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Chapter 42 – Home is where the heart is.

Last Chapter.

Jade's POV

It's been just over four months since that night where Tori and I finally admitted our love for each other. It was a long time in coming and to get to that point each of us had to go through so much. But neither of us would been able to even get there, without the other.

We're a happy couple, most of the time at least. We, like all couples, have our off days, our fights and whatnot. I also still have my trauma's which I'm still contending with. I hate to say it, but this is something I will have to deal with for years to come. Only Tori's love and devotion has helped me even begin to start getting past it.

I still have nightmares, but now when I wake from them, Tori is always right there to soothe me back to sleep

Our careers, once pretty much dead, have returned to life. About 2 months ago, Tori got a gig singing lead in a 80's cover band. Ok, an 80's cover band is sort of lame, but their previous lead singer got knocked up and they needed an abrupt replacement. The band's drummer was a friend of Barbie and when Barbie mentioned her good friend was a singer, they asked her to audition.

They loved her and now she's the lead singer. Granted some of the songs are rather old and cheesy, but Tori loves to sing and when on stage she looks truly happy. I love seeing the delight in her eyes as she gets to sing for a crowd. The gig with the band doesn't have to be forever and the money has allowed her to quit the job at the Playpen. Something I'm happy about as the thought of all those drunk creeps groping and eyeing her never sat right with me.

4 months ago, I finally landed an acting gig. It was an episode of crime television show, really gritty stuff. I play a bank teller who gets blasted in the chest with a shotgun during a bank robbery. It was first on screen death and something I'm quite proud of.

There's been another development with my career, but I'll get back to that in a minute.

Our relationship has grown stronger and we've grown very close. Tori's exercises to deepen our intimacy did the trick as about a month after we told each we loved each other for the first time, we made love for the first time.

I had finally felt comfortable enough with her, and close enough to her to take our relationship to the next level.

I'd to say it was beautiful and perfect. While it was beautiful and special, it wasn't quite perfect. Not totally used to each other in bed, we in the throes of passion accidently bumped heads. We each saw stars for a moment, put some ice on our heads, laughed and after a few minutes resumed lovemaking. The accident, in a way made the night even more special, not to mention made us a bit more cautious.

As a joke, Tori bought me a New York Giant's football helmet, the next day. To remind me of that special night, it sits on my nightstand to this day.

We now have a good sex life, but my past sometimes gets in the way. For usually a day or so after a nightmare, I won't be able to do it. Tori instead gives me lots of cuddles and keeps telling me how wonderful I am, when I'm not being a gank that is.

But as I said there was another development with my career and it was a big one. After having numerous auditions sabotaged and my confidence undermined by nameless I finally got a serous part. Yeah, the bank teller bit was nice, but it was 2 whole lines and I get blasted in the chest. I spent the rest of the scene, having to lie motionless in a pool of fake blood. Not much acting skill required, for that one.

One of the auditions I went to was for this big HBO TV miniseries based on the life of the Roman Emperor, Augustus. It's pretty serious stuff with a big budget. I honestly didn't think I'd have a shot, but I tried out for a bit part of the wife of a roman senator.

I got a call back and I read for it. Much to my surprise I got a part, but not the one I read for. I was offered the part of a mute slave, named Alda, In the story, she is originally from one of the Germanic tribes and now is the personal and loyal slave of the wife of Augustus, Livia Drusilla.

It's a huge part,with me in 6 out of the 7 episodes. But the slave is mute so I have no lines, but regardless it's a major role with, Alda aiding Livia in her various palace schemes for power. It's a challenge as I have to use body moments and facial expressions to do my acting. It could really be a big break for me.

But there's one small snag. The filming is being done in Rome and will take about 10-11 weeks. I found out 2 months ago and naturally told Tori. She was very happy for me, but I could tell she was upset I'd be leaving. I asked her to talk about it and what it meant to us, but she said she would when the time was right.

Since that day, we've gone on as normal, though I started to make the preparations I needed for my trip. The studio arranged a small furnished apartment for me, right near the studio. The money is good, I can make as much with this part as I could in 2 years of cleaning hospital rooms.

But this trip sort of hung over us like a cloud. For the most part we ignored it, but in the last few days that cloud has gotten bigger and darker. Tori's been acting as if everything is fine, but I can tell it isn't. I keep asking her about it, but she doesn't want to talk about me leaving quite yet.

I leave for Rome Tomorrow and now that cloud covers the entire sky.

We had a going away party for me tonight at our place. We had Cat, Barbie, Dr. Cortez and a few co-workers from The Playpen and the hospital. I quit the hospital 2 weeks ago. Tonight Tori's been cheerful and a very good host, but she's covering her real emotions.

Now all the guests have gone save for Cat and Barbie who are now getting ready to leave.

Having just got off the couch with Cat, Barbie put out her arms, to give me a hug. "Have a good trip Jade."

I cautiously hugged her and turned to Cat and gave her a hug.

