Alright. final chapter. I will follow up with a bonus chapter. Let me tell ya what I ended up doing. I actually took the different endings and put them together. Optimized it for my pleasure because it made more sense to me. Just a little more satisfactory too. soooo I hope you like it. The bonus chapter ... or two will deal with the holidays because we need some happy. and they are a bridge. Maybe I will make them separate one shots as opposed to adding to this already massive story. Then we are off to the next Story in the series which will be called "Fogbow" and yes we are going to need it...because... there will be questions. 'til next time ~S.K.
Forty Three
Tori woke near sunset, opening her eyes to see Jade still fast asleep, her body tangled around the Latina's. That was all right, it gave her a while to just sit and think, allowing herself to absorb fully the last twenty four hours.
It hurt, she acknowledged, even though she'd resented her parents, and dreaded flying home for those far too long holidays. But in a way, it was also kind of a relief, to finally have it out in the open, and not have to pretend, or put them off constantly. She was free to live her life, and do whatever she wanted to do.
Even if that whatever included this, beautiful woman who had pretty much put herself on the line for Tori, in more ways than one. She sat thinking about Jade actually getting into the cockpit of a fighter jet just to come and find her, and a silly, incredulous smile edged onto her face. It was like a fairy tale, really… no one ever did that in real life, right? Of course not.
And yet, she had, making nothing of it as though it were an everyday occurrence for her. "My hero." Tori whispered softly, curling a dark lock around one finger as she gazed at her sleeping lover's face.
Her eyes fell on the neat bandage taped across the cut the stool had made in Jade's neck, and she pursed her lips. She's lucky she moves as fast as she does, Tori reflected wryly. I would have clobbered her, otherwise.. poor thing. She felt very protective of her friend suddenly, and felt a fierce surge of simple affection for her, beyond their physical relationship.
Idle words formed in her head, and she let them chase themselves around a little, ordering and reordering them. Finally she smiled wistfully to herself. "Haven't done that in a long, long time." She whispered, winding her fingers around Jade's, which were resting on her hip. "Didn't think I even remembered how… but there's something in you that touches something way down deep inside me, Jade…and it makes me feel things so strongly it's like seeing life in a million colors suddenly, instead of just a few. Her creativity sparked with the elation she was feeling right now. Writing had been a thing that she did once upon a time... and now... The words floated by again, and she closed her eyes and recited them silently, tasting their depth.
The winds of life are circling
Over grass and under trees,
Touching my heart and lifting me up to soar.
And as my eyes fall upon you,
an ancient song surrounds me
Binding our souls together with sure hands.
The future lies an uncertain path
Under dark and stormy skies,
But I will walk in sunlight beside you forever.
Tori smiled in silent wonder, then her eyes flickered open as a fingertip traced her lips. "Oh… "
"What's so funny?" Jade inquired curiously, her voice husky from sleep.
"Life." The blond woman answered, softly. "You don't have to get up….go back to sleep, Jade.. you still look pretty tired." She smoothed the disordered hair back out of the taller woman's eyes. "I'm going to root around and scare us up some dinner."
A frank, lazy grin appeared. "Scare is probably the appropriate word.. I think I've got grapes, milk, some frozen pizza's, and a can of fruit cocktail." Jade admitted. "Maybe we should order in."
"Ah ah ah.. " Tori shook her finger playfully. "Where's the challenge in that? I like this, Jade… I get a chance to use my imagination.. give me a minute, okay?"
Blue eyes gentled. "You feeling better?"
Tori exhaled. "Yeah… now that the shock is kind of over…I just want to get on with my life, you know?" She played with the edge of Jade's sleeve. "It's weird to realize I don't have to worry about their opinions anymore." A shrug. "And.. I think it was also that I was just really tired…my defenses were sort of shot."
Jade relaxed back into the bed "Maybe in time they'll change their minds." She offered. "Tori, no matter what, you're still their daughter.."
Tori exhaled slowly. "Do you think your mother will ever change her mind?" She looked up, right into Jade's eyes.
Jade's gaze dropped . "That's different…she's… angry with me because she thinks I don't understand how much she loved him… " The dark haired woman spoke quietly. "I told her… we got in a big argument after he died, when I told her he'd gone the way he'd always wanted to, and she should just let him go."
"Mm." Tori twined her fingers with Jade's.
"She told me I didn't understand.. and probably never would." Jade remained silent for a moment. "Maybe she was right."
"She must have loved him a great deal." Tori murmured.
"He was everything to her… she'd look at him, and it was like he was some…god … or something." Jade sighed. "She knew, before they came to the house… she'd been beside herself all day long."
"But … it hurt you too, Jade." Tori said softly. "Didn't it?"
Jade pursed her lips. "Yeah, I missed him so much… but I column't ever say thatto her because it would set her off." She sighed unhappily. "We finally gabe up on each other."
Tori stroked her arm in silence.
"It wasn't her fault. I was - am- too much like him," her lover concluded. "She couldn't live with tat as a constant reminder… It would be nice totalk to her once in a while, though." Jade admitted. She stared up at the ceiling. "You'd like her, she is really smart… has a good sense of humor…" Jade's voice trailed off, and she shrugged in silence.
"Sounds like she misses him terribly" Tori said her voice as light as she could make it "Maybe… maybe they were soulmates." Tori said, hesitantly, the word tasting sweet, but strange on her tongue. "You know.. that old story…two halves, that kind of thing."
A long moment of silence, while Jade considered her words. "I… I never believed in any of that stuff.. but.. " She shrugged. "Who knows?" Her eyes studied the brunette. "Do you believe in that.. in there being such a thing?"
Tori kept quiet, thinking about the question. "I didn't used to." She admitted finally. "I never considered myself a romantic person.. or someone who believed in great, mythical love." A pause. "But.. I don't know…it's a really nice kind of possibility, you know?"
