A/N: I think the emails might be back on. I haven't gotten the error message in a couple of days, so fingers crossed!

By my standards, I think we waited long enough, so how about we have our first true JORI interaction.

Tell me what you think!

;-)

Jade took out her personal laptop and plugged it into the wall.

It's been a while since she used it, and the little black rectangle was notorious for having a short battery life. On a good day, she could get a tight forty minutes untethered before she had to charge the thing.

But these days, she wasn't that much in need of a mobile desktop. While she was getting just as many steps in as at the New Brunswick campus, Jade was mostly relegated to her clipboard and cell. She debated getting a tablet if it was reasonable.

The screen flickered on, played the Windows logo, and displayed the desktop. All of the icons were arranged into the corners of the screen, leaving the middle open. The reason was to show off the image that took center stage: an action shot of Avatar Korra bending the elements.

Back when Jade was younger, she was a big fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It was the best show (period!) on TV at the time for her. But the follow-up show, The Legend of Korra, struck a chord with her in a different way. By the time that show ran, Jade was a teenager and still figuring a lot of things out. Her eyes were drawn to the titular character and her harrowing adventures.

While she had snippets of an affinity toward girls, Jade's proclivities were not well-defined then. She would read comic books, with their usually over-sexualized illustrations. Her least favorite was Rob Liefeld who drew women in a way that was impossible, especially in how they moved. In no way would this superhero pose like that during a fight.

Avatar Korra on the other hand wasn't shown through a male-gazy lens. She was her own person and not afraid of a fight. But she also had her vulnerable moments, which is to be expected when the world is simultaneously on your shoulders and trying to kill you. Korra wore dresses primarily on formal occasions. For the most part, she was wearing more practical garb for either combat or leisure. Jade was struck by this strong-willed woman who didn't always present as feminine. She would find herself taking in her definition, particularly the back muscles which the animators made a point to accentuate.

And when it came to be that she was also queer, that sent Jade over the edge.

It was after the show had concluded that the once-confused teenager understood who she was and what she wanted.

Fast-forward back to the present, Jade shook her head and realized she was just drooling over Avatar Korra.

(Okay, it was cute when you were a kid. But you're an adult and that's an animated character.)

(Good point. You should look at ladies that actually exist! Like...Tori Vega?)

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.

"Tori..."

Jade recalled seeing her name on the schedule. Since they were shooting mostly action scenes, if Shelby was there so would her double.

She chuckled to herself, thinking how silly it must be to mistake one for the other.

First of all, Tori had a few inches over Shelby Marx. The actress certainly had some work done, giving her the prominent chest. Tori wasn't flat-chested by any means, but her weight training countered any pockets of fat on her body, including breasts.

The pale girl cupped her own assets.

"Whatever," she huffed. "I've got tits. But I don't have what Vega's got, though."

Another difference between the two was personality.

Shelby was bubbly and personable with everyone. Jade can't think of a story of her being mean to a fan or someone she worked with. Tori, on the other hand, was more stoic. There were fleeting moments of her cracking a smile, like following a physical stunt. The Latina clearly got a rush from it and would make jokes with those close to her. But Jade couldn't get past how dismissive she was toward her.

Jade tried connecting to the Internet with her ancient laptop but to no avail.

(Guess that's another thing I'll need to upgrade soon!)

She closed the computer, which put it in sleep mode and left it plugged in to charge.

Next week was going to be interesting.

The last of Jade's furniture was supposed to be delivered. She was still missing her bed and that dining set.

But at least she finally had her couch and the nightstand. She used it in the living room since Jade neglected to also obtain a coffee table. The assistant PM decided to just pick up a simple card table. It needn't be anything fancy.

All that mattered was that Jade could put her sleeping bag away and snooze on the couch, which was one comfy motherfucker. It didn't take long for Jade to go to dreamland once she laid down. The arms were elevated, which her neck appreciated. But she also bought pillows, so that provided added comfort and guaranteed she wouldn't wake up all stiff in the morning. Jade had a whole sheet set, which sat in the corner of the bedroom, waiting anxiously for a bed to cover.

Jade's first few days on set were enlightening and she met some cool people.

She entertained the idea of inviting them over once she got her place situated.

The girl yawned as her eyelids got heavy.

"Come on over, Cat...Andre...mmmmmmm...Rob...Beck I guess...hhhhhmmmmm...Tori..."

Jade pressed her legs together as she rolled onto her side before knocking out.

The last day of the week had production go on location.

Down Sunset Blvd, they were setting up a chase scene with crowds of extras. This was the first scene being shot that the press showed up. Malcolm was one to operate on a closed set but since this was out in the open, he utilized them to show off his spectacle.

Jade and Tony were working on different sides of the scene because it was so massive.

