Never quite over

by wlwstripped

Torn between the potential of a fresh romance with new college classmate Sam and the undeniable pull she feels toward Jade, Tori must navigate a web of messy emotions, friendship, and self-discovery. As the tension between her and Jade builds, so does the possibility of everything falling apart. Slow burn Jori.

12. Chapter 12

Welcome everyone to the longest chapter I've ever written, enjoy :D

Don't forget to interact, it's really motivating.

I was lying on my bed in the dorm I shared with Cat, the soft hum of the morning still hanging in the air. It was early, too early to be stressing over coursework, but I had no choice. A thick textbook lay open in front of me, pages filled with words that, try as I might, weren't sticking. Along with my laptop balancing precariously on my knee. I sighed, knowing my brain wasn't cooperating. How could it, with Jade sprawled across my bed, in my softest clothes, her head resting comfortably in my lap?

She didn't say anything, just quietly flipped through a leaflet for the upcoming play 'Romeo and Juliet' her fingers grazing the edges of the paper like it was some ancient text she was analyzing. The sunlight filtered through the window, casting soft shadows that danced over her dark hair. I found myself playing with those strands, letting my fingers drift through them, twirling them absentmindedly. The sensation of her hair, soft and cool against my skin, was hypnotic, and it became harder and harder to focus on anything else.

The world outside our dorm felt miles away. The laughter from Cat's TV show, that she'd left on before stepping out hours ago, honestly I wasn't in a place to move and switch it off, Jade had also refused. Along with the faint clatter of footsteps in the hallway but none of it mattered. The only thing that existed in that moment was the steady rise and fall of Jade's breathing, the weight of her head in my lap, and the comforting silence we shared. It wasn't the first time we'd found ourselves like this, wrapped in quiet moments that never needed words.

I glanced down at her. She was wearing that expression, the one that meant she was pretending to be interested in something while her mind wandered somewhere else entirely. Her thumb absentmindedly traced the outline of Juliet's name on the leaflet, but I could tell her thoughts were elsewhere.

"You know," I said, my voice softer than I intended, "I'm never going to finish this homework with you lying there."

Jade didn't look up. She just smirked, her eyes still on the leaflet. "I didn't ask you to finish it."

I rolled my eyes, trying not to smile. "Of course you didn't."

Her smirk grew a little as she turned a page, but she still didn't look at me. It was Jade being Jade - distracting, infuriating, and somehow, always the centre of my attention. My hand paused in her hair for a moment before resuming its slow, rhythmic movement.

I glanced at the textbook again, but the words blurred together, meaningless now. Homework was impossible with Jade in such close proximity. Maybe it was her presence, or maybe it was the way my fingers moved through her hair like they belonged there, but focusing on anything else seemed pointless.

"Romeo and Juliet, huh?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Doesn't seem like your thing."

"Why not?" she replied, her voice lazy, but there was a challenge in it, like she knew exactly where I was going with this.

"Well, it's all about love and tragedy and- " I stopped, realising I was digging myself into a hole.

Jade finally looked up at me, her sharp forest eyes locking onto mine with that familiar intensity. "What? You don't think I have a soft side?"

I blinked. Jade, soft? The very idea seemed ridiculous, but as I stared back at her, with her head nestled against my thigh, looking more relaxed than I'd ever seen her… maybe it wasn't so ridiculous after all.

"I think you've got layers," I said, trying to keep my tone light.

"Layers?" She raised an eyebrow. "Like an onion?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Exactly like an onion."

"Charming." Jade rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice, and she let her head sink deeper into my lap, closing her eyes. "If you're going to psychoanalyse me, at least do it when I'm awake enough to care."

I smiled, returning my attention to her hair.

"Although, you should go for this," Jade said suddenly, holding up the leaflet without looking away from it, clearly having spent her time contemplating bringing it up.

I glanced down at the paper, biting my lip. The idea of auditioning had been bouncing around in my head for over a week now. The thought excited me, made my heart race in that good way. But it also terrified me. This wasn't high school. Hollywood Arts had been one thing, but this college was so much bigger, the competition more intense and honestly I doubt I'd get the part. There were so many talented people on this campus and any one of them could audition. With limited roles I doubt I'll get the lead I want.

"The play?" I said, trying to sound casual. "I don't know… I've already got a ton on my plate with classes, and, you know, life." I forced a smile, hoping it would cover up the nerves swirling in my stomach.

Jade wasn't buying it. "No, really. You'd be good for it," she said, her voice softer than usual. "It's something different. You need that."

My fingers stilled in her hair, and I raised an eyebrow at her. "Since when are you my career advisor?"

She smirked, rolling her eyes. "I just know you better than you think, Vega. You get stuck in your head too much. This would be good for you." She paused, her lips quirking up in that way that made my heart skip a beat. "Plus… I kinda want to see you on stage again."

I felt my face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and something else. I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, trying to brush off the moment. "I mean… maybe I'll think about it."

Before she could say anything, the door burst open, and Cat came bounding in, her vibrant yellow sundress swirling around her as she moved. The dress was adorned with tiny daisies, matching her cheerful personality, and her bright pink sandals made a soft thudding sound on the plush carpet she'd laid down.

"Tori! Jade! Oh my gosh, have you heard about the play?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. "It's going to be so amazing! We all have to audition!"

She paused, dramatically placing her hands on her hips and striking a pose. "But honestly, I'm thinking of auditioning for a side character. I mean, the lead role? Too much pressure! I'd rather be one of those quirky characters who gets to say all the funny lines!"

Her excitement bubbled over as she spun around, her hair bouncing with her every move. "Can you imagine? We'll get to be part of something awesome, and I won't have to deal with all that drama! Like school again! Gosh do you think Sikowitz would come? We could invite him? Our parents?"

I laughed at her infectious energy, grateful for her ability to light up the room.

