Disclaimer: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.
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Chapter 16 – A magical evening.
No One's POV.
Jade was half asleep on the couch when Tori came home from work. Though not fully awake, she became aware that Tori was kneeling down next to her.
A moment later, Jade felt Tori ever so gently and tenderly stroke her hair.
"So beautiful." Jade heard Tori whisper.
In her half asleep state of mind it seemed like a very wonderful dream. Moments later, Jade happily drifted in a deep sound sleep.
Jade woke up just after 10 am the next morning and though she felt very rested, she quickly started to feel anxious about their date the next night. Granted it wasn't until Sunday night, which was the next day, but Jade almost immediately started to worry about it.
She made herself some coffee and once she had downed a cup, felt just a bit better. Jade then sat down, turned on the TV and not less than 5 minutes later Tori came out of her room.
Seeing Tori, knowing the truth Jade felt her heart beat faster. "Hi." Said Jade softly.
Tori smiled and sat down next to Jade on the couch. "I think we need to talk."
"Yes."
There was an awkward moment of silence before Jade broke it. "I followed you to The Playpen. I suppose I should apologize. I'm sorry. Why do you work there of all places. A strip joint."
Tori brushed a strand of hair from her face and shrugged. "I dropped out of school and badly needed a second job to make ends meet. A girl I briefly dated, told me her friend worked there and the tips were great. I applied and took it. You're the only one that knows."
Jade nodded. "I see."
Tori inched closer. "I'm told that Barbie kissed you twice."
Jade detected a hint of jealousy in Tori's eyes as she mentioned kissing Barbie.
"Yes, once to buy her silence. The second one to prove to me that I liked girls, despite my denials."
Tori grinned. "I take it she was right."
"So you like me." Jade said sounding as if it were an impossible thing. Considering all that had happened, Jade wondered just how Tori could like her.
"Yes." Tori said, continuing to smile.
"So that's why you helped me back…."
Tori's whole demeanor instantly changed to one of anger. "I helped you because it was the right thing to do. I'd do the same for anyone else."
Jade was strongly tempted to ask why Tori picked up and left 3 years ago, but knew it would shut down the conversation instantly. Not sure what to say, she searched her thoughts.
"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have made that assumption. I don't know what I'm thinking or feeling some days. It's all so new. I guess being with, him, I never gave it any thought.'
Tori took a deep breath and seemed to calm down. "No problem. That is why….we are going to take this very slow. I don't want you to do or say anything you don't feel ready to do, even if it's to please me. Understand."
Jade appreciated that comment, as it took some of the pressure off. "Got it."
Tori got off the couch. "You can pick me up tomorrow evening at 6:00 for our date."
Jade suddenly looked confused. "But I'm already here."
Shaking her head. "You can pick me up at 6:00 for our date. A real date. Oh and one more thing."
"What?"
"Call this homework if you like, but I want you to tell me three things you like about me and only 1 of them can be a physical attribute."
Jade's face fell. "Seriously Vega, You're giving me homework."
Tori shrugged and headed towards the bathroom. "Yes. You see, you're dating a girl now, all the rules you know about dating. Toss them out."
Jade furrowed her eyebrows. "So what are the rules then?"
The only response was a laugh from Tori, as she closed the bathroom door.
Laying back on the couch, Jade realized that Tori was indeed right. Everything she did know about dating all related to dating men and that knowledge was useless. Even the simple thought of giving Tori flowers had eluded her until Barbie mentioned it. Again she felt her anxiety rise.
The last thing Jade needed was more in her mind, between Beck, the abuse, her remaining feelings for him, her co-dependent tendencies, her guilt, Jade's mind felt like it was in a storm.; thoughts and feelings pulsing about like mad.
While Tori showered, Jade stuck in her Scissoring dvd as she found it to be both comforting and relaxing. It was odd for a horror film to function in a way similar to a security blanket, but Jade hardly cared.
During the film, Jade found she was able to think a bit clearer. She realized that she had two options. The first would be to worry herself silly about the date and what it was like to date a girl. The second would be to simply concentrate on Tori's homework, but otherwise relax as much as possible.
Jade decided on the second option as being more relaxed would hopefully make for a better date and a better first impression. Thinking back she remembered a date she went on before Beck where the guy was so nervous and uptight that it made for a very unpleasant date.
Jade then continued to lounge on the couch as Tori did her morning bathroom things. In fact Jade decided to make it a lazy day and do nothing. After showering and getting dressed Tori came out of her bedroom.
"You going to take your shower now?"
Jade looked over at Tori and shook her head. "No."
"What are you going to do then?"
"Stay here, watch TV." Jade said dismissively.
Tori frowned. "So you're just going to lay on the couch in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and watch TV all day."
"Yep. We don't have our first official date until tomorrow so, so I really don't have to impress you yet."
Jade then smirked and changed her tone of voice to a more seductive one. "But if you'd like, I can take off my clothes and lay around naked all day. I'd get the feeling that you'd really like that!"
"Uh…Uh..no..no…you don't have, have to do that. No..thank you." Stammered a shocked looking Tori in response.
