So I would have dropped two chapters this week. so here is another thing... cute part coming up too once they get up to Veil. Enjoy~S.K.


Twenty-One


It was just getting dark when they pulled up a long, sloping road to the quiet retreat Jade had chosen. It was off the main streets, and up into the mountains away from city lights. Jade pulled the car up to the low-roofed main building and turned the engine off. "Well, we made it."

Tori was peering out the window, studying the peaceful scene with interest. Scattered up and down the hilly ground, tucked into alcoves and shrouded with trees were small cabins, neatly ceJadeed paths leading the way towards each one. "Yep.. we sure did.. though I was wondering there for a minute after we had to revive your liveried friend at the hotel."

"Hey..it's not my fault he couldn't take the sight of a little skin." Jade objected, mildly.

"A little?" Tori giggled. "Your leg was longer than his body, Jade… I'm glad we tipped him all right, though." She returned her attention to the outside. "Mm… "

In the distance, she could see larger buildings, and the lodge they were parked in front of, where yellow light poured from the windows, and painted gilded stripes across the lightly frosted ground. "Wow… this is nice." She finally said, smiling at her companion. "C'mon." She opened the car door, starting a little as the cold, pine-laden air hit her in the face. "Brr."

Jade smiled, and popped the trunk, then exited the driver's side and closed the door, walking around to the back to get their bags. A warmly jacketed valet appeared, and she tossed the keys to him, then shouldered the two bags and evaded Tori's attempt to retrieve hers. "Ah ah… I got it." She waved Tori on and chuckled as the brunette woman swept the door open, and bowed her inside. "Why thank you, ma'am."

They entered the lodge, which was a long building that dog-legged to the right past the reception desk. Sounds from the other side of the building indicated some kind of restaurant, and Tori could see a dimly lit bar just ahead, half-filled with shadowy forms. They walked up to the desk, and Jade quietly gave her name to the clerk.

"Ah yes, Ms. West… my goodness, we haven't seen you here in a long time." The clerk smiled and looked up, pushing a pair of half glasses up onto her nose. "I swear, you haven't changed a bit."

Jade smiled politely at the compliment. "Thanks, Milly…hard to believe you remembered me."

A salt and pepper eyebrow lifted at her. "You're pretty memorable, I'll have you know…we reserved the far cabin for you.. since you said you wanted some quiet space." She glanced up at Tori. "And you've brought a guest this time… how wonderful. Welcome.. Ms. Vega, is it?"

"Tori." The brunette woman extended a hand across the counter. "Nice to meet you.. this place looks fantastic."

Millie laughed. "Well, we like to think so.. we've been here for over fifty years." She folded a packet together and then handed Jade a pair of keys. "Here you go… do you remember the way, or do you want me to have Charles take you over?"

Jade paused, then exhaled. "I remember the way.. thanks Millie." She looked over towards the back of the room. "What's the special tonight?"

The gray-haired woman laughed. "Just your luck... it's roast beef."

Jade chuckled. "Just my luck." She repeated, then gently bumped Tori. "C'mon… let's go change, then I'll show you around… they've got a nice fireplace just inside."

"Lead on," Tori remarked, cheerfully, as she followed, her eyes watching everything with interest. This, she considered, was going to be great. Jade knew the place, and it held some good memories, Tori decided, just from the childlike grin that kept trying to break through on her companion's face. They'd have time to relax, and just talk.. something that had been rare since… Jesus. Tori thought about it. They hadn't really had time away without any distractions since that trip to Disney World. Even at home, there was always work, and the calls in the middle of the night, and complications. But not here. They'd left their laptops locked in the trunk. "Andre has the number up here in an emergency." She'd argued. "And so does Sinjin.. but they both know not to use it unless the world is coming to an end."

Jade had thought a moment, then shrugged, and relinquished the electronic device. "Okay."

Now, Tori tugged up her collar as she followed Jade out the front door, and down a path that sloped a little downward, her sneakers crunching softly on the ceJade chips that lined it. "Mm." The air was sweet and rich with the scent of cold, and pine, and the wood she was walking on. "This is great."

In the semi-darkness, the sudden glitter of Jade's eyes was startling. "Glad you like it." She drawled. "I used to spend semester breaks up here..it's not an expensive place, but it's family-run… Millie's husband is ex-navy."