"We were just talking about that, Cat. Jade's been trying to push me into auditioning." As if finally registering Jade and I's position she smiles so wide. Glancing between us frantically, putting the piece together.

Jade raised an eyebrow, looking up at me with a smug expression. "Told you."

Cat's eyes lit up even more, if that were even possible. "Yes, Tori! You have to audition! We could be in it together, and Jade can cheer for us and bring flowers and everything! Or cake! With those rainbow candy sprinkles. Ah rainbow sprinkles! One time my brother ate a whole jar of those, he nearly died." She clapped her hands, practically vibrating with excitement.

I let out a chuckle, feeling Jade shift slightly in my lap. The thought of auditioning was still terrifying, but with both of them encouraging me, maybe I could actually do it. It could be great.

"No pressure or anything, right?" I teased, glancing down at Jade.

"None at all."

And just like that, I knew I couldn't back out.

As Cat continued to ramble about the play and our potential stardom, I felt my phone buzz against the bed. Curiosity piqued, I reached for it, half-expecting it to be a mundane notification or perhaps another reminder about upcoming classes. But when I saw Sam's name light up the screen, my heart stopped altogether.

Sam : Hey, wanna grab coffee tomorrow? Usual place? It's been a while.

I stared at the message, a mix of dread and anxiety swirling within me. Sam and I had become close friends over the past few weeks, sharing late-night study sessions and venting about classes. After that date night, nothing else had happened. We'd remained friends, and they were cool. I enjoyed being around them. However, I no longer felt attracted to them or wanted to kiss them. With that in mind, I felt justified in wanting to remain close.

However I had not mentioned any of this to Jade. We were getting somewhere, and I knew mentioning anyone else would ruin that immediately.

She didn't exactly see our friendship that way. The thought of Jade's jealousy made my stomach twist, so I quickly swiped the screen off, trying to be as discreet as possible and put my phone back in its place. I'd message Sam some time later, they knew I wasn't a great texter anyway.

But I wasn't discreet enough.

Jade's eyes narrowed, and even with her head still resting in my lap, I could sense the shift in her energy. "Who was that?" Her voice was casual, but there was an edge to it that made my heart race.

I shrugged, attempting to play it cool. "Just… no one. Some class stuff."

Her gaze locked onto mine, piercing and knowing. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, cursing myself for being so careless, for letting the lie slip out. "Uh-huh. Right." Jade sat up, pulling away from my lap, and I immediately felt the loss of her warmth. "You don't get all weird about 'class stuff'..."

My pulse quickened as I glanced at Cat, who was still blissfully unaware, spinning around and dreaming up our theatrical futures. Great timing, Sam, I thought bitterly. I needed to defuse this before it escalated.

"It's not a big deal," I said, trying to keep my tone light, but I could hear the nervousness creeping in.

"Then why are you hiding it?" Jade asked, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. I could practically see the gears turning in her mind as she assessed the situation. She had a knack for doing that. I totally thought she was a mind reader for a few months when I first joined Hollywood Arts, she would just know things that no other person should know. Either that or she'd read my diary…

I felt backed into a corner, knowing I had to come clean. "It's nothing, really. Sam just texted asking if I wanted to grab coffee. No big deal." The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted it.

Jade's expression shifted immediately, and her eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh. Sam." She sat up straight, crossing her arms defensively. "You weren't gonna mention that?"

I let out a nervous laugh, desperately searching for a way to ease the tension. "I didn't think it was a big deal. We're just friends."

But Jade's expression hardened, and her posture grew tense. "Friends who apparently need to be hidden from me." She leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "Friends who you've made out with. Friends who you've been on a date with."

I gulped. She was right. Like always. "Give me your phone," she stated firmly.

My eyes go wide.

"Why? It's just a text, Jade. There's nothing to see."

"Now." She pressed, her voice firm. "If it's just coffee, then there shouldn't be anything to hide, right?"

I hesitated, weighing my options. I could refuse and risk making things worse, or I could hand it over and potentially escalate Jade's jealousy. But as I looked into her eyes - those deep, searching eyes - I could see how much this mattered to her. And it was only a friendship, I didn't have anything to hide.

Reluctantly, I sighed and handed over my phone, watching as she unlocked it and scrolled through the messages. I held my breath, anxious for her reaction. Would she understand, or would this push her further into the jealous territory I wanted to avoid?

She read Sam's message, her frown deepening as she took her time processing it. "Just coffee, huh?" Jade said, her tone neutral but the tension in her body palpable. "Your usual place?"

"Yeah.." I reassured her, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's not a big deal. We just… get along really well, we've been going there occasionally since our first class together. It's really good coffee…"

Jade looked up from the screen, searching my face for something, validation, maybe. "You like them, don't you?"

I shook my head vehemently. "What? No. Jade, no. I don't. That's insane."

"Oh so I'm insane now, Vega? Real, nice."

She got up from the bed and started pacing, and my heart sank as I watched her clearly grapple with her emotions. I felt utterly helpless, knowing I wasn't providing any comfort at all. The last thing I wanted was for this to turn into our first fight. We'd been doing so well together; granted, it had been less than a week, but still, that was quite an achievement for Jade. She'd kept her cool through everything, and I could feel the tension building between us, an invisible hammer threatening to come crashing down.

Holy chiz, this could break us, couldn't it? I couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. Jade had hated Sam since the moment she first laid eyes on them, that much was true. Her dislike had been palpable, a flicker of annoyance whenever Sam's name came up in conversation or a full on glare when they were in the same vicinity.

As Jade paced back and forth, her frustration was evident in the way she clenched her fists and bit her lip. I knew she was trying to process everything, but with every step she took, the distance between us felt like it was growing. My chest tightened at the thought of losing what we had built in such a short time, and I was desperate to find a way to bridge the gap before it widened even further.

