In honor of such a special day I give you two sappy and romantic Jori one shots. I had to make up for last year when my laptop took a crap and I wasn't able to write anything around this time. This one and the next aren't related, although now that I think about it they could be in some way. I never intended for it to happen though. Enjoy!
To anyone else passing Tori must have looked like a walking pile of bags for all the stuff she was attempting to carry at once as she made her way to her car. She had just done some major shopping for Jade's birthday. She just needed to drop the stuff off at Cat's place so that Jade wouldn't see that everyone was planning a surprise party for her. In the past she had taken them well enough, maybe with slight complaining, but that was why Tori made sure to throw one every other year so that Jade had a bit more tolerance to spare for the event. She also planned it last minute so that she couldn't very well say no. Jade never said she didn't want to acknowledge or celebrate the day; just that she didn't celebrate in that way. Tori never understood what she meant and Jade didn't elaborate. So another party it would be. After becoming closer by the end of high school, best friends for two years after, and then five more years together, Tori figured that Jade would have to see it coming. It was just glaringly obvious. But that didn't stop her from doing it anyway.
She smiled as she packed her car full then got in to head for Cat's house. They would keep everything there since she was the closest to their home, therefore a shorter trip to transfer everything and get it set up in time. While they did that, Tori was in charge of taking Jade out and keeping her distracted until they were finished. So with the plans in mind she headed home with a happy grin and sang along to the current top hit on the radio. She parked and got out then made her way up to the apartment complexes, entering the building then taking the stairs in lieu of the elevator which creaked so much she was afraid it would break down one day. She walked down the hall, slowing to a stop at their door. She raised a brow when she heard music playing beyond. She smiled. Music played at that high of a volume meant that Jade was in a good mood. It sounded pretty catchy and very different than her usual classic or hard rock. In fact, Tori had never heard her play that kind of music before. Curious, she unlocked the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.
She gasped and looked around at the ambient lighting of candles and the warm scent of food in the air. Even the temperature of the room was comfortable and not stuffy or too hot. Tori shut the door and walked into the living room where the music originated from. The quality wasn't clear but still lovely to hear. The reason was made apparent when she saw Jade's old record player set out with a vinyl spinning on the turntable, providing the melody filling her ears. Tori looked around for Jade just as the song ended and another began. She came out from the kitchen, rounding the corner to catch sight of Tori. Her soft smile made Tori smile too, but it fell a little when Jade walked right past her, brushing by her as she did so. Tori followed but skid to a halt when Jade silently offered her a hand. Now slightly confused, Tori placed her hand in Jade's. She pulled Tori closer until they were almost pressed together, just as the soothing voice began to pour from the record player, setting the mood.
When marimba rhythms start to play, dance with me, make me sway. Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore, hold me close, sway me more.
Jade sang along, voice low as she serenaded Tori who could only gape in the wake of her sexy and sultry voice. It didn't help that Jade also stepped swiftly behind her and ran her hands along her sides, her mouth by her ear. She then spun Tori around and stepped in close so that Tori only had time to grip her by her biceps while Jade leaned in to ghost her lips along her jaw. She led Tori into two rotations then spun her twice more on her own, hands on her shoulder to stop her and hold her steady. Their eyes met, and Tori wanted to question the sudden intimate dance, but all words left her at the look in Jade's blue-green eyes. They seemed to see nothing but her, and the look alone made a shiver run down her back. That and the careful yet purposeful way Jade was directing her.
Like a flower bending in the breeze, bend with me, sway with ease. When we dance you have a way with me, stay with me, sway with me. Other dancers may be on the floor, dear, but my eyes will see only you. Only you have the magic technique. When we sway I go weak.
Jade continued with a small but wholly pleasant smirk on her lips. The next verse began with Jade leading Tori a few steps to her right, Jade's left, her warm hands on her hips. They paused only for Jade to lock eyes with her again. She leaned in close enough for their lips to brush but no more than that. She guided Tori's right arm up and then let it slide through her hand until she was holding Tori's hand in her own. They took a step, and then Jade took off across the room with quick and concise steps. Tori was a little caught off guard but managed to keep up.
She giggled and caught Jade's light playful smile before it disappeared. She stepped one way then the other, Tori mirroring her to the best of her ability by glancing down at her bare feet, and then Jade spun them. When they came out of the spin, Tori got into it and added a few steps of her own. Jade's eyes seemed to smile as she held Tori close and pulled her off the floor into a neat spin that returned her back on the floor firmly. That had her giggling again, a sound Jade couldn't help but smile at. By now their clasped hands were held up at their shoulders, Tori's left hand was resting on Jade's arm and Jade's right hand rested directly under Tori's ribs, fingers curling around to her back.
I can hear the sounds of violins, long before it begins. Make me thrill as only you know how. Sway me smooth, sway me now.
