*Quick note: I added a little scene at the end of the last chapter so stop by there before starting this one.*
Here we have the ending. Can you believe that I started this a year ago today? It came full circle to end the same day it started. Hope everyone enjoyed the long journey. Thank you for reading and reviewing. A special thank you to those who followed it from start to finish, but a very special thank you to ROLF-Wolf-Of-Thunder who requested such an adventure. As always, I'm sad to see something I've worked on so long come to an end, but I'm also happy to see it finished. Now on to the somewhat longer last chapter.
After Andre left, Jade walked into her room only to laugh at Tori's flushed features. She was still turned on, but she was also completely embarrassed that Andre had walked in on them so the two emotions brought an enticing blush to her defined cheekbones. Jade held back from poking fun at her, even though she really wanted to, and looked for her clothes instead. They got dressed quickly while they talked.
"That was mortifying," Tori whined.
"It was hilarious. Did you see his face?" Jade said with another laugh. They left the room and Tori shouldered their backpack before Jade could. The vampire was seconds from dissuading her from her chivalrous act, but Tori covered her mouth with her own, effectively silencing her.
"I got it," she muttered against Jade's lips. She groaned a complaint but gave in, turning to open the door. She gestured for Tori to go first before following her out. They glanced back at their old home only once before carrying on. As planned, they joined their team in the training room. They each donned the lightweight material that served as a type of armor. Jade and Tori didn't need it as much, but wearing it was better than trying to carry it. They could be useful when they got back to The Dome. Beck already had his moment of farewells with his father, removed from any witnesses. Cat and Robbie also said their goodbyes to the few they befriended. Robbie had his tools and a half-fixed Rex packed away. Cat gathered some medical supplies and Andre held the ammo and a few other weapons. Each of them also carried a backpack full of their more personal belongings. They filed out, saluting the two new guards at the manhole. It didn't take long for them to be outside again, trudging along the broken street on their way to the boat waiting not too far down the coast.
"It was a little weird being back," Andre mentioned. Beck nodded.
"It was, but also like a proper farewell since we ran off so fast before," Tori pointed out.
"I'm just happy to have christened our apartment before leaving," Jade commented suggestively, shooting Tori a rakish fanged smile.
"Jade!" Tori scolded, blushing once more. Jade swore that the hybrid could be such an animal in bed but god forbid it's spoken aloud. Then she's a damn prude.
"What?" Beck exclaimed, looking to them, shocked.
"I don't want to know," Robbie said with a shake of his head.
"I'm not gonna ask," Cat chimed in.
"Yeah, you don't want to know," Andre assured them. Jade nudged Tori who shoved her in return. The vampire chuckled, causing Robbie and Cat to marvel at her more laid back attitude. They only came across two vampires along the way which Jade and Tori quickly dealt with. Now they stood at the edge of the dock, flagging down Sikowitz. He returned the signal then hauled up the anchor. It took him some time to bring the boat around, but soon, they were all aboard.
"Just two more? What happened?" Sikowitz questioned them.
"They didn't want to come," Cat answered.
"Well why not?" Sikowitz wondered.
"They didn't trust Jade," Beck said, mumbling the words his father had told him when he asked if anyone had made a decision about joining them.
"Sucks for them," Jade commented as she walked away to store her bag in the cargo hold. The others exchanged concerned glances but eventually followed her lead to do the same. Once they were all settled and Sikowitz offered to take the wheel so that Jade could catch up with the missing portion of her team, they were on their way.
"My father wanted the rest of the vaccines," Beck began, looking to Jade who sat up from where she was laying in Tori's lap when she heard.
"I told him we were keeping them. I wasn't sure if you wanted to give some to that connection in New Jersey who helped you, or even to the people we met in Puerto Rico," he continued.
"Might as well give it to someone who needs it," she agreed with a shrug before laying back down. Tori smiled at her fondly, stroking her cheek and running a hand through her hair.
"So I see that's a thing," Robbie said, eyeing them. Beck looked away and Andre nodded.
"They're so cute!" Cat piped up. Jade glared at her but it lacked threat.
"We are not. Don't offend me," she snapped in an even tone to show she wasn't angry.
"That's right. You're abusive," Tori accused with a barely hidden smile threatening to ruin the serious face she tried to put up.