I felt the weight of her question in the air between us, and I realised that this wasn't just about Sam anymore. It was about us and the tangled feelings we'd both been trying to navigate.

I hesitated, searching for the right words as the silence stretched between us. I wanted to be honest, to reassure her that my heart was firmly with her. "Jade, you know how much you mean to me," I began, my voice steadying. "You're not just another girl in my life. You're… everything. I've spent too long wondering if you'd even let me in, and I didn't want to mess that up by ruining us."

Jade's eyes softened a bit, but I could still see the flicker of doubt behind them. She stops pacing, so I take the small win, and shuffle forward on the bed, kneeling so we're almost the same height.

"Go on." She requests, still clutching my phone in her hand. For the briefest of moments I'm worried she'll throw it but realise I don't care enough when she's standing in front of me looking so.. Worried.

I nodded, my heart aching at her vulnerability.

"I don't want Sam. I know we had something going on when I first got here, but that's over. It was over when I realised how much I wanted you. They never stood a chance." I plead at her with my eyes and she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose.

She shifted slightly, her grip on my phone loosening as she placed it on the bed beside her. "Just coffee?" I nod.

"Then I guess, I'm fine with it." Her voice was thick with emotion, and I could see how hard it was for her to admit that.

I took her hand again, intertwining our fingers and giving her a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to compete for anything."

A flicker of relief washed over her expression, but the remnants of doubt lingered. "Tell me next time, yeah? I don't do the whole sneaky-texting-behind-the-girlfriend's-back bullshit, okay?"

My cheeks flush instantly.

"Girlfriend?" She bites her lip, jaw flexing.

"Obviously."

I tug her close, pressing my lips to hers. Positively giddy.

Jade's girlfriend.

I'm Jade's girlfriend.

Oh you wanna talk to Jade West's girlfriend? Ha! That would be me. Right here pal. Look no further! Jade's girlfriend is right in front of you. Have no fear!

I hold back my scream of excitement and pull away so I can see her utterly beautiful face.

"I promise, Jade," I said earnestly. "No more hiding. I'll always keep you in the loop. Just you and me."

Her lips twitched into a small smile, and I felt the tension between us begin to dissipate. "You better mean it," she said, her playful demeanour returning, if only a little.

"I do," I insisted, my heart lifting as I felt a connection reaffirming itself between us. "And if it helps, I'm definitely not interested in competing for coffee with anyone else when I could be with you."

Jade rolled her eyes, but I could see the warmth in her gaze. "Well, it's not like you're in any danger of losing me."

I chuckled, feeling a sense of ease settle over us. "That's true. You are uniquely irreplaceable."

"Damn right," she replied, smirking as she climbed back onto my bed and resumed her previous position, if slightly stiffer. l"Just remember that, Vega. I may not be perfect, but I'm definitely one of a kind."

As I ran my fingers through her hair, the warmth of our moment enveloped us, reminding me of how lucky I was to have her by my side. We might still have our ups and downs, but I felt more confident than ever that we could navigate it all together.

Jade once again settled back down, her head in my lap and as I continued to run my fingers through her luscious hair, a sudden burst of energy from Cat jolted me back to reality. She was sitting on her bed, bouncing up and down with excitement, her eyes sparkling. Phone gripped in her hand displaying some kind of tickets for sale.

"Okay, okay now you're done with your gay moment! Can we talk about the play now?" she asked, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "I'm so ready for this! Tori, you have to audition! We could totally be a dynamic duo! Or a dynamic threeo!?"

Jade shifted slightly, lifting her head from my lap to glance over at Cat, her expression a mix of curiosity and annoyance at being interrupted. "Can you not bounce so much? Some of us are trying to have a serious moment here."

Cat just grinned wider, undeterred by Jade's tone. "Oh please. If I had to be quiet every time you had a serious moment, I'd have no joy to share. I'd be rocking back and forth in a miserable corner somewhere deprived of fun."

Jade chuckled and waved her off, Cat continued to bounce excitedly. "But anyways! This is important! I mean, have you thought about what roles you'd want? We'd be perfect together on stage! Imagine it, Tori - us stealing the spotlight! Romeo and Juilet! Star crossed lovers!"

I couldn't help but smile at Cat's enthusiasm, even as I felt a familiar flutter of apprehension at the thought of auditioning. "I don't know, Cat. This college is way bigger than our high school. What if I mess up?"

Jade propped herself up on one elbow, eyeing me with a mixture of concern and determination. "You won't. You're talented, It'll be fun."

Cat nodded vigorously. "Yeah! And if we get the roles, we can totally practise together! It'll be like old times, but way cooler. Just think of all the costumes and rehearsals!"

I glanced between them. "It's just a lot to think about. I don't want to let anyone down, especially if I don't get cast."

"Hey," Jade said, her voice steady. "If you don't try, you'll never know what you're capable of. Even if it doesn't work out the way you hope, we'll still have a great time. That's what matters, right?"

I took a deep breath, considering her words. "Yeah, you're right." I looked over at Cat, who was practically bouncing out of her skin. "Okay, I'll think about it. But no promises yet."

Cat squealed, throwing her hands up in the air in excitement. "Yes! That's all I ask! Just think about it! We can go through the script together later!"

Jade smirked, clearly enjoying Cat's enthusiasm. "Just don't get too ahead of yourself, Cat. We still have to see if Tori can handle the pressure first."

"Challenge accepted!" Cat shot back playfully. "Just you wait! Tori Vega, star of the stage!"

I chuckled, feeling a little lighter despite my lingering apprehension. Maybe this wasn't just about the play; maybe it was about taking chances and embracing new experiences with the people I cared about. "Alright, alright! I'll give it a shot, but only if you promise to help me through it."

