I bet you're happy this got out of my control aren't you? Well, you should be. You unknowingly got more than one part, you got the third part that split into two parts by itself. Originally it was only going to be two pages more than the last one but, well, this happened. Enjoy!

When they were done fixing up their appearance and were finally ready to go, they headed downstairs. Trina sat at the table eating but she tensed visibly when the two entered, her eyes riveted suspiciously on Jade before switching to Tori.

"So…you guys…goin' out?" she asked them uncertainly.

"In both meanings of the term, yes, we're going out," Tori replied. Her hand found Jade's to intertwine their fingers together. Trina's eyes flicked to the gesture before going back to her food.

"That's good, I guess. Maybe now I can use the princess to calm the savage beast," Trina said with a grin. Jade let out a noise that showed her rising irritation. She took a step in Trina's direction but Tori tugged her back, soothing words spoken lightly to calm Jade down.

"Trina, please try to get along," Tori asked her sister hopefully.

"As soon as she does," Trina responded, standing to put her plate in the sink. Jade rolled her eyes with a sigh before plastering a big, fake, smile on her face. She dropped Tori's hand and advanced on Trina. Tori hesitated to stop her but decided in the end to see what she was up to. Jade walked into the kitchen and waited for Trina to turn around before acting. Her expression made Trina suspicious and she froze, her hands half up in an attempt to keep Jade back. Jade quickly grabbed Trina, who struggled at first, before Jade's superior strength forced her into a bone crushing hug much like the one she had given to Tori when she had to ask her for permission to go to Yerba with her. Tori laughed at Trina's confused, scared, and pain filled expression. Jade released her and Trina fell to the floor limply.

"I really hope we can be best buds," Jade deadpanned, her smirk back in place as she gazed down at Trina with her arms crossed.

"Aw, how sweet Jade," Tori teased. Jade shrugged and walk back over to her.

"I try," she replied, taking Tori's hand and leading her to the door.

"See you later Trina!" Tori called to her still dazed older sister. They left the house and jumped in Jade's car. The trip over to their favorite diner was spent laughing at Jade's antics.

"You didn't have to break her spine," Tori reprimanded her half-heartedly.

"What? I was just giving her an innocent little hug. You should be happy I tried," she pointed out, still playing up that she hadn't mean to hurt Trina. Tori shook her head but smiled.

"I am happy," Tori assured her, reaching out to squeeze Jade's shoulder affectionately. Jade grinned and Tori dropped her hand to relax into the seat. When they finally arrived, they climbed out and hurried inside. They were given their usual personal two person booth in view of the stage and only had to wait a few minutes before Hank and his wife Sherry showed up.

"Hey girls, how's it going? We haven't seen you two in so long," Hank greeted.

"We're good Hank, thank you. A play just came up and everyone's scrambling to practice so we've been a little busy," Tori replied.

"Well that's good to hear. What roles did you get?" Sherry questioned.

"Tori has the lead role," Jade answered proudly, giving Tori a smile.

"Because you didn't take it. How am I supposed to compete for the main role when my competitor doesn't even try?" Tori joked. Jade only shrugged.

"I've been a pain in the neck for too long so I figured I'd politely step down once in a while. Besides, you've gotten better and deserve the role. It isn't like I have anything too bad. I'm the supporting role," Jade told her. Hank and Sherry watched the two politely disagree with wide smiles.

"At this rate, you guys are going to definitely end up as an old bickering married couple for sure. I should know," Hank observed. Sherry rolled her eyes at him but smiled.

"Only if I get to have the last word," Jade bargained, making Tori laugh.

"Yes Nancy, of course. Anything for you, honey," Tori responded using the voice she used for Walter. Jade grinned and Sherry chuckled, understanding the reference.

"Oh, did I tell you how conflicted Jade was the first time she came in here after that date you two went on and the following play?" she spoke up, making Jade groan. Tori immediately became interested.

"No, do tell," she encouraged.

"I'll let you ladies gossip. I still have a few things I need to take care of. This place won't run itself after all," Hank said, knowing they would want their girl talk.