"Yeah." Jade murmured.
"When I was up in Connecticut.. I got to talk to an old pastor of mine, Pastor Erwin Sikowitz.. he used to talk about that all the time, so.. " Tori carefully kept her eyes on her hands. "And.. um.. well, he kind of told me about that.. and how he thought you could tell.. I mean, if you've found yours, that is."
"Yeah?" Jade cleared her throat. "Just… for argument's sake.. what did he say?" She propped her head up on one hand, and paid close attention to a seam in the leather.
Tori lifted her eyes, and studied the dark, bowed head. "I.. um…he..um, he said you can tell.. because when you look at that person, you see everything you need to complete yourself."
Faintly startled blue eyes lifted and met hers.
"Which.. sorta makes sense. I guess." Tori added, in a low mutter.
Jade simply breathed for a long instant. "In.. interesting theory." She finally managed to say, clearing her throat when her voice came out a touch hoarse, her eyes still locked with Tori's.
"Isn't it?" Tori replied softly.
"It.. um.. " Jade rubbed the back of her neck, and exhaled. "Has a certain logic to it." She pursed her lips, then glanced up into Tori's eyes again. "Did you say something about dinner?"
Tori smiled, feeling a happy little jolt in her chest. "Uh.. yeah.. let me go see what I can find." She leaned forward and brushed her lips against her lover's, enjoying the tingle of heat that stirred up in her guts. "On the other hand…" She murmured, delighting in the distraction, as her body forgot about dinner, and concentrated on something equally as tasty.
Jade's hand slid slowly off her hip and she felt a teasing touch exploring her ribs under her T-shirt. "Mmm..." Tori murmured softly, unbuttoning Jade's cotton polo and tugging it loose from her belt. "By the way. .have I told you how inspiring you are?"
Teeth nibbled her ear teasingly. "Inspiring?" The deep voice inquired curiously. "How so?"
"You ignite my dreams." Tori replied softly, her hands exploring hungrily. Jade's skin was amazingly soft, and had a warm, silky texture she really liked. The muscles felt thick and strong under their light layer of softness, and she traced their contours with sensual delight.
"I do?" Jade sounded a bit surprised. "Imagine that." She let her hands slide down the other woman's waistline, long fingers working loose the top button of her jeans with a soft pop. "Coincidentally.. " Another pop, as the second button came free. "You.. " A third. "Dominate mine." The last button loosened, and she slid her hands under the heavy fabric. "I've been dreaming about us together since before that trip."
Tori arched her back, feeling the jeans slowly slide down her thighs, and the cool air of the room brush her bare skin. "So have I." She whispered, as she unbuckled the belt holding Jade's stylish slacks up. "Guess it was just meant to be." She ducked her head to allow Jade to pull her T-shirt off, as she nudged the pants off her lover. "Mm… " Tori growled softly as they slid together, and she kissed Jade's belly button, working her way teasingly up from there.
A slow, teasing touch traveled up her thigh, and Tori let out a soft groan, as her body shuddered, anxious for her lover's attentions. Jade had pushed her gently back and slid a leg between hers, and Tori leaned into her, reaching for the soft skin that was so tantalizingly close. Every touch just made her want more, and she rapidly felt her senses forgetting where she was, and focusing on the touch and taste and scent of her partner.
Until the knowing nips and nibbles and touches wound her body up to the breaking point, then released it into a thundering wash of sensation that left her panting in a helpless shiver. "God.. ' She pawed weakly at Jade's chest, as the woman gathered her in and wrapped her in a loving embrace. Her heart was pounding, and she clung to Jade, catching her breath.
Jade nuzzled her neck, rubbing her side gently. "You okay?"
"Ungh." Tori took a deep breath and released it. "Oh yeah. I'm great." She nibbled lightly across Jade's bare collarbone and then moved lower. "So.. where's this scar from?" She licked the mark in question, near the taller woman's shoulder.
"Mm.. " Jade found it hard to focus, as Tori slid an exploring hand down her belly. "Fishhook caught.. oh… me."
"Uh huh… and this one?" Tori moved lower, across the curve of her left breast.
"Uh… "
Tori continued her exploration, as her fingers felt muscles jump under her touch. "Uh? I don't think I know what an "uh" is." She teased gently.
"Fell off my bike." Jade managed to say, faintly.
"Oh yeah?" Tori chuckled, moving in for a better angle. "Did it hurt?"
Jade had no idea what she was talking about, as her body shamelessly abandoned itself to Tori's inquisitive touch. "No.. it feels wonderful." She finally muttered, finding a smiling pair of lips that captured hers, then slipped away and continued on their way.
The soft sounds of motion from the kitchen floated through her ears, as Jade lay limply on the couch, about as totally relaxed as a human being could get and not dissolve into jello. She kept her eyes closed, and let her mind drift from subject to subject, nothing really making an impact on her conscious mind.
Tori, though relatively inexperienced, certainly seemed to have her number right down pat. Jade stretched a little and relaxed again. And that had never happened before. Usually it took time, to get to know the other person's likes and dislikes, and have hers learned as well.
Not this time. Jade put her hands behind her head and exhaled, glancing down at her half clad body. It was almost as though they were just…
"Hey.. " Tori poked her head out, and smiled, letting her eyes linger over the long, bare legs extended on the couch. "You hungry?"
Jade enjoyed the look, indulging her ego guiltily. "Are you?" She lifted a saucy eyebrow at her, and broke into a laugh as Tori blushed a deep red. Jade found the mixture of gentle innocence and barely veiled desire incredibly attractive, and she rolled up off the couch, padding over to where her lover was standing. The brown eyes dropped as she approached. "Hey." She gently laced her fingers through Tori's hair and tipped her head back up. "You're beautiful when you blush."