"Abusive? You're the abusive one," Jade retorted without real accusation, sitting up to face her. She could tell Tori was just messing with her. Andre watched with mild entertainment but Robbie and Cat tensed, waiting for a fight.
"How am I abusive?" Tori questioned, playing at offended.
"You're a tease," Jade stated, getting in her face while her voice dropped ever so slightly.
"How is that abusive?" Tori inquired, not backing down.
"It's abusive to my emotions," Jade explained. Tori rolled her eyes.
"Well I still think you're the abusive one," she stated.
"What did I do? I didn't do anything," the vampire said defensively.
"Well, I don't know, Jade. There was that one time you got mad and threw a rock at me," Beck mentioned, trying to show his support by joining in the joke. Both girls threw him a grateful smile but he almost missed it because they were back to playfully arguing. They could have been actors with the way they were convincing Cat and Robbie who watched with rising concern.
"And you deserved it. Stay out of this, Beck," Jade spat at him while getting to her feet.
"Stop being mean," the hybrid demanded, getting up too.
"I'll show you mean," Jade growled, lunging at Tori who dodged. She evaded Jade twice more before she was chased into the control room and down the hall.
"No shenanigans on my ship!" Sikowitz shouted at them. They laughed as they disappeared down the stairs below deck. Andre shook his head.
"Fighting is like foreplay for them, isn't it?" he commented. Beck had to agree. He couldn't believe he hadn't seen it before. Although he still cared for Jade, he knew she was happy with Tori and was ready to finally give up on the chance that he could be with her.
"Excuse me?" Robbie squeaked, gob smacked. Cat laughed at his expression. There was a thump from below and they all rolled their eyes. Jade had just tackled Tori and proceeded to kiss her senseless, her hand running over her smooth warm skin. Between the relentless kisses she managed to remind Jade that this was as far as they could go for Sikowitz' sake. She wasn't happy with the restriction but Tori made sure they behaved. A half hour later they stumbled back above deck, Jade smirking with her arms around Tori's middle and Tori with an idiotic grin on her face. The rest of the team slept the handful of hours before dawn then Jade and Tori turned in for the day. The next night Jade took the wheel, steering them towards New Jersey. She and Tori volunteered to venture out again and deliver the vaccine to the hardy survivors. When they arrived they weren't ensnared in a trap or brought in by the father son duo. Instead, they made their own way inside through the door they had taken before. Only then did Jack Cartwright show up with a gun in hand. He looked older than the last time they saw him and he didn't sport the vampire disguise.
"I didn't think I would ever see you two again," he said, lowering his weapon.
"It's great to see you too," Jade responded.
"I'm sorry, but why are you here?" he rephrased.
"We reached The Dome," Jade stated. His eyes widened.
"Really?" he replied, skeptical.
"Yes, really. They haven't figured out a cure as we hoped but they worked out a vaccine," Tori explained.
"You're shitting me," he denied. Good news was too hard to come by and he couldn't believe it.
"Ok then. I guess you don't want any," Jade said, turning to leave.
"No! Wait! Are you serious?" he checked, suddenly desperate. Tori and Jade scrutinized him, taking in his ragged and worse off appearance.
"What happened here?" Tori questioned. He sighed heavily and looked down at the floor.
"My dad…he…" Jack began but swallowed and shook his head.
"He gave in, didn't he?" Jade guessed. He nodded.
"I had to…well, he had to be put down. He killed half our group," he whispered.
"I'm sorry," Jade mumbled, walking forward to set a hand on his shoulder and raise the bag at eye level. She waited for him to look up and see her offer. He took the bag from her slowly and glanced at her before looking inside.
"This really works?" he asked her. She nodded.
"You'll be immune. It's the best defense we have right now," she answered. He transferred the contents to his satchel and returned the bag.
"Thank you," he replied, sincere.
"No problem," Jade said, stepping away to stand by Tori who watched on with sadness and pride, which was also present because of the gentle concern Jade applied to the moment.
"Is there anything I can give you in return? Anything at all," he offered.
"Do you have any alcohol?" Jade asked. Tori was seconds from scolding her when she slapped a hand over her mouth before she could say anything. Jack laughed.
"Sorry, we recently ran out. You can't get drunk so what do you want with booze?" he inquired.
"It wasn't for me, it would be for my team. I thought we could do some celebrating when we get back to The Dome before heading out on another mission," she explained, dropping her hand now that she knew the hybrid would stay quiet.
