fic: Just a Summer Thing
Title: Just a Summer Thing
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Jade/Tori, OCs
Rating: PG-13
Summary: What if the animosity from Jade isn't about Beck but because she and Tori met before the pilot?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~3,800
Spoilers: pre show, so just general show spoilers
A/N: Stupid Dan Schneider and his slashy shows; gay so bright you need sunglasses. Wrote this to try and break through the writer's block.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
There are a least a dozen other places Jade would rather be. She doesn't understand her father's sudden interest in her life. It's been almost a year since she got her eyebrow piercing and her father declaring her a lost cause. She's supposed to believe he just woke up a couple days ago and decided they should bond? Ha! As if.
But she can't refuse him; after all he's paying for her to go to Hollywood Arts, despite thinking that all artist people are directional hippies. So when he told her Sunday morning that she's accompanying him to Minneapolis for a conference, she just grumbled and began packing.
He continued talking though, saying it'll be like a vacation for her and give them a chance to bond. After that Jade tuned him out, since he wasn't saying anything useful.
It's Monday afternoon and she's staring at the ceiling of their hotel room, bored out of her mind. There's nothing on TV and the pool is filled with screaming kids, not that she wants to swim anyway.
Instead she's spent the last couple hours going over her strategy for her first year at Hollywood Arts. She's going to burst into the school and make sure her presence is felt. She knows some people think she's a bit caustic, but she likes to think of herself as honest, a realist, someone not easily pushed around.
But since she's stuck in the middle of the fucking country and not in her room at home, she can't really do much to prepare other than think, think and then think some more.
Before he left that morning, her father mentioned something about being next to the Mall of America, but Jade just ignored him. She hates malls, the fact that she's next to one of the biggest in the country, does not impress her. She'd have to be pretty fucking desperate to go there.
…
It turns out it doesn't take long for Jade to become pretty fucking desperate. It's 9:00 on Tuesday morning and Jade is already going stir crazy. Because it's August and there's apparently a fucking heat wave going on, her options are limited. In addition, she'd have no idea where to go anyway.
It takes about fifteen more minutes of staring at the stupid beach picture on the wall before Jade gives up, jumps off the bed, grabs her room key and hurries out of the room.
…
The mall is basically deserted. There are clerks in stores, turning on lights and filling cash registers. And then there are the mall walkers. Jade's never seen so many old people in one spot outside of a nursing home. She sits on a bench, sipping the coffee she convinced the Cinnabon guy to sell her before he officially opened and watches people walk by.
It's mildly more interesting than staring at things in her hotel room, but just barely. At least once the stores open, she can begin terrorizing other store employees. That will be entertaining at least.
…
The massive amount of old people circling the mall really makes the teenage girl stick out. Jade watches as a brunette about her age pushes a stroll with an infant in it as a little kid tightly holds her hand and tries to keep up.
Jade's first thought was that the girl was a mother, but there's no way in hell she's old enough to the older girl's mom. Maybe she's their older sister. She supposes ten years isn't that big of age difference. It's not like she would know either way, being an only child.
The older girl looks as bored as Jade feels. She wonders why she's there, but figures that there are probably limited options for activities once can choose for infants to teenagers. She almost feels bad for the girl.
But then the cell phone store to her left opens and Jade spots a clerk she can terrify.
…
Jade sees the girl a few hours later in the food court, eating lunch. She's drinking a bottle of water while the infant sleeps and the little girl makes a mess with her french fries and ketchup.
Normally Jade would choose chewing tin foil over sitting with children, but she's feeling a bit curious about this girl. Plus, she's bored and a little lonely, though she'd never say it out loud. So she approaches the table.
"Hi," Jade says.
The girl looks up in surprise. "Hi."
"Do you mind if I sit?"
"Uh, no, go ahead."
"Thanks." Jade sits. "I'm Jade."
"Tori." She points to the infant. "Amy. And this is Mandy."
"Hey Mandy."
The little girl gives a half-hearted wave as she mixes mayonnaise with her ketchup.
They sit in silence for a while before Jade's curiosity wins out. "Uh, so are they your little sisters or…"
"Nieces," Tori answers. "I'm watching them for my aunt. I'm actually spending the summer to be a babysitter."
"Spending the summer?"
"Yeah," Tori replies. "I'm just visiting. I live in LA."
"No shit," Jade says. "Me too."
"Yeah? How'd you end up here?"
"My dad dragged me along," Jade replies. "Says we can bond or some shit. I don't see how if he's spending the whole time not with me, but whatever."
"Bored?"
"Oh yeah."
"Well, uh, I know we just met or whatever, but you want to hang out? I could really use some non five year old related conversation."
Jade pretends to think about it for a moment, though she has no intention of saying no. For some reason, she wants to get to know Tori better. "Eh, why not? It's not like I have a lot of options."
