A particularly rough wave tossed the docked ship over it, making it jostle. Jade jumped awake, subconsciously gripping with her hands to find balance. Tori let out a breath at the pressure on her mostly healed side and Jade quickly let go, sitting up.
"You stayed," Jade commented quietly. Tori stretched out and then folded her arms behind her head, eyes on Jade.
"Through the whole day," she replied.
"Why?" Jade asked, curious. Tori smiled and ran her hand over Jade's back. She straightened a little at her touch and looked back at Tori while leaning on her hand.
"Besides needing the rest to heal, I wasn't really needed anywhere else so I'd rather be here with you," Tori answered. Jade rolled her eyes and climbed over Tori to get up.
"How are you feeling?" she questioned while getting ready to go out.
"My side is almost all the way healed," Tori told her, getting up to follow suit.
"Almost all the way? Will you be ok?" Jade wondered, glancing at her. Tori grinned and walked over to drape an arm over Jade's shoulders, pulling her close.
"Aww, so you really do care," she teased. Jade sighed dramatically and shrugged.
"Well, I guess I do. I don't know why though," she playfully replied. Tori laughed and kissed Jade's chin then let her go. They were lightly armed and Tori carried the empty bag when they said their good-byes. They were going to attempt a triple run; mowing down the enemy, scouting for anything useful, and working towards finding the contacts Jade hoped were still around. Without Robbie and Rex it was less organized but at least they wouldn't get lost since both could easily pick up on the salty ocean water on the wind. All they had to do was travel back toward it and then follow the coast until they found the boat. But that was a worst case scenario. Jade was sure she wouldn't get turned around. As they traveled they made a game of picking off vampires. Jade was a bit agitated that Tori was ahead of her by two. They managed to find supplies inside buildings and some cars. A stray weapon or ammunition was hard to come by but they were lucky when they managed to find some. Jade looked up at the sky, feeling that they were good on time should they want to head back. As if reading her mind, Tori spoke up.
"How much farther do you want to search before going back?" she asked. Jade stopped at a barren intersection of a major street and turned in circles to look down each street that branched from it. A grim look twisted her lips into a frown.
"Jade?" Tori called to her, concerned. She stepped closer to take Jade's hand in hers. It tightened around hers.
"I recognize this place. I remember passing through it right before the ambush," she responded, her voice a little tense. Tori squeezed her hand.
"If we take that street all the way down, there should be a flower shop with a hidden door leading into what used to be a privately owned club. The people we're looking for had their base there. If they're still there that is," Jade continued. Tori nodded and began walking but stopped when Jade didn't follow. She was looking down a different street, her eyes narrowed. Tori followed her gaze then looked back at Jade. Tori had a feeling that street held painful memories for her. But she couldn't let her dwell on it now.
"We have to get going," she reminded her, tugging on her hand. Jade nodded and allowed Tori to pull her into motion. Tori released her hand to take point, her eyes analyzing every hidey hole and her nose sniffing out any threats. A gust of chilly wind set in and dark clouds hovered overhead. It felt like it was minutes from raining and smelt like it too. The sky hadn't been very clear to start out with but it looked like the weather promised to deliver a downpour. Jade began jogging and Tori matched her pace. They came across a few more vampires that they each took out, Jade taking the time to silence her hunger with the meager blood they provided. It was like having a single slice of bread for dinner and soon she was feeling the hunger pangs again. The rain came down not too long later, drenching Tori and Jade just as they ran across the street under the overhang of the abandoned flower shop they were looking for. Jade pushed back her hair from her face and Tori shook off like a dog, sprinkling water everywhere. A stray drop hit Jade right in the eye and she grumbled while she rubbed at it.
"Will you dry off like a normal person," she scolded, glaring. Her tone did nothing to dampen the hybrid's smile.
"I finally got to rinse off the salt residue," she replied happily. Jade shook her head and moved to push the ajar door open but Tori suddenly stopped her. Jade felt the sudden presence too. They both looked to the alley nearby to see two vampires. Tori growled and stepped towards them but they didn't move.
"Either we chase them or they follow us inside, but I'm not about to give them my back so let's take them out before we go in," she reasoned. Jade nodded, and together, they ran around the building and into the alley, hot on the vampires' heels. Jade briefly wondered why vampires would run away, but the odd thought was shoved aside when Tori leaped a pile of trash only for a hidden net to spring up from under it and capture her. She tried breaking through it but found that it was made out of strong wire so she just hung there helpless.
"Dammit!" Jade hissed, looking up at her then down at the two vampires. She ran at them, ready to tear them to shreds, when another trap caught her by the ankle and strung her up, the tight wire loop cutting into her flesh. She grit her teeth and lifted herself up to pull at it but it was useless. Tori whined, trying not to shift too much or the wires surrounding her would cut deeper. Their trappers stood right under Jade, looking up at her with twin grins.