"Deal!" Cat exclaimed, beaming with excitement, while Jade leaned back against me again, a satisfied smile on her face.

As Cat continued to bounce around the room with excitement, she glanced at the clock and suddenly gasped. "Oh no! I'm going to be late for my date with Robbie!" With that, she hopped off her bed, her energy palpable as she fussed with her hair in front of the mirror. It was a heart shaped thing she could barely see but she started messing it up needlessly.

"Have fun!" I called out, a teasing smile on my face as I watched her scramble to gather her things.

"I will!" Cat exclaimed, throwing a final glance back at us as she reached the door. With a playful wink, she added, "And don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

With a look that seemed to last a lifetime, she slipped out the door, leaving Jade and me in a cone of silence.

Once Cat was gone, Jade wasted no time. She reached over and set my laptop aside with a soft thud, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "We better do what she says, babe." she remarks, straddling my lap and settling in with a playful grin. Her hands sliding up and over my chest, to my neck, then she cups my face, pulling me in for a lingering kiss. I shiver and look back to my poor discarded laptop.

"I have coursework to do." I whine, a thrill racing through me at her sudden boldness.

Jade leaned closer, her hands resting on my shoulders as she locked her gaze on mine. "Can you blame me? With Cat around, it's like we're stuck in a never-ending performance."

I felt my heart race as her warmth enveloped me, leaning down once more. I moaned as I felt her tongue graze mine. She took my bottom lip into her mouth, sucking generously on it before moving to my neck, sucking and kissing lightly.

"Jaaaade. I have to get this done before tomorrow-"

She tilted her head, her smile turning more seductive. "Well, I was thinking we could explore a few… more practical studies. Just us. No scripts. No interruptions."

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Oh really? And what kind of studies are we talking about?"

Jade's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer, her breath warm against my skin. "You know, the kind where we can be a little more… intimate. Maybe take the time to really get to know each other. Completely practical."

My pulse quickened at her suggestion, and I felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought of what lay ahead. "I like the sound of that," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank god," she said, her smile widening.

Just as Jade leaned in closer, her lips trailing softly along my neck, a sudden vibration broke the blissful moment. My phone started ringing loudly on the bedside table. I groaned inwardly as I recognized the caller ID: Mom.

"Ugh, seriously?" I muttered, my heart racing for more reasons than one.

Jade paused, pulling back slightly to look at me with a lethal expression, eyes turning to slits as she glared at my phone. Gladly she doesn't have non-human powers or my phone would be blown to smithereens right now. "Can't you just ignore it?" she protests, her tone half-annoyed, half-amused.

"I probably should," I admitted, biting my lip. But it was my mom, and I knew if I didn't answer, I'd be hearing about it later. Or receive another hundred calls and texts. "But I can't. It's my mom. She'll keep ringing until I do."

Jade rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was a playful glint in her expression. "Fine. But I'm not going anywhere." She smirked, leaning back in and continuing to pepper soft kisses along my neck and collarbone, making it nearly impossible to concentrate, especially as her fingers glided over my rib cage, to my hips and under my shirt.

I grabbed my phone, trying to focus as I reluctantly pressed the answer button. "Hey, Mom!" I said, forcing a smile into my voice, despite the distraction of Jade's warm lips moving against my skin.

"Tori, sweetie! I just wanted to check in and see how your classes are going. Have you thought any more about that play you told me about?" My mom's voice was bright and cheerful, oblivious to the situation I was in.

"Yeah, I'm thinking about auditioning," I replied, my heart racing from both excitement and the fact that Jade was still kissing my neck, her breath sending shivers down my started to kiss my shoulder, shifting her legs so she could start kissing down my stomach. I bit my lip and tried to pull her off but her eyes darkened and I couldn't help but spread my thighs to accommodate her.

I'm truly pathetic.

"Oh, that's wonderful! I knew you'd consider it. I always thought you had such talent!" My mom continued, completely unaware of my struggle to keep my composure.

"T-Thanks, Mom," I said, trying to keep my voice steady as Jade's kisses became more insistent, trailing lower, causing me to let out a breathy sigh. Her fingers shifted and she slowly started to lift the hem of my shirt, trailing kisses over my ribs. Leaving a blazing trail in their wake.

"Is everything okay?" my mom asked, her tone shifting slightly, as if she could sense something was off.

"Yeah, everything's fine!" I rushed to assure her, glancing at Jade, who was now pouting slightly, clearly annoyed at the interruption. "Just, uh, busy with homework and stuff."

Jade snickered quietly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I shot her a warning glance, trying to maintain some semblance of decorum while my mom continued to chatter away. Which she completely ignores and starts to shimmy the waistband of my jeans.

"Well, make sure you take breaks and have some fun, too! And remember, I'm always here if you need advice or want to talk about anything."

"Thanks, Mom, I appreciate it," I said, my voice strained as Jade pressed a teasing kiss right at the waistband of my panties. "I'll keep that in mind."

Finally, my mom wrapped up her call, and I breathed a sigh of relief as I managed to hang up without too much distraction. But the moment I did, Jade pulled back, a playful pout on her lips. Looking thoroughly disappointed.

"You're evil." I receive nothing but a wink in response before she collapses on my pillows.

"Occasionally I can be." She starts to rifle through my bedside table, and I watch her curiously. She's always wanted to get her hand in my things.

I laughed, still feeling the warmth of her kisses lingering on my skin. "I'm sorry! It was my mom! What else could I do?"

"Yeah, yeah, excuses." She rolled her eyes dramatically but couldn't help the grin that tugged at her lips. "You owe me for that interruption."

"Okay, okay, I'll make it up to you," I promised, feeling a thrill of excitement at the thought of what that might entail.

Jade leaned in closer, her eyes locking onto mine with a pleasant mix of mischief and desire. "Good. Because I plan on getting my fair share of attention."