"Thanks," Tori replies, dryly. "You really know how to make a girl feel special."
"It's a gift," Jade shrugs.
…
Jade spends the rest of the day with Tori and her nieces and is shocked that she has fun. Tori's much nicer than Jade, but instead of being annoyed, Jade finds it endearing. She can't tell if it's the boredom or the way Tori's smile makes her stomach flutter.
At first they talk about the usual; basic family information, school, hobbies and favorite color, that was Tori’s. It doesn’t take long to get onto the topic of movies; Jade trying to explain the merits of horror movies, the possible social commentary and insight into humanity to Tori who’s more a romantic comedy fan. Tori seems skeptical, but the constant grin on her face spurs Jade on.
Finally after a thirty minute rant about how Romero’s Land of the Dead proves that humanity is doomed because even though a zombie apocalypse is unlikely, it just proves that societal reaction to a massive crisis is based on which tax bracket you fall into; Jade has to ask, “Why are you grinning like an idiot?”
“I just think it’s great how excited and passionate you are. I wish there was something I cared so much about.”
“Yeah, well, I guess it’s why I want to write and direct,” Jade replies. “I love that meaning and purpose can be in anything, even a zombie movie. If people would even bother to look below the surface, they’d be amazed what they find.”
Tori eventually has to leave to go make dinner, but swears she'll be back in the mall the next day. They make plans to meet tomorrow.
Jade watches the trio walk to the bus stop, feeling the loneliness settling in again, but knowing she'll be seeing Tori tomorrow, she doesn't let it bother her.
The hotel room is empty when Jade returns, but she doesn't mind. Even if it is a suite, it still feels crowded with her father's presence since Jade's gotten so use to being alone in the room. She settles in front of the TV and tries to find something worth watching.
About an hour later, she receives a text from her father saying he'll be back late and to just order room service. Jade wishes she was more surprised as she goes to find the room service menu.
…
When Jade is woken up again by her father as he gets ready for another day, she can’t help the smile that spreads across her face. She tries to scowl, but it doesn’t want to stay. And in the privacy of bed, Jade can admit to herself that she’s actually looking forward to seeing Tori.
…
Jade spends all day Wednesday and Thursday walking around the mall with Tori. Even with the two kids around, Jade finds that she’s enjoying herself; maybe because they’re so well behaved.
Tori explains that she’s spending the summer because her Aunt Lauren seems to be suffering from post-partum depression and since her Uncle Mark works third shift and has two jobs, it’s tough for him to help out. Tori’s mom, upon learning of the situation suggested Tori spend the summer, taking care of Amy and Mandy.
“Why you and not your sister?”
“Trina is… not maternal, let’s just say,” Tori answers.
“And you are?” Jade scoffs. “I mean, no offense, you’re great with them, but aren’t you kinda young to be thought of as maternal?”
Tori shrugs. “It’s my mom’s logic. Besides, technically, she just said I was more maternal than Trina.”
“Lesser of two evils?”
Tori smirks. “That’s one way to look at it.”
…
By the time Friday rolls around, Jade can admit to herself that she’s smitten. It kind of sickens her to use the word, but she can’t think of any other way to describe it. She’s pretty sure Tori feels the same way, especially since she’s invited to dinner tonight.
Jade and her father are scheduled to fly out at 9 a.m. the next morning and Thursday evening, before they parted company, Tori had, blushing brightly, asked Jade if she’d like to come over for dinner. Jade had hesitated, not sure she wants to deal with any authority figures, but Tori assures her that her Uncle will be at work and that her Aunt is rarely willing to engage in any conversation. Sick of eating by herself in a hotel room, Jade agrees.
She leaves a note for her father in case he actually decides to care about her whereabouts before heading out to meet Tori.
…
Instead of their usual routine of going their separate ways, Jade follows Tori to the bus stop. Not feeling the need to talk, they board the bus and wait for their stop. However, Jade does notice that Tori is shooting her a lot of shy glances that make her heart pound.
After about fifteen minutes and five stops, Jade follows Tori and Mandy off the bus, helping carrying Amy's stroller and wondering how Tori does it herself. They walk half a block before stopping at a modest light blue two story. There's a red truck in the driveway and the lawn looks like it needs to be mowed.
Tori unlocks the front door and Jades helps her carry Amy's stroller inside. Tori points Jade towards the kitchen as she gets Amy settled in a bouncy chair and Mandy at the kitchen table with crayons.
"Sorry," Tori says. "Nothing fancy tonight. Just grill cheese and soup."
"It's not like I was expecting a three course meal or anything," Jade replies.
"Oh. Good, I guess."
It's quiet for a while before Jade blurts out, "You want help?"
"It's grilled cheese."
"Yeah. Right. Of course."
"Thanks, though," Tori says.
