They finally meet the initial dialogue was given to me by our friend metatron85 they are so witty and I wanted that sharp wit ti come through for Jade. I forgot to post it before. Im grateful. While I am acknowledging people, Boris Yeltzin gave me the Secretary of state a few chapters back.
Chapter 14
The grand conference hall was an impressive blend of old-world elegance and cutting-edge technology, a testament to the significance of the environmental summit. Delegates from every corner of the globe filled the room, their varied languages and cultures creating a vibrant mosaic of the world's leaders. Massive screens displayed live feeds of the proceedings, translating the speeches into different languages in real-time. The walls were adorned with green banners, highlighting the urgent need for global environmental action.
At the center of it all stood Chancellor Tori Vega, representing Yerba. Her presence was commanding, though she appeared to be a different person from the sweet, unassuming girl she had once been. Now, she was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, her hair pulled back into a sleek bun, and her expression was one of steely resolve.
Tori approached the podium, her eyes briefly scanning the room before settling on the faces of the most powerful leaders in the world, including the one she hadn't seen in years—Jade. The memories of their shared past flickered in Tori's mind, but she quickly pushed them aside. There was too much at stake.
She began her speech, her voice clear and measured, tinged with the gravitas of her position.
"Distinguished colleagues, esteemed leaders, I stand before you today not just as the Chancellor of Yerba, but as a global citizen deeply concerned about the future of our planet. The environmental challenges we face are unprecedented, and the time for action is now. Over the past year, Yerba has made significant strides in addressing the environmental crisis. We have implemented a comprehensive strategy that encompasses both immediate and long-term goals."
The room was silent, the attention of the delegates fully on Tori as she outlined her government's initiatives.
"First, we have enacted the *Yerba Green Initiative, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions by 60% over the next decade. This plan includes the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources—primarily solar and wind—aiming for a complete phase-out of coal by 2050. We have also begun the reforestation of vast areas that were previously deforested for agriculture, reversing decades of environmental degradation."
Tori's voice gained strength as she continued. "In addition, we have implemented stringent regulations on industrial pollution, holding corporations accountable for their environmental impact. These regulations are backed by heavy fines and the threat of operational shutdowns for non-compliance. Yerba is also investing heavily in green technology, offering subsidies and grants to companies developing sustainable innovations. This has already attracted significant interest from our scientific minds, most of which had been liberated from our prisons due to our previous Regime."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before she addressed the room again. "We understand that these efforts alone will not solve the global crisis. We are just a small country. That is why we are committed to international cooperation. Yerba is prepared to share any discoveries made by our scientists with any nation in need. The environment knows no borders, and neither should our efforts to protect it."
As Tori finished, there was a ripple of applause throughout the room. She stepped back from the podium, her eyes once again finding Jade's. There was a moment of unspoken recognition between them, a silent acknowledgment of the complex history they shared.
President Jade West stood and approached the podium, her expression thoughtful as she began to speak.
"Chancellor Vega, thank you for outlining the ambitious and necessary steps Yerba is taking. The United States recognizes the progress you have made, and we applaud your commitment to the environment. However, as we all know, this is not just about what one nation can do alone. It's about what we, as a global community, can achieve together."
Jade's voice was firm but measured, her words carrying the weight of the world's leading superpower. "The sanctions that were imposed on Yerba were a direct result of concerns over human rights and governance. While we acknowledge the progress Yerba has made in environmental policy, we must also remain vigilant in our commitment to these fundamental issues."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the room before she continued. "That said, in recognition of Yerba's environmental efforts, I propose that we take a significant step forward. I am calling for a partial lifting of the sanctions against Yerba, specifically those related to trade and technology transfer in the field of environmental protection. This will allow Yerba to continue its progress and share its advancements with the world."
The room was filled with murmurs as the delegates processed Jade's proposal. The tension was palpable, as everyone understood the delicate balance being struck between environmental cooperation and political accountability.