Tori nodded, looking around. "It looks like it's well cared for." She commented. "They seem to know you pretty well." She glanced up, seeing the quiet smile on Jade's face. "When was the last time you were here?"

The smile vanished. "Christmas, a few years back." Came the quiet answer. "I'd… I'd just broken up with Elana... I guess I needed some.. time out."

Tori tucked a hand around her arm as they walked along. "Well, I hope you'll have better memories from this visit." She commented mildly. "We… we had a place out off the lake we used to go to in the summers, it was a little like this." She took a breath, aware of Jade's intent concentration on her words. "It was supposed to be a family vacation.. but it was usually a circus... I mean, people coming and going… deals.. the press..you know."

"Mm." Jade agreed, leading her down a fork in the path.

"Sailing was my favorite thing to do… but as we got older, my Dad made sure there really wasn't much time for that… the two of them had parties and whatever… kept us going from summer estate to summer estate.. talking to people I didn't have much in common with, even then." She sighed. "And dressing up… that was always a trial.. me, Shelby and Trina paraded in front of my mother and usually my aunt, to make sure we looked alright."

"Doesn't sound like much fun. Jade remarked as they came up to a small, tree-shrouded cabin with a wooden porch. "Closest I ever came to that was my mother making sure the rips in my jeans weren't going to get me arrested in some of the more conservative counties down there." She put a hand on Tori's back as they mounted the three low stairs, the wood echoing lightly under their steps. "I always liked this one." She turned and nodded. "Nice view."

Tori also turned and gasped a little, faced with a beautiful moonlit lake, reflecting a canopy of brilliant stars and a snow-covered mountain just beyond. "Oh my god, yes." She let out a delighted laugh. "It's wonderful, Jade." She turned and poked her companion. "Very romantic… is this where you always bring special friends?"

Jade gazed at her, a little sadly. "No… you're the first." She turned and continued across the porch, opening the door and gesturing her inside. "I always used this as a very private retreat…I never considered bringing anyone else here before."

"Mm." Tori ducked inside without further comment, flipping on the light just inside the door. "Oh." She blinked in surprise. "This is really nice." The cabin was mostly one large room, with a neatly made bed against the far wall under a window, covered in a thick comforter in shades of crimson and navy. There were Native patterned throw rugs on the floor, and one, a thick sheepskin, resided in front of the small fireplace. A garment press stood against the wall, and a doorway led to a luxurious bathroom, complete with a sunken hot tub surrounded by warmly weathered wood. "Oh... I think I like this."

Jade chuckled softly. "Oh yeah.. that comes in handy after a day of skiing, especially if you're not used to it. Trust me." She put their bags down on the bed and looked around. Hadn't changed. She mused, walking over to the window and peering out at the silent, gently murmuring lake.

"Ah… " Tori was exploring the counter against the back wall. "I see we have the essentials… coffee, cookies, and hot chocolate. " She investigated the supplies. "Cups and..let's see... tea bags… oh.. and little muffins.. this is really cute, Jade."

The dark-haired woman tossed a stuffed bag down next to her. "Well, we can add our little stash here." She grinned, her good humor restored. "Never thought we'd fit all that chocolate in there."

Tori snorted and lifted the bag. "I can't believe we brought it all.. we're going to get sick on it." She sniffed at the bag. "Mm…. On the other hand… " The rich scent was alluring, and she sighed. "Later… dinner first?"

"Sounds good to me." Jade agreed. "Those pizzas were tiny."

"What pizzas..oh, those. Right." Tori slipped out of her sweatshirt and pulled a heavier sweater over her head, settling the edge over her jeans. "Yeah… good thing I didn't order smalls.. we could have used them as drink coasters."

"Could have used them as that anyway," Jade complained, changing into a thick sweater of her own, and rubbing her hands. "It's cold here, Tori."

The brunette woman turned, putting down the brush she'd been pulling through her hair, and walked over, taking Jade's hands into hers and pressing them against her body. "Aw..my poor little hothouse flower." She giggled at the blue eyes widened in outrage. "You Californian's... Talk about thin-blooded… we'll have to get you some mittens." She gently kissed Jade's fingers. "Thank you for inviting me up here, by the way."

Jade smiled at her, obviously charmed. "I'm glad you like it."