"Thanks for inviting me over," Jade replies. "It's getting kinda lonely in that stupid room. Especially when I've had such great company during the day."
Tori blushes as she nods.
Dinner is just Tor, Jade and Mandy. Amy ate before them, Tori's Uncle Mark is still sleeping and her Aunt Lauren, apparently isn't up for socializing.
That's fine with Jade. She likes that it's basically her and Tori, it's almost like a date.
They clean up together, Tori humming along to whatever song Jade chooses to sing.
Mandy is put to bed a little early and the two of them settle on the futon/Tori's bed in front of the TV.
They spend about twenty minutes sitting as close as possible without actually touching before Jade decides to just go for it. She pulls Tori into her lap and they end up stretched out on the futon, spooning. Jade doesn't bother fighting the grin spreading across her face as she wraps her arm around Tori. She's debating a kiss when her cell rings.
Groaning, Jade sees that it's her father. "Yeah?"
"Bad new, kid."
"You found out you look stupid in blue pin stripe?"
"We're staying until Monday morning," he tells her.
"What?"
"My boss wants me to stick around for a few more days, so we can strategize."
"Whatever, I don't care."
"Fine. We'll talk about it later."
"Goody."
"What's wrong?" Tori asks after Jade has hung up.
Jade smiles. "Bad news can sometimes be good news."
"Oh?"
"Seems that my dad needs to stay for a few more days. Guess you're stuck with me for a little longer."
"Awesome," Tori says, leaning more into Jade.
"Yeah."
In Jade's mind, there won't be a better moment, so she caresses Tori's cheek and tilts her head before leaning in for a kiss. She does it slowly, giving Tori a chance to stop her, but when Tori meets her halfway, Jade finds herself smiling into the kiss.
They break apart when it becomes awkward. Tori pulls away slightly, making Jade frown until she rolls over and they're face to face. This time, Tori tugs Jade towards her and Jade is lost in the feelings of Tori's lips against hers. Enjoying the press of Tori against her, Jade wraps her arms around her and whimpers when Tori flicks her tongue against her lips. As the kiss deepens, Jade rolls Tori onto her back and moans into her mouth when Jade's body seems to settle just right against Tori's.
Jade is pretty sure that heaven is having Tori pressed against her as she sucks on Jade's tongue and she never wants to stop.
…
When they finally break apart, lips swollen and breathing heavy, Tori glances over at the clock and announces they've been making out for almost three hours. When this realization hits her, Jade enjoys the slow rise of red spreading across Tori's face. Jade just smirks because three hours doesn't seem like enough in her mind.
"You should stay," Tori says quietly, as she tucks a loose hair behind Jade's ear.
"Um…"
Tori's blush is now bright red. "Not like that. I just meant that it's after ten and the buses stop running. And yeah, it's not like this is a bad area or anything, but it's late and there's no way in hell I'm letting you leave go back to the hotel tonight."
"Possessive," Jade smirks. "I like it."
Tori smiles. "So you'll stay?"
"Yeah. If you think it'll be okay."
Tori shrugs. "Uncle Mark might notice you're here when he gets home, but he'll be too tired to care."
"Good, I guess."
They get ready for bed; Tori giving Jade some boxers and a tank top. They each take a turn in the bathroom and when Jade returns to the futon, it's now more bed like with two pillows and a blanket crumpled on it.
Not wanting things to be awkward, Jade sits on the futon and pats the spot next to her. Tori smiles shyly and sits. They argue about what to watch before settling on some random 80s movies.
When they eventually fall asleep with the TV murmuring in the background, they isn't an inch of space between them.
…
Jade is woken up by the smell of coffee. She's alone in bed, but from the sounds coming from the kitchen, she pretty sure she knows where Tori is. Stretching, Jade slides off the futon and heads into the kitchen. There she finds Tori making breakfast for Mandy. Jade heads straight for the coffee pot and pours herself a cup.
"You drink coffee?"
Jade takes a quick sip and smiles; Tori makes good coffee. "I do. You don't?"
Tori shakes her head.
"Then why did you make it?"
"Sometimes Uncle Mark likes some when he gets home from work."
Jade looks at the clock and sees it's barely seven a.m.
"Or if Aunt Lauren gets up, she'll definitely want some."
"Okay then."
"Hungry?"
"Starving," Jade answers as her cell rings from the other room. "But I should go answer that first."
Jade's phone is on the floor near her shoes and she answers it without checking who it is.
"Where the hell are you?"
"Why do you care?" Jade asks.
"I'm your father."
"Uh huh. So?"
His response is an exasperated sigh that's become an everyday occurrence in relation to her. Jade can just picture the frustration lining his face. Occasionally she wonders if she's aging her father because he suddenly looks so much older.
"Fine," he says finally. "I'm leaving for the airport at six a.m. Monday. Be here if you want to go home."
