The choice to allow Tori to get to know Jade was one she thought about often but never felt she could go through with. And yet doing so was something she, and even Tori, didn't think they needed until it happened. Their conversation had been cut short when Tori's dad came outside. He joked that he was checking to make sure they hadn't tried to hurt each other, but all three knew nothing like that would happen. There was a small connection between Jade and Tori now, established tentatively but still present. They followed the oldest Vega into the house for small talk over dinner and then Jade headed home. She agreed to an invite twice more in the next two weeks and even stopped by on her own the third time. That was due to actually feeling lonely for once. She blamed the Vega family for making her miss company. She never missed anyone before. Belonging felt too good to miss out on so there she was, sitting with Tori out in the patio again. They both had their feet in the pool and the water was a little warmer than last time. They hadn't had time alone since that first visit.
Both cops were busy at work so they came home later which only granted them minimal free time to spend. But now they had a day off, and while Mr. Vega went to get them dinner with his wife, Jade stayed to hopefully pick up the conversation they started days ago. It was odd but welcomed when they both eased into each other's presence, unsure at first, but gradually earning an aura of trust just like before. Work didn't give Jade much time to think on it, especially with trying to expose Daniel and Steven, but when she had down time to herself she let her thoughts wander. What Jade realized about Tori meant more to her than she felt Tori knew. It was almost a relief, an assurance, that she really wouldn't be alone. All those times she rolled her eyes at David Vega for his positivity and he had been right. For once in a very long time Jade allowed herself to accept the comfort it brought without worrying that it would be ripped from her. She glanced at Tori before looking down, building up the nerve to break the easygoing silence between them.
"You know, it took a lot for me to trust your dad. He taught me that it doesn't have to be that way so I'm going to trust you without any reason besides that you're your dad's daughter. That logic would have been stupid to me years ago, but not now. Please don't make me regret it," Jade reminded her, leaning back on her hands but keeping her eyes on Tori to gauge her reaction. She offered a smile, glad that Jade was making an effort to talk rather remain quiet like she usually was. It meant that the conversation might tell Tori more about Jade. She couldn't help but take more of an interest in her the more she learned about her. Even if it was an extensive list of things she hated. That had been unexpected but good to know.
"You won't," Tori assured her. Jade nodded and took in a deep breath before speaking again. The first thing out of her mouth easily clued Tori into what was happening. Jade was telling her about the family that abandoned her. She was opening up. She listened intently, reaching out to cradle Jade's hand in her own, rubbing soothing circles on her palm when she encountered bad memories. When the reason for being disowned finally came to light Tori gasped.
"They don't know what love is if that was their reaction," she stated, unable to keep back the comment.
"I don't think they ever knew in the first place. Not with the way they treated me. They didn't have to say it but I knew I hadn't been wanted from the get-go," Jade mumbled. It was quiet for a few minutes before Tori felt she should share something about herself. Jade had revealed so much about herself. When Tori shared it was usually something Jade already knew about. It made her wonder just how much her dad talked about her. Jade must have gotten tired of it. And yet she still listened which had to mean something.
"Just from what I heard my dad say about you I feel like he sees you as a daughter to some degree. I remember getting so jealous of you. I still do. But I just kept thinking that I was his actual daughter and he didn't spend as much time as he did with me as he did with you. I mean, I know you work together, but when you first showed up I didn't see it that way. Now I understand. No matter how much time he spent with you I never doubted that he loved me. It was that same care that he was trying to show to you. He wanted you to know that he was there for you. He wanted you to know that you had a family with us," Tori explained. Jade always had a feeling that was what was happening but it was just too good to believe so she denied the possibility. Her whole life she hadn't know what love felt like. She wasn't shown affection.
It hardened her to even accepting it when it was presented. She thought she didn't need it because she had been fine so far without it. But she was wrong. The Vega family, they meant it, and she wanted to accept it. They wanted to be there for her and she felt ready to let them. One look at Tori's welcoming smile solidified the decision. Before any of them knew it Jade pulled Tori into an embrace. When Tori moved to wrap her own arms around her a weight seemed to lift off Jade. She settled into Tori's arms and buried her face in her shoulder, seeking her warmth. She never felt so secure and content before. They enjoyed the moment a few minutes more before Jade pulled away. Tori let her go, allowing her to put distance between them again. Jade let out a breath and wiped at her face in case tears fell.
"That was horribly sappy," she remarked, trying in vain to put up a front against the sudden affection between them, however good it felt. Tori smiled brightly.
"Yeah, but it was nice," she said, leaning back on her hands and gently kicking her feet in the water.
"How's the water?" Jade questioned, needing to change topics.
"It feels good. Why?" Tori replied, expression quizzical. Without answering Jade shoved her in the pool. She broke the surface with indignation written all over her face.
"I hope all that hardware is as waterproof as it looks," Tori warned, gripping at Jade's ankle and tugging. She moved to grab at Tori's hand but Tori latched onto Jade's wrist too and pulled her in. Jade had to kick back to the surface and keep peddling to remain above water, lacking the ability to float.
