"So In Love With Two"- Mikaila
Music Sounds Better with You
Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious nor Big Time Rush, or any actors/actresses who portray them. I also do not own any songs used throughout the story plot- just the idea
Guest: Yes, yes I know, but I needed to add those in to get the story rolling :P I set up the chapters to run like this so that I can add more of the storyline – thanks for pointing that out! PS: next time leave a name so I can properly address you (:
Thank you to everyone else who reviewed the previous chapters :3 Hope you enjoy this next one!
Pairing: Beck/Jade/James
Song(s) included: "You and I" by Lady GaGa (but the cover Liz Gillies did), "Music Sounds Better with You" by Big Time Rush ft. Mann
+++Previously:
He stopped when the door finally opened and Gustavo walked out with Kelly in tow. The latter was holding her ever-present clipboard, and the former was exchanging some last words with his boss before turning his attention onto the five teens gathered.
From behind his yellow sunglasses, he stared at Jade, who returned the look with a bored expression. The producer smiled, which the guys took as a great sign.
"You're in, West," was all he said before cheers and sheer chaos broke out.
+++Present Time:
Palm Woods
"And, this is the lobby of the building we're living in," James said, gesturing grandly from the entrance. After getting her record deal approved by the CEO, the guys had decided it was a good idea to move Jade into the Palm Woods. Although she protested, Jade soon gave in and was now making plans to move all her stuff into the hotel for upcoming stars and musicians.
Well, it was more like she'd glared at Logan to make the arrangements until he agreed. What could he say- her icy looks were convincing!
Jade cringed. "It's too crowded," she commented bluntly. Crossing her arms under her breasts, her eyes scanned all the people. "How do you live with such annoyances?"
"But, the more, the merrier," Carlos pouted, appearing next to Jade with shocking speed.
"I hate crowds," she mumbled in response, knowing she'd have to deal with the Latino the way she dealt with Cat.
Kendall threw in with a grin, "You hate lots of stuff."
Her only answer was to smirk in amusement because it was true.
James frowned at his friends getting along with Jade. While it wasn't a bad thing- actually, it was a very good thing- he didn't like that her attention was being pulled away from him. How was he supposed to impress her when she wasn't looking at him?
Clearing his throat loudly, he suggested, "Why don't you guys figure out where Jade's gonna stay while I continue showing her around? Logan still needs to find a moving van for her stuff, too."
At the mention of their brainy friend, all four teens turned to look at the dark haired boy. Currently, he was crouched and rocking back and forth, his hands clutching a notebook as his eyes frantically scanned over the words he'd written so far.
Obviously, he was afraid of displeasing Jade, so was doubly making sure not to screw up her move to the Palm Woods. The notebook was to ensure he didn't forget anything and that her transition was smooth.
"I think you broke him, Jade," Kendall commented in amusement, his hands shoved into his pockets.
Jade shrugged. "The soft ones normally do," she carelessly said.
James chuckled, although he made a mental note not be a 'soft one'. He just knew Jade would walk all over him, then discard him like yesterday's trash- definitely something he didn't want.
"Well, we wouldn't want him to get more stressed out. Go take him upstairs," he said.
Carlos playfully saluted before sprinting to Logan's side. Before the brainy boy could do anything, the Latino lifted him over his shoulder and proceeded to the elevators. Kendall followed behind easily, his long legs eating up the distance between them.
James noticed the way Jade watched Kendall, and couldn't help feeling a bit jealous- which was extremely unlike him, especially when it involved one of his closest friends.
Instead, he shook his head mentally to clear the unwanted feelings. "Don't tell me you're checking out Kendall," he said in a mock-hurt voice, one hand rising to lie over his heart, "Especially when you have such a good-looking guy, like me, standing right here."
Jade gave him a look that bluntly stated, Honey, you aren't that much to look at, in my opinion.
"And if I was?" she asked back, wondering how he would answer.
James was a little taken aback that she would respond like that, but recovered smoothly. He grinned charmingly at her. "For one thing, he has a girlfriend." Sort of, but he wasn't going to tell Jade that. Currently, Kendall was struggling with his feelings for Lucy, and Jo was pretty much out of the picture, having gone to New Zealand for a movie deal.