"Fine."
"Bye."
"Bye."
"Your dad?"
Jade whips around to find Tori standing behind her, looking awkward and digging her toe into the carpet.
"Yeah."
"You have to go?"
Jade chuckles sardonically. "No, actually. He just said to be back by Monday morning if I want to go home."
"Wow. That's… I don't even know."
"Yeah, pretty much."
"I'm sorry."
"It's been like that for a while," Jade tells her. "It's no big deal."
"Oh," Tori says, before pulling Jade into a hug.
Tightening her arms around Tori, Jade tells herself forget about her father because this is all she needs.
…
They don't go to the mall. Tori says she hates going on Saturdays because of how busy it is. Jade doesn't mind; she just want to spend the day with Tori.
They end up in the backyard, stretched out on the same lawn chair. Amy is in a playpen under the shade of a tree and Mandy is playing with what Tori claims is an imaginary friend. Jade can't quite tell what she's doing, but if it keeps her out of their hair, she has no complaints.
…
It's essentially just the two of them the entire weekend. Both Amy and Mandy need some attention, but besides eating and in Amy's case, a diaper changing, neither really demands much. Jade's a bit amazed.
"We've fallen into a pretty good routine," Tori explains.
"Of them not needing attention?" Jade questions. "I guess it's good to start them young."
"That's kinda cynical isn't it?" Tori asks.
Jade just raises her eyebrow at Tori, who just shrugs in response.
Tori's aunt makes an appearance or two, but she mostly just stays in her room. Jade's tempted to ask Tori about it, but seeing the look of sadness on her face as Lauren slumps back up the stairs, stops her. Maybe somethings don't need to be answered.
Tori's uncle has a second job on the weekend and so they seeing him briefly Saturday morning. Tori explains he won't be around again until Monday afternoon so he can sleep before going into work.
…
They put off the what happens next question until Monday morning. They're both up at five a.m. It's stupid, but Jade didn't want to ruin last night with reality. So it's now 5:10 a.m. and she's sipping coffee as Tori peels an orange.
They both know they need to talk about it and the kitchen air is heavy with the tension.
"This is just a summer thing isn't it?" Tori says finally, voice quiet and sad.
"Uh…"
"I mean, yeah it was only a few days, but it's the summer."
"We're not even going to talk about it?"
"What's there to say?" Tori questions. "We're going to separate high schools. Dating's tough enough when you attend the same school."
"But you don't even want to try?" Jade asks, feeling hurt.
Tori doesn't answer right away, choosing to play with the orange peel. Finally when Jade's about to explode from waiting, Tori looks up at her with tears in her eyes.
"I really like you Jade," she says. "And I don't see this ending well--"
"What? Why?"
Tori ignores Jade's outburst. "And so it just seems easier to end it now. Before we both get really hurt."
"Are you serious?"
"You'll break my heart, Jade West," Tori says.
Jade finishes her coffee, ignoring the way it burns down her throat. She stands. "Yeah, well you just broke mine, Vega." She pulls Tori into her for one last desperate kiss before stomping out of the house and towards the bus stop, trying to erase the image of Tori's despondent expression from her mind.
…
Jade makes it back to the hotel room at 5:50. It's just enough time to throw all her things in her suitcase. She's waiting by the door for her father when her cell phone strikes six. They exit the room together and ride down in the elevator. He keeps glancing at her and Jade wonders if the heartbreak is written all over her face, despite the scowl. She hopes not; she can't handle her father pretending to care right now. She just want to get on the plane, listen to her pearpod and pretend that her heart isn't breaking.
…
Jade tells herself that's nothing changed when she arrives home. She drops her suitcase on the floor and flops onto her bed. She's supposed to start Hollywood Arts next week. Knowing it'll help her towards becoming a successful actress, that should be her focus; not some cute girl that manage to push past her defenses in mere hours. That was just a fluke. She won't let it happen again. Hell, maybe she could use this later, that's what actors do right?
She lets herself cry finally. There was no way in hell she was breaking down in front of her father and now that she's alone, she lets the tears flow.
She feels a little ridiculous crying over someone she met a fucking week ago, but alone, Jade can admit that she fell for Tori that first day. Part of her wishes, she would have just stayed holed up, pissed off in the hotel suite because then she wouldn't be laying here, thinking of about a girl who obviously didn't feel the same way.
Though Jade knows it isn't true; the look of misery on Tori's face as Jade slammed the front door shut, tells her Tori feels the same. But knowing this makes everything feel that much worse and so Jade begins lying to herself.
Telling herself that she's not hurt and that Tori was just some little bit of fun, seems to help. Mentally, she repeats it several times. She sits up and wipes the tears from her eyes. She stands, takes a deep breath and tries to shake Tori from her mind. Deciding action will help the forgetting process, Jade begins unpacking and planning for her first day at Hollywood Arts.