"Make sure you don't strain your back," Sherry warned him. He waved a hand at her and nodded.

"Yeah, yeah, I told you I've been feeling better, woman," he responded playfully.

"Sounds like someone I know," Tori muttered, shooting Jade a look out of the corner of her eyes. Jade jabbed her with her elbow, having heard her. At one point Jade had gotten sick and Tori fussed over her for a few days. Jade claimed she was getting better every day but Tori ignored her until she really had gotten better.

"Ok, just be careful Hank," Sherry replied, concerned. He nodded but continued to grumble under his breath.

"See you ladies later!" he said in farewell. They waved and he disappeared into the back. Sherry pulled up a chair from another table and sat down at the other side of theirs.

"Ok, so according to Jade, it had been the day following the play when she had stumbled upon our humble diner," Sherry began, her storyteller voice taking over. Jade rolled her eyes and Sherry slapped her arm where it was resting on the table.

"Stop that before your eyes fall out," she reprimanded. Jade chuckled but did as she was told.

"Just get on with the story before I change my mind about letting you tell her," Jade responded, clearly getting embarrassed again. Tori wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned on her shoulder. She thought it was beyond cute when Jade got like this.

"Oh, stop it, you know I'll tell the story whether you like it or not," Sherry retorted.

"Yeah, I know," Jade admitted knowingly.

"So, the story," Tori reminded them, trying to keep them on track before they fell into playful banter that would surely distract Sherry. Tori knew it was a sneaky trick Jade sometimes utilized, but after a while she had caught on and did her best to counteract it. She shot Jade a smug grin to which Jade only pouted. She knew that Tori knew what she was doing so she gave in, seeing no point in stalling anymore.

"Just get on with it," she sighed. Sherry reached over and placed a hand on Jade's in a maternal manner.

"She has you wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?" she asked Jade who only nodded, mock sadness dramatized.

"Sherry! How did you know?" Tori added, pausing between Sherry's name and the rest of her sentence, making it sound like she was appalled but really she was in agreement.

"It's ok Tori, you're the only one I'd ever let take advantage so it doesn't hurt my pride too much," Jade joked. Tori smiled and kissed her cheek, making Sherry smile at them.

"It warms my heart to see you so happy now, Jade. Remember that first night you came in? You were confused and conflicted. Your expression instantly caught my attention. No one should look like that when I could do something for them. I remember coming up to you and personally showing you a table. You spat acidic sarcasm and tried to wave me away but I persisted," Sherry began. Jade looked like she regretted the way she had acted.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I'm glad you decided to help my sorry self in the end," Jade spoke up.

"No worries. I understand, which was why I helped," Sherry replied.

"But still, thank you," Jade said for the millionth time since they met.

"My pleasure. So, once Jade allowed me to join her at the table I got her to explain the situation. She told me of a girl she had disliked for some time but slowly grew to like her due to her caring and helpful nature. She said the girl was always there no matter how hard she pushed her away. The recent events had led her to believe she was falling for this honest and sweet young lady," Sherry continued.

"Don't romanticize it," Jade said with a chuckle.

"But it's true. You said she was so bright and warm, lighting up the dark hole you let yourself slip into," Sherry protested. Jade blushed and avoided Tori's searching gaze.

"You said that?" Tori asked, her hold tightening on Jade.

"I might have…but Sherry was so good at wheedling feelings out of me," Jade accused as an excuse. Sherry and Tori both laughed.

"Just continue," Jade grumbled.

"Ok, well, I remember suggesting that you should just tell her when you said that you had been nothing but mean to her and she wouldn't accept the confession. Plus, you said you didn't have the confidence to do so," Sherry added.

"Aww, you were scared?" Tori questioned her girlfriend.

"Maybe I was, but I get nervous like any other person. I really liked you Tori and it made sense if you rejected me because of all the crap I put you through. I'm just glad you're such a forgiving person," Jade acknowledged.

"I've liked you since I met you Jade. It was kind of hard for me not to stop trying to win you over," Tori told her honestly.