Her nose wrinkled cutely. "Figures," she muttered, but quickly changed the subject. "So, what else you wanna show me? It's not much to look at."
He gave her a curious look, not moving to continue the little tour. "That's it?" he asked, incredulous. "You're not going to, I don't know, ask more questions about him or anything?"
Jade rolled her eyes, showing her irritation. "Look, I'm not like Vega, where I think it's okay to steal other peoples' boyfriends." She shot a vicious glare at James, as if daring him to say otherwise. "If your friend is in a relationship, I wish him and the girl all the luck in the world."
Hazel eyes softened, and his tone turned serious. "Is that what happened with you and Beck? Did this Vega-girl steal him from you?"
If that were the case, James hoped to never come across those two again. He'd give them a piece of his mind. Who would be crazy enough to dump Jade, let alone want someone else?
Jade didn't know why she was doing this, but she admitted, "Did you watch the Platinum Music Awards? It was on a few months ago, but yeah. Did you watch it?"
He nodded slowly, though he honestly hadn't been paying attention. He and guys had been doing their normal crazy stuff, so neither of them had really caught it.
She sighed. "Well, Tori- that's Vega- performed that night. I was supposed to, because I was taking her place after she got fired, but it didn't turn out that way. But, that's not the point. Beck was always taking her side and he never listened to me. We argued a lot and then this stupid game show we got cast on just sort of sealed the deal- we broke up.
"Anyway, during the Platinum Awards, I caught him trying to kiss her. My friend Cat had left her video camera on and she'd been chatting with Vega earlier, so that's how I saw them."
James was impressed with how matter-of-factly the Goth was able to say all that. If it had been him, he would still be raging and angry. Quite frankly, he wanted to punch Beck and have a serious discussion with this Tori Vega-chick.
"You said tried," he commented, finally catching what she said. "What do you mean by that?"
Jade smirked mirthlessly. "Vega was the one who pushed him away. She said she couldn't do that to a friend, though I've made it clear from the beginning I would never call us that. He tried to convince her, but she didn't give in. So, later, she came to support me, and I gave her her spot back."
James cocked his head to the side. A sudden thought occurred to him, so he asked, "Does either of them realize that the producer could have easily replaced Vega with someone who wasn't you? That person wouldn't have cared what happened- he or she would have done what they wanted for an opportunity like performing at the Platinum Music Awards."
He should know that. The music industry was a pretty bloody competitive one; just look at Gustavo and Hawk's rivalry!
She shrugged her slim shoulders, "Doesn't matter if they did or not. That was a while ago- I'm over it and I'm done with feeling sorry for myself." She suddenly smiled, and James was struck stupid. "I don't need Beck to have a life. I forgot what it was like to just be me. I've missed just being able to do what I want. You know?"
James couldn't help but silently agree- the Jade standing before him was more than just a little extraordinary.
She was the Jade he was falling in love with.
+++Palm Woods:
Knight Residence
After their in-depth conversation, James finished up the tour around the Palm Woods then decided to introduce Jade to Mama Knight and Katie- Kendall's cool mom and little sister. He had a feeling she and Katie would get along perfectly; both girls were a bit evil but had their sweet moments.
"Mama Knight," James called into the apartment, grinning excitedly. He'd never brought a girl over to introduce before, so this was an experience he couldn't pass up, especially since that girl was Jade. "Katie? Anyone here?"
"Yeah, James," Mama Knight's voice answered kindly. Then, the woman who owned said voice came into view, a welcoming smile on her face. That smile only widened when she laid eyes on the Gothic young woman. "Hello, my name is Jennifer Knight, but you can call me Mama Knight. Everyone pretty much does."
Jade politely shook her offered hand. "Jade West," she replied, smiling slightly at the older woman. Jennifer was certainly nicer than when she'd met Beck's mom. "Pleasure to meet you. James has been talking nonstop about you."
Mama Knight seemed pleased, and Katie walked into view at that moment. The younger girl froze where she stood, looking Jade up and down curiously.
"I like the threads," she finally stated, finally connecting eyes with Jade, "You a model or something?"
Jade raised an amused brow, and James groaned quietly from her side. "Nope, sorry, kid. I sing, act, and dance."