Tori gazed at her, lips twitching a little. "I am?" She murmured softly.
Jade traced the flushed skin, watching Tori's eyes flutter closed as she leaned into the touch. "Yes, you are.. " She answered honestly, smoothing the fair hair back. "But I'm sure you've heard that before."
Tori shook her head. "No… I usually get described as..um… 'cute'." She let her eyes open, and smiled at her taller companion. She wrinkled her nose up. "Now you, on the other hand… " She reached up and brushed a fingertip over Jade's cheekbone. "Wow."
She was rewarded with a faint blush of her own. "Don't you tell me you've never heard that." The Latina chided, with a grin.
Jade put her arms around her lover. "Never from someone I really wanted to hear it from before." The words slipped out, startling her, and exposing a rawness she hadn't really intended.
Tori just hugged her back, giddily flattered. "C'mon… I'm going to burn something .." She slipped an arm around Jade's waist and pulled her into the kitchen. "
"So.. what did you conjure up?" Jade asked, as she sniffed interestedly at the pot bubbling away on the stove. "Looks like stew."
"Oo. Right guess, first time.. well, given what I had to work with , it was all I could really do.. it's got those two packages of shish kebab meat you had in the freezer in it.. and some canned vegetables and soup you had back in the emergency supplies." She peered at Jade. "Tomorrow, we're going to go shopping, okay?" She tapped Jade on the shoulder with her serving spoon.
"Good idea." Jade deadpanned. "I'm almost out of Frosted Flakes." Her eyes twinkled as she dodged a mock blow. "Hey… I got you those little carrots.. and fresh fruit.. don't I get points?"
brown eyes slid sideways and regarded her as Tori stirred her creation. "Actually, yes you do… that was very thoughtful, Jade." She commented. "Makes me feel right at home."
Hands settled lightly on her shoulders and squeezed. "Good." Jade answered with a chuckle. "Can I drain those noodles for you?"
They took their dinner out onto the patio, and set it down on the small stone table that faced the ocean. Jade disappeared inside and returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses, setting them down and opening the bottle with a graceful motion. She poured Tori a glass, and then herself one, and sat down, propping her bare feet up on the spare chair. "Nice night out."
Tori leaned back in her chair, and appropriated the fourth one as a footstool. "Very… not too cold." She picked up her bowl of noodles and stew and started eating, her eyes watching the moonlit horizon. "Look at those lights.. are those cargo ships?"
Jade leaned over to see where she was gazing. "Mm… one of them is.. the other two are cruise ships… I think that one is the Norway." She shifted a little so their shoulders were brushing, then settled down with her dish.
"Mm.. I always wanted to go on a cruise… " Tori commented, biting a piece of stew meat in half and chewing it. "I'd love to take you on one.. but I guess both of us disappearing at the same time for a week would be a little conspicuous, huh?"
Jade chuckled wryly. "Just a little.. pity, because i recently got a gift of
two tickets to an Alaskan Passage cruise from the board for getting that Disney Deal." She took a mouthful of noodles. "This is wonderful, by the way.. you're amazing."
"Thanks." Tori smiled. "Alaskan passage, huh? Wow.. I've always wanted to see inside a glacier." She munched on a string bean. "I've seen the Northern Lights twice.. when we had sunspots, and you could just see them at night up in Connecticut.. but I'd like to see them in their proper place.. and I hear you can hear them, too."
Jade nodded, resting her head against the wall and gazing up at the huge, full moon. "They hiss, supposedly…kind of like the surf on the beach." The thought of spending a week with Tori exploring Alaska suddenly seemed very, very attractive, and she sighed quietly to herself. "Yeah, it is too bad."
"Mm… " Tori mused. "Do you like hiking?"
A chuckle. "As long as there's a comfortable lodge at the end of the trail.. sure.. I'm not much for rough camping." Jade replied. "Another reason the military was probably not a good idea." She paused. "Maybe we could work a long weekend in.. go up to Colorado and hike around a little.. they've got good horseback riding there too."
Tori grinned. "Oo.. I'd like that…I haven't been riding since forever.. I miss it." She took a sip of her wine and swallowed. "Wow.. that's nice…hey, have you ever been to Napa? You knbow, like a weekend in wine country,"
Jade shook her head. "No.. can't say I have… I hear it's nice up there, though… have you?"
"Twice… maybe that can be another long weekend… you can take a tour of all the vineyards, and it's really pretty." The Latina replied enthusiastically. "I've always wanted to go back there with… "
"A Lover?" Jase finished.
"yeah…"
Jade felt a silly smile crossing her face. She masked it by lifting her glass and drinking a deep swallow. "That sounds fun." She agreed soberly. "You… interested in some diving tomorrow? Weather's supposed to be nice.."
A nod. "After we go, restock your kitchen." Tori pointed her fork at her. "Even my creativity has it's limits… I don't think there's much I can do with grapes, milk, pizza, and peanuts." She shook her head. "I don't understand how you haven't just keeled over from scurvy or whatever it is people who live on ice cream get."
Jade chuckled. "I take vitamins." She admitted. "We should probably get you a BC that actually fits.. and a weight belt.. that one you've been using is too heavy… tell you what, we can go out to the dive shop, and stop at the big Safeway out there... how's that?"
Tori finished off her portion of stew and licked her fork. "Sounds good to me… " She agreed readily. "Though.. I don't know, give me a few months and I think I'll need that heavier weight belt." She gave Jade a rueful look as she patted her stomach. "Not that everyone with the exception of my mother hasn't told me how good I look." She conceded.
Jade studied her. "To hell with what everyone says.. how do you feel?" She asked, bluntly.