"Geez, it's a little colder than how you made it sound," she complained, though her tone held mirth. With trust came comfort which meant Tori wasn't going to hold back anymore, afraid of the possible repercussions. But neither would Jade.
"That's what you get for pushing me in," Tori retorted, laughing. Jade pushed off the wall with enough force to cut through the water and shove Tori to the stairs. She held her there and started tickling her side. Tori shrieked her protest and pushed at Jade's hand, causing her to laugh at Tori's helplessness. The struggle ended with Jade leaning over her with her hand gripped in Tori's. Her cybernetic hand scraped along the rough textured stair for purchase, making sure she wasn't crushing Tori under her weight. The last of their laughter dwindled and realization set in. Their noses were brushing, warm breath fanning over each other as they caught their breath. Jade cleared her throat and pushed off the stairs, letting her body sink so that she was sitting next to Tori who sat up.
"By the way, I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable," Jade mentioned.
"When?" Tori asked.
"The flirting when you took me to the hospital. I was joking around with you. It was my lame attempt to loosen up the unfamiliarity between us but it looks like good old sharing your feelings works every time. I can't seem to get around it," she said, looking away with what Tori perceived to be shyness. It was cute coming from her. She seemed so uncertain for once, unwilling to ruin what they had going. It was quite endearing.
"It wasn't lame. It was…flattering," Tori rephrased. Jade gave her an incredulous quirk of her brow.
"You're just saying that," Jade said with a shake of her head.
"When a good looking person flirts with you, as a joke or otherwise, I don't think anyone can help but be flattered," Tori mumbled, her blush returning. Jade smirked but let her off the hook.
"Thank you for the compliment, Vega. You're good looking too," she said instead, earning a smile from Tori.
"Do you mean it or are you just teasing?" Tori asked playfully, leaning on her hand and bringing herself closer to Jade.
"I'm totally teasing," Jade replied, keeping her voice serious. Tori laughed and shoved her, seeing the playful sparkle in her eyes despite her answer. Jade's smile broke through. Being with Tori was easier than she thought it would be. Little did she know that Tori felt the same way about her. Jade abruptly stood up and Tori turned her face away from the water cascading off her. Jade stepped out of the water and sat on one of the foldout chairs. Tori followed, pulling up a seat to sit facing her. They sat there in silence, shivering occasionally when a breeze swept by while they waited to dry off enough to return inside. Jade contemplated whether she should push to know what Tori was doing the night she found her. It was part of the purpose of gaining Tori's trust, after all. She just didn't want it to put her on the defensive and set back the progress they made so far. She glanced at the glass door, catching a glimpse of her partner talking to his wife. It looked like they just got back. That meant he might come out looking for them soon. She sighed. David had done so much for her. She had to at least try. For him.
"Can I ask you something?" Jade finally said, bringing her gaze to Tori who was busy wringing out her hair.
"Sure," Tori replied easily.
"What were you doing out so late the night you found me?" Jade questioned, trying hard to make her tone sound curious and not pressing for information. Tori paused before pushing her hair behind her shoulders.
"That depends. Are you asking because my dad told you to or because you want to know?" Tori responded. There was no hint of suspicion in her voice. She just wanted to know.
"Both, actually. For various reasons," Jade answered truthfully.
"I thought so. Ok then. I suppose he should know. I was going to bring it up at some point but I knew if I came clean about everything I would get a huge lecture and then he'd be worried and angry and I didn't want him to stress out," Tori tried to explain. Jade nodded.
"He would worry either way though," she pointed out.
"I know. I'll just have to expect him to chew me out some time soon," Tori accepted. Jade waited for her to go on, deciding she might try and talk the police officer out of it if it was possible.
"For a while I've been taking jobs," Tori began hesitantly, fiddling with her hands again.
"Jobs?" Jade repeated, not liking the sound of it.
"Hacking jobs. No questions and no identities from either party. It makes a great income," Tori finished. Jade groaned and shook her head. That wasn't good. It was definitely illegal and could be dangerous if she crossed the wrong person. Not to mention how it might look when compared to the account breaches. David wasn't going to like it at all.
"I know! I just…I did it once and then it became so easy to just keep doing it," she admitted, ashamed.
"Did you lie to him about the bartender job?" Jade asked. Tori almost forgot just how much Jade knew about her. It would take a little longer for her to get used to that.
"No, that's true. The hacking is something I do on the side, but I plan to stop," Tori replied.
"Well, at least you were somewhat truthful," Jade allowed with a one shouldered shrug, wondering how David would take the information. She didn't want to implicate Tori but this was a serious situation. Tori whimpered sadly and covered her face, resting her elbows on her legs. The sound she made was pitiful and Jade hoped she didn't start crying. She didn't know how to handle emotions of any kind very well. She sighed before getting up and sitting next to Tori. She wound an arm around her middle and pulled her against her side. She preferred not to willingly make contact with someone but it was manageable when it came to Tori.
"Don't cry, Vega. For both our sakes," she cautioned. Tori let out a watery chuckle and rested her head on Jade's shoulder. She tensed for a second before relaxing.
