A/N: Sorry I haven't posted in a while, school's been cray. But here's something short and kinda angsty/sweet to tide you over for now.
They ache. The scars on her wrists, her arms, her thighs. There's an ache on certain days, and there are days when they hurt extra badly. There are days when Tori has to stop herself from physically wincing as the flesh under the calloused skin fairly throbs. But the world continues to turn, and she goes on with her day, trying to hide her reaction from colleagues, friends.
When she gets home she is exhausted, a twelve-hour day at music school surrounded by people has zapped her of her energy. She thinks that Jade must not be home yet, because usually her girlfriend is still at work, having opted to sign a contract as a backup vocalist with a studio out of high school instead of heading off to university as Tori had. She lets her things fall to the ground and collapses onto the couch, cradling her aching wrists to her body, hoping to relieve some of the pain. She shuts her eyes, intent on turning off her brain for a little while. Suddenly, the sofa dips beside her, and she squints, a smile creeping across her face as warm lips find hers.
"Hey." She murmurs, leaning her head back against the couch again and closing her eyes, hissing at the sudden ache in her left wrist. Jade is immediately concerned.
"Babe?" The word is loaded with questions. Tori opens her eyes and tries to force a smile onto her face, pulling a pained grimace instead.
"It's nothing." She mutters, cradling her left wrist in her right hand. Gently, warm fingers find Tori's hand, a pale thumb rubbing soothing circles across her wrist. Wrapping her hands around the tan wrist, Jade warms the rough, scarred skin, to relieve some of the pain.
"What happened?" Concern is still in her voice, and the darker brunette peers into her girlfriend's eyes. Tori shrugged listlessly, but she could feel the pain slowly fading to a more manageable level.
"They just hurt sometimes. I dunno why." At the despondent tone, Jade sighed.
"Well, tell me next time." She placed a sweet kiss on her girlfriend's wrist, before pulling the sleeve back into place.
"It's not a big deal." Tori frowned, allowing her fingers to be laced with Jade's.
"It's not about how big of a deal it is. I just don't like the idea that you've been in pain for an extended period of time. Especially if I can do something about it." A pale thumb rubbed back and forth across the back of a tan hand. Comprehension dawned on the half-Latina.
"Okay. I'll tell you next time." She smiled, as she leaned up for a kiss. Her scars hurt sometimes, but right now they hurt a little less.