Ignoring Jade's laughter, Tori quickly moved to the kitchen. "I'll think I'll make us some lunch."
Tori made them some lunch and the pair spent the rest of the afternoon, watching old 1930's horror movies. Jade had found it was a good compromise as it was something they both really enjoyed. Both found it to be an enjoyable afternoon.
Tori left for work at The Playpen at 5:00, but not before Jade informed her that she would be staying in tonight.
Jade did stay in, watched more horror films and thought about what exactly attracted her to Tori. One thing became clear almost right away, she found the apartment without Tori's presence, was a lonely place.
The next day, the day of the date, both Tori and Jade purposely avoided talking about that nights events. Jade again spent the day trying to relax and Tori spent a lot of it reading in her room. Both women though, were worried about their first real date.
At 4 O'clock, Jade jumped in the shower to get ready. Thinking about what to wear, Jade decided to dress and look more like she did in high school. In the last 3 years, her wardrobe had changes to a less Goth one nor has she worn a streak of color in her hair in some time. Beck had advised her that it would help her get tv and film parts; it didn't.
After putting a bit of curl into her black locks with an accompanying green streak, Jade looked at herself in the mirror. The face looking back was one she hadn't seen in a long time. It was just a bit unnerving.
"What the fuck happened to you?" Jade said with a sigh, knowing she was still not herself and may not be for some time.
Jade dressed in her good boots, black leggings, green skirt with a black top with lace sleeves. It was an outfit that she hadn't worn in some times. Jade also stuck her lucky scissors in her boot.
Oddly feeling like a wedding day, Jade didn't want Tori to see her before the start of the date. So when ready she peeked out of the bathroom to see the coast was clear. Seeing Tori was still in her room, grabbed her purse and left the apartment. It was just before 5 o'clock and it would give Tori and hour to get ready; plenty of time..
While waiting for the last hour Jade walked down to the coffee shop down the street and had herself a cup of coffee. She went through in her mind what she planned to do for the date and tried to combat her increasing case of nerves.
At 5:40 Jade left the coffee shop for her one last errand before picking up Tori.
At exactly 6:00 Pm, Jade knocked on the door of Tori's apartment. She used her key to let herself in the building, but decided to do it proper and knock on the door.
Two long minutes later the door opened and as Jade held out the dozen roses she bought, she took note that Tori was still in a bathrobe.
Tori smiled widely, smelled the roses and opened the door wide. "They're beautiful. Thank you."
"You're not ready." Said Jade, looking both confused and just a bit frustrated.
"No." Remarked Tori as if it didn't bother her in the slightest. "Have a seat. I'll be ready in a few minutes."
Before the confused and frustrated Jade could respond, Tori vanished into the bedroom.
Jade growled silently and sat down on the couch, roses still in hand.
After 10 full minutes, waiting Jade huffed. "God this is annoying, it almost feel bad for all the guys I kept waiting. Almost."
Exactly 4 minutes later Tori emerged from the bedroom ready to do. Jade was about to protest having to be kept waiting but he sight of the Latina, made her pause.
Tori was wearing a blue dress with matching shoes, her hair was done up and almost instantly Jade's heart started to pound.
"You're beautiful." Stammered Jade.
Tori stopped for a moment smiled as she looked equally as taken. "So are you."
Jade couldn't help but blush slightly. "Thank you."
"Let me get the roses in water and we can go."
"We're having dinner at Mario's, that Italian place a few blocks down. I figured we could walk."
"I'd like that."
They walked to the restaurant and though little was said, the silence felt rather comfortable. Jade just concentrated on her feelings. She was realizing more and more she simply liked being in Tori's presence, among other things.
They arrived at the restaurant, which was a small intimate affair. Jade made a point to open the door for Tori, which she greatly appreciated. They were shown to a cozy booth in the corner and once they ordered Tori smiled and said.
"So I gave you a bit of homework. What do you have for me."
Jade shook her head and laughed. "First you make me wait, which I'm sure was on purpose….."
Tori shrugged. "I admit to nothing."
Jade continued with a frown. "Then you demand my homework, like I'm a 14 year old in English class."
Tori leaned across the table and whispered. "Frown all you like, you're loving every second of this date, plus don't you want to hear what I like about you."
Jade smirked. "Ok, I'm busted. I've always been drawn to you, probably since we've met. But I never understood why, plus my mind was on someone else. But now that we've come closer I'm starting to sort it all out. Tori, I love your hair, it's long, silky and beautiful. It always smells nice."
"Thank you. I like yours too. I love that you put a green streak in it. I've missed that. That's one of mine. Though honestly I liked your hair a bit more when it was brown. When we first met."
"You did?"
"Don't get me wrong, your hair is wonderful and I'll admit, I'd love to….play with it….but I liked the brown hair too."
Jade raised an eyebrow. "So what else did you always want to….play with…."
Tori shot Jade a dark and seductive look. "Play your cards right West and someday I'll happily play with all of your TOYS! But on to your homework. You said one physical attribute. What else to you like about me."
