The night arrived to wake Jade up like clockwork. She shifted around, trying to move, but she was trapped in what felt like a cocoon of hot blankets with the addition of a heater. She opened her eyes to see the battle worn hybrid holding her close. Her toned, strong, arms were firmly wrapped around her. Even her legs were tangled with Jade's, cold feet and all. She obviously wasn't bothered by it. With a little bit of maneuvering she managed to slip out of Tori's hold on her. The hybrid murmured nonsense and rolled over but otherwise stayed asleep. Jade got up out of bed and glanced back at Tori's subconscious bothered expression. A month of wordlessly sharing each other's bed when they slept was starting to become a comfort Jade didn't think she could ever give up.

She smiled at the endearing pout on Tori's face, clearly missing Jade next to her, and then left the room for a shower. She desperately needed one for its purpose as well as a quiet place to think. By the time she got out and was dressed she found Tori still asleep. Jade thought back to the night she blacked out from hunger. She had hurt Tori. She felt guilty as always when she lost control, but more so this time. She knew why but she didn't want to think about it so she shoved it aside. She ran a hand through her damp tresses while she walked out to the living room. She needed some time removed from Tori. When she walked in the room she stopped to stare at Beck who was sitting on the couch, his posture relaxed. He had essentially made himself at home.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him, making no move to get any closer. She kind of hadn't forgiven him for the kiss and his asshole behavior concerning tossing Tori to the scientists. She understood the benefits but couldn't bring herself to agree with the decision. Then Beck's kiss reminded her of the one she shared with Tori. It was everything Beck's wasn't. She was brought out of her thoughts when he finally answered.

"I thought I should check up on you," he replied, standing to walk over to her. She subconsciously tensed when he approached. He stopped to stand in front of her.

"So you just invade my house without permission?" she inquired tersely. He shrugged.

"I was worried about you. Tori sent us away so fast that night and you still looked ill. We've all been busy since then and I didn't get a chance to talk to you so I just wanted to make sure you were ok," he explained. She sighed.

"Thanks," she mumbled, having nothing more to say.

"I was the one to make sure you had the night off after all that, you know, so you could recover," he mentioned, taking a step closer. She was aware of his advance but remained where she was.

"Sure, because wouldn't it be so unfortunate if I lost it and killed someone. I'm sure your father would have a field day gunning me down," she sneered. She didn't want to be reminded of that night, which made her more moody than usual.

"Jade, that's not what I meant…" he started to say in that way she disliked so she growled to silence him.

"Stop with the patronizing tone. I hate that," she hissed.

"I'm not patronizing you. I look up to you, Jade. I wasn't kidding about what I said. Can't you see that? We've been through so much together. Hell, I may even lo-" he said while stepping closer with a hand reaching for her face.

"Stop," she snarled, grabbing him by the front of his shirt to slam him against the wall.

"Don't you dare finish that," she threatened, her fangs on display and her furious gaze burrowing into his.

"Why not? Are you too afraid to let anyone in? Is it because you've lost so much that you can't bear to go through it again? Is that it, Jade? Because by your logic we should all be as dead in the heart as you," he spat, his anger turning his words to poison. Her grip tightened on him.

"At least I'm not a cocky jerk who constantly tries to sweet talk someone who's clearly uninterested every time I'm hot and bothered," she retorted. His face turned red at that and a triumphant smirk twisted her lips.

"I really care about you. I'm not looking for some fling. If you think that then you don't know me," he told her.

"Then I guess I don't know you," she replied with a shake of her head. He stared at her, steadfast, trying to find a lie in her words. When all he found was blunt honesty he shoved her back and strode to the door.

"Maybe you should be afraid then. No one wants to be with someone who's too afraid to love. You'd lose anyone willing to give you a chance as soon as they realize it," he jeered, yanking open the door but looking back at her. The comment struck her like a slap to the face so that she could only stand there with clenched fists and a jaw wired shut with rage. She told herself he was just angry because he had been rejected but it still hurt. She cared greatly for her human family, but that's what they were to her; family. Beck wasn't getting that and it hurt that he would think so low of her. Couldn't he just appreciate the kind of love she could offer him? Because even that was too much. If anything happened to them it would be the pain of losing her brother all over again. Beck left after shooting her a scowl, the door slamming shut behind him. Jade stood there, still stuck in place, until a warm hand touched her back. Her body's reaction to the touch was like a knot in a rope unwinding. She relaxed completely.