"Oh, so you're staying there?" he remarked.
"You're welcome to join us," Tori chimed in. Jack sagged a little and looked away.
"I would have if my dad hadn't…I can't go without him," he concluded.
"What about the others?" Jade asked.
"They've been scared of their own damn shadows ever since the incident. They won't even step foot outside. Don't waste your time on them. This is enough," Jack told her, gaining back some of his no-nonsense attitude.
"Just a suggestion," the vampire said, raising her hands to placate him.
"A stupid one. We're beyond help," he said, accepting of their fate. Both vampire and hybrid wished they could do more, but there wasn't anything else they could do.
"You might want to get going before the sun comes up. I'm sorry to say vampires of any sort aren't welcomed here so I can't offer you shelter this time. You're lucky I was the one to find you sneaking in," he stated.
"Thanks for not gunning me down then. Good-bye, Jack," Jade said with a nod. He returned it. They were silent for most of the walk back to the boat. It felt almost depressing. First Sanctuary, and now the former rebel group. Had everyone finally lost hope? Now that they had a reason for hope did it come too late to matter? Their train of thought was put on hold when they had to fight off the vampires that were actively following them. They made it back to the boat no worse for wear to share the news of the poor state the group had been in. It was just as sobering for the team to hear. Their next stop was Florida to give Sikowitz what he wanted before.
He left the boat to Jade and Tori so that Beck and Andre could keep an eye on him while Robbie and Cat could do some exploring of their own. The vampire and hybrid laid out on the deck and stargazed while they waited, their hands linked between them. It took almost all night for the four to get back, but they arrived on time with a bit more supplies to show for it. They were back out to sea soon after. Being able to properly dock at their next destination reminded everyone of the harsh way they arrived last time. They made a point to sail along the shore until they spotted the vacant spot where the last boat they sailed had sat. They took its place and waited for night to fall when Jade and Tori were up. Then they gathered at the bow, overlooking the sandy beach.
"Do you think they're all together or do you think Sasha's friends stormed off after waking up?" Andre wondered.
"We'll just have to see," Jade responded.
"Are you coming with us?" Tori asked him. Before he could answer, Jade threw an arm over his shoulder and tugged him forward.
"Of course he is. If he wants that girl he'll have to get her himself," she teased. He stammered, unable to find a comeback, and Jade chuckled.
"Oh my gosh! You guys have been here too?" Cat suddenly exclaimed, running up to the boat's railing. Robbie stopped to stand next to her.
"Feel free to tag along or stay here. I plan to make this quick. We're dropping off the vaccine and asking if they want to come. I don't want to have to wait out the day and head back the next night," Jade announced. No one wanted to be the cause of slowing down the vampire so only Jade, Tori, and Andre went. Andre carried the last of the vaccine and some ammo for his shotgun. Jade was slightly ahead, looking for danger, while Tori watched their backs. They were walking for some time when Jade growled in frustration.
"I don't remember where to go from here. Tori, do you recognize anything?" she finally confessed, stopping to look back at the hybrid who wasn't even listening to her. She was concentrating on a scent she had picked up.
"Do you smell that?" she questioned, meeting the vampire's eyes. Jade focused on the light breeze, picking up on something that only strengthened when the wind blew a little harder.
"Yeah. Let's go," she said, speeding up into a strident jog. Tori nodded and tugged at Andre to go faster so that they were all side by side. Andre was at a loss but followed their lead without questioning them. They came upon Sasha, doing her best to fight off a large group of vampires, but she was pinned down. Jade ran headlong into the fray, throwing an attacking vampire away from her with ease. Meanwhile, Tori picked up a broken down car and tossed it at five vampires standing close together. At that point Sasha looked up to see them. She smiled as a cut on her cheek slowly mended. She smacked a vampire aside and began fighting her way to them. Jade and Tori did the same, Andre's shotgun going off when a vampire got too close to him.
"Well, well, well. Look what the dog dragged in," Sasha joked, tossing a vampire towards Jade who effortlessly beheaded it.
"I'm here all on my own mutt. Tori in no way made me help you," Jade replied. Sasha allowed a grateful smile then grabbed a vampire to use as a battering ram.