Jade looked directly at Tori as she concluded, "However, the remaining sanctions will stay in place until we see consistent progress in other areas of governance and human rights. This is a step forward, but it is not the end of the road. We expect to see continued improvements, not just for the environment, but for the people of Yerba."
The applause that followed was polite but restrained, reflecting the mixed feelings in the room. Jade nodded to the assembly before stepping away from the podium. As she returned to her seat, her gaze met Tori's once more—this time, with a hint of challenge, perhaps even hope, in her eyes.
The summit continued, but the atmosphere was charged with the unspoken tension between the two women. Both knew that the decisions made here would have far-reaching consequences, not just for their countries, but for the world—and for the unresolved history between them.
Jade paced the length of the suite, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The room was pristine, almost sterile, with its modern decor and cold, impersonal ambiance. It was the kind of space that could make anyone feel small, lost in its vastness, but Jade barely noticed. Her thoughts were far away, tangled in the past, in memories she'd tried to bury but that resurfaced every time she thought of Tori Vega.
She stopped by the window, staring out at the city below but seeing something else entirely. It had been years since she and Tori had last spoken, years since they had been anything to each other. But the memories were still vivid, no matter how much she tried to push them aside.
Jade could remember the first time she'd kissed Tori. It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, an impulse she hadn't fully understood until her lips had met Tori's. The kiss had been soft, tentative, and for a brief moment, Jade had felt Tori responding. But then, just as quickly, Tori had pulled away, her eyes wide with shock, and Jade had been left standing there, her heart pounding in her chest, a mix of fear and anticipation twisting in her stomach.
Tori hadn't said anything at first. She'd just stared at Jade, her expression a jumble of emotions—confusion, fear, and something else Jade couldn't quite identify. Then, without a word, Tori had turned and walked away, leaving Jade alone with the weight of what she'd done.
Jade squeezed her eyes shut, willing the memory away. She didn't want to think about that night, about how vulnerable she'd felt, how stupid she'd thought she was for thinking Tori might feel the same way. But the memory wouldn't leave her alone, dragging her back to that moment, forcing her to relive it.
It had been a week later when Tori had shown up at her door, her eyes red-rimmed, her expression apologetic. Jade had been weary, not wanting to open herself up to more rejection, but something in Tori's gaze had kept her from closing the door in her face.
"I'm sorry," Tori had said, her voice small and broken. "I didn't mean to react like that."
Jade had crossed her arms, trying to keep her distance, trying to protect herself. "It's fine, Tori. You don't owe me anything."
But Tori had shaken her head, stepping closer, her gaze earnest. "No, it's not fine. I freaked out because… because my family is really homophobic, Jade. They've drilled it into me my whole life that being gay is wrong, and when you kissed me, I just—" She'd paused, biting her lip. "I didn't know how to handle it."
Jade had felt her walls start to crack, but she hadn't let them fall completely. "So, what? You want to forget it happened?"
Tori had shaken her head again, more forcefully this time. "No, I don't want to forget it. I… I want to start over. If you'll let me."
Jade had stared at her, trying to gauge if she was serious, if this was really what she wanted. And then Tori had closed the distance between them, her hands shaking slightly as she cupped Jade's face and leaned in to kiss her again.
This time, the kiss had been different. It had been slow, deliberate, filled with all the things they hadn't said to each other. When Tori had finally pulled back, her forehead resting against Jade's, she'd whispered, "Can we just keep this between us for now? I'm not ready for anyone else to know."
Jade had nodded, her heart racing, her mind spinning. She hadn't cared about anything else in that moment, just that Tori was there with her, that she wanted to be with her. They'd agreed to start over, to take things slow, to see where this would go.
But that had been years ago, and everything had changed since then. Jade opened her eyes, forcing herself back to the present, back to the cold, empty suite where she was waiting for the Chancellor of Yerba, not the girl she used to love.
She pushed the memory aside, locking it away again, as the door to the suite finally opened. Jade turned, her breath catching in her throat as she laid eyes on Tori Vega for the first time in years.
