face, she recalled the past year. Happier times along with the devastating ones. Certain memories Bette forced out of her head, tears were shed long ago and she swore shed never cry over them again.

Tina called a moment later, her voice sounded rushed yet still thrilled. Can I come over? she asked.

Of course. Bette said trying to make the excitement in her voice decrease. It wasnt unusual for Tina to ask permission to come over no matter where the place, but Bette swore she could sense the annoyance in her voice.

Minutes later Tina arrived, her hair half blown with the windy day they were experiencing. They smiled at each other but no physical connect was allowed, making the lump in Bettes throat grow. How are things? She finally asked after the awkwardness passed.

Its the baby. Im going crazy. I just wanted to come by and try to keep sane. I figured you could sort of babysit me? Bette raised a doubtful eyebrow. She knew she was lying, Tina was simply bad at the habit.

I could do that. However Bette played along, desperate for even a minute of their time they may spend together. Tina smiled, then threw herself on the couch and sighed.

Okay Im lying. Tina admitted. Obviously Bette thought silently. Helena is wanting a deeper relationship. But I just cant be sure if thats exactly what i want. Tina paused.

Well, what do you want? it sadden Bette that she was having a conversation with Tina about her love life. Many times she had actually thought that given up on them would be best, all around. Except when she saw or heard Tina, then she knew Tina was her life.

I want an answer. This moment made Tina sweat a little. Last night while laying in bed she had thought about a few things. Bette was the main thing. Shane told her that moving on might work for some but that they were meant to be together. Some people, even when theyre not together, are together. she said. Tina just sighed.

She had so many sides to consider with this decision. She loved Bette, Bette loved her but the trust and passion sort of disappeared. Tina didnt know if they could lay in bed and still feel hot together. There was a lot of time and trust wasted over a seven year period. Only problem is you cant completely blame this on Bette. Shane also pointed out. You see, shes ***** by nature. Hot, she likes *****. Theres not problem with that. Tina laughed. And when she married you her ***** habits had to be trained to only you. Which was fine but after seven years. Even the strongest might slip. Tina rolled her eyes. Shane was less then helpful. It was sort of ironic though, that Shane would use the ball and chain as an excuse to cheat. Carmen doesnt know what shes getting herself into Tina thought.

But all her points werent all together useless. She had made a good point, by introducing Bette past for *****. She had become tender and claimed down a bit, seven years of marriage will do that, but it was always possible to have those lust reactions still in you.

Whats the question? Bette asked, daring to step closer to Tinas already shaken body. This is it. Bette thought to herself. This moment will make or break me. then Bette began to sweat, she was getting worried. What if Tinas question was nothing more then will you be around for the baby? or it i move in with Helena will that affect you and the baby?

But Bette shook the thought away. Tina doesnt love Helena, not yet anyways. Theres nothing to say she wont fall in love with her.

Time slowed down, it felt like the single moment that was passing was taking control and snapping their insanities.

Well…um… Bette wished she would just ask the question. She loved Tina but if it was time to move on shed have to accept it. However the conversation they had yesterday?, they both admitted they missed each other. Still, missing and loving are two completely different emotions.

Well it might be good to call it quits. Maybe this whole thing was a blessing. Some things and some people dont believe together, no matter how right it feels. Bette thought wanting to cry. But how could this, us be wrong? Weve lived and learned together and life alone is torture!

You see Bette… Tina began again, searching for the right tone and words. This was hard, it was taking her last ounce of courage to even stand still. What if Bette is past this? I left her standing alone for so long that maybe shes done? Tina shook her head clear of any thoughts. Just ask… She told herself.

Bette cringed, the look on Tinas face said it all. She was scared, probably of telling me shell never come back to my arms. Bettes body filled with anger and then pity. She was still beating herself up for being to careless with other peoples emotions. She had toyed around with faith, basically, because she knew Tina and her were meant for each other. She bite her lip and hoped for the best.

Alright, Bette… Tina saw the look Bette had hidden on her face. She was nervous yet impatient. Worries that i dont love her or worried that i still do? Tina pondered. This was killing her. Bette, do you still want me? Do you still love me? relief filled Bettes body.