A/N: This chapter is basically fluff/the official development of Jori in the story. I won't spoil too much; you'll find out what happens once you read :0. As well, thank you guys so, so much for reviewing and favouriting the story even after I was absent. I am really, really appreciative of what you have to say, and read every review, even if it's negative; any feedback is good feedback! Make sure to favourite/follow/review if you liked it so I know I should keep updating. :)
Tori turned to Jade, cowering. "What's wrong with one bed?" Tori asked, defensively.
"That means that I have to share it with you, Vega." Jade murmured, leaning against the beige striped wallpaper. She worried if she leaned too hard against the wall, the frivoulousness of the weak wood beneath the wall coverings might make her cave it in. Whatever, she concluded. Her tense back needed the break.
Tori raised a furrowed eyebrow. "What's so bad about sharing it with me?" she questioned, putting her hands on her hips. She felt the softness of Jade's flannel on her fingertips, remembering she still wore Jade's clothing sacrifice.
Jade started for the interior of the room, spacing herself from Tori, and seating herself in a hard desk chair that had a thick layer of dust forming overtop of the seat. She dropped her bag by her side, crossing her arms. Jade thought that the room was...okay. The wallpaper wasn't peeling, which was a good sign, and aside from the single, twin bed and the colonizing dust armies on each piece of furnishing, it was passable.
Tori followed Jade to her spot at the desk, reaching for the ancient, boxy television's remote. Topping the 1982 ensemble of decor which seemed to be a favored trend in the neighborhood, the television had not been updated since at least the early 90's, as well, which meant no Netflix nor Pay Per View. "Jade, neither one of us are going to sleep on a floor. Especially that," Tori pointed to the stained carpeting beneath their feet, making a face. "That floor."
Jade, irritated, propped herself up from the chair, and looked down at Tori who sat at the edge of the bed. "Alright. Fine. Whatever. You win again. We'll...sleep...in the same bed." she uttered, looking down at the strange stains in the floor. Was that...blood? Jade thought, silently. It reminded her of the blood red paint stain on the dashboard of her car.
Tori flipped through the channels and gave up once she realized that she was getting nowhere when every station except the local news had a static visual, rather than actual programming. "Should we get our luggage and find a place to eat?" Tori asked, switching off the TV and flopping backwards onto the lumpy bed. She turned her neck to the small window and watched the cars on the road speed through the sheets of rain. The dark sky did not look like it was going to give in to the warm sun trying to shine through anytime soon.
"I guess." Jade responded, flatly. "Where do you want to go?"
"We can ask Stevie for some good places." Tori insisted.
"Stevie?" Jade repeated, curling her upper lip.
"Why not? She has a job here for a reason." Tori justified.
"Alright." Jade agreed, giving in.
The girls exited their room in a hurry, walking down the hall to the reception. Jade noticed the hotel was actually sufficiently grimy in the halls as well as in the rooms, but just brushed it off as "the experience" as Tori said.
"Stevie, my girl!" Tori shouted, a few feet away from the desk.
"Oh, my God." Jade remarked, falling a few steps behind Tori in humiliation. God, why is Tori always so...outgoing? It's not even cute. It's just...ugh. Jade pondered, watching as the brunette began to make small talk with Stevie, who clearly seemed disinterested in returning it. Tori's not even cute. Period. Jade reaffirmed in her head. Why did that statement even need any sort of reaffirmation? It's not like she had a crush or something on Tori. Jade caught herself off guard, when she began to worry. Did she find herself growing attracted to the brunette? Jade gawked as Tori twirled her hair on her index finger and regardless of the dim, motel lighting, her eyes still had that signature Tori Vega sparkle. Tori was still dressed in Jade's oversized flannel, which fell to the middle of her thighs. Why did Tori have to look so...loveable and innocuous in it? It was just a piece of clothing. Jade bit her lip, then made her way toward Tori at the desk.
"You ready?" Tori appealed, holding out her hand to grab Jade by the arm. It was amusing how Tori still tried to acquire Jade's affection, even though Jade had refused it multiple times on end. Jade gave in, letting Tori pull her by her side. Suddenly, she found herself almost...smiling, which she happened to do very little of around people.
"Yeah...yeah, I'm ready." Jade finally answered, walking by Tori's side.
"Stevie suggested some weird restaurants, but I think we should go to the 24 hour diner which is only a five minute walk. If we head back to the auto-repair shop for a minute, I can get my umbrella out of the car." Tori explained, pulling up Jade's flannel over her messy, wavy hair. As if it wasn't already a frizzy mess from the rain, Jade thought.
They made it to the auto-repair shop and retrieved the umbrella, making their way to the diner. Jade began to feel like the five minute walk became a five hour walk as the straining thoughts from a few moments prior began to haunt her.
"Why are you being so quiet, priss?" Tori asked, jokingly. She squinted for a few moments, and could eventually see the glow of the diner sign across the street from their spot. If only I brought my reading glasses, Tori regretted.
"Um..." Jade stammered. "I don't know. I guess I'm just so shocked that I might actually be having a good time with you." she countered, sharply.