Tori stood in the doorway, her presence commanding, her expression unreadable. But Jade could see the flicker of something in her eyes—something that made her heart clench in her chest, something that reminded her of the girl she'd once known, the girl she'd once loved.
Jade swallowed hard, steeling herself for whatever was about to come. This wasn't the time for nostalgia, for memories of a past that could never be reclaimed. This was about the present, about the future, and Jade needed to stay focused on that.
But as Tori stepped into the room, Jade couldn't help but wonder if they were really so different from the girls they used to be—or if, somewhere deep down, they were still the same.
Jade entered the suite, closing the door softly behind her. The room was a stark contrast to the formal meeting spaces—cozy, intimate. She glanced at Tori, who had settled into one of the armchairs near the window, the city lights of Stockholm casting a soft glow around her.
"Getting the attention of Secret Service while Air Force One was grounded?" The President asked as she approached the Cancellor. "That was a pretty bold move."
The dictator smirked at her old friend, "Well, you know me, Madame President. I've always been...bold." The pause in her speech punctuated with a look , that Jade would almost describe as predatory.
A slight blush rose to her cheeks as she came closer. "I remember… So," Jade began, taking a seat across from Tori, "let's talk."
Tori met Jade's eyes, making an effort to tamp down her desire for the woman sitting across from her. Her eyes were sad but determined. "There's a lot to catch up on. I guess I should start by saying... things aren't as simple as they look from the outside."
Jade leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What's been going on in Yerba?"
Tori sighed, a deep, weary sound. "It's been rough. Dealing with the fallout from the reforms... The people are divided, and the regime isn't too happy with me either."
Jade's eyes softened as she listened. "I heard some of the reports. It sounds like you're making waves."
Tori nodded, her gaze distant. "It's more than just making waves. I decriminalized homosexuality, repealed the immorality laws... I've tried to do what's right, but it's caused a lot of unrest. My father's death was... a catalyst. They thought I'd be a puppet, but I'm not. I've been fighting to make a difference, to honor his memory in my own way."
Jade's heart ached at the vulnerability in Tori's voice. She hadn't realized how deeply the situation in Yerba affected her. "I'm sorry. I can't imagine how hard that must be."
"There's more," Tori continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I had to make some tough choices. People who opposed the reforms... I've had to deal with them harshly. Sometimes I question if I'm doing the right thing."
Jade reached across the space between them, her hand hovering for a moment before settling gently on Tori's. The touch was electrifying, and both women flinched slightly at the contact. "You're not alone in this. I know it's hard, but you're doing something important."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, filled only by the soft hum of the city outside. Jade's thoughts raced as she processed the emotions Tori's revelation stirred within her. She had always cared deeply for Tori, but hearing her struggles now stirred feelings she had tried to bury.
"I should be done with business for now," Jade said abruptly, standing up. "Let's catch up like old friends."
Tori looked relieved, a small smile playing at her lips. "I'd like that."
Jade led the way to the dining area, where Hazel was already sat for dinner. "Hi Honey" Jade said, then turned to Tori " Hazel This is Chacellor Vega… Chancellor, this is my eldest Twin Hazel."
The sixteen-year-old looked up with a smile, her curiosity piqued. "Hi, Chancellor Vega. It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Hazel," Tori said warmly. She was soon engaged in conversation with Hazel, talking about her daughter Sirrah, who was far from her in Yerba.
As they ate, Tori spoke fondly of Sirrah. "I miss her so much. She's twenty now, studying abroad. I wish she could be here with me, but it's just not safe."
Jade watched Tori talk about her daughter with a mixture of admiration and sympathy. The evening wore on with their conversation flowing effortlessly, their connection rekindling. Old jokes were shared, and memories of their past came up, their laughter blending seamlessly with the comforting ambiance of the suite.
The night grew late, and the conversation took a more personal turn. Jade felt a magnetic pull towards Tori, the feelings she had kept at bay resurfacing with a surprising intensity.