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Jade/Tori, OCs
Rating: PG-13
Summary: What if the animosity from Jade isn't about Beck but because she and Tori met before the pilot?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~3,800
Spoilers: pre show, so just general show spoilers
A/N: Stupid Dan Schneider and his slashy shows; gay so bright you need sunglasses. Wrote this to try and break through the writer's block.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
There are a least a dozen other places Jade would rather be. She doesn't understand her father's sudden interest in her life. It's been almost a year since she got her eyebrow piercing and her father declaring her a lost cause. She's supposed to believe he just woke up a couple days ago and decided they should bond? Ha! As if.
But she can't refuse him; after all he's paying for her to go to Hollywood Arts, despite thinking that all artist people are directional hippies. So when he told her Sunday morning that she's accompanying him to Minneapolis for a conference, she just grumbled and began packing.
He continued talking though, saying it'll be like a vacation for her and give them a chance to bond. After that Jade tuned him out, since he wasn't saying anything useful.
It's Monday afternoon and she's staring at the ceiling of their hotel room, bored out of her mind. There's nothing on TV and the pool is filled with screaming kids, not that she wants to swim anyway.
Instead she's spent the last couple hours going over her strategy for her first year at Hollywood Arts. She's going to burst into the school and make sure her presence is felt. She knows some people think she's a bit caustic, but she likes to think of herself as honest, a realist, someone not easily pushed around.
But since she's stuck in the middle of the fucking country and not in her room at home, she can't really do much to prepare other than think, think and then think some more.
Before he left that morning, her father mentioned something about being next to the Mall of America, but Jade just ignored him. She hates malls, the fact that she's next to one of the biggest in the country, does not impress her. She'd have to be pretty fucking desperate to go there.
…
It turns out it doesn't take long for Jade to become pretty fucking desperate. It's 9:00 on Tuesday morning and Jade is already going stir crazy. Because it's August and there's apparently a fucking heat wave going on, her options are limited. In addition, she'd have no idea where to go anyway.
It takes about fifteen more minutes of staring at the stupid beach picture on the wall before Jade gives up, jumps off the bed, grabs her room key and hurries out of the room.
…
The mall is basically deserted. There are clerks in stores, turning on lights and filling cash registers. And then there are the mall walkers. Jade's never seen so many old people in one spot outside of a nursing home. She sits on a bench, sipping the coffee she convinced the Cinnabon guy to sell her before he officially opened and watches people walk by.
It's mildly more interesting than staring at things in her hotel room, but just barely. At least once the stores open, she can begin terrorizing other store employees. That will be entertaining at least.
…
The massive amount of old people circling the mall really makes the teenage girl stick out. Jade watches as a brunette about her age pushes a stroll with an infant in it as a little kid tightly holds her hand and tries to keep up.
Jade's first thought was that the girl was a mother, but there's no way in hell she's old enough to the older girl's mom. Maybe she's their older sister. She supposes ten years isn't that big of age difference. It's not like she would know either way, being an only child.
The older girl looks as bored as Jade feels. She wonders why she's there, but figures that there are probably limited options for activities once can choose for infants to teenagers. She almost feels bad for the girl.
But then the cell phone store to her left opens and Jade spots a clerk she can terrify.
…
Jade sees the girl a few hours later in the food court, eating lunch. She's drinking a bottle of water while the infant sleeps and the little girl makes a mess with her french fries and ketchup.
Normally Jade would choose chewing tin foil over sitting with children, but she's feeling a bit curious about this girl. Plus, she's bored and a little lonely, though she'd never say it out loud. So she approaches the table.
"Hi," Jade says.
The girl looks up in surprise. "Hi."
"Do you mind if I sit?"
"Uh, no, go ahead."
"Thanks." Jade sits. "I'm Jade."
"Tori." She points to the infant. "Amy. And this is Mandy."
"Hey Mandy."
The little girl gives a half-hearted wave as she mixes mayonnaise with her ketchup.
They sit in silence for a while before Jade's curiosity wins out. "Uh, so are they your little sisters or…"
"Nieces," Tori answers. "I'm watching them for my aunt. I'm actually spending the summer to be a babysitter."
"Spending the summer?"
"Yeah," Tori replies. "I'm just visiting. I live in LA."
"No shit," Jade says. "Me too."
"Yeah? How'd you end up here?"
"My dad dragged me along," Jade replies. "Says we can bond or some shit. I don't see how if he's spending the whole time not with me, but whatever."
"Bored?"
"Oh yeah."
"Well, uh, I know we just met or whatever, but you want to hang out? I could really use some non five year old related conversation."
Jade pretends to think about it for a moment, though she has no intention of saying no. For some reason, she wants to get to know Tori better. "Eh, why not? It's not like I have a lot of options."