A long pause, as Tori gazed out over the ocean. "Great." She finally answered, in a reflective voice. She let her hand fall to her bare thigh, flexing it and watching the muscles move under her skin. "Getting a lot more of these, I think.. instead of just more padding." She admitted. "Feels kinda good, actually."
Jade reached over and extended her hand, smiling when Tori took it, and curled her fingers around the taller woman's. "Well…in my opinion, you look fantastic… and I'm the one who gets to see you naked the most, so… "
Tori burst into an embarrassed giggle. "Jade!"
"Hey.. it's true." The executive protested, with a smile, then she turned her attention to the water. "Can I interest you in a little walk in the moonlight?"
A squeeze on her fingers. "Absolutely."
Jade stood and collected their bowls. "C'mon… I hear a hot fudge sundae calling me down at the market."
Tori latched on to the back of Jade's shirt, following her inside. "Where you go, I go." She assured the taller woman lightly.
They both stopped, and looked at each other, twin shivers going down two spines. "Well." Jade finally said softly. "I think I like that idea."
Tori nibbled her lip, wondering where the words had come from. "Mm… yeah, me too." She smiled. "Guess we'd better put some shorts on though…meet you back down here." She trotted up the stairs, leaving a quietly reflective Jade behind.
"What about this one?" Tori picked up the nearest jacket, and held it up. "It's… colorful."
Jade glanced up, then chuckled. "Oh yeah.. no doubt about it.. I'd be able to find you at 100 fathoms in that."
The Dacor buoyancy compensator had bright pink and green pockets, and was dazzlingly bright. Tori slipped it over her shoulders and faced her friend. "Well?"
The more experienced woman sauntered over and adjusted the device, buckling it across Tori's chest and stepping back to judge the effect. "Nice."
Tori grinned, and bounced a little, then unbuckled the catches and shrugged out of the vest. "Okay.. and.. you said a new weight belt, right?" She mentally added up the cost, and nodded a little. Her bills were paid for the month, and her raise allowed for little luxuries like this. She picked up a dark pink web belt, liberally studded with small pink weights. "How's this?"
Jade studied it, then hefted the weight. "Yeah.. that'd' be okay." She judged. "Here.. " She added a pair of snug fitting neoprene booties. "Oh…" She went to a rack holding wetsuits and pulled off one with long sleeves an legs and a hood. "This too."
Tori fingered the thin neoprene. "Ah.. to protect against jellyfish?"
Jade stepped closer. "No.. I just think you'd look really good in it." She muttered softly, her eyes twinkling.
"Tch.. Jade." Tori's face wrinkled up into a mildly embarrassed smile. "Let me pass on this right now.. it's a little over my budget."
Blue eyes flicked over the supplies, then to her face. "I could.. um.. "
A hand touched her arm. "No." Tori's voice dropped a little, and she glanced around. "I appreciate the thought, Jade… but I'm responsible for myself, okay?"
The dark haired woman drew breath, then let it trickle out her lips. "All right.. I was just.."
Tori smiled at her. "I know…and I let you get away with it with my fish… and those plane tickets, but it's important to me to stand on my own two feet."
Jade looked almost comically crestfallen. "Um.. " She looked around. "Look.. the truth is, I've got this huge lump of funds stuck in a couple of accounts at the bank... and I've..." She paused, and exhaled. "I haven't had anyone in my life in a while that I really wanted to spend it on." She shrugged a little. "I didn't mean to insult you or anything."
Tori was at a loss for words. "Uh." She frantically searched for some kind of response, and realized she was just out of luck. So she merely looked up into Jade's eyes and tried to express what her heart was feeling silently.
Her companion produced a little smile, and glanced around the store. "We about done here?"
For a sophisticated, intelligent, aggressive woman, Jade certainly could present an excellent imitation of a spanked puppy sometimes, Tori noted mournfully. Maybe it was the way she stuck her hands in the pockets of her shorts. "Jade?"
Those pretty blue eyes focused on her. "Yes?"
Tori gathered up her vest, belt and booties then handed her companion the wetsuit and lifted her eyebrows. "Since you think it'll enhance the visuals."
A flash of white as Jade smiled, and took possession of the suit.
A compromise. Tori reasoned, as she made her way towards the cash register. "Hey.. " She stopped, as her eye caught a bathing suit in crimson with deep gold slashes in it.
Jade peered over her shoulder. "Not your size." She commented regretfully.
Brown eyes studied her speculatively. "No.. but I bet it's yours." Her nose crinkled up in a mischievous grin. "Fair's fair."
One dark eyebrow lifted slowly as Jade gave her a look, then plucked the suit off the rack without another word and headed up to the counter.
"Heh." Tori chortled softly as she followed.
"Good thing I brought the truck." Jade commented, putting the last bag in the back of the Lexus, and giving her companion a slightly amazed, slightly alarmed look. "You actually use all that stuff?"
Tori put a hand on her back. "Believe it or not.. yes.. when you actually cook real food with real ingredients, it's not just pulling something out of a box and nuking it."
Jade closed the back hatch and put her hands on her hips. "Sure is easier that way." She commented teasingly. "I like to be creative, gets my juices flowing."
"Can we cook with your juices?" Tori teased back. "Besides, But it's a lot healthier for you if you cook for yourself, because of all the junk they put in those microwave meals to keep the food from crystallizing when they freeze it… I think that stuff turns your ears blue or something."
Jade considered this. "I guess that's true..." She walked around and got into the car, waiting for Tori to do the same. "You up for some coffee?"
Speaking of unhealthy. Tori gave her companion a wry look, but didn't resist. "Sure." She agreed readily, acknowledging to herself that she'd become somewhat addicted to the sweet Cuban coffee and the tiny pastries that they would get to go with them at their favorite Cuban Cafe near work. Her stomach growled, already anticipating the cheese and guava ones she particularly liked.