"Bye Jadey."

I growled instantly. "I told you in 5th grade, stop calling me Jadey."

"Sorry."

As Cat took Barbie's hand I looked to the blonde and Joked. "Maybe, when I come back we can have that threesome Tori and I owe you."

Cat immediately looked to Barbie and frowned, causing the blonde to take her hand.

"Sorry Jade, but I'll have to let you off the hook on that one."

Looking oddly disappointed, Tori said. "Why?"

Barbie smiled and put her arm around Cat., "Believe it or not, this little Red haired beauty has made me into a one woman gal. Not only that, were getting our own place next month."

I swear, for a moment I saw a really disappointed look on Tori's face.

Cat smiled and kissed Barbie. "Come on, Kitty cat wants to play with her Barbie doll and I know you want to play with your kitty cat."

I looked to Tori, who gave me an amused looking shrug.

Barbie grinned in response to Cat. "Sorry, threesome would have been nice, but me and Cat are strictly monogamous. Don't worry Jade, I'll watch over Tori while you're gone."

"Just not too close." I warned.

Cat and Barbie then said their goodbyes and soon after we were alone.

After locking the door I walked over to Tori and put my arms around her. "I think it's time for our talk. There's not much time left to have it."

Tori looked into my eyes, with a sad expression. "Make love to me first."

Not needing any more prodding I promptly picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. As I put her down on the bed, Tori smiled. "Give me a second; I have a surprise for you."

Knowing this would be our last night together, I quickly found myself becoming more and more emotional, very quickly. I exited the bedroom, turned off the lights in the living room and very quickly did my bathroom stuff.

My heart was pounding by the time, I returned to the bedroom to find it lit solely by 4 red candles in various parts of the room. Lying on the bed, her hair spread out was Tori in a very beautiful green lace negligee. She must have bought it special for me and just the sight of it, really made me feel warm.

Tori sat up with a slight look of disappointment. "You're not naked. "

I stepped next to the bed. "Well I know you like to strip me, kind of like unwrapping a present."

Only then did Tori's lips curve up into a smile as she quickly got up and started to strip me. With each article of clothing she took off she'd give me several and increasingly sensual kisses.

After several very sexy minutes later I was naked, with Tori slowly walking around me, feeling me and touching me.

"Tori if you're worried, I would…." I started to say before she put some fingers on my lips to silence me.

"No Talking, just love." The Latina whispered as she gently eased me onto the bed, then straddled me.

Our lovemaking as a result of our nightly touching exercises has grown to involve lots of slow and gentle caressing. I think I like that part of the lovemaking most of all as. It's so simple but extremely beautiful.

So for several minutes she alternately kissed me and caressed me. It was soft and slow at first, but gradually it become more sensual and passionate.

Being with Tori like this was pure heaven. I loved her so much and to be able to connect with her on a physical, emotional and even spiritual level, only reinforced my love for her.

I was passive at this point as I let my hands touch and caress her, being sure to touch all the spots she loved being touched in.

Time ceased having any meaning as Tori continued to pour every ounce of her love for me into our love making.

She touched my legs, suckled on my breasts, kissed my neck, nibbled on my toes and a hundred other things, each one only excited me more, made me fall for her more.

Finally when she knew she had me rip, she reached in the drawer and pulled out a huge pink strap on. We've used one before and believe me Tori can use it, she's utterly fucking amazing. Though she's adamant in telling me that when she uses it, she's not a man, but see's the strap on as an extension of her female sexuality for the benefit of both of us.

After one session with a strap on, I believed her 200%.

Slowly she attached the 9" member and ever so slowly started to prod my not very wet core. They were slow playful, teasing, prods, which she knew drove me up the wall.

Several minutes later, I was so worked up, that I was ready to jump out of my skin. I loved her so much and by now was so desperate to consummate the final act of love that I promptly begged.

"I need you inside me, please!"

Tori grinned an slow ran a finger across my stomach. "Tell me first. Who's my woman, who's my girl."

"I am..I'm your woman…I love you so much…please get inside me."

She closed her eyes for a moment and then gently penetrated me, causing me to let out a huge moan of pleasure.

Like she always did, she started her thrusting motions ever so slowly, in and out until she found just the right way to stimulate me the most.

Right, now I was hers in every way shape or form. She kept going, faster and faster, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.

The orgasm broke quickly and unlike all the others she had bestowed on me, it was incredibly powerful. I let out a shriek as my body lit up like a Christmas tree, but beyond the mere physical pleasure, looking into Tori's eyes and seeing the love she had for me, made it beyond special.

She let off, and kissed me a for a while, as I recovered. Soon after wrestled her below me and spent a good deal of time returning the favor.

An hour and a half later lovemaking was done I looked at her and said. "We need to talk about this."

Tori made a sad smile. "Can we talk about it in the morning?"

"You know my Cab arrives at 9 Am."

"I know. Please just hold me."

Not wanting to upset her I pulled her into my arms and moments later, we were asleep.