With that, she dove back in, capturing my lips in a heated kiss that sent my heart racing all over again.

- Never Quite Over -

The day of the auditions for Romeo and Juliet had finally arrived, and Jade, Cat and I found ourselves in the Auditorium of the greater arts building. Mingling backstage with the hundreds of other people that had also shown up. The area buzzed with a frenetic energy that made my heart race. The air was thick with anticipation as actors shuffled around, their voices overlapping in a chaotic harmony of nerves and excitement.

Cat sat beside me, her eyes darting between her script and my face, her fingers tapping anxiously against her thigh. "Okay, let's go over our lines one more time," she said, her voice just above a whisper, but I could hear the eagerness beneath it. I looped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her towards me.

"Right," I replied, trying to shake off my own jitters. I was buzzing with adrenaline, but it was hard to focus with all the chatter around us. I glanced at the audition board, the line in front of us gradually shortening as actors stepped forward to give their interpretations of the iconic characters. I was another few ahead, Cat would go on sooner. She was practically vibrating in the seat. I squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.

"Are you ready for this?" Cat asked, her eyes bright with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"Yeah, I think so," I said, though the words felt somewhat hollow. The thought of stepping into the spotlight made my stomach twist.

Cat squeezed my arm and smiled, very Cat-like, and my heart felt lighter. "You'll be amazing. Just remember everything we practised. You've got this!"

Before I could respond, I noticed Jade had wandered off into the throngs of people, presumably in search of coffee to fuel her dark soul. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry. She had been my rock throughout this process, and I hoped she wouldn't take too long. My eyes scanned everyone's faces, through the gaps, the walls, the main doors, but nope. She'd probably sniffed out a coffee cart somewhere. She had a knack for those things after all.

As we waited, I continued to go over my lines with Cat, reciting Juliet's passionate speeches with as much conviction as I could muster. "O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable," I declared, trying to channel Juliet's youthful desperation, but I felt mediocre compared to the other girl now on stage. She stood tall, hand on her chest, reciting beautifully.

I gulped.

Cat nodded enthusiastically. "That's it! You just need to bring that emotion when it's your turn to audition. And remember, we're not just reciting lines; we're telling a story."

"Right. A story," I echoed, though my mind was racing with a million thoughts. Just then, I spotted Jade returning, her arms full of coffee cups, a triumphant grin plastered across her face. I heaved a sigh of relief as she approached.

"Here, take this, it'll calm you." she said, setting the cups down on a nearby table. "Not you though Red, we don't need you more hyped up than usual." She scanned the room, and her eyes locked onto mine, instantly easing some of my nerves.

"Just in time! I needed you to boost my confidence," I said, taking one of the cups from her and savouring the rich aroma.

"I figured you might," she replied, her voice light but her gaze intense as she studied me. "How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? A little overwhelmed," I admitted, glancing back at Cat, who was now rehearsing her lines under her breath.

Jade's expression softened, and she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a comforting whisper. "You've got this, Tori. You're amazing and they're going to see that when you step on that stage. Just remember, it's all about having fun. And if you need to think of anything, just picture me backstage cheering you on."

I laughed softly, feeling the warmth of her words sink in. "I'll try to keep that in mind. But if I trip over my own feet, I'll definitely blame you."

"Deal," Jade said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

As the line in front of us continued to dwindle, I took a deep breath, clutching my coffee cup tightly.

Soon Cat's name was called, and my heart skipped a beat. She shot me an excited glance before stepping forward, her nerves melting away as she took the stage. In a blur or red and velvet. Watching her, I felt a rush of pride. She's always been talented, truly one of the best at our old highschool.

Jade turned to me, and decided to take a seat.. "You know she's going to crush it, right?"

"Absolutely," I said, my eyes glued to Cat as she confidently took her position under the spotlight. "I just hope I can do half as well as she is."

"You will," Jade reassured, her tone steady and supportive. "You've worked too hard to let nerves get the best of you. Just remember to breathe, and don't overthink it."

I nodded, trying to absorb her words. The way she spoke with such confidence gave me a little boost. "Great, my two specialties. Thanks." she rolls her eyes at me and sips her own black coffee.

As Cat began delivering her lines, I watched her transformation. She embodied The Nurse with such grace, her emotions pouring out like a river, captivating everyone in the room, including me.

As Cat finished her audition, she returned to our side, beaming with excitement. "That was amazing!" I exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Thanks! I think I actually nailed it!" Cat replied, her energy infectious.

Jade raised an eyebrow at me. "And now it's your turn."

I swallowed hard, feeling the nerves creep back in as I glanced toward the stage. "Right. Just... just let me get my thoughts together."

"You're going to be great," Cat said, her enthusiasm unwavering.

"Okay," I said, trying to find that sense of calm I had felt earlier, my eyes searched for Jades and they found them quickly. A beautiful forest green I could sink in. Her hands cup my cheeks and she pecks my lips. "Good luck."

I nodded and took a final sip of coffee, Jade's hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer. "And if you need any extra motivation, just look at me," she murmured, a playful smile on her lips. "I'll be here, rooting for you."

The warmth of her touch sent a shiver of confidence through me, but I couldn't shake the nervous energy that still buzzed in my veins. "Sure sure. Like all those other times you came to support me, the ones that didn't involve sabotage in any way." I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Exactly," Jade said. "I'll be here, wearing a dorky 'Tori Vega's #1 Fan.'"

I laughed, shaking my head. "You better not."

"I'd rather kill myself."

"Alright, just promise me you won't embarrass me, okay?" I said, half-serious.

"Cross my heart," Jade said, making an exaggerated gesture over her chest.

With one last look at Cat, who was still riding her adrenaline high, and a final squeeze from Jade, I took a deep breath and stepped toward the stage, ready to put everything I had into my performance. The spotlight awaited, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of excitement overshadowing my nerves. Every step on the hardwood stage echoed as I approached.