"I've never lied to him before," Tori said, downcast.
"Really? Not even during your teenage years?" Jade questioned.
"No," Tori answered, shaking her head.
"Ever heard of sneaking around?" Jade asked next.
"Yes, but I never had to. We're close. Always have been. I always told him about anyone I was seeing," Tori replied. That explained his reaction to their conversation in his office about whether Tori was going out with someone.
"This one lie is bad enough to cover years of telling the truth. Seeing as that's how long it's been going on," Tori whined.
"He won't like it, but look at it this way. It's the only lie you've told. That should count for something. Yes, he'll probably have something to say about it. He'll likely be disappointed in you," Jade pointed out. Tori lifted her head to narrow her eyes at Jade.
"How is this supposed to help?" she asked.
"Who said I was going to be of any help?" Jade inquired. When Tori let out a frustrated sound Jade took her by the hand.
"Ok, ok, bad joke. I'm sorry. I don't handle emotions well, remember? Especially when it involves comforting someone," she placated. Tori huffed out a breath but relaxed, forgiving her.
"What I meant to say is that although he'll be upset he won't hold it against you for long. He'll forgive you," Jade tried again, gently squeezing Tori's hand in hers. She shivered at the cold metal enveloping her skin but didn't pull away.
"Ok," she said, nodding.
"Good. The wind is starting to get worse, so should we wrap up this sap fest and head in before we freeze?" Jade suggested.
"It isn't that cold," Tori protested, subtly pressing into Jade's side. Both were still damp but she could feel Jade's warm body through their wet clothes regardless.
"Oh, really?" Jade responded, dropping Tori's hand and raising her own to press it to Tori's neck instead. She yelped at the freezing cold sensation against the sensitive skin and pushed Jade away.
"You don't play fair," she accused. Jade laughed.
"Of course not," she agreed, dropping her hand to her side.
"Thanks for this, Jade. I appreciate it," Tori said, grinning happily. Jade was glad to see that she caused it. Perhaps she was capable of comforting someone after all.
"I appreciate you putting up with me," she replied jokingly, though it was very much true.
"You can count on me," Tori said, hooking her arm with Jade's.
"Maybe now I can complain to you about girl problems instead of your dad," Jade mentioned.
"You complain to him about that? Does he listen? Because any time Trina and I complained he conveniently became busy just to avoid it," she rambled. Jade laughed and Tori immediately knew that she was joking again. Her face fell.
"I'm not that comfortable with him. Rest assured I think he would probably react the same way if I did," Jade said with certainty. Tori had to agree with that. To show she wasn't upset she carded her fingers with Jade's, marveling at the control she had over the synthetic attachment. She was so gentle when she returned the gesture. Their eyes met and held, something meaningful passing between them. The moment shattered when the door opened.
"You girls hungry?" David called to them.
"In a minute, dad!" Tori responded, twisting in place to face him. He gave her a thumbs-up and went back inside. Jade hadn't bothered turning around. She didn't want to see his knowing smile telling her that he was right. She knew already. He didn't have to rub it in.
"I can't shake the feeling that he timed that. Like all the times he butt in when I brought someone over," Tori remarked thoughtfully.
"Good thing too. Had you been any other girl I would have kissed you just then. But since you're you I respect you," Jade revealed in a teasing manner, getting up. Tori sat there with her mouth hanging open, stammering. Jade helpfully shut it, smiling innocently. Tori jumped from her seat, blushing lightly. She couldn't let that comment slide so easily.
"Could you, um, maybe pretend I am, for like, a minute?" she suggested, a bit embarrassed but curious by what Jade implied.
"Nope. Our minute is up and we need to go inside. We can't spare another minute more," Jade said with a shake of her head. She moved to walk away but Tori stopped her.
"How about a few seconds?" she tried again. Jade paused, appraising the girl in front of her. Jade could see herself falling for Tori. She already decided that she was the type of person that could be trusted implicitly. She was forgiving and caring. Though her positive outlook might be annoying at times it was also something Jade needed in her life. Not to mention she gave out affection like it was going out of style. As much as Jade claimed she didn't like someone like Tori she knew that having her around would be a good thing. It was then when she realized that she wanted her around and looked forward to spending more time with her. The light feeling was similar to the moment she realized that David wasn't going to abandon her.
"Just a few seconds," she permitted, leaning closer but leaving the rest to Tori. She bit her bottom lip, a habit Jade never tired of seeing. Tori's gaze dropped to Jade's mouth before meeting her eyes. A warm hand rested on her jaw and then Tori's lips were on hers. She readily responded, allowing several seconds more than what was agreed upon before pulling away. She took a moment to replay the feelings and sensations in her mind before putting some space between them.
"Come on," she said, backing away before turning around to head inside. Tori followed on autopilot, brushing her lips with the tips of her fingers. It was the first time she kissed a girl and it had been Jade. Seemingly cold, unfeeling Jade West whose body was mostly machine yet remained inherently human. She smiled and sped up when Jade waited at the door for her, holding it open. She knew she didn't imagine the cool fingers brushing her own when she walked past her inside.