Katie and Mama Knight rose impressed brows.
The former suddenly smirked. "Do you have representation? If not, my name is Katie Knight, and I'd be more than happy to become your manager." Out of nowhere, she pulled out a nicely printed business card and handed it to Jade.
The Goth took the card, but James was the one who answered for her.
"Jade is already under contract with the same label as me and the rest of the guys, Katie. Stop trying to steal her away!" He pouted at the smaller girl, brows furrowed seriously.
Katie winked conspiratorially at Jade, who tucked the little card away. "Just keep the card in case you can't handle dealing with these goofs every day."
"Hey," James protested, hands resting on his hips.
Mama Knight couldn't help chuckling over the banter between the two. She just knew for a fact having Jade around would certainly liven the place up even more so than usual.
+++BTR Apartment:
That Night
Kendall bounced into the seat next to James, the boys having just finished dinner. At the moment, it was just the four of them. Logan managed to get Jade's basic needs taken care of, so she was in her new apartment getting settled for the rest of her things. James was happy to learn she'd only be living down the hall from them, so he'd eagerly walked her the short distance to her new home, despite her protests and eye rolls.
"So, how was the tour?" the blonde asked his friend curiously. Inwardly, he was eager to hear what happened between the two – he'd never seen James so smitten with a girl before. It was endearing.
James smiled. "Mr. Bitters really likes her," he said, chuckling at the memory of their meeting, "She got so fed up with all the people in the lobby, she screamed at them to scram, and they did. Oh man, I have never seen Mr. Bitters so- so- so happy before!"
"Well, I'm not surprised," Logan commented, taking a seat nearby. His notebook was in his lap, his eyes scanning what else he needed to do for the next day. "You sure found yourself an interesting potential girlfriend, James."
Carlos bounced into the seat next to Logan, who almost spilled himself onto the floor. The Latino grinned widely, helmet askew. "She's a little intimidating, but I like her! I think she could keep James in line," he chirped out happily.
"What's that supposed to mean?" James asked, semi-offended.
Logan regained balance quickly, sending Carlos a disapproving look. "Just what it means," he stated, turning a grin onto the brunette. "So, did you introduce her to Mama Knight and Katie?"
James accepted the subject change, but only because he knew he would get ribbed by his friends for the rest of the night if he continued.
"Yeah, I think Mama Knight really liked her, and Katie tried to talk Jade into becoming her personal manager." He rolled his eyes at the last, exasperated. "Otherwise, it was all very civil and I think even Jade enjoyed their company."
"That's great," Kendall said, smiling warmly at the thought of his mom and sister getting along with his newest friend. "Did you make any plans with Jade tomorrow? It's Sunday."
Logan glanced up from his notes. "I have to finish moving Jade's things from her house, so you can count me out," he said, immediately going back to work. He grabbed a pen from out of nowhere and began scribbling something down furiously.
"Oh," Carlos exclaimed, holding up his pointer finger. "Let's go down to the pool!"
Thoughts on how to impress Jade instantly flooded James's mind, and he nodded enthusiastically. "That's a great idea, Carlos!"
"Just make sure you don't spend hours getting ready," Kendall teased, elbowing James in the side playfully. "Wouldn't want Jade to wait, right?"
James ran his hands over his hair, making sure not one strand was out of place. "You can't rush perfection, you know," he replied in a cocky voice, then sighed dramatically. "But, if it's for a girl like Jade, I'm sure I can make the sacrifice."
"Yup, she will definitely be able to keep him in line," Carlos brightly stated, grinning at an amused Kendall. "She's doing it without even realizing it!"
+++The Next Morning:
Jade's Apartment
James knocked on the door, his hands smoothing out his dark clothes to make sure he looked presentable for Jade. He knew he already looked good, but who would argue with perfection?
His attention turned back to the door as it opened, and Jade was standing in front of him. His jaw dropped.
She wore a corset-type top that was a silky violet color, which matched the streaks in her hair. The pants she wore were black but appeared almost painted on, except for the flared bottoms, which added shape to her already curvy figure. On her feet was a pair of black leather ankle boots, completing her outfit.
Jade smirked, liking the reaction she got out of the tall brunette. "Like what you see?" she teased, using his own words against him from the Kickback.