The bright lights washed over me, temporarily blinding me to the audience, who were everyone else that had auditioned so far. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears as I took a deep breath to steady myself.

"Okay, Tori, you got this," I whispered under my breath, channelling all the confidence I could muster. I caught a glimpse of Jade out of the corner of my eye, her coffee cup held casually in one hand, her expression one of encouragement, and it gave me the reassurance I was craving. She was amazing, so supportive, I don't know how I ever managed without her.

I positioned myself in the centre of the stage and squared my shoulders. I had rehearsed this moment countless times, but now, standing here, it felt clumsy.

"Hi, I'm Tori Vega, and I'll be performing a monologue from Romeo and Juliet, from Juliet's perspective." I announced, my voice steadying as I felt the weight of the moment settle around me.

"Whenever you're ready Tori the stage is all yours, for the next two minutes. Good luck." Spoke one of the casting department members. She sat idly in her chair, square glasses pushed up to her nose with her braids falling freely over her shoulders.

I took a deep breath and began.

"O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable."

As I spoke the lines, I could see the reactions of the panel in front of me. Their expressions ranged from focused interest to faint smiles as I let the emotion flow through me. I drew on the depth of Juliet's feelings - her love, her desperation, her longing - and let it guide my performance.

As I moved through the monologue, I could feel the energy in the room shift. I poured everything into the words, letting them carry the weight of my character's heartache. I let the passion flow freely, losing myself in the moment.

"...But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."

I took a step forward, my eyes wide, imagining myself in Juliet's world - trapped by circumstance yet fiercely in love. The lines felt alive in my mouth, vibrant and real, each syllable echoing my own feelings in that moment.

"Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief."

I could see Jade, taking a step towards me, her coffee momentarily forgotten, eyes fixed on me, and I drew strength from her gaze. I poured my heart into those last lines, feeling the rush of emotion surge within me.

"...And if you love me, say it! Or I will die a thousand deaths before I will hear it from your lips!"

As I finished, a silence enveloped the room before the applause erupted, breaking the spell I had woven around myself. I stood there for a moment, catching my breath, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief coursing through me.

I took a small bow, a shy smile breaking across my face. As I stepped off the stage, I could see Jade's face light up with pride and excitement. She stood up and rushed toward me, her coffee forgotten.

"You were incredible, Vega!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

"Thanks! I felt good about it," I replied, still buzzing from the adrenaline. "I was a little nervous, but once I got into it, everything just flowed."

"I told you," Jade said, grabbing my hands and squeezing them tightly. "You're going to blow everyone away. You should be proud of yourself."

"Thanks," I said, feeling warmth spread through me at her words. Just then, Cat joined us, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Tori, you were amazing!" she said, her voice brimming with energy. "I mean, I knew you'd be good, but that was next level!"

"Seriously, you should have seen the looks on their faces," Jade added, her grin wide.

I couldn't help but laugh at their enthusiasm, feeling the tension of the moment dissolve. "Alright, alright, you're making me blush," I said, feeling lighter than I had all day.

As we moved to find a place to sit and wait for the final decisions, I could feel a sense of relief washing over me. Regardless of the outcome, I had poured my heart into that performance, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. It felt good to be standing on a stage again, it had been far too long.

As we made our way to our seats, I caught sight of Robbie, Andre, and Beck a few rows over. They were huddled together, their expressions a blend of excitement and nervousness, each of them seemingly just as eager to see how the auditions would unfold. They had decided to dress up for the occasion, and of course Beck had picked romeo.

"Hey, look who it is!" I nudged Cat and gestured toward them. "Our very own trio of misfits."

Cat turned, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, they're here? That's awesome! I hope they're not here to steal our thunder," she teased, elbowing me playfully.

Jade followed my gaze, her expression shifting slightly. Oh right, she hasn't seen Beck since that night outside our dorm.

"You okay?" I whisper but she doesn't reply and takes a few steps ahead of me to sit down, putting her back to them all.

I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach as I locked eyes with Beck. He gave me a small wave and a friendly smile, but there was an underlying tension I couldn't ignore. It had been a while since we'd had a real conversation, and even though we'd ended things amicably on the library roof that night, I still worried about how he'd react—especially with Jade sitting so close.

I had every right to hold her hand, hug, or kiss her if I wanted to, but I knew Beck's eyes would be on us. I didn't want to hurt him, not today, and definitely not for Jade's sake.

I sighed shakily and sat down next to Jade, keeping close but crossing my legs to give a little space. A blush crept up my cheeks as her hand landed on my thigh instinctively.

Okay, maybe she's not as bothered by Beck being here as I thought.

Andre caught my eye next, flashing me a thumbs-up and grinning widely as he made his way over, scrambling through the rows of seats. "You killed it, Tori!" he said proudly, loud enough to make a few people glance our way. I swatted him playfully as he took the seat in front of us, with Robbie trailing behind him. Cat wasted no time, immediately kissing Robbie and sitting on his lap and telling him all about her own performance.

"Thanks, Andre!" I called back, warmth blooming in my chest from their support.

Robbie chimed in, voice full of enthusiasm, "Yeah, you were fantastic! You all were." His eyes lingered on Cat for a moment, and I could tell they were doing okay, or at least better than whatever the hell had happened.

"Thanks, guys!" I beamed, feeling a surge of confidence. I caught Jade's eye, and she leaned in, her voice low but teasing.

"Looks like you've got quite the fan club," she said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes, though a smile tugged at my lips. "What can I say? I guess I'm just popular."

As the chatter around us continued and more auditions took place, I found myself half-listening to Robbie and Andre's conversation. Robbie was gesturing wildly, explaining something to Andre while Beck sat beside them, chuckling at their antics. He didn't look directly at us, but I knew he saw Jade's hand on my thigh.