"Which is what I saw in the situation, so I suggested that Jade tell you in a different way. She mentioned you liked music so we settled on having her sing to you," Sherry went on.

"The reason you were singing in the recording studio," Tori pointed out. Jade nodded in confirmation.

"Yeah, I was practicing. I thanked Sherry for her help and resolved to return as often as I could after that. I really felt at home here and Sherry just had a way of making me see reason without even trying," Jade concluded.

"Like I've said before Jade, you became the daughter I never had," Sherry told her, patting her hand.

"And I'm grateful for that," Jade replied.

"Hank showed up to get me back to work the second time she showed up. You should have seen the look Jade shot him. You would have thought she meant to spear him with her glare," Sherry said, chuckling at the memory.

"He was interrupting a moment of trust!" Jade bit out defensively.

"You remember what his reaction was?" Sherry asked her. Jade nodded and adapted a grumpy expression. Her hands went to her hips and she grumbled.

"Well, shoot kid, I just wanted to make sure the business doesn't get too crazy. Rein in that temper of yours," she imitated, using the strangely accurate man voice she often utilized when in a male role. Tori laughed at her impersonation of Hank.

"Yep, that's what he said. Of course, he found a way to loosen her up too," Sherry recalled.

"He humiliated a customer for his hurtful comments towards a singer. He even made the jerk try his hand at singing and got the rest of the diner to jeer when he did," Jade shared, obviously in agreement with his actions. Her tone showed her appreciation. It was an act that made Jade instantly take a liking to him.

"So that's the story of how Jade stumbled in here. It helped the business when she felt comfortable enough to grace us with that voice of hers," Sherry complimented.

"She does have a beautiful voice," Tori agreed, giving her girlfriend an admirable smile.

"Sing for us Jade. I haven't heard you in quite a while and I'm sure everyone else will love it too," Sherry encouraged amiably. Jade was seconds away from disagreeing when Tori began pleading with her. She hadn't heard Jade sing in a while either.

"Ok, ok, but only because it's for you two," Jade gave in. She pecked Tori's cheek and then scooted out of the booth.

"Knock 'em dead," Sherry told her.

"Sure will," Jade replied, giving her a thumbs up and a wink before heading for the stage.

"I should get back to work. Hank might end up coming out here to drag me back anyway," Sherry stated, standing and replacing the chair back at the table behind her.

"Ok. We'll make sure to find you on our way out," Tori responded.

"Unless you decide to stay until closing again," Sherry mentioned.

"Yeah, unless we end up staying," Tori agreed. Sherry waved and left, leaving Tori to turn her attention to the stage. Jade stood at the mic stand, calm and collected. She caught the attention of everyone in the room, and those who knew of her or had returned in hopes of catching her on stage, instant cheered. Jade's confident smirk answered their cheers before her eyes locked on Tori, the song starting up.

What you've given me
Is more than I can say
Cause I don't know the words
To thank you properly

You pulled me from the grave
And stood me on a hill
And when I was afraid
You made me still

For the love you bring, owe you everything
For the breath you give, You're my cause to live
For everything under the sun, I owe you one

Tori leaned on the table, her chin resting in her palm as the song entranced her. She watched Jade sing, her voice as smooth and calming as it always was, perfect for revealing her emotions. Tori always admired the way she sung. Lights, an artist Tori liked a lot. She owned all her albums and they were the first to be put on Jade's pear pod after the unfortunate death of her own. Knowing Jade, she most likely chose this song for the significance of the lyrics as well as for the simple fact that Tori liked the artist. Jade wasn't obvious when it came to her emotions but with the right patience and the ability to understand her, a skill that was hard to come by, one could see the many things Jade did to show her appreciation. Right now she was pouring her heart out to Tori and she was receiving it all.