The stunt coordinator and special effects coordinator checked the vehicles involved and the "bystanders" who were going to get the brunt of the mayhem. These stunt performers were trained to take nasty falls, roll on hoods of moving vehicles, crash through store front windows, etc. There was even one playing the proprietor of a fruit stand because they always have a produce cart of some kind in these chase scenes.

Something this big and complicated meant that every take was costly. So, McGinley and his team dedicated to film each attempt because who knew how many they would get?

Shelby Marx was driving in the camera car, which had a massive robotic arm holding the 35mm movie camera. It was affixed to the roof and the camera hung in front of the windshield to film action of the actor driving without the equipment being seen. Of course, the angle had to be right so the reflection in the glass wouldn't register. If it did, they would have to take it out later. One of the few bits of digital trickery Malcolm would allow.

Meanwhile, Tori was driving an identical car, only this was rigged to flip sideways and (supposedly) land on all four wheels. Since the whole car needed to be seen for the sake of the stunt, the bare vehicle was filmed by a car that raced alongside her. Secondary angles were set up to capture peoples' reactions and the property damage from the melee. It was paramount to get these wide shots mixed in with the close-ups to provide a sense of place. If the audience can't follow the action, they start checking out and you lose them.

Tori was driving this part of the street while Shelby was further up. The row of palm trees was all they needed to match the footage. Reality was you had two different actors driving two different vehicles at two different sections of the same street, but a good editor can make it look seamless.

Malcolm called "Action!"

The cars sped, Tori's vehicle being in hot pursuit of the bad guys. Her bright yellow sportscar and their matte black SUV made the two easy to discern through the chaos.

Jade watched from a safe vantage, yards away from the chase.

Something crackled on her walkie-talkie.

She picked it up to listen and was trying to make out what Tony was shouting about. Jade focused on the scene while holding the device to her ear. Then she saw it. One of the news vans was pulling out, right in the way of the scene. Malcolm was stomping that it was ruining the shot, but Tony was trying to alert everyone the potential danger.

Jade tried to get the van's attention, but they didn't see her and continued on driving.

Tori was hurtling down the street and quickly noticed the white van with the satellite dish ambling into view.

She slammed on the breaks while giving the hand gesture for those following her to stop. But the SUV didn't catch the warning. Realizing too late they were going to crash, the driver instinctively jerked the wheel. That sent the sports utility jumping the shallow median and coming toward the onlookers, many of them not stunt performers as they were not meant to get this close to the action. Some were just civilians gathered to watch the filming.

Jade spotted a mom and two kids in the way of the careening black vehicle. There was no time to think, just to act. Jade took off, grabbing each of the kiddos by the hand. The panicked adult was clotheslined by the woman's swift and unexpected movement. It was forceful and chaotic, but those few seconds snatched the three civilians out of the danger zone.

The dark-haired girl almost got hit herself when she backed up but just missed the hood of the braking SUV. However, it managed to hit a streetlamp, sending it falling like a tree into a store window. Jade veered away from the falling metal post but tripped and ended up in the vicinity of where it landed. She hit her head on the way down as shards showered from above.

Moments later, Jade could hear a commotion all around her. People yelling, emergency sirens. They all sounded so far away.

"Jade?"

"JADE?"

"JADE!"

She tried opening her eyes, but it was difficult as the afternoon sun was overhead. Jade could feel hands underneath her and the strange sense of being lifted. It wasn't smooth but she could sense whoever was picking her up was trying to be careful.

"HEY!"

Jade's eyes fluttered open at the familiar voice.

She looked up and saw an exasperated Tori Vega.

(What a second! Is she...carrying me?)

"HEY!" she repeated. "HAVE SOMEONE CHECK HER OUT, TOO!"

Concerned eyes looked down and the strong woman breathed out as if she was keeping it in.

"Welcome back," she quipped. "Is anything broken?"

"I...I don't...think so?"

Tori nodded and got Jade to one of the arriving ambulances.

"Let's get you checked out to be sure."

After the dust settled and the scene was brought under control, Tony convinced Malcolm to call it a day. He begrudgingly conceded after some prodding from Dorian Pierce. The silver lining was that nobody died or got seriously injured. Plus, the station that sent the news van would be liable for the damages.

Jade was getting done with the EMT when she saw Tori checking on the people, whether they were working on the film or not.

She gave a small smile, impressed with how the stunt woman sprang into action. Had she not been knocked down; Jade would be doing what Tori is doing now.

The Latina glanced up for a moment and locked eyes with Jade. She gave a warm look of approval and nodded.

Her view of the Hollywood daredevil was blocked by the sudden appearance of Tony.

"JADE!"

He looked like he ran from wherever he was.

"Are you alright?"

"Just some bumps and scratches," Jade sighed.

"Thank god!" Tony sighed.

"How's Malcolm?"

Tony made a face and looked back, seeing the auteur pacing about while not in the best of moods.