"Here.. bend down." Tori released one hand and recaptured her brush, running it through Jade's dark locks to bring some order to them. The silky strands crackled with the dry air, and clung to the brush, winding themselves around her hands as well. "Ack…one nice thing about The dry California air? you don't get this much." She patiently untangled herself, meeting the watching blue eyes with a grin as she fluffed the usually disheveled bangs. "Your hair would look pretty in braids.. want to try them tomorrow?"

Jade blinked at her, obviously surprised at the question. "Um.. sure." She straightened as Tori finished. "If I can do yours… " She gently tucked the brown hair back into a tail, studying the effect.

Tori smiled, loving the feel of Jade's fingers in her hair, as they brushed against her sensitive scalp. "You're on." She agreed happily. "It's a vacation, right? We can do whatever we want."

"Yep." Jade put an arm over her shoulder and nudged her towards the door. "C'mon… they've got some really good roast beef."

"Oh yeah?" Tori obligingly slipped an arm around her waist. "With gravy?"

"Uh huh… and killer mashed potatoes," Jade promised. "And homemade ice cream for dessert."

Tori let out a little moan. "Uh oh.. I'm in trouble." She lamented. "I'm a sucker for homemade ice cream."

"Yeah.. me too." Jade agreed sheepishly. "But it's vacation, remember?"

"Mm… good point.. how much trouble can we get into in two days, anyway?"


"Jade?" Tori's voice floated out of the darkness, as they made their way back after dinner. It had gotten colder, and the sky seemed razor sharp, the inky blackness drenched in pinpoints of light so numerous you could hardly see the constellations.

"Yeah?" The taller woman ambled along contentedly, sucking on a mint.

"If I explode, is that covered under workman's comp?" Tori asked idly. "God, that was good.. that chef is positively dangerous."

"Don't' explode." Jade objected. "Do you have any idea the amount of paperwork I'd have to fill out if I had an employee explode on a business trip? I'd have to spend hours and hours in CAS." She paused and moved her mint from one side of her mouth to the other. "Not to mention having to explain to Mari how I, a responsible corporate officer, allowed such a thing to happen."

"Allowed?" Tori snorted. "You were feeding me maraschino cherries, you fink… you aided and abetted."

A soft chuckle. "Hmm… that's true… maybe I could claim I was performing research and development." She slipped an arm around Tori and ducked her head, kissing her gently. "So… we've got a couple of choices… we can take a run up the mountain for some skiing.. or hike.. or go out on the lake.. or do a little riding.. what's your poison?"

"Well." Tori steered her up the steps to their cabin. "I think we'd better give your knee a rest from skiing." She patted the body part in question. "And that kinda goes for hiking too.. so maybe we can ride in the morning, and go out on the lake in the afternoon?"

That would work. Jade opened the door and exhaled. "Sounds good to me." She'd always mostly gone on solitary hikes up here, to small caves just up range for some pensive solitude. It would be strange to have Tori along.

They went inside and Jade spent a few minutes in the bathroom before coming out to find Tori efficiently stacking wood in the fireplace. "Whatcha doing?"

On one knee, Tori turned and regarded her. "Making a fire." She put another log in place, then tucked some tinder inside it. "I know that's an alien concept for you, Jade, but it can be very cozy."

"It's not alien." The dark-haired woman protested. She studied what Tori was doing. "I've just never had to actually.. um… " She waved her hands a bit descriptively. "Make one." She knelt. "What's that?"

"Moss." Tori packed it between the logs. "It makes the logs burn." She looked around. "Do you see any matches?"

"Um.. no.. but I think you use this." Jade took down a flint and striker from over the mantel and offered it to her. "Right?"

Tori giggled. "Not in this century, Jade." She stood and put her hands on her hips. "I think I've got some…hey!"

Jade had studied the items, then cocked her head, and positioned the striker, smacking the flint against it with devastating efficiency, and sending a shower of sparks down onto the neatly packed tinder. It obligingly caught fire and started to burn, little tendrils of smoke wafting up. Jade spread her hands out and looked insufferably pleased with herself. "Like that?"

"Son of a bitch." Tori marveled. "I've never seen a twentieth-century human being actually do that before." She regarded her boss. "What other hidden skills do you have?"

Jade chuckled, returning the tools to their place, and getting out of the way as Tori gently blew on the flames, and shepherded them into a crackling blaze. It was nice, she decided, regarding the flickering light and holding her hands out to the warmth as it grew. Behind her, there was a low couch, covered in colorful throws, and she settled into one corner, wriggling into a comfortable spot and looking up as Tori joined her, the brown-haired woman tucking one leg under her as she seated herself.