"Come on!" she commanded with a wave of her hand. Jade, Tori, and Andre quickly ran through the path she created. When they reached her she began running and they followed close behind. Any vampire that attempted to catch up with them was blown away by Andre's shotgun or forcefully removed by the two hybrids and vampire. Slowly there were fewer and fewer of them. When they were in the clear they slowed to a stop so that Andre could catch his breath. Sasha and Tori were breathing a little heavily. Jade kept an eye out, having been the only one unaffected by the long-winded run. If anything, she was feeling a slight tinge of hunger, but nothing too pressing.
"That was a close one, eh?" Sasha asked them with a chuckle. They each nodded in agreement.
"So what brought you guys back? Not that I don't want you here," the Aussie hybrid wondered yet was quick to show she was happy to see them again.
"We found The Dome and helped to make a vaccine which we've been distributing. We're here to offer you the same along with an opportunity to go back with us. If you want," Tori explained. Sasha's expression lit up at that, her excitement clear.
"You're kidding," she stated, at a loss for anything more to say. Andre shook his head.
"Nope. We want you to come with," he said with a smile.
"Even though it would mean another annoying mutt to deal with," Jade tacked on, smirking when Sasha shot her a light glare. She didn't take offense though. There was a teasing air to the vampire's voice she hadn't heard before. On closer inspection she didn't seem so wound up. She was calm and in control, devoid of discomfort and stress. Something happened in the time she hadn't seen them, and she was nosy enough to want to find out. She had a feeling it was perfect material to tease Jade about.
"You're funnier than the last time we met, vamp," Sasha quipped, earning a small smile from Jade.
"Things change," she remarked with a shrug.
"It seems they do. Even for moody vampires," Sasha said. Jade's frown was back now. Sasha casually waltzed over and stopped to drape an arm over Tori's shoulder. Now that she was closer to her fellow hybrid she could pick up on the slight change to Tori's scent. Positioned so close to her she was also not too far from the vampire whose eyes never left her yet hadn't reacted negatively to her actions. She could tell that Jade didn't like what she was doing but she made no move to separate them. It was like she gained some confidence since the last time Sasha saw them. She was curious to know what caused the change.
"I mean, something must have happened to loosen you up. You look well fed, but it has to be something even better than that," she continued, feeling Tori blush next to her. Jade took in Tori's shy expression then flicked her sharp gaze to Sasha.
"If you're trying to agitate me, it won't work. You know what you sense and you don't need me to tell you," she stated, unaffected. Sasha pouted a little before brightening again, dropping her arm from Tori to place it on Jade instead. The vampire tensed only slightly but allowed it, brows slanting down ever so slightly.
"Damn, you really changed, haven't you? What happened to that stick up your ass?" she questioned.
"As you pointed out, it helps to be properly fed," Jade answered. Sasha nodded slowly, waiting for more, but when the vampire had nothing else to say, she dropped her arm and stepped away.
"Ok then, let's get to shelter, pass out the vaccines, get something to eat, and then go from there, yeah?" she suggested, dropping it for now. The group agreed. Together they traveled through the destroyed city. It was only a matter of time before their surroundings started to become familiar. They scaled the ledge up to the precariously stacked buildings and entered through the covered hole in the side. Sasha led the way through the building and then they were back in the small home they had been in before. The two Spanish speakers were conversing with the two whom Sasha dedicated herself to protecting. When they entered, all eyes were on them.
"I'm back, and I brought friends!" Sasha announced to the room.
"It's you again," the woman commented, voice terse.
"Look, we don't want a fight. We only returned to tell you that we know where The Dome is. We've been there and want to offer you a chance to go with us. We also brought the newly created vaccine that will make you immune to the virus," Jade explained in her best attempt at amiable, stepping forward so that she faced the suspicious group of humans. The Spanish speaking man began talking, no doubt asking what she said, so the English speaking man translated it for him and his wife. They all fell quick afterwards, contemplating their decision. Sasha watched on with something like worry. She wanted very much to see The Dome and live in a far safer environment, but she was afraid her companions wouldn't agree. They were already distrustful of her for letting their boat get taken. They only recently began trusting her again and she'd hate to leave them if they decided differently. It was some time before answers were given.
"Let's get the vaccine out of the way and discuss the rest over dinner," the man suggested. The team agreed, separating to help where they could, while Jade removed herself to give the humans space. She stood in the hall, leaning on the wall, when Sasha came over and leaned on the wall next to her. Jade only gave her a passing glance.