"Well, I'm glad you chose me to have a good time with." Tori said, straight out, making Jade chuckle slightly. The girls successfully crossed the street, and walked in silence for the remainder of their walk, where only the clunk of Jade's combat boots against the cement and the continual thoughts plaguing her mind could be identified by Jade.
"Ugh, that food was so greasy." Tori groaned, pushing the door of the hotel room open.
"You ordered a chicken salad. How did you even get the full, grease experience?" Jade retorted, laughingly, closing the door behind her and switching on the lights. It was now 8:30 PM, and Tori made her way to the window to shut the blinds. The rain still did not give in.
"All I had was poutine and I can honestly say I have never felt more sluggish in my life after eating that." Jade explained, flopping face down on the single bed. She kicked off her combat boots, turning over on her side.
Tori smirked. "I thought you love feeling disgusting. I thought you love anything disgusting." she remarked, joining Jade on the bed with the television remote.
"I like feeling the good type of disgusting. That was the bad kind." Jade grumbled, watching as Tori turned the TV onto the news.
Tori watched as Jade tried to concentrate on the flickering images of the news channel. A weather report came on, and Tori was barely able to comprehend the words, as she was too infatuated by Jade. Her bony finger pulled at a strand of coloured hair that lost it's curl, and she began to twirl it around her finger. Why was everything so perfect about Jade? Tori thought, looking down to her white socks. Jade's were black, of course. Everything about Jade was perfected-her elongated, full eyelashes, her light, crystal eyes, her soft, shiny locks-everything made Tori feel suddenly...weak.
"Hey, Jade?" Tori finally said, meeting Jade's eyes.
"Hmm?" she responded, looking away from the television.
"Would it be okay if we started getting ready for bed? I'm exhausted." Tori offered, moving to her suitcase next to Jade's Gears of War bag.
Jade slightly nodded her head, wondering why Tori began acting so strange and out of place.
"You alright, Vega?" Jade pondered, rolling off the bed and following Tori to her own bag.
"Me?" Tori exclaimed. "Yeah, of course!" she tried, nervously.
Tori pulled out her bag of toiletries and pyjamas, making her way to the bathroom. "I'll be fast." she stated, quickly shutting the bathroom door.
Jade shrugged, pulling out her ensemble of sleepwear.
Tori sprawled up against the white bathroom door, gazing at her worried reflection in the mirror. She took a deep breath, then walked up to the counter.
Alright, she thought. As far as I know, Jade and I see each other as friends with serious, serious problems.
She bit her lip.
So, why does that mean I can't...like her? It's not like her 'awful' personality is actually rooted into her conscience. It's just Jade being Jade.
Tori slowly began to unpack her toothbrush, soaking it with water from the sink. Tori suddenly looked up at her now pale facial expression, with endless thoughts racing through her head. Am I developing feelings for Jade?
Outside the bathroom door was a different story. Jade slowly undressed herself, slipping into just a simple black bra and pyjama shorts. Her feet were bare, as she paced on the cold, wooden floor, examining her black polished toenails. Oh, God. She thought. I'm going to have to share the bed. With Tori. She heard the flush of the toilet inside the bathroom from behind the door, then quickly sat herself on the bed, pretending to be busy on her Pear Phone.
The bathroom door handle twisted open, and out came Tori, holding her bag of toiletries in one hand, and wrinkled clothes in the other. Jade looked up to find Tori was dressed in checkered pyjama pants and a tight tank top. Her wavy hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she began to make her way over to Jade.
"You only sleep in a bra?" Tori questioned, putting her clothes and toiletries back into her bag. She still held Jade's oversized flannel in her arms.
"And shorts." Jade corrected, leaning back against the pillows.
This is going to be hell. Tori thought, moving up to the bed where she sat herself next to Jade. She checked the time on her cell phone. The glowing screen read 9:02. Tori usually did not find herself asleep at least until 10 PM.
"I'm tired." Tori lied, dropping her phone onto the wooden side table.
"Why don't we go to bed then? We have to wake up early, anyway." Jade declared, beginning to pull back the white sheets on the twin bed.
We. Tori repeated in her head. "Okay." she said, moving against the wall so Jade could prepare their bed.
"Did you set an alarm?" Jade asked, fluffing out the two pillows.
"Uh, yeah. Is 6:45ish okay?" Tori responded, nervously picking at the skin around her fingernails.
"Mm hmm." Jade approved, sitting back on the bed. Tori watched as the girl began to lie back on the pillow, her shiny, raven locks sprawling across the fabric of the cusion.
"What do you want me to do with your flannel?" Tori asked, moving slightly away from the bed.
"You can wear it to bed if you're still cold. I don't mind. I get hot when I sleep." Jade answered, turning over on her side to watch Tori.
Tori grinned apprehensively, letting out a nervous chuckle. She slipped the flannel back over her shoulders, seating herself in the empty spot next to Jade. Neither one of them bothered to move under the blankets.
"Get the lights, Vega." Jade asserted, pushing her hair off her perspiring forehead.
