AN: Here it is! The moment we've been waiting for!
The ball! :]
I wrote this chapter long after the prologue was posted so I hope you enjoy!
Quick note: Jade does not have her signature highlights in this story.
It's quite a long chapter
I do not own Victorious.
Chapter 14:
The week practically had flown by for the brunette. Every day for an entire week Tori left the apartment early for her jog and did not return to until it was passed midnight. The committee and her had been busy working on the final touches needed for the ball. Conformations needed to be done, catering had to be tripled checked. All the masks and tickets had sold out. Tori was beyond excited. She was thrilled. She was so thrilled the ball was such a big event this time around she could hardly find it in herself to sleep.
Tori had come up with the idea of making the mask and selling them during her freshman year with the committee. It was a tradition the art class had kept for the last four years. Of course the art class she was in had helped with the making and preparations of the masks, but she had made most of the masks herself along with the red head's help of course.
The sound of an alarm ringing awoke the sleeping brunette. She stretched her arms back releasing a breath as she finished stretching. Glancing at the time she couldn't help but smile proudly. It was the day of the highly anticipated ball. It was the first time in four months that Tori had actually slept in. With no worries about the event or school, she'd felt relaxed enough to rest. Rising from the comfort of her warm bed, Tori put on her fuzzy slippers and left in search of the red head. Surely she would have time to talk before Tori was due to leave for the preparations of the ball.
She was surprised when she didn't find the bouncy red head in the apartment. Checking once more the time, she frowned. She had no more time left to wait for her best friend to return and hurried on to get dress and grab her gown for the event later. She would not be returning until the ball had ended. After she was dressed, she wrote a quick note and left it on the counter for Cat.
Jade knew both Cat, as much as Tori, was excited for the ball. Jade had purchased her dress from her roommate, who happened to work at a tailor shop. Cat and Tori had bought their dresses a month in advance shortly after Tori had explained to them what the theme was going to be. Jade had insisted on seeing the dress Cat had chosen, but in the end the red head never gave in, leaving the raven haired woman to try and imagine what sort of dress to expect.
Jade had been lying on her bed for the last hour since she'd awoken. Her thoughts were consistent of how she would go about her day and try as she may her thoughts always seemed to return to one single topic. Tori. She couldn't help but let her mind wonder how the exquisite the brunette would at the ball. Of course she'd seen Tori dress nicely before, especially when she accompanied her to the dinner Sikowitz had held. The dress she'd worn nearly left her breathless, Jade wasn't sure how she'd handle seeing Tori at the ball in a ball gown.
The ringing of her phone disrupted all thoughts of the brunette. With a lazy groan Jade reached over for her Pear phone, not bothering to check who the caller was as she answered. She was greeted with her girlfriend's familiar voice. "Hey Cat. What's up?"
The end of the other line was quite for a moment. Jade sat up with concern when the usually bubbly woman did not immediately respond. "Cat," she began.
"I can't go to the ball," the red head finally responded.
"What do you mean you can't go? You've been looking forward to this all week!" Jade said in disbelief. At the end of the line she could hear Cat's breathing. She sounded upset, like she was ready to cry.
Cat sighed. "I know. It's just that I can't afford another day off of work, Jade. I'm the supervisor and they really need me to be there tonight."
Jade listened quietly, wondering what was going to happen now. She pushed back black locks from her face, groaning in frustration. There was no way she could go to the dance without her girlfriend. She was her date. Leaning back again the headboard, blue eyes traveled to wear the hand painted mask rested just atop of the bureau.
"I really wanted to go," Cat said in disappointment. "Tori won't be happy about this."
Dark brows rose in question. "You haven't told her?" Eyes remained glued over the mask.
"No she left before I had the chance to speak with her. I went down to the shop to try and find a replacement. By the time I returned she'd gone and now she's not answering her phone." Cat paused. "Oh, I feel awful. She's going to be so upset."
Jade smiled gently. "No she won't, Cat. She'll understand," she assured the red head. She knew Tori. She'd be understanding, after all it was just a dance.
The line was quite once again before Cat spoke up. "She really wanted me to go, Jade," she said sadly.
Jade waited for Cat to say something more, but she didn't. She didn't know what she could say to comfort the red head. She tried thinking of what she could possibly say or do. Unconsciously she'd reached over to grab the mask and was now holding between her fingers. All the details and decoration of the object were truly amazing. The memory of how of a certain brunette played in her thoughts, recalling how adorable the woman had appeared with the tip of her tongue sticking out to the side as brown eyes carefully followed where the paintbrush traveled.