Jade navigated the streets with skill, pulling into the back parking lot of a small Shopping center. Tori took a deep breath of the morning air contentedly, tasting the strong hint of salt on it. "Nice morning." She complimented the weather, being in the lower seventies. The sun was warm, but not overbearing, and the breeze fluttered the thin fabric of her T-shirt against her body.
She felt… it was like having been in school, and now she was out on summer break, Tori decided, but with the knowledge that there was no fall term to go back to. In a way, it was like when she graduated college, and started out on her first real job. Everything changed.
Now it was again, as she took slow, tentative steps towards a whole new life, allowing the reality of a partnership with Jade to sink in. It felt so strange, but in a weird way, familiar.
She was hurting over her parents, and she knew that. She knew it would be a long time before she could think about them and not feel the grief of not being accepted… but on the flip side, it felt so, so good to not have to measure up to their standards anymore. Now she was free to set her own standards.
The sea breeze blew cleanly across her, and a gull circled overhead, as Tori smiled up at the fluffy white clouds floating lazily overhead. What was that about breaking eggs to make omelets? Her eyes slipped sideways, to the form pacing beside her. What kind of omelet are you, hmm? My favorite kind, I think.
Jade felt a quiet contentment drop over her, and she was surprised at how easily her lone, and sometimes prickly nature accepted Tori's close and constant presence. She'd been skeptical of her own ability to adjust to that, but her subconscious had apparently been fooling her all along into thinking she was happier alone.
It wasn't true, and she knew it now. She'd just had to find the right person. She wondered briefly if Tori felt the same way.
She hoped so. She really, really did. Jade found herself very much looking forward to building a lasting relationship with her new companion.
She reached out and opened the door to the cafe, releasing the heady scents of the thick coffee and pastries into the salty air. Jade and Tori stood in line, listening as the brand new barista struggle to understand what her customers were mumbling about and asking them to repeat themselves several times so that she could get their order just right.
The Karen in front of them got really annoyed at the situation, and Jade prepared herself to lash out at the woman if she mistreated the poor girl.
Luckily, the English speaking barista got the agitated woman and soon they were next. Jade smiled at the girl, and she ordered for them in a workmanlike, slightly accented Spanish that caused Tori to give her an amazed look. "What?"
"I had no idea you spoke Spanish." The Latina sputtered.
Jade shrugged. "Enough to get by, sure…" She sat down on a vacant stool and motioned her companion to do the same, as they waited for their order. The cafe was mostly full of other patrons, most enjoying various types of coffee, and either the pastries or full breakfasts. "Oh. ..hmm.. " She turned and got the waitress's attention and pointed at a nearby plate. The woman nodded, and smiled at her.
"What is that?" Tori peered at her.
"Cuban breakfast sandwich… had one in Miami once… Really good" Jade replied, with a grin. "Eggs, cheese, and bacon on toasted Cuban bread." She watched Tori cover her eyes. "You can have half."
"Jesus." Tori moaned. "You are so corrupting me." She sighed, and picked up the warm, flaky pastry the waitress had settled in front of her, taking a bite and enjoying the combination of sweet and tangy. "I spent most of Thanksgiving night wondering why everything was so damn tasteless... then I remembered my mother had them cook everything without salt, butter, or cream. Then gets mad when it's flavorless…"
"Yuck." Jade munched on her sandwich, nudging the other half over to Tori's plate. "What purpose do potatoes serve if you can't use them as a delivery vehicle for all three of those things?" She asked, reasonably.
Tori gave her a look, then nibbled a corner of the sandwich. "Mm… that certainly is better than an Egg McMuffin." She admitted.
A chuckle. "Relax… look around." Jade flicked her eyes around the room. "This is standard Cuban fare... you see all the old folks around here? It won't kill you." She stood up and gathered her bag of pastelitos. "C'mon… we'd better get that stuff in the refrigerator."
They walked outside and headed around the corner of the small building, into the lot that was bordered by the cafe on one side, and an apartment complex on the other. Jade stretched and looked up at the sun, enjoying it's warmth against her skin. The ewawrm air pushed her hair back and brought salt tinged air to her lungs.
"Nice day…" She sighed.
Tori stifled a yawn and fished Jade's keys out of the other woman's pocket, then unlocked the Volvo with them. "Pretty, the water will be nice today."
"Yup… we can christen your new wetsuit," Jade teased."
"And your new bathing suit." Tori sot right back with an impish gri as she climbed into the leather seat and tossed Jade her keys.
"Think we can toast the stars?"
Jade nodded. "Yeah, we can bring a cold dinner on board." She started the car and eased out into traffic, reaching over and curling her fingers around Tori's with a sense of decadent freedom.
"And everyone thinks we're out of town, so…"
Tori sighed happily. "Nocrisies calls." she gazed at Jade. "Besides, my boss gave me the day off."
"Oh really?" said boss replied with an arched eyebrow. "You must be a good employee." they both laughed.
"It's going to be weird at work, isn't it?" Tori mused as they made the turn toward the Marina. "What are you going to do if I slug someone for saying something nasty about you?'
"Give you a raise," Jade replied, leaning back in the seat with a smirk. Tori giggled.
"What?"
Tori sighed and leaned on the center divider. "Jade would it be easier for both of us if I found a different position… or resigned? Seriously now- I know how important this company is for you."
"It's not," Jade interrupted ehr quietly.
Tori blinked. "What?"
Jade shrugged. "It's not. It used to be the center of my life… but that has shifted. I'd sooner sell it completely." Jade stopped the car waiting for the gate to the marina opened. "I was living in a bubble, Tori… and meeting you burst that. I have realized over the past few weeks just how isolated I really was."
Tori considered that for a long moment listening to the seagulls cry that echoed over the sound.
"Oh…" she murmured.