"I wondered when I would see you again," the taller one gruffly addressed her.
"You can speak?" she questioned. He just nodded. He looked like the man she was looking for.
"Are you Arthur Cartwright?" she questioned. He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at her.
"Did your father share my name with you?" he answered with a question. The guy next to him shifted and glanced subtly down both sides of the alley.
"No, I overheard. I can see that you don't like being out here more than necessary so let's cut to the chase. Give me a moment of your time and I'll leave you alone. I was looking for some information on The Dome," Jade stated.
"How would I know anything about it when I've been stuck here since the last time I saw you? It's only been worse since I was turned. Don't you think I would have already started traveling there myself if I knew anything?" he growled.
"Let them down," the guy next to him finally spoke up, his voice reserved.
"Well, another talker. Aren't I the lucky one?" Jade spat, crossing her arms. The guy just smirked with amusement, mirroring her crossed arms.
"What? Let them down? I seem to recall that I'm the one who calls the shots boy! It's not like you survived all this time on your own," the man yelled, turning on the guy.
"Just because you're my father doesn't mean you get the last say. I'm grown now and have every right as you to make decisions, so let them down," he demanded. The man grumbled but pulled out some kind of small remote. With a click of the button the mechanisms released and suddenly Jade was plummeting to the ground, but she righted herself and landed on her feet just in time. Once she was free of the wire around her ankle she rushed to catch Tori when she was dropped, having been unable to catch herself since she was tangled in the net. Jade set her down and helped her out, brushing at the small incisions scattered on her skin. Tori whispered that she was alright and gently pushed her hands away.
"So are we going to stand around here any longer or take this inside?" Jade inquired, looking at the two. The taller vampire turned away to head inside a door she had only then noticed, leaving the guy with them.
"Sorry about him. Whether he knew someone from the past or not, if they're a vampire they're dead," he told them.
"Although I don't know what you are," he continued, looking at Tori.
"And you don't need to. We should head inside," Jade deflected, stepping a little in front of Tori. He raised a brow but shrugged. He opened the door and gestured them in then shut it behind him. He led them through what looked to be a storage room that connected to the front of the shop. He opened a sliding glass door behind the counter that was filled with empty shelves lined with equally empty pots. He then looked back at them and gestured for them to walk in to the side of it that lacked shelves. He pressed a button under the counter and a panel of the wall in the back opened up. Jade held the door for Tori who entered behind the guy. Jade went in last, keeping an eye on both of them.
"I'm Jack Cartwright. Don't know if you remember me, Jade, but I remember you. And if memory serves right I believe I admired your attitude and strength, so I'll help you. After all, you still have those traits and you can manage to be this close to me while you're hungry," he remarked observantly. The long hall ahead was finally opening up at the end but Jade stopped to stare at him. She instantly inhaled to test his unspoken claim. He was human. The second she realized this her mouth watered.
"Wait, you're human? Why do you look like a vampire?" Tori questioned, sniffing at the air.
"You smell like one too with maybe a hint of your actual scent underneath," she pointed out.
"After my father was turned I disguised myself so that we could stay together, tricking his senses until he could control himself. I stayed out of the sun by following his sleep patterns, got a hold of these nifty contacts, and even wore the clothes of dead vampires we killed so that I was cloaked in their scent. I kept it going because it threw off other vampires too. Keeps me camouflaged so to speak," he answered. They walked out into a bigger room with a long bar ahead, shelves of supplies behind it instead of the bottles it would have had, although there were a few still there.
"Smart," Tori commended. Jade just nodded.
"Thank you," he responded, taking a seat on one of the few stools by the bar. Jade glanced around and glimpsed some people meandering in the next room, staying busy. She swallowed and bit down on her tongue. Jack raised a brow critically and stared at her.
"You're hungrier than I thought," he stated. Jade looked him in the eyes and squared her shoulders.
"No worries. How do you think we keep dear old dad so calm and clear minded? We aren't just a simple band of surviving humans. We know how to take care of our own. We also don't want any mishaps. Come on, we'll get you something first and talk later," he assured her. He stood to lead them over to the next room then into a hall off to the side where they stored the blood used to feed the older Cartwright. After Jade had her fill, all the while wondering why it wasn't so frowned upon here, they took a seat at a curved couch pushed into the corner of the room.
"I'll be honest and tell you that my father knows nothing more than what he already told your father which I'm sure you already know. He hasn't really been out a lot since he was turned so he hasn't learned anything more, but I have, and a group of traveling humans that passed through on their way there informed me of its location," he shared. Tori and Jade perked up at that. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his legs.