"You have no idea," he absently answered, then snapped his mouth closed as he realized what he'd just admitted.
She laughed lightly. Normally she wouldn't stand for any guy to be checking her out so openly, but this was the new Jade; the one that was over Beck and was ready to be herself again- independent, not constantly jealous, and free to flirt with anyone she wanted.
"Anyway, what do want, James?" she asked, raising a brow.
He flashed a sly smirk. "Oh, so now you remember my name?"
She rolled her ice-blue eyes but decided to play along. "Only when the person is worth my time," she replied.
James inwardly celebrated that he was considered such an individual. "Right. The guys and I are heading down to the pool today. Wanna come with?"
"I'm busy today."
He frowned, not pleased with this development. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Gustavo called and said the CEO wants me to start writing and recording music," she answered, shrugging. "I already have a few songs done, but I still need a few more. I'm going to be busy all day. Sorry."
A sigh of disappointment escaped him, but he couldn't hold it back. "Alright, I understand," he said. "If you have time later on, come down by the pool. Okay?"
Jade nodded once. "Sure. Later." With that, she closed the door without waiting for him to respond.
The brunette stood there for an extra minute, not knowing what to do, before he finally turned back to head to the apartment he shared with his three closest friends. He hoped he would get to see the beautiful Goth later.
If not, he'll just have to bug her at the studio.
+++Palm Woods:
Afternoon
"And, now, Jade is completely moved in," Logan announced, grinning widely at his friends. Carlos was hanging on the side of the pool; Kendall was sitting near the Latino, his legs lazily kicking in the water, and James was sunbathing in one of the lounge chairs.
James perked up, removing his sunglasses. "That's awesome," he exclaimed, grinning. "It feels like her stay is now more official, doesn't it?"
"It does," Carlos agreed, grinning in the way only Carlos could pull off. "We should go help her unpack! A girl shouldn't have to move all those heavy boxes by themselves."
Logan winced, pulling his phone out to check something. "Can't," he answered, which caught his friends' attention. "Gustavo sent me a text about shooting a new music video. He wants us at the studio within the hour."
Kendall and Carlos groaned, knowing their day just got longer. James, however, smiled. Now he may have a chance of seeing Jade.
+++Rocque Records:
With James (and Jade)
When Gustavo informed the guys how he envisioned the music video for their song 'Music Sounds Better with You' was going to go, the brunette immediately knew he wanted to ask one certain girl if she would be his dance partner.
So, of course, he demanded what he wanted in that cute but imperious way he did and, surprisingly, Gustavo agreed. The producer's exact words were:
"Fine, go get her. This will be a good promotion opportunity for her, too."
Now, here James stood, right outside the recording studio Jade was scheduled to be in. He wasn't nervous, per se, but this was the first time he ever asked a girl he kind-of knew to dance with him for something as important as a video for Big Time Rush.
Taking a deep breath for courage, he quietly opened the door, in case she was singing. He would hate himself for ruining a recording- that's happened to him before and he did not enjoy having to start over.
Seeing one of the tech guys working the board, he shook hands with him before taking a seat to watch.
"Okay, Jade," the tech said into the microphone that let him talk to the Goth in the recording booth. "We're ready to start the last song when you are."
Jade didn't seem fazed about James's sudden appearance. She kept her focus on what she needed to do- make music. "Yeah, play it," she instructed, hands holding the music stand she would need to catch her voice.
You and I:
"It's been a long time since I came around
Been a long time but I'm back in town
This time I'm not leaving without you
You taste like whiskey when you kiss me, oh
I'd give anything again to be your baby doll
This time I'm not leaving without you
You said sit back down where you belong
In the corner of my bar with your high heels on
Sit back down on the couch where we
Made love the first time and you said to me this"
James couldn't help but think her voice was more beautiful than the last time he'd heard her, especially when she sang this song. It was slow but had a sultry feel to it- exactly like Jade, herself. It matched perfectly with the guitar and percussion, almost sending chills down his spine.