"Thanks," Tori replies, dryly. "You really know how to make a girl feel special."
"It's a gift," Jade shrugs.
…
Jade spends the rest of the day with Tori and her nieces and is shocked that she has fun. Tori's much nicer than Jade, but instead of being annoyed, Jade finds it endearing. She can't tell if it's the boredom or the way Tori's smile makes her stomach flutter.
At first they talk about the usual; basic family information, school, hobbies and favorite color, that was Tori’s. It doesn’t take long to get onto the topic of movies; Jade trying to explain the merits of horror movies, the possible social commentary and insight into humanity to Tori who’s more a romantic comedy fan. Tori seems skeptical, but the constant grin on her face spurs Jade on.
Finally after a thirty minute rant about how Romero’s Land of the Dead proves that humanity is doomed because even though a zombie apocalypse is unlikely, it just proves that societal reaction to a massive crisis is based on which tax bracket you fall into; Jade has to ask, “Why are you grinning like an idiot?”
“I just think it’s great how excited and passionate you are. I wish there was something I cared so much about.”
“Yeah, well, I guess it’s why I want to write and direct,” Jade replies. “I love that meaning and purpose can be in anything, even a zombie movie. If people would even bother to look below the surface, they’d be amazed what they find.”
Tori eventually has to leave to go make dinner, but swears she'll be back in the mall the next day. They make plans to meet tomorrow.
Jade watches the trio walk to the bus stop, feeling the loneliness settling in again, but knowing she'll be seeing Tori tomorrow, she doesn't let it bother her.
The hotel room is empty when Jade returns, but she doesn't mind. Even if it is a suite, it still feels crowded with her father's presence since Jade's gotten so use to being alone in the room. She settles in front of the TV and tries to find something worth watching.
About an hour later, she receives a text from her father saying he'll be back late and to just order room service. Jade wishes she was more surprised as she goes to find the room service menu.
…
When Jade is woken up again by her father as he gets ready for another day, she can’t help the smile that spreads across her face. She tries to scowl, but it doesn’t want to stay. And in the privacy of bed, Jade can admit to herself that she’s actually looking forward to seeing Tori.
…
Jade spends all day Wednesday and Thursday walking around the mall with Tori. Even with the two kids around, Jade finds that she’s enjoying herself; maybe because they’re so well behaved.
Tori explains that she’s spending the summer because her Aunt Lauren seems to be suffering from post-partum depression and since her Uncle Mark works third shift and has two jobs, it’s tough for him to help out. Tori’s mom, upon learning of the situation suggested Tori spend the summer, taking care of Amy and Mandy.
“Why you and not your sister?”
“Trina is… not maternal, let’s just say,” Tori answers.
“And you are?” Jade scoffs. “I mean, no offense, you’re great with them, but aren’t you kinda young to be thought of as maternal?”
Tori shrugs. “It’s my mom’s logic. Besides, technically, she just said I was more maternal than Trina.”
“Lesser of two evils?”
Tori smirks. “That’s one way to look at it.”
…
By the time Friday rolls around, Jade can admit to herself that she’s smitten. It kind of sickens her to use the word, but she can’t think of any other way to describe it. She’s pretty sure Tori feels the same way, especially since she’s invited to dinner tonight.
Jade and her father are scheduled to fly out at 9 a.m. the next morning and Thursday evening, before they parted company, Tori had, blushing brightly, asked Jade if she’d like to come over for dinner. Jade had hesitated, not sure she wants to deal with any authority figures, but Tori assures her that her Uncle will be at work and that her Aunt is rarely willing to engage in any conversation. Sick of eating by herself in a hotel room, Jade agrees.
She leaves a note for her father in case he actually decides to care about her whereabouts before heading out to meet Tori.
…
Instead of their usual routine of going their separate ways, Jade follows Tori to the bus stop. Not feeling the need to talk, they board the bus and wait for their stop. However, Jade does notice that Tori is shooting her a lot of shy glances that make her heart pound.
After about fifteen minutes and five stops, Jade follows Tori and Mandy off the bus, helping carrying Amy's stroller and wondering how Tori does it herself. They walk half a block before stopping at a modest light blue two story. There's a red truck in the driveway and the lawn looks like it needs to be mowed.
Tori unlocks the front door and Jades helps her carry Amy's stroller inside. Tori points Jade towards the kitchen as she gets Amy settled in a bouncy chair and Mandy at the kitchen table with crayons.
"Sorry," Tori says. "Nothing fancy tonight. Just grill cheese and soup."
"It's not like I was expecting a three course meal or anything," Jade replies.
"Oh. Good, I guess."
It's quiet for a while before Jade blurts out, "You want help?"
"It's grilled cheese."
"Yeah. Right. Of course."
"Thanks, though," Tori says.