They both watched the fire grow. The friendly silence was broken when Tori shifted, taking a breath and studying her hands, before she looked up at Jade. "I think we're going to have fun this weekend." She started, tentatively, planning her words with care.

A smile pulled Jade's lips. "I hope so… it's been a long week, huh?"

"Yes… yes, it has." Her lover agreed quietly. "A lot's happened."

"Mm." A very soft murmur.

"I want to have a fun weekend… I think we both need it…. " Tori felt the words getting out of her control a little. "I mean..well... I've got something I wanted to talk to you about before we… I... " She stopped, sensing something, and looked up, seeing an unguarded look of quickly veiled fear in Jade's eyes. Her train of thought derailed in reflex. "Why do you do that?" She asked, instead.

"Do what?" Jade replied, with forced nonchalance.

"Expect the worst, all the time?" Tori asked.

A quick head shake. "I don't…what do you mean?"

"You do... I saw it in your face just then… you don't know what I'm going to tell you, but you think it's something bad… why, Jade?" Tori asked, very gently. "Have I done something that makes you worry about that?"

Jade looked trapped. She turned her head and knitted her fingers, long digits twisting around each other in upset. She hadn't expected Tori to ask. Not like this.. not…

Not so soon. "I… you didn't do anything, Tori." She finally muttered. "It's my hangup… it has nothing to do with you."

"Of course it does." Tori felt her way gingerly, putting a casual hand on Jade's knee. "If it's part of you, it has everything to do with me." She could sense Jade withdrawing, and the dark-haired woman exhaled unhappily, and folded her arms, tucking her hands against her sides. "Please talk to me." She asked, "I want to understand... I don't want to hurt you."

It took a long moment, as Jade stared into the flames, their flickering light outlining her sharp features in exotic detail. Then she made a decision, as she nodded slightly. Her head turned, and the ambered blue eyes regarded Tori seriously. "There's no really simple answer to that, I guess." She sighed. "I'm not very good at discussing myself…I try not to think about why I do what I do most of the time, it just gets too strange."

"Mm," Tori murmured encouragingly, hoping by the time Jade finished telling her whatever it was, she'd have the guts to go ahead with her own issue.

"I guess you know I… haven't been very successful in relationships." Jade continued, awkwardly. "I don't know... it's probably my fault…I get so driven… I get so caught up in work, and … " She stopped, and shrugged a little. "Anyway… I was in my senior year at college... I'd just figured out my orientation.. that was a shock... " She exchanged grim little smiles with Tori. "At any rate…I don't know, I guess I must have been a dreamer when I was a kid.. always expecting… things to be like the books, I guess I... " She stopped, trying to find words.

Tori just stroked her leg, gently.

"I... um... I guess I fell in love." Jade said it as though she wasn't sure. "And.. I was this idealistic kid, and I'd read about… fairy tales, mostly…I guess I thought that's what it was going to be like… I threw everything I had into it... I figured I'd found my future." She thought back to that golden fall wistfully. "It was… I remember being deliriously happy." A pause. "Stupid. I know."

Tori's eyes closed in empathic understanding.

"Anyway… I um.. it went along great for a while.. she was older than I was… really pretty.. successful in school.. I couldn't believe it…I felt like I belonged to something… to someone for the first time ever." Jade's voice was gentle, almost abstract. "I figured she felt the same way I did… so one day, I remember it was a Saturday… we were supposed to go to the movies."

Tori picked up a walnut from the dish, and fingered it, her body tensing against what she knew was coming. "Yeah?"

Jade shrugged. "I told her how I felt… how I wanted to spend my life with her."

Tori looked up, reading a long-lost pain in her lover's face. "And?"

The answer was almost spoken casually. "She laughed."

The sharp crack startled them both, making Jade jump a little. She stared at Tori, who blinked and looked at her hand, where shards of walnut were tumbling down. She opened her clenched fist to reveal the cracked nut and sighed. "Sorry."

A tense little smile caught Jade's lips. "Anyway… she proceeded to tell me just how deficient I was in all aspects.. and how she wouldn't have been caught dead with me at any place other than one of our local pool halls. " Jade looked down at her hands. "She said I was unsophisticated, which I was, and uncultured, which was also true, and that I'd never have a relationship based on anything other than mutual bed sports because I just wasn't emotionally capable of it." This last with a wry grimace. "And she was right."