"Are you ok?" Tori asked her, slowly dragging her hand down to slip around her waist to join the other, hands clasping at her stomach. The feeling of Tori's firm and warm body pressed to the length of her back brought a kind of peace she never thought she would feel. Beck had indeed been someone she had grown close to. She shared thoughts and ideas with him she didn't with the others, but she never felt like this with him. She couldn't explain it. It just was. She sighed and allowed her body to rest against Tori who was just as strong and supportive as any wall.

"Yeah," Jade finally replied. Tori seemed to breathe her in, letting her exhale fan over Jade's neck.

"That was a pretty crappy thing to say to you," she muttered, her voice stoic.

"How much did you hear?" Jade asked.

"Enough to know you did the right thing by turning him down. You don't deserve someone like that. You deserve better for everything you've done, and that's not him," Tori replied, sincere.

"And what do I deserve? You?" Jade bit out a little bitterly. She hadn't meant it that way but she was aware Tori was almost saying the same thing Beck had yet she didn't react the same way. It confused and irritated her. How was it different? How did she know that Tori wasn't just saying it to get in her pants? How was she any more sincere than Beck? Jade realized that Tori hadn't replied. She only stood silent, her body tense. When she did move it was to step away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like a cocky jerk. I'm not sweet talking you, I swear," she responded, a mix of humor and chagrin creating a tone that did nothing but solidify the painful honesty that Jade felt from the hybrid. She turned around to face Tori, their eyes locking.

"You didn't sound like that," she mumbled. Tori tried to smile but it fell a second later. Her eyes flicked to the floor. Jade pushed under her chin gently to raise her face up and make Tori look at her. She wanted to tell Tori how appreciative she was to have her around. She wanted to say that she actually liked her presence, unlike the many times she claimed the opposite. At first she was purely annoying and then that became tolerated at best. It was when Jade began noticing how comfortable she was getting with her that she became annoying again, only because she didn't want to accept it. But now, whatever she was feeling for the nuisance was something she couldn't place. All she knew was, it made her feel content and put together in a way she hadn't in a very long time. Jade's hand dropped to squeeze Tori's, their fingers carding together. The gesture gave Tori the confidence to lean in, but she stopped when their noses brushed.

"Can I?" she husked, yearning underlining the polite request. Jade smirked and gripped at Tori's hip with her free hand to pull her a little closer.

"Well, I didn't stop you before," she replied, her own voice just as laden with desire.

"I was just trying to be polite, you gank," Tori teased, her other hand finding its way into Jade's hair after tucking a strand behind her pointed ear. Jade's smirk widened in amusement.

"My apologies," she murmured, the words whispered against Tori's lips. Tori quickly sealed their lips together and let Jade back her into the wall where her cool body pressed to her heated one. This kiss was nothing like the first two. It wasn't as hesitant or chaste. It contained passion. They were comfortable enough to take it a step further, groaning when it deepened. They only stopped when there was a knock at the door. Jade pulled away with a heavy sigh, leaving Tori panting and out of breath.

"Seriously?" Tori groused, eyes flicking to the door. If it was Beck again Jade wasn't above tossing him out. Tori squeezed Jade's hand in an effort to calm her then slipped out from the space between her and the wall. She let Jade's hand go and opened the door to see Andre, Cat, and Robbie. They all looked apprehensive, wiping the easy smile off Tori's face.

"What happened?" she asked them, her eyebrows creasing with rising worry.

"Can we come in?" Andre requested. Tori nodded and stood back to give them room. They entered and took a seat, giving Jade various forms of silent greetings where she was leaning against the wall. Tori shut the door and walked over to sit in Jade's usual seat.

"He's gone," Andre stated, head bowed and conflicted.

"Who?" Tori wondered.

"Beck. He came in like a tornado, yelling at his father, collecting his gear, claiming he wasn't coming back, and then left, saying he was going to find the ship with or without us," Robbie answered.