"I'll go," Jade said before she could catch herself.
"What?" Cat sounded almost surprised by her offer, but nevertheless relieved. "Are you sure you don't have-"
"Don't worry. I want to. I have a dress and a mask. Why waste it." Jade explained trying not to sound too eager. She could hear Cat's smile as she spoke. The brunette must have been really in for her not to answer the red head's calls.
"Oh thank you, Jade! You're a sweet heart!" She paused before continuing. "I'll try to call Tori once more. Hopefully I catch her before I start my shift otherwise I'll just have to leave another message."
Jade laughed as Cat began to tell her about what one of her classmates had done during a lecture the previous day. Jade liked that about Cat, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. After they finished up talking Jade finally got up and grabbed a bowl of cereal while she watched the news. She found himself thinking about the dance once more. She felt a bit excited on the thought of seeing Tori, though she'd never truly admit it.
What was Tori going to wear? What color was her dress? Jade sighed and shook the thought away. She still had a couple of hours before the ball. It started at seven she reminded herself. She would leave half an hour before but in the meanwhile she was going to enjoy the rest of her day off by take a nap.
...
Brown eyes roamed over the large hall, analyzing and confirming everything was where it was meant to be. She directed the caterers back into the room where they would use to set up the food they would serve when it the time was right. Glancing over at the clock against the wall she sighed, still annoyed by the fact that of all the days to choose from, the day of the ball her cell phone had chosen to no charge properly and die on her. She managed to get one of the committee members to call the musicians and remind them what time they were due to arrive.
"Tori, everything is set," a short blonde young woman informed her. Tori gave the woman a thankful smile and grabbed her clothing. The only things left to do were change into her dress and fix her hair. Looking over at the time once again she smiled. There was plenty of time for her to get ready. Tori joined the rest of the woman from the committee and headed into one of the rooms far off the hall to change.
As she trailed behind the chatting group her thoughts began to wonder off and surround around a certain woman with the most breathtaking blue eyes. Tori smiled to herself as she allowed thoughts to imagine what the woman would look like all dressed up. Catching herself in thought she blushed when one of the women approached her.
"Who's your date tonight?" the young woman asked kindly.
Tori blushed opening and closing her mouth in embarrassment when she realized she had forgotten the most important part of the dance. Her date. She had no date. She gave the woman a friendly smile and shrugged, explaining she'd honestly forgotten, but nevertheless a certain raven haired woman crossed her mind when she considered a date.
Would Jade really show up?
…
By six-thirty the raven haired woman was running late. She had slept through the alarm and was running behind her planned schedule. She jumped into the fastest shower she'd ever taken, fixed her hair and make-up, and quickly dressed. She wanted to look her best for the ball, for Tori.
The dark teal corseted dress she wore revealed the toned pale collar bone muscular shoulders. It fitted nicely along her body and was lengthened down to her feet. Jade had bought a new pair of black heals just for the occasion.
"Now, where's my mask?" She looked around for the said object. She dug through her drawer and found the handed painted mask perfectly set on the side. On the inside of it, it had the initials T.V. Jade placed it on and took one last satisfying look in the mirror. She grabbed her keys ran and coat and out the door.
To Jade's surprise the entrance of the old neoclassic building was crowded with people just arriving and some leaving. She slowed her pace and kept her distance as the entrance grew closer. Outside the night sky had fallen with the company of a cool breeze. The moon was full and brighter than ever, surrounded by millions of stars. Jade closed her eyes taking in the night air. It reminded her of what Tori had once told her.
She smiled to herself and found her way into the ball. Inside the lights were a bit dim. The whole room had been changed. There were candle lights everywhere and the chandelier hung high and bright in the middle of the dance floor. It was like one of those scenes from Romeo and Juliet. The music had just begun. The whole dance floor filled with couples as they danced along the orchestra's symphony.
Jade searched through the crowd for the familiar brunette, but frowned when she was nowhere to be found. The woman was just about to give up hope when blue eyes spotted a single auburn haired woman across the dance floor leaning against a wall all alone. She wore a red lady Jane dress and a golden mask covering her eyes. Her hair was curled and hung below her exposed olive skinned shoulders. Her gaze remained fixed over the crowds dancing to the calming music. Even from a distance she looked stunning. Though she wore the mask, Jade was certain it was her. The way she stood, her body language, it all said Tori.
Jade watched as a young man approached the young brunette who wore a small timid smile on her lips, her eyes glued to the dancing crowd. A pang of jealousy ran through the pale woman as she observed from a distance. The young man must have asked her to dance, because once she smiled and shook her head, he gave her a disappointed look and left. Jade walked around the dance floor to where she stood.