"She was not." Tori shot back angrily. "She is a stuck-up piece of horse's ass without the sense that god gave a dead hedgehog, Jade."

The other woman laughed gently. "I know that, now," Jade stated softly. "But the kid I was then didn't." She looked lost, and very bleak. "And I believed her… I think some parts of me still do." She admitted lowly. "So that's where that reaction comes from, Tori… there is a part of me that remembers what she said.. and what she told me about nothing being permanent.. and how people really just use each other until they're ready to move on." A pause. "I guess I… intellectually I know better, but emotionally, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to fall." She finished, regarding the flames quietly. She decided she wouldn't tell Tori about the little prayer she said every night, as they were falling asleep. "So.. what's bugging you?" She asked, quietly, knowing something had been, wrong for some time now. At least she talks about it, Jade mused. At least she'll give me a chance to try and fix things… if that's what's wrong. She watched Tori pluck at her sleeve and noticed the slight tremor in her hands. If it's that simple.

"Jade." Tori picked up her hand, feeling the chill in it, and kissed it gently. "I guess that brings me to my… little problem." She cleared her throat nervously. "I..um… I"ve been really thinking.. about things.. and about what I…about what I need in order for me to live… my life, I guess."

Jade gazed at her, with an open, haunted expression. "Yeah?" Her voice cracked, and she wondered what was coming.

"And… see, I've got this… I'm not really sure what you would call it.. maybe it was the way I was brought up... I don't really know…. " She sucked in a breath again. "God, I'm having such a problem with this... I don't know what's wrong with me.. you'd think I could just spit it out." She stood, and paced back and forth, visibly trying to relax. "Okay." She turned and saw blue eyes round with apprehension. "Oh Jade.. don't look at me like that.. you'd think I was going to tell you I was a transphobic or something. "

It broke the tension, and Jade muffled a relieved laugh. "Sorry… but the way you're pacing… Jesus, Tori.. you're putting me all in knots just watching you… what is it?" She swallowed once. "I thought maybe…I thought you were maybe still mad about last week... or... "

"Last we…oh." Tori exhaled, thinking about that. "Do you know what I was upset about?" She asked, seriously. "You didn't ask me."

Jade blinked. "Didn't ask you... about what?"

"You quit… you just quit.. and you did because of me, and you didn't ask me about that." Tori told her, poking her in the chest with each word. "That pissed me off."

"It did?"

"Yeah, it sure did," Tori assured her. "We're partners, right?"

A nod.

"Stuff you do affects me, Jade… that surely affected me… I should have had a part in the decision." Tori told her. "Or.. at least... you could have given me a chance to try and talk you out of it."

Jade remained silent, thinking about her lover's words. Bringing Tori into the decision had truthfully never even crossed her mind. She'd considered it hers to make, just like it had always been every time before. It was her job, and her career, after all, right? She couldn't be expected to make decisions by committee, even by as close, and as intimate a committee between herself and Tori.

That would be unthinkable. She looked up at the serious brown Eyes regarding her. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, Tori… I had the facts, I knew my options…and I made it." She watched the hint of disappointment color the brown-haired woman's gaze. "I can't guarantee I won't do the same thing again, given the same circumstances." She paused a moment, then exhaled. "But I'll try to keep in mind that I have a responsibility to you…and that you've got a right to a say in what happens to me." Another pause. "To us."

I can live with that, for now. Tori decided. "Okay." She rearranged the unruly hair scattered over Jade's forehead. "That's hard for you, isn't it?"

Jade nodded. "Very." She exhaled. "But I'll try." A pause. "So.. was that what was bothering you?" She felt a little proud of herself for figuring it out… communication never having been one of her strong points, and she knew that.

"Um..no." Tori stopped, and turned, facing her. Now or never.. just suck it up, Tori, and do it! She hesitated, then she took two steps forward, and knelt at Jade's feet, resting one hand on Jade's knee for balance. "I have this thing about commitment."

A double thump of the heart. Jesus.. she knows I've never been in a long-term relationship… maybe she…God. Jade's eyes scanned her face alertly, then a brow edged up a little. "You do?" She murmured softly. "Um... I mean.. well… yeah, I know you're a very.. um… you seem to be a very loyal, and committed kind of p… Tori, what exactly is this about?" If her lover was having a problem with her, she wanted to know right now. "Just level with me."

