Tori approached Jade sitting as casually as possible on the steps of the main hall, ignoring everyone and anyone who gave her dirty looks for blocking a good deal of stairs. But she didn't move, and she didn't care for their anger toward her. She was busy listening to the music blasting in her ears loud enough for Tori to hear once she got close enough. She wondered how Jade could stand it that loud. She stared at Jade with her eyes closed, leaning back, a content small smile on her lips.
"Hey, Jade," she said, getting no reply.
"Jade! Hey! Jade!" she yelled, waving at Jade and hopping around in hopes of getting her attention without having to come in contact with her. Jade was known to swing first and ask questions later if she was 'startled'. And she purposely used that word too. Because she didn't get scared, Tori recalled. Tori sighed heavily and plopped down next to her, close enough that Jade would take notice. Whether she did or not was not apparent. She remained unmoving. Tori decided that she would just take the risk.
"Jade," she sing-songed, slowly reaching out and tapping Jade's shoulder. For a split second, Tori thought she was going to get her hand smacked away. She was already flinching when Jade merely opened her eyes and let out a long-suffering sound of exasperation.
"Paradise lasted a mere three songs. A new record at least," she grumbled, pushing aside the left headphone speaker and turning to see who disturbed her this time.
"Vega," she greeted in a monotone.
"I just wanted to ask you about that assignment-" Tori began, only for Jade to cut across her.
"Haven't I already told you not to talk to me when I have headphones on?" she said pointedly. Tori nodded.
"I know, but you always have them on," she replied.
"Well look who's catching on," Jade remarked, moving to put them back in place. Tori stopped her hand, Jade freezing at the contact. Tori quickly let go, blushing.
"Please. I just wanted to go over the assignment with you. Sikowitz will probably like our idea anyway, but I want make sure. I also added a few things," Tori explained. Jade looked like she would tell her off, and Tori expected it, but in the end she only sighed. She pushed off the headphones entirely and held out her hand.
"What did you add?" she asked. Tori quickly threw off her big bag and dug through it, flustered from the unexpected acceptance so that it took her a while to find what she was looking for. When she finally found it Jade snatched it from her and scanned it.
"It's fine. You added, like, small changes. What made you freak out and need to consult me?" she wondered. Tori took back the paper and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I value your opinion," she said simply. Jade's brows rose, touched. She fought so long to make her views known that it felt good to hear that her views were appreciated.
"Thanks. I, uh, trust your opinion too, you know. If there was something you wanted to add I know it would be good," Jade told her. The words settled between them, both unable to say anything more. But then Tori 'awed' and Jade groaned, knowing what would come. She couldn't escape the impending hug nor could she fight it, so she returned it. She might as well enjoy it.