Chaos all around
Explosions and fire
You took me off the ground
And lifted me higher

When trouble knew my name
That was before you
I'll never be the same
Now that I know you

For the love you bring, owe you everything
For the breath you give, You're my cause to live
For the love you bring, owe you everything
For the breath you give, You're my cause to live
For everything under the sun, I owe you one oh, oh

As the music picked up, Jade's voice did too, and she sang with a smile that Tori recognized on her face when she sang. Jade often told her she wanted to be a playwright first, actor second, and singer last, but Tori could still see her enjoy singing just as much as her other priorities. Her voice seemed to hold everyone in awe because no one said a thing while they watched with rapt attention. But Jade kept her eyes on Tori, blue-green meeting brownand communicating her emotions through them as well as through her words. She meant what she said, making Tori more than happy. She was touched once again by the passionate affect Jade always seemed to have on her. It was well worth the wait when Jade decided to show affection. The last of the song fell from her lips, soft and meaningful.

For the love you bring, owe you everything
For the breath you give, You're my cause to live
For the love you bring, owe you everything
For the breath you give, You're my cause to live
For everything under the sun, I owe you one

The music ended and silenced fell before the cheers broke out. The emotions the song evoked in Tori made her cheer along with everyone else. Jade nodded her head once in thanks before returning to their table. She slid in next to Tori and offered her girlfriend a cheerful smile.

"Hope you liked it," she murmured, sounding shy. When it came to the love she felt for Tori, Jade still felt vulnerable. But instead of it angering her like it had before, she accepted it. It still took some getting used to though. Tori's lips quirked into a smile that reflected her appreciation.

"I love it," she replied, leaning over to peck Jade on the lips. When they pulled away they stared into each other's eyes, lost in the moment, until a waiter stopped at their table.

"I've got an order on the house straight from the main man himself," he told them. He set out their favorite with a smile and left to get their drinks. He returned quickly, setting the cups down next to the plates.

"Enjoy," he told them before leaving them to their dinner.

"Hank, you've done it now," Tori said with a sigh, watching Jade practically shovel her food into her mouth. It was her favorite for a reason. Tori took it slow and was only able to begin a conversation when Jade's mouth wasn't full and she was finished, which was in record time.

"What? I was starving! I haven't eaten since lunch," she defended herself. Tori just smiled innocently and nodded.

"I know. I'm glad you're happy," she said, digging back into her own dinner which was almost done. They stuck around a little longer after they were both fed and deep in conversation. Closing time would be in a few hours. The mention of it getting late spurred Jade into her earlier thoughts concerning her decision to stop by her house before dropping Tori off. She gripped Tori's hand in her own, attracting her girlfriend's attention easily.

"Hey Tori, how about we get going? It's getting late and we have one more place to go," Jade revealed, her hands tightening slightly in anticipation. Even though the topic of her room hadn't come up since the night Jade came to the conclusion that she trusted Tori, she was determined for it to come up now. She knew it was another one of Tori's silent ways of letting her decide to do something only when she was ready.

"Ok, where to?" Tori asked her curiously, her head tilted and eyebrows creased, a half smile on her lips. It was cute and endearing to Jade, who answered with a shake of her head.

"It's a surprise," she responded, seeing Tori's expression brighten at the thought.

"Then let's go! I'm dying to know now!" she exclaimed, tugging Jade out of the booth and straight for the door. Jade never planned surprises so Tori was excited to see just what Jade had in mind. They made sure to bid farewell to Hank and Sherry on the way out. The four exchanged hugs and then the two girls were on their way. Jade headed to her house, confusing Tori at first. She directed her now puzzled expression at Jade who just patted her leg, her hand lingering, before pulling away.

"No questions. You'll find out soon enough," Jade assured her. Tori followed her out of the car and up to the door once she parked. They entered the big, quiet, house. Jade neglected to turn on any lights and instead turned to take Tori's hand.

"Stay close so you're clumsy feet don't betray you," Jade cautioned, half teasing and half honest.

"I've got it. I'm not that klutzy," Tori disagreed.

"Oh, sure you aren't," Jade replied, her attention more on where they were headed than the conversation at hand. Jade led Tori up the stairs and stopped at a deep brown door that looked black in the dark. She laid a spread fingered hand on the wood with a sigh. Tori looked from Jade to the door and back again before realizing what was going on.