A pit settled in my stomach at the thought of a public argument, so I subtly shimmied, successfully sliding Jade's hand off my leg. She cast me a look, something unreadable, before I shrugged it off.

"Are you ready for your audition?" I whispered to Jade, hoping to steer the focus back to the stage and not on my dismissal of her touch.

"Of course," she replied, but I could see the playful glimmer in her eyes.

"You'll be wonderful, Jade. You've always been a stunning actress."

As more people stepped up to audition, the atmosphere shifted, the anticipation thickening in the air. I leaned back in my seat, glancing at Jade before turning my focus back to the stage, wondering how the rest of the day would unfold. As the auditions progressed, I couldn't sit still, my nerves building with each performance. I watched anxiously, my attention divided between the actors and Jade. Finally, Jade's name was called. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up inside me. I knew how much this moment meant to her.

"Go get 'em, Jade! Break a leg!" I called out as she started to walk, but it felt inadequate to convey how I really felt. She turned back to me, a determined glint in her eyes.

"I don't need luck," she replied, a playful smirk gracing her lips.

I smiled, my nerves tingling with anticipation.

I reached out and squeezed her hand tightly, holding onto the moment. "You're going to be amazing," I whispered, my voice low enough for only her to hear.

Jade's expression softened, and she squeezed my hand back. "I'll be back before you know it," she promised, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her confident facade.

She gave me a small nod and stepped backstage, her back straight and posture radiating confidence. I watched her go, my heart swelling with pride. Jade had an incredible talent, and I knew she was capable of bringing her own unique flair to the role of Romeo.

As I settled back into my seat, I stole a glance at Beck, Robbie, and Andre, who were watching Jade intently. Their expressions were full of admiration and anticipation, and I felt a sense of camaraderie with them. We were all here, rooting for our friends, invested in each other's dreams. And something like that could create memories that last a lifetime.

I shifted in my seat, trying to focus on the stage but finding my thoughts drifting to Jade and Beck. Worried he'd see her again like this, her performing so well, and want her back. Hoping she'd fall right into his arms, like every time. They'd break up and get back together not even two days later. It was a cycle, and my stomach dropped thinking I could just be Jade's plaything to buy time before the cycle repeats itself again.

Moments passed, and the room buzzed with anticipation as the next audition took place, but I found it hard to concentrate.

Finally, it was time. The moment I had been waiting for arrived, and Jade stepped back onto the stage, ready to take on the role of Romeo. I leaned forward, holding my breath.

As she began her monologue, the atmosphere shifted again. The tension in the room melted away as her energy filled the space, her energy instantly captivating everyone in the audience. She delivered each line with conviction, effortlessly embodying the passion that the character demanded.

I found myself mesmerised, my heart racing in sync with the intensity of her performance. Jade owned the stage in a way that only she could, each word dripping with emotion.

As she delivered the final lines, I could feel the entire room hanging on her every word, the energy palpable. When she finished, a silence enveloped the space before the applause erupted, loud and enthusiastic. She was incredible. My girlfriend was utterly amazing. My heart swelled with pride and she locked eyes with me after a final bow. I was astounded, and Jade? She looked like a smug little bastard as she sauntered off the stage, knowing she'd do well.

I cocked an eyebrow as she approached.

"Told you I didn't need luck, didn't I?" she asked as she reached me, breathless and exhilarated. I had so many urges to wrap my arms around her, kiss her, but with Beck at my back everything in me paused.

"You were incredible you gank!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement as my hand smacked her bicep.

A grin broke across her face, and she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Don't I get a special prize?" she murmured, her voice soft against my ear. Sparks flew through me at every single place that her body touched mine. She obviously did not care what anyone else thought. Not even Beck who could see us standing here. Heat started to creep up my neck when I realised her hands were sliding down to my waist.

We held onto each other for a moment, the world around us fading away as we basked in the afterglow of her performance. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for the amazing woman I was lucky enough to be with.

As Jade and I finally pulled apart from our embrace, I caught a glimpse of Beck, he stood beside Robbie. He had been watching us, and the expression on his face was a blend of confusion and concern. His brows furrowed slightly, and there was a moment when I could see the gears turning in his head as he processed what he'd just witnessed.

I felt a heat creeping further up my neck, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze. Had I just made it too obvious how close Jade and I had become? The warmth of her presence still lingered on my skin, and I found myself subconsciously leaning away from her, my head tilting slightly as I searched her face for reassurance.

Jade, however, didn't budge. She leaned back against the wall beside me, her arm casually draped around my shoulders as she looked out at the stage, completely unfazed by Beck's stare. I admired her confidence but couldn't reciprocate.

"Everything okay?" Jade asked softly, her eyes flickering to mine as she sensed my tension.

"Yeah, just—" I started, but I couldn't shake the feeling of Beck's gaze still lingering on us.

"Just what?" Jade pressed, her voice teasing but with an underlying seriousness as she too glanced at Beck. "Are you worried about what he thinks?"

I hesitated, torn between wanting to be honest and not wanting to hurt Jade's feelings. "I don't know… I just didn't expect him to look at us like that," I admitted, glancing back at him, clearly disheartened.

"Who gives a fuck." Jade shrugged. "You're mine now, and that's what matters."

I felt my heart flutter at her words, a surge of affection washing over me. Jade had a way of making everything seem simpler, more straightforward. But Beck's expression was still nagging at the back of my mind, making it hard for me to fully relax.

"Just don't shove me away, okay?" I said lightly, a teasing tone creeping into my voice as I nudged her playfully.

"I'd never," Jade replied with a smirk, her hand tightening its grip around my shoulder. "Besides, I like having you close."