At 7:30 I woke up, left Tori still sleeping and got ready to go. My bags had already been packed and all I needed to do was dress and gather a few last minute things.

By 8:30 I knew I had to wake her up, I had things I wanted to say and there was almost no time left to say them. But as I emerged from the bathroom, I saw Tori, in a bathrobe on the couch.

"Tori, I was just going to wake you."

Tori who looked like she was going to cry, patted the seat next to her. "Sit with me."

I sat down and immediately felt the need to reassure her. "Tori, I will come back. I promise. And there won't be anyone else. I love you. "

A tear quickly ran down Tori's cheek as she took my hand. "I love you Jade. "

"I don't have to go."

Tori shed another tear. "No Jade, you do. It's that I'm just afraid."

My stomach suddenly felt like it had rocks in it, "I will be faithful, I will be back."

"No Jade, it's not that."

"Than what is it?"

"Jade, I'm afraid for you. What if you have a nightmare or need me to hold you. I won't be there and I'm worried. "

I'll admit that being apart from Tori was causing me a great deal of anxiety, knowing that Tori is worried about me, only makes it worse. Perhaps that's why she didn't mention it to me until now.

Fighting my own tears, I put my arms around the crying Latina. "I'll call you if I have a bad dream and just knowing that you love me, will keep me going until I can come back. We've been through so much, we can make it through a separation. I'll be fine Tori, I promise. I love you."

Holding on tight, Tori continued to Cry. "You have to promise me you'll be alright. You'll call me if you have any kind of bad day. I'm sorry I'm so worried, but I just can't help it." I love you so much. I wanted to be so strong for you, just say goodbye, but now I ruined it."

I pulled back and wiped her tears. "No Tori, you're being honest and that's all I want. I'll miss you I will and I promise not to even look at any of those Italian girls. Tori, our relationship is strong, more than strong enough to survive this."

"You'd better promise. And speaking of promises." Tori then pulled out a small ring from her pocket. It was gold with a little green stone and was beautiful. Just seeing it made my heart skip a beat.

"A ring?"

"I want you to wear this, it's a promise ring. That I promise I will be here waiting for you, when you come back and some day, that I'll put a different ring on your finger."

I slipped the ring on my finger and admired it. "I love it and the promise it represents. I'll never take it off.

Tori smiled. "I'm glad, that and it will scare the other girls away. Let them know, you're taken."

I smiled back and leaned my head against hers. "I most certainly am."

"Jade, just hold me until the cab arrives."

"I'll hold you anytime."

Pulling her in my arms, I held her tight as tight as I could, trying to memorize every last detail of this moment; how she felt, how she smelled. Everything."

It was a beautiful moment, but like every moment it couldn't last. The blast of a horn of a Taxi at 10:00 Am, woke me from my by bliss.

"That's my ride." I said as I let go of Tori.

"Goodbye."

With a heavy heart I got up, kissed Tori, grabbed my bags and walked to the door.

"I love you Tori Vega."

Tori wiped another tear. "I love you Jade West. Come back to me."

I pulled open the door and "I will. Oh and one more thing."

"What's that?"

I pointed to the coffee table where a pair of scissors sat. "My blue scissors. My very favorite pair. Have them sharpened for me."

Tori snatched them off the table, held them to her bosom and grinned. "I will Elliot. Goodbye."

Knowing she got my message, I smiled back, grabbed my bags, walked out the door and shut it behind me.

If you're wondering why she called me Elliott, here's why. About 6 months ago, we saw the movie, "The Goodbye Girl." It's about an actor, named Elliot. who comes to live with a woman named Paula, by accident. They initially don't get along, but fall in love. The actor gets a movie offer and has to be away for several weeks. He assures her he'll be back, but she's been burned by actors before. In the end, after he leaves, Elliot calls Paula and asks her to have his guitar restrung. To Paula that is all the confirmation she needs to know that he does plan to come back as that guitar is his most prized possession.

It was over a year ago, I came to this door, broken and lost. Tori took me in, I helped her, she helped me and after a long struggle we not only overcame our problems, but fell in love.

Tori Vega not only saved my life, but gave it meaning. No force on earth could keep me from coming back.

As I load my bags in the cab, I look up to see Tori blowing me a kiss. Just that makes my heart flutter. Just before I get in the cab, I blow it back and mouth the words, "I love you."

I leave today, but I will return, for home is where the heart is and my heart is waiting for me, upstairs in a tiny cramped apartment.

As far as I'm concerned, it's the best place on earth.

The end.

Endings are hard to write sometimes. I could have a cute ending with them in bed, but I wanted something a bit more bittersweet. Things are going very well for them, but Jade has to go away for a while.

But each knows, they will be together again. I'll leave it there, but if I ever wrote another chapter, I would never ever ever write one where they don't happily reunite so be safe in that knowledge.

If you haven't seen "The Goodbye Girl" It's extremely good and was nominated for several Academy Awards.