"It's nice to see you aren't always a hot head," the hybrid commented. Jade didn't reply, waiting for whatever it was Sasha actually wanted to say.
"Ok, look. I wanna join you guys regardless of what my friends say," she stated. Jade raised a brow at that.
"You mean, you're willing to leave them if they don't want to go with us?" she asked.
"They'll be immune. They know how to fight. They'll have a better chance than they did before. I can't hold myself back just because they don't want to better themselves," Sasha muttered, looking to the floor. Jade hummed acknowledgment and nodded.
"So no matter what you're going with us?" she inquired. Sasha looked to Tori and Andre who were helping the four humans inject the vaccine then turned to look at Jade.
"Yeah. I feel like I've done all I could for them. It's time I be put to use doing what I've been created for. I want to help the world, and I can't do that if I'm stuck here," she decided.
"Well, Andre will be happy to hear that," Jade remarked. Sasha looked to him and back at the vampire with questioning eyes. Jade chuckled.
"Don't tell me you don't notice that he likes you," she said, laughing when the hybrid's eyes widened.
"What?" she gasped, looking to Andre again, as if seeing him would reveal the truth.
"Looks like they're going to get ready to eat. You might want to join them," Jade advised, pushing off the wall to wander away. She planned to keep watch at the entrance until they were done. It was an hour or so later when Tori found her.
"Ready to get going? We'll have to move quickly if we want to get back on time but at least we won't have to wait until the next night to leave," she commented.
"And the others?" Jade asked.
"They all want to go with us," Tori responded, a happy note to her voice.
"Makes it easier for Sasha," the vampire replied, taking her eyes off the landscape to look to Tori who tilted her head questioningly.
"Sasha told me she was going with us no matter what, but she felt conflicted leaving her friends here should they not want to go," Jade explained.
"So then it all works out," Tori concluded.
"Seems so," Jade agreed. Andre appeared at that moment with Sasha following close by, the four humans tailing her.
"Ready to go?" Jade questioned them. Andre and Sasha nodded. And with that they set a fast paced journey back to the boat. The four humans weren't completely helpless. They each had a weapon of their own that they knew very well how to wield. Regardless, they were placed in the middle with Andre heading them, the non-humans surrounding them on all sides. They didn't have much trouble getting back and Sikowitz greeted them jovially once they were aboard. Tori happily played translator between them while Sasha wandered away to talk with Andre. Jade briefly exchanged a knowing look with Tori who smiled.
Beck took over getting their guests situated while Tori and Jade went to sleep and Sikowitz took the wheel. It took them two more days to reach their destination, and in that time, Jade made sure to show the four humans that she wasn't a threat. She held conversations with the two English speakers and had Tori or Sasha translate for the Spanish speakers. It was nice to finally get to speak with the distrustful humans. By the end of their conversation Jade felt like they might actually trust her. It probably helped that she was patient and didn't get irritated at the fact that they didn't trust her in the first place. It was understandable. She just had to be patient and it paid off. Jade woke up to Tori poking at her. She swatted her hand away and sat up.
"Are we there yet?" she asked.
"We docked a few hours ago. I stayed to be here when you woke up but I told the others to head out and help the newcomers get settled in. Sasha already has a room for her in the same building as us," Tori informed her.
"Let's get going then," Jade replied, sliding off the bed and standing after slipping on her boots. Tori held their backpack and led the way. They greeted Sikowitz on their way out and headed right for home. Jade repeated the word in her head. This was their home. She smiled just as two familiar beaming faces ran up to them. They stopped to tell Olivia and Max about their latest trip. They listened with excitement, eager to do the same when they were old enough. They had to leave shortly after, freeing the two to continue. They had just entered the building when they heard someone calling them.
"Just got my room all set up with the little that I had. Met a fellow hybrid too," Sasha said as she jogged over to them. Jade was seconds from sharing her negative creative comment when the mentioned hybrid showed up.
"What is it about nice hybrids and mean vampires?" Tyrell questioned playfully.
"You should have met Garett," Tori mentioned with a bitter frown, saving Jade from answering with her own retort.
"That bad?" Sasha asked. Both Tori and Jade only nodded.