Jade sang along while she turned Tori one way then stepped back into steps that rotated them as one, Tori surprisingly keeping the pace despite her usually clumsy feet. She had to give Jade all the credit for leading so flawlessly. Tori seemed to get better and better as Jade led her around the living room, her own steps purposeful while Tori merely kept up while watching with awe at Jade's movements. She was then spun around again so that her back was to Jade's front. Jade's left hand held up her own while her right was placed on her hip, Tori setting her right hand on top. They took a few steps forward, whirled around together, and then Jade spun Tori in her arms to come out into a dip that Jade leaned into so that Tori almost touched the floor if not for Jade's arms supporting her. She looked up to see Jade gazing down at her.
"Is this Dean Martin?" Tori wondered, taking advantage of the break in the song. She didn't want to cut into Jade's heart melting voice but she finally recognized the singer. Jade nodded with a hum of acknowledgment.
"What brought this on?" she inquired next. Jade's smirk returned as she pulled Tori back up, her left hand on Tori's right arm with Tori mirroring her. They were so close Jade's nose grazed her jaw, her breath fanning over Tori's neck.
"I thought it would be fun. Why? You don't like it? It looked to me like you were having a lot of fun," Jade commented, dropping a kiss to Tori's neck. She shivered and grinned. Jade looked into her eyes just as Tori nodded.
"I am having fun," she agreed. Jade brushed back her hair then dragged her hand down her side, placing her hand just as the song began again.
Other dancers may be on the floor, dear, but my eyes will see only you. Only you have the magic technique. When we sway I go weak. I can hear the sounds of violins, long before it begins. Make me thrill as only you know how, sway me smooth, sway me now.
Jade sang once again, stepping behind Tori to draw her into a spin she came out of with her hands raised. Jade's hands drifted down her sides then stepped closer as Tori let her hands down slowly to rest on Jade's arms. Jade squeezed lightly at Tori's hips then began taking steps that brought them into precise circles, feet placed at just the right time. Jade was more than pleased that despite not knowing she would be dancing Tori wasn't so bad. She hadn't even stomped on her foot. They stepped around each other and then Jade picked Tori up into a spin off the ground. As soon as her feet touched back down she faced away from Jade, yet they held eye contact over her shoulder as they both took two steps back. That was followed by one step forward where Jade pivoted to face Tori who leaned into her. Her right hand intertwined with Jade's left.
Their other hands were back at Jade's arm and Tori's hip respectively. Jade began leading them around the room once again. Her movements were fluid and smooth yet swift and sure, steady enough for Tori to tag along now that she knew what to expect. Jade stopped them to dip Tori back, their bottom halves brushing with the move. Mutual trust allowed Tori to slowly come close to the ground once more. Jade's eyes roamed over her chest down to the flexing muscles of her stomach under her somewhat tight top before pulling her up into her arms. Tori ran her hand up Jade's stomach as she did so, smirking in her own way when their eyes met. She had felt Jade's muscles contract under her touch and savored it. Her hand came up to stroke over Jade's cheek, running her hand through her hair then trailing down her neck. By now they were panting slightly, the music as well as the constant and teasing touches affecting them. Jade was glad the song was just about over.
You know how. Sway me smooth, sway me now.
Jade finished with a flourish, spinning Tori around so that her back was to Jade's front again, her hands on Tori's waist and Tori with her hands out to the sides. There was a beat of silence and then with a small scratch the next song began to play. Jade dropped her hands from Tori's waist and she turned around so that she was facing Jade. Without hesitation she cupped Jade's face in her hands and brought her into a searing kiss. She responded eagerly, pulling her closer while sliding a hand up her neck to rest at her jaw. When they parted Tori let out a heavy exhale that Jade chuckled at. Her naturally tan skin was a little flushed and Jade enjoyed seeing her in such a flustered state.
"Yeah, that was definitely fun," Tori concluded, tucking a lock of her brown hair behind her ear before smiling at Jade who bowed.
"My pleasure," she replied. Tori laughed and stepped closer. She wrapped her arms around Jade's neck to rest them on her shoulders. Jade wrapped her own arms around Tori's middle. They fell into a slow dance, perfect for the soft song playing in the background.
"So, not that I don't like this, but why?" Tori wondered. Jade's eyes had been closed, just taking the time to enjoy the moment, but they opened when Tori spoke.
"It's my…party, of sorts," she replied. Tori quirked a brow and tilted her head so Jade continued.
"All I want is to spend time with you, dancing together and having dinner. That's all I need," she explained. Tori smiled and rested her forehead on Jade's affectionately.
"But what about everyone else who'll want to see the birthday girl? They might want to throw a party for you," Tori pointed out, parting from Jade to gauge her reaction. She chuckled lowly, sending a shudder down Tori's spine, smoothed away with a pass of Jade's hand stroking up and then back down.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"You really think they would be the ones behind throwing me a party?" Jade questioned.
"Well, why not?" Tori responded with a shrug.
"I know it'll be you behind it. Don't try to play innocent. I know you, Tor," Jade told her, whispering her nickname in a pleasant way. Tori bit her lip with a sheepish smile.
"Well, you caught me," she confessed. Jade rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, because I totally didn't know that was why you ran out the door earlier today, on such a random day, and then came back with absolutely nothing to show for why you suddenly up and left," she stated dryly, sarcasm and sass lacing every word. Tori sighed but owned up to it.