Tori nodded, shutting the overhead light off, then joining Jade back in her spot. She lowered her head onto the pillow, not able to remove the expression of bafflement off of her face.
"Aren't you going to say goodnight?" Jade suddenly snapped.
"Yeah, I guess my head is somewhere else right now." Tori confided. "Goodnight."
Jade felt pitiful suddenly. "Hey, sorry," she apologized. "What's up? You can tell me. Unless you still think I'm a vicious witch out to destroy you socially..."
"No, no. It's nothing." Tori proclaimed.
Jade and Tori sat in silence for a few moments, listening deeply to the rapid rainfall on the rood of the motel.
"Come on." Jade tried.
"No, you really don't understand. I can't tell you." Tori replied, staring hard at the dark ceiling. She felt her eyes begin to steam.
Jade pursed her lips, facing Tori rather than the wall. She began to rub Tori's back abruptly, startling Tori, as the feeling of Jade's fingertips tickling the skin of her back raised her own heartbeat. "Tell me." Jade attempted, continuing to softly stroke Tori's back.
Tori felt a sudden wave of anguish. If she even ever told Jade she was developing feelings for her and got rejected, things would never be the same. Jade definitely did not feel the same for her, especially considering they have been delicate enemies since Tori moved to Hollywood Arts. She remained silent. Instantly, she felt the hault of Jade's fingertips on Tori's back, and the rustling of sheets followed by footsteps. Tori watched as the once dark room became illuminated with bright light once again. She sniffled.
Jade sauntered towards Tori's side of the bed. To Jade's surprise, Tori's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were wet with tears. "My God, Tori. What's wrong? Please. Your sadness isn't even bringing me any joy." She sat at Tori's knees, staring into her bloodshot eyes.
"Jade...I...I can't." Tori repeated again.
Jade took a deep breath, leaning closer to Tori. "Please, Tori." she begged, unsure of what to do with the heartbroken girl laying before her. "I know, I know. I'm Jade. And you're Tori. And everyone knows us for our fighting and our rivalry. But I'm here. As someone you can..." Jade gulped. "Confide in." she admitted, shuttering.
Tori pulled herself up from the pillow, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Jade," she began. "We have been through so much together. Even when we've fought, I've always felt closer to you than anyone else. Closer than Andre. Closer than Cat. Closer than...closer than my own sister." she unraveled. "And that's why I can't tell you what's wrong. So please. Please go back to bed. I'll be fine in the morning." Tori pleaded.
Jade's heart skipped a beat. She felt a shiver of possible understanding. Did Tori...like her? Oh, my God. Jade thought. Is Tori feeling the same way I was earlier today? Does Tori...have feelings for me?
"Tori." Jade said straight out, steadily. She put a cold hand on Tori's warm face, moving closer to her. Jade was close enough to Tori that she could feel her body radiating heat onto Jade. "I think..." she tried. "I think, you..." she repeated, shakily. "I..." Jade sighed. "I really, really like you Tori. Like...It's not a like...it's like a...like-like."
Tori's eyes widened as Jade hovered over her small body. "Jade..." she sighed. Tori leaned in, breaking the one inch clearance between them, pressing her soft lips against Jade's. Jade, startled by the sudden act of confidence by Tori, slowly melted into the kiss. Tori felt her muscles relax as she ran her fingers through Jade's loose hair. Jade gently moved Tori up against the backboard of the bed, tasting the spit of the brunette on her lips. Tori tasted like her mint flavoured toothpaste and cherry lipbalm. Jade ignored the wetness of Tori's cheeks smearing on her face. The kiss lasted a total of 30 seconds, when Tori quickly pulled away.
"Jade...I...what...are we doing?" Tori asked, scrambling around the bed, rubbing her eyes.
"Tori..." Jade said out, tenderly. "Why didn't you just say you liked me?"
"Rejection? Weirdness? Aren't we...like...frenemies? Or something?" Tori questioned, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.
"Opposites attract." Jade convinced, smirking slightly.
Tori shook her head. "No, Jade, you don't want me. You want Beck."
"No, Tori. I'm done with Beck. I want you." Jade corrected.
I want you... Tori thought. Jade wants me. Me. Not Beck. Not Andre. Not Robbie. Not anyone else. Me.
"How...how are we going to...do this?" Tori stammered, scratching the back of her neck.
"Let's worry about today." Jade answered, moving to turn the lights back off. "We should get to bed, Vega. Beck's coming at 8 tomorrow, remember?"
Tori nodded, and reluctantly moved back to her spot in the twin bed, this time pulling the covers over her body. Jade also snuck under the covers, feeling Tori's fluffy socks on her bare foot.
"Fluffy socks?" Jade laughed. "Are you five?"
Tori didn't know why, but she found herself laughing aloud at Jade's remark. She snuggled closer to Jade under the blankets, feeling Jade's bare legs against her own. She wrapped her arms around her, shutting her tear-stricken eyes. For once, Jade did not mind the touch of another person.
A/N: I really hope you liked the blossoming of Jori! I can't wait to put out the next chapter.