My cheeks warmed again at her admission, and I felt a swell of happiness that chased away my earlier worries. As I leaned back into her side, swallowing my nerves, I caught Beck giving me another odd look, but this time I didn't let it bother me.

"Okay, enough of that," I said, shaking off the momentary distraction. "How did you feel about your audition?"

Jade's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I belong up there, Tori."

I laughed, the tension from earlier dissipating. "Definitely! You were so captivating."

As we exchanged banter and laughter, I could feel the camaraderie between us growing even stronger, and any lingering unease about Beck's gaze began to fade. For now, it was just us, tangled in our shared moments, navigating our way through the uncertainties of college life together.

And in that moment, I knew I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything.

As Jade and I shared laughter over her audition, the world around us faded into a blur. The buzz of the audience, the distant murmurs of our friends, and even Beck's lingering gaze melted away, leaving only the warmth of Jade beside me. Her confidence radiated, and I felt an overwhelming urge to show her just how much she meant to me. Who cares anyway. Jade doesn't so why should I?

Without thinking, I leaned in, my heart racing as I pressed my lips softly against hers. The kiss was tender and sweet, a gentle connection that spoke volumes. It felt like the world around us had fallen silent, and nothing else mattered but the two of us in that moment. She felt eager, her lips parted and she tugged me closer. The heat rolled off her in waves and I struggled to hold back a whimper.

But just as quickly as it began, I pulled back, breathless, and a giddy smile broke across my face. Jade's eyes sparkled, and for a split second, it felt like time had stopped.

"Wow, Vega. Trying to distract me from my shining moment?" she teased, her voice low and playful.

But the moment didn't go unnoticed. From behind us, I heard Andre shout, "Get it, Tori!" His enthusiasm, infectious.

"Whoa!" Robbie chimed in, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Didn't see that coming!"

Beck's expression shifted from confusion to surprise, and he looked between us, clearly processing what had just happened. "Um, what," he said slowly, raising an eyebrow but trying to play it cool. "You two are together?" Jade didn't answer him and pressed a kiss to my temple, making it even more obvious.

Cat, who had been sitting nearby, couldn't help but clap her hands together excitedly. "AAAAA. SO CUTE!"

Feeling a rush of warmth flood my cheeks, I turned back to Jade, who was still grinning at me, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Well, that was unexpected," I said, trying to keep my composure.

"No more hiding, okay? You're not someone I want to keep in the dark," she said, her voice soft as she leaned in closer, her breath warm against my skin.

I could hardly process the reactions around us as I focused solely on Jade. But the laughter and playful jabs from our friends pulled me back into the moment.

"Okay, but can we just appreciate the fact that Tori just kissed Jade?" Andre laughed, leaning back in his seat, clearly amused. "That's some hot shit, right there."

"Seriously," Cat chimed in, Andre's comment completely flying over her head. "You two are practically the cutest couple ever! I'm obsessed."

Jade smirked at the attention, clearly revelling in the newfound excitement. "Told you I'm charming," she quipped, winking at me.

I shook my head, trying to suppress a laugh as I looked at our friends. "Okay, okay, let's not make this a bigger deal than it is."

"Too late Torino!" Robbie interjected, his voice teasing.

As the initial excitement began to settle and people filtered out of the audition hall, the atmosphere shifted from lively chaos to a quieter hum of chatter and movement. I took a deep breath, still riding the high of the kiss I'd shared with Jade, but reality began to creep back in.

Reaching for my phone, I felt a flutter of nerves at the thought of texting Sam back. They'd been so eager to meet for coffee, and I knew I had a lot to share with them. My fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, thinking about how to word it all.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I finally typed,

Tori : Hey, Sam! Sorry for the delay. I'll meet you for coffee in the morning.

I hit send, feeling a rush of anticipation at the thought of catching up with them.

Once I'd sent the message, I glanced around the now half-empty room. Jade was chatting with Cat and Andre, their laughter echoing through the hall, while Robbie and Beck were gathered in a corner, still discussing the auditions but with lingering glances on me I wouldn't be surprised if I was also the topic of conversation.

"Who are you texting?" Jade called over, a playful grin on her face as she made her way back to me, her coffee cup in hand. Another one? Odd.

"Just Sam," I replied, wavering.

Jade raised an eyebrow, clearly thrown off. "Oh? Okay then."

"Just coffee, and if you're good I may even bring you something after."

She leaned in closer. "You better, Vega."

"Best behaviour Jade, I mean it, or no sweet treat for you." I shot back, feeling a sense of comfort in our banter. As the room continued to empty, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for these moments. They were raw, real, and entirely mine.

With a final glance at my phone, I noticed Sam had already replied.

Sam : Can't wait.

I chuckled softly and put my phone away, ready to soak in the rest of the evening with Jade and our friends. The anticipation of the coffee with Sam hung in the air, and I felt eager to share everything, especially the budding relationship with Jade. I had to make it clear that I was with her now, and whatever was between Sam and I, had ended.

"Ready to celebrate?" I asked Jade, who was now leaning back against the wall of the auditorium by the large entrance doors, sipping her coffee waiting for me to put my phone away.

"But only if we can make it a 'you and me' celebration." she replied with a wink.

Butterflies filled my stomach and I reached out to link my fingers with hers.

Thank you so much for your support so far everyone! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing it :)

Invader Johnny - She absolutely is glad for going out with her! couldn't have pictured a better evening.

Guest - So sorry the slow burn was slow burning, but ten chapters wasn't too bad to wait for some Jori and it'll only get more prevalent from her on in :D

Lushcoltrane - She does seem happier now huh? I love that for her. She deserves to be happy with Tori :)

NEO - Apologies the last few chapters have been slow to come out, but I hope you enjoyed these none the less.

This is super long, let me know if it's too long for you guys or if thats okay? I can cut it down if people prefer shorter chapters. Thanks again for all the love, till next time.