"So if things between you and I don't work out… I don't know what I am going to do." Jade went on in a soft almost speculative voice.
"I don't know if I can go back to the way I was."
Tori gazed at the pensive profile, then drew in a breath and covered Jade's hand with her own, resting her head against the other woman's shoulder. "Jade, you're the most important person in my life… I have no intention of losing you." She kept her eyes on the leather seat not daring to look up to see Jade's reaction.
Which was a pity, because she missed the round eyed look of absolute, quiet wonder bestowed on her by her companion. "You know… I was kind of hoping you felt like that." Jade murmured.
The soft clank of the gate lifting and granting them access brought them out, "Why…" The whisper slipped out as Jade began to drive again.
"Because, I feel the same way."
Tori smiled, closing her eyes. "I guess that' alright then…"
THey stayed silent until Jade steered the car toward the parking lot to where their boat was waiting for them fueled up and ready for a day trip. Jade was going to hop off here, and Tori would drive home with the groceries. Jade would get the boat out of the maintenance slip and back to her home dock, where they would depart for their day trip.
As Jade and Tori stepped out of the truck, and brought the diving supplies on to the boat, Two dark figures rose up, and the distinctive sound of a gun cocking stopped them both in their tracks, as Gary circled in front of them, holding an automatic in a capable grip. "Well well."
Jade got in front of Tori and stared at him, her heart starting to pound in alarm. "Don't you know when to quit?" She asked quietly.
Gary laughed. "Did you really think the Senator was going to just let you walk away with her daughter?" He motioned his partner over a little. "If she makes a move towards me, shoot the bitch.. I'm not taking any chances."
Tori edged in front of her companion. "Gary, what do you want? My mother made her wishes pretty clear, and that was for me to leave. I did."
"Oh no." Gary moved a little closer to her. "I convinced her otherwise.. I'm not letting a little pissant like you ruin my plans." He smiled at her. "Now, go over there like a good little girl, and we're going to get in that car, and leave." He glanced at Jade. "And don't bother with your threats… we know it was a bluff."
Jade studied him. "I don't bluff." She stated quietly. "You're going to find that out very shortly."
He ignored her. "Come on, Tori… over here." The gun pointed at her. "Hurry up.. we've got a plane to catch."
Tori exhaled slowly, and moved backwards, until she was pressed against Jade's warm body. "No." Her eyes found his. "You've taken away every goddamned thing I've ever loved in my life from me. You're not taking this you son of a bitch." Her jaw clenched.
"Don't be stupid, girl." Gary said, from between gritted teeth. "You know this is in your best interests... Now move!" His voice rose to a commanding bark.
"Bite me." Tori replied. "Now you better get out of here, before I call the cops and have your disgusting, ugly ass arrested."
He raised the gun, and pointed it at Jade. "Fine.. I can see the roadblock... one more bullet riddled corpse in San Francisco. who in the hell would even notice?" He motioned to Jade. "Move away from her."
Tori reached behind her and grabbed hold of her companion. "No."
"Stupid bitch." Gary lifted his aim towards Jade's head. "I wanted to save myself the cost of buying you something to wear that was not blood splattered. He aimed carefully. "Say goodbye to your lover, you pervert."
Tori felt arms close around her. "Go on." The low voice shivered down her spine. "I'll be alright."
She felt a rage building. "Why are you doing this, Gary? Even if I go with you, I'll never stay.. we both know that… why can't you just leave me alone?"
"Because no worthless woman is going to get one over on me, that's why." Gary answered bitterly. "You're going to come with me, and I'm going to see you back where you belong, like I promised your mother I would." He motioned. "Now move, or I shoot your pal there."
Tori hesitated, then she turned and hugged Jade. "I'll be back." She murmured softly. "I promise you."
Jade saw the triumphant look in Gary's eyes, and understood what was behind it. She put her arms around Tori and hugged her back. "Take care of yourself." She whispered. "I love you... don't ever forget that."
It hurt. Tori tried not to think about how happy she'd been just a half hour previously, then she released Jade, and backed off a little, turning to face Gary with a fierce expression. "You're going to pay for this."
He reached out and jerked her closer, then shoved her towards the waiting car. "Oh no.. but I'm going to enjoy this moment for a long time." He raised the gun, and aimed at Jade. "Sending you to hell, bitch… say hello to Satan."
Jade met his eyes grimly.
"No!" Tori yelled, throwing herself forward, between the gun and her lover, as Gary's finger whitened on the trigger.
Jade met her halfway, grabbing her out of mid air and whirling around to protect her body from the gunshot, as both Gary and his partner fired at the same time.
The seagulls yelled a protest, and scattered, leaving the street in curious silence. Slowly, a dark head raised up from the dusty surface, and looked around. "Wh… " Jade blinked, seeing the two, slumped figures not far from them. She glanced down at Tori, who was huddled under her, both hands clenched tight in Jade's shirt. "Hey..."
Brown eyes fluttered open, and Tori gazed up at her in shock. "What happened?" She whispered.
Jade rolled to one side, and blinked. "I…. " Her eyes took in the two still forms, and the dark puddles spreading from under them. "I.. .did they shoot each other? I don't unders…" She looked quickly around, seeing the furtive eyes peering out of the back window of the restaurant. "Guess I'd better call the cops." She stood, then offered Tori a hand up. "Are you all right?"
Tori staggered to her feet, and fell against Jade's body, clutching her unsteadily as she gazed in horror at the two men. "Oh my god." She whispered.
Jade put an arm around her before she unclipped her cell phone from her belt and started to open it. A gentle scuffing interrupted her, however, and she looked around, to see a tall, shadowy figure standing against the restaurant's back wall.
Jade took a closer look at the bodies then followed the trajectories, and realized they'd had a sniper. Which meant military… which … "I think we need to get out of here… Like right now."
