"Come on, Jade. You said we're friends," Tori pressed, playfully nudging said friend.
"Yet another regret," Jade sighed dramatically, laughing when Tori frowned and shoved her. Jade shoved her back. In all honesty, she had fun hanging out with Tori. Not that she would admit to it aloud.
"No you don't," Tori scoffed, shifting a little so that she could regain her balance on the wall they were sitting on. It was a spot Jade liked to frequent at the park because it was too high for kids to climb and she could survey the area without being bothered. She often went there to think, but this time she allowed Tori to join her.
"Sure I do. I regret saying we're friends and I regret showing you my spot. Because now when I'm mad, you can find me," Jade pointed out.
"Ayep," Tori agreed, laughing at the furrow of Jade's brows.
"Okay, so, back on topic," Tori said.
"What Topic?" Jade asked, playing at forgetful. Tori glared.
"Friends share secrets," she reminded her.
"Ah, yes. That topic," Jade said with a nod, looking out at the playground. Tori waited patiently, staring at Jade so intently that she could feel it.
"Ugh, all right! Let's see…" Jade contemplated. Tori grinned in anticipation.
"I actually have fun with the group," she finally stated. Tori's scowl was back. Jade smiled back innocently.
"That's not a secret. Everyone knows you have fun with us because you don't complain too much afterwards and end up going out with us again. If we were that terrible to be around you wouldn't waste your time," Tori explained. Jade raised an impressed brow at her.
"I tolerate you guys," she corrected, trying and failing to deny Tori's claim.
"No one likes being alone. It's okay to want friends, Jade," she assured her.
"I'm doing perfectly fine," Jade stated, smirking when Tori grunted her frustration.
"Why can't you just admit-"
"Alright, your turn. What secrets are you hiding?" Jade cut across, kicking her booted feet and tapping her heels on the wall under them. Tori had to bite her tongue to stop herself from getting agitated. She really didn't like being interrupted.
"I'm not hiding anything. I'm an open book," Tori dismissed with a shrug. Jade looked skeptical.
"What? I am!" Tori insisted.
"Yeah, but everyone has secrets."
"Well, I don't."
"Come on, Tori. You said we're friends," Jade teased, reiterating Tori's own words. Tori sighed and closed her eyes, finally mumbling something.
"What was that?"
"Some days I feel…lonely," she spoke a bit louder.
"Lonely? You're always hanging out with one of us. You have no time to be lonely," Jade told her.
"No, I feel…lonely," Tori repeated, eyeing Jade with expectation, waiting for her to get it. She fidgeted with embarrassment and eventually looked away. Jade didn't get it at first, and then it hit her.
"Oh! You mean you feel aroused," Jade said with no hesitance. Tori was instantly blushing and shouting at her, hands grabbing at the sleeve of her shirt. Jade laughed loudly.
"You're such a prude. Just take some time to yourself-"
"It's hard."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't…I can't…" Tori struggled, hands gripping tightly at her knees. She refused to look at Jade. She couldn't possibly tell the girl she liked that she was the one on her mind during those times.
"You need help with that?" Jade asked, leaning closer to look Tori right in the eye. She froze, face even redder than it already was.
"Excuse me?" she squeaked. Jade chuckled.
"It's just an offer. No pressure. Shoot me a text if you change your mind," she responded, hoping down from the wall.
"W-wait! Jade!" Tori shouted at her, struggling and almost falling off the wall in her haste to catch up. When she did, Jade patiently waited for her to speak.
"Are you serious? It's not a joke?" Tori checked.
"Even you should know what friends with benefits are," Jade taunted lightly, turning to walk away.
"See you around," she said with a wave. Tori let her go, stuck in place by the unexpected offer. Jade didn't think Tori had the guts to take her up on her offer, but two days later, the text came in.
Did you mean it?
Your place our mine?
Definitely yours
Jade smirked. Of course. She didn't want Trina to barge in. Later that day they found themselves in Jade's room. The house was empty. Tori stood awkwardly by the door, wringing her fingers.
"What happened to feeling lonely?" Jade asked, sauntering over to grab her by the wrists. Tori blushed and looked at her feet.
"I-I was, but…" she stammered. Jade silenced her with a kiss, pulling away to gauge Tori's reaction. She stared back at Jade with wide eyes, and then she was grabbing her by the shirt and pulling her into a deeper kiss full of want. The following hours were unlike anything they experienced before.
The next day Jade eagerly sought out Tori, finding her talking to Andre about a project they had. She strolled over and casually slung an arm across her shoulders. Tori tensed a bit at the contact but relaxed a moment later.
"Hey, buddy," Jade greeted jokingly, snickering when the word caused Tori to blush. Andre stared at them questioningly, completely puzzled by the exchange.
"Are you free after school?" Jade continued, pulling Tori a bit closer.
"Uh…" Tori said with a small nod, avoiding Jade's piercing gaze. She would surely cave if she saw it.
"Think on it."
She slid her hand down Tori's back when she pulled away, striding down the hall just as the bell rang. Tori yanked her gaze away from Jade's retreating form to face Andre's completely confused expression.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing," she muttered, heading to class. A class period later, and Jade received a text from Tori. She smiled when she read it.
Your place
Jade's smile became a smirk. She couldn't wait.