Tori had grown slightly annoyed by all the strangers that had approached her, asking her to dance with them. It was a touching gesture and she'd of gladly said yes to one of them had her thoughts not been too distracted with a certain raven haired woman that was yet to catch her eye. Though she wore a smile, deep down she felt disappointed having not found the pale woman in the crowd. Maybe she was right. Jade had better things to do than go to a silly dance.
"Would you be kind enough dance with me beneath the moonlight?" a soft voice asked from behind the brunette.
Tori turned around to meet face a tall woman who wore a silver mask over her eyes. The black curves and linings that bordered the object made it difficult to identify the color of the expectantly awaiting eyes. The dress the woman wore caused the brunette's breath to hitch as they took in how well structured the woman before her was. Dark teal contrasted marvelously against the pale skin.
Tori continued stared at the woman in wonder for a moment. Eyeing the masked woman carefully she raised a brow with the hint of a smirk across her lips. "There is no moonlight in here," she answered glancing around the hall.
Jade chuckled softly nodding. "True, but I know where there is," she offered with a gentle smile, her hand still directed toward the brunette.
Tori pursed her lips together at the corner of her mouth to try and fight back the playful smile of amusement. She looked at the woman contemplating whether or not to accept the offer. The stranger looked really familiar. The echoing in the hall and the music all combined made it difficult for Tori to be certain whether or not she'd heard that voice before. After a brief moment she finally took the hand being offered nodding in response.
Jade felt a fluttering in her stomach when Tori accepted her offer. The feeling of the woman's hand in her own was created chaos in her stomach. A beautiful chaos she more than welcomed. She led them around the dancing crown and through the glass doors and out to an isolated rose garden. Outside the music had faded into the background with just a faint sound echoing in the air. She let go of Tori's hand and watched as the woman walked over to one of the rose bushes.
Lightly touching the roses Tori stroked one of the leaf pedals.
Jade watched her with curiosity as the brunette let out a breath and looked up at the night sky. She remained in place, observing the woman who closed her eyes and took in the night air. In the moonlight she looked so fragile, so beautiful. The dress the brunette truly emphasized the woman's beauty.
"It's such a lovely night," Tori said opening her eyes slowly. "It's nights like these," she continued. "That remind me of what extraordinary things nature has to offer and how beautiful it all is." She turned to meet the pale girl's gaze.
Jade took a step toward the brunette and let out a breath she had not realized she'd been holding. "You're beautiful," she whispered with such sincerity Tori felt light head from the words alone, her cheeks reddening.
Jade smiled at the welcoming blush and held out her hand, lightly bowing her head. Her blue eyes stayed fixed on the chocolate brown the entire time as she began to speak. "Would you do me the honor of having this dance with me?" she asked lifting her head.
Tori timidly smiled. "I can't dance," she said with a shrug in her shoulders in self-disappoint. At that moment she wished more than ever, she could. She hated denying the woman before her such a sweet gesture.
Jade offered a smile in encouragement as she took Tori's hand, not allowing the woman any room to try and protest again. "Follow my lead," she whispered. She placed her free hand gently around the woman's small waist. Tori followed and placed her hand on the tall woman's shoulder, she'd seen it done so many times in movies.
Jade swiftly began moving them back and forth in a circled pattern, the background music gave them a soft rhythm they quickly fell into.
"You're pretty good at this. Are you sure you've never danced before?" she asked.
Tori laughed nodding her head. "I'm sure" She felt a familiar fluttering her stomach as their movements drew them closer.
Jade smiled at the sound of her laugh. As they continued to dance she twirled the smaller woman around and gently pulled her to her, lacing pale fingers with tan. Brown eyes looked up at blue when the slow music began before resting her head against the taller woman's shoulder. Jade closed her eyes and listened to their breathing. Their heart beats were beating in sync as they swayed to the soft music. Jade never could have expected to have such an amazing night, to have such strong feelings for a single person. Once the music ended and their steps slowed, she looked down at the brunette keeping her embrace around the woman.
Blue eyes wanted to see beneath the mask, the flawless skin. Her finger tips brushed across the caramel cheek, reaching for the golden mask. Slowly she removed it, revealing the familiar cheek bones and chocolate colored eyes causing the exposed woman to gasp as cool air hit her face. Auburn eye sparkled underneath the moonlight, browner than ever as they looked directly into the pale colored eyes.