"So where is it?" Jade pressed when Jack didn't continue.
"I'll give you the information in exchange for the supplies you found," he replied, nodding his head at the sturdy cloth duffle bag Tori carried. Jade scowled in disagreement.
"Hey, we have our own people to take care of. You can't ask that of us," Tori added. His eyes flicked to look at her.
"Fine, then I want you," he decided. Jade growled and stood.
"She's no use to you," she said through clenched teeth.
"I beg to differ. I saw you two fighting earlier. We've been watching you for some time from afar. I've never seen anything like her," he replied.
"No," Jade denied again, body tense. Tori was wary now, waiting for the moment when Jade lost her temper and she would have to hold her back.
"I don't think one…person, in exchange for information that could take you to salvation is of any consequence," he remarked, leaning back on the couch with his arms crossed. Jade huffed out a breath and sat back down after one look from Tori. Jack became interested, smiling when he was clued in with the subtle way Tori calmed Jade.
"What's your name?" he suddenly asked her.
"Tori," she supplied. He hummed and then looked to Jade.
"I'm not blind. She may be something with great strength, but that's not what makes her important to you, is it?" he said. Jade refused to answer, but that alone gave him one.
"I don't want a fight but I still want compensation for the information. Maybe we can come to an agreement?" he offered.
"Which is?" Jade replied, her brows still digging down over her nose. Tori sighed and shook her head before bumping her knee with her own. Jade reluctantly loosened up just slightly.
"Half the supplies. That shouldn't be a problem. I think it's fair," he requested. Neither wanted to give up any of the supplies they found but they had no choice at this point so they nodded their acceptance.
"Good to hear. Let's sort them out while I tell you," he said, moving to sit on the floor. Jade and Tori did the same. Tori dumped the bag and they began.
"I was informed that The Dome is somewhere in Brazil," he mentioned, picking up a can to inspect it before setting it aside.
"That's all you know?" Jade inquired, ready to demand that the supplies be split fifty-sixty in their favor, but then he picked up a switchblade.
"I need a new one of these," he commented fondly.
"Keep it then, but only if you know a more specific location," Jade bargained. He looked up at her with a smirk. He pulled off a few tricks with ease then set the weapon in his growing pile.
"The Amazon, if I heard correctly. Or was it the whole of Paraguay? Nah, it's the Amazon," he answered, nodding to himself.
"You better have heard correctly or I'll be back to stick that some place you don't want it," Jade threatened, smacking his hand away from a particular bag of sweets she knew Tori liked. She tossed it in their pile, making Tori smile.
"You have my word. Will you be going now? It's almost morning. You could wait out the day here and travel back tomorrow night," he offered, picking up a half empty box of shotgun shells. She knew Andre needed those but she had been picky so far and couldn't afford to take those from him too so she reluctantly let them go.
"That depends. I'd rather risk the sun then take anymore offers from you. I can't pay you back for anything else," Jade responded, stuffing the last of their remaining supplies away then handing it to Tori.
"This comes free of charge. I may ask for payment concerning information, but like I said, we take care of our own here," he told her truthfully. Jade thought about it a moment more, then gestured for him to show them the way to wherever they would be staying. Jack nodded then led the way, only stopping to inform someone to store the recently acquired supplies. He walked them down a corridor lined with doors. He stopped at one and opened it to a simple room.
"Thanks," Tori told him while taking Jade by the arm and pushing her into the room before she could give Jack another glare.
"No problem. I'll walk you guys out when night falls. Until then rest up," he replied politely, walking away soon after. Tori shut the door then tossed their bag in the corner before turning to stare at Jade.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" the vampire growled, plopping on the lone bed. It barely accommodated two people. Tori noticed the size and smiled. It meant shameless cuddling that she could blame on the lack of available room should Jade still be irritable up until she finally fell asleep.
"Why do you insist on making things difficult?" Tori groaned, dragging her feet as she made her way over to Jade.
"He wanted you in exchange for information, like you were nothing but a tradable good. He can't just put a price on someone; especially not you," Jade mumbled, leaning back on her hands and keeping her eyes on the floor ahead. Tori sat next to her with a warm smile, leaning over to rest her head on Jade's shoulder.
"I know. Obviously we have different ideas of what can be traded and what can't. Thanks for not giving me away," she began jokingly but ended seriously.
"Yeah, well, I don't hate you that much," Jade admitted nonchalantly.
"Hey! You don't hate me at all!" Tori pointed out, glaring up at Jade who chuckled and pushed her. She fell back on the bed laughing.