"We were so caught off guard we couldn't answer so he just stormed out," Cat finished.

"He sure was on a mission to get himself killed."

"Rex, not now," Robbie scolded.

"Just sayin'."

"Wait, he left on his own?" Jade spoke up, pushing off the wall to stride over. Tori knew her enough to see the agitation just underneath her calm exterior.

"Yeah, he was in a rush too. It's weird because he was fine before he left to do something. The drastic change when he came back was like emotional whiplash. I wonder what happened to set off cool and collected Beck," Andre pondered. The other two nodded. Tori looked to Jade who looked at the floor. Andre quirked a brow.

"Am I missing something here?" he wondered.

"What do you mean?" Tori replied.

"You know something," he clarified.

"Beck was here not too long ago. He was…trying to confess his feelings for me I guess," Jade explained, meeting no one's eyes.

"Tried to?" Cat questioned.

"Let's just say he came on a little too strong," Jade told her.

"Man, I had a feeling he had a thing for you, 'cause it's kinda obvious, but I didn't think he would be the pushy type," Andre remarked.

"Yeah, well, he is," Tori informed him, an unhappy note in her voice Andre became curious about but didn't openly question.

"Anyway, we came to see what the plan was," Robbie said, looking to Jade for answers.

"As stupidly idiotic as he is we have no choice but to go after him. He's just going to get himself killed. If he wanted to run away he should have at least waited for the sun to be up," Jade decided, moving to sit next to Tori. The space provided was snug but she didn't seem to mind. It was a drastic decision compared to the space she always kept between her and everyone else, especially the hybrid. Tori offered her a smile and a nudge of her leg with her own which Jade returned ever so subtly before frowning again.

"I figured you would say that but I just wanted to make sure," Andre said, only slightly intrigued by the way his leader was interacting with their new addition.

"Let's gear up and meet at the manhole. Pack some food with our usual supplies just in case he's done something stupid like board the ship. I doubt he found it so soon but we can never be too sure about how far his stupidity ranges," Jade instructed. Her team nodded and filed out. Cat and Robbie were already out the door while Andre took his time. Tori stood to get ready and Jade moved to follow but Andre snagged her by her upper arm before she could.

"I'm glad you're getting along with Tori and that you let her help you. That night...well, for a second there I thought you really wanted her dead," he half teased, half truthfully stated. Jade scoffed and pulled free, using just enough force to make him release her.

"I did, but it wasn't me," she replied.

"So you don't want her dead," he stated. It wasn't a question.

"Not if I can help it. I don't throw myself under falling boulders for just anyone you know," she snarked yet her tone was far from sour. He chuckled.

"True," he agreed. He patted her shoulder then headed for the door.

"Be ready in the next hour. We don't have time to spare," she told him. He saluted then shut the door behind him. Jade stood there a moment before retreating to her room. She threw open the doors to her wardrobe then began to get dressed. Tori stood cleaned up and waiting for her in the kitchen where she was stuffing her face with food.

"At least you're ready," Jade observed with an eye roll. Tori just smiled with a full mouth.

"Don't act like you can't stand me. We both know you totally dig me," she responded playfully after swallowing.

"Dig you? Pfft, whatever, Vega. Come on, we still have to gear up with the others before heading out. Who knows what kind of trouble that numbskull got himself into already," Jade dismissed, focusing on the situation. Tori smiled after shoving the last of her food in her mouth then followed Jade out. They practically jogged the whole way to the training center. They each got out what they needed from their respective lockers and joined the rest of the team in the conference room. The Alpha Team was with them.

"Jade, I hear you're going to drag my disorderly son back here," Michael addressed her.

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Good luck," he told her.

"Thanks, I'll need it," she replied. Despite her attitude heavy reply she was surprised by his honesty.

"All I ask is that you bring him back," he said, his voice hollow yet pointed. Jade understood what he meant. He wanted him back dead or alive. She was sure he would personally kill him if he was infected.

"Yes Sir, I will," she answered with a nod.