"Thanks for inviting me over," Jade replies. "It's getting kinda lonely in that stupid room. Especially when I've had such great company during the day."
Tori blushes as she nods.
Dinner is just Tor, Jade and Mandy. Amy ate before them, Tori's Uncle Mark is still sleeping and her Aunt Lauren, apparently isn't up for socializing.
That's fine with Jade. She likes that it's basically her and Tori, it's almost like a date.
They clean up together, Tori humming along to whatever song Jade chooses to sing.
Mandy is put to bed a little early and the two of them settle on the futon/Tori's bed in front of the TV.
They spend about twenty minutes sitting as close as possible without actually touching before Jade decides to just go for it. She pulls Tori into her lap and they end up stretched out on the futon, spooning. Jade doesn't bother fighting the grin spreading across her face as she wraps her arm around Tori. She's debating a kiss when her cell rings.
Groaning, Jade sees that it's her father. "Yeah?"
"Bad new, kid."
"You found out you look stupid in blue pin stripe?"
"We're staying until Monday morning," he tells her.
"What?"
"My boss wants me to stick around for a few more days, so we can strategize."
"Whatever, I don't care."
"Fine. We'll talk about it later."
"Goody."
"What's wrong?" Tori asks after Jade has hung up.
Jade smiles. "Bad news can sometimes be good news."
"Oh?"
"Seems that my dad needs to stay for a few more days. Guess you're stuck with me for a little longer."
"Awesome," Tori says, leaning more into Jade.
"Yeah."
In Jade's mind, there won't be a better moment, so she caresses Tori's cheek and tilts her head before leaning in for a kiss. She does it slowly, giving Tori a chance to stop her, but when Tori meets her halfway, Jade finds herself smiling into the kiss.
They break apart when it becomes awkward. Tori pulls away slightly, making Jade frown until she rolls over and they're face to face. This time, Tori tugs Jade towards her and Jade is lost in the feelings of Tori's lips against hers. Enjoying the press of Tori against her, Jade wraps her arms around her and whimpers when Tori flicks her tongue against her lips. As the kiss deepens, Jade rolls Tori onto her back and moans into her mouth when Jade's body seems to settle just right against Tori's.
Jade is pretty sure that heaven is having Tori pressed against her as she sucks on Jade's tongue and she never wants to stop.
…
When they finally break apart, lips swollen and breathing heavy, Tori glances over at the clock and announces they've been making out for almost three hours. When this realization hits her, Jade enjoys the slow rise of red spreading across Tori's face. Jade just smirks because three hours doesn't seem like enough in her mind.
"You should stay," Tori says quietly, as she tucks a loose hair behind Jade's ear.
"Um…"
Tori's blush is now bright red. "Not like that. I just meant that it's after ten and the buses stop running. And yeah, it's not like this is a bad area or anything, but it's late and there's no way in hell I'm letting you leave go back to the hotel tonight."
"Possessive," Jade smirks. "I like it."
Tori smiles. "So you'll stay?"
"Yeah. If you think it'll be okay."
Tori shrugs. "Uncle Mark might notice you're here when he gets home, but he'll be too tired to care."
"Good, I guess."
They get ready for bed; Tori giving Jade some boxers and a tank top. They each take a turn in the bathroom and when Jade returns to the futon, it's now more bed like with two pillows and a blanket crumpled on it.
Not wanting things to be awkward, Jade sits on the futon and pats the spot next to her. Tori smiles shyly and sits. They argue about what to watch before settling on some random 80s movies.
When they eventually fall asleep with the TV murmuring in the background, they isn't an inch of space between them.
…
Jade is woken up by the smell of coffee. She's alone in bed, but from the sounds coming from the kitchen, she pretty sure she knows where Tori is. Stretching, Jade slides off the futon and heads into the kitchen. There she finds Tori making breakfast for Mandy. Jade heads straight for the coffee pot and pours herself a cup.
"You drink coffee?"
Jade takes a quick sip and smiles; Tori makes good coffee. "I do. You don't?"
Tori shakes her head.
"Then why did you make it?"
"Sometimes Uncle Mark likes some when he gets home from work."
Jade looks at the clock and sees it's barely seven a.m.
"Or if Aunt Lauren gets up, she'll definitely want some."
"Okay then."
"Hungry?"
"Starving," Jade answers as her cell rings from the other room. "But I should go answer that first."
Jade's phone is on the floor near her shoes and she answers it without checking who it is.
"Where the hell are you?"
"Why do you care?" Jade asks.
"I'm your father."
"Uh huh. So?"
His response is an exasperated sigh that's become an everyday occurrence in relation to her. Jade can just picture the frustration lining his face. Occasionally she wonders if she's aging her father because he suddenly looks so much older.
"Fine," he says finally. "I'm leaving for the airport at six a.m. Monday. Be here if you want to go home."
"Fine."
"Bye."