"Good. All of you are right where I need you. I was just about to send for you," Deidrick said, suddenly walking out from the double doors to their right. Jade rolled her eyes but the others greeted him. He introduced himself to Sasha before addressing them all again.
"I wanted to speak with you about distributing the vaccine. I have a few teams set up and I was wondering where each of you would want to be placed," he explained.
"Tori and I have Beck and Andre. We also brought back the rest of our team, but they might be a better asset here than out there," Jade answered.
"I'm fine wherever you need me," Sasha told him.
"Ditto," Tyrell added.
"Then I'll make the preparations and inform you when we need you. Until then," Deidrick said in farewell, disappearing behind the double doors once again.
"Sounds like fun," Sasha spoke up.
"It is. I've been on patrols. This will be far more interesting since we'll have to travel," Tyrell mentioned.
"We've done our fair share of traveling. It's…interesting," Tori allowed.
"You mean dangerous and life threatening," Jade corrected. Her hybrid mate glared at her but she just smiled innocently.
"No worries. As long as I get to come back here once in a while and check on my friends I'll be fine. Oh, which reminds me, Andre asked to meet up in the park," Sasha said, rushing to the door. Jade smirked, wishing the Aussie hybrid had stuck around so that she could tease her. Tori saw her expression and shook her head, glad Sasha had left just in time.
"We're going to meet up with our friends after a quick stop at home to drop off our stuff. If you aren't busy, you can tag along," Tori offered her fellow hybrid. Tyrell smiled.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll wait for you guys here," he agreed. Jade's expression was a little sour now, seeing as she didn't really tolerate him, but she remained quiet for Tori's sake. They left to drop off their bags in their room but Jade stopped Tori before they could go back out. Tori turned to her, waiting for an explanation.
"I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I just wanted to tell you that even if they come up with a safer and more effective cure, I don't want it," Jade told her.
"What? Why?" Tori replied, brows furrowed. Jade took her hands in her own and sighed.
"I used to hate what happened to me. I never wanted to be this way. But then I ran into you," she began. A sunny smile began to tug at Tori's lips when Jade jokingly scolded her.
"First of all, this isn't going to be some sappy shit, ok? I'm just being truthful," she established. Tori laughed but nodded.
"Ok," she accepted, trying to hold back her smile but failing. It brought a smile to Jade's face knowing that she made Tori happy. She wrapped her arms around her neck and lightly leaned into her.
"After running into you I quickly realized that you drove me crazy. You were a nuisance and I wanted you gone, but not because I hated you. It was because I actually liked you and I hated it. I didn't want to get attached. But you showed me that it's ok to let someone in. I love you, Tori. And if remaining this way allows me to be with you as long as I can, then I'll turn down the cure every single time," Jade stated, leaning in to rest her forehead on Tori's, their noses brushing. Tori's eyes watered but she blinked away the tears and kissed Jade softly.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be there for you. I love you, Jade," she whispered. The vampire wished she could properly express the emotions running through her, because right about now she would be crying just as much as the hybrid. They wrapped each other in a firm embrace, holding it a moment before parting.
"Let's go see where everyone is. I'd like to spend time with them before we go traveling around the world," Tori jested.
"But afterward, we're coming back here and spending the rest of the night together," Jade bargained. Tori agreed. Jade took her by the hand and together they returned to the lobby where Tyrell joined them. He was oddly quiet the whole way to Beck and Andre's place. When they arrived they were a little surprised to see that Cat and Robbie were also there. They had made arrangements to share a place close by. Just as the two Spanish speakers and Sasha's friends found a place of their own. Andre was still out with Sasha and each of them joked about what they could be up to. But he returned with Sasha an hour later, a smile on both their faces. Tyrell was the only one that didn't spare them from the jokes.
It felt great to have everyone together again with the addition of two more who effortlessly fit in. It was as if they had always been there. When it got late, everyone turned in except for Tyrell who was on patrol duty. Tori and Jade went back home and sat out on the balcony, leaning against each other and looking up at the stars. Tori sighed in content, resting her head on Jade's shoulder as a grin lit up her face. Jade strengthened her hold in return and felt the involuntary smile tug at the corner of her lips. In that moment, after all those years of unrest, Jade was finally at peace despite not being cured. She had Tori, who was also just as happy regardless of her non-human status. They brought out the humanity in each other and that was good enough for them. They were exactly where they wanted to be.