"Something, something about this place
Something 'bout lonely nights and my lipstick on your face
Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy
Yeah something about, baby, you and I
It's been two years since I let you go,
I couldn't listen to a joke or rock 'n roll
Muscle cars drove a truck right through my heart
On my birthday you sang me a heart of gold
With a guitar humming and no clothes
This time I'm not leaving without you
Sit back down where you belong
In the corner of my bar with your high heels on
Sit back down on the couch where we
Made love the first time and you said to me this
Something, something about this place
Something 'bout lonely nights and my lipstick on your face
Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy
Yeah something about, baby, you and I
You and I
You, you and I
You, you and I
You, you and I, I
You and I
You, you and I
Oh yeah!
I'd rather die
Without you and I
C'mon!
Put your drinks up!"
James watched as the tech bobbed his head to the sound of her voice, and couldn't help the pride that filled him. Jade was impressive, indeed; he had yet to meet her equal.
He definitely made the right choice when he decided to make her part of his world.
"We got a whole lot of money, but we still pay rent
'Cause you can't buy a house in Heaven
There's only three men that I'm a serve my whole life
It's my daddy and Nebraska and Jesus Christ
Something, something about the chase
Six whole years
I'm a New York woman, born to run you down
So have my lipstick all over your face
Something, something about just knowing when it's right
So put your drinks up for Nebraska
For Nebraska, Nebraska, I love you
You and I
You, you and I
Baby, I rather die!
Without you and I
You and I
You, you and I
Nebraska, I rather die
Without you and I
It's been a long time since I came around
Been a long time but I'm back in town
This time I'm not leaving without you."
Jade released the microphone stand when she finished, the last note ringing wonderfully in her ears. She smiled, glad the song came out flawlessly- as always.
"Amazing job, Jade," the tech, who'd been helping her the whole day, complimented, giving a thumbs-up. "Now, you just gotta find out what you wanna record for your last track. Let me know when you figure something out, okay?"
"Thanks for the hard work," she said, waving at the tech who stood to take his leave. After sitting for the last couple of hours, she couldn't blame his semi-hasty exit.
Setting down the headphones, she watched as James eagerly stepped into the booth, grinning that charming grin she was beginning to think was stuck on his face. Well, she thought, at least he's good-looking, so I'll let that slide.
"You were amazing, as always, Jade," he complimented when he was by her side. "What 'last track' was he talking about, though? Are you stuck on lyrics or something?" But he found that hard to believe. This was Jade West he was talking about.
Jade led him out of the booth as she answered, "I've recorded all the songs I have written, but I need one more to make the number Gustavo said I need. I was thinking about making a duet since that's something I haven't done yet."
James saw his chance at finally getting to sing with her, so offered, "I could do it! I could sing with you."
She gave him a considering look, and he held his breath. "I'll think about it," she said, "I don't want to screw up my first debut, you understand? I have to make careful decisions."
"No, I totally understand," he replied, holding his hands up in a placating manner. "I completely understand- believe me. The guys and I have come a long way."
"Thanks. Anyway, why are you here? I doubt it's because you wanted to hear me sing again." She cast an amused look at the brunette, though he returned her stare with a bright smile as he remembered.
"Oh, Gustavo has us all here to shoot a music video, but I convinced him to let you be my partner for the dancing number we have."
She raised a skeptical brow, but looked a little interested. "Normally I would refuse because I'm not in this industry to just dance, but this could be good for promoting my image," she said, in a way that suggested she was mostly talking to herself, trying to weigh the pros and cons.
After another few minutes of mentally debating with herself, she turned her ice-blue eyes onto his hazel orbs. "Fine, I'll be your dance partner."
James couldn't help how he jumped up, fist-pumping the air. "Yes!" he crowed in excitement.
Under her breath, Jade mumbled, "Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?"
+++Music Set:
With Jade and James (and everyone else)
James and his friends could tell Gustavo was impressed with how fast Jade was able to pick up the steps to the dance they wanted for the video. Quite frankly, they were too, especially since she was coming in cold and had a limited time to pick it up.
But, she did and, the next thing everyone involved knew, she was whisked away to wardrobe and James missed their quick rehearsal because he got to hold her the way he wanted to, like they were a couple.
However, Jade was back in his line of sight soon enough. She wore an outfit that was easy to move in and what he considered 'street clothes'- cute, every day wear. Her hair was also missing the purple streaks and they loosened her curls, which made her jet locks fall down her back in a silkier fashion.