"Yeah, so? How come you can't accept it?" she questioned.
"It's not the party I don't like. It's the celebration for a day marking another year closer to death. What's so great about that?" Jade responded, a bit indifferent. Tori huffed out a breath and pouted, seconds from defending what she saw to be a special day.
"Besides, all I need is you. As long as I have you every day is special just the way it is. I don't need some celebration. Do you know why that alone is enough for me?" Jade inquired, lifting Tori's head with a hand under her chin. She had looked down at their shifting feet when her face warmed with a blush at Jade's praise.
"Five years ago today I hoped you would give me the best present I could ever ask for, to say yes when I asked you to be my girlfriend. You did and I've been happy ever since. Now I'm proud to say that our anniversary is what makes this day special, not my birthday," Jade continued. Tori smiled softly but faltered.
"What if I said no? Wouldn't that have made you hate this day more than you already do?" she asked. Jade made a vague gesture of acceptance.
"Yes, but you didn't, and here we are. That simple yes, along with that amazingly long first kiss we shared, is still the best present I've ever gotten," she stated certainly, making Tori roll her eyes and laugh at the additional comment.
"Are you sure it wasn't all those times we made love for hours after everyone went home when the party was over? Or the times we spent in when I strategically didn't plan a party?" Tori remarked. Jade's smirk turned sly as she leaned in so that her lips were at Tori's ear.
"What's wrong with enjoying each other when we can? Plus, it's a great way to celebrate. Don't you think?" she whispered, chuckling when Tori groaned.
"Anyway, I couldn't have great sex as a present because I needed you first," Jade pointed out, pulling away to face Tori again. Her brown eyes were a little dazed but they cleared with the next thought.
"Well, you could have gotten it from someone else," Tori mumbled, not liking to even suggest such a thing. It was a reference to the past when Jade wasn't hers. It was something that would never happen now.
"Impossible," Jade stated with her nose turned up.
"Why?" Tori asked, genuinely curious.
"Because it wouldn't be great sex unless it was with you," Jade answered resolutely, smiling when Tori blinked at her, dumbstruck. She quickly recovered.
"Oh please, like I'm the best you ever had," she stated in disbelief.
"You're right, you aren't," Jade agreed.
"Well. I didn't mean for you to agree…" Tori grumbled, starting to pull away. Jade rolled her eyes and tightened her hold on her so that she couldn't walk away, holding her in place and not bothering to start up the slow dance again.
"Calm down. I meant that physically you might not be the best I've ever had-" she tried again, only to be cut off. She quickly surged forward and kissed Tori hard, shuttering her up further with a bite to her bottom lip. She grunted and pulled away. Jade allowed her to, watching as her tongue swept over the red and slightly abused lip.
"Are you going to listen now?" Jade asked, a brow high on her forehead. Tori nodded, her lip pushed out in a pout.
"You didn't have to bite me," she muttered, sullen. Jade leaned back in to capture Tori's lips in a gentle kiss, sucking on her lower lip and soothing it with her tongue right after.
"Better?" she inquired when they parted. Tori licked her bottom lip, tasting Jade, then tucked it in to press her own teeth into it lightly when she nodded.
"Good. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, you aren't the best I've had physically," Jade began again, much to Tori's minimal agitation.
"But, mentally and emotionally you're the best I've ever had. You make me feel more than just carnal pleasure. You make me happy and you know me better than anyone else. You're always there for me when I need you, a constant support I cherish. Nothing could be better than having you along with everything that makes you, you. The impact that has on me, well, it beats out anything pure physical pleasure could ever give me," Jade clarified. She could see how her words put Tori at ease, that smile she loved appearing on her face.
"Anyone else can take a hike, because I love you, Tori. Nothing anyone can offer will ever make me stop loving and wanting you," she continued, sincere. Tori's hundred watt smile seemed to brighten her face and then she was yanking Jade into a kiss full of love.
"I love you, Jade. Happy birthday and anniversary. I'm so glad I said yes. I can't see myself with anyone else," Tori mumbled against Jade's lips. They kissed again and then Jade took Tori by the hand to lead her to the small dining area.
"Mind if I wine and dine you now?" she teasingly questioned. Tori laughed and nodded.
"Sure, but first, dance with me?" she inquired, her voice alluding to something more as she brushed past Jade then spun around to hold out a hand, much like Jade did to her. Jade took one look into her eyes and happily gave Tori her hand.
"I'd love to," she accepted. Tori tugged her closer to brush a taunting kiss to her lips, a hand trailing down her body, then she turned away to lead Jade down the hall to their room. Tori glanced back at Jade with a smile, seeing her return it. Their hands tightened, strengthening the link between them. As much as she still wanted to have a party for Jade she was willing to drop all plans if that was what the birthday girl wished. After all, wasn't that the whole point? To give Jade something she wanted for her birthday? If spending time with Tori on their anniversary was all Jade wanted then that was good enough for her. She would just have to find the time to tell the gang that plans were cancelled this year. They could always plan a day out together tomorrow, but right now, it was just the two of them.