"Jade, you don't have to-" she began, but Jade shook her head.

"No, that's the thing. I want you to see. I want you to know every part of me. I'm ready," Jade confessed. Tori looked back at the door, unable to say much else. She had to admit she was just as anxious. She was right outside Jade's room, about to see things no one had seen before. She knew from videos on The Slap that at least a section of the room looked very Jade-like and comfortable, but what about the rest of it? Tori remained quiet and waited for Jade to forge ahead first. She slid her hand down to grasp the handle and opened it with a twist of her wrist. She let it swing open silently, black space greeting them. Tori took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. The space beyond already smelled like Jade, rich and refreshing, like a breezy autumn day with just enough sun. Jade reached out to hold Tori's hands in her own and began walking backward into the room. She stopped Tori in what she felt was the middle and then backtracked to shut the door.

Tori heard Jade somewhere behind her before a click sounded and the room lit up. Tori blinked against the light, but as soon as her eyes adjusted, she took in the room she now occupied. Jade walked over to stand by Tori with her hands in her pockets. She watched the half Latina look around with a smile, an uncertain smile on her own face. The first thing Tori noticed was the size of the room. It wasn't really big but was still comfortably small, emphasizing the personal space. The walls were decorated with a unique pattern of white and soft shade of light brown. The floor was covered in a dark gray colored carpet. Tori recognized the corner Jade often did her videos in. It held what Tori always thought looked like a cozy red chair, the two small bright red tables on either side of it, an assortment of lamps as well as pictures, and to top it off, the shelf on the wall filled with miscellaneous things next to the beautiful but simple case of butterflies that hung on the wall.

Tori then turned to the other corner across from it. There was a bigger shelf with an assortment of items. Under it was an old black steamer trunk with gold accents around the edges. Next to that was a door Tori assumed to be a closet. It was barely noticeable because it blended into the wall with the same pattern but there was a small seam and a handle that kept it from being completely invisible. Tori spun around, passing a good sized window draped with a red curtain that matched the chair before her eyes landed on the opposite side of the room. Jade's queen sized bed was centered in the middle of the wall with a side table and lamp on one side and a keyboard leaning against the wall along with a small bookcase packed full of playbooks, scripts, and classic novels on the other. A frame on the wall was the only decoration on this side of the room and Tori wasn't surprised to see, that on closer inspection, it was a picture of their group. Everyone was there and by the looks of it, it had been taken back when she and Jade were still at odds with each other.

Now that she knew the truth behind Jade's behavior, it wasn't hard to see that even though she looked angry to be standing next to Tori, who had her arm over both Jade and Cat's shoulder, the anger never reached her eyes. In fact, she looked pretty content. Everyone had a big smile besides Jade, whose trademark smirk accounted for her own brand of smile. Jade wandered past Tori and sat on the bed, bringing Tori's eyes to the piece of furniture she had scanned over before. Its headboard and frame were a rich dark brown. The bed itself looked warm and soft, the burgundy comforter and matching pillows doing a good job of appearing inviting. Tori walked over and skimmed her hand over the top as she took a seat by Jade. It sunk under her slightly in support, the material as soft as she had thought it would be. She glanced around the room once more, noting how it kind of seemed dark due to the colors and the lamps' dim lighting, but was actually very comforting. Tori could easily see why Jade liked her room.

"It's not much, but it suits me," Jade spoke up quietly. Tori could do nothing but agree.

"It definitely does. I like it," Tori replied, turning to look over at Jade. A room that was closed off and secretive, holding things not noticed at first because it wasn't on display. But still, it didn't lack originality and was very much unique. Mistaken as dark but more on the side of defensive. One only had to stop and look to really see what lied beyond the first glance. Jade allowed an easy smile and reached over to take Tori's hand in her own.

"Maybe we should head over to your place now. I don't want to upset your parents," Jade told her. Tori laughed and scooted closer to her.

"Jade, they love you. All the times you've just barged in and made yourself at home did nothing but make them adjust and expect you to be around. I'm more than sure they trust you, so a little over late isn't going to hurt. Besides, I'm really not in any rush to hear Trina whine and complain again," Tori began softly, joking at the end. Jade stood, tugging Tori along with her.