The toys comment caught Jade off guard and for a moment she sat there with a blank expression as her mind had dirty fun thinking of that that would entail.
Snapping out of her little fantasy Jade said. "You're always bright and outgoing back then. For a while when I first came to stay, you weren't but you're much like your old self. I found that despite my being annoyed by your bright attitude back then, I really missed it, a lot more than I realized."
While she said nothing, Jade could tell Tori was quite pleased by the comment.
"Lastly you've helped me a lot in the last few months. You were really there for me. I like that."
Jade noticed it, while Tori smiled and said thank you, her eyes darted to the side briefly as if something was running through her mind. Jade decided for the sake of the date which was going well, to ignore it.
Tori took a sip of her water. "OK, now my turn. You're so very talented. I've seen you on stage and just been in awe of you. I guess my last thing is that there is so much more to you than a simple angry Goth. You're smart, darkly funny, straightforward, unpredictable and….. " Tori paused to smile. "You're a girl. You're very beautiful, sexy and I dare say very feminine in your own way. I want to know you better and I hope you do so as well."
Jade, looking very flattered, smiled. "I do."
The pair their meal soon arrived and talk went back to more mundane subjects, but regardless, each found they just like being with each other. Though vastly different from each other, Jade sensed that somehow they fit with each other. She wasn't sure exactly how as her feelings were all very new but she liked how she felt when she was with Tori; happy.
The rest of dinner went well and the conversation flowed smoothly and each began to feel the very beginning of something more than friendship.
Dinner ended and Jade paid. As they left the restaurant, Tori held the door for Jade.
Upon exiting the restaurant, Tori's eye s grew wide as she saw a horse drawn carriage in front of the restaurant. "Is that for….."
Jade smiled proudly. "Yes."
Jade helped Tori into the carriage and once in herself, Jade motioned for the driver to start.
Looking positively happy, Tori snuggled next to Jade. "This is very nice, thank you. You've really pulled out the stops."
"So you're enjoying yourself." Jade replied with a hopeful smile.
"Jade, we could be having a sandwich at a McDonalds and I'd enjoy myself with you. But yes, I am."
Before responding, Jade paused to look into Tori's brown eyes, each time she looked at them she liked them more.
"I'm glad."
Tori then snuggled up just a bit tighter and again a comfortable silence descended on the pair. Jade really began to feel something new, she felt warm and special and just utterly contented. A feeling she'd never had before.
Tori was also very contented and was very impressed by Jade's efforts to make a special date. She a real spark of romance and it made her just a bit giddy.
Feeling it was the right time, Tori reached over and took Jade's hand in hers. Jade for an instant nervously tensed up, but a second later relaxed and squeezed Tori's hand.
The ride lasted for another 20 minutes, which is all Jade could afford, but they ended up in front of Tori's apartment.
Not letting go of Tori's hand for a moment, Jade helped Tori out of the carriage and the pair walked up and into Tori's apartment.
Figuring it was the correct thing to to Jade then walked Tori to her bedroom door. By now her heard was beating like a drum. All had gone perfectly, in fact more than perfect. Jade hadn't felt more alive and special in years.
Turning to face Tori Jade could see Tori was practically glowing.
It was Tori the spoke first, her voice trembling slightly. "Jade, I've imagined this day for a very long time. What it would be like, how I'd feel. For a long time, I thought this would never happen. But it did, you took me on a super romantic date and made me feel wonderful."
Jade for the second time of the night blushed. "Thank you. I've never felt so….Wonderful. So have I earned a second date?"
Tori looked deeply into Jade's eyes and for an instant, everything else seemed to vanish. Not even hesitating Tori leaned in and gave Jade a quick, soft and gentle kiss. For Jade, even though the kiss lasted less than a second, she had never felt a moment so magical.
After breaking the kiss, Tori gently ran her fingers through Jade's hair. "Yes you have. But this time, I'll plan it. Ok. How about Wednesday night?"
"I'd like that."
"Good. I know it's a bit strange with you living on my couch while, we're dating. If you ever need space or anything, just let me know."
"I will."
"Thanks again for a nice evening. I'm actually going to read and turn in. I know it's a bit early, but I don't want to risk doing anything to spoil our night. I'll see you in the morning Ok."
Jade smiled. "OK."
With that Tori turned, entered her bedroom and closed the door. Alone Jade sat on the couch and found herself rather pleased how the date went. Actually she was so pleased, her head was practically spinning. She truly loved being on a date with another woman. It was different, strange and more importantly, it felt right.
Jade changed into her sleeping clothes and for a time watched TV, while she came down off her emotional high. After 10 Pm, Jade turned in herself.
As she began to drift off, she couldn't help think about that second at dinner where Tori looked away. She wondered what went through Tori's mind and wondered if it had anything to do with Tori's refusal to speak of the aftermath of the party.
Though forgotten during the date, that nagging thought came back. Why does Tori not want to talk about it? Jade knew that if they did keep dating, that would eventually have to come up and Jade wasn't sure if the outcome would be one she liked.
Jade pondered it all for a few minutes and pushed it back down into the back of her mind. Soon she was asleep.