The brown-haired woman scratched her jaw. "Um." Now that she was right down to it, the whole thing started to seem really silly to her, and she hesitated, torn between continuing and just…"This is going to sound maybe a little crazy to you… " She temporized. "And.. I just want you to know it's… it's just something that I…" She stopped, and dug in her pocket, pulling something out and focusing her attention on the tiny, embroidered fir trees that were dancing across Jade's chest. "Okay… look…" She put her closed fist against Jade's stomach, still staring intently at her sweater. "I tried to find a way just to let you know…how important you are to me.. and how important our relationship is to me."

"Okay," Jade responded, obviously deeply at sea. "Well, Tori.. it's very important to me, too... I hope you know that…it's changed my whole life."

Tori regarded the sweater. "Is it a good change?" She whispered.

Long fingers gently grasped her chin and tilted her head back, so that she had no choice but to meet Jade's now very serious eyes. "Is that an honest question?" Jade replied. "I hope not…I hope you know the answer to that already." She paused. "Yes… it's been the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Tori managed a nod. "Good." She stammered softly, folding Jade's fingers around the small box she'd taken from her pocket. "Because for me... it's this all my life thing.. and I want you to know that.. I want you to understand that even if we can't go into a clerk's office and say this, I want this to be forever, Jade… that whole.. in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, in good times, and bad.. and have death never part us.. " Her words fell into a shocked silence. "Kind of thing. " A long pause. "Okay?" Well. That was the stupidest proposal in the history of the lesbian world, wasn't it? Maybe I should have downloaded those practice scripts from the internet…. She eyed her lover unhappily.

There was a soft, almost incoherent sound as Jade started breathing again. "T.." Her voice disappeared into a soundless squeak, and she self-consciously cleared her throat and tried again... "T..Tori did… did you just… " Another sucking in of air. "p..propose to me?"

Tori chewed her lip, trying desperately to gauge the response. "Um.. yeah.. I did." She glanced down. "On the bended knee thing and all." At least she realized that's what it was.. there's a point, Tori. She watched her lover's face trying to process several different emotions at once. "I.. what I really wanted you to know, Jade.. is that… you're not going to roll over one morning and find me not there."

Jade very slowly lifted a hand, and slid it across Tori's cheek, cupping the back of her head in an almost hesitant gentleness. "I'm not sure what in the hell I ever did to deserve this, but I can't think of any single thing in the world that would make me happier than to accept it." She pulled Tori towards her. "C'mere." She wrapped her arms around the utterly relieved woman, who practically climbed up into her lap and threw a bear hug around her. "You know you didn't have to do that…"

"Yes, I did," Tori mumbled into the wool of her sweater. "Yes, I did… because I want you to understand you're stuck with me, Jade… you're not going to be able to get rid of me, okay? Not unless you… I don't know... toss me off a cliff or something."

Jade let out a pained laugh, trying to ignore the tear that tracked its way down her face. "I could never throw you off a cliff, Tori." She replied softly. "But if I ever lost my mind, and you fell… I jump right off after you." She cradled the younger woman's head, stroking her hair and pressing her cheek against it's softness. "Thank god you had the guts to do this.. it would have taken me either half a lifetime, or half a bottle to have done it."

Tori peeked up at her, seeing the dampness glinting in the firelight. "Really?"

A hesitant nod. "I made myself a promise… that I'd never let myself risk what I felt when I was that poor, stupid kid back then ever again. " Another tear spilled out. "I never realized that when it happened… I wouldn't have a choice." Jade regarded her wistfully. "I" 've never been so scared in my life."

Tori gently wiped away the tears, feeling a sense of almost overwhelming relief go through her. It was what she'd been scared of.. that Jade wouldn't.. or couldn't… allow herself to accept the risk of the commitment Tori was offering. But maybe she was right.. maybe she didn't even have a choice.

Maybe Tori didn't either.

She wasn't sure she wanted one. "Are you going to even look at it?" She asked, shyly. "It took me forever to pick out... I kinda wanted one like that old one I have, but they don't make those anymore."

Jade slipped her hand around in front of her and offered it. "Open?"