"What?" Tori said in shock.
"There are cleaners coming, we have to go." Jade said and pulled Tori away guiding her to her Volvo.
"What?" Tori said confused looking at the man then at her lover.
"Drive home fast… I'll take the boat just like we planned." Jade said putting the seat belt on her partner.
"I don't…" Tori said unable to see what Jade was seeing.
"There was a sniper. Like they were hunting him, and I don't want to be questioned about something I know nothing about. We'll talk more at home." She kissed Tori's forehead and stepped back, closing the driver side door and on shaky legs, got on the boat and cast off. Standing watch until she saw Tori drive out of the marina.
There were some things Jade couldn't get herself out of, that sometimes would just resolve themselves. She was aware of her Daddy's vast network of friends… but she never saw them. That was by design.
It was a very, very quiet drive back. "I can't believe Kyle's dead." she murmured as she maneuvered the Volvo back where it belonged. "We came very close to being that way." she whispered to herself, knowing she would not be calm until she saw Jade again.
She drove and berated herself for everything that had just happened. "Oh baby… I think I owe you an apology for putting your life in danger." Tori said softly. "Twice." she wished that Jade would call her. That she got Signal out on the bay. But she had to settle until she set eyes on her again.
Tori didn't feel like going out anymore. She wanted to stay home. She wanted to wrap herself around her very brave girl. She pulled into Jade's garage, and made herself busy with putting all of the groceries away while she watched the huge glass doors to see the boat pulling into the slip.
She was upstairs in her room, when she finally heard the boat engine idle outside. She rushed downstairs as Jade tied off the boat on the dock. Tori threw her arms around Jade, who still seemed like she was vibrating from what happened. She supposed they both were. "Baby, I'm so sorry."
Jade held her back and just understood what she meant. She kissed the side of her face. "Don't worry about it." She held Tori tighter, and held her there, her thumb making small circles against the soft skin. "You're definitely worth the risk." She smiled a little. "Beside.. you put your neck on the line for me back there."
"Well.. duh." Tori blushed and glanced down. "Like I'd just sit there and let someone shoot you." She pulled back to see her eyes. " Like I said You're the most important person in my life.. I have no intentions of losing you."
Jade smiled and kissed her love.
The two finished putting things away in a comfortable silence.
Finally, Tori dropped into the loveseat, and gazed at the ceiling, while Jade puttered around the kitchen. She could hear the microwave beeping, and predicted smelling the rich, distinctive scent of chocolate next.
Jade didn't disappoint her, and she smiled as the tall, dark haired woman padded into the living room, handing her a gently steaming cup of hot chocolate. She took a seat next to her companion, and propped her bare feet up on the coffee table.
They looked at each other in quiet regard for a long moment. "Been quite a month." Jade commented, taking a sip of her chocolate.
"Oh yeah." Tori agreed. "It sure has been." She swallowed a mouthful of the sweet beverage. "I should start keeping a diary.. if this is what life's going to be like from now on."
Jade laughed gently. "Jesus.. I hope not…it would end up sounding like some crazy television show." She laid an arm across the back of the couch, and tangled her fingers in Tori's hair. "Listen.. I know it's been a rough weekend…" She paused, collecting her thoughts, then went on. "And I know you're going to need some time to get used to things, but um… "
Tori put down her chocolate, and edged over, slipping her arms around Jade's body and leaning against her. "But um what?"
Jade blinked at her, putting down her own cup and returning her embrace. "But um… " Her brows knit. "I really think we work well together."
Tori sniffed reflectively. "Well.. that's true… we have different approaches, but we generally get to the same point." She was fairly sure Jade's speech had nothing to do with work, but she was willing to go along with the charade. "You're a logical person, and you usually get right to the heart of the problem and fix it."
"Uh… right." Jade agreed, hesitantly.
"Usually." Tori repeated, tipping her head back and gazing up at her companion.
"Usually what?" The dark haired woman hazarded.
"You usually get right to the point." Tori stated, patiently.
"Oh.. right.. yeah, I do." Jade muttered. "I know I do…, in fact, there's a point around here and I'm going to get to it as soon as I figure out what the hell it is."
Tori buried her face into Jade's chest, and muffled a laugh.
Jade sighed. "You have this knack of making me feel like a lovestruck teenager, did you know that?"
Brown eyes peeked up at her. "Is that good or bad?"
"Well, it certainly blows my image all to hell." Jade replied, with a faint laugh. "So I guess my asking you if you want to move in here won't do much worse."
Tori swallowed hard. "Guess you found the point, huh?" She asked softly.
"Guess I did." The dark haired woman admitted. "Look.. I know you can't just give your place up.. for one thing, changing your address in CAS is going to cause one hell of a ruckus… but.. I…" She gathered her courage up again. "I really like having you around.. and I'd like to try making a life with you."
Tori felt a deep, honest warmth creeping over her. "Now.. that's more like it." She murmured, then fell silent as she considered the request. "Work is going to be extremely weird." She finally said. "And you're right… I really can't just give my place up… at least not yet." Another pause. "And you probably need time to adjust to the invasion."
Jade didn't deny any of the statements.
"Tell you what.. why don't we do weekends here, and the rest of the week I can stay down in Palo Alto.. then on Wednesdays, you can come over after the gym." It seemed a good compromise, giving them both a little space and time to adjust to each other.
Jade blinked at her. "So.. is that a yes?"
Tori blushed a little, and nodded. "I'd very much like to make a life with you." She inclined her head, and they kissed gently. Then her face turned serious. "Jade?"
"Yes?" The dark haired woman said, sensing the change.
"What's going to happen to those guys?"
"Oh…" Jade paused. "You know how… we watched my big fat gypsy wedding the other day, and how those guys were really protective of the traveler girls?"
"Uh huh…" Tori said not catching the correlation.