As the clock ticked past midnight, Jade and Tori found themselves alone, the room bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. The conversation had faded, leaving them in a comfortable silence.
Jade's gaze met Tori's, her resolve wavering. "It's been so long..."
Tori's eyes sparkled with a mix of sadness and longing. "I never thought we'd be here again."
Before Jade could second-guess herself, she leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a gentle, hesitant kiss that quickly deepened as they both gave in to the feelings they had suppressed for so long. The kiss was a blend of passion and tenderness, a reunion of two souls that had never truly parted.
As they pulled away, Jade rested her forehead against Tori's, their breaths mingling. "I've missed you," Jade murmured.
Tori smiled softly, her hand finding Jade's. "I've missed you too."
In the quiet of the suite, surrounded by the warmth of rekindled affection, Jade and Tori embraced, the world outside forgotten as they surrendered to the moment they had both been yearning for.
Tori and Jade sat together on the plush couch, their bodies still humming with the electric energy of their recent kiss, and as they sat in the dimly lit room, they could no longer deny the fierce attraction that burned between them.
Without a word, Jade stood up and held out her hand to Tori. Tori took it without hesitation, her heart pounding in her chest. Jade led her to the bedroom, their eyes locked on each other as they moved through the room.
As they reached the bed, Jade pulled Tori close, their bodies pressed together as they kissed hungrily. They shed their clothes with frantic hands, their desire for each other burning out of control.
They made love with a fierce intensity, each thrust and gasp a testament to the depth of their feelings. They knew that this could be their only chance to be together like this, and they were determined to make the most of it.
As the night wore on, they explored every inch of each other's bodies, their hands and mouths leaving no area untouched. They moved together in perfect harmony, their bodies moving as one as they reached for their peak.
In the quiet aftermath of their shared intimacy, Jade and Tori lay intertwined on the bed, their bodies still warm and their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The weight of the moment pressed down on them, and Tori, feeling the lingering rush of emotions, turned her head to look at Jade.
"Jade," Tori began hesitantly, her voice soft and filled with vulnerability, "what would happen if people found out the President had... cheated on her husband? How would that affect everything?"
Jade's fingers traced gentle patterns on Tori's skin as she considered the question. Her heart raced, still alive with the lingering excitement of their connection. She finally spoke, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. "I'm in the process of a divorce. It's been a difficult decision, but I can't continue living a lie. I would never cheat on my husband, not even with the love of my life."
Tori's heart skipped a beat as the significance of Jade's words settled in. She looked into Jade's eyes, seeing the depth of her honesty and the pain of her decision. The realization that Jade had always remained true to her principles, even in the face of her own desires, struck Tori profoundly.
"I didn't want to assume," Tori said, her voice trembling slightly. "But hearing you say that... it means so much to me."
Jade pulled Tori closer, her touch tender and reassuring. "You have to know that you're more important to me than anything else. I'm making these changes in my life because I want to be true to myself— and for me, that's you."
The sincerity in Jade's words broke down Tori's remaining reservations. She felt a profound sense of relief and joy, knowing that Jade's feelings for her were genuine and that their connection had not only survived but deepened.
As the emotions between them settled into a tender calm, Tori reached up to kiss Jade, her lips brushing softly against hers. The kiss grew more fervent, filled with a mix of passion and affection that spoke of their deep bond.
They made love again, their movements slow and deliberate, each touch and caress a reaffirmation of their love and desire for one another. The act was more than physical—it was an expression of their hearts and souls, a merging of their past, present, and future.
Afterward, as they lay together in the soft glow of the room, their bodies entangled and their hearts at peace, Tori whispered, "I've always loved you, Jade. Even when I tried not to."
Jade's eyes shone with emotion as she held Tori close. "And I've always loved you. Nothing has ever changed that."
In the quiet of the night, with the world outside forgotten, they held each other, savoring the moment of shared love and understanding.