"I swear to God! This is why I don't invite the press onto my film sets! Tony? Tony, where are you? I need you to put a pan on all outlets from my set!"

"He'll be better come Monday."

Tony looked down at Jade's bandaged hand. He did feel bad that she was hurt during this calamity. Had they switched places, she would've been spared.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I tried to..."

"I know," Jade nodded. "I was listening to the radio but you were barely audible."

"Damn. Hey, listen. Why don't you go home and rest."

Jade blinked.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, you've done enough. Try to take it easy, okay?"

Jade nodded.

"If anything changes, call me Sunday night."

"I will," she said. "Thanks."

Later that evening, a tall drink of water entered her favorite bar.

"How's it going, Bea?"

The bartender looked up and smirked at Tori.

"I'm good. And you?"

"Long day," sighed Tori as she pulled up a stool at the counter. "Could really use a drink right now."

Bea nodded and quickly whipped up Tori's normal.

"The shoot getting intense?"

"It's been the same all week," she shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle. But today...woof!"

Bea chuckled.

"At least you weren't around for that disaster on Sunset today. They said a car went out of control and took out a store."

Tori stared down at her drink, trying not to laugh.

"You know...I did hear about that. That must have been bat-shit."

She tilted backward to crack her back.

"You can ask her about it," Bea pointed to the left.

"Ask who?" inquired Tori.

"Apparently Miss Lonely-hearts over there was at the accident. Poor thing, looking banged up and sitting by herself. I swear, if she was a puppy I'd adopt her."

Tori turned to where Bea had indicated and her eyes widened, at first thinking the lighting was playing tricks on her.

"Well, no shit!"

"Hey!"

Jade looked up in surprise at the towering Tori.

"Oh, hey" the raven-haired girl smiled back. "You...come here, too?"

"Yep, I'm kind of a regular. Can I join you?"

She hesitated before nodding. Words were not working right now.

"Great," smirked Tori.

She pulled up a chair at the small table. Tori had to admit there was nothing more sad and pathetic-looking than a table for two with only one sitting down.

"When did you get here?" asked Tori.

"Ab-About an hour ago."

Jade licked her lips and blushed a little.

"We're you sitting here the whole time...?"

Tori refrained from saying the word "alone" but it was heavily implied. And Jade understood.

"I mean..." Jade sighed. "I've been in town less than two weeks and today's been a roller-coaster, so..."

"You could use a drink?" Tori grinned holding up her own beverage. "Definitely glad today is getting further away by the minute."

Jade cleared her throat.

"Well, before it fades away from memory completely, I wanted to say thanks for helping me back there. I-I really appreciate it."

Tori shrugged, "No problem."

Truthfully, it wasn't as small as she let on. During the impromptu stopping of the car, Tori caught a fleeting glimpse of Jade and once the SUV was going toward her general direction, her heart sank. After throwing the vehicle into park and jumping out, Tori raced to the scene, which got worse the closer she got. She was worried Jade got crushed but soon found her among the debris of the busted storefront.

Even if she wasn't operating on adrenaline at the time, scooping up Jade was easy. She was very light. Tori's only concern was not to rush in moving her, in case she was injured. Her arms could be as secure as any stretcher and her legs could get her to medical attention faster than any EMT.

When Jade had opened her eyes, it was a huge relief for her. Of course, Tori being Tori, she played it cool and gave her some space once she was being looked over by a medic. And she was playing her hand close to the chest now.

Jade being here at Hijinx didn't necessarily mean anything. Straight women come in here all the time. It's a novelty for some but as long as they were respectful toward to the sapphics, they could hang. Tori was well aware a good chunk of women here just want to drink and have a good time with friends without fending off guys.

"You..." Jade couldn't help but notice Tori's hands. "You were something...just carrying me out of that mess."

"I'm something?" Tori asked, pointing at herself. "Don't think I didn't hear from the witnesses what you did for that family, pulling them away from the car!"

Tori took a big gulp of her drink, which left less than half in the glass.

"Mild-mannered Jade West is secretly one bad bitch!"

Jade chuckled.

"I'm glad you made it though," Tori added. "Not just because I'm a fan of people surviving shit, but also...I didn't want to lose my chance to apologize for...being such a cunt toward you when we first crossed paths."

"Oh," Jade said, not expecting that.

Tori shook her head.

"No, I didn't have a reason to be that way. I was just...I had a rough morning that day. I shouldn't have taken it out on you...and the three other people before you."

She slammed her fist on the table.

"Ah, shit...I still have to apologize to Jason, the security guard."

Jade smiled. Then it faded when she saw a couple, laughing and holding hands walk by.

"What's up?" asked Tori.

"That!" she pointed with her bandaged hand. "Ever since I got here."

(Hold on, is she...?)

"You know...after the day I had, maybe I wanted to get something stronger than a Ginger Ale."