"Ok then, follow me," she stated, leading Tori out of her room and back down the stairs. Tori began to think that Jade preferred darkness in the sense that she didn't need lights to navigate. Tori on the other hand kept stubbing her toe and tripping until Jade pulled her closer. She followed directly in Jade's footsteps and risked less injury after that. Jade had taken them through the living room and off to the right where a third room held the one thing Jade spent hours on when she was in a good mood and sometimes to cheer herself up when she wasn't.

"Ok, stand right here. I'll get the lights," she told Tori, holding her in place briefly before letting her go. The lights came on brighter here, making Tori squint for a while before her eyes adjusted. When they finally cleared she was standing in a mostly white room with a scatter of brown. There was a fancy looking desk to one side topped with various papers and a brown leather couch on the other side next to a ceiling to floor bookcase. The wide, horizontal double windows highlighted the best thing in the room; a gorgeous grand piano. It was a glossy black with a matching bench. Jade walked over and slid on the seat, her movements suggesting she had done this multiple times before. It was familiar to her from the many times she practiced and ultimately mastered the full use of the instrument. Tori hesitated on her first step but then she was walking over to join Jade on the bench. The ivory keys looked spotless and pristine, nothing like her small brown one at home.

"We've had this since I was eight. It was a gift from my grandfather on my father's side. He loved music and claimed I would be the same so he gave it to us in his will. I remember always wanting to be able to play it, proving my grandfather right, so it was the only thing my dad disapproved of but wanted me to learn. He respected his father even though they fought so I guess this was his way of making it up to him. He paid some big shot teacher and he coached me. Afterwards, I began to try on my own," Jade began softly. Her fingers traced over a key before she sighed and let her hands drop.

"My father sometimes asks me to play for him when he had a lot of paperwork to go through, but not so much anymore. I think it's the only time he enjoys my company, to be honest, but I know he likes to hear me play because it reminds him of listening to his own father play when he was little. He doesn't have to say it though because I can see it in his face," she continued. Tori nodded, understanding what she meant. That trait of not having everything out in the open must have been directly passed down to Jade so it made sense she could read her father just as well as Tori could read her.

"You know, we may just be living out the same relationship he had with his own father, but I swear, if there was one thing he admired about his father and me, it was that we could play the piano. He hates that I want to be a playwright but I know I make up for it here. He even has me play to strengthen important business mergers should he invite people over. It's the only time he ever brags," she explained, smiling slightly.

"He really does appreciates your talent, even if he doesn't say so," Tori told her quietly. Jade's pierced brow quirked as she turned to her.

"You think so?" she wondered. Tori nodded and squeezed her hand comfortingly before turning to face the elegant instrument before them.

"It's so beautiful. Play something?" Tori asked, tilting her head in that endearing way Jade was fond of. She chuckled, a content smile on her face, before reaching out and poising her hands over the keys expertly. She knew exactly which one to pick, something that she had put together one night when all she wanted to do was play. It still needed some work but for the most part it was a pretty good first attempt at a piece she created on her own. She had never played it when anyone was around so this would be the first time she played it for someone. She took a deep breath and then let her hands take over. Tori watched her fingers move fluidly, effortlessly unlocking the soulful music within. It made her smile as it floated through the air, lulling her into a strong sense of calm which she instantly missed when Jade finally reached the abrupt end.

"That's all I have so far," she whispered, her hands resting on her lap now.

"You mean you came up with that on your own?" Tori asked her, in awe.

"Yeah, did you like it? You're the only one who's ever heard it," she responded quietly.

"It was incredible. You're incredible," Tori answered, leaning over to place a hand on Jade's cheek. Jade leaned into her touch with a wide smile. Tori chuckled and then eliminated the rest of the space between them to kiss her. Jade pulled her in closer to deepen the kiss but the sound of a throat clearing made them jump apart. Jade's eyes lifted over Tori's shoulder to see her father standing in the doorway, clean cut suit and scowl as always. Jade briefly wondered if he heard her play but dismissed it.