"Well… the Navy is a lot like that…" Jade stated. "My daddy was a SEAL. That's a special brand of Seaman. That my Daddy is dead, means nothing. I don't know how they knew we were in trouble Tor… but they weren't about to let me get hurt… or you for that matter."
Tori swallowed. "Oh…" She stayed quiet a bit. Her mind racing. "Did you notice… Gary didn't seem to know about the leak?"
"I doubt he's paying attention to that if he was so busy tracking us all night." Jade stated. "He doesn't seem especially keen on social media."
"I haven't heard anything. Did they kill the release?" Tori wandered out loud.
"Probably…" Jade stated.
"You know I have been spending some time with Elle and Jose. They have been showing me some of their marketing techniques."
"Oh yeah?" Jade asked interested.
"M… yeah." She looked at her watch it was about time for the next package to drop. "I, uh… programmed the leaks. To drop at different times of the next 48 hours… each leak to link to the previous leak."
"You.. understand what that will do." Jade said, quietly. "Don't you?"
"Yes." Tori answered, steadily. "I do." She studied the desktop. "I'll warn Shelby and Trina." Her eyes lifted to Jade's still shocked face. "I surprised you, huh?"
A faint nod. "Yes, you did." She hadn't expected quite that level of vindictiveness in her friend. "I didn't think you… would do that."
Tori sighed, and rested her chin in her hands. "If it had just been me… I probably wouldn't have, but they came after you." She rubbed her lip with her thumb. "That… what happened today was too much, Jade… I can't have that.. She ordered you killed… She would rather see my broken hearted than happy. She knows what this feels like. I wanted to know why she would even give Pam up. Ambition is one thing, but she's affecting me… Us… YOU." She blinked at the screen. "I feel pretty ruthless right now."
Jade slowly exhaled, and curled her fingers around Tori's wrist, which was resting on the desk's surface. "No… what she did.. what Gary did.. that was ruthless. What you did was justice."
"Maybe." Tori murmured.
"I know you care about your family, Tori…and this wasn't an easy thing for you to do." Jade gave her a sympathetic look. "In a way, we've both lost our families."
A slow, almost puzzled smile crossed the Latina's face. "But there are two kinds of families, Jade… the ones you're born into, and the ones you make yourself… " She looked up and met the blue eyes regarding her. "And our friendship binds us closer than blood ever could."
Jade smiled acknowledgment, holding up one hand, palm outstretched, and watching Tori's fingers curl into hers. "You are my family." She agreed, then reached into her shirt pocket. "By the way… thought you might want this back." She turned Tori's palm over, and set a golden circle into it. "It's an interesting piece."
Tori took the ring up between her forefinger and thumb and peered at it. "I always felt there was something behind it.. some story.. you know?" She turned it over. "Probably just an overactive imagination on my part... though when my great aunt gave it to me... it was kind of strange. She hadn't seen me since I was a… Jesus, probably three, four years old. I went to visit her after I got out of college, and when she saw me... she had me stand in the light and just looked at me for about ten minutes… not saying anything.. then she laughed, and got this out and gave it to me."
"That is kind of strange.. " Jade agreed. "What kind of person was she.. did she do a particular thing, or… "
"Hmm? Oh.. she was a writer." Tori sighed. "Poetry… and these lyric, old fashioned stories about the past, and knights, and things like that." A shake of her head. "The family mostly thought she was a little crazy… I liked reading her stuff, though… she even had a story about Jade Warriors from japan." Her eyes twinkled teasingly at Jade.
Who rolled her eyes and chuckled a little.
Tori was silent for a moment, then she looked up. "What your father did is kind of scary, isn't it?"
Jade nodded soberly. "Yes… it is.. it can be horrific, too. I know you probably felt a little strange about not getting the police involved in that whole thing.. and to be honest, so did I."
"Mm." The brunette woman murmured an agreement. "I mean.. I can see the point.. but it makes me kind of sick to my stomach to know they're just going to.. um… disappear or something… can we even tell his family.. Daniel, I mean.. what happened?"
"I… " Jade thought for a minute. "I don't think we can.." She sighed. "I wish there was a better way to do it, though."
"Yeah." Tori chewed her lip. "Is that... I mean, what he did... is that really what you wanted to do?" She looked up and searched Jade's face.
A sigh. "I thought I did, yes….for a long time."
"What about now?"
Jade remained silent, considering the question. "I think.. you hit a point where you.. I mean, when I was sixteen or so, and taking those tests, I was hot for it... it seemed like the most exciting, the most incredible life I could imagine…I wanted it, really badly." A pause. "But now, I look back and think.. Jesus, was I nuts? " Jade sighed. "I'm glad, in a lot of ways, it worked out differently."
"Me too." Tori twined their fingers, and looked up into her eyes. "For one thing, we probably would have never met.. and for another, I think that kind of thing puts a very heavy toll on your conscience… I can't imagine that."
"No.. I'm glad I don't have to bear that burden." Jade acknowledged softly. "Life's hard enough.. I'm glad I didn't take that path after all."
The brown eyes gazing at her took on extra depth, as Tori stood, putting a hand against her cheek tenderly. "So am I, tiger."
Jade felt a warm fist of emotion squeeze against her heart. "Tiger?" She murmured. "Haven't been called that in a long time." She laced her fingers around the back of Tori's neck and gazed at her, blinking a little as a faint haze seemed to obscure her vision for just a moment. "Brings back a lot of memories."
"Does it?" Tori whispered, feeling a tremor run through her knees, as their bodies drew closer and joined, and their lips met. An emotion half joy and half relief coursed through her, as they paused, and she leaned back, meeting eyes full of emotion for her.
"Welcome home." Jade's voice burred the words, low and sweet, as they joined again, in the warm light of a beautiful winter's day.