Disclaimer: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me

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Chapter 40 – The Present.

Tori's POV

Today is Christmas day and it's been two weeks since that day where I held Jade and officially became a couple. Actually I just told Jade we already were a couple and Jade liked that very much.

While officially a couple we've sort of taken a slight step back in physical affection. We hold hands, snuggle and kiss on occasion but nothing else. It was something we discussed and came to a mutual agreement on.

While Jade wanted to move forward physically, she said in our discussion that she was a bit frustrated as she simply didn't know how to proceed. She still had issues, fears and of course nightmares.

But it's only been two weeks so not much else has happened. We've been very busy anyway. Jade had picked up some extra shifts at the hospital and much to my delight went on her first audition in over a year. It was for a bit part in a TV show, but she felt good trying to get back into the swing of things. Christmas time is busy for everyone.

Jade and I had agreed to give each other one gift a piece with a price limit of $50 dollars. I had no intention of abiding by our agreement however.

Christmas Eve was a quiet evening in for us. We cooked a nice turkey dinner and after snuggled on the couch and watched Christmas movies. We each got to pick one. My choice was the original Miracle on 34th Street, With Natalie Wood. Jade's of course was the 1974 horror classic, at least according to her, Black Christmas. After that we watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special and both did the snoopy dance. We had consumed an entire bottle of wine at that point, so we let go.

I had decorated the apartment, but not overly as Jade seemed to dislike excessive holiday cheer. Our tree is a 1 foot high plastic tree on top of the entertainment center.

So Christmas morning we both slept in and when we finally both got up around 11 Am. I put on some coffee and we opened our presents.

Jade bought me a new keyboard for my music, it was fancier and a big upgrade to what I had before. I could to so much more with it, it was a great gift and I loved it. I got Jade a framed movie poster for the 1978 horror classic, Halloween. I told Jade it was an original and she was beyond thrilled.

We sat around and were lazy, watching TV for several hours the n we got dressed and met Cat and Barbie for diner which was at a rather busy but good Italian restaurant. We had a good time and it was obvious that Cat and Barbie though very different were not quite happy together. They even hinted that things were getting quite serious.

Though I said we had a good time, I could see that something was bothering Jade. She covered it up well, but still I could see it.

At the end of dinner, we said our goodbyes and separated. Being not too far from the apartment, we held hands and walked. In the first two blocks Jade said little and I waited to see if she'd talk or I had to prod her.

I waited until we were almost home before finally saying something.

"Ok Jade, out with it."

Jade was quiet for a few more steps then sighed. "Oh, the normal self-doubts wreaking havoc today. Nothing to be concerned about. You don't want to hear it."

"Humor me."

"No."

"Jade, if you don't tell me, I'll just have to think of a way to make you. Let's say one of your favorite pairs of scissors happens to suddenly go missing and only after you tell me what I want, it turns up."

I was quickly the recipient of a rather nasty glare. "You can be such a bitch at times, you know that."

I simply shrugged. "Oh well."

"It's that Barbie and Cat have totally clicked and now their talking long term plans. They're doing so well. I'm…"

"Jealous?" I said answering her question

Jade nodded as we got to our building. "Yes. As far as what to do to bring us closer, I feel lost sometimes."

"Come on upstairs, we'll talk about it some more."

We got upstairs and once our coats were hung up, I stopped Jade as she was about to sit on the couch. I was a bit nervous now that I was about to give it to her, so I just decided to get on with hit

"Before you sit down, I have one more Christmas present for you."

Jade instantly frowned. "Hey we said only one each."

"Tough, you're getting another one."

Jade looked about the apartment "So where is this mysterious present."

I then walked to my bedroom door and opened it slightly. "It's in here."

Jade frowned. "I'm not supposed to go in there, remember. It's off limits."

"Well I'm un off limiting it. Come in." I said opening the door and snapping on the light.

No One's pov

Jade cautiously walked to Tori's bedroom door and paused in the doorway. She had always wondered what was inside and over time, had grown into a full blown mystery.

It was her sanctuary and for the first time she was being let in, which oddly made Jade feel somewhat giddy, with excitement.

So Jade stepped in and for the first time looked around.

The room itself was average size with one window and purple painted walls. In the center of the room was a queen sized bed that had a burgundy bedspread. On each side of the bed sat a small end table and directly ahead of her along the wall was a large oak dresser. Beyond that was a closet. In one at the foot of the bed, sat a TV that was sitting on a table next to a smaller, newer dresser.

What really caught Jade's attention, were the pictures, at least 2 dozen of them were on the walls. They were of home, friends family and several of Jade and all were happy times. The room itself felt quite warm, inviting and cozy.