Jade sighed, her lips fluttering.

"And maybe talk to someone," she shrugged.

Tori grinned and held up her drink.

"Well, I do think you are two for two."

Jade gazed back at her co-worked and picked up her margarita.

"I guess you're right. Cheers."

They clinked glasses and set them down.

"Can I give you some insider info...you would fair much better on a Wednesday night. That's when they have their little mixer. The rest of the time, it's mostly couples. Hope that makes you feel better."

"It kind of does," Jade grinned.

"I mean...were you here on singles night...shit," Tori scoffed. "Pretty little thing like you, looking all broken and sad, those bitches would be lined up around the block to buy you a shot."

(Did Tori just say I was pretty? Better not read too much into that.)

"It's funny," Jade said, shaking her head. "I pretty much found this place on a lark. I Googled lesbian bars in the West Hollywood area and this one sounded cute. I mean, the name was cute."

"As much as I find it amusing that you picked this place out of a hat, I'm more curious about what you said earlier about just being in town for a few days?"

Jade nodded.

"Yeah, I moved like...nine...ten days ago."

"And already working on a movie?" Tori smirked. "Impressive."

"More like severe over-planning," Jade admitted. "I only moved out here once I had the job offer. I arrived the day before my interview."

Tori chuckled, finding all of this adorable and crazy.

"So, you're not from around here. I thought I picked up on an accent."

Jade looked confused.

"I have an accent?" she asked.

Tori rubbed her eye.

"Oh, yeah. Big time. Let me see...I'm going with...Northeast."

"New Jersey," Jade pointed.

"Ah...jersey girl. Well, you went as far as could've gone in the continental United States."

Jade sipped her drink before going on.

"Just wanted to get my career going in the movies."

Tori sighed and leaned back.

"What?" asked Jade.

"Take it from someone born and bred in Tinseltown. It ain't all sunshine and rainbows. Think of Hollywood less of a dream factory and more of a meat packing plant."

The pale one gestured toward the cuts on her face and her left hand still wrapped up.

"Oh, I think I already got a taste of that."

They sat quietly for a minute.

"You said you had a bad morning that time we met," Jade said. "Was it...you know...really bad?"

Tori shook her head.

"Nah, just dealing with my older sister."

"You have a sister?" Jade asked. "What's she like?"

Tori breathed in furiously through her nostrils and grimaced.

"I'm getting another drink," Tori sighed. "When I get back, please can we talk about anything else?"

Jade nodded with a little smile.

"Sorry, didn't mean to push the issue."

"It's okay," Tori told her. "It's just...That woman talks enough of herself that she doesn't need to be on my mind when she's not around."

"Got it."

An hour and a half later, Tori and Jade walked out of the bar.

Jade took out her keys and pouted.

"Right...can't drive."

"Let's get a taxi," Tori offered.

The statuesque woman was able to hail a yellow and black cab in no time. She got the door while Jade made her way in. Jade would have to find some way to get to the bar tomorrow to pick up her car.

"Don't worry about your car," Tori said, closing the door. "They're nice here. They won't tow you for leaving your car for one night."

"Good to know," Jade sighed. "Where do you live?"

"Doesn't matter. We're going to your place first."

"Huh?"

Tori rolled her eyes.

"I just want to make sure you get home."

"But I..."

"Please," Tori insisted.

She had a couple of drinks, though it would take a more than that to get her wasted. Tori's eyes were damn serious.

Jade blushed.

"Um...oh-okay?"

Fifteen minutes later, they were at Jade's building.

"Thanks," Jade said.

"You want me to wait until you're inside?" asked Tori.

Jade shook her head, pointing to the door.

"That's okay. It's right there."

"Alright then," Tori said. "Oh, wait a second."

Tori grabbed one of the cheap pens the taxi company have in the pocket below the partition and wrote something on the back of one of the little business cards they provided.

"Here," she said, handing it to Jade.

"What's this?"

"My cell, duh."

"But why would you give me your cell?"

"Because I don't have a secretary," Tori quipped.

The dark-haired one was too dumbfounded to say anything as she exited the taxi and turned back around. Tori lowered the window.

"Why though?"

"I had fun, maybe we should hang out again sometime. Besides, you can't have your first lesbian bar experience in LA and not walk away with at least one phone number. It would be a crime against nature!"

Tori then muttered something to the driver and handed him a $50.

"See you around, Jersey Girl!" she waved as the cab dashed away.

Jade looked down at the piece of paper and chuckled.

(Wait. Does this count as the second time you picked me up today?)

A/N: How's THAT for Jori interaction? More to come, I promise.

After seeing those tweets from Liz Gilles, and how her background inspired this version of Jade, I just had to throw in the line about Ginger Ale. Hey, Canada Dry! You have a very sexy spokeswoman right there.