"Besides, you're stuck with me, remember?" Tori piped up, stretching out. Jade fell back on the bed so that she was resting on Tori's outstretched arm. The hybrid turned her head to glance at the vampire. Jade was staring up at the ceiling with furrowed brows.
"Hey, relax. We're making good progress. We may have lost some supplies but we can look for more on the way back, plus, we know where to go now," Tori told her brightly.
"Yeah," Jade responded, closing her eyes. Tori still felt that she was tense, what with her arms crossed even while she was lying down, so she pulled Jade closer. Her eyes snapped open just as she was rolled into Tori's side. She caught herself by bracing her hands on each side of Tori's warm body. She prepared a glare for the hybrid but froze when their eyes met. Tori's hand cupped Jade's cheek, her thumb smoothing across her skin gently. Jade inhaled steadily and then leaned in to touch her nose to Tori's, their lips brushing softly.
"You know what really bothered me about him treating you the way he did?" Jade whispered.
"What?" Tori wondered. Jade let her herself relax against Tori, both of them sighing at the full body contact. Jade's hands tucked under Tori to rest at her back.
"The idea of trading anyone for information is messed up. Lives can't be a bargaining chip; ever. But what offended me the most was that he tried that with you. You're too important to give away, and it's not because of what you are. It's just…you. You're you and I'd never let you go for anything," Jade confided, her words warming Tori's heart.
"You're important too, Jade," Tori insisted. Jade shook her head but Tori stopped her, both hands holding her face now.
"You are. At least, to me. You're so important to me," she repeated, meeting Jade's lips with her own. Their vastly different bodies seemed to find a balance when they met like this that it never failed to make the moment perfect. Jade pulled back with a soft smile.
"Time to sleep," she mumbled. Tori nodded and let Jade go so she could curl up on a pillow. Tori laid behind her, automatically pulling Jade against her. She nuzzled into her back and Jade allowed a smile at the warmth pressed to her. She fell asleep quickly. Hours later she woke up to Tori's hand rubbing achingly slow across her stomach then up to her hip and back again. Her searing hand left tails of fire on her cool skin. She shivered, enjoying the feeling a little longer, then held Tori's hand in hers. Tori tensed, gripping at Jade's hip. The leg hooked over Jade's held firmly and a groan left Tori's lips. The sound unmistakably of an erotic nature.
"Jade…" Tori breathed, burying her face between the vampire's shoulder blades.
"Tori, wake up," Jade commanded, her stern tone wavering slightly. Tori's hips were pressed against her and her hand had slipped from Jade's to travel up her torso. It barely had any time to make contact when Jade jabbed her in the stomach with her elbow. Tori coughed on air and pulled away to sit up, coughing some more.
"Hey, what the hell was that for?" she complained, opening her eyes to scowl down at Jade.
"I should ask you the same thing. If you want to move a little faster it sure as hell isn't going to be while you're asleep," she responded. Tori took a little while to understand what she meant and blushed when she did.
"I'm sorry. The dream…felt real. I was…" Tori stuttered, unable to finish what she was trying to say. She cleared her throat and then got out of bed to distance herself from Jade. She was overheated and full of misplaced energy she never felt before.
"Try not to get too carried away next time," Jade teased, getting up too. Tori groaned in embarrassment and covered her face.
"Geez, I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened," she murmured quietly. Jade removed her hands and lifted her head with a finger curled under her chin.
"I'm just as guilty of dreaming about you in…compromising positions. So don't worry," the vampire told her, her voice a purr. A small whine left Tori and Jade smirked. She kissed Tori softly then put space between them.
"Maybe we should get you outside so you can get some fresh air? It'll help clear your head," Jade suggested with a smile. Tori let out a loud exhale and shook her head.
"Ok," she agreed. They made sure that they had everything then left the room. Jack intercepted them in the larger room and showed them to the exit.
"Nice meeting you two. Maybe we'll cross paths again? Hopefully at a better time," he said in farewell. Tori waved and thanked him but Jade simply walked away. Tori jogged to catch up to her.
"Jade," she reprimanded halfheartedly.
"I don't owe him anything more. Now hurry up. If we travel fast we can get back and be on our way before morning," the vampire responded. Tori sighed but nodded, increasing her pace. Jade adjusted to compensate, then Tori began speeding up again, which prompted Jade to do the same. And just like that, they were back to their playful challenges that did wonders to cut down travel time. Just as Jade hoped, they made it back on the boat with time to spare. Jade took the helm while Tori went through the small addition of supplies with the rest of the team. While Jade steered her mind went back to Tori's odd behavior. She had never seemed so…handsy, before. She made a mental note to pull Tori aside and talk to her about it whenever they got the time. Tori made an effort to understand how she worked and respected it so Jade would do the same for her.