Tori leaned against her, her legs sprawled over Jade's, as she sat quietly in her lap. "Okay... " She took the box and opened it, watching Jade's eyes pick up the glints of the fire of the ring. " It was kinda… I mean.. you're sort of tough to pick a ring out for, you know that?"

Jade gazed at the item, her eyes following the Celtic interlace that surrounded a square-cut, understated diamond. "It's beautiful." She managed to get out. "Dear god, Tori…. You didn't have to… that must have cost a… "

"I have no idea." Tori replied,. "I didn't look at the prices… and it hasn't hit my credit card statement yet. "

Jade stared at her, her jaw dropping a little.

"Well, it was less than the card's limit, Jade." She replied, putting a finger on her lover's chin and closing her mouth. "Stop looking like I bought Pro Player Stadium."

"W… what was the limit on that card?" Jade spluttered. "Good grief… "

"Um…. " Tori was enjoying herself, now that she knew Jade's feelings. "Well. I don't really know... it might have been the platinum… I'll have to check." She almost giggled when the blue eyes widened even further. "Oh… calm down." She leaned over and gave Jade a light kiss on the lips. "It wasn't that bad." A pause, while a hesitant smile claimed the dark-haired woman's mouth. "I think."

"Tori." Jade realized she was being tweaked. "Well… " She drawled softly. "At least you won't have anything to say when I give you yours, then." A slow, sexy smile appeared. "Because I didn't look at price tags either, but I know I got a bouquet of twenty-four red roses from the guy who sold it to me at the office the next day."

Tori's mouth dropped open. "Uh." She glanced up guiltily. "So that's where those came from."

"Yeah, I guess he… " Jade stopped and stared closely at her lover, who was showing a slow flush up along her neck. "Were you … wondering?"

Tori didn't know where to look, so she just dropped her head and didn't answer.

"Victoria." The gentle voice recalled her, and she peeked up, reluctantly. "You could have asked me." She paused, "Though explaining them would have been a little tough. Now that I think about it."

The brunette sighed. "Jealousy is a very embarrassing, not to mention generally icky emotion." She admitted. "I wasn't very proud of how I felt."

Jade lifted their linked hands and brushed her lips across Tori's knuckles. "No... I know... but… " She rubbed the unresisting hand against her cheek. "It's very flattering." She offered. "From my perspective, I mean."

Tori's eyes softened and misted over. "So you were thinking of making this more formal, huh?"

Jade dropped her gaze, her fingers tracing a light, idle pattern "I have this thing about commitment, too." She finally answered, her throat working. "I think I discovered I really like being a part of someone else's life." She paused, then indicated her carry sack. "Hand me that?"

Tori handed it over, watching her as she dug inside and pulled out a small, velvet bag. "You carry it… " She stumbled. "With you?"

Jade stared at the bag, then looked up and nodded. "Yeah… if I ever found the courage to do it... I wanted to be ready." She held out her hand. "Go on." She added, simply. "I'm not very good at picking things out for other people… shopping for this was… an interesting experience."

Tori took the bag, startled a little at its weight, and opened the velvet cord, shaking the bag gently over her hand until a ring tumbled out.

The room went very still. "Oh." Tori sighed, softly, finding it hard to catch her breath. It was so pretty. It sat in her hand, winking at her, a sturdy, yet elegant band which cupped up into a rose, whose delicate petals framed a brilliant, round-cut diamond stone. She tipped it up a little and looked at the inner band, where she spotted some engraving. "Jade wh.. " She looked up as the skin under her arm grew very warm, and she was shocked to see the profound blush on her lover's face. The blue eyes were fixed firmly on the fire, and Jade's nostrils were flared slightly. She looked back down at the ring, then bent her head closer.

Yours Forever.

With the words, something clicked home in Tori's awareness, with a certainty that made her lightheaded. "Jade." She managed to whisper.

"Yes." The response was clearly, and precisely enunciated.

"I think I'm going to pass out." Tori felt a strong grip take hold of her, and she let herself go limp, one hand closing loosely over the ring. She floated in a pleasant haze for a moment, hearing in the back of her mind a soft, affectionate chuckle. "That is so beautiful."

"The ring?" Jade murmured, into her nearby ear.

"The words." Tori corrected her.

"Oh."

"The ring's gorgeous too."

"So.. you like it?" Jade asked hopefully.

"I love it." Tori closed her eyes and buried her face into Jade's shoulder. "But not nearly as much as I love you."