"Then get going," he ordered. She wasted no time turning away, gesturing for her team to follow. They fell into step with her and in no time they were standing outside Sanctuary trying to plan where to start looking while also remaining alert.

"If he's trying to find the ship he might be along the shore," Robbie suggested.

"That sounds plausible. Ok, we'll start there. Hopefully he hasn't gone far," Jade accepted. She walked to the head of the group while Tori took the back. They moved quickly. With Tori in their group they learned to expect the unexpected. It was one thing to be a vampire's meal and another to be an annoying beacon they were hardwired to destroy. At this point Tori couldn't understand how she could be so attracted to Jade. If vampires hated the very sight of her and the feeling was largely mutual, then how was it that she and Jade worked fine? It was a thought that required more thought, but not at a time like this. She held her pistol at the ready, opting to fire first and use her abilities when she ran out of ammo to better save on energy.

Rex kept them up to date on how far they traveled. With only a few vampires finding them and hours passing without a sign of Beck, things weren't looking good. Jade was tempted to turn around and head back when she spotted Beck's sword broken on the ground by a shack. She ran over and pressed at the door to find that it was firmly shut. A look at the lock and scrapes against the wood of the door told her he had used his sword to pry it open. It must have broke in the process. He had to have been in a rush, or the sword broke too abruptly to dodge the flinging metal, because she could smell blood and see traces of it spotting the ground right by the door under the lock.

"Beck?" she questioned, knocking on the door.

"Jade?" his muffled voice replied. She heard something heavy grate against the ground and then the door opened a crack. When he saw that it was really her, and that the team stood right behind her, he opened it wider. His side of his shirt was torn but he wasn't injured except for a cloth wrapped around his hand. It was covered in blood Jade had to force her eyes away from.

"Did my father send you?" he questioned, his relieved smile quickly becoming a peeved frown. Jade scowled back at him.

"No, actually, we thought it wise to find you ourselves. You know, because we care about you, you idiot," she retorted. He grunted and pushed her aside.

"Sure you do," he muttered under his breath, most likely forgetting that she could in fact hear very well.

"Maybe not in the way you want me to, but I do," she defended herself. He blinked in surprise and she rolled her eyes.

"Yes, I could hear you. I have excellent hearing," she responded sardonically. He shook his head and began walking away. The others remained quiet, observing without a word.

"We don't have time for your dramatics, Beck. Let Cat clean you up and then let's go back before you get yourself killed," Jade continued.

"What do you care if I die? Wouldn't that be fantastic for you? Then I'll be out of your hair," he yelled, turning around to face the vampire. She stood there with a deep frown then rushed him. He flinched only slightly when she grabbed him by his collar, twisting it in her grasp so that it tightened on his neck but didn't choke him. He gripped at her wrist and his eyes widened.

"You're making it hard for me to care if you live or die. Lucky for you, I do, or I would have killed you myself already," she growled, shaking him a little. She shoved him back and he scrambled to stay standing.

"Now get going before I knock you out just to shut you up and drag you back!" she ordered. He had the nerve to scoff at her again before walking away. He glanced at her one last time but then his eyes darted to something over her shoulder. He gasped and ran past her to stand on the very edge of the rickety boards leading off shore and into the water.

"What are you-" she began, but froze when she saw the ship not too far off.

"It's right there," Beck exclaimed, looking like he was about to dive into the water and swim to it. He took a step but Jade rushed over to yank him back.

"No, we're returning to Sanctuary and making a solid plan. We're not going to run off half-cocked. You know better," she growled. He jerked out of her grasp and pushed her back.

"Fine, waste time planning, but it's here now and who knows when it'll be back. I'm going whether you're coming with me or not," he declared.

"Beck-" she shouted at him, but she was interrupted by gunfire. She spun around in time to see her team open fire on a group of vampires who had been stalking them silently while they were distracted. Their team fell back, getting pushed closer and closer to the water.

"Dammit, they're going to be right on top of us if we don't get the heck out of here now," Andre mentioned, unloading a grenade at the group. It took out a good portion but they kept coming. Jade looked at Beck and saw him already wading through the waves. He was a little more than waist deep when he was tackled by a hidden vampire lurking in the water. It seemed to be all downhill from here.