Jade smiled and stroked cheek softly, their faces inches away from each other. "You're beautiful," she whispered. She placed a strand of brown hair behind her ear, lightly brushing her finger against the tanned neck. She simply adored when Tori blushed as was doing so in that moment. Blue eyes traveled down and lingered for a moment over the full lips.
Tori followed the woman's gaze, her brown orbs searched in the colored eyes recognizing the azure color. Her heart sped up as she reached up to touch the end of mask with her fingertips. "I made this mask," she noted tilting her head. Of all the various hand crafted masks, there had only been a single silver mask and she had been the one to have made it. Brown eyes found themselves lingering over the parted lips, the tickling sensation of the taller woman's breath brushing over her own.
Jade simply nodded in response laying her hands over the curious one just above her mask. When the masks had begun to sell, she made sure the mask that had caught her eye from the first time she saw in the brunette's hands was hers. She'd gone down straight to the tables to assure the object was hers and carried it with her the rest of the day proudly flaunting the mask. She'd explained to a certain red head the reason she was to protective of the dearly object was only due to promoting the grand event. It wasn't just a mask. The way Tori had taken such delicate care in crafting the item made Jade's heart skip a beat. In that small moment she had caught a glimpse of how truly precious Tori was. She wasn't just another person who over looked the details of an object. She admired every detail, examined every curve, felt every stroke. It was just a mask, but to Tori it was an accomplishment, it was a treasure.
The raven haired woman inched closer to the brunette enclosing the small gap between the two. Her eyes returned to the curved lips, her own hovering only a breath away from the unmasked woman's.
Tori shuttered a little as a warm hand brushed aside auburn curls and cradled the back of her neck. Blue eyes met brown for the briefest moment before both pairs fluttered shut. Their lips met for the first time brushing over each other in a slow and heart shattering kiss as their lips moved in sync with each other. . Long tan fingers reached up and buried themselves in the dark locks. The pale free hand found its way around the woman's small waist holding her in place as she dipped her head to deepen the kiss, lips curling up in a satisfied smile.
It was everything and more both women had ever imagined. For the first time Jade could have sworn she saw stars and Tori would have bet anything in world to prove her heart stop for just a moment when their lips first made contact. As the kiss came to a natural end the brunette's hand dropped, dragging along her mask as the loose end came undone.
Jade stared at her, waiting for Tori to panic as her identity was unveiled.
"Jade..." Tori whispered, her eyes showing no surprise as they looked hard into the azure eyes. Her lips quirked with the gentlest smile.
Blue eyes nervously searched in brown, looking for any sign of anger or disappointment. Jade relaxed a little when she found none. It had never crossed her mind that she could have felt so strongly for one person. She didn't understand how this could have ever happened and frankly didn't want to understand it. She watched as Tori's expression changed from joy to pain all within seconds.
"Jade," Tori said dropping her gaze as reality dawned on her. Her shoulders slumped in defeat as she took a step back finally breaking the embrace altogether.
Jade could see the tears threatening to slip down the small caramel face. Gently she lifted the woman's chin. "Tori," she whispered stepping once more in her space.
Tori shook her head, her fingertip lay over the pale girl's lips halting any other words the woman had to say. She gave a weak smile removing herself from any reach.
"You're not mine," she replied, her voice carrying the heavyhearted emotion she struggled to control. The image of a bubbly red head struck a pang of guilt in her, causing her to shrink down in disappointment. Brown eyes glazed with tears remained locked with the stunned azure.
Jade tried to convey something, anything to say that would stop the visibly shivering brunette, but found herself lacking any ability of forming words.
Tori gave the woman one final smile before walking past her not allowing the beautifully dressed raven haired woman any room to speak. She returned inside the hall and continued walking past the crowds of students merrily dancing and enjoying the ball, forcing herself to ignore the sounds of Jade's voice calling after her. She swallowed the heavy lump in her throat and did everything in her power to avoid making eye contact with anyone as she reached the entrance.
Trembling from both heartache and cold, she forced herself to get lost in the crowd outside and walked home alone. The kiss replayed in the back of her mind as she struggled to remember why it had been wrong for her to have enjoyed it, why it had been wrong to look at the woman with such emotion and to have kissed back with such passion.
Why couldn't she be happy with Jade? Why? She lit up her world, held her, and comforted her. She sent butterflies fluttering in her tummy and made her heart skip. Tori was sure she loved her so why couldn't she accept Jade's feelings? What was stopping her?
You're not mine, reminded her thoughts. You're not mine.
AN: They kissed! They finally kissed!
What does it mean? Will Jade and Tori be okay?
What about Cat?
Want more?
You know what to do! ;]
Review Please!