"Bye."
"Your dad?"
Jade whips around to find Tori standing behind her, looking awkward and digging her toe into the carpet.
"Yeah."
"You have to go?"
Jade chuckles sardonically. "No, actually. He just said to be back by Monday morning if I want to go home."
"Wow. That's… I don't even know."
"Yeah, pretty much."
"I'm sorry."
"It's been like that for a while," Jade tells her. "It's no big deal."
"Oh," Tori says, before pulling Jade into a hug.
Tightening her arms around Tori, Jade tells herself forget about her father because this is all she needs.
…
They don't go to the mall. Tori says she hates going on Saturdays because of how busy it is. Jade doesn't mind; she just want to spend the day with Tori.
They end up in the backyard, stretched out on the same lawn chair. Amy is in a playpen under the shade of a tree and Mandy is playing with what Tori claims is an imaginary friend. Jade can't quite tell what she's doing, but if it keeps her out of their hair, she has no complaints.
…
It's essentially just the two of them the entire weekend. Both Amy and Mandy need some attention, but besides eating and in Amy's case, a diaper changing, neither really demands much. Jade's a bit amazed.
"We've fallen into a pretty good routine," Tori explains.
"Of them not needing attention?" Jade questions. "I guess it's good to start them young."
"That's kinda cynical isn't it?" Tori asks.
Jade just raises her eyebrow at Tori, who just shrugs in response.
Tori's aunt makes an appearance or two, but she mostly just stays in her room. Jade's tempted to ask Tori about it, but seeing the look of sadness on her face as Lauren slumps back up the stairs, stops her. Maybe somethings don't need to be answered.
Tori's uncle has a second job on the weekend and so they seeing him briefly Saturday morning. Tori explains he won't be around again until Monday afternoon so he can sleep before going into work.
…
They put off the what happens next question until Monday morning. They're both up at five a.m. It's stupid, but Jade didn't want to ruin last night with reality. So it's now 5:10 a.m. and she's sipping coffee as Tori peels an orange.
They both know they need to talk about it and the kitchen air is heavy with the tension.
"This is just a summer thing isn't it?" Tori says finally, voice quiet and sad.
"Uh…"
"I mean, yeah it was only a few days, but it's the summer."
"We're not even going to talk about it?"
"What's there to say?" Tori questions. "We're going to separate high schools. Dating's tough enough when you attend the same school."
"But you don't even want to try?" Jade asks, feeling hurt.
Tori doesn't answer right away, choosing to play with the orange peel. Finally when Jade's about to explode from waiting, Tori looks up at her with tears in her eyes.
"I really like you Jade," she says. "And I don't see this ending well--"
"What? Why?"
Tori ignores Jade's outburst. "And so it just seems easier to end it now. Before we both get really hurt."
"Are you serious?"
"You'll break my heart, Jade West," Tori says.
Jade finishes her coffee, ignoring the way it burns down her throat. She stands. "Yeah, well you just broke mine, Vega." She pulls Tori into her for one last desperate kiss before stomping out of the house and towards the bus stop, trying to erase the image of Tori's despondent expression from her mind.
…
Jade makes it back to the hotel room at 5:50. It's just enough time to throw all her things in her suitcase. She's waiting by the door for her father when her cell phone strikes six. They exit the room together and ride down in the elevator. He keeps glancing at her and Jade wonders if the heartbreak is written all over her face, despite the scowl. She hopes not; she can't handle her father pretending to care right now. She just want to get on the plane, listen to her pearpod and pretend that her heart isn't breaking.
…
Jade tells herself that's nothing changed when she arrives home. She drops her suitcase on the floor and flops onto her bed. She's supposed to start Hollywood Arts next week. Knowing it'll help her towards becoming a successful actress, that should be her focus; not some cute girl that manage to push past her defenses in mere hours. That was just a fluke. She won't let it happen again. Hell, maybe she could use this later, that's what actors do right?
She lets herself cry finally. There was no way in hell she was breaking down in front of her father and now that she's alone, she lets the tears flow.
She feels a little ridiculous crying over someone she met a fucking week ago, but alone, Jade can admit that she fell for Tori that first day. Part of her wishes, she would have just stayed holed up, pissed off in the hotel suite because then she wouldn't be laying here, thinking of about a girl who obviously didn't feel the same way.
Though Jade knows it isn't true; the look of misery on Tori's face as Jade slammed the front door shut, tells her Tori feels the same. But knowing this makes everything feel that much worse and so Jade begins lying to herself.
Telling herself that she's not hurt and that Tori was just some little bit of fun, seems to help. Mentally, she repeats it several times. She sits up and wipes the tears from her eyes. She stands, takes a deep breath and tries to shake Tori from her mind. Deciding action will help the forgetting process, Jade begins unpacking and planning for her first day at Hollywood Arts.