"Okay, everyone get into your places," Gustavo called out, which snapped the crowd into action and briskly making it to their assigned spots. "I want to finish this before dinner. Cue music, and action!"
Logan:
"Better with you,
Better with you, yeah..."
James:
"I try to write this down
The words just don't come out
It's hard to say how you feel
Been down the longest road
Said yes when I meant no
I lost control of the wheel"
Logan:
"Cause you know that
Things get so bad,
You've got my back
Make me wanna sing,
And girl I'm singing about you"
Carlos:
"No sweeter sound
Than what I've found
No perfect love"
Logan:
"Could be more perfect than us"
James would admit that his favorite part of shooting this video was the fact he got to flirt with Jade and she'd have no choice but to see how charming he was. He also enjoyed seeing her smile as he whispered nonsense in her ear when it wasn't his turn to sing.
All:
"Ooh baby it feels like, it feels like
The music sounds better with you baby
It feels right, it feels right
Everything's better with you"
Kendall:
"I used to think that love
Was something fools made up
Cause all I knew was heart break
Whoa I couldn't help myself,
Let this heart go through hell
There only so much a heart can take"
Logan:
"Cause you know that
Things get so bad,
You've got my back
Make me wanna sing,
And girl I'm singing about you"
Carlos:
"No sweeter sound
Than what I've found
No perfect love"
Logan:
"Could be more perfect than us"
All:
"Ooh baby it feels like, it feels like
The music sounds better with you baby
It feels right, it feels right
Everything's better with you"
Jade couldn't stop the genuine smile that curved her lips up as James twirled her and danced, liking how smooth and graceful he was on his feet. The only other boy she'd ever thought about dancing with was Beck when they took salsa together.
Of course, she would never admit to liking the cute nonsense James whispered to her during the shooting, knowing he'd get a big head. She'd just keep that little fact to herself.
Carlos:
"Every song
Every rhyme
Every word (music sounds better with you)
Everyday (Everyday)
All of the time (All of the time)
Every way
Music sounds better with you."
Mann:
"She's my music enhancer
When the music plays, she's my dancer
When I'm around her everything's faster
Every question I have, she's the answer
I'm head over heels
Can't explain it, it's so surreal
When I'm around you, baby, you make me feel like"
The brunette grinned as he got to wrap his arms tight around the Goth, her back resting against his entire front. He couldn't help but note that she fit perfectly with him nor the way she snuggled her head into the crook of his neck unconsciously.
He found the action endearing and hoped she never did that with another guy now that she's done it to him. He supposed he'd just have to keep a close eye on any guys who approached her.
All:
"Everything's better with you, oh, baby
It feels like, it feels like
The music sounds better with you, baby
It feels right, it feels right
Everything's better with you, oh, baby
It feels like, it feels like
The music sounds better with you, baby
It feels right it feels right,
Everything's better with you
Music sounds better with you
Music sounds better with you"
"And, that's a wrap!" Gustavo shouted, clapping his hands to show how pleased he was with BTR and everyone involved with the shooting. "Get changed and you're free to go. Well done, everyone!"
Jade caught James before he walked off with his friends. When he turned his charming smile her way, she asked, "Do you still want to do that duet with me?"
James's smile morphed into a sparkling grin, his hazel eyes showing how happy he was about her question. "Really?" he asked, trying to play cool. "What changed your mind?"
Like she'd tell him the full truth.
Instead, she smirked and crossed her arms under her breasts. "If the duet gets to have a music video, I'd rather have a partner who already knows how to dance versus someone who doesn't." She raised a challenging brow at him, her line of sight pointedly looking in Kendall's direction. "Unless you think I should ask Kendall-?"
"No," he instantly protested, his eyes widening in panic. He recovered quickly and smoothed his hands through his hair to make sure he hadn't messed it up during the video. "I mean, no, that's okay. I'll do the duet with you."
Nodding, she began walking off, but added over her shoulder, "Good. We start working on it tomorrow."
When she was out of sight, James jumped up excitedly and fist-pumped the air for the second time that day. "Yes!"
+++The End+++
Until next time!
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