"Father," Jade greeted reservedly. She was back in her hard defensive shell in a flash, leaving Tori to scramble to compose herself. After a prolonged time without the hard shell she had chipped away, having it back in place made Tori slightly uncertain.

"So this is who you've been off running around with. Victoria Vega. I know Officer Vega wouldn't want her out late so get her home. I need the study for some paperwork. Come right back, and no detours. We need to talk when you return," he ordered, walking slowly into the room with his hands casually behind his back. Even his walk was stiff, Tori noted. He took a seat at the big desk and clasped his hands on top, shooting Jade a steely stare. She returned it with a quick nod. She stood and took Tori's hand to lead her out of the room. Without a word they left the house and were back in the car.

"Jade?" Tori questioned worriedly.

"I'm fine, Vega," Jade replied, voice sharp and heavy with nerves. Tori's brows creased even more in concern at the use of her last name. She resolved to stay quiet until they were at her house and she had to get out.

"Jade, I can't leave you until I know you're ok," she muttered, finding it hard to meet the now resolute gaze, but she managed. What she found wasn't anger but worry. Her defenses had shot up because she had lost her comfort zone.

"Will you be alright?" Tori questioned, resting her hand over Jade's which sat limply on her lap. Jade sighed and hung her head before tossing her head back to clear her face of the raven locks that fell in her way. Her eyes landed on Tori and she offered her a reassuring but small smile.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. If anything he's probably going to grill me about you seeing as he's been too busy to notice or care. It'll be fine. I'll let you know how it goes, ok?" Jade answered. Tori's hand squeezed hers before she nodded.

"'Kay," she confirmed. Jade tugged on her hand to bring her closer and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Relax," she ordered good-naturedly, making Tori laugh.

"I will," she replied. Jade released her and she moved to get out. She watched her go, not looking forward to returning home, but seeing no other alternative. Tori glanced back over her shoulder once and Jade smiled to show her it would be fine. She nodded and entered her house. As soon as the door closed behind her Jade left. Upon entering her own home, she back tracked into the study and stood at the ready in front of the desk. Her father was still at work on the millions of papers but he looked up when he heard her enter.

"Sit down," he commanded gruffly. Jade complied, taking a seat on the piano bench. Her dad sighed and dropped his pen to run a hand over his head before pinning Jade down with his somber gaze.

"You're dating her?" he questioned simply to which Jade just nodded.

"How long?" he asked next.

"About six months," she answered, her voice just as strong.

"Hmm," he hummed in thought, making Jade look on curiously.

"Does it matter?" she inquired this time. She hadn't needed to elaborate. She knew he knew what she meant; did it matter that she was dating Tori. Between them they had a way with using the least amount of words possible and still carry on a conversation. It was clipped and unemotional but to the point, efficient enough to keep them from butting heads. He stayed quiet a little longer before picking up his pen and getting back to work.

"Don't let it interfere with your plans. I won't have you waste what you have on some ridiculous infatuation. I don't care who you date as long as you keep that in mind. Remember, no West has ever settled for less," he reminded her, jabbing his pen at her as he talked. Jade smirked superiorly and stood with a quick nod.

"Don't worry, I haven't," she responded confidently. He lifted an eyebrow at her but remained silent. Jade swore he was almost going to allow a smirk of his own but at the last minute he went back to his papers.

"Shut the door on your way out," he told her. She walked out as soon as the words left his mouth. Jade paused in the hall, her thoughts going to Tori. She pulled out her phone, stared at the screen, and then returned it to her pocket. Instead, she headed straight for the door. She got in her car and drove back to Tori's house. She parked a block down the street and covered the rest of the distance on foot. A quick inspection of the Vega property turned up a tree next to Tori's window. She wasted no time scaling it and perching on the thick branch. Tori was just passing her window with her phone in her hand, no doubt anxiously waiting to see what happened. Jade chuckled quietly and then reached over to tap her knuckles on the glass. Just as she knew would happen, she startled Tori, making her drop the device. Her wide brown eyes landed on Jade's smug expression. She stomped over and wrenched the window open furiously.