"It's nice. Thank you for showing it to me. I know this is your safe place." Jade said as she looked at a picture of them on stage together during that play where Tori played the Astronaut and Jade played her wife.

Now looking a bit expectant Tori stepped in the room, "Aren't you going to ask about your present?"

"I thought just showing me the room was the present."

With a wide smile, Tori walked over to the newer dresser and pointed to the Bow that was on top of it. Something that Jade had not seen initially.

"Ta da" Said Tori excitedly as she pulled open a drawer to reveal it's empty.

"You got me a dresser." Jade said, loving the thought of not having to live out of the bags she stacked in the corner of her living room.

Tori then ran to the closet and opened it. "I even got you closet space. I cleared out some clothes and made room for you."

Now Jade was truly moved as she looked at the half of the closet that was now empty. "This is great Tori. I don't know what to say."

Tori then grinned. "There's more."

"What?"

Taking Jade's hand she sat Jade down on the bed with her. "Jade, I'm more than just giving you a place to keep your clothes. I want to give you a place to live, a place to sleep and not on a couch. A real home with someone who is crazy about you. I don't want you to be my guest anymore. I want you to officially live with me."

Jade's jaw dropped as she suddenly felt herself wanting to cry. "Tori…this is too much…."

"No Jade, it's not. I've been doing some reading and I think I've found a way for us to keep moving forward."

"How?"

"Jade, what we need is to further our bond by developing intimacy between us. Now don't get me wrong, what I mean by intimacy is a closeness an emotional bond. That is developed by us doing things together, living together. We start by sharing the same bed, it's a big bed, so you have room. That's it. We don't have to do anything you don't' feel comfortable with. The book I read gave a bunch of examples on how to further develop intimacy with your partner. I want us to explore that. I think once we've further developed the emotional bond between us, the rest will fall into place. I'm sorry if I'm not making sense."

Tears suddenly formed in Jade's eyes. "You're wonderful Tori. This is the best present anyone has ever given me."

"That means you officially live with me."

Now crying Jade hugged Tori tightly. "Yes."

They hugged for a minute and once they broke up, Jade asked. "What other things did they suggest to help develop intimacy."

"Well one is for us to spend just a few minutes of quiet time each day, just touching each other. Not in a sexual way, just touching. It's supposed to help strengthen the physical and emotional bonds between couples. I hoped you wouldn't find that silly."

Jade wiped a tear. "No I don't. It sounds nice."

Tori leaned over and kissed Jade. "Come on, let's get your stuff unpacked and then find a place for your movie poster."

"I was wondering where you expected me to put that."

The girls spent more than an hour getting Jade fully unpacked. By then though it was early, the girls decided to go to bed together for the first time.

A bit nervous Jade changed into her shorts and t-shirt and finished her bathroom stuff and came into the bedroom where a smiling Tori, in her duck pajama's was sitting cross legged on the bed.

Patting the space in front of her, Tori said. "Sit."

Jade sat down so she was facing Tori. "Now what."

"Ok, for the next five minutes, we're both quiet and simply spend that time touching each other. Anywhere. Got it."

"Got it."

Tori looked at the clock, it was 8:13. "Ok until 8:18 we just touch. Go."

So Jade then reached and just touched Tori on the cheek and at the same time Tori gently touched Jade's shoulder.

And for the next few minutes they just touched. An arm, a leg, the side of a breast; just light touches.

While Jade thought it would be nice, she did doubt the value of such an exercise. However she found it both very relaxing and in a small way she felt closer to Tori.

Once the clock said 8:18, Tori spoke. "So?"

Jade smiled. "It was stimulating, yet relaxing and I liked it. And the fact that we shared it, made it sort of special."

"I liked it too. Ready for bed."

"Yes, but I hate to say this, I know you'd like to sleep pressed up next to me and I'd like that too, but can we just ease into it. I just want to sleep on my side for a bit. I'm sorry."

Tori nodded. "Don't apologize. We have all the time in the world."

So Tori turned out the lights and slipped under the cover with Jade, taking care to maintain her distance.

"Vega?"

"Yes."

"I say a lot, but I did mean what I said earlier, you are wonderful."

In the dark Tori smiled. "So are you."

"Can we touch tomorrow night?"

"I'd love to."

"You've made it a wonderful day my having me officially live with you and taking me into your bed. Thank you. But there's just one more thing."

"What's that?"

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

The stillness was quickly broke by the sound of loud fart. "Pfffffttt….."

"Jade!"

"Now this bed really feels like mine now."

Tori groaned. "Thanks to you, it certainly smells like it. Seriously you farted in bed, on our first night together. Who would do that?"

"Tori, haven't you forgotten who you're in bed with."

"Oh."

"Night Vega!"

All Tori could do is shake her head. "Oh well, Night Jade."