"Jade, you scared the fudge out of me! And you could have broken my phone!" she scolded, scooping up said device with a frown.

"It's fun to scare you. Why do you think I make you watch so many horror flicks with me? As for your phone, it's your fault if it gets broken," she shot back, sauntering over to sit on Tori's bed once she was inside. Tori scrunched her nose and eyebrows in disagreement before shutting the window and walking over to stand in front of Jade who was busy removing her boots.

"So, what happened?" she asked, her voice no longer upset and instead taking on a soft and concerned quality. Her facial expression soon followed.

"He's fine with us as long as you don't distract me from making a name for myself," Jade answered with an amused but relieved laugh.

"Seriously?" Tori responded, unsure about the response.

"Seriously," Jade confirmed, falling back on the bed. Tori fidgeted with her phone before placing it on her bedside table and crawling on the bed to lay next to Jade. They stayed quiet for some time before Tori propped herself up on an elbow to see Jade properly. She was currently resting with her eyes closed, a serene expression on her face. Tori wondered if she was asleep already.

"Having fun?" Jade mumbled, a corner of her lips pulling up when she knew Tori had gone wide eyed, caught staring again.

"Maybe," she replied, unwilling to give Jade the satisfaction. Jade chuckled and opened her eyes to stare at Tori.

"Can I stay here tonight?" she asked, serious yet with a hint of something resembling pleading just under the surface.

"Sure," Tori replied certainly, her smile encouraging. Jade grinned and closed her eyes again, letting out a sigh.

"You got anything that could fit me?" she asked, eyes still closed and no closer to moving from her spot than before. Tori got up to raid her clothes and came back with a loose shirt she sometimes used to sleep in and some sweatpants. She tossed them on Jade's face, hearing her muffled irritation through the offensive fabric. Tori giggled and jumped on the bed. She poked Jade in the side with her feet, silently urging her to get up.

"Fine, I'm going," she grumbled, getting up with the clothes in hand. She surprised Tori when she stripped right there and swapped the clothes she wore for the ones Tori lent her. She got in bed as soon as she was done and reached over to close Tori's mouth.

"I'm glad you liked the show now get under the blankets so I can reach you," Jade mumbled, leaning closer to Tori so that her words tickled her ear. Tori did as she was told before reaching out and turning off the light of the nearby lamp. She sunk down into the blankets and Jade's arms immediately wrapped around her to pull her closer. She smiled and was just about to close her eyes when Jade's lips brushed her jaw softly. They brushed against the corner of her mouth next before capturing her lips. Tori let herself drown in the sensation, groaning when Jade's tongue entered her mouth. The kiss ended with a series of smaller ones before they broke apart. Only then did she realize Jade's hands were splayed out under her tank top, pressing into the warm skin of her back. Their legs were hooked around each other's and her own hands were wrapped around Jade's waist.

"Love you Tori," Jade whispered, gentle and sincere. Tori tucked her head under Jade's to get closer to her. Her nose brushed her neck and she happily breathed in the familiarity of Jade. She felt as safe and secure in the moment as Jade did.

"Love you too Jade," Tori whispered back just as sincerely. The two clung to each other, unable to put space between them or let go. In the morning they may have to explain exactly why Jade was in her bed, but that would come later. They would deal with it when it came up, but for now, they were happily at peace and quickly falling asleep in the comfort of each other's embrace. For Jade, Tori had been her only exception because she accepted her, faults, attitude, and all. For that she trusted Tori to see all of her, letting her into the sanctuary she called her room. In the end, Jade owed a lot to the understanding and caring girl lying next to her. Tori was just glad she had gotten through to Jade and was more than happy to always be there for her. Together, they balanced out one another. One without the other wasn't a possibility anymore. It was the start of something that was looking to be the best thing either of them could ever hope for; a lifetime with each other.

I'm curious whether anyone caught on and just left one review to cover both halves? I have nothing to say to that...